Abstract: The aim of this study was to select the best strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae able to resist lead and cadmium. Ten
strains were screened on the basis of their resistance at different
concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 ppm for Pb and 0, 0.5,
1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ppm for Cd. The properties of baker's yeast
quality were decreased by the increase of Pb or Cd in growth
medium. The slope values of yield, total viable cells and gassing
power of produced baker's yeast were investigated as an indicator of
metal resistant. In addition, concentrations of Pb and Cd in produced
baker's yeast were determined. The strain of S. cerevisiae FH-620
had the highest resistance against Pb and Cd and had the minimum
levels of both two investigated metals in produced baker's yeast.
Abstract: In this paper, an analysis of some model order
reduction techniques is presented. A new hybrid algorithm for model
order reduction of linear time invariant systems is compared with the
conventional techniques namely Balanced Truncation, Hankel Norm
reduction and Dominant Pole Algorithm (DPA). The proposed hybrid
algorithm is known as Clustering Dominant Pole Algorithm (CDPA),
is able to compute the full set of dominant poles and its cluster center
efficiently. The dominant poles of a transfer function are specific
eigenvalues of the state space matrix of the corresponding dynamical
system. The effectiveness of this novel technique is shown through
the simulation results.
Abstract: The concentration levels of six heavy metals (Cd, Cr,
Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) and two mineral elements (Ca and Mg) were
determined in soil samples collected from the vicinity of two auto
mechanic workshops in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna state, Nigeria, using
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), in order to compare the
gradation of their concentrations with distance and depth of soil from
the workshop sites. At site 1, concentrations of Lead, Chromium, Iron
and Zinc were generally found to be above the World Health
Organization limits, while those of Nickel and Cadmium fell within
the limits. Iron had the highest concentration with a range of 176.274
ppm to 489.127 ppm at depths of 5 cm to 15 cm and a distance range
of 5 m to 15 m, while the concentration of cadmium was least with a
range of 0.001 ppm to 0.008 ppm at similar depth and distance
ranges. In addition, there was more of calcium (11.521 ppm to
121.709 ppm), in all the samples, than magnesium (11.293 ppm to
21.635 ppm). Similar results were obtained for site II. The
concentrations of all the metals analyzed showed a downward
gradient with increase in depth and distance from both workshop sites
except for iron and zinc at site 2. The immediate and remote
implications of these findings on the biota are discussed.
Abstract: This study was conducted in the area of Vlora Bay,
Albania. Data about Sea Turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas,
belonging to two periods of time (1984 – 1991; 2008 – 2014) are
given. All data gathered were analyzed using recent methodologies.
For all turtles captured (as by catch), the Curve Carapace Length
(CCL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured. These
data were statistically analyzed, where the mean was 67.11 cm for
CCL and 57.57 cm for CCW of all individuals studied (n=13). All
untagged individuals of marine turtles were tagged using metallic
tags (Stockbrand’s titanium tag) with an Albanian address. Sex was
determined and resulted that 45.4% of individuals were females,
27.3% males and 27.3% juveniles. All turtles were studied for the
presence of the epibionts. The area of Vlora Bay is used from marine
turtles (Caretta caretta) as a migratory corridor to pass from
Mediterranean to the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
Abstract: In this study was monitored the population of the
European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the area
of Narta Lagoon, Vlora Bay (Albania), from August to October 2014.
A total of 54 individuals of E. orbicularis were studied using
different methodologies. Curved Carapace Length (CCL), Plastron
Length (PL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured for
each individual of E. orbicularis and were statistically analyzed. All
captured turtles were separated in seven different size – classes based
on their carapace length (CCL). Each individual of E. orbicularis was
marked by notching the carapace (marginal scutes). Form all
individuals captured resulted that 37 were females (68.5%), 14 males
(25.9%), 3 juveniles (5.5%), while 18 individuals of E. orbicularis
were recaptured for the first and some for the second time.
Abstract: High Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of the
transmitted signal is a serious problem in multicarrier systems (MC),
such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), or in
Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) systems,
due to large number of subcarriers. This effect is possible reduce with
some PAPR reduction techniques. Spreading sequences at the
presence of Saleh and Rapp models of high power amplifier (HPA)
have big influence on the behavior of system. In this paper we
investigate the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of MC-CDMA
systems. Basically we can see from simulations that the MC-CDMA
system with Iterative algorithm can be providing significantly better
results than the MC-CDMA system. The results of our analyses are
verified via simulation.
Abstract: In this paper we describe the Levenvberg-Marquardt
(LM) algorithm for identification and equalization of CDMA
signals received by an antenna array in communication channels.
The synthesis explains the digital separation and equalization of
signals after propagation through multipath generating intersymbol
interference (ISI). Exploiting discrete data transmitted and three
diversities induced at the reception, the problem can be composed
by the Block Component Decomposition (BCD) of a tensor of
order 3 which is a new tensor decomposition generalizing the
PARAFAC decomposition. We optimize the BCD decomposition by
Levenvberg-Marquardt method gives encouraging results compared to
classical alternating least squares algorithm (ALS). In the equalization
part, we use the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) to perform
the presented method. The simulation results using the LM algorithm
are important.
Abstract: The star network is one of the promising
interconnection networks for future high speed parallel computers, it
is expected to be one of the future-generation networks. The star
network is both edge and vertex symmetry, it was shown to have
many gorgeous topological proprieties also it is owns hierarchical
structure framework. Although much of the research work has been
done on this promising network in literature, it still suffers from
having enough algorithms for load balancing problem. In this paper
we try to work on this issue by investigating and proposing an
efficient algorithm for load balancing problem for the star network.
The proposed algorithm is called Star Clustered Dimension Exchange
Method SCDEM to be implemented on the star network. The
proposed algorithm is based on the Clustered Dimension Exchange
Method (CDEM). The SCDEM algorithm is shown to be efficient in
redistributing the load balancing as evenly as possible among all
nodes of different factor networks.
Abstract: The demand of high quality services has fueled
dimensional research and development in wireless communications
and networking. As a result, different wireless technologies like
Wireless LAN, CDMA, GSM, UMTS, MANET, Bluetooth and
satellite networks etc. have emerged in the last two decades. Future
networks capable of carrying multimedia traffic need IP convergence,
portability, seamless roaming and scalability among the existing
networking technologies without changing the core part of the
existing communications networks. To fulfill these goals, the present
networking systems are required to work in cooperation to ensure
technological independence, seamless roaming, high security and
authentication, guaranteed Quality of Services (QoS). In this paper, a
conceptual framework for a cooperative network (CN) is proposed
for integration of heterogeneous existing networks to meet out the
requirements of the next generation wireless networks.
Abstract: In wireless communication, space-time block code (STBC), cyclic delay diversity (CDD) and space-time cyclic delay diversity (STCDD)are used as the spatial diversity schemes and have been widely studied for the reliablecommunication. If these schemes are used, the communication system can obtain the improved performance. However,the quality of the system is degraded when the distance between a source and a destination is distant in wireless communication system. In this paper, the cooperative transmission scheme using two sources is proposed and improves the performance of the wireless communication system.
Abstract: Comprehensive numerical studies have been carried
out to examine the best aerodynamic performance of subsonic aircraft
at different winglet cant angles using a validated 3D k-ω SST model.
In the parametric analytical studies NACA series of airfoils are
selected. Basic design of the winglet is selected from the literature
and flow features of the entire wing including the winglet tip effects
have been examined with different cant angles varying from 150 to
600 at different angles of attack up to 140. We have observed, among
the cases considered in this study that a case, with 150 cant angle the
aerodynamics performance of the subsonic aircraft during takeoff
was found better up to an angle of attack of 2.80 and further its
performance got diminished at higher angles of attack. Analyses
further revealed that increasing the winglet cant angle from 150 to 600
at higher angles of attack could negate the performance deterioration
and additionally it could enhance the peak CL/CD on the order of
3.5%. The investigated concept of variable-cant-angle winglets
appears to be a promising alternative for improving the aerodynamic
efficiency of aircraft.
Abstract: Aim of this work was to study the genetic basis for oil
accumulation in olive fruit via tracking DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol
acyltransferase type-2) gene in three Egyptian Origen Olive cultivars
namely Toffahi, Hamed and Maraki using molecular marker
techniques and bioinformatics tools. Results illustrate that, firstly:
specific genomic band of Maraki cultivars was identified as DGAT2
(Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2) and identical for this gene in
Olea europaea with 100% of similarity. Secondly, differential
genomic band of Maraki cultivars which produced from RAPD
fingerprinting technique reflected predicted distinguished sequence
which identified as DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2)
in Fragaria vesca subsp. Vesca with 76% of sequential similarity.
Third and finally, specific genomic specific band of Hamed cultivars
was identified as two fragments, 1- Olea europaea cultivar Koroneiki
diacylglycerol acyltransferase type 2 mRNA, complete cds with two
matches regions with 99% or 2- Predicted: Fragaria vesca subsp.
vesca diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2-like (LOC101313050),
mRNA with 86 % of similarity.
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: In recent decades with the development of technology
and lack of food sources, sewage sludge in production of human
foods is inevitable. Various sources of municipal and industrial
sewage sludge that is produced can provide the requirement of plant
nutrients. Soils in arid, semi-arid climate of central Iran that most
affected by water drainage, iron and zinc deficiencies, using of
sewage sludge is helpful. Therefore, the aim of this study is
investigation of sewage sludge and manure application on Ni, Pb and
Cd uptake by Savory. An experiment in a randomized complete block
design with three replications was performed. Sewage sludge
treatments consisted of four levels, control, 15, 30, 80 tons per
hectares; the manure was used in four levels of control, 20, 40 and 80
tons per hectare. Results showed that the wet and dry weights was not
affected by sewage sludge using, while, manure has significant effect
on them. The effect of sewage sludge on the cadmium and lead
concentrations were significant. Interactions of sewage sludge and
manure on dry weight values were not significant. Compare mean
analysis showed that increasing the amount of sewage sludge had no
significant effect on cadmium concentration and it reduced when
sewage sludge usage increased. This is probably due to increased
plant growth and reduced concentrations of these elements in the
plant.
Abstract: Climate warming would increase rainfall by shifting
precipitation falling form from snow to rain, and would accelerate
snow cover disappearing by increasing snowpack. Using temperature
and precipitation data in the temperature-index snowmelt model, we
evaluated variability of snowfall and continuous snow cover duration
(CSCD) during 1944-2010 over Pelso, central Finland. Mann-
Kendall non-parametric test determined that annual precipitation
increased by 2.69 (mm/year, p
Abstract: A computational fluid dynamics simulation is done for
non-Newtonian fluid in a baffled stirred tank. The CMC solution is
taken as non-Newtonian shear thinning fluid for simulation. The
Reynolds Average Navier Stocks equation with steady state multi
reference frame approach is used to simulate flow in the stirred tank.
The turbulent flow field is modelled using realizable k-ε turbulence
model. The simulated velocity profiles of Rushton turbine is
validated with literature data. Then, the simulated flow field of CD-6
impeller is compared with the Rushton turbine. The flow field
generated by CD-6 impeller is less in magnitude than the Rushton
turbine. The impeller global parameter, power number and flow
number, and entropy generation due to viscous dissipation rate is also
reported.
Abstract: This article presents summary on preparation and
characterization of zinc, copper, cadmium and cobalt chromite
nanocrystals, embedded in an amorphous silica matrix. The
ZnCr2O4/SiO2, CuCr2O4/SiO2, CdCr2O4/SiO2 and CoCr2O4/SiO2
nanocomposites were prepared by a conventional sol-gel method
under acid catalysis. Final heat treatment of the samples was carried
out at temperatures in the range of 900−1200 ◦C to adjust the
phase composition and the crystallite size, respectively. The resulting
samples were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD),
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM),
Raman/FTIR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Formation
of the spinel phase was confirmed in all samples. The average size of
the nanocrystals was determined from the PXRD data and by direct
particle size observation on HRTEM; both results were correlated.
The mean particle size (reviewed by HRTEM) was in the range from
∼4 to 46 nm. The results showed that the sol-gel method can be
effectively used for preparation of the spinel chromite nanoparticles
embedded in the silica matrix and the particle size is driven by the
type of the cation A2+ in the spinel structure and the temperature
of the final heat treatment. Magnetic properties of the nanocrystals
were found to be just moderately modified in comparison to the bulk
phases.
Abstract: Pollution of the Klip River has caused
microorganisms inhabiting it to develop protective survival
mechanisms. This study isolated and characterized the heavy metal
resistant bacteria in the Klip River. Water and sediment samples were
collected from six sites along the course of the river. The pH,
turbidity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured
in-situ. The concentrations of six heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb
and Zn) of the water samples were determined by atomic absorption
spectroscopy. Biochemical and antibiotic profiles of the isolates were
assessed using the API 20E® and Kirby Bauer Method. Growth
studies were carried out using spectrophotometric methods. The
isolates were identified using 16SrDNA sequencing. The uppermost
part of the Klip River with the lowest pH had the highest levels of
heavy metals. Turbidity, salinity and specific conductivity increased
measurably at Site 4 (Henley on Klip Weir). MIC tests showed that
16 isolates exhibited high iron and lead resistance. Antibiotic
susceptibility tests revealed that the isolates exhibited multitolerances
to drugs such as Tetracycline, Ampicillin, and
Amoxicillin.
Abstract: Fly ash is an important waste, produced in thermal
power plants which causes very important environmental pollutions.
For this reason the usage and evaluation the fly ash in various areas
are very important. Nearly, 15 million tons/year of fly ash is
produced in Turkey. In this study, usage of fly ash with diatomite and
molasses for heavy metal (Cd) adsorption from wastewater is
investigated. The samples of Seyitomer region fly ash were analyzed
by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) then diatomite (0 and 1% in terms of fly ash, w/w) and
molasses (0-0.75 mL) were pelletized under 30 MPa of pressure for
the usage of cadmium (Cd) adsorption in wastewater. After the
adsorption process, samples of Seyitomer were analyzed using
Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). As a result, it is seen that
the usage of Seyitomer fly ash is proper for cadmium (Cd) adsorption
and an optimum adsorption yield with 52% is found at a compound
with Seyitomer fly ash (10 g), diatomite (0.5 g) and molasses (0.75
mL) at 2.5 h of reaction time, pH:4, 20ºC of reaction temperature and
300 rpm of stirring rate.
Abstract: This paper presents the electrical effect of two neighboring distribution substation during the construction phase. The size of auxiliary grounding grid have an effect on entire grounding system. The bigger the size of auxiliary grounding grid, the lower the GPR and maximum touch voltage, with the exception that when the two grids are unconnected, i.e. the bigger the size of auxiliary grounding grid, the higher the maximum step voltage. The results in this paper could be served as design guideline of grounding system, and perhaps remedy of some troublesome grounding grids in power distribution’s system. Modeling and simulation is carried out on the Current Distribution Electromagnetic interference Grounding and Soil structure (CDEGS) program. The simulation results exhibit the design and analysis of power system grounding and perhaps could be set as a standard in grounding system design and modification in distribution substations.