Blended Components Research Articles

Kinetic analysis of landfill stale garbage (LSG) pyrolysis and combustion behaviour using thermogravimetry coupled MS and FTIR technique

The environmental impact of landfill stale garbage (LSG), particularly concerning methane emissions and the depletion of valuable resources, presents a significant challenge to environmental sustainability. This research examines the thermochemical properties of LSG, establishing a foundation for the development of efficient treatment methods focused on energy and resource recovery. The TG-FTIR-MS technique and the modified Coast Redfern model were used to evaluate thermal behaviour, gas emissions, and decomposition during the pyrolysis and combustion processes of LSG, both individually and in blends. The study demonstrates that blended component pyrolysis attains a conversion efficiency of up to 85 %, in contrast to 65 % for individual components. This indicates a synergistic effect that implies catalytic actions, which notably improve the decomposition process and decrease pollutants such as sulphur, fluorine, nitrogen compounds, and hazardous halogens that may generate dioxins and furans during combustion. Analysis indicated that the activation energy necessary for the pyrolysis of individual LSG components exhibited significant variation, with values ranging from 7.6 to 217.3 kJ/mol. The blended components demonstrated an activation energy range of 20–178.5 kJ/mol for pyrolysis and 14.1–167.7 kJ/mol for combustion. This study suggests that pyrolysis of blended LSG components is preferable to combustion, as it offers greater efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions, despite combustion's notable energy yield and volume reduction. Our research indicates significant advancements in conversion efficiency and pollutant reduction, prompting a strong recommendation for pyrolysis as the optimal method for LSG treatment. This method demonstrates a balance between resource recovery and environmental responsibility.

High precision in a Fourier-transform spectrum of protactinium: extensive weighted least-squares fits of peak wavenumbers for analysis of fine and hyperfine structure

A Fourier-transform recording of protactinium in the infrared range is reanalysed with high precision in order to determine the hyperfine interaction constants A and B. Starting with a selection of best lines and least-squares fits of hyperfine structure intervals, large systems of linear equations compare experimental hyperfine peak wavenumbers with a theoretical representation. The theoretical representation is based on Ritz’s combination principle and Casimir’s formula according to the existing classification. Weighted least-squares fits allow a discrimination between unperturbed and perturbed data such as blended hyperfine structure components. For the first time, the wavenumbers of the hyperfine components of more than 600 lines are fitted using the characteristics of about 250 levels as parameters. 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Representative examples illustrate extensive results obtained for atomic protactinium. This high precision facilitates further search for new energy levels, and 20 new levels were presented. Foreword The data presented here are the results of a study carried out at the Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (LAC) at Paris-Orsay in the years 2003 and 2004, when I was there for a research stay. At this time, I worked together with Jean-François Wyart and Annie Ginibre on the re-examination of protactinium spectra that have been measured about 30 years earlier and that were available in the form of a printed list of peak wavenumbers and a printed paper chart of the intensity profile. The spectra had already been analysed, but there was still a lot of additional information that could be extracted from the spectra with time and effort. The review of the data, the selection of the data and the step-by-step optimization of the data set took a lot of time. When I returned to Berlin in 2004, we had made good progress, but in principle, it is like a bottomless pit. We continued together to optimize the data and tried to the finishing touches to it. At some point, we decided that we had reached a ‘level of maturity’ where the data could be published. We have discussed a lot about how detailed the text should be. This discussion has dragged on over the years and this project has repeatedly been lost in the stream of other everyday tasks. Every now and then there was a small attempt to return to this topic, but it quickly got lost in the daily hustle and bustle. In 2012, we presented the results at a conference. The death of both of them within two years hit me hard. I very much regret that this work was not published earlier. This special volume was the right motivation for me to finally publish this data. I no longer have access neither to the computer programs used at the time, which ran on large computer systems, nor to the original measurement data. I have not been able to find out what happened to the large quantity of paper (printed list of peak wavenumbers anda printed paper chart of spectra). But I have a bunch of input and output files of the calculations that have become a bit jumbled over the years, which contain a lot of information, as well as our unfinished manuscript. The resulting data contain important information for posterity – particularly since the element is radioactive and the experiments to collect laboratory data are unlikely to be repeated any time soon. I think it is worth publishing these data.Graphic abstractHigh precision FT spectra of Pa: analysis of fine and hyperfine structure

Optimizing Components Selection in Blended Learning: Toward Sustainable Students Engagement and Success

Selecting the most appropriate components for a blended learning course is a multifaceted challenge influenced by various criteria. The impact of these influential criteria on the design process is not always obvious. The aim of this study is to assist academics in designing sustainable and engaging blended courses by investigating the impact of these criteria on the selection of blended learning components. By selecting the right mix of components, academics can foster a sustainable and meaningful involvement of students in their learning process over time, ensuring that students’ engagement is both enduring and beneficial in achieving academic success. A modified Delphi survey was utilized in this study, involving the participation of eighteen experts experienced in instructional design and online teaching. The analysis primarily relied on quantitative methods, utilizing the mean (to indicate central tendency) and standard deviation (to measure dispersion) for presenting the experts’ responses. Additionally, qualitative analysis of experts’ comments provided deeper insights into their quantitative ratings. Findings indicate that face-to-face collaborative activities should be the preferred method of delivery for academics aiming to enhance students’ engagement and foster their higher-order thinking skills, which students often find challenging. However, this approach is most effective when the group size is manageable. For larger student groups, online collaborative work can be a suitable alternative, provided there is ample online resource support. The results also indicate that online self-paced learning can be advantageous for lower-order thinking learning outcomes, particularly in situations where teaching staff is limited.

Blenderized tube feeding in pediatrics - current evidence, guidelines, and considerations.

Recently, blenderized tube feeding (BTF) consisting of blended whole food components is emerging as a preferred approach to enteral nutrition in pediatric patients. Differences in the nutritional profile, viscosity, and other characteristics between BTF and conventional tube feeding formulas may impact clinical outcomes and practice considerations. Increasing guidance and evidence are emerging for BTF in pediatric populations requiring tube feeding. The characteristics of each BTF formulation vary, which may affect patient tolerance and clinical outcome. BTF is safe and generally well tolerated in children. It is shown to improve symptoms, clinical outcomes, and quality of life for many patients. A thorough risk assessment and nuanced approach may be required to optimize BTF administration.

Waste silica sand as a possible pozzolanic filler to produce cement mortars: experimental investigation

The present paper discusses experimental results obtained on several mortars prepared using a commercial type1 OPC cement, a commercial limestone aggregate with maximum particles dimension below 5 mm, superplasticizer and water. Different amounts of a waste silica sand, in form of loose powder, derived from the industrial production of refractory blocks, were added to the above basic components. Several additional samples were also prepared using same basic commercial components added by different amounts of a fine limestone filler. This latter set of compositions was used to prepare samples to be used as reference materials. Waste silica sand and fine limestone filler were used as received from their producer. During preparation, pastes containing silica sand showed better workability compared to all the other blended components. All hydrated materials displayed fair compressive strength and low water absorption after curing, but those containing silica sand showed the best mechanical performances due to their low residual porosity and to the pozzolanic reaction which could enable application for the production of structures in direct contact with water or aggressive environments such as sewers or tanks suitable for the containment of organic substances.

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION OF IMPLEMENTING BLENDED LEARNING AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL

ABSTRACT 
 In higher education institutions, internet accessibility, availability, and connectivity are helping teachers to adopt the latest pedagogical content and technological knowledge. Blended learning is one of the latest methods in the teaching-learning process. This study was conducted on university-level teachers in Islamabad, Pakistan. The key purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of adopting blended learning at the university level. For the assessment of the perception of teachers about blended learning, we have used stratified random sampling to select participants. A study of 51 teachers in blended learning found that faculty are prepared to implement the approach, but issues like the internet, network, and electricity must be resolved before implementation. Higher education institutions must utilize blended learning and IT components to improve personalized learning and student professional development.

Functional properties of taro starch reinforced polysaccharide based films for active packaging

The current study involves the fabrication of polysaccharide-based films containing Chitosan (CS) -Pullulan (PL) and Taro starch (TS), all derived from conventional sources. The extraction of starch from Taro (Colocasia esculenta) tubers was carried out by employing the wet-milling process in the laboratory. The main study was aimed at studying the influence of added TS into the CS-PL matrix through various characterization techniques such as mechanical, structural, spectroscopic, thermal, morphological and biological studies. The added TS was found to enhance the tensile strength as well as the crystallinity of the chitosan/pullulan (CP) blend films. The blend films showed a decline in the opacity values with the addition of TS. The effective interaction between the blended components indicated stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding between them which was confirmed through FTIR and DSC studies. The thermal analysis depicted that the TS incorporated blend films degraded at a slightly higher temperature than the control film. The developed films were found to be hydrophobic in nature, with increasing hydrophobicity with increase in concentration of TS. The fabricated films were found to be biologically active i.e., antimicrobial and antioxidant, which is due to the presence of certain active compounds present in the taro tubers. These outcomes suggest that these films can be harnessed as active packaging materials in the food industry.

Mating disruption technology: An innovative tool for managing yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) of rice in Indonesia

Yellow stem borer (YSB) of rice, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker, causes significant damage to rice production in Indonesia. YSB management largely depends on insecticide applications and alternative management practices are very few and impractical. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption (MD) is a new way to manage YSB while reducing dependence on conventional insecticides. Pheron™ RSB is an low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MD dispenser, containing 1.25 g of a four-way blended insect sex pheromone components - Z11-Hexadecenal, Z9-Hexadecenal, Z13-Octadecenal, Z9-Octadecenal in a ratio of 75, 8.6, 9.4, and 7 respectively. The objective is to evaluate MD by Pheron™ RSB as a tool for season-long management of YSB. Dispensers were applied at a rate of 20 dispensers/ha in a minimum area of 4 ha. We conducted these trials at 74 locations, non-replicated, across Java, in the wet and dry seasons of 2020–2021 where YSB are endemic and problematic. Efficacy of MD in pheromone foundational practice (PFP) was compared to conventional grower practice (CGP). Trap reduction, a measure of MD was significantly higher (>70%) in PFP as compared to CGP. A major benefit of MD is reduction in damage. Significantly lower damage to rice tillers (40–46%) was seen in PFP compared to CGP. Lower damage in PFP likely protected yield by 0.43 to 0.76 ton/ha compared to CGP. Compared to PFP, CGP required 40–56% higher insecticide applications to manage YSB. Pheron™ RSB provided season-long MD and proved to be a powerful tool for integrated management of YSB.

Combustion comparative analysis of pyrolysis oil and diesel fuel under constant-volume conditions

The article discusses the research results on the combustion of pyrolysis oil derived from the pyrolysis of HDPE plastics after its distillation. The tests were carried out in a constant-volume combustion chamber in conditions similar to those in a compression-ignition engine with a compression ratio of 17.5:1. The phases of premixed and diffusion combustion and the ignition lag were determined. Diesel fuel combustion tests were performed under similar pressure-temperature conditions. Comparative analysis was used to draw conclusions as follows: the duration of the premixed combustion phase for pyrolysis oil is approximately 5% shorter than that for diesel oil; with an increase in the initial pressure in the chamber, the premixed combustion time in both cases was shortened, while the diffusion combustion time slightly increased, practically without any significant change; the maximum combustion rate for the premixed combustion phase for pyrolysis oil was nearly 20% higher than that for diesel fuel; the heat released from the premixed combustion phase for pyrolysis oil was found to be 20% higher compared to that one for diesel fuel; the ignition lag for pyrolysis oil was slightly longer compared to that for diesel fuel. The presented parameters significantly impact both the development of combustion and the thermal efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Summing up, pyrolysis oil can be applied as a substitute for diesel fuel as a single or blended component with it.

УПРАВЛЕНИЕ НА ЗНАНИЯТА ПО СТРУКТУРИ ОТ ДАННИ ЧРЕЗ СМЕСЕНО ОБУЧЕНИЕ

The authors focus on the implementation of blended learning for constructing knowledge of Data Structures. One of the challenges of blended learning is to provide a model for creating an integrated learning environment that ensures an effective learning process. The purpose is to identify key processes, learner’s roles and learning situations, as well as to propose a decomposition of the learning process into manageable learning units using a blended learning approach. An example online data structure system – one developed by the authors that implements experiential learning – is proposed as an illustration of an online blended learning component.

Intelligent component detection of quaternary blended oil based on near infrared spectroscopy technology

AbstractIn this study, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique was used for quantitative detection of quaternary blended oil. After a series of preprocessing, the prediction effects of the three models and their preprocessing combinations were compared. Taking soybean oil content prediction as an example, random forest (RF) model had better performance after second derivative (D2) optimization. In feature selection, a two‐step feature selection method was adopted to extract the feature wavelength. First, the elastic net (EN) was used for the initial screening of feature wavelengths, and most irrelevant features were eliminated. The number of feature wavelengths was reduced from 1048 to 134. After that, the competitive adaptive re‐weighted sampling (CARS) method was used to screen the remaining characteristic wavelengths more carefully, and 20 effective characteristic wavelengths were selected. Finally, a quantitative detection model was established based on 20 effective characteristic wavelengths selected by EN + CARS. Evaluated by the test set, The correlation coefficient of determination (R2), root‐mean‐square error of prediction (RMSEP) and Relative Percent Difference (RPD) values of 2D + EN + CARS + RF model were 0.97953, 1.34306 and 7.08875, respectively. The results showed that the two‐step feature selection method can effectively extract the feature wavelength, and the NIRS technology can realize the intelligent detection of blended oil components.

Designing of Thiophene [3, 2-b] Pyrrole Ring-Based NFAs for High-Performance Electron Transport Materials: A DFT Study.

Among the blended components of a photoactive layer in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, the acceptor is of high importance. This importance is attributed to its increased ability to withdraw electrons toward itself for their effective transport toward the respective electrode. In this research work, seven new non-fullerene acceptors were designed for their possible utilization in the OPVs. These molecules were designed through side-chain engineering of the PTBTP-4F molecule, with its fused pyrrole ring-based donor core and different strongly electron-withdrawing acceptors. To elucidate their effectiveness, the band gaps, absorption characteristics, chemical reactivity indices, and photovoltaic parameters of all of the architecture molecules were compared with the reference. Through various computational software, transition density matrices, graphs of absorption, and density of states were also plotted for these molecules. From some chemical reactivity indices and electron mobility values, it was proposed that our newly designed molecules could be better electron-transporting materials than the reference. Among all, TP1, due to its most stabilized frontier molecular orbitals, lowest band gap and excitation energies, highest absorption maxima in both the solvent and gas medium, least hardness, highest ionization potential, superior electron affinity, lowest electron reorganization energy, as well as highest rate constant of charge hopping, seemed to be the best molecule in terms of its electron-withdrawing abilities in the photoactive layer blend. In addition, in terms of all of the photovoltaic parameters, TP4-TP7 was perceived to be better suited in comparison to TPR. Thus, all our suggested molecules could act as superior acceptors to TPR.

Students' Challenges of Blended Learning Model in Higher Education

Blended learning is a general term for a method that combines the benefits of classroom learning with online learning. However, the combination of online and face-to-face educational components has caused problems over time. Some studies highlight the general limitations of the blended learning education model, but there is no clear insight into the challenges that exist in the blended learning online component. A systematic literature search was performed to identify obstacles to the online components of blended learning from a student's perspective. The biggest challenges students face are self-regulatory issues and the difficulty of learning technology. This study highlights the need for further research to address the problem of student blended learning.

Exploring dimensions of blended learning readiness: Validation of scale and assessing blended learning readiness in the context of TVET Bangladesh

In collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training educators and academic librarians, this study attempts to develop and validate a blended learning readiness scale for Bangladeshi TVET students. This study also attempts to investigate the reliability of this validated scale by measuring six blended learning readiness dimensions. In this research, the Content Validity Index, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to establish the construct validity of the blended learning readiness scale. Questionnaires were circulated to the students of six Institutes of Marine Technology (N = 235) who went for a blended learning session for an entire semester. This study's result suggests a strong positive association between Bangladeshi polytechnic students' preparedness for blended learning and attitudes toward online learning, openness to new technology, and attitudes toward the face-to-face classroom. In contrast, significant negative correlations were found between blended learning readiness and basic skills in using technology, learning flexibility, and study management. This study also implied that gender and previous academic achievement is not strong predictor of measuring blended learning readiness in Bangladeshi Technical and Vocational Education and Training context. This blended learning readiness scale would help course designers, educators, librarians, and policymakers of Bangladesh to improve the quality of the blended learning environment by addressing the students' concerns about various blended learning components.

EFEKTIVITAS MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BLENDED LEARNING PADA MAHASISWA PROGRAM STUDI DIPLOMA III KEBIDANAN DI FAKULTAS KESEHATAN UNIVERSITAS YPIB MAJALENGKA

The number of obstacles found in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic is supported by the Circular of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 4 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Face-to-face Learning for the Academic Year of 2021/2022. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Blended Learning Model for Diploma III Midwifery Study Program students at the Faculty of Health, YPIB Majalengka University in 2022. 
 This type of research is quantitative descriptive research. The sample in this study was all students of level I, II, and III Midwifery Study Program at YPIB Majalengka University as many as 53 people consisting of 23 levels I, 22 level II, and 23 level III (Probability Proportional to Size Sampling). This research was carried out at the Faculty of Health, YPIB Majalengka University in 2022 in February-April 2022. Univariate analysis used a frequency distribution. 
 The results showed that most (89.7%) students stated that they strongly agreed with the effectiveness of the blended learning model, a small part (1.5%) of students did not agree with the definition of blended learning, a small part (11.8%) of students stated that they did not agree with the definition of blended learning. blended learning component, a small portion (5.9%) of students stated that they did not agree with the key of blended learning, a small portion (8.8%) of students stated that they did not agree with the characteristics of blended learning, a small portion (1.5%) of students stated that they did not agree with the benefits of blended learning, a small portion (7.4%) of students stated that they did not agree with the advantages and disadvantages of blended learning. 
 The lecturer needs to first arrange the schedule and implementation time between face-to-face learning and online learning. Lecturers also need to optimize learning methods and designs that are carried out online.

The VLT-FLAMES survey of massive stars

Context. NGC 2004#115 was classified as a single lined Be spectroscopic binary in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Its Hα morphology is reminiscent of the Galactic systems LB-1 and HR 6819, both of which are proposed as either Be+BH or Be+stripped He-star systems. Aims. Multi-epoch optical spectra of NGC 2004#115 are used to determine if this binary can be explained by either of these two scenarios, and hence shed additional light on these interesting systems. Methods. VLT-FLAMES and SALT-HRS data covering a baseline of ∼20 years were analyzed to determine radial velocities and orbital parameters, while non-LTE model atmospheres were used to determine stellar parameters and the relative brightness of the system components. Archive MACHO, Gaia, and XMM-Newton data provide additional constraints on the system. Results. NGC 2004#115 is found to be a triple system consisting of an inner binary with a period P = 2.92 d, eccentricity e ∼ 0.0, and mass function f = 0.07 M⊙. The only firmly detected star in this inner binary is a B2 star, the primary, with a projected rotational velocity (ve sin i) of 10 km s−1 and a luminosity of log L/L⊙ = 3.87. It contributes ∼60% of the total V-band light, with the tertiary contributing the other ∼40% of the light, while the secondary is not detected in the optical spectrum. The possibility that the primary is a low mass inflated stripped star is excluded since its Roche radius would be smaller than its stellar radius in such a compact system. A main sequence star of mass 8.6 M⊙ is therefore inferred; however, the assumption of synchronous rotation leads to a secondary mass in excess of 25 M⊙, which would therefore be a black hole. The tertiary is detected as a fainter blended component to the hydrogen and helium lines, which is consistent with a slightly less massive B-type star, though with ve sin i ∼ 300 km s−1. The data do not permit the characterization of the outer period, though it likely exceeds 120 days and is therefore in a stable configuration. The disk-like emission is variable, but may be associated with the inner binary rather than the rapidly rotating tertiary. XMM-Newton provides an upper limit of 5 × 1033 ergs s−1 in the 0.2–12 keV band which is consistent with, though not constraining, the system hosting a quiescent B+BH binary. A number of caveats to this scenario are discussed.

Evaluation of Peat Blended with Pine Wood Components for Effects on Substrate Physical Properties, Nitrogen Immobilization, and Growth of Petunia (Petunia ×hybrida Vilm.-Andr.)

The first objective was to evaluate wood components for differences in nitrogen (N) immobilization and effects on substrate physical properties. The second objective was to evaluate peat substrates amended with pine wood components for effects on plant growth, shoot tissue N, and fertigation practices during production. Substrates consisted of a coarse sphagnum peat blended with four types of processed pine wood at rates of 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% (by volume). For comparison, peat was also blended with an aged pine bark, perlite, and coconut coir. Nitrogen immobilization was measured for individual components, except perlite. Individual components and blended substrates were evaluated for particle size distribution, total air porosity, container capacity, and dry bulk density. In a greenhouse experiment, petunia (Petunia × hybrida Vilm.-Andr.) were grown in hanging basket containers with each substrate blend as well as 100% peat, which served as a nonblended control substrate, and fertilized at each irrigation with 200 mg·L−1 N. Blended component and blend percent interacted in effects on all measured substrate physical properties; however, physical properties of all substrate blends were considered adequate for horticultural purposes. In the laboratory, pine bark immobilized 9% of total N supplied, whereas the remaining pine wood components immobilized <5% of total N. In the greenhouse experiment, blend component influenced shoot growth and flowering, which were greatest for petunia grown in 100% peat. Increasing the blend percent of all components decreased shoot growth and flowering with all blended components. Blended substrates had minimal effects on number of fertigation events, and substrate treatments differed by a maximum of three fertigation events per container over a 56-d period. This study illustrates the challenges of measuring N immobilization because results from the laboratory were not consistent with plant performance in the greenhouse. Increasing blends of each substrate (including perlite) were also observed to interact with fertigation practices and therefore applied N, tissue N, shoot dry weight, and total N uptake. As a practical conclusion from this study, peat incorporated with 60% wood fiber increased the risk of reduced plant growth and N uptake, but this risk was lower as the blend percentage decreased. In addition, other analytical methods to test N immobilization, such as microbial respiration, should be further explored.

Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Polysaccharide FucoPol-Based Nanofiber Systems.

The electrospinnability of FucoPol, a bacterial exopolysaccharide, is presented for the first time, evaluated alone and in combination with other polymers, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) and pullulan. The obtained fibers were characterized in terms of their morphological, structural and thermal properties. Pure FucoPol fibers could not be obtained due to FucoPol’s low water solubility and a lack of molecular entanglements. Nanofibers were obtained via blending with PEO and pullulan. FucoPol:PEO (1:3 w/w) showed fibers with well-defined cylindrical structure, since the higher molecular weight of PEO helps the continuity of the erupted jet towards the collector, forming stable fibers. WAXS, DSC and TGA showed that FucoPol is an amorphous biopolymer, stable until 220 °C, whereas FucoPol-PEO fibers were stable until 140 °C, and FucoPol:pullulan fibers were stable until 130 °C. Interestingly, blended components influenced one another in intermolecular order, since new peaks associated to intermolecular hierarchical assemblies were seen by WAXS. These results make FucoPol-based systems viable candidates for production of nanofibers for packaging, agriculture, biomedicine, pharmacy and cosmetic applications.

The Role of Human Resources Management in Reducing the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Nodaway, teachers everywhere are implementing technology as an additional resource for teaching to aid them in their classroom. Many of the teachers are encouraged to utilize some of the applications, social media and other technological materials programs to help their students succeed. It’s imperative that learners are given opportunities to demonstrate what they know using different tools. The question in this study is can the teachers implement technology consistently in the classroom to assist in the academic achievement of all students?  In LFU the blended learning is implemented on 3rd year students of General Education Department /Branch of English morning and evening studies. The name of the application that utilized in this study is Edmodo. The teacher and the students used Edmodo as their device to prop blended learning in the classroom.  The present study consisted of 59 students, data was collected and analyzed to examine the influence of blended learning (traditional and online learning) on student’s achievement success. The purpose of the study was to see if student achievement raised with utilizing blended learning into daily classroom instruction.  A t-test was administered and assessed to see the possible effect on student achievement with added blended learning component. The t-test results indicated that there is a significant change in student achievement when a blended learning model is added in the classroom.

Synthesis and Characterization of Slow-Release Fertilizer Hydrogel Based on Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Glycerol and Blended Paper.

In this study, biodegradable slow-release fertilizer (SRF) hydrogels were synthesized from hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), glycerol and urea (SRF1) and HPMC, PVA, glycerol, urea and blended paper (SRF2). The fertilizer hydrogels were characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR. The swelling capacity of the hydrogels in both distilled and tap water as well as their water retention capacity in sandy soil were evaluated. The hydrogels had good swelling capacity with maximum swelling ratio of 17.2 g/g and 15.6 g/g for SRF1 and SRF2 in distilled, and 14.4 g/g and 15.2 g/g in tap water, respectively. The water retention capacity of the hydrogels in sandy soil exhibited higher water retention when compared with soil without the (SRFs). The soil with the hydrogels was found to have higher water retention than the soil without the hydrogels. The slow-release profile of the hydrogels was also evaluated. The result suggested that the prepared fertilizer hydrogels has a good controlled release capacity. The blended paper component in SRF2 was observed to aid effective release of urea, with about 87.01% release in soil at 44 days compared to the pure urea which was about 97% release within 4 days. The addition of blended paper as a second layer matrix was found to help improve the release properties of the fertilizer. The swelling kinetic of the hydrogel followed Schott’s second order model. The release kinetics of urea in water was best described by Kormeye Peppas, suggesting urea release to be by diffusion via the pores and channels of the SRF, which can be controlled by changing the swelling of the SRF. However, the release mechanism in soil is best described by first order kinetic model, suggesting that the release rate in soil is depended on concentration and probably on diffusion rate via the pores and channels of the SRF.