Showing papers in "International Journal of Literature and Arts in 2015"

Biological Purification Processes for Biogas Using Algae Cultures: A Review

Abstract: Bioenergy is a type of renewable energy made from biological sources including algae, trees, or waste from agriculture, wood processing, food materials, and municipalities. Currently, the uses of renewable fuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas and hydrogen) are increased in the transport sector worldwide. From an environmental and resource-efficiency perspective biogas has several advantages in comparison to other biofuels. The main components of biogas are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), but usually biogas also contains hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other sulphur compounds, water, other trace gas compounds and other impurities. Purification and upgrading of the gas is necessary because purified biogas provides reductions in green house gas emissions as well as several other environmental benefits when used as a vehicle fuel. Reducing CO2 and H2S content will significantly improve the quality of biogas. Various technologies have been developed and available for biogas impurity removal; these include absorption by chemical solvents, physical absorption, cryogenic separation, membrane separation and biological or chemical methods. Since physiochemical methods of removal are expensive and environmentally hazardous, and biological processes are environmentally friendly and feasible. Furthermore, algae are abundant and omnipresent. Biogas purification using algae involved the use of algae’s photosynthetic ability in the removal of the impurities present in biogas. This review is aimed at presenting the algal characteristics, scientific approach, gather and clearly explain the main methods used to clean and purify biogas, increasing the calorific value of biogas and making this gas with characteristics closest as possible to natural gas through algae biological purification processes.

Biodiesel from Green Alga Scenedesmus acuminatus

Abstract: Renewable fuels for alternative energy sources have been paid a great attention in recent years. Biodiesel has been gaining worldwide popularity as an alternative energy source. The production of biofuels from microalgae, especially biodiesel, has gained huge popularity in the recent years, and it is assumed that, due to its eco-friendly and renewable nature, it can replace the need of fossil fuels. Scenedesmus genus was discussed by phycologists as promising microalgae for biofuel production based on its biomass and fatty acid productivity. In the present study, S. acuminatus was cultivated in piggery wastewater effluent to couple waste treatment with biodiesel production. The batch feeding operation by replacing 10% of algae culture with Piggery wastewater effluent every day could provide a stable net biomass productivity of 3.24 g L−1 day−1. The effect of acid hydrolysis of lipids from S. acuminatus on FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) production was investigated. Direct transesterification (a one-stage process) of the as harvested S. acuminatus biomass resulted in a higher bio-diesel yield content than that in a two-stage process. This study results revealed that it is feasible to produce biodiesel from wet microalgae biomass directly without the steps of drying and lipid extraction.

MPPT Control Technique for Direct-Drive Five-Phase PMSG Wind Turbines with Wind Speed Estimation

Abstract: This paper has presented comprehensive modeling of direct driven five-phase PMSG based grid-connected wind turbines along with the control schemes of the interfacing converters. Wind speed estimation has been achieved based on measured rotor speed. Five-phase to three-phase interface power converter based back-to-back common dc-link converter has been used to achieve the system objectives. The machine side converter (MSC) is used to track the maximum power point at different wind speed. The grid side converter (GSC) uses a vector current controller to inject pure active power to the grid. The effectiveness of proposed control scheme is validated through extensive simulation results by using MATALB/SIMULINK.

Comparison of District Heating Systems Used in China and Denmark

Abstract: China has one of the largest district heating (DH) markets in the world with total district heat sales in 2011 amounting to 2,810,220 TJ. Nevertheless, it still has great potential for further expanding its DH supply, due to rapid urbanization and the demand to improve the quality of life. However, the current DH system in China is in great need of system improvements, technology renovation, and optimization of operations and management. As one of the world’s leading countries in terms of DH supply, Denmark has state-of-the-art DH technologies and rich experience in the design and operation of DH systems. Experiences learned from the Danish DH system are useful for improving the current Chinese DH system. This article provides an overview of the technological differences between the two countries, focusing on: a) heat generation, b) the DH distribution network, c) DH network control, and d) the end consumer. The paper looks at the obvious differences between these two countries in terms of DH supply and concludes that there is significant, achievable potential for improvement regarding both energy efficiency and user comfort in the Chinese DH system, through technological advancement and implementing the operational know-how of more modern DH systems.

Microalgae Biomass as an Alternative Substrate in Biogas Production

Abstract: The running down of fossil energy sources makes the production of bioenergy an expected need worldwide. Therefore, energy crops have gained increasing attention in recent years as a source for the production of bioenergy because they do not compete with food crops. Microalgae have numerous advantages such as fast growth rates and not competing with food production. Because of the fast growth, many high valuable products are generated, e.g. food, biofuel, etc. Due to the energy crisis, renewable energy becomes a popular issue in this world today and there are several alternatives such as bioenergy, solar, wind, tide, geothermal, etc. For bioenergy, algae are the third generation biofuel crop. There is an increased demand for biogas in the society and one way to meet this is to use cultivated microalgae as fermentation substrate. In the present study, we maintained algae growth process and biomass production in autotrophic condition continuously for over 2 month’s period. Growth system (photobioreactor) was setup under room temperature and continuous illumination light through fluorescent lamps; light intensity was average as 48.31 [µmol-1m-2 per µA]. In reactor, dominant microalgae species were including Anabaena sp., Chlorella sp., Oscillatoria sp., Oedogonium sp. and Scenedesmus sp. The content of total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) in the algae biomass was measured; the results were average as 12500 g/m3 and 6320 g/m3, respectively. Furthermore, microalgal biomass is a potentially valuable fermentation substrate, and produce over 60% of methane gas.

A Newly Isolated Green Alga, Pediastrum Duplex Meyen, from Thailand with Efficient Hydrogen Production

Abstract: Biofuels are gaining attention worldwide as a way to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Biological Hydrogen (H2) production is considered the most environmentally friendly route of producing H2, fulfilling the goals of recycling renewable resources and producing clean energy. It has attracted global attention because of its potential to become an inexhaustible, low cost, renewable source of clean energy and appears as an alternative fuel. H2 production processes offer a technique through which renewable energy sources like biomass can be utilized for the generation of the cleanest energy carrier for the use of mankind. This paper presents laboratory results of biological production of hydrogen by green alga was isolated from fresh water fish pond in Sansai, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Under light microscope, this green alga was identified as belonging to the genus Pediastrum and species P. duplex Meyen. The successful culture was established and grown in poultry litter effluent medium (PLEM) under a light intensity of 37.5 μmol-1m2 sec-1 and a temperature of 25°C. The nutrient requirements and process conditions that encourage the growth of dense and healthy algal cultures were explored. The highest H2 was produced when cultivated cells in PLEM for 21 hours under light and then incubated under anaerobic adaptation for 4 hours.

Microcontroller Based Automatic Solar Tracking System with Mirror Booster

Abstract: This paper is designed solar tracking system with mirror booster using microcontroller. Solar energy is rapidly becoming an alternative means of electrical source all over the world. To make effective use of solar energy, its efficiency must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximizing the power output of solar array is by sun tracking. This paper deals with the design and construction of solar tracking system by using a stepper motor, gear motor, photo diode. Mirror is used as booster to maximize the efficiency. The whole frame will travel circularly and the mirror will travel from south to north and vice-versa. The prototype is considered around a programmed microcontroller which controls the system by communicating with sensors and motor driver based on movement of the sun. The performance and characteristics of the solar tracker are experimentally analyzed.

The Eighteenth Century and the Rise of the English Novel

Abstract: It is not by chance that the English Novel dates back to the Eighteenth century. This does not imply that nothing existed in the form of a novel before 1700. Then, Daniel Defoe made novel come to existence, completely. Nothing comes from nothing, even the greatest masterpieces of literature starts off from what was available from the previous eras. The novelist in the Eighteenth century had on one hand, the medieval romance and its successors; the courtly novel of Italy and France and the English stories. The Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries were developed and grown out of some important sources: Lyly’s Euphues, Sidney’s Arcadia and Green’s Menaphon. On the other hand, the rogue novels and the Picaresque tradition were two other significant factors to the rise of the English Novel. Certain other factors were helpful to the rise of the English novel; from them; translations from the classics such as The Golden Ass of Petronius, Boccaccio as well as the authorized version of the Bible.

Removal of Phenol and Parachlorophenol from Synthetic Wastewater Using Prepared Activated Carbon from Agricultural Wastes

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to remove Phenol and Parachlorophenol from synthetic wastewater using prepared activated carbon from agricultural wastes (rice husk, (RH) date stones, (DS) and palm fronds, (PF)) utilizing chemical and physical activation methods. Three principal operating parameters have been considered which are activation temperature, activation time, and impregnation ratio. The results showed that the activated carbon prepared from rice husk by chemical method at a temperature of 700 C, activation time of 3 hours, and impregnation ratio of 3: 1 gives highest removal of phenol and Parachlorophenol. The results also showed that the activated carbon prepared by physical method from rice husk gives higher removal efficiency for phenol and Parachlorophenol than that of activated carbon prepared from date stones and palm fronds. The results also showed that the rate of removal of Phenol and Parachlorophenol increases with the increase of activation temperature, activation time, and impregnation ratio. The highest removal of phenol and Parachlorophenol are (84.38% and 94.65%) respectively. Application of the most prominent adsorption models shows acceptable agreement with Langmuir and Temkin models. Maximum adsorption capacity for the prepared activated carbon is found to be 39 mg/g and 38.82 mg/g for Phenol, 44.64 mg/g and 44.94 mg/g for Parachlorophenol respectively.

The Hurdles in Front of Women in Expressing Their Voice in Eliot's The Waste Land

Abstract: For the past previous decades critics have been disapproving Thomas Stearns Eliot repeatedly for his misogynistic dealing of female in his poems. A limited number, though, have regarded his depiction of female roles in assisting the themes he was dealing with in his poetry. The narrative space of The Waste Land is conquered chiefly by female, both modern and mythological, who demonstrate the enduring ruthless connection between male and female. This deeply individual connection, though, is similar to the connection of the individual and society; like the individual, the females must decide to either express their opinions against their suppressors or become quiet and accept their conditions. Each of the two options puts female at danger of extra suppression. Thus, the wasted scenography of The Waste Land is like the background of a halting social world inhabited by dominant people fighting to discover their voice. Eliot depicts the voice of women as the conflict against the destroyed community and communication that typifies the modern world. Modern and mythical characters join in The Waste Land, illuminating the vanity of communication in an area where force hurdles exist between the men and women. By contrasting mythical females from Ovid’s Metamorphoses against the modern characters from The Waste Land, this study will show to what extent the poem’s theme of social collapse prolongs into the contemporary world, whenever such vanity is aroused, in the past and in the modern times, either.

Solar Radiation Estimation from the Measurement of Sunshine Hours over Southern Coastal Region, Bangladesh

Abstract: In this study,the global solar radiation over the southern coastal region of Bangladesh is estimated from the duration of relative sunshine hours. Five models are considered to estimate the solar irradiance. These models are modified form of classical Angstrom – Prescott regression equation. A quadratic logarithmic model, relating the relative solar radiation and the relative sunshine hours is proposed for southern coastal region of Bangladesh. NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE)have record of solar radiation data all over the world, measured from satellite. As Bangladesh Meteorological Department or any other organization has no record of measured solar radiation data for the considered locations, the estimated solar irradiance from the proposed regression model is compared with the data recorded by NASA SSE. Also t – statistics is applied to the estimated results to determine whether or not they are statistically significant at a particular confidence level.

Biodiesel Production from Unrefined Palm Oil on Pilot Plant Scale

Abstract: As global warming and climate change issues are defying modern society sustainable development; biofuels, biodiesel included, are among promising solutions. Biodiesel is generally produced from renewable vegetable oils and animal fats via acid or base catalyzed transesterification. Depending on regional availability, biodiesel production feedstocks vary from vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, soya oil, palm oil, and jatropha oil, to used cooking oil and animal fats, with each type of feedstock presenting its own process challenges rooting from its chemical composition. This paper reports about biodiesel production from crude palm oil on a pilot plant scale, subsequent to a laboratory scale investigation of biodiesel synthesis from various vegetable oil feedstocks. Prior to transesterification, pretreatment processes have been applied due to the fact that crude palm oil as a biodiesel feedstock possesses a high free fatty acid(FFA) content, water, solid impurities and waxes, all of which hinder an efficient transesterification if not dealt with accordingly. Those processes are mainly filtering, water evaporation, and FFA esterification which is done with 99.9% methanol and 96% sulfuric acid as a catalyst. In fact, the acid esterification process successfully handles the raw palm oil despite its high FFA content of 16.9%, and biodiesel is produced from that feedstock with a yield of 90.4%. A two steps transesterification is carried out using potassium methylate 32% in methanol as a catalyst and anhydrous methanol too. Laboratory analyses have also been used to monitor the process and assess the final product quality. Furthermore, biodiesel cold filtering and top layer intake tank systems of a filling station, both proved to be efficient at helping to obtain a refined product by getting rid of suspensions appearing in biodiesel at room temperature due to sterol glucosides and waxes.

Evaluation of Indoor Environment System’s Strategy for Airport Buildings

Abstract: Airport terminals are energy intensive buildings. They are mostly thought to operate on a 24/7 scale and so indoor environment systems run on full schedules and do not have fine control based on detailed passenger flow information. While this assumption of round-the-clock operation may be true for the public areas of the airport building and so opportunity for complete shut-down of HVAC and lighting systems are limited especially in a busy airport terminals, there are many passenger exclusive area within the airport in which occupancy varies strictly with flight schedules. This paper presents the results of indoor environment measurement and flight schedules to identify such opportunities and to implement energy conservation measure in the passenger exclusive areas of the airport building. It also uses building simulation to assess the benefits of such energy saving interventions in terms of comfort, energy and carbon emission savings.

Teaching Creative Abilities of Children in Music Education in the General School

Abstract: In a community, where the consumer's attitude in all aspects of life is ever more commonly observed, including in the area of culture, the problem of stimulating the creative impulse, of training the creative activity of adolescents, becomes especially important. Responsible for seeking the appropriate means and methods for the development of the creative abilities in children are the parents, tutors, teachers. An important role, in that relation, could be entrusted to the music teacher in the general school.

Characterization of Oil and Biodiesel Produced from Thevetia peruviana (Yellow Oleander) Seeds

Abstract: Background: There is increasing emphasis on renewable energy following recurrent economic crises and environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels such as petrodiesel. Research into biodiesel production from oil-bearing renewable biomass sources can provide a more sustainable alternative to petrodiesel. This study evaluated the biodiesel yielding potential of Thevetia peruviana seeds. Methods: Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet and Cold-solvent extraction methods. Hexane-only (H-only) was used in the Soxhlet while Hexane/Ether (H/E) mixture and H-only were respectively used in the Cold extraction. The oil was processed using Methanol/Ethanol (M/E) mixture and Methanol-only (M-only) respectively to biodiesel via transesterification with sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The oil and biodiesel physicochemical parameters such as density, viscosity at 40oC, Saponification value, Flash Point (FP) and Acid Value (AV) were determined using the American Standard for Testing and Material (ASTM D6751) methods. Results: The oil yields from Soxhlet, H/E and H-only extractions were: 62.3%, 51.9% and 45.8% respectively. The biodiesel yield in the M/E and M-only transesterifications were: 78.4% and 85.20% respectively. The density at 40oC, viscosity, and saponification value of the oil were: 0.868g/cm3, 21.50mm2/s and 120mgKOH/g respectively. The density at 40oC, viscosity, FP and AV of the biodiesel were: 0.760g/cm3, 4.70mm2/s, 130oC and 0.441mgKOH/g respectively. Conclusion: The seeds of Thevetia peruviana are viable sources for biodiesel production, and quality parameters of the biodiesel met the American Standard for Testing and Materials limits. However, further work to explore the optimization of the process and sustainability of the model is recommended.

Postmodern Narrative Techniques in Robert Coover’s Story Collection; Pricksongs & Descants

Abstract: The modes of narration in postmodernist fiction are not identical with those of modernists and realists. They contravene readers’ expectations, making them most often astounded and baffled. This study sets out to discuss some of the techniques used by the American writer Robert Coover in his story collection; Pricksongs & Descants (1969) which are associated with postmodernist fiction. These strategies including metafictional techniques, fragmentation, ontological concern, and temporal distortion, will in the subsequent sections of this paper be explicated and elucidated. In this regard, the term postmodernism will be first defined and elaborated, and then some of the salient features of Coover’s selected work stated above, will be examined in order to demonstrate the title-mentioned claim. Not all the stories of the collection will in this study be provided an analysis of, but those which are of greater significance and are noticeable in incorporating postmodern strategies. Coover, it is argued, in the above-mentioned work, depicts events and situations most of which at odds with what readers are used to being provided with. Readers in Coover’s are thus no longer passive recipients of the created world of the author, but active during the narratives and are invited to make things out and come to a conclusion about the plausible outcome of events.

Renewable Energy Application for Organic Agriculture: A Review

Abstract: Agriculture is still the occupation of the majority of Thai people, despite the share of industry and services rising constantly. In terms of agricultural lands, Thailand is also one of the largest countries in the world, especially in Asia. Fruits and field crops make up for the most of vegetable products, rice being the leading crop. Currently, the market demand for organic food is increasing mainly due to consumer perceptions of quality and safety of these products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. Organic agriculture is expected that this requirement will continue to grow in the near future. On the other hand, energy is used in many organic agricultural inputs, including irrigation, mechanization and fertilizer. Both organic and conventional farming systems are mainly dependent on fossil energy, which is particularly crucial given rapidly growing energy costs. However, renewable resources are abundant. Many commercial technologies are available to connect these resources, and with suitable support, additional technologies could be brought to market. The aim of this research review is to investigate the utility of renewable energies for organic agricultural activities. In this concept, solar energy, biomass energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and hydropower are discussed by application. There is significant potential for organic agricultural involvement in the production and consumption of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy.

Performance Analysis of Power Generation by Producer Gas from Refuse Derived Fuel-5 (RDF-5)

Abstract: At present, municipal and city corporation governments throughout the world are facing choices about how to manage the unending stream of waste generated by their residents and businesses. In many places landfills and dumpsites are filling up, and all landfills and dumpsites leak into the environment; due to increasing populations, the issue of waste becomes more urgent and more complicated. Many regions are already facing a waste crisis, and drastic measures are needed. In the past, the main approach to waste management operations is the landfill which is causes many environmental pollutions and health hazards. Furthermore, extending the land for land filling is the one of best solutions. This paper demonstrated the performance analysis of power generation producer gas from RDF-5 in Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The efficiency of different ratio waste composition and of RDF-5 was revealed. In addition, the humidity, density and heat capacity of RDF-5 are also focused. In order to analyze the compositions, heat capacity of producer gas, fuel consumption, efficiency of producer gas system, waste water and quantity of ash; RDF-5 have been tested by using producer gas in different ratio of oxygen and fuel. In term of automobile application, the performance of RDF-5 and Diesel-RDF-5 are compared; and the specific factors such as power, specific fuel consumption rate, carbon dioxide, sound level and fuel feeding were included that comparison. Consequently, this paper mainly focused and concerned with the production and properties of refuse derived fuel-5 for use in energy from waste technologies.

The Current World Energy Situation and Suggested Future Energy Scenarios to Meet the Energy Challenges by 2050 in the UK

Abstract: Currently, energy demand is ever increasing along with the high levels of population world-wide. The global dependence on fossil fuels is very high and the need for reducing our energy consumption in line with mitigating the greenhouse gasses emissions is compelling. With the current global reduction of oil prices, companies or even governments tend to import more energy due to economic reasons. For instance, recently, DHL which is a famous company providing international express delivery, introduced a helicopter express delivery in London. Such development gives a real indication that as people/agencies consume more fossil fuels, in fact, the world become closer to the reserves ending point. Accordingly, this makes renewables deployment and hence reducing energy cost is quite difficult. This paper gives an overview of the current world energy situation along with three energy scenarios for the UK to achieve the official announced targets by 2050. Finally, looking for liquid metal battery advantages to secure our future energy needs.

Beware of the Dogs: The Position and Role of Dogs in Biblical Discourse

Abstract: Animals and humanbeings are closely connected,whether this be in harmony or conflict. Animals may be our friends and helpers, but also may become our food. The history of religions, shows us that animal can become a centre of religious worship (zoolatry) or/and a sacrificial offering.The latter becomes themeans of mediation between the human and the divine realm. In biblical discourse, the relationship between people and animalsis depictedeither in terms of human superiority over the animal world,“so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (Gen 1:26-30) or as a relationship of mutual fear, “The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands”. (Gen 9:2). Finally, in biblical discourse, animals are food for humans, “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything”. (Gen 9:3).Examining biblical bestiary, we shall particularly be interested in relation to the position of dogs in the Bible.

Illusion in Edward Albee Selected Play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”

Abstract: Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Exposes the plunge of moral values of the American family in the modern society in which materialism is Victorious. The play shows the deceptive appearances and moral disintegration of George and Martha. This paper attempts to outline the American dream and how the characters accept illusion as an escape from real life. The initial part provides us withsome information about the writer’s life and how he is influenced by the theater of the absurd, and the impact of the psychological approaches on Albee’s way of writing .The paper also proposes Albee as a modern playwright to recall and explain the community problems that help modern readers to understand his crises and his tragedy form. Superficially, the play seems to be about the illusion but in fact it examines and presents crises of the modern American values and their way of life. Thus, the play discloses the theme of illusion and social American crises through the bond of marriage of the two couples.

Waiting for Godot: A Marxist Study

Abstract: This study tends to focus on the different facets and meanings of ‘’Waiting for Godot’’ by Samuel Beckett. The different occurrences of conflicting and contradictory meanings within the text of the play show existence of the late modernist bourgeois ideology. Based on the theoretical concern of the discussions of Post-Structuralist Marxist theorists Louis Althusser and Pierre Macherey, the main concern of the discussion concentrates on the theory of decentred or disparate text, expounded by Pierre Macherey in his book, “A Theory of Literary Production” (1978). This paper asks how the significant gaps, silences, absences and non-saids in the text of “Waiting for Godot” reflect the presence of the late modernist bourgeois ideology. This paper aims to reflect on the significance of ideology to articulate Post-Structuralist Marxist theory of decentred or disparate text. To make vocal the non-saids of Samuel Beckett’s text, the theory and methodology, I seek in this research paper is Post-Structuralist Althusserian Hermeneutics that helps to find conflict, disparity and contradiction of meaning within the text and between the text and its ideological content. It also helps to make speak and vocal the silences and non-saids of the play with conceptual framework of Post-Structuralist Althusserian theory of decentred or disparate text. The study would analyse how the ideological processes keep the author silent at certain stages in trying to tell the truth in his own way. It is hoped that this paper would enable the readers and students of literature to theoretical reading of the literary texts, making vocal the unspoken portions of them. They are also expected to find different, conflicting and contradictory meanings within the text of “Waiting for Godot” and between the text and its ideological content.

Loss of Identity in Ayad Akhtar's American Dervish

Abstract: This paper focuses on the concept of the loss of identity in Ayad Akhtar's debut novel American Dervish. The novel explicates the inability of the Muslim protagonist, Hayat Shah, to assimilate himself into community as far as he still holds on his remnant tenets he has inherited from his homeland Pakistan. This theme is overtly applied to both Hayat's character as well as his father's. Hayat represents the younger generation while his father represents the older one. They both follow the same path in that Hayat finds his identity in befriending the Jewish girl Rachel as well as in discarding the Islamic tenets, taught by his mentor Mina; in the meantime, his father finds his identity in accompanying his lifelong workmate--Nathan Wolfsohn, a Jewish professor. With regard to this point, Ayad Akhtar's message to the readers perhaps lies in the way the immigrants to the west in general and to America in particular encounter the so many teething troubles in their lives until they find a path to assimilate themselves into their new community.

Analysis of Solar Heating System for an Aquaponics Food Production System

Abstract: Aquaponics is a sustainable farming technology that combines aquaculture and hydroponics, growing fish and plants together in a symbiotic environment. Aquaponics sets an excellent example for an efficient multidisciplinary solution to the real world problems such as drought, polluted environment and food contamination. In this paper we present an aquaponics system heated by solar thermal energy in order to maintain the fish living environment at 21 C. The paper presents an f-chart based analysis demonstrating the feasibility of the system. The results show for a collector area of 22 m2 that an annual solar fraction of 94% is needed to support an 833 liter aquaponics system.

Three-phase Matrix Converter Applied to Wind Energy Conversion System for Wind Speed Estimation

Abstract: With continuous increasing concerns of the energy issues, renewable energy sources are getting much attention worldwide This paper presents a full description of the grid-tie Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) based on interfacing a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) to the utility grid by using the direct AC/AC matrix converter Due to the random variation of wind velocities, wind speed estimation control technique is used to estimate the wind velocity and extracts the maximum power at all wind velocities The matrix converter controls the maximum power point tracking MPPT by adjusting the PMSG terminal frequency, and hence, the shaft speed In addition, the matrix converter controls the grid injected current to be in-phase with the grid voltage for the unity power factor Space Vector Modulation is used to generate the PWM signals of the matrix converter switches The MPPT algorithm is included in the speed control system of the PMSG The system dynamic performance is investigated using Matlab/Simulink

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Copper and Nitrogen Co-doped Titania as Photoanode

Abstract: Energy crisis is a burning problem in the present scenario, as natural energy resources will be exhausted very soon, due to their rapid utilization. Solar cells have attracted the attention of researchers, as using these devices sunlight can be converted into electricity, which is freely available to us. DSSCs is one of the important and new type of solar cell, which deliver higher photoelectric conversion efficiency and low production cost by combining wide-band gap semiconductor electrode, dye as sensitizer, a counter electrode and redox electrolyte like iodide and triiodide ions between them. In the present work, a comparison is made for the efficiency of pure TiO2 and Cu/N co-doped TiO2 fabricated DSSCs. Pure TiO2 and Cu/N co-doped TiO2 were prepared through sol-gel process. These electrodes were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) techniques to know about their morphology, band gap, particle size etc. The cell was prepared by coating of Cu/N‒TiO2 film on the conductive side of FTO glasses using Rhodamine B dye as sensitizer. Liquid electrolyte I‒/I3‒ redox couple and carbon (graphite) as counter electrode and light intensity 60 mWcm‒2 were used. The observations revealed that Cu/N doped electrode showed maximum conversion efficiency with an open circuit voltage (Voc) = 395.0 mV, short circuit current (isc) = 0.0339 mA, Vpp = 66.2 mV and ipp = 0.0209 mA with fill factor = 0.10 and the power conversion efficiency (η) = 0.0023%, which is higher than that of pure TiO2. The results showed that the doping of TiO2 by copper and nitrogen improved the efficiency of this solar cell 38 times more in compare to pure TiO2.

Knowledge on Household Biodegradable Waste Management in Bangalore City

Abstract: Waste is not seen as a resource that can be refined or recycled and thereby generate wealth. Instead, it is often treated as the evil leftover that needs to be eliminated. This indiscriminate disposal with little concern leads to many health and environment problems. The objectives of the study were to elicit information on quantity and composition of household waste generated by households in Bengaluru city, to identify the influencing factors on waste generation, to elicit information on the knowledge of waste management at household level from selected homemakers. The sample households for the study were identified through multistage selection. 20 households each from the 40 wards identified were selected randomly for the study. Thus, 800 households were selected for the baseline data collection of the study with the help of questionnaire. Intervention programme was conducted for a period of one month to 80 homemakers through posters, lectures, power point presentation and group discussion regarding role of individuals in waste management. Education has been known to be an empowering tool for people at both the household and society levels. Intervention programme increased the knowledge of the homemakers from moderate to adequate level. Adequate knowledge on the influence of improper waste disposal may encourage people to adopt positive waste management practices

Bio-Ethanol Yield from Selected Lignocellulosic Wastes

Abstract: Developing nations are experiencing energy deficit because of overdependence on fossil-based fuels. Countries such as Nigeria have abundant raw materials for biofuels, yet these have not been explored. This study was designed to evaluate the bioethanol production potentials of lignocellulosic-based wastes. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 were significantly higher than those of 9.4M and 5.6M H2SO4 hydrolysis. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 hydrolysis were: CP (85.1±5.7, 209.8±3.7mg/kg), YP (269.2±11.2, 541.3±7.8 mg/kg), PP (304.0±6.1, 461.2±3.6 mg/kg) and SD (343.2±4.8, 535.9±5.0 mg/kg). The 13.1M hydrolysate was used for the ethanol production and the maximum production was obtained at 48hours of fermentation, the mean ethanol yield being: CP - 160.0±15.1 mL/kg, YP -211.7±15.3 mL/kg, PP - 265.0±20.5 mL/kg and SD - 280.0±11.5 mL/kg. A linear relationship exists between the ethanol yield and fermentation time (R2 = 0.711). Sawdust produced the highest glucose and ethanol yield among the substrates; hence ethanol production from sawdust should be explored and optimized.

A Structural Study of Hemingway's the Old Man and the Sea Through Dual Oppositions

Abstract: Dual oppositions are vital to the structuralist view which appreciated a wide usage in diverse arenas of life. One of the most crucial arenas is literary language as language is the most complicated means of passing on senses. Inside one manuscript, meaning is conveyed merely sensibly, and structuralists and semioticians search for a number of internal constructions requesting what the sorts are inside which meaning is uttered and the way they are arranged. The reader, because of this approach, can perceive definite dual pairs to discover the conceivable meaning of literary manuscripts. This finding of the dual oppositions is one of the dominant tactics of reading and interpretation. So, dual oppositions are signs to be unravelled. This approach offers not only a concept but also a method of practical criticism. Thus, meaning-finding approach can be followed in the course of evaluation of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea, to find the hidden meanings that can be probed examining the shallow structure.

Analysis of English Students’ Learning Style in Bilingual Class

Abstract: Learning style is the way someone feel easy, comfort and save when they are learning. This research aimed at finding out (i) kinds of learning style, (ii) the most dominant learning style in bilingual class, (iii) factors that influence student learning style, and (iv) the effect of learning style on the students’ language achievement. This research was conducted using descriptive qualitative method involving 20 students of SMA Negeri 5 Parepare as participant. The instruments used for this study are questionnaire to identify kinds of learning style and the dominant learning style; interview and observation to identify factors influence student learning style; and written test to identify language achievement. The findings indicated that (i) students learning style in bilingual class divided into three models: modality comprises visual, auditory, and kinesthetic; personality comprises extrovert and introvert; and receiving information comprises global and analytical. (ii) The most dominant learning style in bilingual class is extrovert. (iii) Factors influence students learning style are environment, emotional, sociological, psychological, and teachers. (iv) the effect of learning style on the students language achievement, no significant effect among reading and grammar test, but vocabulary test has.