Abstract: Humans are social mammals, of the primate order.
Our biology, our behaviour and our pathologies are unique to us. In
our desire to understand, reduce solitary confinement one source of
information is the many reports of social isolation of other social
mammals, especially primates. A behavioural study was conducted in
the department of pharmacology at Indira Gandhi Medical College,
Shimla in Himachalpradesh province in India using white albino
mice. Different behavioural parameters were observed by using open
field, tail suspension, tests for aggressive behaviour and social
interactions and the effect of isolation was studied. The results were
evaluated and the standard statistics were applied. The said study was
done to establish facts that isolation itself impairs social behaviour
and can lead to alcohol dependence as well as related drug
dependence.
Abstract: A well designed and executed Production Planning
and Control (PPC) system is one of the key levers for superior
performance in the current manufacturing set-up. Hence, measuring
the PPC system performance has become a necessity for long term
success. The present study examined PPC related issues which
impact the production capacity and productivity of leather companies
with special focus on Kombolcha Tannery Share Company (KTSC),
Ethiopia. Physical observation, interview, and questionnaire were
used to generate necessary information from the respondents and
reach valid conclusions. Company annual reports were referred and
analyzed to triangulate primary data. Consequently, the study
revealed that KTSC runs below its capacity due to its inefficient PPC
system being in use for which the root causes were identified. The
study thereby conceptualizes a PPC system improvement framework
comprising three pillars viz., management culture, internal capability
and performance measurement together with key considerations in
each case. The study findings enable the company to recognize the
importance of efficient PPC system as a source of competitive
advantage. It also aid managers in evaluating various PPC execution
schemes to enhance productivity.
Abstract: Numerical studies were conducted using Lattice
Boltzmann Method (LBM) to study the natural convection in a square
cavity in the presence of roughness. An algorithm based on a single
relaxation time Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) model of Lattice
Boltzmann Method (LBM) was developed. Roughness was
introduced on both the hot and cold walls in the form of sinusoidal
roughness elements. The study was conducted for a Newtonian fluid
of Prandtl number (Pr) 1.0. The range of Ra number was explored
from 10^3 to 10^6 in a laminar region. Thermal and hydrodynamic
behavior of fluid was analyzed using a differentially heated square
cavity with roughness elements present on both the hot and cold wall.
Neumann boundary conditions were introduced on horizontal walls
with vertical walls as isothermal. The roughness elements were at the
same boundary condition as corresponding walls. Computational
algorithm was validated against previous benchmark studies
performed with different numerical methods, and a good agreement
was found to exist. Results indicate that the maximum reduction in
the average heat transfer was 16.66 percent at Ra number 10^5.
Abstract: In this paper, we used data mining to extract
biomedical knowledge. In general, complex biomedical data
collected in studies of populations are treated by statistical methods,
although they are robust, they are not sufficient in themselves to
harness the potential wealth of data. For that you used in step two
learning algorithms: the Decision Trees and Support Vector Machine
(SVM). These supervised classification methods are used to make the
diagnosis of thyroid disease. In this context, we propose to promote
the study and use of symbolic data mining techniques.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the kinematic
characteristics and differences of the snatch barbell trajectory of 53 kg
class female weight lifters. We take the 2014 Taiwan College Cup
players as examples, and tend to make kinematic applications through
the proven weightlifting barbell track system. The competition videos
are taken by consumer camcorder with a tripod which set up at the side
of the lifter. The results will be discussed in three parts, the first part is
various lifting phase, the second part is the compare lifting between
success and unsuccessful, and the third part is to compare the
outstanding player with the general. Conclusion through the barbell
can be used to observe the trajectories of our players lifting the usual
process cannot be observed in the presence of malfunction or habits, so
that the coach can find the problem and guide the players more
accurately. Our system can be applied in practice and competition to
increase the resilience of the lifter on the field.
Abstract: Poly vinyl acetate (PVA)-based titania (TiO2)–carbon
nanotube composite nanofibers (PVA-TCCNs) with various
PVA-to-solvent ratios and PVA-based TiO2 composite nanofibers
(PVA-TN) were synthesized using an electrospinning process,
followed by thermal treatment. The photocatalytic activities of these
nanofibers in the degradation of airborne monocyclic aromatics under
visible-light irradiation were examined. This study focuses on the
application of these photocatalysts to the degradation of the target
compounds at sub-part-per-million indoor air concentrations. The
characteristics of the photocatalysts were examined using scanning
electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For all the
target compounds, the PVA-TCCNs showed photocatalytic
degradation efficiencies superior to those of the reference PVA-TN.
Specifically, the average photocatalytic degradation efficiencies for
benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) obtained using
the PVA-TCCNs with a PVA-to-solvent ratio of 0.3 (PVA-TCCN-0.3)
were 11%, 59%, 89%, and 92%, respectively, whereas those observed
using PVA-TNs were 5%, 9%, 28%, and 32%, respectively.
PVA-TCCN-0.3 displayed the highest photocatalytic degradation
efficiency for BTEX, suggesting the presence of an optimal
PVA-to-solvent ratio for the synthesis of PVA-TCCNs. The average
photocatalytic efficiencies for BTEX decreased from 11% to 4%, 59%
to 18%, 89% to 37%, and 92% to 53%, respectively, when the flow
rate was increased from 1.0 to 4.0 L min1. In addition, the average
photocatalytic efficiencies for BTEX increased 11% to ~0%, 59% to
3%, 89% to 7%, and 92% to 13%, respectively, when the input
concentration increased from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm. The prepared
PVA-TCCNs were effective for the purification of airborne aromatics
at indoor concentration levels, particularly when the operating
conditions were optimized.
Abstract: Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a noninvasive
technique that registers signals originating from the firing of neurons
in the brain. The Emotiv EEG Neuroheadset is a consumer product
comprised of 14 EEG channels and was used to record the reactions
of the neurons within the brain to two forms of stimuli in 10
participants. These stimuli consisted of auditory and visual formats
that provided directions of ‘right’ or ‘left.’ Participants were
instructed to raise their right or left arm in accordance with the
instruction given. A scenario in OpenViBE was generated to both
stimulate the participants while recording their data. In OpenViBE,
the Graz Motor BCI Stimulator algorithm was configured to govern
the duration and number of visual stimuli. Utilizing EEGLAB under
the cross platform MATLAB®, the electrodes most stimulated during
the study were defined. Data outputs from EEGLAB were analyzed
using IBM SPSS Statistics® Version 20. This aided in determining
the electrodes to use in the development of a brain-machine interface
(BMI) using real-time EEG signals from the Emotiv EEG
Neuroheadset. Signal processing and feature extraction were
accomplished via the Simulink® signal processing toolbox. An
Arduino™ Duemilanove microcontroller was used to link the Emotiv
EEG Neuroheadset and the right and left Mecha TE™ Hands.
Abstract: The mixed micellization of adiphenine hydrochloride (ADP) with 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C10mim.Cl), was investigated at different mole fractions and temperatures by surface tension measurements. The synergistic behavior (i.e., non-ideal behavior) for binary mixtures was explained by the deviation of critical micelle concentration (cmc) from ideal critical micelle concentration (cmc*), micellar mole fraction (Xim) from ideal micellar mole fraction (Xiideal), the values of interaction parameter (β) and activity coefficients (fi) (for both mixed micelles and mixed monolayer). The excess free energy (ΔGex) for the ADP- C10mim.Cl binary mixtures explain the stability of mixed micelles in comparison to micelles of pure ADP and C10mim.Cl. Interfacial parameters, i.e., Gibbs surface excess (Гmax), minimum head group area at air/ water
interface (Amin), and free energy of micellization (ΔG0m) were also evaluated for the systems.
Abstract: Carbon Deposits are often occurred inside the
industrial coke oven during coking process. Accumulation of carbon
deposits may cause a big issue, which seriously influences the coking
operation. The carbon is burning off by injecting fresh air through
pipes into coke oven which is an efficient way practically operated in
industries. The burning off carbon deposition in coke oven performed
by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method has provided an
evaluation of the feasibility study. A three dimensional, transient,
turbulent reacting flow simulation has performed with three different
injecting air flow rate and another kind of injecting configuration. The
result shows that injection higher air flow rate would effectively
reduce the carbon deposits. In the meantime, the opened charging
holes would suck extra oxygen from atmosphere to participate in
reactions. In term of coke oven operating limits, the wall temperatures
are monitored to prevent over-heating of the adiabatic walls during
burn-off process.
Abstract: Paints are the most widely used methods of protection
against atmospheric corrosion of metals. The aim of this work was to
determine the protective performance of epoxy coating against sea
water before and after damage.
Investigations are conducted using stationary and non-stationary
electrochemical tools such as electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy has allowed us to characterize the protective qualities of
these films. The application of the EIS on our damaged in-situ
painting shows the existence of several capacitive loops which is an
indicator of the failure of our tested paint. Microscopic analysis
(micrograph) helped bring essential elements in understanding the
degradation of our paint condition and immersion training corrosion
products.
Abstract: Presently, it is necessary to ensure the sustainable
development of passenger and freight transport. Increasing
performance of road freight has had a negative impact to environment
and society. It is therefore necessary to increase the competitiveness
of intermodal transport, which is more environmentally friendly. The
study describes the effectiveness of logistical centers realization for
companies and society and research how the partial internalization of
external costs reflected in the efficient use of these centers and
increase the competitiveness of intermodal transport to road freight.
In our research, we use the method of comparative analysis and
market research to describe the advantages of logistic centers for their
users as well as for society as a whole. Method normal costing is used
for calculation infrastructure and total costs, method of conversion
costing for determine the external costs. We modelled total society
costs for road freight transport and inter modal transport chain (we
assumed that most of the traffic is carried by rail) with different
loading schemes for condition in the Slovak Republic. Our research
has shown that higher utilization of inter modal transport chain do
good not only for society, but for companies providing freight
services too. Increase in use of inter modal transport chain can bring
many benefits to society that do not bring direct immediate financial
return. They often bring the multiplier effects, such as greater use of
environmentally friendly transport mode and reduce the total society
costs.
Abstract: The characteristics of temperature distribution and
electric field in a natural rubber glove (NRG) using microwave
energy during microwave heating process are investigated
numerically and experimentally. A three-dimensional model of NRG
and microwave oven are considered in this work. The influences of
position, heating time and rotation angle of NRG on temperature
distribution and electric field are presented in details. The coupled
equations of electromagnetic wave propagation and heat transfer are
solved using the finite element method (FEM). The numerical model
is validated with an experimental study at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.
The results show that the numerical results closely match the
experimental results. Furthermore, it is found that the temperature
distribution and electric field increases with increasing heating time.
The hot spot zone appears in NRG at the tip of middle finger while
the maximum temperature occurs in case of rotation angle of NRG =
60 degree. This investigation provides the essential aspects for a
fundamental understanding of heat transport of NRG using
microwave energy in industry.
Abstract: In this study, several crossplots of the P-impedance
with the lithology logs (gamma ray, neutron porosity, deep resistivity,
water saturation and Vp/Vs curves) were made in three available
wells, which were drilled in central part of the Blue Nile basin in
depths varies from 1460m to 1600m. These crossplots were
successful to discriminate between sand and shale when using PImpedance
values, and between the wet sand and the pay sand when
using both P-impedance and Vp/Vs together. Also some impedance
sections were converted to porosity sections using linear formula to
characterize the reservoir in terms of porosity. The used crossplots
were created on log resolution, while the seismic resolution can
identify only the reservoir, unless a 3D seismic angle stacks were
available; then it would be easier to identify the pay sand with great
confidence; through high resolution seismic inversion and
geostatistical approach when using P-impedance and Vp/Vs volumes.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the
physical and chemical characteristics of Serra da Estrela cheese and
compare these results with those of the sensory analysis. For the
study were taken six samples of Serra da Estrela cheese produced
with 6 different ecotypes of thistle in a dairy situated in Penalva do
Castelo. The chemical properties evaluated were moisture content,
protein, fat, ash, chloride and pH; the physical properties studied
were color and texture; and finally a sensory evaluation was
undertaken. The results showed moisture varying in the range 40-
48%, protein in the range 15-20%, fat between 41-45%, ash between
3.9-5.0% and chlorides varying from 1.2 to 3.0%. The pH varied
from 4.8 to 5.4. The textural properties revealed that the crust
hardness is relatively low (maximum 7.3 N), although greater than
flesh firmness (maximum 1.7 N), and also that these cheeses are in
fact soft paste type, with measurable stickiness and intense
adhesiveness. The color analysis showed that the crust is relatively
light (L* over 50), and with a predominant yellow coloration (b*
around 20 or over) although with a slight greenish tone (a* negative).
The results of the sensory analysis did not show great variability for
most of the attributes measured, although some differences were
found in attributes such as crust thickness, crust uniformity, and
creamy flesh.
Abstract: Flours of wheat, chestnut, acorn and lupin were
evaluated in relation to phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and
oxalate content. At the chemical level the results show some
variability between samples by type of flour, and the sample of
chestnut flour presented the higher value of oxalate (0.00348
mg/100g) when compared to the other samples in the study.
Considering the content of phenolic compounds, the sample that
stood out was the acorn flour, having a high value of 0.812 g
AGE/100 g. All the samples presented intermediate content of
antioxidant activity and the sample that showed a slightly higher
value was the wheat flour with a value of 0.746 mM TRE/g sample.
Abstract: In this study, we compare the profiles of transitory
hybrid entrepreneurs and persistent hybrid entrepreneurs to determine
how they differ. Hybrid entrepreneurs (HEs) represent a significant
share of entrepreneurial activity yet little is known about them. We
define HEs as individuals who are active as entrepreneurs but do no
support themselves primarily by their enterprise. Persistent HEs
(PHEs) are not planning to transition to fulltime entrepreneurship
whereas transitory HEs (THEs) consider it probable. Our results
show that THEs and PHEs are quite similar in background. THEs are
more interested in increasing their turnover than PHEs, as expected,
but also emphasize self-fulfillment as a motive for entrepreneurship
more than PHEs. The clearest differences between THEs and PHEs
are found in their views on how well their immediate circle supports
full-time entrepreneurship, and their views of their own
entrepreneurial abilities and the market potential of their firm. Our
results support earlier arguments that hybrids should be considered
separately in research on entrepreneurial entry and self-employment.
Abstract: Over the past few years, the online multimedia
collection has grown at a fast pace. Several companies showed
interest to study the different ways to organise the amount of audio
information without the need of human intervention to generate
metadata. In the past few years, many applications have emerged on
the market which are capable of identifying a piece of music in a
short time. Different audio effects and degradation make it much
harder to identify the unknown piece. In this paper, an audio
fingerprinting system which makes use of a non-parametric based
algorithm is presented. Parametric analysis is also performed using
Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs). The feature extraction methods
employed are the Mel Spectrum Coefficients and the MPEG-7 basic
descriptors. Bin numbers replaced the extracted feature coefficients
during the non-parametric modelling. The results show that nonparametric
analysis offer potential results as the ones mentioned in
the literature.
Abstract: Natural hydrocarbon seepage has helped petroleum
exploration as a direct indicator of gas and/or oil subsurface
accumulations. Surface macro-seeps are generally an indication of a
fault in an active Petroleum Seepage System belonging to a Total
Petroleum System. This paper describes a case study in which
multiple analytical techniques were used to identify and characterize
trace petroleum-related hydrocarbons and other volatile organic
compounds in groundwater samples collected from Sousse aquifer
(Central Tunisia). The analytical techniques used for analyses of
water samples included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS),
capillary GC with flame-ionization detection, Compound
Specific Isotope Analysis, Rock Eval Pyrolysis. The objective of the
study was to confirm the presence of gasoline and other petroleum
products or other volatile organic pollutants in those samples in order
to assess the respective implication of each of the potentially
responsible parties to the contamination of the aquifer. In addition,
the degree of contamination at different depths in the aquifer was also
of interest. The oil and gas seeps have been investigated using
biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses to perform oil-oil and
oil-source rock correlations. The seepage gases are characterized by
high CH4 content, very low δ13CCH4 values (-71,9 ‰) and high
C1/C1–5 ratios (0.95–1.0), light deuterium–hydrogen isotope ratios (-
198 ‰) and light δ13CC2 and δ13CCO2 values (-23,8‰ and-23,8‰
respectively) indicating a thermogenic origin with the contribution of
the biogenic gas. An organic geochemistry study was carried out on
the more ten oil seep samples. This study includes light hydrocarbon
and biomarkers analyses (hopanes, steranes, n-alkanes, acyclic
isoprenoids, and aromatic steroids) using GC and GC-MS. The
studied samples show at least two distinct families, suggesting two
different types of crude oil origins: the first oil seeps appears to be
highly mature, showing evidence of chemical and/or biological
degradation and was derived from a clay-rich source rock deposited
in suboxic conditions. It has been sourced mainly by the lower
Fahdene (Albian) source rocks. The second oil seeps was derived
from a carbonate-rich source rock deposited in anoxic conditions,
well correlated with the Bahloul (Cenomanian-Turonian) source rock.
Abstract: In this paper, performances of shuffled frog leaping
algorithm was investigated on the stealth laser dicing process. Effect
of problem on the performance of the algorithm was based on the
tolerance of meandering data. From the customer specification it
could be less than five microns with the target of zero microns.
Currently, the meandering levels are unsatisfactory when compared
to the customer specification. Firstly, the two-level factorial design
was applied to preliminarily study the statistically significant effects
of five process variables. In this study one influential process variable
is integer. From the experimental results, the new operating condition
from the algorithm was superior when compared to the current
manufacturing condition.
Abstract: Part and parcel of building green homes (GHs) with
favorable thermal comfort (TC) is to design and build with reduced
carbon footprint (CF) from embodied energy in the building envelope
and reduced operational CF overall. Together, the environmental
impact of GHs can be reduced significantly. Nevertheless, there is
still a need to identify the base CF value for Malaysian GHs and this
can be done by assessing existing ones which can then be compared
to conventional and vernacular houses which are built differently
with different building materials. This paper underlines the research
design and introduces the case studies. For now, the operational CF
of the case studies is beyond the scope of this study. Findings from
this research could identify the best building material and
construction technique combination to build GHs depending on the
available skills, financial constraints and the condition of the
immediate environment.