Effectual Use Research Articles

Transformation of D-xylose into furfuryl alcohol via an efficient chemobiological approach in a benign deep eutectic solvent lactic acid:betaine-water reaction system

Biobased furfuryl alcohol (FOL) was a common building block for the production of resins, lubricants, plasticizers, organic compounds and value-added intermediates. For the effectual efficient production of FOL, a combination of chemocatalytic and biocatalytic approach was built for the transformation of D-xylose to FOL in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) lactic acid:betaine-H2O (LA:Bet-H2O) system. The furfural (FAL) yield of LA:Bet-H2O (10:90, vol/vol) for 30 min at 180 °C reached 81.6 % using D-xylose (150 g/L) as substrate in a high-pressure reactor. Using glucose as co-substrate, E. coli HMFOMUT whole cell could transform the formed FAL (125 mM) into FOL (96.8 % yield) in a conical flask at 37 °C and pH 7.0 in this LA:Bet-H2O (5:95, vol/vol) medium. In 50 mL LA:Bet-H2O, HMFOMUT cells effectually convert D-xylose-derived FAL to FOL, and 0.75 g of D-xylose formed FOL (0.384 g, 78.2 % yield) and furoic acid (FA) (0.019 g, 3.4 % yield). In the present study, a one-pot tandem method was used to effectually catalyze the synthesis of FOL from D-xylose using an effectual combination of chemocatalysis with LA:Bet and biocatalysis with E. coli HMFOMUT in a reactor. It affords a new idea for the effectual use of biomass resources to synthesize high value-added compounds, and also renders a mild, green, environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for the manufacturing of bio-based platform derivatives.

Effectual Use and Implementation of Micro-Lesson Plan Activities Through Mapping of Bloom's Taxonomy and ICT Technologies

Effectual Use and Implementation of Micro-Lesson Plan Activities Through Mapping of Bloom's Taxonomy and ICT Technologies

Influence of annealing on the morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of Co3O4 spinel electrodes

Effectual use of energy requires the conversion and storage device with great ability. In this research, Co3O4 nanoparticles are achieved via facile and low-cost reflux method. The consequence of annealing treatment on morphological, structural, and electrochemical behaviors of produced Co3O4 (350, 550, 750 and 950 °C) nanoparticles are investigated. XRD analysis exposes the formation of cubic Co3O4 spinel above 300 °C annealing temperature. SEM and EDX study demonstrate that the morphology of Co3O4 nanoparticles changes with different annealing temperatures. The electrochemical performance of prepared Co3O4 (350–950 °C) nanoparticles was determined via charge-discharge experiment, and electrochemical impedance, cyclic voltammetry studies. It exposes that the annealing treatments have an important effect on the specific capacitances. Among them, the optimized Co3O4 (950 °C) electrode demonstrates the best capacitive behaviors in the three-electrode cell, which exhibitions the best capacitance value of 1388 Fg−1 at 5 mVs−1 and outstanding cycling capability of 97.2 % capacitance even after 5000 cycles. The asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled by Co3O4 (950 °C) displays a capacitance value of 519.3 Fg−1 for 5 mVs−1 and long reversible capacity (92.7 % capacitance retains after 5000 cycles) and a high-power density (26.7 W h Kg−1). These outcomes exposed that the Co3O4 (950 °C) nanoparticles could be a perfect candidate for eminent electrochemical application as electrode materials. These results state that Co3O4 nanoparticles are a multipurpose material and thus can be applied in numerous applications namely gas sensors, fuel cells, solar cells, electrochemical sensors, and photocatalysis.

Signals of local bioclimate-driven ecomorphological changes in wild birds

Across disciplines—biological, ecological, evolutionary, or environmental—researchers increasingly recognize the importance and the need for cost-effective, non-invasive techniques for in-situ morphological measurements of organisms in diverse research contexts. By applying a non-invasive technique using digital images taken under field conditions, we successfully measured the body sizes of wild Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala) in two different biogeographic regions of India, spatially separated by 20° of latitude. We have used the wild Painted Storks as model species for measuring their morphometrics using a non-invasive technique that could easily be applied to similar species, rare, endemic, colonial, aquatic, and even those with cultural taboos. Our results satisfactorily classify and predict the sexes of the species and their biogeographic origin based on independent morphological variables using Machine Learning algorithms. The BayesNet yielded the correct classification instances (Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) = 0.985), outperforming all the other tested classifying algorithms. A strong relationship was observed between the local bioclimatic conditions and the morphological variations in wild Painted Storks reflecting clear eco-geographic patterns. Without this non-invasive technique, it would be almost impossible to collect morphological measurements at a large scale from live birds under field conditions. Our study is a testimony to the effectual use of the non-invasive digital method for in-situ measurements from free-living wild species in the field, assuming significance, especially from climate change perspectives, biology, ecology, and conservation.

The Case History of an Insect Infestation Revealed Using X-ray Computed Tomography and Implications for Museum Collections Management Decisions

The protection of cultural heritage and property is a significant and critical task that requires collaboration and expertise in a variety of disciplines. Of the many risk factors, insect infestation is one cause of deterioration and loss. At a large, state university, disparate departments, ranging from Facilities Management to the Entomology Department and Veterinary Medicine, assisted the university museum in identifying a drywood termite infestation, determining the extent of loss and developing a plan to prevent or mitigate future infestations. Our group was able to determine the extent and severity of a drywood termite infestation in the museum storage vault through visual inspection and X-ray computed tomography (CT). This paper describes the process and heuristics of identifying and estimating the amount of active/inactive termite infestations in the art frames as well as visualizing a 3-dimensional structure to learn the extent of infestation. This interdisciplinary collaboration and effectual use of tomography enabled our group to determine the condition of several art frames through non-invasive means and develop a plan of action to identify and prevent future insect incursions within the museum.

A new internet of things enabled trust distributed demand side management system

Renewable energy resources (RESs) have come under significant focus to cover the massive demand for electricity. Microgrids are coupled with Demand Side Management (DSM) for saving energy and amplifying energy efficacy. CO2 discharges, frequency and voltage protocols, RES stochastic nature, Peak to Average Ratio (PAR), and load dynamics are still termed as the most significant challenges for smart microgrids. Novel regulation and management methodologies are required for overpowering them. Internet of Things (IoT) is able to offer adaptive supervision of energy intake and warrant a cost-effective and safe functioning of the smart microgrids. In this study, a new DSM system called Real-Time Electricity Scheduling (RTES) for domestic home energy management is introduced for running the microgrids. The proposed management system seeks to curtail cost payments by optimally programming smart devices and enhancing the consumption of energy. The system comprises two portions: software and hardware. The hardware comprises a Base Station Unit (BSU) and many Terminal Unit (TU). The software comprises the Wi-Fi network programming along with the system protocol. In this paper, Message Queue Telemetry Transportation (MQTT) broker was constructed on TU board and BSU. The proposed technique raises effectual use of energy, thus raising the viability of IoT empowered households in smart cities. The approach impulsively reacts to protective home equipment, power factor correction, and price-centred demand response programmes to contest the key concern of the demand response programs, i.e., constraints in terms of customer’s knowledge to react upon obtaining demand response signals. Lastly, a smart microgrids model is experimentally employed to accomplish and corroborate the proposed DSM and control approach. The outcomes of the experiment have substantiated the efficacy and viability of the presented approach and the competence of proposed technique for energy management functioning in various modes. The outcomes endorse the proposed method’s ability to obtain an optimum DSM scheme by decreasing the smart microgrids’ emission cost, energy cost, and PAR, along with power factor correction.

Multi-Winner Spectrum Allocation in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Single-Sided Auction Theoretic Modelling Approach with Sequential Bidding

Cognitive radio (CR) has evolved as a novel technology for overcoming the spectrum-scarcity problem in wireless communication networks. With its opportunistic behaviour for improving the spectrum-usage efficiency, CR enables the desired secondary users (SUs) to dynamically utilize the idle spectrum owned by primary users. On sensing the spectrum to identify the idle frequency bands, proper spectrum-allocation mechanisms need to be designed to provide an effectual use of the radio resource. In this paper, we propose a single-sided sealed-bid sequential-bidding-based auction framework that extends the channel-reuse property in a spectrum-allocation mechanism to efficiently redistribute the unused channels. Existing auction designs primarily aim at maximizing the auctioneer’s revenue, due to which certain CR constraints remain excluded in their models. We address two such constraints, viz. the dynamics in spectrum opportunities and varying availability time of vacant channels, and formulate an allocation problem that maximizes the utilization of the radio spectrum. The auctioneer strategises winner determination based on bids collected from SUs and sequentially leases the unused channels, while restricting the channel assignment to a single-channel-multi-user allocation. To model the spectrum-sharing mechanism, we initially developed a group-formation algorithm that enables the members of a group to access a common channel. Furthermore, the spectrum-allocation and pricing algorithms are operated under constrained circumstances, which guarantees truthfulness in the model. An analysis of the simulation results and comparison with existing auction models revealed the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assigning the unexploited spectrum.

Progressive Failure Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract The mechanical properties of composite materials undergo degradation with an increased number of loading cycles. The objective of this paper is to propose a progressive failure analysis approach using Hashin’s criteria. The initiation and propagation of intralaminar failure mechanisms: matrix tension, matrix compression, fiber tension and fiber compression are identified. The stiffness degradation at a specific integration point in the material is observed. Complimentary FE simulations are performed to investigate the progressive failure analysis of composite materials employing Hashin’s criteria. The efficient use of Hashin’s criteria identifies the different failure modes. An attempt is made to demonstrate the interaction mechanism between the intralaminar damage and interlaminar delamination occurring in composite laminates. The effectual use of Hashin’s criteria helps to obtain different damage indices and damage variables using allowable material properties. The proposed new insights of progressive failure analysis approach ensure the high fidelity of these materials in generic aerospace and underwater structures. However, the efficacy of progressive failure analysis for the strain localization problems in composites is still regarded as open for the future advancement of this work

The Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Tourism Industry on People of Arba Minch and its Surroundings

Contemporary, the tourism industry in Ethiopia has been progressing from time to time. The sector has become the main sources of foreign earnings for many developing countries. The area, Arbaminch, is one of the tourist destination sites in Ethiopia has been identified to have substantial prospective for tourism development. However, due to the nonappearance of adequate research works in the study area together with the lack of crucial infrastructural facilities affected the development of tourism in the area. So, the foremost purposes of this paper is evaluating and identifying the major challenges for the effectual use of the enormous of tourism resources of the area and stress the prospect for tourism development and indicate possible solution to the problems. Both primary and secondary sources including archives, oral informants and relevant references materials are utilized to bring out the history of tourism in Arbaminch and its surroundings. Keywords : attraction, resources, Tourism development, heritage DOI : 10.7176/JTHS/40-01

Effectual Use of Costaceae Lacerus Bagasse Fibre and Lime as Expansive Soil Stabilizer

Effectual Use of Costaceae Lacerus Bagasse Fibre and Lime as Expansive Soil Stabilizer

Lessons from a student-led development project in Peru: Aligning technical and educational perspectives

With the growth of student interest in humanitarian engineering development projects, a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this type of work is crucial to success. While a number of models exist for joining development with technical expertise in humanitarian engineering projects, this paper focuses on the experiences of students working on a program in Peru within the Greater Austin Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB)-USA. This program is a unique EWB-USA program that builds on ongoing academic research in the Peruvian Andes at the University of Texas at Austin and regional efforts by The Mountain Institute to mitigate the effects of climate change on Peruvian communities that need technical solutions to water issues. We contrast the benefits and struggles of pursuing a student-led initiative with a regional scope. Specifically, this case study shares how the roles of partnerships between universities, private sector, government, and nongovernmental organizations create challenges and opportunities for a student-led humanitarian engineering program. The key challenges identified are (1) effectual use of U.S. team members, (2) building trust and open communication with in-country partners, and (3) understanding community dynamics and adapting projects to their local context. We present how development of a ‘non-traditional engineering classroom’ framework can serve as a proactive means for facilitating effective knowledge transfer, critical reflection, and service-learning to improve project outcomes.

The Effectual Use of Transboundary Water Protection Regulatory Framework: Case Study—Aras River

The Effectual Use of Transboundary Water Protection Regulatory Framework: Case Study—Aras River

3.4.2 Research on a Framework for Selecting and Applying Systems Engineering Tools for Australian Small and Medium Enterprises – II

AbstractMany of the subsystems developed by the Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are integrated into military systems developed by larger companies. If the SMEs cannot win and sustain defence contracts to develop the subsystems because of their lack of systems capability, then the ability of the Australian Defence to develop and deploy needed systems will be adversely affected. By systems capability it is meant effectual use of sound systems engineering (SE) processes and effective use of SE tools. Unlike most large organisations, many of the Australian SMEs engaging in defence work have not widely employed SE processes and tools in their endeavour. In addition, the SE software tools currently used by the Australian SMEs do not appear to have effectively aided the SMEs in their work. This paper describes a methodology employed in the development of a framework for aiding Australian SMEs in defence work in effectively acquiring and applying SE processes and tools and thereby helping to improve their systems capability. Specifically, the methodology involves a collection and analysis of information, using qualitative grounded theory as the fundamental analysis technique, and NVivo software as the analysis tool. The paper also discusses some preliminary results of the research and future work.

10.2.2 Research on a Framework for Systems Engineering Tools for Australian Small and Medium Enterprises

AbstractTo be self‐reliant and competitive in winning and maintaining defence contracts, the Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to improve their systems capability. By systems capability it is meant effectual use of sound systems engineering (SE) processes and effective use of SE tools. Unlike most large organisations, the Australian SMEs have not widely employed SE processes and tools in their endeavour. In addition, the SE software tools the Australian SMEs are currently using do not appear to have effectively aided them with their work. This paper describes research to develop a framework for aiding Australian SMEs in effectively acquiring and applying SE processes and tools and thereby improving their systems capability. Specifically, the research involves a collection and analysis of information about the fundamental nature of SMEs; an exploration of relationships between SE process and tools and the Australian SMEs; the development of requirements for SE tools functionality appropriate for SME needs; and the development of framework for acquiring and applying SE tools for SMEs. It also discusses the current outcomes of this research, which consist of a comprehensive research plan, a mapping of SE activities reported in INCOSE Symposia Proceedings (1994–2006) to the Hitchins‐Kasser‐Massie (HKM) framework, and a preliminary view of relationships between SMEs and SE tools. Finally, the final results of this research may be extendable to commercial and overseas SMEs.

Enhancement of image-based fecundity methods: Gravimetric sampling at sea and safer sample preservation

Collecting accurate fecundity samples in the field is challenging as field scales are often unreliable and inaccurate in rough seas. In addition, the storage and use of caustic preservatives may be difficult and dangerous. Quantifying the efficacy of both a non-caustic alternative to traditional preservatives, and the use of pre-weighed vials in sampling protocols is essential in improving the accuracy and utility of field samples. Streck Tissue Fixative (STF) is a less toxic alternative to traditional preservatives and proved effective in the short- and long-term preservation of haddock ( Melogrammus aeglefinus) and cod oocytes ( Gadus morhua). We found no time series trend or systematic change in the number of oocytes counted and there was stabilization in size decay by the second month, which is comparable to traditionally used preservatives. In examining the use of pre-weighed vials we compared several different vial types. Plastic vials with an o-ring showed a satisfactory predictable loss and we were able to develop a system of time dependent corrections for evaporative rate. Thermal effect was also examined, with evaporative loss decreasing at low temperatures. The effectual use of an alternative preservative and the validation of the use of pre-weighed vials have the potential to increase the efficiency and accuracy of field sampling.

Production of handicrafts, wares and novelty items from coconut wood, fronds and coconut fruit residues

The production of handicrafts, wares and novelty items utilizing small and short pieces of coconut wood, fronds and shell is a highly feasible and viable option to derive income from coconut residues and other cellulosic materials found in coconut plantation.
 Handicrafts and novelty items from coconut fronds, wood and other residues are potential export commodities that can compete with other indigenous products because of their unique appearance and quality. Given the tremendous amount of readily available raw materials from coconut farms, a manufacturer is assured of a sustainable operation.
 Property tests conducted on coconut frond’s structure have shown its fitness to be used as alternative material to some light wood species. It has an average specific gravity (sg) value of 0.20 and mean volumetric shrinkage of 63%. Effectual use investigations of coconut fronds and coconut fruit residues on machining, treatment, gluing properties and finishing requirements are all satisfactory. With the use of a technique, “mix and match”, they can be skillfully combined with coconut wood to make good finished products. Skills, creativity and craftsmanship on the part of the people involved in the job were crucial aspects of the production.
 Some of the crafts and novelty items produced were; all-purpose trays, trophies, flower vases and candle holders, chairs, dividers, plant boxes, table and dresser to name a few. The production cost estimates was at minimum with about 50-60 percent cheaper than the traditional materials such as wood.

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水資源の有効利用システムと膜技術 水資源有効利用システム用膜の現状と今後の課題

As often called that the 21st century is the age of water, various demands for sustainable water resources and effectual use of water have been risen in the world. In response to such demands, membrane technology plays a great roles and many application of membrane technology for achieving effectual use of water have been spread worldwide. Especially seawater desalination, wastewater reclamation, and purification of groundwater are major approaches for effectual use of water resources with membrane technology. In the field of seawater desalination, significant improvements of membranes and membrane process technology developments provided low cost water with enough reliability to seashore societies. Large scale studies for wastewater reclamation with membranes have been carried out in North America, Europe, South West Asian countries. Actually the new approach of the reclamation water to real drinking water started in Singapore and related persons are seriously watching its results. In case of water purification or clarification of groundwater or river surface water, safe and clean water without any fear of pollution or microbes are obtained by membrane technology.

Older Adults and the Digital Divide: Assessing Results of a Web-Based Survey

SUMMARY This study used an on-line, web-based survey to assess the significance of computer and Internet technology in the lives of adults over age 60. A convenience sample of 110 individuals from the United States, Canada and other countries responded to a 20-question survey regarding individual use, opportunities for learning, family and social connectivity and preferences for and barriers to effectual use. Particular focus was made on the self-described perceptions of personal control and life satisfaction within the responding population.

X-radiography with beta-emitting isotopes.

The idea of using isotopes in clinical radiography has been strongly advocated in recent years. As early as 1948 Spangenberg (1) published a radiograph of teeth, taken with cesium; Mayneord (2) demonstrated in 1950 the effectual use of thulium 170; and Dennis and DeLuca (3) reported the successful application of cerium 144 and thulium 170 in diagnostic radiology. The Argonne group (4) developed a portable isotopic x-ray source and Carpenter and his co-workers (5) recently described a complete portable isotopic x-ray unit, including isotope source and self-contained cassette, for field and emergency use. In all cases so far reported, isotopes have been used which by themselves, and/or in connection with their decay products, emit beta, X-, and gamma radiation. Pure beta emitters have not as yet been studied systematically for their applicability in diagnostic radiography. With beta emitters the x-radiation is produced by the interaction of the beta rays with other material and is predominantly in the form ...