Abstract: Fresh water is one of the resources which is getting
depleted day by day. A wise method to address this issue is by the
application of renewable energy-sun irradiation and by means of
decentralized, cheap, energetically self-sufficient, robust and simple
to operate plants, distillates can be obtained from sea, river or even
sewage. Solar desalination is a technique used to desalinate water
using solar energy. The present work deals with the comprehensive
design and simulation of solar tracking system using LabVIEW,
temperature and mass flow rate control of the solar desalination plant
using LabVIEW and also analysis of single phase inverter circuit
with LC filters for solar pumping system in MATLAB. The main
objective of this work is to improve the performance of solar
desalination system using automatic tracking system, output control
using temperature and mass flow rate control system and also to
reduce the harmonic distortion in the solar pumping system by means
of LC filters. The simulation of single phase inverter was carried out
using MATLAB and the output waveforms were analyzed.
Simulations were performed for optimum output temperature control,
which in turn controls the mass flow rate of water in the thermal
collectors. Solar tracking system was accomplished using LABVIEW
and was tested successfully. The thermal collectors are tracked in
accordance with the sun’s irradiance levels, thereby increasing the
efficiency of the thermal collectors.
Abstract: The present study deals with the characterization of
CrSiN coatings obtained by PVD magnetron sputtering systems.
CrSiN films were deposited with different Si contents, in order to
check the effect of at.% variation on the different properties of the
Cr–N system. Coatings were characterized by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) for thickness measurements, X-ray diffraction.
Surface morphology and the roughness characteristics were explored
using AFM, Mechanicals properties, elastic and plastic deformation
resistance of thin films were investigated using nanoindentation test. We observed that the Si addition improved the hardness and the
Young’s modulus of the Cr–N system. Indeed, the hardness value is
18,56 GPa for CrSiN coatings. Besides, the Young’s modulus value
is 224,22 GPa for CrSiN coatings for Si content of 1.2 at.%.
Abstract: The present study examined how translation teachers
develop final tests as measures for checking on the quality of
students’ academic translation in Iranian context. To achieve this
goal, thirty experienced male and female translation teachers from the
four types of the universities offering the program were invited to an
in-depth 30-minute one-session semi-structured interview. The
responses provided showed how much discrepancy exists among the
Iranian translation teachers (as developers of final translation tests),
who are least informed with the current translation evaluation
methods. It was also revealed that the criteria they use for developing
such tests and scoring student translations are not theory-driven but
are highly subjective, mainly based on their personal experience and
intuition. Hence, the quality and accountability of such tests are under
serious question. The results also confirmed that the dominant
method commonly and currently practiced is the purely essay-type
format. To remedy the situation, some suggestions are in order. As
part of the solution, to improve the reliability and validity of such
tests, the present summative, product-oriented evaluation should be
accompanied with some formative, process-oriented methods of
evaluation. Training the teachers and helping them get acquainted
with modern principles of translation evaluation as well as the
existing models, and rating scales does improve the quality of
academic translation evaluation.
Abstract: The need to save time and cost of soil testing at the
planning stage of road work has necessitated developing predictive
models. This study proposes a model for predicting the dry density of
lateritic soils stabilized with corn cob ash (CCA) and blended cement
- CCA. Lateritic soil was first stabilized with CCA at 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and
6% of the weight of soil and then stabilized with the same
proportions as replacement for cement. Dry density, specific gravity,
maximum degree of saturation and moisture content were determined
for each stabilized soil specimen, following standard procedure.
Polynomial equations containing alpha and beta parameters for CCA
and blended CCA-cement were developed. Experimental values were
correlated with the values predicted from the Matlab curve fitting
tool, and the Solver function of Microsoft Excel 2010. The correlation
coefficient (R2) of 0.86 was obtained indicating that the model could
be accepted in predicting the maximum dry density of CCA stabilized
soils to facilitate quick decision making in roadworks.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an optimization technique or
a learning algorithm using the hybrid architecture by combining the
most popular sequence recognition models such as Recurrent Neural
Networks (RNNs) and Hidden Markov models (HMMs). In order to
improve the sequence/pattern recognition/classification performance
by applying a hybrid/neural symbolic approach, a gradient descent
learning algorithm is developed using the Real Time Recurrent
Learning of Recurrent Neural Network for processing the knowledge
represented in trained Hidden Markov Models. The developed hybrid
algorithm is implemented on automata theory as a sample test beds
and the performance of the designed algorithm is demonstrated and
evaluated on learning the deterministic finite state automata.
Abstract: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) are widely
used for advanced applications, in particular in aerospace, automotive
and wind energy industries. Once cured to near net shape, CFRP
parts need several finishing operations such as trimming, milling or
drilling in order to accommodate fastening hardware and meeting the
final dimensions. The present research aims to study the effect of the
cutting temperature in trimming on the mechanical strength of high
performance CFRP laminates used for aeronautics applications. The
cutting temperature is of great importance when dealing with
trimming of CFRP. Temperatures higher than the glass-transition
temperature (Tg) of the resin matrix are highly undesirable: they
cause degradation of the matrix in the trimmed edges area, which can
severely affect the mechanical performance of the entire component.
In this study, a 9.50mm diameter CVD diamond coated carbide tool
with six flutes was used to trim 24-plies CFRP laminates. A
300m/min cutting speed and 1140mm/min feed rate were used in the
experiments. The tool was heated prior to trimming using a
blowtorch, for temperatures ranging from 20°C to 300°C. The
temperature at the cutting edge was measured using embedded KType
thermocouples. Samples trimmed for different cutting
temperatures, below and above Tg, were mechanically tested using
three-points bending short-beam loading configurations. New cutting
tools as well as worn cutting tools were utilized for the experiments.
The experiments with the new tools could not prove any correlation
between the length of cut, the cutting temperature and the mechanical
performance. Thus mechanical strength was constant, regardless of
the cutting temperature. However, for worn tools, producing a cutting
temperature rising up to 450°C, thermal damage of the resin was
observed. The mechanical tests showed a reduced mean resistance in
short beam configuration, while the resistance in three point bending
decreases with increase of the cutting temperature.
Abstract: Rapid prototyping is a new group of manufacturing
processes, which allows fabrication of physical of any complexity
using a layer by layer deposition technique directly from a computer
system. The rapid prototyping process greatly reduces the time and
cost necessary to bring a new product to market. The prototypes
made by these systems are used in a range of industrial application
including design evaluation, verification, testing, and as patterns for
casting processes. These processes employ a variety of materials and
mechanisms to build up the layers to build the part. The present work
was to build a FDM prototyping machine that could control the X-Y
motion and material deposition, to generate two-dimensional and
three-dimensional complex shapes. This study focused on the
deposition of wax material. This work was to find out the properties
of the wax materials used in this work in order to enable better
control of the FDM process. This study will look at the integration of
a computer controlled electro-mechanical system with the traditional
FDM additive prototyping process. The characteristics of the wax
were also analysed in order to optimise the model production process.
These included wax phase change temperature, wax viscosity and
wax droplet shape during processing.
Abstract: The activation volume of 6082T6 aluminum is
investigated at different temperatures for grain size variants. The
deformation activation volume was computed on the basis of the
relationship between the Boltzmann’s constant k, the testing
temperatures, the material strain rate sensitivity and the material yield
stress grain size variants. The material strain rate sensitivity is
computed as a function of yield stress and strain rate grain size
variants. The effect of the material strain rate sensitivity and the
deformation activation volume of 6082T6 aluminum at different
temperatures of 3-D grain are discussed. It is shown that the strain rate sensitivities and activation volume
are negative for the grain size variants during the deformation of
nanostructured materials. It is also observed that the activation
volume vary in different ways with the equivalent radius, semi minor
axis radius, semi major axis radius and major axis radius. From the
obtained results it is shown that the variation of activation volume
increase and decrease with the testing temperature. It was revealed
that, increase in strain rate sensitivity led to decrease in activation
volume whereas increase in activation volume led to decrease in
strain rate sensitivity.
Abstract: The first layer of defense against data loss is the backup
data. This paper implements an agent-based network backup system
used the backup, server-storage and server-backup agent these
tripartite construction, and the snapshot and hierarchical index are
used in the NSBS. It realizes the control command and data flow
separation, balances the system load, thereby improving efficiency of
the system backup and recovery. The test results show the agent-based
network backup system can effectively improve the task-based
concurrency, reasonably allocate network bandwidth, the system
backup performance loss costs smaller and improves data recovery
efficiency by 20%.
Abstract: The aim of optimization of store management is not
only designing the situation of store management itself including its
equipment, technology and operation. In optimization of store
management we need to consider also synchronizing of
technological, transport, store and service operations throughout the
whole process of logistic chain in such a way that a natural flow of
material from provider to consumer will be achieved the shortest
possible way, in the shortest possible time in requested quality and
quantity and with minimum costs. The paper deals with the
application of the queuing theory for optimization of warehouse
processes. The first part refers to common information about the
problematic of warehousing and using mathematical methods for
logistics chains optimization. The second part refers to preparing a
model of a warehouse within queuing theory. The conclusion of the
paper includes two examples of using queuing theory in praxis.
Abstract: This study presents a kinematic positioning approach
that uses a global positioning system (GPS) buoy for precise ocean
surface monitoring. The GPS buoy data from the two experiments are
processed using an accurate, medium-range differential kinematic
technique. In each case, the data from a nearby coastal site are
collected at a high rate (1 Hz) for more than 24 hours, and
measurements are conducted in neighboring tidal stations to verify
the estimated sea surface heights. The GPS buoy kinematic
coordinates are estimated using epoch-wise pre-elimination and a
backward substitution algorithm. Test results show that centimeterlevel
accuracy can be successfully achieved in determining sea
surface height using the proposed technique. The centimeter-level
agreement between the two methods also suggests the possibility of
using this inexpensive and more flexible GPS buoy equipment to
enhance (or even replace) current tidal gauge stations.
Abstract: Friction stir welding and tungsten inert gas welding
techniques were employed to weld armor grade aluminum alloy to
investigate the effect of welding processes on tensile behavior of
weld joints. Tensile tests, Vicker microhardness tests and optical
microscopy were performed on developed weld joints and base metal.
Welding process influenced tensile behavior and microstructure of
weld joints. Friction stir welded joints showed tensile behavior better
than tungsten inert gas weld joints.
Abstract: This paper tries to answer to the questions whether or
not trade openness causes economic growth and trade policy changes
are good for Turkey as a developing country in global economy
before and after 1980. We employ Johansen co-integration and
Granger causality tests with error correction modeling based on
vector autoregressive. Using WDI data from the pre-1980 and the
post-1980, we find that trade openness and economic growth are cointegrated
in the second term only. Also the results suggest a lack of
long-run causality between our two variables. These findings may
imply that trade policy of Turkey should concentrate more on extra
complementary economic reforms.
Abstract: Our sowing date experiment took place in the
Demonstration Garden of Institution of Plant Sciences, Centre for
Agricultural Sciences of University of Debrecen, in 2012-2014. The
paper contains data of test year 2014. Our purpose, besides several
other examinations, was to observe how sowing date influences the
leaf area index and the activity of photosynthesis of maize hybrids,
and how those factors affect fruiting. In the experiment we monitored
the change of the leaf area index and the photosynthesis of hybrids
with four different growing seasons. The results obtained confirm
that not only the environmental and agricultural factors in the
growing season have effect on the yield, but also other factors like
the leaf area index and the photosynthesis are determinative
parameters, and all those factors together, modifying the effects of
each other, develop average yields.
Abstract: The effects of wood ash from five common tropical
woods on the ignition point of four common tropical woods in
Nigeria were investigated. The ash and moisture contents of the wood
sawdust from Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), Opepe (Sarcocephalus
latifolius), Abura (Mitragyna ciliata), Rubber (Heavea brasilensis)
and Poroporo (Sorghum bicolour) used, were determined using a
furnace (Vecstar furnaces, model ECF2, serial no. f3077) and oven
(Genlab laboratory oven, model MINO/040) respectively. The metal
contents of the five wood sawdust ash samples were determined
using a Perkin Elmer optima 3000 dv atomic absorption spectrometer
while the ignition points were determined using Vecstar furnaces
model ECF2. Poroporo had the highest ash content, 2.263g while
rubber had the least, 0.710g. The results for the moisture content
range from 2.971g to 0.903g. Magnesium metal had the highest
concentration of all the metals, in all the wood ash samples; with
mahogany ash having the highest concentration, 9.196ppm while
rubber ash had the least concentration of magnesium metal, 2.196
ppm. The ignition point results showed that the wood ashes from
mahogany and opepe increased the ignition points of the test wood
samples, Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera), Ekpaya, Akomu
(Pycnanthus angolensis) and Oleku when coated on them while the
ashes from poroporo, rubber and abura decreased the ignition points
of the test wood samples when coated on them. However, Opepe saw
dust ash decreased the ignition point in one of the test wood samples,
suggesting that the metal content of the test wood sample was more
than that of the Opepe saw dust ash. Therefore, Mahogany and Opepe
saw dust ashes could be used in the surface treatment of wood to
enhance their fire resistance or retardancy. However, the caution to
be exercised in this application is that the metal content of the test
wood samples should be evaluated as well.
Abstract: This paper highlights an innovative and nontraditional
violence prevention program that is making a noticeable impact in
what was once one of the country’s most violent communities. With
unique and tailored strategies, the Operation Peacemaker Fellowship,
established in Richmond, California, combines components of
evidence-based practices with a community-oriented focus on
relationships and mentoring to fill a gap in services and increase
community safety. In an effort to highlight these unique strategies
and provide a blueprint for other communities with violent crime
problems, the authors of this paper hope to clearly delineate how one
community is moving forward with vanguard approaches to invest in
the lives of young men who once were labeled their community’s
most violent, even most deadly, youth. The impact of this program is
evidenced through the fellows’ own voices as they illuminate the
experience of being in the Fellowship. In interviews, fellows describe
how participating in this program has transformed their lives and the
lives of those they love. The authors of this article spent more than
two years researching this Fellowship program in order to conduct an
evaluation of it and, ultimately, to demonstrate how this program is a
testament to the power of relationships and love combined with
evidence-based practices, consequently enriching the lives of youth
and the community that embraces them.
Abstract: Since the last decade, there has been a rapid growth in
digital multimedia, such as high-resolution media files and threedimentional
movies. Hence, there is a need for large digital storage
such as Hard Disk Drive (HDD). As such, users expect to have a
quieter HDD in their laptop. In this paper, a jury test has been
conducted on a group of 34 people where 17 of them are students
who are the potential consumer, and the remaining are engineers who
know the HDD. A total 13 HDD sound samples have been selected
from over hundred HDD noise recordings. These samples are
selected based on an agreed subjective feeling. The samples are
played to the participants using head acoustic playback system, which
enabled them to experience as similar as possible the same
environment as have been recorded. Analysis has been conducted and
the obtained results have indicated different group has different
perception over the noises. Two neural network-based acoustic
annoyance models are established based on back propagation neural
network. Four psychoacoustic metrics, loudness, sharpness,
roughness and fluctuation strength, are used as the input of the
model, and the subjective evaluation results are taken as the output.
The developed models are reasonably accurate in simulating both
training and test samples.
Abstract: Rice Husk (RH) is the major byproduct in the
processing of paddy rice. The management of this waste has become
a big challenge to some of the rice producers, some of these wastes
are left in open dumps while some are burn in the open space, and
these two actions have been contributing to environmental pollution.
This study evaluates an alternative waste management of this
agricultural product for use as a civil engineering material. The RH
was burn in a controlled environment to form Rice Husk Ash (RHA).
The RHA was mix with lateritic clay at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%
proportion by weight. Chemical test was conducted on the open burn
and controlled burn RHA with the lateritic clay. Physical test such as
particle size distribution, Atterberg limits test, and density test were
carried out on the mix material. The chemical composition obtained
for the RHA showed that the total percentage compositions of Fe2O3,
SiO2 and Al2O3 were found to be above 70% (class “F” pozzolan)
which qualifies it as a very good pozzolan. The coefficient of
uniformity (Cu) was 8 and coefficient of curvature (Cc) was 2 for the
soil sample. The Plasticity Index (PI) for the 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. 10% was
21.0, 18.8, 16.7, 14.4, 12.4 and 10.7 respectively. The work
concluded that RHA can be effectively used in hydraulic barriers and
as a stabilizing agent in soil stabilization.
Abstract: This study and the field test comparisons were carried
out on the Algerian Derguna – Setif transmission systems. The
transmission line of normal voltage 225 kV is 65 km long,
transported and uses twin bundle conductors protected with two
shield wires of transposed galvanized steel. An iterative finite-element method is used to solve Poisons
equation. Two algorithms are proposed for satisfying the current
continuity condition and updating the space-charge density. A new approach to the problem of corona discharge in
transmission system has been described in this paper. The effect of
varying the configurations and wires number is also investigated. The
analysis of this steady is important in the design of HVDC
transmission lines. The potential and electric field have been
calculating in locations singular points of the system.
Abstract: High moisture content in fruits generates post-harvest
problems such as mechanical, biochemical, microbial and physical
losses. Dehydration, which is based on the reduction of water activity
of the fruit, is a common option for overcoming such losses.
However, regular hot air drying could affect negatively the quality
properties of the fruit due to the long residence time at high
temperature. Power ultrasound (US) application during the
convective drying has been used as a novel method able to enhance
drying rate and, consequently, to decrease drying time. In the present
study, a new approach was tested to evaluate the effect of US on the
drying time, the final antioxidant activity (AA) and the total
polyphenol content (TPC) of banana slices (BS), mango slices (MS)
and guava slices (GS). There were also studied the drying kinetics
with nine different models from which water effective diffusivities
(Deff) (with or without shrinkage corrections) were calculated.
Compared with the corresponding control tests, US assisted drying
for fruit slices showed reductions in drying time between 16.23 and
30.19%, 11.34 and 32.73%, and 19.25 and 47.51% for the MS, BS
and GS respectively. Considering shrinkage effects, Deff calculated
values ranged from 1.67*10-10 to 3.18*10-10 m2/s, 3.96*10-10 and
5.57*10-10 m2/s and 4.61*10-10 to 8.16*10-10 m2/s for the BS, MS and
GS samples respectively. Reductions of TPC and AA (as DPPH)
were observed compared with the original content in fresh fruit data
in all kinds of drying assays.