Technological Modifications Research Articles

Application of Chromatographic and Microbiological Analyses to Identify and Assess the Durability of Antimicrobial Properties of Innovative Materials for the Footwear Industry─Leather Modified with Origanum vulgare Oil

A modification of the leather finishing technology in which the essential oil of Origanum vulgare is applied during the process of fatliquoring imparts antimicrobial activity to leather. This paper presents the characteristics of cowhide lining leather enriched with oregano oil (3%wt) in terms of durability of the antimicrobial activity conferred to it. Analyses carried out using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry have shown that carvacrol, the main component of oregano oil which is responsible for antiseptic action, constitutes more than 65% of the mixture of organic compounds detected in the vapor phase over samples of leather enriched with the oil even after 72 months of application. The results of an investigation into the kinetics of volatile compounds emission from leather samples treated with oil provided a proof that carvacrol emission decreased over time in an exponential way but did not fade out. This correlates with the results of microbiological analyses conducted using the agar plate diffusion method. The zones of growth inhibition obtained for the strains of microorganisms with sizes of 13 mm (Staphylococcus aureus), 1–3 mm (Candida albicans), and 2 mm (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis) confirmed that the leather treated with oil still showed good activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi after 72 months of storage. The long-lasting antimicrobial properties of leather enriched with a natural biocide─oregano essential oil make it possible to be used in the production of special footwear intended for people with problems of the skin of the feet and toenails caused by pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Estimation of Air Environment Carrying Capacity of Dolvi, Maharashtra

Assimilative capacity of air environment in Dolvi, Maharashtra was evaluated. AERMOD was applied to pin down the spatial distribution of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. The baseline air quality was delineated, and it was found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were beyond National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in every season. The major contribution to these particulates were from fugitive emissions i.e. mainly resuspended dust from vehicles and highway construction. As the plant had planned for expansion, spatial distribution of PM10 and PM2.5 was estimated at 5 MTPA and 10 MTPA. It was found that existing air environment in Dolvi region was very poor, however, the results of dispersion model showed that modifications in technology at 5 MTPA reduces PM 10 and PM2.5 concentration in ambient environment and at design estimations of 10 MTPA the concentrations are within standards. It was also found that paving of external and internal roads the PM 10 concentrations will reduce by 70% compared to existing scenario but due to movement of vehicles on external road PM 10 will continue to be high at some locations in the region. The estimation of VC in region showed that it does not have enough assimilative capacity in month of February and April and in month of October region has less pollution potential as higher VC values 15300 m2/s were present. This study also revealed that VC values are an important parameter for understanding the natural capacity of region for its existing air quality.

A critical review on the effective utilization of geothermal energy

Rapid growth in the global population and associated elevated reliance on modern technology has resulted in increased demand for energy consumption. This has resulted in an increased focus on the development and generation of advanced sustainable energy systems. The swift implementation of sustainable renewable energy resource utilization and improvement in their efficiency by the modification of current technologies are the possible solutions that gave rise to the emergence of geothermal technology as a potential alternative. Geothermal technology is a non-carbon renewable energy resource that could be utilized efficiently to fulfil the energy demands while mitigating the climate change threat. According to the surveyed literature, the global geothermal energy power plant installation capacity has reached 14.3 GWe to successfully implement this sustainable alternative. In order to have a successful and uninterrupted way forward, it is essential to evaluate the constraints both in terms of technicality and economic feasibility to establish an approved framework. Moreover, the governance and monitoring regarding the social and environmental impact alongside the legal challenges should also be addressed. The significant barriers include increased capital cost, site selection, superiority of resources at diverse levels of rock bottoms, and obstruction from nearby residents that need to be addressed appropriately. As a result, policymakers will continue to seek measure that have least negative impact on environment.

Towards techno-economics of green hydrogen as a primary combustion fuel for recreational vehicle vapor absorption refrigeration system

The drive towards the integration of hydrogen in the global primary energy mix to achieve a carbon–neutral and sustainable society requires both minor and major technological modifications in current energy systems. In this study, the viability of green hydrogen as a combustion fuel and its economics have been investigated for an absorption–desorption-based cooling system. Specially designed burners have been retrofitted with the portable ammonia-water-based cooling system (cooling area: 1.4 ft3). Furthermore, the effect of hydrogen flow and the distance from the burner has been investigated and optimized. The system has been compared with both electrical resistive heating using a 12 V DC power supply and propane gas. An increase in hydrogen flow rate leads to high cooling rates. Furthermore, the reduction in the distance between flame and heating surface improves the heat transfer rate. The system running on hydrogen exhibited highest performance compared to both electricity and propane at optimum flow rate and distance. The optimum flow rate and distance was observed to be 29.2l/h and 2 cm respectively. System running on optimum hydrogen conditions consumed 77.37Wh energy with is 9.10% less compared system running on electric resistance heating and 29% less compared to system running on propane. In terms of carbon–neutral economics, 1 kg of hydrogen can potentially replace 3.28 kg of propane (costing around 3.60 to 4.30 USD). Whereas, 8–9 kg of CO2 reduction can be achieved per kg of hydrogen being used. The 3.30 to 4.30 USD/kg may be considered a competitive cost of green hydrogen in comparison to propane as a combustion fuel for the portable refrigeration sector. These results are the first time, highlighting the efficient use of hydrogen in space cooling.

Green Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Toxic Organic Compounds.

In recent years, nanomaterials as photocatalysts have gained much popularity for the removal of organic pollutants from tainted water using photodegradation, since the available chemical, physical, and biological methods often are time consuming, involve high cost and dumping complications, sometimes posing serious threat to both human health and environmental elements. Use of nanomaterials is less expensive and does not, in general, form aggregated macromolecules. In addition, nanotechnology for waste-water treatment demolishes or alters the risky chemical wastes to harmless end products like H2O and CO2. Nanomaterials synthesized from natural resources or prepared using green synthetic routes are receiving surge of interest as our consciousness to ecological environment and safety rises. 'Green' materials of this kind might also show unique strength features and exceptional biodegradability, along with their other notable advantageous properties like minimum threat to environment, efficient recyclablity and low cost compared to synthetic nanomaterials. Such green nanomaterials can also serve as nanocatalysts to treat toxic organic pollutants in a safer way, including photodegradation to less or non-toxic products. This article reviews latest developments on the synthesis of some promising green nanomaterials aiming towards their efficient uses as photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants. Strategies to find new green materials as photocatalysts by modification of technologies, and development of novel methodologies for safer treatment of organic pollutants will also be discussed.

The Effect of Dry Extraction Process Technology on Characteristics of Porang Flour

Glucomannan is one of the functional components found in porang tuber. The modification of process technology is generally carried out in order to obtain optimal product characteristics according to glucomannan content from porang flour. One method that can be done to increase the glucomannan content of porang tuber is by carrying out a dry extraction process from the resulting porang chip flour. This research activity aims to modify the dry extract of porang chips and characterize the resulting product. For the dry extraction method, the extraction method was optimized from porang chips that had been dried and mashed. Several treatments were carried out, including the comparison of chip types from the ICAPRD Laboratory and Madiun farmers, flour mesh size (100 and 60 mesh), and the ratio of porang chip flour and solvent (1:2; 1:3 and 1:4). The results obtained were analyzed for yield, moisture content, glucomannan content, color, viscosity and proximate for the best product. Based on the analysis results obtained, the highest glucomannan content for flour from chips produced by the ICAPRD Laboratory with a size of 60 mesh and a solvent ratio of 1:3.

Atomic-structure and charge redistribution modified by intrinsic strain in α-fe/TMN (TM=Ti/Zr/Hf/V/Nb/Ta) interfaces

Metal/ceramics interfaces, ubiquitous in functional materials, alloys, and coatings/films systems, provide excellent mechanical and chemical properties, mainly originating from atomic structures and charge distribution at the hetero-interfaces. In the present work, the α-Fe/TMN (TM = Ti/Zr/Hf/V/Nb/Ta) interfaces were chosen as the typical metal/ceramic candidates to explore the atomic structures and electronic properties at such types of heterostructures. After full optimization, the relaxed models kept the stacking sequence OT (on top) of FeN, producing a slight difference in interfacial distance ( Δz ). Furthermore, a significant charge transfer emerged in interfacial Fe and N atoms, indicative of the stronger bond strength across the interfaces obtained from the analysis of planar-averaged charge density difference, PDOS, charge density and difference, partial charge density and ELF . Moreover, the increasing gain of interfacial N1 atoms and enhanced overlap of Fe and TM1 atoms could account for the higher adhesion strength of Fe/TMN. Finally, the amount of charge transfer for interfacial Fe1 was tiny compared to that of inner Fe4 atoms based on the Bader charge analysis, indicative of insignificant variation of interfacial ionicity. However, the magnetic moment (in μ B ) of interfacial Fe1 changed significantly compared to Fe4 atoms, indicating the charge redistribution, which enhanced the hybridization of N1- p and TM1- d states. One can conclude that the enhanced interfacial bonding strength could be ascribed to the strengthened hybridization of interfacial Fe1- d and N1- p covalence. These findings are relevant for a better comprehension of these specific configurations and improving technological modification of such kind of metal/ceramic system. • The relaxed interfacial models kept the stacking sequence of Fe–N (on top) OT. • The significant charge transfer results in the stronger bond strength across the interfaces. • The enhanced overlap of interfacial atoms account for the higher adhesion strength. • The magnetic moment of interfacial Fe1 changed significantly in comparison to that of Fe4 atoms.

ELT in Covid-19-Augmented-Technological-Educational Ambience at the Private Universities in Bangladesh

This study aims to examine students’ obstacles encountered and the modifications they recommended in English language teaching and learning at private universities in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applied mixed-method approach comprised of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The findings of the study show that all participants go through virtual English language learning during the COVID-19 lockdown and the majority of them mention the difficulties to adopt a new approach in ELT suddenly, unstable network connection, costly internet data package, unskilled teachers, load shedding, mental stress, teachers’ and students’ lack of technological skills, not having technological devices and sense of remoteness as the prevailing disadvantages they face in online English language learning during COVID-19. This study also recommends that university authorities should train students and teachers concerning technological devices and uninterrupted internet network and power supply, high-speed internet, and fair assessment should be ensured. The prevalent result of the study is that online English language teaching and learning at private universities in Bangladesh require considerable pedagogical and technological modifications.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Different Variants of Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry in Monitoring the Glaucoma Process

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of non-standard perimetry and standard automated perimetry (SAP) during earlystage monitoring of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Patients and methods. The study involved 30 patients (46 eyes) with early-stage of POAG, aged 30 to 65 years (54.9 ± 1.3), who were under ongoing monitoring for 3 to 4 years (3.50 ± 0.68 years). All subjects, in addition to the standard ophthalmological examination, performed the threshold program “24-2” perimetry using the Humphrey II, the own modification of Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) Perimetry, in the form of 2 threshold strategies: the wellknown “FDT-16” and the new “FDT-64”. The condition of the optic nerve head (ONH) was assessed using HRT 3 (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, Germany) and OCT — Topcon 3D OCT- 2000 (TOPCON, Japan). During monitoring, RTVue FD-OCT (Optovue, USA) was additionally performed, evaluating the parameters of the retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC).Results. Regular follow-up, the implementation of the prescribed treatment contributed to the stabilization of glaucoma, as evidenced by the stability of the average MD index values according to all 3 threshold strategies, but reliably (p = 0.000) only according to SAP data. According to the criterion of the number of scotomas, there was a weakly expressed, but statistically significant negative dynamics for all the compared strategies. According to the results of the structural assessment of the ONH (the size of the excavation), a weakly pronounced negative dynamics was obtained in dynamics according to both HRT and OCT data. The average MD index values, the number of scotomas according to the three perimeter strategies and the excavation size based on HRT and OCT in patients with early-stage of POAG turned out to be stronger and more significant using the “FDT-16”, and the correlation characteristics with the results of “24-2” HFA II, “FDT-64” largely coincided.Conclusion. A reliable correlation between structural and functional parameters indicates the feasibility of using “FDT-64” in combination with SAP not only in for the diagnosis of the early-stage of glaucoma, but also in assessing its course. The sensitivity level of the results of “FDT-64” (100 %) compared to “FDT-16” (88 %) in patients with POAG was higher, therefore, “FDT-64” is advisable to use in complex diagnostic cases and in monitoring glaucoma.

EXPERIENCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER-GAS EXPOSURE TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELDS

Deterioration of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the hydrocarbon resource base leads to an increase in the share of hard-to-recover reserves. In an environment where the share of hard-to-recover oil reserves in the oil industry is steadily increasing, the need to create effective methods to increase oil recovery is acute. The method of flooding at the present stage of the development of the oil industry is considered the most progressive, meeting the basic principles of oil field development. However, during flooding, a large proportion of oil reserves remains in the reservoir, and therefore, technologies are currently being sought and developed in all major oil companies that will increase the oil recovery coefficient. Currently, there is a growing interest in the application of the technology of water-gas exposure to oil formations to increase oil production. This is due to the fact that the water-gas effects combine the positive aspects of well-known oil production technologies, such as flooding and the method of pumping hydrocarbon gas into the reservoir. Experimental and theoretical studies have established that one of the most effective methods of oil recovery can be methods based on injection of hydrocarbon gases and water-gas mixtures into the reservoir. Experiments were conducted to study the mechanism of displacement and determine the coefficient of displacement of oil by gases and water in various combinations in relation to some fields. The experiments were carried out under conditions as close as possible to reservoir conditions: recombined or reservoir oil samples, core from productive deposits were used. The pressure and temperatures corresponded to their reservoir values. As the results of experiments, the increase in the oil displacement coefficient depends on the type of gas injected (hydrocarbon equilibrium and nonequilibrium with reservoir oil, acidic, inert, etc.) and modification of the injection technology of agents (sequential, alternate, joint). To study the expected results of testing the technology of water-gas exposure at the Kalamkas field, the experience of using this method at other fields is considered. The paper presents an analysis of the experience of implementing the technology of water-gas exposure at various locations. A review analysis of the results of the technology implementation was carried out to determine the advantages and possibilities of using the technology of watergas exposure in the conditions of the Mangystau field.

Теорія вартості як надбання економічної науки: відновлення основ суспільної гармонії

The formation of the information society and the network based economy has marked the beginning of global market transformations, which in their deep essence are associated with the need for a creative understanding of the new socio-economic picture of the world. An adequate response to the vital social demand is the formation of a relativistic economic theory. The logic of the Middle Way as a classical institutional channel is today called to create political economy in a broad sense with the help of the theory of economic value. Since the time of Adam Smith, when economic science recognized value relations as its own subject, and until now, the theoretical stream of the classical school has preserved internal harmony and is now able to produce signals of balanced functioning and sustainable development for economic entities. The basis for this is its value based origins in the triple unity of transformed economic forms of marginal utility, value and price. Such a concept is able, on the one hand, to most fully reflect the economic picture of the world with the help of the value based unity of economic history, and on the other hand, to creatively transform it. The triple nature of economic value as an ideal platform for the institutional architecture of management designed to formulate the guidelines of virtuous social life, constitutes the core of true European values. However, the concept of European values has not yet been properly understood in the coordinate system of fundamental scientific knowledge, and the key concept of economic value as an economic good has not yet acquired proper scientific interpretation and consistent deployment. The ideological detachment of the official concepts of modern economic thought from the institutional core of European values determines the tendency of their methodological degradation. Meanwhile, the value based methodology has not exhausted its potential. Continuity with the legacy of classical political economy determines the most important creative breakthroughs in economic theory during the 20th century. In the bowels of the Middle Way logic based on the concept of a standard product by P. Sraffa, the outlines of a new model of economic equilibrium in the economic system were formed in the process of its informational and technological modification. However, traditional economic science does not recognize the actual meaning of such a concept. Under the conditions of value disorientation against the background of politicized economic relations and dysfunction of social institutions, the struggle for the transformation of the world order model acquires the characteristics of a war against humanity. But it is not the "hard" power and manipulation of technologies, but rather effective mastery of social values, and the restoration of their beneficial creative potential, that is the key to success in the struggle.

Discriminatory manifestations in the context of transhumanism: socio-legal aspect

The aim of the research was to identify a set of discriminatory challenges related to the development and implementation of the concept of transhumanism in a digital society, as well as to develop and justify a system of socio-legal measures aimed at their partial leveling. The main methods employed by research were: the system method, cybernetic and synergistic methods, extrapolation methods, socio-legal modeling, as well as the formal-legal method, the legal-practical method and the case method. The research proposes and substantiates the concept of sociotechnological inequality. It is concluded that there is a mutual conditionality of social (socioeconomic) and sociotechnological inequality. On the other hand, a better socioeconomic situation will also provide more opportunities for technological modifications of one’s own body. This may lead to a further deepening of the transhumanist gap, the possibility of which is justified in the research.

Techne and Teleios: A Christian Perspective on the Incarnation and Human Enhancement Technology

Abstract Does the idea of human enhancement presuppose a goal or an ideal to direct technological modifications? In the absence of such an agreed ideal in today’s culture, can Christian theology help clarify the goal or the meaning of “perfection” when applied to human beings? A theological perspective rooted in scripture and in the writings of theologians such as Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa suggests that theology instead of offering its own definition of the human ideal, theology rejects the possibility of any defined human goal. An analysis of the biblical word teleios (“mature” or “perfect”), along with Gregory’s view of infinite ascent, leads to the conclusion that the human goal is found in relationship to the triune God and not in any anthropologically-definable status.

Research on the Modification of Coal Adaptability and Carbon Emissions Reduction Technology for Coal-Fired Boilers

In order to solve the problems of the high temperature of flue gas, low boiler efficiency, and the high concentration of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for a 330 MW boiler fired with lean coal in a power plant, an adaptation modification by using different type of coals in the power generation unit (including pulverizing system, burners, heating surface, and so on) was carried out. The performances of boilers were tested under different combustion conditions before and after the modification. The results of the test show that the volatile content is higher and easy to burn out, and the combustible content of fly ash and slag are greatly reduced after the change in coal type (while lean coal is changed into bituminous coal). At the same time, the low-temperature economizer can greatly reduce the flue gas temperature, thus increasing the efficiency from 90.36% (lean coal, corrected) to 92.71% (bituminous coal). After the change in coal type (lean coal to bituminous coal) and the shift to low-nitrogen combustion (using low-nitrogen burner and OFA technology), the flame temperature in the main combustion area of the boiler decreases, the thermal-type NOx is reduced, and the volatile content of bituminous coal is higher in the anoxic atmosphere of the main combustion zone where the excess air coefficient is small. The intermediate reductive products tend to produce more, which can restrain and reduce NOx. Therefore, the concentration of NOx emissions can be greatly reduced. NOx average emissions at the economizer outlet decreased by 68%, from 864 mg/Nm3 to 279.4 mg/Nm3. A low-temperature economizer uses waste heat to heat feed water, which reduces coal consumption by about 1.32 g/(kW·h). The coal consumption for power supply after modification is reduced by 9.83 g/(kW·h) and the annual energy saving is 16,776 tons of standard coal, while the total carbon dioxide emissions reduction is 41,213.60 tons after the unit modification.

Virtual Assessment in English Language Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Considerations in Bangladesh Perspectives

Background: 
 This study examines the methods of assessing the learners of English Language Teaching (ELT) learners virtually, obstacles both the teachers and students face in virtual assessment, the kind of renovations both teachers and learners have to accommodate for effective virtual assessment, and the imperative suggestions they have in terms of more fruitful and plausible assessment during COVID-19-like pandemics in the context of Bangladesh.
 Methodology: 
 10 teachers and 21 students from 5 renowned private universities in Bangladesh participated in the study. And it applied a mixed-method approach consisting of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
 Findings: 
 The findings of the study revealed that all the teachers and students go through virtual assessment during the COVID-19 lockdown; the majority of them use Zoom Meeting App and Google Classroom for both summative and formative assessments in the form of mostly virtual viva voce, online assignment, and presentation; virtual assessment is time and money-saving, and has scheduled benefits; its disadvantages include, mainly, unstable internet connection across the country; and most suggest for both teachers’ and students’ training in dealing with technological devices and apps used for virtual assessment.
 Conclusion: 
 The major results of the research suggest that virtual assessment in ELT in the Bangladeshi context requires substantial technological modifications and renovations.
 Originality: 
 Since online assessment in ELT, like other academic disciplines, is in function in Bangladesh, better decisions on assessment methodology and, logically, more appropriate assessment policies can be formed. Conforming to this purpose, this research aims to unearth the existing challenges both teachers and learners encounter in virtual assessment and modifications recommended by them.

Analytical approach for energy retrofit of waste gas-to-energy units

• Energy demand of waste gas-to-energy (WGtE) units can be significantly reduced by performing the Energy Retrofit (ER). • A new tailor-made analytical method for the ER of the WGtE units is proposed. • The suggested procedure does not require the use of any simulation and optimization tools. • Supporting graphical tool, called the Heat Recovery Shifting Diagram, promotes the useŕs interactivity. • The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing its results to the non-linear simulation of two case studies. Thermal oxidation represents an efficient and reliable technology for processing industrial waste gases containing combustible pollutants, for example, Volatile Organic Compounds. Thermal oxidation units (or waste gas-to-energy units) enable the heat utilization of the waste gases, which thus become a promising energy source. This is, however, very energy-intensive process requiring a huge amount of primary fuel, which is dependent on the heat recovery efficiency. This paper presents a straightforward and fairly accurate graphic-numerical method for the Energy Retrofit of waste gas-to-energy units, which doesńt require any advanced computational approach. There are provided tailor-made formulas for estimation of maximum reachable fuel savings and tools for the design of specific technological modifications, which results in the increase of the heat recovery efficiency, energy demand reduction, operational costs savings and environmental pollution mitigation, while the unit́s operational safety is also considered. The method is further applied to the Energy Retrofit of a standard industrial unit and a modern compact unit for thermal processing of waste gases. Finally, the developed method́s accuracy was successfully verified by the comparison with non-linear simulation of both studied industrial units.

Technological modifications in the tanning and leather industry from pre-British to colonial Punjab

Hereditary artisans have been an important segment of Punjabi society since the medieval times. Pre-colonial Punjab was an agricultural province, where industrial production was largely confined to village industries, which catered to meet the demands of the local population. Tanning and leather making was one of the professions that was a traditional village industry in which the methods of production were old, and technology had not changed much from the medieval period. The onset of colonial rule introduced modified and new technologies in all industries, which invariably impacted traditional industries. The tanning and leather industry was among the village industries in which modified and new processing and production technologies were introduced. The scope of this paper is to study how the new technology in the tanning and leather industry modified the old, whether it improved the processing time, quality and quantity of products and what was the nature of its impact on the traditional artisans connected with tanning and leather in colonial Punjab.

Contemporary Results of Bare Platinum Coil Embolization for Wide‐Necked Ruptured Aneurysms: A Subset Analysis of the SMART Registry

BackgroundRupture status and presence of a wide neck are important factors that adversely impact angiographic occlusion after endovascular coiling. A potential strategy to improve occlusion rates in wide‐necked, ruptured aneurysms (WNRA) is modification of coil technology.MethodsWNRA were chosen from the SMART registry that comprises 905 intracranial aneurysms treated with SMART bare platinum coils (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, USA) in the US and Canada. WNRA were defined as neck ≥4 mm, dome‐to‐neck ratio <2, or both. Clinical and angiographic data at presentation and follow‐up were assessed. Outcomes included adequate occlusion rate (Raymond–Roy occlusion class I or II), occlusion at 1 year, and good functional outcome (modified Rankin score 0–2) at 1 year. Angiographic outcome was compared for neck≥4 mm versus <4 mm.ResultsA total of 143 patients (mean age 59.3, 74.1% female) with 143 WNRA were included. Median aneurysm size was 5.8 mm. 46.2% had a neck≥4 mm. Balloon remodeling was used in 35.7% (51/143) and stents in 10.5% (15/143). Intraoperative thromboembolic complication rate was 7.0% (10/143). Overall immediate adequate occlusion rate was 78.3% (112/143); postprocedure occlusion rates were lower (62.1%, 41/66 versus 92.2%, 71/77) for aneurysms with necks ≥4 mm than those with necks <4 mm. At 1 year follow‐up, adequate occlusion was achieved in 82.4% (75/91) patients. Aneurysm occlusion improved in 31.9% (29/91) but worsened in 20.9% (19/91) of all patients at 1 year. Retreatment rate among patients who completed the study was 20.2% (20/99). One instance of intraoperative rupture (0.7%) was noted. Good functional outcome was achieved in 57.7% (41/71).ConclusionThese results suggest that successful embolization of WNRA with new generation SMART coils can be achieved safely. WNRA continue to require assistive techniques at presentation and also retreatment over time. In addition, neck width may have an adverse impact on angiographic outcome.

The Intent Behind the Usage of Cryptocurrency: An Analysis Based on the Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Modification Model

Introduced in 2008, blockchain technology has experienced rapid development, in its development many digital assets have been created in the form of cryptocurrencies (cryptocurrency). For some people, crypto assets are the most modern solution and alternative for carrying out transactions on the blockchain. This study aims to determine how Behavioral Intention in Conducting Cryptocurrency Transactions. The model used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with 228 data respondents spread throughout Indonesia. The results of this study indicate that the Facilitating Condition, Perceived Risk and Trust variables have a significant direct influence on the Behavioral Intention in Conducting Cryptocurrency Transaction variables while the Effort Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, Performance Expectancy, Price Value, and Social Influence does not have a significant direct effect on the Behavioral Intention in Conducting Cryptocurrency Transaction variables and for the Performance Expectancy and Price Value variables it is not able to provide a stimulus to Effort Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, Performance Expectancy, and Perceived Risk on the Behavioral Intention in Conducting Cryptocurrency Transaction variables. Keywords: Crypto Assets; Intentions; Investments; Platform X; Transactions

Improving capacitive deionization performance by using O2 plasma modified carbon black

Previous research on capacitive deionization (CDI) mainly focuses on electrode active materials, while the research on conductive additive and their modification for improving CDI performance are rarely reported. In this work, we mainly investigate the effect and mechanism of oxygen (O2) plasma-modified carbon black (PCB) to enhance CDI performance. The CB treated with O2 plasma at 100 W for 10 min (CB-100 W-10 min) was assembled with activated carbon (AC) to form a CB-100 W-10 min/AC electrode with excellent desalination performance (32.54 mg g−1), 6.9 times that of the original CB/AC electrode (OCB/AC, 4.91 mg g−1). The roles of the specific surface area, hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity, and specific capacitance of CB in enhancing the performance of CDI were explored, and the interaction mechanism between H2O molecules and CB was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The advantages of PCB are mainly attributed to the synergy of the following aspects: (i) The excellent three-dimensional network structure acts as a “bridge” between activated carbon and increases the contact sites for allowing more PCB and AC to participate in the electrosorption process; (ii) Shorter electron transmission paths and more electron transmission channels between PCB and AC promote the electrosorption rate; (iii) High surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups of PCB boost hydrophilicity and dispersibility. Interestingly, we found that PCB possesses universal applicability in the enhancement of deionization performance of various active materials for purification of brine, heavy metals and radionuclides. This work unprecedentedly applies plasma technology to the modification of conductive additive, providing new ideas for material modification and improvement of CDI technology.