Factorial Methodology Research Articles

Validation of Crombach's Alpha, measures of central tendency and dispersion of an original instrument on the choice of university major in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico (2022)

With the double purpose of evaluating the reliability of the original instrument and the frequency distribution that emanates from the opinions expressed by the university students of Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, in the year 2022, about their opinion on the outstanding attributes in the choice of career. university. Crombch's alpha analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion are carried out. By surveying 445 students of higher level in the mineral, on six theoretical dimensions related to the failure of titration, the positive statistical validation of the original instrument was obtained from the exercise, with a general grade of .968 Crombach's alpha, applied in a subject and population unprecedented, as well as the swings in the frequency distributions of the students' opinions. From there, the results of future tangential studies can be legitimized; adequately discriminate and strengthen the internal consistency of the measurement instrument; adopt the most convenient descriptive, comparative, correlational and factorial methodologies at the following statistical levels, thereby generating new questions and greater context to the vocational issue in the region.

Reducing Energy Consumption Using DOE and SPC on Cork Agglomeration Line

The industrial landscape has revealed two trends: increased competitiveness and a greater demand for sustainable solutions. Materials with cork in their composition are an appealing solution, since they guarantee the desired mechanical characteristics while contributing to the prevention of environmental degradation. Given the change in external factors, there has been a substantial rise in energy costs. Thus, it is essential to optimize processes, with the aim of reducing the consumption of resources, such as electricity. This project was developed at a company that manufactures cork blocks, sheets, and rolls. Regarding blocks, a critical operation of this line is the high-frequency heating, being the bottleneck of this work center. With the critical variables previously identified, planned experiments were conducted based on DOE’s full factorial methodology. Two out of four products revealed inputs with statistical significance. With these results, a reduction in parameters was implemented in the factors and interactions that showed no statistical significance. Finally, average and amplitude control charts, based on the SPC methodology, were applied to solidify and guarantee the quality of the agglomerated blocks, with the parameter changes already introduced. The company benefited from this study by having a significant reduction in its energy consumption.

Effective synthesis and application of artichoke and orange peels-based bio-sorbents for Ketoprofen removal from wastewater: Process optimization using Factorial methodology

Effective synthesis and application of artichoke and orange peels-based bio-sorbents for Ketoprofen removal from wastewater: Process optimization using Factorial methodology

Application of Factorial Design for the Optimization of Pleurotus Afin Ostreatus Production Using Grass As Substrate

The organic residue from gardens, which is generally not used efficiently, has been the central focus of this research work. That is why the present work used the factorial methodology in the optimization of the production of Pleurotus afín ostreatus using an organic residue, with the primary objective of using this organic residue as a substrate, adjusting it through the balance of the C/N ratio, for the specific cultivation of Pleurotus. This is one of the edible mushroom species worldwide, known for its mycelial biomass and bioactive components. The methodology comprised several stages, including propagation of the fungus, generation of seeds using barley grains, inoculation with 5% inoculum in polypropylene bags containing four different types of substrates, with five replicates for each variant. The resulting production was measured, and the nutritional analysis of the fruiting bodies obtained from the substrate with the highest productivity was carried out. The results obtained in the parameters of responses in the production of Pleurotus afin ostreatus on an organic residue by the ANOVA method were (p<0.05) and the F-values for the models of factor A (type of substrate), factor B (type of crop) and factor AB (type of substrate and crop) were 6.78, 2.99 and 6.10, respectively. The nutritional composition of the fruiting bodies obtained from this substrate was determined. These fruiting bodies exhibited a considerable water content, which reached 75.44%. On the other hand, a low concentration of carbohydrates was observed, with a value of 15.86%, and a minimal amount of fats, barely 0.13%. It is important to note that there was a particularly notable protein content, which reached 8.09% in relation to the wet weight. Finally, it is concluded that the production values obtained in this research work indicate that the best substrate for the growth of the fungus Pleurotus afín ostreatus is the organic residue S3, whose biological efficiency is among the highest values recorded (37.849%) in the cultivation of this fungus. In addition, in the optimization by means of the factorial design, it was observed that in order to have a greater productive capacity of Pleurotus afín ostreatus, it is necessary to work with a ratio of 40.13C/N and with a type of sampling per day with a mass amount of 77g.

Preparation and characterisation of self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for enhancing oral bioavailability of metformin hydrochloride using hydrophobic ion pairing complexation

Aim The aim of this study was preparation of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEEDS) containing metformin hydrochloride. Methods Hydrophobic ion paired complexes were prepared by electrostatic interaction between metformin and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The nanodroplets were optimised using two-level full factorial methodology and their morphology were examined. In vitro release of metformin from SEDDS was evaluated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Finally, the ex-vivo efficacy of the optimised formulation in enhancing the intestinal permeability of metformin was evaluated using non-everted intestinal sac. Results The data revealed that in weight ratio 1:4(metformin: SLS), the highest recovery was achieved. The physico-chemical properties of the optimised nano-droplets including size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential, and loading efficiency (%) were 192.33 ± 9.9 nm, 0.275 ± 0.051; −1.52 mV, and 93.75 ± 0.77% (w/w), respectively. Conclusions The data obtained from the intestinal transport study demonstrated that SEDDS can significantly enhance the oral permeability of the compound.

Nitroarene hydrogenation catalysts based on Pd nanoparticles glued with PDA on inorganic supports: Multivariate Curve Resolution as an useful tool to compare the catalytic activity in multi-step reactions

Abstract Two green catalysts based on Pd(0) nanoparticles (Pd NPs) anchored through PDA on porous silica and magnetite have been synthesized using a generalized simple and reproducible “two-step” methodology. Both catalysts were tested for a model reaction, the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol using NaBH4 as the hydrogenating agent, and especially good activity has been achieved in the case of the catalysts containing magnetite as inorganic core (Pd NPs-PDA@Fe3O4). We analyzed the effect associated with the catalyst separation method (centrifugation or magnetically) that affect to the distribution and aggregation degree of the Pd NPs. In addition, we also correlate the final catalyst morphology with the activity and its relationship with the nature of the inorganic supports: porous (UVM-7 type silica) or massive, although on a nanoscale, typical of the Fe3O4 particles used. We have also studied the activity of the catalysts in the hydrogenation of nitroarenes, that follows the Haber multistep mechanism through various intermediates. In order to understand not only the process as a whole, but also the importance of each step and the intermediates involved, we have applied the multivariate curve resolution (MCR) factorial methodology. This approach, that normally is not used in the catalysis works, makes it possible to quantitatively determine the rate limiting step, and allow to extract complete information from a multistep catalytic process.

It's Complicated: Incident- and Observer-Level Predictors of Blame and Justification for Reciprocated Psychological and Minor Physical Violence

We examined whether incident- and observer-level factors found previously to influence blame assignment and foster justification for severe unidirectional partner aggression would replicate in the context of reciprocated psychological and minor physical dating violence. We employed a factorial vignette methodology, simultaneously varying the form of the violence (i.e., psychological or minor physical), gender of the initiator and retaliator, alcohol use, history of aggression, and commitment status. Observer-level variables included participant gender, history of dating violence perpetration and victimization, and social desirability. Using a sample of 321 undergraduates, we found that initiating violence with physical versus psychological tactics was judged comparably in terms of blame, but responding with symmetrical physical violence was viewed more negatively than the reciprocation of psychological aggression. Men's aggression was more negatively evaluated only in situations involving physical force, except in cases where the woman's capacity to inflict physical harm was comparable. Other characteristics of the incident (e.g., alcohol use) and observer (e.g., gender) were also relevant, but their effects were tethered to the particulars of the violent exchange or the type of attribution being solicited. Asymmetrical violence (e.g., physical response to psychological initiation) appeared to elicit the most attributional activity with respect to the predictors. Exploratory analyses also revealed that participants with intimate partner violence (IPV) histories responded differently to vignettes wherein the violence initiator had aggressed previously. The overall pattern of results highlights that attributions about dating violence are complexly determined and contextualized, and that the form and relative symmetry of the violence may shape how incident- and observer-level variables impact evaluations of blame and justification.

Improvement in Gender and Transgender Knowledge in University Students Through the Creative Factory Methodology.

In Spain, Social Educators, similar to both social workers and educators in the United States, help coordinate social change through educational interventions and mobilization of social groups to benefit marginalized people and overall societal welfare. They are trained to work with diverse populations, and it is important that they have awareness and training on gender and transgender issues given the extensive discrimination that transgender people endue. Research has begun to identify the important role that knowledge and attitudes of health and educational professionals may play in providing a supportive, healing context to combat the harmful effects of this discrimination and how educational trainings may foster improved knowledge and attitudes in helping professions. This study describes a program to improve knowledge and positive attitudes toward gender and especially transgender people in university students who study Social Education. The researchers measured knowledge and attitudes toward gender and transgender people issues of 64 students before and after receiving a 4-month interactive training. They used the Short Form of the Genderism and Transphobia Scale, a 12-item scale of transphobia and gender ideology variables. The researchers also asked participants about their knowledge of gender and transgender issues before and after training. The methodological experience “Creative Factory” was employed as an interactive training program. The main goal of this methodology is to enable students in a formative context to analyze social realities to generate discussion and innovate ideas to design successful practices. After 4 months of training with a weekly session on gender and transgender learning, students showed improvements in knowledge and attitudes toward both gender and transgender people. Specifically, students demonstrated more knowledge about gender and transgender issues and more positive attitudes toward transgender people. The study demonstrates that training in gender education using the Creative Factory methodology improved knowledge and attitudes in students.

Analysis of machining performance of AISI 420 stainless steel using conventional and ultrasonic assisted turning

Abstract Conventional Turning (CT) is being used traditionally for machining various materials, but CT lacks productivity, as it results in rapid tool wear and poor surface finish. To overcome these problems, recently, Ultrasonic Assisted Turning (UAT) process has emerged as a potential solution. Recent studies done on the UAT process have shown noticeable enhancement in tool life, chip morphology, and surface finish. These outcomes have attracted the research community towards further development of the UAT process. This study presents a comparison between the UAT and the CT processes for the turning of the AISI 420 stainless steel. In this context, the full factorial methodology is used for designing the experiment. Factors chosen for the experiment are feed and spindle rotation speed having three levels of each. The three responses selected for this study are namely surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz and, Rt), power consumption, and chip morphology. An approximated reduction of 43% in the surface roughness value Ra and a marginal reduction of 3.13% in power consumption is observed for the UAT process. Discontinuous and segmented chip formation is observed for the UAT process, while the continuous chip is observed for the CT process.

Estimating capital investment and facility footprint in cell therapy facilities

Estimations of the facility footprint and fixed capital investment (FCI) of cell therapy (CT) facilities need to consider the unique features of the single-use technologies (SUTs) selected for CT manufacture (e.g. cleanroom containment requirement, capacity, automation) and the product nature that impacts scale-out versus scale-up approaches. A novel detailed factorial methodology is proposed for estimating FCI and footprint for bespoke stick-built cell therapy facilities that accounts for technology-specific factors for key cell culture technologies as well as the implications of SUTs, open versus closed operations and the commercialisation scenario selected. This was used to derive benchmark values for short-cut cost and area factors for typical cell therapy facilities according to the technologies selected. The results provide project-specific ratios for equipment purchase costs to facility footprint (area factor) and for FCI to total equipment purchase costs (cost factor or “Lang” factor). Area factors ($/m2) were 675-6,815 and the cost factors were 2.3–8.5 for a greenfield project in a medium-developed country. The case study shows that for the same output, facility footprints and FCI values are on average 6 times higher for autologous processes than allogeneic processes. This is attributed to economies of scale achieved with scale-up for allogeneic cell therapy manufacture. This study can be used to predict the commercial FCI and facility footprint during early stages of process development.

Experimental and statistical study on kerf taper angle during CO2 laser cutting of thermoplastic material

CO2 laser machining is an advanced material processing technology, gaining more popularity due to its low cost and rapidity as well as good cutting quality depending on the material and its properties. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is found to be one of the most suitable thermoplastics for CO2 laser machining due to its higher melting point and higher absorptivity at the CO2 laser wavelength. The kerf taper angle is one of the most important quality characteristics because it is one of the measures for the geometrical accuracy of the machined cavities. The present work deals with the CO2 laser (0–25 W) cutting of 8 mm thick PMMA material. The influence of process parameters like power, speed, and a number of passes of the laser probe is examined on the kerf taper angle. The regression analysis has been done to develop a model that studies the effect of process parameters on the kerf taper angle which is one of the important cutting quality characteristics. Experiments were carried out using the full factorial methodology, and the cylindrical blind cavities were machined for different combinations of parameters. It is found that power, speed, and a number of passes have a significant effect on the kerf taper angle. Higher laser power, lower speed, and higher number of passes of laser probe result in low kerf taper. The statistical model developed can be used for the selection of process parameters for process control.

Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ Ions Using Aminosepiolite-Coated Glassy Carbon Electrode: Optimization of Detection Parameters via Response Surface Methodology

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry using a glassy carbon electrode modified by a film of aminosepiolite was utilized for simultaneous pre-concentration and trace detection of cadmium, lead, and mercury ions in aqueous solution. The modified sepiolite exploited as electrode material was obtained by grafting on its surface of [(3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl)]trimethoxysilane (AEPTMS). The results demonstrated that the amine groups on sepiolite efficiently affected the voltammetric detection of heavy metals. The full factorial design matrix and response surface methodology were applied in designing experiments, to determine the optimal conditions and to evaluate their mutual interactions. The high values of adjusted R2 obtained of the fitted model show that the experiments data were well explained by the model, which then allowed to acquire optimum parameters for the electroanalysis and detection of the analytes by differential pulse voltammetry. At pH 6.5 of accumulating medium, with an electrolysis potential of –0.9 V and in the concentration range of 10−8 M to 10−9 M, calibration plots were obtained. The limits of detection (3Sd/m) were 8.689 × 10−10 M, 8.197 × 10−10 M, and 8.099 × 10−10 M, respectively, for Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ ions. The interference effect of several cations and anions on the response of the analytes was also evaluated, and finally, the sensor was applied to the simultaneous detection of metal ions in tap water with satisfactory recovery rates.

Optimization of β-carotene solubility in pressurized hot water using a dynamic method and factorial methodology

In this experimental investigation, the solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water was measured at temperatures in the range of (70-130) °C and the pressure of 20 bar by using a dynamic method. The influence of different variables, including temperature and flow rate in the range of (0.15-0.64) ml/min, on the solubility of β-carotene was investigated. Furthermore, the optimization of these parameters was done through the experimental design by using factorial methodology. The results of the experiments showed that the temperature was the main parameter affecting the solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water. The best conditions for solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water were the temperature of 85 °C and a flow rate of 0.64 ml/min. β-carotene’s solubility data in pressurized hot water were correlated with the dielectric constant values of the solvent mixture.

Optimization of process parameters for banana ripening using ethylene gas

The study on organic ripening of banana (Musa sp. var ‘Robusta’) fruit was carried out to optimize the best suitable combination of ethylene concentration, temperature and relative humidity. Process parameters were optimized using the design-expert version 8.0.6 software (Stat-Ease Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and applying factorial methodology to the experimental data. Quality parameter of well ripen banana were taken as standard for comparing the experimental results. The temperature, relative humidity, ethylene gas concentration and duration of ripening were observed to have profound influence on ripening characteristics of banana fruit. Among all, the combination of 40°C temperature, 80% relative humidity and 90 ppm ethylene concentration was found optimum for producing ripening effect after 72 hours with quality parameters i.e. total soluble solid (17.68%), pH(4.79), L*(60.26) a* (12.35) and b* (37.73) which were very close to values of standard sample. The study concluded that ripening of banana can be performed with the help of ethylene gas in closed chamber within three days.

Factorial Design Analysis for Localization Algorithms

Localization is a fundamental problem in Wireless Sensor Networks, as it provides useful information regarding the detection of an event. There are different localization algorithms applied in single-hop or multi-hop networks; in both cases their performance depends on several factors involved in the evaluation scenario such as node density, the number of reference nodes and the log-normal shadowing propagation model, determined by the path-loss exponent (η) and the noise level (σdB) which impact on the accuracy and precision performance metrics of localization techniques. In this paper, we present a statistical analysis based on the 2k factorial methodology to determine the key factors affecting the performance metrics of localization techniques in a single-hop network to concentrate on such parameters, thus reducing the amount of simulation time required. For this proposal, MATLAB simulations are carried out in different scenarios, i.e., extreme values are used for each of the factors of interest and the impact of the interaction among them in the performance metrics is observed. The simulation results show that the path-loss exponent (η) and noise level (σdB) factors have the greatest impact on the accuracy and precision metrics evaluated in this study. Based on this statistical analysis, we recommend estimating the propagation model as close to reality as possible to consider it in the design of new localization techniques and thus improve their accuracy and precision metrics.

Institutional mapping of open educational practices beyond use of Open Educational Resources

ABSTRACTMany initiatives exist to increase the adoption of open educational practices (OEP) within universities, but few initiatives start by exploring the capacity of educators to adopt open approaches. This paper addresses this challenge, suggesting that in order to build OEP capacity, universities should build on the existing skills of local champions who are familiar with open approaches. The paper builds on the Open Educators’ Factory methodology to map the capacities of university teachers across four areas: open design, open content, open teaching and open assessment and presents the results of its application to a case study within an Italian university. The pilot demonstrates that by using this approach, it is possible to map universities’ existing OEP and connect them with the capability of local educators. This enables university managers to build on the expertise of open education practitioners to raise the overall capacity of their staff to adopt open approaches.

Rhizomucor miehei Lipase Immobilized on Macroporous Resin and its Application in Biodiesel Synthesis

In order to achieve the industrialization of lipase-catalyzed biodiesel production, economic and effective carriers for immobilized lipase need to be exploited. In this study, Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) was immobilized on different kinds of macroporous resins and NKA was found to be the best carrier. The immobilized RML was then employed to catalyze biodiesel production from soybean oil. 8 different organic solvents were used as media in the trans-esterification reactions. Isooctane was proved to be the optimal one. Subsequently, immobilization conditions and reaction conditions were further optimized through single factorial experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). Results were as follows: the recovery activity of the immobilized RML was up to 1531.7%; the corresponding specific activity could reach 73761.99 U/g protein, almost 15 fold than that of the free RML; the biodiesel yield attained 99.2% under the optimal conditions in isooctane system; the immobilized lipase can yield 64% product after being run for 4 cycles, much better than the commercial immobilized lipase, Lipozyme RM IM (remains only 31%). In conclusion, NKA is a promising carrier for the immobilization of RML and exhibits a good performance in biodiesel production compared with Lipozyme RM IM.

Determining vehicles’ radio transmission range for increasing cognitive radio VANET (CR-VANET) reliability using a trust management system

As a part of an intelligent transportation system, a Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network (VANET) requires reliability by way of an essential need. Timely and accurately delivering safety messages in VANET is one of the reliability issues affected by different factors such as the lack of frequency spectrum as well as nodes’ inabilities or misbehaviors. To overcome spectrum shortage, Cognitive Radio (CR) has been proposed while employing a trust mechanism can lessen any damage caused to reliability by incapable or misbehaver nodes. An effective trust management system can analyze ‘agree’ and ‘disagree’ messages and decide about an event to increase reliability. However, message transmission based on trust assessment imposes an extra decision delay causing a reliability cutback, especially in delay-sensitive safety messages. In this research, an effective trust management system for CR-VANET is proposed and analyzed based on a Birth and Death Process (BDP) model to evaluate the average delay imposed by the decision-making process. The probability of event occurrence is also derived in terms of arrival message rate. Moreover, the minimum and maximum permissible range of radio transmission to reach an acceptable degree of reliability, based on the above analysis, is determined. Our statistical analysis in base of 2k factorial methodology shows that determining the radio transmission range has a major impact on decision-making delay. Using the proposed radio transmission range, simulation results also show that reliability can be improved as well as increasing the accuracy of event detection and reducing decision-making and safety message delivery delays.

HPGR effect on the particle size and shape of iron ore pellet feed using response surface methodology

ABSTRACTIn this study the effect of HPGR operational parameters on the dimensional properties of pellet feed was examined and optimized using factorial methodology. The operational parameters considered include feed moisture, specific pressure and roll speed. For this study, size and shape of particles with Blaine number in the range 1800–2200 cm2 g−1 was thoroughly investigated. It was deduced that increasing the specific pressure and decreasing the roll speed would result in reduction of D80 but would increase the Blaine number. The circularity, aspect ratio and roughness descriptors of the particles were measured by SEM micrographs and image analysis software. It was observed that particles tended to be angular, with elongated shape due to the inter-particle and compression breakage mechanism in the HPGR.

The Effects of Cutting Parameters on Surface Texture of Hybrid Composite CFRP/AL2024

The use of hybrid composite materials has increased due to their special mechanical and physical properties. However, machining of these materials is extremely difficult due to non-homogeneous, anisotropic and highly abrasive characteristics. The performance of machined surface quality of CFRP/Al2024 was described using two level factorial methodology. This research aims to study the interaction effects and significant factors of cutting parameters on the surface quality and optimise the cutting parameter for the surface quality of CFRP/Al2024 1μm to 2μm. The trimming process test was performed under dry conditions using burr tools 6mm diameter of end mills. The factors investigated were spindle speed (N), feed rate (fr) and depth of cut (dc), meanwhile profile roughness parameters (Ra) of CFRP and Al2024 were the response variables. Results show that the best estimated value of fr should be 500 mm/min to 530 mm/min, N is between and 2313.870 rpm to 2336.042 rpm. For both responses, N is the most significant effect followed by fr and dc.