Abstract: In this paper the CVA computation of interest rate
swap is presented based on its rating. Rating and probability default
given by Moody’s Investors Service are used to calculate our CVA
for a specific swap with different maturities. With this computation
the influence of rating variation can be shown on CVA. Application
is made to the analysis of Greek CDS variation during the period of
Greek crisis between 2008 and 2011. The main point is the
determination of correlation between the fluctuation of Greek CDS
cumulative value and the variation of swap CVA due to change of
rating.
Abstract: There are a variety of reference current identification
methods, for the shunt active power filter (SAPF), such as the
instantaneous active and reactive power, the instantaneous active and
reactive current and the synchronous detection method are evaluated
and compared under ideal, non sinusoidal and unbalanced voltage
conditions. The SAPF performances, for the investigated
identification methods, are tested for a non linear load. The
simulation results, using Matlab Power System Blockset Toolbox
from a complete structure, are presented and discussed.
Abstract: The knowledge of biodiesel density over large ranges
of temperature and pressure is important for predicting the behavior
of fuel injection and combustion systems in diesel engines, and for
the optimization of such systems. In this study, cottonseed oil was
transesterified into biodiesel and its density was measured at
temperatures between 288 K and 358 K and pressures between 0.1
MPa and 30 MPa, with expanded uncertainty estimated as ±1.6 kg⋅m-
3. Experimental pressure-volume-temperature (pVT) cottonseed data
was used along with literature data relative to other 18 biodiesels, in
order to build a database used to test the correlation of density with
temperarure and pressure using the Goharshadi–Morsali–Abbaspour
equation of state (GMA EoS). To our knowledge, this is the first that
density measurements are presented for cottonseed biodiesel under
such high pressures, and the GMA EoS used to model biodiesel
density. The new tested EoS allowed correlations within 0.2 kg·m-3
corresponding to average relative deviations within 0.02%. The built
database was used to develop and test a new full predictive model
derived from the observed linear relation between density and degree
of unsaturation (DU), which depended from biodiesel FAMEs
profile. The average density deviation of this method was only about
3 kg.m-3 within the temperature and pressure limits of application.
These results represent appreciable improvements in the context of
density prediction at high pressure when compared with other
equations of state.
Abstract: Nowadays, the Web has become one of the most
pervasive platforms for information change and retrieval. It collects
the suitable and perfectly fitting information from websites that one
requires. Data mining is the form of extracting data’s available in the
internet. Web mining is one of the elements of data mining
Technique, which relates to various research communities such as
information recovery, folder managing system and simulated
intellects. In this Paper we have discussed the concepts of Web
mining. We contain generally focused on one of the categories of
Web mining, specifically the Web Content Mining and its various
farm duties. The mining tools are imperative to scanning the many
images, text, and HTML documents and then, the result is used by
the various search engines. We conclude by presenting a comparative
table of these tools based on some pertinent criteria.
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: 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: Drying behavior of blanched sweet potato in a cabinet
dryer using different five air temperatures (40-80°C) and ten sweet
potato varieties sliced to 5mm thickness were investigated. The
drying data were fitted to eight models. The Modified Henderson and
Pabis model gave the best fit to the experimental moisture ratio data
obtained during the drying of all the varieties while Newton (Lewis)
and Wang and Singh models gave the least fit. The values of Deff
obtained for Bophelo variety (1.27 x 10-9 to 1.77 x 10-9 m2/s) was
the least while that of S191 (1.93 x 10-9 to 2.47 x 10-9 m2/s) was the
highest which indicates that moisture diffusivity in sweet potato is
affected by the genetic factor. Activation energy values ranged from
0.27-6.54 kJ/mol. The lower activation energy indicates that drying
of sweet potato slices requires less energy and is hence a cost and
energy saving method. The drying behavior of blanched sweet potato
was investigated in a cabinet dryer. Drying time decreased
considerably with increase in hot air temperature. Out of the eight
models fitted, the Modified Henderson and Pabis model gave the best
fit to the experimental moisture ratio data on all the varieties while
Newton, Wang and Singh models gave the least. The lower activation
energy (0.27 - 6.54 kJ/mol) obtained indicates that drying of sweet
potato slices requires less energy and is hence a cost and energy
saving method.
Abstract: The postharvest quality management of tomatoes is
important to limit the amount of losses that occur due to deterioration
between harvest and consumption. This study was undertaken to
investigate the effects of pre- and postharvest integrated agrotechnologies,
involving greenhouse microclimate and postharvest
storage conditions, on the postharvest quality attributes of four
tomato cultivars. Tomato fruit firmness, colour (hue angle (h°) and
L* value), pH and total soluble solids for the cultivars Bona,
Star 9037, Star 9009 and Zeal, grown in a fan-pad evaporativelycooled
and an open-ended naturally-ventilated tunnel, were harvested
at the mature-green stage. The tomatoes were stored for 28 days
under cold storage conditions, with a temperature of 13°C and RH of
85%, and under ambient air conditions, with a temperature of 23±
2°C and RH of 52± 4%. This study has provided information on the
effect of integrated pre-harvest and postharvest agro-technologies,
involving greenhouse microclimate and postharvest storage
environment on the postharvest quality attributes of four of the
tomato cultivars in South Africa. NVT-grown tomatoes retained
better textural qualities, but ripened faster by changing from green to
red faster, although these were reduced under cold storage conditions.
FPVT-grown tomatoes had lower firmness, but ripened slowly with
higher colour attributes. With cold storage conditions, the firmness of
FPVT-grown tomatoes was maintained. Cultivar Bona firmness and
colour qualities depreciated the fastest, but it had higher TSS content
and lower pH values. Star 9009 and Star 9037 presented better
quality, by retaining higher firmness and ripening slowly, but they
had the lowest TSS contents and high pH values, especially
Star 9037. Cold storage improved the firmness of tomato cultivars
with poor textural quality and faster colour changes.
Abstract: A single-phase closed thermosyphon has been
fabricated and experimented to utilize solar energy for water heating.
The working fluid of the closed thermosyphon is heated at the flatplate
collector and the hot water goes to the water tank due to density
gradient caused by temperature differences. This experimental work
was done using insulated water tank and insulated connecting pipe
between the tank and the flat-plate collector. From the collected data,
performance parameters such as instantaneous collector efficiency
and heat removal factor are calculated. In this study, the effects of
glazing were also observed. The water temperature rise and the
maximum instantaneous efficiency obtained from this experiment
with glazing using insulated water tank and insulated connecting pipe
are 17°C in a period of 5 hours and 60% respectively. Whereas the
water temperature rise and the maximum instantaneous efficiency
obtained from this experiment with glazing using non-insulated water
tank and non-insulated connecting pipe are 14°C in a period of 5
hours and 39% respectively.
Abstract: Molluca Collision Zone is located at the junction of
the Eurasian, Australian, Pacific and the Philippines plates. Between
the Sangihe arc, west of the collision zone, and to the east of
Halmahera arc is active collision and convex toward the Molluca Sea.
This research will analyze the behavior of earthquake occurrence in
Molluca Collision Zone related to the distributions of an earthquake
in each partition regions, determining the type of distribution of a
occurrence earthquake of partition regions, and the mean occurence
of earthquakes each partition regions, and the correlation between the
partitions region. We calculate number of earthquakes using partition
method and its behavioral using conventional statistical methods. In
this research, we used data of shallow earthquakes type and its
magnitudes ≥4 SR (period 1964-2013). From the results, we can
classify partitioned regions based on the correlation into two classes:
strong and very strong. This classification can be used for early
warning system in disaster management.
Abstract: Nations are still finding it quite difficult to win mega
sport competitions despite the major contribution of sport to society
in terms of social and economic development, personal health, and in
education. Even though the world of sports has been transformed into
a huge global economy, it is important to note that the first step of
sport is usually its introduction to children at school through physical
education or PE. In other words, nations who do not win mega sport
competitions also suffer from a weak and neglected PE system. This
problem of the neglect of PE systems is the main motivation of this
research aimed at examining the factors affecting the perceived
awareness of physical education teachers on the ICTs that are
adoptable for the teaching and learning of physical education. Two
types of research objectives will materialize this aim: relevant
theories will be identified in relation to the analysis of the perceived
ICT awareness of PE teachers and subsequent models will be
compiled and designed from existing literature; the empirical testing
of such theories and models will also be achieved through the survey
of PE teachers from the Camperdown magisterial district of the
KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The main hypothesis at the
heart of this study is the relationship between the demographics of PE
teachers, their behavior both as individuals and as social entities, and
their perceived awareness of the ICTs that are adoptable for PE, as
postulated by existing literature; except that this study categorizes
human behavior under performance expectancy, computer attitude,
and social influence. This hypothesis was partially confirmed by the
survey conducted by this research in the sense that performance
expectancy and teachers’ age, gender, computer usage, and class size
were found to be the only factors affecting their awareness of ICTs
for physical education.
Abstract: Renewable energy is derived from natural processes
that are replenished constantly. Included in the definition is
electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower,
biomass, geothermal resources, and bio-fuels and hydrogen derived
from renewable resources. Each of these sources has unique
characteristics which influence how and where they are used. This
paper presents the modeling the simulation of solar and hydro hybrid
energy sources in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. It simulates
all quantities of Hybrid Electrical Power system (HEPS) such as AC
output current of the inverter that injected to the load/grid, load
current, grid current. It also simulates power output from PV and
Hydraulic Turbine Generator (HTG), power delivered to or from grid
and finally power factor of the inverter for PV, HTG and grid. The
proposed circuit uses instantaneous p-q (real-imaginary) power
theory.
Abstract: Students’ achievement and motivation in learning
English in Malaysia is a worrying trend as it is lagging behind several
other countries in Asia. Thus, necessary actions have to be taken by
the parties concerned to overcome this problem. The purpose of this
research was to study the effects of drill and practice courseware on
students’ achievement and motivation in learning English language.
A multimedia courseware was developed for this purpose. The
independent variable was the drill and practice courseware while the
dependent variables were the students’ achievement and motivation.
Their achievement was measured using pre-test and post-test scores,
while motivation was measured using a questionnaire. A total of 60
students from three vernacular primary schools in a northern state in
Malaysia were randomly selected in this study. The findings indicate:
(1) a significant difference between the students’ pre-test and posttest
scores after using the courseware, (2) no significant difference in
the achievement score between male and female students after using
the courseware, (3) a significant difference in motivation score
between the female and the male students, and (4) while the female
students scored significantly higher than the male students in the
aspects of relevance, confidence and satisfaction, no significant
difference in terms of attention was observed between them. Overall,
the findings clearly indicate that although the female students are
significantly more motivated than their male students, they are
equally good in terms of achievement after learning from the
courseware. Through this study, the drill and practice courseware is
proven to influence the students’ learning and motivation.
Abstract: This experimental study aims at studying the
conversion of macro-algae into bioethanol under several steps of
procedure: preparation, pre-treatment, fermentation, and distillation.
The main objective of this work was to investigate the role of buffer’s
type as a stabiliser of pH level and fermentation time on the yield of
ethanol. For this purpose, experiments were carried out on biomass
macro-algae to de-couple the pre-treatment and fermentation
processes from those associated with distillation process. β-
glucosidase was used as cellulose decomposer during hydrolysis step
and yeast was used during fermentation process. The species of
macro-algae utilised as energy feedstock was Ulva lactuca and it was
harvested from southern coast of Central of Java Island – Indonesia.
Experiments were conducted in a simple fermenter over a different
buffer: citrate buffer and acetic buffer, and over a range of
fermentation times between 5 to 20 days. The ethanol production was
found to be significantly affected by both variables. The optimum
time of fermentation was 10 days with citrate buffer; result in
0.88458% of ethanol, and the ethanol content after distillation
process was shown 0.985015%.
Abstract: Most quality models have defined usability as a
significant factor that leads to improving product acceptability,
increasing user satisfaction, improving product reliability, and also
financially benefitting companies. Usability is also the best factor that
balances both the technical and human aspects of a software product,
which is an important aspect in defining quality during software
development process. A usability risk consist risk factors that could
impact the usability of a software product thereby contributing to
negative user experiences and causing a possible software product
failure. Hence, it is important to mitigate and reduce usability risks in
the software development process itself. By managing possible
usability risks in software development process, failure of software
product could be reduced. Therefore, this research uses the Delphi
method to identify mitigation plans for reducing potential usability
risks. The Delphi method is conducted with seven experts from the
field of risk management and software development.
Abstract: In our paper we describe the security capabilities of
data collection. Data are collected with probes located in the near and
distant surroundings of the company. Considering the numerous
obstacles e.g. forests, hills, urban areas, the data collection is realized
in several ways. The collection of data uses connection via wireless
communication, LAN network, GSM network and in certain areas
data are collected by using vehicles. In order to ensure the connection
to the server most of the probes have ability to communicate in
several ways. Collected data are archived and subsequently used in
supervisory applications.
To ensure the collection of the required data, it is necessary to
propose algorithms that will allow the probes to select suitable
communication channel.
Abstract: Kuosheng nuclear power plant (NPP) is a BWR/6 type
NPP and located on the northern coast of Taiwan. First, Kuosheng
NPP TRACE model were developed in this research. In order to assess
the system response of Kuosheng NPP TRACE model, startup tests
data were used to evaluate Kuosheng NPP TRACE model. Second, the
overpressurization transient analysis of Kuosheng NPP TRACE model
was performed. Besides, in order to confirm the mechanical property
and integrity of fuel rods, FRAPTRAN analysis was also performed in
this study.
Abstract: Bone properties and response behavior after static or
dynamic activation (loading) are still interesting topics in many fields
of the science especially in the biomechanical problems such as bone
loss of astronauts in space, osteoporosis, bone remodeling after
fracture or remodeling after surgery (endoprosthesis and implants)
and in osteointegration. This contribution deals with the relation
between physiological, demineralized and deproteinized state of the
turkey long bone – tibia. Three methods for comparison were used: 1)
densitometry, 2) three point bending and 3) frequency analysis. The
main goal of this work was to describe the decrease of the protein
(collagen) or mineral of the bone with relation to the fracture in three
point bending. The comparison is linked to the problem of different
bone mechanical behavior in physiological and osteoporotic state.