Low Cost Technology

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as promising and eco-friendly next-generation energy storage systems to substitute lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, discovering new electrode materials for ZIBs with high performance and unraveling their electrochemical reactions during Zn-ion insertion/ extraction are of great interest. Here, we present, for the first time, tunnel-type b-MnO 2 nanorods with exposed (101) planes, prepared via a facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis within only 10 min, for use as a high performance cathode for ZIBs. In contrast to its bulk counterpart, which showed no electrochemical reactivity, the present b-MnO 2 nanorod electrode exhibited a high discharge capacity of 270 mA h g À1 at 100 mA g À1 , high rate capability (123 and 86 mA h g À1 at 528 and 1056 mA g À1 , respectively), and long cycling stability (75% capacity retention with 100% coulombic efficiency at 200 mA g À1) over 200 cycles. The Zn-ion storage mechanism of the cathode was also unraveled using in situ synchrotron, ex situ X-ray diffraction, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our present study indicates that Zn intercalation occurred via a combination of solid solution and conversion reactions. During initial cycles, the b-MnO 2 cathode was able to maintain its structure; however, after prolonged cycles, it transformed into a spinel structure. The present results challenge the common views on the b-MnO 2 electrode and pave the way for the further development of ZIBs as cost-effective and environmentally friendly next-generation energy storage systems.

HighlightsIn the Emission Head (EH) configuration differences in apple bruise severity were well captured.A good representation of new samples variability, in calibration, ensured robust quantitative PLS-DA models.EH mode with PLS-DA is an attractive spectroscopic option for inline apple sorting based on bruise damage. . Bruise damage in apples is very common and undesirable because it hinders consumer satisfaction and greatly contributes to food loss. Fast detection of bruise damage in fruit using spectroscopic systems is still problematic, especially in terms of quantitative and objective assessments of mechanical damage and standardization of bruise measurement method, among other issues. Non-destructive techniques among which is near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are under development as a potential solution carrier for such issues. A study of bruise damage was conducted on three apple cultivars using Fourier transform (FT) near infrared spectroscopy in two configurations (‘emissi...

The Chitosan/Montmorillonite (CHI/MMT) nanocomposites (1/1, 1/2, 1/4 %w/w) are selfassembled over the ceramic separator of the microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The oxygen diffusion coefficient of the ceramic membrane has diminished about a hundred times which resulted in the better growth of exoelectrogenic anodic bacteria, boosting the electrical double layer capacitance by four orders of magnitude, and decreasing the charge
transfer impedances of the anode and cathode electrodes by 96.44% and 66.14%. The ohmic resistance is dropped by 73.2%, owing to the improved proton conductivity of the modified ceramic membranes. The coulombic efficiency of 86.97 ± 13.2% along with the power and current densities of 229.12 ± 18.5 mW/m2 and 1422.22 ± 41.2 mA/m2 are obtained during the start-up operation of the modified MFC by 1/2 (% w/w) CHI/MMT, which are more than three times higher than the values of the blank-ceramic. The wastewater treatment efficiency of the MFCs does not alter seriously.

Neste trabalho, apresenta-se um novo material adsorvente, obtido a partir da pirólise de resíduos da erva-mate. O carvão resultante demonstrou elevada área superficial específica quando comparado com outros materiais pirolisados e elevada capacidade de remoção de contaminantes orgânicos de soluções aquosas. Os valores de área específica apresentados pelos materiais foram de 344, 191 e ~0,5 m² g-1, para o carvão Mate 1, Mate 2 e Mate 3, respectivamente. As isotermas de adsorção mostraram que os carvões apresentam potencial para utilização como adsorvente para compostos orgânicos, tais como: o corante têxtil vermelho reativo, o corante azul de metileno e para o herbicida atrazina, sendo que os máximos de adsorção utilizando o carvão Mate 1 foram de 16, 230 e 30 mg g-1, respectivamente.

Karnataka is one of the important potato growing states in peninsular India. Potato is mainly cultivated in Hassan, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur, Chickmagalur, Kolar, Bangalore Rural and Dharwad districts. It is grown as rain-fed kharif crop in Hassan, Belgaum, Chickmagalur and Dharwad districts and as rabi crop in Chickmagalur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Bangalore Rural districts under protective irrigation. Due to non-availability of quality planting material to Karnataka farmers, potato productivity is limited. Seed imported from North India (Punjab) is very expensive and incur about 50% of total production cost and small and marginal farmers cannot afford to procure quality seed every year as no certified seed is being produced locally. International Potato Center (CIP) has recommended an innovative low cost ware house facility as a model during 2014 and 2016 to retain farmers’ seed for subsequent planting seasons saving their seed input cost by 40%.

Aims: This study investigates the use of sawdust from 3 hardwood species as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from contaminated water. Study Design: The experimental design used for this study was 3 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment; the different sawdust species, two baselines (treated and untreated) and four levels of pH and time as factors were combined and used for the study. Methodology: Test was carried out to investigate the effect of sawdust pre-treatment on their adsorption capacity in the removal of Copper ions from contaminated water at different pH levels; the sawdust samples were sieved through a screen size of 850 μm after which a portion of each species sawdust was subjected to pre-treatment by boiling while the other portions were maintained as control samples (untreated). Results: The results shows that adsorption capacity for both treated and untreated samples were 69.75±13.78%,  68.60±19.48%, 69.34±23.08%, 74.79±17.79%, 74.52±22.30% and 76.90±18.21% for  Als...

ABSTRACT:

A Wind Tunnel is a tool used in aerodynamic research to study the effects of air moving past the solid objects. Wind tunnels were first as a means of studying vehicles (primarily airplanes) in free flight. A Wind tunnel is used to find the aerodynamics and also to measure drag and down force of airfoils. The wind tunnel is composed of a contraction cone, test section and diffuser, with nessary instrumentation to measure the drag and downforce acting on the vehicles. Our project aims at using hand fabricated wind tunnel to test aerodynamics of scaled models and also to calculate the drag in them.
It is very important nowadays to consider the aerodynamics of any vehicles whiles designing, this helps in improving the efficiency and reduces the fuel consumption. With this hand fabricated wind tunnel it makes the checking of aerodynamics and calculation of drag for scaled models very easy. This reduces the time taken for designing and production.

Translation technologies are now an integral part of most translator training programs, and recently, a number of free and low-cost translation tools have begun to appear on the market. Because translator training programs typically have limited budgets, such software has great appeal. However, before adopting these tools, trainers must consider a range of questions, including practical issues, such as laboratory management and language considerations, as well as more pedagogically-oriented questions, including academic priorities, market needs, and possibilities for a wider integration of technologies into translation programs. This paper will explore such questions, and will introduce the Collection of Electronic Resources in Translation Technologies (CERTT) Project, discussing ways in which CERTT could potentially help to maximize the benefits of incorporating free and low-cost software into translator training.

Solar energy presents a clean, readily accessible, and abundant alternative source of power in nature. Harnessing this energy for electricity generation offers significant benefits. However, fixed Photovoltaic (PV) panels have limitations, as they can only extract maximum energy during a specific time frame, typically from 12 noon to 2 PM in southern parts of India, leading to reduced energy efficiency. Further due to high dust atmosphere the panels are covered with 0.5 to 1 mm thick mud dusts. This will check much of the solar light source reaching the panel. The presence of dust on solar panels can lead to a reduction in their power output. To address this issue, it becomes crucial to enhance the energy efficiency of PV solar panels by implementing a solar tracking system and a cleaning cum wiping system. This study employs an Arduino-based solar tracking system and cleaning model utilizing Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to gauge sunlight intensity. The PV solar panel is adjusted accordingly to optimize energy capture as it tracks the sun's movement. The tracking mechanism utilizes a servo motor controlled by a microcontroller, responding to signals from the LDRs. Also motor driven wipers are designed to operate at intervals. The conclusive findings clearly indicate that the solar tracking panel produces a greater amount of energy in comparison to a stationary panel with a pristine surface.

Polluted indoor air, air contaminated by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), are a major cause of headaches, nausea, concentration loss and other ‘building-related illnesses’. Previous laboratory research by the Plants and Environmental Quality Group at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) has shown that the ‘pot plant system’ (plants-and-potting-mix combination) can daily eliminate several times the Australian maximum exposure concentrations of the common VOCs benzene and n-hexane. The main removal agents are the potting-mix micro-organisms. The plants mainly contribute by maintaining their root-zone microbial communities (see Nursery Paper 2001/2).

This paper describes a research study on the structural and constructional properties of bamboo strips used in accordance with manuals to improve the quality of self-building authored by Yona Friedman. To investigate these properties, four full-scale roof structures of different designs were built and tested to find their maximum load, deformation behaviour and failure. Two of these structures were subsequently rebuilt to explore strengthening possibilities that were assessed through further tests, which showed an increase of maximum load. Besides field tests, the bamboo roofs were modelled using finite-element analysis software in order to evaluate the correspondence between experimental and analytical data. The results showed remarkable differences between the actual behaviour of the structures and that obtained from the modelling due to the dimensional unevenness of strips and the imperfect execution of lashed joints, with the latter not always allowed to obtain the ideal hinge b...

The potassium supplying capacity of the waste mica powder (WMP) was evaluated through chemical and biological means. Four different size fractions of the WMP were studied in laboratory by different chemical extractants. At the same time, experiment of the plant growth was conducted in pot using K-deficient soil. The K release from the WMP by dif- ferent extractants followed an increasing trend with an increase in the fineness of the par- ticles. The highest K release was recorded by boiling 1 M HNO3 (376.4–1726.4 mg kg 1) followed by 1 M ammonium acetate (33.5–226.5 mg kg 1), 0.01 M citric acid (31.6– 158.3 mg kg 1) and water (12.0–112.0 mg kg 1) irrespective of the various size fractions. Significantly, higher cumulative K release from the WMP in successive extraction was re- corded with 1 M boiling HNO3 that predicts its slow-release property. The K release by different extractants was correlated significantly and positively with the biomass yield and K uptake by plants. 1 M boiling HNO3 extractable K showed higher correlation values with the biomass yield and K uptake. Therefore, it suggests that the extractant might be a better indicator of K supplying capacity of the WMP. The plant intervention was able to extract 32.8% of total K from the WMP simultaneously improving the exchangeable and non- exchangeable K pool in soil. These above-mentioned results conclude that plants can get access to a significant amount of K from the WMP and it could be an effective source of K in highly weathered tropical soils under K deficiency.

The Kenya Libraries and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) has been at the forefront of championing and spearheading Open Access initiatives in Kenya. The National consortium — which boasts over 130 member institutions through a combination of university libraries, research institutions, and public/national libraries — was established in 2003 with an aim of collective subscriptions to electronic resources to cope with the increasingly unsustainable cost of information resources. All members pay a certain amount of money every year towards the acquisition of electronic journals and eBooks, depending on and guided by their FTE’s. This means that institutions with lower FTE’s get to pay lower amounts compared to those with high FTE’s. At the end, however, all these institutions benefit from equal access to the same resources

Spectroscopy data are useful for modelling biological systems such as predicting quality parameters of horticultural products. However, using the wide spectrum of wavelengths is not practical in a production setting. Such data are of high dimensional nature and they tend to result in complex models that are not easily understood. Furthermore, collinearity between different wavelengths dictates that some of the data variables are redundant and may even contribute noise. The use of variable selection methods is one efficient way to obtain an optimal model, andthis was the aim of this work. Taking advantage of a non-contact spectrometer, near infrared spectral data in the range of 800–2500 nm were used to classify bruise damage in three apple cultivars, namely ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Royal Gala’. Six prominent machine learning classification algorithms were employed, and two variable selection methods were used to determine the most relevant wavelengths for the problem ...

Aims: This study investigates the use of sawdust from 3 hardwood species as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from contaminated water. Study Design: The experimental design used for this study was 3 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment; the different sawdust species, two baselines (treated and untreated) and four levels of pH and time as factors were combined and used for the study. Methodology: Test was carried out to investigate the effect of sawdust pre-treatment on their adsorption capacity in the removal of Copper ions from contaminated water at different pH levels; the sawdust samples were sieved through a screen size of 850 μm after which a portion of each species sawdust was subjected to pre-treatment by boiling while the other portions were maintained as control samples (untreated). Results: The results shows that adsorption capacity for both treated and untreated samples were 69.75±13.78%,  68.60±19.48%, 69.34±23.08%, 74.79±17.79%, 74.52±22.30% and 76.90±18.21% for  Als...

Rapid, sensitive, and timely diagnostics are essential for protecting plants from pathogens. Commonly, PCR techniques are used in laboratories for highly sensitive detection of DNA/RNA from viral, viroid, bacterial, and fungal pathogens of plants. However, using PCR-based methods for in-field diagnostics is a challenge and sometimes nearly impossible. With the advent of isothermal amplification methods, which provide amplification of nucleic acids at a certain temperature and do not require thermocyclic equipment, going beyond the laboratory has become a reality for molecular diagnostics. The amplification stage ceases to be limited by time and instruments. Challenges to solve involve finding suitable approaches for rapid and user-friendly plant preparation and detection of amplicons after amplification. Here, we summarize approaches for in-field diagnostics of phytopathogens based on different types of isothermal amplification and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. In this...

The ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine has the potential to address the challenge of access to improved sanitation in built-up low-income settings. However, its conventional technical design fails to address the needs and preferences of some users. The objective of this paper was to test the technical performance of modified engineering designs of the technology to respond to some preferences of toilet users. The entry of air from multiple windows in the superstructure and installation of insect screens in windows were tested in an experimental VIP latrine. The modified design achieved the recommended ventilation rate of 20 m3/h when a vent pipe diameter of 150 mm was used. The study concludes that adopting a multidirectional airflow design leads to a lower ventilation rate as compared to the conventional design. However, when fitted with the recommended size of vent pipe, this modified design achieves more than twice the recommended ventilation rate with or without an insect scr...

This study was conducted in Navsari district of Gujarat state during 2008-09 to study the role performance of agro-service providers and beneficiary farmers in Navsari district of Gujarat state. The study sample composed of total 200 respondents and 100 agro-service providers for the present study. The study revealed that majority of the agro-service providers and beneficiaries performed their role moderately, while the pooled data also indicated the same result. In case of factors affecting to the majority of the agro-service providers and beneficiaries were perceived at moderate level. The overall data indicated that the majority of the agro-service providers and beneficiaries had experienced such factors at moderate level followed by experienced such factors at lower level. * Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Extension Education, NMCA, NAU, Navsari. ** Professor and Head, Dept. of Extension Education, NAU, Navsari. *** Research Scholar, Dept. of Extension Education, NMCA, NAU, Navsar