Heca Journal of Applied Sciences

Utilization Strategy of Discharged Seawater from Power Plant Cooling System to Reduce Energy Consumption: A Process Engineering Approach

Clizardo Amaral — 2025-06-23

Steam power plants are among the primary sources of electricity generation; however, they face significant challenges in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact due to their high consumption of coal. Innovative strategies are required to reduce emissions and improve system efficiency. One potential approach is the reutilization of condenser cooling water to drive a hydropower turbine before being discharged into the sea. By harnessing the head and flow rate of this water, the kinetic energy from the waste stream can be converted into additional electricity. This study examines a process engineering approach to integrating a hydropower generation system with a steam power plant, encompassing technical analysis, energy efficiency, as well as economic and environmental impacts. Simulation results indicate that the system is capable of generating between 14.2 and 49.5 kW of power, depending on operating conditions and water availability. The electricity produced can be utilized for internal Steam power plant needs, such as cooling pumps and lighting, thereby reducing dependence on coal combustion. This strategy not only improves energy efficiency and reduces operational costs but also supports environmental conservation and the long-term sustainability of power plant operations.

Freshwater Shrimp (Decapoda) in Aceh: A Promising Resource for Aquaculture Development

Dedi Fazriansyah Putra — 2025-07-31

Freshwater shrimp of the genus Macrobrachium represent an underutilized resource in Aceh Province, Indonesia, despite the region’s rich freshwater ecosystems and the global economic value of shrimp aquaculture. This study presents the first integrative assessment of the aquaculture potential of 13 Macrobrachium species collected from 27 freshwater sites across Aceh. Species were evaluated using morphological identification, ecological field surveys, literature reviews, and key biological parameters, including egg size, larval development, salinity tolerance, and local consumption. Most species exhibited r-strategist reproductive traits and prolonged larval stages, requiring brackish or marine environments, which limited their suitability for closed freshwater systems. However, M. lanchesteri displayed abbreviated larval development and completed its life cycle in freshwater, making it a strong candidate for sustainable aquaculture. M. idae was assessed as moderately suitable due to extensive supporting literature and local use. These findings highlight both the constraints and opportunities for freshwater shrimp cultivation in Aceh, providing a foundation for future research and development in aquaculture diversification and local food security.

Top Global Concrete-Producing Countries: A Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Concrete Production, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Growth

Iin Shabrina Hilal — 2025-08-31

Concrete production plays a vital role in infrastructure and economic development, yet it remains one of the most significant sources of global CO₂ emissions. This study focuses on the top 10 concrete-producing countries, using variables such as concrete production (CP), carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and gross domestic product (GDP) as a proxy for economic growth. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we categorize the countries into three distinct groups based on the combined metrics. Cluster 1 includes developing and transitional economies such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam, which exhibit moderate levels of CP and GDP alongside relatively low CO₂per capita. Cluster 2, represented by China and Saudi Arabia, demonstrates high levels of CP and CO₂, coupled with moderate to high GDP, reflecting intensive industrial activity and rapid development. Cluster 3, which includes only the United States, is characterized by high GDP, moderate CP, and persistently high CO₂, indicating a stable developed economy that maintains its prosperity through infrastructure upkeep rather than rapid growth. The findings reveal how these three indicators interact across different stages of development and emphasize the importance of tailored sustainability strategies.

Postpartum Hemorrhage in Labor: Analyzing Risk Factors Across Demographic Groups

Sulastri Sulastri — 2025-09-25

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a critical obstetric emergency and a major contributor to maternal mortality. Understanding risk factors across demographic groups is essential for guiding clinical surveillance. This study aimed to analyze the association between demographic and clinical factors, including maternal hemoglobin level, age, parity, weight, neonatal birth weight, and clinical causes of PPH based on the 4T framework (Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin), and the incidence of PPH among postpartum women. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 postpartum women who delivered vaginally at a Midwife Independent Practice (PMB) in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, between February and September 2021. Total sampling was applied. Data were collected through direct observation and clinical records. PPH was defined as estimated blood loss ≥500 mL within two hours after delivery. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and odds ratio (OR) calculations. The prevalence of PPH in this sample was 42.5%. Perineal rupture was the most common clinical finding (77.5%), followed by retained placenta (12.5%) and uterine atony (10%). A significant association was found between clinical causes and the incidence of PPH (p = 0.001). Maternal anemia (Hb <12 g/dL) was significantly associated with PPH (p = 0.018; OR = 7.5), indicating a high-risk subgroup. Other demographic factors, age, parity, maternal weight, and neonatal birth weight were not significantly associated with PPH (p > 0.05). PPH was significantly associated with clinical causes, particularly uterine atony and retained placenta, as well as maternal anemia. These findings support the need for routine antenatal hemoglobin screening and strengthened postpartum monitoring in midwife-led clinical settings to improve early detection and response to bleeding risks.

Bilateral Juvenile Cataract in Childhood: A Comprehensive Clinical and Surgical Approach

Eva Imelda — 2025-09-27

Juvenile cataracts, though less common than congenital types, can cause irreversible visual impairment if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report a 10-year-old boy with progressive bilateral visual loss, photophobia, and leukocoria over three years, with a positive paternal history suggesting hereditary etiology. Examination revealed dense bilateral lens opacities and markedly reduced visual acuity. The patient underwent sequential aspiration–irrigation with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in both eyes. Surgeries were uneventful; however, postoperative vision in the right eye remained limited due to deprivation amblyopia, while the left eye achieved a better functional outcome. Final refraction showed mild residual error, and the patient was continued on visual rehabilitation and amblyopia therapy. This case highlights the importance of early detection and timely surgery in pediatric cataract to prevent permanent visual deficits and optimize outcomes. This report aims to illustrate the impact of delayed intervention on functional vision, daily activities, and educational performance in school-aged children within resource-limited settings.