Development of corn cob-based fuel briquettes

The study aimed to determine the optimum proportion of corn cob biomass material and binder for fuel briquettes. Three (3) levels of percentage binding agent (10, 15, 20) and three (3) different particle size (< 2.2mm, 2.2-3.2 and >3.2mm) were used in the experiments. The physical and thermal properties of the fuel briquettes were characterized in terms of density, percent shatter resistance, breaking strength, thermal efficiency and burning time.Results showed that    twenty percent binding and a particle size of  <2.2mm exhibited a high density of 0.30gm/ cc, the highest performance in the compression test with a value of 241.62 N  and good shatter resistance of 99.25 percent. Likewise, the thermal efficiency of the briquettes produced from the optimum proportion was evaluated and it was found out that 10 briquettes can boil 500 g of water in nearly 6 minutes. The mean burning time of 10 briquettes was 34 minutes and 16 seconds. The average thermal efficiency was found out to be 18%.

Biodegradable film from wild taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott starch

The challenge today is to develop a biodegradable packaging material to partially substitute the conventional plastic. Biodegradable plastics made from starch-based are more environmental friendly and degrade faster than the traditional plastics. This study aimed to produce and characterize a biodegradable film from Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott starch and glycerol plasticizer. Two levels of taro starch (5g and 10g) and three percentage of glycerol (2%, 3%, and 4%) were used in the production film.Results showed that taro  and glycerol based biodegradable film obtained a lowest density, water absorption and thickness swelling of 0.98 g/cm3, 51.53% and 9.29%. The highest tensile strength and elongation obtained are 9.51 MPa and 21.60%. After one week of biodegradability test, the taro starch and glycerol based biodegradable film was degraded by 64.45%

Indigenous-Hybrid Organisations in Colombia: A Multi-Level Analysis within the Buen Vivir Model

There has been a recent increase in the number of publications about the indigenous philosophy of Buen Vivir (BV) as an alternative paradigm to mainstream development theory. However, there is a dearth of theoretically grounded empirical research that interrogates the impact of BV as an alternative development model within the social and solidarity economy (SSE) in Latin America. Therefore, this thesis aims to address this research gap by investigating the development of indigenous community based organisations (ICOs) that are located within the SSE in Colombia, examining to what extent their experiences embody key tenets of the BV model. By drawing upon insights from post-development (BV) and postcolonial theories (Bhabha’s mimicry and hybridity), this thesis develops and critically explores a multi-level model for understanding the development of ICOs in Colombia, considering the micro, meso and macro levels. Using participatory video research, this research draws upon evidence from a multiple case study research with five indigenous communities (Curripaco, Puinave, Yanacona, Misak and Wayuu) in three geographic regions (the Amazons, Cauca and Guajira). The thesis uses the following types of data collection: secondary data sources, video focus groups, video semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes. The analysis of the multiple case study using Nvivo, discovers that ICOs operate as hybrid organisations that are influenced by their indigenous cultural practices, as well as the dominant Western forms legitimised by the SSE norms (mimicry). Overall, this thesis reveals that the ICOs’ experiences are consistent with the values and pillars that embody the key tenets of the BV model. The findings demonstrate that the current policy discourse provides little scope for engagement for ICOs in Colombia, even though evidence shows their contribution to the national economy. In doing so, this thesis offers an opportunity for policy makers to rethink and re-evaluate the existing policies in relation to indigenous communities and the SSE sector, to provide a pathway consistent with some elements of the BV model to contribute to the national development plan

Chiral Symmetry restoration from the hadronic regime

We discuss recent advances on QCD chiral symmetry restoration at finite temperature, within the theoretical framework of Effective Theories. $U(3)$ Ward Identities are derived between pseudoscalar susceptibilities and quark condensates, allowing to explain the behaviour of lattice meson screening masses. Unitarized interactions and the generated $f_0(500)$ thermal state are showed to play an essential role in the description of the transition through the scalar susceptibilityComment: 10 pages, 9 figures. Proceedings of "XII Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum

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Experimental study of the braking process of the KhTZ-21021 tractor with unclear transmission

В роботі наведено загальну математичну модель колісного трактора ХТЗ-21021 з безступінчастою трансмісією ГОМТ-1С, яка дозволяє досліджувати процес гальмування при використанні окремо штатної гальмівної системи та параметром регулювання гідромашини гідрооб’ємної передачі, а також комбіновано. Приведена основна її відмінність в порівнянні зі вже існуючими математичними моделями. Представлено вимірювальний комплекс, за допомогою якого відбувається фіксування експериментальних даних. Наведено фіксуючі прилади, які входять у вимірювальний комплекс. Описано принцип обробки експериментальних результатів дослідження. Наведено графічні результати зіставлення теоретичних з експериментальними даними в ході процесу гальмування колісного трактора з безступінчастою трансмісією.The paper presents a general mathematical model of the wheeled tractor KhTZ-21021 with continuous transmission of HVMT-1C, which allows us to investigate the braking process with the use of a standardized brake system and a parameter for adjusting the hydrostatic transmission of the hydraulic transmission, and also in combination. The main difference is compared with existing mathematical models. The measuring complex, by means of which the recording of experimental data is recorded, is presented. The fixing devices included in the measuring complex are given. The principle of processing experimental results of research is described. Graphical results of comparison of theoretical and experimental data during the braking process of a wheeled tractor with a continuous transmission are give