Stem-base Rot Disease Detection in Oil Palm using RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and OCN (Orange, Cyan, NIR) Image Fusion Method Based on ResNet50

Current image acquisition and processing methods still need to be improved to effectively detect oil palm diseases. A precise and fast method to detect stem base rot disease in oil palm trees can be developed using drone technology and image processing approaches. An OCN (Orange, Cyan, NIR) camera is added to a standard drone and equipped with an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) camera. Combining the two cameras is proposed to generate multispectral imagery using an image fusion method called early fusion. A Multispectral Convolution Neural Network (MCNN) is also introduced to detect stem base rot disease by analysing the leaf patterns of oil palms. Healthy and unhealthy leaf samples were collected from oil palm plantations in Bogor. The images that have passed the image processing stage with the fusion method become inputs for modelling to identify stem base rot disease in oil palm. The results of the research using the multispectral image fusion method (RGB and OCN) based on the ResNet50 architecture can be used to identify stem base rot disease in oil palm effectively, as evidenced by the training and validation accuracy of 97.75% and 96.48%

Non-Relativistic Quantum Particle Confined on a Cylindrical Surface under a Stark-like Potential

This study explores the influence of a Stark-like perturbative potential on a quantum particle confined to a cylindrical surface (QPCS) and its implications for extra-dimensional theories. The QPCS framework is particularly relevant to Kaluza-Klein (KK) theory, which postulates extra spatial dimensions to unify electromagnetism and gravity. In KK theory, these extra dimensions are typically hidden and require high-energy conditions for detection. Motivated by the challenge of uncovering these dimensions more feasibly, this research applies a perturbative potential of the form ĤSL = βzV₀z(θ) to a QPCS characterized by length L and radius R₀. This potential is inspired by the Stark effect in hydrogen atoms, where energy level splitting serves as an indicator of an external influence. The study demonstrates that, for a degenerate configuration (R₀ = L/π), the Stark-like perturbation effectively induces energy level splitting, which can be interpreted as a means of revealing hidden dimensions. The first-order energy correction in this scenario depends explicitly on the quantum numbers nz and nθ, highlighting the potential for this approach to probe extra-dimensional effects in lower-energy quantum systems

Coordinative Study of Organic Material on Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application for Colorimetric Sensor

Metal nanoparticles, especially gold and silver nanoparticles, have been applied in various fields of nanotechnology because of their unique optical properties called localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Metal nanoparticles need capping material to stabilize and protect the metal core. The interaction between capping and metal core affects the physical and chemical properties of metal nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles have a robust extinction coefficient compared to other metals of the same size. In addition, silver nanoparticles have been found to have antimicrobial properties. There has been a lot of research on the coordination between organic molecules with silver metal. However, the study about the coordination between organic molecules on silver nanoparticles has not been studied in detail. For this reason, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles capped by citrate (AgCA) and silver nanoparticles capped by 3-MPA (AgMPA) was optimized in order to form stable colloids. The interaction between capping molecules (citrate and 3-MPA) and silver core was studied experimentally and computationally. In the results, some different vibration peak positions of chemical coordination between free carboxylate and the carboxylate on silver nanoparticles were found, indicating the effect of strong chemical bonding and the effect of localized surface plasmon. Agreement was found between the experimental results and the calculation based on DFT simulation, which shows the same tendencies of vibration peak position. Moreover, colorimetric testing with Biocytin-Avidin was performed as a sensor application in the experiment

Enhanced Optical Properties of Ce-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles via A Green Plant-Based Synthesis Approach

This study investigated the optical properties of Ce-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Ce/ZnO), synthesized using Pandanus ammaryllifolius leaf extract via a green biosynthesis method. Ce doping concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% were applied, and the nanoparticles were annealed at 400 °C for two hours. UV-Vis analysis showed a redshift in the annealed samples, with the wavelength increasing from 368 nm to 370 nm, likely due to particle growth after thermal treatment. In contrast, the unannealed samples exhibited a blueshift, with the maximum absorbance wavelength decreasing from 361 nm to 356 nm. The absorbance values were higher in the annealed samples than in the unannealed ones. The band gap energy of doped ZnO samples decreased slightly after annealing, from 3.20–3.22 eV to 3.15–3.19 eV, indicating improved optical properties. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of Ce–O bonds and functional groups, such as O–H and C–H, with sharper peaks in the annealed samples. The novelty of this study lies in utilizing Pandanus ammaryllifolius leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The findings suggest that Ce doping enhances the optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles, making them suitable for specific applications in environmental remediation, such as the degradation of organic pollutants, and in technological fields like photocatalytic devices and UV-absorbing materials

Influence of Polymer Matrix on The Morphology and Crystallization Behavior of Electrospun Zinc Oxide Fibers

ZnO finds widespread applications such as in photocatalysis, sensors, medicine, and other optoelectronic devices. The characteristics of ZnO can be influenced by several parameters, one of which is morphology. Fiber structures are attractive for research among various shapes and sizes due to their large effective surface area. ZnO fibers can be produced using electrospinning. However, the fiber morphology strongly depends on several important parameters, one of them is the characteristics of the polymer as a matrix. The molecular weight and concentration of the polymer and precursor material influence the solution viscosity, which is one of the crucial parameters in the electrospinning method. In this study, ZnO fibers were fabricated using three different polymers as matrices: PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone), PVAc (polyvinyl acetate), and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). This research investigates the influence of polymer type on the morphology of ZnO fibers and crystallization behavior based on thermal characteristics. Based on SEM results, ZnO fibers were successfully fabricated with diameters ranging from 20–90 nm. The different characteristics are related to the type of polymer matrices and heating treatment. Only the PVA polymer could produce fibers before and after calcination, whereas the PVAc polymer-based fiber vanished after calcination. The disappearance of the fiber morphology is probably caused by the relatively high precursor (ZnAc) concentration, which leads to damage to the fibers formed during the calcination process. PVP failed to produce fibers, possibly due to its low polymer molecular weight, necessitating adjustment of other parameters. The removal of organic compounds through calcination continued until a temperature of 450ºC was reached. However, organic compounds were still identified in the samples based on FTIR characteristics. The ZnO/PVA fibers have hydrophobic surfaces, with the contact angle of water droplets being 117.75º. This characteristic is ideal for several applications such as antibacterial compounds or self-cleaning materials. Considering the inherent properties of ZnO, it can function as both an antibacterial and a photocatalytic agents simultaneously

Technical and Environmental Performance Evaluation of Fuel Switching from Coal to Biomass Wood Chip in Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler

Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022 regulates the preparation of a road map to accelerate the termination of operating time for steam power plants (PLTU). Biomass’s potential to reduce emissions compared to coal explains why PLTU was chosen for this study. The operation of a PLTU requires the replacement of non-renewable electricity fuel sources with renewable ones. PLTUs are dominated by the use of coal. In accordance with presidential regulations, this research carried out fuel switching from coal to biomass. This research was conducted at PLTU Bolok, Kupang Regency. PLTU Bolok has a capacity of 2×16.5 MW. Fuel switching from coal to wood chip biomass in a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) type boiler was carried out directly (direct co-firing), with five combustion treatments, namely, 100% coal and 0% biomass, 75% coal and 25% biomass, 50% coal and 50% biomass, 25% coal and 75% biomass and 0% coal and 100% biomass. The results of this research show that the performance of the biomass fuel switching caused the PLTU unit to experience a derating of 2 mW/hour. The results of other parameter analysis are FEGT 845.33 °C, furnace pressure -35 Pa and furnace temperature 947.04 °C. NOx emissions were reduced by 11.3 mg/Nm3, SO2 by 45.8  mg/Nm3 and CO2 12.5 mg/Nm3. The environmental benefit is the reduction emissions

Thickness Measurement and Sensitivity of Copper/Nickel Electroplating Results of Electrolyte Solution Temperature Variation

Currently, cryogenic thermometers are needed and one of the uses of cryogenic thermometers is to measure the temperature of food preservation flasks. Research has been conducted on the manufacture of cryogenic thermometers derived from Cu/Ni coils by electroplating process with temperature variation treatment of electrolyte solution. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of electrolyte solution temperature variation treatment on Ni thickness and Cu/Ni sensitivity as a low-temperature sensor. Electroplating was carried out with electrolyte temperature parameters of 30˚C-70˚C, electrode distance of 4 cm, voltage of 4.5 volts, and coating time of 4 minutes. The electrolyte solution was a mixture of NiSO4 260 g, NiCl2 60 g, H3BO3 40 g, and Aquades 1000 mL. Based on the results of the study, a remarkable condition was obtained on the thickness of Ni; namely, at 40 ˚C, the thickness increased to 1.08 mm. In addition, the best temperature can produce the greatest sensitivity value in Cu/Ni coil electroplating, namely at 50 ˚C

Geochemical and Magnetic Suseptibility Analysis for Critical Minerals Detection in Igneous Rocks and Beach Sand

Critical minerals are an important natural resource that will continue to be necessary for modern industries. This study aims to determine the distribution of critical minerals based on geochemical data and magnetic susceptibility. Samples were taken from Lenggoksono beach, Southern Malang. The determination of chemical elements was conducted using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Rare Earth Elements (REE) were identified using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out using a Barrington Magnetic Susceptibility Meter (MS2B). The results showed that the dominant elements were Silica Oxide, SiO2 (70 Wt%), Iron Oxide, Fe2O3 (14.05 Wt%), and Calcium Oxide CaO (5.57 Wt%), which were categorized as critical minerals. The average REE elements detected were Cerium, Ce (6.75 mg/kg), Gadolinium, Gd (5.98 mg/kg), Neodymium, Nd (13.56 mg/kg), Praseodymium, Pr (6.62 mg/kg), Terbium, Tb (5.57 mg/kg), and Yttrium, Y (10.98 mg/kg). The magnetic susceptibility ranges from 13.27 to 4143.47 × 10-8m3/kg. Pearson’s Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (ꭓlf) and high-frequency magnetic susceptibility (ꭓhf) with a significance level of 0.01. ꭓlf and ꭓhf also showed a significant correlation with Gd, with a correlation value of R² = 0.84 and a significance level of 0.05. These results indicate that the presence of one critical mineral can serve as a clue to the presence of other critical minerals, and magnetic susceptibility can be used as a proxy indicator for critical minerals in natural materials

Synthesis Process and Nutritional Evaluation of Plantain as a Supplementary Food for Toddlers in Sierra Leone: A Study Utilizing Biuret’s, Benedict’s, and Iodine Solution Test

Research on developing plantain fruit into juice, jam, ice cream, and fritters as a food supplement for toddlers was conducted in Sierra Leone. The work was done at the Mosoudo section of Daru village, Jawie Chiefdom, in Kailahun District. Four bunches of plantains were harvested from Jawei Chiefdom and stored in Mosoudo. Two bundles of the raw plantain were peeled, dried, and ground into powder, while the other two left to ripen at room temperature for nine days. Test were conducted using Iodine solution, Benedict solution, and Biuret test to check the presence of starch, glucose, and protein, respectively, in both the powdered and ripe plantain. The ripe plantains were then made into juice, jam, ice cream, and fritters. Fifty  mothers/caregivers, along with their children, were randomly selected to evaluate the color, taste, smell, and texture of the four plantain products. The sensory evaluation results showed high acceptance levels: color (53.5%), taste (59.0%), smell (61%) and texture (59.9%). The results suggest that the project could successfully provide nutritious and appealing food supplements for toddlers in Sierra Leone. It was recommended that the government and NGOs promote the cultivation of plantains instead of importing food supplements for children in Sierra Leone

Gravitational Lensing for A Spherically Symmetric Regular Charged Black Hole in Weak Field Limit

Gravitational lensing is an integral part of the study of general relativity, as it is one of the direct consequences of general relativity. The existence of singularity within the black hole due to gravitational collapse is one of the key properties of the black hole. However, the introduction of non-linear electrodynamics (NLED) offers an intriguing possibility: nonsingular black holes. This work focuses on calculating the deflection angle within the weak field limit. Here, the photon's effective geometry associated with NLED is not incorporated; instead, the regular metric is utilized as it is, without presupposing its origins in NLED. A correction term in the deflection angle to the Reissner-Nordstrom (RN) case was found. This term manifests as a displacement in the position of the third image associated with the black hole