Standard Calculation Methods Research Articles

Green extraction and partial purification of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

The aim of this study is to develop roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects using green extraction technique. Roselle extract prepared by ultrasonic extraction with 80% ethanol and 1% hydrochloric acid (RSUEH) promoted the highest yield and high total phenolic (5.21±0.05g% gallic acid equivalent of dried extract), total flavonoid (1.29±0.06g% quercetin equivalent of dried extract), and total anthocyanin contents (0.21±0.00 and 0.44±0.00g% cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent of dried extract determined by pH-differential method with standard calculation and pH-differential method with standard curve of cyanidin 3-glucoside, respectively). From the validated high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, delphinidin-3-sambubioside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside were found to be the major anthocyanins in roselle extract. This extract exhibited moderate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging effect (EC50 289.61±0.16µg/mL) and strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 0.15±0.05 to 4.64±0.07mg/mL and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 1.66±0.06 to 7.11±1.05mg/mL. From partial purification, fraction 28 (F28) contained higher amounts of all analyzed phytochemicals than roselle extracts and promoted stronger DPPH scavenging effects (EC50 54.88±2.23µg/mL). F28 showed antibacterial activity with IC50 values against all tested bacteria in the range of 0.19±0.07 to 4.69±0.09mg/mL, and the MIC values ranged from 2.46±0.08 to 6.24±0.09mg/mL.

Proposing New Standard and ANFIS Calculation Approaches for Precast Concrete Connections with Steel Tube Elements: Lessons from Experimental Studies

The importance of establishing a proper method for calculating newly studied structural elements and primarily translating the results of experimental and numerical analyses into practical standards poses a significant challenge for structural researchers. In this study, which focuses on the importance of previously studied connections for the precast industry as a case study, two approaches are proposed for calculating the capacity of elements connected by rectangular steel tubes. The first approach involves a step-by-step calculation for analyzing the forces and capacities of different steel tube or concrete section parts under bending and shear, aiming to establish a standard calculation approach. Despite its complexity, the standard calculation approach has proven its accuracy by successfully solving examples with features similar to those of the experimental tests describing the process. The second approach relies on a look-up table generated from experimental data, developing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for interpreting the data. ANFIS not only facilitates the evaluation of the capacity of non-experimentally tested elements but also resembles the calculation process. Evaluating ANFIS’s performance concerning the original results underscores its remarkable capacity to analyze experimental data. With a maximum calculation error of only 13% when compared to the experimental tests, ANFIS demonstrates considerable accuracy and user-friendliness. Following the initial internal force evaluations, the proposed standard calculation method requires eight specific control inputs, and comparing these inputs with experimental tests further confirms the effectiveness and safety of this approach for connection design.

Short‐circuit current of a hydropower plant with consideration of constant switching and fault arc voltages

AbstractThe correct generator circuit breaker (GCB) dimensioning is essential for the safe and reliable operation of a power plant or generation system. The dimensioning is usually based on standardized calculation methods according to standards (IEC standard 60909‐0, IEC/IEEE standard 62271‐37‐013, IEEE Std C37), often supplemented by selected transient calculations. A non‐systematic approach can often be observed here, which does not adequately take into account significant influencing variables or operating states of the generator. This article therefore systematically examines various parameters that influence the short‐circuit current components of the generator and are relevant for the dimensioning of the generator circuit‐breaker: short‐circuit angle, operating point, impedance ratios, phase clearing, switching arc, and fault arc. The results of the current parameters most relevant to the dimensioning of the GCB were then compared for different calculation methods. Special attention was paid to the effect of the switching and fault arc, which were modelled as a constant arc voltage, and its effect on the short‐circuit currents is systematically recorded. This work aims to summarize all relevant variables that influence the generator short‐circuit current and are relevant for the dimensioning of the GCB and to present the different results based on a short‐circuit calculation according to the standard and transient calculation to create a basis for a proper dimensioning of the generator circuit breaker.

МЕТОДИКА ВЕРОЯТНОСТНОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ЭЛЕКТРОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ (ВОПРОСЫ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ И ПРАВОВОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ)

The article deals with the problem of determining the actual energy consumption of outdoor lighting in municipalities, which arises as a result of the shortcomings of the existing energy management system and leads to contradictions between electricity suppliers and the municipality. The lack of metering devices and a wide variety of types of lighting lamps leads to the fact that the standard calculation methods used by the supplier unreasonably overestimate the cost of real consumption, thus limiting the budgetary possibilities of cities. It is proposed to solve this problem through the use of rank-parametric tools, which are successfully used for evaluation and forecasting in industry.

A review of current practice in the design and analysis of extremely small stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials.

Stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials tend to require fewer clusters than standard parallel-arm designs due to the switches between control and intervention conditions, but there are no recommendations for the minimum number of clusters. Trials randomizing an extremely small number of clusters are not uncommon, but the justification for small numbers of clusters is often unclear and appropriate analysis is often lacking. In addition, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials are methodologically more complex due to their longitudinal correlation structure, and ignoring the distinct within- and between-period intracluster correlations can underestimate the sample size in small stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials. We conducted a review of published small stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials to understand how and why they are used, and to characterize approaches used in their design and analysis. Electronic searches were used to identify primary reports of full-scale stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials published during the period 2016-2022; the subset that randomized two to six clusters was identified. Two reviewers independently extracted information from each report and any available protocol. Disagreements were resolved through discussion. We identified 61 stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials that randomized two to six clusters: median sample size (Q1-Q3) 1426 (420-7553) participants. Twelve (19.7%) gave some indication that the evaluation was considered a "preliminary" evaluation and 16 (26.2%) recognized the small number of clusters as a limitation. Sixteen (26.2%) provided an explanation for the limited number of clusters: the need to minimize contamination (e.g. by merging adjacent units), limited availability of clusters, and logistical considerations were common explanations. Majority (51, 83.6%) presented sample size or power calculations, but only one assumed distinct within- and between-period intracluster correlations. Few (10, 16.4%) utilized restricted randomization methods; more than half (34, 55.7%) identified baseline imbalances. The most common statistical method for analysis was the generalized linear mixed model (44, 72.1%). Only four trials (6.6%) reported statistical analyses considering small numbers of clusters: one used generalized estimating equations with small-sample correction, two used generalized linear mixed model with small-sample correction, and one used Bayesian analysis. Another eight (13.1%) used fixed-effects regression, the performance of which requires further evaluation under stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials with small numbers of clusters. None used permutation tests or cluster-period level analysis. Methods appropriate for the design and analysis of small stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials have not been widely adopted in practice. Greater awareness is required that the use of standard sample size calculation methods can provide spuriously low numbers of required clusters. Methods such as generalized estimating equations or generalized linear mixed models with small-sample corrections, Bayesian approaches, and permutation tests may be more appropriate for the analysis of small stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials. Future research is needed to establish best practices for stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials with a small number of clusters.

Proposed correction to the Gamma method for estimating the bending stiffness of CLT panels

Engineered wood products, such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), have been widely used in civil construction. Standard calculation methods, like the Gamma method commonly used in structural design, estimate the bending stiffness of elements. However, these methods are based on one-dimensional solids (bar elements), which can be limiting. This limitation may result in inaccurate estimates, especially when the panel's dimensions, measured in the median plane, significantly differ by an order of magnitude. In this research, a parametric study was carried out using the finite element method (three-dimensional approach), varying the panel's dimensions (width and length), the layers' thickness, and the number of layers (cross-section height), and adopting elastic properties considering either the wood's orthotropy or the rolling shear estimation (108 numerical simulations in all). Based on the parameterization, multiple variable regression models were used to establish a correction coefficient to be incorporated into the Gamma method to improve its accuracy in estimating bending stiffness. Therefore, the single adjusted equation (considering the wood's orthotropy) showed values closer to the numerical ones (MAPE = 0.95 %, RMSE = 2.96 × 1011 N⋅mm2, and CV = 1.60 %) than those obtained by the Gamma method (MAPE = 2.13 %, RMSE = 7.47 × 1011 N⋅mm2, and CV = 4.04 %).

Multi-site phantomless bone mineral density from clinical quantitative computed tomography in males.

Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) is commonly assessed using QCT. Although standard vBMD calculation methods require phantom rods that may not be available, internal-reference phantomless (IPL) and direct measurements of Hounsfield units (HU) can be used to calculate vBMD in their absence. Yet, neither approach has been systemically assessed across skeletal sites, and HU need further validation as a vBMD proxy. This study evaluated the accuracy of phantomless methods, including IPL and regression-based phantomless (RPL) calibration using HU to calculate vBMD, compared to phantom-based (PB) methods. vBMD from QCT scans of 100 male post-mortem human subjects (PMHS) was calculated using site-specific PB calibration at multiple skeletal sites throughout the body. A development sample of 50/100 PMHS was used to determine site-specific reference material density for IPL calibration and RPL equations. Reference densities and equations from the development sample were used to calculate IPL and RPL vBMD on the remaining 50/100 PMHS for method validation. PB and IPL/RPL vBMD were not significantly different (p > .05). Univariate regressions between PB and IPL/RPL vBMD were universally significant (p < 0.05), except for IPL Rad-30 (p = 0.078), with a percent difference across all sites of 6.97% ± 5.95% and 5.22% ± 4.59% between PB and IPL/RPL vBMD, respectively. As vBMD increased, there were weaker relationships and larger differences between PB vBMD and IPL/RPL vBMD. IPL and RPL vBMD had strong relationships with PB vBMD across sites (R2 = 97.99, R2 = 99.17%, respectively), but larger residual differences were found for IPL vBMD. As the accuracy of IPL/RPL vBMD varied between sites, phantomless methods should be site-specific to provide values more comparable to PB vBMD. Overall, this study suggests that RPL calibration may better represent PB vBMD compared to IPL calibration, increases the utility of opportunistic QCT, and provides insight into bone quality and fracture risk.

Mean airway pressure - Minute ventilation product (mM): A simple and universal surrogate equation to calculate mechanical power in both volume and pressure controlled ventilation

Introduction Mechanical power represents the energy delivered by a mechanical ventilator onto the lungs. It incorporates all the variables participating in ventilator-induced lung injury, including driving pressure, tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure, and respiratory rate. The pitfall of mechanical power is its mathematical complexity, as the gold standard method of calculation involves deriving the inspiratory area under the pressure-volume curve of each breath. Prior studies attempted to create simplified equations, they lack clinical utility as calculations cannot be done by solely looking at ventilator settings or they require manipulation of variables. There are also different formulas depending on the type of the mode of ventilation used. This study offers a simplified, universal equation called the mean airway pressure - Minute ventilation product (mM equation) which renders mechanical power clinical application more feasible at the bedside. Methods and Statistics Data collection used the online SIVA simulator, which simulate mechanical ventilation and calculate the geometrical area of the inspiratory limb of the pressure-volume curve. Different combinations of passive scenarios with varying compliances (10-80 ml/cmH2O) and resistances (5-30 cmH2O/L/S) in each the VCV and PCV modes were accomplished by adjusting ventilator settings with respiratory rate (5-40 BPM), tidal volume (150-700 mL), DP (5-30 cmH2O), and PEEP (0-15 cmH2O), with different inspiratory times in PCV and different flows rates in the VCV. A total of 2,000 values were collected in each mode. Range of Mechanical power measured by the simulator: 0.1 - 105 J/min and range of mM equation (mean airway pressure x Minute ventilation): 0.37 - 820 cmH2O/L/min. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the relationship of the mM equation to the measured MP, and linear regressions were used for predicting the MP derived from the mM equation in each mode separately and when combining all data from both modes. T-test for equal variance and Bland Altmann plot were used to compare the reference MP measured (MPR) from the simulator to the one derived from the Mm formula (MPD). Results There was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.931), CI (0.961, 0.967) between the mM formula and the gold-standard method of calculating mechanical power for the combined two modes. For the VCV: there was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.936), CI (-0.963, 0.971). For the PCV: there was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.936), CI (-0.964, 0.970). A linear regression model predicted the MP from the mM as follows: for both modes MP = 0.13 (mM) + 3.41, for PCV MP = 0.15 (mM) + 3.79, for VCV MP = 0.13 (mM) + 2.48. The derived mechanical power from the mM was not statistically different (P 0.498) from the calculated reference MP using two sample T-tests assuming equal variance. The Bland-Altman plot for VCV mode showed a mean of 0.78 with 95% CI (0.34, 1.22), SD (-13.27, 14.83). In PCV, a mean of - 0.53 with 95% CI (-0.68, -0.38), SD (-6.28, 5.22). For both modes, a mean of 0, with 95% CI (-0.2, 0.2), SD (-10.06, 10.05). Conclusion The mM equation and its MP derived formula is a reliable method of calculating mechanical power. The simplicity and universal nature of its calculation can provide significant clinical utility at the bedside. More studies are needed to validate this method of calculation. Keywords: Mechanical power, mean airway pressure, minute ventilation

Computational boundary improvement and performance optimization of the flue gas waste heat cascade utilization system of the ultra-supercritical 1000 MW generator set

Abstract There is no uniform performance test rule and standard calculation method for efficiency improvement of a system that utilizes waste heat from flue gas and it is mainly carried out through turbine parameters, without considering boiler system performance. Given the above problem, in this paper, the steam turbine, boiler and waste heat from the flue gas step-up utilization system are calculated by establishing a thermal model of ultra-supercritical secondary reheating 1000 MW unit. At the same time, unit design data and field performance test results are used for verification. Analysis comparing simulation outcomes with experimental data revealed that the discrepancies in the heat consumption rate per unit, the efficiency of the boiler, and the rate of coal consumption for power generation peaked at a marginal variance of 0.2%. The optimum operating parameters of the system for low-grade flue gas recovery in a cascading manner are obtained through variable operating condition calculations. The optimum value of high-pressure bypass feed-water flow rate is 52 kg/s at 970 MW operating condition. At the same time, the difference between high-pressure bypass effluent and high plus effluent temperatures should be controlled to be close to 0°C, and the optimal value of low-pressure bypass condensate flow rate is 53 kg/s. As the flow of flue gas in the bypass increases, the efficiency of heat exchange in the bypass economizer also increases, resulting in greater absorption of heat in the utilization apparatus for flue gas waste heat, leading to a more effective energy-saving outcome. However, it is necessary to regulate the temperature of both the primary and secondary air to levels that exceed the minimum requirements for the safe functioning of the coal mill.

An end-to-end deep convolutional neural network-based dose engine for parotid gland cancer seed implant brachytherapy.

Seed implant brachytherapy (SIBT) is a promising treatment modality for parotid gland cancers (PGCs). However, the current clinical standard dose calculation method based on the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 43 (TG-43) Report oversimplifies patient anatomy as a homogeneous water phantom medium, leading to significant dose calculation errors due to heterogeneity surrounding the parotid gland. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) can yield accurate dose distributions but the long computation time hinders its wide application in clinical practice. This paper aims to develop an end-to-end deep convolutional neural network-based dose engine (DCNN-DE) to achieve fast and accurate dose calculation for PGC SIBT. A DCNN model was trained using the patient's CT images and TG-43-based dose maps as inputs, with the corresponding MCS-based dose maps as the ground truth. The DCNN model was enhanced based on our previously proposed model by incorporating attention gates (AGs) and large kernel convolutions. Training and evaluation of the model were performed using a dataset comprising 188 PGC I-125 SIBT patient cases, and its transferability was tested on an additional 16 non-PGC head and neck cancers (HNCs) I-125 SIBT patient cases. Comparison studies were conducted to validate the superiority of the enhanced model over the original one and compare their overall performance. On the PGC testing dataset, the DCNN-DE demonstrated the ability to generate accurate dose maps, with percentage absolute errors (PAEs) of 0.67%±0.47% for clinical target volume (CTV) D90 and 1.04%±1.33% for skin D0.1cc. The comparison studies revealed that incorporating AGs and large kernel convolutions resulted in 8.2% (p<0.001) and 3.1% (p<0.001) accuracy improvement, respectively, as measured by dose mean absolute error. On the non-PGC HNC dataset, the DCNN-DE exhibited good transferability, achieving a CTV D90 PAE of 1.88%±1.73%. The DCNN-DE can generate a dose map in less than 10 ms. We have developed and validated an end-to-end DCNN-DE for PGC SIBT. The proposed DCNN-DE enables fast and accurate dose calculation, making it suitable for application in the plan optimization and evaluation process of PGC SIBT.

Simplified Coupled Calculation Method for Aeroelasticity of Large Flexible Aircraft

Large flexible aircraft have the characteristics of large wingspan, low wing load, slow flight speed, and significant impact from gust loads. Therefore, the load and response issues of such aircraft have received widespread attention from scholars at home and abroad. This article establishes a simplified coupled calculation method for gust loads on large flexible aircraft, achieving coupled calculations of flight motion, structural deformation, and aerodynamic changes at different time steps. Due to the simple strip method used for aerodynamic modeling, this method is relatively fast compared to the CFD-CSD calculation method. In order to verify the accuracy of the method, the calculation results were compared with those of the standard calculation method. The comparative calculation results show that the simplified coupling calculation method is relatively accurate for this calculation example and can play an important role in engineering experiments with low requirements for calculation results.

Assessment of organizational carbon footprints in a denim-washing company: a systematic approach to indirect non-energy emissions

As stated in the 2016 Paris Agreement, concerns about global climate change and carbon emissions have increased, and organizations, in particular, have embarked on an annual measurement process to estimate their contribution to global climate change. Carbon footprint, one of the measurement methods, is a widely applied tool to assess the environmental impact of organizations. This study presents a real case study of a denim-washing company’s activities based on ISO standard calculation methods of greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, the annual carbon footprint of the denim-washing company was 2482.09 tCO2e for the year 2021 in total for the overall carbon footprint. Direct emission was calculated at 1575.75 tCO2e, indirect energy–related emission at 798.09 tCO2e, and indirect non-energy–related emission at 108.25 tCO2e. The highest CO2 emissions are related to heating from greenhouse gas direct emission sources, followed by purchased electricity consumption, and the lowest CO2 emissions are related to fire–CO2 tube storage. In conclusion, this study is particular in that it analyzes not only the specific processes of a denim-washing company but also the overall organizational carbon footprint calculation, assesses the importance of indirect non-energy in the total carbon footprint, and evaluates the calculation findings with sector-specific mitigation strategies.

AIRCRAFT HYDRAULIC DRIVE ENERGY LOSSES AND OPERATION DELAY ASSOCIATED WITH THE PIPELINE AND FITTING CONNECTIONS

Theoretical research on hydraulic processes occurring in aircraft hydraulic drives is presented in the studies. Installation of angular fitting connections in aircraft pipeline systems influences hydrodynamic processes and fluid flow characteristics analysed in the research. The provided analysis is based on a validated numerical model utilizing Navier–Stokes equations and the k-epsilon turbulence model. Fluid flow inside the aircraft hydraulic drive pipeline system was investigated with flow rates up to 100 l/min. A mesh independence study was conducted for numerical simulation of the fluid flow. The obtained results include fluid pressure drops, energy losses, and operational delays associated with fluid flow vortex formations at 45° and 90° angular fitting connections. Additionally, compared results from standard methods of calculation for angular fitting connections, including the equivalent length and equivalent length same shape methods.

Building a Life Cycle Carbon Emission Estimation Model Based on an Early Design: 68 Case Studies from China

The building sector contributes to 50.9 percent of China’s carbon emissions. Due to the complexity of the assessment process, it is difficult to predict the entire life cycle carbon emissions of a building at the early stage of design. In this study, a whole-life carbon emission estimation model for the early stage of building design is developed based on comparison of the standard calculations and an analysis of stock cases. Firstly, the standard calculation methods in China, Japan and Europe were compared, and the boundary of the model was defined in three parts: production, construction and demolition and operation. Second, information on 68 examples of Chinese buildings was collected and divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7:3. In the training set, the relationship between carbon emissions and the design parameters was searched, and a carbon emission estimation model applicable to different stages was constructed. Finally, the model was applied to the test set for validation. The results show that the calculation error of the model is within ±15%, and it can quickly estimate carbon emissions based on the design factors, which is helpful for carbon emission assessment work in the early stages of design.

Newly Developed Sex-Specific Z Score Model for Coronary Artery Diameter in a Pediatric Population.

This study aimed to generate a Z score calculation model for coronary artery diameter of normal children and adolescents to be adopted as the standard calculation method with consensus in clinical practice. This study was a retrospective, multicenter study that collected data from multiple institutions across South Korea. Data were analyzed to determine the model that best fit the relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and independent demographic parameters. Linear, power, logarithmic, exponential, and square root polynomial models were tested for best fit. Data of 2,030 subjects were collected from 16 institutions. Separate calculation models for each sex were developed because the impact of demographic variables on the diameter of coronary arteries differs according to sex. The final model was the polynomial formula with an exponential relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and body surface area using the DuBois formula. A new coronary artery diameter Z score model was developed and is anticipated to be applicable in clinical practice. The new model will help establish a consensus-based Z score model.

An efficient bilinear interface reconstruction algorithm and consistent multidimensional unsplit advection scheme for accurate capturing of highly-curved interfacial shapes on structured grids

A new bilinear interface reconstruction algorithm (BLIC) is presented to capture highly-curved interfaces more accurately on structured grids without a significant increase in computational costs compared to the standard piecewise linear interface calculation (PLIC) methods. The new reconstruction algorithm uses the initial PLIC segment and improves continuity of the interface using an averaging method. A curvature-weighted method improves the repositioning of the linear segments.A new unsplit donating quadrant advection (DQA) scheme is introduced that is conservative and can create consistency with the momentum flux for two-phase flow models with a staggered MAC arrangement of variables within a grid cell. The consistent discretization of the fluxes prevents spurious interface velocities, negative densities, and instabilities. Standard 2D test cases and benchmarks demonstrate the performance of the BLIC and the DQA scheme, showing high accuracy and low costs compared to other available methods.

Implementation of the water footprint as a water performance indicator in industrial manufacturing units located in Greece: challenges and prospects.

Global water resources are under great pressure, so sustainable water and wastewater management is essential for every industrial unit. The water footprint (WF) is a multidimensional indicator of volumetric water use and pollution and is applied throughout the production cycle from the supply chain to the end user. The state-of-the art method of calculating the direct (operational) WF requires detailed records of water consumption and wastewater production per process, that are usually not available. In order to effectively implement the indicator, modifications to the standard calculation method are usually necessary, to meet the requirements and characteristics of each production unit. The present study focuses in three production units in Greece (i.e., cement, brewery, and natural cosmetics) and analyzes the modifications and assumptions required for the operational WF assessment, calculated for each production process where possible and for the whole unit. The WF assessment performed for the three case studies showed that both water consumption rates and operational WFs are within the lowest values (4.7 hL water/hL beer for brewery case study and 0.155 L/kg cement for cement case study) of the ranges reported in the international literature (4-8.8 hL water/hL beer and 0.14-0.413 L/kg cement). The total operational WF of the brewery after applying mass balances was calculated at 23.8 hL water/hL beer with virtual grey WF contributing at 79.7% and blue WF at 20.3%. For the cement manufacturing unit, using estimations from the plant operators and data from international literature, the total operational WF of the plant was assessed at 0.159 L/kg cement with blue WF contributing at 95.8%, green WF at 1%, and virtual grey WF at 3.2%. For the natural cosmetics unit, after modifying the system boundaries properly, the total operational WF was assessed at 81.6 L/kg bulk with virtual grey WF contributing at 88.8%. Through WF assessment, strategic actions could be identified to reduce water consumption and a benchmark could be provided to assess water performance between companies of the same branch.

Accessing the intrinsic factors of carbonyl index of microplastics: Physical and spectral properties, baseline correction, calculation methods, and their interdependence

Carbonyl index (CI) is a measure of the degradation status of microplastics. While many studies address environmental factors of microplastic degradation, intrinsic factors like physical properties, spectral properties, baseline correction, and CI calculation methods are less explored. This research focused on these aspects using surface seawater samples. We found that color and shape have limited dependence on particle size or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Baseline correction can significantly alter CI values, with the direction of the shift depending on the methods used. Additionally, most CI values before and after baseline correction and those calculated using different methods tend to be strongly correlated. Using the selected CI calculation methods, we found that CI values varied significantly by shape and color. CI's relation to the similarity between the sample and its pristine form suggests an alternative degradation measure. Our findings emphasize the need for standardized CI calculation methods.

On the assessment of the strength of bent reinforced concrete elements subjected to cyclic loading

The results of a probabilistic and statistical analysis of the fatigue resistance of conventional and fibropropylene containing reinforced concrete bending elements using standard calculation methods based on limiting forces, nonlinear deformation models and experimental data of the internal resistance of composites after 50 loading cycles with an amplitude of n = 0.8 and zero asymmetry are presented. The increased strength and fatigue durability of elements with fiber-reinforced concrete, when reinforcing structures less than the boundary level, has been established. It is assumed that the introduction of polypropylene fine fibers contributes to the internal redistribution of forces in cyclic and subsequent monotonous loading.

Uji Total Mikroba, Kadar Air, dan pH Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus) Dengan Perendaman Ekstrak Belimbing Wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi L) Selama Penyimpanan Suhu Ruang

Tilapia fish are susceptible to the process of decay, within 2 hours after death the tilapia fish will experience a decline in physical quality. Starfruit extract contains active compounds, namely saponins, triterpenoids and several minerals which are antibacterial substances. This research aims to determine the effect of starfruit extract on the total microbial test, water content and pH of tilapia during room temperature storage. Data analysis used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data were analyzed descriptively for total microbial testing using the Indonesian National Standard calculation method SNI 2332.3-2015 and SNI 01-2346-2006. The differences in treatment in this study were made by differences in the concentration of starfruit extract. The concentration of starfruit juice given was 0 gr (P1), 40 g (P2), 60 gr (P3), 80 gr (P4) and 100 gr (P5) with four repetitions. The samples were then stored at room temperature for 8 hours. Based on the research results, it can be seen that starfruit extract has an influence on the total microbial value, Based on the research results, it can be seen that starfruit extract has an influence on the total microbial value, pH value and water content value of tilapia fish. The number of bacterial colonies in the treatment with the highest amount of extract (100 grams) with the lowest total microbial value was 2.49 x 105 colonies/g. Also, the pH value and water content of all treatments given starfruit extract were still included in the standards for fresh fish.&#x0D; Keywords: Tilapia, Wuluh Starfruit, Total Microbes&#x0D;