Abstract: Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill
Effluent (POME) are two main wastes from oil palm industries which
contain rich lignocellulose. Degradation of EFB and POME by
microorganisms will produce hydrolytic enzyme which will degrade
cellulose and hemicellulose during composting process. However,
normal composting takes about four to six months to reach maturity.
Hence, application of fungi into compost can shorten the period of
composting. This study identifies the effect of xylanase and cellulase
produced by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma virens on
composting process using EFB and POME. The degradation of EFB
and POME indicates the lignocellulolytic capacity of Aspergillus
niger and Trichoderma virens with more than 7% decrease in
hemicellulose and more than 25% decrease in cellulose for both
inoculated compost. Inoculation of Aspergillus niger and
Trichoderma virens also increased the enzyme activities during the
composting period compared to the control compost by 21% for both
xylanase and cellulase. Rapid rise in the activities of cellulase and
xylanase was observed by Aspergillus niger with the highest
activities of 14.41 FPU/mg and 3.89 IU/mg, respectively. Increased
activities of cellulase and xylanase also occurred in inoculation of
Trichoderma virens with the highest activities obtained at 13.21
FPU/mg and 4.43 IU/mg, respectively. Therefore, it is evident that
the inoculation of fungi can increase the enzyme activities hence
effectively degrading the EFB and POME.
Abstract: A Wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of a set of battery-powered nodes, which collaborate to perform sensing tasks in a given environment. Each node in WSN should be capable to act for long periods of time with scrimpy or no external management. One requirement for this independent is: in the presence of adverse positions, the sensor nodes must be capable to configure themselves. Hence, the nodes for determine the existence of unusual events in their surroundings should make use of position awareness mechanisms. This work approaches the problem by considering the possible unusual events as diseases, thus making it possible to diagnose them through their symptoms, namely, their side effects. Considering these awareness mechanisms as a foundation for highlevel monitoring services, this paper also shows how these mechanisms are included in the primal plan of an intrusion detection system.
Abstract: IVE toolkit has been created for facilitating research,education and development in the field of virtual storytelling and computer games. Primarily, the toolkit is intended for modelling action selection mechanisms of virtual humans, investigating level-of-detail AI techniques for large virtual environments, and for exploring joint behaviour and role-passing technique (Sec. V). Additionally, the toolkit can be used as an AI middleware without any changes. The main facility of IVE is that it serves for prototyping both the AI and virtual worlds themselves. The purpose of this paper is to describe IVE's features in general and to present our current work - including an educational game - on this platform.
Abstract: It is known that the heart interacts with and adapts to
its venous and arterial loading conditions. Various experimental
studies and modeling approaches have been developed to investigate
the underlying mechanisms. This paper presents a model of the left
ventricle derived based on nonlinear stress-length myocardial
characteristics integrated over truncated ellipsoidal geometry, and
second-order dynamic mechanism for the excitation-contraction
coupling system. The results of the model presented here describe the
effects of the viscoelastic damping element of the electromechanical
coupling system on the hemodynamic response. Different heart rates
are considered to study the pacing effects on the performance of the
left-ventricle against constant preload and afterload conditions under
various damping conditions. The results indicate that the pacing
process of the left ventricle has to take into account, among other
things, the viscoelastic damping conditions of the myofilament
excitation-contraction process.
Abstract: It is quite essential to form dialogue mechanisms and
dialogue channels to solve intercultural communication issues.
Therefore, every country should develop a intercultural education
project which aims to resolve international communication issues.
For proper mediation training, the first step is to reach an agreement
on the actors to run the project. The strongest mediation mechanisms
in the world should be analyzed and initiated within the educational
policies. A communication-based mediation model should be
developed for international mediation training. Mediators can use
their convincing communication skills as a part of this model. At the
first, fundamental stages of the mediation training should be specified
within the scope of the model. Another important topic at this point is
common sence and peace leaders to act as an ombudsman in this
process. Especially for solving some social issues and conflicts,
common sense leaders acting as an ombudsman would lead to
effective communication. In mediation training that is run by
universities and non-governmental organizations, another phase is to
focus on conducting the meetings. In intercultural mediation training,
one of the most critical topics is to conduct the meeting traffic and
performing a shuttle diplomacy. Meeting traffic is where the mediator
organizes meetings with the parties with initiative powers, in order to
contribute to the solution of the issue, and schedule these meetings.
In this notice titled “ Intercultural mediation training and the training
process of common sense leaders by the leadership of universities
communication and artistic campaigns" , communication models and
strategies about this topic will be constructed and an intercultural art
activities and perspectives will be presented.
Abstract: Routing security is a major concerned in Wireless
Sensor Network since a large scale of unattended nodes is deployed
in ad hoc fashion with no possibility of a global addressing due to a
limitation of node-s memory and the node have to be self organizing
when the systems require a connection with the other nodes. It
becomes more challenging when the nodes have to act as the router
and tightly constrained on energy and computational capabilities
where any existing security mechanisms are not allowed to be fitted
directly. These reasons thus increasing vulnerabilities to the network
layer particularly and to the whole network, generally. In this paper,
a Dynamic Window Secured Implicit Geographic Forwarding
(DWSIGF) routing is presented where a dynamic time is used for
collection window to collect Clear to Send (CTS) control packet in
order to find an appropriate hoping node. The DWIGF is expected to
minimize a chance to select an attacker as the hoping node that
caused by a blackhole attack that happen because of the CTS rushing
attack, which promise a good network performance with high packet
delivery ratios.
Abstract: Microarray experiments are information rich; however, extensive data mining is required to identify the patterns that characterize the underlying mechanisms of action. For biologists, a key aim when analyzing microarray data is to group genes based on the temporal patterns of their expression levels. In this paper, we used an iterative clustering method to find temporal patterns of gene expression. We evaluated the performance of this method by applying it to real sporulation data and simulated data. The patterns obtained using the iterative clustering were found to be superior to those obtained using existing clustering algorithms.
Abstract: The fluorescent pseudomonad strain R81 is a root
colonizing rhizobacteria which promotes the growth of many plants
by various mechanisms. Its broth containing siderophore (ironchelating
compound) and 2,4- diacetyl phloroglucinol (DAPG) is
used for preparing bioinoculant formulations for agronomical
applications. Glycerol was found to be the best carbon source for
improved biomass production. Splitting of nitrogen source to NH4Cl
and urea had a stabilizing effect on pH during batch cultivation. Ltryptophan
at 0.5 % in the medium increased the siderophore
production to 850 mg/l. During batch cultivation of the strain in a
bioreactor, a maximum of 4 g/l of dry cell mass, 1.8 g/l of
siderophore and 20 mg/l of DAPG was achieved when glycerol was
15 g/l and C/N ratio was maintained at 12.5. In case of intermittent
feeding of fresh medium during fed-batch cultivation, the dry cell
mass was increased to 25 g/l with improved production of DAPG to
70 mg/l.
Abstract: When acid is pumped into damaged reservoirs for
damage removal/stimulation, distorted inflow of acid into the
formation occurs caused by acid preferentially traveling into highly
permeable regions over low permeable regions, or (in general) into
the path of least resistance. This can lead to poor zonal coverage and
hence warrants diversion to carry out an effective placement of acid.
Diversion is desirably a reversible technique of temporarily reducing
the permeability of high perm zones, thereby forcing the acid into
lower perm zones.
The uniqueness of each reservoir can pose several challenges to
engineers attempting to devise optimum and effective diversion
strategies. Diversion techniques include mechanical placement and/or
chemical diversion of treatment fluids, further sub-classified into ball
sealers, bridge plugs, packers, particulate diverters, viscous gels,
crosslinked gels, relative permeability modifiers (RPMs), foams,
and/or the use of placement techniques, such as coiled tubing (CT)
and the maximum pressure difference and injection rate (MAPDIR)
methodology.
It is not always realized that the effectiveness of diverters greatly
depends on reservoir properties, such as formation type, temperature,
reservoir permeability, heterogeneity, and physical well
characteristics (e.g., completion type, well deviation, length of
treatment interval, multiple intervals, etc.). This paper reviews the
mechanisms by which each variety of diverter functions and
discusses the effect of various reservoir properties on the efficiency
of diversion techniques. Guidelines are recommended to help
enhance productivity from zones of interest by choosing the best
methods of diversion while pumping an optimized amount of
treatment fluid. The success of an overall acid treatment often
depends on the effectiveness of the diverting agents.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to show innovative techniques that describe the effectiveness of individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders (ASPD). The author presents information about hate schemas regarding persons with ASPD and their understanding of the role of hate. The data of 60 prisoners with ASPD, 40 prisoners without ASPD, and 60 men without antisocial tendencies, has been analyzed. The participants were asked to describe their hate inspired by a photograph. The narrative discourse was analyzed, the three groups were compared. The results show the differences between the inmates with ASPD, those without ASPD, and the controls. The antisocial individuals describe hate as an ambivalent feeling with low emotional intensity, i.e., actors (in stories) are presented more as positives than as partners. They use different mechanisms to keep them from understanding the meaning of the emotional situation. The schema's characteristics were expressed in narratives attributed to high Psychopathy.
Abstract: Historic religious buildings located in seismic areas
have developed different failure mechanisms. Simulation of failure
modes is done with computer programs through a nonlinear dynamic
analysis or simplified using the method of failure blocks. Currently
there are simulation methodologies of failure modes based on the
failure rigid blocks method only for Roman Catholic churches type.
Due to differences of shape in plan, elevation and construction
systems between Orthodox churches and Catholic churches, for the
first time there were initiated researches in the development of this
simulation methodology for Orthodox churches. In this article are
presented the first results from the researches. The theoretical results
were compared with real failure modes recorded at an Orthodox
church from Banat region, severely damaged by earthquakes in
1991. Simulated seismic response, using a computer program based
on finite element method was confirmed by cracks after earthquakes.
The consolidation of the church was made according to these
theoretical results, realizing a rigid floor connecting all the failure
blocks.
Abstract: Coordinated supply chain represents major challenges
for the different actors involved in it, because each agent responds to
individual interests. The paper presents a framework with the
reviewed literature regarding the system's decision structure and
nature of demand. Later, it characterizes an agri food supply chain in
the Central Region of Colombia, it responds to a decentralized
distribution system and a stochastic demand. Finally, the paper
recommends coordinating the chain based on shared information, and
mechanisms for each agent, as VMI (vendor-managed inventory)
strategy for farmer-buyer relationship, information system for
farmers and contracts for transportation service providers.
Abstract: Vermiculite was used to develop inorganic
carrier-based formulations of fluorescent pseudomonad strains
R62 and R81. The effect of bio-inoculation of fluorescent
pseudomonad strains R62 and R81 (plant growth promoting
and biocontrol agent) on growth responses of Vigna-mungo
under field condition was enumerated. The combined bioinoculation
of these two organisms in a formuation increased
the pods yield by 300% in comparison to the control crop.
There was also significant increment in the other plant growth
responses such as dry root weight, dry shoot weight, shoot
length and number of branches per plant.
Abstract: Lactic acid alone and its combined application with
nisin were evaluated for reducing population of naturally occurring
microorganisms on chilled shrimp. Fresh shrimps were dipped in 0,
1.0% and 2.0% (v/v) lactic acid alone and their combined application
with 0.04 (g/L/kg) nisin solution for 10 min. Total plate counts of
aerobic bacteria (TPCs), Psychrotrophic counts, population of
Pseudomonas spp., H2S producing bacteria and Lactic acid bacteria
(LAB) on shrimps were determined during storage at 4 °C. The
results indicated that total plate counts were 2.91 and 2.63 log CFU/g
higher on untreated shrimps after 7 and 14 days of storage,
respectively, than on shrimps treated with 2.0% lactic acid combined
with 0.04 (g/L/kg) nisin. Both concentrations of lactic acid indicated
significant reduction on Pseudomonas counts during storage, while
2.0% lactic acid combined with nisin indicated the highest reduction.
In addition, H2S producing bacteria were more sensitive to high
concentration of lactic acid combined with nisin during storage.
Abstract: Compared to oil production from microorganisms, little work has been performed for mixed culture of microalgae and yeast. In this article it is aimed to show high oil accumulation potential of mixed culture of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and oleaginous yeast Torulaspora maleeae Y30 using sugarcane molasses as substrate. The monoculture of T. maleeae Y30 grew faster than that of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. In monoculture of yeast, a biomass of 6.4g/L with specific growth rate (m) of 0.265 (1/d) and lipid yield of 0.466g/L were obtained, while 2.53g/L of biomass with m of 0.133 (1/d) and lipid yield of 0.132g/L were obtained for monoculture of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. The biomass concentration in the mixed culture of T. maleeae Y30 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 increased faster and was higher compared with that in the monoculture and mixed culture of microalgae. In mixed culture of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and C. vulgaris TISTR8580, a biomass of 3.47g/L and lipid yield of 0.123 g/L were obtained. In mixed culture of T. maleeae Y30 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2, a maximum biomass of 7.33 g/L and lipid yield of 0.808g/L were obtained. Maximum cell yield coefficient (YX/S, 0.229g/L), specific yield of lipid (YP/X, 0.11g lipid/g cells) and volumetric lipid production rate (QP, 0.115 g/L/d) were obtained in mixed culture of yeast and microalgae. Clearly, T. maleeae Y30 and Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 use sugarcane molasses as organic nutrients efficiently in mixed culture under mixotrophic growth. The biomass productivity and lipid yield are notably enhanced in comparison with monoculture.
Abstract: Abstract–The objectives of the current study are to determine the
prevalence, etiological agents, drug susceptibility pattern and plasmid
profile of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Hospital-Acquired
Infections (HAI) at Community Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi
Arabia. A total of 1890 patients had developed infection during
hospital admission and were included in the study. Among those who
developed nosocomial infections, 15(9.4), 10(2.7) and 118 (12.7) had
respiratory tract infection (RTI), blood stream infections (BSI) and
urinary tract (UTI) respectively. A total of 268 bacterial isolates were
isolated from nosocomial infection. S. aureus was reported in 23.5%
for of the total isolates followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), E.
coli (17.2%), P. aeruginosa (11.9%), coagulase negative
staphylococcus (9%), A. baumannii (7.1%), Enterobacter spp.
(3.4%), Citrobacter freundii (3%), Proteus mirabilis (2.6%), and
Proteus vulgaris and Enterococcous faecalis (0.7%). Isolated
organisms are multi-drug resistant, predominantly Gram-positive
pathogens with a high incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus,
extended spectrum beta lactamase and vancomycin resistant
enterococci organisms. The RFLP (Fragment Length Polymorphisms)
patterns of plasmid preparations from isolated A. baumannii isolates
had altered RFLP patterns, possibly due to the presence of plasmid(s).
Five A. baumannii isolates harbored plasmids all of which were not
less than 2.71kbp in molecular weight. Hence, it showed that the gene
coding for the isolates were located on the plasmid DNA while the
remaining isolates which have no plasmid might showed gene coding
for antibiotic resistance being located on chromosomal DNA.
Nosocomial infections represent a current problem in Community
Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. Problems associated with
SSI include infection with multidrug resistant pathogens which are
difficult to treat and are associated with increased mortality.
Abstract: IEEE 802.11e is the enhanced version of the IEEE
802.11 MAC dedicated to provide Quality of Service of wireless
network. It supports QoS by the service differentiation and
prioritization mechanism. Data traffic receives different priority
based on QoS requirements. Fundamentally, applications are divided
into four Access Categories (AC). Each AC has its own buffer queue
and behaves as an independent backoff entity. Every frame with a
specific priority of data traffic is assigned to one of these access
categories. IEEE 802.11e EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel
Access) is designed to enhance the IEEE 802.11 DCF (Distributed
Coordination Function) mechanisms by providing a distributed
access method that can support service differentiation among
different classes of traffic. Performance of IEEE 802.11e MAC layer
with different ACs is evaluated to understand the actual benefits
deriving from the MAC enhancements.
Abstract: In theoretical computer science, the Turing machine has played a number of important roles in understanding and exploiting basic concepts and mechanisms in computing and information processing [20]. It is a simple mathematical model of computers [9]. After that, M.Blum and C.Hewitt first proposed two-dimensional automata as a computational model of two-dimensional pattern processing, and investigated their pattern recognition abilities in 1967 [7]. Since then, a lot of researchers in this field have been investigating many properties about automata on a two- or three-dimensional tape. On the other hand, the question of whether processing fourdimensional digital patterns is much more difficult than two- or threedimensional ones is of great interest from the theoretical and practical standpoints. Thus, the study of four-dimensional automata as a computasional model of four-dimensional pattern processing has been meaningful [8]-[19],[21]. This paper introduces a cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata as one model of four-dimensional automata. A cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata consists of a finite number of four-dimensional finite automata and a four-dimensional input tape where these finite automata work independently (in parallel). Those finite automata whose input heads scan the same cell of the input tape can communicate with each other, that is, every finite automaton is allowed to know the internal states of other finite automata on the same cell it is scanning at the moment. In this paper, we mainly investigate some accepting powers of a cooperating system of eight- or seven-way four-dimensional finite automata. The seven-way four-dimensional finite automaton is an eight-way four-dimensional finite automaton whose input head can move east, west, south, north, up, down, or in the fu-ture, but not in the past on a four-dimensional input tape.
Abstract: In recent years application of natural antimicrobials
instead of conventional ones, due to their hazardous effects on health,
has got serious attentions. On the basis of the results of different
studies, chitosan, a natural bio-degradable and non-toxic
biopolysaccharide derived from chitin, has potential to be used as a
natural antimicrobial. Chitosan has exhibited high antimicrobial
activity against a wide variety of pathogenic and spoilage
microorganisms, including fungi, and Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria. The antimicrobial action is influenced by intrinsic
factors such as the type of chitosan, the degree of chitosan
polymerization and extrinsic factors such as the microbial organism,
the environmental conditions and presence of the other components.
The use of chitosan in food systems should be based on sufficient
knowledge of the complex mechanisms of its antimicrobial mode of
action. In this article we review a number of studies on the
investigation of chitosan antimicrobial properties and application of
them in culture and food mediums.
Abstract: Although water only takes a little percentage in the total mass of soil, it indeed plays an important role to the strength of structure. Moisture transfer can be carried out by many different mechanisms which may involve heat and mass transfer, thermodynamic phase change, and the interplay of various forces such as viscous, buoyancy, and capillary forces. The continuum models are not well suited for describing those phenomena in which the connectivity of the pore space or the fracture network, or that of a fluid phase, plays a major role. However, Lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) are especially well suited to simulate flows around complex geometries. Lattice Boltzmann methods were initially invented for solving fluid flows. Recently, fluid with multicomponent and phase change is also included in the equations. By comparing the numerical result with experimental result, the Lattice Boltzmann methods with phase change will be optimized.