Abstract: This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC)
of a utility interactive (UI) single phase inverter (SPI) for a
photovoltaic (PV) system at residential/distribution level. The
proposed model uses single-phase phase locked loop (PLL) to
synchronize SPI with the grid and performs MPC control in a dq
reference frame. SPI model consists of boost converter (BC),
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control, and a full bridge
(FB) voltage source inverter (VSI). No PI regulators to tune and
carrier and modulating waves are required to produce switching
sequence. Instead, the operational model of VSI is used to synthesize
sinusoidal current and track the reference. Model is validated using a
three kW PV system at the input of UI-SPI in Matlab/Simulink.
Implementation and results demonstrate simplicity and accuracy, as
well as reliability of the model.
Abstract: One- and two-dimensional carbon nanostructures with
sp2 hybridization of carbon atoms (single walled carbon nanotubes
and graphene) are promising materials in future electronic and
spintronics devices due to specific character of their electronic
structure. In this paper we present a comparative study of graphene
and single-wall carbon nanotubes by Raman spectro-microscopy in
strong magnetic field. This unique method allows to study changes in
electronic band structure of the two types of carbon nanostructures
induced by a strong magnetic field.
Abstract: Advances technology in the field of photogrammetry
replaces analog cameras with reflection on aircraft GPS/IMU system
with a digital aerial camera. In this system, when determining the
position of the camera with the GPS, camera rotations are also
determined by the IMU systems. All around the world, digital aerial
cameras have been used for the photogrammetry applications in the
last ten years. In this way, in terms of the work done in
photogrammetry it is possible to use time effectively, costs to be
reduced to a minimum level, the opportunity to make fast and
accurate.
Geo-referencing techniques that are the cornerstone of the GPS /
INS systems, photogrammetric triangulation of images required for
balancing (interior and exterior orientation) brings flexibility to the
process. Also geo-referencing process; needed in the application of
photogrammetry targets to help to reduce the number of ground
control points. In this study, the use of direct and indirect georeferencing
techniques on the accuracy of the points was investigated
in the production of photogrammetric mapping.
Abstract: The manufacturing technology of band cotton is very
delicate and depends to choice of certain parameters such as torsion
of warp yarn.
The fabric elasticity is achieved without the use of any elastic
material, chemical expansion, artificial or synthetic and it’s capable
of creating pressures useful for therapeutic treatments.
Before use, the band is subjected to treatments of specific
preparation for obtaining certain elasticity, however, during its
treatment, there are some regression parameters. The dependence of
manufacturing parameters on the quality of the chemical treatment
was confirmed.
The aim of this work is to improve the properties of the fabric
through the development of manufacturing technology appropriately.
Finally for the treatment of the strip pancake 100% cotton, a
treatment method is recommended.
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: This paper attempts to evaluate the effect of fire
damage on concrete by using nonlinear resonance vibration method,
one of the nonlinear nondestructive method. Concrete exhibits not
only nonlinear stress-strain relation but also hysteresis and discrete
memory effect which are contained in consolidated materials.
Hysteretic materials typically show the linear resonance frequency
shift. Also, the shift of resonance frequency is changed according to
the degree of micro damage. The degree of the shift can be obtained
through nonlinear resonance vibration method. Five exposure
scenarios were considered in order to make different internal micro
damage. Also, the effect of post-fire-curing on fire-damaged concrete
was taken into account to conform the change in internal damage.
Hysteretic nonlinearity parameter was obtained by amplitudedependent
resonance frequency shift after specific curing periods. In
addition, splitting tensile strength was measured on each sample to
characterize the variation of residual strength. Then, a correlation
between the hysteretic nonlinearity parameter and residual strength
was proposed from each test result.
Abstract: Well-designed composite steel and concrete structures
highlight the good material properties and lower the deficiencies of
steel and concrete, in particular they make use of high tensile strength
of steel and high stiffness of concrete. The most common composite
steel and concrete structure is a simply supported beam, which
concrete slab transferring the slab load to a beam is connected to the
steel cross-section. The aim of this paper is to find the most adequate
numerical model of a simply supported composite beam with the
cross-sectional and material parameters based on the results of a
processed parametric study and numerical analysis. The paper also
evaluates the suitability of using compact concrete with the
lightweight aggregates for composite steel and concrete beams. The
most adequate numerical model will be used in the resent future to
compare the results of laboratory tests.
Abstract: The fundamental issues in ICT Governance (ICTG)
implementation for Malaysian Public Sector (MPS) is how ICT be
applied to support improvements in productivity, management
effectiveness and the quality of services offered to its citizens. Our
main concern is to develop and adopt a common definition and
framework to illustrate how ICTG can be used to better align ICT
with government’s operations and strategic focus. In particular, we
want to identify and categorize factors that drive a successful ICTG
process. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study to
identify, validate and refine such Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and
confirmed seven CSFs and nineteen sub-factors as influential factors
that fit MPS after further validated and refined. The Delphi method
applied in validation and refining process before being endorsed as
appropriate for MPS. The identified CSFs reflect the focus areas that
need to be considered strategically to strengthen ICT Governance
implementation and ensure business success.
Abstract: Metal-enhanced Luminescence of silicon nanocrystals
(SiNCs) was determined using two different particle sizes of silver
nanoparticles (AgNPs). SiNCs have been characterized by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron
microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that
the SiNCs are crystalline with an average diameter of 65 nm and FCC
lattice. AgNPs were synthesized using photochemical reduction of
AgNO3 with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The enhanced
luminescence of SiNCs by AgNPs was evaluated by confocal Raman
microspectroscopy. Enhancement up to x9 and x3 times were
observed for SiNCs that mixed with AgNPs which have an average
particle size of 100 nm and 30 nm, respectively. Silver NPs-enhanced
luminescence of SiNCs occurs as a result of the coupling between the
excitation laser light and the plasmon bands of AgNPs; thus this
intense field at AgNPs surface couples strongly to SiNCs.
Abstract: The mathematical analysis on radiation obtained and
the development of the solar photovoltaic (PV) array groundwater
pumping is needed in the rural areas of Thohoyandou for sizing and
power performance subject to the climate conditions within the area.
A simple methodology approach is developed for the directed
coupled solar, controller and submersible ground water pump system.
The system consists of a PV array, pump controller and submerged
pump, battery backup and charger controller. For this reason, the
theoretical solar radiation is obtained for optimal predictions and
system performance in order to achieve different design and
operating parameters. Here the examination of the PV schematic
module in a Direct Current (DC) application is used for obtainable
maximum solar power energy for water pumping. In this paper, a
simple efficient photovoltaic water pumping system is presented with
its theoretical studies and mathematical modeling of photovoltaics
(PV) system.
Abstract: In Capitalism all economic activity rests upon a set of
core institutional foundations, main from which are privately owned
capital assets and profit. How these core institutional foundations are
working in former soviet countries, in particular in Travel and
Tourism Industry of Georgia?
The role of Travel and Tourism as a key pillar of economic growth
is being increasingly recognized by governments in all regions of the
world. For the last few years Georgia succeeded in the World Bank
and IFC “Doing Business” rankings. Despite of that, during decades
totally different statistical data of the tourism sector were provided by
the different State bodies; economic parameters were published few,
or not published at all.
The frequency and extent of property rights violation in Georgia
has repeatedly been the subject of concern for the last decade. Total
value of abrogated by the former Georgian Government private
property is estimated approximately in US$4-5 billion.
Thus, if economic profitability is unknown and property rights are
not protected – that means that the main institutional foundations of
capitalism in Georgia, are not working properly yet, that cause
management problems at all levels of the national Travel and
Tourism industry of Georgia.
Abstract: The discarded clam shell waste, fossil and edible oil
as biolubricant feedstocks create environmental impacts and food
chain dilemma, thus this work aims to circumvent these issues by
using activated saltwater clam shell waste (SCSW) as solid catalyst
for conversion of Jatropha curcas oil as non-edible sources to ester
biolubricant. The characterization of solid catalyst was done by
Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (DTATGA),
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD),
Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Field Emission Scanning Electron
Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transformed Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The calcined catalyst was used in the
transesterification of Jatropha oil to methyl ester as the first step, and
the second stage was involved the reaction of Jatropha methyl ester
(JME) with trimethylolpropane (TMP) based on the various process
parameters. The formated biolubricant was analyzed using the
capillary column (DB-5HT) equipped Gas Chromatography (GC).
The conversion results of Jatropha oil to ester biolubricant can be
found nearly 96.66%, and the maximum distribution composition
mainly contains 72.3% of triester (TE).
Abstract: Ficus deltoidea from the Moraceae family is a popular
medicinal herb in Malaysia. It possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory
properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory
effects of F. deltoidea extract on UVB-irradiated HaCaT
Keratinocytes were investigated. HaCaT Keratinocytes were UVBirradiated
(12.5 mJ/cm3) and were treated with 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% of
F. deltoidea extract. Cell viability following UVB irradiation was
significantly higher in the groups treated with the F. deltoidea extract
at doses of 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% than in control group with UVB
irradiation only. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α
(IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) play
primary roles in the inflammation process upon UV irradiation and
are known to be stimulated by UVB irradiation. Treatment with the
F. deltoidea extract dramatically inhibited the UV-induced TNF-α,
IL-1α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the F.
deltoidea extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and may be an effective protective agent for the treatment
of skin diseases.
Abstract: Rice straw pellets are a promising fuel as a renewable
energy source. Financial analysis is needed to make a utilization
system using rise straw pellets financially feasible, considering all
regional conditions including stakeholders related to the collection and
storage, production, transportation and heat utilization. We conducted
the financial analysis of feasibility for a heat utilization system using
rice straw pellets which has been developed for the first time in
Nanporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Especially, we attempted to clarify the
effect of factors required for the system to be financial feasibility, such
as the heating energy demand and collection and storage method of
rice straw. The financial feasibility was found to improve when
increasing the heating energy demand and collecting wheat straw in
August separately from collection of rice straw in November because
the costs of storing rice straw and producing pellets were reduced.
However, the system remained financially unfeasible. This study
proposed a contractor program funded by a subsidy from Nanporo
local government where a contracted company, instead of farmers,
collects and transports rice straw in order to ensure the financial
feasibility of the system, contributing to job creation in the region.
Abstract: In order to efficiently solve the problems created by the deepening energy crisis affecting Europe and the world,
governments cannot neglect the opportunities of using the energy
produced by sun collectors. In many of the EU countries there are sun
collectors producing heat energy, e.g. in 2011 in the area of EU27
(countries which belong to European Union) + Switzerland altogether
37519126 m2 were operated, which are capable of producing 26.3
GWh heat energy. The energy produced by these sun collectors is
utilized at the place of production. In the near future governments
will have to focus more on spreading and using sun collectors.
Among the complex problems of operating sun collectors, this article
deals with determining the optimal tilt angle, directions of sun
collectors. We evaluate the contamination of glass surface of sun
collector to the produced energy. Our theoretically results are confirmed by laboratory measurements. The purpose of our work is to help users and engineers in determination of optimal operation
parameters of sun collectors.
Abstract: This paper deals with the issue of biomass and sorted
municipal waste gasification and cogeneration using hot-air turbo-set.
It brings description of designed pilot plant with electrical output 80
kWe. The generated gas is burned in secondary combustion chamber
located beyond the gas generator. Flue gas flows through the heat
exchanger where the compressed air is heated and consequently
brought to a micro turbine. Except description, this paper brings our
basic experiences from operating of pilot plant (operating parameters,
contributions, problems during operating, etc.). The principal
advantage of the given cycle is the fact that there is no contact
between the generated gas and the turbine. So there is no need for
costly and complicated gas cleaning which is the main source of
operating problems in direct use in combustion engines because the
content of impurities in the gas causes operation problems to the units
due to clogging and tarring of working surfaces of engines and
turbines, which may lead as far as serious damage to the equipment
under operation. Another merit is the compact container package
making installation of the facility easier or making it relatively more
mobile. We imagine, this solution of cogeneration from biomass or
waste can be suitable for small industrial or communal applications,
for low output cogeneration.
Abstract: A simple, accurate and precise direct spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of cefixime in tablets and capsules. The method is based on the reaction of cefixime with a mixture of potassium iodide and potassium iodate to form yellow coloured product in ethanol-distilled water medium at room temperature which absorbed maximally at 352 nm. The factors affecting the reaction product were carefully studied and optimized. The validation parameters based on International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH, USA) guidelines were followed. The effect of common excipients used as additives has been tested and the tolerance limit was calculated for the determination of cefixime. Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 4 – 24 ug mL-1 with apparent molar absorptivity of 1.52 × 104 L mol-1cm-1 and Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.033 ug/cm2/ 0.001 absorbance unit. The limits of detection and quantitation for the proposed method are 0.32 and 1.06 ug mL-1, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations. The results obtained by the proposed method were statistically compared with the reference method using t- and F- values and found no significant difference between the two methods. The proposed method can be used as an alternate method for routine quality control analysis of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations.
Abstract: This paper deals with a simulation programs and
technologies using in the educational process for members of the crisis
management. Risk analysis, simulation, preparation and planning are
among the main activities of workers of crisis management. Made
correctly simulation of emergency defines the extent of the danger. On
this basis, it is possible to effectively prepare and plan measures to
minimize damage. The paper is focused on simulation programs that
are trained at the University of Defence. Implementation of the outputs
from simulation programs in decision-making processes of crisis staffs
is one of the main tasks of the research project.
Abstract: In this numerical study, we want to present the design
of highly efficient extruded-type heat sink. The symmetrically
arranged extruded-type heat sinks are used instead of a single extruded
or swaged-type heat sink. In this parametric study, the maximum
temperatures, the base temperatures between heaters, and the heat
release rates were investigated with respect to the arrangements of heat
sources, air flow rates, and amounts of heat input. Based on the results
we believe that the use of both side of heat sink is to be much better for
release the heat than the use of single side. Also from the results, it is
believed that the symmetric arrangement of heat sources is
recommended to achieve a higher heat transfer from the heat sink.
Abstract: The aim of the present study is to investigate the
potential use of the selected seed oils. The oil was extracted using
Soxhlet apparatus and the physicochemical characteristics of the oil
determined using standard methods. The following results were
obtained for the physicochemical parameters analysed: for Egusi seed
oil, Oil yield 53.20%, Saponification value 178.03±1.25 mgKOH/g,
Iodine value 49.10±0.32 g I2/100g, Acid value 4.30±0.86 mgKOH/g,
and Peroxide value 5.80±0.27 meq/kg were obtained. For Pawpaw
seed oil, Oil yield 40.10%, Saponification value 24.13±3.93
mgKOH/g, Iodine value 24.87±0.19 g I2/100g, Acid value 9.46±0.40
mgKOH/g, and Peroxide value 3.12±1.22 meq/kg were obtained. For
Sweet orange seed oil, Oil yield 43.10%, Saponification value
106.30±2.37 mgKOH/g, Iodine value 37.08±0.04 g I2/100g, Acid
value 7.59±0.77 mgKOH/g, and Peroxide value 2.21±0.46 meq/kg
were obtained. From the obtained values of the determined
parameters, the oils can be extracted from the three selected seeds in
commercial quantities and that the egusi and sweet orange seed oils
may be utilized in the industrial soap production.