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Development of a Technique for Improving Access to Farm Practice Information Based on Monitored Temperature Conditions
Ewang Essien Sampson,
Thomas Kokumo Yesufu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
165-173
Received:
17 September 2014
Accepted:
30 September 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: The study designed and implemented a temperature monitoring system. The system generated timely an accurately farm practice information from monitored temperature data. This was with a view to providing critical information in advance to farmers for making proper agricultural farm management decisions. A system that monitored soil temperature at an interval of 10 minutes in a Metrological Station was set up. This comprised of a programmable interface controller (PIC) 18F452, temperature sensor, real time clock DS1307RTC and micro secure digital memory card with adapter in normal SD card application. The circuit was designed with Proteus Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) and the components were placed on the Vero board as laid out in the circuit diagram and then soldered. The firmware, written with C programming language, compiled, using Custom Computer Service Compiler (CCS C) for PIC. Subsequently, calibration was carried out and the readings from the device were validated and benchmarked with that of the standard analogue thermometer and automated data systems. Furthermore, the results were examined statistically using Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model with expert modeler, to predict the soil temperature and obtain farm practice information based on the recorded values. A Short Message Service (SMS) application interface was developed for Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module (SIM300) using visual C# programming language. The paired t-test from the analysis showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) and there were positive correlations between the designed temperature system, a standard analog thermometer and an automated data logging system. From the family of the identified models, ARIMA (0,1,0) model was found to be the most adequate model that really captured the dependence in the series. The performance evaluations of the adopted model was carried out on the basis of correlation coefficient (R2) and Ljung-Box statistics with values of 0.95, 13.58 and 0.96, 19.75 respectively for soil temperature at 5 cm and 10 cm soil depths. The model was used for forecast from weeks 11- 35, 2013. The result of the analysis from the graph of the predicted soil temperature at 5 cm soil depth showed that between weeks 21-43 and 18-35 fell between 10ºC and 30ºC. Within these periods maize seeds could be planted. The developed technique would provide an improved access to farm practice information based on monitored soil temperature conditions and, thereby, bring about better decision making by related stakeholders.
Abstract: The study designed and implemented a temperature monitoring system. The system generated timely an accurately farm practice information from monitored temperature data. This was with a view to providing critical information in advance to farmers for making proper agricultural farm management decisions. A system that monitored soil temperature at an...
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Development of a Model to Predict the Shear Force of a Horizontal Mechanical Digester
Sunday Reagan Ogblechi,
Moses Toye Ige
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
174-178
Received:
3 October 2014
Accepted:
7 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: A model to predict the shearing/crushing force of an existing horizontal mechanical digester used for pulverization/digestion or maceration of date palm fruit was developed in the study. The model accurately predicted the shearing force used in digestion of fruit with model simulation done using Matlab 7.9 (R2009b). The results obtained showed a linear relationship between shearing force and angular velocity of implements/beater arms which are components of the digester that did the shearing of fruit mesocarp. It was also observed from results obtained that the higher the magnitude of angular velocity of shearing implement the higher the magnitude of shearing force of the digester. An angular velocity of 15.71 rads-1 yielded a shear force of 400.00 kN with an angular velocity of 34.56 rads-1 yielding a shear force of 880.00 kN. It was reported by the literary world that high magnitude of shear force is more efficient in pulverization process than shear force of low magnitude.
Abstract: A model to predict the shearing/crushing force of an existing horizontal mechanical digester used for pulverization/digestion or maceration of date palm fruit was developed in the study. The model accurately predicted the shearing force used in digestion of fruit with model simulation done using Matlab 7.9 (R2009b). The results obtained showed a li...
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The Estimation of Dynamic Motions of a Constraint Wind Turbine for the Safety- Control with the Indirect Measurement
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
179-185
Received:
27 October 2014
Accepted:
12 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: This work shows a method to develop a safety control mode according to a wind turbine based on the operating principle of the Darrieus rotor and to estimate a model of a safety control for a wind turbine. It is not easy to timely righteously estimate and evaluate the states. But it is very important for the safe operation in time domain system. The synthesis of this problem presumes that all state variables are observable for the concerned system. But it seems that it is not always feasible to measure all of states directly. A practical way to solve these problems is the estimation of the state variables by the use of the observers which can estimate system characteristics of linear or nonlinear states and effects as a mode, so called, “Indirect measurement”. For this procedure, the mathematical model of the concerned physical system which consists of a vertical standing shaft with two journal bearings at the ends of the rotor is derived with the significant remarks such as friction, gravitation, and Coriolis force. This is a basic system. The concrete assignment is to design the observer that estimates the characteristics of the states and velocities based on the measurement vectors. The main artifice is to approximate the characteristics with a fictitious model that may describe the modes of system errors. As a practical and convenient fictitious model, the characteristics of nonlinear effects are assumed as approximately stepwise contact. An identity observer is obtained whose state variables are the estimate of the state variable of the corresponding “observer system”. It consists of a simulated model with a correction feedback of the estimation
Abstract: This work shows a method to develop a safety control mode according to a wind turbine based on the operating principle of the Darrieus rotor and to estimate a model of a safety control for a wind turbine. It is not easy to timely righteously estimate and evaluate the states. But it is very important for the safe operation in time domain system. The...
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Effect of Storage and Anti-Nutritional Components in Stored Pelleted Fish Feed
Effiong Bartholomew Nyong,
Fakunle Janet Olubunmi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
186-189
Received:
10 October 2014
Accepted:
21 November 2014
Published:
24 November 2014
Abstract: The effect of storage on the nutritional composition of pelleted fish feed as well as the anti-nutritional components was studied using two commercially formulated feeds: Coppens (exotic) and vital (local) feeds. Feed samples were purchased and monitored in storage at ambient temperature forth nightly for 6 weeks using standard procedures. Result obtained showed reduction in feed quality as the storage period increased with significant difference (P > 0.05) in all nutrient components studied (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract).There was however no significant difference (P>0.05) between the nutritional components of feed samples during the storage period. Anti-nutritional components detected in feed samples were oxalate, phytate and tannins with phytate having the highest values in both feed samples.
Abstract: The effect of storage on the nutritional composition of pelleted fish feed as well as the anti-nutritional components was studied using two commercially formulated feeds: Coppens (exotic) and vital (local) feeds. Feed samples were purchased and monitored in storage at ambient temperature forth nightly for 6 weeks using standard procedures. Result o...
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Recycling of Plastic Waste into Fuels, a Review
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
190-195
Received:
29 November 2014
Accepted:
4 December 2014
Published:
8 December 2014
Abstract: Plastics have become common materials of our everyday lives, and many of their properties, such as durability, versatility and lightweight, can be a significant factor in achieving sustainable development. A common problem with recycling plastics is that plastics are often made up of more than one kind of polymer or there may be some sort of fiber added to the plastic (a composite) to give added strength. This can make recovery difficult. Rejected or waste material usually has good characteristics for recycling and will be clean. Although the quantity of material available is sometimes small, the quantities tend to be growing as consumption, and therefore production, increases. Recycling is a method preventing accumulation the excessive waste quantity through their second processing and utilization in the production process of new materials. The aim of this review was focused on the introducing of the technologies (methods) used to convert waste plastic to fuels and to call researchers on production of fuels from waste plastic and other related materials.
Abstract: Plastics have become common materials of our everyday lives, and many of their properties, such as durability, versatility and lightweight, can be a significant factor in achieving sustainable development. A common problem with recycling plastics is that plastics are often made up of more than one kind of polymer or there may be some sort of fiber ...
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Modeling of Blumlein Circuit and Calculation of Resistance and Inductance of Laser Plasma
Caifeng Zhao,
Jianqiang Wu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
196-200
Received:
25 November 2014
Accepted:
4 December 2014
Published:
16 December 2014
Abstract: Laser plasma discharge circuit can be simulated by Pspice through practical measuring result. We find that the circuit model of laser plasma should be simulated by a inductance in series with a resistor, furthermore in parallel with a capacitor. The value of the capacitor affect the oscillation frequency of the laser output voltage. The smaller the value of the equivalent capacitor, the less the rise time of the pulse voltage of the laser chamber. Also the rise time of the pulsed voltage of laser can be less when the stray inductance and transmission line capacitance are reduced. It is also found the time –invariant inductance is dependent on the total charge in the discharge area, the time-invariant inductance is dependent on the electric field in the laser chamber.
Abstract: Laser plasma discharge circuit can be simulated by Pspice through practical measuring result. We find that the circuit model of laser plasma should be simulated by a inductance in series with a resistor, furthermore in parallel with a capacitor. The value of the capacitor affect the oscillation frequency of the laser output voltage. The smaller the...
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Suitability of Tanzanian Kaolin, Quartz and Feldspar as Raw Materials for the Production of Porcelain Tiles
Vivian Kimambo,
Joseph Yoeza Naimani Philip,
Ester Hellen Lugwisha
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
201-209
Received:
25 November 2014
Accepted:
11 December 2014
Published:
22 December 2014
Abstract: Kaolin and quartz from Pugu; and feldspar from Morogoro were investigated to determine their suitability as raw materials for the production of porcelain tiles. From the mineralogical analysis, kaolin sample was found to contain kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) and quartz (SiO2); quartz sample was found to contain only quartz mineral silica (SiO2); and feldspar sample was found to contain albite (NaAlSi3O8) and microcline (KAlSi3O8). The major chemical compounds found in kaolin and feldspar were SiO2 and Al2O3, and quartz sample was found to contain SiO2 and SO3. The tiles made from the raw materials and fired between 900 °C and 1200 °C were found to have the water absorption of 12.4 - 13.7%, bulk density of 1.89-1.95 g/cm3, apparent porosity of 24.1-26.0%, linear shrinkage of 0.0-1.7%, compressive strength of 107.4-380.4 kg/cm2 and loss on ignition of 3.6-6.0%. Among the studied compositions and firing temperatures, tiles made from a blend containing 40% kaolin, 45% feldspar and 15% quartz; and fired at 1100 °C were found to have the best properties for the production of porcelain tiles. This is an indication that the Tanzanian kaolin, quartz and feldspar are suitable raw materials for the production of porcelain tiles.
Abstract: Kaolin and quartz from Pugu; and feldspar from Morogoro were investigated to determine their suitability as raw materials for the production of porcelain tiles. From the mineralogical analysis, kaolin sample was found to contain kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) and quartz (SiO2); quartz sample was found to contain only quartz mineral silica (SiO2); and fe...
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Peat Resources, Condition of Deposition as Well as their Utilization, Hakaluki Haor, Moulvibazar and Sylhet District, Bangladesh
Mohammed Masum,
Mohammad Omer Faruk Khan,
Md. Nazwanul Haque,
Md. Faruk Hasan,
Anwar Sadat Md. Sayem,
Md. Azhar Hossain Assistant Director
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
210-215
Received:
3 December 2014
Accepted:
25 December 2014
Published:
4 January 2015
Abstract: The study area is the Hakaluki Haor which is the second largest wet land of Bangladesh. It spans over the districts of Moulvibazar and Sylhet in southeast Bangladesh. The study was focused in the exploration of peat reserve, reconstruction of the paleo-environment as well as the utilization of the peat resources. Peat is found randomly from 0.5 m to 7 m below the surface and 1 m to 11 m thickness at over 40 beels as well as small plain lands of 90 km2 area of Hakaluki Haor. The total reserve of peat is 282 million ton in wet condition and 112 million ton in dry condition. Peat bearing Hakaluki Haor is a low-lying wet land which geological term is synclinal depression. It may be a syncline between two anticlines which was filled with sediments as well as various plant materials derived from the hilly region (anticline) on both sides (west and east) of the Haor. On the other hand vegetation occurred in this depression as aquatic plants which might have been destroyed by large natural disasters or any tectonic reason. As environment dictates the characteristics and the source of sediments, various aspects of the sediment are indicators of condition of peat deposition. Peat has mainly industrial importance as a fuel for power production, traditionally used for cooking, domestic heating and in brick fields, also used as insulator in many industries, agricultural purposes, retaining moisture in soil, raw material in horticulture and colour industries etc. Power plants of about 100 MW capacities may be established in this region based on peat of Hakaluki Haor which may be continued more than one hundred years.
Abstract: The study area is the Hakaluki Haor which is the second largest wet land of Bangladesh. It spans over the districts of Moulvibazar and Sylhet in southeast Bangladesh. The study was focused in the exploration of peat reserve, reconstruction of the paleo-environment as well as the utilization of the peat resources. Peat is found randomly from 0.5 m t...
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Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
216-222
Received:
19 November 2014
Accepted:
6 December 2014
Published:
6 January 2015
Abstract: This paper assesses the modern automobile vehicle repair and maintenance practices in the micro, small and medium scale garages in Ghana. In the study, the various vehicle repair and maintenance practices were investigated using a questionnaire administered on vehicle repair garages in the country. In addition, some amount of data was generated through personal observations and informal discussions. The survey revealed that a large number of the auto-mechanics in the garages in the country have considerable years of auto repair working experience, but lack the ability to inspect and repair modern automobile vehicles due to low educational and technical levels. The auto mechanics also lack the ability to identify and use modern diagnostic equipments, manufacturers’ manuals, computers and internet which have characterized modern vehicle repairs, in their repair practices. They also lack adequate tools, equipments and other logistical supports. To enhance modern vehicle repair practices in the country, training institutions and organizations such as the universities, polytechnics, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Gratis Foundation, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), the government and so on, should extend assistance particularly in the form of education, training and equipments to these local garages. This is to enable them remain in business and prevent garage closures due to their inability to repair modern automobile vehicles.
Abstract: This paper assesses the modern automobile vehicle repair and maintenance practices in the micro, small and medium scale garages in Ghana. In the study, the various vehicle repair and maintenance practices were investigated using a questionnaire administered on vehicle repair garages in the country. In addition, some amount of data was generated thr...
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