The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of an adjustable vacuum distribution device on seed pick-up similarity of a multiple-rows pneumatic plate metering device due to unequal rows performance. A completely vacuum opened angle of the device (30°), Six vacuum opening angles (5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25° and 30°) and different angles set up on rows (4°, 7°, 10° and 30° through row 1,2,3, and 4, respectively) were separately examined at six rotating speeds. Results revealed that under same speed and same vacuum opening angle, an increase in vacuum provided more consistent rows pick-up, while increase in angle increased rows pick-up coupled with the increase in their variation. Row1 and row4 generally tend to have the highest and lowest seed pick-up, respectively, under most of investigated angles and speeds. Rows consistency CV declined under the increase of both opening angle and velocity. Results of different rows angles set up were found to be better than those of the same angle. Different rows angles resulted in better rows CV value of 2.01%, 1.78%, 1.89%, 1.34%, 1.77% and 2.45% at speed of 5, 10,15,20,25 and 30 r.min-1, respectively. Results concluded that vacuum distribution device could be acceptably used for improving rows performance, but further studies are necessary to develop an outside-control method for easy application.

Weight estimation of materials from their characteristic density has a great advantage on analyzing the basic weight parameter put at initial stage of the project. During the detail design stage, each component is designed with basic dimensions and material selection. The selected weight will be verified with other materials such as steel, aluminum and composites. The total weight of the Quadcopter when made of steel, aluminum and composites are compared with the reference value of parameter, total component weight and then the bets material will be recommended for the Quadcopter airframe. The composite materials are found to be light and strong when compared to steel and aluminum frames. If we use this material the Quadcopter will have more flight time for spraying.

In practice, the slab foundation is used widely in civil engineering. Besides the concrete material, fiber concrete is applied more popular in the slab foundations. Determining the ultimate load of the slab foundations is a complex problem due to the relation of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) problem, which depends on both the structures and the subsoil characteristics. ANSYS is a finite element software which is a reliable and effective technique to simulate the structure model. This paper aims to determine the ultimate load of the fiber-reinforced concrete slab on the ground subjected to the concentrated load by ANSYS software. The nonlinear material of the structure and the subsoil will be considered in this work. The validation test of the numerical model will be through the experiment data. This study has shown that the numerical model is reliable for the structure design.

The review aimed at understanding landscape diversity in the face of global population pressure, agricultural land shortages, food insecurity, and climate insecurity. We used published literature to determine whether landscape diversity improves resilience to climate change. Literature searches were performed using the Science Direct database, Google Scholar search engine, and the professional network ResearchGate using keywords. Land degradation, soil resilience, and natural resources from 2000 to 2019. 120 publications were searched, including journal articles, reports, and book chapters. Of these, 68 were considered more relevant and all were read and considered in writing this review. Climate change, food insecurity, and land degradation have been established to be major challenges for developing countries leading to the loss of genetic diversity. Our results show that the loss of proper habitat may allow fast-growing invaders to occupy the remaining limited resources. Therefore, alien species may accelerate invasion under human-induced land-use changes during times of global change. The time lag between range expansion and habitat loss has been thwarted. A golden window to prevent the spread of alien species established in the habitat.

PmAP and PmAP/WO3 composite are synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization process. Synthesized materials are investigated by UV Visible, SEM and cyclic-voltagram (CV) techniques. SEM study of as prepared materials is indicated formation of different sized crystals (small and aggregated). In UV Visible spectra analyses, both transitioned (i.e., π-π* transition and charge transfer of polaron band) are observed. Tauc expression is used to estimate optical band gap. Estimated optical band gap is to be 3.09 eV. Oxidation-reduction potential profile is detected in cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses of PmAP and PmAP/WO3 composite.

Previous studies showed that chemical modified Bacillus subtilis biomass possessed the high potential for recovery rare-earth elements, and, in this study, mathematical models were applied to explain the B. subtilis biomass La3+ and Sm3+ ions sorption capacity. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and DRK equations. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models that fit the equilibrium data. Temkin model showed that it occurs physisorption. In more dilute solutions, the adsorption preference follows the order La3+ > Sm3+. With the increase in the concentration of rare-earth elements, there is an inversion in the preference for Sm3+ > La3+. The results demonstrate that the optimum model for describing the kinetics of the biosorption of both rare-earth elements is the pseudo-second-order model as well as the viability of recovering lanthanum using bacterial biomass sorbents, a practical technique.

Starting voltage and current transients in slip energy recovery drives (SERD) may damage the stator and rotor windings. The resulting torque oscillations damage the induction machine mechanical parts. In this paper three schemes for damping starting transients and torque oscillations are proposed. In the first scheme a parallel RL impedance is connected between the supply and the stator coils, in the second scheme a parallel RL impedance is added in the rotor circuit, and in the third scheme the two impedances are connected simultaneously. Transient performance is simulated and the results of the three schemes are compared. Also, the effect of each proposed scheme on the steady state values of the SERD currents, voltages, and electric torque is studied and demonstrated. Lower current and voltage transients, and lower torque oscillations resulted in all schemes, with optimum transient performance observed when adding the two impedances simultaneously.

As 3D printing emerging to be a much-matured technology, its range of uses are now seemed to be infinite. 3D printing is now beyond the stage where it was only observed as a prototyping solution. From a simple artwork and playing toys to ready to live in buildings and also transplantable organs, the technology could potentially last until our imaginations die. From automobile to consumer goods manufacturing industries, organizations across various industries are trying to observe the advantages 3D printing has got to offer for production. With such acknowledgements, organizations are now trying to find their ways to incorporate this technology in their respective industries, whose applications could potentially extend from tooling to spare/replacement parts and sometimes till a full-fledged end-use ready product. While 3D printing looks like a most exciting new normal for organizations who are planning to streamline their prototyping technology, its prospects for the non-tech consumer world is also evolving rapidly. Additive Manufacturing in construction can be seen as an option that could contribute towards complete automation in the infrastructure industry. The method offers advantages in the aspects of design, sustainability and also efficiency. This work scopes for a comprehensive approach to advance the technology in construction and proposes research potentials, challenges, and future scope. The potential of 3dcp for automation advances all other practices in prospects like exclusion of form work, precise design execution, waste reduction and extremely low consumption of time. The real-time status and futuristic approaches to be adopted are briefed in the paper and also the scope for sustainability over other practices are detailed in the paper.

This work was excuted during seasons 2018/2019, and 2019/2020, in Tayba Block-the Sudan - Gezira central clay plains, to evaluate the field operation performance of four land preparation methods using three tillage equipment: chisel plow "intensive tillage", disc harrow "medium tillage", ridger "minimum or reduced tillage" and no tillage machine. An overall operation index is estimated from four measured machine operating characteristics. Diagnosis of land preparation methods was made using analytical hierarchy method for weight assignment for assignment of relative weights for the operating parameters, and compromise programming technique for ranking of tillage methods. The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment with RCBD, the LSD test at 1%and 5 % was used to compare between means. Results indicate that no significant differences (P<0.05) in field efficiency between Chisel plow and ridger and harrow showed the least efficiency value. There is significant differences in fuel consumption rate between all treatments with highest consumption is by Chisel plow and lowest is by ridger. The significantly highest rear wheel slippage is attained by ridger while there is no significant differences in that resulted from chisel or disc harrow. The significantly highest field capacity (P<0.05) is attained by ridger followed by harrow and then chisel plow. The analytical hierarchy procedure ranked the machines operation indicators in descending order by weight values of 1.02, 0.62, 0.29 and 0.12 for. Multi-criteria analysis by compromise programming technique results in overall indices of tillage equipments: ridger, chisel plow, disc harrow in descending values of 67.53, 61.00, and 57.29 respectively. The overall performance index (OPI) for the operation of the agricultural equipment could be used to take the tillage decision-making process by selecting the most effective machinery to give optimum seed bed with minimum energy input. However, it is not possible to calculate the overall index for no tillage method because without using a machine there is no fuel consumption, no field efficiency, no field capacity, and no wheel slippage. This imply that for heavy clay soils of Gezira Scheme and in other similar environments it is recommended to use reduced tillage "ridging only" as the most technically feasible tillage method, other wise use chisel plowing if funds are available.

This study proposes a model for calculating the optimum dry film thickness of corrosion protective Coatings. It was assumed that the graph of coating thickness against corrosion rate is a parabola whose coordinates at turning point consists of optimum thickness and minimum corrosion rate. On this basis, equation of parabola was formed. Three equations of parabola were also formed with three assumed thicknesses, taking arbitrarily with their corresponding corrosion rates of the coated metals. From the equations, a 3x3 matrix was derived. From the solution of the matrix, equations for optimum thickness, minimum corrosion rates and corrosion rate of uncoated specimen were obtained. It is assumed that with this model a technical ground shall be established, upon which the optimum thicknesses of corrosion protective coatings shall be recommended.

Carcinogenic as well as chemotherapeutic waste is potential hazard to the environment because it is a type of toxic waste according by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The procedure of disposal of carcinogenic waste inside hospital, chemical industry and pharmaceutical industry is important concern for our society. The contribution from the Indian Judiciary in its own way to bring effective legal control of these hazardous substances and waste. Moreover, the problems related to judicial issues in tackling the technical issues and the executive inaction make it inevitable to have a separate system of administration of environmental justice and supervisory system so that our environment will be protected. The present paper investigates the treatability study of carcinogenic waste and its assessment of associated environmental risk according to the Indian hazardous substances and waste laws.

In this paper, effort has been made to determine the durability of polyurethane coating on mild steel in acid, alkaline and neutral soil. A total of 42 mild steel coupons were used. Out of the 42 coupons, 21 were coated with polyurethane and the remaining 21 were left uncoated. Acid soil (pH = 4.5), Alkaline soil (pH =13.5) and neutral soil (pH = 6.8) were used as the test media. Seven each of the coated and uncoated coupons were buried in each soil media. On weekly basis, one coated and one uncoated coupon were withdrawn from each of the soil media and reweighed. The durability of the coating in each soil media was calculated using a proposed model. From the results obtained, the durability of polyurethane coating was found to be 7.0yrs, 4.5yrs and 2.9yrs in neutral, acid and alkaline soil respectively.

The quality of the public transport system is an important factor in determining passenger travel satisfaction and it leads to a better quality of life. Quality of life depends on the quality of services provided in the city. Satisfaction is strongly related to the perception of the users. Many people use public transport on their everyday trips and this paper investigates how road users perceive the public transportation system and the place of the stress factor in this perception. Furthermore, willingness to pay analysis was also carried out, and the amount of additional charge for a less stressful trip was included as a new variable in the model. The binomial logit model is used as a method in this study. As a result, the trip time and the home-based work trips increase the stress level in travel rises. Stress level affects the perception of public transport users, and therefore, users tend to stay away from the stress.

This paper proposes one of the optimization methods based on atmospheric motion. It is a global optimization nature-inspired method such as Wind Driven Optimization (WDO) approach to solve the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) and Emission Index (EI) in electric power systems. Our main aim is to minimize an objective function necessary for a best balance between the energy production and its consumption, which is presented as a nonlinear function, taking into account of the equality and inequality constraints. The WDO approach is nature-inspired, population based iterative heuristic optimization algorithm for multi-dimensional and multi-modal problems. WDO method have been examined and tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus system and IEEE 57-bus system with different objectives that reflect total active power generation cost, the active power losses and the emission index. The results of used method have been compared and validated with known references published recently. The results are promising and show the effectiveness and robustness of proposed approach.

The ‎‎input waste was KanthalA4 grade alloy spired in 8-25 mm outer diameter. A sample weighing ≈250 g was leached in HCl or aqua regia at ‎‎room temperature. The acidic leachate was filtered and the pH value was increased ‎to ‎‎4.0 -9.2 with the addition of 3 M ammonia solution. The leachate was freed from iron by H2O2 addition. Chromium ions were separated from nickel ions by pH adjustment and solvent extraction using Lewatite MP 600 ionic exchanger. Ammonium hydroxide gave insoluble hydroxide ppt that was ‎‎filtered and washed. Different organic salts of acetate Ni(OCOCH3)2, oxalate C2O4, citrate C6H6O5 with ∆E of 74.16 KJ/ mol with Ni and 139.33 KJ/ mol with Cr. Inorganic ‎salts were also prepared like Ni(NO3)2.6H2O, dichloride NiCl2, basic carbonate NiCO3.2Ni(OH)2 as well as free ‎metals ‎of nickel and chromium. The effect of the process parameters was ‎studied. The time of synthesis decreased by stirring at 300 rpm by about 11 %. Ascorbic acid solution reduces the Ni and Cr hydroxide to their respective free metal to give spherical nanoparticles ‎having the molecular size of 15-35 nanometer. SEM showed that Ni particles are ‎spherical in morphology. XRD and XDS showed Ni and Cr are pure.

Quality strongly depends on good mechanical properties of any manufacturing material. Similarly, quality of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding of Duplex Stainless Steel (DSS) depends on good mechanical properties like percentage of elongation, ultimate tensile strength etc. Better Percentage of Elongation (PE) is produced using proper welding parameters and their values at the time of TIG welding. In this study, TIG welding has been done on ASTM/UNS 2205 duplex stainless steel materials. A new mathematical model is developed using non-linear regression analysis for the prediction of percentage of elongation. The variables used in the prediction models are selected welding parameters like welding current, gas flow rate and speed of welding. A residual plot for PE has been developed to validate the mathematical model. Calculation of percentage deviation for PE has been made. Comparison of measured and predicted PE value has been done by graphical representation. The relationship between percentage of elongation and the welding parameters has been illustrated graphically by surface plots and contour plots as well. Combined effects of any pair of input parameters on PE are represented graphically with the help of three-dimensional surface plots. According to this analysis, the models provide good PE with the data used in this study.

The Fresnel central spot in a shadow, theorized to be generated from wave interference, has given strong support for wave models of light. Using extended exposure macro imaging in various media, the shadow is shown to be more complex with multiple lines of light intersecting in the center. Using the particle concept of discrete light strands perpendicularly reflecting from a diffraction source, these observations can be more accurately explained. Another quantized aspect of light is shown where linear light strands become rings when an energy threshold is reached.

Faults in power systems are classified as internal and external faults. Faults within the zone are termed as internal faults whereas; the faults outside the Zone are called as external faults. Ideally, a relay outward after the protection of a zone should operate only for internal faults. It should restrain from operating for external faults or through faults. In this project, the busbar protection using differential protection scheme has been investigated for internal and external faults. The current magnitude from the Current Transformer is compared with a preset value and when the current exceeds the preset value, and then a trip command is given to associated circuit breaker. In this work, an algorithm has been developed to improve the selectivity of the relay and the same is tested on three-phase bus bar having two incoming lines and three outgoing lines at different fault levels and the results are verified for internal and external faults. The entire algorithm is programmed and graphical views of relay performance are verified using the MP LAB platform.

Engineers have been using modified binders to improve the quality of flexible pavements. The use of waste material is one of the solutions taken in this direction. It is for this ground that the studies emphasis on the evaluation of waste engine oil as a modifier for asphalt binder as a pavement material. In the study uses four samples extracted from 80/100 penetration grade bitumen. From four sample first sample was checked for weather requirements of asphalt binder meet or not and the three were modified with different content of engine oil (3,6 and 9%). The behaviors of both unmodified and modified binder were checked for rheological properties. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was used to determine high temperature performance grade (PG) and multiple stress creep recovery tests to determine rutting resistance properties of the binder. PG analysis indicates that both aged and un-aged 3% and 6% modified binder have similar higher PG grade with the unmodified one and 9% modified to have lower PG vale. Jnr3.2 value of modified asphalt binder is lower than unmodified binder indicating that modification had improved the rutting resistance and design traffic load (ESALS). The study shows that it is possible to use waste engine oil-modified binder as a pavement material.

This paper presents a developed method to calculate the parameters for thirty-three squirrel cage induction motors operating at three-phase ac voltage of 380 volts. These motors are the total product of an Egyptian factory holding a license from SIEMENS international company to fabricate all parts of these motors. The parameters of all mentioned motors are computed based on the proposed method. Then, the performance characteristics of these motors are investigated at full-load using the conventional equivalent circuit in order to validate the proposed method. The obtained curves achieve significant convergence with the full-load values provided by the data sheets of investigated motors. This confirms the validity of the proposed method.

The influence of different factors on the fluidization of a binary mixture of red mud and aluminum was investigated. A new model was developed for predicting pressure drop through the solid bed using experimental data of other work. Statistical analysis based on response surface methodology has been used to develop correlations for bed pressure drop with three independent factors, minimum fluidization velocity (Umf), red mud to aluminum ratio (R/A), and static head (Hs). The design of experiments offers a best alternative to study the effect of factors and their response with the minimum number of experiments. The hydrodynamic characteristics of fluidization, bed pressure drop, superficial gas velocity (Umf), red mud to aluminum ratio (R/A), and initial static bed height (Hs) were modeled and optimized. ANOVA has been used to analyze the system parameters on bed pressure drop. A model of bed pressure drop was found to have a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The measured values of bed pressure drop from RSM were found to match the experimental values very well.

Implementation of additives to the asphalt binder can enhance the overall physical properties of the modified asphalt concrete. In the present assessment, an attempt has been made to use 2 % of silica fumes and 4 % of fly ash class F for modification of asphalt binder in wet process. Asphalt concrete wearing course mixtures have been prepared and compacted by roller in the laboratory. The beam specimens of 400 mm length and 50 mm height and 63 mm width were extracted from the slab samples. The specimens were subjected to the four-point repeated flexural bending beam test. The flexural stiffness was calculated under three constant micro strain levels of (250, 400, and 750). The fatigue life was monitored in terms the number of load repetitions to reach the required reduction in stiffness. It was concluded that the flexural stiffness increases by (11, and 15) %, (17.7, and 63.6) %, (57.2, and 65) % when 2% of silica fumes or 4 % of fly ash are implemented and the specimen’s practices 750, 400, and 250 microstrain levels respectively. However, the fatigue life of asphalt concrete beam specimens increases by (40, and 72.8) %, (115, and 220.6) %, (46, and 94.6) % when 2% of silica fumes or 4 % of fly ash are implemented and the specimen’s practices 750, 400, and 250 microstrain levels respectively. It is recommended to use modified binder with fly ash and silica fumes in asphalt concrete to enhance the fatigue life and stiffness.

A significant variation in the strength and deformation behavior of subgrade soil when tested in the laboratory and in the field. However, correlation of such variables is essential to evaluate the quality of the constructed subgrade. An attempt has been made in the present investigation to assess the deformation of control and stabilized subgrade soil in the laboratory and in the field. California bearing ratio (CBR) test was conducted in the laboratory and the static plate bearing test (PBT) was conducted in the field. Subgrade soil samples were stabilized with 6% lime, 17 % Cationic Emulsion, and combination of lime and emulsion. Similar stabilization was conducted at test sections in the field. The behavior of the control and stabilized soil in deformation under static PBT in the field and CBR in the laboratory was monitored and evaluated. It was noticed that polynomial correlation exists with high coefficient of determination between laboratory and field deformation for stabilized soil. It was observed that the deformation under CBR test decreased after implication of lime by (96 and 88) % for unsoaked and soaked testing conditions respectively. The deformation decreases by (92 and 85.6) % for unsoaked and soaked testing conditions respectively when emulsion was implemented. The deformation decreases by (91 and 88) % for unsoaked and soaked testing conditions respectively when combined stabilization was implemented. However, the deformation under PBT decreases by (75, 56, and 50) % for lime, emulsion, and combined stabilization processes respectively. It was concluded that testing condition (soaked or unsoaked) has no significant impact on the deformation of stabilized soil while it has a significant influence on the deformation of untreated soil under CBR test. On the other hand, the deformation of control soil shows no significant variation among field and laboratory testing in the model, however, the stabilized soil samples exhibit higher influence of field deformation on the polynomial models.

Heavy metals accumulation in biological system are by inhalation of contaminated air, intake of contaminated food or drinking water has been considered to be an ecological menace to man and other organisms. This study was carried out to ascertain the pollution status of Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in sediment of Akata Lake, Katsina- Ala Benue State, Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected, digested using 30% H2O2 followed by 0.5M HCl and the metal concentrations were determined with Varian AA240 Atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with Zeeman’s background correction (Varian, New Jersey, USA). The mean level of the heavy metals, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr are 31.05, 2.72, 19.22 and 0.88 mg/kg while the concentration of Cr was below the detection limit of the instrument. The values obtained were compared with the established soil and sediment standard by World Health Organization (WHO). The contamination factors value for Zn, Cu and Cd are 1, hence it shows that the sediment is polluted by lead. The pollution load index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) levels for Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd heavy metals in sample A - E were less than 1 except for Pb which is >1, this show that, the sediment were polluted with Pb.

Chlordiazepoxide is considered one of most important sedative and hypnotic benzodiazepines drugs which is currently used all over the world with the increased rate of anxiety drugs. In this literature review, we will introduce the pharmacological action of this drug in addition to most of up-to-date reported methods that have been developed for determination of chlordiazepoxide in its pure form, combined form with other drugs, combined form with degradation products, and in biological samples. Most of the reported analytical methods will focus on spectroscopic, chromatographic and electrochemical techniques.

There is a continuous requirement to develop novel, safe, effective and affordable anti-cancer drugs because Cancer is a serious disease at current situation. A huge number of patients die annually due to cancer disease. Phytochemical are the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants and significantly used in conventional cancer research. Bioactive phytochemical is favored as they claim differentially on cancer cell only without altering normal cell. Carcinogenesis is an intricate process and includes multifold signaling procedures. Phytochemical are pleiotropic in nature, function and target these events in multiple manners so they are considered as most appropriate candidate for drug development. The aim of the present research was to find out the anti-cancer activity of the phytochemical constituents through computer aided drug design approach. In this experiment, we have find total 42 natural compounds with anti-cancer activity against the cancer target 1QCF tyrosine kinase. The data set comprising of phytochemical compounds was used for virtual screening and molecular docking in PyRx software. Along with screened compound, hit compound Carnosic acid was further docked to confirm the binding mode and confirmed the effective inhibition of 1QCF and anticancer activity. Molecular dynamic simulation studies were done to confirm the stability of the protein and ligand complex during a simulation. Parameters like RMSD, RMSF, and radius of gyration were experiential to understand the fluctuations. Protein-ligand interaction studies also expose that enough hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds are present to validate our results. Our study suggests that the potential use of Carnosic acid can come out as a potential candidate and in turn prevent cancer.

In our developing and changing world, the use of energy resources is becoming important. With the development of the aviation industry all over the world, the need to use more innovative, more sustainable resources emerges. When the demands in the transportation sector from past to present are examined, the transformation in energy resources will be inevitable. As stated, all studies have focused on the energy resources that reduce the environmental impact, sustainability, environmental friendliness, costs and dependence on oil producing states. In this study, the study of aviation fuels from past to present, its production, environmental impact, sustainability and the returns of alternative aviation fuels are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the world's developing and changing aviation sector should switch to sustainable alternative fuels as soon as possible.

The estimation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system with help of electrical model parameters, such as photon generated current, the diode saturation current, series resistance, shunt resistance, and diode ideality factor, are desirable to predict the real performance characteristics of solar PV under varying environmental conditions. Finally, performance indices, such as PV characteristics curve are estimated for the various solar PV panels, using Newton Raphson (NR) to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed method. Also, validation with `experimental data has been considered. Finally, through the comparative analysis of the results, it is revealed that the proposed method offers solar PV characteristics closer to the real characteristics.

This work deals with preparation and characterization of immobilized laccase (Aspergillus sp.) over oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs) via simple mixing technique. The resulting materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size distribution analysis using dynamic light scattering technique (DLS). The results showed that the TEM images exhibited more separate individual carbon bundles with particle size around of 396 nm after enzyme immobilization rather than the spaghetti-like tubes with size about 180 nm in the case of ox-MWCNTs. Also, the lowering in the zeta potential negative value (-5 mv) proved that the free carboxyl groups at ox-MWCNT surface were decreased after enzyme immobilization. Moreover, the thermal stability was decreased after enzyme immobilization using TGA. These results confirmed that the laccase could be reacted at the side walls of the ox-MWCNTs without structure damage. The biocatalytic effect of the immobilized laccase was investigated after its incubation with silver nitrate solution for 1 and 24 h. It can be concluded that the biocatalytic efficiency of the immobilized laccase could be enhanced after its incubation with silver nitrate solution for 24 h at room temperature relative to the free form. On the other hand, the enzyme stability was improved after immobilization up to 50ºC and at pH 3.0, while no remarkable differences on the activity values were observed for immobilized and free laccases at acidic pH range (4-6).

This study aimed at the preliminary investigation of inorganic and organic contaminants in soils within Wukari metropolis and to assess the contamination status and metal bioavailability. Digested soil samples for total metals and fractionation were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations in triplicates using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while 5 Varian Bond Elu SI SPE cartridges was used for solid phase extraction and the soil sample extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. The percentage bioavailability of metals ranged from Fe: 13.81 – 98.85 %, Ni: 65.01 - 80.93 %, Cr: 34.82 – 77.19 %, Pb: 66.93 - 86.59 % and Co: 70.35 - 99.14 % respectively. The bioavailability of Fe, Ni, Pb and Co station ST3 which is an agricultural area were above 50.00%. This indicates that food crops grown in the area may be contaminated by the metals. Irrespective of sampling points, the distribution of metals in the soil samples generally followed the order Fe: residual > carbonate > exchangeable > oxidizable; Ni: exchangeable > carbonate > oxidizable > residual; Pb: exchangeable > residual > carbonate > oxidizable; Co: exchangeable > carbonate > oxidizable > residual. Organic contaminants such as Halo alkanes; bromodichloromethane (molecular weight 162.0 g/mol) and chloroform (molecular weight 118.0 g/mol) were detected in ST1 while, 1, 1, 2 trichloroethane (molecular weight 132.0 g/mol). Another contaminant phenol d5 was recorded in sample ST2, ST3 and ST4 respectively. BTEX compounds were also contaminants present in ST5 (Fuel station near some automobile workshops).

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding on Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is more easy, comfortable and useful, if the process is precisely understood and controlled through development of the science & technology. TIG welding on DSS has been performed with the help of specific controlled welding process parameters. Welding quality has been strongly depended on these process parameters. In this study, some valuable welding parameters are chosen. These are welding current, shielding gas flow rate and speed of welding. These process parameters of TIG welding for ASTM/UNS 2205 DSS welds are optimized by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method and Grey based Taguchi’s L9 Orthogonal array (OA) experimental plan with the conception of signal to noise ratio (N/S). After that, compression results of above mentioned two analyses of TIG welding process parameters have been calculated. The quality of the TIG welding on DSS has been evaluated in term of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and percentage of elongation. Compression results of both analyses indicate application feasibility for continuous improvement of welding quality on DSS in different components of chemical, oil and gas industries.

This research is based on the thermodynamic performance of a gas turbine power plant. It considered the variation of operating conditions, i.e. the ambient temperature, the compressor outlet temperature, pressure ratio, etc. on the performance of the gas turbine thermal efficiency, turbine work, compressor work, etc. which were derived and analyzed. The Gross (higher) calorific values at constant pressure () heat of combustion in a flow process from state 1 to state 2 was considered and used to analyze our thermal efficiency. The results show that the ambient temperature and air to fuel ratio strongly influence the turbine work, compressor work and thermal efficiency. In addition, the thermal efficiency and power decreases linearly with increase of the ambient temperature. However, the efficiency analyzed when the calorific parameters were considered was higher than the efficiency when the basic thermodynamic theories (first and second law principles) were used. The first ranges between 31% to 33, while the second ranges between 28% to 32% under the same ambient temperature conditions

Various methods of biodiesel production have been developed in the recent past to reduce production costs. These new approaches may have varying effects on ester quality. Thus an investigation is necessary to determine cost saving measures that do not compromise ester quality. This work examined the effects of a cost saving strategy on Biodiesel quality. This conservative method involved the transesterification of a Jathropha-Moringa oil blend using a blend of two primary alcohols. Three alkaline catalysts were also used. The reaction conditions were: Jathropha to Moringa oil blending ratio of 4:1; Methanol to ethanol blending ratio of 4:1; Alkaline catalyst concentration of 0.5 w/w %; reaction time of 40 minutes; stirring speed of 1000 rpm; Temperature of 60°C and an Alcohol to oil molar ratio of 7.5. Biodiesel samples were tested according to ASTM D6751 and AOCS guidelines. Results indicated that the density, iodine values, flash point and fire points of esters did not vary significantly as the experiment was repeated using three different alkaline catalysts. It also showed that the effect of NaOH, KOH and CaO were not always negative when they were significant. Lastly, the methods applied in this did not compromise ester quality with regard to observed fuel parameters.

In this study, new Imidazolidin-4-one [A1-A5] compounds were prepared by the reaction of schiff base compounds with alanine in ethanol. The prepared compounds were characterized by physical properties, UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectral and C.H.N analysis. TLC checked the purity for these compounds. All compounds [A1-A5] were prepared by the traditional method (reflux) and microwave technology. It was found that using the microwave method gives better results in terms of less time and, higher yield. Antibacterial behaviors were investigated against a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia Gram (-) ve, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis Gram (+) ve. The laser efficacy of the compounds [A1-A5] was evaluated after they were radiated by laser for (10, 20, 30) seconds. As the melting point and color of the substances were determined, it was discovered that they were unaffected and did not disintegrate or polymerize. Using the Chem Draw Specialist 19.0 program, the stereoisomers of the prepared compounds [A1-A5] were examined at the lowest layer stage. Using the Chem3D 19.0 program, the heat of the formulation of the compounds [A1-A5] was also investigated.

Background: Candida auris is associated with invasive and severe candidemia, multi-drug resistance and high mortalities. Azoles and Flucytosine are commonly used antifungal drugs. Lanosterol alpha-demethylase (ERG11), Uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (FUR1) are two principal proteins involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism. However, crystal structures of these proteins from C. auris have not yet been established. We constructed structural model of ERG11 and FUR1 proteins for South-African Clade using homology modelling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. To investigate how point mutations affect drug interaction, we used the same methods on ERG11 mutants (Y132F, K143R) and FUR1 mutants (F211I). Methodology: Homology modelling was used to construct 3D structure of proteins. Reliability of models was analysed by using validation tools. The drug interaction in wild and mutant variants was studied using molecular docking, and binding energy was calculated. Finally, we investigated structural significance of point-mutation between two variants of FUR1 through MD Simulation. Result: Structural models of ERG11 and FUR1 were compared based on binding energy and hydrogen bonding. Few azole compounds showed no effect of mutation on interaction. Further, it was found that binding affinity for 5-fluorocytosine decreases in the mutant variant of FUR1. MD Simulation of wild variant FUR1-5FC complex showed stabilisation till 7ns while mutated complex was stable for 4.5ns. Conclusion: C. auris resistance to antifungal drugs poses a significant risk to public health. The study sheds light on how drug interactions are influenced by mutations and aids in the development of antifungal drugs.

Materials based on cerium oxide, stabilized by oxides of rare earth elements, are promising for use in medicine, energy and mechanical engineering due to the uniqueness of their properties. State diagrams of CeO2–La2O3–Ln2O3 systems are the physicochemical basis for the creation of solid electrolytes for fuel cells, oxygen gas sensors, catalyst carriers, protective coatings on alloys, etc. Phase equilibria and structural transformations in CeO2–La2O3–Gd2O3 systems at temperatures 1250 and 1500 °С and in the binary system La2O3–Gd2O3 at temperatures 1100, 1500 and 1600 ° С in the whole range of concentrations were investigated using X-ray phase and microstructural analyzes. It was found that solid solutions based on cubic (F) modification with CeO2 fluorite type, monoclinic (B) and cubic (C) modifications of Gd2O3 and hexagonal (A) modification of La2O3 are formed in the ternary system CeO2–La2O3–Gd2O3. The boundaries of the phase fields and the periods of the crystal lattices of the formed phases are determined. It is established that in the CeO2–La2O3 –Gd2O3 system at 1250 and 1500 °С the phases of cubic symmetry are in equilibrium: on the basis of F–CeО2 with the spatial group Fm3m and C-phase on the basis of Gd2O3 with the spatial group Ia3. As the temperature decreases, there is a narrowing of all areas of homogeneity.

Cobalt Selenide thin films were fabricated using Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) deposition technique at different SILAR cycles. The precursors for Cobalt and Selenium ions were CoCl2.6H2O and Na2SeSO3 respectively. Optical properties and thickness of the deposited films were studied to determine the effect of number of SILAR cycles on these properties. The optical absorbance of the films was found to decrease as wavelength increases and increases as SILAR cycle increases. Transmittance of the CoSe thin films was found to increase as the wavelength increases but decreases as number of SILAR cycles increased. The extinction coefficient of CoSe thin films decreases as wavelength increases but increases as the SILAR cycles increases. The energy band gap of CoSe thin films deposited decreases from 2.47 eV to 2.20 eV as number of SILAR cycles increases and film thickness increases from 92.96 nm and 225.63 nm. Structural properties of deposited cobalt selenide thin films showed that they correspond to orthorhombic phase of CoSe2 crystal structure of cobalt selenide thin films with crystallite size ranging from 7.63 nm to 13.07 nm.

This present work was carried out at the Energy Department of the Higher Institute of Technology of Mamou and at the Applied Energy Education and Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences of the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea. Given the solar energy potential available to the continent, Hybrid Photovoltaic Power Systems and Generating Sets could constitute a suitable technological solution for the supply of electrical energy in isolated sites. This study led to the following results: average unfavorable solar irradiation in June (4.16 kWh/m2.d); the building's electrical load balance is 254760 Wh/d; the sizing of the photovoltaic field (the type of panels chosen Cip-60-270, the peak power of the PV field 59435.420 Wp, the number of panels 220 including 2 in series and 110 in parallel); the C4000-48 type inverter-chargers, 62 in number to achieve a power of 40 nickel-cadmium 1.2 V type accumulators in series in 140 batteries connected in parallel, the voltage drop in the cables is between 0.01 and 0.02. The electrical diagram of the installation is done.

Dumping of organic waste products without knowing their ideals of other side causes major and various serious environmental degradation problems. In this forum, this paper is mainly focuses on reviewing various eggshell material related research articles published in past years from 2010-2019 in several reputed journals. Various cement concrete material investigations which are partially proportioned with chicken egg shell powder are taken into consideration probably in line with durability study aspects like corrosion resistance. And their outcomes are listed in a way of positive stroke. Chicken egg shell are one of the wastes typically dumped in the ground produces the greenhouse gas emission, ground water contamination etc. Though chicken egg shell powder by raw consists of 94-95% of calcium carbonate (CaCo3) and on incineration turns to calcium oxide (CaO). The use of egg shell in replacement of cement in concrete can have benefits like minimizing use of cement instead of using natural lime. Usually soon after the construction process, the reinforcements got rusted (its volume bulges) and it leads to cracks in the wall and reduces the life of the concrete structure. The one of the reasons cracks produce due to the corrosion of steel in the concrete. That leads to the reducing in strength of the reinforcement bars and cracks formed in the concrete. With respect to the reviews made utilization of egg shell powder in concrete by replacement of cement to a limit which reacts as an economical corrosion resistive product.

Nowadays natural fibers are getting attention from researchers and scholars to use it for construction of buildings because of their sustainability and eco friendly nature. There are various natural fibers like bamboo, sugarcane fiber, coconut coir, sisal fiber, flax fiber etc., are available for construction. Aim of this paper is to give a detailed study about various experiments conducted on the reinforced concrete structure that are strengthened with fiber laminate. The failure load, ductility, crack pattern, strength properties, flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beam, viscous and mechanical properties and strain characteristics of strengthened beams with different natural fiber composite laminates are reviewed. The result shows that the strength, ductility and durability properties of concrete are increased according to their proportions.

The nanostructure cadmium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles were prepared by microwave irradiation techniques. The prepared nanoparticles were further characterized using Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Powder X ray diffraction results shows good crystalline nature. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy conforms stretching and bending vibration of metal oxygen groups. UV-Vis spectroscopy results show absorption edges are 204 nm, 220nm prepared nanoparticles additionally optical parameter skin depth, extinction co-efficient, reflectance, refractive index is calculated.

Climate change and soil health are intertwined complex processes that affect each other. The aim of this review was to find out the impact of climate change on soil health, its implication on food security and human welfare across the globe. The study found out that soil health is affected by land use practices and several anthropogenic activities carried out on landscapes; climate change and variability. Soil health also contributes to soil water retention, crop productivity, households’ food and income security culminating into a large contribution towards achieving sustainable development goals across the globe. Soil components affect climate and climate affects soil health and human wellbeing. The review article concluded that climate change and soil health are complex and intertwined multidisciplinary processes that require multidisciplinary approaches for better understanding and improvement of crop production. Appropriate climate smart agricultural practices are recommended to enhance soil health and mitigate and adapt to the changing climate for the improved farmers’ income, food security and human wellbeing across the globe.

Roller compacted concrete mixture RCC is considered as a sustainable pavement construction material, it is a heavy-duty concrete mixture with zero slump. An attempt has been made in the present investigation to design the fresh RCC mixture using two types of coarse aggregates (crushed and rounded), two types of fine aggregates (silica and river sand) and two types of cement (ordinary Portland and sulphate resistance). Concrete mixtures with dense gradation were prepared and compacted according to modified proctor design procedure. A moisture-density test was used to determine the maximum density and optimum moisture content and of RCC mixtures for each mix. Five different percentages of cement (10-18) % are implemented and six different percentages of moisture (4 – 8) %) % are used to determine the dry density-moisture content relationships. It was observed that the maximum dry density of rounded aggregates mixture is higher than that of crushed aggregate mixture by (4.2, 8.3, 4.2, 4.2, and 5.1) % and (4.1, 1.4, 4.1, 2.0, and 2.7) % for (18, 16, 14, 12, and 10) % cement content respectively for mixtures constructed with silica and river sands respectively with ordinary Portland cement. However, the maximum dry density of rounded aggregate mixture is higher than that of crushed aggregate mixture by (3.5, 4, 7.1, 5.5, and 4.4) % and (2.7, 4.8, 2.3, 4.4, and 4.2) % for (18, 16, 14, 12, and 10) % cement content respectively for mixtures constructed with silica and river sands respectively with sulphate resistance cement. It was concluded that 12 % of Portland cement and (6 to 7) % of moisture are proper combination when silica or river sand were implemented, while (12 and 14) % of sulphate resistance cement and (6 to 7) % of moisture are proper combination when silica or river sand were implemented. abstract must be a precise and reflection of what is in your article.

A Rise in urbanization and industrialization has led to over utilization of natural river sand, which affects environmental sustainability. Nowadays, due to the massive demand of river sand, M-sand has been replaced effectively and being used in the construction industry. Although M-Sand is desirably used, it can lead to more water and cement requirement to achieve the expected workability which in turn increases the cost of construction. Thus as an alternative solution, industrial by-product like waste foundry sand can be used. When sand can no-longer be reused in the foundry, it is known as waste foundry sand. As it is discarded in a landfill, it tends to pose several environmental impacts. In order to reduce the disposal problem, waste foundry sand is reused in engineering applications. In this paper, various strength and durability properties have been studied, and an overview of some of the research works on the utilization of waste foundry sand in concrete were given. Fine aggregate is replaced with different proportions of waste foundry sand (0-100%). From the results obtained, the optimum % replacement of foundry sand is found to be in the range of 20% to 40% based on the grade of concrete.

The estimation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system with help of electrical model parameters, suchas photon generated current, the diode saturation current, series resistance, shunt resistance, anddiode ideality factor, are desirable to predict the real performance characteristics of solar PVunder varying environmental conditions. Finally, performance indices, such as PV characteristicscurve are estimated for the various solar PV panels using GHNN optimization technique.

The handmade tiles are manufactured in Athangudi, Sivagangai district. We observed that these tiles are reducing foot pain and appearing aesthetic look. But one disadvantage was that these Athangudi tiles were getting easily cracked. We studied that these tiles are getting cracks. Due to its lesser resistance. It shows some cracks on surface of tiles after setting and hardening process. In this project, we gave solution to rectify the problem for this purpose we adding the zirconium di oxide to cement paste at the time of manufacturing process. Because the zirconium di oxide possess high crack resistance property in these tiles. The field test (water penetration test), abrasion test, water absorption test and acid resistance test were conducted on Athangudi tiles with zirconium di oxide and without zirconium di oxide. Then the test result was compared between normal tiles and zirconium di oxide used tiles. Hence we conclude that zirconium di oxide used tiles are somewhat better than normal Athangudi tiles from the above result. We will conduct more tests and come with the conclusion that zirconium di oxide used tiles having better cracking resistance in future.

In this paper the strength behavior of Bacillus Bacteria and strengthening characteristic of GFRP sheets are investigated. In this study the optimum percentage of Bacillus Bacteria is find out from the compressive strength test. The cubes are casted based on the percentage replacement of Bacillus Bacteria in cement. The replacement of Bacillus Bacteria in cement is 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, 50%. Totally 18 cubes are casted out of this 3 cubes for each percentage. After 28 days the compressive strength was find out from the cubes. From the compressive strength test the optimum percentage of Bacillus Bacteria is concluded as 20%. Based on these result columns are casted. Totally 12 columns are casted out of these columns 6 columns are conventional and 6 columns are Bacillus Bacteria replace columns. The axial compressive strength test was carried on 3 conventional and 3 Bacillus Bacteria replaced column to find out the ultimate load carrying capacity. From this ultimate load 70% of load is given to the remaining columns as a preloading. After given the preloading these columns are strengthened by using GFRP sheets. The strengthened columns are tested under axial compression test. From this result the ultimate load carrying capacity, deflection, stiffness, and energy absorption of column is calculated.

In India the rate of inhabitants is increased day By day but as compare to other countries India is having a poor Road transportation system. So due to these the Emergency Vehicles like mobile hospital, Fire service vehicle, VIP Vehicle, and police vehicle. Vehicle always faced so many problems to reach the destination. If an Ambulance stuck in a traffic then the patient inside it can Lose his/her life. Indians now a days gets aware about organs contributions, the rate of organ donation is also increased. But the main problem in organ transport is that it remains healthy only for very short time. So transporting them is a time dependent task. If the Emergency Vehicles do not reach at its destination point in time it causes human health and wealth. So by using a process that clearing the traffic signal before an Emergency Vehicle Reaches to the signal using IOT will resolve the problem.

Concrete is widely used as construction material around the world and it's properties have been undergoing changes through technological advancement. Generally, concrete having four constituents materials namely cement, sand, coarse aggregate and water. Advancement in technology enhance human comforts and at the same time it causes damages to environment. Waste plastic bottles are major cause of solid waste disposal and also disposal of metal caps of soft drinks bottles are headache to environmental engineers and involve either to recycle or reuse. Here we are going to add metal caps and PET bottles in concrete to increase the strength. This project represents the results to study the behavior of concrete by adding of bottles caps and PET with dosage of 0.5% of weight of cement as fiber to reduce the cement content to achieve IS10262:2009 and IS456:2000 requirements. PET bottles and metal bottle caps are added to the concrete at 0%,0.5%,1.0% and 1.5% by volume of total mixture and also analysis of the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and them mechanical properties are compared with the conventional concrete. Grade of concrete used in the project is M20. Mix ratio is 1:1.5:3.

Composite structures play a vital role in construction sector due to rapid completion of the projects. In composite structures, Plates are mostly used as a structural element for effective replacement of steel reinforcement. Normally the composite floor deck system involves a profile deck sheet as a bottom layer of slab system to take care of the tensile strength of the element. Concrete is poured over a deck sheet and with minimum reinforcement to take care of shrinkage stresses. Profile deck sheet plays a dual role as tensile reinforcement when concrete hardens and act as a temporary shuttering during fresh concreting. The main objective of this paper is to determine the vibration characteristics of profile deck sheet for various shapes of profile as composite slab system. Modal analysis is a technique in which vibration studies can be determined for various profile shapes by involving parameters such as mode shape, natural frequency, plate stresses and deformation by using finite element analysis.