Design And Development Of Ergonomic Table And Analyze Using Rula Analysis

Ergonomics and design have made the greatest relation in producing an artifact or creating a workplace. A computer table is widely used in classrooms in universities. However, the problems of the current computer table have been detected through the results of RULA analysis. In this project, a survey of the questionnaire was done and the anthropometric data have also been collected. The dimensions of the current computer table are then collected and the deficiencies of the current computer table have been focused on RULA analysis. A new structural design of the computer table has been designed, in order to meet the requirements of ergonomics. A product of the new design of ergonomics computer table is made and has been focused on RULA analysis to define the improvement between both tables. The paper showed a comparison between the current computer table and the new ergonomics computer table were analyzed. The improvement of the new ergonomics computer table was identified and reduced the injuries and disorders. A further investigation on better working posture when using a computer table is required, while further improvement for the product design of a new ergonomics computer table is needed, as well as the application of the ergonomics design aspect in our life

Design For Manufacturability (DFM) Of 3D Printed Parts Fabricated Using Open Source 3D Printer

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the well-known additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to fabricate the part using layer-by-layer concept. Recently, an open source 3D printer is become widely available used by 3D printer user because of its affordability and portability. In this study, the performance of an open source 3D printer was evaluated based on the dimensional accuracy of the printed parts. The test model was fabricated using two types of printer, which is low cost 3D printer, Prusa and mid-end 3D printer, Cubepro. Then, the dimension of every model structure was measured using Rexscan 3D laser scanner and was compared

N2O Release from agro-biofuel production negates global warming reduction by replacing fossil fuels

The relationship, on a global basis, between the amount of N fixed by chemical, biological or atmospheric processes entering the terrestrial biosphere, and the total emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), has been re-examined, using known global atmospheric removal rates and concentration growth of N2O as a proxy for overall emissions. For both the pre-industrial period and in recent times, after taking into account the large-scale changes in synthetic N fertiliser production, we find an overall conversion factor of 3–5 % from newly fixed N to N2O–N. We assume the same factor to be valid for biofuel production systems. It is covered only in part by the default conversion factor for ‘direct’ emissions from agricultural crop lands (1 %) estimated by IPCC (2006), and the default factors for the ‘indirect’ emissions (following volalilization/deposition and leaching/runoff of N: 0.35–0.45 %) cited therein. However, as we show in the paper, when additional emissions included in the IPCC methodology, e.g. those from livestock production, are included, the total may not be inconsistent with that given by our “top-down” method. When the extra N2O emission from biofuel production is calculated in “CO2-equivalent” global warming terms, and compared with the quasi-cooling effect of ‘saving’ emissions of fossil fuel derived CO2, the outcome is that the production of commonly used biofuels, such as biodiesel from rapeseed and bioethanol from corn (maize), depending on N fertilizer uptake efficiency by the plants, can contribute as much or more to global warming by N2O emissions than cooling by fossil fuel savings. Crops with less N demand, such as grasses and woody coppice species, have more favourable climate impacts. This analysis only considers the conversion of biomass to biofuel. It does not take into account the use of fossil fuel on the farms and for fertilizer and pesticide production, but it also neglects the production of useful co-products. Both factors partially compensate each other. This needs to be analyzed in a full life cycle assessment

The biology and economic impact of the weta, Hemiandrus sp. (Orthoptera : Stenopelmatidae) in an apricot orchard, Horotane Valley

The basic aspects of the biology of the weta, Hemiandrus sp. (Orthoptera : Stenopelmatidae) were studied in an orchard, Horotane Valley, and in the laboratory during 1976 and 1977. The differences between preferred and least preferred ovi-position sites were investigated. Egg collections from the orchard showed that the mean fecundity was 50 ± 8 eggs. Fertility was in excess of 90 percent. The eggs have a winter quiescence and the presence of contact water was essential for egg development. A negative linear relationship between mean time for egg incubation with the time eggs were collected from the orchard was demonstrated as a potential tool for predicting field hatching. Hemiandrus sp. was reared from newly hatched nymphs to adulthood on various diets. Various aspects of nymphal biology were investigated using such reared colonies. The effects of the types of diets and the mould inhibitor on instar weight, duration and size were discussed. The effectiveness of the mould inhibitor in controlling mould growth was also discussed and the types of mortality factors recorded. Laboratory experiments using a starving technique showed that the most preferred food plant for Hemiandrus sp. was Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Fathen (Chenopodium album L.) was also eaten as shown by field and laboratory investigations but was a far less preferred species than prairie grass. Hemiandrus sp. did not feed on spottedbur medick (Medicago arabica L.) and Oxalis sp., the other major orchard flora constituents. Using pitfall traps, it was shown that hatching commenced in December during the 1976/1977 season. There were two overlapping populations present during the summer months. There was a preponderance of males at all stages where sex could be identified. The dispersion of the first five instars was negative binomial. The weekly dispersion of the male adults was generally negative binomial but that of the female was adequately described by the Poisson series. There was no difference in catch whether a trap was placed on the northern or the southern side of a tree. The soil moisture content and atmospheric temperature accounted for 80 percent of the variance in pitfall catch in the [fraction here] and 81 percent in the [fraction here] population. There was a difference in behaviour between adult males and females. Damage patterns and economic impact were examined during the 1976/1977 season. Fruit damage was caused by mature females. The percentage of apricots damaged varied with time. Each apricot cluster was equally susceptible to weta attack. There appeared to be no significant difference in fruit damage between and within trees and within stems. Potential control measures and their cost benefit analysis were discussed

Oil Palm — Achievements and Potential

Cultivation of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has expanded tremendously in recent years such that it is now second only to soybean as a major source of the world supply of oils and fats. Presently, Southeast Asia is the dominant region of production with Malaysia being the leading producer and exporter of palm oil. This paper reviews the various factors that have led to oil palm occupying its present position, including biological, technical, managerial, environmental, and socio-political aspects. Biological features recognised as critical to the high productivity of the crop are examined. These include its perennial and evergreen nature (giving a continuous year-round canopy cover intercepting a high proportion of incoming radiation), the year-round production of fruit bunches and the high partition of total assimilates into harvested product. Scientific and managerial aspects contributing to the success of the crop include the significant genetic improvements and production of high quality planting materials, the development and application of finely-tuned agronomic practices, the appropriate scale and efficient organisation of oil palm plantations and the continuous R&D and good infra-structural support provided in the main producing countries. The programmes of crop improvement through the utilisation of traditional breeding and selection methods, the development and benefits of vegetative propagation techniques using tissue culture and ongoing efforts to apply molecular and genetic engineering techniques to improve and modify oil composition, are reviewed. Finally, the nutritional qualities of palm oil as a healthy component of diet are briefly described

Surface Characteristics of Electrospun p-Sulphonated Calix[4]Arene Functionalized Cellulose Acetate Nanofiber and Its Behaviour towards Methylene Blue Adsorption

p-sulphonated calix[4]arene (p-SOCX) functionalized cellulose acetate/graphene oxide (CA/GO) nanofibers were successfully prepared via the electrospinning technique. The presence of p-SOCX within the fiber matrix was ascertained using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen-Sulphur elemental analyses. Apparent changes in morphology of the samples were observed under scanning electron microscope where fiber diameters increased with increasing p-SOCX content. Preliminary dye removal test at different pH, dosage, and temperature of functionalized CA/GO nanofiber demonstrates enhanced adsorption capacity of methylene blue in presence of p-SOCX compared to pristine CA nanofiber and CA/GO nanofiber at an optimum pH 8. The highest removal efficiency obtained was 88.84% with initial methylene blue dye concentration of 10 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 20 mg/10 mL, contact time of 30 min at room temperature ca. 293 K