Utilization of Daucus carota subsp. Sativus (Carrot) Peels and Oryza sativa (Rice) as Alternative Materials for Paper Production

The problem of pollution and deforestation have continuously contributed to the mass deterioration of the environment. This study aimed to create paper from rice and carrot wastes tested in a laboratory. The study followed an experimental research design, utilizing TAPPI T-220 test methods and ISO standard procedures. The paper sheets were tested under four quality tests: paper tear index, folding endurance, grammage, and paper burst strength. Data gathered from laboratory tests were statistically analyzed via the independent t-test. It was found that rice papers had a higher paper tear index (4.99 mN.m^2/g), folding endurance (3.81 folds), and paper burst strength (1.47 kPa.m^2/g) than carrot papers (2.56 mN.m^2/g, 0.77, and 1.10 kPa.m^2/g). Carrot papers, however, had higher grammage than rice papers (152.76 g/m^2 and 132.90 g/m^2, respectively). There was no significant difference found in data for paper tear index (p = 0.072) and paper burst strength (p = 0.13), while there was a substantial difference in terms of folding endurance (p = 0.033). Previous studies have supported each result and findings. In conclusion, cooked rice can be considered a promising raw material for the paper industry. Although carrot papers were significantly weaker, they still provided average values compared to normal papers. Future research should consider exploring other interventions such as soda pulping and kraft pulpin

Bio-Based Fire Retardant for Coco Lumber using Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe Vera), Mangifera indica (Mango), or Persea americana (Avocado) and Boron Additives

Accidental fires are prevalent in low-income communities and one of the solutions to decrease fire risk is to apply fire retardants on combustible materials. While extensive research was available in creating fire retardants with inorganic chemicals, further studies are needed for bio-based fire retardants. The development of bio-based fire retardants involves testing organic matter for the presence of fire-retardant compounds such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and polyphenols. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of the peels of Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera), Mangifera indica (mangoes), and Persea americana (avocados) in creating bio-based fire retardants for coco lumber. Maceration was used to get the fruit and plant extracts. Boric acid and borax were also added as additives to boost fire retarding properties. The burning behavior of the lumber was observed in a modified horizontal flammability test and a modified flame spread test and measured in terms of mass loss, smoke density, char yield, and charring rate. The results revealed that among the fruits, the mango-based fire-retardant inhibited mass loss the most (M = 0.006, SD = 0.003), while the avocado-based fire-retardant inhibited smoke the most (M = 0.036, SD = 0.016). No significant difference was found among the groups as determined by One-way ANOVA and MANOVA (p \u3e 0.05). An indirect relationship was found between smoke density and char yield, which may be examined to improve the smoke suppressing ability of commercial fire retardants. Future studies may also refine the plant extracts and use standard flammability tests

Utilization of Varying Colors of Light Emitting Diodes in Vertical Farms for Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)

In response to climate change and significant decreases of arable land in developing nations, vertical farming has emerged as a suitable alternative to the conventional method of farming with its use of modern technologies such as LED lights. Since previous literature on this subject had mainly focused on the effects of blue and red lights concerning plant growth, this research paper involved 620 nm (pink light), 550 nm (green light), and the combination of the colors in the color spectrum (white light) to expand the scope of the study. The facilities used for the experiment were a multiple-row vertical setup and a raised bed garden for the conventional setup. These setups were created using recyclable wood and furniture. Measuring tapes and finger-counting were utilized to detail the average height and number of leaves of plants within a specified group. One-way analysis of variance and repeated measures variance was used to show the variance or consistency of each group and significant differences between all groups. The results had depicted pink-colored LEDs to have yielded the best results by the end of the experiment with an average plant height of 10.39 cm and an average leaf number of 3.1. Overall, the vertical farming setups outperformed the conventional farm setup in terms of both mean plant height and number of leaves

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Water as a Rooting Hormone in a Hydroponic and Conventional Set-up in Growing Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

Food shortage is still a problem in the Philippines since millions of people may be classified as undernourished. Efforts to augment the insufficiency include developing an efficient planting method as a source of food. This experimental study tested the effectiveness of coconut water as a rooting hormone on hydroponically and conventionally grown basil plants by measuring the height, fresh weight, leaf length, and root length for three weeks, which also served as the dependent variables. Consequently, two (2) hydroponic set-ups and two (2) conventional set-ups utilize a randomized block design. The set-ups containing coconut water served as the independent variables, while the ones without served as the control. Before the data gathering procedures, the containers were sterilized, the tap water was exposed to sunlight, and the basil seeds were soaked in coconut water. Six hours later, the seeds were planted. After three weeks, the leaf length and root length were measured using a digital caliper, while the height and weight were measured using a standard ruler and digital scale. The nutrient solution and pH level were also monitored. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA for leaf length and plant weight, while one-way ANOVA was used for plant height and root length. In addition, a post-hoc test was used for variables that had a significant effect. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the mean. The hydroponic setup was effective on producing a higher yield for root length (M=112), while the conventional setup was effective on plant height (M=99.7) and leaf length (M=44.1). While the intervention had no significant contribution (p\u3e0.05), hydroponics as an alternative planting technique still has potential in the agricultural sector

Evaluation of Bio Briquettes made from Musa acuminata Colla, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana Silk, and Citrus reticulata and Citrus sinensis Peels

Accumulation of food waste and the burning of coal emit harmful chemicals which contribute to environmental problems such as climate change and global warming. These also risk the health of people, which causes deaths. Briquettes help improve and preserve the environment by lessening food waste and coal emissions. This study aims to determine the best treatment for briquettes to help disadvantaged communities and alleviate the adverse effects on the environment and health. A combination of banana (Musa acuminata Colla (AA Group) \u27Lakatan\u27 and Musa acuminata × M. balbisiana (AAB Group) \u27Silk\u27, and orange (Citrus × reticulata and Citrus × sinensis) peels were used as bases for the briquettes. Sawdust also served as a controlled treatment, and two different binder treatments were also used, namely paper pulp and cassava starch. The briquettes\u27 quality was tested based on their density, burning rate, ignition time, and efficiency (Water Boiling Test). One-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (One-way MANOVA), Shapiro-Wilk Normality Test and Levene’s Homogeneity of Variances Test, One-way ANOVA, Post-Hoc Test, specifically Tukey’s LSD were then used to analyze the gathered results. Results revealed that the best briquettes are orange & cassava (density), banana & paper (burning rate), sawdust & cassava (ignition), and sawdust & cassava (efficiency). The findings indicate that the best briquettes were sawdust & cassava (most efficient in Water Boiling Test and fastest to ignite) and banana & paper (lowest burning rate) briquettes. Additionally, the findings suggest different production practices

Numerical optimization of the UAS-S4 Éhecatl airfoil using a morphing wing approach

In this paper, we describe the new methodology and the results obtained for multiple flight conditions optimization of the airfoil of the S4 unmanned aerial system, using a morphing wing approach. The goal of reducing the airfoil drag coefficient over a broad range of speeds and angles of attack has been achieved using an in-house optimization tool based on the relatively new Artificial Bee Colony algorithm, coupled with the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno algorithm to provide a final refinement of the solution. The obtained results were validated with an advanced, multi-objective, commercially available optimizing tool. The aerodynamic calculations were performed using a 2D linear panel method, coupled with an incompressible boundary layer model and a transition estimation criterion, to provide accurate estimations of the airfoil drag coefficient. For very small displacements of the airfoil surface, less than 2.5 mm, drag reductions of up to 14% have been achieved for a wide range of different flight conditions