1,721,020 research outputs found
Biochar : A Sustainable Approach
Full text linkThis book highlights the latest research on biochar, a low-cost carbonaceous material produced from biomass, and is regarded as an economical substitute to the activated carbon. The book describes the production and the characteristics of biochar through various techniques/methods such as pyrolysis, gasification, torrefaction, and hydrothermal carbonization of carbonaceous biomass, such as agricultural residues, algal biomass, forest residues, manures, activated sludge, energy crops, digestate at high temperature (300–900 °C) and under O2-limiting conditions. The book also highlights the several unique properties of biochar such as an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly material for diverse contaminants removal. The variability in physicochemical properties (e.g., surface area, micro-porosity, and pH) provides an avenue for biochar to maximize its efficacy to targeted applications. This book interests academics working in the development of green and sustainable technology in agricultural engineering, material science, chemical engineering, and environmental science
Modifications of Surface Properties of Biochar by Different Treatment Methods
Full text linkBiochar is a value-added product of biomass which is thermochemically synthesized. Application of biochar covers different processes/activities including environmental remediation, water purification, catalysis, tissue engineering, additive in organic waste compost, electrode material and modifier, and so on. Biochar is modified with respect to the target application. Different types of physical and chemical modifications have been reported. For application as adsorbent, pristine biochar exhibits lower surface area in comparison with the commercial activated
carbon and this shortcoming necessitates appropriate treatment to make the biochar an effective adsorbent with larger surface area and improved surface properties.
Modification process can be physical, or chemical, or a combination of both the treatment. Physical treatment entails enhancing the porosity, surface area, pore volume,
and other physical features of biochar by activating its surface morphologies and properties. Chemical modification involves the use of solvents, acids/bases, or other
substances to change and improve the functionality, pore structure, and surface area of biochar and can entail both one-step and two-step modification procedures. The
current chapter highlights recent advances in physical and chemical treatment of the biochar, outlining major effects on the surface properties of the biochar
Empty fruit bunches compost and germination of raphanus sativs l.
No full textOverabundance of empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil industries has opened opportunity for its exploitation
for agricultural use as compost. In this study, palm oil EFB compost was prepared by the addition of wood chips
as a bulking agent and chicken manure to enhance the composting rate. Moisture was maintained at 50-70%
during the 2-month composting. Results showed that the EFB compost containing high mineralisation index
compared to the initial EFB samples after two months of the composting process. The important macronutrientsN, P, K, Ca and Mg and micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu and B were found present in the EFB composts. The
final stage of EFB compost B showed high nutrient content with N, P, and K values of 2.21%, 3.65%, and 0.49%,
respectively. Fe was the most outstanding element in the EFB compost as high as 9000 ppm. Germination results
showed that EFB compost with EFB:wood chips at 1:3 ratio exhibited better growth of leaves and root of
Raphanus sativs L. compared to 1:2 ratio. This indicated that the EFB compost is capable in improving soil
fertility and growth of plants
The use of microwave derived activated carbon for removal of heavy metal in aqueous solution
No full textTransformative Teaching via Workshop Based Approach in Scientific Communication
Full text linkThe project was designed based on the Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) analysis (2017-2018) and feedbacks from Final Year Project (FYP) supervisors on weak research proposal writing skills of FYP students. The initiatives involved transforming the typical class lecture into an interactive scientific communication session. Students were exposed to
real scientific communication via workshop-style delivery and projectoriented problem-based learning (PoPBL) on proposal writing projects as well as trainstorming/discussion activities during weekly meetings.
The initiative is eliminating the traditional lecture and end-of-semester assignment practices. The course delivery was designed by conducting three workshops namely 1-Research Proposal Writing, 2-Research Methodology & Ethics, and 3-Effective Research Presentation. The feedbacks from the students after each workshop was overwhelming.
Peer group brainstorming and discussion were conducted in the respective weekly classes, applying the concepts and tips delivered during the workshops. Students’ progress on research proposal writeup was assessed in stages throughout the course to provide immediate feedback for continuous improvement by students. Instructors’ feedback was discussed in groups to encourage students to learn from their
peers. The final proposal and poster presentation were evaluated after workshop 3, where the students presented their proposals effectively. The course delivery style has remarkably improved the CLO achievements as compared to the past 2-year CLO achievements. Lots of positive feedback
were received from students through the course evaluation survey and student’s final reflection on their learning
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Immersive Learning on Environmental Chemistry Concepts through e-SULAM
Full text linkEnvironmental Chemistry 2 (STK2063) is offered in semester 2 for Year 2 students in BSc (Hons) Resource Chemistry. In this course environmental issues relating to solid waste, wastewater and hazardous waste are viewed in the context of their treatments. This course has been implementing service learning (SULAM) as a part of immersive learning approach since Semester 2, 2017/2018. In previous years, i.e.
2017/2018, and 2018/2019, the course assessment includes either final examination (40%, session 2017/2018), or mid-term examination (30%, session 2018/2019). Although SULAM implementation has generally improved the CLO achievement throughout the years, the pen and paper examination was found to be one of the reason to why some of the
students were not able to achieve the intended CLOs. Instructors were not sure on the effectiveness of such examination in creating a deep learning experience for students. Therefore, in semester 2, 2019/2020,
the mid-term examination was replaced with case-study analysis to (1) encourage higher order thinking skills among students, and (2) cultivate the sense of commitment and responsibility among students to find innovative solutions to waste management issues. In addition, students’ e- SULAM projects including group discussion and engagement with
target community were implemented on online platforms. Students’ reflection on their e-SULAM projects was recorded on their e-portfolio. Implementation of immersive learning through blended learning in this course has resulted in improved CLO achievement as compared to the past two years. Students’ reflection on their learning experience in this
course implied the effectiveness of immersive learning (blended learning) approach in this course
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