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Effect of Date Palm Seed Pod Ash and Eggshell Powder on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Cement Blends
Iliya Bila Auta,
Ibrahim Ikara Abdulkarim,
Olubajo Olumide Olu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
1-12
Received:
10 December 2022
Accepted:
3 January 2023
Published:
13 January 2023
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of replacing eggshell powder (ESP) with date palm seed pod ash (DPSA), curing age and cement replacement on the properties of cement blended with ESP and/or DPSA on the water consistence, setting times and mortar compressive strengths according to ASTM standards. DPSA was produced by calcining date palm seed pod at 590°C for 8 hours followed by 630°C for 3 hours and the resultant ash was ground and sieve with a 90-micron sieve. Portland limestone cement CEM II 42.5R was employed and replaced by eggshell powder and DPSA at various proportions between 0 – 12.5 wt.% at interval of 2.5 wt.% for consistence and setting times whereas cement replacement was varied between 0 -8 wt.% at interval of 2 wt.% for the mortar compressive strength by using 50 mm cubes with a mixing ratio 1:3:5 (water, binder and sand). DPSA revealed high silica content of 42.75 wt.% with SiO2+Al2O3+Fe2O3 < 70% (45.38 wt.%) and hence may not be considered as a good pozzolana whereas ESP revealed a high lime content of 55.45 wt.% and considered a filler respectively using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Results indicated an increase in the water consistence for DPSA cement blend in comparison with control which related to either presence of unburnt carbon, clinker diminution or formation of magnesium hydroxide as a protective layer. Most of the cement blends experienced a diminution in the setting time compared to control except for cement blended with higher DPSA content. The accelerated and retarded setting times could possibly be due to available lime which favors ettringite instead of monosulfate and unburnt carbon present resulting in high water demand. The compressive strengths of both the control and cement experienced increments as curing age progressed with most of the blends exhibiting enhanced strength especially at the later stage at 28 and 60 days in comparison with control PLC. The reason for the enhanced strength at the later stage despite clinker diminution could be attributed to pozzolanic reaction between silica present in DPSA coupled with the available lime present in ESP. The optimal cement replacement of 4 wt.% was observed beyond which cement blends produced slightly lower strength in comparison with control owing to clinker diminution effect and higher water demand due to unburnt carbon present.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of replacing eggshell powder (ESP) with date palm seed pod ash (DPSA), curing age and cement replacement on the properties of cement blended with ESP and/or DPSA on the water consistence, setting times and mortar compressive strengths according to ASTM standards. DPSA was produced by calcining ...
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Application of the Backpropagation ANN to Assess the Adoption Level of Farmers to Integrated Pest Management in the Province of Soc Trang (Vietnam)
Nguyen Trung Dung,
Bui Thi Thu Hoa,
Nguyen Tuan Anh
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
13-22
Received:
14 December 2022
Accepted:
3 January 2023
Published:
13 January 2023
Abstract: The integrated pest management (IPM) program was implemented in 2015 and 2016 in the province of Soc Trang. The research question is whether Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) with pattern recognition can be useful for classifying farmers for a more realistic assessment of the performance of an IPM program. To evaluate the performance of the program, three datasets were collected, including dataset S1i with 450 farmers interviewed before conducting the IPM program, S2i with 250 farmers in the pilot area (communes/villages), and S3i with 50 farmers outside the pilot area. The conventional statistical assessment method (CAM) assumes that all farmers in each dataset behave similarly related to IPM concerning the seed, spray frequency, and dosage. This means that the original datasets were used to estimate the required statistical parameters. Thus, the traditional approach wastes information hidden in all surveyed data. Based on ANN, we can classify and determine the percentage of farmers in the six groups or the level of IPM adoption (3 neutral groups and 3 active groups) as well as the actual benefits of the IPM program. ANN-based assessment method (ANN-M) has been proven to be better than CAM in evaluating the performance of the project.
Abstract: The integrated pest management (IPM) program was implemented in 2015 and 2016 in the province of Soc Trang. The research question is whether Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) with pattern recognition can be useful for classifying farmers for a more realistic assessment of the performance of an IPM program. To evaluate the performance of the program...
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Development of a Software System for Realtime Management of Crime Reports in Southwestern Nigeria: The Administrative Approach
Joseph Akinyede,
Akinlolu Ponnle,
Chinedu Olebu,
Francis Akinluyi,
Aderonke Thompson,
Olurotimi Dahunsi,
Boniface Alese,
Michael Oyinloye
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
23-32
Received:
13 December 2022
Accepted:
25 January 2023
Published:
16 February 2023
Abstract: One of the major challenges of managing crime data is lack of robust and adequate management system. In this work, a comprehensive administrative website was built for effective management of crime reports/data. The crime data which was collected from a dedicated reporting mobile application was rendered into different categories on the admin dashboard. The admin dashboard incorporates features such as multilevel accessibility (which includes the generic admin and super-admin), an option to create reports, view reports, add a specific security outfit and so on. Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the waterfall software development technique were used in building the administrative website. The client side of the website was developed with client-side technologies, namely HTML, CSS, Vanilla JavaScript, and React, while the server side of the app was built using Node JS and MongoDB database. The application project files were hosted on MVPS virtual private cloud server, which is characterized by virtualization of resources and provision of backups. The developed software system was evaluated using the Lighthouse chrome developer tool and beta testing. The results of the Lighthouse analysis showed that the website is responsive and easily accessible. On the other hand, the results obtained from the beta test showed that the users’ experience was not hampered while the web application was being put to use.
Abstract: One of the major challenges of managing crime data is lack of robust and adequate management system. In this work, a comprehensive administrative website was built for effective management of crime reports/data. The crime data which was collected from a dedicated reporting mobile application was rendered into different categories on the admin dashb...
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Design a Viable 3DP Processing for Producing Effective Controlled-Release Pesticide
Ben Yao,
Zhining Xu,
Jianan Liu,
Liang Yang,
Jianping Shang,
Jingyuan Fan,
Lizhi Ouyang,
Hua-Jun Shawn Fan
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
33-41
Received:
14 November 2022
Accepted:
12 December 2022
Published:
16 February 2023
Abstract: Various factors such as solubility, volatility, spray drift, runoff, and photolysis prevent the pesticides to reach their desired location and realize their full potential. In this study, additive manufacturing is used to create a drug-loaded filament that can be used in Fused deposition modeling printing. The optimal printing parameters are printing temperature (170°C), hotbed temperature (25°C), printing speed 15 mm/s, filament diameter 1.55 mm, layer height 0.3 mm, nozzle diameter 0.4 mm and zero retraction speed and retraction distance. The PCL-based framework provides a scaffold for drug encapsulation and low melting temperature. The latter is the key to maintaining the integrity and chemical properties of the loaded drug. FTIR confirms the physical-mix nature of composite. XRD suggests that PCL and model drug became amorphous after printing. The PCL controlled-release can be realized through in vitro dissolution tests. Among the four kinetic models: the zero-order, first-order, Higuchi model, and Korsmeyer–Peppas model, the kinetic model for dissolution and drug release conforms to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. This study provides a viable design of controlled-release pesticides by adjusting the release regulator content and type to meet the precision pest-control needs. This 3DP tablet has higher drug loading, controllable drug loading, stable drug release ability, UV shielding performance, and an easy manufacturing process. There is no need for expensive and special equipment to produce the desired functionality, which greatly reduces production costs and simplifies the production process.
Abstract: Various factors such as solubility, volatility, spray drift, runoff, and photolysis prevent the pesticides to reach their desired location and realize their full potential. In this study, additive manufacturing is used to create a drug-loaded filament that can be used in Fused deposition modeling printing. The optimal printing parameters are printi...
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Gas Flaring, and Its Environmental Impact in Ekpan Community, Delta State, Nigeria
Godsday Idanegbe Usiabulu,
Azubuike Hope Amadi,
Oluwatayo Adebisi,
Ucheana Donald Ifedili,
Kehinde Elijah Ajayi,
Pwafureino Reuel Moses
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
42-53
Received:
25 January 2023
Accepted:
16 February 2023
Published:
27 February 2023
Abstract: In the Ekpan settlement of the Uvwie local government area, Delta state, Nigeria, a study on gas flaring and its effects on the environment was carried out. It was found that hazardous gases have been released into the environment because of air pollution caused by the combustion of methane and other hazardous flue gases during the manufacturing and processing of hydrocarbons. Industrial flue gas flare-ups cause several problems and are harmful to public health and the environment. This study investigated the pH of rainwater, as well as air pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO2, CO, and suspended particle matter). During the dry and wet seasons, samples of air and rainwater were collected at different distances around exposure sites, and they were then examined using established techniques for the air contaminants. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the variance and degree of effect of pollutants. The obtained results showed that the mean CO2 concentrations in the dry and wet seasons were, respectively, 0.036 ppm and 0.26 ppm and that the pH of rainwater in the wet season was 6.82, both of which were within the safe limits, indicating that there were little to no negative effects on the environment. However, the average concentrations of suspended particulate matter in dry and wet seasons respectively were 7.92 mg/m3 and 5.95 mg/m3, NO2 was 0.15ppm and 0.10ppm, SO2 was 0.72ppm and 0.10ppm, CO was 11.20ppm and 10.24ppm, and CO2 0.036ppm and 0.26ppm. The pH of rainwater was 6.02 for the dry season which exceeded the acceptable ambient air limits set by the DPR (2002) and FMENV (1991), while during the wet season, the pH was 6.82. This study suggested that the activity of continuous gas flaring is one of the main causes of high concentrations of these air pollutants within the examined community. The findings further suggested that the numerous environmental, socioeconomic, and political issues within Epkan were linked to the effects of gas flaring. This study suggests that the challenges caused by gas flares for the Ekpan community are good enough grounds to stop the practice of gas flaring in the area and the government needs to enact strict legislation with penalties for defaulters. The study finally recommended that flared gas could be refined and reused.
Abstract: In the Ekpan settlement of the Uvwie local government area, Delta state, Nigeria, a study on gas flaring and its effects on the environment was carried out. It was found that hazardous gases have been released into the environment because of air pollution caused by the combustion of methane and other hazardous flue gases during the manufacturing an...
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Structural and Distribution of Impurities in the Fouling in Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid at T = 80°C
Yaktine Elyamani,
Mohamed EL Guendouzi,
Abdellah Elmchaouri,
Mohamed Azaroual
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
54-62
Received:
25 January 2023
Accepted:
27 February 2023
Published:
9 March 2023
Abstract: In this investigation, the mineral deposits formed in the digestion step in wet phosphoric acid production were studied. The mineralogical characterization of the fouling precipitates obtained at the temperature 80°C from the digestion step in 16-monthly production cycle was carried out. Observing successive layers, based on their colors, allowed us to distinguish fouling layers. Detailed structural aspects, and subsequently, chemical and physical properties of the fouling were determined using complementary analytical and characterization techniques. Particle size fractionation was then used to gain each fouling layer sample homogenized on the micro-scale (63μm). The major elements in the fouling were determined to be silica (Si2O) and sodium (Na). Some chemical elements of major impurities, as well as traces, K, Al, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn, were detected using XRF which cannot appear in their proper solid phases. The obtained solid phases in different fouling layers are principally composed of the malladrite and gypsum minerals. The distribution of impurities into the present structures was investigated. Indeed, the mesh parameters of malladrite in the fouling layers were calculated and compared with those of the pure phase, and a good concordance is obtained. The FT-IR spectra confirm the presence of mallardite and gypsum phases and reveal a supplementary band that has been assigned to C-O vibrations in acids, esters, or ethers. The appearance of this band indicates the possible presence of organic matter within the fouling layer.
Abstract: In this investigation, the mineral deposits formed in the digestion step in wet phosphoric acid production were studied. The mineralogical characterization of the fouling precipitates obtained at the temperature 80°C from the digestion step in 16-monthly production cycle was carried out. Observing successive layers, based on their colors, allowed u...
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Artificial Intelligence Perspectives on Mexican Art: A Case Study
Espinosa Zuniga Javier Jesus,
Juarez Caballero Grelda Yazmin
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
63-70
Received:
11 February 2023
Accepted:
27 February 2023
Published:
9 March 2023
Abstract: In this article a set of images corresponding to paintings of eight painters considered an Artistic Heritage of Mexico was clustered to identify clusters of images with similar characteristics between themselves. The images were acquired from a public source available on the Internet, a Pre-processing phase was applied in order to standardize the images in size and number of pixels, an extraction phase of features was applied for each image using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG), a segmentation phase of the features that were derived in the extraction phase was applied using the K-Means technique and the quality of the clusters that were obtained was evaluated using the Silhouette measure. As a result, seven clusters were attained with interesting characteristics: two of the most renowned Mexican painters worldwide whose artistic work is known for using a rich variety of shapes and colors (Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo) clearly predominated in two clusters; an artist who is recognized for capturing Mexican landscapes in his paintings (José María Velasco) predominated in another cluster; in other three clusters a mixture of various Mexican artists predominated and in the last cluster Diego Rivera clearly predominated. According to the results, it seems that the paintings of Diego Rivera stand out due to a greater number of shapes used compared to the rest of the paintings analyzed. This article is a sample of the potential of Artificial Intelligence applied to Mexican art (and to art in general).
Abstract: In this article a set of images corresponding to paintings of eight painters considered an Artistic Heritage of Mexico was clustered to identify clusters of images with similar characteristics between themselves. The images were acquired from a public source available on the Internet, a Pre-processing phase was applied in order to standardize the i...
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