Implementação de um processo industrial de coloração de granito

O presente estágio foi desenvolvido na Britafiel. Um dos projectos em que a Empresa se encontra envolvida é o STOCO, pretendendo implementar à escala industrial um processo de coloração de pedra granítica natural para fins decorativos. Foi neste projecto que se enquadrou o estágio. O tema do estágio centra-se no processo de coloração de granito tendo como principal foco a implementação de um processo industrial de produção de granito colorido. O projecto STOCO nasce da necessidade de complementar a actividade da empresa com produtos de maior valor acrescentado para valorização da matéria-prima de base, o granito. STOCO, resultante de Stone Color, é o nome dado ao projecto e ao novo produto que é granito colorido, sob a forma de brita. Pretende-se obter um produto amigo do ambiente e com boas características: manter a textura natural da pedra granítica e assegurar uma boa resistência a factores agressivos. Estudos prévios de qualidade e de toxicidade mostraram que o produto STOCO desenvolvido até então apresenta um bom comportamento face a agressões climatéricas e que não compromete a vida das espécies usadas nos testes (peixes). Em relação aos lixiviados e resíduos da pedra colorida STOCO, estes não apresentaram qualquer problema ambiental, sendo considerado um produto amigo do ambiente. À data de início do presente trabalho estava em funcionamento um equipamento protótipo de produção de granito colorido (100 kg/partida), sendo a instalação e o arranque da unidade industrial (3 ton/h) concretizados no início de 2014, já no decorrer deste trabalho. Os objectivos cumpridos no âmbito deste trabalho foram então a implementação de uma linha industrial de produção de brita colorida, avaliação técnica do processo e do custo industrial de produção associado às matérias-primas. Neste relatório é descrito o processo inicial adoptado e apresentam-se as alterações efectuadas para melhoria do processo produtivo. Resolveram-se problemas como: definição e instalação de equipamentos complementares para a entrada e a saída da brita no equipamento industrial; pó excessivo na brita; cheiro intenso a gás e elevado ruído; adequação do sistema de pintura; e secagem incompleta da brita. Alguns destes problemas não foram totalmente resolvidos, mas sim minimizados. O equipamento industrial necessita ainda de alterações em diversas áreas, que foram identificadas e para as quais são feitas sugestões de melhoria. Conseguiu-se ainda fazer alguns testes para uma possível substituição de alguns constituintes da tinta. Os componentes que entram na composição base da tinta aquosa, são de modo simplificado: ligante, pigmento, solvente e aditivos. Os constituintes que mais encarecem a tinta, e consequentemente o processo em causa, são o ligante e o pigmento. Os estudos efectuados precisam de ser aprofundados, na tentativa de melhorar o processo minimizando os custos de produção. Formalizaram-se os procedimentos escritos de produção STOCO tanto para o protótipo como para o processo industrial e elaborou-se uma ficha técnica de produto para a brita colorida STOCO.

Asymmetric dynamic price competition with uncertainty

We consider a dynamic setting-price duopoly model in which a dominant (leader) firm moves first and a subordinate (follower) firm moves second. We suppose that each firm has two different technologies, and uses one of them according to a certain probability distribution. The use of either one or the other technology affects the unitary production cost. We analyse the effect of the production costs uncertainty on the profits of the firms, for different values of the intercept demand parameters.

A Strip-Loaded Feed-Horn Antenna

Design and development of a new feed -horn antenna with low sidelobe levels is reported . The E-walls of this antenna are fabricated with low -loss dielectric substrate , periodicallyloaded with thin conducting strips . The antenna is found to be simulating the radiation characteristics of metallic Corrugated horns . This can be an ideal substitute for metallic Corrugated horns with added advantages like light -weight and low production cost

A Strip-Loaded Feed-Horn antenna

Design and development of a new feed -horn antenna with low sidelobe levels is reported . The E-walls of this antenna are fabricated with low -loss dielectric substrate , periodically loaded with thin conducting strips . The antenna is found to be simulating the radiation characteristics of metallic corrugated horns . This can be an ideal substitute for metallic corrugated horns with added advantages like light -weight and low production cost.

A Strip-Loaded Feed-Horn antenna

Design and development of a new feed -horn antenna with low sidelobe levels is reported . The E-walls of this antenna are fabricated with low -loss dielectric substrate , periodically loaded with thin conducting strips . The antenna is found to be simulating the radiation characteristics of metallic corrugated horns . This can be an ideal substitute for metallic corrugated horns with added advantages like light -weight and low production cost.

Development and Analysis of a Compact Dual-Band Coplanar Antenna

The coplanar wave guide is an attractive device in microwave integrated circuits due to its uniplanar nature, ease of fabrication and low production cost. Several attempts are already done to explore the radiating modes in coplanar wave guide transmission lines. Usually coplanar wave guides are excited by an SMA connector with its centre conductor connected to the exact middle of the centre strip and the outer ground conductor to the two ground strips. The mode excited on it is purely a bound mode. The E-field distribution in the two slots are out of phase and there for cancels at the far field. This thesis addresses an attempt to excite an in phase E-field distribution in the two slots of the co planar wave guide by employing a feed asymmetry, in order to get radiation from the two large slot discontinuities of the coplanar waveguide. The omni directional distribution of the radiating energy can be achieved by widening the centre strip.The first part of the thesis deals with the investigations on the resonance phenomena of conventional coplanar waveguides at higher frequency bands. Then an offset fed open circuited coplanar waveguide supporting resonance/radiation phenomena is analyzed. Finally, a novel compact co planar antenna geometry with dual band characteristics, suitable for mobile terminal applications is designed and characterized using the inferences from the above study.

Core Labor Rights

The working paper’s main objective is to explore the extent to which non-compliance to international labor rights is caused by global competition. From the perspective of institutional economics, compliance with core labor rights is beneficial for sustainable development. Nonetheless, violations of these rights occur on a massive scale. The violators usually blame competitive pressures. A number of studies have come to the conclusion that non-compliance does not provide for a competitive edge, thereby denying any economic rationale for non-compliance. While we sympathize with this conclusion, we find that these studies suffer from faulty assumptions in the design of their regression analyses. The assumption of perfect markets devoid of power relations is particularly unrealistic. While workers' rights promise long-term benefits, they may incur short-term production cost increases. On the supply side, the production sites with the highest amount of labor rights violations are characterized by a near perfect competitive situation. The demand side, however, is dominated by an oligopoly of brand name companies and large retailers. Facing a large pool of suppliers, these companies enjoy more bargaining power. Developing countries, the hosts to most of these suppliers, are therefore limited in their ability to raise labor standards on their own. This competitive situation, however, is the very reason why labor rights have to be negotiated internationally. Our exploration starts with an outline of the institutionalist argument of the benefits of core labor rights. Second, we briefly examine some cross-country empirical studies on the impact of trade liberalization (as a proxy for competitive pressures). Third, we develop our own argument which differentiates the impact of trade liberalization along the axes of labor- and capital-intensive production as well as low and medium skill production. Finally, we present evidence from a study on the impact of trade liberalization in Indonesia on the garment industry as an example of a low skill, laborintensive industry on the one hand, and the automobile as an example for a medium skill, capital-intensive industry on the other hand. Because the garment industry’s workforce consists mainly of women, we also discuss the gender dimension of trade liberalization.

Utilisation of Giant African snail (Achatina fulica) meal as protein source by laying hens

A 12-week experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of substituting Giant African snail meal for fish meal in laying hens diet. Four diets were formulated to contain snail meal as replacement for fish meal at 0 (control), 33, 67 and 100%. A total of 120 Shaver Brown pullets aged 18 weeks were allocated to the dietary treatments in a randomised design. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and ten birds per replicate. Feed intake increased only for the 33% treatment as compared to the 67% replacement diet but did not differ from the other treatments. There were no significant treatment effects on egg performance parameters observed (egg production, egg weight, total egg mass, feed conversion ratio and percent shell). The overall feed cost of egg production reduced on the snail meal-based diets. The organoleptic evaluation of boiled eggs revealed no difference between the treatments. Based on these results it was concluded that total replacement of fish meal with cooked snail meat meal does not compromise laying performance or egg quality. The substitution is beneficial in terms of production cost reduction and the reduction of snails will have a beneficial impact especially where these snails are a serious agricultural pest. The manual collection and processing of snails can also become a source of rural income.

Effect of planting methods and cyanobacterial inoculants on yield, water productivity and economics of rice cultivation

The impact of two crop planting methods and of the application of cyanobacterial inoculants on plant growth, yield, water productivity and economics of rice cultivation was evaluated with the help of a split plot designed experiment during the rainy season of 2011 in New Delhi, India. Conventional transplanting and system of rice intensification (SRI) were tested as two different planting methods and seven treatments that considered cyanobacterial inoculants and compost were applied with three repetitions each. Results revealed no significant differences in plant performance and crop yield between both planting methods. However, the application of biofilm based BGA bio-fertiliser + 2/3 N had an overall positive impact on both, plant performance (plant height, number of tillers) and crop yield (number and weight of panicles) as well as on grain and straw yield. Higher net return and a higher benefit-cost ratio were observed in rice fields under SRI planting method, whereas the application of BGA + PGPR + 2/3 N resulted in highest values. Total water productivity and irrigation water productivity was significantly higher under SRI practices (5.95 and 3.67 kg ha^(-1) mm^(-1)) compared to practices of conventional transplanting (3.36 and 2.44), meaning that using SRI method, water saving of about 34 % could be achieved and significantly less water was required to produce one kg of rice. This study could show that a combination of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in conjunction with BGA and 2/3 dose of mineral N fertiliser can support crop growth performance, crop yields and reduces overall production cost, wherefore this practices should be used in the integrated nutrient management of rice fields in India.

Análisis de factibilidad de un proyecto productivo que utilice el bagazo de caña panelera como materia prima para la producción de bioetanol y papel

El presente trabajo analiza el sector panelero colombiano y la viabilidad de implementar un proyecto productivo capaz de transformar los residuos generados en el proceso de producción de la panela en nuevos productos como bioetanol o papel, de esta manera, se busca contribuir al cierre del ciclo productivo y la generación de nuevas alternativas de trabajo para la región. Para llevar a cabo este trabajo se realizó un estudio de campo en 15 trapiches de la región de Cundinamarca, donde se encontró que este residuo es utilizado dentro del proceso como fuente de energía (combustible). Adicionalmente, se revisó información secundaria relacionada con la producción de papel y etanol; posteriormente se realizó un proceso de análisis de la información enfocado en la capacidad energética del bagazo, los costos asociados a los procesos de producción y el impacto ambiental de los mismos, con el fin de determinar mediante un análisis de factibilidad la implementación de una nueva infraestructura que permita desarrollar procesos de producción. Finalmente, después de realizar el análisis de factibilidad teniendo en cuenta el impacto ambiental y la eficiencia energética del bagazo, teniendo en cuenta la cantidad de bagazo mensual producida y la capacidad instalada de las plantas de transformación de papel y etanol, se llegó a la conclusión que es más eficiente y viable utilizar este insumo como combustible en las moliendas de la región.

Uniform versus discriminatory tariffs

We analyze the non-cooperative interaction between two exporting countries producing differentiated products and one importing country when governments use optimal policies to maximize welfare. The analysis includes product differentiation, asymmetric costs, and Bertrand competition. For identical exporting countries we demonstrate that the importing country always prefers a uniform tariff regime while both exporting countries prefer a discriminatory tariff regime for any degree of product differentiation. If countries are asymmetric in terms of production cost then the higher-cost exporter always prefers the discriminatory regime but the lower-cost exporter prefers the uniform regime if there is a significant cost differential. With cost asymmetry the announcement of a uniform tariff regime by the importer is not a credible strategy since there is an incentive to deviate to discrimination. This implies an international body can play a role in ensuring that tariff agreements are respected.

Economic and agronomic impact of commercialised GM crops: a meta-analysis

The present paper presents a meta-analysis of the economic and agronomic performance of genetically modified (GM) crops worldwide. Bayesian, classical and non-parametric approaches were used to evaluate the performance of GM crops v. their conventional counterparts. The two main GM crop traits (herbicide tolerant (HT) and insect resistant (Bt)) and three of the main GM crops produced worldwide (Bt cotton, HT soybean and Bt maize) were analysed in terms of yield, production cost and gross margin. The scope of the analysis covers developing and developed countries, six world regions, and all countries combined. Results from the statistical analyses indicate that GM crops perform better than their conventional counterparts in agronomic and economic (gross margin) terms. Regarding countries’ level of development, GM crops tend to perform better in developing countries than in developed countries, with Bt cotton being the most profitable crop grown.

Experimentell studie på kostnadseffektiva inkjetbestrykningspigment

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the print performance of some of the new most promising, cost effective absorbent pigments specialised for inkjet coatings on the market in a continuous drive to find an alternative to silica. The target was a lower production cost for ArjoWiggins inkjet products, OMD 01 and OMD 02. Five absorbent pigments are being evaluated through measuring the qualities of the coating mix itself, visual evaluations of print performance and physical testing of the coated paper. Pigments 1,2 and 3, which all are said to be tailored for inkjet coatings, did not reach the print performance needed for an OMD 01 and OMD 02 equal, due to severe bleed and feathering identified especially on the Epson 950 printer. They are therefore currently not seen as viable formulations. A blend of 50% pigment 5 and 50% silica had excellent print performance as OMD 01 and OMD 02 equivalents and is therefore recommended as a potential alternative to 100% silica. It is of the company’s interest to find a more cost effective solution to their inkjet coatings, and a 50/50 blend of Pigment 5 will save the company more than 35 000 euro per year.

3D roll-forming of hat-profile with variable depth and width

The use of roll-formed products in automotive, furniture, buildings etc. increases every year due to the low part-production cost and the complicated cross-sections that can be produced. The limitation with roll-forming until recent years is that one could only produce profiles with a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction. About eight years ago ORTIC AB [1] developed a machine in which it was possible to produce profiles with a variable width (“3D roll-forming”) for the building industry. Experimental equipment was recently built for research and prototyping of profiles with variable cross-section in both width and depth for the automotive industry. The objective with the current study is to investigate the new tooling concept that makes it possible to roll-form hat-profiles, made of ultra high strength steel, with variable cross-section in depth and width. The result shows that it is possible to produce 3D roll-formed profiles with close tolerances.

Competitividade de indústrias e a certificação ambiental

A conformidade com padrões de certificação ambiental, especialmente da série ISO 14000 (em formulação), deverá trazer impactos de diversos tipos sobre a competitividade das empresas industriais. Este projeto visa analisar tais impactos através de indicadores de desempenho, como custo de produção, penetração de mercado, alteração de processos e de produtos, entre outros. O projeto objetiva também analisar os ganhos de competitividade que podem ser obtidos por empresas industriais que se anteciparem às normas, adotando um sistema próprio de gestão ambiental.