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: Emissions of atmospheric pollutants from ships and
harbour activities are a growing concern at international level given
their potential impacts on air quality and climate. These close-to-land
emissions have potential impact on local communities in terms of air
quality and health. Recent studies show that the impact of maritime
traffic to atmospheric particulate matter concentrations in several
coastal urban areas is comparable with the impact of road traffic of a
medium size town. However, several different approaches have been
used for these estimates making difficult a direct comparison of
results. In this work, an integrated approach based on emission
inventories and dedicated measurement campaigns has been applied
to give a comparable estimate of the impact of maritime traffic to
PM2.5 and particle number concentrations in three major harbours of
the Adriatic/Ionian Seas. The influences of local meteorology and of
the logistic layout of the harbours are discussed.
Abstract: Iron is an essential nutrient with limited
bioavailability. Nutritional anemia caused mainly by iron deficiency
is the most recognized nutritional problem in both countries as well
as affluent societies. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has become the most
important cereal crop for the improvement of human health due to the
starch, protein, oil, and the majority of micronutrients, particularly in
Asian countries. In this study, the iron availability and profile lipid
were evaluated for the extracts from Cibeusi varieties (black rices) of
ancient rice brans.
Results: The quality of K, B, R, E diets groups shows the same
effect on the growth of rats. Hematocrit and MCHC levels of rats fed
K, B, R and E diets were not significantly (P
Abstract: Planning of infrastructure and processes in logistic
center within the frame of various kinds of logistic hubs and
technological activities in them represent quite complex problem.
The main goal is to design appropriate layout, which enables to
realize expected operation on the desired levels. The simulation
software represents progressive contemporary experimental
technique, which can support complex processes of infrastructure
planning and all of activities on it. It means that simulation
experiments, reflecting various planned infrastructure variants,
investigate and verify their eligibilities in relation with corresponding
expected operation. The inducted approach enables to make qualified
decisions about infrastructure investments or measures, which derive
benefit from simulation-based verifications. The paper represents
simulation software for simulation infrastructural layout and
technological activities in marshalling yard, intermodal terminal,
warehouse and combination between them as the parts of logistic
center.
Abstract: Diminished antioxidant defense or increased
production of reactive oxygen species in the biological system can
result in oxidative stress which may lead to various
neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Microglial activation also contributes to the progression of AD by
producing several proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) and
prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Oxidative stress and inflammation have
been reported to be possible pathophysiological mechanisms
underlying AD. In addition, the cholinergic hypothesis postulates that
memory impairment in patient with AD is also associated with the
deficit of cholinergic function in the brain. Although a number of
drugs have been approved for the treatment of AD, most of these
synthetic drugs have diverse side effects and yield relatively modest
benefits. Marine algae have great potential in pharmaceutical and
biomedical applications as they are valuable sources of bioactive
properties such as anticoagulation, antimicrobial, antioxidative,
anticancer and anti-inflammatory. Hence, this study aimed to provide
an overview of the properties of Malaysian seaweeds (Padina
australis, Sargassum polycystum and Caulerpa racemosa) in
inhibiting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and cholinesterase
enzymes. These seaweeds significantly exhibited potent DPPH and
moderate superoxide anion radical scavenging ability (P
Abstract: Learning Management System (LMS) is the system
which uses to manage the learning in order to grouping the content
and learning activity between the lecturer and learner including
online examination and evaluation. Nowadays, it is the borderless
learning era so the learning activities can be accessed from
everywhere in the world and also anytime via the information
technology and media. The learner can easily access to the
knowledge so the different in time and distance is not a constraint for
learning anymore.
The learning pattern which was used in this research is the
integration of the in-class learning and online learning via internet
and will be able to monitor the progress by the Learning management
system which will create the fast response and accessible learning
process via the social media. In order to increase the capability and
freedom of the learner, the system can show the current and history
of the learning document, video conference and also has the chat
room for the learner and lecturer to interact to each other.
So the objectives of the “The Design and Applied of Learning
Management System via Social Media on Internet: Case Study of
Operating System for Business Subject” are to expand the
opportunity of learning and to increase the efficiency of learning as
well as increase the communication channel between lecturer and
student. The data of this research was collect from 30 users of the
system which are students who enroll in the subject. And the result of
the research is in the “Very Good” which is conformed to the
hypothesis.
Abstract: The rhizome of Java grass, Cyperus rotundus was
extracted different organic polar and non-polar solvents and
performed the in vitro antiviral and immunostimulant activities
against White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Vibrio harveyi
respectively. Based on the initial screening the ethyl acetate extract of
C. rotundus was strong activities and further it was purified through
silica column chromatography and the fractions were screened again
for antiviral and immunostimulant activity. Among the different
fractions screened against the WSSV and V. harveyi, the fractions, FIII
to FV had strong activities. In order to study the in vivo influence
of C. rotundus, the fractions (F-III to FV) were pooled and delivered
to the F. indicus through artificial feed for 30 days. After the feeding
trail the experimental and control diet fed F. indicus were challenged
with virulent WSSV and studied the survival, molecular diagnosis,
biochemical, haematological, and immunological parameters.
Surprisingly, the pooled fractions (F-IV to FVI) incorporated diets
helped to significantly (P
Abstract: Established objective and subjective preconditions for
entrepreneurship, forming the business organically related whole, are
the necessary condition of successful entrepreneurial activities.
Objective preconditions for entrepreneurship are developed by
market economy that should stimulate entrepreneurship by allowing
the use of economic opportunities for all those who want to do
business in respective field while providing guarantees to all owners
and creating a stable business environment for entrepreneurs.
Subjective preconditions of entrepreneurship are formed primarily by
personal characteristics of the entrepreneur. These are his properties,
abilities, skills, physiological and psychological preconditions which
may be inherited, inborn or sequentially developed and obtained
during his life on the basis of education and influences of
surrounding environment. The paper is dealing with issues of
objective and subjective preconditions for entrepreneurship and
provides their analysis in view of the current situation in Slovakia. It
presents risks of the business environment in Slovakia that the Slovak
managers considered the most significant in 2014 and defines the
dominant attributes of the entrepreneur in the current business
environment in Slovakia.
Abstract: The Ombudsman is a procedural mechanism that
provides a different approach of dispute resolution. The ombudsman
primarily deals with specific grievances from the public against
governmental injustice and misconduct. The ombudsman theory is
considered an important instrument to any democratic government.
This is true since it improves the transparency of the governmental
activities in a world in which executive power are rising. Many
countries have adopted the concept of Ombudsman but under
different terminologies. This paper will provide the different types of
Ombudsman and the common activities/processes of fulfilling their
mandates.
Abstract: Doxorubicin, also known as Adriamycin, is an
anthracycline class of drug used in cancer chemotherapy. It is used in
the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute
leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrium cancer and ovary
cancers. It functions via intercalating DNA and ultimately killing
cancer cells. The major side effects of doxorubicin are hair loss,
myelosuppression, nausea & vomiting, oesophagitis, diarrhea, heart
damage and liver dysfunction. The minor modifications in the
structure of compound exhibit large variation in the biological
activity, has prompted us to carry out the synthesis of sulfonamide
derivatives. Sulfonamide is an important feature with broad spectrum
of biological activity such as antiviral, antifungal, diuretics, antiinflammatory,
antibacterial and anticancer activities. Structure of the
synthesized compound N-(1-methyl-2-oxo-2-N-methyl anilinoethyl)
benzene sulfonamide confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic
resonance (1H NMR),13C NMR, Mass and FTIR spectroscopic tools
to assure the position of all protons and hence stereochemistry of the
molecule. Further we have reported the binding potential of
synthesized sulfonamide analogues in comparison to doxorubicin
drug using Auto Dock 4.2 software. Computational binding energy
(B.E.) and inhibitory constant (Ki) has been evaluated for the
synthesized compound in comparison of doxorubicin against Poly
(dA-dT).Poly (dA-dT) and Poly (dG-dC).Poly (dG-dC) sequences.
The in vitro cytotoxic study against human breast cancer cell lines
confirms the better anticancer activity of the synthesized compound
over currently in use anticancer drug doxorubicin. The IC50 value of
the synthesized compound is 7.12 μM whereas for doxorubicin is 7.2
μM.
Abstract: As the economies of other countries in the
Mediterranean Basin, the tourism sector in our country has a high
denominator in economics. Tourism businesses, which are building
blocks of tourism, sector faces with a variety of problems during their
activities. These problems faced make business efficiency and
competition conditions of the businesses difficult. Most of the
problems faced by the tourism businesses and the information of
consumers about consumers’ rights were used in this study, which is
conducted to determine the problems of tourism businesses in the
Central Anatolia Region. It is aimed to contribute the awareness of
staff and executives working at tourism sector and to attract attention
of businesses active concurrently with tourism sector and legislators.
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to describe an interdisciplinary teaching program that integrates physical education concepts using a philosophical approach. The presentation includes a review of: a) the philosophy of American education, b) the philosophy of sports and physical education, c) the interdisciplinary physical education program, d) professional development programs, (e) the Success of this physical education program, f) future of physical education. This unique interdisciplinary program has been implemented in an urban school physical education discipline in East Orange, New Jersey for over 10 years.
During the program the students realize that the bodies go through different experiences. The body becomes a place where a child can recognize in an enjoyable way to express and perceive particular feelings or mental states. Children may distinguish themselves to have high abilities in the social or other domains but low abilities in the field of athletics.
The goal of this program for the individuals is to discover new skills, develop and demonstrate age appropriate mastery level at different tasks, therefore the program consists of 9 to 12 sports, including many game. Each successful experience increases the awareness ability. Engaging in sports and physical activities are social movements involving groups of children in situations such as teams, friends, and recreational settings, which serve as a primary socializing agent for teaching interpersonal skills. As a result of this presentation the audience will reflect and explore how to structure a physical education program to integrate interdisciplinary subjects with philosophical concepts.
Abstract: This research aimed to study about motivation for
students of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to follow and happily
live according to Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Having collected
394 questionnaires, the result showed that most students had great
motivation to follow this philosophy at a high level, especially in
terms of righteousness in profession; besides, students’ determination
and intention to apply this philosophy in everyday lives was
impressive though the students’ families were not completely ready.
Each of students, in fact, consulted their families for plans of any
activities without tiredness and discouragement based on the saying,
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” On the part of universities life,
students interacted with society and created projects that supported
income to the community including exercises, sports, recreational
activities, and community services.
Abstract: The work studied the effect of germination on
proximate, phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities
(AOA) of African Yam been (AYB). Germination was done in
controlled dark chamber (100% RH, 28oC). The proximate, phenol
and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities before and after
germination were investigated. The crude protein, moisture, and
crude fiber content of germinated AYB were significantly higher
(P
Abstract: It is likely that robots will cross the boundaries of
industry into households over the next decades. With demographic
challenges worldwide, the future ageing populations will require the
introduction of assistive technologies capable of providing, care,
human dignity and quality of life through the aging process. Robotics
technology has a high potential for being used in the areas of social
and healthcare by promoting a wide range of activities such as
entertainment, companionship, supervision or cognitive and physical
assistance. However such close Human Robotics Interaction (HRI)
encompass a rich set of ethical scenarios that need to be addressed
before Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) reach the global markets.
Such interactions with robots may seem a worthy goal for many
technical/financial reasons but inevitably require close attention to
the ethical dimensions of such interactions. This article investigates
the current HRI benchmark of social success. It revises it according
to the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and justice
aligned with social care ethos. An extension of such benchmark is
proposed based on an empirical study of HRIs conducted with elderly
groups.
Abstract: The effects of basil and/or chamomile seed
supplementation on the growth of Hubbard broiler chicks were
evaluated. The antioxidant effects of these supplements were also
assessed. 120 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into
four equal groups. The control group (group 1) was fed a basal diet
(BD) without supplementation. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the BD
supplemented with 10g basil, 10g chamomile, and 5g basil plus 5g
chamomile per kg of food, respectively. Basil supplementation alone
or in combination with chamomile non-significantly (P≥0.05)
increased final body weight (3.2% and 0.3%, respectively) and
weight gain (3.5% and 3.6%, respectively) over the experimental
period. Chamomile supplementation alone non-significantly (P≥0.05)
reduced final body weight and weight gain over the experimental
period by 1.7% and 1.7%, respectively. In comparison to the control
group, herbal seed supplementation reduced feed intake and
improved the feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios. In
general, basil seed supplementation stimulated chicken growth and
improved the feed efficiency more effectively than chamomile seed
supplementation. The antioxidant activities of basil and/or chamomile
supplementation were examined in the thymus, bursa, and spleen. In
chickens that received supplements, the level of malondialdehyde
was significantly decreased, whereas the activities of glutathione,
superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly increased
(P
Abstract: The planning of geological survey works is an
iterative process which involves planner, geologist, civil engineer and
other stakeholders, who perform different roles and have different
points of view. Traditionally, the team used paper maps or CAD
drawings to present the proposal which is not an efficient way to
present and share idea on the site investigation proposal such as
sitting of borehole location or seismic survey lines. This paper
focuses on how a GIS approach can be utilised to develop a webbased
system to support decision making process in the planning of
geological survey works and also to plan site activities carried out by
Singapore Geological Office (SGO). The authors design a framework
of building an interactive web-based GIS system, and develop a
prototype, which enables the users to obtain rapidly existing
geological information and also to plan interactively borehole
locations and seismic survey lines via a web browser. This prototype
system is used daily by SGO and has shown to be effective in
increasing efficiency and productivity as the time taken in the
planning of geological survey works is shortened. The prototype
system has been developed using the ESRI ArcGIS API 3.7 for Flex
which is based on the ArcGIS 10.2.1 platform.
Abstract: The research studies the behaviors based on
sufficiency economy philosophy at individual and community
levelsas well as the satisfaction of the urban community leaders by
collecting data with purposive sampling technique. For in-depth
interviews with 26 urban community leaders, the result shows that
the urban community leaders have good knowledge and
understanding about sufficiency economy philosophy. Especially in
terms of money spending, they must consider the need for living and
be economical. The activities in the community or society should not
take advantage of the others as well as colleagues. At present, most of
the urban community leaders live in sufficient way. They often spend
time with public service, but many families are dealing with debt.
Many communities have some political conflict and high family
allowances because of living in the urban communities with rapid
social and economic changes. However, there are many communities
that leaders have applied their wisdom in development for their
people by gathering and grouping the professionals to form activities
such as making chilli sauce, textile organization, making artificial
flowers to worship the sanctity. The most prominent group is the foot
massage business in Wat Pracha Rabue Tham. This professional
group is supported continuously by the government. One of the
factors in terms of satisfaction used for evaluating community leaders
is the customary administration in brotherly, interdependent way
rather than using the absolute power or controlling power, but using
the roles of leader to perform the activities with their people intently,
determinedly and having public mind for people.
Abstract: Total hip replacement had been one of the most
successful operations in hip arthritis surgery. The purpose of this
research had been to develop a dynamic hip contact of Thai femoral
bone to analyze the stress distribution on the implant and the strain
distribution on the bone model under daily activities and compared
with the static load simulation. The results showed the different of
maximum von Mises stress 0.14 percent under walking and 0.03
percent under climbing stair condition and the different of equivalent
total strain 0.52 percent under walking and 0.05 percent under
climbing stair condition. The muscular forces should be evaluated
with dynamic condition to reduce the maximum von Mises stress and
equivalent total strain.
Abstract: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising
technology for simultaneous bioelectricity generation and wastewater
treatment. Catalysts are significant portions of the cost of microbial
fuel cell cathodes. Many materials have been tested as aqueous
cathodes, but air-cathodes are needed to avoid energy demands for
water aeration. The sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) rate at
air cathode necessitates efficient electrocatalyst such as carbon
supported platinum catalyst (Pt/C) which is very costly. Manganese
oxide (MnO2) was a representative metal oxide which has been
studied as a promising alternative electrocatalyst for ORR and has
been tested in air-cathode MFCs. However the single MnO2 has poor
electric conductivity and low stability. In the present work, the MnO2
catalyst has been modified by doping Pt nanoparticle. The goal of the
work was to improve the performance of the MFC with minimum Pt
loading. MnO2 and Pt nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal
and sol gel methods, respectively. Wet impregnation method was
used to synthesize Pt/MnO2 catalyst. The catalysts were further used
as cathode catalysts in air-cathode cubic MFCs, in which anaerobic
sludge was inoculated as biocatalysts and palm oil mill effluent
(POME) was used as the substrate in the anode chamber. The asprepared
Pt/MnO2 was characterized comprehensively through field
emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-Ray diffraction
(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic
voltammetry (CV) where its surface morphology, crystallinity,
oxidation state and electrochemical activity were examined,
respectively. XPS revealed Mn (IV) oxidation state and Pt (0)
nanoparticle metal, indicating the presence of MnO2 and Pt.
Morphology of Pt/MnO2 observed from FESEM shows that the
doping of Pt did not cause change in needle-like shape of MnO2
which provides large contacting surface area. The electrochemical
active area of the Pt/MnO2 catalysts has been increased from 276 to
617 m2/g with the increase in Pt loading from 0.2 to 0.8 wt%. The
CV results in O2 saturated neutral Na2SO4 solution showed that
MnO2 and Pt/MnO2 catalysts could catalyze ORR with different
catalytic activities. MFC with Pt/MnO2 (0.4 wt% Pt) as air cathode
catalyst generates a maximum power density of 165 mW/m3, which
is higher than that of MFC with MnO2 catalyst (95 mW/m3). The
open circuit voltage (OCV) of the MFC operated with MnO2 cathode
gradually decreased during 14 days of operation, whereas the MFC
with Pt/MnO2 cathode remained almost constant throughout the
operation suggesting the higher stability of the Pt/MnO2 catalyst.
Therefore, Pt/MnO2 with 0.4 wt% Pt successfully demonstrated as an
efficient and low cost electrocatalyst for ORR in air cathode MFC with higher electrochemical activity, stability and hence enhanced
performance.