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Non-woven kenaf fiber (KF) mat reinforced acrylic-based polyester resin composites were prepared by an impregnation process followed by compression molding. They were exposed to durability test of accelerated weathering and water absorption. Accelerated weathering test through UV irradiation caused modification in chemical, mechanical, surface appearance, and color change of the composites. Two competing reactions occurred throughout the exposure period, i.e., post-crosslinking and photo-oxidation process. FTIR analysis revealed that the former occurred at the early stage of exposure while the latter toward the end of the exposure, exhibited by an accentuated increase in carbonyl and vinyl index. The post-crosslinking process contributes to the improvement in flexural properties and thermal stability of the composites, whereas the oxidation process does not. SEM observation showed that the degradation by photo-oxidation resulted in the formation of voids and blisters on composite's sample. Water uptake of all composites was found to follow Fickian behavior. Good recoveries (exceeding 79%) of flexural properties were obtained upon re-drying. However, a significant reduction in flexural strength and modulus was obtained in the wet state condition. SEM observation revealed that full recovery was not possible because of the impairment of the—matrix interfacial region. Relatively higher flexural properties were exhibited by alkali-treated KF composites even after the durability test due to the improved strength and—matrix adhesion following the treatment. more...

Chitin is a naturally abundant polymer and most of it was used as a surfactant and cosmetic raw materials. Chitin be able to derive from natural sources like shrimp shell waste. The aim of this research was to study the kinetic model of chitin demineralization with approach to shrinking core model (SCM) with variation of hydrochloric acid concentration. There models were used: Fluid Film Layer Diffusion, Ash Layer Diffusion and Chemical Reaction. It was began with deproteination at first with NaOH 3,5 % and continued with demineralization using hydrochloric acid at concentration 0,3 N; 0,6 N; 0,9 N and 1,2 N with variation of reaction time at 15, 30 and 15 minute. The calcium content in the product was analyzed after it was dried in the air oven. The results showed calcium concentration decrease along with increasing of hydrochloric acid concentration. It get kinetic model at concentration 0,3 N of hydrochloric acid usage with form: 1−rcR3=XB with the highest value of R2 is 0,9555 and the smallest percentage error is 5,92%. Meanwhile with usage of hydrochloric acid at concentration 0,6 N; 0,9 N and 1,2 N were get kinetic model with form: tτ=1−31−XB2/3+21−XB with the highest value of R2 is 0,9794. more...

Arbitration has witnessed significant development in recent years, and the judiciary has played an active role in its advancement through innovative interpretations, flexible reasoning, and the recognition of principles that helped fill gaps faced by arbitration bodies. The role of the judiciary has been evident in defining the scope of arbitration agreements. Judicial precedents have allowed the extension of the effects of arbitration agreements to non-signatories in specific circumstances. The judiciary has embraced interpretations that permit arbitration to operate outside of specific domestic laws, expanding the realm of commercial arbitration beyond the confines established by national legislation. It has adopted a broad understanding of commercial activity to include actions that may not be considered commercial under national laws. Notable contributions by the judiciary include laying the groundwork for the principle of the independence of the arbitration clause and the doctrine of kompetenz-kompetenz (the competence of the tribunal to determine its own jurisdiction). These developments were responses to practical justifications aimed at preventing the nullification or collapse of the arbitration process when the agreement containing the arbitration clause is deemed invalid. The doctrine of kompetenz-kompetenz has also helped prevent delay tactics and achieve expeditious resolution. This has been reinforced by the adoption of the Estoppel Rule, which gives power to waste the objector's defenses if a blatant contradiction is found in their position: participating seriously in the arbitration proceedings for a long time and then invoking the invalidity of the arbitration agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The purpose of this study is to determine the direct and indirect effects of business networks and online marketing capabilities on the performance of SMEs fostered by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III through a partnership program. The population and sample are from 100 SME partners who are considered successful in developing their business. Research questionnaires were used to obtain research data in the form of primary data. While the data analysis using path analysis using the Smart PLS approach. The results showed that the business network directly had a significant effect on the partnership program and the performance of the SMEs fostered by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III. Directly, the ability of online marketing has no significant effect on the partnership program but does affect the performance of the SMEs fostered by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III. Lastly, indirectly, the partnership program has a significant role in mediating the business network on the performance of the SMEs fostered by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III, while online marketing capabilities have no significant effect on the performance of the SMEs fostered by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...