Emerging Science Journal (ESJ)
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Development of a Cloud Service for Comprehensive Research of Polymer Synthesis Processes
Get PDFThe issue of digitalization in chemical technology production is currently quite pressing, and the available computational infrastructure is insufficient for assessing the technological properties of the products obtained through mathematical modeling tools. This problem is particularly relevant for polymer synthesis processes, where standard empirical evaluations require enormous computational resources, and existing methods and algorithms prove ineffective when organizing multiple computational trials to select optimal production scenarios. The aim of this study is to develop a cloud-based digital service that enables comprehensive research into complex physicochemical processes occurring via polymerization mechanisms. The implementation of all algorithms is based on the use of kinetic and statistical approaches to modeling, and the embedded calculation methods are adapted to the specifics of polymerization processes. The conceptual framework of the developed cloud service is represented by a three-tier network architecture, and the established mechanism of network interaction allows the service to operate in a 24-hour multi-user mode. Task execution in the remote environment and the distribution of computational resources are handled using Docker containerization technology, which provides software-level virtualization within the operating system. The storage subsystem is managed by the MongoDB database management system, which supports distributed information storage functions. The organization of test computational experiments in evaluating the detailed properties of polymer products allowed for the assessment of the system's core logic in web interface mode and the adequacy of the obtained calculation results. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-023 Full Text: PD
Energy Price Impact on BRIC Stock Markets: A Granger Causality Analysis
Get PDFEnergy prices and the stock market are two of the crucial factors in the evolving landscape of global finance, particularly in major emerging economies. However, research on how energy price changes impact stock markets in BRIC countries remains limited, despite their diverse roles in global energy markets and economies. This study investigates the causal dynamics between energy prices and stock market performance in BRIC countries, aiming to uncover short-term fluctuations and long-run relationships in these major emerging economies. Utilizing daily data from 2013 to 2023, stationarity tests, cointegration analysis, and Granger causality tests are employed to examine these relationships. Key findings reveal weak evidence of a long-run equilibrium between energy prices and stock market indices, challenging previous assumptions about their cointegration. More significantly, the findings uncovered a strong unidirectional Granger causality from oil prices to all BRIC stock market indices, while gas prices show a more selective influence. Notably, no evidence of reverse causality from stock markets to energy prices was found, highlighting the exogenous nature of global energy prices in relation to BRIC stock markets. This study uniquely analyzes oil and gas price effects on BRIC stock markets, offering insights for investors and policymakers amid increasing commodity-financial market integration. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-015 Full Text: PD
Exploring the Determinants and Consequences of Task-Technology Fit: A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling Perspective
Get PDFObjectives: Task-Technology Fit (TTF) is mainly used to determine the users' performance based on the tasks and technological attributes. This study integrated and evaluated TTF with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). This paper aims to compile and analyze the literature on task-technology fit (TTF) since 2000. Method: Through the meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach, understand the application of TTF in the last 20 years and explore future research directions. In addition, this paper employs subgroup analysis and sample sub-grouping to better understand the differences between these studies. The samples were divided into two categories: identity groups (employee, individual, and student) and voluntary groups (voluntary and non-voluntary). Findings: The relationship between the variables belonging to the original TTF model (including TASK, TEC, TTF, PI, and UT) was found to be relatively stable. After combining the variables of UTAUT2 (including PEOU, BI, and PE) and IC, all paths were also found to have a medium or high effect. The TTF-BI path was significant in the identity-based subgroup analysis, and the IC-TTF path was significant in the voluntary-based subgroup analysis. Novelty:Given that the traditional TTF literature is too subjective, this paper adopts MASEM as applied in management research. There are few similar studies so far. Therefore, this paper not only analyzes TTF objectively through MASEM but also provides some directions and suggestions for expanding the TTF model and hopes to give a stronger explanation for future research. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-06 Full Text: PD
Analysis of the Heating of Steel Structures During Fire Load
Get PDFDuring the preparation of our article, we present in detail the changes in the thermotechnical parameters of carbon steel and corrosion resistance during fire. After that, we present in detail the calculation of the heating of steel structures without fire protection. We feel this is important because it is not possible to provide stainless steel with fire protection for aesthetic reasons, and it is also not typical for thin-walled galvanized structures. We also present the calculation of structures with fire protection in detail and present the background for editing commonly used nomograms. Such a nomogram is also available in the literature, but it can be considered true with significant simplifications. During the practical planning, the applied fire protection regulations were highly standardized. Realizing that there is no design nomogram for these types of solutions, we created and published them in our article. The advantage of these is that the applicable design can also be found as the optimum of the designs considered to be potentially good. With this solution, we can save time during planning, and we can also get a more cost-effective solution for the fire protection cover. The advantage of the presented method is that, if required, the editing of the nomograms can be extended to other designs by knowing the material characteristics and the layer thickness. Another option of the presented method is that the solution can also be applied to special fire loads, and nomograms can be produced for them as well (e.g., hydrocarbon fires). Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-01 Full Text: PD
Synthesis and Characterization of Hybridfiber from Gelatin Modified by PVACOS Using Coaxial Electrospinning Techniques as an Advanced Medical Textile Material
Get PDFThe synthesis of hybrid fiber based on bovine bone gelatin combined with polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan-oxidized sucrose (PVACOS) has been successfully carried out using the coaxial electrospinning technique. The presence of oxidized sucrose can improve the diameter and the tensile strength of hybrid fibers due to the formation of new covalent bonds. The combination of gelatin with PVACOS material aims to increase the strength of the hybrid fiber so that it has better tensile strength characteristics and improves the diameter of the resulting hybrid fiber. The characterization of the resulting material was tested using FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and TGA. Based on FTIR analysis, there is an increase in absorption intensity in the 2900 cm-1 – 3000 cm-1 band, which indicates the occurrence of covalent bond interactions so that it can increase the bond strength between materials with the performance of crystalline materials. Apart from that, the morphological structure of the hybrid fibers was also investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the resulting fiber diameter for Ge-Ch, Ge-Ch-PVA, Ge-PVACOS 3%, and Ge-PVACOS 5%, respectively, was 0.4049 µm. 0.3735 µm, 0.3388 µm, and 0.3206 µm. The tensile strengths of hybrid fiber for Ge-PVACOS 3% and Ge-PVACOS 5%, respectively, are 39.91935 N/m2 and 76.12507 N/m2. Statistical tests show that the concentration of oxidized sucrose has a significant influence on hybrid fiber performance. The significance values for diameter and tensile strength are 0.0486 and 0.0325, respectively. According to this performance, the Ge-PVACOS hybrid fiber is recommended as a material for advanced medical textiles. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-022 Full Text: PD
SY-MIS Project: Biomedical Design of Endo-Robotic and Laparoscopic Training System for Surgery on the Earth and Space
Get PDFDespite the location (Earth or Space), surgical simulation is a vital part of improving technical skills and ensuring patients' safety in the real procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the Space System for Minimally Invasive Surgery (SY-MIS©) project, which started in 2016 under the supervision of the Center for Space Systems (C-SET). The process connects the best features of the following machines: Biomedik Surgeon, Space Biosurgeon, SP-LAP 1, and SP-LAP 2, which were defined using the VDI 2221 guidelines. This research uses methods based on 3 standards: i) Biomedical design: ISO 9001-13485 / FDA 21 CFR 820.30 / ASTM F1744-96(2016); ii) Aerospace human factors: HF-STD-001; iii) Mechatronics design: VDI 2206. The results depict the conceptual biomedical design of a novel training system named Surgical Engineering and Mechatronic System (SETY©), which integrates the use of 2 laparoscopic tools and 2 anthropomorphic mini-robotic arms (6 DOF). It has been validated by the Evaluation of Technical Criteria, getting a total score of 90% related to clinical assessment, machine adaptability, and robustness. The novelty of the research lies in the introduction of a new procedure that covers the simultaneous use of laparoscopic and robotic systems, named Hybrid Cyber-Physical Surgery (HYS©). In conclusion, the development of SY-MIS© promotes the use of advanced technologies to improve surgical procedures and human-machine medical cooperation for the next frontier of habitability on other planets. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-01 Full Text: PD
Down-streaming Small-Scale Green Ammonia to Nitrogen-Phosphorus Fertilizer Tablets for Rural Communities
Get PDFThis study aims to evaluate the growth and production of sweet corn plants in response to the application of commercial NPK fertilizer and various doses of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets. From early October 2022 to late January 2023, research was conducted at Research and Development Luas Birus Utama to produce nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets and at Research and Development Syngenta Indonesia Cikampek Station, Karawang, to perform a semi-field analysis. A factorial randomized block design with two treatment factors was employed in this study. The first factor was five types of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets, namely, A (0% nitrogen and 6.3% phosphorus), B (0.81% nitrogen and 6.3% phosphorus), C (1.57% nitrogen and 6.1% phosphorus), D (2.33% nitrogen and 6.2% phosphorus), and E (3.06% nitrogen and 6.2% phosphorus). The second factor was F (standard nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The results revealed that applying different dosages of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets in combination with potassium chloride fertilizer yielded no different effect on the growth, biomass, and yield components of sweet corn plants when compared to applying NPK fertilizer. A comparison between the soil test results before and after application revealed that the formulation of fertilizers in tablet form helps plants to effectively absorb the required nutrients. It is currently possible to develop small-scale or microscale green ammonia production technology to fulfill the fertilizer requirements of rural communities because of its low cost, low carbon emissions, and low renewable energy consumption. The scarcity of fertilizer supplies endangers Indonesia's food sustainability. Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablet production technology can be used in areas with a scarcity of inorganic fertilizers but with the potential for low-grade phosphate mines using commercial ammonia solutions. Thus, understanding how to produce nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets from ammonia solution will aid in the acceptance of microscale green ammonia production technology. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-016 Full Text: PD
Bridging the Gap: Social Networks and Professional Development in the Eyes of Prospective Science Teachers
Get PDFVirtual social network platforms have rapidly become settings for cultivating various types of bonding, bridging, and building social capital. This promotes professional and personal relationships and has implications for our psychological wellness. Our qualitative study, which has taken place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, explored the perspectives of science teachers in training regarding the utilization of social networks for professional development (PD). We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews across both countries. Our results unveiled nuanced insights into the influence of social networks on the professional development of prospective science teachers, the challenges they face while using these means for networking, and how cultural norms and institutional factors impact learning, collaboration, and adoption of such virtual social systems. The findings suggest that social networks can serve as valuable tools for the professional development of prospective science teachers. Notably, there was a subtle divergence between the two groups. The UAE participants have emphasized global perspectives and valued insights into worldwide educational trends, whereas the Omani participants have appreciated the global perspective and prioritized local connections. Additionally, remarkable differences in technology access and infrastructure challenges between UAE and Oman teachers in training highlight the need for more equitable professional development opportunities. Emirati and Omani participants differ in their access to international educational trends and technology because of economic disparities. This could be translated into more resources for education and technological infrastructure, as the geographical location of the UAE as a global hub makes it easier to access global networks and trends. The implications of these findings point to the critical need for the effective use of social networks in the professional development of science teachers. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-014 Full Text: PD
Factors Affecting Risk-Based Audit and Quality Audit
Get PDFThere are various issues that are associated with audit quality, which can often lead to audit failures. The State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) needs assistance in improving its audit quality. This study was conducted to provide empirical evidence about the correlation between the risks of audited entities, the competitive ability of state auditors, and audit quality. The study also seeks to establish the moderating effect of risk-based auditing on the relationship between the abovementioned factors and audit quality. The research data was collected from 221 state auditors and analyzed using SEM linear structure analysis with SmartPLS 4.0.8.5 software. The research findings suggest that the risk of the audited entity and the competitive ability of state auditors positively and significantly impact the application of RBA, which contributes to the assurance of audit quality in SAV. Therefore, the practical application of RBA, which involves accurately identifying the risks of audited entities, helps to improve audit quality and efficiency. This study contributes to the theory of audit quality in the public sector, which is diverse and inconsistent due to various economic and political factors such as corruption and reputation. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-010 Full Text: PD
Gender Differences in Academic Staff Performance: An Advanced Analysis Using PLS-SEM in Higher Education
Get PDFThis study aims to comprehensively explore the intricate dynamics among positive and negative emotions, self-efficacy, and task performance within the unique context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Bahrain, specifically placing emphasis on potential gender-related distinctions within the proposed relationships. The ongoing pandemic accentuates the need to investigate the interplay between emotional states, self-efficacy beliefs, and task performance in academic and teaching domains, especially considering potential gender variations within the framework of a society promoting gender equality. Employing a quantitative survey instrument and rigorous statistical techniques, the study validates its proposed model through indicators such as the coefficient of determination (R²) and predictive relevance (Q²). The diverse sample comprises academic and teaching staff of both genders from Bahrain. Advanced statistical methodologies, including Measurement Invariance (MICOM) and Multigroup Analysis (MGA) facilitated by SmartPLS PLS-SEM, provide deeper insights into gender disparities. Significantly contributing to existing knowledge, this paper elucidates the complex relationships among emotions, self-efficacy, and task performance amid a crisis, with a distinctive focus on meticulously investigating gender differences. The study underscores the consistent positive impact of positive emotions on task performance across genders in Bahrain. Recommendations advocate for prioritizing support for academic and teaching staff during crises, emphasizing the positive impact on academic outcomes. Future research should explore demographic intricacies and potential mediating or moderating factors, deepening the comprehension of these complex dynamics. Highlighting the cascading impact of prioritizing the well-being and morale of academic and teaching staff, the study envisions a positive transformation resonating across various facets of society, extending beyond the confines of academia. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-09 Full Text: PD