Abstract: A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is a wellknown
non-imaging concentrator that will concentrate the solar
radiation onto receiver (PV cell). One of disadvantage of CPC is has
tall and narrow height compared to its diameter entry aperture area.
Therefore, for economic reason, a truncation had been done by
removed from the top of the full height CPC. This also will lead to
the decreases of concentration ratio but it will be negligible. In this
paper, the flux distribution of untruncated and truncated 2-D hollow
compound parabolic trough concentrator (hCPTC) design is
presented. The untruncated design has initial height H=193.4mm
with concentration ratio C_(2-D)=4. This paper presents the optical
simulation of compound parabolic trough concentrator using raytracing
software TracePro. Results showed that, after the truncation,
the height of CPC reduced 45% from initial height with the
geometrical concentration ratio only decrease 10%. Thus, the cost of
reflector and material dielectric usage can be saved especially at
manufacturing site.
Abstract: The Economic Lot Scheduling Problem (ELSP) is a
valuable mathematical model that can support decision-makers to
make scheduling decisions. The basic period approach is effective for
solving the ELSP. The assumption for applying the basic period
approach is that a product must use its maximum production rate to be
produced. However, a product can lower its production rate to reduce
the average total cost when a facility has extra idle time. The past
researches discussed how a product adjusts its production rate under
the common cycle approach. To the best of our knowledge, no studies
have addressed how a product lowers its production rate under the
basic period approach. This research is the first paper to discuss this
topic. The research develops a simple fixed rate approach that adjusts
the production rate of a product under the basic period approach to
solve the ELSP. Our numerical example shows our approach can find a
better solution than the traditional basic period approach. Our
mathematical model that applies the fixed rate approach under the
basic period approach can serve as a reference for other related
researches.
Abstract: Nowadays, the main goal for modern horticultural
production is an increase the quality. In recent years, the use of
organic fertilizers or biostimulants that can be applied in agriculture
to improve quali-quantitative crop yields has encountered increasing
interest. Biostimulants are gaining importance also for their possible
use in organic and sustainable agriculture, to avoid excessive
fertilizer applications. Consecutive experimental trials were carried
out in the Apulia region (southern Italy) on three herbaceous crops
(cauliflower, pepper, fennel) grown in pots under conventional and
organic fertilization systems without and with biostimulants. The aim
was to determine the effects of three biostimulants (Siapton®10L,
Micotech L, Lysodin Alga-Fert) on quali-quantitative yield
characteristics. At harvest, the quali-quantitative yield characteristics
of each crop were determined. All of the experimental data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and when significant
effects were detected, the means were compared using Tukey’s tests.
These data show large differences in these yield characteristics
between conventional and organic crops, particularly highlighting
higher yields for the conventional crops, while variable results were
generally observed when the biostimulants were applied. In this
context, there were no effects of the biostimulants on the quantitative
yield, whereas there were low positive effects on the qualitative
characteristics, as related to higher dry matter content of cauliflower,
and higher soluble solids content of pepper. Moreover, there were
evident positive effects of the biostimulants with fennel, due to the
lower nitrate content. These latter data are in line with most of the
published literature obtained for other herbaceous crops.
Abstract: The novel 3D SnO cabbages self-assembled by
nanosheets were successfully synthesized via template-free
hydrothermal growth method under facile conditions. The XRD
results manifest that the as-prepared SnO is tetragonal phase. The
TEM and HRTEM results show that the cabbage nanosheets are
polycrystalline structure consisted of considerable single-crystalline
nanoparticles. Two typical Raman modes A1g=210 and Eg=112 cm-1
of SnO are observed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, galvanostatic
cycling tests has been performed using the SnO cabbages as anode
material of lithium ion battery and the electrochemical results suggest
that the synthesized SnO cabbage structures are a promising anode
material for lithium ion batteries.
Abstract: The nanoindentation behaviour and phase
transformation of annealed single-crystal silicon wafers are examined.
The silicon specimens are annealed at temperatures of 250, 350 and
450ºC, respectively, for 15 minutes and are then indented to maximum
loads of 30, 50 and 70 mN. The phase changes induced in the indented
specimens are observed using transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy (RSS). For all
annealing temperatures, an elbow feature is observed in the unloading
curve following indentation to a maximum load of 30 mN. Under
higher loads of 50 mN and 70 mN, respectively, the elbow feature is
replaced by a pop-out event. The elbow feature reveals a complete
amorphous phase transformation within the indented zone, whereas
the pop-out event indicates the formation of Si XII and Si III phases.
The experimental results show that the formation of these crystalline
silicon phases increases with an increasing annealing temperature and
indentation load. The hardness and Young’s modulus both decrease as
the annealing temperature and indentation load are increased.
Abstract: Total Quality Management (TQM) is a managerial
approach that improves the competitiveness of the industry,
meanwhile Information technology (IT) was introduced with TQM
for handling the technical issues which is supported by quality
experts for fulfilling the customers’ requirement. Present paper aims
to utilise AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) methodology to
priorities and rank the hierarchy levels of TQM enablers and IT
resource together for its successful implementation in the Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. A total of 17 TQM
enablers (nine) and IT resources (eight) were identified and
partitioned into 3 categories and were prioritised by AHP approach.
The finding indicates that the 17 sub-criteria can be grouped into
three main categories namely organizing, tools and techniques, and
culture and people. Further, out of 17 sub-criteria, three sub-criteria:
top management commitment and support, total employee
involvement, and continuous improvement got highest priority
whereas three sub-criteria such as structural equation modelling,
culture change, and customer satisfaction got lowest priority. The
result suggests a hierarchy model for ICT industry to prioritise the
enablers and resources as well as to improve the TQM and IT
performance in the ICT industry. This paper has some managerial
implication which suggests the managers of ICT industry to
implement TQM and IT together in their organizations to get
maximum benefits and how to utilize available resources. At the end,
conclusions, limitation, future scope of the study are presented.
Abstract: The system for analyzing and eliciting public
grievances serves its main purpose to receive and process all sorts of
complaints from the public and respond to users. Due to the more
number of complaint data becomes big data which is difficult to store
and process. The proposed system uses HDFS to store the big data
and uses MapReduce to process the big data. The concept of cache
was applied in the system to provide immediate response and timely
action using big data analytics. Cache enabled big data increases the
response time of the system. The unstructured data provided by the
users are efficiently handled through map reduce algorithm. The
processing of complaints takes place in the order of the hierarchy of
the authority. The drawbacks of the traditional database system used
in the existing system are set forth by our system by using Cache
enabled Hadoop Distributed File System. MapReduce framework
codes have the possible to leak the sensitive data through
computation process. We propose a system that add noise to the
output of the reduce phase to avoid signaling the presence of
sensitive data. If the complaints are not processed in the ample time,
then automatically it is forwarded to the higher authority. Hence it
ensures assurance in processing. A copy of the filed complaint is sent
as a digitally signed PDF document to the user mail id which serves
as a proof. The system report serves to be an essential data while
making important decisions based on legislation.
Abstract: Because blueberries are worldwide recognized as a
good source of beneficial components, their consumption has
increased in the past decades, and so have the scientific works about
their properties. Hence, this work was undertaken to evaluate the
effect of some production and conservation factors on the properties
of blueberries from cultivar Bluecrop. The physical and chemical
analyses were done according to established methodologies and then
all data was treated using software SPSS for assessment of the
possible differences among the factors investigated and/or the
correlations between the variables at study. The results showed that
location of production influenced some of the berries properties
(caliber, sugars, antioxidant activity, color and texture) and that the
age of the bushes was correlated with moisture, sugars and acidity, as
well as lightness. On the other hand, altitude of the farm only was
correlated to sugar content. With regards to conservation, it
influenced only anthocyanins content and DPPH antioxidant activity.
Finally, the type of extract and the order of extraction had a
pronounced influence on all the phenolic properties evaluated.
Abstract: In the past decade, the use of digital image correlation
(DIC) techniques has increased significantly in the area of
experimental mechanics, especially for materials behavior
characterization. This non-contact tool enables full field displacement
and strain measurements over a complete region of interest. The DIC
algorithm requires a random contrast pattern on the surface of the
specimen in order to perform properly. To create this pattern, the
specimen is usually first coated using a white matt paint. Next, a
black random speckle pattern is applied using any suitable method. If
the applied paint coating is too thick, its top surface may not be able
to exactly follow the deformation of the specimen, and consequently,
the strain measurement might be underestimated. In the present
article, a study of the influence of the paint thickness on the strain
underestimation is performed for different strain levels. The results
are then compared to typical paint coating thicknesses applied by
experienced DIC users. A slight strain underestimation was observed
for paint coatings thicker than about 30μm. On the other hand, this
value was found to be uncommonly high compared to coating
thicknesses applied by DIC users.
Abstract: To mitigate the urban heat island effect has become a
global issue when we are faced with the challenge of climate change.
Through literature review, plant photosynthesis can reduce the carbon
dioxide and mitigate the urban heat island effect to a degree. Because
there are not enough open space and parks, green roof has become an
important policy in Taiwan.
We selected elementary school buildings in northern New Taipei
City as research subjects since elementary schools are asked with
priority to build green roof and important educational place to promote
green roof concept. Testo175-H1 recording device was used to record
the temperature and humidity differences between roof surface and
interior space below roof with and without green roof in the long-term.
We also use questionnaires to investigate the awareness of comfort
level of green roof and sensation of teachers and students of the
elementary schools.
The results indicated that the temperature of roof without greening
was higher than that with greening by about 2°C. But sometimes
during noontime, the temperature of green roof was higher than that of
non-green roof probably because of the character of the accumulation
and dissipation of heat of greening. The temperature of the interior
space below green roof was normally lower than that without green
roof by about 1°C, showing that green roof could lower the
temperature. The humidity of the green roof was higher than the one
without greening also indicated that green roof retained water better.
Teachers liked to combine green roof concept in the curriculum,
and students wished all classes can take turns to maintain the green
roof. Teachers and students whose school had integrated green roof
concept in the curriculum were more willing to participate in the
maintenance work of green roof. Teachers and students who may have
access to and touch the green roof can be more aware of the green roof
benefit. We suggest architects to increase the accessibility and
visibility of green roof, such as use it as a part of the activity space.
This idea can be a reference to the green roof curriculum design.
Abstract: Due to rapid advancement of powerful image
processing software, digital images are easy to manipulate and
modify by ordinary people. Lots of digital images are edited for a
specific purpose and more difficult to distinguish form their original
ones. We propose a clustering method to detect a copy-move image
forgery of JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and PNG. The process starts with
reducing the color of the photos. Then, we use the clustering
technique to divide information of measuring data by Hausdorff
Distance. The result shows that the purposed methods is capable of
inspecting the image file and correctly identify the forgery.
Abstract: Optimal feeding, including optimal micronutrient
intake, becomes one of the ways to overcome the long-term
consequences of undernutrition. Macronutrient and micronutrient
intake were important to a rapid growth and development of young
children. The study objective was to assess macro and micronutrient
intake and its adequacy in children aged 12-23 months. This survey
was a cross-sectional study, involving 83 caregivers with children
aged 12-23 months old in Senen Sub-district, Central Jakarta selected
through simple random sampling. Data on nutrient intake was
obtained through interview using single 24-hour recall. Repeated 24-
hour recall to sub-sample was done to estimate the proportion of
nutrient inadequacy. The highest prevalence of nutrient inadequacy
was iron (52.4%), followed by vitamin C (30.9%) and zinc (28.8%).
Almost 12% children had inadequate energy intake. More than half
of children (62.6%) were anemic (25.3% were severely anemic).
Micronutrient inadequacy, especially iron, was more problematic
than macronutrient inadequacy in the study area.
Abstract: The Trustworthy link failure recovery algorithm is
introduced in this paper, to provide the forwarding continuity even
with compound link failures. The ephemeral failures are common in
IP networks and it also has some proposals based on local rerouting.
To ensure forwarding continuity, we are introducing the compound
link failure recovery algorithm, even with compound link failures.
For forwarding the information, each packet carries a blacklist, which
is a min set of failed links encountered along its path, and the next
hop is chosen by excluding the blacklisted links. Our proposed
method describes how it can be applied to ensure forwarding to all
reachable destinations in case of any two or more link or node
failures in the network. After simulating with NS2 contains lot of
samples proved that the proposed protocol achieves exceptional
concert even under elevated node mobility using Trustworthy link
Failure Recovery Algorithm.
Abstract: Among various active filters, shunt active filter is a
viable solution for reactive power and harmonics compensation. In
this paper, the SRF plan is used to generate current reference for
compensation and conventional PI controllers were used as the
controller to compensate the reactive power. The design of the closed
loop controllers is reserved simple by modeling them as first order
systems. Computationally uncomplicated and efficient SVM system
is used in the present work for better utilization of dc bus voltage.
The rating of shunt active filter has been finalized based on the
reactive power demand of the selected reactive load. The proposed
control and SVM technique are validated by simulating in MATLAB
software.
Abstract: This paper discusses the forensic investigation of a
fatality-involved catastrophic structure collapse and the special
challenges faced when tasked with directing such an effort. While
this paper discusses the investigation’s findings and the outcome of
the event; this paper’s primary focus is on the challenges faced
directing a forensic investigation that requires coordinating with
governmental oversight while also having to accommodate multiple
parties’ investigative teams. In particular the challenges discussed
within this paper included maintaining on-site safety and operations
while accommodating outside investigator’s interests. In addition this
paper discusses unique challenges that one may face such as what to
do about unethical conduct of interested party’s investigative teams,
“off the record” sharing of information, and clandestinely transmitted
evidence.
Abstract: This paper pioneers Care Robot Impact Assessment
(CRIA), a methodology used to identify, analyze, mitigate and
eliminate the risks posed by the insertion of non-medical personal
care robots (PCR) in medical care facilities. Its precedent instruments
[Privacy and Surveillance Impact Assessment (PIA and SIA)] fall
behind in coping with robots. Indeed, personal care robots change
dramatically how care is delivered. The paper presents a specific
risk-sector methodology, identifies which robots are under its scope
and presents some of the challenges introduced by these robots.
Abstract: The problem of finding control laws for underactuated
systems has attracted growing attention since these systems are
characterized by the fact that they have fewer actuators than the
degrees of freedom to be controlled. The acrobot, which is a planar
two-link robotic arm in the vertical plane with an actuator at the elbow
but no actuator at the shoulder, is a representative in underactuated
systems. In this paper, the dynamic model of the acrobot is
implemented using Mathworks’ Simscape. And the sliding mode
control is constructed using MATLAB and Simulink.
Abstract: Development of new generation bio-tribological,
multilayer coatings opens an avenue for fabrication of future hightech
functional surfaces. In the presented work, nano-composite,
Cr/CrN+[Cr/ a-C:H implanted by metallic nanocrystals] multilayer
coatings have been developed for surface protection of medical tools.
Thin films were fabricated by a hybrid Pulsed Laser Deposition
technique. Complex microstructure analysis of nanomultilayer
coatings, subjected to mechanical and biological tests, were
performed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Microstructure characterization revealed the layered arrangement of
Cr23C6 nanoparticles in multilayer structure. Influence of deposition
conditions on bio-tribological properties of the coatings was studied.
The bio-tests were used as a screening tool for the analyzed
nanomultilayer coatings before they could be deposited on medical
tools. Bio-medical tests were done using fibroblasts. The mechanical
properties of the coatings were investigated by means of a ball-ondisc
mechanical test. The micro hardness was done using Berkovich
indenter. The scratch adhesion test was done using Rockwell
indenter. From the bio-tribological point of view, the optimal
properties had the C106_1 material.
Abstract: Atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions are considered
as the greatest environmental challenge the world is facing today.
The tasks to control the emissions include the recovery of CO2 from
flue gas. This concern has been improved due to recent advances in
materials process engineering resulting in the development of
inorganic gas separation membranes with excellent thermal and
mechanical stability required for most gas separations. This paper,
therefore, evaluates the performance of a highly selective inorganic
membrane for CO2 recovery applications. Analysis of results
obtained is in agreement with experimental literature data. Further
results show the prediction performance of the membranes for gas
separation and the future direction of research. The materials
selection and the membrane preparation techniques are discussed.
Method of improving the interface defects in the membrane and its
effect on the separation performance has also been reviewed and in
addition advances to totally exploit the potential usage of this
innovative membrane.
Abstract: Paranoid ideation is a common thought process that
constitutes a defense against perceived social threats. The current
study aimed at the characterization of paranoid ideation in youths and
to explore the possible predictors involved in the development of
paranoid ideations. Paranoid ideation, shame, submission, early
childhood memories and current depressive, anxious and stress
symptomatology were assessed in a sample of 1516 Portuguese
youths. Higher frequencies of paranoid ideation were observed,
particularly in females and youths from lower socioeconomic status.
The main predictors identified relates to submissive behaviors and
adverse childhood experiences, and especially to shame feelings. The
current study emphasizes that the these predictors are similar to
findings in adults and clinical populations, and future implications to
research and clinical practice aiming at paranoid ideations are
discussed, as well as the pertinence of the study of mediating factors
that allow a wider understanding of this thought process in younger
populations and the prevention of psychopathology in adulthood.