Abstract: Two tragic tsunamis that devastated the west coast of
Sumatra Island, Indonesia in 2004 and North East Japan in 2011 had
damaged bridges to various extents. Tsunamis have resulted in the
catastrophic deterioration of infrastructures i.e. coastal structures,
utilities and transportation facilities. A bridge structure performs vital
roles to enable people to perform activities related to their daily needs
and for development. A damaged bridge needs to be repaired
expeditiously. In order to understand the effects of tsunami forces on
bridges, experimental tests are carried out to measure the
characteristics of hydrodynamic force at various wave heights.
Coastal bridge models designed at a 1:40 scale are used in a 24.0 m
long hydraulic flume with a cross section of 1.5 m by 2.0 m. The
horizontal forces and uplift forces in all cases show that forces
increase nonlinearly with increasing wave amplitude.
Abstract: The operation of nuclear power plants involves
continuous monitoring of the environment in their area. This
monitoring is performed using a complex data acquisition system,
which collects status information about the system itself and values
of many important physical variables e.g. temperature, humidity,
dose rate etc. This paper describes a proposal and optimization of
communication that takes place in teledosimetric system between the
central control server responsible for the data processing and storing
and the decentralized measuring stations, which are measuring the
physical variables. Analyzes of ongoing communication were
performed and consequently the optimization of the system
architecture and communication was done.
Abstract: Quality control helps industries in improvements of its
product quality and productivity. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is
one of the tools to control the quality of products that turning practice
in bringing a department of industrial engineering process under
control. In this research, the process control of a turning
manufactured at workshops machines. The varying measurements
have been recorded for a number of samples of a rice polished
cylinder obtained from a number of trials with the turning practice.
SPC technique has been adopted by the process is finally brought
under control and process capability is improved.
Abstract: Due to growing concern about environmental and
social consequences throughout the world, a need has been felt to
incorporate sustainability concepts in conventional manufacturing.
This paper is an attempt to identify and evaluate drivers in
implementing sustainable manufacturing in Indian context. Nine
possible drivers for successful implementation of sustainable
manufacturing have been identified from extensive review. Further,
Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)
approach has been utilized to evaluate and categorize these identified
drivers for implementing sustainable manufacturing in to the cause
and effect groups. Five drivers (Societal Pressure and Public
Concerns; Regulations and Government Policies; Top Management
Involvement, Commitment and Support; Effective Strategies and
Activities towards Socially Responsible Manufacturing and Market
Trends) have been categorized into the cause group and four drivers
(Holistic View in Manufacturing Systems; Supplier Participation;
Building Sustainable culture in Organization; and Corporate Image
and Benefits) have been categorized into the effect group. “Societal
Pressure and Public Concerns” has been found the most critical driver
and “Corporate Image and Benefits” as least critical or the most
easily influenced driver to implementing sustainable manufacturing
in Indian context. This paper may surely help practitioners in better
understanding of these drivers and their priorities towards effective
implementation of sustainable manufacturing.
Abstract: Nanostructured catalysts were successfully prepared
by acidification of diatomite and regeneration of FCC spent catalysts.
The obtained samples were characterized by IR, XRD, SEM, EDX,
MAS-NMR (27Al and 29Si), NH3-TPD and tested in catalytic
pyrolysis of biomass (rice straw). The results showed that the similar
bio-oil yield of 41.4% can be obtained by pyrolysis with catalysts at
450oC as compared to that of the pyrolysis without catalyst at 550oC.
The bio-oil yield reached a maximum of 42.55% at the pyrolysis
temperature of 500oC with catalytic content of 20%. Moreover, by
catalytic pyrolysis, bio-oil quality was better as reflected in higher
ratio of H/C, lower ratio of O/C. This clearly indicated high
application potential of these new nanostructured catalysts in the
production of bio-oil with low oxygenated compounds.
Abstract: The influence of three different types of halloysite
nanotubes (HNTs) with different dimensions, namely as camel lake
(CLA), Jarrahdale (JA) and Matauri Bay (MB), on their reinforcing
ability of ethylene propylene dine monomer (EPDM) were
investigated by varying the HNTs loading (from 0-15 phr).
Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with addition
of all three HNTs, but CLA based nanocomposites exhibited a
significant enhancement compared to the other HNTs. For instance,
tensile properties of EPDM nanocomposites increased by 120%,
256% and 340% for MB, JA and CLA, respectively, with addition of
15 phr of HNTs. This could be due to the higher aspect ratio and
higher surface area of CLA compared to others. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) of nanocomposites at 15 phr of HNT loadings
showed low amounts of pulled-out nanotubes which confirmed the
presence of more embedded nanotubes inside the EPDM matrix, as
well as aggregates within the fracture surface of EPDM/HNT
nanocomposites
Abstract: This paper evaluates the performance of a multi-lane
four legged modern roundabout operating in Muscat using SIDRA
model. The performance measures include Degree of Saturation
(DOS), average delay, and queue lengths. The geometric and traffic
data were used for model preparation. Gap acceptance parameters,
critical gap and follow up headway, were used for calibration of
SIDRA model. The results from the analysis showed that currently
the roundabout is experiencing delays up to 610 seconds per vehicle
with DOS 1.67 during peak hour. Further, sensitivity analysis for
general and roundabout parameters was performed, amongst lane
width, cruise speed, inscribed diameter, entry radius and entry angle
showed that inscribed diameter is most crucial factor affecting delay
and DOS. Up gradation of roundabout to fully signalized junction
was found as the suitable solution which will serve for future years
with LOS C for design year having DOS of 0.9 with average control
delay of 51.9 seconds per vehicle.
Abstract: The usage of e-health facilities is seen to be the first
priority by the Libyan government. As such this paper focuses on
how the key factors or elements of working size in terms of
technological availability, structural environment, and other
competence-related matters may affect nurses’ sharing of knowledge
in e-health. Hence, this paper investigates learning readiness
assessment to raise e-health for Libyan regional hospitals by using ehealth
services in nursing education.
Abstract: Essential oils are expensive phytochemicals produced
and extracted from specific species belonging to particular families in
the plant kingdom. In the United Arab Emirates country (UAE), is
located in the arid region of the world, nine species, from the
Lamiaceae family, having the capability to produce therapeutic grade
essential oils. These species include; Mentha spicata, Ocimum
forskolei, Salvia macrosiphon, Salvia aegyptiaca, Salvia macilenta,
Salvia spinosa, Teucrium polium, Teucrium stocksianum and Zataria
multiflora. Although, such potential species are indigenous to the
UAE, however, there are almost no studies available to investigate
the chemical composition and the quality of the extracted essential
oils under the UAE climatological conditions. Therefore, great
attention has to be given to such valuable natural resources, through
conducting highly supported research projects, tailored to the UAE
conditions, and investigating different extraction techniques,
including the application of the latest available technologies, such as
superficial fluid CO2. This is crucially needed; in order to accomplish
the greatest possibilities in the medicinal field, specifically in the
discovery of new therapeutic chemotypes, as well as, to achieve the
sustainability of this natural resource in the country.
Abstract: Two micromechanical models for 3D smart composite
with embedded periodic or nearly periodic network of generally
orthotropic reinforcements and actuators are developed and applied to
cubic structures with unidirectional orientation of constituents.
Analytical formulas for the effective piezothermoelastic coefficients
are derived using the Asymptotic Homogenization Method (AHM).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is subsequently developed and used
to examine the aforementioned periodic 3D network reinforced smart
structures. The deformation responses from the FE simulations are
used to extract effective coefficients. The results from both
techniques are compared. This work considers piezoelectric materials
that respond linearly to changes in electric field, electric
displacement, mechanical stress and strain and thermal effects. This
combination of electric fields and thermo-mechanical response in
smart composite structures is characterized by piezoelectric and
thermal expansion coefficients. The problem is represented by unitcell
and the models are developed using the AHM and the FEA to
determine the effective piezoelectric and thermal expansion
coefficients. Each unit cell contains a number of orthotropic
inclusions in the form of structural reinforcements and actuators.
Using matrix representation of the coupled response of the unit cell,
the effective piezoelectric and thermal expansion coefficients are
calculated and compared with results of the asymptotic
homogenization method. A very good agreement is shown between
these two approaches.
Abstract: India holds 17.5% of the world’s population but has
only 2% of the total geographical area of the world where 27.35% of
the area is categorized as wasteland due to lack of or less
groundwater. So there is a demand for excessive groundwater for
agricultural and non agricultural activities to balance its growth rate.
With this in mind, an attempt is made to find the groundwater
potential zone in Gomukhi Nadhi sub basin of Vellar River basin,
TamilNadu, India covering an area of 1146.6 Sq.Km consists of 9
blocks from Peddanaickanpalayam to Virudhachalam in the sub
basin. The thematic maps such as Geology, Geomorphology,
Lineament, Landuse and Landcover and Drainage are prepared for
the study area using IRS P6 data. The collateral data includes rainfall,
water level, soil map are collected for analysis and inference. The
digital elevation model (DEM) is generated using Shuttle Radar
Topographic Mission (SRTM) and the slope of the study area is
obtained. ArcGIS 10.1 acts as a powerful spatial analysis tool to find
out the ground water potential zones in the study area by means of
weighted overlay analysis. Each individual parameter of the thematic
maps are ranked and weighted in accordance with their influence to
increase the water level in the ground. The potential zones in the
study area are classified viz., Very Good, Good, Moderate, Poor with
its aerial extent of 15.67, 381.06, 575.38, 174.49 Sq.Km respectively.
Abstract: This work presents the result of investigations aimed
at determining the hardness of the welded Chromoly (A 4130) steel
plate of 2” thickness. Multi pass welding for the thick sections was
carried out and analyzed for the Chromoly alloy steel plates. The
study of hardness at the weld metal reveals that there is the presence
of different micro structure products which yields diverse properties.
The welding carried out using GMAW with ER70s-2 electrode.
Single V groove design was selected for the butt joint configuration.
The presence of hydrogen has been suppressed by selecting low
hydrogen electrode. Preheating of the plate prior to welding reduces
the cooling rate which also affects the weld metal microstructure. The
shielding gas composition used in this analysis is 80% Ar-20% CO2.
The experimental analysis gives the detailed study of the hardness of
the material.
Abstract: Pesticides and drugs used in agriculture and veterinary
medicine may end up in aquatic environments and bioaccumulate in
the food chain, thus causing serious problems for fauna and human
health. For determination of the toxic effects of atrazine herbicide on
Caspian kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum larvae, the 96-h LC50 of atrazine
was measured for newly hatched larvae as 18.53 ppm. Toxicity of
atrazine herbicide on Caspian kutum larvae was investigated using
concentrations: 9.25ppm, 4.62 ppm and 2.31 ppm for 7 days.
Comparison of the length, weight and condition factor showed that
no significant differences between atrazine exposed and control
groups. The concentration of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl- in whole
body of larvae in control and atrazine exposure groups were
measured and the results showed that concentrations of all these ions
is higher in atrazine exposure group than control group. It is obvious
from this study that atrazine negatively affects osmoregulation
process and changes ion compositions of the body even at sublethal
concentration and acute exposure but have no effects on growth
parameters of the body.
Abstract: Taro Scarab beetles (Papuana uninodis, Coleoptera:
Scarabaeidae) inflict severe damage on important root crops and
plants such as Taro or Cocoyam, yam, sweet potatoes, oil palm and
coffee tea plants across Africa and Asia resulting in economic
hardship and starvation in some nations. Scoliid wasps and
Metarhizium anisopliae fungus - bio-control agents; are shown to be
able to control the population of Scarab beetle adults and larvae using
a newly created simulation model based on non-linear ordinary
differential equations that track the populations of the beetle life
cycle stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult and the population of the scoliid
parasitoid wasps, which attack beetle larvae. In spite of the challenge
driven by the longevity of the scarab beetles, the combined effect of
the larval wasps and the fungal bio-control agent is able to control
and drive down the population of both the adult and the beetle eggs
below the environmental carrying capacity within an interval of 120
days, offering the long term prospect of a stable and eco-friendly
environment; where the population of scarab beetles is: regulated by
parasitoid wasps and beneficial soil saprophytes.
Abstract: Energy consumption and users’ satisfaction were
compared in three LEED certified office buildings in turkey and an
office building in Egypt. The field studies were conducted in summer
2012. The measured environmental parameters in the four buildings
were indoor air temperature, relative humidity, CO2 percentage and
light intensity. The traditional building is located in Smart Village in
Abu Rawash, Cairo, Egypt. The building was studied for 7 days
resulting in 84 responds. The three rated buildings are in Istanbul;
Turkey. A Platinum LEED certified office building is owned by
BASF and gained a platinum certificate for new construction and
major renovation. The building was studied for 3 days resulting in 13
responds. A Gold LEED certified office building is owned by BASF
and gained a gold certificate for new construction and major
renovation. The building was studied for 2 days resulting in 10
responds. A silver LEED certified office building is owned by
Unilever and gained a silver certificate for commercial interiors. The
building was studied for 7 days resulting in 84 responds.
The results showed that all buildings had no significant difference
regarding occupants’ satisfaction with the amount of lighting, noise
level, odor and access to the outdoor view. There was significant
difference between occupants’ satisfaction in LEED certified
buildings and the traditional building regarding the thermal
environment and the perception of the general environment (colors,
carpet and decoration. The findings suggest that careful design could
lead to a certified building that enhances the thermal environment and
the perception of the indoor environment leading to energy
consumption without scarifying occupants’ satisfaction.
Abstract: The biosynthesis of nanoparticles by microorganisms,
on the contrary to chemical synthesis, is an environmentally-friendly
process which has low energy requirements. In this investigation, we
used the microorganism Geobacillus wiegelii, strain GWE1, an
aerobic thermophile belonging to genus Geobacillus, isolated from a
drying oven. This microorganism has the ability to reduce selenite
evidenced by the change of color from colorless to red in the culture.
Elemental analysis and composition of the particles were verified
using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray
analysis. The nanoparticles have a defined spherical shape and a
selenium elemental state. Previous experiments showed that the
presence of the whole microorganism for the reduction of selenite
was not necessary. The results strongly suggested that an intracellular
NADPH/NADH-dependent reductase mediates selenium
nanoparticles synthesis under aerobic conditions. The enzyme was
purified and identified by mass spectroscopy MALDI-TOF TOF
technique. The enzyme is a 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase.
Histograms of nanoparticles sizes were obtained. Size distribution
ranged from 40-160 nm, where 70% of nanoparticles have less than
100 nm in size. Spectroscopic analysis showed that the nanoparticles
are composed of elemental selenium. To analyse the effect of pH in
size and morphology of nanoparticles, the synthesis of them was
carried out at different pHs (4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0). For
thermostability studies samples were incubated at different
temperatures (60, 80 and 100 ºC) for 1 h and 3 h. The size of all
nanoparticles was less than 100 nm at pH 4.0; over 50% of
nanoparticles have less than 100 nm at pH 5.0; at pH 6.0 and 8.0 over
90% of nanoparticles have less than 100 nm in size. At neutral pH
(7.0) nanoparticles reach a size around 120 nm and only 20% of them
were less than 100 nm. When looking at temperature effect,
nanoparticles did not show a significant difference in size when they
were incubated between 0 and 3 h at 60 ºC. Meanwhile at 80 °C the
nanoparticles suspension lost its homogeneity. A change in size was
observed from 0 h of incubation at 80ºC, observing a size range
between 40-160 nm, with 20% of them over 100 nm. Meanwhile
after 3 h of incubation at size range changed to 60-180 nm with 50%
of them over 100 nm. At 100 °C the nanoparticles aggregate forming
nanorod structures. In conclusion, these results indicate that is
possible to modulate size and shape of biologically synthesized
nanoparticles by modulating pH and temperature.
Abstract: The aim of the present work was to statistically design
an autotrophic medium for maximum biomass production by
Chlorella pyrenoidosa using response surface methodology. After
evaluating one factor at a time approach, K2HPO4, KNO3,
MgSO4.7H2O and NaHCO3 were preferred over the other
components of the fog’s medium as most critical autotrophic medium
components. The study showed that the maximum biomass yield was
achieved while the concentrations of MgSO4.7H2O, K2HPO4, KNO3
and NaHCO3 were 0.409 g/L, 0.24 g/L, 1.033 g/L, and 3.265 g/L,
respectively. The study reported that the biomass productivity of C.
pyrenoidosa improved from 0.14 g/L in defined fog’s medium to 1.40
g/L in modified fog’s medium resulting 10 fold increase. The
biochemical composition biosynthesis of C. pyrenoidosa was altered
using nitrogen limiting stress bringing about 5.23 fold increase in
lipid content than control (cell without stress), as analyzed by FTIR
integration method.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate
perceptions of climate change risk to forest ecosystems and forestbased
communities as well as perceived effectiveness of adaptation
strategies for climate change as well as challenges for adaptation.
Data was gathered using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire.
Simple random selection technique was applied. For the majority of
issues, the responses were obtained on multi-point likert scales, and
the scores provided were, in turn, used to estimate the means and
other useful estimates. A composite knowledge index developed
using correct responses to a set of self-rated statements were used to
evaluate the issues. The mean of the knowledge index was 0.64. Also
all respondents recorded values of the knowledge index above 0.25.
Increase forest fire was perceived by respondents as the greatest risk
to forest eco-system. Decrease access to water supplies was perceived
as the greatest risk to livelihoods of forest based communities. The
most effective adaptation strategy relevant to climate change risks to
forest eco-systems and forest based communities livelihoods in
Kathmandu valley in Nepal as perceived by the respondents was
reforestation and afforestation. As well, lack of public awareness was
perceived as the major limitation for climate change adaptation.
However, perceived risks as well as effective adaptation strategies
showed an inconsistent association with knowledge indicators and
social-cultural variables. The results provide useful information to
any party who involve with climate change issues in Nepal, since
such attempts would be more effective once the people’s perceptions
on these aspects are taken into account.
Abstract: Background: Bleeding during first half of pregnancy
mostly originates from placenta, some abort, others are at risk of
complications. Objective: Study was done to know perinatal outcome
with bleeding up to 20 weeks in singleton pregnancy. Material
Methods: Subjects were 1020, equal controls managed over 2 years,
435 had viable pregnancy at admission, 135 excluded, 300 followed
for perinatal outcome, 99 (19.52% up to 10 weeks), 201 (39.18% of
11-20 weeks). Results: Hypertensive disorders occurred in 24% cases
of bleeding within 10 weeks, 22% 11-20 weeks 14.79% controls,
placenta previa 4% in 10 weeks, 0.9% 11-20 weeks, 0.97% controls,
prelabor rupture of membranes in 16%, 7.45% controls. 20% up to 10
weeks, 35% 11-20 weeks, 18% controls had fetal growth restriction,
34.34% up to 10 weeks 30.35% of 11-20 weeks 17.17% controls had
preterm births, perinatal mortality rate in study was 118.62, in
controls 68.16 (Uneventful pregnancy in 13.52% study, 46.11%
controls). Conclusion: Once bleeding occurs, one third continue
pregnancy, maternal neonatal outcome gets affected with variations
in cases of bleeding within first 10 weeks & 11-20 weeks.
Abstract: This paper contains 2 main parts. In the first part of paper we simulated and studied three types of electrode patterns used in various industries for suspension and handling of the semiconductor and glass and we selected the best pattern by evaluating the electrostatic force, which was comb pattern electrode.
In the second part we investigated the parameters affecting the amount of electrostatic force such as the gap between surface and electrode (g), the electrode width (w), the gap between electrodes (t), the surface permittivity and electrode length and methods of improvement of adhesion force by changing these values.