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The research investigates how temperature and substrate composition impact anaerobic biogas production in a pilot-scale reactor. Anaerobic digestion is a vital process for converting organic substrates into biogas, mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Temperature plays a crucial role in influencing this process. The experiment was conducted under mesophilic (35°C), thermophilic (55°C), and hyper thermophilic (80°C) conditions, using a pilot-scale reactor with a capacity of 50 liters and an effective volume of 40 liters. Key parameters, including biogas production, carbon and nitrogen content, carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios, pH levels, and biomass concentrations, were monitored throughout a 60-day operational period. The highest biogas production, reaching 6398 ml/d, occurred under mesophilic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and phylogenetic analysis were performed, revealing the presence of Methanococcus aeolicus species in the treated sludge. Received: 25 June 2024 Accepted: 31 July 2024 Published: 25 August 2024

The paper combines and reviews the experimental studies on performance of various potential nanofillers elements incorporated in the epoxy polymer resin that are used as protective coating for metal substrate. The epoxy composite formed by dispersing the nano sized secondary elements namely silica oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, cerium oxide, graphite oxide and nano clay in the epoxy matrix are studied in the perspective of corrosion resistance, adhesion strength and dispersion properties. The paper encompasses the study on epoxy nanocomposite with single element reinforcement particles and also the hybrid of two different elements that are used as reinforcement fillers. The discussion witness’s various corrosive protection assessing techniques such as electrochemical studies, pull of adhesion test, salt spray test and their results are studied and analyzed in the prospect of overviewing the performance of nanofillers in epoxy matrix.

The novelty of microencapsulated phase change material slurry (MPCMS) in the microchannel is a proven technique for enhancing the heat transfer due to its combination of high latent heat transfer and surface area. In this experimental investigation, the paraffin is encapsulated with silica and titanium shells, and its thermal performance is compared with three different configurations like straight, dimple-cavity, and rib-groove microchannel heat sinks. The operating parameters are mass flow rate of 200–400 ml/min with Reynolds number (Re) 400–1350, heat flux of 10, 20, and 30 W/cm2, and 1% and 2% of mass fraction (concentration of the MPCM in DI) with constant inlet sub-cooling 25°C. From the results, at Re. 780 and heat flux of 20 W/cm2, the Nusselt number (Nu) shows an improved performance of 6.5% with Ti-1 in the straight channel configuration, when compared to plain DI. Further, Nu enhancement is up to 11.5% in the dimple-cavity and 26.9% in the rib-groove microchannel heat sinks under the same conditions. To clarify the effectiveness of MPCMS in three configurations, the measurement of COP is conducted. The results reveal that the heat transfer outweighs the required pumping power in all three configurations. Overall, the Rib-groove microchannel shows enhanced heat transfer of 131.6% than straight channel heat sinks and 47.85% higher than the dimple-cavity channel using Ti-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between education and empowerment has been widely debated in development literature. In recent times, social capital and community-centric learning have been increasingly recognized as important variables in the empowerment process. This paper outlines the development of a "Three-dimensional Empowerment Framework", and looks at the relationship between a community-centric learning process and empowerment in selected villages in Uganda. Based on a study of two villages, the paper evaluates the role of the "Lifelong Learning for Farmers" (L3F) programme, developed and supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), in empowering farming communities. The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of empowerment in the selected farming communities and to identify factors that may contribute to empowerment, including the L3F programme. Two sample villages with similar demographics were used for comparison, one L3F village and one non-L3F village, with 62 respondents from the L3F village and 78 from the non-L3F village, selected randomly. A survey, which included demographic questions as well as an empowerment scale, was administered to respondents from both groups. The responses were analysed and a regression model showing the factors that influenced empowerment was developed. The study shows that the integration of human capital (viewed purely from learning, knowledge acquisition, reflective practices, skills and competencies), social capital and financial capital, has a positive impact on development outcomes such as empowerment.

The digital revolution is rapidly transforming the world of work and the skills profiles of many occupations. The pace of change necessitates continuous skilling and reskilling, through lifelong learning. Traditional models of TVET which view formal training as terminal will not prepare workers for the constantly evolving world of work in an age of technological transformations. This paper argues for the need to integrate informal and non-formal learning in TVET systems and address the pedagogical implications of this integration. Research on emerging innovative approaches to TVET in both developed and developing country contexts is reviewed, with a special focus on new models for work-based and community-based learning, which can promote transformative, lifelong learning. The actual and potential role of technology within these models is highlighted, together with recommendations for policy and practice.