Abstract: The study is devoted to define the optimal conditions
for the nitriding of pure iron at atmospheric pressure by using NH3-
Ar-C3H8 gas mixtures. After studying the mechanisms of phase
formation and mass transfer at the gas-solid interface, a mathematical
model is developed in order to predict the nitrogen transfer rate in the
solid, the ε-carbonitride layer growth rate and the nitrogen and
carbon concentration profiles. In order to validate the model and to
show its possibilities, it is compared with thermogravimetric
experiments, analyses and metallurgical observations (X-ray
diffraction, optical microscopy and electron microprobe analysis).
Results obtained allow us to demonstrate the sound correlation
between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions.
Abstract: Reburning is a useful technology in reducing nitric
oxide through injection of a secondary hydrocarbon fuel. In this paper,
an experimental study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of fuel
lean reburning on NOx/CO reduction in LNG flame. Experiments
were performed in flames stabilized by a co-flow swirl burner, which
was mounted at the bottom of the furnace. Tests were conducted using
LNG gas as the reburn fuel as well as the main fuel. The effects of
reburn fuel fraction and injection manner of the reburn fuel were
studied when the fuel lean reburning system was applied. The paper
reports data on flue gas emissions and temperature distribution in the
furnace for a wide range of experimental conditions. At steady state,
temperature distribution and emission formation in the furnace have
been measured and compared. This paper makes clear that in order to
decrease both NOx and CO concentrations in the exhaust when the
pulsated fuel lean reburning system was adapted, it is important that
the control of some factors such as frequency and duty ratio. Also it
shows the fuel lean reburning is also effective method to reduce NOx
as much as reburning.
Abstract: Carbon nanotube is one of the most attractive materials
for the potential applications of nanotechnology due to its excellent
mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties. In this paper we
report a supercapacitor made of nickel foil electrodes, coated with
multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) thin film using
electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. Chemical vapor deposition
method was used for the growth of MWCNTs and ethanol was used as
a hydrocarbon source. High graphitic multiwall carbon nanotube was
found at 750oC analyzing by Raman spectroscopy. We observed the
electrochemical performance of supercapacitor by cyclic
voltammetry. The electrodes of supercapacitor fabricated from
MWCNTs exhibit considerably small equivalent series resistance
(ESR), and a high specific power density. Electrophoretic deposition
is an easy method in fabricating MWCNT electrodes for high
performance supercapacitor.
Abstract: In this paper a comprehensive review on various
factory layouts has been carried out for designing a lucrative process
layout for medium scale industries. Industry data base reveals that the
end product rejection rate is on the order of 10% amounting large
profit loss. In order to avoid these rejection rates and to increase the
quality product production an intermediate non-destructive testing
facility (INDTF) has been recommended for increasing the overall
profit. We observed through detailed case studies that while
introducing INDTF to medium scale industries the expensive
production process can be avoided to the defective products well
before its final shape. Additionally, the defective products identified
during the intermediate stage can be effectively utilized for other
applications or recycling; thereby the overall wastage of the raw
materials can be reduced and profit can be increased. We concluded
that the prudent design of a factory layout through critical path
method facilitating with INDTF will warrant profitable outcome.
Abstract: This paper reports a structured literature review of the
application of Health Information Technology in developing
countries, defined as the World Bank categories Low-income
countries, Lower-middle-income, and Upper-middle-income
countries. The aim was to identify and classify the various
applications of health information technology to assess its current
state in developing countries and explore potential areas of research.
We offer specific analysis and application of HIT in Libya as one of
the developing countries. A structured literature review was
conducted using the following online databases: IEEE, Science
Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Publication dates were set for
2000-2013. For the PubMed search, publications in English, French,
and Arabic were specified. Using a content analysis approach, 159
papers were analyzed and a total number of 26 factors were identified
that affect the adoption of health information technology. Of the 2681
retrieved articles, 159 met the inclusion criteria which were carefully
analyzed and classified. The implementation of health information
technology across developing countries is varied. Whilst it was
initially expected financial constraints would have severely limited
health information technology implementation, some developing
countries like India have nevertheless dominated the literature and
taken the lead in conducting scientific research. Comparing the
number of studies to the number of countries in each category, we
found that Low-income countries and Lower-middle-income had
more studies carried out than Upper-middle-income countries.
However, whilst IT has been used in various sectors of the economy,
the healthcare sector in developing countries is still failing to benefit
fully from the potential advantages that IT can offer.
Abstract: The investigation on wind turbine degradation was
carried out using the nacelle wind data. The three Vestas V80-2MW
wind turbines of Sungsan wind farm in Jeju Island, South Korea were
selected for this work. The SCADA data of the wind farm for five
years were analyzed to draw power curve of the turbines. It is assumed
that the wind distribution is the Rayleigh distribution to calculate the
normalized capacity factor based on the drawn power curve of the
three wind turbines for each year. The result showed that the reduction
of power output from the three wind turbines occurred every year and
the normalized capacity factor decreased to 0.12%/year on average.
Abstract: Non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques for
assessing the integrity of composite structures are essential to both
reduce manufacturing costs and out of service time of transport means
due to maintenance. In this study, Analyze into non-destructive test
characterization of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) internal
and external defects using thermo-graphic camera and transient
thermography method. non-destructive testing were characterized by
defect size (Ø8, Ø10, Ø12, Ø14) and depth (1.2mm, 2.4mm).
Abstract: In this study, epoxy composite specimens reinforced
with multi-walled carbon nanotube filler were fabricated using shear
mixer and ultra-sonication processor. The mechanical and thermal
properties of the fabricated specimens were measured and evaluated.
From the electron microscope images and the results from the
measurements of tensile strengths, the specimens having 0.6 wt%
nanotube content show better dispersion and higher strength than those
of the other specimens. The Young’s moduli of the specimens
increased as the contents of the nanotube filler in the matrix were
increased. The specimen having a 0.6 wt% nanotube filler content
showed higher thermal conductivity than that of the other specimens.
While, in the measurement of thermal expansion, specimens having
0.4 and 0.6 wt% filler contents showed a lower value of thermal
expansion than that of the other specimens. On the basis of the
measured and evaluated properties of the composites, we believe that
the simple and time-saving fabrication process used in this study was
sufficient to obtain improved properties of the specimens.
Abstract: This paper aims to represent the commercial activity
of a city taking as source data the social network Foursquare. The
city of Murcia is selected as case study, and the location-based
social network Foursquare is the main source of information. After
carrying out a reorganisation of the user-generated data extracted
from Foursquare, it is possible to graphically display on a map the
various city spaces and venues especially those related to commercial,
food and entertainment sector businesses. The obtained visualisation
provides information about activity patterns in the city of Murcia
according to the people‘s interests and preferences and, moreover,
interesting facts about certain characteristics of the town itself.
Abstract: In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was
extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose which was
earlier isolated from oil palm EFB fibre. In order to isolate the
cellulose, the chlorination method was carried out. Then, the MCC
was prepared by simultaneous ultrasonic and alkali treatment from
the isolated α-cellulose. Based on mass balance calculation, the yields
for MCC obtained from EFB was 44%. For fiber characterization, it
is observed that the chemical composition of the hemicellulose and
lignin for all samples decreased while composition for cellulose
increased. The structural property of the MCC was studied by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) method and the result shows that the MCC
produced is a cellulose-I polymorph, with 73% crystallinity.
Abstract: This paper discusses the role of music as a ludic
activity and constituent element of voice in the construction and
consolidation of the relationship of the baby and his/her mother or
caretaker, evaluating its implications in his/her psychic structure and
constitution as a subject. The work was based on the research
developed as part of the author’s doctoral activities carried out from
her insertion in a project of the Music Department of Federal
University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, which objective was the
development of musical activities with groups of babies from 0 to 24
months old and their caretakers. Observations, video recordings of
the meetings, audio testemonies, and evaluation tools applied to
group participants were used as instruments for this research.
Information was collected on the participation of 195 babies, among
which 8 were more focused on through interviews with their mothers
or caretakers. These interviews were analyzed based on the
referential of French Discourse Analysis, Psychoanalysis, Psychology
of Development and Musical Education. The results of the research
were complemented by other posterior experiences that the author
developed with similar groups, in a context of a private clinic. The
information collected allowed the observation of the ludic and
structural functions of musical activities, when developed in a
structured environment, as well as the importance of the musicality of
the mother’s voice to the psychical structuring of the baby, allowing
his/her insertion in the language and his/her constitution as a subject.
Abstract: The main purpose of this work was verify the
influence of the accelerated carbonation in the physical and
mechanical properties of the hybrid composites, reinforced with
micro and nanofibers and composites with microfibers. The
composites were produced by the slurry vacuum dewatering method,
followed by pressing. It was produced using two formulations: 8% of
eucalyptus pulp + 1% of the nanofibrillated cellulose and 9% of
eucalyptus pulp, both were subjected to accelerated carbonation. The
results showed that the accelerated carbonation contributed to
improve the physical and mechanical properties of the hybrid
composites and of the composites reinforced with microfibers
(eucalyptus pulp).
Abstract: Monocopter is a single-wing rotary flying vehicle
which has the capability of hovering. This flying vehicle includes two
dynamic parts in which more efficiency can be expected rather than
other Micro UAVs due to the extended area of wing compared to its
fuselage. Low cost and simple mechanism in comparison to other
vehicles such as helicopter are the most important specifications of
this flying vehicle.
In the previous paper we discussed the introduction of the final
system but in this paper, the experimental design process of
Monocopter and its control algorithm has been investigated in
general. Also the editorial bugs in the previous article have been
corrected and some translational ambiguities have been resolved.
Initially by constructing several prototypes and carrying out many
flight tests the main design parameters of this air vehicle were
obtained by experimental measurements. Eventually the required
main monocopter for this project was constructed. After construction
of the monocopter in order to design, implementation and testing of
control algorithms first a simple optic system used for determining
the heading angle. After doing numerous tests on Test Stand, the
control algorithm designed and timing of applying control inputs
adjusted. Then other control parameters of system were tuned in
flight tests. Eventually the final control system designed and
implemented using the AHRS sensor and the final operational tests
performed successfully.
Abstract: Components with sensory properties such as gentelligent components developed at the Collaborative Research Centre 653 offer a new angle in terms of the full utilization of the remaining service life as well as preventive maintenance. The developed methodology of component status driven maintenance analyzes the stress data obtained during the component's useful life and on the basis of this knowledge assesses the type of maintenance required in this case. The procedure is derived from the case-based reasoning method and will be explained in detail. The method's functionality is demonstrated with real-life data obtained during test runs of a racing car prototype.
Abstract: We report on the use of strong external optical
feedback to enhance the modulation response of semiconductor lasers
over a frequency passband around modulation frequencies higher
than 60 GHz. We show that this modulation enhancement is a type of
photon-photon resonance (PPR) of oscillating modes in the external
cavity formed between the laser and the external reflector. The study
is based on a time-delay rate equation model that takes into account
both the strong feedback and multiple reflections in the external
cavity. We examine the harmonic and intermodulation distortions
associated with single and two-tone modulations in the mm-wave
band of the resonant modulation. We show that compared with
solitary lasers modulated around the carrier-photon resonance
frequency, the present mm-wave modulated signal has lower
distortions.
Abstract: Floods play a key role in landform evolution of an
area. This process is likely to alter the topography of the earth’s
surface. The present study area, Kota Bharu is very prone to floods
extends from upstream of Kelantan River near Kemubu to the
downstream area near Kuala Besar. These flood events which occur
every year in the study area exhibit a strong bearing on river
morphological set-up. In the present study, three satellite imageries of
different time periods have been used to manifest the post-flood
landform changes. The pre-processing of the images such as subset,
geometric corrections and atmospheric corrections were carried-out
using ENVI 4.5 followed by the analysis processes. Twenty sets of
cross sections were plotted using software Erdas 9.2, ERDAS and
ArcGis 10 for the all three images. The results show a significant
change in the length of the cross section which suggest that the
geomorphological processes play a key role in carving and shaping
the river banks during the floods.
Abstract: Animal fats (camel, sheep, goat, rabbit and chicken)
and vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, palm oil and olive oil) were
substituted with different proportions (1, 5, 10 and 20%) of lard.
Fatty acid composition in TG and 2-MG were determined using
lipase hydrolysis and gas chromatography before and after
adulteration. Results indicated that, genuine lard had a high
proportion (60.97%) of the total palmitic acid at 2-MG. However, it
was 8.70%, 16.40%, 11.38%, 10.57%, 29.97 and 8.97% for camel,
beef, sheep, goat, rabbit and chicken, respectively. It could be noticed
also the position-2-MG is mostly occupied by unsaturated fatty acids
among all tested fats except lard. Vegetable oils (corn, sunflower,
palm oil and olive oil) revealed that the levels of palmitic acid
esterifies at 2-MG position was 6.84, 1.43, 9.86 and 1.70%,
respectively. It could be observed also the studied oils had a higher
level of unsaturated fatty acids in the same position, compared with
animal fats under investigation. Moreover, palmitic acid esterifies at
2-MG and PAEF increased gradually as the substituted levels
increased among all tested fat and oil samples. Statistical analysis
showed that the PAEF correlated well with lard level. The detection
of lard in some commercial processed foods (5 French fries, 4 Butter
fats, 5 processed meat and 6 candy samples) was carried out. Results
revealed that 2 samples of French fries and 4 samples of processed
meat contained lard due to their higher PAEF, while butter fat and
candy were free of lard.
Abstract: The extermination and proper disposal of
pharmaceutical wastes from expired and unused medications remains
a disputable issue due to their specific nature and characteristics.
Even though the hazards from these wastes are already well known in
terms of environment and human health, people still treat them as
usual wastes. At a national level, in many countries the management
of pharmaceutical and medical wastes has been one of the main
objectives in order to protect people’s health and the environment.
Even though many legal regulations exist in this respect, there has not
been a single law that would clearly explain the procedures of
returning medicines, ways of selection, treatment and extermination
of pharmaceutical wastes. This paper aims at analyzing the practices
of pharmaceutical waste management and treatment in some
European countries as well as a review of the legislation and official
guidelines in managing these kinds of wastes and protecting the
environment and human health. A suitable treatment and
management of expired medications and other similar wastes would
be in the interest of public health in the first place, as well as in the
interest of healthcare institutions and other bodies engaged in
environment protection.
Abstract: This paper presents the hardware implemented and
validation for a special system to assist the unprofessional users of
car with back trailers. The system consists of two platforms; the front
car platform (C) and the trailer platform (T). The main objective is to
control the Trailer platform using the actuators found in the front
platform (c). The mobility of the platform (C) is investigated and
inverse and forward kinematics model is obtained for both platforms
(C) and (T).The system is simulated using Matlab M-file and the
simulation examples results illustrated the system performance. The
system is constructed with a hardware setup for the front and trailer
platform. The hardware experimental results and the simulated
examples outputs showed the validation of the hardware setup.
Abstract: As enterprise computing becomes more and more
complex, the costs and technical challenges of IT system maintenance
and support are increasing rapidly. One popular approach to managing
IT system maintenance is to prepare and use a FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions) system to manage and reuse systems knowledge. Such a
FAQ system can help reduce the resolution time for each service
incident ticket. However, there is a major problem where over time the
knowledge in such FAQs tends to become outdated. Much of the
knowledge captured in the FAQ requires periodic updates in response
to new insights or new trends in the problems addressed in order to
maintain its usefulness for problem resolution. These updates require a
systematic approach to define the exact portion of the FAQ and its
content. Therefore, we are working on a novel method to
hierarchically structure the FAQ and automate the updates of its
structure and content. We use structured information and the
unstructured text information with the timelines of the information in
the service incident tickets. We cluster the tickets by structured
category information, by keywords, and by keyword modifiers for the
unstructured text information. We also calculate an urgency score
based on trends, resolution times, and priorities. We carefully studied
the tickets of one of our projects over a 2.5-year time period. After the
first 6 months we started to create FAQs and confirmed they improved
the resolution times. We continued observing over the next 2 years to
assess the ongoing effectiveness of our method for the automatic FAQ
updates. We improved the ratio of tickets covered by the FAQ from
32.3% to 68.9% during this time. Also, the average time reduction of
ticket resolution was between 31.6% and 43.9%. Subjective analysis
showed more than 75% reported that the FAQ system was useful in
reducing ticket resolution times.