Average Ratio Research Articles

Financial statement analysis was conducted to assess the financial performance of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk in the 2018-2022 period using the Current Ratio, Debt Equity Ratio, and Return on Asset

Financial performance is a formal effort to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness ofa company in generating profits. The method used is a qualitative method using a descriptive approach; the subject in this study is PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk and the object in this study is the financial statement data of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk. The data source used in this study is secondary data taken from the official website of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk. This study aims to determinethe financial performance of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk using the CurrentRatio, debt-to-equityRatio, and return on assets. It is expected to provide helpful information for companies and investors in making investment decisions. Based on the attached data, it shows that during the 2018-2022 period, the average Ratio of each Ratio in PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk is as follows: at the liquidity ratio of current assets of 8,178,740 and current liabilities of 12,488,997. At the Ratio of total debt solvency of 14,415,546 and total equity of 5,223,178. Theprofitability ratio of total assets amounted to 56,794,724, and net profit amounted to 6,955,753. From the results of this study, the Company's financial performance shows a low level of liquidity, a higher level of risk due to the use of more considerable debt, and suboptimal operational performance. Therefore, companies must pay attention to cost management, debt management, and sales activities to improve financial performance. TheCompanyCompany should increase sales toenhance efficient financial performance. This research is expected to make theoretical contributions to the literature in this context, including in the context of economic and banking management.

Real-Time Recognition of Molten Pools Based on Improved DeepLabV3+ in Keyhole Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Applications

During the Keyhole Tungsten Inert Gas (K-TIG) welding process, a significant amount of information related to the weld quality can be obtained from the weld pool and the keyhole of the topside molten pool image, which provides a vital basis for the control of welding quality. However, the topside molten pool image has the unstable characteristic of strong arc light, which leads to difficulty in contour extraction. The existing image segmentation algorithms cannot satisfy the requirements for accuracy, timing, and robustness. Aiming at these problems, a real-time recognition method, based on improved DeepLabV3+, for identifying the molten pool more accurately and effectively was proposed in this paper. First, MobileNetV2 was selected as the feature extraction network with which to improve detection efficiency. Then, the atrous rates of atrous convolution layers were optimized to reduce the receptive field and balance the sensitivity of the model to molten pools of different scales. Finally, the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) was introduced to improve the segmentation accuracy of the model. The experimental results verified that the proposed model had a fast segmentation speed and higher segmentation accuracy, with an average intersection ratio of 89.89% and an inference speed of 103 frames per second. Furthermore, the trained model was deployed in a real-time system and achieved a real-time performance of up to 28 frames per second, thus meeting the real-time and accuracy requirements of the K-TIG molten pool monitoring system.

An empirical study of code reuse between GitHub and stack overflow during software development

With the rise of programming Q&A websites (e.g., Stack Overflow) and the open-source movement, code reuse has become a common phenomenon. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive study of the code reuse behavior of programmers during software development, i.e., we mainly focus on the code reuse between the code snippets in the commits of open-source projects and the code snippets on Stack Overflow (SO). The open-source java project code dataset we construct contains 793 projects which include 342,148 modified code snippets, and the SO code dataset includes 1,355,617 posts. Then, we employ a code clone detection tool to identify the instances of code reuse between the modified code snippets of commits and the code snippets of the SO posts. We find that the average code reuse ratio of the projects is 6.32%, which will have a significant upward trend in the future. Additionally, we find that experienced developers seem to be more likely to reuse the code on SO, and prefer to reuse posts with more favorites and higher scores. We combine deep learning and topic analysis algorithms to fully exploit the semantic information of SO posts. The result shows a certain difference in the distribution of post types reused by bug-related commits and non-bug-related commits. We also discover that the code reuse ratio (14.44%) in java class files that have undergone multiple modifications is more than double the overall code reuse ratio (6.32%). Finally, we discuss the reuse habits of programmers and find that they may refer to multiple posts in one reuse, and these posts are related to a certain extent. From these results, our study provides multiple practical insights for different stakeholders: researchers, developers, and the SO platform.

Regression algorithms-driven mechanical properties prediction of angle bracket connection on cross-laminated timber structures

The construction of structures using cross-laminated timber (CLT) has grown in popularity as a result of its environmentally friendly and high-strength characteristics. The primary function of angle bracket connections is to resist the force of CLT structures under horizontal forces, which is essential to ensure the seismic resilience and ductility of CLT structures. A regression algorithms-driven method for predicting the mechanical performance of angle bracket connections is introduced in this study. As input parameters, the geometric dimensions of the angle bracket connector, the connection method of the connector with the wall and floor slabs, and the properties of the CLT panel are utilized to predict the yield load, the maximal load, the initial stiffness, and the ductility ratio of the angle bracket connection. Prediction models were developed using the collected data from 110 angle bracket experiments, and each prediction model's performance was discussed in depth. Lastly, the permutation importance and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value analysis were used to interpret the prediction models. The results showed that the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm could accurately predict the maximum and yielding load of the angle bracket connection, with R2 reaching 0.968 and 0.939. Furthermore, in predicting the initial stiffness of the angle bracket, the XGB algorithm performed the best with an average ratio of predicted to actual values of 0.985. The results indicated that this study proposed an accurate and efficient method for angle bracket connection to predicting its mechanical properties and confirmed the trustworthiness and feasibility of the prediction models.

Balancing urban energy considering economic growth and environmental sustainability through integration of renewable energy

This paper delves into the critical intersection of urban energy management, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through the integration of renewable energy sources in smart urban homes. The escalating demand for power has created an energy scarcity, necessitating innovative solutions to balance supply and consumption. In this context, the transition from traditional electric grids to smart grids (SG) is gaining prominence. To harness the potential of smart urban homes, particularly in the context of renewable energy, solar panels on rooftops have become indispensable. Smart grid technologies enable users to engage in demand response strategies, offering incentives and financial benefits for flexible device usage. This study introduces a novel optimization algorithm, the Polar Bear Optimization Algorithm (PBOA), designed to schedule domestic device usage patterns efficiently. To evaluate the effectiveness of PBOA, this paper conducts comparative analyses with other optimization algorithms such as Differential Evolution (DE) and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSOA). Energy cost metrics, including Critical Peak Price (CPP) and Real-Time Price (RTP), are employed to assess cost reduction strategies. The primary focus of this study is to minimize energy costs and reduce the Peak to Average Ratio (PAR), thereby promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability in smart urban homes. It should be noted that neural network (NN) machine learning technique has been used for forecasting the weather and renewable energies output power.

Study on the Performance of SBS/Polyphosphoric Acid Composite Modified Asphalt

To address the issue of bad compatibility between a single polymer modifier and asphalt and high preparation cost, the composite modified asphalt with polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and SBS as a modifier was prepared. Basic properties, viscosity characteristics, high-temperature and low-temperature rheological performance, and aging-resistant performance of SBS/PPA composite modified asphalt were comprehensively evaluated, and the best content of PPA was obtained through the experimental results below. By performing an infrared spectrum test and a scanning electron microscope test, structural changes and modifying mechanisms of composite modified asphalt were analyzed. The results indicate the optimal PPA content is 0.75%. After adding PPA, the penetration and ductility of composite modified asphalt were reduced, while the softening point increased. At 135 °C, the viscosity was 1.2 times that of SBS modified asphalt. The average weight loss ratio was 0.163%. When the content of PPA was 0.75% and 1%, the rutting factor increased significantly. Therefore, PPA can not only improve the thermal oxidation aging resistance of asphalt, it can also improve the shear resistance, high-temperature performance, and temperature sensitivity of asphalt. Between 1027 and 1150 cm−1, the composite modified asphalt forms a new absorption peak, and from 1610 cm−1, the absorption peak presents an upward trend, suggesting that PPA reacts chemically with asphalt, produces the new substance, and also increases a large number of hydrocarbon components with chain structure. The surface appearance of the compound modified asphalt gradually presents a smooth wrinkle state due to the increase of PPA, so the issue of easy segregation of SBS in asphalt is improved.

Stomata damage, photosynthesis, and transpiration evaluation of aquatic lirium after ultrasound irradiation

Purpose Evaluate the structural damage and the changes in the photosynthesis and transpiration rates of aquatic lirium leaves caused by ultrasound (US) irradiation in search of environmentally friendly methodologies for the control of this weed. Materials and methods Aquatic lirium plants were extracted from Xochimilco water canals in Mexico City. A part of the group of plants was selected for irradiation, and the rest formed the control group. The irradiation plants group was exposed to US irradiation of 17 kHz frequency and 30 W × 4 output power for 2 h, at noon and 25 °C room temperature. The structural analysis was done with a MOTICAM 1 digital camera, 800 × 600 pixels, incorporated into the MOTIC PSM-1000 optical microscope and edited with Motic Images Plus 2.0 ML software. The total stomata density and the damaged stomata density were determined by dividing the numbers of total and damaged stomata by the visual field area (67,917 mm2), respectively. The leaves’ photosynthesis and transpiration rates were measured using an LI-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System. Results Significant damage was observed in the stomata and epidermal cells, finding that the average ratio between the damaged and total stomata densities as a function of time (days) showed an exponential increase described by a Box–Lucas equation with a saturation value near unity and a maximum rate of change of the density of damaged stomata on zero-day (immediately after irradiation), decreasing as the days go by. The transpiration rate showed a sudden increase during the first hour after irradiation, reaching a maximum of 36% of its value before irradiation. It then quickly fell during the next 6 days and more slowly until the 21st day, decreasing 79.9% of its value before irradiation. The photosynthetic rate showed similar behavior with a 37.7% maximum increment and a 73.6% minimum decrease of its value before irradiation. Conclusions The results of structural stomata damage on the ultrasound-irradiated aquatic lirium leaves are consistent with an excessive ultrasound stimulation on stomata’s mechanical operation by guard cells that produce the measured significant increase of the photosynthetic and transpiration rates during the first hour after irradiation. The initial high evaporation could alter the water potential gradient, with a possible generation of tensions in the xylem that could cause embolism in their conduits. The loss of xylem conductivity or hydraulic failure would be consistent with the observed significant fall in the photosynthesis and transpiration rates of the aquatic lirium leaves after its sudden rise in the first hour after irradiation.

Effect of partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of journal bearing

AbstractThis study presents the impact of full and partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of the journal bearing. The Reynolds equation is modified to account for the impact of surface waviness, and the lubricant domain is discretized using the Finite element method to obtain dynamic characteristics such as stiffness and damping coefficients and stability parameters, that is, threshold speed. Different wave numbers in the axial, circumferential and mixed directions are considered at variable wave amplitudes in different regions at an average eccentricity ratio of 0.6 to obtain the optimum values. The obtained results reveal that by application of waviness in the full region and partial waviness in the pressure‐reducing region on the bearing surface provides the enhanced value of stability parameter, fluid film stiffness and dynamic coefficients as compared to the simple journal bearing under the same working conditions.

Assessment of rock glaciers and their water storage in Guokalariju, Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. Rock glaciers are important hydrological reserves in arid and semi-arid regions. Their activity states can indicate the existence of permafrost. To help further explore the development mechanisms of rock glaciers in semi-arid and humid transition regions, this paper provides a detailed rock glacier inventory of the Guokalariju (also known as Goikarla Rigyu) area of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using a manual visual interpretation of Google Earth Pro remote sensing imagery. We also estimated the water volume equivalent (WVEQ) in the study area for the first time. Approximately 5057 rock glaciers were identified, covering a total area of ∼404.69 km2. Rock glaciers are unevenly distributed within the three sub-regions from west to east, with 80 % of them concentrated in the central region, where climatic and topographic conditions are most favorable. Under the same ground temperature conditions, increases in precipitation are conducive to rock glaciers forming at lower altitudes. Indeed, the lower limit of rock glaciers' mean altitude decreased eastward with increasing precipitation. Estimates of the water storage capacity of rock glaciers obtained by applying different methods varied considerably, but all showed the potential hydrological value of rock glaciers. The possible water storage in the subsurface ice of rock glacier permafrost was 1.32–3.60 km3. The ratio between the amount of subsurface ice stored in rock glaciers and surface ice stored in local glaciers falls within the range of 1:2.32 to 1:1.26, with an average ratio of 1:1.69. In the west region, where the climate is the driest, the water storage capacity of rock glaciers was estimated to be up to twice as large as that of the sub-region's glaciers. Changes in water resources and permafrost stability in the area where rock glaciers occur will have implications for regional water resource management, disaster prevention, and sustainable development strategies.

Molecular dynamics investigation on the interfacial thermal resistance between annealed pyrolytic graphite and copper.

Modern highly integrated microelectronic products often face the challenge of internal heat dissipation, leading to a significant decrease in their operational efficiency. Annealed Pyrolytic Graphite (APG), due to its superior thermal conductivity, has garnered attention from researchers. The interface thermal resistance between APG and supporting materials like copper significantly affects heat transfer during APG's operation. Existing studies rarely delve into the influence of factors such as the shape of APG material interfaces on thermal resistance from a microscopic perspective. In this paper, utilizing transient thermo-reflectance method and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, the interface thermal resistance of the APG-Cu structure was investigated under different conditions. The impact of parameters such as copper thickness, interface micro-surface morphology, and APG thickness on the calculated interface thermal resistance was examined. Simulation results revealed that copper thickness had a minor effect on the interface thermal resistance. This is because the phonon participation ratio remains unaffected by changes in the thickness of the copper layer. The interfacial thermal resistance beneath microscopically cylindrical copper surfaces was considerably lower than that of rectangular copper surfaces. This is because beneath the cylindrical surface, the enlarged interface contact area facilitates enhanced thermal transport between the interfaces. The computed results of the radial distribution function in the paper also indirectly validate this viewpoint. The magnitude of interfacial thermal resistance for different APG layers was influenced by the coupling effect of intermolecular forces and the layered stacking structure of APG. The interfacial thermal resistance under the condition of three layers of APG reaches its minimum value, which is 2.2 × 10-9 (K m2 W-1). Furthermore, from the phonon perspective, it is found that the interfacial thermal resistance with different numbers of APG layers is closely related to the localization or delocalization state of phonons. As the number of APG layers increased, the interface thermal resistance showed a trend of initial decrease followed by an increase, this is because the average phonon participation ratio increases and then decreases with the number of APG layers. The average phonon participation ratio reaches its maximum value of 0.45778 under the condition of three layers of APG.

ANALISIS LAPORAN KEUANGAN UNTUK MENILAI KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA DINAS KEBUDAYAAN DAN PARIWISATA KABUPATEN MUSI RAWAS

The problem examined in this study is about the Financial Performance of the Culture and Tourism Office of Musi Rawas Regency in terms of Eifficiency, Eiffectiveness and Harmony Ratios. This study uses a qualitative method. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the Financial Performance of the Culture and Tourism Office of Musi Rawas Regency in terms of Efficiency Ratio, from 2017 to 2022 can be categorized as inefficient with an aveirange efficiency ratio valuei of 93,6%. The Financial Performance of the Musi Rawas Regency Culture and Tourism Office in terms of the Effectiveness Ratio, from 2017 – 2022 as a whole is in the effective criteria with an average effectiveness ratio valuei of 94%. Thei Financial Performance of the Office of Culture and Tourism of Musi Rawas Regency in terms of the Conformity Ratio, from 2017 – 2022 can be said to be compatible, with an average compatibility ratio value of 77,3%. The results of this research are expected to be useful for the Culture and Tourism Office of Musi Rawas Regency. They need to pay more attention to things that can be a potential source of income, such as paying special attention to tourist objects.

Relation of morphometric characteristics to land degradation in the Biyonga sub-watershed, Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia

One of the crucial watersheds causing significant sedimentation in Lake Limboto is the Biyonga sub-watershed. This study aimed to examine and evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the watershed that contribute to possible erosion and land degradation hazards in the Biyonga sub-watershed. ALOS PALSAR (11.25 m), TERRASAR-X (5-10 m), and DEMNAS satellite images with a resolution of 8 m were employed, combining spatial analysis with a remote sensing approach and a Geographic Information System. Basic data of morphometric parameters were generated through basin morphometric analysis using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) image extraction. Then, the linear aspect, area, and relief parameters were defined by mathematical morphometric equations. The calculation results were interpreted into field data to confirm the relationship between watershed morphometric characteristics related to erosion and land degradation events. The results of the morphometric analysis showed that the flow density is a medium-textured criterion with a long elongation shape and an elongated flow pattern. Based on the relief aspect, the Biyonga Sub-watershed is in the form of moderate relief, has various characteristics with an average ratio, and has terrain that can trigger erosion and land degradation. This study has provided information that degraded land is not fully influenced by morphometric factors but due to poor land use and management systems, which accelerate erosion and sedimentation.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING BIODEGRADED SWEET ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS) PEEL MEAL AS REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE

A 56-days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of using the biodegradation sweet orange peel meal (BSOPM) as a replacement of maize in diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and haematological parameters of broiler chicks. A total of 180, one-day old broilers were distributed equally into six dietary treatments with 3 replicate of 10 chicks in each in a completely randomized design. The biodegraded sweet orange peel meal (BSOPM) was used to replaced maize at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of the control diet (T0) and five test diets (T5) (T10) (T5) (T20) and (T25) in finishers broilers diets. Laboratory analyses were carried out on the BSOMP and experimental diets to determine its proximate composition and the result revealed that, BSOPM contained metabolizable energy content of 2854.24 kcal/kg and 89.60% dry matter (DM), 7.58% crude protein (CP), 11.11 % crude fibre (CF), 2.89% ether extract (EE), 11.58% total ash (TA), 66.84% nitrogen free extract (NFE). Results also showed that average final live body weight ranged from 798.68 – 1582.64g. Average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p˂0.05) affected across the dietary treatments while final weight gain, average daily weight gain and mortality were not significantly (p>0.05) affected across the dietary treatments. The results of haematological and serum biochemical indices showed that, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) except for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicating that no physiological abnormalities resulted from the feeding of BSOPM to broiler chicken.

Performance of stand-alone bifacial photovoltaic module using non-biodegradable waste as reflectors for tropical climatic region of southern India: An experimental approach

Bifacial photovoltaic modules (Bi-FM) generate more power compared to mono-facial modules (Mo-FM) even in diffused light conditions. Deployment of reflectors in Bi-FM increases the cost of implementation. The unique feature of this proposed work is that it utilizes waste material as reflectors. The cost of the reflective material is 10% of the total module cost, and the proposed work is economically viable due to waste reusability. In this work, three different non-biodegradable materials (polyvinyl chloride flex, thermocol, and aluminium foil) are reused as reflectors to improve their generation using Bi-FM. A detailed study is made using the waste materials as reflectors and the performance ratio is computed for different irradiation conditions observed across a day. The average performance ratio of thermocol and polyvinyl chloride flex is 20% and 8% respectively, higher than that of aluminium foil. Using a reflector made of PVC flex has a 3.59-year lifespan as compared to Bi-FM by employing a reflector made of aluminium foil. The deployment of non-biodegradable materials reduces the cost requirements. The proposed setup also increases the reusability of non-biodegradable waste materials as reflectors and improves the power generation of Bi-FM.

Application of FinTech in Digital Banking Operations in the Information Age

Abstract In recent years, the rapid development of FinTech has attracted widespread attention globally. It not only brings unprecedented challenges to the financial industry, but also inspires significant reforms and innovations in banks’ internal operations. In this paper, based on the support of fintech, the Harris Hawk algorithm is used to optimize the GRU algorithm to construct an efficient digital operation system for banks. This system focuses on improving and enhancing the operation work of different business areas within the bank. After applying this system, the bank has combined fintech with risky operational work, resulting in an average capital adequacy ratio of 12.97, which is strong evidence of the bank’s high affordability in risk management. In addition, the banks’ efficiency of technological advancement grew at an average annual rate of 0.4%, which is the most significant change, showing a trend of growth in tandem with total factor productivity. The scale efficiency has an average annual growth rate of 0.5%, which further demonstrates the system’s significant effectiveness in enhancing banks’ operational efficiency. The system proposed in this paper can effectively promote the digitization process of bank operations and significantly improve banks’ operational efficiency and risk management capability.

Effect of supersaturated dissolved oxygen on growth-, survival-, and immune-related gene expression of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Oxygen concentration is an essential water quality parameter for aquaculture systems. Recently, supersaturated dissolved oxygen (DO) has been widely used in aquaculture systems to prevent oxygen depletion; however, the long-term effects of supersaturated DO exposure on aquatic animals have not been studied. In this study, we examined the effects of supersaturated DO on the growth, survival, and gene expression of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Specific pathogen-free shrimp with a body weight of 8.22 ± 0.03 g were randomly assigned to two groups with four replicates at a density of 15 shrimps per tank. Shrimp were cultivated in recirculating tanks containing 50 L of 15 ppt seawater in each replicate. Oxygen was supplied at 5 mg/L to the control tanks using an air microbubble generator and at 15 mg/L to the treatment tanks using a pure oxygen microbubble generator. Shrimp were fed commercial feed pellets containing 39% protein at 4% of their body weight per day for 30 days. Average daily growth (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on days 15 and 30. Shrimp molting was measured every day. Individual hemolymph samples were obtained and analyzed for total hemocyte count, differential hemocyte count, and expression of growth- and immune-related genes at the end of the experiment. Long-term exposure to supersaturated DO significantly affected shrimp growth. After 30 days of supersaturated DO treatment, the final weight and ADG were 14.73 ± 0.16 g and 0.22 ± 0.04, respectively. Shrimp treated with normal aeration showed significantly lower weight (12.13 ± 0.13 g) and ADG (0.13 ± 0.00) compared with the control group. FCR was 1.55 ± 0.04 in the treatment group and 2.51 ± 0.09 in the control group. Notably, the shrimp molting count was 1.55-fold higher in the supersaturated DO treatment than in the supersaturated DO treatment. The expression of growth-related genes, such as alpha-amylase, cathepsin L, and chitotriosidase, was 1.40-, 1.48-, and 1.35-fold higher, respectively, after supersaturated DO treatment. Moreover, the treatment increased the expression of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, crustin, penaeidin3, and heat shock protein 70 genes by 1.23-, 2.07-, 4.20-, and 679.04-fold, respectively, compared to the controls. Supersaturated DO increased growth and ADG production and decreased FCR. Furthermore, enhanced immune-related gene expression by supersaturated DO may improve shrimp health and reduce disease risk during cultivation.

Real-World Clinical Equivalence of Generic and Branded Tofacitinib: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

ObjectivesTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of generic tofacitinib vs brand name tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a single-center comparative study based on a prospective real-world cohort. MethodsPatients with RA receiving tofacitinib, either generic (Kelejia) or branded (Xeljanz), from March 2017, to December 31, 2022, were enrolled. The primary outcome was the simplified disease activity index (SDAI)–defined remission rate at month 6. Secondary outcomes included the rates of remission and low disease activity defined by other composite scores; European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology response rate, and ultrasonic synovitis scores at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Cost-effectiveness was investigated. Propensity score–based inverse probability of treatment weighting was adopted to reduce selection bias. ResultsA total of 204 patients were enrolled: 59 in the generic group and 145 in the branded group. An SDAI-defined remission was achieved in 41.1% and 39.2% of patients in the generic and branded groups, respectively, at month 6 (P=.85). Rates of remission and low disease activity achievement, changes in clinical disease activity scores, and power Doppler and gray scale synovitis scores at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 were comparable between the 2 groups. Similar proportions of patients in the groups achieved moderate/good response at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Rates of drug retention and adverse effects were also similar in the 2 groups. Both Kelejia and Xeljanz were cost-effective, but Kelejia had a lower average cost-effectiveness ratio. ConclusionGeneric tofacitinib (Keljia) had equivalent clinical efficacy and safety and better cost-effectiveness compared with its originator (Xeljanz).

Morfometrijska analiza i njena implikacija kod upravljanja poplavama i erozijom u donjem slivu reke Kwa Iboe, Jugoistočna Nigerija

The study focused on morphometric analysis and its implication on flood and erosion management in Lower Kwa Iboe River, South Eastern Nigeria. The following objectives were taken into consideration: to map and characterize the Lower (downstream) Kwa Iboe River using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing technology, to examine the morphometric indicators in Lower Kwa Iboe River and its implications on flood and erosion control. Morphometric analysis was carried out at different sub-catchments in lower Kwa Iboe River. The lower Kwa Iboe River has four matured sub-catchments. These include: Anyang sub-catchment, Akpibe sub-catchment, Idim Ibedu/Ikot Ubo sub-catchment, as well as Idim Ntete sub-catchment. The result indicates that the calculated mean bifurcation ratio for the study area is 3.74, an indication that the study area is a lowland area. The length of overland flow of the lower Kwa Iboe basin is 1.25km, the drainage texture of the lower Kwa Iboe basin ranges from 0.77-1.23. This shows that the basin has a very coarse texture which is susceptible to flood disaster. The study area has an average elongation ratio of 0.19, circularity ratio (0.54) and form factor (0.42) which indicates that the shape of the basin tends towards elongation. The result of the study implies that the basin is neither dissected nor prone to erosion but rather flood disaster which depends on a number of natural factors such as climate, rainfall, vegetation, rock and soil types. In conclusion, the watershed is only vulnerable to flood disaster especially the downstream.

Recovery of Fish Community Suffered from Feminization by Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Surabaya River, East Java

There had been reports of a significant increase in female fish populations in the Surabaya River, induced by water pollution. This research aims to study the current sex condition and the level of Endocrine Disrupter Chemicals (EDC) in the river fishes after the river cleaning program promoted by the municipality. 420 fish samples from various species were taken from the river during 2017-2018. The fishes were sexed and analyzed their contents of estradiol, phthalate, and chlorpyrifos. The average sex ratio found was nearly normal (Male: Female=52:48), recovered significantly from the previous record in 2013 (16:84). Meanwhile the concentrations of EDC estradiol, phthalate, and chlorpyrifos found were 0.000; 0.033; and 0.037 mg/kg subsequently; except for chlorpyrifos, most of the chemicals were below the residue maximum limit by Indonesia National Standard (SNI).

Preparation of α-hemihydrate gypsum whiskers from phosphogypsum using atmospheric pressure nitrate solution

A substantial stockpile of phosphogypsum (PG) not just consumes land resources, but also poses environmental contamination risks. Herein, the conversion of PG into high-value α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HH) whisker by the atmospheric pressure salt solution method with simple process, high efficiency and low energy consumption was investigated. Sodium nitrate was found to accelerate the conversion of PG into α-HH, and sorbitol could modify the α-HH into rod-like morphology with high aspect ratios. The α-HH whiskers with an average length of 96.28 µm and an average aspect ratio of 25.47 were prepared within 1.5 h under the optimal parameters of 80 ℃, sodium nitrate-30 wt%, PG-12 wt%, and sorbitol-1 wt%. The modulation mechanism was that hydroxyl groups in sorbitol formed strong hydrogen bonds with the sulfate groups on the lateral of the crystals, which promoted the growth of α-HH along the c-axis. Moreover, the filtrate could be effectively recycled by adding salt medium and crystallization modifier. Such technique provides a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of PG.