European Journal of Applied Sciences

Using Predictive Bayesian Methods to Develop A Comparative Assessment Municipal Wastewater Disposal Methods in Southeast Florida

2024-05-25T19:44:10+01:00

Predictive Bayesian methods were used to develop a comparative assessment of the risks of six effluent disposal alternatives currently or potentially available to wastewater utilities in Southeast Florida. The alternatives are: 1) deep well injection 2) ocean outfalls following secondary treatment, 3) surface water (canal) discharges following secondary wastewater treatment, filtration and nutrient removal, 4) reclaimed water (secondary treatment plus filtration and high-level disinfection, 5) indirect potable reuse (full treatment with reverse osmosis, plus ultraviolet light and advanced oxidation) and 6) direct potable reuse using reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light and advanced oxidation. Water quality data was gathered from a series of south Florid utilities, south Florida test facilities, receiving waters and other relevant locations to south Florida wastewater effluent disposal. This paper presents the conclusions regarding relative health concerns associated with these disposal alternatives. The results indicated that health risks associated with deep wells and direct potable reuse were generally lower than those of the other alternatives.

Kinetics of Oven Drying of Ocimum basilicum Leaves Harvested at Different Ages of Maturity

2024-05-23T20:05:42+01:00

Drying is a unitary operation that involves the simultaneous transfer of heat and humidity to reduce the water content of products to a safe level. This work therefore aims to study the characteristics of drying in an oven through the effect of temperature and drying time on Ocimum basilicum leaves harvested at different stages of maturity and to adapt the drying data into ten mathematical models to determine which one is best validated by experimental data. The leaves studied were collected at well-defined time intervals corresponding to the level of growth or maturity of the plants, i.e. one month, two months and three months. Drying was carried out using a natural convection oven at temperatures of 70, 80 and 90 °C. The water content varied from 80 to 86% depending on the age of the leaves. The drying speed was rapid at the beginning of the process and decreased after 60 min. The coefficient of determination and chi-square were used as statistical parameters for comparing the accuracy of the models. The Wang and Sing and Exponential models gave a better fit and better validated the experimental data compared to the other models whatever the temperature and age of the leaves.

Capacity of Two Clays to Clean Up Water from an Illegal Gold Mining Site

2024-04-18T01:50:59+01:00

Le développement intensif de l’orpaillage illégal, avec l’utilisation incontrôlée de produits chimiques, a un fort impact sur l’environnement en Côte d’Ivoire. Cette étude vise à assainir les eaux contaminées du site d’orpaillage illégal d’Angamankro dans le département de Daoukro à l’aide de deux argiles de Côte d’Ivoire. Pour atteindre cet objectif, des paramètres physico-chimiques tels que le pH, la conductivité, la turbidité et la teneur en métaux de l’eau ont été mesurés. Les teneurs de la plupart des métaux étudiés dans les eaux usées sont supérieures à leurs différentes valeurs limites recommandées par l’OMS. Afin de dépolluer l’eau, un traitement par adsorption sur les argiles de Bingerville (BIN) et Katiola (KAT) a été utilisé. Le traitement des eaux usées avec des argiles a montré une réduction significative de la teneur en métaux. L’élimination des différents métaux dans l’eau a diminué dans la direction Cu >Hg > Zn> Mn > Ni > Co > Cd > Cr > As > Pb. L’argile KAT adsorbe mieux les métaux que l’argile BIN. Cette plus grande capacité d’adsorption que possède l’argile KAT est due à sa composition minéralogique (20,14% de smectite) et à ses propriétés de surface plus importantes.

On the Method of Analysis for Earthquake Forecasting

2024-05-23T05:32:18+01:00

Today, larges and compressions of terrain can be measured very precisely using satellites of the GNSS (global navigation satellite system). GNSS consists of GPS (USA) (Fig. 1.), GLONASS (Russian), GALILEO (European), and COMPAS (Chinese) system. GPS global positioning system) satellites orbit (Fig.2.) the Earth at an altitude of 20,200 km from the Earth’s surface in six orbital planes, so that the GPS receiver on Earth can always receive signals from at least four satellites.

Mystery's End: Analysis of Bell's Theorem

2024-06-15T13:13:48+01:00

Abstract. For unit vectors a, b, entanglement requires that spin measurements satisfy those just given for a≠b. Bell’s hidden variable quantum mechanical local particle with a=b cannot provide the values for a≠b and, hence, the values for an entangled particle system. The perception that any hidden variable quantum mechanical description of an entangled system of particles is non-local depends on Bell’s inappropriate definition of locality, which excludes entanglement for a distant particle, and the condition that a=b, which does not give the values for a≠b as required to give the quantum mechanical expectation values, when entanglement occurs for systems that are close, not distant, and ignores that entanglement is a local phenomenon. Expecting the condition a=b and a local particle analysis with no distant entangled particle to give the quantum mechanical result is absurd. Any disentanglement of once entangled particles moving apart sets the spin measurements at those given for a≠b if a≠b and those given for a=b if a=b. Any subsequent measurement of the set values agrees with those for a≠b if a≠b and those given for a=b if a=b just as if the particles are entangled still. In examples where Bell’s inequality is supposedly violated, the conditions for which the inequality is true are not met. There is no contradiction.

Hydrogen-rich Syngas from Steam Gasification of Waste Biomass Materials through CO2 Capture and Use of Catalysts

2024-05-22T17:15:44+01:00

The exploitation of some abundant and low cost waste materials was investigated for production of clean energy carriers rich in hydrogen, in line with low-carbon and circular economy policies. Waste concrete fines were used together with CeO₂ and Na₂CO₃ as catalysts in order to achieve an improved system performance at lower temperatures. The study focused on the effects of sorbent/biomass ratio, type and catalyst loading, as well as temperature on fuel conversion, product gas composition and heating value, syngas and hydrogen yield and energy recovery from the solid waste materials used. The experiments were conducted in a fixed bed system, following a two-step process for eliminating tar and increasing the reactivity of generated biosolid. Gas analysis was performed by a thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry unit. At a molar ratio Ca/C=1, the amount of CO₂ captured between 700°C and 750°C was 83-95% and the concentration of hydrogen in the product gas increased by about 40%, achieving values 69.5% mol for winery waste fuel and 59.6% for helianthus waste at 750°C. CeO₂ and Na₂CO₃ catalysts improved conversion, which was raised up to 91-100% on a daf basis. Na₂CO₃ catalyst presented a better overall performance at a loading of 20% wt. At 750°C the molar fraction of hydrogen in the gas mixture ranged between 73% and 96% for the two fuels, whereas the higher heating value of gas and syngas yield varied between 12.4-13.1 MJ/m³ and 1.86-4.94 m³/kg, respectively.

Methods of Establishment and Crop Geometry on Rice (Oryza Sativa) Productivity Under Drip Irrigation

2024-06-06T10:20:09+01:00

A study was undertaken between 2020 and 2022 three years during the rabi season at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute in Kumulur with an aim to determining the optimal method of establishment, suitable paddy variety, and crop geometry with spacing for maximizing rice productivity in the standardized drip irrigation system. Experiment utilized a strip plot design, with two main establishment methods (direct seeding on raised beds and transplanting on flatbeds), three medium varieties (ADT 54, 'TKM 13', and 'CR 1009 sub-1') as subplot treatments, and three different spacing configurations and crop geometry at 20 x 10 cm (rectangle) conventional recommended spacing, 20 x 20 cm (square), and 25 x 25 cm (square) as sub-sub plot treatments. Plant height, total tillers count, productive tillers count, filled grains per panicle; test weight, grain yield, and straw yield were measured. Furthermore, an economic assessment encompassing cultivation expenses, gross income, net income, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was carried out. Water-use efficiency was calculated by dividing the dry weight of grain yield (in kg/ha) by the total irrigation and rainfall (in ha. mm).Top of Form The findings indicated that direct seeding emerged as the superior method for establishing drip-irrigated rice cultivation. The most suitable combination treatment for achieving the growth and yield factors, highest grain yield (6080 kg/ha), net income (Rs. 64059/ha), benefit-cost ratio of 2.37, and enhanced water use efficiency (6.61 kg.ha-mm^-1) involved direct-seeded rice on raised beds using a medium-duration variety with a spacing of 20x20cm with other recommended agronomic practices.This approach aims to improve both crop and water efficiency amid constraints in water availability.

Optimal Power Flow on a 132kV Line with Service Potential Transformer Substations: A case study of Juja-Rabai Line

2024-05-18T11:07:51+01:00

Most growing countries in Africa are facing serious challenge of high power demand which is not matched with expansion of power generating units, power transmission network and Power distribution lines. This trend has led to frequent power outages due to over stressed transmission and distribution networks. Most countries have resorted to increase the number of thermal power plants to address the growing power demand. These power plants are highly reliable and secure but are faced by the ever increasing fuel prices. In order to maintain constant power supply and minimize the frequent power outages, its important to carryout optimal power flow in power system networks. Optimal power flow is an optimization method used to determine the most economical load flow in transmission lines that can address the existing power demand. In this research, minimization of fuel cost was used as the objective function. The generator power limits, voltage level limits and loadability limits of the transmission line were used as the constraints. The gradient method and co-ordination equations were used in determining the optimal power flow in the network that was adequate to address the power demand. A case study of Juja-rabai line was used in
this analysis. The Rabai thermal power plant, Kipevu thermal power plant and Thika thermal power plant were used to supply the loads.The research considered existing loads along the transmission line, currently being supplied by existing conventional substations. The typical transmission line parameters were used in this study. Economic load dispatch neglecting line losses was first calculated followed by economic load dispatch considering transmission line losses. The power network was later modeled and simulated in PowerWorld software. This study revealed that generator one should supply 20 MW, generator two 37.5 Mw and generator three 12.5 MW. The study revealed the loadability limit of the line under economic load dispatch

Treated Domestic Sewage as A Nutrient Source for Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) Growth and Yield in A Hydroponic System in Yaoundé – Cameroon

2024-06-04T22:48:00+01:00

The exploitation of marshy lowlands for agricultural purposes in African cities, with a clear predominance of market gardening, calls for concern about the availability of exploitation sites and the doubtful quality of the water used. This situation, particularly in urban areas, prompts farmers to look for alternative solutions, like hydroponics, a growing technique that does not only rationalizes the use of space, but saves water and mineral fertilizers, and simplifies growing techniques, but above all eliminates soil-related problems and increases yields. The aim of this research is to use treated sewage in hydroponics for tomato production in urban agriculture in the city of Yaoundé. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized bloc design system with three replications. The effluents were obtained from the Messa domestic sewage treatment plant. Five treatments including raw effluent (T1); 50% diluted effluent (T2); 75% diluted effluent (T3); Maxigro 10-5-14 chemical fertilizer solution at a dose of 100 g per 50 l of tap water (positive control) (T4), and tap water (negative control) (T5) were applied to the tomatoes. The growth parameters considered plant height, leave number, and number of fruits. Lycopene, protein, phenol, and flavonoid content were also evaluated. The results show that 75% diluted effluent (T3) significantly (P<0.05) improved tomato growth, with values of 24±0.60 cm for plant height, 24.16±0.074 for leave number, and 72±6 for number of fruits compared with the negative control. However, the raw effluent (T1) and the 50% diluted effluent (T2), significantly improved the organo-mineral quality of the tomatoes (P<0.05) with 2.05±0.50 µg/g and 1.74±0.11 µg/g for lycopenes, 0.14 ±0.04µg/100g and 0.21±0.011 µg/100g for proteins, 5.73±0.25 µg/100g and 6.32±0.35 µg/100g for phenols, and 21.41±3.09 µg/100g and 29.08 ±2.27µg/100g for flavonoids respectively) compared to the negative control. The highest yield was obtained with the positive control (T4), followed by treatment (T3); with estimated fruit number of 34±3 and 27±2 fruits/m² respectively. The reuse of treated wastewater in hydroponics would be an innovative technique that would alleviate the current problems of urban agriculture in the city of Yaoundé.

The Potentialities of Extremophiles from Hypersaline Habitats: A Review

2024-05-15T18:07:23+01:00

Extremophiles are organisms that are capable of living in extreme environments (radiation, temperature, pH, salinity etc). Fascinating questions on the potentialities of extremophiles from hypersaline habitats are yet to be fully answered. Hence, it is an intriguing study that needs continuity. Most recent studies, on extremophiles, reveal the intrinsic benefits of halophiles in many biological and biotechnological processes ranging from several medical applications to a wide variety of industrial processes. In most cases, the applications of these extremophilic microorganisms and their metabolites (e.g. enzymes, inhibitors, compatible solutes, etc) in biotechnology have been the driving force to understanding these organisms, and have contributed immeasurably to several biological types of research. Despite the justifications from several studies on the potentialities of extremophiles, relatively little information is still provided on the biotechnological applications of halophiles, hence the optimal capabilities of these diverse populations of microorganisms remain clandestine and need to be explored. This review is aimed at discussing recent applications of extremophiles from hypersaline environments in order to provide a basis for researchers to explore these halophilic organisms for newer applications in many fields such as in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, food, and industries.

Synthesis of (±)-Glabridin via Formation Isoflavone Using DMS/DMF Adduct

2024-06-03T13:07:28+01:00

The objective of this work was to investigate the application of methoxymethylene-N, N-dimethyliminium salts (DMS–DMF adducts) as useful reagents for synthesis of (±)-Glabridin via formation Isoflavone Using DMS/DMF adduct as a key step.

Beauty of Plants and Flowers Obeys Fibonacci Sequences

2024-05-10T20:12:41+01:00

The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that plants or flowers exhibiting Fibonacci sequences with larger numbers possess greater aesthetic beauty. As the number of Fibonacci sequences increases, the difference between Fn/Fn-1 and (1+√5)/2 decreases, tending towards zero. Consequently, a greater number of Fibonacci sequences brings the measurement closer to the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio serves as a tool for accurately assessing the beauty of objects, things, or living beings as perceived by human eyes. Based on this evidence, we formulated the hypothesis that plants or flowers with a higher number of Fibonacci sequences exhibit greater beauty. This hypothesis was tested through an interdisciplinary literature review and qualitative survey.The study reveals that discerning the beauty of plants or flowers involves a multitude of factors, including their shape, color, size, arrangement of petals or leaves, proportion, and quantity. Since generally no single factor determines the entire beauty of a plant or a flower, in specific cases, one factor may be the determinant. Thus, the hypothesis can be applied in specific cases, transforming it into a valid hypothesis. It posits that when analyzing the beauty of a particular kind of flower petals or leaves of plants with the same shape, color, and petals or leaves arrangement, the main factor contributing to its beauty is the presence of larger Fibonacci sequences.

ERT / IP Survey for Exploration of Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite and Sulphide Minerals at Benue Trough, Nigeria

2024-05-28T20:33:35+01:00

AGIUSA's SuperSting R8 multi-electrode system and a three-phase automated voltage-regulated generator were used to measure the natural potential, chargeability, and subsurface resistivity at Ikenyi Izzi in the southern Benue trough. A dipole-dipole array with 20-meter gaps between the dipoles was used. We carried out data inversion using RES2DINV and Zond software, and made topographic correction using GPS elevation data. Through the use of resistivity and chargeability models, the research identified unique geological characteristics using resistivity and chargeability models. The resistivity values varied between 32 and 2818 Ωm, with zones of low resistivity suggesting conductive materials such as galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and sulphide minerals, and zones of high resistivity standing for resistant materials. Disseminated galena, sphalerite, pyrite, or sulphide minerals were indicated by zones with high chargeability values, which varied from 0 to 700 milliseconds. The main conclusion is the discovery of many mineralized zones with notable differences in chargeability and resistivity, which point to possible ore resources. Galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and sulphide mineralization were detected in 10 profiles out of the 12 profiles of zones of interest, including Zone A (100–250 milliseconds IP and 350–800 Ωm resistivity), Zone B (200–350 milliseconds IP and 230 Ωm resistivity), and Zone C (300–500 milliseconds IP and 300-500 Ωm resistivity). The results of this study show that resistivity and IP data can be useful in geophysical exploration plans that aim for areas with lots of mineral resources.

Pendulum at Rest Monopole Antenna (Analysis of the Complex Physical System Pendulum at Rest)

2024-05-07T18:33:48+01:00

Background: Unexpected results (anomalies) contain essential information regarding the physical consistency of the tested system ("test body") respectively, regarding the physical consistency of the paradigm used to construct the experiment, collect data and analyze measurement results. Based on the priori information and the own information accumulated, in order to facilitate the theoretical and experimental analysis, the complex physical pendulum model composed of three subsystems was adopted, namely: the subsystem of electrical parameters of the environment S1, the subsystem of the mechanical pendulum itself S2 respectively, the disturbing subsystem of celestial bodies S3. Aims: Highlighting nongravitational perturbations of the pendulum at rest. Method(s): The representation in the form of a physical complex system by describing the processes with the help of physical laws (balance sheet equations) and experimentally. Results. A new model of the complex physical system of the pendulum at rest (antenna) and a modern gravitational-electrical paradigm (Mach-Maxwell paradigm) for experiment construction, data collection and analysis of results, respectively Conclusions: The optimal physical consistency of the new paradigm of experiment construction, data collection and analysis of measurement results allows highlighting nongravitational perturbations of the pendulum at rest.

Value Added Tax Fraud in the Judgments of the Court: Why We Should Know Our Business Partners?

2024-05-25T21:02:05+01:00

This article analyses the judgment of the Supreme Administrative Court, which concerns carousel fraud in Value Added Tax. In particular, it examines the issue of supplier-customer relationships in defined types of markets where carousel fraud can be traced. The aim of the paper is to analyse the judgment of the Supreme Administrative Court and to point out the threat of wrongly selecting a supplier and the threat to added value in economic activity. The resulting question is: Why should we know our business partners? The results of this paper can be a lesson for entrepreneurs, but also for other entities trying to minimize the impact of these frauds on the business of the parties involved and the economy as a whole.

Modification in Alcubierre Warp Drive Geometry to Preserve Positive Energy Density

2024-05-23T20:09:20+01:00

Alcubierre introduced the warp drive model in 1994. However, Alcubierre warp drive model resulted in negative energy density everywhere. The purpose of this paper is to show that with a small modification in the Alcubierre warp drive geometry, while keeping the warp drive bubble shape unchanged, we achieved a total positive energy density.

Mathematical Modelling And Numerical Simulation Of The Behaviour Of The Modified Icaro Dryer Sensor

2024-04-24T16:15:42+01:00

It has often been observed that traditionally dried coffee has a tainted taste, due to the use of fortune devices. This study was undertaken to provide an approach to solutions. The aim here is to model the modified Icaro solar dryer. This work involves the study of a single-pass solar air collector for drying coffee. The mathematical modelling of the collector is based on the nodal method applied to the electrical analogy to study the thermal exchanges. The results of the temperature profile are obtained for a velocity of 1.5 m.s^-1 , an air flow rate of 0.16 kg.m^-3 and an absorber surface area of 5.4 m² . In addition, for surfaces and flow rates varying respectively from 5 m²to 7 m² and 0.08 kg.h^-1 and 0.35 kg.h^-1, we obtained peak temperatures of 72.37 °C and 80 °C respectively. This enabled us to follow the behaviour of these temperatures from top to bottom and along the length of the sensor.

Minimal Units of Consciousness and Possible Evolution of Intelligence

2024-05-23T16:50:42+01:00

The present review attempts to find out what are basic elements of consciousness - that is, what are the characteristics of purposeful perceptions and "reactive" actions observed in living beings. The difference between consciousness and intelligence is also dealt with in this respect. These considerations are based on previous work on feedback loops in "active" matter leading to "living matter". To follow this line, we briefly look at the development of information processing and the formation of neural networks in evolution, culminating in the formation of the human brain. As a synthesis, we deal with current hypotheses of biophysical processes that take place in the human brain in connection with consciousness and intelligence. Furthermore, it discusses basic principles of information processing in artificial intelligence and the difference between human consciousness and intelligence compared to AI. In doing so, we touch on philosophical questions such as the relationship to "minimal physicalism", which is related to teleonomy as a "weak form" of "panpsychism". Thus, the present review can also add some aspects to a lively discussion that has recently erupted on animal consciousness, culminating in the "New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness."

Carbon Sequestration and the Enzymic Latch Mechanism in Red, Black and White Mangrove Soils of Florida USA.

2021-11-23T17:21:51+00:00

Mangrove swamps are important habitat types providing vital ecological services, such as protection of coastlines from erosion and extreme weather conditions including hurricanes, recycling of nutrients and sequestration of carbon. Mangrove swamps support a wide range of biodiversity, improve water quality, provide fish for local communities. They are also used as a source of wood fuel, medication as well as for harvesting honey for the local population. Soil samples for laboratory analyses were collected from red (Rhizophora mangle), black (Avicennia germinans) and white (Laguncularia racemose) mangroves in Florida, USA to determine the biogeochemistry processes. Results of analyses indicated that the red mangrove soil is the most efficient for carbon sequestration. It had the lowest phenol oxidase activity (206.15 nmol dicq g^-1 h^-1), highest phenolic concentration (262.33 µg g^-1) and lowest hydrolase enzyme activity (β-glucosidase) (3.04 nmol g^-1 min^-1) and, as a result, the highest concentration of soil organic matter (SOM) (57.9%). It is believed that the high soil water content (84.2%).) of the red mangrove, due to its proximity to the sea, is a key driver of these observations. The 'enzymic latch' mechanism appears to be prevalent in the red mangrove soil, in particular, allowing these ecosystems to be effective at carbon storage hence, could serve as an important natural tool in mitigating the effect of climate change. Preservation and conservation of mangrove swamps is vital in balancing the effect of global warming.

Overview in Abnormal Read Cell Lipidomic Profiling for Human Chronic Disorder Diagnosis

2024-06-15T14:53:42+01:00

Red blood cell lipidomics has merged as new way to explore chronic disease biomarkers. The aim of this review to explore ethics sample collection and treatment for lipidomics purpose. Samples used to perform lipidomics is also addressed herein. As a result, remarkable efforts are made is the field.

The Epr-Argument Under The Critic Of Material-Geometry & Space-Energy Universe

2024-05-22T19:53:14+01:00

The Incidence of Fungal Infections in Patients Treated with Tocilizumab for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Requiring High Care or ICU Admission: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2024-06-06T17:56:06+01:00

Background: Critically ill COVID-19 patients often experience immune dysregulation, leading to cytokine release syndrome and an increased susceptibility to nosocomial infections, including invasive fungal infections. Early detection and treatment of fungal infections is paramount due to associated high mortality rates. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody used in treating COVID-19 patients, has shown efficacy in managing the cytokine storm but is linked to a heightened risk of secondary fungal infections. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between Tocilizumab use and fungal infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to an ICU in South Africa. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a private hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, from April 2020 to August 2021. Data from 373 COVID-19 patients admitted to high care or ICU were analysed. Patients were categorized based on positive fungal cultures. Demographics, Tocilizumab usage, and relevant factors were collected from electronic databases. Results: Fungal infections were identified in 15.6% of the patients. Tocilizumab use did not significantly correlate with fungal infections (OR: 0.342 [95%CI: 0.115-1.019]; P=0.054). Factors associated with fungal infections included extended hospital stays (OR: 1.098 [95% CI: 1.038-1.163], P=0.050 and elevated D-dimer values (OR:1.20; [95% CI: 1.035-1.390]; P=0.015). Females were less likely to develop a fungal infection (OR:0.224; [95% CI: 0.054-0.928], P=0.039). Conclusions: Tocilizumab administration was not significantly linked to an increased risk of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients in the ICU. This study underscores the multifactorial nature of fungal infection risk, emphasizing the need for comprehensive risk assessment.

The Biomechanics of Green Plants in The Presence of Environmental Thermal Perturbations

2024-05-20T07:07:12+01:00

This study mimic the flow model of mineral salt solution in green plants when the environmental temperature suddenly increased. The usual Navier stokes equation in cylindrical coordinate is used to formulate the governing system of equations for the flow model. The analysis is then carried out by means of the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The result obtained shows that the increase in the thermal parameters caused a corresponding increase in the temperature, velocity and the quantity of fluids being transported to the leaves of the plant. It further reveals that when the aspect ratio of the plant is very large, that is for plant whose length is far greater than its diameter, the flow profiles tend to be streamline, laminar and Poiseuille. This understanding shows why some green plants of this nature tend to strive during the period of heat waves and drought. It was further seen that when the thermal parameter the model returns to that of Rand [1] and Bestman [2].

Sill Propagation And Climbing In Layered Crystalline Host-Rocks: Examples From Saucer-Shaped Sills Of The Faroe Islands

2024-06-05T19:31:44+01:00

Mafic sills, which commonly occur in layered sedimentary and crystalline settings worldwide, may occur as sub-lateral sheets or as saucer-shaped bodies. Values and distributions of Young’s Modulus within their ambient host-rocks determine their mode of emplacement. Current models on development of saucer-shaped sills depict either melt propagation from single sources along sub-lateral relatively weak layers, from which they abruptly climb/transgress through stronger layers at intervals, or they may evolve by radial melt propagation/intrusion from one or more sources, while gradually/continuously ascending/climbing through strong and weak layers alike. The first model invokes involvement of sill overburdens and overlying free surfaces, while the latter envisages closed igneous systems, where host-rocks both above and below the advancing magmas are affected without involvement of overlying free surfaces. Margins of saucer-shaped sills at various stages of developments, cropping out in the Faroe-Islands, offer some new insights into sill evolvement in layered crystalline host-rocks. This study suggests that the slightly upward-curving geometries of Faroese sills stem from initial radial propagations/intrusions of thin magma fronts, where systematic depth-dependent variations of Young’s Modulus in the Earth’s crust governed gradual and continuous climbing of these. Some of their melts likely propagated initially as lobes or thin magma-fingers in a mole-like fashion before coalescing, without noticeably affecting the overlying free surfaces prior to the main inflation phases.

The Impact of Supply Chain Integration on Financial Performance of the Firm

2024-05-15T19:39:14+01:00

Supply Chain Integration (SCI) is widely acknowledged as a strategic process that significantly contributes to positioning organizations favorably for improved firm performance. This study delves into the relationship between financial performance and supply chain integration, focusing on the impact of various integration strategies, including internal control, supplier integration, customer integration, and internal integration, on a business's financial performance. Through Regression, Reliability, and Correlation analyses conducted on an 80-respondent survey, correlations between the variables were examined. The findings reveal a substantial and positive influence of SCI on a company's financial success. Further analysis of individual dimensions indicates that customer integration yields the most significant positive effect on financial success. Moreover, notable correlations were observed between supplier integration and financial performance, internal control and financial performance, and internal integration and financial performance. While each variable demonstrates a statistically significant impact, customer integration emerges as the most influential factor. This study underscores the relationship between information flows and financial performance, underscoring the benefits of integration resulting from knowledge development. Supply chain experts can leverage these research findings to enhance their business's bottom line.

Prelude Before Nobel – Enriching Learning Environment With A Knowledge Concert; Colliding Art And Science. Concept, Origin, And Purpose

2024-06-03T16:04:52+01:00

The concept of the knowledge concert was developed by researchers at the Royal College of Music and Karolinska Institute in Sweden where live musicians and scientific researchers creates a performance related to an important societal issue. The emotional evocativeness music allows it to act as a facilitator of knowledge acquisition which it is argued enriches the learning environment. In this study, we have built on the idea of the knowledge concert with a novel focus on Nobel prize winners’ work. Knowledge is generated from live musicians and narratives from a cicerone. The two originators will in this study develop the concept of Prelude before Nobel as a knowledge concert. Further knowledge related to the Nobel Prize scientific findings was obtained by listening to live music. In this experience thoughts and feelings were stimulated, which increased the receptivity and understanding of the Nobel Prize in terms of both content and meaning.

Energy and Trust-Aware Routing in Wireless Networks for Multimedia Applications

2024-05-13T20:48:30+01:00

With rapid proliferation of wireless communication technologies and increasing demand for multimedia applications, efficient routing in wireless networks has become critical research area. Energy usage control and data exchange are key in these networks. Due to sensor node resource constraints, wireless networks are subject to security threats. So, energy-aware trust-based approaches are powerful for identifying node behaviour and providing wireless network security. This paper presents a novel approach that integrates energy and trust considerations into the routing process to enhance the performance of multimedia applications in wireless networks. This multifaceted approach aims to establish a comprehensive framework that encompasses energy efficiency, trust, data security, path optimization, and superior multimedia streaming quality within wireless networks. This study encompasses the innovative Cluster formation technique by utilizing Weigh Utility-based Stratified Sampling (WUSS), facilitates efficient node clustering, leading to optimized resource allocation and energy efficiency. The integration of Hybrid Energy Efficient Distribution (HEED) with Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for Cluster Head Selection enhances energy balance and network longevity. Data Security is fortified through the utilization of the Improved BlowFish Algorithm (IBFA), safeguarding multimedia content during transmission. The Bilateral Floyd – Warshall algorithm is harnessed for optimal path selection, reducing latency and packet loss for high-quality multimedia delivery. Multimedia streaming involves both sensitive and non-sensitive data, prioritizing seamless streaming while upholding data security. To simulate the suggested research method, Python – 3.11.4 is utilized. The proposed approach is utilized using several performance metrics such as Delivery rate, Network lifetime, Throughput, Delay, Packet loss and Packet Delivery Ratio.

Preliminary Evaluation of Diapause Intensity in Phytomyza orobanchia Kalt. (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in Faba Bean Vicia faba Fields in Alexandria, Egypt

2024-06-02T08:36:30+01:00

This study was carried out to evaluate the diapause intensity in Phytomyza orobanchia Kalt. (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in faba bean fields in Alexandria, Egypt. Several visits were carried out in faba bean seasons of 2021 and 2022 during January, February, March and April (cool to warm temperature) to collect spicks from faba bean fields infested by Orobanche crenata Forsk (Orobanchaceae). The spicks were dissected under binocular microscope and inspected for Ph.orobanchia puparia. Total of 6663 and 2810 Ph.orobanchia puparia were collected throughout the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Ph.orobanchia puparia were allowed hatching to evaluate diapause incidence in the fly .Monthly mean fly emergence was recorded . This fly is a short-day species with a pupal summer - winter diapause. For each faba bean season, the onset of pupal diapause was in February increases in March and reached maximum in April. Large proportion of diapausing puparia of 1year old, hatched in January, decreased gradually, reaching its minimum in April. The live pupria that did not emerge after April, were assumed to be prepupae-pupae in diapause for more longer period (2-3 years). Also, large proportion of remaining diapausing puparia were found parasitized by Tetrastichus phytomyzae (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) wasps. The emerged wasps were observed to parasitized the old unparasitized diapaused fly puparia and destroying the rearing fly culture during the two seasons. Females outnumber the males among non-diapausing flies. However, males outnumber the females for diapausing puparia hatched in March. While the sex ratio of emerged flies of diapaused puparia hatched in January, February and April was in favor of females.

A Dual Hilbert-space Formalism for Consciousness; Memory Experiments

2024-05-07T08:54:51+01:00

Inspired by works of W. H. Zurek and others, a mathematical, physical theory, entirely within a quantum mechanical formalism, is proposed for cognitive processes in terms of an abstract Hilbert-space for the conscious state that is an exact replica of the Hilbert-space for the neuronic physical state. Thus, any actual state of consciousness arises by its formal alignment (identification) with some-one in the set of the neuronic states, with the latter undergoing perpetual changes in the wake of life-long experiences. It is posited that these changes become expressed by an increase in the number of ordered, coherent neuronic states at the expense of the preordinal random neuronic states. Changes, transitions between states are induced by a Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad formalism, which is also instrumental in the effect of the conscious state on bodily actions. The paradigmatic findings of R.N. Shepard (1958 - 2011) and of S. Sternberg (1966 - 2016) for long- and short-term recalls are interpreted within the model.

Characterization of Novel Bacterial Strains Associated with EGINA Oil Field Deep-Sea, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2024-05-27T18:27:26+01:00

The deep-sea environment has rich microbial resources, which are very much underexploited, which are of economic, industrial and medical importance. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify bacterial species from EGINA oil field deep sea, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sediment and water samples were collected with the aid of carousal, and soil auger, and cultivated on both nutrient agar and Actinomycetes isolation agar. Serial dilution and plate methods were used to determine the total heterotrophic bacterial counts. A total of 170 bacterial strains, showing distinct morphologies, were isolated from both water and sediment samples collected at various location at EGINA off-shore. These strains were then categorized into 49 groups, collectively across all the stations based on standard colony morphological characteristics and were isolated and identified by conventional and molecular methods. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (measured in colony-forming units, CFUs per mL) from deep-sea water and sediment samples exhibited the highest values at station EGINA-NS-TOP (200×10-2 CFU/mL), followed by the lowest point EGINA-MINI-MID (5.00×10-4 CFU/mL) for water samples. Likewise, highest bacterial counts 1 1 1were recorded at DC6-W1 (200 ×10-2 CFU/g) and lowest bacterial counts (3.00 ×10-6 CFU/g) for sediment samples. Bacillus strains were the most predominant strain isolated with 66.6% frequency of occurrence, some of the Bacillus strains include Bacillus velezensis OOKAAOFFA-1, Bacillus tequilensis OOKAAOFFA-34, Bacillus subtilis OOKAAOFFA-24, likewise Enterococcus gallinarum OOKAAOFFA-49, Brevibacillus halotolerans OOKAAOFFA-36, Stutzerimonas stutzeri OOKAAOFFA-6, Arthrobacter globiformis strain OOKAAOFFA-33 among others. The closest type relationship was seen with the Bacillus, Brevibacillus and Enterobacter strains with branch support of 100% within a clade which also included Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus aerius, Bacillus stratosphericus, Arthrobacter globiformis, Enterobacter bugandensis, Enterobacter mori, Brevibacillus formosus, and Brevibacillus halotolerans strains OOKAAOFFA. The results showed the adaptation of the isolated bacteria in the marine environment. Their potentials can be further exploited.

Investigations on Specific Phytochemical Characteristics of Seed Oil and Defatted Seeds of Four Oil-Producing Plants Found in Cameroon

2024-05-03T20:56:14+01:00

A study was conducted to find and create new possible sources of seed oils that might be extracted locally and utilised in Cameroon to produce biodiesel, while also valuing the defatted seeds as alternate sources of nutrients for consumption by humans and animals. Pretreatment procedures included washing and drying the seeds of Ricinodendron heudelotii (njangsa), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), and the pulp of Raphia hookeri (raphia). A hydraulic press operating at 200 bars was then used to extract the oil from each sample. A proximate analysis was performed on both the defatted and intact seeds. While the proximate composition of the defatted cakes was examined, the extracted oils' potential for use as biodiesel was examined. The four samples' oil quality parameters were determined to be as follows: acid value (3.6 to 5.8 mgKOH/g), iodine value (19.0 to 39.0 gI2/100g), saponification value (56.1 to 280.6 mgKOH/g), and oil extracted (11.40% to 37.40%). All samples' crude protein, crude ash, and crude carbohydrate contents increased after defatting, whereas their crude lipid and crude fibre contents decreased. The highest protein content was found in defatted pumpkin seeds (41.11% DM), whilst the lowest protein content was found in defatted raffia palm pulp (7.35% DM). The findings of the oil parameter analysis indicated that all four oils have the potential to be employed as low-cost alternatives as feedstock for the production of biodiesel. The defatted seeds' results demonstrated that, with the exception of lipids, defatting concentrates macronutrients.

The Generation Model of Particle Physics

2024-04-26T12:50:33+01:00

The main purpose of this paper is to present the Generation Model (GM) as an alternative to the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics, which is incomplete. It will be reported how the GM provides an understandaing of many problems and puzzles associated with the SM. In particular: in the GM, the 14 elementary particles of the SM are all composite particles: this leads to a unified origin of mass, unlike the SM, so that the GM has no requirement for the Higgs field to generate the mass of any elementary particle. In the GM, the strong chromodynamic force is taken down one layer of complexity to describe the composite nature of the leptons and quarks: this leads to an understanding of the gravitational force, as a residual interaction of the strong nuclear force. This gravitational interaction has two additional properties,which provide an understanding of both dark matter and dark energy. The GM predicts that there is no matter-antimatter asymmetry, and that energy is conserved in the Universe. The GM indicates the existence of both higher generation quarks in nucleons and mixed parity states in hadrons, and also the conservation of CP in weak nuclear interactions.

Mathematical Modeling For Optimizing Hydropower Production: A Review Of Mathematical Models, Operating Factors, And Case Studies

2024-04-26T10:20:48+01:00

Hydropower production plays a crucial role in the sustainable energy landscape, and optimizing its operating factors is paramount for maximizing efficiency and output. In this review study, we delve into the world of mathematical modeling to explore the diverse approaches employed in enhancing hydropower production. Five research questions are investigated including the mathematical model used, operating factors, data types, time horizons, and case studies. In all, we analyze 22 primary studies to gain valuable insights into this vital field. Four key categories of mathematical models were utilized in the studies: Physical-based Models, Statistical Models, Optimization Models, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Models. Each of these models offers unique perspectives and techniques for optimizing hydropower systems, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The data sources adopted exhibit interesting diversity, with a majority of 16 studies relying on primary data, while two studies incorporate secondary data, and four studies employ synthetic data. This broad range of data types contributes to the robustness and accuracy of the findings. Investigating the geographical distribution of case studies, intriguing insights are inferred. China emerges as the dominant case study location, accounting for 55% of the studies. Nigeria follows with 18.2%, while Spain, Korea, and Iran contribute 9% each, underscoring the global significance of hydropower production optimization. Ranging from daily to multi-year perspectives, the data time horizons employed in the review study provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and long-term trends in hydropower systems.