Abstract: This paper involved the performance of a hightemperature
X-Ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) of a sample of
chemical gypsum generated in the production of titanium white; this
gypsum originates by neutralizing highly acidic water with limestone
suspension. Specifically, it was gypsum formed in the first stage of
neutralization when the resulting material contains, apart from
gypsum, a number of waste products resulting from the
decomposition of ilmenite by sulphuric acid. So it can be described as
red titanogypsum. By conducting the experiment using XRD
apparatus Bruker D8 Advance with a Cu anode (λkα=1.54184 Å)
equipped with high-temperature chamber Anton Paar HTK 16, it was
possible to identify clearly in the sample each phase transition in the
system of CaSO4·xH2O.
Abstract: This study aimed at investigating whether the
functional brain networks constructed using the initial EEG (obtained
when patients first visited hospital) can be correlated with the
progression of cognitive decline calculated as the changes of
mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores between the latest and
initial examinations. We integrated the time–frequency cross mutual
information (TFCMI) method to estimate the EEG functional
connectivity between cortical regions, and the network analysis based
on graph theory to investigate the organization of functional networks
in aMCI. Our finding suggested that higher integrated functional
network with sufficient connection strengths, dense connection
between local regions, and high network efficiency in processing
information at the initial stage may result in a better prognosis of the
subsequent cognitive functions for aMCI. In conclusion, the functional
connectivity can be a useful biomarker to assist in prediction of
cognitive declines in aMCI.
Abstract: Brain functional networks based on resting-state EEG
data were compared between patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease
(mAD) and matched patients with amnestic subtype of mild cognitive
impairment (aMCI). We integrated the time–frequency cross mutual
information (TFCMI) method to estimate the EEG functional
connectivity between cortical regions and the network analysis based
on graph theory to further investigate the alterations of functional
networks in mAD compared with aMCI group. We aimed at
investigating the changes of network integrity, local clustering,
information processing efficiency, and fault tolerance in mAD brain
networks for different frequency bands based on several topological
properties, including degree, strength, clustering coefficient, shortest
path length, and efficiency. Results showed that the disruptions of
network integrity and reductions of network efficiency in mAD
characterized by lower degree, decreased clustering coefficient, higher
shortest path length, and reduced global and local efficiencies in the
delta, theta, beta2, and gamma bands were evident. The significant
changes in network organization can be used in assisting
discrimination of mAD from aMCI in clinical.
Abstract: Caused by shorter product life cycles and higher
product variety the importance of production ramp ups is increasing.
Even though companies are aware of that fact, up to 40% of the ramp
up projects still miss technical and economical requirements. The
success of a ramp up depends on the planning of human factors,
organizational aspects and technological solutions. Since only partly
considered in scientific literature, this paper lays its focus on the
human factor during production ramp up. There are only incoherent
methods which address the problems in this area. A systematic and
holistic method to improve the capabilities of the employees during
ramp up is missing. The Harada Method is a relatively young
approach for developing highly-skilled workers. It consists of
different worksheets which help employees to set guidelines and
reach overall objectives. This approach is going to be transferred into
a tool for ramp up management.
Abstract: The detection of environmental gases, 12CO2, 13CO2,
and CH4, using near-infrared semiconductor lasers with a short
laser path length is studied by means of wavelength-modulation
spectroscopy. The developed system is compact and has high
sensitivity enough to detect the absorption peaks of isotopic 13CO2
of a 3-% CO2 gas at 2 μm with a path length of 2.4 m, where
its peak size is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the
ordinary 12CO2 peaks. In addition, the detection of 12CO2 peaks of
a 385-ppm (0.0385-%) CO2 gas in the air is made at 2 μm with a
path length of 1.4 m. Furthermore, in pursuing the detection of an
ancient environmental CH4 gas confined to a bubble in ice at the
polar regions, measurements of the absorption spectrum for a trace
gas of CH4 in a small area are attempted. For a 100-% CH4 gas
trapped in a ∼ 1 mm3 glass container, the absorption peaks of CH4
are obtained at 1.65 μm with a path length of 3 mm, and also the
gas pressure is extrapolated from the measured data.
Abstract: An inversion-free iterative algorithm is presented for
solving nonlinear matrix equation with a stepsize parameter t. The
existence of the maximal solution is discussed in detail, and the
method for finding it is proposed. Finally, two numerical examples
are reported that show the efficiency of the method.
Abstract: A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a collection of
sensor nodes organized into a cooperative network. These nodes
communicate through a wireless antenna. Reduction in physical size
and multiband operation is an important requirement of WSN
antenna. Fractal antenna is used for miniaturization and multiband
operation. The self-similar or self-affine and space filling property of
fractal geometry increases the effective electrical length of the
antenna, reduces the size and make them frequency independent. This
paper elaborates on Dual band fractal antenna with Coplanar
Waveguide (CPW) feed for WSN. The proposed antenna is designed
on a FR4 substrate with the dimension of 27mm x 28.5mm x 1.6mm,
resonates at 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz with a return loss less than -10dB.
The design and simulation process is carried out using IE3D
simulation software. The simulated and measured results are found in
good agreement.
Abstract: This research focuses on the optimization of glazed
surfaces and the assessment of possible solar gains in industrial
buildings. Existing window rating methods for single windows were
evaluated and a new method for a simple analysis of energy gains and
losses by single windows was introduced. Furthermore extensive
transient building simulations were carried out to appraise the
performance of low cost polycarbonate multi-cell sheets in
interaction with typical buildings for industrial applications. Mainly
energy saving potential was determined by optimizing the orientation
and area of such glazing systems in dependency on their thermal
qualities. Moreover the impact on critical aspects such as summer
overheating and daylight illumination was considered to ensure the
user comfort and avoid additional energy demand for lighting or
cooling. Hereby the simulated heating demand could be reduced by
up to 1/3 compared to traditional architecture of industrial halls using
mainly skylights.
Abstract: The effect of trucks on the level of service is
determined by considering passenger car equivalents (PCE) of trucks.
The current version of Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) uses a
single PCE value for all tucks combined. However, the composition
of truck traffic varies from location to location; therefore, a single
PCE value for all trucks may not correctly represent the impact of
truck traffic at specific locations. Consequently, present study
developed separate PCE values for single-unit and combination
trucks to replace the single value provided in the HCM on different
freeways. Site specific PCE values, were developed using concept of
spatial lagging headways (that is the distance between rear bumpers
of two vehicles in a traffic stream) measured from field traffic data.
The study used data from four locations on a single urban freeway
and three different rural freeways in Indiana. Three-stage-leastsquares
(3SLS) regression techniques were used to generate models
that predicted lagging headways for passenger cars, single unit trucks
(SUT), and combination trucks (CT). The estimated PCE values for
single-unit and combination truck for basic urban freeways (level
terrain) were: 1.35 and 1.60, respectively. For rural freeways the
estimated PCE values for single-unit and combination truck were:
1.30 and 1.45, respectively. As expected, traffic variables such as
vehicle flow rates and speed have significant impacts on vehicle
headways. Study results revealed that the use of separate PCE values
for different truck classes can have significant influence on the LOS
estimation.
Abstract: Theoretical optimization of a copper-water negative
inclination heat pipe with internal composite wick structure had been
performed, regarding a new introduced parameter: the ratio between
the coarse mesh wraps and the fine mesh wraps of the composite
wick. Since in many cases, the design of a heat pipe matches specific
thermal requirements and physical limitations, this work
demonstrates the optimization of a 1m length, 8mm internal diameter
heat pipe without an adiabatic section, at a negative inclination angle
of -10º. The optimization is based on a new introduced parameter, LR:
the ratio between the coarse mesh wraps and the fine mesh wraps.
Abstract: OEE has been used in many industries as measure of
performance. However due to limitations of original OEE, it has been
modified by various researchers. OEE for mining application is
special version of classic equation, carries these limitation over. In
this paper it has been aimed to modify the OEE for mining
application by introducing the weights to the elements of it and
termed as Mine Production index (MPi). As a special application of
new index MPishovel has been developed by authors. This can be used
for evaluating the shovel effectiveness. Based on analysis, utilization
followed by performance and availability were ranked in this order.
To check the applicability of this index, a case study was done on
four electrical and one hydraulic shovel in a Swedish mine. The
results shows that MPishovel can evaluate production effectiveness of
shovels and can determine effectiveness values in optimistic view
compared to OEE. MPi with calculation not only give the
effectiveness but also can predict which elements should be focused
for improving the productivity.
Abstract: Ongoing landscape transformation is one of the major
causes behind disappearance of traditional landscapes, and lead to
species and resource loss. Tree in paddy fields in the northeast of
Thailand is one of those traditional landscapes. Using three different
historical time layers, we acknowledged the severe deforestation and
rapid urbanization happened in the region. Despite the general
thinking of decline in tree density as consequences, the heterogeneous
trend of changes in total tree density in three studied landscapes denied
the hypothesis that number of trees in paddy field depend on the length
of land use practice. On the other hand, due to selection of planting
new trees on levees, existence of trees in paddy field now relies on
their values for human use. Besides, changes in land use and landscape
structure had a significant impact on decision of which tree density
level is considered as suitable for the landscape.
Abstract: The majority of contemporary insulation materials
commonly used in the building industry is made from non-renewable
raw materials; furthermore, their production often brings high energy
costs. A long-term trend as far as sustainable development is
concerned has been the reduction of energy and material demands of
building material production. One of the solutions is the possibility of
using easily renewable natural raw material sources which are
considerably more ecological and their production is mostly less
energy-consuming compared to the production of normal insulations
(mineral wool, polystyrene). The paper describes the results of
research focused on the development of thermal and acoustic
insulation materials based on natural fibres intended for floor
constructions. Given the characteristic open porosity of natural fibre
materials, the hygrothermal behaviour of the developed materials was
studied. Especially the influence of relative humidity and temperature
on thermal insulation properties was observed.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the manganese
removal from aqueous solution using Banana peels activated carbon
(BPAC). Batch experiments have been carried out to determine the
influence of parameters such as pH, biosorbent dose, initial metal ion
concentrations and contact times on the biosorption process. From
these investigations, a significant increase in percentage removal of
manganese 97.4% is observed at pH value 5.0, biosorbent dose 0.8 g,
initial concentration 20 ppm, temperature 25 ± 2°C, stirring rate 200
rpm and contact time 2h. The equilibrium concentration and the
adsorption capacity at equilibrium of the experimental results were
fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models; the Langmuir
isotherm was found to well represent the measured adsorption data
implying BPAC had heterogeneous surface. A raw groundwater
samples were collected from Baharmos groundwater treatment plant
network at Embaba and Manshiet Elkanater City/District-Giza,
Egypt, for treatment at the best conditions that reached at first phase
by BPAC. The treatment with BPAC could reduce iron and
manganese value of raw groundwater by 91.4% and 97.1%,
respectively and the effect of the treatment process on the
microbiological properties of groundwater sample showed decrease
of total bacterial count either at 22°C or at 37°C to 85.7% and 82.4%,
respectively. Also, BPAC was characterized using SEM and FTIR
spectroscopy.
Abstract: The paper deals with current issues in research of
advanced methods to increase reliability of traditional timber
structural elements. It analyses the issue of strengthening of bent
timber beams, such as ceiling beams in old (historical) buildings with
additional concrete slab in combination with externally bonded fibre -
reinforced polymer. The paper describes experimental testing of
composite timber-concrete beam with FRP reinforcement and
compares results with FEM analysis.
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: This paper focuses on the presentation of results
which were obtained as a part of the project FR-TI 3/742: “System of
Lightweight Materials for Finishing of Buildings with Waste Raw
Materials”. Attention was paid to the light weighting of polymermodified
mortars applicable as adhesives, screeds and repair mortars.
In terms of repair mortars, they were ones intended for the sanitation
of aerated concrete.
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: The organizations of European and Czech critical
infrastructure have specific position, mission, characteristics and
behaviour in European Union and Czech state/business environments,
regarding specific requirements for regional and global security
environments. They must respect policy of national security and
global rules, requirements and standards in all their inherent and
outer processes of supply - customer chains and networks. A
controlling is generalized capability to have control over situational
policy. This paper aims and purposes are to introduce the controlling
as quite new necessary process attribute providing for critical
infrastructure is environment the capability and profit to achieve its
commitment regarding to the effectiveness of the quality
management system in meeting customer/ user requirements and also
the continual improvement of critical infrastructure organization’s
processes overall performance and efficiency, as well as its societal
security via continual planning improvement via DYVELOP
modelling.