131 research outputs found
EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PURIFIED CURCUMA LONGA ON MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN MICE
No full textObjective: This study was performed to see the effects of aqueous extract of purified Curcuma longa (CL) on motor performance of albino mice using rota test.
Methods: CL at 50mg/kg body weight (b.w.) (CL50), CL at 100 mg/kg b.w. (CL100), and CL at 200 mg/kg b.w. (CL200) with negative and positive controls were used. The experimental results were represented as mean±2 standard deviation, p was set at < 0.05. Statistical differences between the test drug and control groups as well as within the test drug groups were calculated using Mann–Whitney U-test.
Results: As compared to CL200, DW (distilled water 10 ml/kg p.o.) group fall off time was significantly less (p=0.004). Diazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) group stayed for lesser time on the rotating rod than CL50, CL100, and CL200 groups (p=0.004). Fall off time in CL100 group was significantly lesser than CL 200 group (p=0.019).
Conclusion: This study showed that CL possesses motor performance increasing effects at 200 mg
A test suite for quantum network applications: Quantifying an application's ability to benchmark a quantum network
No full textQuantum networks provide numerous potential benefits over classical networks, such as enhanced security and faster computation, making their further development a lucrative prospect. As is the case with any technology, the advancement of quantum networks relies on the development of frameworks to test their quality, and compare different implementations of the technology. One such framework is a benchmarking suite for quantum network systems, that can identify areas for improvement in their implementation, by determining the erroneous properties of the system.This paper examines the viability of using a specific quantum network application as a benchmark for quantum network systems. In order to quantify the application's ability to benchmark, we assess its sensitivity to changes in the properties of the system. These properties include link parameters, quantum gate properties, qubit coherence times, and measurement properties.We use the BB84 protocol as the benchmarking application for this project, which is a Quantum Key Distribution scheme used to establish secure keys between two parties. In particular, we use the qubit error rate and the key generation rate as the performance metrics for the application. For the setup of the experiments, we prepare two system configurations: generic quantum device nodes with a depolarising error channel, and NV device nodes with a heralded link. In order to assess how the application behaves with changes to different system properties, we observe how the performance metrics change while individually varying system parameters and keeping all other parameters constant.We find that the application is sensitive to changes in multiple parameters across both network configurations, such as link parameters, single qubit gate properties, and measurement properties. Contrarily, the application is not affected by changes to parameters such as two qubit gate properties and coherence times. We conclude that the BB84 protocol can be used as an individual localised test for the parameters it is sensitive to, and also in combination with other applications, in a more comprehensive benchmarking suite, that provide coverage for a broader range of parameters.CSE3000 Research ProjectComputer Science and Engineerin
Reimagining Global Waste Management : The Intersection of WTO Discipline and Environmental Governance in the EU Waste Shipment Regulation
No full textEU’s revised Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) 2024 provides a regulatory regime for the transboundary movement of wastes imported to, transiting or exported from the EU with a specific focus on its environmentally sound management. The revised regulation, inter alia, expands coverage by including non-hazardous waste for processing (in particular, scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals) and discipline exports to nonmembers of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This paper views the regulation as a part of a series of developments which warrant an examination of the interplay between WTO disciplines and global environmental governance, especially against the possibility of the operation of trade measures in the guise of selective implementation of other international law treaties such as the Basel Convention. We argue that the revised regulation aims to implement a selective rendition of the Basel Convention, 1989, with a specific focus on its traderelated aspects while impervious to developing states’ status and capability. This paper particularly focuses on the discriminatory elements of the regulation, its differential treatment, and operation as an export-restrictive measure. This paper also suggests potential ways to address a potential export prohibition that may emerge through these facets
Impact of box-type floating breakwater on motion response of hydrodynamically coupled floating platforms downstream
No full textFloating breakwaters are applicable in several offshore applications to protect downstream structures from excessive wave loads and to reduce their motion response. This thesis investigates the impact of the leading platform, functionally a breakwater, on the RAOs and response of the platforms behind it in frequency domain. The structures are only hydrodynamically coupled. All models were analysed for head waves only. Variables in model design are investigated using a combination of diffraction software and solving equations of motion in six degrees of freedom for each body. The variables are the gap between the breakwater and the first platform, the width, i.e. side perpendicular to wave direction, of the breakwater and the gap between platforms. Base case dimensions for the platforms and breakwater are chosen based on the natural frequencies and wave transmission coefficients respectively. These choices are made to function well for the wave spectrum at the chosen site. Each case analysed included a breakwater and 10 platforms downstream of it. It was found that he imperfect efficiency of a breakwater means that the first few platforms behind it act as breakwaters too; albeit for much lower wave energies. Increasing the gap between the breakwater and the first platform behind it results in a decrease in RAO of the platforms due to increasing hydrodynamic coupling. The impact on pitch RAOs is greater than the impact on the heave RAOs. Increasing the width of the breakwater results in minimal reduction in RAOs of the platforms behind it at large gap sizes. At small gap sizes, there is an adverse relationship. Hydrodynamic coupling between the platforms can lead to shared natural frequencies within the design frequency range, leading to a large motion response. This can be prevented by changing the gap size and thereby the hydrodynamic coupling and moving the natural frequency outside of the design range. A breakwater and multiple platforms downstream of dimension L=100 m, B=100 m, T=5 m, with a gap of 80 m between the breakwater and platforms and 100 m between the platforms themselves was shown to effectively reduce the motions of the downstream platforms. The first few platforms exhibit higher heave than the other platforms, but similar pitch to the other platforms. Therefore, their use cases in a floating city must be chosen accordingly. The potential negative impacts of hydrodynamic coupling between the platforms means that the platforms must be further apart from each other, resulting in floating cities with a much larger footprint than previously expected. Further research into the motion response for 2D structure layout and different wave directions would be interesting follow-ups to this thesis.Offshore and Dredging Engineerin
Reimagining Global Waste Management: The Intersection of WTO Discipline and Environmental Governance in the EU Waste Shipment Regulation
No full textEU’s revised Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) 2024 provides a regulatory regime for the transboundary movement of wastes imported to, transiting or exported from the EU with a specific focus on its environmentally sound management. The revised regulation, inter alia, expands coverage by including non-hazardous waste for processing (in particular, scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals) and discipline exports to nonmembers of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This paper views the regulation as a part of a series of developments which warrant an examination of the interplay between WTO disciplines and global environmental governance, especially against the possibility of the operation of trade measures in the guise of selective implementation of other international law treaties such as the Basel Convention. We argue that the revised regulation aims to implement a selective rendition of the Basel Convention, 1989, with a specific focus on its trade related aspects while impervious to developing states’ status and capability. This paper particularly focuses on the discriminatory elements of the regulation, its differential treatment, and operation as an export-restrictive measure. This paper also suggests potential ways to address a potential export prohibition that may emerge through these facets
Turf Wars and Red Herrings: Recent American Legislations and their Impact on Global EVs and Semiconductors Trade
No full textIn 2022, the United States began a new journey dedicated to revitalizing its long-lost industrial potential through the Inflation Reduction and CHIPS Acts. While appearing to be classic industrial policies aimed at boosting manufacturing potential in concerned areas, the Acts also mark an attempt at shifting global supply chains to the advantage of the United States. The seemingly innocuous titles of these legislations point towards combating inflation and producing microchips. However, the Acts mask the US’ attempts at shifting critical supplies to domestic or allied territories and must be approached with caution. The Acts contain measures that may attract some WTO disciplines as well as geopolitical tussles. In addition, the efficacy of these Acts can be called into question if viewed in the context of resource scarcity in the US. The article focuses on the potential WTO inconsistencies in the Acts and places it in the context of the state of multilateralism in global trade. The article also attempts to Assess these legislations in terms of their impact on global supply chains
Design of collection strategies for neodymium magnets present in end-of-life wind turbines and electric vehicles in the European Union
No full textThe demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines have been rising significantly in the EU as the EU wants to become carbon neutral by 2050 and generate 40% of its energy through renewable sources in order to avoid climate change and its consequences. However, both these technologies use several critical raw materials essential for their functioning. Wind turbines generate electricity through generators, and EVs are driven by motors. An important component used in both these technologies is neodymium magnets. The magnets contain rare earth elements (mainly neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium) which are defined as critical raw materials by the European Commission. Against the massive usage of neodymium magnets in these green technologies, there is no collection plan that focuses on recovering and reusing the magnets from EVs and wind turbines. Currently, less than 1% of neodymium magnets are recycled in the EU due to no collection in place and a lack of large-scale recycling. End-of-life (EoL) EVs and wind turbines will be massive sources of scrap neodymium magnets in the EU. However, in order to reuse or recycle neodymium magnets, these magnets first need to be collected, which is seen as an opportunity. Only when a high collection rate is achieved, a significant amount of magnets can be recycled into magnets or their constituent rare earth elements (REEs) and thus contribute to more secure access to REEs in the EU. This master thesis uses a design approach to develop a set of collection strategies that can be implemented in the EU. To develop the strategy, requirements and functions are identified by the means of four analyses- neodymium magnet market analysis, reuse and recyclability of neodymium magnets, legal analysis, and stakeholder analysis. Based on the functions formulated, means are identified that can fulfil the functions. Finally, the chosen means are categorised in five themes: Legislation and regulation, Finance, Infrastructure development, Information exchange and Material flow. Furthermore, the different solutions are categorised into short-term (can be implemented 3-6 years), medium-term (can be implemented 6-9 years), and long-term plans (can be implemented 9-12 years).Complex Systems Engineering and Management (CoSEM
Green Regionalism: US Strategies to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals
No full textCritical Minerals are essential constituents for numerous modern technologies from computers, and modern cars to household appliances. Most critical minerals are also key inputs in technologies that are crucial for clean energy transitions such as batteries, electric vehicles (EV), wind turbines, solar panels etc. Global trends indicate that the race for ensuring a secure and reliable supply of critical minerals is being furthered through industrial policy, domestic regulations as well as international economic law instruments. More recently these three aspects have been characterized by increasing securitization as seen through attempts to friendshore and reshore supply chains and capacities. This paper peruses the recent Critical Material Transparency and Reporting of Advanced Clean Energy (Critical Material TRACE) Bill which focuses on implementing a digital identifier system for advanced energy systems including batteries and battery components. The paper looks at the bill in connection with other initiatives aimed at creating United State (US) led critical mineral value chains. These include industrial policy measures including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as well as international initiatives such as the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) inter alia. In our examination, the focus is on analysing the progress made under the US-led MSP and the potential coverage and implication of the Critical Material TRACE Bill. We also examine if such steps by the US further promote green regionalism or are necessary to break the dominance of a few countries (mainly China) in leading the critical minerals supply chain
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