Abstract: It has been proven that early establishment of
microbial flora in digestive tract of ruminants, has a beneficial effect
on their health condition and productivity. A probiotic compound,
made from five bacteria isolated from adult bovine cattle, was dosed
to 15 Holstein newborn calves in order to measure its capacity of
improving body weight gain and reduce diarrhea incidence. The test
was performed in the municipality of Cajicá (Colombia), at 2580
m.a.s.l., throughout rainy season, with environmental temperature
that oscillated between 4 to 25 °C. Five calves were allotted to
control (no addition of probiotic). Treatments 1, and 2 (5 calves per
group) received 10 ml Probiotic mix 1 and 2, respectively. Probiotic
mixes 1 and 2 where similar in microbial composition but different in
production process. Probiotics were added to the morning milk and
dosed on a daily basis by a month and then on a weekly basis for
three additional months. Diarrhea incidence was measured by
observance of number of animals affected in each group; each animal
was weighed up on a daily basis for obtaining weight gain and rumen
fluid samples were extracted with oro-esophageal catheter for
determining level of fiber and grain consumption.
Abstract: This paper presents a synthetic jet air blower actuated
by PZT for air blowing for air-breathing micro PEM fuel cell. The
several factors to affect the performance of air-breathing PEM fuel cell
such as air flow rate, opening ratio and cathode open type in the
cathode side were studied. Especially, an air flow rate is critical
condition to improve its performance. In this paper, we developed a
synthetic jet air blower to supply a high stoichiometric air flow. The
synthetic jet mechanism is a zero mass flux device that converts
electrical energy into the momentum. The synthetic jet actuation is
usually generated by a traditional PZT actuator, which consists of a
small cylindrical cavity, in/outlet channel and PZT diaphragms. The
flow rate of the fabricated synthetic jet air blower was 400cc/min at
550Hz and its power consumption was very low under 0.3W. The
proposed air-breathing PEM fuel cell which installed synthetic jet air
blower was higher performance and stability during continuous
operation than the air-breathing fuel cell without auxiliary device to
supply the air. The results showed that the maximum power density
was 188mW/cm2 at 400mA/cm2. This maximum power density and
durability were improved more than 40% and 20%, respectively.
Abstract: Contrary to negative emotion regulation, coping with
positive moods have received less attention in adolescent adjustment.
However, some research has found that everyone is different on
dealing with their positive emotions, which affects their adaptation
and well-being. The purpose of the present study was to investigate
the relationship between positive emotions dampening and
internalizing behavior problems of adolescent in Taiwan. A survey
was conducted and 208 students (12 to14 years old) completed the
strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), the Affect Intensity
Measure, and the positive emotions dampening scale. Analysis
methods such as descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlations and
multiple regression were adapted. The results were as follows:
Emotionality and internalizing problem behavior have significant
gender differences. Compared to boys, girls have a higher score on
negative emotionality and are at a higher risk for internalizing
symptoms. However, there are no gender differences on positive
emotion dampening. Additionally, in the circumstance that negative
emotionality acted as the control variable, positive emotion
dampening strategy was (positive) related to internalizing behavior
problems. Given the results of this study, it is suggested that coaching
deconstructive positive emotion strategies is to assist adolescents
with internalizing behavior problems is encouraged.
Abstract: Charging and discharging phenomenon on the surface
of materials can be found in plasma display panel, spacecraft
charging, high voltage insulator, etc. This report gives a simple
explanation on this phenomenon. A scanning electron microscope
was used not only as a tool to produce energetic electron beam to
charge an insulator without metallic coating and to produce a surface
discharging (surface breakdown/flashover) but also to observe the
visible charging and discharging on the sample surface. A model of
electric field distribution on the surface was developed in order to
explain charging and discharging phenomena. Since charging and
discharging process involves incubation time, therefore this process
can be used to evaluate the insulation property of materials under
electron bombardment.
Abstract: Since IEC61850 substation communication standard represents the trend to develop new generations of Substation Automation System (SAS), many IED manufacturers pursue this technique and apply for KEMA. In order to put on the market to meet customer demand as fast as possible, manufacturers often apply their products only for basic environment standard certification but claim to conform to IEC61850 certification. Since verification institutes generally perform verification tests only on specific IEDs of the manufacturers, the interoperability between all certified IEDs cannot be guaranteed. Therefore the interoperability between IEDs from different manufacturers needs to be tested. Based upon the above reasons, this study applies the definitions of the information models, communication service, GOOSE functionality and Substation Configuration Language (SCL) of the IEC61850 to build the concept of communication protocols, and build the test environment. The procedures of the test of the data collection and exchange of the P2P communication mode and Client / Server communication mode in IEC61850 are outlined as follows. First, test the IED GOOSE messages communication capability from different manufacturers. Second, collect IED data from each IED with SCADA system and use HMI to display the SCADA platform. Finally, problems generally encountered in the test procedure are summarized.
Abstract: A number of previous studies were rarely considered
the effects of transient non-uniform balloon expansion on evaluation
of the properties and behaviors of stents during stent expansion, nor
did they determine parameters to maximize the performances driven
by mechanical characteristics. Therefore, in order to fully understand
the mechanical characteristics and behaviors of stent, it is necessary to
consider a realistic modeling of transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion. The aim of the study is to propose design parameters
capable of improving the ability of vascular stent through a
comparative study of seven commercial stents using finite element
analyses of a realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent expansion
process. In this study, seven representative commercialized stents were
evaluated by finite element (FE) analysis in terms of the criteria based
on the itemized list of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
European Standards (prEN). The results indicate that using stents
composed of opened unit cells connected by bend-shaped link
structures and controlling the geometrical and morphological features
of the unit cell strut or the link structure at the distal ends of stent may
improve mechanical characteristics of stent. This study provides a
better method at the realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion by investigating the characteristics, behaviors, and
parameters capable of improving the ability of vascular stent.
Abstract: Fossil fuel-firing power plants dominate electric
power generation in Taiwan, which are also the major contributor to
Green House gases (GHG). CO2 is the most important greenhouse
gas that cause global warming. This paper penetrates the relationship
between carbon trading for GHG reduction and power generation
expansion planning (GEP) problem for the electrical utility. The
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm is presented to deal
with the generation expansion planning strategy of the utility with
independent power providers (IPPs). The utility has to take both the
IPPs- participation and environment impact into account when a new
generation unit is considering expanded from view of supply side.
Abstract: Pressure wave velocity in a hydraulic system was
determined using piezo pressure sensors without removing fluid from
the system. The measurements were carried out in a low pressure
range (0.2 – 6 bar) and the results were compared with the results of
other studies. This method is not as accurate as measurement with
separate measurement equipment, but the fluid is in the actual
machine the whole time and the effect of air is taken into
consideration if air is present in the system. The amount of air is
estimated by calculations and comparisons between other studies.
This measurement equipment can also be installed in an existing
machine and it can be programmed so that it measures in real time.
Thus, it could be used e.g. to control dampers.
Abstract: This article gives a short preview of the new software
created especially for palletizing process in automated production
systems. Each chapter of this article is about problem solving in
development of modules in Java programming language. First part
describes structure of the software, its modules and data flow
between them. Second part describes all deployment methods, which
are implemented in the software. Next chapter is about twodimensional
editor created for manipulation with objects in each
layer of the load and gives calculations for collision control. Module
of virtual reality used for three-dimensional preview and creation of
the load is described in the fifth chapter. The last part of this article
describes communication and data flow between control system of
the robot, vision system and software.
Abstract: In this paper back-propagation artificial neural
network (BPANN) is employed to predict the limiting drawing ratio
(LDR) of the deep drawing process. To prepare a training set for
BPANN, some finite element simulations were carried out. die and
punch radius, die arc radius, friction coefficient, thickness, yield
strength of sheet and strain hardening exponent were used as the
input data and the LDR as the specified output used in the training of
neural network. As a result of the specified parameters, the program
will be able to estimate the LDR for any new given condition.
Comparing FEM and BPANN results, an acceptable correlation was
found.
Abstract: In this paper, a simple microfluidic device for monitoring algal cell behavior is proposed. An array of algal microwells is fabricated by PDMS soft-lithography using X-ray LIGA mold, placed on a glass substrate. Two layers of replicated PDMS and substrate are attached by oxygen plasma bonding, creating a microchannel for the microfluidic system. Algal cell are loaded into the microfluidic device, which provides positive charge on the bottom surface of wells. Algal cells, which are negative charged, can be attracted to the bottom of the wells via electrostatic interaction. By varying the concentration of algal cells in the loading suspension, it is possible to obtain wells with a single cell. Liquid medium for cells monitoring are flown continuously over the wells, providing nutrient and waste exchange between the well and the main flow. This device could lead to the uncovering of the quantitative biology of the algae, which is a key to effective and extensive algal utilizations in the field of biotechnology, food industry and bioenergy research and developments.
Abstract: Cross layer optimization based on utility functions has
been recently studied extensively, meanwhile, numerous types of
utility functions have been examined in the corresponding literature.
However, a major drawback is that most utility functions take a fixed
mathematical form or are based on simple combining, which can
not fully exploit available information. In this paper, we formulate a
framework of cross layer optimization based on Adaptively Weighted
Utility Functions (AWUF) for fairness balancing in OFDMA networks.
Under this framework, a two-step allocation algorithm is
provided as a sub-optimal solution, whose control parameters can be
updated in real-time to accommodate instantaneous QoS constrains.
The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves
high throughput while balancing the fairness among multiple users.
Abstract: This paper describes a newly designed decentralized
nonlinear control strategy to control a robot manipulator. Based on the
concept of the nonlinear state feedback theory and decentralized
concept is developed to improve the drawbacks in previous works
concerned with complicate intelligent control and low cost effective
sensor. The control methodology is derived in the sense of Lyapunov
theorem so that the stability of the control system is guaranteed. The
decentralized algorithm does not require other joint angle and velocity
information. Individual Joint controller is implemented using a digital
processor with nearly actuator to make it possible to achieve good
dynamics and modular. Computer simulation result has been
conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme
under the occurrence of possible uncertainties and different reference
trajectories. The merit of the proposed control system is indicated in
comparison with a classical control system.
Abstract: Gas flaring is one of the most GHG emitting sources in the oil and gas industries. It is also a major way for wasting such an energy that could be better utilized and even generates revenue. Minimize flaring is an effective approach for reducing GHG emissions and also conserving energy in flaring systems. Integrating waste and flared gases into the fuel gas networks (FGN) of refineries is an efficient tool. A fuel gas network collects fuel gases from various source streams and mixes them in an optimal manner, and supplies them to different fuel sinks such as furnaces, boilers, turbines, etc. In this article we use fuel gas network model proposed by Hasan et al. as a base model and modify some of its features and add constraints on emission pollution by gas flaring to reduce GHG emissions as possible. Results for a refinery case study showed that integration of flare gas stream with waste and natural gas streams to construct an optimal FGN can significantly reduce total annualized cost and flaring emissions.
Abstract: In this research, a systematic investigation was carried out to determine the optimum conditions of HDS reactor. Moreover, a suitable model was developed for a rigorous RTO (real time optimization) loop of HDS (Hydro desulfurization) process. A systematic experimental series was designed based on CCD (Central Composite design) and carried out in the related pilot plant to tune the develop model. The designed variables in the experiments were Temperature, LHSV and pressure. However, the hydrogen over fresh feed ratio was remained constant. The ranges of these variables were respectively equal to 320-380ºC, 1- 21/hr and 50-55 bar. a power law kinetic model was also developed for our further research in the future .The rate order and activation energy , power of reactant concentration and frequency factor of this model was respectively equal to 1.4, 92.66 kJ/mol and k0=2.7*109 .
Abstract: The objective of this work was to investigate flow
properties of powdered infant formula samples. Samples were
purchased at a local pharmacy and differed in composition. Lactose
free infant formula, gluten free infant formula and infant formulas
containing dietary fibers and probiotics were tested and compared
with a regular infant formula sample which did not contain any of
these supplements. Particle size and bulk density were determined
and their influence on flow properties was discussed. There were no
significant differences in bulk densities of the samples, therefore the
connection between flow properties and bulk density could not be
determined. Lactose free infant formula showed flow properties
different to standard supplement-free sample. Gluten free infant
formula with addition of probiotic microorganisms and dietary fiber
had the narrowest particle size distribution range and exhibited the
best flow properties. All the other samples exhibited the same
tendency of decreasing compaction coefficient with increasing flow
speed, which means they all become freer flowing with higher flow
speeds.
Abstract: Many real-world data sets consist of a very high dimensional feature space. Most clustering techniques use the distance or similarity between objects as a measure to build clusters. But in high dimensional spaces, distances between points become relatively uniform. In such cases, density based approaches may give better results. Subspace Clustering algorithms automatically identify lower dimensional subspaces of the higher dimensional feature space in which clusters exist. In this paper, we propose a new clustering algorithm, ISC – Intelligent Subspace Clustering, which tries to overcome three major limitations of the existing state-of-art techniques. ISC determines the input parameter such as є – distance at various levels of Subspace Clustering which helps in finding meaningful clusters. The uniform parameters approach is not suitable for different kind of databases. ISC implements dynamic and adaptive determination of Meaningful clustering parameters based on hierarchical filtering approach. Third and most important feature of ISC is the ability of incremental learning and dynamic inclusion and exclusions of subspaces which lead to better cluster formation.
Abstract: We present a prototype interactive (hyper) map of strategic, tactical, and logistic options for Supply Chain Management. The map comprises an anthology of options, broadly classified within the strategic spectrum of efficiency versus responsiveness, and according to logistic and cross-functional drivers. They are exemplified by cases in diverse industries. We seek to get all these information and ideas organized to help supply chain managers identify effective choices for specific business environments. The key and innovative linkage we introduce is the configuration of competitive forces. Instead of going through seemingly endless and isolated cases and wondering how one can borrow from them, we aim to provide a guide by force comparisons. The premise is that best practices in a different industry facing similar forces may be a most productive resource in supply chain design and planning. A prototype template is demonstrated.
Abstract: Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) has
been used as a common research tool for different neurological
disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. Recently, technology let
researchers to introduce a new versions of the visual test, the paced
visual serial addition test (PVSAT). In this paper, the computerized
version of these two tests is introduced. Beside the number of true
responses are interpreted, the reaction time of subjects are calculated
by the software. We hypothesize that paying attention to the reaction
time may be valuable. For this purpose, sixty eight female normal
subjects and fifty eight male normal subjects are enrolled in the
study. We investigate the similarity between the PASAT3 and
PVSAT3 in number of true responses and the new criterion (the
average reaction time of each subject). The similarity between two
tests were rejected (p-value = 0.000) which means that these two test
differ. The effect of sex in the tests were not approved since the pvalues
of different between PASAT3 and PVSAT3 in both sex is the
same (p-value = 0.000) which means that male and female subjects
performed the tests at no different level of performance. The new
criterion shows a negative correlation with the age which offers aged
normal subjects may have the same number of true responses as the
young subjects but they have latent responses. This will give prove
for the importance of reaction time.
Abstract: The noteworthy point in the advancement of Brain Machine Interface (BMI) research is the ability to accurately extract features of the brain signals and to classify them into targeted control action with the easiest procedures since the expected beneficiaries are of disabled. In this paper, a new feature extraction method using the combination of adaptive band pass filters and adaptive autoregressive (AAR) modelling is proposed and applied to the classification of right and left motor imagery signals extracted from the brain. The introduction of the adaptive bandpass filter improves the characterization process of the autocorrelation functions of the AAR models, as it enhances and strengthens the EEG signal, which is noisy and stochastic in nature. The experimental results on the Graz BCI data set have shown that by implementing the proposed feature extraction method, a LDA and SVM classifier outperforms other AAR approaches of the BCI 2003 competition in terms of the mutual information, the competition criterion, or misclassification rate.