Abstract: This paper shortly describes various types of biomass
and a growing number of facilities utilizing the biomass in the Czech
Republic. The considerable part of this paper deals with energy
parameters of the most frequently used types of biomass and results
of their gasification testing. Sixteen most used "Czech" woody plants
and grasses were selected; raw, element and biochemical analyses
were performed and basic calorimetric values, ash composition, and
ash characteristic temperatures were identified. Later, each biofuel
was tested in a fluidized bed gasifier. The essential part of this paper
provides results of the gasification of selected biomass types.
Operating conditions are described in detail with a focus on
individual fuels properties. Gas composition and impurities content
are also identified. In terms of operating conditions and gas quality,
the essential difference occurred mainly between woody plants and
grasses. The woody plants were evaluated as more suitable fuels for
fluidized bed gasifiers. Testing results significantly help with a
decision-making process regarding suitability of energy plants for
growing and with a selection of optimal biomass-treatment
technology.
Abstract: Soil quality monitoring is a science-based soil
management tool that assesses soil ecosystem health.
A soil monitoring program in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest
city extends from 1995 to the present. The objective of this study was
to firstly determine changes in soil parameters (basic soil properties
and heavy metals) that were assessed from rural land in 1995-2000
and repeated in 2008-2012. The second objective was to determine
differences in soil parameters across various land uses including
native bush, rural (horticulture, pasture and plantation forestry) and
urban land uses using soil data collected in more recent years (2009-
2013).
Across rural land, mean concentrations of Olsen P had
significantly increased in the second sampling period and was
identified as the indicator of most concern, followed by soil
macroporosity, particularly for horticultural and pastoral land. Mean
concentrations of Cd were also greatest for pastoral and horticultural
land and a positive correlation existed between these two parameters,
which highlights the importance of analysing basic soil parameters in
conjunction with heavy metals. In contrast, mean concentrations of
As, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn were greatest for urban sites. Native bush sites
had the lowest concentrations of heavy metals and were used to
calculate a ‘pollution index’ (PI). The mean PI was classified as high
(PI > 3) for Cd and Ni and moderate for Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, As and Hg,
indicating high levels of heavy metal pollution across both rural and
urban soils. From a land use perspective, the mean ‘integrated
pollution index’ was highest for urban sites at 2.9 followed by
pasture, horticulture and plantation forests at 2.7, 2.6 and 0.9,
respectively.
It is recommended that soil sampling continues over time because
a longer spanning record will allow further identification of where
soil problems exist and where resources need to be targeted in the
future. Findings from this study will also inform policy and science
direction in regional councils.
Abstract: The formulated problem of optimization of the
technological process of water treatment for thermal power plants is
considered in this article. The problem is of multiparametric nature.
To optimize the process, namely, reduce the amount of waste water, a
new technology was developed to reuse such water. A mathematical
model of the technology of wastewater reuse was developed.
Optimization parameters were determined. The model consists of a
material balance equation, an equation describing the kinetics of ion
exchange for the non-equilibrium case and an equation for the ion
exchange isotherm. The material balance equation includes a
nonlinear term that depends on the kinetics of ion exchange. A direct
problem of calculating the impurity concentration at the outlet of the
water treatment plant was numerically solved. The direct problem
was approximated by an implicit point-to-point computation
difference scheme. The inverse problem was formulated as relates to
determination of the parameters of the mathematical model of the
water treatment plant operating in non-equilibrium conditions. The
formulated inverse problem was solved. Following the results of
calculation the time of start of the filter regeneration process was
determined, as well as the period of regeneration process and the
amount of regeneration and wash water. Multi-parameter
optimization of water treatment process for thermal power plants
allowed decreasing the amount of wastewater by 15%.
Abstract: To study the effect of the cross direction in bead
wheat, three hybrid combinations (Babyle 113, Iratome), (Sawa,
Tamose2) and (Al Hashymya, Al Iraq) were tested for plant height,
spike and awn length, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight,
number of tillers/m and grain yield. The results revealed that the
direction of the crosses significantly effect on the number of
grains/spike, number of tillers/m and grain yields. Grain yield was
positively and significantly correlated with 1000-grain weight,
number of grains per spike and tillers. Depend on the results of
heritability and genetic advance it was suggested that 1000-grain
weight, number of grains per spike and tillers should be given
emphasis for future wheat yield improvement programs.
Abstract: In review the generalized data about biological
activity of anthraquinone-containing plants and specimens on their
basis is presented. Data of traditional medicine, results of
bioscreening and clinical researches of specimens are analyzed.
Abstract: Degradation of agricultural soils has increased rapidly
during the last 20 years due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides
and other anthropogenic activities. Currently, there is an urgent need
of soil restoration to increase agricultural production. Utilization of
sewage sludge or municipal solid waste is an important way to
recycle nutrient elements and improve soil quality. With these
amendments, nutrient availability in the aqueous phase might be
increased and production of healthier crops can be accomplished.
This research project aimed to achieve sustainable management of
tropical agricultural soils, specifically in Puerto Rico, through the
amendment of water treatment plant sludge’s. This practice avoids
landfill disposal of sewage sludge and at the same time results costeffective
practice for recycling solid waste residues. Coriander
sativum was cultivated in a compost-soil-sludge mixture at different
proportions. Results showed that Coriander grown in a mixture of
25% compost+50% Voladora soi+25% sludge had the best growth
and development. High chlorophyll content (33.01 ± 0.8) was
observed in Coriander plants cultivated in 25% compost+62.5%
Coloso soil+ 12.5% sludge compared to plants grown with no sludge
(32.59 ± 0.7). ICP-OES analysis showed variations in mineral
element contents (macro and micronutrients) in coriander plant
grown I soil amended with sludge and compost.
Abstract: The Algeria by its location offers a rich and diverse
vegetation. A large number of aromatic and medicinal plants grow
spontaneously. The interest in these plants has continued to grow in
recent years. Their particular properties due to the essential oil
fraction can be utilized to treat microbial infections. To this end, and
in the context of the valuation of the Algerian flora, we became
interested in the species of the family Lamiaceae which is one of the
most used as a global source of spices. The plant on which we have
based our choice is a species of sage "Salvia officinalis" from the
Isser localized region within the province of Boumerdes. This work
focuses on the study of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil
extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis. The extraction is
carried out by essential oil hydrodistillation and reveals a yield of
1.06℅. The study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by
the method of at aromatogramme shown that Gram positive bacteria
are most susceptible (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis)
with a strong inhibition of growth. The yeast Candida albicans
fungus Aspergillus niger and have shown moderately sensitive.
Abstract: Nitrogen fertilizer is the most used and often the most
mismanaged nutrient input. Nitrogen management has tremendous
implications on crop productivity, quality and environmental
stewardship. Sufficient nitrogen is needed to optimum yield and
quality. Soil and in-season plant tissue testing for nitrogen status are
a time consuming and expensive process. Real time sensing of plant
nitrogen status can be a useful tool in managing nitrogen inputs. The
objectives of this project were to assess the reliability of remotely
sensed non-destructive plant nitrogen measurements compared to wet
chemistry data from sampled plant tissue, develop in-season nitrogen
recommendations based on remotely sensed data for improved
nitrogen use efficiency and assess the potential for determining yield
and quality from remotely sensed data. Very good correlations were
observed between early-season remotely sensed crop nitrogen status
and plant nitrogen concentrations and subsequent in-season fertilizer
recommendations. The transmittance/absorbance type meters gave
the most accurate readings. Early in-season fertilizer recommendation
would be to apply 40 kg nitrogen per hectare plus 15 kg nitrogen per
hectare for each unit difference measured with the SPAD meter
between the crop and reference area or 25 kg plus 13 kg per hectare
for each unit difference measured with the CCM 200. Once the crop
was sufficiently fertilized meter readings became inconclusive and
were of no benefit for determining nitrogen status, silage yield and
quality and grain yield and protein.
Abstract: Power Regeneration in Refrigeration Plant concept
has been analyzed and has been shown to be capable of saving about
25% power in Cryogenic Plants with the Power Regeneration System
(PRS) running under nominal conditions. The innovative component
Compressor Expander Group (CEG) based on turbomachinery has
been designed and built modifying CETT compressor and expander,
both selected for optimum plant performance. Experiments have
shown the good response of the turbomachines to run with R404a as
working fluid. Power saving up to 12% under PRS derated conditions
(50% loading) has been demonstrated. Such experiments allowed
predicting a power saving up to 25% under CEG full load.
Abstract: The building sector is responsible, in many
industrialized countries, for about 40% of the total energy
requirements, so it seems necessary to devote some efforts in this
area in order to achieve a significant reduction of energy
consumption and of greenhouse gases emissions.
The paper presents a study aiming at providing a design
methodology able to identify the best configuration of the system
building/plant, from a technical, economic and environmentally point
of view.
Normally, the classical approach involves a building's energy
loads analysis under steady state conditions, and subsequent selection
of measures aimed at improving the energy performance, based on
previous experience made by architects and engineers in the design
team. Instead, the proposed approach uses a sequence of two wellknown
scientifically validated calculation methods (TRNSYS and
RETScreen), that allow quite a detailed feasibility analysis.
To assess the validity of the calculation model, an existing,
historical building in Central Italy, that will be the object of
restoration and preservative redevelopment, was selected as a casestudy.
The building is made of a basement and three floors, with a
total floor area of about 3,000 square meters.
The first step has been the determination of the heating and
cooling energy loads of the building in a dynamic regime by means,
which allows simulating the real energy needs of the building in
function of its use. Traditional methodologies, based as they are on
steady-state conditions, cannot faithfully reproduce the effects of
varying climatic conditions and of inertial properties of the structure.
With this model is possible to obtain quite accurate and reliable
results that allow identifying effective combinations building-HVAC
system.
The second step has consisted of using output data obtained as
input to the calculation model, which enables to compare different
system configurations from the energy, environmental and financial
point of view, with an analysis of investment, and operation and
maintenance costs, so allowing determining the economic benefit of
possible interventions.
The classical methodology often leads to the choice of
conventional plant systems, while our calculation model provides a
financial-economic assessment for innovative energy systems and
low environmental impact.
Computational analysis can help in the design phase, particularly
in the case of complex structures with centralized plant systems, by
comparing the data returned by the calculation model for different
design options.
Abstract: Comparing other methods of waste water treatment,
constructed wetlands are one of the most fascinating practices
because being a natural process they are eco-friendly have low
construction and maintenance cost and have considerable capability
of wastewater treatment. The current research was focused mainly on
comparison of Ranunculus muricatus and Typha latifolia as wetland
plants for domestic wastewater treatment by designing and
constructing efficient pilot scale horizontal subsurface flow
mesocosms. Parameters like chemical oxygen demand, biological
oxygen demand, phosphates, sulphates, nitrites, nitrates, and
pathogenic indicator microbes were studied continuously with
successive treatments. Treatment efficiency of the system increases
with passage of time and with increase in temperature. Efficiency of
T. latifolia planted setups in open environment was fairly good for
parameters like COD and BOD5 which was showing reduction up to
82.5% for COD and 82.6% for BOD5 while DO was increased up to
125%. Efficiency of R. muricatus vegetated setup was also good but
lowers than that of T. latifolia planted showing 80.95% removal of
COD and BOD5. Ranunculus muricatus was found effective in
reducing bacterial count in wastewater. Both macrophytes were
found promising in wastewater treatment.
Abstract: The concentrations of cadmium and lead in sewage
sludge samples were determined by Atomic Absorption
Spectrometric Method. Samples of sewage sludge were obtained
from three sewage treatment plants localised in Middle Region of
Libya (Misrata, Msallata and Tarhünah cities).
The results shows that, the mean levels of Cadmium for all regions
are ranges from 81 to 123.4 ppm and these values are higher than the
limitations for the international standard which are not registered
more than 50 ppm (dry weight) in USA, Egypt and the EU countries.
While, the lead concentrations are ranged from 8.0 to 189.2 ppm and
all values are within the standard limits which graduated between
(275–613) ppm.
Abstract: This paper outlines the basic installation and operation of magnetic inductive flow velocity sensors on large underground cooling water pipelines. Research on the effects of cathodic protection as well as into other factors that might influence the overall performance of the meter is presented in this paper. The experiments were carried out on an immersion type magnetic meter specially used for flow measurement of cooling water pipeline. An attempt has been made in this paper to outline guidelines that can ensure accurate measurement related to immersion type magnetic meters on underground pipelines.
Abstract: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the major
vegetable crops that are grown world –wide because of its economic
importance. This experiment investigated the effect of local sands
(River Base, Al-Ekader and Karbala) on number and total weight of
minitubers. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant
differences among sand cultures in number of stem/plant, chlorophyll
index and tubers dry weight. River Base sand had the highest plant
height (74.9 cm), leaf number/plant number (39.3), leaf area (84.4
dcm2⁄plant), dry weight/plant (26.31), tubers number/plant (8.5),
tubers weight/plant (635.53 gm) and potato tuber yields/trove (28.60
kg), whereas the Karbala sand had lower performance. All the
characters had positive and significant correlation with yields except
the traits number of stem and tuber dry weight.
Abstract: Ti6Al4V alloy is highly used in the automotive and
aerospace industry due to its good machining characteristics. Micro
EDM drilling is commonly used to drill micro hole on extremely hard
material with very high depth to diameter ratio. In this study, the
parameters of micro-electrical discharge machining (EDM) in drilling
of Ti6Al4V alloy is optimized for higher machining accuracy with
less hole-dilation and hole taper ratio. The micro-EDM machining
parameters includes, peak current and pulse on time. Fuzzy analysis
was developed to evaluate the machining accuracy. The analysis
shows that hole-dilation and hole-taper ratio are increased with the
increasing of peak current and pulse on time. However, the surface
quality deteriorates as the peak current and pulse on time increase.
The combination that gives the optimum result for hole dilation is
medium peak current and short pulse on time. Meanwhile, the
optimum result for hole taper ratio is low peak current and short pulse
on time.
Abstract: At present, the cascade PID control is widely used to
control the superheating temperature (main steam temperature). As
Main Steam Temperature has the characteristics of large inertia, large
time-delay and time varying, etc., conventional PID control strategy
cannot achieve good control performance. In order to overcome the
bad performance and deficiencies of main steam temperature control
system, Model Free Adaptive Control (MFAC) - P cascade control
system is proposed in this paper. By substituting MFAC in PID of the
main control loop of the main steam temperature control, it can
overcome time delays, non-linearity, disturbance and time variation.
Abstract: Precise capture of plantar 3D surface of the foot at the
loading gait phases on rigid substrates was found to be valuable for
the assessment of the physiology, health and problems of the feet.
Photogrammetry, a precision 3D spatial data capture technique is
suitable for this type of dynamic application. In this research, the
technique is utilised to study the plantar deformation as a result of
having a strip of kinesiology tape on the plantar surface during the
loading phase of gait. For this pilot study, one healthy adult male
subject was recruited under the University’s human research ethics
guidelines for this preliminary study. The 3D plantar deformation
data with and without applying the tape were analysed. The results
and analyses are presented together with detailed findings.
Abstract: Effect of biopesticide from wood vinegar and
extracted substances from 3 medicinal plants such as: non taai yak
(Stemona tuberosa Lour), boraphet (Tinospora crispa Mier) and
derris (Derris elliptica Roxb) were tested on the age five years of
pomelo. The selected pomelo was carried out for insects’ pest control
and its quality. The experimental site was located at farmer’s orchard
in Phichit Province, Thailand. This study was undertaken during the
drought season (December to March). The extracted from plants and
wood vinegar were evaluated in 6 treatments: 1) water as control; 2)
wood vinegar; 3) S. tuberosa Lour; 4) T. crispa Mier; 5) D. elliptica
Roxb; 6) mixed (wood vinegar + S. tuberosa Lour + T. crispa Mier +
D. elliptica Roxb). The experiment was RCB with 6 treatments and 3
replications per treatment. The results showed that T. crispa Mier was
the highest effectiveness for reduction population of thrips
(Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis
citrella Stainton) at 14.10 and 15.37 respectively, followed by
treatment of mixed, D. elliptica Roxb, S. tuberosa Lour and wood
vinegar with significance different. Additionally, T. crispa Mier
promoted the high quality of harvested pomelo in term of thickness
of skin at 12.45 mm and S. tuberosa Lour gave the high quality of the
pomelo in term of firmness (276.5 kg/cm2) and brix (11.0%).
Abstract: Total hip replacement had been one of the most
successful operations in hip arthritis surgery. The purpose of this
research had been to develop a dynamic hip contact of Thai femoral
bone to analyze the stress distribution on the implant and the strain
distribution on the bone model under daily activities and compared
with the static load simulation. The results showed the different of
maximum von Mises stress 0.14 percent under walking and 0.03
percent under climbing stair condition and the different of equivalent
total strain 0.52 percent under walking and 0.05 percent under
climbing stair condition. The muscular forces should be evaluated
with dynamic condition to reduce the maximum von Mises stress and
equivalent total strain.
Abstract: Agriculture is the backbone of economy of Pakistan
and cotton is the major agricultural export and supreme source of raw
fiber for our textile industry. To combat severe problems of insect
and weed, combination of three genes namely Cry1Ac, Cry2A and
EPSPS genes was transferred in locally cultivated cotton variety
MNH-786 with the use of Agrobacterium mediated genetic
transformation. The present study focused on the molecular screening
of transgenic cotton plants at T3 generation in order to confirm
integration and expression of all three genes (Cry1Ac, Cry2A and
EPSP synthase) into the cotton genome. Initially, glyphosate spray
assay was used for screening of transgenic cotton plants containing
EPSP synthase gene at T3 generation. Transgenic cotton plants which
were healthy and showed no damage on leaves were selected after 07
days of spray. For molecular analysis of transgenic cotton plants in
the laboratory, the genomic DNA of these transgenic cotton plants
were isolated and subjected to amplification of the three genes. Thus,
seventeen out of twenty (Cry1Ac gene), ten out of twenty (Cry2A
gene) and all twenty (EPSP synthase gene) were produced positive
amplification. On the base of PCR amplification, ten transgenic plant
samples were subjected to protein expression analysis through
ELISA. The results showed that eight out of ten plants were actively
expressing the three transgenes. Real-time PCR was also done to
quantify the mRNA expression levels of Cry1Ac and EPSP synthase
gene. Finally, eight plants were confirmed for the presence and active
expression of all three genes at T3 generation.