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Balance Ability and Gait Speed in Female with Knee Osteoarthritis
No full textKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is commonly associated with impairments in balance and walking ability, which progressively worsen with age. This study aimed to describe balance ability using the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) and gait speed using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and to examine the correlation between these measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted among females aged 50–79 years with clinically diagnosed KOA. SLST and 10MWT were assessed and analyzed across three age groups (50–59, 60–69, and 70–79 years). SLST performance declined with advancing age, with mean ± SD values of 17.28 ± 9.40 s, 12.66 ± 8.30 s, and 10.07 ± 5.80 s, respectively. Similarly, gait speed decreased with age, with values of 1.05 ± 0.17 m/s, 1.00 ± 0.17 m/s, and 0.92 ± 0.14 m/s. A significant positive correlation was found between SLST and 10MWT (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that females with KOA experience progressive declines in balance ability and gait speed, with a positive association between the two functional measures. Assessing both parameters in clinical practice is essential for early identification of functional limitations and for guiding individualized rehabilitation strategies in this population
Analysis of mobile JKN application utility acceptance on behavioral intention of BPJS Kesehatan participants in Minasate’ne primary health center using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)
No full textThe development of digital technology in the healthcare sector has become a key factor in promoting efficiency and improving the quality of public services. One of the innovations introduced by BPJS Kesehatan to support digital transformation is the Mobile JKN application. This study aims to analyze the influence of four core constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions—on behavioral intention in using the Mobile JKN application, as well as to examine the statistical significance of each variable’s effect. This research adopts a quantitative explanatory approach using multiple linear regression analysis. The sample was selected through a total sampling technique based on Mobile JKN users at the Minasate’ne Public Health Center in June, involving 67 respondents. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence have a significant effect on behavioral intention (p 0.05). Simultaneously, all four variables significantly influence behavioral intention, with an R² value of 0.785. It is concluded that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence are significant factors influencing individuals’ intentions to use the Mobile JKN application, whereas facilitating conditions are not significant in this research context
Beetroot Juice Supplementation: Effect on Cardiovascular and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
No full textCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death and disability globally, accounting for nearly one in three fatalities. Implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can help lower blood pressure (BP) and reduce the risk of CVD. Notably, hypertension and CVD risk are more prevalent in Asian populations, a trend expected to rise with aging and increasing wealth among these communities. Many older adults are seeking natural approaches to enhance their health and quality of life, leading to a growing interest in food-based supplements like inorganic dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻). Nitrate is abundantly found in green leafy and root vegetables, such as beetroot. It serves as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a bioactive molecule with various roles in the body, including the regulation of neurotransmission, blood flow, and oxygen consumption. Research indicates that NO₃⁻ supplementation may offer benefits for health, cognitive function, and physiological performance in older adults. This paper will explore research supporting beetroot juice supplementation for reducing blood pressure and enhancing cognitive function in older people, its potential mechanisms of action, and practical applications.
Potentiel impact du changement climatique sur la stabilité des carrières souterraines abandonnées
No full textLes carrières souterraines abandonnées en France peuvent représenter un risque géotechnique non négligeable (de type effondrement en surface), en particulier dans les régions où la densité d’anciennes exploitations est élevée. Leur stabilité repose notamment sur un équilibre entre la résistance des piliers, le comportement des terrains de recouvrement et les conditions hydrogéologiques locales. Dans ce contexte, le changement climatique, en modifiant les régimes météorologiques et hydriques, pourrait accélérer les processus de dégradation de ces ouvrages. Un travail de recherche de corrélation entre les effondrements et les variations hydroclimatique a été conduit. Cet article est une synthèse des travaux récemment menés à l’Ineris : inventaire national des effondrements, études de cas, essais expérimentaux sur la craie, modélisations numériques et mise en place d’un dispositif d’observations in situ. L’objectif de ces études est d’améliorer la compréhension des interactions entre aléas climatiques et comportements mécaniques des carrières, afin de renforcer l’évaluation du risque d’effondrement. Les premiers résultats confirment que les variations hydroclimatiques peuvent agir comme un facteur aggravant pour la stabilité des carrières souterraines abandonnées, essentiellement via le rôle central de l’eau et qu’il faut poursuivre les travaux sur le sujet
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Vertical Compound Retort Technology in Large-Scale Magnesium Production
No full textThe rising global demand for lightweight structural materials has made magnesium vital in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors. Currently, the Pidgeon process dominates magnesium production, particularly in China, but faces major drawbacks including high energy use, low efficiency, and labour-intensive operations. This study evaluates the technological and economic feasibility of Vertical Compound Retort (VCR) technology as a scalable alternative. Based on Pidgeon principles, VCR features a vertically oriented retort that enhances thermal efficiency, material throughput, and reduces labour intensity. Its design enables better heat distribution, easier material handling, and reduced heat loss and downtime. A feasibility study is conducted for a 3,000-ton/year plant in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, which includes analysing process design, energy consumption, and material flow. The economic assessment covers capital and operating costs, profitability, and sensitivity analysis. Results indicate that VCR technology offers significant advantages in energy efficiency, process stability, and scalability. It holds promise for cost- effective, large-scale magnesium production in resource-rich regions
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Al-Ti Based High Entropy Alloys with Ni-Cr-Sn and Ni-Fe-Sn Alloying Elements
No full textThis study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Al-Ti-Ni-based high entropy alloys (HEAs) alloyed with Cr-Sn and Fe-Sn. The alloys were produced by arc melting under an argon atmosphere without subsequent heat treatment. Microstructural analysis using optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed dendritic structures with interdendritic segregation. XRD results confirmed the presence of multiphase structures composed of body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solutions and intermetallic compounds. Mechanical behavior was evaluated through Vickers hardness and uniaxial compression testing, while theoretical densities calculated from alloy compositions were used to obtain specific hardness values (HV·cm³/g). Among the examined alloys, Al-Ti-Ni-Cr-Sn achieved a specific hardness of 90.21 and an ultimate compressive strength (UCS) of 1096 MPa, whereas Al-Ti-Ni-Fe-Sn recorded a specific hardness of 55.19 and a UCS of 515 MPa. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Al-Ti-Ni-based HEAs exhibit promising potential for lightweight, high-strength, and wear-resistant structural applications without the need for post-solidification processing
Experimental Study on the Utilization of Bio-carbon Reductants in the Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace for Ferronickel Production
No full textIndonesia is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 31.89% unconditionally by 2030, as reflected in its Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reported in 2022. The mining sector, including nickel mining and smelting, contributes around 10% of global energy-related carbon emissions and must play a role in achieving this target. The RKEF (Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace) process, which accounts for approximately 80% of global laterite nickel production, primarily for ferronickel or nickel pig iron, relies heavily on coal as a reductant and energy source. This study explores the use of biocarbon as a renewable alternative reductant. Laboratory-scale calcination and smelting experiments were conducted using laterite ore and four reductants: coal, palm shell charcoal, rubber wood charcoal, and mixed wood charcoal. All were characterized for proximate and ultimate composition, ash content, and bulk density. Rubber wood charcoal had the highest fixed carbon (73.2 wt%), while palm shell charcoal showed the highest ash content (9.40 wt.%). Nickel reduction ranged from 4.07 to 24.85%, with the highest reduction achieved using rubber wood charcoal. The results demonstrate that all tested bio-carbons are feasible substitutes for coal in the RKEF process, offering a pathway to decarbonize nickel production in support of Indonesia’s NDC goals
Evaluation of Particle Size, Total Flavonoid, and Antioxidant Activity of Onion Peel (
No full textThis study aims to evaluate the particle size, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of onion peel in various forms as a poultry feed additive. The material used in this study was onion peel. Particle size was analyzed using laser diffraction to obtain uniform particle size data. Flavonoid content was determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry to obtain the total flavonoid content in onion peel. Antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH method with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer to determine the ability of onion peel to scavenge free radicals. The results showed that the particle size of onion peel in powder form was (36.24 μm), solution form (0.98 μm), and extract form (3.47 μm). The highest flavonoid content was found in the powder form (335.97 mg QE/g), followed by the extract form (11.91 mg QE/g), and the solution form (1.66 mg QE/g). The strongest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the IC50 value of the extract (1.69 μg/mL), followed by the powder (8.57 μg/mL), and the solution (458.18 μg/mL). It can be concluded that onion peel has the potential to be used as a feed additive, as indicated by its particle size, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity
Effects of Cultivar and Plant Fraction on Oxalate Content and Nutritional Composition of Napier Grass and Selected Non-Napier Forages
No full textNapier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an important tropical forage valued for its high biomass yield and carbohydrate content, which supports efficient rumen fermentation. However, its utilisation is limited by antinutritional factors, particularly oxalic acid, which is generally higher in Napier grass than in other tropical forages. Excessive oxalate intake impairs calcium and magnesium metabolism, which can lead to metabolic disorders and renal dysfunction in animals. In this study, the effects of cultivar and botanical fraction on the oxalate content and proximate composition of Napier grass and selected non-Napier forages were investigated. Seven Napier cultivars (Dwarf, Taiwan, Zanzibar, King, Purple, Pakchong, and Indian), as well as Indigofera tinctoria and Trichanthera gigantea, were collected from farms in Kedah and Kelantan, Malaysia. The leaves and stems were analysed separately for soluble oxalate, total oxalate, and composition of constituents. The results showed that Dwarf Napier had the highest crude protein content, but also an increased content of soluble oxalate, especially in the leaves. For all forage varieties, the oxalate content was consistently higher in the leaves than in the stems, highlighting the importance of variety selection and the ratio of leaves to stems in feed formulation to optimise nutritional value while minimising the risks associated with oxalate in ruminant diets
Fermentation of Cassava Leaves Using Microbial-Nutrient Additives: Impact on HCN and Fiber Content
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cassava leaf (Manihot esculenta sp.) fermentation using a combination of microbial (commercial EM4 and local microorganisms from fruit, MOL) and a nutrient additive (commercial Viterna) on the content of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and pH. The study used four treatments and five replications, namely: T0 (fresh cassava leaf without additives), T1 (fermentation with 40% EM4, 20% ml Viterna, and 40% ml MOL), T2 (20% EM4, 40% Viterna, and 40% MOL), and T3 (40% EM4, 40% Viterna, and 20% ml MOL). Each treatment was applied at a total rate of 0.5% (v/w) fresh cassava leaves. The samples were fermented anaerobically for 14 days. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance based on a completely randomized design and Duncan's further test. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in HCN, NDF, ADF and pH levels among the treatments. The content of HCN T2 (2.79±0.93 ppm) and T3 (3.43±0.56 ppm) was lower than that T0 and T1. The lowest pH values were found in T2 (4.01±0.00) and T3 (4.02±0.02). The lowest NDF and ADF values were found in T3, with 42.55±0.23% and 32.08±0.13%, respectively. It can be concluded that cassava leaf fermentation using a combination of microbial-nutrient additives in T3, effectively reduced the HCN content and improved the fiber quality