... Key words: Demographic revolution, Africa South of Sahara, developing countries, natality, mo... more ... Key words: Demographic revolution, Africa South of Sahara, developing countries, natality, mortality, population prognosis ... s uppression programmes c annot be neglected, the main role among the natality limitation motives int he developing c ountries is pl ayed by economic ...
e article describes efforts at the detection of some properties of barley kernels by impact anal... more e article describes efforts at the detection of some properties of barley kernels by impact analysis. Impact of kernels was realized as uniformly accelerated motion (free fall) of kernels onto a force transducer from height of approximately 21cm. e record of the impact parameters (time and force mainly) was captured and stored by the Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) for subsequent processing. e experimental apparatus is described in detail. e shapes of the impact records of barley kernels were different and depended on the kernel size, its humidity and variety and on the position of acting impact mainly. e repeated impact (with the same kernel onto the same place) brings very similar shapes of impact records in all cases as shown in the captured impact records. e small differeces in these shapes, in the repeated impact, is caused mainly by non central orientation of kernel acting onto the force transducer (at the end of kernel falling).
This paper summarizes a small research that was conducted in Indian Himalayas, Zanskar Range, dur... more This paper summarizes a small research that was conducted in Indian Himalayas, Zanskar Range, during the summer 2009. The subsequent experiments that were carried out in the Czech Republic are included as well. In order to acquire data on the dung-as-a-fuel usage, one of the most remote villages in Indian Himalayas (the cooperation with Czech people had already been well established in advance) was visited. The inhabitants were asked questions related to the only resource of heat energy that is widely utilized here – the dried excrements of domestic animals. The focus was to the techniques of collection, storage, properties of the stoves and to the qualities of the different types of dung. The amounts of dung burned daily were measured as well. The data obtained were used to estimate the total amount of dung used per capita. Supposing the energetic value and the efÞ ciency of energy transformation to the usable form is known, the total amount of energy needs for cooking and heating ...
The main reason for the worsening environmental situation in the Aral Sea is the shortage of wate... more The main reason for the worsening environmental situation in the Aral Sea is the shortage of water resources and the worsening quality of the water in the rivers feeding it. This is due to agricultural irrigation and the run-off sewage and agricultural drainage waters. The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world has shrunk by more than 75% since 1960, because of the irrational use of water resources during the Soviet period. The two rivers which feed the Aral Sea were diverted to agricultural projects after 1960s and the drying-out of the Aral Sea has resulted in the growing concentration of chemical pesticides and natural salts. These substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake and contribute to increase the desertiÞ cation. Other problems have also appeared while the level of water in the Aral Sea has been decreasing: Þ sh resources and the number of wild animals are being lost, soil degradation and water salinization has been increased and the local c...
This work describes problems concerning obtaining of extracts from herbs and plants with a water-... more This work describes problems concerning obtaining of extracts from herbs and plants with a water-extraction technology. It gives a detailed description of the unique technology, its pros and cons, possibilities of utilisation (usage of the water extracts not only in many branches of agriculture – fertilisation and feeding additives – but also in spheres of industry, pharmaceutics, spa, wellness, etc.), as well as a review of plants, which were used for the preparation of water extracts that are further being studied in consequent research, which focuses on the usage of these plant-water-extracts as a substitution for chemical food additives – especially for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia and subsequently also for improvement of the general animal health and well-being. It is divided in several consecutive steps. The first phase was to find proper plants that would fit most in the desired concept of GHG reducing and health improving food additives, which lead to ...
The objective of this study is to determine the relation of inhabitants of Central Asia towards t... more The objective of this study is to determine the relation of inhabitants of Central Asia towards the environment on a basis of theories of social sciences and propose future trends of the environmental development aid in this region. Main social theories dealing with this relation are theory of post-materialism, new environmental paradigm and grid/group theory. The ecological footprint of countries of Central Asia correlates with their human development index. Since 2002, 13 development projects of the Czech Republic have passed in Central Asia. Two of them can be classiÞ ed as environmental projects - they are aimed at achieving of speciÞ c targets of seventh Millennium Development Goal. A realization of development project consisting in plastic wrapping buy-out and continuation of development projects consisting in drinking water cleaning can be recommended for Central Asia.
An increasing awareness of the negative environmental cost associated with the combustion of foss... more An increasing awareness of the negative environmental cost associated with the combustion of fossil fuels and concerns over the geopolitical instability of the main oil producing regions is driving the development of renewable energy sources and biofuels. Use of solid biofuels made of different types of biomass became perspective alternative to conventional fuels in many countries. Such positive indicators as low cost of the final product that meets the quality of standards, not capital intensive production, possibility of producing briquettes/pellets from almost any agricultural waste or combination of raw materials are undoubted advantages of biomass based fuels. The main challenges for Tajikistan’s energy sector, which is depended on energy imports, are: to increase energy supply through better exploitation of hydropower and other renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and primary biofuels. Within the agricultural sector of Tajikistan, which is highly agrarian country, cott...
The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen,... more The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, etc., is among the most affected infrastructures. Since this sector plays a vital role in the economic growth and in improving people’s quality of life, the post-crisis reconstruction of this sector must take into account the requirements and concepts of sustainable development (SD) in addition to technical and economic considerations. This article discusses the role that renewable energy sources (RES) can play in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the Syrian Electric Power Sector (SEPS) as a case study. Based on the available data, the study period was chosen from 2005 to 2017 and divided into two periods. In the first period (2005–2010), which is the pre-crisis period, the structure of the SEPS and its main characteristics were described while the adoption of RES solutions and SD concepts were investigated. In the second period (2011–2017), the crisis perio...
The common denominator of all rather different names and understandings of it (the problem of the... more The common denominator of all rather different names and understandings of it (the problem of the “model of man and society development”, problem of the “lack of the civilisation concept” etc.) is that there is no clear understanding regarding the question of the perspective approach (or approaches), the relevant basic development trends of humankind in the material as well as non-material sphere, i.e. in the basic question of many philosophers “Who are we, whence and where are we going”. We mention only some of the problems, which are at present directly connected to the “problem of the future of man”. These are the problems from the sphere of all-human social, ethical, humanitarian and cultural aspects of the human civilisation development, which are today (but need not be already in the near future) in the centre of attention: the problem of social inequality extension, the problem of spreading epidemics and drug abuse, the problem of the uncontrollable migration and city agglome...
Microalgae-derived char contains low stability and heating values with relatively high nitrogen c... more Microalgae-derived char contains low stability and heating values with relatively high nitrogen content than lignocellulosic char. This study showed that co-pyrolysis helped improve the overall properties of char than individual pyrolysis of these feedstocks. Two batches of experiments were conducted (a) single step pyrolysis and (b) two-step pyrolysis in the range of highest treatment temperature of 400 – 600 °C. Single step pyrolysed char showed, lower aromaticity, higher yield, ash content and heating values of the char than two-step pyrolysed char. Similarly, ignition temperature and activation energy were higher during combustion by single step pyrolysed char than two-step char. Hence, two-step pyrolysed char is suitable in the energy applications, and low-temperature processing (400 – 500 °C) will result in optimum properties in terms of yield and heating values.
A lack of access to energy in the rural areas of Tajikistan is one of the current problems of the... more A lack of access to energy in the rural areas of Tajikistan is one of the current problems of the country. Tajikistan’s goal is to reach energy independency, and the main prospects for the country’s energy sector, which relies on energy imports during the long heating periods, are: higher exploitations of hydropower and development of other renewables, mainly biofuels. Tajikistan is a highly agrarian country, where agriculture is the dominant source of income for the majority of the population. Apricot belongs to the primary agricultural commodities; however, the cultivation and management of apricot orchards is associated with the annual accumulation of significant amounts of wood waste (residual branches after pruning), which represent a source of easily available biomass. Thus, the main focus of the present research was to investigate the properties (physical, chemical and mechanical) of densified briquettes and pellets from the residual apricot tree branches through the laborato...
Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to ... more Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to produce energy through thermochemical or biochemical conversion technologies. The objective of this study is to present a detailed characterization of parts of date palm branches (twig) and analyse the trace elements including heavy metals for environmental safety and potential slagging and fouling in a reactor. The biomass was divided into four parts: L (leaf ribs), SB (small part of the branch attached to the ribs), MB (middle part of the branch), and LB (large part of the branch attached to the trunk). Different characterization techniques applied were X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence, Higher heating values, and ultimate (CHNSO) analysis. High crystallinity was observed in LB with all the heavy metals present in permissible limits. However, it showed a considerably high moisture holding capability. Conversely, SB was found to have low moisture holding capability, moderate higher heating values, and one heavy metal (As) higher than the permissible limit defined by the European Union standards. It can be concluded that LB can be used directly for energy generation after sun drying. The other parts are required to be treated for heavy metal reduction before being used for energy production, keeping in mind the environmental safety.Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to produce energy through thermochemical or biochemical conversion technologies. The objective of this study is to present a detailed characterization of parts of date palm branches (twig) and analyse the trace elements including heavy metals for environmental safety and potential slagging and fouling in a reactor. The biomass was divided into four parts: L (leaf ribs), SB (small part of the branch attached to the ribs), MB (middle part of the branch), and LB (large part of the branch attached to the trunk). Different characterization techniques applied were X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence, Higher heating values, and ultimate (CHNSO) analysis. High crystallinity was observed in LB with all the heavy metals present in permissible limits. However, it showed a considerably high moisture holding capability. Conversely, SB was found...
From the conventional use of biomass in the form of heating to the modern day use of biomass in t... more From the conventional use of biomass in the form of heating to the modern day use of biomass in the form of electricity generation and biofuel production, biomass has always been part of the evolution of mankind. Modern day use of biomass is gradually becoming more complex, and engineering played an important role in defining different directions. This review provides an overall view of biomass utilization through thermal treatment including combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification. Efficient use of biomass with the desired output and minimizing the drawbacks are the core of the research, and marginal focus is being held on developing new techniques. The variety of composition and uptake of different elements throughout the lifespan of biomass produces a mixture of results. In general, it can be seen that the optimization was observed either in the form of chemical looping combustion to prevent greenhouse gas emission or in upgrading of bio-oil to produce biofuels. The significant factor is the reaction co...
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Jan 22, 2015
This paper investigates and monitors the impact of population growth on the standard of living in... more This paper investigates and monitors the impact of population growth on the standard of living in the Lattakia region of Syria Arab Republic. It focuses on the effect of pollution on population growth in the region and how this affects the surface and groundwater resource. There has been symmetrical expansion of the agricultural and urban sectors in Lattakia as its population increased and this has caused negative effect on the water quality resource available in the region. For the purpose of this research, the region of Lattakia has been divided into four study areas; Firstly, Alsin River area, which is the main source of drinking water in the region, is designated as area (A1). While the east of Gable town is designated as area (A2), and area (A3) includes the main city of Lattakia and its countryside, and area (A4) is made up of the largest rivers in the costal basin. Chemical, biochemical and bacterial tests were carried out, and the results obtained shows the existence of chemical and bacterial contaminants and it was also observed that the surface and ground water in area (A1), which is the main source of drinking water in the region is polluted with bacteria Escherichia coli. Laboratory tests investigations carried out proved the existence of germs type E. coli in excessive concentration of bacteria from sewage, and high value of nitrate and nitrite ions in area A2 which are predominantly used for agricultural activities. The results from area (A3) and (A4) shows the existence of chemical and bacterial contaminations and the increase in the rates of pollution in area P1 (springs great north River Area) to the estuary area P2 (the estuary point the great north river in the sea) and the presence of a strong correlation between the number of inhabitants in the area of the river and increase in the rates and various types of pollution. This research was carried out just before the commencement of the crisis in The Syrian Arab Republic.
Importance of energy polIcy for the eUropean UnIon Energetic played a key role at the beginnings ... more Importance of energy polIcy for the eUropean UnIon Energetic played a key role at the beginnings of the European continent integration. The birth of the European community is connected to signing of the treaties regarding production of energy, the European Treaty on the European community of coal and Steel from 1951, and one of the Treaties of rome, the Euratom Treaty from 1957. By signing them, the original six member states were bound to secure the regular and equal supply of coal and the secure and economical utilization of nuclear energy. All endeavors to form a common energy policy were, however, nullified by the decision of the states to retain the sole decision-making power in this strategic sphere. Also the following attempts to incorporate the chapter of energy into the Maastricht Treaty and the Amsterdam Treaty were unsuccessful.
Agris on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2016
Sub-Saharan Africa lost its status as a net exporter of agricultural products in the early 1980s ... more Sub-Saharan Africa lost its status as a net exporter of agricultural products in the early 1980s when prices for raw commodities fell and local production stagnated. Since then, agricultural imports have grown faster than agricultural exports. In order to get to the bottom of this critical issue, UNIDO in partnership with the AU, IFAD, AfDB, FAO, and UNECA, developed the African Agribusiness and Agro-Industries Development Initiative (3ADI). The major objective of the 3ADI is to increase private sector investment flows going into the agriculture sector in Africa by mobilizing resources for agribusiness and agro-industrial development from the domestic, regional or international financial systems. This formed the basis of research with the objective of assessing the value addition chain for some vital agricultural commodities in the 3ADI focus countries. UNIDO is developing several action plans in a few African countries-one of them is Tanzania. In the case of Tanzania, the findings show the potential in cashew nuts. The paper's main goal is to propose a plan or set of steps leading to the improvement of added value generation in the area of agricultural trade in Tanzania. The paper is focused on one commodity Cashew-nuts. Tanzania boosts high volumes of local supply of this commodity, which is the key prerequisite for the value addition chain through local processing. The results from the analysis prove significant economic losses related to the current structure of Tanzanian trade in cashew nuts. The main problem of the current cashew nut trade activities is the very low added value of exported cashew nuts. The paper analyses the structure of value added activities related to the cashew nut trade and proposes a plan for increasing the share of processed cashew nuts at a much higher unit price in comparison to raw cashew nuts. The simulated development in the cashew sector in Tanzania to the year 2030 is based on two expectations a 5% increase of evaluation of particular steps and a 5% growth of processed cashew nuts export volume resulting in significant growth of export incomes and provides an important material stimulating discussion related to the importance of the transformation of the export structure from unprocessed raw products to processed-finalized products.
Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread... more Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread integration of renewable energy sources. Reactive power compensation is still one of most important research topics in smart grids. DG units can be used for reactive power compensation purposes, therefore we can improve the voltage profile and minimize power losses in order to improve the power quality. In this paper two methods will be used to accomplish the mentioned tasks; the first technique depends on the reactive power demand change of the proposed network loads, whereas the second technique uses an algorithm to control DG units according to the measured voltage values in the feeders to generate the needed reactive power. Both methods were applied to different scenarios of DG unit positions and different reactive power values of loads. The chosen DG unit is made up of a Type-4 wind farm which could be used as a general unit where it is able to control reactive power generation in ...
... Key words: Demographic revolution, Africa South of Sahara, developing countries, natality, mo... more ... Key words: Demographic revolution, Africa South of Sahara, developing countries, natality, mortality, population prognosis ... s uppression programmes c annot be neglected, the main role among the natality limitation motives int he developing c ountries is pl ayed by economic ...
e article describes efforts at the detection of some properties of barley kernels by impact anal... more e article describes efforts at the detection of some properties of barley kernels by impact analysis. Impact of kernels was realized as uniformly accelerated motion (free fall) of kernels onto a force transducer from height of approximately 21cm. e record of the impact parameters (time and force mainly) was captured and stored by the Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) for subsequent processing. e experimental apparatus is described in detail. e shapes of the impact records of barley kernels were different and depended on the kernel size, its humidity and variety and on the position of acting impact mainly. e repeated impact (with the same kernel onto the same place) brings very similar shapes of impact records in all cases as shown in the captured impact records. e small differeces in these shapes, in the repeated impact, is caused mainly by non central orientation of kernel acting onto the force transducer (at the end of kernel falling).
This paper summarizes a small research that was conducted in Indian Himalayas, Zanskar Range, dur... more This paper summarizes a small research that was conducted in Indian Himalayas, Zanskar Range, during the summer 2009. The subsequent experiments that were carried out in the Czech Republic are included as well. In order to acquire data on the dung-as-a-fuel usage, one of the most remote villages in Indian Himalayas (the cooperation with Czech people had already been well established in advance) was visited. The inhabitants were asked questions related to the only resource of heat energy that is widely utilized here – the dried excrements of domestic animals. The focus was to the techniques of collection, storage, properties of the stoves and to the qualities of the different types of dung. The amounts of dung burned daily were measured as well. The data obtained were used to estimate the total amount of dung used per capita. Supposing the energetic value and the efÞ ciency of energy transformation to the usable form is known, the total amount of energy needs for cooking and heating ...
The main reason for the worsening environmental situation in the Aral Sea is the shortage of wate... more The main reason for the worsening environmental situation in the Aral Sea is the shortage of water resources and the worsening quality of the water in the rivers feeding it. This is due to agricultural irrigation and the run-off sewage and agricultural drainage waters. The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world has shrunk by more than 75% since 1960, because of the irrational use of water resources during the Soviet period. The two rivers which feed the Aral Sea were diverted to agricultural projects after 1960s and the drying-out of the Aral Sea has resulted in the growing concentration of chemical pesticides and natural salts. These substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake and contribute to increase the desertiÞ cation. Other problems have also appeared while the level of water in the Aral Sea has been decreasing: Þ sh resources and the number of wild animals are being lost, soil degradation and water salinization has been increased and the local c...
This work describes problems concerning obtaining of extracts from herbs and plants with a water-... more This work describes problems concerning obtaining of extracts from herbs and plants with a water-extraction technology. It gives a detailed description of the unique technology, its pros and cons, possibilities of utilisation (usage of the water extracts not only in many branches of agriculture – fertilisation and feeding additives – but also in spheres of industry, pharmaceutics, spa, wellness, etc.), as well as a review of plants, which were used for the preparation of water extracts that are further being studied in consequent research, which focuses on the usage of these plant-water-extracts as a substitution for chemical food additives – especially for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia and subsequently also for improvement of the general animal health and well-being. It is divided in several consecutive steps. The first phase was to find proper plants that would fit most in the desired concept of GHG reducing and health improving food additives, which lead to ...
The objective of this study is to determine the relation of inhabitants of Central Asia towards t... more The objective of this study is to determine the relation of inhabitants of Central Asia towards the environment on a basis of theories of social sciences and propose future trends of the environmental development aid in this region. Main social theories dealing with this relation are theory of post-materialism, new environmental paradigm and grid/group theory. The ecological footprint of countries of Central Asia correlates with their human development index. Since 2002, 13 development projects of the Czech Republic have passed in Central Asia. Two of them can be classiÞ ed as environmental projects - they are aimed at achieving of speciÞ c targets of seventh Millennium Development Goal. A realization of development project consisting in plastic wrapping buy-out and continuation of development projects consisting in drinking water cleaning can be recommended for Central Asia.
An increasing awareness of the negative environmental cost associated with the combustion of foss... more An increasing awareness of the negative environmental cost associated with the combustion of fossil fuels and concerns over the geopolitical instability of the main oil producing regions is driving the development of renewable energy sources and biofuels. Use of solid biofuels made of different types of biomass became perspective alternative to conventional fuels in many countries. Such positive indicators as low cost of the final product that meets the quality of standards, not capital intensive production, possibility of producing briquettes/pellets from almost any agricultural waste or combination of raw materials are undoubted advantages of biomass based fuels. The main challenges for Tajikistan’s energy sector, which is depended on energy imports, are: to increase energy supply through better exploitation of hydropower and other renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and primary biofuels. Within the agricultural sector of Tajikistan, which is highly agrarian country, cott...
The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen,... more The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, etc., is among the most affected infrastructures. Since this sector plays a vital role in the economic growth and in improving people’s quality of life, the post-crisis reconstruction of this sector must take into account the requirements and concepts of sustainable development (SD) in addition to technical and economic considerations. This article discusses the role that renewable energy sources (RES) can play in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the Syrian Electric Power Sector (SEPS) as a case study. Based on the available data, the study period was chosen from 2005 to 2017 and divided into two periods. In the first period (2005–2010), which is the pre-crisis period, the structure of the SEPS and its main characteristics were described while the adoption of RES solutions and SD concepts were investigated. In the second period (2011–2017), the crisis perio...
The common denominator of all rather different names and understandings of it (the problem of the... more The common denominator of all rather different names and understandings of it (the problem of the “model of man and society development”, problem of the “lack of the civilisation concept” etc.) is that there is no clear understanding regarding the question of the perspective approach (or approaches), the relevant basic development trends of humankind in the material as well as non-material sphere, i.e. in the basic question of many philosophers “Who are we, whence and where are we going”. We mention only some of the problems, which are at present directly connected to the “problem of the future of man”. These are the problems from the sphere of all-human social, ethical, humanitarian and cultural aspects of the human civilisation development, which are today (but need not be already in the near future) in the centre of attention: the problem of social inequality extension, the problem of spreading epidemics and drug abuse, the problem of the uncontrollable migration and city agglome...
Microalgae-derived char contains low stability and heating values with relatively high nitrogen c... more Microalgae-derived char contains low stability and heating values with relatively high nitrogen content than lignocellulosic char. This study showed that co-pyrolysis helped improve the overall properties of char than individual pyrolysis of these feedstocks. Two batches of experiments were conducted (a) single step pyrolysis and (b) two-step pyrolysis in the range of highest treatment temperature of 400 – 600 °C. Single step pyrolysed char showed, lower aromaticity, higher yield, ash content and heating values of the char than two-step pyrolysed char. Similarly, ignition temperature and activation energy were higher during combustion by single step pyrolysed char than two-step char. Hence, two-step pyrolysed char is suitable in the energy applications, and low-temperature processing (400 – 500 °C) will result in optimum properties in terms of yield and heating values.
A lack of access to energy in the rural areas of Tajikistan is one of the current problems of the... more A lack of access to energy in the rural areas of Tajikistan is one of the current problems of the country. Tajikistan’s goal is to reach energy independency, and the main prospects for the country’s energy sector, which relies on energy imports during the long heating periods, are: higher exploitations of hydropower and development of other renewables, mainly biofuels. Tajikistan is a highly agrarian country, where agriculture is the dominant source of income for the majority of the population. Apricot belongs to the primary agricultural commodities; however, the cultivation and management of apricot orchards is associated with the annual accumulation of significant amounts of wood waste (residual branches after pruning), which represent a source of easily available biomass. Thus, the main focus of the present research was to investigate the properties (physical, chemical and mechanical) of densified briquettes and pellets from the residual apricot tree branches through the laborato...
Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to ... more Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to produce energy through thermochemical or biochemical conversion technologies. The objective of this study is to present a detailed characterization of parts of date palm branches (twig) and analyse the trace elements including heavy metals for environmental safety and potential slagging and fouling in a reactor. The biomass was divided into four parts: L (leaf ribs), SB (small part of the branch attached to the ribs), MB (middle part of the branch), and LB (large part of the branch attached to the trunk). Different characterization techniques applied were X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence, Higher heating values, and ultimate (CHNSO) analysis. High crystallinity was observed in LB with all the heavy metals present in permissible limits. However, it showed a considerably high moisture holding capability. Conversely, SB was found to have low moisture holding capability, moderate higher heating values, and one heavy metal (As) higher than the permissible limit defined by the European Union standards. It can be concluded that LB can be used directly for energy generation after sun drying. The other parts are required to be treated for heavy metal reduction before being used for energy production, keeping in mind the environmental safety.Date palm biomass generates a huge amount of waste throughout the world which can be utilized to produce energy through thermochemical or biochemical conversion technologies. The objective of this study is to present a detailed characterization of parts of date palm branches (twig) and analyse the trace elements including heavy metals for environmental safety and potential slagging and fouling in a reactor. The biomass was divided into four parts: L (leaf ribs), SB (small part of the branch attached to the ribs), MB (middle part of the branch), and LB (large part of the branch attached to the trunk). Different characterization techniques applied were X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence, Higher heating values, and ultimate (CHNSO) analysis. High crystallinity was observed in LB with all the heavy metals present in permissible limits. However, it showed a considerably high moisture holding capability. Conversely, SB was found...
From the conventional use of biomass in the form of heating to the modern day use of biomass in t... more From the conventional use of biomass in the form of heating to the modern day use of biomass in the form of electricity generation and biofuel production, biomass has always been part of the evolution of mankind. Modern day use of biomass is gradually becoming more complex, and engineering played an important role in defining different directions. This review provides an overall view of biomass utilization through thermal treatment including combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification. Efficient use of biomass with the desired output and minimizing the drawbacks are the core of the research, and marginal focus is being held on developing new techniques. The variety of composition and uptake of different elements throughout the lifespan of biomass produces a mixture of results. In general, it can be seen that the optimization was observed either in the form of chemical looping combustion to prevent greenhouse gas emission or in upgrading of bio-oil to produce biofuels. The significant factor is the reaction co...
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Jan 22, 2015
This paper investigates and monitors the impact of population growth on the standard of living in... more This paper investigates and monitors the impact of population growth on the standard of living in the Lattakia region of Syria Arab Republic. It focuses on the effect of pollution on population growth in the region and how this affects the surface and groundwater resource. There has been symmetrical expansion of the agricultural and urban sectors in Lattakia as its population increased and this has caused negative effect on the water quality resource available in the region. For the purpose of this research, the region of Lattakia has been divided into four study areas; Firstly, Alsin River area, which is the main source of drinking water in the region, is designated as area (A1). While the east of Gable town is designated as area (A2), and area (A3) includes the main city of Lattakia and its countryside, and area (A4) is made up of the largest rivers in the costal basin. Chemical, biochemical and bacterial tests were carried out, and the results obtained shows the existence of chemical and bacterial contaminants and it was also observed that the surface and ground water in area (A1), which is the main source of drinking water in the region is polluted with bacteria Escherichia coli. Laboratory tests investigations carried out proved the existence of germs type E. coli in excessive concentration of bacteria from sewage, and high value of nitrate and nitrite ions in area A2 which are predominantly used for agricultural activities. The results from area (A3) and (A4) shows the existence of chemical and bacterial contaminations and the increase in the rates of pollution in area P1 (springs great north River Area) to the estuary area P2 (the estuary point the great north river in the sea) and the presence of a strong correlation between the number of inhabitants in the area of the river and increase in the rates and various types of pollution. This research was carried out just before the commencement of the crisis in The Syrian Arab Republic.
Importance of energy polIcy for the eUropean UnIon Energetic played a key role at the beginnings ... more Importance of energy polIcy for the eUropean UnIon Energetic played a key role at the beginnings of the European continent integration. The birth of the European community is connected to signing of the treaties regarding production of energy, the European Treaty on the European community of coal and Steel from 1951, and one of the Treaties of rome, the Euratom Treaty from 1957. By signing them, the original six member states were bound to secure the regular and equal supply of coal and the secure and economical utilization of nuclear energy. All endeavors to form a common energy policy were, however, nullified by the decision of the states to retain the sole decision-making power in this strategic sphere. Also the following attempts to incorporate the chapter of energy into the Maastricht Treaty and the Amsterdam Treaty were unsuccessful.
Agris on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2016
Sub-Saharan Africa lost its status as a net exporter of agricultural products in the early 1980s ... more Sub-Saharan Africa lost its status as a net exporter of agricultural products in the early 1980s when prices for raw commodities fell and local production stagnated. Since then, agricultural imports have grown faster than agricultural exports. In order to get to the bottom of this critical issue, UNIDO in partnership with the AU, IFAD, AfDB, FAO, and UNECA, developed the African Agribusiness and Agro-Industries Development Initiative (3ADI). The major objective of the 3ADI is to increase private sector investment flows going into the agriculture sector in Africa by mobilizing resources for agribusiness and agro-industrial development from the domestic, regional or international financial systems. This formed the basis of research with the objective of assessing the value addition chain for some vital agricultural commodities in the 3ADI focus countries. UNIDO is developing several action plans in a few African countries-one of them is Tanzania. In the case of Tanzania, the findings show the potential in cashew nuts. The paper's main goal is to propose a plan or set of steps leading to the improvement of added value generation in the area of agricultural trade in Tanzania. The paper is focused on one commodity Cashew-nuts. Tanzania boosts high volumes of local supply of this commodity, which is the key prerequisite for the value addition chain through local processing. The results from the analysis prove significant economic losses related to the current structure of Tanzanian trade in cashew nuts. The main problem of the current cashew nut trade activities is the very low added value of exported cashew nuts. The paper analyses the structure of value added activities related to the cashew nut trade and proposes a plan for increasing the share of processed cashew nuts at a much higher unit price in comparison to raw cashew nuts. The simulated development in the cashew sector in Tanzania to the year 2030 is based on two expectations a 5% increase of evaluation of particular steps and a 5% growth of processed cashew nuts export volume resulting in significant growth of export incomes and provides an important material stimulating discussion related to the importance of the transformation of the export structure from unprocessed raw products to processed-finalized products.
Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread... more Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread integration of renewable energy sources. Reactive power compensation is still one of most important research topics in smart grids. DG units can be used for reactive power compensation purposes, therefore we can improve the voltage profile and minimize power losses in order to improve the power quality. In this paper two methods will be used to accomplish the mentioned tasks; the first technique depends on the reactive power demand change of the proposed network loads, whereas the second technique uses an algorithm to control DG units according to the measured voltage values in the feeders to generate the needed reactive power. Both methods were applied to different scenarios of DG unit positions and different reactive power values of loads. The chosen DG unit is made up of a Type-4 wind farm which could be used as a general unit where it is able to control reactive power generation in ...
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Papers by Vladimir Krepl