Nutrient Budgeting: An Enigma

/in /by

Nutrient budgeting seeks to quantify nutrient flows, evaluate the efficiency of current nutrient management practices, and provide recommendations to enhance sustainability and productivity. While fertilizer use is increasing, it’s often imbalanced, with a greater emphasis on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) than potassium (K). The recommended NPK ratio (6.96:2.79:1 in 2019-20) differs significantly from the average crop uptake ratio (1.0:0.3:1.3). In the year 2000-2001, inorganic fertilizer was the dominant source contributing 64% of N and 78% of P inputs in Indian agriculture, whereas K input through inorganic fertilizer was 26%. The intrinsic complexity and diversity of nutrient dynamics across spatial and temporal dimensions, however, continue to make it an enigma. Numerous factors contribute to the difficulties in nutrient budgeting, such as uneven measuring techniques, variations in crop and soil properties, shifting weather patterns, and a lack of reliable field data. Furthermore, assumptions and models used to estimate nutrient flows—such as biological nitrogen fixation, leaching, gaseous losses, and crop uptake—frequently fail to account for site-specific reality. This complexity is further increased by human elements like inconsistent record-keeping and a variety of management techniques. However, by integrating field data, existing models, and literature-based nutrient coefficients, the studies in this field contributes to a deeper understanding of nutrient use efficiency and the potential for improving soil fertility management.

Improving the Qualitative Detection of Porous Silicon Using CdO NPs

/in /by

This research describes a successful fabrication process for CdO NPs using pulsed laser ablation. It also describes a photodetector with heterojunction. A rapid analysis of the morphological, structural, and optical properties was performed. The production of cadmium oxide thin films was confirmed through structural and morphological characterization. The nanofilms were 10.84 nm thick. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a match with the material used. The surface properties and shape of the cadmium oxide were analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The laser ablation process produced very small, regularly arranged, hemispherical, pointed, and uniformly distributed nanoparticles with few single columns. The detector’s response spectrum showed good selectivity for detecting visible and near-infrared light. Therefore, CdO NPs could be a promising candidate material for photovoltaic applications.

MRW: Manasik Robotic Wheelchair for Tawaf and Sa’i in the Holy Mosque in Makkah in Saudi Arabia

/in /by

As the number of elderly and disabled visitors to Al Masjid Al Haram increases, an efficient and easy transportation solution becomes essential. However, existing methods have limitations, such as relying heavily on the visitor’s driving skills, traditional wheelchairs needing human intervention and significant physical effort, and language barriers between all visitors. Therefore, a new and innovative transportation solution is needed to overcome these challenges. This project focuses on the need to innovate new solutions, develop and train driving skills, reduce physical effort, enable independent mobility, overcome language barriers, and ensure a stress-free transportation experience for visitors to the Holy Mosque. This project uses a line-following robot equipped with a color sensor and a distance sensor to navigate a predefined path. The color sensor enables the robot to follow a black line and uses red markers to count labs and navigating between Tawaf and Sa’i. The distance sensor allows the robot to stop automatically when an obstacle is detected within 10 cm and resume movement once the path is clear. A proportional control method is applied to ensure reliable line following. The robot begins its journey in the Mataf area to perform Tawaf, and upon completing seven laps, it transitions to the Masa’ area to perform Sa’i. The system was tested in an environment simulating Al Masjid Al Haram pathways, focusing on navigation accuracy, obstacle detection. A functional prototype was successfully developed, demonstrating effective line-following and obstacle detection. The robot accurately followed the designated path, responded to red line markers, and detected obstacles, ensuring smooth and safe navigation. The system was tested in an environment simulating the pathways of Al Masjid Al Haram, showing high reliability in guiding the robot through the specified routes. The Manasik Robotic Wheelchair provides an innovative solution for mobility challenges in the Holy Mosque. It significantly improves accessibility and convenience for visitors, making religious journeys more inclusive and stress-free. Further refinements and real-world testing are recommended to enhance its effectiveness and ensure widespread implementation.

Experimental Investigation on Rice Husk Ash Blended Concrete Performance in Terms of Compressive Strength

/in /by

Concrete is the most widely used construction material globally, but its production relies heavily on Portland cement, contributing to significant CO₂ emissions and creating a substantial environmental burden. Rice husk ash (RHA), an abundant agricultural by-product with high silica content and pozzolanic potential, presents a promising opportunity for partial cement replacement, offering environmental and economic benefits. This study investigates the partial replacement of cement with RHA in concrete mixes, evaluating its effect on compressive strength. Concrete specimens were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% RHA replacement levels by weight, and compressive strength tests were conducted at 7 and 28 days. The gradual decrease in compressive strength with increasing RHA content is evident in the data. For the 28-day strength, the control mix registered 22.73 MPa, while the 5% RHA mix had 19.30 MPa, and the 20% RHA mix reported 13.92 MPa. Strength performance is optimal with a 5% replacement level, which is the closest to the control. This suggests the partial replacement of cement with RHA up to 5% is reasonably attainable, especially considering the marked reduction in cement content, which translates to a reduction in CO2 emissions, the recycling of agricultural waste, and the primary mechanical performance.

Analysis of Strain Measurement Accuracy in WF Steel Beams Using Strain Gauges: An Experimental Study Based on Elastic Theory

/in /by

This study presents an experimental approach to measure flexural and shear strains in a WF 150.75.5.7 steel beam using strain gauges. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the accuracy of strain measurements obtained from strain gauges and compare them with theoretical predictions based on elastic theory. The experiment was conducted on a simply supported beam with a span length of 3.7 meters, subjected to a central static load applied through a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). FLA-6-11 strain gauges were installed on the top and bottom flanges to record flexural strain, as well as diagonally on the beam web to capture shear strain. The experimental results showed that flexural strain measurements deviated less than 5% from theoretical predictions, whereas shear strain measurements deviated up to 14%, which is presumed to be caused by inaccuracies in strain gauge installation. This study indicates that strain gauges are highly effective for flexural strain measurement, but require careful installation to ensure reliability in shear strain measurement. The research also highlights the importance of experimental documentation on locally standardized steel profiles, particularly BJ37 grade steel, as a reference for validating laboratory structural testing methods.

A Dependable Numerical Approach for Solving a Nonlinear Generalized Fractional Distributed-Order Black-Scholes Equation

/in /by

In this research, we explore the nonlinear generalized distributed-order time-fractional Black-Scholes equation using an implicit numerical approach. Finite difference techniques are employed to approximate the time and spatial derivatives. Our numerical results exhibit high accuracy, underscoring the method’s robustness in addressing financial models. Additionally, our approach offers significant advantages in computational efficiency and stability. By using the implicit method, we ensure solution stability even with larger time steps, which is particularly beneficial for long-term financial modeling. The implications of this study extend beyond financial engineering. The methodologies developed can be adapted to solve various fractional differential equations in different scientific and engineering fields. The successful application of these techniques to the Black-Scholes equation suggests their potential utility in other areas requiring precise and efficient numerical solutions.

Modelling Woody Vegetation Suitability in Saloum Delta Ramsar Site (West-Africa): Implications for Conservation and Land Restoration

/in /by

Woody vegetation is crucial in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to carbon storage. However, these ecosystems face increasing threats from deforestation, climate change, and human activities. Despite the current challenges, diagnostics and preliminary information for guiding regreening interventions to restore ecosystems are notably lacking. This study employed Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to predict the spatial distribution and suitability of four woody tree covers (Mangroves, Close Woodlands, Open Woodlands, and Plantations). In each woody cover, a hundred occurrence points were used. The study used machine learning approaches such as Random Forest (RF), MaxEnt, and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) to analyse the relationships between woody cover occurrence data and environmental predictors, including climate, soil properties, anthropogenic factors, and natural disturbances. Results indicate that Salinity is the most significant driver affecting all vegetation types, particularly mangroves. Rainfall strongly influences Close Woodlands and Plantations, while fire disturbances shape Open Woodlands. Predicted suitability maps reveal potential habitat suitability, indicating areas of high restoration potential and underscoring the need for targeted conservation and restoration strategies. Comparison between current coverage and the predicted suitability revealed the smallest gap in Mangroves to cover the optimum suitable area (3.47%) while substantial areas still exist for Close woodlands, Open Woodlands and Plantations with 5,49, 6,03 and 6,41, respectively. Findings from this study provide essential insights for sustainable land management, regreening policy initiatives, and woody ecosystem restoration planning in West Africa’s woody coastal areas. By integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) and ecological modelling, this research enhances decision-making for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Examining Development Project Selection Difficulties in Digital Communication Companies: A Root Cause Analysis

/in /by

ABC, a leading company in communications technology, is facing challenges in developing a fair and unbiased process for selecting new ventures amid an increasing number of computer program development projects. In conditions where the industry faces many projects taking place simultaneously, but the number of available developers is limited, the process of managing and evaluating projects becomes increasingly complex. This results in a decrease in the level of customer satisfaction with the products and services the company provides. In addition, the company faced problems due to the unavailability of clear and consistent project evaluation guidelines. The lack of clear and consistent guidelines resulted in less efficient resource allocation and extended the duration of project completion. This research focuses on improving the decision-making process by using root cause analysis to identify key issues and their impacts. The methods used include surveys, semi-structured interviews, and root cause analysis to explore the core problems and needs of stakeholders. The results showed four main causes of weak project management and decision-making: technical, financial, administrative and strategic planning issues. Overall, the research provided insights into how these issues affected service performance, increased operational waste, reduced quality, and resulted in stakeholder dissatisfaction.

Conversion of Waste Cooking Oil into Biofuel through CeO₂-Based Oxide Catalysts (CeO₂-La₂O₃-NiO)

/in /by

The CeO₂-based oxide catalysts (CeO₂-La₂O₃-NiO) were successfully synthesized with different concentrations of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The resulting materials underwent characterization through various techniques, including TGA, XRD, FTIR, TEM, FESEM-EDX, and N₂ adsorption-desorption. XRD characterization revealed that the CeO₂ phase was a stable compound in all synthesized products. The semi-batch reactor was operated for 4 hours at 360 °C for the deoxidation reaction of used cooking oil using 1 wt% product catalyst. Deoxygenation occurred perfectly in the sample using BCOe-12.5 wt% MCC catalyst, resulting in 99% hydrocarbon selectivity and yielding 46% liquid product. These findings underscore the effectiveness of CeO₂-based oxides (CeO₂-La₂O₃-NiO) as promising catalysts for biofuel synthesis.

A Control Chart Based on Moving Average Model Functioned for Poisson Distribution

/in /by

A control chart used with MA control chart to track the number of faulty products or faults suggested. When the characteristics of quality of interest obey a Poisson distribution. A specified number of objects are observed at various time intervals in order to observe the number of non-conformities. By measuring ARLs under different sample sizes and parameters by considering ARLs in power, the output of the proposed chart is evaluated. It should be noted The proposed control chart seems to be more reliable than the traditional current control charts in detecting small adjustments in the manufacture process.