Scale Systems Research Articles

A computational bridge between traction force microscopy and tissue contraction.

Arterial wall active mechanics are driven by resident smooth muscle cells, which respond to biological, chemical, and mechanical stimuli and activate their cytoskeletal machinery to generate contractile stresses. The cellular mechanoresponse is sensitive to environmental perturbations, often leading to maladaptation and disease progression. When investigated at the single cell scale, however, these perturbations do not consistently result in phenotypes observed at the tissue scale. Here, a multiscale model is introduced that translates microscale contractility signaling into a macroscale, tissue-level response. The microscale framework incorporates a biochemical signaling network along with characterization of fiber networks that govern the anisotropic mechanics of vascular tissue. By incorporating both biochemical and mechanical components, the model is more flexible and more broadly applicable to physiological and pathological conditions. The model can be applied to both cell and tissue scale systems, allowing for the analysis of in vitro, traction force microscopy and ex vivo, isometric contraction experiments in parallel. When applied to aortic explant rings and isolated smooth muscle cells, the model predicts that active contractility is not a function of stretch at intermediate strain. The model also successfully predicts cell-scale and tissue-scale contractility and matches experimentally observed behaviors, including the hypercontractile phenotype caused by chronic hyperglycemia. The connection of the microscale framework to the macroscale through the multiscale model presents a framework that can translate the wealth of information already collected at the cell scale to tissue scale phenotypes, potentially easing the development of smooth muscle cell-targeting therapeutics.

Washed microbiota transplantation targeting both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

ObjectiveFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been reported with the treatment potential for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the knowledge of its effect on extraintestinal symptoms of IBS is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the improved methodology of FMT, washed microbiota transplantation (WMT), on sleep disturbances, and psychological and gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with IBS. MethodsThis was a prospective observational study involving patients with IBS who underwent WMT. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) were used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and IBS severity, respectively. The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate depression and anxiety, respectively. All the symptoms were evaluated at baseline and one month after WMT. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the predictive factors of sleep improvement one month after WMT. ResultsSeventy-three patients with IBS were included in the study. Sleep quality (Z = −4.211, P < 0.001), anxiety (Z = −4.775, P < 0.001), depression (Z = −4.610, P < 0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (Z = −5.364, P < 0.001), and IBS severity (Z = −6.468, P < 0.001) significantly improved one month after WMT in all patients. The scores of the five components of PSQI including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbances decreased in 52 patients with poor sleep quality (all P < 0.05). Baseline sleep duration scores were identified as an independent predictive factor of sleep improvement one month after WMT in patients with poor sleep quality (OR 2.180 [95% CI = 1.017–4.673]; P = 0.045). Patients that experienced sleep improvement demonstrated greater alleviation in depression (Z = −1.990, P = 0.047) and IBS severity (Z = −2.486, P = 0.013) compared with patients without sleep improvement. ConclusionThis study suggested that WMT might be a promising therapy for patients with IBS, especially those with comorbid sleep and psychological disorders.

Clinical prediction rules for multi surfaces walking independence using the Berg Balance Scale or Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in persons with stroke

ABSTRACT Background A Clinical prediction rule (CPR) for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke has not been established. Objectives To develop a CPR for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 419 persons with stroke. We developed a Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-model CPR combining the BBS, comfortable walking speed (CWS) and cognitive impairment, and a Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest)-model CPR combining the Mini-BESTest, CWS, and cognitive impairment. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with multi surfaces walking independence as the dependent variable and each factor as an independent variable. The identified factors were scored (0, 1) based on reported cutoff values. The CPR’s accuracy was verified by the area under the curve (AUC). We used a bootstrap method internal validation and calculated the CPR’s posttest probability. Results The logistic regression analysis showed that the BBS, CWS, and cognitive impairment were factors in the BBS model, and the Mini-BESTest was a factor in the Mini-BESTest model. The CPRs were 0–3 points for the BBS model and 0–1 points for the Mini-BESTest model. The AUCs (bootstrap mean AUC) of the CPR score were 0.89 (0.90) for the BBS model and 0.72 (0.72) for the Mini-BESTest model. The negative predictive value (negative likelihood ratio) was 97% (0.054) for CPR scores < 2 for the BBS model and 94% (0.060) for CPR scores < 1 for the Mini-BESTest model. Conclusions The CPR developed herein is useful for determining multi surfaces walking independence.

Comparison of Early Postoperative Outcomes Between Totally Extraperitoneal and Lichtenstein Repair of Inguinal Hernia: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background: Surgical repair of inguinal hernia is among the most commonly performed surgical interventions in general surgery clinics, with minimal postoperative complications, less pain, and maximum cosmetic results. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent Lichtenstein repair (LR), which is currently the most commonly used open surgical procedure to repair inguinal hernias, and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with regard to postoperative cosmesis, patient satisfaction, pain, and inflammatory response. Patients and Methods: The study consisted of male patients 18-65 years of age, who were operated for inguinal hernia with two different methods between February 2022 and January 2023 in the general surgery clinic of Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were observed to evaluate the inflammatory response in all patients. Visual Analog Scale and Verbal Rating Score systems were used to monitor the response to pain in the postoperative period. In addition, both groups were evaluated for patient satisfaction in cosmetic terms using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. Results: Postoperative pain sensation in the TEP group was found to be significantly lower compared to the LR group. In terms of inflammatory response, IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in the LR group on postoperative day 1 and 2. Satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the surgical scar was significantly higher in the TEP group. Conclusion: TEP, which is a laparoscopic hernia repair method, is a safe surgical technique that can be preferred, especially in patients with less postoperative pain and higher cosmetic expectations. In terms of inflammatory response, significant difference is also in favor of TEP repair.

Parameterizing Subglacial Discharge in Modeling Buoyancy Driven Flow in Tidewater Glacier Fjords

AbstractIn tidewater glacier fjords, subglacial discharge drives a significant mixing mechanism near glacier fronts and drives a strong exchange flow. Numerous studies (Cowton et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jc010324; Slater et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gl072374) have utilized a parameterization for buoyant plume theory to force fjord scales systems, but neglect to parameterize the outflowing of the plume away from the glacial wall after it has reached its neutral density. In this study, a new model framework, ROMS‐ICEPLUME, is developed to parameterize the rising and initial outflowing stage of subglacial discharge plumes in the Regional Ocean Modeling System. The coupled model applies a novel parameterization algorithm to prescribe the velocity and vertical extent of the outflowing plume, which reduces numerical instability and improves model performance. The model framework is tested with a quasi‐realistic forcing using observations of a subglacial discharge plume hydrographic surveys collected from a Greenland fjord. We find that the new model framework is able to reproduce the strong outflowing plume and the compensating inflow at depth, with a spatial structure that correlates well with in‐situ observations. On the other hand, the model framework without the new parameterization algorithm fails to capture the outflowing plume structure. Thus, our new framework for parameterizing subglacial discharge plumes is an improvement from previous coupled model frameworks, and is a promising tool toward advancing our understanding of circulation in tidewater glacier fjords.

A rule of mixtures approach for delamination damage analysis in composite materials

The present study aims at investigating the delamination behavior of laminated composites in different loading modes within a homogenization theory of mixtures. The delamination damage phenomenon is introduced at the bulk level by eliminating the explicit representation of interfaces. Potential delamination planes are identified according to the developed interfacial stresses, and damage evolution is computed for each mode independently through a stress-based formulation. An arc-length strategy is employed to solve equilibrium equations owing to the snap-back effects. Reliability of the adopted mixing theory, as a framework for integrating the delamination theory into, is assessed by comparing the results with the ones obtained from micromechanical models in a fiber metal laminate structure. Considering delamination, a good agreement is observed in mode I, mode II and mixed mode configurations by evaluating the results against available numerical and experimental data in thermoset and thermoplastic composite systems. The present method has the capability to be used in the conventional finite element codes with the number of elements kinematically needed in the thickness, regardless of the number of layers, which dramatically reduces the computational cost in modeling composites with large number of layers. The proposed approach is not intended to replace other exact methods at the coupon scale, however, its main application would be in modeling delamination on large scale systems with minimum loss of accuracy.

Maintaining key ecosystem services under multiple development scenarios: A case study in Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao greater bay Area, China

Effective land use management can better maintain ecosystem services, especially in urban agglomerations. However, rational urban scale systems and landscape patterns to maintain key ecosystem services (ESs) in highly urbanized areas remain poorly understood. Taking the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a study area, we quantified the spatio-temporal change of key ESs from 2000 to 2020 by the Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model, and simulated land use change prior considering ES conservation priority areas under different multiple development scenarios in 2050 by adopting the future land use simulation (FLUS) model. The main findings were as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, natural habitat, water retention and carbon sequestration decreased by 5.5%, 7.9%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the soil conservation increased by 63.7%. (2) The proportion of different conservation priority areas ranged from 10.6% to 22.6%, which were mainly located in the mountainous region. (3) The urban land area would increase from 4286.00 km2 to 4802.25 km2 between 2020 and 2050 in the GBA, with a growth rate of 12.05%. Under the simulation scenarios, the new urban land was mainly distributed in megacities and supercities. (4) Under the integrative conservation scenario, the habitat quality index, water conservation, soil conservation and carbon sequestration would increase by 0.036, 7 × 104 t, 5.11 × 106 t and 0.93 × 106 t, respectively. To maintain the key ESs, we recommend optimizing the urban scale system, making it compact at the city scale and scattered at the regional scale, and strictly restricting the conversion of forestland and farmland adjacent to megacities into urban land. These findings were beneficial to achieve regional high-quality development and sustainable development via rational urban system and landscape management.

Mathematical foundations of complex tonality

Equal temperament, in which semitones are tuned in the irrational ratio of , is best seen as a serviceable compromise, sacrificing purity for flexibility. Just intonation, in which intervals are given by products of powers of 2, 3, and 5, is more natural, but of limited flexibility. We propose a new scheme in which ratios of Gaussian integers form the basis of an abstract tonal system. The tritone, so problematic in just temperament, given ambiguously by the ratios , , , , none satisfactory, is in our scheme represented by the complex ratio . The major and minor whole tones, given by intervals of and , can each be factorized into products of complex semitones, giving us a major complex semitone and a minor complex semitone . The perfect third, given by the interval , factorizes into the product of a complex whole tone and its complex conjugate. Augmented with these supplementary tones, the resulting scheme of complex intervals based on products of low powers of Gaussian primes leads to the construction of a complete system of major and minor scales in all keys.

Psychometric properties of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Patients experience falls frequently after stroke. Preserved or acquired balance skills decrease fall risk and improve independence. Feasibility of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) has been shown in balance assessment in some neurological diseases except stroke. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Turkish version of FAB (FAB-T) in patients with stroke (PwS). Methods This cross-sectional study included 51 PwS (60.64 ± 7.66 years). Reliability analyses were conducted with Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman correlation analysis. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were assessed with three raters. FAB-T, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS), Barthel Index (BI), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used for convergent validity. Correlations of FAB-T with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) were measured for concurrent validity. Spearman correlation analysis was used for convergent and concurrent validity. For predictive validity patients’ self-reports of falling were analyzed with ROC. Results Intra-rater (ICC = 0.998) and inter-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.984; 0.984; 0.990), and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.930) were excellent. FAB-T had good correlations with STREAM (ρ = 0.677) and BI (ρ = 0.628), moderate correlations with BRS (ρ = 0.504 and ρ = 0.579) and physical function of SF-36 (ρ = 0.436). FAB-T excellently correlated with Mini-BESTest and BBS (ρ = 0.928 and ρ = 0.942). The cutoff score of FAB-T was determined to be 21.5 points, with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 61% (AUC = 0.749). Conclusions FAB-T is a reliable and valid balance assessment tool with an acceptable accuracy of fall prediction in PwS.

Outcome analysis of posterior cruciate ligament injuries

Background - The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), a major stabiliser of the knee, restrains the posterior translation of tibia over femur. Injury to the two bundles of this ligament is usually seen in a motor vehicle accident, followed by dashboard injury. Methods - Non-operative management post posterior cruciate ligament tears includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation. Common surgical procedures include trans-tibial tunnel or tibial inlay technique of graft reconstruction, single bundle or double bundle reconstruction. Literature on outcomes of posterior cruciate ligament injuries managed with either of the methods is sparse; we therefore aim to conduct an interventional study to analyse the patients’ functional status and satisfaction post treatment. Conclusions - Lysholm knee scoring scale and IKDC knee scoring system will be used as outcome measures. The follow up scores are taken 6, 12, 15 and 24 months after the treatment. CTRI registration: REF/2023/06/068422

Membrane bubble aeration unit: Experimental study of the performance in lab scale and full-scale systems

The transfer of oxygen is limited at the gas/liquid interface by the low solubility of oxygen in water. Fine bubble diffusers have a standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE) lower than 30% in a full-scale system. Porous membranes can be employed as diffusor to improve the efficiencies taking the advantage of the high exchange interfacial area and the low volume of equipment. The aim of this work is to study the feasibility of membrane systems for aeration in a full-scale system. Several membrane modules were prepared using hollow fibers hydrophobic membranes and compared with the traditional disk diffusor currently employed in wastewater treatment. The mass transfer coefficient (KLa) and SOTE were assessed by carrying out the aeration tests in both lab-scale and full-scale systems exploring different operating parameters such as system flow rate, the geometry of the module and the surface of the device. The advantage and disadvantages of employing membranes in the aeration process were highlighted. The membrane unit showed better overall mass transfer efficiency increasing from 28% at the lab-scale to 34% in the full-scale system. Unlike the conventional disk diffusers, it has been found that the membrane aerator can operate with significantly lower air flow rates, which leads to a doubling of the efficiency. Moreover, the membrane surface generating the bubbles can be easily increased while maintaining the same module footprint, which in turn allowing a further increase of efficiency from 9% to 24%. However, important phenomena of scaling were observed on the membrane surface.

Health Professional’s Experience Of Telehealth Usability In The Care Of Patients With Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS), From The COVID-19 Pandemic Onwards: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol

Introduction: Even with the increased use of telehealth from the COVID-19 pandemic onward, there needs to be more knowledge about its usability for patients with non-communicable diseases from the point of view of the health professional, which is the main objective of this study. The secondary objectives will be to describe the user’s profile, discuss the usability of telehealth in different contexts and correlate it with the characteristics of the user’s profile. Methods: Protocol of the cross-sectional, prospective, multicenter, international study involving Brazil, Ghana, Honduras, and the United Kingdom. We will evaluate the usability of telehealth systems with an electronic form with the usability questionnaire of the Usability Scale System (SUS). The study has obtained ethical approval in each country and will be carried out independently. This analysis will consider the use context, such as country and geosocial conditions, age, gender, profession, and user experience. We will analyze usability (continuous dependent variable) with simple statistics with measures of central tendency. We will use ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis to analyze the usability difference between countries. If there are differences, we will use Bonferroni post hoc tests (p&lt;0.05). We will use the Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficient to correlate the characteristics of the user’s profile with usability. If the dependent variable data are normally distributed, we will use linear regression to correct for known confounders. Discussion: Studying the usability of a system allows for understanding the subjective factors that determine its practical use, improving the experience of human-computer interaction.

A dynamic load balancing algorithm for CFD–DEM simulation with CPU–GPU heterogeneous computing

Computational fluid dynamics combined with discrete element method (CFD–DEM) is widely adopted to study particle–fluid multiphase systems. However, due to the global dynamical evolution and the naturally non-uniform distribution of particles, the computational load in parallel computing varies dynamically in each process, leading to significant load imbalance. Thus, a dynamic load balancing (DLB) algorithm is proposed for parallel CFD–DEM simulations in the CPU–GPU heterogeneous architecture. A type of computing load analyzing grid (AG) is developed which covers the entire simulation region. Then Kalman filtering and linear weighted method is used to solve the weight of fluid grids and particles. The domain decomposition scheme is updated according to the weights of AGs dynamically. This DLB method is tested for gas–solid fluidized beds and periodic gas–solid systems of different scales. Results show that the DLB algorithm can significantly speed up CFD–DEM simulation and the highest performance is 2.28 times faster with DLB.

Physical system behavior and energy flow analysis of a solar driven hydrogen production plant based on two-step thermochemical redox cycles

Two-step thermochemical water splitting using concentrated solar power offers promising potential for green hydrogen production as a part of a future sustainable energy economy. In this study, a system and energy flow analysis of a large scale 250 kW reactor prototype is presented by using a complex 3D-simulation model. Thus, the physical dynamic system behavior and potential efficiency improvements are discussed with respect to plant design and operational strategy. Regarding the plant design, different kind of heat losses as well as the influence of reactor design parameters and material modifications are analyzed. Regarding the operational strategy, crucial control parameters as cycle durations, temperatures, and mass flow rates are varied in a broad range and analyzed with respect to plant efficiency. By comparing commonly used operational strategies, the temperature swing operation turns out to be by far more efficient than any isothermal or near-isothermal operation for the current plant concept.

Perceived Usability Evaluation of TikTok Shop Platform Using the System Usability Scale

The popularity of TikTok is getting higher because from the start TikTok is a platform that provides a new experience that combines the experience of social media as well as transacting online.TikTok allows businesses to market their products in as creative a form as possible, such as making videos and building a community with their market share. TikTok is an application that plays an important role in paid promotional media, which is of course directly related to digital marketing carried out by business people in the e-commerce sector. In this research, the author wants to know the usability of the TikTok Shop feature as an e-commerce feature that has recently become increasingly popular in society. The System Usability Scale (SUS) will be used to test whether the TikTok application, especially the TikTok Shop feature. The standard SUS version has 10 instruments. The accuracy value is then measured using acceptable rage, grade scale and adjective ratings System Usability Scale (SUS). Based on questionnaire data collected from 49 respondents, it was found that 10.6 percent of the respondents were male and 93.6 percent of the respondents were female. The accuracy value of 79.49 is included in the acceptability ranges acceptable category, meaning that the TikTok Shop platform can be accepted by users, getting a C grade scale means it is quite good and is included in the adjective ratings excellent category.

Preface

35th International Symposium on Superconductivity (ISS2022)It is our pleasure to report that the Proceedings of the 35th International Symposium on Superconductivity (ISS2022) held on November 29–December 1, 2022, are now published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS). ISS2022 was co-organized by the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). ISS2022 was held online owing to the continued travel restrictions by COVID-19 pandemic, but it had also in-person option at Winc-Aichi (Aichi Industry & Labour Center), Nagoya, Japan. Invited speakers, session chairs, program committee members and speakers were welcome to join in at Winc-Aichi.Total of 315 scientists, engineers, students, corporate executives and so on (132 from abroad) made advanced registrations for ISS2022, and fruitful discussions were made to promote superconductor sciences and technologies. Total of 190 papers were presented, which included 6 plenary lectures (45 min), 71 invited talks (25–30 min) and 113 contributed oral presentations (15–20 min). Among the papers presented in ISS2022, 34 manuscripts were submitted for ISS2022 Proceedings, and 33 papers were accepted for publication. The papers published in JPCS were categorized into relevant topics in the following four fields; (a) Physics and Chemistry, (b) Wires and Bulk, (c) Electronic Devices, (d) Large Scale System Applications.To ensure the high publication standard mandated by JPCS, every paper was peer reviewed by a reviewer with expertise before it was accepted for publication. As editors of the Proceedings, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers involved in the evaluation of the papers for their invaluable contribution.List of The Editors, Organization of ISS2022, Committees of ISS2022 are available in this Pdf.

Weight-based and Digital Payment Process Flow Design to Decrease Quarry Sand Sales Fraudulence Risk

Databases have risen to the level of being one of the most important corporate assets. The availability of data in a company is required to make the right profit decision. In running a business aiming to achieve high profitability, companies must recognize profitable items by making decisions that require knowledge of the supply chain, knowledge of past, present, and future buying patterns, and costs derived from data obtained from many different systems. In this study, a company running a quarry sand mining business is experiencing disproportions of the resource availability of quarry sands, operating expense, and profit. It leads to suspicion of fraudulence risk during the operations and transaction of the product. This study aims to minimize the fraudulence risk of quarry sand sales by using data re-verification and analytical techniques. The study implemented a process analysis and root-cause method using process flowcharting and fishbone diagram tools. The root causes of this issue happen during the initial data input process caused by three main factors namely machinery or equipment, people, and systems. The newly designed system utilizes a digital weighing scaling system for trucks in recording the initial data and deposit payment system based on the accurate truck final weight.

Control of faults and fractures on shale oil enrichment

The Qingshankou Formation is the primary shale oil exploration and development target in the Songliao Basin, but controlling factors of shale oil enrichment, especially the role of faults and fractures, are still poorly understood. We identify fault geometry in the Qingshankou Formation based on seismic interpretation. We characterize natural fractures with outcrop and core observations, and thin-sections petrography. By integrating faults and fracture observations at various scales, tectonic history of the basin, and burial history of the studied reservoir formation, we explain the control of faults and fractures on shale oil enrichment. Results show that high-density fault systems, namely “T11″ and “T2″ fault systems, were developed at the top and bottom of Qingshankou Formation in the north of Songliao Basin. Both fault systems is characterized as a group of high-density, closely spaced small faults forming a fault belt, with evident multi-stage activities. Nature fracture categories identified including folding and faulting related fractures, bed-parallel fractures and overpressure fractures, while the former two are better developed. Tectonic movements have caused the structural uplift and subsidence to take place at different times in different parts of the basin. The structural uplift happened late in the study area, consequently the source rocks have gone through a long burial history and are well matured, which favors shale oil enrichment. Tectonic uplifts generated large numbers of fractures locally, effectively increase oil production by improving the migration pathways and storage space of shale oil. Fault systems of different scale also provided two-way channels for oil migration in Qingshankou Formation. Large-scale faults that cut through the full shale column allow the shale oil to migrate to the conventional reservoirs above and below the Qingshankou Formation. The smaller faults in the high-density fault belt within the Qingshankou Formation (Qing-1 Member) enhanced seepage capacity and connectivity of the shale reservoir. As a result, shale oil and conventional oil development in the study area can collaborate with one another. High-density, well connected natural fractures also played an important role by providing storage space and fluid flow conduit which is essential in shale oil reservoirs. However, these fractures along faults may migrate oil from shale reservoirs to neighboring conventional reservoirs.

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY IN EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER RELATIONS USING HIERARCHY PROCESS ANALYSIS AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT METHODS AT PT.MASAJI KARGOSENTRA TAMA BELAWAN

Based on the analysis and discussion of research regarding complaint handling at PT. Masaji Kargosentra Tama, it can be concluded as follows. Employee performance appraisal at PT Masaji Kargosentra Tama is carried out using a comprehensive approach. This performance appraisal process involves various KPI parameters related to customer service. For each KPI parameter, employees are given an assessment based on a predetermined scale or scoring system. This rating scale allows management to measure the quality of employee performance in aspects relevant to their duties and responsibilities. This assessment can be carried out periodically, for example every month or every year, using available data and information. During the assessment process, the management of PT Masaji Kargosentra Tama evaluates employee performance by considering each KPI parameter separately or as a whole. This performance appraisal can involve various methods, such as direct observation, data collection, interviews, or feedback from customers and colleagues. After getting the assessment results. Based on the results of the analysis using AHP, the division that has the highest assessment score is 3.15, followed by Operations with a score of 2.84, followed by Finance with a score of 2.01. So it is found that the commercial division is the focus in service to customers. With a strong focus on customer service, companies can direct efforts and resources to improve service quality, respond effectively to customer needs, and build good relationships with customers. Priority given to customer service will help companies to increase customer satisfaction, maintain customer loyalty, and achieve competitive advantage in a highly competitive industry. The proposed strategy that can be carried out by PT Masaji Kargosentra Tama is to create a customer membership system. The goal is for customers to get special services such as offering special prices, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. And for companies to find out detailed customer information so as to increase the possibility of carrying out customer programs as the implementation of a more personal customer relationship management (CRM) strategy.

Assessment of machine learning algorithms for predicting autoignition and ignition delay time in microscale supercritical water oxidation process

With recent advancements in space technology, there is a need to develop technologies to ensure a sustainable environment for human survival. Among these, treatment of human and organic waste aboard manned space missions is a challenging task for which supercritical water oxidation using hydrothermal flames has been proposed as a possible solution. The critical step in readily adopting this technology from established ground-based setups is scaling the process to microscale. In addition to the challenge of physical realization of the microreactors at these high pressure and temperature (P>22MPa,T>350C) conditions, the need to explicitly analyze the process dynamics at microscale is inevitable owed to the size of the reactors under consideration, the physics being significantly different from meso/mini scale systems. One of the primary objectives is to identify the operating physical parameters for which formation of hydrothermal flames can be obtained. Before proceeding with an expensive computational or experimental approach to determine the exact ignition map, an initial estimate based on physical arguments can help in providing insights into the process. We address this problem using homogeneous ignition calculations to develop machine learning models to predict autoignition as well as ignition delay time. The ingenuity of the work lies in defining autoignition criteria in relation to flow time scales expected at microscale. Various classification models were trained and tested for predicting autoignition and regression models were demonstrated to predict the ignition delay time. While predicting autoignition is a straightforward process, a two-step approach is proposed for ignition delay time. Finally, how machine learning can be used more explicitly, particularly for understanding and designing efficient microreactors, is presented which highlights that machine learning approach is not merely restricted to prediction but can also have real implications on improving the process as a whole.