Design Experiment Research Articles

Influence of Phosphorus and Phosphate-solubilizing Bacteria on Soil Microbial Dynamics in Mustard under Gmelina-Based Agroforestry

The impact of phosphorus (P) levels and phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) inoculation techniques on soil microbial dynamics in mustard (Brassica juncea) grown in agroforestry systems based on Gmelina arborea is examined in this study. Three phosphorus levels (30, 40, and 50 kg/ha) and three PSB inoculation techniques (soil, seedling, and combination soil + seedling) were used in the split-plot design experiment, which was carried out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Research Farm in Jabalpur. Azotobacter, Rhizobium, total bacteria, and fungi were among the soil microbial communities that were examined after harvest. The findings showed that phosphorus levels had no discernible impact on the number of microorganisms. Nonetheless, PSB inoculation techniques showed notable results; in every category, the soil + seedling inoculation combination consistently produced the greatest microbial populations. For instance, the populations of Azotobacter, Rhizobium, and fungi were 28.55 CFU × 10⁵ g⁻¹, 20.58 CFU × 10⁶ g⁻¹, 45.15 CFU × 10⁶ g⁻¹, and 7.72 CFU × 10⁵ g⁻¹, respectively. These results highlight how PSB inoculation and agroforestry systems can work together to improve soil health and nutrient dynamics, which will support sustainable mustard farming methods.

Nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial nitrogen synthesis of swamp buffaloes fed urea-lime treated rice straw

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of urea-lime treatment on rice straw regarding its influence on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation efficiency in swamp buffaloes. Eight rumen-fistulated swamp buffaloes (353 ± 11 kg) were used in a completely randomised design experiment. They received one of the two diets (untreated rice straw (RS) and 2% urea + 2% lime treated rice straw (ULTRS)) during the feeding trial. Offered and residual feed were weight and collected during the 21–day experimental period while faeces and urine were sampled on the final 7 days when the animals were housed in metabolism crates. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on the last day for chemical analyses. The results showed a significant improvement in dry matter intake and digestibility with the use of ULTRS. Feeding ULTRS improved rumen NH3-N concentration, whereas blood and urine nitrogen contents were similar. The acetic acid concentration and methane production decreased while propionic acid content increased. Consequently, the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was significantly reduced in buffaloes that were fed ULTRS. Total viable bacteria, amylolytic, and cellulolytic bacteria enhanced in the ULTRS treatment. The efficiency microbial nitrogen synthesis and the microbial protein synthesis were both elevated in the ULTRS group. The findings suggest that ULTRS can be used as a source of roughage to enhance nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial nitrogen and protein synthesis efficiency and methane reduction in swamp buffaloes.

Impact Of Fragrant Pandan Leaves Ethanol Extract (Fplee) On Alt And Ast Levels In High-Fat Diet-Induced Rat

Energy-dense, low-nutrient, and ultra-processed diets rich in fat can be a risk factor for fatty liver disease. Fragrant pandan is a plant that grows widely in Indonesia and is widely used as a herbal plant. This study aimed to determine the potential of fragrant pandan leaf ethanol extract (FPLEE) to reduce ALT and AST levels. It is a posttest control group design experiment. A total of 24 Rattus norvegicus specimens. All groups were given high-fat food for two weeks, except for NC. In the next two weeks, S was induced by simvastatin and FPLEE; T1, T2, and T3 were induced by 8, 16, and 32 mg/200 g BW/day, respectively. The One-Way ANOVA test results showed α=0.000 for ALT and α=0.029 for AST. Post-hoc LSD showed that NC was significantly different from T1, T2, and T3 (p0.05); therefore, FPLEE was unable to reduce ALT levels. For AST levels, NC was significantly different from C+, T1, and T2 (P0.05). Thus, T3 (32 mg/200 g BW/day of FPLEE) yielded the best results in reducing AST levels (p0.05). Based on these results, FPLEE has side effects on liver function, as seen in increased blood ALT levels, but it can reduce blood AST levels.

Analytical quality-by-design guided development of a novel and robust HPTLC method for quantifying plumbagin from Plumbago species

The study utilizes an analytical quality-by-design (AQbD) approach to establish a robust and efficient HPTLC method for plumbagin quantification in plumbago species. The highest-risk critical method parameters (CMP; concentration of plumbago and composition of mobile phase) and most appropriate critical analytical attributes (CAA; Peak area and retention factor [Rf]) were employed in the AQbD methodology. These CMP were tuned for higher plumbagin recovery using the central composite design (CCD) experiment. The created approach was validated by the requirements outlined in the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R2). Every plate involved in the proposed method validation has been subjected to the passing requirements of the system suitability test (SST). The low LOD (16.93 ng/mL) and LOQ (49.68 ng/mL) values and the minimal divergence in intra- and inter-day studies validate the developed method’s high precision and sensitivity. Further experiments employing the proposed method to determine the amount of plumbagin from the two distinct plant sources harvested under two different climate conditions determined the highest plumbagin content in P. indica, which is in line with the results. To summarize, the AQbD method may be used in other plant systems to optimize various factors and get a greater concentration of the desired plant metabolite.

Formulation of Morinda Citrifolia L. Dried Extract in Tablet form by Direct Compression and Evaluation Using Design of Experiments

Introduction: The work aims to prepare tablets of Morinda citrifolia hygroscopic dry powder extract by direct compression method and applying DoE 32 factorial design. Methods: All the statistical calculations and interpretation of the results were carried out using the Design Experiment 10 software version. Nine different formulation trials were conducted. Varying concentrations of binder (Ethyl cellulose) and disintegrating agents (Microcrystalline cellulose) are considered as two independent variables. Magnesium stearate, polyethene glycol-4000, sucrose and starch are used as bulking agents. The effect of the two variables on the hardness, time of disintegration and in vitro drug release were evaluated. Results: All the materials were compatible and found stable during the study. Among the nine different formulations, F9 formulation with binder and disintegrating in a 20:40 ratio showed 90.31% drug release. From the overlay plot, the F10 checkpoint batch was formulated and evaluated. F10 formulation was the most suitable formulation with a hardness of 5.2Kg/cm2, a disintegrating time of 31.6 min with 86.98% drug release. Conclusion: DoE 32 factorial design can be used to formulate tablets of Morinda citrifolia hygroscopic dry powder extract. The F10 formulation is considered as the optimized preparation. According to the Design of experiments, it is concluded that as the concentration of binder and disintegrating agent increases then the hardness, disintegration and percent drug release of the formulation also increases.

Growth and Yield Performance of Strawberry Cultivars under Different Growing Conditions in Maharashtra, India

A study was conducted at the Horticulture Nursery, College of Agriculture, Dhule, during 2023–24 to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three strawberry cultivars (Florida Beauty, Winter Dawn, and Sweet Sensation) under three growing conditions: open field, shade net, and polyhouse. The factorial randomized block design experiment recorded growth and yield parameters such as plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and fruit yield. Open field condition (C1) with Sweet Sensation variety (V3) exhibited significantly maximum plant height (25.63 cm), plant spread (41.82 cm EW and 42.03 cm NS), maximum leaf area (134.33 cm2) and least number of days were taken for first flower initiation (26.67 days). Whereas, as regards to fruit and yield characters i.e. greater number of fruits per plant (21.00), the maximum weight of fruit (21.01 g), yield per plant (0.44 kg/plant) and yield per hectare (11 MT/ha) the results were significantly higher in open field condition with Sweet Sensation variety. According to the study, strawberries' vegetative development, floral characteristics, and fruit quality were all improved by open field conditions, which also increased net income returns by producing the most fruits. It was discovered that the open field environment helped strawberries' vegetative growth, blossom characteristics, and fruit quality while optimising net income returns through the largest fruit output.

转勺式大豆精密排种器设计与试验分析

To optimize the structure of soybean precision seeder and improve the performance of sowing, a new rotary spoon precision seeder is designed, and the key component structure is designed using numerical calculation methods. Using a combination of bench experiments and field experiments for parameter optimization experiments, a multi factor quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design experiment is adopted. The experimental data is analyzed and processed using Design Expert 8.0.6 software to seek the optimal combination of parameters. The results show that when the working speed is 24.56-33.72 r/min and the forward speed is in the range of 1.31-2.21 m/s, the seeding qualification index is greater than 90% and the coefficient of variation is less than 10%, meeting the requirements of excellent seeding standards. This study uses a rotary spoon seeder to sow soybeans, providing a new idea and reference for the development of precision soybean seeders.

Effects of calcium and buffer sources on lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and metabolism of dairy cows

The objective was to investigate the effects of calcium and rumen buffer sources on lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, enteric gas emissions, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, and blood variables of lactating dairy cows. A replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment was conducted with 9 primi- and 9 multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows. Cows were fed the same basal diet, except for the inclusion (as % DMI) of the following minerals: (1) CON, 0.80% limestone and 0.55% NaCl; (2) BICARB, 0.80% limestone and 0.80% NaHCO3; and (3) ARAG, 0.80% aragonite and 0.55% NaCl. Dry matter intake was decreased by ARAG compared with CON but not with BICARB. Treatments did not affect milk yield, ECM, or yields of milk components. Feed efficiency was increased by BICARB compared with CON but not with ARAG (i.e., 1.72, 1.64, and 1.70, respectively). Compared with CON, milk fat was increased by both BICARB and ARAG (3.32% vs. 3.58%, respectively). Milk protein concentration tended to be slightly decreased (i.e., 2%) by ARAG compared with CON but not with BICARB. Milk total solids and MUN concentrations were increased by BICARB and tended to be increased by ARAG, compared with CON. Treatments did not affect ruminal fermentation variables, except that ARAG increased butyrate molar proportion, compared with CON but not with BICARB. Additionally, ruminal NH3 concentration was greater for ARAG than for BICARB. Enteric gas emission and apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients were not affected by treatments in the current study. Blood pH was not affected by treatments, and blood ionized Ca concentration was greater for ARAG than for BICARB, but neither was different from CON. Treatments did not affect plasma haptoglobin, β-hydroxybutyrate, or urea N concentrations. Overall, rumen buffering capacity of ARAG appears to be similar to that of BICARB, which was supported by increased milk fat, compared with CON. Compared with BICARB, ARAG increased ionized Ca concentration because of decreased base excess and HCO3- concentrations in blood.

Optimising Growing Media Composition and Seed Selection Strategies For the Conversation of the Endangered Sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.)

Overexploitation and insufficient conservation efforts have classified Sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.), an economically and ecologically significant species, as endangered. This study investigates the effects of seed size and growing media composition on the germination performance and growth of sandalwood seedlings, aiming to optimise seed selection and media composition strategies for its conservation. We employed a completely randomised design (CRD) experiment, which included three seed size categories (small, medium, and control) and three media compositions: soil and sand alone, soil and sand with chicken manure, and soil and sand with cow manure. Results revealed that the combination of medium-sized seeds and chicken manure (A2B1) yielded the highest fresh weight (0.31 g), while small seeds combined with chicken manure (A1B1) achieved the highest germination speed index (0.63%/day), germination value (0.07%/day), and dry weight (0.07 g). We identified chicken manure as the most effective organic amendment, enhancing soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient availability. In contrast, cow manure exhibited slower nutrient release, and soil and sand alone hindered root development due to compact soil properties. These findings underscore the importance of nutrient-rich organic amendments and optimal seed selection in enhancing sandalwood germination and growth. This study provides actionable insights for sustainable sandalwood cultivation and conservation efforts. Further research should focus on field trials under variable environmental conditions to validate these strategies on a larger scale.

Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers

The objective of the present study was to ascertain the influence of thyme leaf powder (TLP) on growth rate, carcass features, and blood indicators in broiler diets as a natural antioxidant and antibiotic substitute. A fully randomized design experiment divided 264-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) into 4 experimental groups. Six replicates of each group, each containing 11 unsexed chicks, were created. The following were the therapies: control group without additive (basal diet); TLP1, TLP2 and TLP3: basal diet + 1, 2 and 3 g thyme leaves powder/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that TLP added at 2 or 3 g/kg of feed significantly enhanced body weight gain (except for the period from 16 to 30 d of life), feed intake (except for the period from 1 to 15 d of life), and feed conversion ratio throughout study period. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with different TLP levels, particularly at a 3 g TLP/kg diet. Compared with the control group, the birds' 2 g TLP/kg diet included the highest levels of albumin and total protein and A/G (albumin/globulin) ratio. Furthermore, the birds fed 1 g TLP/kg feed had the lowest concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC). Moreover, chicks fed all treatment diets containing TLP had higher IgY concentrations than the control group. Nevertheless, the group that was fed a diet including 2 g TLP/kg had the highest IgM levels. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were highest in the birds fed a 1g TLP/kg diet and minimum in the birds fed the control diet. Notably, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were maximum in birds fed a control meal and lowest in birds with a diet containing 1 g of TLP/kg. We may conclude that using TLP in broiler diets increases the birds' immunity, productivity, and overall health, especially at level 2 g of TLP/kg diet.

The Influence of the Cooperative Learning Model Type TPS and TGT to Interest and Motivation Learn Volleyball Underhand Pass Participant Educate Class VIII of Public Middle School 2 Geneng Regency

Study This aiming for (1) For analyze difference application of learning models cooperative TPS type against interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice participant educated at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng. (2) For analyze difference application of learning models cooperative TGT type against interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice participant educated at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng. (3) For compare and analyze effectiveness between learning models cooperative TPS and TGT types in increase interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice participant educated at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng. Research This is study quantitative with design experiment quasi -experimental research This aiming for test differences between cooperative learning models TPS (Think Pair Share) and TGT (Teams-Games-Tournaments) interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice. Research this use Simple Random Sampling technique. The selection process sample done with method random simple for ensure representativeness and bias reduction. Data analysis techniques are carried out through prerequisite tests namely 1) Analysis Descriptive, 2) normality test, 3) homogeneity test, 4) sample t test. Based on results research that has been done above, then conclusion in study This is: 1) There is difference application of learning models cooperative TPS type against interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng. 2) There is difference application of learning models cooperative TGT type against interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng. 3) There is difference effectiveness between learning models cooperative TPS and TGT types in increase interest and motivation Study participant educate in volleyball underhand passing practice at SMP Negeri 2 Geneng by 36.13%.

Online monitoring and evaluation for conceptual design of product morphological structure driven by the retrospective analysis of cognitive behaviour

Monitoring and understanding designers’ design behaviour holds significant value for optimising the design paradigm and enhancing its quality and efficiency. This paper focuses on computer-aided conceptual design of product morphological structures, presenting a design monitoring and evaluation method driven by retrospective analysis of the association of designers’ cognitive behaviour. To begin with the monitoring perspective, the article analyzes the characteristics and collection methods of three types of design cognitive behaviour data. It also provides a behaviour element sequence transcription model, encompassing cognitive behaviour encoding, sketch behaviour encoding, and hierarchical encoding of design problems. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis index system is established with three dimensions: cognitive behaviour order, design state credibility, and thinking transition stability. By retrospectively analyzing the evolutionary relationships among fundamental design cognitive behavioural elements and referring to knowledge of design cognitive behavioural laws, designers’ cognitive preference type and state fluctuations can be distinguished. Finally, a hybrid fuzzy multi-attribute evaluation method is applied to filter various transcriptional combinations and calculate a comprehensive evaluation score. A real conceptual design experiment has preliminarily demonstrated the effectiveness of the introduced method.

Harnessing 360-Degree Video to Prompt Users to Think Along With Pro-Environmental Campaign Messages

Three-hundred-and-sixty-degree videos visualized through virtual reality (VR) technologies are recognized as an effective tool for fostering positive attitudes towards environmental stewardship by immersing users in persuasive storytelling narratives. However, a lack of an overarching framework hinders the understanding of its role in promoting prosocial environmental behaviors, particularly its effects on information processing and behavioral intentions. Notably, recent studies have suggested that feeling transported into a VR environment (i.e., presence) could positively bias message evaluation and the way people process information by activating heuristics connected to immersive experiences (i.e., the bias hypothesis of the heuristic-systematic model). Drawing on this proposition, this study conducted a between-subject design experiment (<em>N</em> = 60), comparing a 360-degree pro-environmental campaign video in VR with that in a two-dimensional format. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling indicated that a 360-degree video in VR induced a higher sense of presence, yet heuristic evaluation of message credibility decreased when a sense of presence was low. Moreover, message credibility was found to be positively associated with the valence (consistency) of message-relevant thoughts, but moderate evaluation of message credibility buffered the generation of consistent message-relevant thoughts. Finally, the valence (consistency) of message-relevant thoughts had a curvilinear relationship with the intention to engage in pro-environmental behaviors, albeit with a small effect size. Results suggest the complexity in influencing behavioral intentions via 360-degree videos in VR. Nonetheless, the findings support the proposition that the immersive affordance of immersive storytelling content could prompt users to align with campaign messages by activating a positive heuristic bias.

Optimization of poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) synthesis using sodium acetate as a carbon source by Rhodococcus sp. lz1 via response surface methodology

This study examines Rhodococcus sp. lz1, a bacterium isolated from activated sludge in propylene oxide saponification wastewater, which can utilize diverse carbon sources to produce high yields of Poly(−3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Owing to the lack of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), this bacterium does not trigger significant immunogenic responses, increasing its application potential. Plackett–Burman and Box-Behnken design experiments were conducted, following initial optimization using single-factor conditions. The optimal conditions determined through response surface methodology was a carbon source concentration of 6.8 g/L, inoculum amount of 6.9 %, and seed age of 11 h. Under these conditions, strain lz1 achieved a PHBV yield of 41.87 %, representing an 8.78 % increase. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed that the synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was PHBV. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a Td5 of 270 °C, while gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated a polydispersity index (PDI) of 2.43, demonstrating good ductility and high thermal stability.

How the Handcraft Typography Can Enhance Children’s Language Learning Experience

This study used a design experiment that instructs children on how to approach each letter to investigate typography design methodologies and manual techniques. Since children are still in the early stages of learning and the content they are exposed to is of great significance, the topic of children's education is always one that the entire community is intensely interested in discussing. According to researchers, typography is a popular medium and expressive technique in technology development, and art education is important for improving human communication. Typography with illustration may also help children achieve a clear sense of each letter's collocation by means of expression, recognition, and understanding through children's cognitive development by adding handcraft activities to each letter's characters. To approach new design considerations in typography and typeface experimentation, the current research analyses children's learning materials to consider their learning obstacles. Using an innovative design approach method in children's learning materials, this study demonstrates how children's drive to learn may be inspired and encouraged by a more engaging learning environment, leading to improved learning outcomes. Using paper-folding graphic visualization can also help kids understand the shape of each letter.

UPCYCLE PENGEMBANGAN LIMBAH KANTONG SEMEN MENJADI PRODUK FASHION TAS DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK PEWARNAAN SUMINAGASHI

Upcycling is a part of the broader concept of Sustainable Development. Based on statistical data from Asosiasi Semen Indonesia (ASI), the growth of cement production capacity in the last ±5 years from 2020 to 2024 (may) has increased. Judging from the increase in cement production, more cement bag waste will be generated. This research aims to develop environmentally friendly material products with sustainable ideas that optimize the characteristics of cement bag paper waste to have functional and economic value. The product produced is a fashion item, specifically a bag. This research uses a mixed-method approach with product design methods based on design thinking, exploration, and experimentation. This research shows that cement bag waste can be made into upcycled products that have functional and economic value, one of which is made into a bag. The motif coloring technique used is the Suminagashi technique which produces unexpected elements of color and beauty and becomes an aesthetic value in the resulting motif. However, the bag products produced are not 100% environmentally friendly because there are additional complementary components in a bag

The phantom effect in information visualization

Recent research focuses on understanding what triggers cognitive biases and how to alleviate them in the context of visualization use. Given its role in decision-making in other research fields, the Phantom Effect may hold exciting prospects among known biases. The Phantom Effect belongs to the category of decoy effects, where the decoy is an optimal yet unavailable alternative. We conducted a hybrid design experiment (N=76) where participants performed decision tasks based on information represented in different visualization idioms and phantom alternative’s unavailability presentation delays. We measured participants’ perceptual speed and visual working memory to study their impact on the expression of the Phantom Effect. Results show that visualization usually triggers the Phantom Effect, but two-sided bar charts mitigate this bias more effectively. We also found that waiting until the participant decides before presenting the decoy as unavailable helps alleviate the Phantom Effect. Although we did not find measurable effects, results also suggest that visual working memory and visualization literacy play a role in bias susceptibility. Our findings extend prior research in visualization-based decoy effects. They are the first steps to understanding the role of individual differences in the susceptibility to cognitive bias in visualization contexts.

Development and optimization of a two-step co-extraction process for the recovery of pumpkin seed oil and in-situ enrichment with β-carotene compounds from pumpkin peel

Vegetable oil industries are interested in producing healthy, high-quality, and cost-effective edible oils. This necessitates greener sources and effective oil enrichment strategies involving non-toxic and natural antioxidants. Thus, this study developed a novel one-pot vegetable oil natural pigmentation strategy to enable the in-situ cold press extraction and pigmentation of the vegetable oils while enhancing yields. The study co-pressed microwave pretreated pumpkin seeds and peels (PSP),33PSP: Pumpkin seeds and peel producing pumpkin seed oil (PSO)44PSO: Pumpkin seed oil which facilitated the co-extraction of lipophilic β-carotene compounds from the peels in a structured bed. The processing conditions were optimised for yields through Box-Behnken Design experiments, which varied seed-to-peel ratio (50 – 90 % w/w), microwave power (200 – 600 Watts), irradiation time (180 – 240 sec), and pressure (10 – 20 MPa). Optimal conditions (80 % w/w seeds,55% w/w seed: mass fraction of seeds (% w/w) in the seed-peel mixture (g) 600 Watts, 240 sec, 20 MPa) recovered 73.58 % oil and 5.48 ± 0.33 mg β-carotene /100 g biomass. PSP oils with natural β-carotene (0.75±0.02 mg β-carotene/100 g oil) pigmentation was more oxidative stable (based on unsaturated fatty acids content) at elevated temperatures (180 °C, 6 h), outperforming unpigmented seed oils (0.47±0.01 mg/100 g oil) despite the reduced yield. Therefore, microwave pretreatment and one-pot co-extraction have the potential to produce high-quality edible oil from vegetable residues with reduced processing steps. Thus, promoting material circularity in food processing. Industrial relevanceThe utilization of a microwave-assisted mechanical processing scheme comprising a mixture of pumpkin seeds and peel provides a potential multi-product pathway for obtaining maximum value from pumpkin residues. This approach offers notable industrial benefits and applications:I.Microwave heating shows promising potential in enhancing the extractability of pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene compounds from the peel. Thus, rendering it a viable pre-treatment method for vegetable oil production and in-situ recovery of natural antioxidants.II.The layered structured-bed presents a co-extraction technique (for pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene) with fewer extraction steps compared to the multi-step, energy-intensive conventional oil enrichment processes.

A hybrid approach: Box–Behnken design and COPRAS on the investigation of biocompatible polylactic acid via material extrusion

This study investigates the performance of biocompatible polylactic acid (PLA) processed through material extrusion/fused filament fabrication (FFF). In this study, the significant FFF input parameters, such as layer deposition, infill angle (degree), and infill percentage (%), were designated to process the PLA based on the screening design experiments. Following Box–Behnken design (BBD), the different input conditions were analyzed to evaluate the performance by assessing the characteristics such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and relative density (RD). Printing speed (30 mm/s), nozzle temperature (200°C), and bed temperature (70°C) are considered as fixed input parameters. The novel combination of BBD approach with the Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) technique was employed to obtain the appropriate input conditions. It was beneficial to attain the individual parameter's contribution to the PLA characteristics through analysis of variance and best alternative condition through degree of utility. The combined approach was validated with a composite desirability index “D.” Finally, the hybrid approach yielded better results, such as a maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 37.43 MPa, relative density (RD) 99.12%, and microhardness 52 HRB under the layer deposition: 0.12 mm, infill angle: 0°, and infill percentage: 100% in the printed biocompatible PLA.

Multi-Objective Optimization of MEMS-based Box Pattern Microheaters Using Response Surface Method

We present a response surface method to evaluate multi-objective optimization for MEMS-based microheater design. Box pattern, the standard microheater shape, was selected in this study since it has a uniform temperature distribution compared to other patterns. The optimum parameters are used to obtain the maximum total current density and Joule heat. Based on a hybrid of the Response Surface Method and Central Composited Design, the model simulation emerged with 25 sets of Design Experiments. As expected, the voltage is proportional to the increased output temperature and Joule heat of the microheater. Material thermal conductivity, anchor length and thickness of the heating element are included as design variables for the optimization. The microheater thicknesses of 4.23 - 4.55 µm, length of 40 µm and thermal conductivity of materials of approximately between 52 to 66 Wm-1K-1 became the optimized results at 1 V input voltage to obtain a maximum Joule heat of 4.9x105 W/mm3 and total current density of 5.6x107 mA/mm2.