Structural Analysis Techniques Research Articles

Investigating the Causes of Entrepreneurs Failure to Start-up Greenhouse Business in Isfahan Province, Iran

Despite the impact of entrepreneurships on economic development, it has not received much attention over the last few decades. Most studies in the field of entrepreneurship have been based on the experiences of successful entrepreneurs. Although the success and failure of entrepreneurs are two sides of the same coin, studying the causes of entrepreneurial failure provides us with much more important information for analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in a country. Therefore, by examining the failure of entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurial ecosystem can be changed to improve the conditions for future success of entrepreneurs. The present study examines factors caused to failure start-up greenhouse business by licensed entrepreneurs in province of Isfahan located at central part of Iran. This study considers population who obtained license to start greenhouse business but failed to do so at last. This study applied qualitative research technique and related data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews with totally 450 interviewee and 264 of them participated in the study. To analysis the collected data, the structural content analysis technique of grounded theory was applied. Due to importance of factors, vocabulary counting technique was applied. As a result, 575 Barriers are expressed by entrepreneurs. At the open coding stage, the extracted phrases are integrated in 19 terms of meaningful expressions by integrating the same items and removing repetitive cases. At the axial coding stage, 19 integrated concepts are obtained. Subsequently, the extracted phrases create six main factors. At the selective coding stage, the entrepreneurs' basic barriers are categorized into three categories: Human Barriers, Economic barriers, Infrastructure facilities and supportive policies. This study well revealed that weak infrastructure facilities, poor supportive system, economy barriers and problems with human resource barriers respectively had powerful deterrent factors which caused license holders to give up starting a greenhouse business.

Hydrogen sensing properties of Pd loaded TiO2 nanorods

The hydrogen sensing performance of palladium (Pd) catalyst loaded TiO$_2$ nanorods based sensors were investigated. TiO$_2$ nanorods were grown on Al$_2$O$_3$ substrate by a facile hydrothermal process. TiO$_2$ nanorods (NRs) were functionalized with Pd metal by RF magnetron sputtering. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques for structural and morphological analysis. Sensor measurements toward H$_2$ and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, ethanol, xylene and toluene were performed by varying gas concentrations at different temperatures. The sensors were found to exhibit excellent sensitivities towards different hydrogen concentrations ranging from 25 to 1000 ppm in air. The effects of different operating temperatures on the sensing performance of the devices were studied in the range of 100-200$^{\circ}$C. It was observed that the 2 nm Pd?loaded and 4 nm Pd-loaded sensors were approximately 12 and 44 times more sensitive than the pristine TiO$_2$ nanorods sensor, respectively. The effect of temperature dependence on sensor response and the influence of the metal loading for hydrogen sensing are presented and discussed.

QUALITIES OF THE GREEN LANDSCAPE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, DEFICIENCIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH OF THE PUPILS

The aim of this research is to analyze and demonstrate the deficiencies and opportunities of the green landscape in primary schools, Kigali, Rwanda. Despite the recent research on significant positive effects of green spaces on public health such as mental, physical, and social, the landscape design with green elements has less taken into account as a priority in schools. The methodology of this research was based on the qualitative method by applying structured observation, photography, and site analysis techniques. The findings identify that the schools face the deficiencies to apply hardscape, softscape, and interaction of the pupils with the green spaces. Despite the open spaces in the schools for design as great opportunities, the deficiencies of hardscape, softscape, and limited accessibility of the pupils to the green spaces could influence the general health of the users.

Multi-Domain and Multi-Material Topology Optimization in Design and Strengthening of Innovative Sustainable Structures

Expectations and challenges of modern sustainable engineering and architecture stimulate intensive development of structural analysis and design techniques. Designing durable, light and eco-friendly constructions starts at the conceptual stage, where new efficient design and optimization tools need to be implemented. Innovative methods, like topology optimization, become more often a daily practice of engineers and architects in the process of solving more and more demanding up-to-date engineering problems efficiently. Topology optimization is a dynamically developing research area with numerous applications to many research and engineering fields, ranging from the mechanical industry, through civil engineering to architecture. The motivation behind the present study is to make an attempt to broaden the area of topology optimization applications by presenting an original approach regarding the implementation of the multi-domain and multi-material topology optimization to the design and the strengthening/retrofitting of structures. Moreover, the implementation of the design-dependent self-weight loading into the design model is taken into account as a significantly important issue, since it influences the final results of the topology optimization process, especially when considering massive engineering structures. As an optimization tool, the original efficient heuristic algorithm based on Cellular Automata concept is utilized.

Surface-Enhanced Raman scattering of methylene blue on titanium nitride nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation in organic solvents

Suspensions of titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using nanosecond Ce:Nd:YAG pulsed laser ablation (λ = 1064 nm) of a TiN target immersed in various solvents such as Toluene (C6H5CH3), Acetonitrile (CH3CN), and N, N-dimethylformamide (C3H7NO). The synthesized NPs were characterized by applying a range of spectroscopic, structural, and compositional analysis techniques. The obtained TiN NPs in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF-TiN NPs) solvent showed strong optical absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range; Whereas, the obtained TiN NPs in toluene (T-TiN NPs) and acetonitrile (AN-TiN NPs) solvents were covered with a carbon matrix layer that quenched their surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The carbon matrix on the NPs was removed by thermal oxidation to obtain carbon-free TiN NPs. All the prepared carbon-free TiN NPs were employed as substrates for the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy of methylene blue (MB) molecules as a probe molecule adsorbed on the surface. All substrates indicated nearly the same order of enhancement factors (EFs) (~103) for MB.

Multiphoton Excitation Fluorescence Microscopy and Spectroscopic Multianalytical Approach for Characterization of Historical Glass Grisailles

The preservation of the integrity of artworks and cultural heritage items during characterization and conservation operations is of high priority, therefore, the application of non-invasive techniques is commonly suggested and recommended. Nonlinear optical microscopies (NLOM), based on the use of tightly focused pulsed femtosecond lasers, are emerging techniques for structural and chemical analysis of heritage objects with micrometric lateral and axial resolution. The results obtained with a set of optical and spectroscopic techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of grisaille paint layers on historical stained glasses, from different chronologies and provenance in Spain, are presented in this work. Optical behaviour and chemical composition were investigated by NLOM, using a laboratory set-up in the modality of Multi-Photon Excitation Fluorescence (MPEF), and by a multi-analytical combination of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (FESEM-EDS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrosocopy (LIBS) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF). Thicknesses values of the historical grisaille paint layers measured with MPEF were compared with those retrieved through FESEM, showing significant consistency and agreement. Under proper conditions, analysis via MPEF microscopy avoids the photochemical and physical damage to the examined materials, thus ensuring their preservation. This approach paves the way for future in-situ, non-invasive stratigraphic investigations on cultural heritage objects.

Does Global Value Chain Participation Decouple Chinese Development from CO2 Emissions? A Structural Decomposition Analysis

Decoupling economic activities and CO2 emissions is central to achieving the climate goals of China. The country’s participation in global value chains has profound impacts on its economy as well as CO2 emissions. Assessing the impacts is fundamental to identifying strategies to decouple China’s development from emissions. To this end, we adopt the multi-region structural decomposition analysis technique to quantify the global value chain determinants of China’s CO2 emission intensity from both the production and consumption perspectives. It is found that China’s decoupling from emissions in 2007-2012 was driven mainly by global value chains. Nonetheless the decoupling slowed down after the global financial crisis. In particular, the value chains within China played a more important role in greening Chinese economy. Despite the considerable improvement in 2007-2012, global value chains remained the primary obstacle to environmental sustainability of China. More detailed results with policy implications are presented.

Synthesis and application of Fe3O4/FeWO4 composite as an efficient and magnetically recoverable visible light-driven photocatalyst for the reduction of Cr(VI)

Fe3O4/FeWO4 composites with different compositions were synthesized via hydrothermal way, and characterized by many compositional and structural analysis techniques. 20% Fe3O4/FeWO4 showed the highest efficiency in photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Its photocatalytic rate is about 4.4 times as that of Fe3O4 and 1.5 times as that of FeWO4. Moreover, its photocatalytic stability was also good. According to the photoelectrochemical test results, the photocatalytic improvement mechanism of 20% Fe3O4/FeWO4 was proposed. Results from photocatalytic treatment of diluted black chromium plating solution (DBCPS) indicated that 20% Fe3O4/FeWO4 had noteworthy activity in visible light-driven photocatalytic reduction of DBCPS over a wide range of pH (3–11), but its photocatalytic efficiency was higher at lower pH. Besides, 20% Fe3O4/FeWO4 had fairly strong magnetism and could be recovered efficiently using a magnet. Hence, Fe3O4/FeWO4 composite photocatalyst holds potential for application in the treatment of Cr(VI) wastewater.

Seguridad alimentaria: desafíos para una recuperación sostenible en Tamaulipas

This technical report tries to show the challenges to come for the sector and even for society in general. The information provided here is relevant, not only has documentary information published by international sources been collected, but primary information has also been compiled that has helped to identify variables that deserve multi-sector attention. It involves the application of a prospective cutting instrument in which the driving and dependent variables exposed by the participating specialists in the application of the Structural Analysis technique are exposed and subjected to a weighted assessment (influence-dependence). of the software called Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC), generated by the Laboratory of research in strategic prospective (LIPSOR). Although, the results obtained by the application of the structural analysis technique (MICMAC) denote a series of key or strategic variables (with high influence and dependence), it is important to highlight the need to continue with the approach to the issue to give greater solidity to the findings anticipated in the present study. In this sense, it is expected that the authorities, as strategic actors, promote shared, inclusive and objective dialogues to imagine, design and build the future in the short, medium and long term, in addition to establishing, improving and making transparent institutional mechanisms to consolidate the democratization of citizen participation in decision-making.

Nicotine metal complexes: synthesis, characterization and bioactivities of some main group and some transition metals

A number of some main group and transition metal nicotine complexes were synthesized and fully characterized using detailed structural and spectroscopic analysis techniques such as elemental analysis, molar conductivities, magnetic susceptibilities, IR, Raman and NMR techniques. Moreover, scanning electron micrographs and thermogravimetric analyses were also done. Cytotoxic activities of the binary nicotine metal complexes were tested and evaluated against HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), HPC3 (human prostate cancer), and HCT116 (human colorectal carcinoma) tumor cell lines. The antioxidant activities were examined by free radical scavenging assay. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized complexes were evaluated against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) microbes. The relationship between the chemical structure of the synthesized complexes and their biological influence as antimicrobial drugs was studied and evaluated.
 
 KEY WORDS: Nicotine metal complexes, Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial
 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(3), 501-521.
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i3.7

Theoretical Analysis of XRD Data by X-Ray Peak Profile Analysis for Estimation of lattice Strain and crystallite Size and study of the Effect of Growth Temperature in CdS Nanoparticles

CdS is an important material of low cost photovoltaic devices. Use of capping agents during synthesis of nanomaterials has drawn a lot of attention due to their size dependent properties. Here we reported the synthesis of CdS nanoparticles using a simple chemical precipitation method at 40°C to 70°C. The reaction was carried out at constant temperature in aqueous medium with stirring. The hydrazine hydrate was used as capping agent. The as prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) technique for structural analysis. The effects of growth temperature on structural properties are evaluated. The lattice strain, crystallite size and dislocation densities were calculated using the Williamson-Hall (W-H) method. The results show that the crystallite size decreases with increase in growth temperature.

A Quadratic Elasticity Formulation for Dynamic Interacting Structures in Flow

The deformation of slender elastic structures due to the motion of surrounding fluid is a common multiphysics problem encountered in many applications. In this work we detail the development of a numerical model capable of solving such strongly-coupled fluid-structure interaction problems, and analyse the dynamic behaviour of multiple interacting bodies under fluid loading. In most fluid-structure interaction problems the deformation of slender elastic bodies is significant and cannot be described by a purely linear analysis. We present a new formulation to model these larger displacements. By extending the standard modal analysis technique for linear structural analysis, the governing equations and boundary conditions are updated to account for non-linear terms and a new modal formulation with quadratic modes is derived. The quadratic modal approach is tested on standard benchmark problems of increasing complexity and compared with analytical and full non-linear numerical solutions. An analysis of the dynamic interactions between multiple finite plates in various configurations under fluid loading, as well as the effects of the spacing between the structures, is also conducted. Numerical results are compared with theoretical and experimental approaches. The inverted hydrodynamic drafting effect of elastic bodies in an in-line configuration can be confirmed from our numerical simulations.

PENGARUH INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL DAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN DENGAN PROFITABILITAS SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI

This study aims to test the influence of intellectual capital and corporate governance on firm value with profitability as a moderating variable. The population of this study is banking companies listed on IDX during 2015 –2019 amounted to 45 companies. Sampling techniques using purposive sampling so that research samples obtained as many as 15 companies. The research data used is secondary data obtained from the annual report and GCG reportof banking companies listed on IDX during 2015 –2019. This study uses structural equation modeling data analysis technique –partial least square (SEM-PLS) with WarpPLS 7.0 software. The result of this study shows that: (1) Intellectual capital positively and significantly affects the firm value, (2) Corporate governance has no effect on the firm value, (3) Profitability can moderate the influence of intellectual capital on the firm value, (4) Profitability can’t moderate the influence of corporate governance on the firm value.Keywords: Intellectual Capital, Corporate Governance, Firm Value, Profitability

Исследование характеристик сверхрешетки InGaAs/InAlGaAs для вертикально-излучающих лазеров спектрального диапазона 1300 nm

X-ray structural analysis and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques were used to study heterostructures based on InGaAs/InAlGaAs superlattice for active regions of 1300 nm range lasers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. It is shown that the grown heterostructures have a high crystal quality. The perpendicular lattice mismatch of the average crystal lattice constant of the InGaAs/InAlGaAs superlattice with respect to the crystal lattice constant of the InP substrate is estimated at ~ +0.01%. An analysis of the photoluminescence spectra made it possible to conclude that the contribution of Auger recombination is insignificant in the studied range of excitation power density. Studies of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with an active region based on the InGaAs/InAlGaAs superlattice made it possible to estimate the gain coefficient at a level of 650 cm-1 for the standard logarithmic approximation of the dependence of the gain on the current density. The transparency current density of the laser was ~150 А/cm2, which is comparable to the record low values for the case of highly strained InGaAs-GaAs and InGaAsN-GaAs quantum wells in the spectral ranges of 1200 nm and 1300 nm, respectively.

Remote Sensing Based Analysis of Land Use/Cover Change Impact in the Interface Between Magamba Nature Reserve and Surrounding Villages in Lushoto District, Tanzania

Several studies in Tanzania focus on land use/cover change (LULC) at coarse scale and without considering the adjoining (interface) landscapes i.e. landscape link community farming systems and forest/nature reserves. In the Eastern Arc Mountains in particular, LULC change that confront the interface between surrounding community landscape and nature reserves and the associated livelihood are not well understood. A study was conducted in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania to explore the potential impacts of LULC on the interface between Magamba Nature Reserve (MNR) and the landscape of the surrounding community villages. Remote sensing and GIS techniques were used to quantify and analyse the trend in LULC changes over the past 31 years whereby satellite images of 1984, 1995 and 2015 were used. Household surveys, field observations and focus group discussions to 72 households in 3 villages surrounding the nature reserve were employed to capture data on human activities in the interface. The change detection was done by post classification approach using image interpreter| GIS analysis| matrix tool in QGIS software and processed in an intensity analysis program (Pontius matrix excel sheet). Descriptive statistical analysis (frequency counts and percentages) was used to explain human activities of communities adjacent to the MNR. Qualitative data were analysed using content and structural functional analytical techniques. Over the period (1984-2015) natural forest covering the major part of reserve decreased by 14%. The declining trend for forests in the study area is largely attributed to the increasing agricultural activities, settlements and infrastructure. Results revealed further that natural forest area and wetlands had active intensity of gain over the period 1984-1995 while in the 1995-2015 period had active intensity of loss. The most common human activities related to the spatial and temporal dynamics of LULC change in the MNR interface were firewood collection for household use, collection of medicinal plants, illegal timber harvesting, animal grazing, cutting trees for building poles and charcoal burning. Firewood collection is the most important human activity associated with forest degradation in MNR interface. Collection of medicinal plants from the reserve is associated with forest destructive process in the sense that it involves uprooting plants, root cutting, and tree ring debarking. The study recommends that policy makers as well as nongovernmental organizations should identify and establish potential low cost alternative sources of energy for usage by rural domestic household. Further research to predict and map spatial and temporal LULC dynamics at landscape scale should consider future scenarios on the evolution of forest-rural landscape interfaces and their impact on the provisioning of ecosystem services (ESS).

ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTION IMPROVEMENT USING INTERPRETATIVE STRUCTURAL MODELING (ISM) TECHNIQUES IN LORE LINDU NATIONAL PARK (LLNP), CENTRAL OF SULAWESI PROVINCE-INDONESIA

This study aims to analyze the institutional capacity building of the Lore Lindu National Park, determine the objective mechanisms and constraints for the development of the Lore Lindu National Park, and design alternative designs for the LLNP institution. The research data were obtained by conducting interviews, observation, and focus group discussions using the Structural Interpretation Modeling analysis technique used to formulate institutional alternatives in the future. The results of the institutional analysis show that the key element in the Lore Lindu National Park management program is the Lore Lindu National Park Hall, which is a sub-driving element at the first level in the hierarchical structure and requires support from stakeholders and local government, especially traditional leaders and community leaders. The main obstacle to LLNP management, which is a key element, is the massive illegal clearing of land in LLNP, weak monitoring and control of illegal activities in LLNP, and lack of coordination and integration of natural resource management among stakeholders related to LLNP management. The results of the Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis are expected between stakeholders, ministerial agencies, and local governments to guarantee partnerships for the sustainability of the Lore Lindu National Park not only for now but also for the future. Keywords L Institutional, Interpretative Structural Modeling, Lore Lindu National Park

In silico modeling of pathogenic point mutations in APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 in Asia

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of senile dementia, is a genetically complex disorder. In most Asian countries, the population and the number of AD patients are growing rapidly, and the genetics of AD has been extensively studied. Amyloid protein precursor (APP), presenilin‐1 (PSEN1), and presenilin‐2 (PSEN2) mutations cause autosomal dominant forms of early‐onset Alzheimer disease (EOAD). Although these genes were identified in the last several decades, variant classification remains a challenge, highlighting the need to elucidate their role in neuropathologic features of autosomal dominant ADAD.MethodWe tested the performance of four prediction tools (Align‐GVGD, SIFT, PolyPhen‐2, MutationTaster2) using a set of 50 missense variants that had previously been reported. Finally, 3‐D modeling was also performed for all mutations.ResultWe summarized substitution mutations in the APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes in Asia and attempted to identify pathogenic mutations using Align‐GVGD, SIFT, PolyPhen‐2, MutationTaster2, and 3‐D structure analysis techniques. Most of the mutations were confirmed as pathogenic mutations by these algorithms.ConclusionOur results contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of the mutations and their pathogenic nature process, which is necessary to understand AD pathogenesis. Following this work, some potential mutations would be chosen and further checked out their pathogenicity of in AD through cellular studies.

A real‐time clamping force measurement eigenvalue for prediction, adjustment, and control of injection product quality

AbstractClamping force is a crucial parameter in injection molding. Improper clamping force setting can result in poor product quality and shorter machine lifespan. The objective of this study was to establish an eigenvalue‐injection clamping force peak value by real‐time clamping force measurement with strain gage sensor for prediction, adjustment, and control of injection product quality. In this study, computer‐aided engineering (CAE) structural analysis technique was used to analyze and verify the points of measurement of the sensor. Next, the molded product was conducted using the following injection molding parameters: V/P switchover point, clamping force, injection speed, melt temperature, mold temperature, packing pressure, and packing time. The relationship between injection clamping force peak value and product quality were examined. The results showed that CAE analysis could successfully predict and provide suitable points for sensor measurement. Comparison of analysis and experiment results revealed that injection clamping force peak value and part weight exhibited identical trends. Finally, the injection clamping force peak value not only could it successfully predict product quality, but also it would achieve the purpose of optimizing and stabilizing the clamping force and part weight.

DAKWAH KULTURAL MENURUT PERSPEKTIF PENDIDIKAN ISLAM

This journal discusses how cultural preaching is to the community in the Waempubbu village. This study aims to determine the role and propagation of culture according to the perspective of Islamic education and the strategies and prospects of cultural da'wah according to the perspective of Islamic education. To obtain data from the two problems above, the author uses the Field research method (field) by conducting interviews and then processing the data using qualitative methods, namely the data is processed based on theories to get clarity on the problem, both the data contained in the field and contained in the literature and data analysis techniques that the author uses with structured analysis techniques. Thus, the result obtained in the research is a da'wah strategy, in essence the propagation is carried out in an overt manner as practiced by the Prophet. However, the strategy carried out in the Waempubbu village of Amali sub-district is to combine it with daily activities, everything that is carried out contains da'wah while not contradicting Islamic law and da'wah by combining activities related to the Islamic ummah's major days such as two Islamic holidays. , the holy month of Ramadan, isra mi'raj and the birthday of the prophet Muhammad Saw. Meanwhile, the prospect of da'wah being carried out in Waempubbu village, Amali sub-district is to introduce the importance of the values of faith, morals, worship and muamalah. And the role of da'wah and its contribution is as a means of communication and change for Muslims who are lost and deviating from the teachings of Islam.Keywords: Cultural Da'wah, Islamic Sharia

Enhancing Workplace Safety Culture in the Mining Industry in Ghana

The paper concerns organisational safety culture and how it may be applied to reduce employee accidents in the mining industry in Ghana. A sample of 340 managerial workers of three mining companies in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality was selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data for the study was gathered using a survey questionnaire. The Structural Equation Modelling analysis technique was performed to establish the relationship between safety culture and each of the five dimensions of workplace safety (work safety, management safety practices, safety programmes, supervisor safety and co-worker safety). It was found that safety culture is a significant positive predictor of work safety (R2 = 0.039), management safety practices (R2 = 0.272), safety programmes (R2 = 0.159), co-worker safety (R2 = 0.225) and supervisor safety (R2 = 0.199). The study concluded that workplace safety can be improved by enhancing the safety culture in the mining industry in Ghana. The study recommends that in order to curb the incidence and occurrence of accidents and injuries in the mining industry in Ghana, Human Resource (HR) managers should lay more emphasis on ways that would enhance the safety culture of all employees in the industry.
 Keywords: Safety Culture, Mining Industry, Workplace Safety, Industrial Accidents, Ghana