Experimental Assessment of Guar Gum and Silicon Oxide Nanoparticle Hybrid for Enhanced Oil Recovery

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This study investigated the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) potential of hybrid formulations comprising guar gum polymer and silicon oxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles. The research aimed to address the limitations of using only polymer (Guar gum) as EOR agent, by exploring the synergistic effects of guar gum and SiO₂ nanoparticles in improving oil recovery efficiency.  The study involved core flooding experiments using Niger-Delta sandstone samples with different concentrations of guar gum and SiO₂ nanoparticles in both low-salinity (30,000 ppm) and relatively high-salinity (60,000 ppm). The results showed that the guar gum-SiO₂ nanocomposite formulations significantly outperformed the individual components in terms of oil recovery. The rheological analysis indicated that the inclusion of SiO₂ nanoparticles improved the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of the hybrid fluids, enhancing their mobility control capabilities.  Core flooding experiments demonstrated that the guar gum-SiO₂ nanocomposite formulations significantly outperformed the individual components, with the cumulative oil recovery rates reaching up to 83% in the low salinity condition of 30,000ppm and due to increase in salinity of 60,000ppm reduced recovery percentage of 79%. The study revealed that hybrid nanocomposites effectively mitigated permeability damage, a prevalent challenge associated with the use of polymers as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents. The incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles played a crucial role in preserving permeability by preventing the plugging of pore spaces, thereby enabling improved fluid flow and oil displacement.

The Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Skills as an Implementation of the Industrial Revolution 5.0

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The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English skills, as exemplified by the Duolingo application, illustrates the transformative shift in education within the Industrial Revolution 5.0 era, where human–machine collaboration enhances personalized skill development. This study involved 30 Grade XI students at SMKN 3 Baubau and employed a descriptive qualitative approach to examine learners’ perceptions and experiences with AI-based learning tools. Data were collected through field observations, English proficiency tests, questionnaires, and interviews. The results indicate that Duolingo effectively supports self-directed blended learning, improving students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in an engaging and autonomous manner. Through AI-driven gamification, Duolingo adapts to individual learner performance by providing instant feedback, progressive difficulty levels, and interactive exercises that maintain motivation and reduce learning fatigue. These adaptive features align with the vision of Industrial Revolution 5.0, where technology collaborates with learners to optimize progress. Most participants reported significant improvements in vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and comprehension, attributing their advancement to daily practice and active engagement facilitated by the application. In conclusion, AI-powered platforms like Duolingo go beyond digitizing traditional learning; they transform the educational experience by fostering intrinsic motivation, sustaining engagement, and enabling personalized learning pathways, thus equipping learners for global communication demands with both efficiency and enjoyment.

The Effect of Recognition Language on Addictive Nature in The Use of Social Media

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 Language of recognition is the act of retrieving existing knowledge, creates the possibility of seeing something or someone from a new perspective. The leading causes of addiction: the need to socialize, get pleasure, and get a sense of security and control over the situation. This research employs a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. To analyze the data quantitatively, the author employs a simple linear regression test on the results of the questionnaire. Activities in qualitative data analysis include reducing data, presenting data, and verifying data. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the desire for recognition from others has led social media users in Jakarta to become addicted to social media. This finding was further supported by an interview with Praz Teguh, a social media activist and a celebrity. He acknowledged that many social media users use social media as a platform to seek recognition.

A Theoretical and Practical Analysis of Geometry and Proportions in Discontinuous Double-Layer Architectural Systems

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Despite the stylistic and structural significance of discontinuous double-shell domes in architectural heritage, limited scholarly attention has been devoted to their geometric foundations. This case-based study investigates the relationship between theoretical and practical geometry in the design and construction of discontinuous double-shell domes. The research seeks to answer two main questions: (1) What is the connection between theoretical and applied geometry in the shaping of such domes? (2) What are the key factors influencing their design and construction process? The study begins with a review of the theoretical foundations of geometry in architecture, followed by an analysis of a selected case study to trace the application of geometric and proportional principles derived from the theoretical phase. Through this analysis, the underlying geometric logic of the dome’s formation is decoded. The results reveal that the dome was designed based on a premeditated geometric system involving fundamental shapes—square, circle, and pentagon—with proportions governed by the golden ratio. These proportions are consistently manifested in the plan, section, and elevation. The study contributes to the understanding of traditional geometric practices and their potential application in the conservation of historical domed structures as well as the design of contemporary shell architecture.

Effect of Accession and Drought Stress on Growth and Adaptability of Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) in Lowland Areas

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This research was conducted in the Greenhouse of the Agricultural Zone, Medan Baru, Kandang Limun, Muara Bangka Hulu Subdistrict, Bengkulu City. The study aimed to analyze the effect of different pineapple accessions (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) on the growth and adaptability of local pineapple under drought stress conditions. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor was four pineapple accessions, and the second factor was the drought period, consisting of 15 and 30-day dry period. The results showed that the interaction between pineapple accessions and dry periods had a significant effect on shoot dry weight and stomatal density. Pineapple accession treatments had a significant effect on plant height, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. Dry period treatments significantly affected plant height and shoot dry weight. The results of the stress tolerance index (STI) at the 30-day dry period assessed during the vegetative stage indicated that pineapple accessions 19, 23, 24, and 25 all exhibited a similar level of drought tolerance and were classified  as medium tolerant to drought stress.

Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics in Five Popular Indian Toothpaste Brands – A Comprehensive Analysis

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This research has investigated the presence and composition of microplastics in five popular toothpaste brands in India. Using a novel wet peroxide digestion method, the study successfully isolated and quantified microplastics in each brand, highlighting significant variations in concentration and polymer types. Sample S4 had the highest microplastic concentration (0.248 g/g) and the largest particle size (30 micrometers), while other brands exhibited lower levels. FTIR and AFM analyses identified multiple polymer types, including PET, PP, and PTFE, with sample S4 displaying complex surface topography, indicative of increased environmental interaction and pollutant absorption. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in microplastic particle sizes across the brands. The study also performed principal component analysis (PCA), showing the intricate co-occurrence of polymers across samples, suggesting synergistic ecotoxicological effects. The results raise concerns about the potential health risks of daily exposure to microplastics through oral hygiene products, as well as the broader environmental implications, such as bioaccumulation in aquatic systems. The study calls for stricter regulation of microplastics in consumer products and further investigation into biodegradable alternatives.

Using a Small Dataset in Learning for Object Anomaly Detection

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This paper introduces a novel approach to object anomaly detection using an ordered ensemble method with Procrustes distance, emphasizing data efficiency with small training sets. Unlike traditional deep autoencoder methods, which rely on pixel-wise reconstruction and require large datasets (e.g., 200 images per category in the MVTec AD dataset), our method leverages Procrustes distance to measure structural disparities between object feature shapes after translation, rotation, and scaling. By computing minimum Procrustes distances from a small set of 30 normal images per category, we derive robust thresholds for classifying objects as normal or anomalous. Evaluated on five MVTec AD categories (metal nut, cable, bottle, hazelnut, transistor), our approach achieves superior accuracy (e.g., 100% for metal nut and cable) compared to deep autoencoders, demonstrating robustness across rigid and deformable objects. This data-efficient method offers significant advantages for industrial inspection, where acquiring large defect-free datasets is challenging.

Exploring the Current Structure of the Business Ecosystem in the Indonesian Travel Agency Subsector

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The wave of digital transformation has shaken the foundations of Indonesia’s tourism industry, disrupting long-established structures and forcing the travel agency subsector to adapt, evolve, or risk obsolescence. This study explores the current structure of the business ecosystem within Indonesia’s travel agency subsector. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders. The analysis adopts a business ecosystem perspective to map actors, relationships, and value flows shaping the ecosystem’s structure. Findings reveal a diverse range of interdependent actors. Central and local governments act as regulators and funders. Academia contributes research and human resource development, while associations foster networking and training. Investors assess regulatory clarity and risks before committing capital. Media influence tourism perceptions and share industry news. Suppliers provide core services such as transport and accommodation. Both conventional and online travel agents bridge tourists and suppliers. Local communities offer cultural experiences and products, with tourists forming the ecosystem’s core through their consumption, data, and engagement. This study offers contextual insights into the ecosystem’s current landscape and serves as a foundation for developing adaptive, collaborative strategies to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism sector in the future.

Optimizing Instructional Design in Blended College English Courses to Foster Balanced Learner Engagement

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This study is focused on hybrid college English course design to establish how adaptive alignment, interactive multimedia, and integrated assessment enhance overall learner engagement. Guided by the need to enhance cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement in blended-mode learning environments, it examines teachers’ attitudes toward these elements of course design. The study’s emphasis, which sought to determine the best techniques for optimizing balanced engagement, was inspired by the preferred instructional design techniques of instructors in hybrid English courses. Through a synthesizing quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from sixteen English instructors with high teaching experience through the administration of a validated Likert-scale survey with high-reliability coefficients (α ≥ .85). Correlation analysis and descriptive statistics shed light on the correlation between design factors and engagement factors. The findings revealed that surface alignment between face-to-face and web modules, multimedia richness, and integrated assessment without interruption substantially improved cognitive processing, affective engagement, and active participation. The results positively respond to the main problem of the study by ensuring that adaptive, aligned learning designs promote generalized interaction in blended environments. The research establishes that institutions ought to accord top priority to adaptive learning platforms and simultaneous multimedia materials to ensure stimulation and improve the performance of students.

The Effect of Barriers to Use on Innovation Resistance and It’s Effect on Actual Usage of the OneFlux CRM System at PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi

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The purpose of this study is to explore the variables influencing how the OneFlux CRM system is actually used within PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi Tbk (Mitratel), based on the development of the Innovation Resistance Theory model. OneFlux is an integrated digital system developed to improve operational efficiency and infrastructure data management. However, its adoption rate remains low across several regions, with usage levels below 50%. This research adopts a quantitative methodology utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), based on responses obtained from 100 individuals who use the OneFlux system. The study examines variables comprising functional barriers—namely Usage Barrier, Value Barrier, and Risk Barrier—as well as psychological barriers such as Tradition Barrier and Image Barrier), and Technology Anxiety, all in relation to Innovation Resistance, as well as the influence of Innovation Resistance on Actual Usage. The findings indicate that Value Barrier, Risk Barrier, Tradition Barrier, and Technology Anxiety significantly and positively impact Innovation Resistance, whereas Usage Barrier and Image Barrier do not exhibit a statistically significant effect. Additionally, Innovation Resistance has a significant negative effect on Actual Usage. This study provides a theoretical contribution by extending the application of IRT within the context of mandatory system usage and by introducing Technology Anxiety as a new variable. From a managerial perspective, the findings offer strategic direction to reduce user resistance by enhancing perceived value, mitigating risk, shifting work habits, and providing training to lower technology-related anxiety.