Blending Method Research Articles

A chemometric approach using I-optimal design for optimising Pb(II) removal using bentonite-chitosan composites and beads

This paper reports adsorption studies of Pb(II) ions onto Bentonite-Chitosan (Bt-Ch) composites or beads when using an I-optimal design experiment approach. Three adsorption factors (pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration) were optimised whilst simultaneously investigating multiple adsorbents. The Bt-Ch composites and beads (type A and B) adsorbents were made using weight ratios 90%/10% and differed characteristically due to their preparation methods of solution blending and precipitation, respectively. A batch procedure was used for adsorption experiments, and the amounts of Pb(II) ions (adsorbed onto Bt-Ch composites/beads) were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Adsorption experimental parameters were analysed and optimised by using a response surface method (I-optimal design) generated from Design-Expert® 13.0 software. The main achievements of this study were to intensify the understanding and application of I-optimal experimental designs, which allow simultaneous determination of adsorption capacities and efficiencies across multiple adsorbents in an economical manner. A reduced quadratic model provided the best fit for the experimental data and exhibited minimal deviation between predicted and experimental values. This was evidenced by the very small covariance (CV) values of 1.81% and 1.33% observed for adsorption capacity and adsorption efficiency, respectively, also suggesting high reproducibility. It was observed that the adsorption factors studied (pH, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration) have a more pronounced effect on the adsorption capacity (F-value = 714.37) compared to adsorption efficiency (F-value = 140.62). Adsorbent dosage was found to have the greatest effect on adsorption capacity, while the initial pH of Pb(II) solution had the greatest effect on adsorption efficiency. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption capacities of beads-A (73.2 mg/g) and beads-B (77.6 mg/g) were found to be higher than that of the corresponding composite (51.7 mg/g). Whilst the optimum adsorption efficiency values for all three adsorbents were ∼100% (with ranges of pH 2–5, initial concentrations 50–200 mg/L, and adsorbent dosage 0.05–0.5 mg). The desirability indexes for the optimised conditions for these respective responses (and each adsorbent) were found to be within the ranges of 0.892–0.974 and 0.945–0.967 for adsorption capacity and adsorption efficiency, respectively. These high desirability index values for both responses indicate that the optimised conditions lead to very good performance for both measures. The information obtained in this study provides detailed understanding of the adsorption phenomena of the adsorbents studied. It gives confidence in the use of I-optimal designs to be applied as a chemometric tool for the specific adsorbents studied herein and others.

UV aging resistance improvement of SBS modified asphalt binder by organic layered double hydroxide and naphthenic oil: Its preparation, properties and mechanism

To enhance the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt, LDHs and naphthenic oil were selected to modify it compositely. Firstly, organic treatment for LDHs was carried out through the combination of surface modification method and intercalation modification method to improve its compatibility with asphalt, and effectiveness of organic treatment was evaluated through the microscopic testing methods. Then, organic LDHs/SBS modified asphalt binders were developed by melt blending method, on this basis, appropriate naphthenic oil was added for composite modification. Subsequently, the conventional physical properties, storage stability and rheological properties tests were carried out to evaluate the comprehensive properties of the prepared modified asphalt containing LDHs and naphthenic oil. On this basis, TOPSIS method was conducted for multi-index optimization to determine the optimal dosages of LDHs and naphthenic oil. Finally, UV aging resistance of the developed modified asphalt was also evaluated, and reaction mechanism was explored with FTIR and FM. Test results show that stearic acid (SA) was successfully absorbed on the surface of LDHs, and -SO32- in ultraviolet light absorber (UVT) has successfully entered the interlayer galleries of LDHs, thus achieving the organic treatment for LDHs. Organic LDHs can significantly improve the high temperature properties and storage stability of SBS modified asphalt, and naphthenic oil can also improve the storage stability of SBS modified asphalt at the proper dosage. In addition, the two modifiers can both effectively improve the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt. Based on the multi-index optimization results, it is recommended that the optimal dosages of LDHs and naphthenic oil are 2 % and 2.5 %, respectively, and at this conditions, comprehensive properties of the prepared modified asphalt can achieve the best. Microstructure characterization tests results reveal that LDHs and naphthenic oil are only simply dispersed in asphalt and do not cause the structural damage of SBS modified asphalt. Meanwhile, the special layered structure of LDHs can hinder the mobility of asphalt molecular chains, which enhances the interaction force between asphalt molecular chains and SBS modifier molecular chains, thus improving the road properties of SBS modified asphalt.

The Effects of Different Blending Methods on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of PMMA/SiO2 Composites

The Effects of Different Blending Methods on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of PMMA/SiO2 Composites

A Novel Modified ZIF-8 Nanoparticle with Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility and Pervaporation Performance in a Mixed Matrix Membrane for De-Alcoholization in Low-Concentration Solutions.

This study investigated the enhancement in bioethanol recovery from mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by functionalizing zeolite framework-8 (ZIF-8) with imidazolate. This study focused on the separation of ethanol from low-concentration ethanol/water mixtures (typical post-fermentation concentrations of 5-10 wt%). Specifically, ZIF-8 was modified by the shell-ligand exchange reaction (SLER) with 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBIM), resulting in ZIF-8-DMBIM particles with improved hydrophobicity, organophilicity, larger size, and adjustable pore size. These particles were incorporated into a PEBAX 2533 matrix to produce ZIF-8-DMBIM/PEBAX MMMs using a dilution blending method. The resulting membranes showed significant performance enhancement: 8 wt% ZIF-8-DMBIM loading achieved a total flux of 308 g/m2·h and a separation factor of 16.03, which was a 36.8% increase in flux and 176.4% increase in separation factor compared with the original PEBAX membrane. In addition, performance remained stable during a 130 h cycling test. These improvements are attributed to the enhanced compatibility and dispersion of ZIF-8-DMBIM in the PEBAX matrix. In conclusion, the evaluation of nanofiller content, feed concentration, operating temperature, and membrane stability confirmed that ZIF-8-DMBIM/PEBAX MMM is ideal for ethanol recovery in primary bioethanol concentration processes.

Strong and tough graphene/PVC composites with well dispersed graphene via dropwise coagulation and melt blending methods

Toward strong and tough reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites, GO/PVC particles with well dispersed GO are prepared via dropwise coagulation using homogenous GO/PVC dispersion. Then, rGO/PVC composite materials are obtained by reducing GO with VC and melt blending. With low GO content by weight (GO:PVC = 0.2:100), the rGO/PVC composite's tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus and toughness are increased by 100.1 %, 102.4 %, 179.1 % and 432.3 %, respectively. Further, the rGO/PVC particles with high GO content (GO:PVC = 1:100) are applied as functional masterbatch for commercial PVC-based wood plastic composite (WPC). With only 0.07 wt% GO (relative to WPC), the tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus and toughness of WPC are enhanced by 62.4 %, 75.4 %, 57.2 % and 236.3 %, respectively. This study provides a simple approach to obtain strong and tough graphene/PVC composites toward industrial application.

MoS2@Fe3O4 prepared by γ-ray in situ reduction for enhancing the fire safety and mechanical properties of EVA/MCA composites

The high flammability of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) limits its important applications in fire safety, and the addition of highly effective flame retardants can improve this deficiency. Melamine cyanurate (MCA) has limited carbon-forming ability and therefore is often combined with other flame retardants to achieve synergistic flame retardant effects and thus improve the flame retardancy of EVA. Therefore, in this study, MoS2@Fe3O4 hybrid materials were synthesized by in-situ growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and ferric oxide (Fe3O4) and their structures were characterized using various techniques. The hybrids were blended with melamine cyanurate (MCA) into ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) by melt blending method to reduce the fire hazard. The EVA composites with 1.0 wt% MoS2@Fe3O4 blends significantly improved the coke residue and limiting oxygen index values to 22.5 % and 23.2 %, while their peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release were reduced by 62.5 %, 11.7 %, and 35.3 %, respectively, as compared to pure EVA. The results suggest that the use of MoS2@Fe3O4 hybrids in combination with MCA is a promising strategy for the development of advanced flame-retardant materials.

Persepsi Siswa SMP tentang Pembelajaran Hybrid IPA dan Pengaruh Kehadiran Live Synchronous terhadap Efektivitas Pendidikan di Jakarta Utara

The impact of Covid-19 on children and families is very felt, namely with the implementation of online or online learning. However, the implementation of full online learning cannot accommodate the needs of all students for education, so other alternative learning methods are needed, namely the hybrid or blended learning method, a learning method that combines face-to-face for some students and online face-to-face for others in each meeting. To find out students' perception of the hybrid learning method and the effectiveness of education with this hybrid method, a researcher is needed on students' perception of hybrid learning and how the relationship between student attendance in live synchronous sessions and educational effectiveness. Data collection was carried out by survey method by distributing questionnaires to 52 respondents of students of a private junior high school in North Jakarta. After that, the data is tested for validity and reliability and then processed using validity and reliability analysis. From the results of the study, it was found that there was a relationship between student perception and educational effectiveness.

Study on the structure and γ‐ray shielding performance of polypropylene/PbO composites with heterogeneous networks

AbstractPolymer‐based radiation shielding materials are receiving more and more interests due to their desirable advantages in lightweight and maneuverability. Herein, we employ polypropylene (PP) as the matrix to construct γ‐ray shielding composites through the embedment of PbO particles with a wet reaction melt blending method. From the changes in dynamic rheological behaviors and fracture surface of PP/PbO composite, it can be found that the gradient addition of PbO particles facilitates the formation of heterogeneous network structure with, and high PbO content may make the composites undergo a “liquid–solid” transition. Rheological temperature and time scanning show that both PbO content and heterogeneous network structure greatly contribute to the storage modulus (G') and thermal stability. The γ‐ray (137Cs) shielding tests manifest that BPP/PbO‐4 has the best shielding performance, whose thicknesses of half value layer (HVL) and tenth value layer (TVL) are 0.32 and 1.05 cm, respectively, obviously smaller than those shielding materials ever reported. The analyses on effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron density (NE) reveal that the good shielding performance of BPP/PbO‐4 benefits from its proper content and dispersion of PbO particles.

Peningkatan Kesiapan Kuliah Santri Pesantren Zainul Hasan Melalui Pendekatan Konseling Karir Trait and Factor

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education, particularly reducing the readiness of high school students to enter higher education due to the limited availability of career counseling services. This has led to an increasing number of mismatches in university program selections, including among high school students in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Therefore, an effective strategy is required to prepare high school students for higher education, especially within the context of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) framework. The College Readiness training was conducted at the Zainul Hasan Islamic Boarding School by applying the Trait and Factor counseling approach. A total of 31 high school students were trained to enhance their readiness to enter college, with an additional focus on orienting them to become peer counselors. This blended method training was implemented through five stages: (1) design development, (2) preparation of materials, (3) socialization and pre-test, (4) training implementation, and (5) evaluation and closing. The training materials included topics such as (1) recognizing personal potential, (2) understanding the MBKM program in higher education, (3) recognizing assignment patterns in tertiary institutions, (4) selecting the appropriate major, (5) learning motivation, (6) time management, and (7) coping with exam anxiety. The pre-test and post-test results indicated a significant increase in the students' readiness to enter higher education following the training. Given its importance, it is recommended that counseling teachers engage actively in career guidance to prepare students for higher education within the MBKM framework. Alumni of this training can also be involved in helping other students improve their preparedness for entering higher education.

Synergistic Reinforcement with SEBS-g-MAH for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Processability in GO/rGO-Filled PC/ABS Composites.

The integration of compatibilisers with thermoplastics has revolutionised the field of polymer composites, enhancing their mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. This study investigates the synergistic effects of incorporating SEBS-g-MAH on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/GO) (PAGO) and the properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/rGO) (PArGO) composites through the melt blending method. The synergistic effects on thermal stability and processability were analysed by using thermogravimetry (TGA), melt flow index (MFI), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The addition of SEBS-g-MAH improved the elongation at break (EB) of PAGO and PArGO up to 33% and 73%, respectively, compared to the uncompatibilised composites. The impact strength of PAGO was synergistically enhanced by 75% with the incorporation of 5 phr SEBS-g-MAH. A thermal analysis revealed that SEBS-g-MAH improved the thermal stability of the composites, with an increase in the degradation temperature (T80%) of up to 17% for PAGO at 1 phr SEBS-g-MAH loading. The compatibilising effect of SEBS-g-MAH was confirmed by FTIR analysis, which indicated interactions between the maleic anhydride groups and the PC/ABS matrix and GO/rGO fillers. The rheological measurements showed that the incorporation of SEBS-g-MAH enhanced the melt flowability (MFI) of the composites, with a maximum increase of 38% observed for PC/ABS. These results demonstrate the potential of SEBS-g-MAH as a compatibiliser for improving the unnotched impact strength (mechanical), thermal, and rheological properties of PC/ABS/GO and PC/ABS/rGO composites, achieving a synergistic effect.

Rational construction of dicarbonous CB/CNT@PI composites toward low filler loading and low-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption.

With the application of low frequency radar and the demand for stealth of high temperature resistant components, it is increasingly urgent to develop absorbing materials with both low frequency and high temperature resistant properties. Here, we successfully prepared various carbon/polyimide composites as low-frequency electromagnetic wave absorbing materials by simple blending method. The well-designed mesh lap structure introduces a large amount of free space, further optimizing the impedance matching of the material. At the same time, the multiple loss mechanism formed by the combination of carbon black dominated polarization and carbon nanotube dominated conductive loss enhances the loss of incident electromagnetic wave. The results showed that only 10 wt% filler loading of the CB/CNT@PI is achieved in the low frequency range (1-4 GHz) with a minimum RL strength of - 18.3 dB, which has obvious advantages compared with other works in recent years. This study provides a way for the design and preparation of resin-based absorbing materials.

Carbon-free power generation strategy in South Korea: CFD simulation for ammonia injection strategies through boiler burner configurations in tangentially fired boiler

To achieve carbon neutrality in power generation, incorporating ammonia-coal co-firing into coal-fired boilers effectively reduces CO2 emissions. Here, we aimed to optimize ammonia injection methods by investigating the feasibility of 20 % ammonia co-firing in a pulverized coal (PC) boiler through numerical simulations. These simulations aim to analyze the effects of different ammonia injection strategies and burner configurations on the combustion performance and NOx emission characteristics of a 500 MW tangentially fired PC boiler. Results showed that compared to using five burners, single-burner injection reduced outlet NO concentration by 22.72 ppm and unburned carbon content to 0.30 %, which is 0.80 % lower than multi-burner injection and even below the 0.45 % in coal-only combustion. The optimal case (burner A for ammonia injection) achieved a furnace outlet flue gas temperature of 1247.35 K, close to 1241.98 K in coal-only combustion, with the lowest NO emissions (193.89 ppm) among all ammonia co-firing cases. Positioning the single burner for ammonia injection revealed that utilizing the blending method with the ammonia injection burner, such as in the case of upper burner injection, increases both furnace temperature and high-temperature zone areas. However, employing in-boiler blending methods with lower-positioned burner ammonia injection distributes high-temperature zones more extensively. Comparing ammonia injection through coal and auxiliary oil burners, using only the lowest-level burner can significantly reduce NOx emissions while maintaining combustion and thermal efficiencies. This study is the first to simultaneously consider the number, position, method, and type of ammonia injection burners in large-scale commercial coal-fired boilers, providing a valuable reference for future research and practical boiler operations. This comprehensive analysis underscores how ammonia injection strategy and position can optimize ammonia-coal co-firing boiler performance.

Preparation and Characterization of Biocomposites Based on Fibrous Brucite and Poly (Butylene Succinate)

In our research described in this manuscript, fibrous brucite (FB) was modified with common silane coupling agent (KH-570) and the facile melt blending method was used to fabricate fibrous brucite/poly(butylene succinate) (FB/PBS) composites. To evaluate the influence of surface modification of the FB, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the KH-570 reacted with brucite and the treated FB (OFB) could be well dispersed in the polymer matrix. The mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed the effect of the surface modification on the tensile strength, impact strength, storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg), which were enhanced with the incorporation of the treated FB in the composites. The flame retardancy of the FB/PBS composites was improved significantly, indicating that the FB could be used as an efficient flame retardant. The addition of FB deteriorated the thermal stability of the PBS. However, the loss in thermal stability was exchanged for a considerable increase in the mechanical and flame retardancy properties. The prepared composites demonstrated better mechanical and flame retardancy properties, compared to PP or PP composites, presenting the potential to be widely used in various industrial fields.

Preparation of Poly(Styrene-co-Acrylonitrile)-Grafted Attapulgite via Simultaneous Reverse and Normal Initiation Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SR&NI ATRP) and Its Effect on Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Terpolymer Ternary Composites

To further improve the comprehensive properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer blends (PC/ABS), in this work, styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer [P(St-co-An)] was grafted on the surface of attapulgite particles (ATP) by simultaneous reverse and normal initiation ATRP (SR&NI ATRP) to yield ATP@P(St-co-An) hybrid particles. Then a series of PC/ABS/ATP@P(St-co-An) composites were prepared via the melt blending method. The effects of ATP@P(St-co-An) content on the morphological, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites were investigated in detail. The core-shell ATP@P(St-co-An) hybrid particles with the polymer layer thickness of 20-40 nm were synthesized successfully according to the results of X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The improvement in mechanical properties, reduced glass transition temperature (T g) difference between PC and ABS and micromorphology changes of the composites proved the compatibilization, strengthening, and toughening effect of the ATP@P(St-co-An). Compared with the PC/ABS blend, with strength and toughness of 50.8 MPa and 56.3 kJ/m2, when the ATP@P(St-co-An) content was 4 wt%, a reasonable balance (85.8 MPa and 86.2 kJ/m2) between strength and toughness was achieved with substantially enhanced thermal stability. Moreover, the composite showed more remarkable non-Newtonian behavior, and its processability was also improved. We believe this work provides an effective approach to optimize the compatibility and comprehensive properties of PC/ABS blends.

Experimental and numerical studies of NO reduction by ammonia in different methane flame positions

Blending ammonia with methane for combustion can reduce carbon emissions and improve the flame characteristics of ammonia combustion. However, blending ammonia with methane can easily lead to high concentrations of NOx emissions. This study investigates the impact of different ammonia and methane blending methods on the flame structure and NOx emission by experiments and CFD numerical simulation. The results indicate that simultaneous injection of ammonia and methane through the central fuel tube significantly alters the combustion flame structure and leads to high concentrations of NOx emission. As the ammonia ratio increases, the flame structure transitions from a bright flame to a layered flame with an inner yellow conical small flame surrounded by a light-colored outer flame. When the ammonia ration increases from 0 % to 20 %, NOx emission increase from 15 ppm to 323 ppm, nearly 22 times higher. When ammonia is injected into the methane flame from flame side, the flame above the injection position appears as an orange flame, and a significant reduction in NOx emission is obtained. When the ammonia ratio is 20 % and injected at heights of 20 mm 40 mm, and 60 mm above the fuel exit, the outlet NOx concentrations are 183 ppm, 140 ppm, and 153 ppm respectively, this represents reductions of 43.3 %, 56.6 %, and 52.6 %, respectively. The numerical simulation results indicate that the injection of ammonia leads to the formation of higher concentrations of NH2 and super-vapor H2O, resulting in an orange color flame. The gas temperature and oxygen concentration play a crucial role in NOx emissions. NOx emission is lowest when ammonia is injected into the higher temperature, lower oxygen environment at 40 mm.

Teaching Design for Practical Courses Based on Virtual Simulation Technology

The National Virtual Simulation Experimental Teaching Project (NVSETP) is one of the five "Golden Courses" launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) of the People's Republic of China. These courses need to adhere to the Golden Course standards, which include offering a curriculum that is innovative, challenging, and designed to develop higher-order thinking skills through rich content and novel teaching methods. Students receive opportunities for both practical and theoretical learning that guide them in engaging in innovative thinking and practice. This article discusses the teaching design for practical courses based on Virtual Simulation Technology, grounded in the Outcome Based Education, and drawing from the construction of the first batch of NVSETP Teaching Centers and Projects. It primarily addresses four aspects of teaching: objectives, curriculum content, methods, and assessment. Taking the lack of real experimental engineering conditions and high-risk, high-cost practical operations as the starting point, this paper designs the teaching content and methods; Revising the traditional experimental teaching process, this paper adopt blended learning methods. Evaluates the learning effect of students through the real-time feedback of virtual simulation software, further reforms the teaching and improves the teaching effect. The paper provides a reference for constructing Virtual Simulation Experimental Teaching Projects and reforming practical course teaching.

The design, implementation, and evaluation of a blended (in-person and virtual) Clinical Competency Examination for final-year nursing students

IntroductionStudies have reported different results of evaluation methods of clinical competency tests. Therefore, this study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a blended (in-person and virtual) Competency Examination for final-year Nursing Students.MethodsThis interventional study was conducted in two semesters of 2020–2021 using an educational action research method in the nursing and midwifery faculty. Thirteen faculty members and 84 final-year nursing students were included in the study using a census method. Eight programs and related activities were designed and conducted during the examination process. Students completed the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory before the examination, and both faculty members and students completed the Acceptance and Satisfaction questionnaire.FindingsThe results of the analysis of focused group discussions and reflections indicated that the virtual CCE was not capable of adequately assessing clinical skills. Therefore, it was decided that the CCE for final-year nursing students would be conducted using a blended method. The activities required for performing the examination were designed and implemented based on action plans. Anxiety and satisfaction were also evaluated as outcomes of the study. There was no statistically significant difference in overt, covert, and overall anxiety scores between the in-person and virtual sections of the examination (p > 0.05). The mean (SD) acceptance and satisfaction scores for students in virtual, in-person, and blended sections were 25.49 (4.73), 27.60 (4.70), and 25.57 (4.97), respectively, out of 30 points, in which there was a significant increase in the in-person section compared to the other sections. (p = 0.008). The mean acceptance and satisfaction scores for faculty members were 30.31 (4.47) in the virtual, 29.86 (3.94) in the in-person, and 30.00 (4.16) out of 33 in the blended, and there was no significant difference between the three sections (p = 0.864).ConclusionEvaluating nursing students’ clinical competency using a blended method was implemented and solved the problem of students’ graduation. Therefore, it is suggested that the blended method be used instead of traditional in-person or entirely virtual exams in epidemics or based on conditions, facilities, and human resources. Also, the use of patient simulation, virtual reality, and the development of necessary virtual and in-person training infrastructure for students is recommended for future research. Furthermore, considering that the acceptance of traditional in-person exams among students is higher, it is necessary to develop virtual teaching strategies.

Blended learning in physical education: application and motivation.

The aim of the research was to evaluate outdoor aerobic sport activities (OASA) in the physical education (PE) of university students using wearables and their potential to personalize the learning process and enhance motivation. In total, 368 university students participated. The OASA structure and the key points of application in PE were described. Descriptive statistics of the training units (n = 3,680) were processed. The students recorded their training data in the Strava app (10 sessions per semester), and the data were shared in the online sport community created on the Strava platform. Motivation was evaluated using a questionnaire. The focus was both on intrinsic motivation and extrinsic "ICT" motivation, based on Strava app features and tools. The most preferred outdoor aerobic sport activities were running (58%), cycling (13%), and walking (16%). The results provided insight into motivation and performance analysis. Students' motivation to participate in OASA was mainly in health concerns, such as staying in shape (94%), staying healthy (90%), and psychological concerns, such as having fun (88%), improving state of mind (88%), or relieving stress (83%). In achievement concerns, the motivation was a personal challenge (72%), while competing with others was ranked lowest (32%). The Strava app was a motivating tool for students to record, monitor, and analyze their individual activities and feel "connectedness" to the online sport community. 70% of students were motivated by the non-competitive character of PE, which gave them a personalized opportunity to train without being compared to others. The OASA management, with the use of blended learning methods and the Strava app, uses a motivational approach to create, support, and maintain students' healthy habits of physical activity through PE lessons. The need for students to be motivated to exercise can be confirmed in the analysis of the statistical descriptive parameters of running, cycling, and walking. There was a tendency for students to complete only the minimum required distance/time (not more). On the other hand, students enjoyed the training, and 99% of students confirmed that they would enroll again. That fact underlined the importance of motivating students with an effective learning strategy and giving support and guidance.

Organoleptic Test Analysis of Pie Crust Using Rub-In and Blending Method

This research was motivated by the discovery of different methods for making pies so it needed to be tested to see the quality produced using the rub-ib and blending methods. The aim of the research was to determine the comparison of pie crust quality using the rub-in and blending methods. This type of research is pure experiment using the Independent Sample T-test method. The research was carried out by providing an organoleptic test format to the panelists. The data obtained is then tabulated in table form and a level test is carried out on each variable X1 and X2 to find out whether there is a quality comparison for these variables. The results of the research show that there is no significant influence on the quality of the shape, color, aroma, texture and taste of the pie crust, for the quality of the shape (neat) it has an average value of X1 (2.77) and X2 (3.78), quality shape (uniform) X1 (4.00) and has an average of X1 (3.67) and X2 (3.78), while the average value for texture quality (dry) has an average of (crispy) has an average value of X1 (4.00) and X2 (3.67), finally for taste quality (savory) has an average value of X1 (4.00) and X1 (4.00).

3D printing of shape memory magnetorheological elastomers composites

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been widely used to process smart composites, due to their excellent flexibility and low cost. However, it still has challenge to prepare magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) with the shape-memory properties. Here, we report a 3D direct writing (DIW) printing technology for shape-memory magnetorheological elastomer (SMRE). SMRE inks with mass fractions of 50%, 60% and 70% magnetic particles were prepared by solution blending method. Then, the SMRE was prepared by DIW technology under the magnetic field, and the influence of different process parameters on the printing quality of the material was studied. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity, shape memory and magnetic assisted driving properties of SMRE are studied. The experimental results show that SMRE can be prepared by DIW technology and driven by temperature, electricity and magnetic fields. Magnetic field assisted programming realizes the driving of soft gripper and increases the speed of SMRE windmill by 280%.