Multipurpose Utilization Research Articles

Utilization of pineapple peel for production of nanocellulose and film application

Pineapple peel is a renewable agricultural residue available in abundance whose multipurpose utilization deserves more attention. The present study aimed at the isolation of nanocellulose from pineapple peel and evaluation on its reinforcement capability for gellan gum film. The results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the progressive removal of non-cellulosic components and the non-destruction of cellulose structure following bleaching and alkali treatments. Atomic force microscopy image of the nanocellulose displayed a needle-like structure with averages of 15 ± 5 nm in diameter and 189 ± 23 nm in length. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the obtained fibres after bleaching and alkali treatments showed higher thermal stability than the untreated pineapple peel. Although showing an earlier initial degradation temperature, the obtained nanocellulose remained the maximum residue after being heated to 500 °C. The rheological results indicated that the viscosities of the nanocellulose/gellan gum solutions increased slightly with the increase of nanocellulose content. The prepared films were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, light transmittance and mechanical properties. The introduction of nanocellulose decreased light transmittance values but enhanced the thermal stability of gellan gum film. Compared with the neat gellan gum film, the 4% nanocellulose loaded gellan gum film showed 48.21% improvement in tensile strength.

Preparation of UHPC with Fly Ash Replaced by Rich-Silicon Iron Ore Tailing Powder

In order to raise up the the rate of multipurpose utilization of rich-silicon iron ore tailing (IOTP for short) and the preparation of ultra-high performance concrete(UHPC for short), the influence rules and mechanism of rich-silicon iron ore tailing powder replacing fly ash in UHPC were studied, the influences of different specific surface area and dosage of IOTP replacing fly ash on its strength and liquidity were tested. Moreover, the pore structure and hydration products morphology of UHPC were tested by MIP and SEM methods, respectively. The results show that when fly ash replaced by IOTP, the liquidity of UHPC will be increased. When alternative content of IOTP is less than 10%, proper specific surface area of IOTP can improve the strength and pore structure, it can get the best result when the alternative content is 5% and the specific surface area is 588m2/kg. However, when alternative content of IOTP is 15% or more, all of these properties of UHPC become worse. It proves that IOTP can be used in the preparation of UHPC and improve the properties of UHPC.

A Concept of Hybrid Energy Transfer Considering the Multipurpose Utilization of Liquefied Shale Gas, Liquefied Nitrogen and Superconducting DC Cable

Abstract This paper presents a novel concept of hybrid energy transfer considering the multipurpose utilization of liquefied shale gas (LSG), liquefied nitrogen (LN 2 ) and superconducting DC cable (DC SC). For the hybrid energy generation, shale gas (SG) mined from the shale gas areas is used to produce a part of LSG through a series of SG liquefiers, a part of electric power through a series of SG generators and a part of LN 2 through a series of gas nitrogen (GN 2 ) liquefiers. For the hybrid energy transfer, two types of coaxial-type and axis-aligned-type pipe arrangements are proposed and discussed. In addition, considering the heat leakage from the cryogenic LN 2 to room-temperature environment, structural design and consideration of intermediate LN 2 -supply and GN 2 -decompression channel distributed along with the long-distance hybrid energy transfer system are also presented.

Evaluation of phylogenetic relationship among Ficus palmata forrsk. wild ecotypes from Azad Jammu and Kashmir using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR)

Ficus palmatais a very potent medicinal and multipurpose plant which has gained global significance due to medicinal and multipurpose utility. It bears deep violet to black berries which are known to human beings from centuries for their effects on health. The plant is wildly distributed throughout Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The phylogenetic relationship among these natural Ficus palmata ecotypes from Azad Jammu and Kashmir is not established so for using reliable molecular markers. ISSR has been proved to be an effective tool for the determination of phylogenetic relationship among closely related species. To construct a population level genetic profile for investigation and exploitation of genetic diversity of Ficus palmata, 25 ecotypes of Ficus palmata in AJK were analyzed using ISSR (Inter simple sequence repeats) markers. Phylogenetic distance estimated revealed that the ecotypes expressed common heritage for their phylogenetic relationship with a considerable genetic diversity among them as well. Quite a few Ecotypes showed close relationship irrespective of their geographic distances and morphological attributes. The research evolved a significant outcome to start a breeding program from the evolution of Ficus palmata varieties for the mountain areas of Azad Kashmir. Keywords: Ficus palmata; ISSR; Ecotypes; Genetic diversity http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60031

Why do farmers plant more exotic than native trees? A case study from the Western Ghats, India

Farmers worldwide regularly plant trees to obtain provisioning and other ecosystem services. This practice has come under scrutiny by conservationists who perceive a reduction of biodiversity due to preferential planting of exotic trees. In order to reverse this preference for exotic trees it is necessary to identify the key drivers of exotic species planting and propose alternative species of interest to farmers. We examined this question in a coffee agroforestry landscape of the Western Ghats, India, a global biodiversity hotspot. We interviewed farmers regarding tree planting behaviour, preferences and constraints, and assessed the relative performance and value of native versus exotic species. Multivariate analyses were used with six species-level characteristics and four farm-level characteristics, to reveal the most significant predictors of planting frequency.The exotic species Grevillea robusta was planted 5.4 times more often than native trees. Individual species’ planting frequencies were most strongly related to their realised economic values, which was highest for G. robusta. Native trees with greater multipurpose utility value and stature were also more likely to be planted. Farm-level characteristics related to increased planting efforts were increasing climatic dryness, increased land area with native tree tenurial rights and farm size. However, farmers with a greater proportion of land under secure tree tenure planted fewer trees.We conclude that although native trees had higher multipurpose utility and potential economic value than the exotic G. robusta, the latter is grown more often due to existing legal frameworks that restrict private ownership and realising monetary value from native species. If current laws were amended to increase the economic benefits obtained from native trees, they are likely to be planted more often by farmers. We propose that our results can help in implementation of the recent National Agroforestry Policy of India, as well as inform agroforestry policies and practice elsewhere.

Performance investigation of a concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system with transmissive Fresnel solar concentrator

A design method of a cycloidal transmissive Fresnel solar concentrator which can provide a certain width focal line was presented in this study. Based on the optical principle of refraction, the dimensions of each wedge-shaped element of Fresnel lens are calculated. An optical simulation has been done to obtain the optical efficiency of the concentrator for different tracking error and axial incidence angle. It has been found that about 80% of the incident sunlight can still be gathered by the absorber when the tracking error is within 0.7°. When the axial angle of incidence is within 10°, it almost has no influence to the receiving rate. The concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system with transmissive Fresnel solar concentrator has been designed in this paper. Take the gallium arsenide high concentrated battery as the receiver, experimental research about cylindrical Fresnel concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system is undertaken in the real sky. Main parameters are tested such as the temperature distribution on receiver, electric energy and thermal energy outputs of concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system, the efficiency of multipurpose utilization of electric and heat, and so on. The test results in clear weather show that maximum electric generating efficiency is about 18% at noon, the maximum heat receiving rate of cooling water is about 45%. At noon time (11:00–13:00), the total efficiency of thermal and electricity can reach more than 55%. Performance of this concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system with transmissive Fresnel solar concentrator is studied and compared in two types typical weather, hazy weather and clear weather, it can be known from results that hazy weather has great influence to electric generation efficiency but it has less effect to heat efficiency of cooling water.

Evaluation of Inexpensive Bedding Materials for Culm Cutting of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. and Its Field Performance

Background: Bambusa balcooa Roxb. is a species with multipurpose utility and economic value. Natural forests are being depleted due to human activities so it is necessary to grow important bamboo species in plantations. Effective propagation methods are required to generate large quantities of material for planting and culm cutting has been found to be very promising modified vegetative method. However, suitable low-cost bedding materials are required to ensure the process is efficient and cost effective. Methods: Five different bedding materials (coarse sand, 50: 50 mixture of coarse sand and soil, soil, vermicompost, vermiculite) were assessed for macro-propagation of B. balcooa Roxb. using a two-nodal culm cutting method during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014. Results: Coarse sand was shown to be the most economic and easily accessible bedding material for macropropagation of bamboo followed by the mixture of coarse sand: soil. The saplings were withstood in the natural conditions. Conclusions: Coarse sand could be used as bedding material for the successful regeneration of bamboo through macro propagation using Culm with two nodes.

The phase diagram and physicochemical properties of the quaternary system Li+, Rb+, Mg2+//borate-H2O at 348 K

Pingluo underground brine, located in the west of China, is a high-grade deposit of lithium, potassium, rubidium, and borates. To study the ways of multipurpose utilization of this resource, the phase equilibrium of the system Li+, Rb+, Mg2+//borate-H2O was investigated at 348 K by an isothermal dissolution method. The solubilities of the components and physicochemical properties of equilibrated solutions, such as density and refractive index were determined. The stable phase diagram, the water content diagram and the physicochemical properties vs. composition diagrams were constructed according to the experimental data. The stable phase diagram consists of one invariant point, three isothermal dissolution curves and three crystallization fields corresponding to single salts MgB4O5(OH)4 · 7H2O, RbB5O6(OH)4 · 2H2O, and Li2B4O7 · 3H2O. The Li2B4O7 · 3H2O salt has the smallest crystallization region, whereas RbB5O6(OH)4 · 2H2O occupies the largest part, so rubidium pentaborate can be more easily separated from solution than other coexisting salts of this system at 348 K.

Designing Multifunction Fabric for Tourists

This research aims to study, create and design the multi-function fabric for reflecting the beauty of image and the way of Thai people's life, and Thai culture through modern design of fabric pattern. In addition, this product is also able to solve the problem on inappropriate dressing of foreign tourists who visit temples, ancient remains or important attractions in order to facilitate the tourists and provide them impression on travelling in Thailand. Mainly, the dressing of foreign tourists who visited Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or Wat Phra Kaew also known as The Grand Palace was studied in order to study on inappropriate dressing. This multi-purpose product was designed for multi-purpose utilization and it was portable and suitable for travelling. In addition, it was also able to be developed as the commercial design in the form of souvenir for publicizing tourism in Bangkok area.

ТИМЬЯН ПОЛЗУЧИЙ (Thymus serpyllum L.). СОРТ – АЛЕКСАНДРИТ

Data of origin of the creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), its morphological characteristics, and biochemical composition are presented. There is multipurpose utilization of this crop: seasonings, aromatizing of drinks, in perfumery, in medicine as antiseptic, in landscaping. The farming culture, biological specificity of creeping thyme, and characteristic of new cultivar Aleksandrit are described.

Multi-University Partnership for Global Service Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa

The African Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (ACREST) is an NGO located in Bangang, Cameroon. ACREST has partnered with the University of Kentucky and Purdue University in a joint service learning and engineering program to design and build a low cost, diesel powered Multi-Purpose Utility Vehicle (MPV) and a small-scale biodiesel production plant to generate the fuel needed to operate the vehicle. Students from the University of Kentucky and Purdue University have worked alongside technicians from ACREST to implement these two integrated projects. Lessons learned as well as best practices from the development of service learning in engineering programs for undergraduates will also be presented.

The Metallogenic Epoch of IOCG Deposits in the Lala District, SW China

Acta Geologica Sinica - English EditionVolume 88, Issue s2 p. 374-375 Meeting Abstracts The Metallogenic Epoch of IOCG Deposits in the Lala District, SW China Yingdong LIU, Corresponding Author Yingdong LIU Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, CAGS, Chengdu 610041 ChinaCorresponding author. E-mail: yingdongliu@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorLiping LUO, Liping LUO Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, CAGS, Chengdu 610041 ChinaSearch for more papers by this author Yingdong LIU, Corresponding Author Yingdong LIU Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, CAGS, Chengdu 610041 ChinaCorresponding author. E-mail: yingdongliu@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorLiping LUO, Liping LUO Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, CAGS, Chengdu 610041 ChinaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 December 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.12372_13Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume88, Issues2Special Issue: Meeting Abstracts: The 14th Quadrennial International Association on the Genesis of Ore Deposits Symposium. August 19–22, 2014, Kunming, ChinaDecember 2014Pages 374-375 RelatedInformation

The relationship between speciation and release ability of mercury in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum

Multipurpose utilization of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsums releases mercury into environment and poses threats to public health. Determining Hg speciation is essential not only for predicting its toxicity and mobility but also for designing effective remediation strategies. Sequential chemical extraction (SCE) method was used to analyze Hg speciation in this study. The total Hg concentration in four samples ranged from 0.61 to 1.63μg/g. XRD and EDX analysis revealed that the main chemical composition of FGD gypsum was calcium sulfate (CaSO4). SCE result indicated that Hg was mainly distributed in the strong complex phase, ranging from 60% to 80%. Water soluble mercury in Sample SX accounted for 30% of the total extract, which might be attributed to the relatively high chlorine content in coal. Moreover, the mobility of Hg from FGD gypsum was also investigated in this study, which exhibited biphasic kinetics. The rapid release of Hg was related to the ratio of water soluble Hg at some extent (R2=0.818), which signified of more attentions for its stabilization. This study also suggested theoretical framework for the environmental risk associated with FGD gypsum during its usage and disposal.

Multi-Purpose Utilisation of Historic Building Glass Atrium — Case Study of the Slovak Philharmonic

This paper deals with an actual problem of covered historic building atriums in Slovakia and their adaptation to the new function concerning building physics parameters. The aim of this contribution is to quantify the parameters of the new covered atriums regarding the sound parameters. The executed measurements in selected atriums were compared with the standard values (reverberation time, flutter echo) considering their new function (cultural, social, health).

Research on Boron Extraction Rate of Boron-Containing Slag and its Industrial Experimental Conditions

With the boron-containing slag separated from ludwigite in the 13m3 blast furnace as crude material, cooling experiments in practice are fulfilled, where reasonable boron-containing slag cooling technic and industrial cooling installation conditions in industrial practice are obtained. Relationship between cooling rate and extraction rate of boron is observed. That is, as long as cooling rate keeps below 2°C/min in the temperature range of 1200°C~900°C , average boron extraction rate increases with the rise of cooling rate in the temperature range of 1500°C~1200°C and could reach up to 80%. This result is coincided with that of laboratory research.The experimental result demonstrates that twin zone cooling technology could be fulfilled in practice. Meanwhile, the way for the future cooling equipments design is pointed out. This study has scientific values for both practice and theory on multipurpose utilization of mineral resources.

Problems of conversion and multipurpose utilization of Siberian coal

The article focuses on the issues of higher efficiency and competitiveness of the coal mining industry benefiting from advanced processing of coal. The Siberian reserves of coal ranked in a wide range allow heat energy and electric power generation, and the ample stock of coal products at a high added value.

Characterization of Hg0 re-emission and Hg2 + leaching potential from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum

Flue gas desulfurization system used for SO2 removal has co-beneficial removal of Hg, which has resulted in Hg-laden gypsums. With growing beneficial reuse applications of the FGD gypsum, it has been recognized as a potential source of Hg pollution. In this paper, the fate and mobility of Hg were investigated. The Hg content in four samples varied widely and it showed a significant correlation between Hg and sulfite contents in gypsum. In leachate, Hg concentration varied during the leaching process. The Hg extraction rate generally increased with decreasing pH value, which suggested that the environmental risk of FGD gypsum increased during the multipurpose utilization processes, resulted from severe acid rain. The released Hg from FGD gypsum used in this study exhibited biphasic kinetics. Hg in FGD gypsum samples not only appeared in the leachate but also re-emitted into the air. The Hg reduction kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model well. Our results provide the theoretical understanding for the co-removal of highly soluble oxidized Hg in WFGD systems and also in the recycling of the FGD gypsum.

Development, Displacement and Justice in India: Study of Hirakud Dam

Dams are claimed as symbols of development for their multipurpose utility and contribution to the welfare of mankind. But compulsory displacement caused by dams has raised major issues of social justice and equity. Contextualising the Rawls’ general conception of justice and examining the case of the Hirakud dam, this study illustrates how the oustees not only lost their income and wealth but also social goods (liberty, opportunity and the very basis of their self-respect) raising the question of equality and justice. Initiatives to rehabilitate them by the Indian state of Odisha proved to be a total failure because of poor planning and a callous attitude. Better consultations and negotiations with the oustees could have mitigated the risk of their impoverishment; it can be argued that relocation would not have been involuntary. But the government did not consult those whose vital interests were at stake. They could have been resettled and rehabilitated in the irrigated area of the Hirakud dam and would not have lost their only source of income and their self-worth would have received a boost.

Influence of seed polymorphism on physical, physiological and biochemical seed qualitycharacters of endangered medicinal tree Bael(Aegle marmelos (l.) corr.)

Bael is a medicinal tree with multipurpose utility propagated through seeds. Bulk seeds of Bael exhibit polymorphism in seed characteristics. Hence, a study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of seed polymorphism on physical, physiological and biochemical seed quality characters. Polymorphic seeds based on size were separated by size grading the seeds using round perforated metal sieves of sizes 6.4, 6.0 and 5.5 mm retained and 5.5 mm passed (hole width), and the recovery of seeds retained on these sieves were 40, 23, 31 and 6% respectively. The physiological seed quality characters measured in terms of germination was higher with 6.4 mm sieve retained seeds (77%) and was followed by seeds retained on 6.0 mm (68%), 5.5 mm (55%) sieve; the seeds passed through 5.5 mm sieve registered only 41% germination while the germination recorded with bulk seeds was 63%. The seedling vigour measured through root length (11.3 cm), shoot length (9.3 cm), dry matter production (366 mg) and (1586), vigor index 2 (870) and vigour index 3 (28182) values were also higher in large seeds retained on 6.4 mm sized sieve. The biochemical characters measured as α– amylase activity (5.2 cm) and dehydrogenase (0.193) were higher in larger seeds including seed protein (17.4%) and oil content (38.1%). The study thus expressed a linear relationship between seed size and physical, physiological and biochemical seed quality characters and necessitates homogenizing the seed lot based on size. Key words: Bael, seed polymorphism, seed germination, oil content, α–amylase, dehydrogenase activity.

Effects of steeping variables and substrate mesh size on starch yield extracted from oil palm trunk

Large area of oil palm plantation in Malaysia generated significant amount of oil palm biomass such as oil palm trunk. This material is assumed to possess multipurpose utilization, including a starch-producing raw material. This work is aimed to determine the total extractable starch from oil palm trunk (OPT) using commercial steeping methods. The extraction methods used in this study include steeping the OPT in sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5) alone and with the addition of lactic acid (C3H6O3). The effect of process parameters: incubation temperature (IT) (room temperature at 26°C, 40°C, 50°C), incubation period (IP) (24h, 36h, 48h) and substrate mesh size (MS) (20 mesh, 40 mesh, 60 mesh) were evaluated for their effect on starch yield. The experimental results indicated that with the addition of lactic acid during steeping improved the starch yield (3.61%) as compared to that of steeping using sodium metabisulphite alone (0.92%). The effect of substrate mesh size is more significant than process parameters: incubation temperature and incubation period on the starch yield. The contour plot was derived from the equation and applied to determine the interactive effects of IT×IP, IT×MS and IP×MS. Among the interactions, IT×MS is more significant than IT×IP, and IP×MS on the starch yield. A second-order regression equation was developed for the response as a function of independent coded parameters (R2=0.91). Conclusively, starch recovery increased with increase of OPT mesh size and steeping incubation temperature.