This study examines the efects of washing pretreatments on the chemical characteristics of biomass and the resultant biochar derived from empty fruit bunches (EFBs) of palm oil plantations. We optimized parameters such as washing duration, techniques, and water volume to improve biochar quality. Following the washing pretreatment, the EFBs were subjected to slow pyrolysis at 500 °C for 2 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. In-depth analyses employing techniques like X-ray fuorescence (XRF), X-ray difraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) demonstrated profound changes in the EFB biomass and biochar structure and composition. Specifcally, the sample L-EFB4, soaked in water for 72 h, showed a 67.08% reduction in ash content and a signifcant decrease in potassium content, enhancing the biochar’s.....

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This study is a development research which proposes to create a digital platform to enhance digital literacy concerning landslide disasters for Generation Z. The findings indicate that in Semarang City, Generation Z frequently accesses information from the internet and finds it extremely helpful. However, their knowledge and literacy regarding preparedness for landslide disasters remain low, which highlights their need for a digital literacy platform on this topic. Based on this requirement, the researchers developed the SiAlong platform, short for "Landslide Preparedness Information System". This platform is a website accessible by users on various devices, including Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers, laptops, PCs, and tablets. To date, the availability of digital platforms for information and education on landslide disasters is very limited. Digital technology is predominantly used for developing sensing systems, detection, prediction, or monitoring of landslide disas.....

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This study investigates biomaterial composites made from a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer matrix and hydroxyapatite (HA) extracted from fish scales (FsHA) for biomedical applications, especially in 3D printing. Fish scale HA is considered a halal alternative to synthetic or bone-derived HA. The research aims to explore the chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PLA/FsHA composites. Samples were prepared by melt-blending PLA with varying FsHA weights (10-50 wt%) at 190 °C, followed by hot pressing. Mechanical properties were analyzed using tensile tests, while scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) characterized the morphology of fractured specimens. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studied the functional groups between PLA and FsHA. Thermal properties, including glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm), were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical analysis revealed that optimal properties were achieved at 20 wt.....

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A series of mixed glass formers (MGF) with varying compositions denoted as (79-x)B2O3-xTeO2-20Li2O-0.5Ho2O3-0.5Yb2O3 (x = 0–50 mol%) were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. This aim of this study was to examine the effect of combining glass formers TeO2 and B2O3 on the structural, DC conductivity, elastic, and optical properties of the glass system. XRD measurements confirmed the amorphous nature of the glass samples. Structural analysis revealed a rivalry between the TeO2 and B2O3 formers. It was observed that the bridging oxygen (BO) indicated by the BO4 functional group decreases gradually at x ≥ 40 mol%, implying that non-bridging oxygen (NBO) units, denoted by BO3, become dominant beyond 40 mol%. The variation in DC conductivity showed a non-linear behaviour upon addition of TeO2, with the conductivity increasing to a maximum value at x = 30 mol% before decreasing at x > 30 mol%. Interestingly, the conductivity showed a slight decline at x = 40 mol%, possibly r.....

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Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are involuntary by-products of incomplete combustion and are highly toxic to humans and the environment. The Malaysian peat is often acidic or extremely acidic having high levels of chlorine and/or other organic acids that act as catalysts or precursors in PCDD/Fs formation. This study aims to predict PCDD/Fs emissions in peat soil using an artificial neural network (ANN) approach based on limited emission data and selected physico-chemical properties. The ANN's prediction performance is affected by uncertainties in its initial connection weights. To improve prediction performance, an optimisation algorithm, termed differential evolution (DE), is used to optimise the ANN's initial connection weights and bias. The study adopts several ANNs with fixed architecture to predict PCDD/Fs emissions, each consisting of a multilayer perceptron (MLP) with a backpropagation algorithm. Eight input variables and one output.....

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This research is based on a gap in authority between men and women in making investment decisions where women are considered less financially literate and less struggling. Therefore, this study examines how financial literacy and trust affect women’s investment decisions in Sharia instruments with financial spirituality orientation as a moderating factor. The sample was selected from 256 women on the northeastern coast of Central Java, Indonesia. Structural Equation Modeling with a Partial Least Square method was used to test the data. The findings showed that the higher the financial literacy, trust, and financial spirituality orientation, the better the decision level in the Sharia investment decisions. The financial spirituality orientation strengthens the influence of financial literacy on Sharia investment decisions. However, financial spiritual orientation cannot intervene in trust in financial institutions. This finding suggests that women consider their spiritual beliefs whil.....

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Higher education, as the continuation and culmination of the formal education process, has a role and responsibility to optimize character building based on the nation’s philosophy, namely Pancasila. Indonesia today is far from Pancasila’s hopes. This article explored the landscape of internalizing the nation’s philosophical values through exposure to concepts, practices, and challenges at UIN Ar-Raniry. This research used qualitative methods with a naturalistic approach carried out at Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The sample in this study was taken using a non-probability sampling technique. Meanwhile, data collection was carried out using triangulation techniques. The data were analyzed using inductive analysis techniques with an interactive qualitative approach, comprising data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The research results showed that the process of internalizing the nation’s philosophical values at UIN Ar-Raniry was inte.....

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Change is the permanent reality of the digital business world. Firms manage it by their ability and capability to cope with short-term and long-term deviations and disruptions. This article presents an examination of the supply chain resilience (SCR) of firms operating in the Malaysian Service Sector. The data for this article were collected from 157 managers of 59 firms operating in 7 subservice sectors. Following organizational information processing theory and reviewing the relevant literature for the conceptualization, we tested a framework that suggests that the use of real-time information (URTI) enhances SCR. We also found that the industrial digital environment has an important link with the URTI. The results indicate that the URTI is significantly associated with SCR and operational agility, which partially mediates the relationship between the URTI and SCR. We further discuss the theoretical, practical, and policy implications arising from this research. © 1988-2012 IEEE...

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The unique properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), such as their high effectiveness against bacteria, are considered one of the reasons to encourage researchers to find easier and non-toxic ways to prepare them. The present study has been documented to investigate and assess the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of AgNPs produced by biogenic synthesis. The twigs of polyalthia sclerophylla (P. sclerophylla) were used as an initiator and silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a reducer. The prepared samples were named AgNPs-a and AgNPs-b. Physical–chemical approaches were employed to characterize the produced samples. AgNPs were tested for cytotoxicity against fibroblast cell line L929 using the Alamar blue assay, while the evolution of the antibacterial activities was against S. aureus and E. coli. According to the data, AgNPs-a had a wavelength of 434 nm, and AgNPs-b had a wavelength of 454 nm. SEM and STEM pictures revealed that the prepared samples had spherical forms. AgNP.....

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The Sultanate of Oman has implemented M-government to improve service delivery. It provides the Ministry of Housing with unique opportunities for real-time and customised access to government information and services. However, despite the Oman Government’s best efforts, low citizen acceptance of M-government services is a common problem in Arab countries. Therefore, to increase the adoption rate, this paper investigates the factors influencing citizens’ intentions to adopt and use M-government programs for the Ministry of Housing. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was utilised for this research. In addition, three considerations were added to the equation: experience, confidence, and time. Data was gathered, and 428 relevant responses were included in the final survey. All of the proposed factors in our TAM model were statistically important in affecting citizens’ intention to embrace and use M-government services for the Ministry of Housing, according to the descriptive rese.....

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