Hydrolytic de-polymerization of hydrolysis lignin using alkaline catalysts: effects of process parameters and optimization

Hydrolysis lignins (HL) are a byproduct from acid or enzymatic biomass pretreatment processes such as the ones employed in cellulosic sugar and/or ethanol plants. They are mainly composed of lignin , unreacted cellulose and mono and oligosaccharides. These lignins are, to a great extent, covalently bonded to cellulose and/or hemicellulose to form lignin carbohydrate complexes […]

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Real-time fault diagnosis and prediction in structures under earthquake excitation

A large number of civil engineering structures in North America have long survived their expected service life. As they continue to age, there is a significant demand to minimize damage under severe environmental impacts such as earthquake. The main objective of this project is to develop and validate vibration-based monitoring and control strategies using modern […]

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Multi-user Training Software Development and Otoscope Tracking for Otolaryngology Education

Simulation is being used increasingly to improve medical education by providing students and trainees with greater access and opportunity to learn critical skills without affecting actual patient care. To this end, OtoSim has developed a multi-user training platform and an otoscope tracking device. The multi-user training platform allows the trainee to self-learn while being electronically […]

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Pyrolysis of Rice Husks and Analysis of Biochar and Bio-oil

This project focuses on the pyrolysis of rice husks and the analysis of the resulting products, including biochar and bio-oil. Pyrolysis is the decomposition of organic matter under high heat in the absence of oxygen. This project examines the pyrolysis of rice husks. Rice husks account for 20% of the entire weight of the grain. […]

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Bio-refinery of wastewater treatment in presence of CO2 utilizing micro-algae

A micro-algae bioreactor or photobioreactor can be used for cultivating micro-algae for the purpose to fix C02 or produce useable and commercial by-products. Specifically, micro-algae bioreactors can be used to produce fuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol, as a replacement to conventional fuel sources. The production of these biofuels also reduces greenhouse gasses as part […]

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EEG Signal Processing as a Predictor of Anti-Depressant Response

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental condition that often completely debilitates a client. MDD is typically treated with one of several currently available antidepressant medications. However, the response rate to any of these medications is only about 30%. Unfortunately, there are currently no means for a priori assessment of whether a specific person […]

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Scale Up of the Circulating Fluizied Bed Bioreactor for Municipal Wastewater Treatment

The project will focus on the development and installation of a modification to convert existing biological wastewater treatment systems (particularly, activated sludge and similar processes) to circulating fluidized bed bioreactors (CFBBR). The CFBBR has already been proven on the lab and pilot scale to have higher nutrient removal efficiencies and greater handling of high volumetric […]

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High power all-fiber Raman laser at 1.65 ?m

Fiber lasers have become the fastest-growing laser with a projected worldwide revenue up to $1.41 billion in 2017. In particular, fiber lasers at 1.65 ?m have drawn increasing attention with potential applications in chemical sensing, LIDAR and spectroscopy. All-fiber Raman lasing technology is a promising and efficient technology to achieve high power lasing at 1.65 […]

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Mixed Ni-Fe-oxide cathodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis

Traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are rapidly being depleted. Furthermore, CO2, one of the byproducts of burning these fuels, increases environmental risk such as climate change. Therefore, novel renewable energy paths are being developed to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, is considered to be the best alternative […]

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