Sustainable nanotechnology enabled by bio-manufacturing: ‘the cell as a production plant’

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmytro Demydov ◽  
Ines Pinto ◽  
Ajay P. Malshe
Keyword(s):  
Production Plant ◽  
Sustainable Nanotechnology

Use of digital microscopy in process control during the manufacture of rubber-modified thermoplastics

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 616-617
Author(s):  
M. T. Dineen
Keyword(s):  
Ccd Camera ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Digital Microscopy ◽  
Nih Image ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Conventional Film ◽  
Product Loss ◽  
Image Collection

The production of rubber modified thermoplastics can exceed rates of 30,000 pounds per hour. If a production plant needs to equilibrate or has an upset, that means operating costs and lost revenue. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used for process adjustments to minimize product loss. Conventional TEM, however, is not a rapid turnaround technique. The TEM process was examined, and it was determined that 50% of the time it took to complete a polymer sample was related to film processing, even when using automated equipment. By replacing the conventional film portion of the process with a commercially available system to digitally acquire the TEM image, a production plant can have the same TEM image in the control room within 1.5 hours of sampling.A Hitachi H-600 TEM Operated at 100 kV with a tungsten filament was retrofitted with a SEMICAPS™ image collection and processing workstation and a KODAK MEGAPLUS™ charged coupled device (CCD) camera (Fig. 1). Media Cybernetics Image-Pro Plus software was included, and connections to a Phaser II SDX printer and the network were made. Network printers and other PC and Mac software (e.g. NIH Image) were available. By using digital acquisition and processing, the time it takes to produce a hard copy of a digital image is greatly reduced compared to the time it takes to process film.

scholarly journals Zeolite Tuff and Recycled Ceramic Sanitary Ware Aggregate in Production of Concrete

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Szulej ◽  
Paweł Ogrodnik ◽  
Beata Klimek
Keyword(s):  
Phase Composition ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Sanitary Ware ◽  
Ceramic Ware ◽  
Sieve Analysis ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Concrete Production ◽  
Aluminous Cement ◽  
Ceramic Sanitary Ware ◽  
The Impact

The article presents the results of research on the use of ceramic ware waste as aggregate in concrete production. Four concrete mixtures with aluminous cement were prepared, each with a different admixture of clinoptilolite. The only used aggregate was crushed waste ceramic sanitary ware obtained from a Polish sanitary fixture production plant. As part of the studies, a compressive test of cubic samples at different curing times ranging from 7 to 90 days was performed. Prior to the preparation of the samples, a sieve analysis and an elemental analysis of the obtained aggregate were conducted. In the framework of the testing, the bimodal distribution of clinoptilolite grains was determined, as well as its chemical composition. The conducted compressive tests demonstrated high strength of concrete containing ceramic aggregate and aluminous cement with an addition of clinoptilolite. In order to determine the impact that adding zeolite exerts on the phase composition and the structure of concrete samples, an analysis of the phase composition (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy examination (SEM) were performed. Furthermore, tests of abrasion, water penetration under pressure and frost resistance were conducted, determining particular properties of the designed mixtures. The abrasion tests have confirmed that the mixtures are highly abrasion-resistant and can be used as a topcoat concrete layer. The conducted tests of selected properties have confirmed the possibility of using waste ceramic cullet and a mineral addition of clinoptilolite in concrete production.

scholarly journals Dynamic Modelling of Hydrogen Production Plant Based on MHTRG

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 11675-11680
Author(s):  
Miao Liu ◽  
Zhe Dong ◽  
Jiang Di ◽  
Xiaojin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Dynamic Modelling ◽  
Production Plant

scholarly journals Modeling Energy LED Light Consumption Based on an Artificial Intelligent Method Applied to Closed Plant Production System

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2735
Author(s):  
Ernesto Olvera-Gonzalez ◽  
Martín Montes Rivera ◽  
Nivia Escalante-Garcia ◽  
Eduardo Flores-Gallegos
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Nonlinear Models ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Green Light ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Light Component ◽  
Gp Model

Artificial lighting is a key factor in Closed Production Plant Systems (CPPS). A significant light-emitting diode (LED) technology attribute is the emission of different wavelengths, called light recipes. Light recipes are typically configured in continuous mode, but can also be configured in pulsed mode to save energy. We propose two nonlinear models, i.e., genetic programing (GP) and feedforward artificial neural networks (FNNs) to predict energy consumption in CPPS. The generated models use the following input variables: intensity, red light component, blue light component, green light component, and white light component; and the following operation modes: continuous and pulsed light including pulsed frequency, and duty cycle as well energy consumption as output. A Spearman's correlation was applied to generate a model with only representative inputs. Two datasets were applied. The first (Test 1), with 5700 samples with similar input ranges, was used to train and evaluate, while the second (Test 2), included 160 total datapoints in different input ranges. The metrics that allowed a quantitative evaluation of the model's performance were MAPE, MSE, MAE, and SEE. Our implemented models achieved an accuracy of 96.1% for the GP model and 98.99% for the FNNs model. The models used in this proposal can be applied or programmed as part of the monitoring system for CPPS which prioritize energy efficiency. The nonlinear models provide a further analysis for energy savings due to the light recipe and operation light mode, i.e., pulsed and continuous on artificial LED lighting systems.

scholarly journals Addressing key gaps in implementation of mosquito larviciding to accelerate malaria vector control in southern Tanzania: results of a stakeholder engagement process in local district councils

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salum A. Mapua ◽  
Marceline F. Finda ◽  
Ismail H. Nambunga ◽  
Betwel J. Msugupakulya ◽  
Kusirye Ukio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Control ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Larval Source Management ◽  
Source Management

Abstract Background Larval source management was historically one of the most effective malaria control methods but is now widely deprioritized in Africa, where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are preferred. However, in Tanzania, following initial successes in urban Dar-es-Salaam starting early-2000s, the government now encourages larviciding in both rural and urban councils nationwide to complement other efforts; and a biolarvicide production-plant has been established outside the commercial capital. This study investigated key obstacles and opportunities relevant to effective rollout of larviciding for malaria control, with a focus on the meso-endemic region of Morogoro, southern Tanzania. Methods Key-informants were interviewed to assess awareness and perceptions regarding larviciding among designated health officials (malaria focal persons, vector surveillance officers and ward health officers) in nine administrative councils (n = 27). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess awareness and perceptions of community members in selected areas regarding larviciding (n = 490). Thematic content analysis was done and descriptive statistics used to summarize the findings. Results A majority of malaria control officials had participated in larviciding at least once over the previous three years. A majority of community members had neutral perceptions towards positive aspects of larviciding, but overall support for larviciding was high, although several challenges were expressed, notably: (i) insufficient knowledge for identifying relevant aquatic habitats of malaria vectors and applying larvicides, (ii) inadequate monitoring of programme effectiveness, (iii) limited financing, and (iv) lack of personal protective equipment. Although the key-informants reported sensitizing local communities, most community members were still unaware of larviciding and its potential. Conclusions The larviciding programme was widely supported by both communities and malaria control officials, but there were gaps in technical knowledge, implementation and public engagement. To improve overall impact, it is important to: (i) intensify training efforts, particularly for identifying habitats of important vectors, (ii) adopt standard technical principles for applying larvicides or larval source management, (iii) improve financing for local implementation and (iv) improve public engagement to boost community awareness and participation. These lessons could also be valuable for other malaria endemic areas wishing to deploy larviciding for malaria control or elimination.

scholarly journals Bioh2, Heat and Power from Palm Empty Fruit Bunch via Pyrolysis-Autothermal Reforming: Plant Simulation, Experiments, and CO2 Mitigation

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4767
Author(s):  
Lifita N. Tande ◽  
Erik Resendiz-Mora ◽  
Valerie Dupont
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Autothermal Reforming ◽  
Packed Bed Reactor ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Pure Hydrogen ◽  
Empty Fruit Bunch ◽  
Bio Oil

Empty fruit bunch, a significant by-product of the palm oil industry, represents a tremendous and hitherto neglected renewable energy resource for many countries in South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The design and simulation of a plant producing pure hydrogen through autothermal reforming (ATR) of palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) was carried out based on successful laboratory experiments of the core process. The bio-oil feed to the ATR stage was represented in the experiments and in the simulation by a surrogate bio-oil mixture of 11 organic compounds shown to be main constituents of PEFB oil from previous work, and whose combined elemental composition and volatility was determined to be as close as possible to that of the real PEFB bio-oil. The experiments confirmed that H2 yields close to equilibrium predictions were achievable using an in-house synthetised Rh-Al2O3 catalyst in a packed bed reactor. Initial sensitivity analysis on the plant revealed that feed molar steam to carbon ratio should not exceed 3 for the optimal design of the ATR hydrogen production plant. An overall plant efficiency of 39.4% was obtained for the initial design, this value was improved to 67.5% by applying pinch analysis to enhance the integration of heat in the design. The proposed design renders CO2 savings of about 0.56 kg per kg of raw PEFB processed. The proposed design and accompanying experimental studies together make a strong case on the possibility of polygeneration of H2, heat, and power from an otherwise discarded agricultural waste.

scholarly journals Size and Shape-Dependent Antimicrobial Activities of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: A Model Study as Potential Fungicides

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis J. Osonga ◽  
Ali Akgul ◽  
Idris Yazgan ◽  
Ayfer Akgul ◽  
Gaddi B. Eshun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Silver And Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Size And Shape ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Pathogenic Microbes ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Plant-based pathogenic microbes hinder the yield and quality of food production. Plant diseases have caused an increase in food costs due to crop destruction. There is a need to develop novel methods that can target and mitigate pathogenic microbes. This study focuses on investigating the effects of luteolin tetraphosphate derived silver nanoparticles (LTP-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (LTP-AuNPs) as a therapeutic agent on the growth and expression of plant-based bacteria and fungi. In this study, the silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using luteolin tetraphosphate (LTP) as the reducing and capping agents. The synthesis of LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNP was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and size distribution. The TEM images of both LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNPs showed different sizes and shapes (spherical, quasi-spherical, and cuboidal). The antimicrobial test was conducted using fungi: Aspergillus nidulans, Trichaptum biforme, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, while the class of bacteria employed include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii as Gram (−) bacteria, and Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus epidermidis as Gram (+) bacterium. The antifungal study demonstrated the selective size and shape-dependent capabilities in which smaller sized spherical (9 nm) and quasi-spherical (21 nm) AgNPs exhibited 100% inhibition of the tested fungi and bacteria. The LTP-AgNPs exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity than LTP-AuNPs. We have demonstrated that smaller sized AgNPs showed excellent inhibition of A. nidulans growth compared to the larger size nanoparticles. These results suggest that LTP-AuNP and LTP-AgNPs could be used to address the detection and remediation of pathogenic fungi, respectively.

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