Mixed Strategy Research Articles

Impact of Design and Mixing Strategies on Biogas Production in Anaerobic Digesters

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. Various reactor designs and mixing strategies are well-established in AD processes, each with their own advantages and benefits. The presented study summarizes and investigates the state of the art of AD in domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in an Austrian alpine region, with a primary focus on finding similarities among the most efficient plants regarding digester design, mixing approaches, and biogas production. By combining surveys and detailed field studies in cooperation with 34 WWTPs, the study provides a comprehensive overview of common AD practices, reactor shapes, and inherent mixing methods, highlighting their potential regarding energetic efficiency and biogas production. The results of the survey reveal qualitative trends in efficient AD design alongside detailed quantitative data derived from the supervised in-field optimization studies. Notably, one of the studies demonstrated energetic savings of 52% with no decrease in biogas production, achieved by transitioning from gas injection to mechanical agitation. Redundant impeller-based overmixing was also practically investigated and demonstrated in another field study. After optimization, the adaptations also resulted in energy savings of 30%, still proving sufficient substrate mixing with biomethane potential analysis. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the economic and environmental importance of energy-refined practices and optimized processes while highlighting the sustainability of AD, particularly for large domestic WWTPs but also for different comparable applications.

Integral techno-economic design & operational optimization for district heating networks with a Mixed Integer Linear Programming strategy

The Netherlands, with over 90% of homes heated by natural gas is currently in the early phases of the heat transition to find alternative solutions towards 2050. According to ambitions of the Dutch government up to 50% of future implemented heating systems in the built environment will use District Heat Networks. The investment-heavy nature for District Heating System (DHS) makes it challenging to establish viable business-cases as supply-side parties require security of demand. However, resident participation is lacking as there is no integral estimate for the cost of heat over the lifetime in the early planning phase. This paper proposes a network integral techno-economic optimization with minimal a-priori assumptions. An integral network cost optimization enables to achieve a considerably more reliable cost of heat in the early planning phase. Both the investments and operational strategy are optimized with a Mixed Integer Linear Programming approach that captures the physics as well as the financial choices. Linearization of the physics are chosen to have a conservative impact on the costs estimates. The end scenario network is designed where the placement and size of sources, storage components and pipes are optimized together with the operational strategy, e.g. thermal allocation time-series, for all assets. The workflow was applied to a greenfield network for the Dutch municipality of Rijswijk. It was shown that a 18% reduction in Total Cost of Ownership in the primary grid could be achieved by introducing decentralized sources, decentralized storages and seasonal storage.

Study on the effect of natural fractures and temperature on the wormhole morphology formed by two-phase acidizing in carbonate rocks

The simulation of a two-phase acidizing process coupled with thermal–chemical–fracturing is a complex task, given the presence of natural fractures in carbonate rocks and the influence of temperature on the acid–rock reaction. In this work, we introduce a mixed computational strategy combining the operator splitting and the Newton iteration built upon the embedded discrete fracture model. This innovative strategy is designed to tackle nonlinear problems arising from the coupling of multiphysics fields. The porosity improved region within rock is divided into three parts: the high (H), medium (M), and low (L) efficiency regions, aimed at clearly assessing the impact of various physical fields on acidizing efficiency. The results show that the wormhole morphology is determined by the H and M regions, and the L region determines the acidizing efficiency. The oil in the rock can have a “sealing effect” on the acid, improving the acidizing efficiency. For the large fracture aperture, the wormhole morphology is predominantly influenced by fractures, with the influence diminishing as the aperture decreases. At small apertures, fractures exhibit minimal impact on the morphology. While increasing injection temperature may not significantly alter the wormhole morphology, it can enhance acidizing efficiency. The morphology of wormholes is highly sensitive to multiphase interactions, fractures, and temperature variations. The proposed hybrid computational strategy effectively addresses multiphysics field challenges in two-phase acidizing.

Marketing mix strategy to increase B2C volume at XXX (Logistic Company)

Purpose: This study develops and analyzes marketing mix strategies to enhance the B2C (business-to-consumer) segment of XXX, a leading logistics and delivery service provider in Indonesia. This study focuses on identifying the challenges in increasing daily shipment volumes and evaluating the effectiveness of current marketing strategies. Research Methodology: This study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, observations, and documentation. Data were collected from 214 respondents using structured questionnaires distributed through Google Forms. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software was utilized to analyze the relationships between the 7Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Physical Evidence, and Process) and consumer attitudes and purchase intentions Results: The findings indicate that product quality, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and customer service significantly affect consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Efficient processes also play a crucial role in shaping consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions. The study reveals that, while promotional activities and physical evidence have a lesser impact, elements such as products, prices, people, and processes are essential in driving positive consumer attitudes and purchasing decisions. Limitations: This study is limited to XXX operations in Indonesia and focuses solely on the impact of marketing mix elements on consumer attitudes, intentions, and purchase decisions. Future research could explore other logistics companies and encompass a broader geographical focus. Contribution: This study provides practical recommendations for XXX to enhance its market share in the B2C segment.

Marketing strategy to increase sales volume using the AHP method in business XY Tebing Tinggi City

Business xy is one of the culinary industries typical of the city of Tebing Tinggi which operates in the bakery sector which is located in Rambutan District, Tebing Tinggi City, North Sumatra. Xy's business experienced a decline in sales due to increasingly fierce competition selling similar products and a decline in sales due to failure to implement appropriate marketing strategies. By considering these problems, to increase product sales volume, it is necessary to create a marketing mix strategy that uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. This method will evaluate how consumers view the marketing mix features of peanut bread products. Apart from that, several alternative strategies will be given as references to be implemented in company xy, Tebing Tinggi City. The result of determining the marketing mix priority weights that must be applied to market products is that the strategy to increase market share (41%) focuses on the promotional mix. Alternative strategies that can be implemented include maintaining product quality as the main priority in the product mix (42%), setting prices with quality as the main priority in the product mix (31%), strategic sales locations (44%) as the main priority in the place mix, and increasing market share (44%) as the main priority of the venue mix, and increasing promotional activities on social media (35%) of the promotional mix

Strategi Pemasaran dalam Meningkatkan Penjualan Cassava Snacks

This study aims to find out the marketing mix strategy of the Cassava Snack cassava chips business using social media, namely by using Facebook, Whatsapp and marketing directly to consumers. The 4P marketing mix in this study is products, prices, promotions, and places. The methods used in this study are qualitative methods and descriptive approaches. To obtain data in this study, researchers conducted observations, direct interviews, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study show that the marketing mix strategy using the 4P method can increase product sales if applied properly, besides that marketing using social media can also help increase product sales, besides that product quality can also affect the marketing mix, because consumers will certainly see the product first from the quality, therefore quality plays a very important role in the marketing mix of a product especially in Cassava Snack products

Strategi Pemasaran dalam Meningkatkan Penjualan Ayam Geprek Aroma

This study aims to find out the marketing mix strategy in the Ayam Geprek Aroma culinary business in conducting marketing that utilizes social media such as Facebook and Whatsapp which can affect consumers' buying interest in Ayam Geprek Aroma food. The marketing strategy used is products, prices, promotions, and places in marketing so that it can increase the sales turnover of Ayam Geprek Aroma. This study uses a type of qualitative research with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation, direct interviews, and documentation. The results of this study also show that marketing strategies carried out through social media such as Facebook and Whatsapp as a marketing medium are quite effective, because many consumers use Facebook and Whatsapp more often to order Ayam Geprek Aroma products. As for the marketing mix of Ayam Geprek Aroma products, the quality has been guaranteed and product development can meet the wishes of consumers, as well as product prices that are affordable for all groups because they are relatively cheap. Promotions carried out through social media Facebook, Whatsapp and offline have a very good impact on Ayam Geprek Aroma products. The marketing mix strategy that most affects consumer buying interest is the price where Ayam Geprek Aroma is sold at a low price, but the taste is no less competitive with other products

The Influence of a Commercial Few-Layer Graphene on Electrical Conductivity, Mechanical Reinforcement and Photodegradation Resistance of Polyolefin Blends

This work demonstrates the potentials of a commercially available few-layer graphene (FLG) in enhancing the electro-dissipative properties, mechanical strength, and UV protection of polyolefin blend composites; interesting features of electronic packaging materials. Polyethylene (PE)/ polypropylene (PP)/ FLG blend composites were prepared following two steps. Firstly, different concentrations of FLG were mixed with either the PE or PP phases. Subsequently, in the second step, this pre-mixture was melt-blended with the other phase of the blend. FLG-filled composites were characterized in terms of electrical conductivity, morphological evolution upon shear-induced deformation, mechanical properties, and UV stability of polyolefin blend composites. Premixing of FLG with the PP phase has been observed to be a better mixing strategy to attain higher electrical conductivity in PE/PP/FLG blend composite. This observation is attributed to the influential effect of FLG migration from a thermodynamically less favourable PP phase to a favourable PE phase via the PE/PP interface. Interestingly, the addition of 4 wt.% (~2 vol.%) and 5 wt.% (~2.5 vol.%) of FLG increased an electrical conductivity of ~10 orders of magnitude in PE/PP—60/40 (1.87 × 10−5 S/cm) and PE/PP—20/80 (1.25 × 10−5 S/cm) blends, respectively. Furthermore, shear-induced deformation did not alter the electrical conductivity of the FLG-filled composite, indicating that the conductive FLG network within the composite is resilient to such deformation. In addition, 1 wt.% FLG was observed to be sufficient to retain the original mechanical properties in UV-exposed polyolefin composites. FLG exhibited pronounced UV stabilizing effects, particularly in PE-rich blends, mitigating surface cracking and preserving ductility.

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production by a Mixed Ligand-Functionalized Uranyl-Organic Framework.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production driven by solar energy has received enormous attention due to its high efficiency, low cost, and environmental friendliness characteristics. Searching for new photocatalytic materials for H2O2 production is one of the most important targets. In this work, a new three-dimensional (3D) uranyl-organic framework material was constructed with mixed ligands via a solvothermal reaction and used for photocatalytic H2O2 production. The mixed ligand strategy not only benefits the construction of a 3D uranyl-organic framework but also introduces strong photon absorption groups into the framework. The thiophene and pyridine rings in the framework enhance photon absorption and carrier transfer. In addition, with the assistance of the hydrogen abstraction reaction of uranyl centers, the H2O2 production rate reaches 345 μmol h-1 g-1. This study provides a new blueprint for exploring the artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 through uranium-based metal-organic frameworks.

The impact of simultaneous inoculation with Torulaspora delbrueckii and Hanseniaspora uvarum combined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on chemical and sensory quality of Sauvignon blanc wines.

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts have great potential in improving wine quality, showing personality characteristics, and highlighting the terroir of wine. In this study, we evaluated the impact of simultaneous inoculation with the non-Saccharomyces yeasts Torulaspora delbrueckii or (and) Hanseniaspora uvarum in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (EC1118 or VL3) on the aromatic compounds and sensory quality of Sauvignon blanc wines. The growth of yeast groups in the alcoholic fermentation process was tracked using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The presence of non-Saccharomyces yeast notably impacted the distribution of S. cerevisiae and was related to the species of yeast. The co-fermentation of H. uvarum and S. cerevisiae improved the content of total esters, especially acetate esters. Simultaneous inoculation of T. delbrueckii or (and) H. uvarum significantly increased the content of total terpenes, especially linalool. Similar results were found for some higher alcohols and organic acids. Sensory evaluation showed that the wines mixed fermentation with H. uvarum had significantly tropical fruit aroma characteristics. Citrus and mineral notes, typical aroma characteristics of Sauvignon blanc wine, were enhanced by mixed fermentation strategies with T. delbrueckii or (and) H. uvarum and different S. cerevisiae. Hence, co-fermentation by T. delbrueckii or H. uvarum combined with S. cerevisiae could significantly improve the sensory quality of Sauvignon blanc wine.

Ecotourism Marketing Mix Strategy in Malagufuk Village, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province

This study aimed to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of internal factors in the marketing mix (7P), the opportunities and threats of external factors in PESTLE, and to formulate an ecotourism marketing mix strategy and the implementation of the resulting strategy program. This research used a descriptive qualitative approach. Data in this study were collected through interviews, observations, documentation, and questionnaires. The informants in this study were the government and the community, while the respondents filling out the 7P questionnaire were tourists, totaling 70 people, and the respondents filling out the PESTLE questionnaire were government officials and community managers, totaling 10 people. Data analysis used IFE and EFE analysis, SWOT, and SOSTAC.The results of this study indicated that the aspects of product, people, and physical evidence were strengths in the internal factors, while the aspects of price, promotion, place, and process were weaknesses in the internal factors of the marketing mix. In the external aspect, the opportunities in marketing identified in this study were in the social, economic, and technological aspects, while the threats were in the political, legal, and environmental aspects. Based on the results of IFE, EFE, and SWOT analysis, the resulting strategy was in quadrant I. This indicated that the SO strategy was an alternative strategy that used strengths to take advantage of opportunities in ecotourism marketing in Malagufuk Village.

Analysis of Home Furnishing Marketing Based on Internet of Things in the Intelligent Environment

How to improve marketing efficiency and how to formulate scientific, effective and practical marketing strategies according to changes in the market environment are important issues facing current smart home companies. This paper adopts the analysis methods such as PEST macro model analysis method, Porter's five forces model, SWOT analysis model and STP analysis, taking Suzhou as the research object, conducts an in-depth analysis of the development environment of smart home, and clarifies the suitable smart home market. From the aspects of 6P marketing mix (product, price, channel, promotion, public relations and political rights), it proposes a Suzhou smart home marketing mix strategy based on mid-to-high-end smart home products. The research results of this paper will promote the development of the city's smart home market and have important reference value for other cities to carry out smart home marketing and can also be used as a reference for relevant government departments to formulate policies.

Strategic Fabrication of Au4Cu2 NC/ZIF‐8 Composite Via In Situ Integration Technique for Enhanced Energy Storage Applications

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs), known for their extensive porosity and versatile crystallinity, play a crucial role in the development of advanced energy storage materials. However, their application is limited by stability and conductivity issues. This study addresses these challenges by integrating ultrasmall metal nanoclusters, specifically Au4Cu2 NC, synthesized using a mixed ligand strategy combining 2, 4‐Dimethyl benzene thiol (2,4‐DMBTH) and 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe). The bimetallic Au4Cu2 NC, characterized by Single Crystal X‐Ray Diffraction (SCXRD), is applied to zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) using both in situ and ex situ methods to explore their electrochemical and physicochemical properties in energy storage. The in situ Au4Cu2 NC/ZIF‐8 composite demonstrated a specific capacitance that is almost two times higher than its ex situ counterpart, attributed to homogeneous dispersion and hence enhanced conductivity. This in situ integration of atomically precise bimetallic nanoclusters on MOFs significantly boosts supercapacitor performance, offering a more effective and reliable solution for energy storage. Further, in practical applications, this device demonstrated an energy density of 87.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1474 W kg−1, highlighting its robustness and potential for high‐performance energy storage applications. This approach effectively combats the issue of nanocluster aggregation on substrates, marking a significant progression in supercapacitor technology.

Amino-Functionalized NDI-Based MOFs as Unusual "Turn On" and "Turn Off" Fluorescent Sensors for Phenolic Pollutants with Double Solvent Channel Response and Iodine Adsorbents.

Regulating mixed ligands to change the functional properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been an important topic; especially, the structural changes have significant implications for the transformation of sensing response in different solvent channels. Herein, two [Cd (DPNDI) (NH2-BDC)0.5(NO3)]·2.25DMF (1) and [Cd(DPNDI)(NH2-AIPA)]·0.5DMF (2) (DPNDI = N,N-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide, NH2-BDC = 2-amino terephthalic acid, NH2-AIPA = 5-aminoisophthalic acid) were synthesized by the solvothermal method. Structural analysis shows that complex 1 has a two-dimensional planar network structure and complex 2 exhibits a three-dimensional network structure, endowing its potential as an efficient fluorescence sensor for phenolic compound detection under different solvent environments. Both complexes showed high fluorescence quenching sensitivity to phenolics in a water medium. Conversely, complex 1 showed a fluorescence enhancement response to phenolic pollutants in an ethanol system with significantly low detection limits and recyclability. The detection limits were 0.58 μM for TNP, 1.3 μM for DNP, and 2.43 μM for PCP. In addition, the uncoordinated amino groups in the complexes promote them to exhibit excellent iodine adsorption performance. Especially, complex 2 can serve as an adsorbent for iodine in cyclohexane solution with better adsorption efficiency than that of complex 1, and its adsorption capacity can reach 505 mg/g. The mixed ligands regulation strategy of NDI-based MOFs will open up an effective avenue for the conversion of fluorescence signals in dual-solvent channels and play simultaneously important roles in multiple applications.

When unethical practices harm relationship outcomes: testing the influence of consumer-perceived unethical behaviour on trust and satisfaction in the banking sector

PurposeThe study has two objectives: (1) expand our knowledge of the relationship between unethical behaviour and both trust and satisfaction and (2) demonstrate that unethical behaviour research should be examined multi-dimensionally.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by resorting to a mixed methods approach. First, individual interviews were performed with 31 bank consumers from six main commercial banks in Bukavu city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Interview notes were submitted for content analysis to identify items and components that underpin the unethical practices construct. Second, a quantitative survey was conducted with 410 consumers from the same six banks. An aggregated-disaggregated structural equations modelling approach was used to test the impact of unethical practices on relationship outcomes through two studies. Study 1 tested a model that links unethical behaviour as a one-dimensional construct to trust and satisfaction. Study 2 tested a model that directly connects the four specific unethical behaviour components to both trust and satisfaction.FindingsResults from study 1 reveal that perceived unethical behaviour negatively influences consumer trust. Results also confirm that trust positively influences customer satisfaction. Results from study 2 confirm that unresponsive, disrespect and lying behaviours negatively influence both trust and satisfaction. Banks which are involving in those specific unethical behaviours can neither satisfy their consumers, nor maintain a sustainable and profitable relationship with them. Therefore, unethical behaviours harm the relationships outcomes in the banking sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe perceived unethical behaviour scale derives from a single data set and its reliability and validity need to be improved. Relationships between constructs are tested in a more direct way and ignore moderating variables. Perceived unethical behaviour is connected to relationship outcome variables while its impact on firms’ metrics have been ignored.Practical implicationsBanks have to understand customers’ perception of unethical behaviours and find a way to overcome them. Banks should recruit, motivate and retain employees who demonstrate an ethical inclination in the service encounter and create structures and mechanisms in order to monitor and manage unethical practices.Social implicationsBanks employees' unethical behaviour and practices not only damage the trust and reputation of banks but also can lead to frustration on the part of customers and damage their relationship with the institution. Our paper is a warning of this danger and might improve the social interactions between organisations (in general) and customers.Originality/valueUnethical behaviour is measured with a four-component scale in contrast to previous studies that have used bi-dimensional or one-dimensional scales. The study tests a disaggregated model that links four components of perceived unethical behaviour to relationship outcome variables. Perceived unethical behaviours are analysed from the customers’ perspective by resorting to mixed methods strategy.

Feasibility study on heterotrophic utilization of galactose by Chlorella sorokiniana and promotion of galactose utilization through mixed carbon sources culture

BackgroundThe development of alternative carbon sources is important for reducing the cost of heterotrophic microalgae cultivation. Among cheap feedstocks, galactose is one of the most abundant sugars and can be easily obtained from many natural biomasses. However, it is generally difficult to be utilized by microalgae. In addition, the mechanism of its low utilization efficiency in heterotrophic cultivation is still unknown.ResultsAmong seven tested carbon sources, only glucose and acetate could be efficiently utilized by C. sorokiniana in heterotrophic cultivation while there were no apparent signs of utilization of other carbohydrates, including galactose, in regular heterotrophic cultivation. However, galactose could be utilized in cultures with high inoculation sizes. This confirmed that C. sorokiniana has a complete pathway for transporting and assimilating galactose under dark conditions, but the rate of galactose utilization is quite low. In addition, the galactose utilization was greatly enhanced in mixotrophic cultures, which indicated that galactose utilization could be enhanced by additional pathways that can enhance cell growth. Based on above results, a mixed carbon source culture strategy was proposed to improve the utilization rate of galactose, and a significant synergistic effect on cell growth was achieved in cultures using a mixture of galactose and acetate.ConclusionsThis study indicated that the galactose metabolism pathway may not be inherently deficient in Chlorophyta. However, its utilization rate was too low to be detected in regular heterotrophic cultivation. Mixed carbon source culture strategy was confirmed effective to improve the utilization rate of galactose. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the utilization ability of difficultly utilized substrates in the heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae, which is of great significance for reducing the cost of heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae.

Pengaruh Strategi Marketing Mix 7P terhadap Tingkat Penjualan di Mini Kopi Green Ville

Business people today face great pressure to increase creativity in product marketing strategies to remain competitive in a dynamic market. The company's main goal is to achieve maximum profits, so understanding and implementing marketing strategies is very important. One business that is currently trending is a café. In Jakarta, many entrepreneurs are developing culinary businesses, especially cafes. However, with so many cafes, entrepreneurs face various conflicts such as declining sales and lack of visitor interest. Quantitative research is the method of choice. Utilizing a purposive testing technique and a non-likelihood examining methodology, 100 respondents were chosen for the example. This study utilizes numerous straight relapse examination. The consequences of the t test show that the factors item (X1), advancement (X3), and actual proof (X7) meaningfully affect the degree of deals (Y). This is known. However, deals level (Y) is significantly influenced by the factors value (X2), location (X4), individuals (X5), and process (X6). The consequences of the F test showed that the promoting blend factors (7P) at the same time affected where to go. As needs be, the goal of this study is to conclude the 7P publicizing mix strategy (X1) for More modest than ordinary Kopi, Green Ville's arrangements level (Y). This study's methodology is based on quantitative research techniques. The study's primary objective is to learn more about how Green Ville's Mini Kopi marketing strategy affects sales. The use of contextual analysis strategies is the essential focal point of this quantitative review. Meeting, noticing, and recording are a portion of the techniques utilized in this review to gather information.

Geophysics elucidate long-term socio-ecological dynamics of foraging, pastoralism, and mixed subsistence strategies on SW Madagascar

The environmental impacts of human societies are generally assumed to correlate with factors such as population size, whether they are industrialized, and the intensity of their landscape modifications (e.g., agriculture, urban development). As a result, small-scale communities with subsistence economies are often not the focus of long-term studies of environmental impact. However, comparing human-environment dynamics and their lasting ecological legacies across societies of different scales and forms of organization and production is important for understanding landscape change at regional to global scales. On Madagascar, ecological and cultural diversity, coupled with climatic variability, provide an important case study to examine the role of smaller-scale socioeconomic practices (e.g., fishing, foraging, and herding) on long-term ecological stability. Here, we use multispectral satellite imagery to compare long-term ecological impacts of different human livelihood strategies in SW Madagascar. Our results indicate that the nature of human-environmental dynamics between different socioeconomic communities are similar. Although some activities leave more subtle traces than others, geophysics highlight similar signatures across a landscape inhabited by communities practicing a range of subsistence strategies. Our results further demonstrate how Indigenous land stewardship is integrated into the very fabric of ecological systems in SW Madagascar with implications for conservation and sustainability.

Strengthened solid solution and homogenized eutectic structure of Al-based multi-component alloy via electromagnetic stirring

Macro-segregation and coarse intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are common problems in lightweight multi-component alloys (MCAs), in this work, electromagnetic stirring treatment (EST) and mixed eutectic strategy were proposed to tune the solidified microstructure of Al-based MCA. For the studied MCA, the positive and negative segregation of solute elements (except for Si) were found both lower than 5 % in the ingot, and the macro-segregation was reduced by approximately 50 % after the EST utilized. Also, the dispersion of the fine eutectic β-Mg2Si phase was significantly promoted by applying EST, specifically, its size at the edge of the ingot was ranged in 2–4 μm. Consequently, the alloy prepared by EST present superior strength-plasticity synergy at room temperature (RT), with the ultimate compressive strength reaching 724 MPa at the edge of the ingot and the strain reaching 15.1 % at the center of the ingot. Moreover, EST was determined enhance the content of solid-solutioned Al atoms in the eutectic β-phase, thus varied its crystal structure and reduced its hardness and Young's modulus, and futher enhanced the deformation coordination between the IMCs and the matrix, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the alloy. This study elaborated the underlying mechanism of microstructural homogeneity regulation, the obtained results could offer guidance for fabricating large-sized Al-based MCAs with excellent mechanical properties.

Analysis of Marketing Mix Strategy in Increasing Sales Volume at Bu Nurhayati's Rengginang Outlet in Pahang Village, Batu Bara Regency

This research was conducted on the Rengginang Bu Nurhayati outlet business with the aim of analyzing the marketing mix strategy in increasing sales volume in the business activities carried out. The type of research used is qualitative descriptive, the type of data used is secondary data. Data collection techniques were used, namely literature studies, interviews, observations and documentation. The data analysis technique uses qualitative descriptive. The results of the research obtained show that the marketing mix strategy at the Rengginang Bu Nurhayati business outlet is still not fully running optimally. This can be seen from the policy carried out by Bu Nurhayati who does not promote using trendy social media, so that rengginang products cannot be known and accessed by people outside the rural areas of Pahang, Batu Bara Regency and are only known by the surrounding community and people who pass through the area. In addition, business owners do not carry out distribution channels to other parties so that there is no cooperation in the distribution of Bu Nurhayati rengginang products so that consumers who want to sell the product must come directly to the business location. The suggestion that can be conveyed is that in the future, Bu Nurhayati should be able to use one of the online promotional media such as Facebook or IG to introduce his product to people outside the region so that the product can be interested and purchased by the community according to their needs. The existence of online promotional media , consumers or people from outside the region can access information about the types and variants of products sold so that it can be an alternative for people to buy these products as souvenirs to replace other goods that have added value and can be consumed for family and relatives.