scholarly journals The Physical and Morphological Properties of Kenaf/ Epoxy Fibres in Coating Treatment Process

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mustakim Mohd Ghaztar ◽  
Nik Noor Idayu Nik Ibrahim ◽  
Sarani Zakaria ◽  
Ahmad Zafir Romli
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Natural Fibre ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Fibre Coating ◽  
Acceptable Method ◽  
Section Analysis ◽  
Kenaf Fibres

Natural fibre is an economical material that often used in various applications due to its low in density, non-abrasiveness in processing and biodegradable. But, its usage in various applications is still limited due to the low in overall properties. The acceptable method to improve the properties of the fibres is by chemical treatment method that is costly, meticulous process and high energy demand. Thus, a new, simple and cost-effective fibre coating treatment method was developed which was able to improve the physical and morphological properties that open a new path for natural based materials to be used in a more robust application. In this study, the physical and morphological properties of various coated Kenaf fibres were analysed to comprehend the cutting behaviour of coated fibres after subjected to the pulverisation process. The Kenaf fibres were individually immersed in 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6 epoxy to acetone coating solutions prior cured, and pulverised consecutively using 5 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm mesh sizes aperture. The morphological characteristic was analysed using polarised optical and scanning electron microscope. The result showed that 1:6 coating ratio solution able to effectively coat the fibres’ aspect ratio that forming individual coated fibre which in long length pulverised fibres. Moreover, the low viscous 1:6 solution able to penetrate inside fibre structure that supported by density and fibre cross-section analysis compare to the other solutions. In future, this analysis is crucial to give insight on the coated fibres behaviour after subjected to the mechanical means of cutting process that later relates to the reinforcing mechanism in the composite samples.

scholarly journals Genetic Neuropathy Due to Impairments in Mitochondrial Dynamics

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Govinda Sharma ◽  
Gerald Pfeffer ◽  
Timothy E. Shutt
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Peripheral Neurons ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Mitochondrial Motility ◽  
Prevailing View

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles capable of fusing, dividing, and moving about the cell. These properties are especially important in neurons, which in addition to high energy demand, have unique morphological properties with long axons. Notably, mitochondrial dysfunction causes a variety of neurological disorders including peripheral neuropathy, which is linked to impaired mitochondrial dynamics. Nonetheless, exactly why peripheral neurons are especially sensitive to impaired mitochondrial dynamics remains somewhat enigmatic. Although the prevailing view is that longer peripheral nerves are more sensitive to the loss of mitochondrial motility, this explanation is insufficient. Here, we review pathogenic variants in proteins mediating mitochondrial fusion, fission and transport that cause peripheral neuropathy. In addition to highlighting other dynamic processes that are impacted in peripheral neuropathies, we focus on impaired mitochondrial quality control as a potential unifying theme for why mitochondrial dysfunction and impairments in mitochondrial dynamics in particular cause peripheral neuropathy.

scholarly journals Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Fibers ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Al-Ghazali Noor Abbas ◽  
Farah Nora Aznieta Abdul Aziz ◽  
Khalina Abdan ◽  
Noor Azline Mohd Nasir ◽  
Mohd Nurazzi Norizan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Material ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cement Composite ◽  
Natural Fibre ◽  
Cementitious Composites ◽  
Kenaf Fibre ◽  
Reinforced Cement ◽  
Kenaf Bast ◽  
Strength And Durability ◽  
Kenaf Fibres

Increased environmental awareness and the demand for sustainable materials have promoted the use of more renewable and eco-friendly resources like natural fibre as reinforcement in the building industry. Among various types of natural fibres, kenaf has been widely planted in the past few years, however, it hasn’t been extensively used as a construction material. Kenaf bast fibre is a high tensile strength fibre, lightweight and cost-effective, offering a potential alternative for reinforcement in construction applications. To encourage its use, it’s essential to understand how kenaf fibre’s properties affect the performance of cement-based composites. Hence, the effects of KF on the properties of cementitious composites in the fresh and hardened states have been discussed. The current state-of-art of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Cement Composite (KFRCC) and its different applications are presented for the reader to explore. This review confirmed the improvement of tensile and flexural strengths of cementitious composites with the inclusion of the appropriate content and length of kenaf fibres. However, more studies are necessary to understand the overall impact of kenaf fibres on the compressive strength and durability properties of cementitious composites.

Changes in lipid peroxidation during pregnancy and after delivery in rats: effect of pinealectomy

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
RM Sainz ◽  
RJ Reiter ◽  
JC Mayo ◽  
J Cabrera ◽  
DX Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Free Radical Scavengers ◽  
Radical Scavengers ◽  
Oxygen Requirement ◽  
Pregnant Rats

Pregnancy is a physiological state accompanied by a high energy demand of many bodily functions and an increased oxygen requirement. Because of the increased intake and utilization of oxygen, increased levels of oxidative stress would be expected. In the present study, the degree of lipid peroxidation was examined in different tissues from non-pregnant and pregnant rats after the delivery of their young. Melatonin and other indole metabolites are known to be direct free radical scavengers and indirect antioxidants. Thus the effect of pinealectomy at 1 month before pregnancy on the accumulation of lipid damage was investigated in non-pregnant and pregnant rats after the delivery of their young. Malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal concentrations were measured in the lung, uterus, liver, brain, kidney, thymus and spleen from intact and pinealectomized pregnant rats soon after birth of their young and at 14 and 21 days after delivery. The same parameters were also evaluated in intact and pinealectomized non-pregnant rats. Shortly after delivery, lipid oxidative damage was increased in lung, uterus, brain, kidney and thymus of the mothers. No differences were detected in liver and spleen. Pinealectomy enhanced this effect in the uterus and lung. It is concluded that during pregnancy high levels of oxidative stress induce an increase in oxidative damage to lipids, which in some cases is inhibited by the antioxidative actions of pineal indoles.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

scholarly journals The Quorum Sensing Auto-Inducer 2 (AI-2) Stimulates Nitrogen Fixation and Favors Ethanol Production over Biomass Accumulation in Zymomonas mobilis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5628
Author(s):  
Valquíria Campos Alencar ◽  
Juliana de Fátima dos Santos Silva ◽  
Renata Ozelami Vilas Boas ◽  
Vinícius Manganaro Farnézio ◽  
Yara N. L. F. de Maria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Ethanol Production ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Zymomonas Mobilis ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Expression Of Genes

Autoinducer 2 (or AI-2) is one of the molecules used by bacteria to trigger the Quorum Sensing (QS) response, which activates expression of genes involved in a series of alternative mechanisms, when cells reach high population densities (including bioluminescence, motility, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and production of public goods, or pathogenicity factors, among others). Contrary to most autoinducers, AI-2 can induce QS responses in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and has been suggested to constitute a trans-specific system of bacterial communication, capable of affecting even bacteria that cannot produce this autoinducer. In this work, we demonstrate that the ethanologenic Gram-negative bacterium Zymomonas mobilis (a non-AI-2 producer) responds to exogenous AI-2 by modulating expression of genes involved in mechanisms typically associated with QS in other bacteria, such as motility, DNA repair, and nitrogen fixation. Interestingly, the metabolism of AI-2-induced Z. mobilis cells seems to favor ethanol production over biomass accumulation, probably as an adaptation to the high-energy demand of N2 fixation. This opens the possibility of employing AI-2 during the industrial production of second-generation ethanol, as a way to boost N2 fixation by these bacteria, which could reduce costs associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, without compromising ethanol production in industrial plants.

scholarly journals IoT Platform for Energy Sustainability in University Campuses

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 357
Author(s):  
Pedro Moura ◽  
José Ignacio Moreno ◽  
Gregorio López López ◽  
Manuel Alvarez-Campana
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Energy Sustainability ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Iot Platform

University campuses are normally constituted of large buildings responsible for high energy demand, and are also important as demonstration sites for new technologies and systems. This paper presents the results of achieving energy sustainability in a testbed composed of a set of four buildings that constitute the Telecommunications Engineering School of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. In the paper, after characterizing the consumption of university buildings for a complete year, different options to achieve more sustainable use of energy are presented, considering the integration of renewable generation sources, namely photovoltaic generation, and monitoring and controlling electricity demand. To ensure the implementation of the desired monitoring and control, an internet of things (IoT) platform based on wireless sensor network (WSN) infrastructure was designed and installed. Such a platform supports a smart system to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems in buildings. Furthermore, the paper presents the developed IoT-based platform, as well as the implemented services. As a result, the paper illustrates how providing old existing buildings with the appropriate technology can contribute to the objective of transforming such buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) at a low cost.

scholarly journals Efficient Design of Energy Disaggregation Model with BERT-NILM Trained by AdaX Optimization Method for Smart Grid

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4649
Author(s):  
İsmail Hakkı ÇAVDAR ◽  
Vahit FERYAD
Keyword(s):  
Smart Grids ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Efficient Design ◽  
Energy Disaggregation ◽  
Load Monitoring

One of the basic conditions for the successful implementation of energy demand-side management (EDM) in smart grids is the monitoring of different loads with an electrical load monitoring system. Energy and sustainability concerns present a multitude of issues that can be addressed using approaches of data mining and machine learning. However, resolving such problems due to the lack of publicly available datasets is cumbersome. In this study, we first designed an efficient energy disaggregation (ED) model and evaluated it on the basis of publicly available benchmark data from the Residential Energy Disaggregation Dataset (REDD), and then we aimed to advance ED research in smart grids using the Turkey Electrical Appliances Dataset (TEAD) containing household electricity usage data. In addition, the TEAD was evaluated using the proposed ED model tested with benchmark REDD data. The Internet of things (IoT) architecture with sensors and Node-Red software installations were established to collect data in the research. In the context of smart metering, a nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) model was designed to classify household appliances according to TEAD data. A highly accurate supervised ED is introduced, which was designed to raise awareness to customers and generate feedback by demand without the need for smart sensors. It is also cost-effective, maintainable, and easy to install, it does not require much space, and it can be trained to monitor multiple devices. We propose an efficient BERT-NILM tuned by new adaptive gradient descent with exponential long-term memory (Adax), using a deep learning (DL) architecture based on bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT). In this paper, an improved training function was designed specifically for tuning of NILM neural networks. We adapted the Adax optimization technique to the ED field and learned the sequence-to-sequence patterns. With the updated training function, BERT-NILM outperformed state-of-the-art adaptive moment estimation (Adam) optimization across various metrics on REDD datasets; lastly, we evaluated the TEAD dataset using BERT-NILM training.

scholarly journals Sigma-1 Receptor Promotes Mitochondrial Bioenergetics by Orchestrating ER Ca2+ Leak during Early ER Stress

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 422
Author(s):  
Zhanat Koshenov ◽  
Furkan E. Oflaz ◽  
Martin Hirtl ◽  
Johannes Pilic ◽  
Olaf A. Bachkoenig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Er Stress ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Human Neuroblastoma Cell ◽  
Mitochondrial Bioenergetics ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Human Neuroblastoma ◽  
Sigma 1 Receptor ◽  
Sigma 1

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a complex, multifunctional organelle of eukaryotic cells and responsible for the trafficking and processing of nearly 30% of all human proteins. Any disturbance to these processes can cause ER stress, which initiates an adaptive mechanism called unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore ER functions and homeostasis. Mitochondrial ATP production is necessary to meet the high energy demand of the UPR, while the molecular mechanisms of ER to mitochondria crosstalk under such stress conditions remain mainly enigmatic. Thus, better understanding the regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics during ER stress is essential to combat many pathologies involving ER stress, the UPR, and mitochondria. This article investigates the role of Sigma-1 Receptor (S1R), an ER chaperone, has in enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics during early ER stress using human neuroblastoma cell lines. Our results show that inducing ER stress with tunicamycin, a known ER stressor, greatly enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics in a time- and S1R-dependent manner. This is achieved by enhanced ER Ca2+ leak directed towards mitochondria by S1R during the early phase of ER stress. Our data point to the importance of S1R in promoting mitochondrial bioenergetics and maintaining balanced H2O2 metabolism during early ER stress.

Field Conversion of a Low-Firing Frame 7B Gas Turbine Power Plant to Ultra-Low Emission Combustion

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Demougeot ◽  
Jeffrey A. Benoit
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Water Injection ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Environmental Controls ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Technical Discussion

The search for power plant sustainability options continues as regulating agencies exert more stringent industrial gas turbine emission requirements on operators. Purchasing power for resale, de-commissioning current capabilities altogether and repowering by replacing or converting existing equipment to comply with emissions standards are economic-driven options contemplated by many mature gas turbine operators. NRG’s Gilbert power plant based in Milford, NJ began commercial operation in 1974 and is fitted with four (4) natural gas fired GE’s 7B gas turbine generators with two each exhausting to HRSG’s feeding one (1) steam turbine generator. The gas turbine units, originally configured with diffusion flame combustion systems with water injection, were each emitting 35 ppm NOx with the New Jersey High Energy Demand Day (HEED) regulatory mandate to reduce NOx emissions to sub 10 ppm by May 1st, 2015. Studies were conducted by the operator to evaluate the economic viability & installation of environmental controls to reduce NOx emissions. It was determined that installation of post-combustion environmental controls at the facility was both cost prohibitive and technically challenging, and would require a fundamental reconfiguration of the facility. Based on this economic analysis, the ultra-low emission combustion system conversion package was selected as the best cost-benefit solution. This technical paper will focus on the ultra low emissions technology and key features employed to achieve these low emissions, a description of the design challenges and solution to those, a summary of the customer considerations in down selecting options and an overview of the conversion scope. Finally, a technical discussion of the low emissions operational flexibility will be provided including performance results of the converted units.

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