Using fly ash treated by NaOH and H2SO4 solutions for Hg2+ and Cd2+ ion adsorption.

This paper presents the results of adsorption ability of heavy metal ions (Hg2+ and Cd2+) by fly ash (FA) before and after treatment using NaOH and H2SO4 solutions.  Original- and treated FA were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Specific surface area of FA before and after treatment was calculated by Brunauer – Emmett – Teller (BET) isotherm equation. The obtained results indicated that the morphology and specific surface area of FA changed clearly after treatment by acid or alkaline solutions. Adsorption capacity the Hg2+ and Cd2+ ion by FA was determined from data of UV-Vis spectra. After treatment, the adsorption capacity of ions by FA increased remarkably in comparison with non-treated FA. The FA treated by NaOH solution has the adsorption capacity higher than FA treated by H2SO4 solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of the FA treated by NaOH solution for Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions at room temperature is 28.97 and 14.60 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium adsorption data were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results showed that equilibrium data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. Keywords. Fly ash, treatment, adsorption capacity, heavy metal, Langmuir isotherm

Development of a Filament Extruder Using Flow Theory with the Newtonian Fluid Assumption

This article presents an investigation of the flow characteristics of the polymer melt in a single-screw extruder and the design of a filament extruder to verify the above theory. The flow characteristics of the polymer melt in a single-screw extruder are likable to that of a viscous liquid between two infinitely parallel sheets, one moving and the other stationary. An integrated flow equation was then found for a case when the viscosity of a liquid remains constant in an isothermal extrusion. These flow behavior theories were then verified via the design and fabrication of a filament extruder for 3D printers

Development of a Filament Extruder Using Flow Theory with the Newtonian Fluid Assumption

This article presents an investigation of the flow characteristics of the polymer melt in a single-screw extruder and the design of a filament extruder to verify the above theory. The flow characteristics of the polymer melt in a single-screw extruder are likable to that of a viscous liquid between two infinitely parallel sheets, one moving and the other stationary. An integrated flow equation was then found for a case when the viscosity of a liquid remains constant in an isothermal extrusion. These flow behavior theories were then verified via the design and fabrication of a filament extruder for 3D printers

Service Blueprinting to Enhance Restaurant’s Service Process

Restaurants should provide services that enable satisfy their customers. The study was conducted in a local Taiwan restaurant. The restaurant has been running since 2015 and, so far, has not shown significant progress. Service blueprinting was used to identify where substances could be improved and where customer satisfaction problems occurred. The purposes of the study are (1) to identify the service process by service blueprinting, (2) to find the potential failure points of the existing service process, and (3) to propose possible solutions to the failure points. The results show two categories of potential failures were recognized, i.e., receiving- delivering orders and waiting for food. The substitute order mechanism is proposed as the solution

Evaluating model teacher education and training at Vietnam's universities of technology and education

The traditional educational paradigm has become outdated as a result of changes in both the cultural and socioeconomic setting. A more sustainable and acceptable teacher is needed in education. A quantitative study was conducted. 95 administrators and teachers at the University of Technology and Education participated in this study with the aim of analyzing the current status of the teacher education model at the institution. According to the findings of the study, the model for educator preparation has been put into practice primarily through the processes of planning, organizing and directing activities related to educator preparation as well as inspecting and assessing the quality of education. The outcomes of the study indicate that it is essential to design educational programs that are appropriate for the present context. In particular, the study suggests that one of the most important steps towards achieving success is to incorporate technology into teaching methods. The process of educating teachers with the right degree of expertise and skills should be emphasized by educators and policymakers by developing relationships with other educational institutions and allowing teachers to participate in internships

Study on the effect of processing methods on the total polyphenol, 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilben-2-O-β-D-glucoside, and physcion contents in Fallopia multiflora Thunb. Haraldson root

This study investigated the changes in the ingredients in Fallopia multiflora Thunb. Haraldson (FMT) root after processing it with different methods such as soaking, stewing, and steaming or combined methods. The total polyphenol, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilben-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), and physcion contents in FMT products after processing were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) methods. The results demonstrated that the processing method and time significantly affected the contents of polyphenol, THSG, and physcion. The physcion and total polyphenol content increased or decreased during processing depending upon the processing time, while the THSG content gradually decreased with an increase in the processing time. The content of physcion (a substance that can cause liver toxicity) was analysed, and the suitable conditions for processing of the FMT products were determined as initial soaking in rice swill for 24 h and subsequent stewing with black beans and water for 12 h

3PL provider selection in oil and gas industry using the analytic hierarchy process: A case study in oil-field services company X

This study aims to: (1) Summarize the criteria for selecting 3PL Provider in supply chain management from literature review and apply these criteria to build the criteria model in choosing 3PL Provider for oilfield services company X for the purpose of expanding their market in the oil and gas industry and (2) Analyze, evaluate two 3PL Providers, along with a new 3PL Provider and suggest the strategy for selecting the suitable 3PL Provider to meet the specific requirements from company X. By arranging in-depth interviews with ten people with different positions, including Operation Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Base Manager and Logistics Specialist, along with AHP approach and expert choice 11.0 software support in collecting, processing and synthesizing data to evaluate and determine the appropriate 3 PL Provider for company X. In this study, three 3PL Providers have been chosen for analyzing and evaluating – 3PL Providers A, B, and C. The final results demonstrate that there are six main criteria and 13 sub-criteria in choosing 3PL Provider for oilfield services company X. The six main criteria are Performance, Price, Services, Quality assurance, IT system and Intangible values. The results and hypothetical situations have also been presented and discussed again with the expert logistics group to get their feedback about the practicability of the built model. The expert logistics group has agreed that the built criteria model and results are appropriate and adequate for evaluating and selecting a suitable 3PL Provider from the company’s specific demands. Consequently, this study can also be applied for similar purposes in other companies and shipping agents who need to work with outsourcing logistics services in oil and gas industry by using this built criteria model and synthesis results to find out the right decision for selecting 3PL Provider

ADSORPTION OF MERCURIC ION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING MODIFIED FLY ASH

In this study, fly ash was treated with NaOH solution (FAN) before modifying with (3-mercaptopropyl) triethoxysilane - MPTMS (FAMPS). By using FTIR, FESEM, XRD, EDX, and BET techniques, the change in structure, composition and morphology of FAN and FAMPS was evaluated. The FTIR spectra of FAN and FAMPS showed that there is no chemical reaction between the MPTMS and FAN. After modification, the FAMPS has a rough surface with composition difference from the FAN. Mercuric ion adsorption behavior as well as adsorptionisotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) of the FAN and FAMPS were also investigated and discussed. Thanks to FAN modification, the mercuric ion removal percent of the FAMPS was higher than that of the FAN. Owing to the adsorption data, Freundlich isotherm modelwas fitted for the mercuric ion adsorption process

Activities of the practice teaching organization and vocational teaching facilities in collaboration between the vocational school and units employing

The aim of this research is to evaluate the current level of preparation in the organization of practical training as well as the facilities that are available for practical vocational training. The collaboration in education between businesses and vocational schools is an effective strategy. As a result of the rapid transformation that has taken place in the socioeconomic context for professional skills and practical training among employees, a new educational strategy is required to address these demands in order to meet the needs of the workforce. A quantitative method was applied in this research. There were 570 individuals who were chosen at random. According to the findings, the majority of instructors and technicians possessed regulations for conducting practical teaching activities as well as suitable facilities and equipment for the purpose of vocational training. This study presents a number of suggestions for improving the standard of educational institutions as well as the professional growth opportunities available to teachers and lecturers. In addition, facility management and maintenance as well as optimize the instructional facilities and equipment are required

Environmentally Responsible Bioengineering for Spore Surface Expression of Helicobacter pylori Antigen

The development of genetic technologies and bioengineering are creating an increasing number of genetically engineered microorganisms with new traits for diverse industrial applications such as vaccines, drugs and pollutant degraders. However, the destiny of genetically engineered bacterial spores released into the environment as long-life organisms has remained a big environmental challenge. In this study, an environmentally responsible and sustainable gene technology solution based on the concept of thymine starvation is successfully applied for cloning and expression of a Helicobacter pylori antigen on Bacillus subtilis spore surface. As an example, a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain A1.13 has been created from a gene fusion of the corresponding N-terminal fragment of spore coat protein CotB in B. subtilis and the entire urease subunit A (UreA) in H. pylori and the fusion showed a high stability of spore surface expression. The outcomes can open the door for developing highly safe spore vectored vaccines against this kind of pathogen and contributing to reduced potential risks of genetically engineered microorganisms released in the environment