Abstract: Formulation of a low oil-water ratio drilling mud with vegetable oil continuous phase without adversely affecting the mud rheology and stability has been a major challenge. A low oil-water ratio is beneficial in producing low fluid loss which is essential for wellbore stability. This study examined the possibility of 50/50 oil-water ratio invert emulsion drilling mud using a vegetable oil continuous phase. Jatropha oil was used as continuous phase. 12 ml of egg yolk which was separated from the albumen was added as the primary emulsifier additive. The rheological, stability and filtration properties were examined. The plastic viscosity and yield point were found to be 36cp and 17 Ib/100 ft2 respectively. The electrical stability at 48.9ºC was 353v and the 30 minutes fluid loss was 6ml. The results compared favourably with a similar formulation using 70/30 oil - water ratio giving plastic viscosity of 31cp, yield point of 17 Ib/100 ft2, electrical stability value of 480v and 12ml for the 30 minutes fluid loss. This study indicates that with a good mud composition using guided empiricism, 50/50 oil-water ratio invert emulsion drilling mud is feasible with a vegetable oil continuous phase. The choice of egg yolk as emulsifier additive is for compatibility with the vegetable oil and environmental concern. The high water content with no fluid loss additive will also minimise the cost of mud formulation.
Abstract: Hydrogen production from cake wastewater by anaerobic dark fermentation via upflow anaerobic staged reactor (UASR) was investigated in this study. The reactor was continuously operated for four months at constant hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 21.57 hr, PH value of 6 ± 0.6, temperature of 21.1°C, and organic loading rate of 2.43 gCOD/l.d. The hydrogen production was 5.7 l H2/d and the hydrogen yield was 134.8 ml H2 /g CODremoved. The system showed an overall removal efficiency of TCOD, TBOD, TSS, TKN, and Carbohydrates of 40 ± 13%, 59 ± 18%, 84 ± 17%, 28 ± 27%, and 85 ± 15% respectively during the long term operation period. Based on the available results, the system is not sufficient for the effective treatment of cake wastewater, and the effluent quality of UASR is not complying for discharge into sewerage network, therefore a post treatment is needed (not covered in this study).
Abstract: Fixed bed adsorption has become a frequently used
industrial application in wastewater treatment processes. Various low
cost adsorbents have been studied for their applicability in treatment
of different types of effluents. In this work, the intention of the study
was to explore the efficacy and feasibility for azo dye, Acid Orange 7
(AO7) adsorption onto fixed bed column of NaOH Treated eggshell
(TES). The effect of various parameters like flow rate, initial dye
concentration, and bed height were exploited in this study. The
studies confirmed that the breakthrough curves were dependent on
flow rate, initial dye concentration solution of AO7 and bed depth.
The Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Adams and Bohart models were
analysed to evaluate the column adsorption performance. The
adsorption capacity, rate constant and correlation coefficient
associated to each model for column adsorption was calculated and
mentioned. The column experimental data were fitted well with
Thomas model with coefficients of correlation R2 ≥0.93 at different
conditions but the Yoon–Nelson, BDST and Bohart–Adams model
(R2=0.911), predicted poor performance of fixed-bed column. The
(TES) was shown to be suitable adsorbent for adsorption of AO7
using fixed-bed adsorption column.
Abstract: The objective of this research is to mitigate and prevent
the alkali silica reactivity (ASR) in highway construction projects.
ASR is a deleterious reaction initiated when the silica content of the
aggregate reacts with alkali hydroxides in cement in the presence of
relatively high moisture content. The ASR results in the formation of
an expansive white colored gel-like material which forms the
destructive tensile stresses inside hardened concrete. In this research, different types of local aggregates available in the
State of Arkansas were mixed and mortar bars were poured according
to the ASTM specifications. Mortar bars expansion was measured
versus time and aggregates with potential ASR problems were
detected. Different types of supplementary cementitious materials
(SCMs) were used in remixing mortar bars with highly reactive
aggregates. Length changes for remixed bars proved that different
types of SCMs can be successfully used in reducing the expansive
effect of ASR. SCMs percentage by weight is highly dependent on
the SCM type. The result of this study will help avoiding future
losses due to ASR cracking in construction project and reduce the
maintenance, repair, and replacement budgets required for highways
network.
Abstract: Open jet testing is a valuable testing technique which
provides the desired results with reasonable accuracy. It has been
used in past for the airships and now has recently been applied for the
hybrid ones, having more non-buoyant force coming from the wings,
empennage and the fuselage. In the present review work, an effort
has been done to review the challenges involved in open jet testing.
In order to shed light on the application of this technique, the
experimental results of two different configurations are presented.
Although, the aerodynamic results of such vehicles are unique to its
own design; however, it will provide a starting point for planning any
future testing. Few important testing areas which need more attention
are also highlighted. Most of the hybrid buoyant aerial vehicles are
unconventional in shape and there experimental data is generated,
which is unique to its own design.
Abstract: Thoracotomy is a great surgery that has serious pulmonary complications, so purpose of this study was to determine the response of diaphragmatic excursion to inspiratory muscle trainer post thoracotomy. Thirty patients of both sexes (16 men and 14 women) with age ranged from 20 to 40 years old had done thoracotomy participated in this study. The practical work was done in cardiothoracic department, Kasr-El-Aini hospital at faculty of medicine for individuals 3 days Post operatively. Patients were assigned into two groups: group A (study group) included 15 patients (8 men and 7 women) who received inspiratory muscle training by using inspiratory muscle trainer for 20 minutes and routine chest physiotherapy (deep breathing, cough and early ambulation) twice daily, 3 days per week for one month. Group B (control group) included 15 patients (8 men and 7 women) who received the routine chest physiotherapy only (deep breathing, cough and early ambulation) twice daily, 3 days per week for one month. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the changes in diaphragmatic excursion before and after training program. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in diaphragmatic excursion in the study group (59.52%) more than control group (18.66%) after using inspiratory muscle trainer post operatively in patients post thoracotomy. It was concluded that the inspiratory muscle training device increases diaphragmatic excursion in patients post thoracotomy through improving inspiratory muscle strength and improving mechanics of breathing and using of inspiratory muscle trainer as a method of physical therapy rehabilitation to reduce post-operative pulmonary complications post thoracotomy.
Abstract: In the present study, feasibility of the selective surface
hydrophilization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by microwave treatment
was evaluated to facilitate the separation from automotive shredder
residue (ASR), by the froth flotation. The combination of 60 sec
microwave treatment with PAC, a sharp and significant decrease about
16.5° contact angle of PVC was observed in ASR plastic compared
with other plastics. The microwave treatment with the addition of PAC
resulted in a synergetic effect for the froth flotation, which may be a
result of the 90% selective separation of PVC from ASR plastics, with
82% purity. While, simple mixing with a nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4
dispersion mixture immobilized 95-100% of heavy metals in ASR
soil/residues. The quantity of heavy metals leached from thermal
residues after treatment by nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 was lower than
the Korean standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills.
Microwave treatment can be a simple and effective method for PVC
separation from ASR plastics.
Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to assess the
sediment quality and potential ecological risk in marine sediments in
Gymea Bay located in south Sydney, Australia. A total of 32 surface
sediment samples were collected from the bay. Current track
trajectories and velocities have also been measured in the bay. The
resultant trace elements were compared with the adverse biological
effect values Effect Range Low (ERL) and Effect Range Median
(ERM) classifications. The results indicate that the average values of
chromium, arsenic, copper, zinc, and lead in surface sediments all
reveal low pollution levels and are below ERL and ERM values. The
highest concentrations of trace elements were found close to
discharge points and in the inner bay, and were linked with high
percentages of clay minerals, pyrite and organic matter, which can
play a significant role in trapping and accumulating these elements.
The lowest concentrations of trace elements were found to be on the
shoreline of the bay, which contained high percentages of sand
fractions. It is postulated that the fine particles and trace elements are
disturbed by currents and tides, then transported and deposited in
deeper areas. The current track velocities recorded in Gymea Bay had
the capability to transport fine particles and trace element pollution
within the bay. As a result, hydrodynamic measurements were able to
provide useful information and to help explain the distribution of
sedimentary particles and geochemical properties. This may lead to
knowledge transfer to other bay systems, including those in remote
areas. These activities can be conducted at a low cost, and are
therefore also transferrable to developing countries. The advent of
portable instruments to measure trace elements in the field has also
contributed to the development of these lower cost and easily applied
methodologies available for use in remote locations and low-cost
economies.
Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most important
stimulation techniques available to the petroleum engineer to extract
hydrocarbons in tight gas sandstones. It allows more oil and gas
production in tight reservoirs as compared to conventional means.
The main aim of the study is to optimize the hydraulic fracturing as
technique and for this purpose three multi-zones layer formation is
considered and fractured contemporaneously. The three zones are
named as Zone1 (upper zone), Zone2 (middle zone) and Zone3
(lower zone) respectively and they all occur in shale rock. Simulation was performed with Mfrac integrated software which
gives a variety of 3D fracture options. This simulation process
yielded an average fracture efficiency of 93.8%for the three
respective zones and an increase of the average permeability of the
rock system. An average fracture length of 909 ft with net height
(propped height) of 210 ft (average) was achieved. Optimum
fracturing results was also achieved with maximum fracture width of
0.379 inches at an injection rate of 13.01 bpm with 17995 Mscf of
gas production.
Abstract: In this study, the commercial finite element software
ABAQUS was used to develop a three-dimensional nonlinear finite
element model capable of simulating the pull-out test of reinforcing
bars from underwater concrete. The results of thirty-two pull-out tests
that have different parameters were implemented in the software to
study the effect of the concrete cover, the bar size, the use of stirrups,
and the compressive strength of concrete. The interaction properties used in the model provided accurate
results in comparison with the experimental bond-slip results, thus
the model has successfully simulated the pull-out test. The results of
the finite element model are used to better understand and visualize
the distribution of stresses in each component of the model, and to
study the effect of the various parameters used in this study including
the role of the stirrups in preventing the stress from reaching to the
sides of the specimens.
Abstract: Wicking and evaporation of water in porous knitted fabrics is investigated by combining experimental and analytical approaches: The standard wicking model from Lucas and Washburn is enhanced to account for evaporation and gravity effects. The goal is to model the effect of gravity and evaporation on wicking using simple analytical expressions and investigate the influence of fabrics geometrical parameters, such as porosity and thickness on evaporation impact on maximum reachable height values. The results show that fabric properties have a significant influence on evaporation effect. In this paper, an experimental study of determining water kinetics from different knitted fabrics were gravimetrically investigated permitting the measure of the mass and the height of liquid rising in fabrics in various atmospheric conditions. From these measurements, characteristic pore parameters (capillary radius and permeability) can be determined.
Abstract: Due to the interference effects, the intrinsic
aerodynamic parameters obtained from the individual component
testing are always fundamentally different than those obtained for
complete model testing. Consideration and limitation for such testing
need to be taken into account in any design work related to the
component buildup method. In this paper, the scaled model of a
straight rectangular canard of a hybrid buoyant aircraft is tested at 50
m/s in IIUM-LSWT (Low Speed Wind Tunnel). Model and its
attachment with the balance are kept rigid to have results free from
the aeroelastic distortion. Based on the velocity profile of the test
section’s floor; the height of the model is kept equal to the
corresponding boundary layer displacement. Balance measurements
provide valuable but limited information of overall aerodynamic
behavior of the model. Zero lift coefficient is obtained at -2.2o and
the corresponding drag coefficient was found to be less than that at
zero angle of attack. As a part of the validation of low fidelity tool,
plot of lift coefficient plot was verified by the experimental data and
except the value of zero lift coefficients, the overall trend has under
predicted the lift coefficient. Based on this comparative study, a
correction factor of 1.36 is proposed for lift curve slope obtained
from the panel method.
Abstract: The main idea of this work is to investigate the effect
of knitted fabrics characteristics on moisture management properties.
Wetting and transport properties of single jersey, Rib 1&1 and
English Rib fabrics made out of cotton and blended Cotton/Polyester
yarns were studied. The dynamic water sorption of fabrics was
investigated under same isothermal and terrestrial conditions at
20±2°C-65±4% by using the Moisture Management Tester (MMT)
which can be used to quantitatively measure liquid moisture transfer
in one step in a fabric in multidirections: Absorption rate, moisture
absorbing time of the fabric's inner and outer surfaces, one-way
transportation capability, the spreading/drying rate, the speed of
liquid moisture spreading on fabric's inner and outer surfaces are
measured, recorded and discussed. The results show that fabric’s
composition and knit’s structure have a significant influence on those
phenomena.
Abstract: This paper investigates the effectiveness of two
natural zeolites in reducing expansion of concrete due to alkali-silica
reaction. These natural zeolites have different reactive silica content.
Three aggregates; two natural sands and one crushed stone aggregate
were used while preparing mortar bars in accordance with accelerated
mortar bar test method, ASTM C1260. Performances of natural
zeolites are compared by examining the expansions due to alkali
silica reaction. Natural zeolites added to the mixtures at 10% and
20% replacement levels by weight of cement. Natural zeolite with
high reactive silica content had better performance on reducing
expansions due to ASR. In this research, using high reactive zeolite at
20% replacement levels was effective in mitigating expansions.
Abstract: Over the past few years, a lot of research has been
conducted to bring Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) into various
areas of Air Traffic Control (ATC), such as air traffic control
simulation and training, monitoring live operators for with the aim
of safety improvements, air traffic controller workload measurement
and conducting analysis on large quantities controller-pilot speech.
Due to the high accuracy requirements of the ATC context and its
unique challenges, automatic speech recognition has not been widely
adopted in this field. With the aim of providing a good starting
point for researchers who are interested bringing automatic speech
recognition into ATC, this paper gives an overview of possibilities
and challenges of applying automatic speech recognition in air traffic
control. To provide this overview, we present an updated literature
review of speech recognition technologies in general, as well as
specific approaches relevant to the ATC context. Based on this
literature review, criteria for selecting speech recognition approaches
for the ATC domain are presented, and remaining challenges and
possible solutions are discussed.
Abstract: As the Silicon oxide scaled down in MOSFET
technology to few nanometers, gate Direct Tunneling (DT) in
Floating gate (FGMOSFET) devices has become a major concern for
analog designers. FGMOSFET has been used in many low-voltage
and low-power applications, however, there is no accurate model that
account for DT gate leakage in nano-scale. This paper studied and
analyzed different simulation models for FGMOSFET using TSMC
90-nm technology. The simulation results for FGMOSFET cascade
current mirror shows the impact of DT on circuit performance in
terms of current and voltage without the need for fabrication. This
works shows the significance of using an accurate model for
FGMOSFET in nan-scale technologies.
Abstract: The MEMS pressure sensor has been introduced and
presented in this paper. The types of pressure sensor and its theory of
operation are also included. The latest MEMS technology, the
fabrication processes of pressure sensor are explored and discussed.
Besides, various device applications of pressure sensor such as tire
pressure-monitoring system, diesel particulate filter and others are
explained. Due to further miniaturization of the device nowadays, the
pressure sensor with nanotechnology (NEMS) is also reviewed. The
NEMS pressure sensor is expected to have better performance as well
as lower in its cost. It has gained an excellent popularity in many
applications.
Abstract: Nanotechnology has become the world attention in
various applications including the solar cells devices due to the
uniqueness and benefits of achieving low cost and better
performances of devices. Recently, thin film solar cells such as
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Copper-Indium-Gallium-diSelenide
(CIGS), Copper-Zinc-Tin-Sulphide (CZTS), and Dye-Sensitized
Solar Cells (DSSC) enhanced by nanotechnology have attracted
much attention. Thus, a compilation of nanotechnology devices
giving the progress in the solar cells has been presented. It is much
related to nanoparticles or nanocrystallines, carbon nanotubes, and
nanowires or nanorods structures.
Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of
synchronous music in Gymnastics' motor skill performance among
undergraduate female students in physical education college at Basra
University. The researcher used experimental design. 20 female
students of physical education divided equally into two groups, (10)
experimental group with music, (10) control group without music.
All participants complete 6 weeks in testing. Data analysis based on
T-test shows significant difference at (α = 0.05) in all skills level
between experimental and control groups in favor of experimental
group. Results of this study contribute to developing the role of
synchronous music in improving gymnastic skills performance.
Abstract: Students' academic achievement, along with the
effects of different variables, has been a serious concern of educators
since long ago. This study was an attempt to investigate the interplay
of Locus of Control (LOC), academic achievement and biological
variables among Iranian online EFL Learners. The participants of the
study included 100 students of different age groups and genders
studying English online at Iran Language Institute (ILI), Isfahan,
Iran. The instrument used was Trice Academic LOC questionnaire
which identifies orientations of internality or externality. The
participants' Grade Point Averages (GPAs) were used as the measure
of their academic achievement. A series of independent samples ttests
were performed on the data. The results of the study showed that
(a) there were no significant differences between male and female
participants in LOC orientation, (b) there was no relationship
between LOC and academic achievement among internal males and
females, (c) external females were better achievers than external
males, (d) and the age had no significant relationship with LOC and
academic achievement. It can be concluded that the social, cultural
patterns of genders have changed. This study might help sociologists
and psychologists as well as applied linguists in that they reflect the
recent social changes and their effects on the LOC and their
consequent implications in teaching languages.