Use Of Alternative Technologies Research Articles

ПРОГНОЗИРУЕМЫЕ ЭФФЕКТЫ УПРОЧНЕНИЯ АЛМАЗНЫМ ВЫГЛАЖИВАНИЕМ ДЕТАЛЕЙ ПОЛУЧЕННЫХ С ПОМОЩЬЮ СЕЛЕКТИВНОГО ЛАЗЕРНОГО СПЕКАНИЯ

The analysis of the possibility of expanding the scope of selective laser sintering technology has been made for the production of parts of short-range gas turbine aircraft engines due to the strengthening of stress concentration points by local plastic deformation by diamond smoothing. The technical, economic, and social effects of the application of this technology have been considered.The stress-strain state of complex-shaped thin-walled parts such as a disk and a monowheel of a short-life aircraft engine during their manufacture according to the traditional techniques from the compact materials VT8 and INCONEL 718 and according to the alternative technology from the materials Ti45Al3Nb (SLS) and INCONEL 718 (SLS)has been calculated and studied. The analysis of stress fields in stress concentration zones is carried out. Estimates are obtained from the static strength reserves of these parts during delamination and rupture of the force layers. A comparison of the obtained reserves of static strength for various places of stress concentration of parts made of compact and non-compact materials has been performed.The effectiveness of the use of alternative technology has been estimated by calculating the unit cost of production in mass production with a production program of 1000 pcs. The economic effect of the use of selective laser sintering and hardening technology in the manufacture of a part of a disk made of INCONEL 718 non-compact material (SLS) is estimated in comparison with the basic technology for the production of a part made of INCONEL 718 compact material in mass production. The comparison of the required capital investments for basic and alternative technology is carried out. The impact of alternative technology on the social and environmental spheres of human life has been assessed.Conclusions have been drawn about the prospects of introducing the technology of local plastic deformation by diamond smoothing to expand the scope of using SLS in the production of parts for the domestic aviation and aerospace industries and society, as well as its potential for other industries.

Improving Pasteurization to Preserve the Biological Components of Donated Human Milk.

Donor human milk (DHM) in human milk banks (HMB) is routinely subjected to heat treatment to ensure microbiological security, most guidelines recommending a temperature of 62. 5°C for 30 min. However, this procedure negatively impacts on milk quality, due to the destruction of biological components. Different studies have called for a more respectful treatment of DHM to preserve its properties, and have explored the use of alternative technologies. There is also clear evidence that bacterial and viral contamination in human milk can be effectively destroyed by temperatures lower than that currently recommended (62.5°C). Thus, a simple option would be to optimize the conventional pasteurization technique so the treated milk is free of infectious elements yet retains a maximum amount of biological components. An advantage of this approach is that it would be unnecessary to replace the pasteurization equipment currently available in most HMB. On the basis of a literature review, we here analyze and discuss evidence that pasteurization of human milk at a temperature below 62.5°C results in an improved preservation of its properties without compromising safety regarding the transmission of infectious agents.

Energy, exergy and exergoeconomic analysis of solar-assisted vertical ground source heat pump system for heating season

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the experimental performance of a solar assisted vertical ground source heat pump system (VGSHP) for the winter climatic conditions of Mardin, which is in the South-Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. For this aim, an experimental analysis was performed on solar assisted VGSHP system, which was designed to meet the heating needs of an experimental room, during the heating season (10.01.2013/03.31.2014). The experimentally obtained results were used to calculate energy, exergy and exergoeconomic analyses of the system and its components. The energy efficiency, exergy efficiency and exergoeconomic factors of the entire system were 67.36 %, 27.40 % and 60.51 %, respectively. In this study, the system was proposed for disseminating the use of alternative technologies supported by renewable energy systems and it has been tested for the first time in Mardin to meet its heating needs with convectional systems. The experimental results showed that the proposed solar assisted VGSHP system can be used for residential heating in Mardin and similar regions. As a result, it has been detected that the system is very effective in both reducing energy consumption and decreasing emissions of green-house gases.

PERANCANGAN TAMPILAN VISUAL DOCKING GUIDANCE SYSTEM (VDGS) PADA SISTEM PARKIR PESAWAT TERBANG

Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS), is a device provided by the airport service to assist a pilot parked the plane on the righr place. On Aircraft parking control activities in the airport, the pilot is assisted by a marshaller that aims to be steering the movement of aircraft to the correct parking spot. The more density of the movement of aircraft on the apron activity requires the use of alternative technology to substitute marshaller, this technology is called Visual Docking Guidance Syatem (VDGS). VDGS display design uses three pieces o f board o f dot matrix display that is made into one to form a combination in accordance with the appearance on the VDGS on the market. Display used is a superbright LED dot matrix. The controller is a three pieces of. PIC 16F84A microcontroller and a series o f shift registers to display the movement of the aircraft to the right, to the left, straight and stops and also display the aircraft identity.

Feasibility and commercial considerations of LNG-fueled ships

Regulatory initiatives obligate maritime operators to reduce emission via retrofitting propulsion and exhaust treatment systems or by using alternative fuels. Although these initiatives facilitate the emergence of LNG as a marine fuel, the proliferation of LNG technology is dependent on the relationship that defines the competitiveness of conventionally fueled and LNG-fueled ships.This article proposes a methodology to evaluate the commercial incentives that are required to promote LNG as a marine fuel, which can be used to assess policy initiatives that encourage the use of alternative technologies and estimate their market impact. To develop the context and support this methodology, the following areas are discussed: (1) international regulatory frameworks and regional initiatives supporting the use of LNG as a marine fuel; (2) commercial and operational attributes that determine the competitiveness of LNG-fueled ships; and (3) challenges preventing the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, including the uncertainties and less-quantifiable concerns expressed by the maritime operators.

How much do alternative cookstoves reduce biomass fuel use? Evidence from North India

Despite widespread global efforts to promote clean cookstoves to achieve improvements in air and forest quality, and to reduce global climate change, surprisingly little is known about the degree to which these actually reduce biomass fuel consumption in real-world settings. Using data from in-house weighing of fuel conducted in rural India, we examine the impact of cleaner cookstoves ⿿ most of which are LPG stoves ⿿ on three key outcomes related to solid fuel use. Our results suggest that using a clean cookstove is associated with daily reductions of about 4.5kg of biomass fuel, 160 fewer minutes cooking on traditional stoves, and 105 fewer minutes collecting biomass fuels. These findings of substantial savings are robust to the use of estimators with varying levels of control for selection, and to alternative data obtained from household self-reports. Our results support the idea that efforts to promote clean stoves among poor rural households can reduce solid fuel use and cooking time, and that rebound effects toward greater amounts of cooking on multiple stoves are not sufficient to eliminate these gains. We also find, however, that households who have greater wealth, fewer members, are in less marginalized groups, and practice other health-averting behaviors, are more likely to use these cleaner stoves, which suggests that socio-economic status plays an important role in determining who benefits from such technologies. Future efforts to capture social benefits must therefore consider how to promote the use of alternative technologies by poor households, given that these households are least likely to own clean stoves.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of non-treated sugarcane bagasse using pressurized liquefied petroleum gas with and without ultrasound assistance

In this work the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using pressurized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ultrasound assisted pressurized LPG (US assisted-LPG) to obtain fermentable sugar in a unique step was investigated. For this purpose, non-treated sugarcane bagasse was used for enzymatic hydrolysis in a fixed-bed bioreactor. Several experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of moisture content, enzyme load and pressure on the yield of fermentable sugar after the hydrolysis. Maximum yield of fermentable sugar for hydrolysis carried out using pressurized LPG and US assisted-LPG was 245 and 217 g kg−1, respectively. The main contribution of this work was to demonstrate that the use of alternative technologies (US assisted-LPG) has the potential to increase the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials without the needs of hard pre-treatment of the material and high enzyme loading.

Comparison of conventional and alternative technologies for the enzymatic hydrolysis of rice hulls to obtain fermentable sugars

Abstract In this work was investigated the use of alternative technologies to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of rice hulls. The use of supercritical CO 2 as co-solvent and ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis was evaluated and the results were compared with a conventional procedure. Maximum yield of fermentable sugar obtained was about 16 g kg −1 using conventional or ultrasound-assisted hydrolyzes. The yield obtained in the hydrolysis using supercritical CO 2 was around 4.2 g kg −1 as co-solvent. Enzymatic hydrolysis using the conventional procedure showed to be the best manner to obtain fermentable sugar from rice hulls since the alternative technologies employed did not lead to better results.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS ON STRENGTH, DURABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY & ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GEO-POLYMER CONCRETE BLOCKS

With the growth in infrastructure development and boom in the housing sector, the demand for cement is bound to increase. Due to environmental concerns of cement industry, there arises a strong need to make use of alternate technology which is sustainable. Geopolymer, an inorganic alumina silicate polymer is synthesized predominantly from silicon and aluminum materials or from byproduct materials like fly ash. In the present work, an attempt is made to develop geopolymer concrete blocks at ambient curing condition and to investigate strength and durability aspects. The geopolymer blocks prepared here in without the use of cement. The materials considered are Flyash (Class F), Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), Quarry dust and sand. Sodium hydroxide & sodium silicate were used as alkaline activators. The experimental program involves casting of geopolymer blocks and testing the same for compressive strength. The parameter considered in this study is alkaline solution to binder ratio at 8M molarity. The result revealed that geopolymer concrete block develops strength at ambient curing conditions. The study is further extended to understand the economic impact and sustainability of geopolymer concrete blocks.

High Throughput Technology: Exemplary Highlights of Advanced Technical Tools

AbstractHigh throughput experimentation in catalysis and materials science has evolved into a mature technology platform. This article provides a technology‐focused mini‐review of three specific exemplary highlights, such as the purification of heavy feedstocks via hydroprocessing, the debottlenecking of workflows by smart use of alternative technologies, and the development of new mass screening devices. The approaches presented here clearly demonstrate their specific potential for accelerating research and show what level of sophistication has been reached since the early beginnings.

Technical improvements applied to a double-pass setup for performance and cost optimization

We have studied the possibility of improving the performance, simplifying, and reducing the cost of a double-pass system by the use of alternative technologies. The system for correcting the spherical correction has been based on a focusable electro-optical lens, and a recording device based on CMOS technology and a superluminescent diode (SLED) light source have been evaluated separately. The suitability of the CMOS camera has been demonstrated, while the SLED could not break the speckle by itself. The final experimental setup, consisting of a CMOS camera and a laser diode, has been compared with a commercial double-pass system, proving its usefulness for ocular optical quality and scattering measurements.

Gasification of grapevine pruning waste in an entrained-flow reactor: gas products, energy efficiency and gas conditioning alternatives

Owing to its higher efficiency and versatility, gasification is seen as a necessary evolution in the development of biomass energy systems. This technology has been primarily tested in fixed bed (updraft and downdraft) and fluidised bed reaction systems, with less information available about the potential of entrained-flow reactors. This latter design benefits from a relatively simple mechanical structure, robustness against severe gasification conditions and also reduced investment and operating costs. This paper describes the development of a pilot scale entrained-flow reactor and evaluates its performance in the gasification of wood waste left over from the pruning of grapevine (Vitis vinifera). The original biomass was initially analysed for its chemical composition and thermal behaviour. A series of gasification trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature and relative biomass/air ratio (Frg) on the yield, composition, heating value of the resulting syngas. The cold gas efficiency of the system was determined for different operating conditions from the heating value and yields of the resulting producer gas. The results showed that the use of higher temperatures caused a small increase in overall gas yields (from 1.76 Nm3 kg-1 at 750ºC to 1.96 Nm3 kg-1 at 1050ºC) and a notable rise in its heating value (from 3.65 MJ kg-1 at 750ºC to 4.95 MJ kg-1 at 1050ºC), primarily derived from an increase in the concentration of hydrogen. The experimental results show a reduction in the fuel properties of the producer gas when using biomass/air ratios (Frg) below 2.5, which was attributed to the partial combustion of the producer gas. However, this effect was largely counteracted by the production of higher gas yields (3.39 Nm3 kg-1 for Frg = 2.16 compared to 1.96 Nm3 kg-1 for Frg = 4.05), owing to the higher conversion of the fuel at low biomass/air ratios. Optimum gasification conditions (cold gas efficiency up to 83.06 %) were reached when using high reaction temperatures (1050ºC) and low Frg (2.19). This paper also provides a final review about the formation of unwanted tars and particulates in gasification processes, its effect in energy applications, and the use of alternative technologies (thermocatalytic cracking, reforming, water-gas shift) for the conditioning and upgrading of the resulting gas stream.

<B>Objetos educacionais digitais para a saúde da mulher</B> - DOI:10.3395/reciis.v6i2.605pt

The use of educational materials in the area of Nursing is a resource that supports classroom learning and at the same time respects the autonomy of the student. In order to develop motivating materials that could complement the teaching in the area of women's health seven digital learning objects were developed, four hypertext, a quiz and two simulations. The pedagogical framework of learning, problem-based and interactionist constructivism, were employed in the design of materials. Developed digital materials add hypertext, video and animation through software like Macromedia Flash MX ® and ® CS3, and image editors such as Fireworks ® and videos as Windows Movie Maker ® by offering large animated features and interaction. Hypertext, made available in the virtual learning environment Moodle ®, explore the themes from previous knowledge to contribute to its understanding to indications of further reading and review exercises. Simulations enable virtual implementation of the procedures by students. It is hoped that this report to share with the scientific community experiences with regard to the production of digital learning objects as well as the achievements and challenges that permeate this work by encouraging the use of alternative technologies in teaching.

Analysis of NDVI time series using cross-correlation and forecasting methods for monitoring sugarcane fields in Brazil

Brazil is the largest sugarcane producer in the world and has a privileged position to attend to national and international marketplaces. To maintain the high production of sugarcane, it is fundamental to improve the forecasting models of crop seasons through the use of alternative technologies, such as remote sensing. Thus, the main purpose of this article is to assess the results of two different statistical forecasting methods applied to an agroclimatic index (the water requirement satisfaction index; WRSI) and the sugarcane spectral response (normalized difference vegetation index; NDVI) registered on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA-AVHRR) satellite images. We also evaluated the cross-correlation between these two indexes. According to the results obtained, there are meaningful correlations between NDVI and WRSI with time lags. Additionally, the adjusted model for NDVI presented more accurate results than the forecasting models for WRSI. Finally, the analyses indicate that NDVI is more predictable due to its seasonality and the WRSI values are more variable making it difficult to forecast.

Exposure of hematopoietic stem cells to ethylene oxide during processing represents a potential carcinogenic risk for transplant recipients

Stem cells for transplantation are obtained from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. A rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is donor cell-derived leukemia (DCL). The donors remain cancer free and the causes of these DCL are unknown. Stem cells must repopulate the bone marrow and then give rise to all hematopoietic cells for the rest of the transplant recipient’s life. No procedure is acceptable that might introduce precancerous or cancerous mutations in cells performing such a critical function. Medical disposable sets consisting of bags, tubing sets and freezing containers are used to collect, purify and store stem cells. Sterilization of disposables with ethylene oxide is widespread, even though those sets unavoidably retain residual amounts of ethylene oxide which is a potent, direct-acting mutagen and clastogen that has been demonstrated to induce hematopoietic cancer in mice, rats and human beings. Potential exposure levels to ethylene oxide during processing under proposed US FDA guidelines for residual ethylene oxide would be biologically active and present a significant risk factor for DCL. For direct-acting mutagens, there is no recognized “no effect” dose using currently accepted cancer risk assessment models. The safety concerns with ethylene oxide can be eliminated by the use of alternative technologies including electron beam, gamma irradiation, or steam for the sterilization of all products used for stem cell processing and storage.

Methodological aspects of a mathematical programming model to evaluate soil tillage technologies in a risky environment

In this work we develop a methodology for the economic evaluation of soil tillage technologies, in a risky environment, and to capture the influence of farmer behaviour on his technology choice. The model has short-term activities, that change with the type of year, and long-term activities, in which sets of traction investment activities are included. Although these activities do not change with the type of year, they lead to different availability of resources for each type of year, since the same tractor has different available fieldwork days under different weather conditions. We prove that the model is sensitive to the greater income variability resulting from the use of alternative technologies and to the balance between income and risk, accounting for the probability of occurrence of each state of nature and giving an investment solution that considers the best production plan for each type of year.

A vision-based DSP embedded navigation sensor

Spacecraft missions such as spacecraft docking and formation flying require high-precision relative position and attitude data. Deep space missions require the use of alternative technologies. One such technology is the vision-based navigation (VISNAV) sensor system developed at Texas A&M University. VISNAV comprises an electro-optical sensor combined with light sources or beacons. This patented sensor has an analog detector in the focal plane with a rise time of a few microseconds. Accuracies better than one part in 2000 of the field of view have been obtained. Simultaneous activation of beacons with frequency division multiplexing is given as part of the VISNAV sensor system. The synchronous demodulation process uses digital heterodyning and decimating filter banks on a low-power fixed point digital signal processor, which improves the accuracy of the sensor measurements and the reliability of the system. This paper also presents an optimal and computationally efficient six-degree-of-freedom estimation algorithm using a new measurement model based on the attitude representation of modified Rodrigues parameters.

Reply to Raoul du Toit

In 1996 we estimated the cost of fitting one rhino with a radio-collar at Sinamatella to be US $1500 (Alibhai et al, 1996). The salary of one game-scout (and thus the support of his family) was then less than half of this figure. Nevertheless du Toit (this issue) states that radio-collaring is generally undertaken where manpower is insufficient. Zimbabwe has high unemployment and abundant manpower, which illustrates the need to readdress the use of financial resources in rhino monitoring. du Toit contends that radio-collaring makes monitoring more efficient and economical, and refers to trials (du Toit, 1996). Unfortunately he does not present data to support his view, and there has been no published assessment of the cost-effectiveness of radio-collaring or improved performance through research and development. At Sinamatella (Alibhai & Jewell, this issue) we believe that no serious attempt was made to improve on very poor success rates, because the same strap collar design and fitting technique was used in four successive radio-collaring operations with equally high failure rates. We do not have space here to comment on du Toit's remarks concerning the use of alternative technologies for rhino monitoring, but would be happy to correspond directly with interested parties on this matter. du Toit justifies the use of radio-collaring for routine monitoring by arguing that Zimbabwe is an exceptional case compared with other range states. However, there are several large conservation areas in other range states that have low rhino densities, e.g. Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, but which do not use routine radio-collaring for monitoring. In a recent personal communication, K. Adcock of the African Rhino Specialist Group stated:

The use of alternative technologies to develop malolactic fermentation in wine

The development of the malolactic fermentation, bioconversion of L-malic acid to L-lactic acid, is a difficult and time-consuming process that does not always proceed favorably under the natural conditions of wine. Traditional fermentations are used worldwide to produce high-quality wines, although delay or failure is not an unusual outcome. During recent years several technologies have been proposed to induce biological deacidification of wines by using malolactic bacteria, principally Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus sp. These alternative technologies usually involve the use of high densities of cells or enzymes, free or immobilized onto different matrices. Immobilization materials, several types of bioreactors, and the properties of many specific systems are discussed in this review.

The Problems and Potentials of Privatising Solid Waste Management in Kumasi, Ghana

In an effort to improve the poor record of the city’s solid waste services, Kumasi authorities wish to transfer operations to private producers. This shift will create a completely new set of roles and responsibilities for the various actors involved in solid waste management. Unfortunately, Ghana’s history of state-led development has not produced a very receptive environment to this endeavour. While the private sector suffers from underdevelopment in general and inexperience in delivering services in particular, the local government is still insufficiently equipped to adequately manage the process. Kumasi’s residents are willing to contribute financially to a privatised system but insist on receiving value-for-money. This paper argues in favour of a business-like approach to the problem, while admitting that continued financial support on the part of the authorities as well as community support remain indispensable. Measures are being proposed to foster micro-enterprise involvement in waste collection, to promote the use of alternative technologies and to investigate potentials for recycling and reuse of waste.