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: 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: 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: Musculoskeletal injuries in school children could be
reduced improving trunk strength and hamstring flexibility. Low
levels of trunk muscle strength and hamstring flexibility may result in
acute and musculoskeletal chronic diseases. The Pilates Method can
be appropriate to improve these physical condition attributes and has
been rarely employed by this social group. On the other hand, it has
been shown that trunk strength and flexibility are different between
genders, but there is no evidence about the effect of exercise
programs designed to improve both items in school children.
Therefore the objective of this study was to measure the effect of a
six-week Pilates-based exercise program in 14 year old school
children trunk strength and hamstring flexibility, establishing
differences in gender. The sample was composed of 57 students
divided into experimental group (EG; n=30) and control group (CG;
n=27). Bench Trunk Curl test (BTC), Sörensen test and Toe-touch
test (TT) were used to measure dynamic muscular resistance in trunk
flexion, isometric strength in trunk extension and hamstring
flexibility, respectively. EG utilized the Pilates exercise program
during six-weeks (2 days/week, 55minutes/session). After this period
of training, EG improved trunk strength and hamstring flexibility
significantly but there were no significant differences within CG.
Although boys were better in BTC test and girls were better in TT
test, there were no significant differences between them.
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: 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: The objective of the Economic Dispatch(ED) Problems
of electric power generation is to schedule the committed generating
units outputs so as to meet the required load demand at minimum
operating cost while satisfying all units and system equality and
inequality constraints. This paper presents a new method of ED
problems utilizing the Max-Min Ant System Optimization.
Historically, traditional optimizations techniques have been used,
such as linear and non-linear programming, but within the past
decade the focus has shifted on the utilization of Evolutionary
Algorithms, as an example Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing
and recently Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). In this paper we
introduce the Max-Min Ant System based version of the Ant System.
This algorithm encourages local searching around the best solution
found in each iteration. To show its efficiency and effectiveness, the
proposed Max-Min Ant System is applied to sample ED problems
composed of 4 generators. Comparison to conventional genetic
algorithms is presented.
Abstract: Software reusability is an essential characteristic of
Component-Based Software (CBS). The component reusability is an
important assess for the effective reuse of components in CBS. The
attributes of reusability proposed by various researchers are studied
and four of them are identified as potential factors affecting
reusability. This paper proposes metric for reusability estimation of
black-box software component along with metrics for Interface
Complexity, Understandability, Customizability and Reliability. An
experiment is performed for estimation of reusability through a case
study on a sample web application using a real world component.
Abstract: Distributed Generation (DG) can help in reducing the
cost of electricity to the costumer, relieve network congestion and
provide environmentally friendly energy close to load centers. Its
capacity is also scalable and it provides voltage support at distribution
level. Hence, DG placement and penetration level is an important
problem for both the utility and DG owner. DG allocation and capacity
determination is a nonlinear optimization problem. The objective
function of this problem is the minimization of the total loss of the
distribution system. Also high levels of penetration of DG are a new
challenge for traditional electric power systems. This paper presents a
new methodology for the optimal placement of DG and penetration
level of DG in distribution system based on General Algebraic
Modeling System (GAMS) and Genetic Algorithm (GA).
Abstract: Composites depending on the nature of their
constituents and mode of production are regarded as one of the
advanced materials that drive today’s technology. This paper
attempts a short review of the subject matter with a general aim of
pushing to the next level the frontier of knowledge as it impacts the
technology of nano-particles manufacturing. The objectives entail an
effort to; aggregate recent research efforts in this field, analyse
research findings and observations, streamline research efforts and
support industry in taking decision on areas of fund deployment. It is
envisaged that this work will serve as a quick hand-on compendium
material for researchers in this field and a guide to relevant
government departments wishing to fund a research whose outcomes
have the potential of improving the nation’s GDP.
Abstract: Objective of this study is to explore the recent trends,
patterns and the structural changes in the labour migration from Sri
Lanka to Middle East countries and to discuss the possible impacts of
those changes on the remittance flow. Study uses secondary data
published by Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and Central
Bank. Thematic analysis of the secondary data revealed that the
migration for labour has increased rapidly during past decades.
Parallel with that the gender and the skill composition of the
migration flow has been changing. Similarly, the destinations for
male migration have changed over the period. These show positive
implications on the international remittance receipts to the country.
Abstract: Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is one of the most
attractive bioceramics due to its moldable and shape ability to fill
complicated bony cavities or small dental defect positions. In this
study, CPC was produced by using mixture of tetracalcium phosphate
(TTCP, Ca4O(PO4)2) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA,
CaHPO4) in equimolar ratio (1/1) with aqueous solutions of acetic
acid (C2H4O2) and disodium hydrogen phosphate dehydrate
(Na2HPO4.2H2O) in combination with sodium alginate in order to
improve theirs moldable characteristic. The concentration of the
aqueous solutions and sodium alginate were varied to investigate the
effect of different aqueous solutions and alginate on properties of the
cements. The cement paste was prepared by mixing cement powder
(P) with aqueous solution (L) in a P/L ratio of 1.0g/0.35ml. X-ray
diffraction (XRD) was used to analyses phase formation of the
cements. Setting time and compressive strength of the set CPCs were
measured using the Gilmore apparatus and Universal testing
machine, respectively.
The results showed that CPCs could be produced by using both
basic (Na2HPO4.2H2O) and acidic (C2H4O2) solutions. XRD results
show the precipitation of hydroxyapatite in all cement samples. No
change in phase formation among cements using difference
concentrations of Na2HPO4.2H2O solutions. With increasing
concentration of acidic solutions, samples obtained less
hydroxyapatite with a high dicalcium phosphate dehydrate leaded to
a shorter setting time. Samples with sodium alginate exhibited higher
crystallization of hydroxyapatite than that of without alginate as a
result of shorten setting time in a basic solution but a longer setting
time in an acidic solution. The stronger cement was attained from
samples using the acidic solution with sodium alginate; however the
strength was lower than that of using the basic solution.
Abstract: Heightened concerns over the amount of carbon
emitted from coal-related processes are generating shifts to the
application of biomass. In co-gasification, where coal is gasified
along with biomass, the biomass may be fed together with coal (cofeeding)
or an independent biomass gasifier needs to be integrated
with the coal gasifier. The main aim of this work is to evaluate the
biomass introduction methods in coal co-gasification. This includes
the evaluation of biomass concentration input (B0 to B100) and its
gasification performance. A process model is developed and
simulated in Aspen HYSYS, where both coal and biomass are
modelled according to its ultimate analysis. It was found that the
syngas produced increased with increasing biomass content for both
co-feeding and independent schemes. However, the heating values
and heat duties decreases with biomass concentration as more CO2
are produced from complete combustion.
Abstract: Since the marine environmental conditions are
extremely different from the other ones, marine actinomycetes might
produce novel bioactive compounds. Therefore, actinomycete strains
were screened from marine water and sediment samples collected
from the coastal areas of Northern Vietnam. Ninety-nine
actinomycete strains were obtained on starch-casein agar media by
dilution technique, only seven strains, named HP112, HP12, HP411,
HPN11, HP 11, HPT13 and HPX12, showed significant antibacterial
activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
(Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus epidemidis ATCC
12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 11105). Further studies were carried
out with the most active HP411 strain against Candida albicans
ATCC 10231. This strain could grow rapidly on starch casein agar
and other media with high salt containing 7-10% NaCl at 28-30oC.
Spore-chain of HP411 showed an elongated and circular shape with
10 to 30 spores/chain. Identification of the strain was carried out by
employing the taxonomical studies including the 16S rRNA
sequence. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is
proposed that HP411 to be belongs to species Streptomyces
variabilis. The potent of the crude extract of fermentation broth of
HP411 that are effective against wide range of pathogens: both grampositive,
gram-negative and fungi. Further studies revealed that the
crude extract HP411 could obtain the anticancer activity for cancer
cell lines: Hep-G2 (liver cancer cell line); RD (cardiac and skeletal
muscle letters cell line); FL (membrane of the uterus cancer cell line).
However, the actinomycetes from marine ecosystem will be useful
for the discovery of new drugs in the future.
Abstract: Food contamination occurs during post process
handling. This leads to spoilage and growth of pathogenic
microorganisms in the food, thereby reducing its shelf life or
spreading of food borne diseases. Several methods are tried and one
of which is use of antimicrobial packaging. Here, papain, a protease
enzyme, is covalently immobilized with the help of glutarldehyde on
polyurethane and used as a food wrap to protect food from microbial
contamination. Covalent immobilization of papain was achieved at a
pH of 7.4; temperature of 4°C; glutaraldehyde concentration of 0.5%;
incubation time of 24h; and 50mg of papain. The formation of -C=Nobserved
in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed the
immobilization of the enzyme on the polymer. Immobilized enzyme
retained higher activity than the native free enzyme. The modified
polyurethane showed better reduction of Staphylococcus aureus
biofilm than bare polymer film (eight folds reduction in live colonies,
two times reduction in protein and 6 times reduction in
carbohydrates). The efficacy of this was studied by wrapping it over
S. aureus contaminated cottage cheese (paneer) and cheese and
stored at a temperature of 4°C for 7days. The modified film reduced
the bacterial contamination by eight folds when compared to the bare
film. FTIR also indicated reduction in lipids, sugars and proteins in
the biofilm.
Abstract: The liver is the strongest regenerating organ of the
organism, and even with 2/3 surgically removed, it can regenerate
completely. Hence liver cirrhosis may only develop when the
regenerating system is off.
We present the results of a comparative study of structural and
functional characteristics of rat liver tissue under the conditions of
toxic liver cirrhosis development, induced by carbon tetrachloride,
and its prevention/treatment by natural compounds with antioxidant
and immune stimulating action. Studies were made on Wister rats,
weighing 120~140 g. Grape seeds extracts, separately and in
combination with well-known anticirrhotic drug ursodeoxycholic
acid (Urdoxa), have demonstrated effectiveness in prevention of liver
cirrhosis development and its treatment.
Abstract: Pavement surface unevenness plays a pivotal role on
roughness index of road which affects on riding comfort ability.
Comfort ability refers to the degree of protection offered to vehicle
occupants from uneven elements in the road surface. So, it is
preferable to have a lower roughness index value for a better riding
quality of road users. Roughness is generally defined as an
expression of irregularities in the pavement surface which can be
measured using different equipments like MERLIN, Bump integrator,
Profilometer etc. Among them Bump Integrator is quite simple and
less time consuming in case of long road sections. A case study is
conducted on low volume roads in West District in Tripura to
determine roughness index (RI) using Bump Integrator at the
standard speed of 32 km/h. But it becomes too tough to maintain the
requisite standard speed throughout the road section. The speed of
Bump Integrator (BI) has to lower or higher in some distinctive
situations. So, it becomes necessary to convert these roughness index
values of other speeds to the standard speed of 32 km/h. This paper
highlights on that roughness index conversional model. Using SPSS
(Statistical Package of Social Sciences) software a generalized
equation is derived among the RI value at standard speed of 32 km/h
and RI value at other speed conditions.