The Effect of Near-Spark-Plug Flow Field on Spark Discharge Characteristics

Advanced spark ignition (SI) engines can operate under lean conditions in order to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions. Under extensive lean conditions, the ignition and complete combustion of the charge mixture is a challenge, because of the reduced cylinder charge reactivity. The enhancement of the in-cylinder global motion and local turbulence is an effective way to increase the flame velocity, and consequently shorten the combustion duration. The role of air motion in improving air-fuel mixing and combustion has been researched extensively. However, during the ignition process, the excessive charge motion can hinder the spark discharge, the resulting flame kernel formation, and propagation. Therefore, a combined empirical and simulation study is undertaken to elucidate the flow field around the spark gap, and its effect on the spark discharge. The flow field generated by a steady flow of air across the spark gap of a conventional J-type spark plug is studied under ambient conditions. Optical particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed alongside the high-speed direct imaging. Voltage and current waveforms of the spark channel have been measured, in order to correlate the spark behavior to the local flow velocity. The flow field near the spark gap in an SI engine under motoring conditions is simulated. The results are compared to the empirical current and voltage measurements taken during engine operation. The results show that the turbulence is generated in the wake of the spark plug and flow velocity in the spark gap is higher than the free stream velocity. The optical and electrical measurements show the spark stretching and restrikes increase, and the discharge duration decreases with an increase in flow velocity. Similar behavior is observed during engine operation as well

Performance and Economic Analysis of Multi-Rotor Wind Turbine

Power production of a wind turbine is dependent upon its rotor size and at present wind turbines with large rotor diameter (>175 m) are available in the market. However major problems associated with such large size conventional turbines are their cost & noise pollution. Due to these reason researchers have diverted their attention towards lower sized equivalent multi-rotor wind turbines. These turbines are found to be cheaper and good performers. Keeping it in view, in this paper an effort has been made to compare the energy yield and economics of two types of wind turbines i.e. single rotor & multi rotor wind turbine. Power, energy and cost models as proposed are used to determine the annual energy yield and economics of multi-rotor turbines. Simulation results as presented in this paper justify the suitability of multi-rotor wind turbine in place of single rotor configuration. Such turbines deliver more energy yield with low installation cost in contrast to single rotor turbines

Dynamics of Banks’ Lending Practices to Farmers in India

Purpose This paper evaluates whether small marginal farmers in India have financial constraints and examines how bank managers make lending decisions. Design/methodology/approach A survey approach was employed, using semi-structured questionnaires with a sample of 42 banks and 185 farmers from the state of the Punjab in India. The questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out on a one to one basis and in focus groups and their responses were analysed from the supply (banks) and demand (farmers) side regarding access to finance. Findings The results indicate that the Indian farming sector is a complex and multidimensional one that has a dependency on both the private and public sectors due to its national importance to varying degrees. Financial lending decisions are dependent upon several non-quantifiable factors (culture, caste, family size, education) and relational bank lending practices. Such practices have an adverse impact on bankable loan applications, and this gives rise to moral hazards. Relational banking and recommendations minimise default rates, but this does not minimise information asymmetry. Subjectivity in decision-making persists, which is compounded by underdeveloped financial markets for small farmers, giving rise to financial exclusion and negatively impacting on economic growth. To overcome information asymmetry, banks rely on the qualitative factors and an excessive level of collateral when making lending decisions. The findings provide valuable insight into how banks make lending decisions and evaluate a complex matrix of relationships between farmers and providers of debt finance in a developing economy such as India. Practical implications- Policymakers nationally and internationally could use the results of this research to develop relevant and targeted policies to promote the agricultural sector through adopting efficient provision of finance for farmers. A significant contribution of this research is to provide a fundamental evaluation of the issues facing farmers in accessing finance in developing countries. Originality/value This study provides an original empirical insight into a sector of the economy that has implications for food security for a country. The study has relevance for a wide range of stakeholders and policymakers of both developed and emerging economies in the world

Entrepreneurship the mediating role of finance and entrepreneurial education for small farmers in developing countries: Evidence from India

Purpose: This paper investigates the mediating role of access to finance and entrepreneurial education for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) in the Indian northern state of Punjab. Furthermore, it examines the inter-mediatory role of entrepreneurs and the access to finance in the promotion of innovation, development and consequently poverty alleviation. Design / methodology / approach: To gain a deeper insight, we used a purposive sampling technique, involving in-depth, face-to-face interviews based on a semi-structured questionnaire amongst 185 farmers from the state of the Punjab in India. The combination of open ended and dichotomous questions amenable to the Likert scale, captured responses and the transcribed questionnaires were thematically analysed. Findings: Using the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative responses, we explain the cause and consequences of the finance gap and the impact of poverty on household income and the debt levels of SMFs. The findings suggest the expanding pool of SMFs is due to land ownership fragmentation that disenfranchises SMFs from accessing adequate finance thus limiting their ability to adapt to technological innovations, and therefore limiting their productivity and growth. This essentially limits their ability to transform their economic and social wellbeing. The findings from the data analysis suggest a lack of access to finance negatively impacts on SMFs’ ability to use innovative practices, technologies and productivity. This adversely affects income level, access to education and social goods to propel them out of poverty. The findings advocate that government policy should focus on land reforms, which provide adequate access to finance to enable the adaption of technology and an access to markets to empower marginal farmers. Research implications / limitations: Land fragmentation resulting with population growth in emerging economies continuously expands SMFs. To improve efficiency, productivity and entrepreneurial traits amongst SMFs, it is a pre-requisite to have an agile economy. However, in emerging economies such as India, the responses of 185 farmers suggest, a bespoke policy to promote the interest of SMFs through enabling them access to finance, technologies, training and education, continues to prove elusive. This novel empirical research provides evidence that demands that policy makers, commercial institutions and donors need to respond to the needs of SMFs to ensure food security and an optimal utilization of farmland. The limitation of this research is that the sample is from one country, which limits its generalization. The findings of this study could be enhanced by conducting comparative studies in other regions or economies. Originality / value: This empirical study examined the barriers to enterprise for SMFs in the Indian Punjab; it examined the causes and consequences and the implications for food security for India. The findings of this study highlight the importance of developing the entrepreneurial capabilities of SMFs through effective education, training and above all through an adequate access to finance to enable them to adapt their technology. Furthermore, the findings make a case as to why SMFs are an integral part of the food chain and why it is necessary to enhance their efficiency, productivity and their access to finance

Mediating agricultural entrepreneurship through embracing innovative technology: a tale from small rural enterprises in an emerging economy

Purpose The study evaluates small marginal farmers’ (SMFs) potential behavior, attitude and trust in the adoption of innovative emerging technologies. Design/methodology/approach The study employed an agile multi-factor approach to conceptualize a digital marketplace to connect a supply chain ecosystem for stakeholders. Findings The empirical findings suggest that most SMFs are willing to embrace innovative technologies. Nonetheless, they lack the necessary technological oriented education, training and funds to innovate. However, their reluctance to adapt changes is attributable to their fear of losing past customs and practices; they were threatened by the reaction of intermediaries (arthyias) to the adoption of technologies, which could result in them suffering huge losses. Originality/value This innovative disintermediation business model has a significant potential to reduce information asymmetry, cost and hoarding – and can thus increase the SMFs’ profit margins. Agricultural technological innovations have a profound potential to impact their supply chain logistics positively by reducing the wastage of perishable food and thus enhancing the consumer experience

Tailoring the microstructure of a solid oxide fuel cell anode support by calcination and milling of YSZ

In this study, the effects of calcination and milling of 8YSZ (8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia) used in the nickel-YSZ anode on the performance of anode supported tubular fuel cells were investigated. For this purpose, two different types of cells were prepared based on a Ni-YSZ/YSZ/NdNiO-YSZ configuration. For the anode preparation, a suspension was prepared by mixing NiO and YSZ in a ratio of 65:35 wt% (Ni:YSZ 50:50 vol.%) with 30 vol.% graphite as the pore former. As received Tosoh YSZ or its calcined form (heated at 1500 °C for 3 hours) was used in the anode support as the YSZ source. Electrochemical results showed that optimization of the fuel electrode microstructure is essential for the optimal distribution of gas within the support of the cell, especially under electrolysis operation where the performance for an optimized cell (calcined YSZ) was enhanced by a factor of two. In comparison with a standard cell (containing as received YSZ), at 1.5 V and 800 °C the measured current density was -1380 mA cm and -690 mA cm for the cells containing calcined and as received YSZ, respectively. The present study suggests that the anode porosity for improved cell performance under SOEC is more critical than SOFC mode due to more complex gas diffusion under electrolysis mode where large amount of steam needs to be transfered into the cell.The authors would like to acknowledge the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) of Canada and Fundacion Domingo Martinez and Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (grant no. MAT2015-68078-R) of Spain for funding this research.Peer Reviewe

Results from a Phase 1 Study of Sodium Selenite in Combination with Palliative Radiation Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Cancer.

In preclinical studies, selenite had single agent activity and radiosensitized tumors in vivo. Here we report results from a Phase 1 trial in 15 patients with metastatic cancer treated with selenite (5.5 to 49.5 mg) orally as a single dose 2 hours before each radiation therapy (RT) treatment. Patients received RT regimens that were standard of care. The primary objective of the study was to assess the safety of this combination therapy. Secondary objectives included measurement of pharmacokinetics (PK) and evaluation of efficacy. Endpoints included assessment of PK, toxicity, tumor response, and pain before and after treatment. The half-life of selenite was 18.5 hours. There were no adverse events attributable to selenite until the 33 mg dose level, at which the primary toxicities were grade 1 GI side effects. One patient treated with 49.5 mg had grade 2 GI toxicity. Although this was not a DLT, it was felt that the highest acceptable dose in this patient population was 33 mg. Most patients had stabilization of disease within the RT fields, with some demonstrating objective evidence of tumor regression. Most patients had a marked improvement in pain and seven out of nine patients with prostate cancer had a decrease in PSA ranging from 11-78%. Doses up to 33 mg selenite were well tolerated in combination with RT. A randomized, well controlled study is needed at the 33 mg dose level to determine if selenite results in clinically meaningful improvements in the response to palliative RT

Soil Metagenomics: Prospects and Challenges

The better strategies to examine RNA or DNA from soil allow us to understand the microbial diversity and features in the soil, which are challenging to identify by typical culture techniques. In this direction, the literature on soil metagenomics and its usefulness is ever-increasing and so as its implementation experiences. Omics techniques are going to assist the metagenomics in achieving agricultural sustainability. In doing so, essential understanding on the reference soil would serve to help upcoming soil survey initiatives, lessening bias and raising objectivity. Although the interpretation of limited details has influenced microbial ecologists, the scope of methodological bias remains unfamiliar. A detailed catalog of functional genes and soil microorganisms does not yet exist for any soil. Overall, this chapter provides thoughts related to the soil metagenomics, its importance, and conventional methods of analysis, along with prospects and challenges of soil metagenomics

An empirical investigation of financial institutions' lending policies towards agribusiness during the post green revolution in Punjab, India

This study presents an examination of financial institutions' lending policies and loan sanctioning procedures towards small and marginal farmers in the Indian Punjab. The study provides evidence that credit is a prerequisite for the growth of agriculture. The data is gathered by using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and four case studies of one hundred eighty five (185) farmers (land holders) and fifty (50) bank managers in five districts of Indian Punjab.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Unveiling the Impact of Psychological Traits on Innovative Financial Decision-Making in Small Tourism Businesses

Understanding factors affecting innovative financial decision-making involves the usage of more than one theory driven model including those related to psychological behaviour (e.g. theory of planned behaviour). This study validates a conceptual framework extending the traditional financing model (TFM) and behavioural financial decision (BFD) to explain innovative financial decision-making utilising both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Based on a sample of 140 small tourism businesses, employing structured equation modelling, the findings reinforce the importance of the behavioural approach on innovative financial decision-making in small tourism businesses. The findings does not only make a respectable contribution the field, but also offer a practical evidence for the adaptation of the theory of planned behaviour in developing countries