Abstract: Effects of bio-nitrogen fertilizer (bio-N), as a partial
alternative to mineral-nitrogen fertilizer (mineral-N), on growth,
yield and yield quality of broccoli plants were investigated. Bio-N
was applied at 1, 2 or 3 doses in combination with 65% of the
recommended dose of mineral-N (bio-N1, bio-N2 or bio-N3 +
⅔mineral-N). However, 100% of the recommended dose of mineral-
N was applied as a control. Significant positive influences of the bio-
N3 + ⅔mineral-N treatment were observed on growth traits, leaf
contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, nitrate and nitrite, and
yield quality when compared to the other two combined treatments.
In contrast, there were no significant differences in these parameters
between the bio-N3 + ⅔mineral-N and the control treatments, except
for leaf contents of nitrate and nitrite. They showed lower contents in
the bio-N3 + ⅔mineral-N treatment than the control. Therefore, we
recommend using bio-N as a partial alternative to mineral-N for
healthy nutrition.
Abstract: The problem of controlling a two link robotic manipulator, consisting of a rotating and a prismatic links, is addressed. The actuations of both links are assumed to have unknown dead zone nonlinearities and friction torques modeled by LuGre friction model. Because of the existence of the unknown dead zone and friction torque at the actuations, unknown parameters and unmeasured states would appear to be part of the overall system dynamics that need for estimation. Unmeasured states observer, unknown parameters estimators, and robust adaptive control laws have been derived such that closed loop global stability is achieved. Simulation results have been performed to show the efficacy of the suggested approach.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to discuss the relationship between tourist awareness of environmental issues and their own recreational behaviors in the Taipei Guandu Wetland. A total of 392 questionnaires were gathered for data analysis using descriptive statistics, t-testing, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc comparisons. The results showed that most of the visitors there enjoying the beautiful scenery are 21 to 30 years old with a college education. The means and standard deviations indicate that tourists express a positive degree of cognition of environmental issues and recreational behaviors. They suggest that polluting the environment is harmful to the natural ecosystem and that the natural resources of ecotourism are fragile, as well as expressing a high degree of recognition of the need to protect wetlands. Most of respondents are cognizant of the regulations proposed by the Guandu Wetland administration which asks that users exercise self-control and follow recommended guidelines when traveling the wetland. There were significant differences in the degree of cognition related to the variables of age, number of visits and reasons for visiting. We found that most respondents with relatively high levels of education would like to learn more about the wetland and are supportive of its conservation.
Abstract: This paper deals with dynamic load balancing using PVM. In distributed environment Load Balancing and Heterogeneity are very critical issues and needed to drill down in order to achieve the optimal results and efficiency. Various techniques are being used in order to distribute the load dynamically among different nodes and to deal with heterogeneity. These techniques are using different approaches where Process Migration is basic concept with different optimal flavors. But Process Migration is not an easy job, it impose lot of burden and processing effort in order to track each process in nodes. We will propose a dynamic load balancing technique in which application will intelligently balance the load among different nodes, resulting in efficient use of system and have no overheads of process migration. It would also provide a simple solution to problem of load balancing in heterogeneous environment.
Abstract: This paper presents a pulse doubling technique in a 12-pulse ac-dc converter which supplies direct torque controlled motor drives (DTCIMD-s) in order to have better power quality conditions at the point of common coupling. The proposed technique increases the number of rectification pulses without significant changes in the installations and yields in harmonic reduction in both ac and dc sides. The 12-pulse rectified output voltage is accomplished via two paralleled six-pulse ac-dc converters each of them consisting of three-phase diode bridge rectifier. An autotransformer is designed to supply the rectifiers. The design procedure of magnetics is in a way such that makes it suitable for retrofit applications where a six-pulse diode bridge rectifier is being utilized. Independent operation of paralleled diode-bridge rectifiers, i.e. dc-ripple re-injection methodology, requires a Zero Sequence Blocking Transformer (ZSBT). Finally, a tapped interphase reactor is connected at the output of ZSBT to double the pulse numbers of output voltage up to 24 pulses. The aforementioned structure improves power quality criteria at ac mains and makes them consistent with the IEEE-519 standard requirements for varying loads. Furthermore, near unity power factor is obtained for a wide range of DTCIMD operation. A comparison is made between 6- pulse, 12-pulse, and proposed converters from view point of power quality indices. Results show that input current total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 5% for the proposed topology at various loads.
Abstract: Dioscorea species or commonly named as yam is
reported to be one of the major food sources worldwide. This
ethnobotanical study was conducted to document local knowledge
and potentials of DioscoreahispidaDennst. and to investigate and
record its distribution in three districts of Terengganu. Information
was gathered from 23 villagers from three districts of Besut, Marang
and Setiu by using semi-structured questionnaire. The villagers were
randomly selected and no appointment was made prior to the visits.
For distribution, the location of Dioscoreahispida was recorded by
using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The villagers identified
Dioscoreahispida or locally named ubigadong by looking at the
physical characteristics that include its leaf shape, stem and the color
of the tuber-s flesh. The villagers used Dioscoreahispida in many
ways in their life such as for food, medicinal purposes and fish
poison.
Abstract: The results show that the bridge equipped with seismic isolation bearing system shows a high amount of energy dissipation. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the overall performance of continuous curved highway viaducts with different bearing supports, with an emphasis on the effectiveness of seismic isolation based on lead rubber bearing and hedge reaction force bearing system consisted of friction sliding bearing and rubber bearing. The bridge seismic performance has been evaluated on six different cases with six bearing models. The effects of the different arrangement of bearing on the deck superstructure displacements, the seismic damage at the bottom of the piers, movement track at the pier-s top and the total and strain energies absorbed by the structure are evaluated. In conclusion, the results provide sufficient evidence of the effectiveness on the use of seismic isolation on steel curved highway bridges.
Abstract: Presently and in line with the United Nations (EPA),
human thinking system has shifted towards clean fuels so as to
maintain a cleaner environment and to save our planet earth.
One of the most successful studies in order to achieve new
energies includes the use of animal wastes and their organic residues,
and the result of these researches has been represented in the form of
very simple and cheap methods called biogas technology. Biogas
technology has developed a lot in the recent decades; its reason is the
high cost of fossil fuels and the greater attention of countries to the
environmental pollutions due to the consumption of this kind of
fuels.
IRAN is ready for the optimized application of renewable
energies, having much enriched resources of this kind of energies; so
a special place could be considered for it when making programs.
The purpose of biogas technology is the recovery of energy and
finally the protection of the environment, which is much appropriate
for the third world farmers with respect to their technical abilities and
economic potentials. Studies show that the production and
consumption of biogas is appropriate and economic in IRAN,
because of the high amount of waste in the agriculture sector, the
significant amount of animal and human excrement production, the
great volume of garbage produced and the most important the
specific social, climatic and agricultural conditions in IRAN, in order
to proceed towards the reduction of pollution due to the use of fossil
fuels.
Abstract: The influence of physical (external added weight) and
neurophysiological (fatigue) factors on static and dynamic balance in
sport related activities was typified statically by the Romberg test
(one foot flat, eyes open) and dynamically by jumping and hopping
in both horizontal and vertical directions. Twenty healthy males were
participated in this study. In Static condition, added weight increased
body-s inertia and therefore decreased body sway in AP direction
though not significantly. Dynamically, added weight significantly
increased body sway in both ML and AP directions, indicating
instability, and the use of the counter rotating segments mechanism to
maintain balance was demonstrated. Fatigue on the other hand
significantly increased body sway during static balance as a
neurophysiological adaptation primarily to the inverted pendulum
mechanism. Dynamically, fatigue significantly increased body sway
in both ML and AP directions again indicating instability but with a
greater use of counter rotating segments mechanism. Differential
adaptations for each of the two balance mechanisms (inverted
pendulum and counter rotating segments) were found between one
foot flat and two feet flat dynamic conditions, as participants relied
more heavily on the first in the one foot flat conditions and relied
more on the second in the two feet flat conditions.
Abstract: The fabrication of porous NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) from elemental powder compacts was conducted by selfpropagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). Effects of the preheating temperature and the chamber pressure on the combustion characteristics as well as the final morphology and the composition of products were studied. The samples with porosity between 56.4 and 59.0% under preheating temperature in the range of 200-300°C and Ar-gas chamber pressure of 138 and 201 kPa were obtained. The pore structures were found to be dissimilar only in the samples processed with different preheating temperature. The major phase in the porous product is NiTi with small amounts of secondary phases, NiTi2 and Ni4Ti3. The preheating temperature and the chamber pressure have very little effect on the phase constituent. While the combustion temperature of the sample was notably increased by increasing the preheating temperature, they were slightly changed by varying the chamber pressure.
Abstract: Elastic light single-scattering spectroscopy system
with a single optical fiber probe was employed to differentiate cancerous prostate tissue from non-cancerous prostate tissue ex-vivo just after radical prostatectomy. First, ELSSS spectra were acquired
from cancerous prostate tissue to define its spectral features. Then,
spectra were acquired from normal prostate tissue to define difference in spectral features between the cancerous and normal
prostate tissues. Of the total 66 tissue samples were evaluated from
nine patients by ELSSS system. Comparing of histopathology results
and ELSSS measurements revealed that sign of the spectral slopes of
cancerous prostate tissue is negative and non-cancerous tissue is positive in the wavelength range from 450 to 750 nm. Based on the
correlation between histopathology results and sign of the spectral
slopes, ELSSS system differentiates cancerous prostate tissue from
non- cancerous with a sensitivity of 0.95 and a specificity of 0.94.
Abstract: The Brazilian Agricultural Products Wholesale Market fits well as example of residues generating system, reaching 750 metric tons per month of total residues, from which 600 metric tons are organic material and 150 metric tons are recyclable materials. Organic material is basically composed of fruit, vegetables and flowers leftovers from the products commercialization. The recyclable compounds are generate from packing material employed in the commercialization process. This research work devoted efforts in carrying quantitative analysis of the residues generated in the agricultural enterprise at its final destination. Data survey followed the directions implemented by the Residues Management Program issued by the agricultural enterprise. It was noticed from that analysis the necessity of changing the logistics applied to the recyclable material collecting process. However, composting process was elected as the organic compounds destination which is considered adequate for a material composed of significant percentage of organic matter far higher than wood, cardboard and plastics contents.
Abstract: There is a growing interest in the food industry and in preventive health care for the development and evaluation of natural antioxidants from medicinal plant materials. In the present work, extracts of three medicinal plants (Tilia argentea, Crataegi folium leaves and Polygonum bistorta roots) used in Turkish phytotheraphy were screened for their phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties. Crude extracts were obtained from different parts of plants, by solidliquid extraction with pure water, 70% acetone and 70% methanol aqueous solvents. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by ABTS.+ radical cation scavenging activity. The Folin Ciocalteu procedure was used to assess the total phenolic concentrations of the extracts as gallic acid equivalents. A modified liquid chromatography-electro spray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was used to obtain chromatographic profiles of the phenolic compounds in the medicinal plants. The predominant phenolic compounds detected in different extracts of the plants were catechin, protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids. The highest phenolic contents were obtained by using 70% acetone as aqueous solvent, whereas the lowest phenolic contents were obtained by water extraction due to Folin Ciocalteu results. The results indicate that acetone extracts of Tilia argentea had the highest antioxidant capacity as free ABTS radical scavengers. The lowest phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities were obtained from Polygonum bistorta root extracts.
Abstract: This research presents the development of simulation
modeling for WIP management in semiconductor fabrication.
Manufacturing simulation modeling is needed for productivity
optimization analysis due to the complex process flows involved
more than 35 percent re-entrance processing steps more than 15 times
at same equipment. Furthermore, semiconductor fabrication required
to produce high product mixed with total processing steps varies from
300 to 800 steps and cycle time between 30 to 70 days. Besides the
complexity, expansive wafer cost that potentially impact the
company profits margin once miss due date is another motivation to
explore options to experiment any analysis using simulation
modeling. In this paper, the simulation model is developed using
existing commercial software platform AutoSched AP, with
customized integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems
(MES) and Advanced Productivity Family (APF) for data collections
used to configure the model parameters and data source. Model
parameters such as processing steps cycle time, equipment
performance, handling time, efficiency of operator are collected
through this customization. Once the parameters are validated, few
customizations are made to ensure the prior model is executed. The
accuracy for the simulation model is validated with the actual output
per day for all equipments. The comparison analysis from result of
the simulation model compared to actual for achieved 95 percent
accuracy for 30 days. This model later was used to perform various
what if analysis to understand impacts on cycle time and overall
output. By using this simulation model, complex manufacturing
environment like semiconductor fabrication (fab) now have
alternative source of validation for any new requirements impact
analysis.
Abstract: The after–sales activities are nowadays acknowledged
as a relevant source of revenue, profit and competitive advantage in
most manufacturing industries. Top and middle management,
therefore, should focus on the definition of a structured business
performance measurement system for the after-sales business. The
paper aims at filling this gap, and presents an integrated methodology
for the after-sales network performance measurement, and provides
an empirical application to automotive case companies and their
official service network. This is the first study that presents an
integrated multivariate approach for total assessment and
improvement of after-sale services.
Abstract: In the present research, two nutraceuticals made from
red grape and walnut that showed previously to improve kidney
dysfunction were incorporated separately into functional foods' bread
made from barley and rice bran. The functional foods were evaluated
in rats in which chronic renal failure was induced through feeding
diet rich in adenine and phosphate (APD). The evaluation based on
assessing kidney function, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers
and body weight gain. Results showed induction of chronic kidney
failure reflected in significant increase in plasma urea, creatinine,
malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor- α and low density
lipoprotein cholesterol along with significant reduction of plasma
albumin, and total antioxidant and creatinine clearance and body
weight gain on feeding APD compared to control healthy group.
Feeding the functional foods produced amelioration in the different
biochemical parameters and body weight gain indicating
improvement in kidney function.
Abstract: Although automotive industry has brought different beneficiaries to human life, it is being pointed out as one of the major cause of global air pollution which resulted in climate change, smog, green house gases (GHGs), and human diseases by many reasons. Since auto industry is one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels, the realization of green innovations is becoming a crucial choice to meet the challenges towards sustainable development. Recently, many auto manufacturers have embarked on green technology initiatives to gain a competitive advantage in the global market; however, innovative manufacturing systems and technologies can enhance operational performance only if the human resource management is in place to elicit the motivation of the employees and develop their organizational expertise. No organization can perform at peak levels unless each employee is committed to the company goals and works as an effective team member. Strategic human resource practices are the primary means by which firms can shape the skills, attitudes, and behavior of individuals to align with the business strategic objectives. This study investigates on the comprehensive approach of multiple advanced technology innovations and human resource management at Toyota Motor Corporation as the market leader of full hybrid technology in the automotive industry. Then, HRM framework of the company is described and three sets of human resource practices that support the innovation-oriented HR system, presented. Finally, a conceptual framework for innovativeness in green technology in automotive industry by applying a deliberate strategic HR management system and knowledge management with the intervening factors of organizational culture, knowledge application and knowledge sharing is proposed.
Abstract: Absorptive characteristics of polyaniline synthesized
in mixture of water and acetonitrile in 50/50 volume ratio was
studied. Synthesized polyaniline in powder shape is used as an
adsorbent to remove toxic hexavalent chromium from aqueous
solutions. Experiments were conducted in batch mode with different
variables such as agitation time, solution pH and initial concentration
of hexavalent chromium. Removal mechanism is the combination of
surface adsorption and reduction. The equilibrium time for removal
of Cr(T) and Cr(VI) was about 2 and 10 minutes respectively. The
optimum pH for total chromium removal occurred at pH 7 and
maximum hexavalent chromium removal took place under acidic
condition at pH 3. Investigating the isothermal characteristics showed
that the equilibrium adsorption data fitted both Freundlich-s and
Langmuir-s isotherms. The maximum adsorption of chromium was
calculated 36.1 mg/g for polyaniline
Abstract: With the development of ubiquitous computing,
current user interaction approaches with keyboard, mouse and pen
are not sufficient. Due to the limitation of these devices the useable
command set is also limited. Direct use of hands as an input device is
an attractive method for providing natural Human Computer
Interaction which has evolved from text-based interfaces through 2D
graphical-based interfaces, multimedia-supported interfaces, to fully
fledged multi-participant Virtual Environment (VE) systems.
Imagine the human-computer interaction of the future: A 3Dapplication
where you can move and rotate objects simply by moving
and rotating your hand - all without touching any input device. In this
paper a review of vision based hand gesture recognition is presented.
The existing approaches are categorized into 3D model based
approaches and appearance based approaches, highlighting their
advantages and shortcomings and identifying the open issues.
Abstract: This work presents the experimental results obtained
at a pilot plant which works with a slow, wet and catalytic pyrolysis
process of dry fowl manure. This kind of process mainly consists in
the cracking of the organic matrix and in the following reaction of
carbon with water, which is either already contained in the organic
feed or added, to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Reactions
are conducted in a rotating reactor maintained at a temperature of
500°C; the required amount of water is about 30% of the dry organic
feed. This operation yields a gas containing about 59% (on a volume
basis) of hydrogen, 17% of carbon monoxide and other products such
as light hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane) and carbon
monoxide in lesser amounts. The gas coming from the reactor can be
used to produce not only electricity, through internal combustion
engines, but also heat, through direct combustion in industrial
boilers. Furthermore, as the produced gas is devoid of both solid
particles and pollutant species (such as dioxins and furans), the
process (in this case applied to fowl manure) can be considered as an
optimal way for the disposal and the contemporary energetic
valorization of organic materials, in such a way that is not damaging
to the environment.