Analysis Techniques Research Articles

Calibration‐free image analysis method for grain‐size distribution of small natural sand samples

AbstractNatural sand samples collected from bedload or suspension transport can be too small to be sieved. However, related transported mass to sediment size is crucial to calibrate sediment transport models. Image analysis technique can be an easy and cheap alternative. The present study proposes a general law valid for natural sand grains and small gravels that statistically relates elongation to flatness of particles and gives after some assumptions on grain shape and orientation of grains at the sieve mesh passage, the closest distribution of mass to sieving technique from images of grains given by a flatbed scanner. The proposed model is based on the hypothesis of an ellipsoidal grain shape and a preferential grain crossing aligned with the sieve diagonal. Any sand either homogeneous or heterogeneous from various origins (fluvial, marine and quarry) can be analysed directly without any further need for calibration.

PENGARUH PENDAPATAN DAERAH TERHADAP BELANJA MODAL PADA PEMERINTAH PROVINSI JAWA BARAT

Through improving public services, it can increase the attractiveness of investors to invest. Therefore, the West Java Provincial Government should change the composition of spending, where currently regional spending is used for operational spending, which is less productive than capital spending. The aim of this research is to find out how much influence PAD has on capital expenditure in the Regional Government of West Java Province. The sample used in this research is the 2019–2021 Regional Government Revenue and Expenditure Report, consisting of 27 regencies and cities in West Java Province. The methods used in this research are descriptive and verification. The analysis technique uses simple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing. Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that the adjusted R2 value is 0.617, which means that local revenue has an influence on capital expenditure by 38%, while 62% is influenced by other factors not mentioned in the research.

Selective and sensitive MIP-Based electrochemical Sensor for the analytical determination of Lanreotide

Lanreotide (LAN) is an analog of somatostatin used to treat acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. Considering drug toxicity and the lack of sensitive techniques in drug analysis, the development of sensitive analytical methods is of great importance. During this research, a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) based film [P(HEMA-MAGA)@MIP/GCE] was prepared by photopolymerization technique for electrochemical determination of LAN for the first time. N-methacryloyl-L-glutamic acid (MAGA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were used as functional and basic monomers, respectively. The surface alterations were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the chemical composition of the MIP-based sensor. Theelectrochemical characterization of the modifiedelectrodes was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in standard solution and spiked serum sample of LAN, the linear response range for LAN was obtained as 1.0x10 − 14 M – 1.0x10 − 13 M. The limit of detection (LOD) values were 1.76x10 − 15 M and 1.82x10 − 15 M in water and commercial human serum, respectively. The limit of quantitation(LOQ) values for these were 5.85x10 − 15 M and 6.07x10 − 15 M, respectively. The P(HEMA-MAGA)@MIP/GCE sensor also showed excellent recovery in pharmaceutical preparation and commercial human serum form with of 99.37 % and 99.27 %, respectively, with a good RSD value (0.51–0.73), confirming the accuracy and precision of the sensor. As a control, the non-imprinted polymer (NIP) was also prepared to serve in the same way but without the template. The selectivity experiments were conducted using somatostatin (SOM) and octreotide (OC) as potential competitors to demonstrate the selectivity of the proposed sensor against LAN molecules.

Multi-agent system architecture for winter road maintenance: a real Spanish case study

AbstractRoad safety remains a critical issue in contemporary society, where the sudden deterioration of road conditions due to weather-related natural phenomena poses significant risks. These abrupt changes can lead to severe safety hazards on the roads, making real-time monitoring and control essential for maintaining road safety. In this context, technological advancements, especially in sensor networks and intelligent systems, play a fundamental role in efficiently managing these challenges. This study introduces an innovative approach that leverages a sophisticated sensor platform coupled with a multi-agent system. This integration facilitates the collection, processing, and analysis of data to preemptively determine the appropriate chemical treatments for roads during severe winter conditions. By employing advanced data analysis and machine learning techniques within a multi-agent framework, the system can predict and respond to adverse weather effects swiftly and with a high degree of accuracy. The proposed system has undergone rigorous testing in a real-world environment, which has verified its operational effectiveness. The results from the deployment of the multi-agent architecture and its predictive capabilities are encouraging, suggesting that this approach could significantly enhance road safety in extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, the proposed architecture allows the system to evolve and scale over time. This paper details the design and implementation of the system, discusses the results of its field tests, and explores potential improvements.

Sasanian Niello Inlay: Microanalytical Investigation of a Silver Oval Bowl with Tigers and Grapevines

ABSTRACT Researchers utilized non-invasive analytical techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy to examine a silver oval bowl adorned with tigers and grapevines, believed to date back to the Sasanian period of Iran (third to seventh centuries CE). The bowl, currently housed in the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, underwent analysis aimed at identifying the composition of both the silver alloy and the niello used in its decoration. The primary objective of the study was to discern the alloy composition and the niello application technique employed by Sasanian metalworkers. The findings revealed that the bowl is crafted from a silver–copper alloy containing approximately 3 wt.% of copper. Additionally, the niello inlays were determined to consist solely of silver sulfide (acanthite). The composition of the niello closely resembles that of early Roman niello inlays, suggesting a possible technological connection with Romans in the Sasanian period.

Detection and Analysis of Quality Traits of Different Black Rice Varieties in the Southern Henan Rice Region

Using 14 black rice varieties imported from Southern Henan as experimental materials, the appearance quality, grinding quality, nutritional quality, cooking and eating quality of grain in Southern Henan were tested and analyzed by means of rice huller, rice mopping machine and near-infrared grain analyzer, combined with biochemical and physical analysis techniques. The results showed that there were abundant variation types in grain length, grain width, length-to-width ratio, brown rice rate, milled rice rate, head rice rate, soluble protein content, starch content, gelatinization temperature, gel consistency and viscosity of black rice. Particularly, grain type, starch content, gelatinization temperature, viscosity and other important quality traits in black rice materials have a large variation range. Therefore, our results provide important clues for developing new high-quality varieties of black rice.

A Community Partnership Approach to Digital Literacy Training for Older Adults Between Public Libraries and Seniors’ Organizations

This study investigates a community partnership approach between public libraries and seniors’ organizations for older adult digital literacy training. The paper showcases a partnership between a volunteer seniors' organization, two public libraries, and a seniors' centre. Semi-structured interviews with administrators, instructors, and students were analyzed via qualitative thematic analysis techniques. Findings reveal many benefits (e.g., the leveraging of shared resources and tasks; better understanding of seniors’ training needs; better tailoring of the training to meet those needs) and challenges (e.g., the inherent tensions between different organizational structures and ways of working; difficulties establishing a sustainable mode of partnership going forward).

Resilience of Nurses Undergoing Rotation in Private Hospitals in Central Java

Nurse rotation can bring both positive and negative impacts. The purpose of this study was to find out the feelings felt by nurses who experience rotation in the new hospital. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative is used in this research method. The research was conducted in one of the private saki houses in Central Java. Participants were 176 men and women who worked as nurses as respondents to fill out questionnaires, while interview informants were 15 people to explore information qualitatively. Data analysis techniques using percentages are assisted by excel applications and transgulation techniques as qualitative analysis. The research data was taken from September to November 2023. The results of the quantitative study presented a presentation of 52%-88%. The qualitative results suggest that the reflection of the informant's feelings is disappointed. The positive reinforcement of the informant partly expressed gratitude. Causal analysis of family and co-worker roles becomes motivational. Self-efficacy informants experience the confidence to overcome the negative feelings felt. Reaching out, nurses still think positively in carrying out work. This study said that to respond to the negative, it is necessary to set a positive one in the hope that the work will be light and optimal.

EFEKTIFITAS METODE SUGGESTOPEDIA DALAM MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN ENGLISH VOCABULARY

The purpose of this study was to describe the used of the suggestopedia method in learning English and the effectiveness of the suggestopedia method in increasing understanding of English vocabulary at Stikes Buleleng Pharmacy Study Program. This type of research was descriptive quantitative and qualitative research with the type of classroom action research (CAR). The subjects and place of this research were 41 students in the first semester of the Pharmacy Study Program. In collecting data, researcher used observation techniques, documentation, and measurement of learning achievement tests. As for the analysis, researcher used descriptive qualitative analysis techniques. The results shows that (1) the suggestopedia method was well applied in learning English and this was shown by the results of student observations, that the enthusiasm and activeness of students were very high in participating in learning by using suggestopedia method. (2) Learning by using suggestopedia method in English subjects has been declared effective, this is indicated by the results of student observations and student learning outcomes that have reached the criteria determined in this study.

A Study on Consumer Preference Buying Pattern Towards Amul Curd in Haridwar Uttarakhand

This master's thesis or dissertation “A study on consumer preference buying pattern towards Amul curd in Haridwar Uttarakhand”. Consumer preference towards Amul Curd in Haridwar Uttarakhand stand as center point of this comprehensive research focused on uncover the complex perceptions and preference within this deep market geography With a careful blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, This article examines the consumer buying preference towards Amul curd products. A questionnaire technique was adopted for data collection. Sample size taken in this is 100 consumers. The buying preference is positive which reveals that the buying preference of the consumers is high. The advertising strategies of the product can be improved to increase the sale of the company as much. Thus, the project concludes that the buying preference pattern of the consumers are very likely. The utilization of statistical tools such as t-tests analysis underscores the trial and finesse of this research endeavor. By me these analytical techniques, this study endeavors to not only uncover patterns and trends within the data but also to calculate its research objectives and hypotheses with original evidence. Through careful analysis and interpretation of results, this research focus to offer practical insights and strategic recommendations to top level management within the dairy industry and area. Formed into six’s chapters, the study advice a comprehensive analysis :1 Introduction, 2 Review of Literature, 3Consumer Attitudes towards Amul Curd,4 Analysis of Results and 5 Interpretations, and 6 Conclusions, Findings/Discussion & Recommendations.

Synthesis and utilization of titanium dioxide nano particle (TiO2NPs) for photocatalytic degradation of organics

A green technique that emerged as a promise in the degradation of numerous organic contaminants is photocatalysis. The aim of this study concerns photocatalytic degradation of organic using titanium dioxide nano particles (TiO2 NPs) which syntheses from ilmenite by different leaching methods using different ingredients such as HCl, HNO3 and Aqua Regia. The affecting factors such as rate of addition, reaction time, ilmenite grain size, acid to ilmenite ratio and reaction temperature were conducted. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization of Ilmenite and TiO2 NPs were conducted using different analytical techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM, TEM and FTIR. Photocatalytic degradation of organics is confirmed by studies of affecting factors on the effectiveness of TiO2 NPs such as dose, agitation forces, light intensity, initial concentration, pH, time, and temperature. The removal percentages of TSS, COD, BOD and TN of organics were explored. From the results the maximum removal percentage of TSS were 97.3 and 96.9% before and after secondary treatment conducted using ferric chloride (FC). The maximum removal percentage of TKN, BOD, and COD before secondary treatment were conducted using mixture of TiO2 NPs, FC, and chitosan, which reached 44.2, 44 and 46.3%, respectively. The maximum removal percentage of TKN, BOD, and COD after secondary treatment were conducted using mixture of TiO2 NPs, FC, and chitosan, which reached 94.9, 99.7 and 99.6%, respectively. Overall, the results derived from this investigation suggest that the TiO2 NPs/UV holds significant advanced treatment of sewage water, making it a viable choice for water reuse applications.

Recommendations for the Use of Experimental Designs in Management Education Research

Hamdani et al. recently provided guidance for prospective authors on a wide range of issues encountered in quantitative research papers submitted for review at the Journal of Management Education. Building on their insights, this essay focuses on experimental designs and provides more specific guidance and recommendations for conducting valid and powerful research. I review the types of experimental designs, statistical tests, and measures that are commonly used in the management education literature and thus provide some sense of the state of practice to date while including specific examples of effective research and analytical techniques. As will be shown, methodological weaknesses exist even in published papers, and so the guidance should be useful to new and experienced authors alike.

Challenges and Recent Analytical Advances in Micro/Nanoplastic Detection.

Despite growing ecological concerns, studies on microplastics and nanoplastics are still in their initial stages owing to technical hurdles in analytical techniques, especially for nanoplastics. We provide an overview of the general attributes of micro/nanoplastics in natural environments and analytical techniques commonly used for their analysis. After demonstrating the analytical challenges associated with the identification of nanoplastics due to their distinctive characteristics, we discuss recent technological advancements for detecting nanoplastics.

Investigating the response of Urban Underground Utilities (3U) within an elastic and elastoplastic geological formation: Employing numerical and analytical techniques

Investigating the response of Urban Underground Utilities (3U) within an elastic and elastoplastic geological formation: Employing numerical and analytical techniques

Experiment of Sea Breeze Convection, Aerosols, Precipitation and Environment (ESCAPE)

Abstract Convective clouds play an important role in the Earth’s climate system and are a known source of extreme weather. Gaps in our understanding of convective vertical motions, microphysics, and precipitation across a full range of aerosol and meteorological regimes continue to limit our ability to predict the occurrence and intensity of these cloud systems. Towards improving predictability, the National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored a large field experiment entitled “Experiment of Sea Breeze Convection, Aerosols, Precipitation, and Environment (ESCAPE).” ESCAPE took place between 30 May - 30 Sept. 2022 in the vicinity of Houston, TX because this area frequently experiences isolated deep convection that interacts with the region's mesoscale circulations and its range of aerosol conditions. ESCAPE focused on collecting observations of isolated deep convection through innovative sampling, and on developing novel analysis techniques. This included the deployment of two research aircraft, the National Research Council of Canada Convair-580 and the Stratton Park Engineering Company Learjet, which combined conducted 24 research flights from 30 May to 17 June. On the ground, three mobile X-band radars, and one mobile Doppler lidar truck equipped with soundings, were deployed from 30 May to 28 June. From 1 August to 30 Sept. 2022, a dual-polarization C-band radar was deployed and operated using a novel, multi-sensor agile adaptive sampling strategy to track the entire lifecycle of isolated convective clouds. Analysis of the ESCAPE observations has already yielded preliminary findings on how aerosols and environmental conditions impact the convective life cycle.

The BTS ARMY on Twitter flocks together: How transnational fandom on social media build a viable system

The world’s largest transnational fandom community of the BTS (BangTan Sonyeondan) ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth) is structured to achieve common goals and exert influence. To identify a mechanism that explains the organizational structure of transnational virtual communities, we empirically investigate how the global fandoms carry out autonomous activities and adapt to the environment without coercive governance despite their massive size and complexity. Using the techniques of social network analysis and viable system model, we found some structural differences between the online communities with a viable and non-viable structure. First, the BTS ARMY network is sustained by a systematic structure of key players who voluntarily play distinct roles. In contrast, the Arianator network is relatively unorganized and dispersed. Moreover, multi-fandom accounts can act as potential user acquisition roles. Finally, two different diffusion types, text-based information and image-based media, are carried by distinct roles of subsystems. As one of the first studies to empirically examine the viability of online transnational fandom from an organizational structure perspective, this paper provides practical implications for fandoms from three perspectives; (1) resource mobilization and sustainability, (2) influence of fandom dynamics, and (3) economic impact. The results suggest that fandoms taking strategic actions upon the viable structure on digital platforms could represent a new cultural hegemony, promoting global unity and pop cosmopolitanism.

Efficiency enhancement techniques in finite element analysis: navigating complexity for agile design exploration

Purpose This paper aims to comprehensively explore techniques for reducing solution time in finite element analysis (FEA), addressing the critical need for expediting computations to facilitate agile design exploration within project timelines. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from a wide array of literature sources, this paper synthesizes and analyzes various methodologies used to enhance the efficiency of FEA. Techniques are scrutinized in terms of their applicability, effectiveness and potential limitations. Findings The review signifies application of linear assumptions across multiple facets of analysis and delves into matrix order reduction strategies, geometry simplification, symmetry exploitation, submodeling and mesh attribute control. It reveals how these techniques can effectively reduce computational burdens while maintaining acceptable levels of accuracy. Research limitations/implications While this review provides a comprehensive overview of existing efficiency enhancement techniques in FEA, it acknowledges inherent limitations of any synthesis-based study. Future research should focus on refining these methodologies. Practical implications The insights provided in this paper offer practical guidance for structural engineers and researchers seeking to optimize FEA workflows. By implementing these techniques, practitioners can expedite solution times and enhance their ability to explore design alternatives efficiently ultimately leading to cost savings and more robust structures. Originality/value This review contributes to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive synthesis of efficiency enhancement techniques in FEA. By highlighting the originality and value of each discussed methodology, this paper provides a roadmap for future research and practical implementation in the field of structural engineering.

Recursive demodulated synchro spline-kernelled chirplet extracting transform: a useful tool for non-linear behavior estimation of non-stationary signal and application to wind turbine fault detection

Non-linear behavior is widespread in many kinds of signals from nature and engineering fields. Although the high energy-concentration level of various advanced time-frequency (TF) analysis (TFA) techniques currently developed ensure a fine representation of non-linear behavior of time-varying component (TVC) of the signal, it is far from sufficient to solely consider the single aspect of energy-concentration level, because the actual signal composition is always more complicated, especially for some thorny difficulties such as strong noise interference and the early weak TVC, etc., these negative factors bring significant challenges to reveal the non-linear behavior of TVC of practical signals. A new TFA method aimed at this issue, called recursive demodulated synchro spline-kernelled chirplet extracting transform (RDSSCET), is proposed in this paper. The proposed RDSSCET is developed on the frame of synchro spline-kernelled chirplet extracting transform (SSCET) and a newly designed external-internal nested double iteration mechanism, which effectively addresses the limitation of SSCET in handling multicomponent signals while also exhibiting superior high energy concentration and noise robustness. As such, the proposed RDSSCET can yield a more favorable outcome when revealing the non-linear behavior of TVC, particularly for weak TVC with strong noise interference. Comparison analysis results in numerical simulations verified the performance of RDSSCET. Its effectiveness in real applications is fully tested via two real-world sound signals and a practical case of wind turbine fault detection.

Factors Influencing Suicidal Behavior among the College Students

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, suicide is among the top five causes of mortality in the 15-to-29-year age group. In many countries it ranks first or second as a cause of death among both boys and girls in this age group. Suicide prevention among children and adolescents is therefore a high priority. Given the fact that in many countries and 3 regions most people in this age group attend school, this appears to be an excellent place to develop appropriate preventive action. Also, nowadays suicidal behavior becomes common in adolescents and number of suicidal cases and suicidal attempts increasing gradually. Usually, action is taken always after the incidents but there is less attention given towards preventive measures and finding the exact cause to decrease prevalence of suicidal behavior in adolescent OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at to assess the factors influencing suicidal behavior among college students METHODOLOGY: The research design was descriptive Survey design using descriptive analysis and purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. The data was collected by using questionnaire method. RESULTS: From the data analysis, majority of sample shown inadequate factors, in regard to Socio Economic Factor, 26.66% students have trouble with their colleagues, 23.33% students have break up with their close friend, 20% students have said that they feel socially isolated, 13.33% students have cultural or religious belief that suicide is a noble resolution of personal dilemma, 0.00% students have believed that there is no easy access to any lethal means of suicide, 26.66% student’s friend’s committed suicide, 13.33% students have influenced by the media about suicidal behaviour, 20% students have peer group pressure or self-destructive peer acceptance, 16.66% students have suffered from rejection or provocative behaviour from college mates, 33.33% students have long term financial crisis and 26.66% students feel like taking revenge on someone. In Relation to Psychological Factors, 3.33% students have been diagnosed previously with a mental disorder, 3.33% students have been attempted for suicide earlier, 6.66% students have continuous thoughts of committing suicide, 23.33% students have low self esteem, 26.66% students confessed that have feeling of hopelessness and guilt, 10% students are addicted to alcohol and drugs, 36.66% students have feeling of loneliness and 23.33% have lack of social support. In regard to Family Factors, 6.66% students have continuous quarrel between the members of their family, 16.66% students are suffering from physical/emotional abuse in their family, 26.66% student family members have committed suicide, 20% students face poor communication their family, 16.66% have frequent quarrel with their parents, 43.33% students have confessed that their parents have very high expectation from them, 20% students have excessive authority from their parents and13.33% students have been neglected by their parents. In relation to Physical Factors, 6.66% students are suffering from serious physical illness, 0.00% students are handicapped, 6.66% students are suffering from chronic pain,16.66% students have physical fights with their friends,0.00% students are a victim of sexual abuse and 60% students are satisfied with their present body image. In relation to Academic Factors, 30% students have fear about their college life, 26.66% students have poor coping abilities during stress, 50% students feel excessive burden of exams, 16.66% students worried about poor academic performance, 40% students have lack of confidence in their studies, 6.66% students are a case of academic failure, 10% students are a victim of corporal punishment and 6.66% students are a victim of bullying. In regard with Major Life Events, 10% students have suffered from parental loss, 20% students have suffered from loss of closed one, 16.66% students have problem of love failure and 23.33% students have involved in antisocial

Andrology laboratory technique for analysis of semen in men with azoospermia.

Discovery of spermatozoa during the 17th century led to developing technologies for semen analysis in the early 1900s, and then, standard techniques were implemented during the 20th century. Semen analysis has a pivotal role in the male infertility evaluation, and azoospermia is an important finding. Azoospermia is identified in 15% of infertile men. However, the accurate laboratory assessment of azoospermia poses certain technical challenges. Laboratories currently perform semen assessment with great variability; thus, a standard method should be used. Planning suitable management and determining the cause of infertility require a precise evaluation of azoospermia. This review aims to address the definition of azoospermia and highlight laboratory methods in the assessments of azoospermia. Basic methods such as centrifugation, repeat pellet analysis, and staining and advanced methods such as genetic testing and biomarkers have been discussed. These methods have helped in standardizing the protocol for accurate azoospermia assessments with less variability.