Abstract: Voltage sags are the most common power quality
disturbance in the distribution system. It occurs due to the fault in the
electrical network or by the starting of a large induction motor and
this can be solved by using the custom power devices such as
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). In this paper DVR is proposed to
compensate voltage sags on critical loads dynamically. The DVR
consists of VSC, injection transformers, passive filters and energy
storage (lead acid battery). By injecting an appropriate voltage, the
DVR restores a voltage waveform and ensures constant load voltage.
The simulation and experimental results of a DVR using MATLAB
software shows clearly the performance of the DVR in mitigating
voltage sags.
Abstract: In the 13th Malaysia’s General Elections held in 2013,
it was observed that large numbers of urban constituencies saw
strongly decisive young voters (between 21-39 age group) determine
the outcome in their favour. Also, the Elections Commission had
approximated that 70% of some 4.2 million unregistered voters at the
time were citizens aged between 21 and 40 years old. If they are not
already considered an important form of political leverage, 450,000
young Malaysians turn 21 years old each year. Further compounding
this fact were the 2.4 million new voters registered in 2012, which at
the time constituted almost 30% of the entire voting population. This
article discusses the importance of issues for the youth, with
reference to the university students in Malaysia in their decision
making on polling day.
Abstract: Malathion (ML) is a well known pesticide commonly
used in many agricultural and non-agricultural processes. Its toxicity
has been attributed primarily to the accumulation of acetylcholine
(Ach) at nerve junctions, due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
(AChE). The aim of the current research was to study the protective
effect of the melissa plant extract against reproductive impairment
induced by malathion in 32 male albino rats, and the biological
experiment was divided into four groups (8 in each) that given
malathion (27 mg/kg; 1/50 of the LD50 for an oral dose) and/or
Melissa officinalis (MO) extract (200mg/kg/day) by gavages
technique. The sperm counts, sperm motility, sperm morphology,
FSH, LH, and testosterone levels had been determined in testes
homogenate at the end of the experiment. It is worthy to report that,
rats treated with melissa extract did not show a significant difference
when compared with the control group, while rats given malathion
alone had significantly lower sperm count, sperm motility, and
significantly higher abnormal sperm numbers, than the untreated
control rats as well as having significantly lower serum FSH, LH, and
testosterone levels compared with the control group. Administrations
of melissa extract restore all mentioned histological parameters
towards the control group and the melissa extract had a strong
positive protective effect against malathion toxicity. Results the of
biological parameters were confirmed by the histological
examination of rat testes and indicated that, both control and melissa
groups showing normal seminiferous tubules, while malathion group
testicular tissues had necrosis, edema in the seminiferous tubules and
degeneration of spermatogonial cells lining the seminiferous tubules
with incomplete spermatogenesis. The use of melissa against
malathion improved the histological picture and showing normal
seminiferous tubules with complete spermatogenesis and almost there
was no histopathological changes could be noted.
Abstract: This paper deals with the problem of passivity
analysis for stochastic neural networks with leakage, discrete and
distributed delays. By using delay partitioning technique, free
weighting matrix method and stochastic analysis technique, several
sufficient conditions for the passivity of the addressed neural
networks are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities
(LMIs), in which both the time-delay and its time derivative can be
fully considered. A numerical example is given to show the
usefulness and effectiveness of the obtained results.
Abstract: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit of great medical interest and rich source of antioxidants. Pesticides as dimethoate play a crucial role in the occurrence many diseases in plants, animal and human. Therefore the ability of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) to alleviate hepatotoxicity induced by organophosphate pesticide dimethoate was investigated. Albino male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups and kept at 7 animals per group in an environmentally controlled condition for 6 weeks. The first group was served as a control group (basal diet), the second group fed on basal diet supplemented with 5% freeze dried pomegranate seeds, the third group fed on 20 ppm dimethoate contaminated diet and the last group fed on dimethoate contaminated diet supplemented with 5% freeze dried pomegranate seeds. The results revealed that administration of dimethoate caused high significant increased in liver functions: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as well as lipid peroxide (malonaldhyde, MDA); on the other hand high significant decreased on glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), albumin and total protein were observed. However addition of 5% freeze dried pomegranate seeds significantly improved all previously mentioned parameters. These results indicate the dimethoate induced hepatotoxicity and highlight the protective effect of pomegranate seeds as a potential protective agent against dimethoate induced hepatotoxicity. This may be attributed to the powerful antioxidants (polyphenols, total phenols, and total flavonoids) which present in high levels in pomegranate as well as improving the immunity by activation of antioxidant enzymes GSH and GPx.
Abstract: Business interpreting talents are in badly need for local
economic development, but currently there are problems of traditional
business interpreting training mode in China. In view of the good
opportunity for college business interpreters provided by international
trading center development in Qingdao China and with the aim of
being in line with market demand and enhancing business interpreters'
employment competitive advantage, this paper aims to explore how to
cultivate interdisciplinary business interpreting talents based on
market demand.
Abstract: This paper aims at finding a suitable neural network
for monitoring congestion level in electrical power systems. In this
paper, the input data has been framed properly to meet the target
objective through supervised learning mechanism by defining normal
and abnormal operating conditions for the system under study. The
congestion level, expressed as line congestion index (LCI), is
evaluated for each operating condition and is presented to the NN
along with the bus voltages to represent the input and target data.
Once, the training goes successful, the NN learns how to deal with a
set of newly presented data through validation and testing
mechanism. The crux of the results presented in this paper rests on
performance comparison of a multi-layered feed forward neural
network with eleven types of back propagation techniques so as to
evolve the best training criteria. The proposed methodology has been
tested on the standard IEEE-14 bus test system with the support of
MATLAB based NN toolbox. The results presented in this paper
signify that the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithm
gives best training performance of all the eleven cases considered in
this paper, thus validating the proposed methodology.
Abstract: The system is designed to show images which are
related to the query image. Extracting color, texture, and shape
features from an image plays a vital role in content-based image
retrieval (CBIR). Initially RGB image is converted into HSV color
space due to its perceptual uniformity. From the HSV image, Color
features are extracted using block color histogram, texture features
using Haar transform and shape feature using Fuzzy C-means
Algorithm. Then, the characteristics of the global and local color
histogram, texture features through co-occurrence matrix and Haar
wavelet transform and shape are compared and analyzed for CBIR.
Finally, the best method of each feature is fused during similarity
measure to improve image retrieval effectiveness and accuracy.
Abstract: In healthy humans, the cortical brain rhythm shows
specific mu (~6-14 Hz) and beta (~18-24 Hz) band patterns in the
cases of both real and imaginary motor movements. As cerebellar
ataxia is associated with impairment of precise motor movement
control as well as motor imagery, ataxia is an ideal model system in
which to study the role of the cerebellocortical circuit in rhythm
control. We hypothesize that the EEG characteristics of ataxic patients
differ from those of controls during the performance of a
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) task. Ataxia and control subjects
showed a similar distribution of mu power during cued relaxation.
During cued motor imagery, however, the ataxia group showed
significant spatial distribution of the response, while the control group
showed the expected decrease in mu-band power (localized to the
motor cortex).
Abstract: The mineral bioflotation represents a viable
alternative for the evaluation of new processes benefit alternative.
The adsorption bacteria on minerals surfaces will depend mainly on
the type of the microorganism as well as of the studied mineral
surface. In the current study, adhesion of S. carnosus on coal was
studied. Several methods were used as: DRX, Fourier Transform
Infra-Red (FTIR) adhesion isotherms and kinetic. The main goal is to
recovery of organic matter by the microflotation process on coal
particles with biological reagent (S. carnosus). Adhesion tests
revealed that adhesion took place after of 8 h at pH 9. The results
suggest that the adhesion of bacteria to solid substrates can be
considered an abiotic physicochemical process that is consequently
governed by bacterial surface properties such as their specific surface
area, hydrophobicity and surface functionalities. The greatest coal
fine flotability was of 75%, after 5 min of flotation.
Abstract: This research paper aims to identify, analyze and rank
factors affecting labor productivity in Spain with respect to their
relative importance. Using a selected set of 35 factors, a structured
questionnaire survey was utilized as the method to collect data from
companies. Target population is comprised by a random
representative sample of practitioners related with the Spanish
construction industry. Findings reveal the top five ranked factors are
as follows: (1) shortage or late supply of materials; (2) clarity of the
drawings and project documents; (3) clear and daily task assignment;
(4) tools or equipment shortages; (5) level of skill and experience of
laborers. Additionally, this research also pretends to provide simple
and comprehensive recommendations so that they could be
implemented by construction managers for an effective management
of construction labor forces.
Abstract: Anultra-low power capacitor less low-dropout voltage
regulator with improved transient response using gain enhanced feed
forward path compensation is presented in this paper. It is based on a
cascade of a voltage amplifier and a transconductor stage in the feed
forward path with regular error amplifier to form a composite gainenhanced
feed forward stage. It broadens the gain bandwidth and thus
improves the transient response without substantial increase in power
consumption. The proposed LDO, designed for a maximum output
current of 100 mA in UMC 180 nm, requires a quiescent current of
69 )A. An undershot of 153.79mV for a load current changes from
0mA to 100mA and an overshoot of 196.24mV for current change of
100mA to 0mA. The settling time is approximately 1.1 )s for the
output voltage undershooting case. The load regulation is of 2.77
)V/mA at load current of 100mA. Reference voltage is generated by
using an accurate band gap reference circuit of 0.8V.The costly
features of SOC such as total chip area and power consumption is
drastically reduced by the use of only a total compensation
capacitance of 6pF while consuming power consumption of 0.096
mW.
Abstract: Composite materials have important assets compared
to traditional materials. They bring many functional advantages:
lightness, mechanical resistance and chemical, etc. In the present
study we examine the effect of a circular central notch and a precrack
on the tensile fracture of two woven composite materials. The tensile
tests were applied to a standardized specimen, notched and a
precarcked (orientation of the crack 0°, 45° and 90°). These tensile
tests were elaborated according to an experimental planning design of
the type 23.31 requiring 24 experiments with three repetitions. By the
analysis of regression, we obtained a mathematical model describing
the maximum load according to the influential parameters (hole
diameter, precrack length, angle of a precrack orientation). The
specimens precracked at 90° have a better behavior than those having
a precrack at 45° and still better than those having of the precracks
oriented at 0°. In addition the maximum load is inversely
proportional to the notch size.
Abstract: In this study, a comparative analysis of the approaches
associated with the use of neural network algorithms for effective
solution of a complex inverse problem – the problem of identifying
and determining the individual concentrations of inorganic salts in
multicomponent aqueous solutions by the spectra of Raman
scattering of light – is performed. It is shown that application of
artificial neural networks provides the average accuracy of
determination of concentration of each salt no worse than 0.025 M.
The results of comparative analysis of input data compression
methods are presented. It is demonstrated that use of uniform
aggregation of input features allows decreasing the error of
determination of individual concentrations of components by 16-18%
on the average.
Abstract: Color Histogram is considered as the oldest method
used by CBIR systems for indexing images. In turn, the global
histograms do not include the spatial information; this is why the
other techniques coming later have attempted to encounter this
limitation by involving the segmentation task as a preprocessing step.
The weak segmentation is employed by the local histograms while
other methods as CCV (Color Coherent Vector) are based on strong
segmentation. The indexation based on local histograms consists of
splitting the image into N overlapping blocks or sub-regions, and
then the histogram of each block is computed. The dissimilarity
between two images is reduced, as consequence, to compute the
distance between the N local histograms of the both images resulting
then in N*N values; generally, the lowest value is taken into account
to rank images, that means that the lowest value is that which helps to
designate which sub-region utilized to index images of the collection
being asked. In this paper, we make under light the local histogram
indexation method in the hope to compare the results obtained against
those given by the global histogram. We address also another
noteworthy issue when Relying on local histograms namely which
value, among N*N values, to trust on when comparing images, in
other words, which sub-region among the N*N sub-regions on which
we base to index images. Based on the results achieved here, it seems
that relying on the local histograms, which needs to pose an extra
overhead on the system by involving another preprocessing step
naming segmentation, does not necessary mean that it produces better
results. In addition to that, we have proposed here some ideas to
select the local histogram on which we rely on to encode the image
rather than relying on the local histogram having lowest distance with
the query histograms.
Abstract: Two types of commercial cylindrical lithium ion
batteries (Panasonic 3.4 Ah NCR-18650B and Samsung 2.9 Ah
INR-18650), were investigated experimentally. The capacities of these
samples were individually measured using constant current-constant
voltage (CC-CV) method at different ambient temperatures (-10°C,
0°C, 25°C). Their internal resistance was determined by
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and pulse discharge
methods. The cells with different configurations of parallel connection
NCR-NCR, INR-INR and NCR-INR were charged/discharged at the
aforementioned ambient temperatures. The results showed that the
difference of internal resistance between cells much more evident at
low temperatures. Furthermore, the parallel connection of NCR-NCR
exhibits the most uniform temperature distribution in cells at -10°C,
this feature is quite favorable for the safety of the battery pack.
Abstract: Frequent, continuous speech training has proven to be
a necessary part of a successful speech therapy process, but
constraints of traveling time and employment dispensation become
key obstacles especially for individuals living in remote areas or for
dependent children who have working parents. In order to ameliorate
speech difficulties with ample guidance from speech therapists, a
website has been developed that supports speech therapy and training
for people with articulation disorders in the standard Thai language.
This web-based program has the ability to record speech training
exercises for each speech trainee. The records will be stored in a
database for the speech therapist to investigate, evaluate, compare
and keep track of all trainees’ progress in detail. Speech trainees can
request live discussions via video conference call when needed.
Communication through this web-based program facilitates and
reduces training time in comparison to walk-in training or
appointments. This type of training also allows people with
articulation disorders to practice speech lessons whenever or
wherever is convenient for them, which can lead to a more regular
training processes.
Abstract: One of the most important tasks in urban remote
sensing is the detection of impervious surfaces (IS), such as roofs and
roads. However, detection of IS in heterogeneous areas still remains
one of the most challenging tasks. In this study, detection of concrete
roof using an object-based approach was proposed. A new rule-based
classification was developed to detect concrete roof tile. This
proposed rule-based classification was applied to WorldView-2
image and results showed that the proposed rule has good potential to
predict concrete roof material from WorldView-2 images, with 85%
accuracy.
Abstract: The article presents the trends in Georgian wine
market development and evaluates the competitive advantages of
Georgia to enter the wine market based on its customs, traditions and
historical practices combined with modern technologies.
In order to analyze the supply of wine, dynamics of vineyard land
area and grape varieties are discussed, trends in wine production are
presented, trends in export and import are evaluated, local wine
market, its micro and macro environments are studied and analyzed
based on the interviews with experts and analysis of initial recording
materials.
For strengthening its position on the international market, the level
of competitiveness of Georgian wine is defined, which is evaluated
by “ex-ante” and “ex-post” methods, as well as by four basic and two
additional factors of the Porter’s diamond method; potential
advantages and disadvantages of Georgian wine are revealed.
Conclusions are made by identifying the factors that hinder the
development of Georgian wine market. Based on the conclusions,
relevant recommendations are developed.
Abstract: The paper discusses economic policy of Georgia
aiming to increase national competitiveness as well as the tools and
means which will help to improve the competitiveness of the country.
The sectors of the economy, in which the country can achieve the
competitive advantage, are studied. It is noted that the country’s
economic policy plays an important role in obtaining and maintaining
the competitive advantage - authority should take measures to ensure
high level of education; scientific and research activities should be
funded by the state; foreign direct investments should be attracted
mainly in science-intensive industries; adaptation with the latest
scientific achievements of the modern world and deepening of
scientific and technical cooperation. Stable business environment and
export oriented strategy is the basis for the country’s economic
growth.
As the outcome of the research, the paper suggests the strategy for
improving competitiveness in Georgia; recommendations are
provided based on relevant conclusions.