Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src <p>Scientific Research Communications (SRC) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that aims to publish and disseminate original research articles in science, engineering and technology.</p> <p>SRC is a member of Crossref, an official Digital Object Identifier (DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.52460/src.2021.006">https://doi.org/10.52460/src</a>) Registration Agency of the International DOI Foundation. Therefore, a DOI will be assigned to all articles published by our journal. Electronic ISSN of SRC is 2791-8742.</p> <p> </p> en-US admin@scientificrc.org (Prof. Dr. Mehmet ÇEVIK) furkanemrem@gmail.com (Furkan Emrem) Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:47:00 +0000 OJS 3.2.1.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Agricultural Supply Chains:Challenges and Opportunities for Agribusiness in Afgoye, Lower Shabelle, Somalia https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/76 <p>The agricultural sector is an important contributor to the Somali economy, providing employment opportunities and generating income for many small-scale farmers. Somalia has a largely agrarian economy, with agriculture accounting for more than 70% of the country's GDP and employing over 65% of the population. However, the sector faces significant challenges when it comes to agricultural supply chains, which can hinder its development and growth. This experiment was conducted in the Afgoye district of the lower Shabelle Region, Somalia in 2023. This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities that agribusinesses face in Somalia's agricultural supply chains. It also discusses the importance of technology in improving supply chain efficiency and the role that government and other stakeholders can play in supporting agribusinesses. The paper also examines the potential impact of improved agricultural supply chains on the Somali economy and provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and development practitioners seeking to support and promote agribusiness. The methodology used in this study involved survey questions. The survey questions utilized for this study were distributed through key stakeholders in Somalia's agricultural supply chains, including farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and processors. 57.5% of the respondents in the research responded that investing in the agricultural sector is necessary and may improve the standard of life of the population. Ultimately, this paper highlights the importance of addressing the challenges facing agricultural supply chains in Somalia and unlocking the opportunities that exist for agribusinesses to contribute to the country's economic development.</p> Ibrahim Isse Ali, Ali Hussein Ahmed Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/76 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Isolation and Characterization of a (Surfactin-Like Molecule) Produced by Bacillus subtilis: Antagonistic Impact on Root-Knot Nematodes https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/81 <p style="font-weight: 400;">Plant-parasitic nematodes are severe soil-borne pathogens that cause significant damage to agricultural products each year, resulting in substantial financial losses globally. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel biological control agents or nematicides. The nematicidal potential of Bacillus subtilis-derived lipopeptides against <em>Meloidogyne incognita</em> was investigated at various concentrations (35 ppm, 25 ppm, 15 ppm, 5 ppm) under in vitro conditions. Egg hatching inhibition and mortality of second-stage juveniles (J2s) of <em>M. incognita</em> were analyzed after exposure for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours. Data showed that with the increase in concentration and exposure period, egg hatching inhibition and percent mortality increases. Maximum percent mortality of J2s was reported at 35ppm i.e., 45%, 55%, 67.75%, 77% and 85% at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hrs, respectively. The maximum ovicidal activity was reported at 35ppm concentration, with 84.61% of eggs hatching inhibition on 96 hrs of the exposure period. The bacterial culture suspension of <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> and <em>Pseudomonas putida</em> at1.2x108cfu/ml, and the crude lipopeptide (35ppm) was also investigated as a biological control agent against <em>M. incognita</em> on tomato in a pot experiment under glasshouse condition. Combinational treatment of <em>P. putida</em> and <em>B. subtilis</em> culture, prior to inoculation of <em>M. incognita</em> on tomato plant caused a significant increase in plant growth attributes and in biochemical parameters over the inoculated control. In the same treatment, the maximum reduction in nematode population and root galling was recorded. However, in the crude lipopeptide experiment study, root dip and inoculation of crude lipopeptide in tomato after the introduction of <em>M. incognita</em> caused a major augment in all the parameters over the inoculated control. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of crude lipopeptide shows surfactin like molecules at m/z 1058 [M+Na]+. It is concluded that crude lipopeptide or combinational treatment of <em>B. subtilis</em> and <em>P. putida</em> culture suspension can be employed as a biocontrol agent against <em>M. incognita</em> and may act as a source of a novel nematicidal agent of bacterial origin.</p> Parwiz Niazi Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/81 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Finite Element Analysis of Delamination Initiation in Wind Turbine Blade Spar Caps: Role of Compression, Strain Energy, and Principal Stresses https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/91 <p>In wind turbine blades, utilizing the finite element method (FEM) to identify potential failure modes before production provides considerable value and cost savings in contrast to conventional structural tests. This paper focuses on examining the factors leading to delamination in spar caps and exploring the initiation of this delamination using the finite element method. Compression, total strain energy density, and principal stresses are significant among the variables examined to determine the effects on model deformation and crack formation. Examining these variables may contribute to understanding the mechanisms involved in initiating and progressing delamination. This study examined the effects of compression, total strain energy density, and principal stresses on model deformation and crack formation. This study focuses on the effects of principal stresses on displacement, the effects of compression on delamination and crack formation, and the effects of total strain energy density on fracture tendency and failure modes due to delamination.</p> Ferhat Özmen, Ramazan Karakuzu Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/91 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Utilization of Short Span Web-Tapered Beams Using Flexible Nodal Bracing https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/92 <p>For many years member with varying cross-sectional dimensions along the length have been widely used in steel structures. The use of nodal braces to enhance the load-carrying capacity and stability of these elements is prevalent. These supports ensure structural stability by regulating the distribution of loads within the structural system while also enhancing the structure's resistance to lateral loads. Presently, the design of these nodal braces are carried out according to requirements outlined in Design Guide 25 and AISC Specification (2022). However, these standards offer a general framework for elements with fixed brace conditions and prismatic cross-section.</p> <p>This study aims to be a pioneering investigation into the variation of brace force values in short-span and compact web-tapered beams under different loading conditions. The article seeks to comprehensively examine the requirements and limits of brace force in short-span web-tapered compact beams. To achieve this goal, parametric finite element analyses is utilized to explore how brace force changes concerning beam geometry, material properties, and loading conditions.</p> <p>The beam used was considered as doubly symmetric and divided into 100 nodes and supported by a nodal brace at the middle node. The beam is 50 inches long, tapering from 42 inches to 36.40 inches over its span of 100 nodes. In terms of finite element analysis, the software utilized significantly influences the accuracy and reliability of results, particularly in scenarios involving inelastic nonlinear analysis. In this study, the Abaqus program was employed specifically to conduct parametric finite element analyses, considering the complexities of inelastic material behavior.</p> <p>The findings of this research are intended to contribute to the development of a new design method for determining the requirements and limits of brace force in short-span and variable cross-sectional dimension compact beams. Consequently, the aim is to enable the safe and economical design of such beams, providing engineers with ideas to consider and data to utilize in their designs.</p> Fatma Kömürcü, Oguzhan Togay Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/92 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Heat and Mass Transfer Model of Horizontal Tubular Absorbers for LiBr/H2O Absorption Refrigeration https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/80 <p>This study delves into the absorption efficiency of a horizontal absorber using a LiBr-H2O solution. We developed a computationally fast and accurate two-dimensional model, which we validated against experimental data. The analysis focuses on key operational parameters such as solution inlet temperature, mass flow rate, and cooling water inlet temperature, revealing their intricate interplay and impact on absorption performance. Our findings highlight the substantial influence of cooling water temperature, showing a significant boost in absorption efficiency as the cooling water temperature decreases. Additionally, we explore the effects of solution mass flow rate, uncovering the delicate balance between increased heat transfer resistance and initial absorption efficiency at near the impingement region. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of absorption systems, offering pathways to optimize design and operational strategies for enhanced performance.</p> Nuri Kayansayan, Sercan Acarer Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Communications https://scientificrc.org/index.php/src/article/view/80 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000