Reached Saturation Point Research Articles

Adsorben dari Lumpur Limbah untuk Penyisihan Kromium pada Fixed Bed Column

Sewage sludge is a major by-product of the wastewater biological treatment process. Wastewater Treatment Plants at Palm Oil Mills (PKS) produce a lot of sewage sludge and until now it has not been optimally utilized. This study aims to examine the potential of PKS sewage sludge as an adsorbent for the removal of kromium (Cr) by the fixed bed column method. The study will also analyze the effect of recirculation on the reduction of kromium levels. The sludge was carbonized in a furnace at 300°C for 2 hours. Synthetic kromium wastewater was made at three concentrations of 2000 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 4000 ppm. The sludge adsorbent used was 100 grams which was filled into the fix bed column. Recirculation of kromium wastewater was performed 3 times. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results showed that the best removal without recirculation occurred at a kromium concentration of 3000 ppm with a removal efficiency of 48.07%. Furthermore, recirculation was carried out 3 times and resulted in varying removal values at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd recirculation of 37.9%, 40.06% and 35.4%. The highest removal occurred in the second recirculation. The addition of recirculation led to a decrease in the sorption of chrome as the adsorbent had reached saturation point. This allows the release of kromium ions that have been adsorbed and causes the removal efficiency to decrease. A suitable adsorption isotherm model for sludge adsorbent is the Langmuir model, where the adsorption process occurs in a single layer and is homogeneous.

Implementation of Character Building Training in the Framework of Cultivating a Moderate Attitude of Religion in Students

This study examines the implementation of Character Building Training (PPK) and the content delivered. This qualitative study involved 60 students, and eight lecturers selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques, with data collection considered sufficient if it has reached saturation point. Data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews from June to September 2022. Data analysis was carried out manually using the Discovering Cultural Themes model, including data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions and verification. The study results indicate that PPK is implemented through a PPK campaign cycle, capacity building, and institutionalization with an approach including mentoring, learning, guidance, and support. The content includes attitudes and values, skills, knowledge, and integrative moderate insights, strengthening tolerant, open, critical, caring, and creative behavior, respecting differences, and behaving politely. The CBT program has specifically strengthened the religious character and love of the homeland, with the most significant improvements in this area. The implications and contributions of this study highlight the importance of continuous character education among youth as a tool to strengthen religious moderation.

Bibliometric Analysis of Spatial Stunting Using VOSviewer

Stunting, or stunted growth, is a serious global public health problem. The aim of this research is to investigate the dynamics of co-occurrence, trends and saturation of keywords in spatial studies related to stunting using the literature review method. This research uses bibliometric analysis with the help of Web Lens.org, Openrefine, and VOSviewer for data collection and analysis. VOSviewer can display bibliometric mapping in three different visualizations, including network visualization, overlay visualization, and density visualization. The findings of this research reveal seven topic clusters related to the subject of this research, with network visualization results showing that research with the keywords 'spatial' and 'stunting' is still relatively limited. The overlay visualization results show that this research trend only emerged at the beginning of 2020 and has not yet reached saturation point. In conclusion, there is still a lot of room for further research in this area, making spatial stunting an interesting and potentially useful area for further exploration.

High-performance athletes’ transition out of sport: developing corporate social responsibility

ABSTRACT This study investigates high-performance athletes’ experiences of transitioning out of sport and the support provided to them and describes how the findings suggest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which may inform the development of sport policies addressing issues surrounding sport career transitions. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data exploring athletes’ lived experiences of adapting to life after sport. Purposive sampling was applied to 20 retired high-performance athletes (10 male; 10 female), from six different countries, representing 11 Olympic sports. The causes of career termination are found to be multifaceted, with the findings indicating different factors such as ‘feelings of reaching saturation point’, shifts in priorities, decreased self-awareness of performance, policy changes (e.g. reductions in funding, changes in coaching personnel), and significant singular events such as crucial losses to key rivals. Lost goals and identity and a lack of pre-retirement planning were considered as major challenges post-retirement. Refocusing and developing new priorities in life and the importance of seeking support were highlighted in discussions on coping with life post-transition. The findings demonstrate that high-performance athletes require support and care from sport governing bodies and social support providers in adapting to post-athletic life. The implications of these findings for CSR initiatives and their relevance to the policymaking process are discussed.

Illicit Substance use among adolescents and youths in Zimbabwe: a stakeholder’s perspective on the enabling factors and potential strategies to address this scourge

Drug and illicit substance use among adolescents and the youth is a rising global health concern. In Zimbabwe, this problem has also been increasing in magnitude, with reports indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of the problem. Decisively dealing with the problem requires an understanding of the contributory factors from all significant stakeholders’ perspective. We qualitatively explored the contributory factors to drug and substance use among the adolescents and youths in Zimbabwe from a significant stakeholders’ perspective. We conducted three focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders to reach saturation point. Four themes emerged on enabling factors, namely idleness among the youths and the adolescents, increased access to illicit substances, low community awareness of the signs of drug and substance use leading to delayed identification, and absence of social workers in the communities. Four themes emerged as possible strategies to curb drug and illicit substance use in this age group, namely capacitation of mental health institutions, expanding community awareness programmes, tailored approaches for adolescent and youth programming, and strengthening law enforcement. A convergence with these relevant stakeholders is urgently needed to map strategies to deal with the enabling factors place, and to strengthen strategies to curb the problem.

Models of integration of TB and HIV services and factors associated with perceived quality of TB-HIV integrated service delivery in O. R Tambo District, South Africa

BackgroundTuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death among people living with HIV. Reducing morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated TB requires strong collaboration between TB and HIV services at all levels with fully integrated, people-centered models of care.MethodsThis is a qualitative study design using principles of ethnography and the application of aggregate complexity theory. A total of 54 individual interviews with healthcare workers and patients took place in five primary healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo district. The participants were purposively selected until the data reached saturation point, and all interviews were tape-recorded. Quantitative analysis of qualitative data was used after coding ethnographic data, looking for emerging patterns, and counting the number of times a qualitative code occurred. A Likert scale was used to assess the perceived quality of TB/HIV integration. Regression models and canonical discriminant analyses were used to explore the associations between the perceived quality of TB and HIV integrated service delivery and independent predictors of interest using SPSS® version 23.0 (Chicago, IL) considering a type I error of 0.05.ResultsOf the 54 participants, 39 (72.2%) reported that TB and HIV services were partially integrated while 15 (27.8%) participants reported that TB/HIV services were fully integrated. Using the Likert scale gradient, 23 (42.6%) participants perceived the quality of integrated TB/HIV services as poor while 13 (24.1%) and 18 (33.3%) perceived the quality of TB/HIV integrated services as moderate and excellent, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that access to healthcare services was significantly and independently associated with the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services following the equation: Y = 3.72–0.06X (adjusted R2 = 23%, p-value = 0.001). Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) showed that in all 5 municipal facilities, long distances to healthcare facilities leading to reduced access to services were significantly more likely to be the most impeding factor, which is negatively influencing the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services, with functions’ coefficients ranging from 9.175 in Mhlontlo to 16.514 in KSD (Wilk’s Lambda = 0.750, p = 0.043).ConclusionHIV and TB integration is inadequate with limited access to healthcare services. Full integration (one-stop-shop services) is recommended.

Study on Comfort Characteristics of Moisture Management Finished Microdenier Polyester Knitted Fabrics

The influence of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finish microdenier polyester knitted fabrics was determined to identify the suitable stitch length and knit structure. In order to study this effect, microdenier polyester filament yarn of 150 denier containing 108 filaments was taken. The yarn was converted to three knit structures such as single jersey, single airtex, and honeycomb, each containing three different stitch lengths of 2.6, 2.9, and 3.2 mm. The effect of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finish knitted fabrics was significant. It was observed that single jersey fabrics showed quicker sinking times for the wetting test. In the wicking test, the wicking length increased continuously with stitch length for treated fabrics. In transverse wicking test for one drop of water and to reach saturation point, single jersey fabric shows a larger water spreading area. The time taken to reach saturation point is also shorter. In the moisture vapor transfer test for reduction in height and weight of water, single airtex fabrics show higher values. In the air permeability test, the single jersey structure exhibited higher air permeability values. It was observed that the single jersey structure with 2.9-mm stitch length had a superior performance with respect to comfort characteristics.

An experimental implication of long‐term hot‐wet‐aged carbon fiber/polyether ketone ketone composites: The impact of automated fiber placement process parameters and process‐induced defects

AbstractDuring the service life of aerospace‐grade composites, process parameters and process‐induced defects may become crucial. Most studies in this field have mainly focused on the relationship between process‐induced defects and mechanical performance. However, the potential impact of process parameters and process‐induced defects on the service life of composites serving under severe service conditions has received little attention. In this work, the effects of hydrothermal conditioning on the mechanical performance of carbon fiber/polyether ketone ketone (CF/PEKK) composites are examined, along with the correlation between automated fiber placement (AFP) process parameters and process‐induced defects. For this, gap and overlap defects integrated CF/PEKK laminates were exposed to a long‐term (90 days) hot‐wet aging environment to simulate the actual service conditions. Defect‐induced composite samples reached saturation point at the end of 30 days with a mass gain of 0.2 wt%. The aging process resulted in an increase in the degree of crystallization by almost 14% without a change in the chemical structure, indicating the postcrystallization of the PEKK matrix. Even though the thermo‐mechanical performance diminished (~25%) with the aging process, storage modulus was slightly affected by process parameters and process‐induced defects. Considering the flexural and shear test results after the aging process, the impact of gap and overlap defects on the service life of AFP composites can be minimized with higher compaction forces (600 N) and lower lay‐up speeds (0.1 m/s).

Effects of the construction of fertile and cultivated soil layer on soil fertility and maize yield in Albic soil.

We examined the effects of fertile soil layer construction technology on soil fertility and maize yield with a 3-year field experiment in Albic soil in Fujin, Heilongjiang Province. There were five treatments, including conventional tillage (T15, without organic matter return) and fertile soil layer construction methods [deep tillage (0-35 cm) with straw return, T35+S; deep tillage with organic manure, T35+M; deep tillage with straw and organic manure return, T35+S+M; deep tillage with straw, organic manure return and chemical fertilizer, T35+S+M+F]. The results showed that: 1) compared with the T15 treatment, maize yield was significantly increased by 15.4%-50.9% under fertile layer construction treatments. 2) There was no significant difference of soil pH among all treatments in the first two years, but fertile soil layer construction treatments significantly increased soil pH of topsoil (0-15 cm soil layer) in the third year. The pH of subsoil (15-35 cm soil layer) significantly increased under T35+S+M+F, T35+S+M, and T35+M treatments, while no significant difference was observed for T35+S treatment, compared with T15 treatment. 3) The fertile soil layer construction treatments could improve the nutrient contents of the topsoil and subsoil layer, especially in the subsoil layer, with the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen and available potassium being increased by 3.2%-46.6%, 9.1%-51.8%, 17.5%-130.1%, 4.4%-62.8%, 22.2%-68.7% under the subsoil layer, respectively. The fertility richness indices were increased in the subsoil layer, and nutrient contents of the subsoil layer were close to those of topsoil layer, indicating that 0-35 cm fertile soil layer had been constructed. 4) Soil organic matter contents in the 0-35 cm layer were increased by 8.8%-23.2% and 13.2%-30.1% in the second and third years of fertile soil layer construction, respectively. Soil organic carbon storage was also gradually increased under fertile soil layer construction treatments. 5) The carbon conversion rate of organic matter was 9.3%-20.9% under T35+S treatment, and 10.6%-24.6% under T35+M, T35+S+M, and T35+S+M+F treatments. The carbon sequestration rate was 815.7-3066.4 kg·hm-2·a-1 in fertile soil layer construction treatments. The carbon sequestration rate of T35+S treatment increased with experimental periods, and soil carbon content under T35+M, T35+S+M and T35+S+M+F treatments reached saturation point in the experimental second year. Construction of fertile soil layers could improve the fertility of topsoil and subsoil and maize yield. In term of economic benefits, combination application of maize straw, organic material and chemical fertilizer within 0-35 cm soil, cooperating with conservation tillage, is recommended for the Albic soil fertility improvement.

Coconut Fiber Reinforced Concrete by Complete Replacement of Sand with Over-Burden Soil

Substantiation is widely accepted in the new era of construction. Even though the construction industry is rapidly growing noticeably in the form of tools and materials, the cost of construction has reached saturation point along with the deteriorative impact on the environment. This has led to the embrace of natural fibers like coconut fiber, jute fibers, hemp fibers, flax, etc., in reinforcing concrete. Coconut fiber is quite feasible as a tensile-strengthening material in concrete. This is an effective method for the disposal of coconut waste from mattress industries which reduces the waste disposal and decreases the load on existing landfills. Natural fibers are ecologically acceptable and can reduce global carbon quite effectively. Along with coconut fiber, overburdened soil (OB soil) is also used which is left as waste of Mine deposits. A complete replacement of sand in concrete with OB soil is done to reduce the cost of the material as well as to increase the usage of wastes to bring the best version of the material as an outcome. This experimental investigation mainly focuses on analyzing the strength variation of coconut fiber at varying fiber contents and comparing it with conventional concrete. Various strength tests are done at varying percentages (1%, 3%, and 5% by the weight of cement) of coconut fiber.

Influence of Fe2O3 Content on Acoustic Properties of Backing Materials and Development and Utilization of Acoustic Emission Sensors

Fe2O3 and epoxy resin sensor substrate materials (Fe2O3/epoxy resin composite material) are prepared in this article. A series of acoustic emission sensors are prepared by using composite material as sensor substrate, and the effect of Fe2O3 content in composite material on sensor performance is studied. The effect of Fe2O3 content in the composite material on the performance of the sensor is studied through the simulated lead‐breaking experiment, and the self‐made sensor is calibrated by using the calibration system. Nondestructive testing of concrete materials with different strengths is carried out by selecting the sensor with the best performance. The results show that the content of Fe2O3 in the composite increases to 50%, the epoxy resin matrix reaches saturation point of accommodate Fe2O3 powder, and the propagation velocity of ultrasonic waves reaches the lowest point when it passes through the composite. The sensor with 50% Fe2O3 content as a backing layer has the highest sensitivity and signal‐to‐noise ratio. The relationship between the strength of concrete material and acoustic attenuation and frequency is established by using this sensor, and the law can be used to evaluate the strength and mechanical properties of concrete material without destroying them.

Typhoon and Flooding Disasters’ Lived Experiences of Loboc Residents in Bohol, Philippines

This study described the meaning of lived experiences of the municipal leaders of Loboc, Bohol, Philippines, prior, during, and after typhoon “Seniang” in 2014. It investigated the initiatives and practices of the local government unit (LGU) and captured the household experiences through a qualitative research approach following the Husserlian descriptive phenomenology utilizing Colaizzi’s method of data analysis. Purposive sampling was employed through face-to-face interviews with 12 key informants after reaching saturation point. All narrative accounts were transcribed and served as the primary source of qualitative data. The extracted accounts were organized through thematic categorization yielding 77 significant statements, 28 formulated meanings, 15 clusters, and 4 emergent themes. These emergent themes include awareness of disaster, experiences during the disaster, good local governance practices, and experienced challenges. Grounded on these findings, it is concluded that effective disaster response and quick and successful recovery fundamentally depend on authentic and effective governance by Loboc local leaders concretized through collaborative, concrete observance, implementation of responsive policy processes and the harmonious team works among community members. Altogether, proactive involvement makes a community more resilient. The researchers recommend that Loboc local leaders, employees, and residents, altogether put a premium on active participation, profess a positive outlook with enduring commitment to immediately rebound from any experienced disaster.

Justification for Adopting Qualitative Research Method, Research Approaches, Sampling Strategy, Sample Size, Interview Method, Saturation, and Data Analysis

Justifying the adoption of the qualitative research method to satisfy the examiners (for thesis) and reviewers (for journal articles) is a challenging task for researchers in business, management, marketing, tourism, hospitality and albeit in social science domain. The difficulty continues in establishing the justification for selecting qualitative research approaches, sample strategy, sample size, data collection methods (i.e. interview methods), saturation, and data analysis. In this guide, we aim to ground brief justifications for researchers and guidance on how to justify the section of qualitative research method in thesis and journal articles. This study also provides brief justification on selecting specific qualitative research approaches, sampling strategies, sample size, interviews, and data analysis methods. Furthermore, this study provides a glimpse of justification regarding when and how to reach saturation point in qualitative research. Keywords: Qualitative research method, Research approaches, Sampling strategy, Sample size, Interview method, Saturation, and Qualitative data analysis (QDA)

Student’s Perceptions on Group Work Amidst the Covid 19-Pandemic

The study entitled “Student’s Perceptions on Group Work Amidst the Covid 19-Pandemic” shows how each student participates in every aspect of group activities in the form of online learning. With the pandemic, the education sector all over the shifted from face-to face-classes to online learning. One of the disadvantages of online learning is having group work since it is susceptible to the impacts of a pandemic. Considering it often involves face-to-face interaction and coordination across people, time, and space, making social distancing and virtual work are a dramatic shift away from typical teamwork contexts. This study utilized the descriptive case study method of research in which it refers to the description, recording analysis, and interpretation of the present condition of research. The study is administered upon reaching saturation point wherein no new information is obtained resulting in data satisfaction. This study utilized the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenience sampling hence the qualitative nature of the study. The convenience sampling technique is the most appropriate for the study as this method is conveniently available for the participants to suit the researchers' requirements, especially under the circumstances of the impossibility of face-to-face contact. This study utilized thematic analysis. The researchers were able to thematically organize the results to the particulars of the participant's responses. In conclusion, the researchers found that the students in Leyte Normal University Integrated Laboratory School, from grades 10 and 11, had the following occurrence in terms of group works being given, applied, and enacted. The first theme was the Disadvantages of Group Work amidst Pandemic consist Discomfort doing with Groupmates, Hard to do Group Work because of Problems in Internet Connection, Unstable Internet Connection, Lack of Communication, and Lack of cooperation. The second theme was the Resolutions of the Students with the Challenges Met, which consist the following, Volunteer/Participate in doing Group Work, Communicating with Groupmates, and Change in Perception on Group Work. However, even with these challenges, the students identified some ways or steps on how they cope with these challenges. The students mostly participate or volunteer in working with groups for them to contribute something to the group. The students also identified some solutions to cope with the challenges they’re facing on the new modality. They try to communicate with their groupmates for them to have a good flow in doing the tasks and activities. Having good communication with each other is an instrument for their group to have solid teamwork and cooperation.

Provide computational and impactful models on the development of the organic food market based on environmental factors

One of the industries that have played an undisputed role in the economic cycle in recent years, both in economic issues and profitability and in the health sector, is the organic products industry. This study aims to identify the dimensions and components of the two categories of characteristics. Demographic and environmental factors affecting the development of the organic food market were conducted in the form of a conceptual model. The method of the present study is descriptive-analytical and of a combined type which includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research method in the qualitative stage was content analysis and in the quantitative part was descriptive and survey research. The statistical population in the qualitative stage were experts, professors as well as experts in the field of organic production. In the qualitative sampling method with interview tools, we continued to collect information until we reached saturation point. The tool used The interview was semi-structured. The statistical population in the quantitative part is unlimited, which includes all consumers of organic products in the city of Mashhad and 384 people were selected as a sample by available sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made quantitative part of the questionnaire. To analyze the data of this research in the qualitative stage, Max Kyoda software and in the quantitative part to determine the effect and fit of the model in the quantitative part, the structural equation modeling method was used. In the end, seven moles were obtained, which included the characteristics of households, urbanization, political, cultural, economic, social and competing factors.

Perceptions on preeclampsia and eclampsia among senior, older women, in rural Southwestern Uganda.

BackgroundEclampsia is among the leading causes of maternal mortality. It is a serious hypertensive complication of pregnancy and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Pregnancy-related hypertension complications predispose to chronic hypertension and premature heart attacks. A significant proportion of women with preeclampsia/eclampsia does not reach the formal healthcare system or arrive too late because of certain traditional or cultural beliefs about the condition. The older, senior women in the community are knowledgeable and play a significant role in decision making regarding where mothers should seek maternal health care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of older and senior women regarding the manifestation of, risk factors and possible causes of preeclampsia/eclampsia.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural Southwestern Uganda. The key informants were senior, older women including community elders, village health team members and traditional birth attendants who were believed to hold local knowledge and influence on birth and delivery. We purposively selected key informants and data were collected till we reached saturation point. We analyzed data using an inductive thematic approach to identify themes.ResultsWe interviewed 20 key informants with four themes identified. The ‘causes’ theme emerged from the subthemes of confusion with other conditions, spiritual beliefs and high blood pressure. The ‘risk factors’ theme emerged from the subthemes of oedema-related illnesses, poverty-induced malnutrition, and strained relationships. The ‘remedies’ theme emerged from the consistent mention of traditional herbal treatment, seek medical help, spiritual healing, emotional healing and corrective nutrition as potential solutions. The theme ‘effects of preeclampsia/eclampsia’ emerged from the mention of pregnancy complications like premature delivery, child loss, operative delivery like caesarian section delivery as well as death. There was no identifiable local name from the interviews. Women carried several myths regarding the cause and these included little blood, witchcraft, ghost attacks and stress from strained relationships including marital tension. Women were generally aware of the outcomes of eclampsia, mainly that it kills.ConclusionsEclampsia is associated with significant myths and misconceptions in this rural community. We recommend interventions to increase awareness and dispel these myths and misconceptions, increase access to antenatal preeclampsia surveillance, and facilitate timely referral for basic maternity care as means for early detection and management of preeclampsia.

Defining the clinical genomic landscape for real-world precision oncology

Through the delivery of large international projects including ICGC and TCGA, knowledge of cancer genomics is reaching saturation point. Enabling this to improve patient outcomes now requires embedding comprehensive genomic profiling into routine oncology practice. Towards this goal, this study defined the biologically and clinically relevant genomic features of adult cancer through detailed curation and analysis of large genomic datasets, accumulated literature and biomarker-driven therapeutics in clinic and development. The characteristics and prevalence of these features were then interrogated in 2348 whole genome sequences, covering 21 solid tumour types, generated by the PCAWG project. This analysis highlights the predominant contribution of copy number alterations and identifies a critical role for disruptive structural variants in the inactivation of clinically important tumour suppressor genes, including PTEN and RB1, which are not currently captured by diagnostic assays. This study defines a set of essential genomic features for the characterisation of common adult cancers.

Research on college students’ physical exercise trend based on compartment model

As the backbone of social development, college students’ level of physical exercise has always been the focus of research by experts and scholars. Most of the research methods are on the strength of literature data, questionnaire survey, mathematical statistics and comparative analysis. Based on the classification of college students and the influence and flow law of inter-class population, this paper establishes a differential equation system. By analyzing the existence and stability of the equilibrium of this system and the possible fold or backward bifurcations at the equilibrium, the quantitative analysis of college students’ physical exercise trends on campus is carried out. This paper aims to improve the participation of college students in physical exercise by maximizing the number of students in the third categories. The results of theoretical proof, sensitivity analysis and numerical simulation show that in the initial stage, promoting peer-to-peer communication is the most effective measure. Secondly, when the effect of peer-to-peer interaction reaches saturation point, the way to improve physical education can achieve significant results. To fundamentally improve the enthusiasm of college students to participate in sports activities, we should start from the level of consciousness and enhance students’ awareness of physical exercise from an early age.

Fabrika İçi Lojistik Sürecinde Kablosuz Acil Parça İstek Sistemi Otomasyonu: Bir Otomotiv Fabrikası Uygulaması

Nowadays, given that production technologies have reached saturation point in several fields, executives are turning to the field of logistics to reduce costs. In stock control (for example, just-in-time supply systems), Kanban is being used fairly extensively these days. Lean manufacturing - a complete system which is perhaps better understood – is seeing continual development and is increasingly being used as a line application in the automative sector thanks to a rise in the use of computer technology alongside the development of improved communication systems. This rapid development in information technology, a sharp rise in competition in the dynamic structure of today’s automotive sector, product variety, and the rising demands of customers have resulted in the importance of logistics software. A well organized system of production logistics optimizes material management, decreases inventory costs and increases productivity. In this study, an introduction has been made to the ‘wireless emergency parts request system’ - developed to meet the demands for emergency parts in assembly stations. Furthermore, we look at the benefits of the system in the context of an automative factory, absorbing the just-in-time product philosophy.

Studies on Water Sorption Behaviour of Laminated Bamboo Polymer Composite

The aim of this article is to evaluate water absorption in bamboo fiber composites. Bamboo is hydrophilic, means that it easily absorbs water. In this study the bamboo fiber-based composites were developed using hand lay up method, with epoxy resin as the matrix constituent. Water absorption characteristics of specimens of bamboo composite and epoxy were determined from water immersion tests at several temperatures. Gravimetric analysis was performed to determine the moisure absorbed as a function of time at two different temperatures: 25 ºC and 50 C. The diffusivity of water in an epoxy bamboo composite was determined after reaching saturation point. During room temperature soaking, epoxy specimen showed the characteristic of Fickian behavior. Similar immersion tests on bamboo-epoxy composites followed nonfickian behavior. Changes in the mechanical properties of material due to water absorption were evaluated from tensile testing on materials with varied water content. It was found that the waterabsorption in all samples reduced the tensile properties. The degradation of tensile properties was greater with an increasing temperature of immersion. The results of this study emphasize the importance ofconsidering deterioration of mechanical properties in the bamboo epoxy composites during their application in water and possibly in humid environment.