Advanced Journal of Graduate Research
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Comparison of Fructose and Glycerol as Plasticizers in Cassava Bioplastic Production
Get PDFThis research paper is an investigation into the effects of fructose and glycerol as plasticizers in cassava bioplastic production. The experiments were carried out at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Department of Chemistry. The objectives of the research were to produce cassava-based bioplastics in the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Chemistry Department Laboratory, to investigate the use of fructose and glycerol as plasticizers in the production of the cassava-based bioplastics and to conduct physical and chemical quality tests on the bioplastics to determine which plasticizer is best for industrial use. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in the experiments. The parameters measured were film thickness, density, moisture content, solubility in water, water absorption, swelling index, and biodegradability test. Overall, fructose as a plasticizer is recommended over glycerol and over fructose and glycerol
A New Quantum Encryption Scheme
Get PDFThe model of quantum computation has advanced very quickly in the last years. This model brings with it an efficient algorithm for factoring, namely the Shor algorithm. This means that the public key infrastructure will soon be obsolete. In this paper we propose a new quantum cryptographic scheme which aims to replace the RSA algorithm from current public key infrastructures. We analyze the security of our scheme and also, we describe the implementation of the scheme using IBM Q SDK, qiskit. We run a number of experiments in order to build a proof of concept application that uses the proposed scheme
Exergy Models and Tar Removal Techniques in Biomass Gasification
Get PDFQuest for higher conversion efficiency and reduced environmental impact has increased the focus on renewable energy sources. Biomass is a sustainable form of energy that can be used as an alternate of fossil fuels through biomass gasification. Gasification is one of the most used methods for converting biomass into syngas that is a usable form of energy. The biomass gasification serves as a promising process for energy production. However, uncertainty in process variables and formation of tar has been a challenge in efficient process design and operation. This paper contains literature review of different models used for gasification, tar removal techniques along with Fischer Tropsch reactions for conversion of biomass to liquid fuels. The paper shows circulating and bubbling fluidized bed gasifier as the most efficient model for tar removal and greater exergy efficiency
An Experimental Configuration to Probe for Lorentz Symmetry Violation in Electrons Using Trapped Yb+ Ions
Get PDFSince extensions of the standard model have been developed that predict violations of local Lorentz invariance (LLI), precision measurement groups have been working to reduce experimental bounds of the associated matrix element. Using an analogue of the Michelson-Morley test with trapped Ca+ ions, the current bound has been set at one part in 1018. However, by instead using Yb+ ions, which have highly stable electronic states for storing quantum information compared to their counterparts and exhibit enhanced effects of LLI breaking asymmetries, we can push the bounds to one part in 1023. In this article, we outline a configuration for such an experiment and offer solutions to experimental concerns. We develop an algorithm for state creation, manipulation, and measurement that minimizes measurement time and transition uncertainty. We also discuss necessary hardware for trapping and manipulating ions including a vacuum system, a Paul trap and the associated electrode voltage supplies, and an optics system for generating and applying transition pulses. The experiment is specifically designed to utilize the existing ion trap hardware in place at the Richerme lab at Indiana University Bloomington
Symbiotic Effectiveness of Rhizobia Strains Isolated from Nigerian Savanna
Get PDFLaboratory and screenhouse experiment were conducted to assess the symbiotic effectiveness (SE) of rhizobia isolated from southern Guinea savanna, northern Guinea savanna and Sudan savanna of Nigeria and response of promiscuous soybean varieties, TGx1448-2E, TGx1835-10E and TGx1955-10E to inoculation with ten indigenous rhizobia isolates. The soybean varieties were grown on sterilized sand at the screenhouse of the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Technology Minna and watered using Sandsman’s nutrient solution. The treatments were un-inoculated control, mineral nitrogen (urea) and ten rhizobia isolates arranged on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated three times. The rhizobia isolates were Sg4, Sg6-3, Gw5, Gw3-2, Bg3, Bg1-4, Sk2-3, Am2, Am6-3 and Kr5-5 isolated from Sabon-gida, Gwada, Birnin-gwari, Shika, Amawa and Karaye sites of Nigerian savanna. The results obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance using statistical analysis system (SAS 2008) computer software. The treatments mean was separated using Least Significant Different (LSD) at 5% probability. Nodulation and biomass yield of the varieties were assessed at six weeks after planting. Nodules were only produced in inoculated plants, SE was calculated. The result obtained showed that nodule dry weight, SE and shoot dry weight were significantly affected by the interaction between inoculation and promiscuous soybean varieties. Generally, inoculated plants gave higher shoot biomass gain than the un-inoculated control but lower than those treated with urea. The difference between those inoculated and those treated with urea was associated to environmental specificities and higher temperature during the period of the experiment. The SE was highest in northern Guinea savanna isolate reaching 67% and lowest in southern Guinea savanna isolate Sg6-3 recorded 53%. The result showed an SE of less than 100% in all the isolates which implies that the indigenous rhizobia isolates were not superior to the mineral nitrogen
Study of Changes in Physical Parameters of compost and vermicompost of Eucalyptus leaf litters
Get PDFVermicompost and compost of leaf litter of Eucalyptus was studied in plastic bins in duplicate sets with two different proportions (100 % and 50 %). For vermicompost experiments, epigeic earthworm species Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae were employed at 10-10 numbers each per vermicompost bins. Cattle dung was taken as control. During the entire process physical factors viz. temperature, pH, moisture content and biomass were measured and compaired. The results were reveal that initial temperature was 35°C ± 2°C in both vermicompost and compost leaf litter and after several weeks, it was set at minimum level. In 50 % leaf litter temperature was 2-3°C higher than 100 % leaf litter. pH of both vermicompost and compost mixtures were acidic in beginning phase while set at alkaline at final stage. Vermicompost had lower pH than compost. Moisture content of leaf litter also decreased in initial phase due to generation of metabolic heat but at later phase it was increased due to decreasing of metabolic heat. More changed was seen in 100 % leaf litter followed by 50 % and then cattle dung. Biomass of leaf litter was more decreased in 100 % waste then 50 % and cattle dung
Hybrid Power System Sizing and Design for Commercial Application in Kenya
Get PDFHybrid power system sizing involves determination of local load and energy resources’ conditions as well as availability of generating system components. Each component of the system is preliminarily sized individually using prevailing load, resource and conversion system’s conditions. The Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE) may be included in determining the configuration of the most optimal system that can meet all the desired power system’s goals. In order to refine the sizing and design process, a simulation software is used to select and size system components that can serve the load effectively. In this study, a Solar PV, Wind and Grid hybrid power system was systematically sized to meet the demand of a commercial consumer, East African School of Aviation (EASA). HOMER software was used to simulate the operation of the proposed HPS. The most suitable HPS was found to consist of Wind generation of an installed capacity of 200 kW, solar PV of 120 kW and the Grid. This system had an NPC of KSh 77,684,050 and a COE of KSh 8.34/kWh
Proportional Swivel Headlight and Foglight Mechanism
Get PDFThis paper describes the hardware of movable Headlight & Foglight system for vehicles. It has been found that the majority of accidents take place due to the invisibility of road at night & in fog. So, it becomes necessary that we get a clear vision during the night & in fog so as to avoid accidents. Therefore, the following research represents the rotation of headlight & foglight with the rotation of wheels. In this system used rack & pinion arrangement which give the drive to the optical axes on which headlight & foglight are mounted so when the links are moved with steering arm that gives predefined motion to headlight and foglight. Hence the light from the Headlight & Foglight focuses properly on the road, also while taking turn the driver coming from the opposite side can easily notice the upcoming vehicle & so the number of accidents is minimized. In this paper, we have defined a novel approach movement of foglight along with the headlight
Modeling and Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Parameters for Joining Dissimilar Aluminum Alloys
Get PDFThe objectives of this work are to optimize the process parameters on the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility) of dissimilar joints between AA5454 and AA7075 produced by friction stir welding and to determine which of them is significant by using Taguchi L16 optimization method. Seven parameters at two levels were selected in this study. The selected parameters are tool rotational speed, traverse speed, pin profile (based on taper angle), D/d ratio, tool tilt angle, plunge depth, and base metal location. Then, mathematical models are built as function of significant parameters/ interactions using Response Surface Methodology. The results of this work showed that the rotational speed, traverse speed, D/d ratio and plunge depth are significant parameters in determining UTS (Mean, Signal to noise ratio (S/N)) at different confidence levels, but pin profile, location of base metal and tool tilt angle are insignificant parameters at any confidence levels. The traverse speed has the highest contribution to the process for UTS about 18.577 % and 16.943 % for S/N ratio and mean, respectively. The accuracy of the models according to the UTS is 97.678 % and 99.56 %for mean and S/N ratio, respectively. The maximum joint efficiency, compared to the strength of the AA5454, is 85.3%
Solar Dynamical Processes I
Get PDFThe article gives a concise overview of solar dynamical processes and their impacts on the space weather. This article is based on the observational and theoretical developments made during last few decades. The article begins with a brief discussion of the Sun and the solar interior, from the core to the solar corona. We discuss the solar magnetic field and provide some basic understanding of the solar dynamo model. The solar dynamical processes, the transient as well as the gradual, are the manifestations of the Sun’s magnetic field. Magnetic reconnection, as well as submergence and emergence of magnetic flux tubes, plays an important role in the solar activities. This article tries to cover a range of dynamical processes, including sunspots, solar prominences and bright points. We also discussed various models of the dynamical processes along with their properties and effect on other activities occurring on the Sun.