The effect of biodegradable additives of Ethyl cellulose (EC) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) on tribological properties of oil extracted from banana peel waste of Musa Aluminata Balbisiana (MBS) was evaluated. The presence of EC and EVA at difference strength of concentration leads to reduction in COF, WSD and Ws values for MBS oil. The addition of 4.0% w/w of EC and EVA in pure MBS oil at the parameter of 27 ºC and 100 N of applied load were lead to reduction in WSD and Ws. However, unlike with the COF results, addition of EC and EVA on MBS oil did not show very significant reduction either in WSD or in Ws. Therefore, they would not effectively act as anti-wear properties. It can be inferred that, at the low temperatures and strength, EC is more effectives to lead to the reduction of COF in MBS oil than EVA. Lower COF values of MBS oil with presence of additive of EC and EVA suggest that the indicative of the formation of protective tribo-chemical film, which was promoted by the tribochemical reaction due to the rubbing action and chemical interaction of EC and EVA with MBS oil. MBS oil with addition of EC showed a very stable COF value compared to the addition of EVA is reflected to the strength of the boundary film formed by the oil on the surface. Surface morphology analysis on the spherical pin used in pin on disc in tribological procedures were shown to have a predominant wear mechanisms of adhesive and abrasive wear.

Full Text

The rate of students’ truancy in our Universities especially in developing countries has become alarming. Efforts made so far to curb this menace, including the class attendance policy which stipulated a percentage of class attendance that a student must meet in order to qualify to take an examination in any course, have proved futile. This is due to the tedious and unreliable current way of taking attendance in our Universities using pen and paper. The advent of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has led to the development of digital attendance systems but the absence of a form of master controlled access to the attendance taking mode has made the existing ones unreliable. A digital attendance system with master’s e-identity card controlled access to the attendance taking mode was designed and developed using the RFID reader module and Arduino Nano 3.x board as the principal components. The constructed device was tested and the test results showed that the device was effective in taking class attendance of students. We, therefore, recommend that this new design of digital attendance system with attendance taking mode access control feature be locally mass-produced and used in taking attendance in the Universities of Countries where high level of students’ truancy exist.

Full Text

Under the influence of deterioration in solid waste management in Iraq, this paper describes the work conducted to improve the solid waste management practices in Al-Muthanna Governorate. Numbers of students and volunteers at the College of Engineering at Al-Muthanna University have developed a methodology to test solid waste characteristics at their homes, selected institutional locations, and various dumpsites in the two major cities in the governorate. The average of solid waste generation in the governorate was 0.78 ±0.23 kg/person/day, and it is applied to employees and students which are representing around 37.5% of the governorate's population. However, other classes of the population such as farmers, merchants, or workers are not expected to show significant differences. Municipalities of Al-Muthanna Governorate need to establish a solid waste management strategy that includes composting and recycling programs. Among the commingled waste, materials that can be composted (food waste, paper, cardboard, yard wastes, wood, and other organics), represent 56.2% of waste. Municipalities can easily find a market for paper and cardboard, so if they decided not to use them for composting, the remaining percentage is (40%) which is still significant.

Full Text

Pulse compression is a well-established technique used in radar which is obtained by correlating the received reflection with input reference pulse. Matched and mismatched filter plays a unique role in pulse compression. The major drawback of pulse compression lies in its poor sidelobe reduction which can be overcome with a mismatched filter at the receiver. This paper extends the concept of Invasive weed optimization (IWO) algorithm with differential evolution to design the coefficients of the mismatched filter. IWO is a meta-heuristic algorithm with a dynamic optimization characteristic which follows randomness and compatibility in various environmental condition to find global optima. This method shows the diversion of the population with a heuristic global search of differential evolution (DE) method. IWO provides a global exploration search during iterations that improves the searching area of DE. Whereas at the same time DE acts as a reliable guide for IWO. In this paper, the chaotic sequence is considered as input to mismatched filter whose weights are designed with IWO and DEIWO algorithm because the characteristics of chaotic sequence are same as that of random sequence. It is observed from simulation results that the performance is improved with DEIWO compared to simply IWO. Better results are obtained when the sequence is processed through adaptive filters.

Full Text

The super heterodyne receiver is employed to receive signals at any frequency. A Mixer is an integral block of super heterodyning reception. It down converts the received signal at RF frequency to IF frequency. In this paper, a single ended double balanced Gilbert mixer is designed. This is matched internally to 60 ohms and is operated at a 900 MHz frequency, which is the band frequency of amateur radio (UHF) Spectrum. The circuit of this mixer is simulated and analyzed to find the conversion gains, spectral analysis of the input and output frequencies (IF & RF).

Full Text

Recently, Archimedes screw turbines have been developed to operate as small hydropower stations, because of its reliability to operate with the low head (less than 5m) and its low cost of design and operation. In the present study, the influence of the flow rate, shaft inclination angle, and the number of blades is studied using physical model and numerical model to determine the performance of Archimedes screw turbine at Ramadi Barrages in Iraq. The physical model was made of stainless steel with the following parameters: (the radius ratio is 0.536, the pitch is 70 mm, and the shaft angles are 30°, 35°, 40°, and 45°). The experimental work on the physical model is achieved with different flow rates and angles .The results showing that the highest efficiency is 81.4 % at the angle of 35° and the flow rate is 1.12 l/s. The maximum energy obtained is 25.13 w at the angle of 45°, the flow rate is 2.065 l/s, and the efficiency was 72%. Also the results shows that the increase in the number of blades increases the torque and efficiency of the turbine. There is a good agreement between the experimental and numerical model.

Full Text

A new approach for calculating reactivity with reduction in fluctuations based on the Euler-Maclaurin formula with an approximation using the second Bernoulli number is presented. Fluctuations are simulated in the form of noise with a Gaussian distribution around the mean value of the neutron population density. These fluctuations are reduced through exponential filter for different forms of neutron density and several time steps. The maximum differences obtained with the exponential filter are compared with the maximum differences obtained when using a first-order delay low-pass filter.

Full Text

It is considered to be the most effective to use water jetting for placer deposits, composed of clay wall rock. To increase its production, various constructive and technological methods are possible to apply. For the breaking performance increasing, the use of a special device has been proposed, which ensures the ejection of solid abrasive particles into the hydro monitor barrel. The use of this device allows increasing the performance of the hydraulic breaking of the mined rock mass by 4.8-7.4 times. The use of the technology is most effective when applying a mining method with minor or side mine face at an angle of about 35° between the mine face and the jetting axis, but does not exclude the use of other mining methods.

Full Text

A series of new quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) was synthesized from plant-derived precursors – furfurol and (or) castor oil. Use of QAC as organic activators for sulfur vulcanization of stereoregular and irregular carbon chain dienes rubbers revealed that reactivity of QAC is governed by the presence of functional groups (quaternary nitrogen atoms), the structure of surrounding substitutes. QAC containing castor oil triisocyanate and furan, are found to have an optimal effect on vulcanization kinetics, formation of a general complex of properties of elastomeric compositions. Studied QAC was found to outperform equal concentration of stearic acid in terms of initiation properties when used in model elastomeric compositions based on SKI-3 or SKMS-30 ARK. Increasing QAC content from 0.75 to 2.25 wt.h. per 100 wt.p. per rubber, a decrease in vulcanization rate is observed in comparison to stearic acid. It was discovered, that substitution of stearic acid with an equal mass of QAC in compositions for tire treads rubber has positive on the formation of physicomechanical properties of rubber at static and dynamic loads.

Full Text

We used the spectrum analyzer with logarithmic - periodic antenna and we adjusted the parameters of spectrum. The purpose of the measurements were to detect whether the cellular mobile antennas are affected by the differentiation of altitude difference, other antennas interference and intermediate obstacles in the particular gym, the 19th Elementary School of Kavala and Faliro Park are of interest due to the everyday high frequency of human activities at those points and if there are any health risks due to exposed frequencies. The frequencies we analyzed were GSM-1800 and GSM-900 but we will focus at 1.850GHz because it is our most interesting frequency in addition of to 950MHz. The specific frequencies were measured, analyzed in five points of interest, three directions and 1m height of ground at each point for finding signals of mobile antennas in the broader area. Cellular mobile antenna signals were detected in specific areas calculated and analyzed the summary of the electromagnetic field strength.

Full Text

This article illustrates the design of an Internal Model Controller (IMC), used to regulate a non-linear liquid level system. To obtain the design, a transfer function of the system was required, so the model was linearized at an intermediate setpoint. Already obtained, it was compared with a Proportional Integral (PI) controller, in order to verify the performance of each controller for setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection.

Full Text

Abstract:

The choice of type and structure of the automatically self-driven vehicle and used navigation technology is essential when developing the automatic warehouse systems. Common navigation technologies often used in large warehouse systems such as Amazon or Alibaba are expensive enough for use in small and medium-sized enterprises. This paper describes the process of developing a low-cost navigation technology for automatically guided vehicles based on industrial inductive sensors detecting metalized lines and RFID localization. This work presents the AGV structure and the basic algorithms for motion control and navigation. Virtual and physical AGV models are presented, as well as test results with similar control system parameters.

Full Text

Abstract:

The sustainable energy source is the key to the socio-economic development and cleaner environment of any country. Especially the sustainability of a baseload plant is more important as it generates most of the electricity. Coal and nuclear are the two main sources of energy for baseload plants now a day for many countries. The concentration of the study was to analyze and compare the sustainability of various aspects of coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants. The main points which were discussed involved technology, safety and sustainability, and economy included environmental aspect, fuel availability, safety, risk, etc. The methodology was to collect data from various sources and analyzed it by using the analytic hierarchy process to draw a conclusion regarding the use of both energy technologies in the future. It has been seen that in most cases nuclear was more sustainable than coal power plant under this study.

Full Text

Abstract:

The object of the study is substandard coals of Kazakhstan and solid organic waste in the form of polymers. The effect of additives of chlorvinyl and polyethylene terephthalate on the energy properties of coal briquettes was researched. When coal fines and chlorvinyl are mixed, the phenomenon of adsorption occurs–spontaneous concentration of chlorvinyl on the surface of coal. According to SEM, gaseous chlorovinyl in the presence of coal is characterized by coarsening of particles into a solid polymer phase with a slight increase in temperature due to adhesion and the formation of larger aggregates. When added to the composition of polyethylene terephthalate briquettes with different concentrations, the calorific value of briquettes increases linearly. Clay was used as a safe binder, preventing coal briquettes from falling apart. The optimization of the composition of coal briquette involved the addition of both clay and polyethylene terephthalate to the composition of briquettes. The presence of these two components will allow to obtain the optimal composition of durable briquettes with a constant calorific value in the range Q = 20-25 kJ / kg.

Full Text

Abstract:

This document presents the design and implementation of a general-purpose card model, which integrates nine sensors, seven actuators and four communication interfaces, all included on the same card. This board model is conceived as a hardware tool for the development of prototype nodes for sensors and actuators, becoming a platform for the development of a wide variety of projects in IoT, focused to be used in Arduino's development ecosystem. The design requirements of a printed circuit board are established, compatible with the dimensions, physical structure and distribution of the connections of the board module of the Arduino UNO platform, then the most suitable electronic components in the market were determined, which are adapted to the designed printed circuit board.

Full Text

Abstract:

Hydrology explores a cycle that entails the transport and storage of water. However, this system of transport and, or storage can be significantly impacted by urbanization. Typically, urban drainage design is intended to create habitable spaces that are typically extensively paved surfaces that have the potential to generate significant run-off. One solution that has been extensively explored is the use of porous pavements to mitigate sustainability concerns posed by urban hydrology. The current paper provides a literature review of sustainable development initiatives, including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Low Impact Development (LID), Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). Specifically, the review explores how these approaches have interrogated the use of porous pavements in their strategies. The review found that the three concepts, SUDS, LIDS, and WSUD, have a significant convergence, especially regarding porous pavements. The review noted that SUDS employs strategies to promote groundwater recharge and reduce flooding, LID advocates for mimicking the natural environment by attempting to preserve the pre-development hydrograph. WSUDS encompasses a range of strategies, including LID, and sometimes SUDS, that are intended to restore water balance in urbanized spaces. All these strategies were partly based on the need to reconsider improving the infiltration of urban surfaces. The case meant considering various forms of porous pavements.

Full Text

Abstract:

The stochastic equations of point kinetics with temperature feedback effects and ramp reactivity were solved. The Euler-Maruyama implicit method is used to calculate the expected values and standard deviations of the neutron density and the concentration of delayed neutron precursors considering 500 trials that simulate Brownian motion. The numerical experiments indicate that the proposed method is an alternative method to find the expected values with a good approximation in which standard deviations are very low. With these characteristics, the method can be used with a good degree of reliability.

Full Text

Abstract:

The utilization of renewable energy is currently growing very rapidly and one of its applications is in the grid system. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the use of parallel inverter in the grid to improve power sharing and quality. The parallel inverter consists of a current source-controlled inverter and signal processing filter. Concerning power-sharing, the reference current is expected to be equal to the actual in order to select the power requirement for the load and subsequently improve quality. This makes current a fundamental and harmonic component used as a reference to improve the sharing and quality of power in the system. However, the use of parallel inverter in the grid has been verified by power simulator software and the computational simulation results showed the simple proposed system to be effective.

Full Text

Abstract:

Currently, hospitals in the Department of Huila in Colombia need hospital information systems that allow them to guarantee the integrity and readability of patient information; in addition, they need to do health information available at the point of care where it is located, regardless of the institution providing care where it is served. As a result, Huila's hospitals do not yet have these information systems; therefore, health care staff use outdated, complex and unstructured methods to store data on all types of results and examinations performed, so that they can later be examined and analyzed by a physician in charge and then make the appropriate decisions. Therefore, this project implements an information system to optimize the management process of Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) tests in Huila's hospitals in order to improve the organization of results; and thus make access more timely and efficient. The designed information system is based on the HL7-FHIR standard (Health Level 7 - Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). As a result, we designed and implemented a system that uses technologies such as Java, MySQL, Java, CSS3, HTML5, among others. Finally, we concluded that the proposed information system can minimize execution times, and facilitate the management of the comprehensive metabolic panel tests by the team of medical assistants when a patient's results have been elaborated.

Full Text

Abstract:

The parametric binary logistic regression assumes that the logit function is known to be expressed as a linear function in the parameter, while the nonparametric binary logistic regression assumes that the logit function is unknown and can be approximated by the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) or Local Likelihood Logit Estimation (LLLE) method. The GAM method assumes that the logit function is the sum of the nonparametric regression functions of each predictor variable with the known link function. The LLLE method assumes that the logit function is a linear function in the parameter, where the parameters depend on arbitrary fixed points and the likelihood logit function depends on the multivariate kernel weighting. In this study we compared the risk prediction of diabetes based on three approaches, i.e parametric binary logistic regression, nonparametric binary logistic regression using the GAM method, and nonparametric binary logistic regression with the LLLE method. The results of classification accuracy in risk prediction of diabetes using the parametric binary logistic regression approach of 80.2%, the GAM method of 88.89%, and the LLLE method of 100%. So, the best approach model is obtained by nonparametric binary logistic regression with the LLLE method.

Full Text