Range Test Research Articles

Effect of Expired Yoghurt Powder as a Soil Amendment on Growth, Yield and Chlorophyll

The disposal of expired dairy products that are rich in organic carbon and nitrogen is one of the major challenges faced by the dairy industry and causes significant economic, environmental and health issues. Recycling of expired dairy products including yoghurt is an ideal solution to protect the environment and to utilize them in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the present study was carried out to find out the performance of organic soil amendment prepared from expired yoghurt powder (EYP) on growth, yield and chlorophyll content of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A pot experiment was set up according to Completely Randomized Design with four treatments {soil without fertilizer (T1), soil with 1% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T2), soil with 2% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T3), soil with inorganic fertilizer (T4)} with five replicates. In T4 treatment, a mixture of inorganic fertilizers as a basal dressing (before seed sowing) and top dressing (after 3 weeks) was applied at a rate of 177 mg N, 346 mg P2O5 and 157 mg K2O/pot and 177 mg N, 157 mg K2O/pot, respectively according to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) recommendation. The root diameter (cm), root volume (cm3), root length (cm), total leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, shoot fresh weight (g), root fresh weight (g) and chlorophyll content (relative green index) were measured. Data were analyzed using Minitab (version 17) and SAS (version 9.1.3) software packages. One way ANOVA was conducted to examine the differences between treatments followed by mean separation using Duncan‘s multiple range test. Root diameter, root length, root volume, root fresh weight (48.6±0.88 g and 32.30±1.83 g in T4 and T2, respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in inorganic fertilizer (T4) and 1% EYP (T2) treatments than other treatments. The leaf area and chlorophyll content were significantly higher (p<0.05) in all the treatments compared to soil without fertilizer treatment (T1). The highest fresh shoot weight (77.4±9.37 g) was obtained in inorganic fertilizer (T4) treatment showing significant difference (p<0.05) than 2% EYP (T3) and soil without fertilizer (T1) treatments. According to the results, 1% EYP (T2) treatment showed similar growth and yield performance with inorganic fertilizer (T4) and is recommended as a soil amendment for radish. However, the fungal attacks and pest attraction to EYP limit its application as a soil amendment and further studies are suggested to overcome the limitations. 
 Keywords: Expired yoghurt powder, Growth and yield parameters, Organic soil amendment, Raphanus sativus L.

SENSORY EVALUATION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF WATER YAM (DIOSCOREA ALATA) FLOUR FOR PRODUCTION SNACKS

This study assess the acceptability of processed water yam flour as a snack and its sensory evaluation. Using water yam flour and wheat flour in the ratios of 70:30 and 50:50, two distinct composite flour blends were created. As a control, there were samples made of wheat flour. The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential applications of Nigeria's freely obtainable water yam flour for making chinchin, cake, and cookies. In order to accomplish this, chinchin, cakes, and cookies made with water yam and wheat flour were prepared and then subjected to sensory analysis. Based on its appearance, color, flavor, texture, taste, mouth feel, crispiness, and overall acceptability, food products such chinchin, cake, and cookies were utilized to assess the sensory acceptability. For sensory evaluation, an 8-point hedonic scale was employed. The mean separation was performed using the Duncan New Multiple Range Test. The data was analyzed using the mean(x) score, simple percentage, standard deviation (SD), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). To clarify how new recipe is created, the study used an experimental research approach. It was evident from the findings that the judges accepted chinchin, cakes, and cookie sampling. The study concluded that, with regard to the factors examined, there was no discernible variation in the judges' ratings. Based on the results, the researcher concluded that water yam flour can be used in place of wheat flour and that products like chinchin, cakes, and cookies made with water yam flour should be encouraged by the producers.

Sensitivity of source sediment fingerprinting to tracer selection methods

Abstract. In a context of accelerated soil erosion and sediment supply to water bodies, sediment fingerprinting techniques have received an increasing interest in the last 2 decades. The selection of tracers is a particularly critical step for the subsequent accurate prediction of sediment source contributions. To select tracers, the most conventional approach is the three-step method, although, more recently, the consensus method has also been proposed as an alternative. The outputs of these two approaches were compared in terms of identification of conservative properties, tracer selection, modelled contributions and performance on a single dataset. As for the three-step method, several range test criteria were compared, along with the impact of the discriminant function analysis (DFA). The dataset was composed of tracer properties analysed in soil (three potential sources; n = 56) and sediment core samples (n = 32). Soil and sediment samples were sieved to 63 µm and analysed for organic matter, elemental geochemistry and diffuse visible spectrometry. Virtual mixtures (n = 138) with known source proportions were generated to assess model accuracy of each tracer selection method. The Bayesian un-mixing model MixSIAR was then used to predict source contributions on both virtual mixtures and actual sediments. The different methods tested in the current research can be distributed into three groups according to their sensitivity to the conservative behaviour of properties, which was found to be associated with different predicted source contribution tendencies along the sediment core. The methods selecting the largest number of tracers were associated with a dominant and constant contribution of forests to sediment. In contrast, the methods selecting the lowest number of tracers were associated with a dominant and constant contribution of cropland to sediment. Furthermore, the intermediate selection of tracers led to more balanced contributions of both cropland and forest to sediments. The prediction of the virtual mixtures allowed us to compute several evaluation metrics, which are generally used to support the evaluation of model accuracy for each tracer selection method. However, strong differences or the absence of correspondence were observed between the range of predicted contributions obtained for virtual mixtures and those values obtained for actual sediments. These divergences highlight the fact that evaluation metrics obtained for virtual mixtures may not be directly transferable to models run for actual samples and must be interpreted with caution to avoid over-interpretation or misinterpretation. These divergences may likely be attributed to the occurrence of a not (fully) conservative behaviour of potential tracer properties during erosion, transport and deposition processes, which could not be fully reproduced when generating the virtual mixtures with currently available methods. Future research should develop novel metrics to quantify the conservative behaviour of tracer properties during erosion and transport processes. Furthermore, new methods should be designed to generate virtual mixtures closer to reality and to better evaluate model accuracy. These improvements would contribute to the development of more reliable sediment fingerprinting techniques, which are needed to better support the implementation of effective soil and water conservation measures at the catchment scale.

SENSORY EVALUATION OF BISCUITS PRODUCED FROM A BLEND OF WHEAT AND UNRIPE PLANTAIN FLOUR IN DELTA STATE

This study assessed the sensory assessment of biscuits produced from a blend of wheat and unripe plantain fiour in Delta State. Materials used include matured and unripe plantain which was obtained from a farm in Asaba, Delta State. The unripe plantains were carefully detached from the bunch, sorted, peeled and sliced to about 5 mm thickness. The dried chips were later milled and sealed for baking. The dough was mixed using a B8 universal mixer (model IPX1, 7076) at 550 rpm for 15 minutes until uniform smooth dough was obtained. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The mean were then separated by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 software. Biscuit samples were subjected to sensory evaluation within 24 hours after production. The sensory evaluation of the samples was carried out using twenty-five (25) panelists familiar with biscuits. The qualities assessed include aroma, appearance, taste, texture and general acceptability. The results ranged from 6.30-7.35, 6.45-7.30, 2.05-6.30 and 6.20-6.85 for aroma, appearance, taste and texture, re.spectively while the control had 7.45, 7.20, 7.45 and 6.75 for aroma, appearance, taste and texture, respectively. The study recommended among other things that Government should encourage biscuits produced from the blend of wheat fiour and unripe plantain because of its better mineral quality, high in calcium and iron content than those produced from 100 % wheat fiour.

Growth Response of Mucuna bracteata with the Application of Local Micro Organisms (LMO) of Banana Weevil

This research aims to determine the effect of concentration and duration immersion giving LOM banana weevil against the gowth of Mucuna bracteata. The research was conducted in the garden of Jalan Setia Bangun Pasar III, Sei Beras Sekata, Kecamatan sunggal, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatra utara and continued in the laboratory of the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI). This research was started in April-June 2020. This study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial. The first factor was the concentration of local microorganisms (LMO) of Banana Weevil consisting of 4 levels, namely: Without treatment, 15%, 30%, 45%. The second factor. The duration of immersion consists of 4 levels, namely: No immersion time, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes. Observation data were analyzed usingDuncan's Multiple Range Test with a significant 5%. The results showed that the LMO concentration of banana weevil was effective in increasing the gowth of the number of leaves 39.77, tendril length 83.14 cm, shoot fresh weight 28.54 g, and shoot dry weight 6.03 g. The duration of soaking had a significant effect on the highest number of leaves at week 3 (9.63 pieces). The interaction application of banana weevil concentration and soaking time affected the number of root nodules (40.50 gains) and root dry weight (0.73) g of theplant Mucuna bracteata.

The Egg-Turning Technique on The Hatching Performance of Hybrid Duck Eggs

This research aimed to determine different egg-turning techniques on the hatching performance of hybrid duck eggs. The materials for this research include water, hatching eggs of hybrid ducks, and manual hatching machines. This research used the T-test with 2 treatments and 6 replications, including T1 (swipe egg-turning) and T2 (manual egg-turning), each replication consisting of 10 hatched hybrid duck eggs. The parameters observed included the percentage of mortality, the percentage of hatchability, and the hatching weight of hybrid ducks. Analysis of the resulting data uses an analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) application. Data that had significant differences were then tested further using the DMRT test (Duncan Multiple Range Test). The results showed that the egg-turning technique had no significant effect on the hatching performance of hybrid duck eggs, including mortality, hatchability, and hatching weight. The conclusion of the research was the regular turning times with differences in egg-turning techniques did not influence the hatchability of the duck hybrid.

Application of Acidifier in Drinking Water on Broiler Chicken Carcass Weight

This study aims to study the effects of adding acidifier at different levels on carcass weight and carcass weight persentage of broiler chickens. The study used 100 DOC unsexed Lohmann MB-202 strains that were grouped into 4 treatment groups. Each treatment was repeated 5ntimes and each replication used 5 broiler chickens. The treatment group consisted of acidifier 0% (P0), acidifier 0,33% (P1), acidifier 0,44% (P2), and acidifier 0,55% (P3). The study was conducted for 4 weeks. The data observed were slaughter weight, carcass weight and percentage carcass of broiler chickens. The data obtained were analyzed by using variance analysis of Compact Random Design (CRD) Pattern Unidirectional and if there were differences between treatments followed by the mean difference test using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that adding acidifier on water had no effect on slaughter weight, carcass weight and percentage carcass of broiler chickens.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Sari Buah Kurma (Phoenix dactylifer) terhadap Mutu Minuman Jeli Karika Kurma

Karika is one of the typical fruits of Dieng, Wonosobo, Central Java. Karika has a high water content, so it is included in the fruit that does not last long when stored fresh. Characteristics of Karika fruit which is sour and slightly bitter and has sap that can cause itching, making Karika unpalatable to be consumed directly. To increase the usability of Karika fruit, food diversification is carried out by making Karika kurma jelly drink with the addition of Sukkari date juice as a sugar substitute sweetener. This study aims to examine the effect of the concentration of date palm juice (Phoenix dactylifera) on the quality of Karika kurma jelly drink. This type of research is an experimental study with a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor and five levels of three repetitions. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA at level α 0.05 if there was a significant difference, then the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was continued. The ANOVA test results showed that all parameters were significantly different. The more addition of the concentration of Sukkari date juice causes an increase in the value of viscosity, total dissolved solids, pH and total sucrose sugar, and decreases the value of syneresis. The results showed that the best treatment was the addition of 27.5% concentration of Sukkari date palm extract with a viscosity characteristic of 1204.67 Cps, total dissolved solids 8.53 (ºBrix), syneresis for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively of 0 .18%, 0.32% and 0.52%, pH levels were 4.92, and sucrose levels were 2.93. The quality scores for color, aroma, taste and texture were 2.88 (dark yellow), 3.41 (rather strong), 3.19 (slightly sweet), and 2.81 (slightly chewy) with hedonic ratings like the parameters color, aroma, taste and texture.

Pengaruh Pupuk Hayati Jamur Mikoriza Dan Pupuk Rock Phosphate Terhadap Serapan P, Pertumbuhan serta Hasil Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Application of mycorrhizal fungi biological fertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers can increase plant P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizer and rock phosphate fertilizer on P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the application of 0 gr (M0), 10 g (M1) and 20 g (M2) mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizers and the second factor was the application of 0 kg rock phosphate fertilizer or the equivalent of 0 g (R0), 150 kg or 1 g (R1) and 300 kg or 2.6 g (M2). The variables observed were plant height, number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, root volume, root infection, plant dry weight, root shoot ratio and P uptake. The observed data were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested further. using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was no interaction between the application of mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers. Application of mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizer (M1) can increase the degree of root infection by 72.22%, the number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume, root infection, P uptake and root shoot ratio. Application of rock phosphate fertilizer can also increase the number of fruit plants, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume and P uptake.

The Effect of Three Factors Interaction on the Size Distribution of White Sugar Crystals in the Batch Vacuum Pan

Crystal size disribution is a parameter used to indicate the quality of sugar crystals obtained from the crystallization process. The better the crystal size distribution, the better the quality of the sugar crystals produced. The good quality of sugar crystals has an impact on the easier separation process that will occur in the centrifugal machine and can reduce sugar loss both in the centrifugal machine and in the sugar grader. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the number of sugar seeds, the quality of the mother liquor and the length of time used in the crystallization process on the quality of white sugar crystals produced in the Batch Vacuum Pan and to obtain the best interaction from several levels used for each factor, which can be used as a reference for producing sugar products that have crystal size distribution values according to the desired standard. Each treatment was carried out twice. Observations were made on material characteristics (brix, pol, and purity) and product sugar characteristics (average crystal size and coefficient of variation of crystal size). Measurement of the characteristics of sugar using a sieving (granulometer) which is then calculated using the ICUMSA GS2-37 method. The influence of factor’s main effect and interaction were analyzed using analysis of variance at the level of p value ≤ 0.05. Further tests for each factor’s main effect and interaction with p values ≤ 0.05 were carried out using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The best distribution of sugar crystal size was obtained from the interaction of sugar seed factors with levels of 3 m3, 5 m3, or 10 m3 which interacted with the quality factor of mother liquor (fine liquor + 0 m3 molasses), and 2 hours of cooking time, Where the results of the interaction of this factor produce a percentage of sugar with a size larger than 0.8 mm as much as 80%.

Pengaruh Pemberian Kompos dan ZPT Nabati dari Ekstrak Jagung Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a plant that is widely grown in Indonesia. Market demand for tomatoes is high when compared to other fruit and vegetable commodities. Price instability can be caused by several factors, including decreased crop productivity. Providing nutrition that is considered safe is by using organic materials on agricultural land, which is one solution to the problem of land degradation. Providing compost and vegetable PGR from corn extract are organic additives that are safe to use in cultivation activities. VegetablePGR from corn extract contains the cytokinin hormone which plants need for the growth process. This research was conducted in a Greenhouse located in Martopuro Village, Pasuruan Regency. The experiment was carried out factorially using the basic pattern of Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The observed variables included plant height, leaf area index, percentage of flowers becoming fruit, number of fruit, fruit diameter, fruit weight, vitamin C content. The data obtained through measurements were then analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANNOVA). If the results of the ANNOVA analysis show significantly different results, it is necessary to carry out further tests using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a confidence level of 95%. The research results showed that the interaction of compost and vegetable PGR from corn extract showed very significantly different results on plant height variables. The single compost treatment showed significantly different results on the variables of plant height, leaf area index and number of fruit. The single plant PGR factor from corn extract showed significantly different results on the leaf area index variable.

Pengaruh Penyemprotan Monokalium Fosfat dan Pemangkasan Pucuk terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Produksi Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frustescens L.) pada Hidroponik Sistem Dutch Bucket

Cayenne pepper plant (Capsicum frustences L.) is a plant that is synonymous with its spicy taste, so consumption needs are increasing. However, production of cayenne pepper plants has decreased due to a decrease in land conversion and climate influences. Application of hydroponic dutch bucket system and monopotassium phosphate (MKP) spraying as well as shoot pruning techniques at certain times to increase production. This research aims to determine the effect of MKP spraying and shoot pruning on the growth and production of cayenne pepper plants using the dutch bucket hydroponic system. The experimental design used two factorsthree test. The first factor is variation in concentration of MKP administration, with 3 levels. The second factor is the pruning time with 3 levels so that there are 27 experimental units. The data is then analyzed and evaluated using analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Each observed variable is analyzed separately and significant differences between average values are based on tests Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a confidence level of 95%. The results show for the stem diameter variable, the monopotassium phosphate spraying treatment gave very significantly different results and shoot pruning gave significantly different results.The combination of monopotassium phosphate spraying treatment with a dose of 4 g/liter and a shoot pruning time of 21 days after planting (M3N2) gave the highest results for the variables of stem diameter, number of flowers to fruit, number of fruit, and fruit weight.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Kotoran Walet Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Gueneensis Jacq) di Pre Nursery

This research was carried out in the koto Panjang Ikur village, Koto tangah District, Padang city, West Sumatra Provience. This research starts in January-April 2022. The objective of the study was to obtain a comparison of the best growing media from the application of swallow droppings fertilizer on the growth of oil palm (elaeis guineensis jacq) seedlings in the pre nursery. This experiment used a completely randomized design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 6 replications, so there were 24 experimental units. Each experimental units. Each experimental unit consisted of 6 polibags, so there were 144 polybags. The treatment is as follows : A = Top Soil, B = Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (1:1), C = Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (2:1). Observational data were analyzed statistically with variance (f test). If f count > from f table 5%, proceed with duncans new multiple range test (DNMRT) test at 5% significance level. Variables observed were seedling height. Number of leaves (midrib), tuber diameter, top fresh weight, top dry weight, root length, root fresh weiht, root dry weight, and visual observation. From the experimental results it was concluded that the application of swallow manure fertilizer had a very significantly different effect on the increase in seedling height, number of leaves . hump diameter, upper fresh weight, upper dry weight, root length, fresht root weight, and was not significantly different in weightdry roots. The ratio of Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (1:2) is the best ratio for the growth of oil palm seedlings (elaeis guineensis jacq) in the pre nursery when compared to other treatments

Effect of Dosage of Unihaz Formulation Bioherbicide on the Control of Grasshopper Weed (Eleusine indica L.)

This study aims to determine the effect of doses of bioherbicide formulated by Unihaz in controlling weeds, as well as to determine the dose of bioherbicide formulated by Unihaz which is effective in controlling weeds. This study used a single factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), namely the Unihaz formulation bioherbicide dose treatment, consisting of 7 levels with 4 replications. The treatments were: dose 1 (40 l/ha), dose 45 l/ha, dose 50 l/ha, dose 55 l/ha, dose 60 l/ha, dose 60 l/ha, and dose 70 l/ha. The data obtained were then analyzed using Fisher's test (F), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a test level of 5%. The results of this study concluded that the use of a dose of 70 l/ha showed the highest weed mortality rate and the lowest live weed population, the lowest weed wet weight and dry weight which were significantly different from other dose treatments, making it the most effective in controlling grassy grass weeds

THE EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL LEAF EXTRACT OF Cassia alata L. ON HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BROILER


 
 
 The research on the utilization of Cassia alata L. leaf extract as a feed additive in broiler feed was aimed at observing the effect of the hematological profile on broiler. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANO- VA), if there were differences between treatments followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The treatments used consisted of PO(-) commercial feed (without treatment), PO(+) commercial feed +0.1% Tetracycline, P1 treatment commercial feed +0.4% extract, P2 commercial feed + 0 ,8% extract, P3 commercial feed + 1.2% extract. Variables observed were hematological profiles which included erythrocytes, leukocytes and hemoglobin. The results showed that the addition of Cassia alata L. leaf extract had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the blood hematological profile of broilers consisting of the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes and blood hemoglobin. It can be concluded that the addition of Cassia alata L. leaf extract as a phytobiotic gave results in P2 treatment with a dose of 0.8% capable of producing erythrocytes of 2.81 x 106/mm3, while hemoglobin of 7.64 g/dL and leukocytes of 15.95. x 103/ml.
 
 

BULK DENSITY AND COMPACT BULK DENSITY OF RICE BRAN FROM VARIOUS REGENCIES MIXED WITH RICE HUSK


 
 
 Rice bran mixed with rice husk often occurs in the feed industry, as a result of scarcity of rice bran as animal feed. The aim of the study was to study the heap density and compaction density of rice bran obtained from various districts mixed with rice husk. The study was conducted experimentally using a 2-way classification design consis- ting of 4 treatments of rice bran and rice husk mixtures and 5 districts. Data were analyzed by means of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that the mixture of rice bran and rice husk in various districts showed significant differences (P<0.05). Adulteration of rice bran by rice husk can be detected by adding 60% rice husk to bulk density and 40% to compact bulk density. The value of compact bulk density is faster in detecting the adulteration of rice bran with rice husk compared to the value of bulk density. The conclusion of this study is that at the level of 40% addition of rice husk, adulteration of rice bran can be determined by measuring the compact bulk density.
 
 

Development of a macroinvertebrate-based biotic index to assess water quality of rivers in Niger State, North Central Ecoregion of Nigeria.

The increasing pollution of lotic ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, poses a threat to water quality, public health and biodiversity. It is therefore essential to develop appropriate tools and methods for monitoring these rivers, particularly in heavily affected areas, where these water resources are vital to the surrounding communities that are heavily dependent on them. To fill this gap, we propose to develop a multimetric index based on macroinvertebrates for the assessment of ecological quality of rivers in Niger State (NSRBI). Eighty-eight metrics were evaluated through a step-by-step statistical process (namely, range test and stability, redundancy test and relationship with abiotic variables), in which metrics that did not meet the conditions were excluded. At the end of this process, only four metrics (%Hemiptera, Diptera richness, Pielou equitability and % of very large individuals (size > 40 mm)) fulfilling all criteria were included in the index. These metrics were then scored on a continuous scale and divided into four water quality classes: "very poor", "poor", "fair" and "good". Evaluation of the performance of the index on test sites showed a correspondence of 90% between index result and environmental-based classification. Therefore, the NSRBI could be a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing the ecological conditions of rivers in Niger State and the North Central Nigeria ecoregion predominantly in urban and agricultural landscapes.

Rapid Investigation of Blisk Mistuning Via Piezoelectric-Induced Stiffness Perturbations

Abstract Manufacturing tolerances and engine wear produce slight variations in the nominally identical blades of a bladed disk, or blisk. In theory, the vibrational energy of a tuned blisk is evenly distributed among the identical blades. Mistuning arises when blades are not exactly identical, producing vibration localization at one or more blades that can lead to premature failure via high-cycle fatigue. Blisk designers must consider how expected manufacturing variations and potential engine wear affect blade vibration and lifetime. However, a single experimental blisk can only capture a single mistuned configuration, making experimental assessment of mistuning both cost- and time-prohibitive. This paper investigates piezoelectric-induced stiffness perturbations as a potential approach that enables rapid testing of a wide range of mistuned configurations in a lab environment. Integrating piezoelectric material onto the blisk produces a continuous range of effective blade stiffness values. Piezoelectric stiffness perturbations alter the relative stiffnesses of all blades, changing the mistuned configuration. Simulations of a lumped blisk model characterize piezoelectric mistuning to motivate use in experimental preliminary testing of blisks. Optimization of the piezoelectric stiffness perturbation enables testing of desired mistuned amplitude distributions. Finally, benchtop testing of an academic blisk validates the ability of piezoelectric stiffness perturbations to change the mistuned configuration without any mechanical adjustments. Overall, piezoelectric mistuning enables rapid investigation of a theoretically infinite number of mistuned configurations with only one experimental blisk.

Sulforaphane content enhancement of red cabbage microgreens by using different planting media and nutrition solution

Red cabbage contains sulforaphane that have many health benefit. The highest sulforaphane content is found in young plant, known as microgreens. Media and natural plant growth regulator as nutrient solutions adjustments can be used to raise the sulforaphane content of microgreens. This study aims to investigated the best planting media and natural plant growth regulator as nutrient solution to enhanced the sulforaphane content in red cabbage microgreens. Completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors (nutrition solution and planting media) is used for the research. Research result was analyzed by ANOVA followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Planting media and nutrition solutions had significant effects on the height, fresh weight, and the content of sulforaphane in microgreens. The combination of vermiculite as planting media and young coconut water as nutrient solution could increase the growth of microgreens, furthermore the used of cocopeat in combination with young coconut water may raise the sulforaphane content of microgreens. The amount of sulforaphane increased by two-fold with the used of cocopeat and young coconut water.

The effect of Aspergillus sp. as a bating agent in tanned goat’s skin on bending strength, paint fade, and protein level

Bating is a process of eroding proteins carried out in the process of tanning the skin to erode protein on the skin using protease activity. Feliderm is commonly used as a bating agent. However, the disadvantages of feliderm are relatively high cost, access to purchases is quite difficult, and not being environmentally friendly. Aspergillus sp. is widely known by the public for its use in fermenting soybeans to soy sauce, which is one of the producers of protease enzymes that can be utilized. The method used was an experimental trial using a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 3 replications, if there were significant influences followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test Method. The results show that Aspergillus sp. can be used to replace feliderm as a bating agent on goat’s skin leather tanning. The best result is T4 with the bending strength showing Nerf and the paint not cracking, the paint not fading at the value of 4/5, and the protein content with the value of 70,91%.