Percentage Purity Research Articles

Productivity and Quality of Sugar Beet as Affecting by Sowing Methods, Weed Control Treatments and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels

Two field experiments were carried out at Kafr El-Hamam Research Station, Zagazig district, Sharkia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons to study the effect of sowing methods (manual and mechanical), weed control treatments (one hoeing, Goltix 70 WG (metamitron), Goltix+one hoeing and two hoeing) and nitrogen fertilizer levels (60, 80 and 100 kg N/fed) on yield, its components and quality of sugar beet cv. Hanrike. The obtained results could be summarized as follows; Mechanical sowing method of sugar beet significantly surpassed the traditional sowing method in root and foliage fresh weights/plant, root/top ratio, root length and diameter, root, top and sugar yields/fed in both seasons. Sowing methods showed significant effect on TSS, sucrose and purity percentages in both seasons, except purity% in the second season. Controlling weeds by two hand hoeings significantly recorded the highest values of root, top and sugar yields/fed and its components and purity percentage in both seasons. However, the highest percentages of TSS and sucrose were achieved from controlling weed by one hand hoeing in both seasons. Fertilizing sugar beet plants with 100 kg N/fed significantly increased yields and its components and markedly recorded the highest values in both seasons. From the obtained, it can be concluded that sowing sugar beet using mechanical sowing method (planter machine), controlling weeds by hand hoeing and mineral fertilizing with 100 kg N/fed could be recommended in order to maximize its productivity and quality under the environmental conditions of Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

English

  Carbide sludge is the by-product of reaction between calcium carbide and water in the production of acetylene gas for welding purposes. This by-product is discarded as waste due to high content of impurities as a result of the reactants and reaction processes. In this research work an attempt was made at developing an appropriate process technology for the recovery of pure slaked lime from Nigeria’s automobile welders’ carbide sludge using solubilisation and evaporation process technology. The percentage purity of the slaked lime recovered through the process was 88%. The recovered slaked limes had pH of 11.93, were soluble in glycerol and dilute acid, insoluble in alcohol, and sparingly soluble in water.  The optimum percentage yield was 78.2% at a ratio of 1:1000(w/v) of sludge to water held for 24 h at room temperature.   Key words: Carbide, recovery, evaporation, sludge, technology.

Evaluation of purity with its uncertainty value in high purity lead stick by conventional and electro-gravimetric methods.

BackgroundA conventional gravimetry and electro-gravimetry study has been carried out for the precise and accurate purity determination of lead (Pb) in high purity lead stick and for preparation of reference standard. Reference materials are standards containing a known amount of an analyte and provide a reference value to determine unknown concentrations or to calibrate analytical instruments. A stock solution of approximate 2 kg has been prepared after dissolving approximate 2 g of Pb stick in 5% ultra pure nitric acid. From the stock solution five replicates of approximate 50 g have been taken for determination of purity by each method. The Pb has been determined as PbSO4 by conventional gravimetry, as PbO2 by electro gravimetry. The percentage purity of the metallic Pb was calculated accordingly from PbSO4 and PbO2.ResultsOn the basis of experimental observations it has been concluded that by conventional gravimetry and electro-gravimetry the purity of Pb was found to be 99.98 ± 0.24 and 99.97 ± 0.27 g/100 g and on the basis of Pb purity the concentration of reference standard solutions were found to be 1000.88 ± 2.44 and 1000.81 ± 2.68 mg kg-1 respectively with 95% confidence level (k = 2). The uncertainty evaluation has also been carried out in Pb determination following EURACHEM/GUM guidelines. The final analytical results quantifying uncertainty fulfills this requirement and gives a measure of the confidence level of the concerned laboratory.ConclusionsGravimetry is the most reliable technique in comparison to titremetry and instrumental method and the results of gravimetry are directly traceable to SI unit. Gravimetric analysis, if methods are followed carefully, provides for exceedingly precise analysis. In classical gravimetry the major uncertainties are due to repeatability but in electro-gravimetry several other factors also affect the final results.

Characterization of Actin and Myosin Extracts Obtained Using Two Improved Laboratory Methods

Actin and myosin are the most important contrac- tile proteins in the muscle. Numerous authors developed different methods for isolation and purification of myofibril- lar proteins. The aim of this study was to obtain suitable actin and myosin extracts from post-rigor porcine muscle to be used in further studies, such as testing the proteolytic activity of microbial cultures. Actin and myosin were quantified in the extracts using spectrophotometric methods, yielding 0.17 and 0.22 mg/mL, respectively. The isolation methods pro- posed in this study provided low contaminated extracts, showing purity percentages of 74.36 % in the case of actin and 65.43 % for myosin, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, these extracts were sterilized through a 0.22-μm polyvinyli- dene difluoride filter with no significant retention observed. In conclusion, the procedures described in this work for actin and myosin isolation can be recommended for microbiolog- ical studies requiring sterilized pure muscle proteins extracts.

EFFECT OF IRRIGATION WATER QUANTITY, SOURCES AND RATES OF NITROGEN ON GROWTH AND QUALITY Of SUGAR BEET

Two field experiments were carried out at Sakha Agric. Res. Station, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons, to study the effect of three irrigation water quantity (3000, 2500 and 2000m3), four nitrogen sources (Urea 46.5% N, Ammonium sulfate 20.6% N, Ammonium nitrate 33.5% N and Anhydrous ammonia 82% N) and three nitrogen rates (70, 80 and 90kg N/fed.) on growth yield and quality of sugar beet c.v.Gloriuf . The experiments were laid out in split plot design with four replications. The obtained results indicated that decreasing amount of irrigation water from 3000m3 to 2500 and 2000m3 caused reduction in root fresh weight, α amino nitrogen and potassium% .On the other hand, reducing irrigation level from 3000m3 to 2500 and 2000m3 increased root length , sodium percentage as well as purity percentage . Sugar beet plants received anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight , potassium and purity percentage , on the other hand, it gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen and Sodium percentage. Sugar beet plants fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 90kg N/fed. gave the highest values of root length , root fresh weight , potassium percentage and α amino nitrogen percentage, while the highest values of sodium percentage and purity percentage were recorded with plants received nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 70kg N/fed. as compared with other nitrogen fertilizer rates . At all irrigation levels nitrogen fertilizer application in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight, potassium% and purity%, but it gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen% and sodium percentage .At the highest water regime (2000m3/fed.) raising nitrogen fertilizer from 70 to 90kg N/fed. increased root length , root fresh weight , α amino nitrogen% and potassium% , on the contrary the highest Na and purity% were found with 70kg N/fed. At all nitrogen fertilizer rates plants received nitrogen in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight and purity%, on the other hand, this treatment gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen % percentage and sodium percentage . At the highest water regime (2000m3/fed.) plants fertilized by nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 90kg N/fed. in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the longest root , heaviest roots, potassium percentage and purity percentage, on the contrary it gave the lowest α amino nitrogen percentage ,sodium percentage. Generally, it could be concluded that when the shortage of irrigation water was presented, fertilizing sugar beet plants with nitrogen fertilizer in the form of anhydrous ammonia at the rate of 90kg N/fed. improved growth and root juice quality of sugar beet plants at Sakha Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate conditions.

Studies on the Production of Bio-Ethanol from Brown Guinea Corn (Sorghum Bicolor L.), Pearl Millet (Penisetum Typhoides) and Sweet Potato (Ipomea Batatas) Using Modified Method

This study determined mean volume distillate, percentage purity and specific gravity of bio-ethanol produced by the modification of the methods of Benue Brewery Limited (BBL), Makurdi and that of Mathewson using guinea corn, pearl millet and sweet potato as feedstocks. The modified reaction pathway yielded bio-ethanol of significantly (P < 0.01) higher mean volume distillate and percentage purity. Pearl millet feedstock yielded the highest mean volume distillate (98.00cm 3 ) while guinea corn produced the highest mean volume distillate (92.17cm 3 ) in the unmodified BBL method. Sweet potato feedstock yielded the lowest mean volume distillate of 79.00cm 3 and 56.17cm 3 in the modified reaction pathway and BBL method respectively. Pearl millet bio-ethanol also recorded the highest percentage purity (91.08%) by modified route and 88.64% by BBL method. Specific gravity measurements of the bio-ethanol showed that BBL method produced higher values with all the feedstocks. The highest value (0.8582) was recorded with guinea corn bio-ethanol produced while the least value (0.8268) was recorded with pearl millet bio-ethanol produced by the modified reaction pathway. This finding suggests that addition of hitempase (α-amylase) at onset and end gelatinization temperatures of starch improves the completeness of fermentation process with corresponding increase in volume distillate and percentage purity of bio-ethanol.

EFFICIENCY OF SOME INSECTICIDES ON SUGAR BEET FLY, PEGOMYIA MIXTA (VILL.) IN THE FIELD

The objective of the present work was to compare the field efficiency of seven tested pesticides, Acarone 72% EC (Profenofos), Selecron 72% EC (Profenofos), Sumithion 50% EC (Fenitrothion), Diazonixy 60% EC (Diazinon), Chinook 35% SC (Imidacloprid), Vertimec 1.8% EC (Avermectin) and Actara 25% WG (Thiamethoxam), against larvae of the sugar beet fly, Pegomyia mixta on planting sugar beet in Sharkia Governorate during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 sugar beet growing seasons. Data obtained revealed that Acarone (72% EC) gave the highest initial reduction in insect population (58.95%), followed by Diazonixy (56.68%). Selecron (72% EC) was the lowest effective (51.43%) in the first season, while in the second season, Acarone (72% EC), Selecron (72% EC) and Sumithion (50% EC) achieved excellent control against P. mixta. Reduction percentages were 90.37, 90.13 and 88.16% after one day of spraying (initial kill). Acarone (72% EC) increased the percentage of sugar content comparing with the other treatments, whereas, there were no differences between Sumithion (50% EC) and Control. The highest purity percentage was obtained from Selecron (72% EC) and Sumithion (50% EC) treatments (90.76 % and 89.33 % respectively) in the first season, while in the second season, Acarone (72% EC) and Vertimec (1.8% EC) increased the percentage of sugar content comparing with the other treatments, (19.70 % and 19.40 %). While, Selecron (72% EC) and control decreased those percentages of sugar (16.10 % and 14.70%). Selecron (72% EC) and Actara (25% WG) were increased purity percentage (94.71 % and 92.84 % respectively). Keywords: Pegomyia mixta, Pesticides, Profenofos, Fenitrothion, Diazinon, Imidacloprid, Avermectin, Thiamethoxam, Root yield and Sugar yield.

Quality analysis of marketed seeds of some crops in Nepal

Seed samples from seed traders were collected for the three fiscal years (2007/08, 2008/09 and 20009/10) from thirty-nine districts of Nepal. A total of 206 samples from fourteen districts in 2007/08, 206 samples from seventeen districts in 2008/09, and 208 samples from twenty- five districts in 2009/10 were collected for analyzing quality of marketed seeds of crops. Seed samples were collected from the districts where seed act of Nepal was implemented and from where it was not implemented as well. These samples were tested for germination and physical purity in each year separately. Germination percent was determined by top of the paper (TP), between the paper (BP) and sand as recommended for crops/varieties. Percentage of physical purity of seed was measured by separating inert matter, weed seeds, and other crop seeds from seed sample. Percentage of each component was determined by weight basis. From the analysis it was found that quality standard of sold vegetable seeds in market was not improved with respect to germination. Likewise, marketed seed quality of vegetables such as onion, cauliflower, sponge gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, broccoli, cabbage, radish, tomato, chilly, brinjal, Ghiusimi, and mustard were found deteriorated each year. However, physical purity of almost all samples each year was recorded satisfactory. There was no difference on quality of seeds with respect to the districts implementing and not implementing seed act. Of the seed quality standard, germination percentage was the most important attribute that should be considered so far as seed quality standard is concerned. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7530 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.149-156

On-farm management and quality assessment of farmers’ saved wheat seed in the western Terai, Nepal

A study was conducted at Pakadi Village of Kapilbastu district, western Terai, Nepal in 2005 to find out the effect of on-farm seed management on the quality status of farmers’ saved wheat seed. A survey was conducted to collect required information about on-farm seed management by using pre-tested questionnaires as well as to collect wheat seed samples, which were produced under general, additional and standard management practices. Survey showed that most of the farmers fulfilled their seed demand through informal sources. Roguing was not common practices in the study site and majority of the farmers saved seed from the harvest which was used for consumption purpose as well. Also, majority of farmers used to store unknown quality of seed in local containers by adopting simple storage techniques, which were one of the major causes of seed deterioration in their condition. Except physical purity, other seed quality attributes such as germination, 1000 seed weight and genetic purity percentage were found highest in certified seed. However, vital seed quality attribute viz. germination percentage of certified seed produced under standard management practice was statistically at par with seed produced under additional management practice. Likewise, other crop mixed seed, varietal mixing; and percentage infection of diseases such as Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria spp. were found minimum in certified seed produced under standard management, while those attributes were recorded in high amount for seed produced under general and additional management followed by farmers. It showed that on-farm seed management played a significant role for maintaining seed quality parameters except physical purity and weed mixture in the seed. It was concluded that high quality wheat seed could be produced under farmers' condition by adopting additional management system with treatment and processing of seed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7542 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.50-60

Tronoh Silica Sand Nanoparticle Production and Applications Design for Composites

Tronoh silica sand was ground to nanoparticles using a ball mill and it was observed that the milling process increased the percentage purity of silica in silica sand. The size of the nanoparticles of silica sand was verified by using a ZetaSizer nanoparticles analyzer and FESEM analysis. The silica sand nanoparticles were used to develop and study the characterization and properties of metal, ceramic and polymer based composites. The powder metallurgy and powder processing techniques were used to develop MMC and CMC composites. Compression moulding was used to develop polymer matrix (HDPE) composites. An increased hardness in the case of MMC and CMC was observed. The tensile strength and flexural strength exhibited an increasing trend in the case of PMC with up to 15wt.% of silica sand nanoparticles.

A rugged, precise and accurate new gravimetry method for the determination of gold: an alternative to fire assay method

A new, rugged, precise, accurate and fast primary method of measurement has been proposed for the determination of gold in various gold articles. Precise and accurate measurement of gold is the primary requirement for hall marking and to trade gold internationally, as billions of dollars of gold are trading world wide for the various applications. At present Fire Assay ASTM E 1335–08 is the only Standard Test Method for the determination of Gold, which is accepted internationally. But the method is time consuming, cumbersome and required expertise to perform the test. In the present investigation, a method has been developed gravimetry based on direct determination of gold after reducing gold in zero-valent state by hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Gravimetry is the most reliable technique and having highest metrological qualities in comparison to titremetry and instrumental method and the results of gravimetry are directly traceable to SI unit. The results of gravimetric method are accepted without reference to a standard of the same quantity. Several experiments were carried out with and without impurities and it has been concluded that gold can be determined accurately and precisely in presence of several impurities. Five replicates of approximate 0.2 g gold samples were analyzed following method proposed and percentage purity were found to be 99.993 ± 0.0056 with 95% confidence level (k = 2). The combined uncertainty in gold measurement has also been evaluated using potential sources of the method according to the EURACHEM/GUM guidelines.

RP-HPLC Method Development for Estimation of Sildenafil Citrate in Tablets and in Seminal Fluid

A RP HPLC method for estimation of sildenafil citrate (SC) in tablet dosage form and seminal fluid was developed and validated. Best resolution was obtained with column Waters Spherisorb® C18 bonded silica, (5 µm, 4.6 x 250 mm) at 230 nm with retention time of 5.01 min. The mobile phase used was TEA (0.2%) pH adjusted at 3 with OPA and ACN (60:40) with flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method for estimation of sildenafil citrate in tablet dosage form was found to be linear, accurate, precise, sensitive and selective. Whereas the bioanalytical estimation of SC in seminal fluid was found to be in the range of 100 ng/mL to 10µg/mL. Method was found to be highly sensitive as LOD and LOQ were found to 0.3 µg/ml and 0.9µg/ml. The repeatability and reproducibility were within the range i.e. less than 2%.The accuracy of the method was 99.3%. The percentage purity was calculated for market formulation was 102.8%. The internal standard used for bioanalytical methods was Diclofenac sodium. The drug was extracted from seminal fluid by protein precipitation using ACN as precipitating agent. The linearity range was from 100.0ng/mL to 2.0µg/mL. The LOD and LOQ were found to 0.03µg/mL and 0.1µg/mL. The repeatability and reproducibility were within the range i.e. % RSD less than 15%. The accuracy of the method was 90.36%.and the extraction efficiency was found to be 98.25%. The stability of drug was found to be within the range i.e. less the 15%.

Adsorption of Cadmium on Gel Combustion Derived Nano ZnO

Large amount of heavy metal ions disposed in wastewater by various industries causes environmental pollution and toxicity in waste water. Many naturally available materials were used as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions, but they are not effective because of low surface area. Novel nano materials are used as adsorbents in the removal of metal ions to treat potable water. In the present work nano sized large surface area (80.425 m2/g) Zinc Oxide (ZnO) was synthesized by gel combustion method and used as an adsorbent for the removal of cadmium (II) (Cd2+) from aqueous solution. The nano ZnO and Cd adsorbed ZnO were characterized by XRD, the additional Cd peaks in XRD pattern confirms the Cd adsorption. SEM analysis confirmed the adsorption of Cd2+ by change in the morphology of adsorbent. Percentage purity of the element and the presence of the Cd were characterized by EDAX. Adsorption of Cd2+ on ZnO was confirmed by varying parameters like initial concentration, pH and adsorbent dosage. Cadmium concentration in the solution was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Increase in the initial concentration of Cd solution, decreases the percentage of adsorption, where as increase in the adsorbent dosage and pH of the solution increases the adsorption of Cd2+ on ZnO. Synthesized nano ZnO shows maximum of 95% Cd adsorption at lower initial concentration. Experimental data fits Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models.

Evaluation of nutritional substrate and physical stress (gamma irradiation) in -glucan productivity by mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

-1 ) and gamma irradiation. On application of physical stress factors (gamma irradiation, 1 to 6 kGy), 1 kGy gamma irradiation doses resulted in an increase in: protein (37.5%), carbohydrates (32.15%), glucans (12.0%) and growth (dry mass, 14.8%); these were due to the enhancement of low doses (1.0 kGy) of gamma irradiation upon growth and metabolism that was synergized by the radioprotective components (cysteine) that prevailed in the animal extract. This substrate supported the growth and glucan production of Pleurotus ostreatus than by Schizophyllum commune and Saccharomyces cerevisae. There are suggested procedures to assure the percentage of glucan purity and entity. The APCEB substrate is a general basic formula in which the animal and plant remains can be replaced by many others. The yield of this media economizes the glucan production.

Crystal growth rates and optical resolution of dl-methionine hydrochloride by preferential crystallization from aqueous solution

Optical resolution of dl-methionine hydrochloride (dl-met·HCl) by preferential crystallization was studied for the purification of l-met·HCl (the desired enantiomer) from supersaturated solutions of dl-met·HCl. The nucleation thresholds (NT) of dl-met·HCl affect the maximum resolution time suitable for preferential crystallization and also the percentage purity of the product crystals. Crystal growth rates of l-met·HCl single crystals both in supersaturated solutions of dl-met·HCl and in supersaturated solutions of pure l-met·HCl were measured in order to model the preferential crystallization more effectively. Results showed that the growth rate depends strongly on the relative supersaturation (especially from pure l-met·HCl solutions), that there is a wide crystal growth rate distribution in growth from both types of solution, and that the growth is faster from pure l-met·HCl solutions, as expected. A batch crystallizer seeded with l-met·HCl crystals was used to study the preferential crystallization, and to study the behavior of purity decrease of the product crystals during the crystallization process. The purity of the l-met·HCl product decreased to the equilibrium value over time, with almost no plateau at 100% purity (as is hoped for in preferential crystallizations). This is explainable by the very short induction times for nucleation in these solutions, and also that the l-met·HCl seed crystals may act as a template for the nucleation of the counter-enantiomer.

Reduction of pollutants in painting operation and suggestion of an optimal technique for extracting titanium dioxide from paint sludge in car manufacturing industries—case study (SAIPA)

Paint sludge of car manufacturing industries are not disposed in landfills, since they contain hazardous materials with a high concentration of chromium, aluminum, titanium, barium, copper, Iron, magnesium, strontium, and so on. Thus, it is essential to find solutions in order to neutralize them or suggest cost-effective techniques, which are also environmentally acceptable. Because, this sludge contains considerable amounts of Ti pigments and unbaked resins, recycling these pigments--which could be used in a variety of industries such as paint factories--is an appropriate subject for further research. In this article, with the aim of identification of main pollutants in order to eliminate them and suggest a cost-effective solution to recover the sludge, a large number of tests including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X ray diffraction spectroscopy, and diffusion thermal analysis are conducted to determine types and concentration of elements, and combinations of paint sludge in car manufacturing industries. As titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is widely used as the main pigment of automobile paints, an optimal technique is suggested for extracting TiO₂ with high purity percentage through adopting scientific methods such as membrane and electrolysis.

Control of Megakaryocyte Expansion and Bone Marrow Fibrosis by Lysyl Oxidase

Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a matrix cross-linking protein, is known to be selectively expressed and to enhance a fibrotic phenotype. A recent study of ours showed that LOX oxidizes the PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β), leading to amplified downstream signaling. Here, we examined the expression and functions of LOX in megakaryocytes (MKs), the platelet precursors. Cells committed to the MK lineage undergo mitotic proliferation to yield diploid cells, followed by endomitosis and acquisition of polyploidy. Intriguingly, LOX expression is detected in diploid-tetraploid MKs, but scarce in polyploid MKs. PDGFR-BB is an inducer of mitotic proliferation in MKs. LOX inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile reduces PDGFR-BB binding to cells and downstream signaling, as well as its proliferative effect on the MK lineage. Inhibition of LOX activity has no influence on MK polyploidy. We next rationalized that, in a system with an abundance of low ploidy MKs, LOX could be highly expressed and with functional significance. Thus, we resorted to GATA-1(low) mice, where there is an increase in low ploidy MKs, augmented levels of PDGF-BB, and an extensive matrix of fibers. MKs from these mice display high expression of LOX, compared with control mice. Importantly, treatment of GATA-1(low) mice with β-aminopropionitrile significantly improves the bone marrow fibrotic phenotype, and MK number in the spleen. Thus, our in vitro and in vivo data support a novel role for LOX in regulating MK expansion by PDGF-BB and suggest LOX as a new potential therapeutic target for myelofibrosis.

Application of Response Surface Methodology to Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Lysergol from Ipomoea Genus and Its Characterization by RP HPLC-UV

Ipomoea genus is an excellent source of lysergol which is used as a hypotensive and psychrotopic analgesic. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was employed to extract lysergol from Ipomoea seeds, and response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to predict optimum conditions for extraction. Box–Behnken statistical design was used to monitor the effect of independent variables like temperature (A—50°C, 60°C, and 70°C), power (B—240, 350, and 700 W), and time (C—10, 20, and 30 min) on a dependent variable/percent yield of lysergol when microwaves were applied. Correlation analysis of the mathematical regression model indicated that a quadratic polynomial model could be employed to optimize the process. The optimum extraction conditions in order to obtain the highest lysergol yield were temperature (60°C), power (350 W), and time (20 min). The average actual yield of lysergol under the optimum conditions was found to be 78.0%, whereas the predicted yield under similar conditions was 85.374%. The results verified our experiments and successful application of RSM to MAE of lysergol from Ipomoea seeds. The percentage purity of the extracted lysergol was found to be 90% with reference to standard lysergol (97%) with the help of RP HPLC-UV.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) analysis of aluminum cable types commonly used in electric power distribution

A comparative analysis of 5 different aluminum cable types tagged J1, J2, J3, J4 and J5, from 5 different cable manufacturing companies was carried out using 2 different test methods namely- x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) and resistivity test with the main objective of ascertaining why some cables of the same gauge fail under the same load levels. Purity levels, resistivity and conductivity checks were performed. Equal dimensions of 5 cable brands were sampled and ground to fine powder. The percentage purity of each sample was determined through XRFS test. One set of similar samples was subjected to resistivity test. XRFS result shows that J1 had purity of 99.30%, J2, 99.10%, J3, 98.50%, J4, 99.20% and J5, 98.80%. The cable types also had resistivity and conductivity values respectively as for J1 [2.324x10-9 Ω m & 430.29x106 (Ωm)-1], J2 [3.921x10-9 Ω m & 255.04 x 106 (Ωm)-1], J3 [2.689 x 10-9 Ω m & 371.89 x 106 (Ωm)-1], J4 [2.614x10-9 Ω m & 382.56x106 (Ωm)-1], and J5 [2.890x10-9 Ω m & 346.60 x 106 (Ωm)-1]. Comparing these values to the standard resistivity value of pure aluminum [2.82 x 10-8 Ω m] it would be seen that these results are in agreement with theoretically computed values. The XRFS test used in this research could be used to test the purity of aluminum before stretching into cables. It can also be used to determine the standard of aluminum products. The electrical resistivity test could be used to determine and set a standard resistivity and conductivity requirements to be met by different cable brands and types used in electric power distribution so as to curb the menace of cable failure and electric hazards. Keywords: Qualitative analysis, aluminum, cable types.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) analysis of aluminum cable types commonly used in electric power distribution

A comparative analysis of 5 different aluminum cable types tagged J 1 , J 2 , J 3 , J 4 and J 5 , from 5 different cable manufacturing companies was carried out using 2 different test methods namely- x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) and resistivity test with the main objective of ascertaining why some cables of the same gauge fail under the same load levels. Purity levels, resistivity and conductivity checks were performed. Equal dimensions of 5 cable brands were sampled and ground to fine powder. The percentage purity of each sample was determined through XRFS test. One set of similar samples was subjected to resistivity test. XRFS result shows that J 1 had purity of 99.30%, J 2 , 99.10%, J 3 , 98.50%, J 4 , 99.20% and J 5 , 98.80%. The cable types also had resistivity and conductivity values respectively as for J 1 [2.324x10 -9 Ω m&430.29x10 6 (Ωm) -1 ], J 2 [3.921x10 -9 Ω m&255.04 x 10 6 (Ωm) -1 ], J 3 [2.689 x 10 -9 Ω m&371.89 x 10 6 (Ωm) -1 ], J 4 [2.614x10 -9 Ω m&382.56x10 6 (Ωm) -1 ], and J5 [2.890x10 -9 Ω m&346.60 x 10 6 (Ωm) -1 ]. Comparing these values to the standard resistivity value of pure aluminum [2.82 x 10 -8 Ω m] it would be seen that these results are in agreement with theoretically computed values. The XRFS test used in this research could be used to test the purity of aluminum before stretching into cables. It can also be used to determine the standard of aluminum products. The electrical resistivity test could be used to determine and set a standard resistivity and conductivity requirements to be met by different cable brands and types used in electric power distribution so as to curb the menace of cable failure and electric hazards.