Comparative Evaluation of Anionic Surfactants (AOS, ALS, ABS, and MES) for Enhanced Oil Recovery at Varied Concentrations and Temperatures in Sandstone Reservoir

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This research aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four anionic surfactants—Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate (ABS), and Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES)—for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications in sandstone reservoirs. Experiments were conducted using five surfactant concentrations (0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9%, 1.1%, and 1.3%), a fixed brine salinity of 9000 ppm, and two temperature conditions (60°C and 80°C).

Physical fluid properties including density, specific gravity, and viscosity were characterized for each surfactant solution. Results demonstrate that increasing surfactant concentration raises both density and viscosity, while increasing temperature tends to decrease these values. Phase behavior tests showed that AOS and ALS were capable of forming stable microemulsions (Winsor III) at 1.3% concentration across both temperatures, whereas ABS and MES formed microemulsions only at 60°C and higher concentrations, with a notable decline in performance at 80°C.

Interfacial tension (IFT) measurements identified ALS as the most effective, reducing IFT to the optimal range for EOR (<0.01 dyne/cm), outperforming AOS, ABS, and MES. Core flooding tests further validated ALS, which delivered the highest increase in oil recovery factor (RF), achieving a 30.83% increment at 1.3% concentration and 60°C. MES followed as a promising alternative, contributing approximately a 5% RF increase under the same conditions, while AOS and ABS yielded lower enhancements.

The study concludes that selection of surfactant type, concentration, and operational temperature critically influences oil recovery efficiency. ALS is identified as the most effective surfactant under the tested conditions, with MES offering additional environmental benefits and solid EOR performance at moderate temperatures. Future research is recommended to explore surfactant-polymer combinations, varied salinity scenarios, and field-scale validations to optimize EOR strategies for mature oil reservoirs.

Adverse effects of E-cigarettes or Vapes in otherwise Healthy Young and Middle-aged Adults who have No History of Smoking: A Systematic Review

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Introduction: The use of Electronic cigarettes and Vapes have been widely accepted as a less-harmful means of smoking when compared to cigarettes. While this is true, the adverse effects and harms of E-cigarettes and Vaping are not inconsequential.

Methods: We searched the PubMed database exclusively for Randomized controlled trials, while limiting our search between 2007 – 2023. We initially identified 234 articles from PubMed which were then screened by abstract. Articles were screened for relevance based on the topic of E-cigarettes or Vaping and of adverse effects. Exclusion of 205 studies left 29 full-text articles to assess. Assessing based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria left 6 studies eligible for systematic analysis. Data extraction was performed on each study with focus on baseline demographics and covariates. Using the Jadad-scale, three independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of each study on a 5 point scale. It was found that 1 study was of poor quality, 4 studies were of moderate quality and 1 study was of good quality.

Results: 6 RCTs were included in the analysis with 4 being performed in the United States, 1 in Italy and 1 in Canada. A total of 137 participants were included in the randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2021. Acute vaping indicated a positive correlation and dose-response relationship with an increase in CD14, CD16, T-cells, natural killers and monocytes. Furthermore, the findings from the review suggests that EC usage alters expression of the transcriptome in both small airway epithelium (SAE) and alveolar macrophages (AM).

However, acute electronic cigarette use does not affect lung and heart functions as long as they do not contain nicotine.

Discussion: This systematic review was conducted using Randomized controlled trials, which minimizes bias and adjusts for confounding, with a robust internal validity. Randomization also provides the best means for determining a causal relationship between an intervention and outcome. However the average quality of the included studies are not of good quality and sample size (137 subjects) may be considered quite small and not representative. Database for studies included was limited to only Pubmed. Moreover health-care practitioners must also actively inquire about the recreational use of vapes in youth and adults, as they are becoming popularized due to the misconception of having few harmful effects.

Conclusion: Acute use of electronic cigarettes show a significant increase in inflammatory cell and cytokine release, leading to oxidative stress, potential airway remodeling and DNA damage. It was found that acute E-cigarette usage also decreases FEV1, however these changes were not clinically significant towards pulmonary function and cardiac function tests. While this study only assesses the acute effects of electronic cigarette vape usage, further studies must be conducted on the chronic usage of E-cigarettes and their clinical effects.

Emerging Industry 5.0 Opportunities and Industry readiness of MBA graduates – How to bridge the gap?

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Technological breakthroughs keep ascending day by day in today’s fast paced, ever evolving world. To keep ourselves ever ready is the challenging milestone in the world driven by technology. There is a sea of opportunities that these disruptive changes like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big data analytics brings forth to the student community. industry 5.0, the emerging, human centric industrial revolution is not an exception to this. How far the educational institutions are successful in bridging the gap between industrial expectations and actual student preparedness is always a focus area of interest to the academia. The current study focused upon the factors affecting industrial readiness of MBA graduates with regard to the emerging opportunities that the paradigm shifts from industry 4.0 to industry 5.0 has opened up. The researcher focused on narrowing down the challenging factors that hinders the industrial readiness of MBA graduates for the emerging industry 5. 0 opportunities. The study used stratified sampling technique to collect data from different strata catering to different specialization groups among MBA graduates. The study also focused on the impact of NEP curriculum in creating an attitude fostering sustainability and circularity among MBA student fraternity moulding them to be environmentally responsible Industry ready MBA graduates.

The Effect of Transfers, Employee Performance Appraisal, And Talent Management on Employee Engagement Mediated by Job Satisfaction at Tax Offices Under the Regional Office of The Directorate General of Taxes in Yogyakarta Special Region

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 This study aims to analyze the effect of transfer, employee performance appraisal, and talent management on employee engagement, with job satisfaction as a mediating variable. The phenomenon of resignation requests or transfer of employees to other institutions is an issue frequently faced by various organizations, this is also the case at vertical units at the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research focused on the variables of transfers, performance appraisal, and talent management in the public sector which is rarely conducted. The researcher intends to examine employee engagement within organizations relate to Human Resource Management (HRM) policies. This research is quantitative, using questionnaires as the data collection method. The population in this study consisted of 381 employees from five tax offices. A purposive sampling method was used. From the 76 questionnaires collected, the data were then analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of the study show that: (1) Talent Management has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, (2) Employee Performance Appraisal has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, (3) Job Satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, (4) Talent Management has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement mediated by job satisfaction. This study will strengthen existing knowledge that HRM practices should be context-specific rather than universal, in order to better accommodate the unique human resource conditions at the Directorate General of Taxes.

Exact Analytical Characterization of Physical Traveling-Wave Structures in the Lonngren Equation

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In this study, we investigate the Lonngren wave equation by means of the generalized the -expansion method to obtain exact traveling-wave solutions for a variety of parameter regimes. This technique produces fresh analytical expressions that reveal the equation’s dynamic behavior. We verify the correctness of these solutions by substituting them back into the original equation. In addition, three-dimensional surface plots and contour diagrams are presented to illustrate the physical characteristics of the resulting waveforms. Overall, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the generalized expansion approach for solving nonlinear partial differential equations and deepen the theoretical understanding of wave propagation in applied settings.

The Effect of Marination Length Using Evaporated Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) Extract on Physical Quality of Beef Se’i

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Experiment was conducted to determine the effect of marination length using of evaporated roselle extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) on physical quality of beef Se’i. The completly randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 replication was applied in this experiment. Those treatments were P0: 12 hours marination length without used of roselle extract; P1: six hours marination length with 5% roselle extract; P2: 12 hours marination length with 5% roselle extract, and P3: 18 hours marination length with 5% roselle extract. The parameters measured were yield, color (L*, a*, b*) and organoleptic (color, aroma, taste and tenderness. Data yield and color (L*, a*, b*) were analyzed by using variance analysis and Duncan’s multiple range test, while the organoleptics by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney using SPSS 23. The result of analysis showed that the marination length using roselle extract had significant effect (P<0.05) on yield, color, taste and tendernesse but no significant effect (P>0.05) on L*, a*, b* and aroma. Overall, the utilization of 5% roselle extract with a marination time of 6 to 18 hours, tends to improve the physical quality of Beef Se’i. It was concluded that utilization of 5% evaporated roselle extract can be applied in the marinating process in making Beef Se’i.

Factors Influencing the Successful Board Examination Performance Among Paulinian Nurses in Surigao City

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This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the successful board examination performance of Paulinian nurses in Surigao City, focusing on individual, institutional, and environmental aspects. Guided by Jeffreys’ Nursing Universal Retention and Success (NURS) Model, the research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative insights to analyze the multidimensional elements impacting student outcomes. Respondents included Paulinian nurses who passed the licensure exams between 2013 and 2023. Data collection emphasized student demographic profiles, academic and affective factors, environmental influences, and professional integration. Findings revealed that effective preparation strategies, such as consistent study habits, attendance at review centers, and peer support activities, significantly contributed to board examination success. Institutional factors, including curriculum quality and faculty expertise, further enhanced outcomes. Additionally, psychological readiness, such as resilience and stress management, emerged as critical determinants. The study concluded that immediate licensure examination after graduation maximized recall and academic preparedness. It is recommended that St. Paul University Surigao strengthen its support systems through curriculum updates, tailored review programs, and workshops on stress management and test-taking strategies. Future researchers may explore additional variables like mental health and socio-demographic factors to further advance understanding and improve nursing education outcomes.

Voices Unveiled: A Phenomenological Study on the Coming Out Experiences of Homosexuals to Their Families

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The research “Voices Unveiled: A Phenomenological Study on the Coming Out Experiences of Homosexuals to Their Families” aims to delve into the personal journey of those individuals who have already gone through the process of coming out, whether by actions or verbally. The researchers used Van Kaam’s phenomenological method, which was modified by Moustakas (1994). The age of our informants ranged from 19 to 42. The research identified the key themes that can be concluded after analyzing the data gathered; it includes early signs of identity, emotional endeavors, family perceptions ranging from rejection to acceptance, the role of support systems — friends, families, colleagues, and personal growth through self-expression, self-acceptance. The research revealed the underlying challenges and triumphs experienced before and after coming out, which highlighted the importance of empathy, understanding, self-reflection, societal norms, acceptance, and support from friends or families. This research serves as a voice to those Homosexual individuals who are not understood by society and are treated differently by some communities, and a calling to those closeted individuals who are pushed back by the societal judgment. This research promotes understanding, empathy, awareness, and inclusivity towards Homosexual individuals.

Prevalence and Determinants of Thromboembolic Events among Adult Rheumatic Heart Disease Patients with Atrial Fibrillation at Tikur Anbessa Hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia

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Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly contributes to thromboembolic complications, including ischemic stroke. The coexistence of these conditions increases the risk of cardiovascular issues, underscoring the need for targeted management strategies.

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of thromboembolic events among patients with RHD and AF at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital adult cardiac outpatient clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based retrospective chart review of adult patients with RHD and AF was conducted. Data were gathered from electronic medical records using structured data extraction check list. Descriptive analysis using frequency with percentage and mean with standard deviation was conducted. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between predictor variables and thromboembolic events.

Results: A total of 182 participants were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 40.37 (SD± 13.01) and majority of participants were female participants (70.9%). The overall rate of cardioembolic events was 19.78% (95% CI: 14.3-6.3), with stroke occurring in 18.1% (33) of the participants. Disease duration (AOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.13), left atrial size (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07–1.24), presence of left atrial thrombus (AOR: 9.83, 95% CI: 1.53–63.21), mitral stenosis (AOR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.21–17.14), and Subtheraputic INR levels (<2) (AOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 1.15–15.94) were significantly associated with cardioembolic events.

Conclusion and recommendation:  This study highlights the high prevalence of cardioembolic events in patients with RHD and AF, identifying both modifiable and non-modifiable factors that contribute to increased risk. Monitoring left atrial size and INR levels could help reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. Further research is needed to develop preventive strategies and optimize management to improve patient outcomes.

Modeling the Drivers of Innovative Work Behavior: The Influence of Talent Management and Psychological Empowerment through Structural Equation Modeling

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In the context of rapidly evolving public health challenges, the capacity for innovative work behavior (IWB) among health sector employees is increasingly vital to ensure adaptive and responsive healthcare delivery. This study examines the influence of talent management and psychological empowerment on IWB among employees of the Garut City Health Service in Indonesia. Drawing upon resource-based theory and self-determination theory, the study conceptualizes talent management as a strategic approach encompassing talent acquisition, development, retention, and succession planning. Psychological empowerment, defined through meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact, is explored as a cognitive-motivational state that may mediate the relationship between talent management and innovative behavior. Data were collected from 221 civil servants using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that talent management significantly positively affects both psychological empowerment and IWB. Moreover, psychological empowerment partially mediates, indicating that employees’ perceptions of autonomy and competence are essential to translate talent initiatives into innovative outcomes. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of innovation in the public health sector by integrating HRM and organizational behavior perspectives. Practically, it highlights the importance of cultivating psychologically empowered environments to stimulate innovation within bureaucratic health institutions. The results provide evidence-based guidance for public sector leaders aiming to foster innovation through strategic investment in human capital. Implications for theory, policy, and future research are discussed, particularly in the context of decentralization and healthcare reform in developing countries.