Mixing Technique Research Articles

Influence of mixing technique on properties of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 solid electrolyte prepared by the solid-state reaction - A comparison of dry 3D mixing technique with wet ball-milling

Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) NASICON(Na Super Ion Conductive)-type solid electrolyte is prepared using conventional wet ball-milling and dry 3D mixing techniques to investigate the influence of mixing technique on properties of LATP. The mixing techniques influence impurity formation of calcined LATP powder. Thus, sintering behavior of the calcined powders is also affected by the mixing technique, i.e. LiTiPO5 formation is confirmed in the ball-milling samples and Li-ion conductive Li4P2O7 is main impurity in the 3D mixing samples. The influence is not limited to impurity formation. Uniform grains are observed in the 3D mixing pellet, contrarily, non-uniform sintering occurs in the ball-milling sample. As a result, the 3D mixing pellets demonstrate higher Li-ion conductivity than the ball-mill samples. The dry 3D mixing technique, which can omit drying process, is promising for LATP preparation owing to simplification of preparation process and a formation of high Li-ion conductive LATP pellets. Also, this study clearly shows that the mixing techniques affect ionic conductivity of the sintered LATP significantly, emphasizing importance of mixing procedure in the solid-state reaction.

A Microfluidics-Assisted Double-Barreled Nanobioconjugate Synthesis Introducing Aprotinin as a New Moonlight Nanocarrier Protein: Tested toward Physiologically Relevant 3D-Spheroid Models.

Proteins are promising substances for introducing new drug carriers with efficient blood circulation due to low possibilities of clearance by macrophages. However, such natural biopolymers have highly sophisticated molecular structures, preventing them from being assembled into nanoplatforms with manipulable payload release profiles. Here, we report a novel anticancer nanodrug carrier moonlighting protein, Aprotinin, to be used as a newly identified carrier for cytotoxic drugs. The Aprotinin-Doxorubicin (Apr-Dox) nanobioconjugate was prepared via a single-step microfluidics coflow mixing technique, a feasible and simple way to synthesize a carrier-based drug design with a double-barreled approach that can release and actuate two therapeutic agents simultaneously, i.e., Apr-Dox in 1:11 ratio (the antimetastatic carrier drug aprotinin and the chemotherapeutic drug DOX). With a significant stimuli-sensitive (i.e., pH) drug release ability, this nanobioconjugate achieves superior bioperformances, including high cellular uptake, efficient tumor penetration, and accumulation into the acidic tumor microenvironment, besides inhibiting further tumor growth by halting the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) involved in metastasis and tumor progression. Distinctly, in healthy human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells, drastically lower cellular uptake of nanobioconjugates has been observed and validated compared to the anticancer agent Dox. Our findings demonstrate an enhanced cellular internalization of nanobioconjugates toward breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer both in vitro and in physiologically relevant biological 3D-spheroid models. Consequently, the designed nanobioconjugate shows a high potential for targeted drug delivery via a natural and biocompatible moonlighting protein, thus opening a new avenue for proving aprotinin in cancer therapy as both an antimetastatic and a drug-carrying agent.

School architecture, its adaptability and forms of student’s life at school: a case study of the art high school in Cracow

The case study research presented here focuses on the modern building of the State High School of Fine Arts in Cracow. The objective was to examine the adaptability of school architecture in response to new educational challenges. The survey gathered data using a paper questionnaire involving most students (N = 167). Mixed techniques were used to collect data, including participant drawings and free statements. The investigated issues included evaluating the school’s responsiveness to students’ needs, understanding the meaning of places, identifying students’ favourite places, and exploring the emotional relationship and identification with school goals and use of school space. The findings indicate that students value the school’s artistic ambience, desire greater space flexibility for participation and creativity, and a dedicated area for everyday needs.

The Effect of Coaching Organization Citizenship Behavior Model Grow on Employee Performance

The ultimate aims of research are to determine the effectiveness of the GROW model of OCB (Organizational Citizenship Behavior) coaching in improving the performance of PT employees. X. The subjects in this research were employees at PT. X, totaling 16 people from the Marketing Division, were divided into two groups. This research uses an experimental method, with the GROW model OCB coaching intervention in the experimental group. Data analysis used a parametric test with the ANOVA mixed design data analysis technique which looked at the effect of treatment on two groups of subjects. The results of this research were an increase in the performance of the experimental group with a significance score of 0.003 < 0.05. Apart from that, looking at the results of the pretest and posttest comparison, it was 71.6% when compared to the control group. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the group that was given the OCB coaching of the GROW model and the group that was not given the same treatment. In line with the result, companies can therefore improve the performance of their employees by performing the OCB coaching of the GROW model. In addition, it is essential that researchers study the factors that helpinfluence the success of the OCB coaching from different dimensions. Also, researchers should hire professional certified coaches to ensure that the coaching practice shows satisfactory results and is directed following the scientific method.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF FRIED MEATBALL CHIPS PACKAGING PRODUCTS AT IRT AMNPQ WITH CONSUMERS' VOICES IN MIND

The fried meatball chips industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by consumer demand for convenient and tasty snack options. Packaging for these products often lacks innovation, leading to issues such as poor product protection, limited shelf life, and lack of brand differentiation. This study aims to develop an improved packaging solution for fried meatball chips that addresses these challenges while taking into account sustainability and consumer preferences. The study used a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Initially, a comprehensive market analysis was conducted to understand consumer behavior, packaging trends, and industry best practices. The final packaging solution was tested for its effectiveness in terms of product protection, shelf life extension, and consumer appeal through various laboratory and field tests. In addition, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed packaging solution and identify opportunities for further improvement. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field of packaging design and development, specifically for the fried meatball chips industry. The proposed packaging solution offers improved product protection, shelf life extension, increased brand recognition, and improved sustainability, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers.

Development Flipbook Reading Explanatory Texts with the DRTA Model

This research develops an electronic module through a flipbook on explanation text for class VIII SMP/MTs with the DRTA learning model. The research background is the need for interactive learning resources to help students understand explanatory texts. This study uses research and development model analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) with a mixed analysis technique. The results of this research are (1) the development of the Flipbook is analysis, design, and development through Flip PDF Professional and validation, implementation, and evaluation; (2) the outcomes using the Flipbook reach the KKM limit of 78, the product can be used in learning.

Investigation of physical and metallographic properties of nickel matrix composite by ultrasonic method

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is one of the most widely used non-destructive testing techniques for the characterization and evaluation of materials. In this study, the material properties of AstCrM-BN-Cr-Ti-Ni composites produced by mechanical mixing and electroless nickel plating technique were evaluated using UT. Changes in ultrasonic wave velocity, Young's modulus, density, porosity and hardness are observed in the heat-treated material at different temperatures. Samples analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) exhibited changes in grain structure at different sintering temperatures. It has been observed that the change in grain size also affects mechanical and physical properties according to ultrasonic properties. In conclusion, the experimental results showed a linear relationship between the mean grain size and the UT parameters (ultrasonic longitudinal and transverse velocity, Young's modulus), physical (sintering temperature and density) and mechanical properties (hardness and porosity) of the material. Grain growth occurs with increasing sintering temperature, porosity content decreases, hardness, Young's modulus and ultrasonic wave velocity values also increase.

The Effect of Storage Period and Mixing Techniques on the Chemical Content of Environmentally Friendly BIOPOS Organic Compost at SEAMEO BIOTROP

SEAMEO BIOTROP produces daily waste from oyster mushroom baglog (Pleurotus ostreatus), dry organic waste that contains little water, such as dry leaves, grass straw, and citronella distilled waste. Managing oyster mushroom baglog waste, leaf waste, grass straw, and citronella distilled waste independently at SEAMEO BIOTROP as organic compost BIOPOS (BIOTROP Compost) is an environmentally friendly practice and can provide benefits both economically and ecologically. Apart from being carried out to protect biodiversity from decline, this study can also keep the soil system healthy and sustainable. The aim of this research is to: (1) make BIOPOS organic compost through the use of oyster mushroom baglog, leaf waste, leaf straw, and citronella distilled waste; (2) determine the influence of various types of BIOPOS organic compost (KT1, KT2, KT3) on the chemical content of compost. Research stages include: (1) creating BIOPOS organic compost, (2) measuring the chemical content of BIOPOS organic compost, and (3) measuring the effectiveness of BIOPOS. During the storage period of 30 dam up to 180 dam, BIOPOS organic compost which still contains N (0,54%), P (36,8%), K (7,23%) and complies with SNI 19-7030-2004 quality standards is KT3. In measuring C-Organic value, BIOPOS code KT2 with a storage period of 30 dam gained C-Organic amount of 28,36%, satisfying quality standards. The application of BIOPOS KT1, KT2, and KT3 with a pH range of 8,2- 8,3 high pH can be used to correct problems that often occur in acidic soils and is not effective when applied to sub-optimal alkaline soils because it will cause soil pH to increase sharply. Key words: BIOPOS, citronella distilled waste, grass straw, leaf waste, oyster mushroom baglog waste

Physical Activities and sedentary time of Students Outdoor Education and Conventional Education in Primary Schools

This research set out to evaluate physical activity and sedentary time between outdoor education and conventional education settings. The research methodology employed a mixed method technique. The research methodology employed a mixed method technique. The research sample consisted of twenty-one students in fourth and fifth grades at an elementary school in Sudamanik 01, Cimarga District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. The demographics of the participants in grades four and five were similar in terms of height (144.31 ± 2.01) centimeters and body weight (37.02 ± 1.26) kilograms. The level of physical activity and sedentary time were assessed through the utilization of an accelerometer. For twenty-one students, physical activity and sedentary time were compared in participating school during six days of outdoor education and five days of conventional education. The group in outdoor education exhibited a higher level of physical activity compared to conventional education, as evidenced by the results of statistical tests with a p - value < 0.001; conversely, outdoor education results in less sedentary time than traditional education (p < 0.001). The primary conclussions of research revealed that switching from conventional education to outdoor education environment reduced the sedentary time and increased light to moderate the level of physical activity during school hours. There are differences in leisure time physical activity on days at school with or without outdoor education. Henceforth, it can be concluded that outdoor education successfully prompted students to engage in physical activity.

TAGUCHI-GREY OPTIMIZATION OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE ON ELECTRO-DISCHARGE MACHINING OF NOVEL AA7075-TiO2 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE USING WASTE CORNCOB BIOSILICA DIELECTRICS

In this study, a novel AA7075-TiO2 metal matrix composite was machined utilizing a biosilica mixed EDM technique and the surface roughness and material removal rate are optimized. The biosilica particles are produced from waste maize cobs and then silane-treated. The optimization of process variables wasperformed using Taguchi grey relational approach with a process variable of peak current, gap voltage and pulse-on time. Results revealed that the gap voltage is the most important process variable, since it has a larger max-min difference of 0.25. In order to create a high MRR of 11.6[Formula: see text]mm3/min and a surface roughness of 2.25 m, the maximum GRG of 0.79 for Trial 1 (A2B1C3) represents the most ideal process variable group. The best results appear to be obtained with a peak current of 10 A, a gap voltage of 20[Formula: see text]V, and a pulse-on time of 140[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. The new GRG, however, is around 2.51% better than the anticipated optimized process variables of A2B1C3 with an old GRG of 0.79, according to the confirmation research. The new MRR of 11.89[Formula: see text]mm3/min and the surface roughness of 2.30[Formula: see text]s with a GRG of 0.81 are based on the optimized new process variables (A1B1C3).

Decentralized Sum-of-Nonconvex Optimization

We consider the optimization problem of minimizing the sum-of-nonconvex function, i.e., a convex function that is the average of nonconvex components. The existing stochastic algorithms for such a problem only focus on a single machine and the centralized scenario. In this paper, we study the sum-of-nonconvex optimization in the decentralized setting. We present a new theoretical analysis of the PMGT-SVRG algorithm for this problem and prove the linear convergence of their approach. However, the convergence rate of the PMGT-SVRG algorithm has a linear dependency on the condition number, which is undesirable for the ill-conditioned problem. To remedy this issue, we propose an accelerated stochastic decentralized first-order algorithm by incorporating the techniques of acceleration, gradient tracking, and multi-consensus mixing into the SVRG algorithm. The convergence rate of the proposed method has a square-root dependency on the condition number. The numerical experiments validate the theoretical guarantee of our proposed algorithms on both synthetic and real-world datasets.

Evaluation of Immunobiological Cold Chain Costs

Background and Purpose:Studies assessing the costs of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) are scarce. Therefore, the factors that influence the allocation of resources in this process are not known. The objective of this study is to determine the cost of the immunobiological CC.Methods:The Health Economic Assessment study was carried out in Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022. The unit of analysis was the municipal level of the CC. The perspective of the Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was considered as a funder, the year 2021 was considered as the time frame, and the period of 1 year was considered as the time horizon of the analysis. Direct medical, nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. A mixed technique was used involving micro- and macrocosting and sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of the main categories on the final cost.Results:The total cost was USD 20,014,545, with nonmedical direct costs being the most representative (61.24%). Human resources were the most influential items, representing 76.43% of the total cost.Conclusions:The most influential items should be those of greatest concern and planned by managers to make the CC more efficient.

The role of driver head pose dynamics and instantaneous driving in safety critical events: Application of computer vision in naturalistic driving

This paper investigates the role of driver behavior especially head pose dynamics in safety–critical events (SCEs). Using a large dataset collected in a naturalistic driving study, this paper analyzes the head pose dynamics and driving behavior in moments leading up to crashes or near-crashes. The study uses advanced computer vision and mixed logit modeling techniques to identify patterns and relationships between drivers’ head pose dynamics and crash involvement. The results suggest that driver-head pose dynamics, especially poses that indicate distraction and movement volatility, are important factors that can contribute to undesirable safety outcomes. Marginal effects show that angular deviation for head pose dynamics indicated by yaw, pitch and roll increase the likelihood of crash intensity by 4.56%, 4.92% and 8.26% respectively. Furthermore, traffic flow and lane changing also contribute to increase in likelihood of crash intensity. These findings provide new insights into pre-crash factors, especially human factors and safety–critical events. The study highlights the importance of considering human factors in designing driver assistance systems and developing safer vehicles. This research contributes by examining naturalistic driving data at the microscopic level with early detection of behaviors that lead to SCEs and provides a basis for future research on automation.

Performance analysis of powder-assisted micro-drilling operation using micro-EDM

Miniaturization is governed by the precise and accurate micro-machining operations of various applications. Micro-EDM has emerged as a feasible method for attaining microscale high-precision drilling. The present paper aims to conduct an experimental investigation for drilling micro-holes on copper using the Alumina (Al2O3) powder mixed Micro-EDM technique. Process parameters, including voltage, feed rate, and powder concentration, are varied in experimentation to evaluate their impact on response measures like MRR, TWR, taper angle, and aspect ratio. ANOVA determines the individual contribution of process parameters on each response measure. Voltage is the primary factor influencing MRR (93.5%), TWR (58.24%), and aspect ratio (67.3%), whereas the interaction effect of voltage with powder concentration primarily affects the taper angle (32.36%). Furthermore, the GRA method has optimized the multiple parameters for different responses. The optimum combination of parameters was obtained at a voltage of 125 V, powder concentration of 0.8 g/L, and tool travel speed of 9 µm/s at which better responses are received. The results obtained from FESEM analyses indicate that utilizing alumina (Al2O3) Nano-powder in the dielectric fluid leads to improved effectiveness and reduces the formation of micro-cracks, and micro-voids. Furthermore, the formation of recast layer is reduced by 36.49% as compared to without powder mixed EDM oil during micro-drilling operations.

Effect of Silica Fume Concentration and Water–Cement Ratio on the Compressive Strength of Cement-Based Mortars

This study investigated how the water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration affect the compressive strength of cement mortars. This comprehensive study delved into the intricate interplay between water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration, examining their influence on cement-based mortars’ compressive strength and water absorption characteristics. The silica fume concentration was investigated, ranging from 5% to 15% of the cement weight. The investigation employed two distinct mixing techniques, mixing cement and silica fume, before extracting appropriate samples; alternatively, a magnetic stirrer was used to prepare samples by dissolving silica fume in water. The cement mortars were also prepared with three different water–cement ratios: 0.44, 0.47, and 0.5. The interesting findings of compressive tests illuminated a consistent trend across all curing days and mixing methods—a reduction in the water–cement ratio corresponded with a notable increase in compressive strength. However, it is essential to note that the influence of the mixing method on the compressive strength of cement-based mortars is based on the water–cement ratio. The results show that by using the suggested technological method, it was observed that samples prepared with water–cement ratios (W/C) of 0.47 and 0.44 exhibited higher compressive strengths compared to those prepared using the well-known standard mixing method. The compressive test results underscored that the water–cement ratio reduction consistently enhanced the compressive strength in every combination of curing days and mixing techniques. Furthermore, this reduction in the water–cement ratio was correlated with a decrease in water absorption of the mortar. Conversely, the water–cement ratio itself played a pivotal role in defining how the mixing technique affected the compressive strength and water absorption of cement-based mortars. This multifaceted exploration underscores the nuanced relationships between key variables, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate factors influencing the mechanical and absorptive properties of cement-based materials.

Study of thermal effects induced by the high-frequency probing laser in nonlinear opto-acoustic frequency-mixing technique

Photo-thermal modulation-based nonlinear opto-acoustic frequency-mixing technique is an effective method for detecting micro-cracks. When using this technique for micro-crack detection, the selection of laser source parameters is particularly crucial. Compared to traditional piezo-transducer-based mixing techniques, the characteristic of using a laser as the detection source is the presence of thermal effects. The thermal effect caused by laser irradiation on the sample surface can not only generate acoustic waves but also affect the crack state, thus influencing nonlinear signals. In this paper, an experimental setup using photo-thermal modulation-based nonlinear opto-acoustic frequency-mixing technique has been set up to investigate the thermal effects of the probe laser source. In addition, a corresponding physical model has been established to discuss the physical mechanisms revealed by the experimental results. This study provides a basis for selecting appropriate probe source parameters and scanning positions of laser sources when detecting micro-cracks using the photo-thermal modulation-based nonlinear opto-acoustic frequency-mixing technique.

Observer‐based hybrid triggered control design for cluster synchronization of nonlinear complex dynamical networks

SummaryThe issues of cluster synchronization and state estimation for a class of nonlinear complex dynamical networks are concurrently focused in this study. In precise, led by the design of complex dynamical networks, a proportional integral‐based observer is implemented for achieving robustness, by the virtue of which the states of examined networks are estimated. Thereupon, a proportional integral observer‐based hybrid triggered control scheme is proposed, wherein, the switch‐over between time‐ and event‐ triggered scheme is governed through a Bernoulli distributed random variable. Further, with the application of mixed and passivity performance technique, the external disturbances for the addressed complex dynamical networks are reduced. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the requisite sufficient conditions in respect of linear matrix inequalities are provided which ensures the discussed complex dynamical network's synchronization phenomenon. In a further, the presented criteria are exploited for the attainment of required controller, proportional and integral gain matrices. In conclusion, the applicability of proposed results and efficacy of the undertaken strategy are evidently proven with the illustration of two numerical examples with Chua's circuit and Goodwin oscillator model.

Recyclable CS/r‐GO Polymer Nanocomposites: Green Synthesis and Characterizations

The study herein is directed toward the tuning of various properties of recyclable and biocompatible polymer: chitosan (CS) via incorporating the variable wt% of r‐GO in the polymer. The CS/r‐GO polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are prepared in the form of free‐standing film by solution mixing and casting technique. To search the potential applications, the prepared PNCs are characterized in terms of structural, photoluminescence (PL), surface morphology, optical, and Raman spectra. The crystalline size and microstrain both are enhanced with rise in wt% of r‐GO nanofiller. Raman spectra confirm that as the wt% of r‐GO increases, there is a minor shift toward a smaller wavenumber in the locations of the D, G, and 2D bands, while the intensity ratios ) increase. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy results are capable of offering details regarding the surface quality for the interface purposes. The characteristic peaks and their broadening in PL spectra, chromaticity coordinates, dominant wavelength, and correlated color temperature are altered with variation of r‐GO wt.%. The optical bandgap, refractive index, and Urbach energy are found to tune with varying the nanofiller wt.%. These results suggest that CS/r‐GO PNC may be the potential candidate for possible application in fabricating the tunable optoelectronic devices.

Stable dielectric properties at high-temperature of Al2O3-PESU composite for energy storage application

Dielectric capacitors, crucial in microelectronics, hybrid vehicles and inverters, are renowned for their rapid charge–discharge capabilities and high energy density. This research introduces a novel strategy to enhance the dielectric properties of polyethersulfone (PESU) matrix materials by incorporating aluminum oxide (Al2O3) powder as a filler. Employing a solution mixing technique, dielectric composite films were synthesized. The 1 wt% Al2O3-PESU composite exhibited exceptional outcomes, presenting a charge–discharge efficiency of 62 % and an impressive energy storage density of 8.4 J/cm3 at 640 kV/mm. Finite element simulations validated enhanced thermal conductivity, reduced electric field distortion, and heightened breakdown strength in the composites. Additionally, cyclic aging demonstrated outstanding stability and reliability over 50,000 cycles. This study propels dielectric material design, charting a course for high-performance energy storage capacitors, accentuating the crucial influence of temperature on dielectric behavior.

Carbon nanotubes enhancement of tribological and nanomechanical properties of PVDF-BN nanocomposites

There have been continuous efforts to further promote various properties of polymeric materials to meet various industrial demands, especially in the area of thermal, electrical, mechanical and wear properties. This study developed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-boron nitride (BN) nanocomposites and significantly enhanced their wear and nanomechanical properties by incorporating very low content of carbon nanotubes (CNT). The nanocomposites were developed via simple technique of solution mixing and hot compression. Scanning electron microscope showed that the nanocomposites achieved uniform microstructure with no significant agglomeration of the nanoparticles in the PVDF matrix. The wear rate of PVDF-10wt%BN-0.1wt%CNT was reduced from 5.68 × 10–4 and 5 × 10–3 mm3/Nm for pure PVDF to 1.6 × 10–6 and 8 × 10–6 mm3/Nm at applied loads of 10 N and 20 N, respectively. Also, an increase in hardness and elastic modulus of 225% and 219% for PVDF-10wt%BN-0.1wt%CNT was obtained relative to the pure PVDF at 100-mN applied load. While the nanocomposite showed about 75% and 103% increments compared to PVDF-10wt%BN at 100 mN. This study revealed that the addition of small amount of CNT could further improve the wear and mechanical properties of PVDF-BN as well as any other polymer-ceramic binary systems various advanced engineering applications.