Covid-19 is highlighting bame inequality, and now is the time to act

As diversity is linked to performance, structural racism must be laid to rest for UK Plc. to stand a chance again, writes Amarjit Sing

Infrared Radiation Absorption by Pyrotechnic Smokes

The infrared absorbance at wavelength 1.5 - 2.5 pm has been studied for white, orange, green and red coloured smokes. This paper describes an experimental set up, the results obtained and also discusses the potential application of smokes in attenuating infrared light assisting opto-electronic target detecting devices

Resistive Evolution of a Force-Free Plasma to Equilibrium

Using the magnetohydrodynamic description, the evolution of a resistive plasma can be represented as a relaxation through a sequence of force-free equilibrium states. We consider laboratory based plasmas confined in closed vessels and numerically simulate this evolution process using the finite difference method. The work is motivated by the nuclear fusion project. We proceed by showing that the force-free problem can be reduced, in 2D, to solving a non-trivial ID diffusion equation subject to the force-free constraint. Next, the diffusion of magnetic field lines is considered in a stationary 'mathematical' solid in which the magnetic field lines evolve such that the ratio of the conductivity perpendicular to the field lines to that parallel is much smaller than unity. The two processes are shown to be equivalent. Solutions to the latter problem are much easier to obtain and will be considered in chapters which follow. We initially consider 2D and 3D cylindrical containment devices possessing rectangular cross-sections and develop algorithms to model numerically the evolution of a plasma until it reaches a relaxed state. The relaxed or equilibrium profile is the most suitable state for thermonuclear fusion to proceed. A 2D code for obtaining solutions over arbitrary cross-sections is also developed. This can be used to make comparisons with experimental results for devices which have circular, D-shape and the more elaborate multipinch cross-sections. The 2D and 3D rectangular cross-section cases are generalised to take account of toroidal effects. In the final chapter we present the results predicted by the suite of codes which total ~20,000 lines of source written in standard FORTRAN 77. We make comparisons with experimental data, Taylor's theory and any relevant simulations. Initially we consider a square cross-section and a variety of universal curves are found which are qualitatively similar to Taylor s theory and experiment. One of these is the well known Ftheta profile. The field reversal value theta is found to be a factor of two greater than that predicted by Taylor's theory but is in good agreement with a recent simulation. The universal curves predict that the final equilibrium state is completely defined once the axial flux and driving field are prescribed. These are just initial conditions and correspond to the axial flux and global helicity which are the only two quantities that need to be prescribed in Taylor's theory. Another universal curve predicts that at a critical axial flux there are states which are inaccessible by the plasma. About this critical value there are two modes at which the plasma can be driven, one at high current and the other at low current. This corresponds to the stable high and low current mode of operation arising in Tokamaks. We have also found the existence of degenerate relaxed states and equilibria which carry the same current but different axial flux. Choosing a particular energy or current profile to obtain an equilibrium state may not therefore give a unique solution. Changing the dimensions of the rectangular cross-section is found to have little effect on the universal Ftheta profiles. The boundary conditions, obtained using Ohm's Law, are found to play a critical role in defining relaxed states. If we allow tangential currents to flow at a boundary, we find that the results correspond to the force-free paramagnetic model. The model where currents are removed is able to yield equilibrium states in which the field is reversed at the boundary. These are the states which arise in reversed field pinches. Toroidal effects are found to have very little effect on Ftheta profiles. Other profiles do differ and from these we have found a critical aspect-ratio at which toroidal devices should be built. At this value, the maximum current can be generated for a fixed driving field. The 3D code gives rise to axisymmetric relaxed states and docs not predict current limitation for any theta. The curved boundary code is found to be numerically unstable for curved but non-circular cross-sections

Ureide biogenesis and the enzymes of ammonia assimilation and ureide biosynthesis in nitrogen fixing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) nodules

Allantoic acid production from IMP, XMP, inosine, xanthosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid and allantoin was investigated by incubating each of these substrates withCajanus cajan cytosol and bacteroid fractions separately in the presence and absence of NAD+ and allopurinol. Allantoic acid synthesis by bacteroid fraction could only be observed with uric acid and allantoin as substrates. Addition of NAD+ or allopurinol to the reaction mixtures had no effect. However, with cytosol fraction, allantoic acid was produced by each of these substrates, with maximum rate with allantoin. With NAD+ or with allopurinol, allantoic acid was produced only with uric acid and allantoin as substrates. NADH production with cytosol fraction could again be observed with all the substrates. Except with uric acid and allantoin, allopurinol completely inhibited NADH formation. Regardless of the presence or absence of allopurinol, none of the substrates exhibited significant activity with bacteroid fraction. Based on the activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, asparagine synthetase, nucleotidase, nucleosidase, xanthine de-hydrogenase, uricase and allantoinase and their intracellular localisation in various nodule fractions, a probable pathway for the biogenesis of ureides in pigeonpea nodules has been proposed

Enzymes of ammonia assimilation and ureide biogenesis in developing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) nodules

Ammonia assimilatory and ureide biogenic enzymes were measured in the cytosol fraction of pigeonpea nodules during the period 15-120 days after sowing. The activity of enzymes involved in the initial assimilation of ammonia, i.e. glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, asparagine synthetase and aspartate aminotransferase, substantially increased activities during the period of plant growth and reached a maximum value around 105 days after sowing. These increases paralleled the increase in nodule mass, nitrogenase activity and ureide content in nodules. Though no regular pattern was obtained for their specific activities, yet these activities when expressed relative to the specific activity of nitrogenase were many fold higher at each stage of development. Similar increases were observed in the activities of enzymes associated with the formation of ureides from purines. In almost all cases, the activities were again maximum around 90-105 days after sowing. The specific activities of nucleotidase, nucleosidase, xanthine dehydrogenase, uricase and allantoinase, when expressed relative to the specific activity of nitrogenase at vegetative, flowering and podsetting stages were again many fold higher indicating the sufficiency of the levels of these enzymes for the biosynthesis of ureides. The data presented are consistent with the proposal that in ureide producing legumes, ammonia is initially assimilated into glutamine, aspartate, etc., which are metabolised for the denovo synthesis of purines. The purines are then utilised for the production of ureides by a group of enzymes investigated here

THE WORKINGS OF MAGLEV: A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL

Maglev is a relatively new form of transportation and the term is derived from magnetic levitation. This report describes what maglev is, how it works, and will prove that maglev can be successfully constructed and provide many fully operational advantages. The different types of maglev technology were analyzed. Several case studies were examined to understand the different maglev projects whether operational, still in construction, or proposed. This report presents a plan to construct a maglev network using Maglev 2000 vehicles in the United States. A maglev system provides energy, environmental, economic, and quality of life benefits. An energy and cost analysis was performed to determine whether maglev provides value worth pursuing. Maglev has both a lower energy equirement and lower energy costs than other modes of transportation. Maglev trains have about one-third of the energy requirement and about one third of energy cost of Amtrak trains. Compared to other maglev projects, the U.S. Maglev Network would be cheaper by a weighted average construction cost of $36 million per mile. Maglev could also be applied to convert the Honolulu Rail project in Hawaii from an elevated steel wheel on steel rail system into a maglev system. Due to the many benefits that Maglev offers and the proof that maglev can be implemented successfully, maglev could be the future of transportation not just in the United States but in the world. Maglev will improve the way that people travel

Plasma Arc Gasification Plant Benefits to the County of Hawaii

Plasma Arc Gasification Plant Benefit, County of Hawaii, Waste managmentThis report will examine the application and benefits of constructing a Plasma Arc Gasification plant on the Island of Hawaii. First, the waste composition and generation of the United States is discussed along with the current methods of disposal and their implications. Then, specifically the Island of Hawaii waste generation and management is analyzed. The State of Hawaii faces unique challenges of waste management due to its geographic isolation; this makes it a perfect candidate for a waste to energy technology. Incineration is a typical waste to energy technology but emits hazardous toxins and greenhouse gases through the combustion of waste. Plasma Arc Gasification however, uses extreme heat to vaporize the waste and converts it back into its elemental compounds. This process creates a syngas that can be used as fuel for electricity and a molten slag that is applicable as aggregate to the construction industry. Plasma Arc Gasification has multiple benefits including a flexible feedstock, electricity generation, a byproduct of non-hazardous slag. A cost analysis is performed comparing the current landfill operations with the potential profit of a Plasma Arc Gasification plant. A 1000 tpd PAG plant is used for this analysis because even though the Island of Hawaii disposed of approximately 185,000 tons of MSW in 2020, the waste disposal rate for the island on average increases 4.6 percent per year. The cost analysis determines that by constructing a PAG plant on the Island of Hawaii, there is a potential profit of $227.87 per ton of MSW, that equates to over$41 million a year. Compared to the current landfill operation there would be a net gain of $202.29 per ton of MSW or more than$37 million a year. The high initial capital cost of constructing a Plasma Arc Gasification plant is offset by its revenue generation

Advanced Concepts of the Propulsion System for the Futuristic Gun Ammunition

This review paper reports various concepts of the gun propulsion system to meet the goal of the futuristic hypervelocity projectiles. The nonconventional concepts, such as liquid gun propellant, rail gun, coil gun, electrothermal gun, electrothermal chemical gun along with conventional energetic solid gun propellant have been discussed. Even though muzzle velocity around 2000 m/s has been claimed to be achieved using such nonconventional propulsion systems, it will take quite some time before such systems are in regular use in the battlefield. Hence, solid gun propellants containing novel energetic ingredients (binders, plasticisers, and oxidisers) would continue to be used in the near future and are expected to meet the requirements of the futuristic gun ammunition

Awareness and Perceptions of Managers in a Manufacturing Organization Regarding Total Quality Management (TQM)

A survey concerning managers’ awareness and perception of TQM was carried out in a manufacturing organization to examine: the awareness of managers regarding TQM; the perception of managers regarding the Critical Success Factors; and the difficulties perceived by managers in getting commitment to TQM. The awareness and perception of TQM are based on two models - Model for TQM implementation and Critical Hierarchy Model.The sample comprised of 261 top, middle and lower managers from 13 departments (Personnel and General Affairs, Cost Control, Accounts, Purchasing, Shipping, Electronic Data Processing, Value Engineering, Engineering, Production/ Operations, Production Control, Production Engineering, Quality Control, and Parts Control). The alternative hypotheses developed for this research are: Awareness of managers regarding TQM differ according to level of management and departments; Perception of managers regarding the critical success factors differ according to level of management and departments; and The difficulties perceived by managers in getting commitment to TQM differ according to level of management and departments. Findings revealed that no statistical significant differences exists for: managers’ awareness regarding TQM among levels of management; managers’ perception regarding the CSF among levels of management; and managers’ perception of difficulties/barriers among levels of management and departments. Findings revealed that statistically significant differences exists for: managers’ awareness regarding TQM among departments and managers’ perception regarding CSF among departments. Satisfying external customers/clients is what TQM means to most managers. Managers considered necessary management behaviors as the most critical factor in TQM implementation. Results reflect that TQM is partially practiced in the organization. Findings of this study were discussed in relation to previous research and literature on TQM