Abstract: In this paper we studied sono catalytic oxidative desulfurization of oil and diesel fraction from “Zhanazhol” oil deposits. We have established that the combined effect of the ultrasonic field and oxidant (ozone-air mixture) in the presence of the catalyst on the oil is potentially very effective method of desulfurization of oil and oil products. This method allows increasing the degree of desulfurization of oil by 62%.
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of inflectional and derivational morphemic analysis awareness on ESL secondary school students’ vocabulary learning strategy. The quasi-experimental study was conducted with 106 low proficiency secondary school students in two experimental groups (inflectional and derivational) and one control group. The students’ vocabulary acquisition was assessed through two measures: Morphemic Analysis Test and Vocabulary- Morphemic Test in the pretest and posttest before and after an intervention programme. Results of ANCOVA revealed that both the experimental groups achieved a significant score in Morphemic Analysis Test and Vocabulary-Morphemic Test. However, the inflectional group obtained a fairly higher score than the derivational group. Thus, the results indicated that ESL low proficiency secondary school students performed better on inflectional morphemic awareness as compared to derivatives. The results also showed that the awareness of inflectional morphology contributed more on the vocabulary acquisition. Importantly, learning inflectional morphology can help ESL low proficiency secondary school students to develop both morphemic awareness and vocabulary gain. Theoretically, these findings show that not all morphemes are equally useful to students for their language development. Practically, these findings indicate that morphological instruction should at least be included in remediation and instructional efforts with struggling learners across all grade levels, allowing them to focus on meaning within the word before they attempt the text in large for better comprehension. Also, by methodologically, by conducting individualized intervention and assessment this study provided fresh empirical evidence to support the existing literature on morphemic analysis awareness and vocabulary learning strategy. Thus, a major pedagogical implication of the study is that morphemic analysis awareness strategy is a definite boon for ESL secondary school students in learning English vocabulary.
Abstract: A multilayer passive shield composed of low-activity
lead (Pb), copper (Cu), tin (Sn) and iron (Fe) was designed and
manufactured for a coaxial HPGe detector placed at a surface
laboratory for reducing background radiation and radiation dose to
the personnel. The performance of the shield was evaluated and
efficiency curves of the detector were plotted by using of various
standard sources in different distances. Monte Carlo simulations and
a set of TLD chips were used for dose estimation in two distances of
20 and 40 cm. The results show that the shield reduced background
spectrum and the personnel dose more than 95%.
Abstract: As per the statistical data, the Doubly-fed Induction
Generator (DFIG) based wind turbine with variable speed and
variable pitch control is the most common wind turbine in the
growing wind market. This machine is usually used on the grid
connected wind energy conversion system to satisfy grid code
requirements such as grid stability, Fault Ride Through (FRT), power
quality improvement, grid synchronization and power control etc.
Though the requirements are not fulfilled directly by the machine, the
control strategy is used in both the stator as well as rotor side along
with power electronic converters to fulfil the requirements stated
above. To satisfy the grid code requirements of wind turbine, usually
grid side converter is playing a major role. So in order to improve the
operation capacity of wind turbine under critical situation, the
intensive study of both machine side converter control and grid side
converter control is necessary In this paper DFIG is modeled using
power components as variables and the performance of the DFIG
system is analysed under grid voltage fluctuations. The voltage
fluctuations are made by lowering and raising the voltage values in
the utility grid intentionally for the purpose of simulation keeping in
view of different grid disturbances.
Abstract: The paper identifies the features of Polish sports clubs
in the particular organizational forms: profit and nonprofit.
Identification and description of these features is carried out in terms
of financial efficiency of the given organizational form. Under the
terms of the efficiency the research allows you to specify the
advantages of particular organizational sports club form and the
following limitations. Paper considers features of sports clubs in
range of Polish conditions as legal regulations. The sources of the
functioning efficiency of sports clubs may lie in the organizational
forms in which they operate. Each of the available forms can be
considered either a for-profit or nonprofit enterprise. Depending on
this classification there are different capabilities of increasing
organizational and financial efficiency of a given sports club. Authors
start with general classification and difference between for-profit and
non-profit sport clubs. Next identifies specific financial and
organizational conditions of both organizational form and then show
examples of mixed activity forms and their efficiency effect.
Abstract: This study analyzed the effect of area variables and
economic variables on the length of each period of the project in order
to analyze the effect of agreement rate on project implementation in
housing renewal projects. In conclusion, as can be seen from these
results, a low agreement rate may not translate into project promotion,
and a higher agreement rate may not translate into project delay. The
expectation of the policy is that the lower the agreement rate, the more
projects would be promoted, but that is not the actual effect. From a
policy consistency viewpoint, changing the agreement rate frequently,
depending on the decision of the public, is not reasonable. The policy
of using agreement rate as a necessary condition for project
implementation should be reconsidered.
Abstract: The application of cold Radio-Frequency (RF) plasma
in the conservation of cultural heritage became important in the last
decades due to the positive results obtained in decontamination
treatments. This paper presents an equipment especially designed for cold RF
plasma application on paper documents, developed within a research
project. The equipment consists in two modules: the first one is
designed for decontamination and cleaning treatments of any type of
paper supports, while the second one can be used for coating friable
papers with adequate polymers, for protection purposes. All these
operations are carried out in cold radio-frequency plasma, working in
gaseous nitrogen, at low pressure. In order to optimize the equipment parameters ancient paper
samples infested with microorganisms have been treated in nitrogen
plasma and the decontamination effects, as well as changes in surface
properties (color, pH) were assessed. The microbiological analysis
revealed complete decontamination at 6 minutes treatment duration;
only minor modifications of the surface pH were found and the
colorimetric analysis showed a slight yellowing of the support.
Abstract: Objective: Sharing devastating news with patients is
often considered the most difficult task of doctors. This study aimed
to explore patients’ perceptions of receiving bad news including
which features improve the experience and which areas need refining. Methods: A questionnaire was written based on the steps of the
SPIKES model for breaking bad new. 20 patients receiving treatment
for a hematological malignancy completed the questionnaire. Results: Overall, the results are promising as most patients praised
their consultation. ‘Poor’ was more commonly rated by women and
participants aged 45-64. The main differences between the ‘excellent’
and ‘poor’ consultations include the doctor’s sensitivity and checking
the patients’ understanding. Only 35% of patients were asked their
existing knowledge and 85% of consultations failed to discuss the
impact of the diagnosis on daily life. Conclusion: This study agreed with the consensus of existing
literature. The commended aspects include consultation set-up and
information given. Areas patients felt needed improvement include
doctors determining the patient’s existing knowledge and checking
new information has been understood. Doctors should also explore
how the diagnosis will affect the patient’s life. With a poorer
prognosis, doctors should work on conveying appropriate hope. The
study was limited by a small sample size and potential recall bias.
Abstract: Linear stability analysis of double diffusive convection
in a horizontal porous layer saturated with fluid is examined by
considering the effects of viscous dissipation, concentration based
internal heat source and vertical throughflow. The basic steady
state solution for Governing equations is derived. Linear stability
analysis has been implemented numerically by using shooting
and Runge-kutta methods. Critical thermal Rayleigh number Rac
is obtained for various values of solutal Rayleigh number Sa,
vertical Peclet number Pe, Gebhart number Ge, Lewis number
Le and measure of concentration based internal heat source
γ. It is observed that Ge has destabilizing effect for upward
throughflow and stabilizing effect for downward throughflow. And
γ has considerable destabilizing effect for upward throughflow and
insignificant destabilizing effect for downward throughflow.
Abstract: This study intends to show the influence of the
hydrolytic degradation on the properties of the e-PTFE/NOMEX®
membranes used in fire-protective clothing. The modification of
water vapour permeability, morphology and chemical structure was
examined by MOCON Permatran, electron microscopy scanning
(SEM), and ATR-FTIR, respectively. A decrease in permeability to
water vapour of the aged samples was observed following closure of
transpiration pores. Analysis of fiber morphology indicates the
appearance of defects at the fibers surface with the presence of micro
cavities. ATR-FTIR analysis reveals the presence of a new absorption
band attributed to carboxylic acid terminal groups generated during
the amide bond hydrolysis.
Abstract: Cole-Cole parameters of 40 post-menopausal women
are compared with their DEXA bone mineral density measurements.
Impedance characteristics of four extremities are compared; left and
right extremities are statistically same, but lower extremities are
statistically different than upper ones due to their different fat
content. The correlation of Cole-Cole impedance parameters to bone
mineral density (BMD) is observed to be higher for dominant arm.
With the post-menopausal population, ANOVA tests of the dominant
arm characteristic frequency, as a predictor for DEXA classified
osteopenic and osteoporic population around lumbar spine, is
statistically very significant. When used for total lumbar spine
osteoporosis diagnosis, the area under the Receiver Operating Curve
of the characteristic frequency is 0.830, suggesting that the Cole-Cole
plot characteristic frequency could be a useful diagnostic parameter
when integrated into standard screening methods for osteoporosis.
Moreover, the characteristic frequency can be directly measured by
monitoring frequency driven angular behavior of the dominant arm
without performing any complex calculation.
Abstract: Communicating users' needs, goals and problems help
designers and developers overcome challenges faced by end users.
Personas are used to represent end users’ needs. In our research,
creating personas allowed the following questions to be answered:
Who are the potential user groups? What do they want to achieve by
using the service? What are the problems that users face? What
should the service provide to them? To develop realistic personas, we
conducted a focus group discussion with undergraduate and graduate
students and also interviewed a university librarian. The personas
were created to help evaluating the Institutional Repository that is
based on the DSpace system. The profiles helped to communicate
users' needs, abilities, tasks, and problems, and the task scenarios
used in the heuristic evaluation were based on these personas. Four
personas resulted of a focus group discussion with undergraduate and
graduate students and from interviewing a university librarian. We
then used these personas to create focused task-scenarios for a
heuristic evaluation on the system interface to ensure that it met
users' needs, goals, problems and desires. In this paper, we present
the process that we used to create the personas that led to devise the
task scenarios used in the heuristic evaluation as a follow up study of
the DSpace university repository.
Abstract: The properties of hollow sandcrete blocks produced in
Minna, Nigeria are presented. Sandcrete block is made of cement,
water and sand binded together in certain mix proportions. For the
purpose of this work, fifty (50) commercial sandcrete block industries
were visited in Minna, Nigeria to obtain block samples and
aggregates used for the manufacture, and to take inventory of the mix
composition and the production process. Sieve analysis tests were
conduction on the soil sample from various block industries to
ascertain their quality to be used for block making. The mix ratios
were also investigated. Five (5) nine inches (9’’ or 225mm) blocks
were obtained from each block industry and tested for dimensional
compliance and compressive strength. The results of the soil test
shows that the grading fall within the limit for natural aggregate and
can easily are used to obtain workable mix. Physical examinations of
the block sizes show slight deviation from the standard requirement
in NIS 87:2000. Compressive strength of hollow sandcrete blocks in
range of 0.12 N/mm2 to 0.54 N/mm2 was obtained which is below the
recommendable value of 3.45 N/mm2 for load bearing hollow
sandcrete blocks. This indicates that these blocks are below the
standard for load-bearing sandcrete blocks and cannot be used as load
bearing walling units. The mix composition also indicated low
cement content resulting in low compressive strength. Most of the
commercial block industries visited does not take curing very serious.
Water were only sprinkled ones or twice before the blocks were
stacked and made readily available for sale. It is recommended that a
mix ratio of 1:4 to 1:6 should be used for the production of sandcrete
blocks and proper curing practice should be adhered. Blocks should
also be cured for 14 days before making them available for
consumers.
Abstract: The current paper presents the results of a conducted
case study. During the past few years the number of children
diagnosed with Learning Difficulties has drastically augmented and
especially the cases of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder). One of the core characteristics of ADHD is a deficit in
working memory functions. The review of the literature indicates a
plethora of educational software that aim at training and enhancing
the working memory. Nevertheless, in the current paper, the
possibility of using for the same purpose free, online games will be
explored. Another issue of interest is the potential effect of the
working memory training to the core symptoms of ADHD. In order
to explore the abovementioned research questions, three digital tests
are employed, all of which are developed on the E-slate platform by
the author, in order to check the levels of ADHD’s symptoms and to
be used as diagnostic tools, both in the beginning and in the end of
the case study. The tools used during the main intervention of the
research are free online games for the training of working memory.
The research and the data analysis focus on the following axes: a) the
presence and the possible change in two of the core symptoms of
ADHD, attention and impulsivity and b) a possible change in the
general cognitive abilities of the individual. The case study was
conducted with the participation of a thirteen year-old, female
student, diagnosed with ADHD, during after-school hours. The
results of the study indicate positive changes both in the levels of
attention and impulsivity. Therefore, we conclude that the training of
working memory through the use of free, online games has a positive
impact on the characteristics of ADHD. Finally, concerning the
second research question, the change in general cognitive abilities, no
significant changes were noted.
Abstract: Numerous investigations suggest that Mesenchymal
Stem Cells (MSCs) in general represent a valuable tool for therapy of
symptoms related to chronic inflammatory diseases. Blue Horizon
Stem Cell Therapy Program is a leading provider of adult and
children’s stem cell therapies. Uniquely we have safely and
efficiently treated more than 600 patients with documenting each
procedure. The purpose of our study is primarily to monitor the
immune response in order to validate the safety of intravenous
infusion of human umbilical cord blood derived MSCs (UC-MSCs),
and secondly, to evaluate effects on biomarkers associated with
chronic inflammation. Nine patients were treated for conditions
associated with chronic inflammation and for the purpose of antiaging.
They have been given one intravenous infusion of UCMSCs.
Our study of blood test markers of 9 patients with chronic
inflammation before and within three months after MSCs treatment
demonstrates that there is no significant changes and MSCs treatment
was safe for the patients. Analysis of different indicators of chronic
inflammation and aging included in initial, 24-hours, two weeks and
three months protocols showed that stem cell treatment was safe for
the patients; there were no adverse reactions. Moreover data from
follow up protocols demonstrates significant improvement in energy
level, hair, nails growth and skin conditions. Intravenously
administered UC-MSCs were safe and effective in the improvement
of symptoms related to chronic inflammation. Further close
monitoring and inclusion of more patients are necessary to fully
characterize the advantages of UC-MSCs application in treatment of
symptoms related to chronic inflammation.
Abstract: In this paper we present a classification of the various technologies applied for the solution of the portfolio selection problem according to the discipline and the methodological framework followed. We provide a concise presentation of the emerged categories and we are trying to identify which methods considered obsolete and which lie at the heart of the debate. On top of that, we provide a comparative study of the different technologies applied for efficient portfolio construction and we suggest potential paths for future work that lie at the intersection of the presented techniques.
Abstract: Natural dyes are gaining interest due their expected
low risk to human health and to the environment. In this study, the
wash fastness of a natural coloring matter from the liquid waste
produced in the steam treatment of eucalyptus wood in textile fabrics
was investigated. Specifically, eucalyptus wood extract was used to
dye cotton, nylon and wool in an exhaust dyeing process without the
addition of the traditional mordanting agents and then submitted to
wash fastness analysis. The resulting dyed fabrics were evaluated for
color fastness. It was found that wash fastness of dyed fabrics was
very good to cotton and excellent to nylon and wool.
Abstract: This paper introduces a method to optimal design of a
hybrid Wind/Photovoltaic/Fuel cell generation system for a typical
domestic load that is not located near the electricity grid. In this
configuration the combination of a battery, an electrolyser, and a
hydrogen storage tank are used as the energy storage system. The aim
of this design is minimization of overall cost of generation scheme
over 20 years of operation. The Matlab/Simulink is applied for
choosing the appropriate structure and the optimization of system
sizing. A teaching learning based optimization is used to optimize the
cost function. An overall power management strategy is designed for
the proposed system to manage power flows among the different
energy sources and the storage unit in the system. The results have
been analyzed in terms of technical and economic. The simulation
results indicate that the proposed hybrid system would be a feasible
solution for stand-alone applications at remote locations.
Abstract: Background: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy
(DSP) is one of the most common microvascular complications of
type 2 diabetes. Loss of sensation is thought to contribute to a lack of
static and dynamic stability and increased risk of falling. Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of low-level
laser (LLL) and monochromatic near-infrared photo energy (MIRE)
on pain, cutaneous sensation, static stability, and index of lower limb
blood flow in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Methods:
Forty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were recruited for
participation in this study. They were divided into two groups: The
MIRE group, which contained 20 patients, and the LLL group, which
contained 20 patients. All patients who participated in the study had
been subjected to various physical assessment procedures, including
pain, cutaneous sensation, Doppler flow meter, and static stability
assessments. The baseline measurements were followed by treatment
sessions that were conducted twice a week for six successive weeks.
Results: The statistical analysis of the data revealed significant
improvement of pain in both groups, with significant improvement in
cutaneous sensation and static balance in the MIRE group compared
to the LLL group; on the other hand, the results showed no
significant differences in lower limb blood flow between the groups.
Conclusion: LLL and MIRE can improve painful symptoms in
patients with diabetic neuropathy. On the other hand, MIRE is also
useful in improving cutaneous sensation and static stability in
patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Abstract: Graphene was dispersed using a tip sonicator and the
effect of surfactants were analysed. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS)
and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were compared to observe whether or
not they had any effect on any de-wrinkling, and secondly whether
they aided to achieve better dispersions. There is a huge demand for
wrinkle free graphene as this will greatly increase its usefulness in
various engineering applications. A comprehensive literature on dewrinkling
graphene has been discussed. Low magnification Scanning
Electronic Microscopy (SEM) was conducted to assess the quality of
graphene de-wrinkling. The utilization of the PVA has significant
effect on de-wrinkling whereas SDS had minimal effect on the dewrinkling
of graphene.