H2-Rich and Tar-Free downstream gasification reaction of EFB by using the Malaysian dolomite as a secondary catalyst

In this study, Malaysian dolomites as secondary catalysts are placed at the downstream of the fluidized-bed gasifier. Three types of Malaysian dolomites with different elemental ratios of CaO-MgO content denoted as P1, P2, and P3 are investigated with EFB gasification reaction at different cracking temperatures (700–900 °C). The performance of the catalysts with a variation of catalyst to biomass weight ratio (C/B) (0.05 to 0.30 w/w) is evaluated. The findings showed that the total gas yield increased by 20%, hydrogen increased by 66%, along with an almost 99% reduction in tar content with P1 catalyst with the following reaction conditions: gasification temperature of 850 °C, equivalence ratio (ER) of 0.25, and cracking temperature of 900 °C. Malaysia dolomite could be a secondary catalyst to provide a better alternative, tar-free hydrogen-rich gas with the possibility of regeneration and re-use

A hybrid P-graph and WEKA approach in decision-making: waste conversion technologies selection

Process system engineering approaches have a considerably broader reach, which is one of the benefits for decision-makers. Making a decision, however, has many drawbacks. It includes biased decisions, time consuming analyses, and an unpredictable future. A decision-making integration framework based on hybrid process network synthesis and machine learning was presented in this study. The municipal solid waste management case study uses to demonstrate the applicability decision-making framework. The focus of this paper is to facilitate equipment selection for municipal solid waste management. P-graph was used to generate the 160 possible structures. Then, using the WEKA software, the data from the feasible structure would be processed and evaluated using the chosen algorithm. The J48 is the best model for equipment selection using an 80:20 ratio train and test learning technique in WEKA. The kappa statistics J48 algorithm function for the training and testing dataset is 0.9722 and 1. The mean absolute error and root mean square error are 0.0042 and 0.0354. The decision-making integration framework represents by a graphical user interface in MATLAB. The focus of user interface for selection of waste conversion technologies. As a result, the model can be used to determine the best municipal solid waste conversion technology

Self-Learning about Herbal and Dietary Supplements: Perspectives Using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students’ practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students’ participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students’ readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS