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The Surface Chemistry and Binding Interactions of Lignin with Polymer-Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles Acting as Model Microplastics
Get PDFThis study investigates the surface chemistry and molecular-level interactions between lignin, a special type of natural organic matter, and polymer-capped gold nanoparticles, shedding light on the strength of adsorption between lignin and nanoscale polymer surfaces. Specifically, the study presents a variety of nanoscale polymer surfaces displaying different charged functional groups, using layer-by-layer assembly of three polyelectrolytes (polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH)), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC)) on 90 nm citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This approach provides a library of polymer-encapsulated AuNPs for investigating the binding interactions of lignin to nanoscale polymers via spectroscopic techniques. ζ-potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirmed the successful wrapping of the AuNPs with polyelectrolytes. The interactions of the AuNPs with lignin were investigated using UV-visible absorbance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and DLS. Fluorescence quenching titrations indicated that lignin\u27s binding affinity (Ka) was significantly higher for PDADMAC-AuNP than others. Ka for PAA-AuNP, Cit-AuNP, PAH-AuNP, and PDADMAC-AuNP were 87 ± 8 nM-1, 92 ± 11 nM-1, 107 ± 13 nM-1, and 240 ± 13 nM-1 respectively. UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy was not generally effective in determining Ka values for lignin-AuNP by absorbance titration; however, citrate-stabilized AuNP showed significant binding affinity to lignin in absorbance spectroscopy titrations. DLS analysis data indicated that the particles\u27 hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) generally increases after interaction with lignin, supporting the formation of a lignin eco-corona around the AuNPs
Measuring the Effectiveness of Carbon Pricing: The Impact on Corporate ESG Performance and Carbon Emissions
No full textAddressing climate change and its regulatory implications presents significant challenges for businesses. Yet, uncertainty persists regarding the effectiveness of companies\u27 emission reduction endeavors. This study aims to investigate the impact of carbon pricing policies, including carbon taxes and Emission Trading Systems (ETSs), on companies\u27 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings, specifically the environmental rating, and corporate carbon emissions. I estimate a fixed-effect regression model to analyze the impact of carbon pricing policies on corporate environmental scores and carbon emissions using Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) data. The results show that carbon pricing significantly improves corporate ESG ratings and reduces carbon emissions. However, in examining the environmental pillar alone, I note that only ETS prices significantly improve corporate performance. This result suggests ESG ratings reflect other factors affected by carbon prices, thereby also boosting the social and governance performance
RC Baja: Drivetrain & Chassis
Get PDFThe project\u27s primary aim is to employ engineering techniques in the design and construction of an RC Baja car, ensuring the chassis and drivetrain are sufficient for participation in the ASME RC Baja competition. The suspension and steering system were entrusted to a teammate to contribute to the project\u27s success.
In approaching this problem, various analyses were conducted during fall quarter, in deciding the design of the RC car. For example, one analysis established the necessary output power to attain a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour within a 15-second timeframe. The analysis employed acceleration and power equations to arrive at its conclusions. The outcome of the analysis indicates that a minimum of 67.45 Watts of power is essential to achieve the required acceleration. Utilizing a decision matrix helped determine Aluminum 6061 T6 as the material to be used for the chassis. Aluminum is relatively easy to machine, allowing for intricate designs and precise fabrication of chassis components. With this selection complete, the manufacturing and assembling of the RC car took place during the winter quarter.
During spring quarter, The RC car achieved a speed of 20 mph within 25 ft from a complete stop on a concrete surface. Also, the RC car weighed less than 15 pounds fully assembled.
Keywords: RC Baja, Aluminum, Analysis
Dueling Robot
Get PDFThis project was undertaken as a personal challenge to combine a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree and an Electrical Engineering Technology degree into a single final project showing the cumulative knowledge gained. It was determined that a robot to participate in Western Allied Robotics would be designed and manufactured for the 3 lb. weight class.
A two-part power system was designed to provide more power to the weapon arm. This design combined a compressive spring’s kinetic energy with the torque from the electric motor. Research determined all of the purchased components required and analysis were performed to determine the geometry and materials for the manufactured components. The robot was built primarily using a 3D printer. Overall, 15 parts were manufactured by the student, 14 of which were 3D printed. Articulation of the weapon arm was maximized by implementing a microprocessor and various sensors throughout the robot’s system. All of the programming for the sensors and microprocessor took place in C using Visual Studio Code.
The analysis and research performed early in this project facilitated a crushing force of 12 lbs. on impact and can move at 14 MPH. This will provide quick and forceful strikes against an opponent in the arena. The sensors allow for reliable and consistent control of the weapon system without over taxing the system to the point of stalling or breaking
Adaptive NEH with Constrained Nearest Neighbor Subtours for the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
No full textThe development of electric vehicles is currently considered one of the most innovative areas in manufacturing. Largely driven by the desire to reduce greenhouse emissions, electric vehicles are seen as a viable alternative to internal combustion engine cars. Starting from consumer cars, a dedicated effort is being made to translate this into commercial vehicles for freight and delivery. This research introduces a novel adaptive Nawaz, Enscore, Ham (NEH) algorithm with constrained nearest neighbor subtour (NEH-NN). This algorithm is tested on the standard benchmark problems in literature and used as a seed solution for the Genetic Algorithm (GA). The performance and runtime of the algorithms are enhanced with the usage of CUDA to incorporate a High Performance Computing approach to computational optimization. From the experiments, the NEH seeded GA significantly improves on the GA, especially for the large-sized problem instances. CUDA further enhances the solution quality and execution time, making it a crucial component of this research
Bonnie Hendrickson Video Interview
No full textBonnie Hendrickson talks about her early career before coming to Central to work with the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute (CHCI). Then she worked at a zoo then moved to Iowa before returning to Central as associate director of CHCI. She also discusses the closing of the popular program.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cwura_interviews/1312/thumbnail.jp
RC - Baja Suspension and Steering
Get PDFThe engineers at Central Washington University were each asked to produce a device to compete in the ASME RC Baja competition. The principle-engineer set out to create a system that allowed an RC car to be controllable over a variety of terrain utilizing suspension and steering principles. The steering and suspension designed by the engineer was implemented in part with a drive train and chassis that was designed by a partner engineer.
The Engineer chose to utilize an independent front suspension with a solid rear axle for his design. This design was chosen because the independent front end allowed for the front to stay very stable and the trailing arms in the rear allowed for the car to have a lot of suspension travel and suspension flex. This proposal covers the design, manufacturing, and testing of the device throughout the fall, winter, and spring quarter.
The device was completed at the end of the winter quarter and testing began at the beginning of the spring quarter. The testing results showed that the device met some key requirements, the suspension deflection was 3” after a 3’ drop and the steering angle met the 50-degree requirement. The device performed well and met the engineer’s requirements stated in section 1.d of the proposal
Found in the Archives: Jim Hawkins\u27 Puppets
No full textThis episode of Found in the Archives features a recent donation from CWU Emeritus Professor of Music, Linda Marra, who taught at the university for 26 years. Linda Marra was close friends with Jim Hawkins, who was an Emeritus Professor of Theatre Arts who taught at Central from 1970 to 2001. Jim was known for his work as a theatrical designer and puppeteer. The CWU Archives and Special Collections has a large collection of Jim’s puppets and theatrical designs, and Linda Marra donated some special additions to add to these collections
Recipes Found in the Archives
No full textThis episode features recipes made from cookbooks from the mid 1900\u27s. These cookbooks are in the Frederick Krueger collection. They were researched and made by archive assistant Lacey Colemore especially for this round of Found in the Archives. The recipes include Mayonnaise Chocolate Cake and Pretzel Salad. As you can see in the video both are appealing visually and more delicious than they sound. Book display by Lacey Colemore, videography by Carolin McCarthy and voice M.R. Blackson
Dean Nicholson Centennial Interview
No full textDean Nicholson , former basketball coach of Central Washington University, is interviewed for the Centennial of the institution in 1989