Fixed-Bed Column Adsorption Modeling of MnO4- Ions from Acidic Aqueous Solutions on Activated Carbons Prepared with the Biomass

Activated carbons calcined at 400˚C and 600˚C (AC-400 and AC-600), prepared using palm nuts, collected in the town of Franceville in Gabon, were used to study the dynamic adsorption of MnO4- ions in acidic media on fixed bed column and on the kinetic modeling of experimental data of breakthrough curves of MnO4- ions obtained. Results on the adsorption of MnO4- ions in fixed-bed dynamics obtained on AC-400 and AC-600 adsorbents beds indicated that the AC-400 bed appears to be the most efficient in removing MnO4- ions in acidic media. Indeed, the adsorbed amounts, the adsorbed capacities at saturation and the elimination percentage of MnO4- ions obtained with AC-400 (31.24 mg;52.06 mg·g-1 and 41.65% respectively) were higher compared to those obtained with AC-600 (9.87 mg;16.45 mg·g-1 and 17.79% respectively). The breakthrough curves kinetic modeling revealed that the Thomas model and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model were the most suitable models to describe the adsorption of MnO4- ions on adsorbents studied in our experimental conditions. The results of the intraparticle diffusion model showed that intraparticle diffusion was involved in the adsorption mechanism of MnO4- ions on investigated adsorbents and was not the limiting step and the only process controlling MnO4- ions adsorption. In contrast to AC-400, the intraparticle diffusion on AC-600 bed plays an important role in the adsorption mechanism of MnO4- ions.

The Cloud Model for Climate Change

In 1995, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a thermodynamic model based on the Greenhouse Effect, aiming to forecast global temperatures. This study delves into the intricacies of that model. Some interesting observations are revealed. The IPCC model equated average temperatures with average energy fluxes, which can cause significant errors. The model assumed that all energy fluxes remained constant, and the Earth emitted infrared radiation as if it were a blackbody. Neither of those conditions exists. The IPCC’s definition of Climate Change only includes events caused by human actions, excluding most causes. Satellite data aimed at the tops of clouds may have inferred a high Greenhouse Gas absorption flux. The model showed more energy coming from the atmosphere than absorbed from the sun, which may have caused a violation of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. There were unexpectedly large gaps in the satellite data that aligned with various absorption bands of Greenhouse Gases, possibly caused by photon scattering associated with re-emissions. Based on science, we developed a cloud-based climate model that complied with the Radiation Laws and the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. The Cloud Model showed that 81.3% of the outgoing reflected and infrared radiation was applicable to the clouds and water vapor. In comparison, the involvement of CO2 was only 0.04%, making it too minuscule to measure reliably.

Calculation of Activity Coefficient from Immiscible Binary Alloy Phase Diagram by Means of Modified Sub-regular Solution Model

The modified sub regular solution model was used for a calculation of the activity coefficient of immiscible binary alloy systems. The parameters needed for the calculation are the interaction parameters, λ 1 and λ 2, which are represented as a linear function of temperature, T . The molar excess Gibbs free energy, G m E, can be written in the form G m E= x A x B[( λ 11 + λ 12 T )+( λ 21 + λ 22 T ) x B ] The calculation is carried out numerically for three immiscible binary alloy systems, Al Pb, Cu Tl and In V. The agreement between the calculated and experimentally determined values of activity coefficient is excellent.

New approach to solving master equations of density operator for the Jaynes Cummings model with cavity damping

By introducing thermo-entangled state representation Ⅰη〉, which can map master equations of density operator in quantum statistics as state-vector evolution equations, and using ＂dissipative interaction picture＂ we solve the master equation of Jaynes-Cummings model with cavity damping. In addition we derive the Wigner function for density operator when the atom is initially in the up state Ⅰ↑〉 and the cavity mode is in coherent state.

An Intelligent Master Model of Computer Aided Process Planning for Large Complicated Stampings

Process planning for large complicated stampings is more complicated, illegible and multiform than that for common stampings. In this paper, an intelligent master model of computer aided process planning （CAPP） for large complicated stampings has been developed based on knowledge based engineering （KBE） and feature technology. This innovative model consists of knowledge base （KB）, process control structure （PCS）, process information model （PIM）, multidisciplinary design optimization （MDO）, model link environment （MLE） and simulation engine （SE）, to realize process planning, optimization, simulation and management integrated to complete intelligent CAPP system. In this model, KBE provides knowledge base, open architecture and knowledge reuse ability to deal with the multi-domain and multi-expression of process knowledge, and forms an integrated environment. With PIM, all the knowledge consisting of objects, constraints, cxtmricncc and decision-makings is carried by object-oriented method dynamically for knowledge-reasoning. PCS makes dynamical knowledge modified and updated timely and accordingly. MLE provides scv. cral methods to make CAPP sysmm associated and integrated. SE provides a programmable mechanism to interpret simulation course and result. Meanwhile, collaborative optimization, one method of MDO, is imported to deal with the optimization distributed for multiple purposes. All these make CAPP sysmm integrated and open to other systems, such as dic design and manufacturing system.

Seismic damage analysis of the outlet piers of arch dams using the finite element sub-model method

This study aims to analyze seismic damage of reinforced outlet piers of arch dams by the nonlinear finite element （FE） sub-model method. First, the dam-foundation system is modeled and analyzed, in which the effects of infinite foundation, contraction joints, and nonlinear concrete are taken into account. The detailed structures of the outlet pier are then simulated with a refined FE model in the sub-model analysis. In this way the damage mechanism of the plain （unreinforced） outlet pier is analyzed, and the effects of two reinforcement measures （i.e., post-tensioned anchor cables and reinforcing bar） on the dynamic damage to the outlet pier are investigated comprehensively. Results show that the plain pier is damaged severely by strong earthquakes while implementation of post-tensioned anchor cables strengthens the pier effectively. In addition, radiation damping strongly alleviates seismic damage to the piers.

IMPROVED SUBGRID SCALE MODEL FOR DENSE TURBULENT SOLID-LIQUID TWO-PHASE FLOWS

The dense solid-phase governing equations for two-phase flows are obtained by using the kinetic theory of gas molecules.Assuming that the solid-phase velocity distributions obey the Maxwell equations,the collision term for particles under dense two-phase flow conditions is also derived. In comparison with the governing equations of a dilute two-phase flow,the solid-particle's governing equations are developed for a dense turbulent solid-liquid flow by adopting some relevant terms from the dilute two-phase governing equations.Based on Cauchy-Helmholtz theorem and Smagorinsky model, a second-order dynamic sub-grid-scale(SGS)model,in which the sub-grid-scale stress is a function of both the strain-rate tensor and the rotation-rate tensor,is proposed to model the two-phase governing equations by applying dimension analyses.Applying the SIMPLEC algorithm and staggering grid system to the two-phase discretized governing equations and employing the slip boundary conditions on the walls,the velocity and pressure fields,and the volumetric concentration are calculated.The simulation results are in a fairly good agreement with experimental data in two operating cases in a conduit with a rectangular cross-section and these comparisons imply that these models are practical.

3D Modelling from New and Existing Gravity Data of an Intrusive Body in the Northern Part of Kribi-Campo Sub-Basin in Cameroon

A new gravity survey was carried out in the northern part of the onshore Kribi- Campo sub-basin in Cameroon. The data were incorporated to the existing ones and then analyzed and modeled in order to elucidate the subsurface structure of the area. The area is characterized in its north-western part by considerably high positive anomalies indicative of the presence of a dense intrusive body. We find, 1) from the analysis of the gravity residual anomaly map, the high positive anomalies observed are the signature of a shallow dense structure;2) from the multi-scale analysis of the maxima of the horizontal gradient, the structure is confined between depths of 0.5 km and 5 km;3) from the quantitative interpretation of residual anomalies by spectral analysis, the depth to the upper surface of the intrusive body is not uniform, the average depth of the bottom is h1 = 3.6 km and the depths to particular sections of the roof of the intrusion are h2 = 1.6 km and h3 = 0.5 km;4) and the 3D modeling gives results that are suggestive of the presence of contacts between rocks of different densities at different depths and a dense intrusive igneous body in the upper crust of the Kribi zone. From the 3D model the dense intrusive igneous block is surrounded by sedimentary formations to the south-west and metamorphic formations to the north-east. Both formations have a density of about 2.74 g/cm3. The near surface portions of this igneous block lie at a depth range of 0.5 km to 1.5 km while its lower surface has a depth range of 3.6 km to 5.2 km. The shape of the edges and the bottom of the intrusive body are suggestive of the fact that it forms part of a broader structure underlying the Kribi-Campo sub-basin with a great influence on the sedimentary cover.

Prediction of Vibration Characteristics in Beam Structure Using Sub-Scale Modeling with Experimental Validation

Geometric or sub-scale modeling techniques are used for the evaluation of large and complex dynamic structures to ensure accurate reproduction of load path and thus leading to true dynamic characteristics of such structures. The sub-scale modeling technique is very effective in the prediction of vibration characteristics of original large structure when the experimental testing is not feasible due to the absence of a large testing facility. Previous researches were more focused on free and harmonic vibration case with little or no consideration for readily encountered random vibration. A sub-scale modeling technique is proposed for estimating the vibration characteristics of any large scale structure such as Launch vehicles, Mega structures, etc., under various vibration load cases by utilizing precise scaled-down model of that dynamic structure. In order to establish an analytical correlation between the original structure and its scaled models, different scale models of isotropic cantilever beam are selected and analyzed under various vibration conditions（ i.e. free, harmonic and random） using finite element package ANSYS. The developed correlations are also validated through experimental testing The prediction made from the vibratory response of the scaled-down beam through the established sets of correlation are found similar to the response measured from the testing of original beam structure. The established correlations are equally applicable in the prediction of dynamic characteristics of any complex structure through its scaled-down models. This paper presents modified sub-scale modeling technique that enables accurate prediction of vibration characteristics of large and complex structure under not only sinusoidal but also for random vibrations.

Analysis of Observed and Modelled Near-Surface Wind Extremes over the Sub-Arctic Northeast Pacific

Wind speed extremes in the sub-Arctic realm of the North-East Pacific region were investigated through extreme value analysis of wind speed obtained from wind simulations of the COSMO-CLM (Consortium for Small-scale Modelling, climate version) mesoscale model, as well as using observed data. The analysis showed that the set of wind speed extremes obtained from observations is a mixture of two different subsets each neatly described by the Weibull distribution. Using special metaphoric terminology, they are labelled as “Black Swans” and “Dragons”. The “Dragons” are responsible for strongest extremes. It has been shown that both reanalysis and GCM (general circulation model) data have no “Dragons”. This means that such models underestimate wind speed maxima, and the important circulation process generating the anomalies is not simulated. The COSMO-CLM data have both “Black Swans” and “Dragons”. This evidence provides a clue that an atmospheric model with a detailed spatial resolution (we used in this work the data from domain with 13.2 km spatial resolution) does reproduce the special mechanism responsible for the generation of the largest wind speed extremes. However, a more thorough analysis shows that the differences in the parameters of the cumulative distribution functions are still significant. The ratio between the modelled Dragons and Black Swans can reach up to only 10%. It is much less than 30%, which was the level established for observations.

Study on Velocity Structure Models of the Sub-Sediments in Zhapu and Jintang near the Hangzhou Bay

Marine sediment velocity structural models have strong regional characteristics.Hamilton made two shallow continental shelf sediment velocity structure models,Lu Bo gave a model in accordance with the characteristics of the continental shelf of China.However,no model can contain all geological situations.We got the in-situ velocity data at Zhapu and Jintang near the Hangzhou Bay by using the MFI GeoA(Multi-Frequency In-situ Geoacoustic Measurement),and used these data to make the velocity structure models.Finally,we got two different models.One is Zhapu velocity structural model that we can describe as Lower velocity-Higher velocity -Lower velocity-Higher velocity model simply。

Kinetic Modelling of the Influence of H₂S on Dibenzothiophene Hydrodesulfurization in a Batch System over Nano-MoS₂

In this work, the possibility of enhanced activity during the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene over certain nano-MoS2 catalyst due to the presence of H2S was examined by focusing on the reaction kinetics. With H2S generated in situ, the overall reaction followed the autocatalytic rate law;while in the absence of H2S the kinetics indicated a pseudo-first-order reaction. H2S appears to modify the relative contributions of parallel hydrogenation and desulfurization reactions by drastically increasing the hydrogenation rate. Kinetic models were developed that describe the hydrodesulfurization reaction at various H2S concentrations, and the kinetic parameters and adsorption equilibrium constants associated with this process were estimated by fitting the experimental data. The results suggest that the promotion and/or inhibition of hydrodesulfurization by H2S likely result from the same overall reaction mechanism.

Applying Multivariate Multilevel Models to Explore Arable Land Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study in Kenya

Controversy exists on the magnitude and variability of farm nutrient balances and quality of arable land in sub-Saharan Africa with Kenya among those affected negatively. This study investigates quality of arable land by fitting multivariate multilevel model to farm nutrient balance data collected from five agro-climatic zones of Kenya (arable lands). Objectives of the study were to investigate the magnitude and variability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) farm nutrient balances in arable lands of Kenya, study effects of agro-climatic zones on nutrient balances and to determine effects of household resource endowments on NPK nutrient balances. The study concludes that agro-climatic zones differ with respect to farm nutrient balances;that livestock resource endowments and hired labour have positive effects on the magnitude and direction of farm nutrient balances;and that household ownership of large capital resources do not guarantee a positive effect on farm nutrient balances. The study recommends integration of sound livestock practices and application of agro-climatic zone differentiated interventions in future strategies for addressing farm nutrient balances and arable land quality, and the use of large sample sizes and relevant factors/covariates in future analysis to shed additional insights on farm nutrient balances and on how arable land quality can be improved.

Gravity Model for an Anomalous Body Located in the NW Portion of the Douala Sedimentary Sub-Basin, Cameroon (Central Africa)

Gravity studies have been carried out in the Douala sub-basin which is a sedimentary basin located both onshore and offshore on the South coast of Cameroon between latitudes 3°03'N and 4°06'N and longitudes 9°00' and 10°00'E, covering a total surface area of 12,805 km2. On its onshore portion, the Douala sub-basin has a trapezoic shape and covers a total surface area of about 6955 km2 while the offshore part covers an area of about 5850 km2. Gravity data used in this study are constituted of 912 gravity data points located between longitudes 8°10.2' to 10°59.4'E and latitudes 2°30.6' to 4°59.4'N and the study area is located to the NW section of the onshore portion of the Douala sub-basin. This study area is characterised by considerably high positive anomalies attaining peak values of about 104.1 mGals at longitude 9°9.9' and latitude 4°1.1' with contour lines which are mostly oriented in the NNE direction. Residual anomalies were extracted by upward continuation of the Bouguer anomaly field at an optimum height of 30 km. This residual field and those obtained by the separation of polynomial of order 4 had a very high correlation coefficient factor of 0.979. The multi-scale horizontal derivative of the vertical derivative (MSHDVD) method was applied on the extracted residual anomalies for the delimitation of possible contacts in the source while the amplitude spectrum was used to estimate the depth to the top of the potential field source. The MSHDVD method did not delimite any clear cut contacts in the source but the amplitude spectrum estimated the potential field source at a depth of about 4.8 km. The ideal body theory was used to determine the density contrast along a 65 km NW-SE profile yielding a value of 0.266 g/cm3. 2.5D modelling aimed at bringing out the underlying structural layout of this study area presents a source body which is very probably an intrusive igneous block surrounded by sedimentary formations and having a density of 2.77 g/cm3 at a depth of about 5.88 km below the surface and an average thickness of about 26.95 km.

Robust Optimal H∞ Control for Uncertain 2-D Discrete State-Delayed Systems Described by the General Model

This paper investigates the problem of robust optimal H∞ control for uncertain two-dimensional (2-D) discrete state-delayed systems described by the general model (GM) with norm-bounded uncertainties. A sufficient condition for the existence of g-suboptimal robust H∞ state feedback controllers is established, based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. Moreover, a convex optimization problem is developed to design a robust optimal state feedback controller which minimizes the H∞ noise attenuation level of the resulting closed-loop system. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Delay-Dependent Robust H∞ Control for Uncertain 2-D Discrete State Delay Systems Described by the General Model

This paper considers the problem of delay-dependent robust optimal H∞ control for a class of uncertain two-dimensional (2-D) discrete state delay systems described by the general model (GM). The parameter uncertainties are assumed to be norm-bounded. A linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based sufficient condition for the existence of delay-dependent g-suboptimal state feedback robust H∞ controllers which guarantees not only the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system, but also the H∞ noise attenuation g over all admissible parameter uncertainties is established. Furthermore, a convex optimization problem is formulated to design a delay-dependent state feedback robust optimal H∞ controller which minimizes the H∞ noise attenuation g of the closed-loop system. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY BASED ON PRODUCT MASTER MODEL

Product Master Model(PMM)Technology is a philosophy and methodology for organizing,managing and controlling product development processes,sharing the information and knowledge of the product and its processes.In this paper,the concept of PMM is proposes,the basic theory of PMM technologies is studied,the blackboard architecture of PMM is proposed,the product development process framework is explored,and the prototype system of PMM is developed.

Assessing the Impact of Fugitive Dust Emissions from Cement Silos at Cluster of Concrete Batching Facilities Using Air Dispersion Modeling

This research assessed the environmental impact of cement silos emission on the existing concrete batching facilities in M35-Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. These assessments were conducted using an air quality dispersion model (AERMOD) to predict the ambient concentration of Portland Cement particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10) emitted to the atmosphere during loading and unloading activities from 176 silos located in 25 concrete batching facilities. AERMOD was applied to simulate and describe the dispersion of PM10 released from the cement silos into the air. Simulations were carried out for PM10 emissions on controlled and uncontrolled cement silos scenarios. Results showed an incremental negative impact on air quality and public health from uncontrolled silos emissions and estimated that the uncontrolled PM10 emission sources contribute to air pollution by 528958.32 kg/Year. The modeling comparison between the controlled and uncontrolled silos shows that the highest annual average concentration from controlled cement silos is 0.065 μg/m3, and the highest daily emission value is 0.6 μg/m3;both values are negligible and will not lead to significant air quality impact in the entire study domain. However, the uncontrolled cement silos’ highest annual average concentration value is 328.08 μg/m3. The highest daily emission average value was 1250.09 μg/m3;this might cause a significant air pollution quality impact and health effects on the public and workers. The short-term and long-term average PM10 pollutant concentrations at these receptors predicted by the air dispersion model are discussed for both scenarios and compared with local and international air quality standards and guidelines.

Assessment of Climate Change’s Impacts on River Flows in the Songwe Sub-Basin

River flow in the Songwe sub-basin is predicted to alter due to climate change, which would have an impact on aquatic habitats, infrastructure, and people’s way of life. Therefore, the influence of climate change should be taken into account when making decisions about the sustainable management of water resources in the sub-basin. This study looked into how river discharge would react to climate change in the future. By contrasting hydrological characteristics simulated under historical climate (1981-2010) with projected climate (2011-2040, 2041-2070, and 2071-2100) under two emission scenarios, the effects of climate change on river flow were evaluated (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The ensemble average of four CORDEX regional climate models was built to address the issue of uncertainty introduced by the climate models. The SWAT model was force-calibrated using the results from the generated ensemble average for the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios in order to mimic the river flow during past (1981-2010) and future (2011-2100) events. The increase in river flows for the Songwe sub-basin is predicted to be largest during the rainy season by both the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Under RCP 8.5, the abrupt decrease in river flow is anticipated to reach its maximum in March 2037, when the discharge will be 44.84 m3/sec, and in March 2027, when the discharge will be 48 m3/sec. The extreme surge in river flow will peak, according to the RCA4, in February 2023, in April 2083 under RCP 4.5, and, according to the CCLM4 and RCA4, in November 2027 and November 2046, respectively. The expected decrease and increase in river flow throughout both the dry and wet seasons may have an impact on the management of the sub-water basin’s resources, biodiversity, and hydraulic structures. The right adaptations and mitigation strategies should be adopted in order to lessen the negative consequences of climate change on precipitation, temperature, and river flow in the sub-basin.