Abstract: WOLED is widely used as lighting for high efficacy and little power consumption. In this research, power factor testing between WOLED and fluorescent lamp to see which one is more efficient in consuming energy. Since both lamps use semiconductor components, so calculation of the power factor need to consider the effects of harmonics. Harmonic make bigger losses. The study is conducted by comparing the value of the power factor regardless of harmonics (DPF) and also by included the harmonics (TPF). The average value of DPF of fluorescent is 0.953 while WOLED is 0.972. The average value of TPF of fluorescent is 0.717 whereas WOLED is 0.933. So from the review of power factor WOLED is more energy efficient than fluorescent lamp.
Abstract: In this work a dual laser triangulation system is presented for fast building of 2.5D textured models of objects within a production line. This scanner is designed to produce data suitable for 3D completeness inspection algorithms. For this purpose two laser projectors have been used in order to considerably reduce the problem of occlusions in the camera movement direction. Results of reconstruction of electronic boards are presented, together with a comparison with a commercial system.
Abstract: The paper presents a method for multivariate time
series forecasting using Independent Component Analysis (ICA), as a preprocessing tool. The idea of this approach is to do the forecasting in the space of independent components (sources), and then to transform back the results to the original time series
space. The forecasting can be done separately and with a different
method for each component, depending on its time structure. The
paper gives also a review of the main algorithms for independent component analysis in the case of instantaneous mixture models, using second and high-order statistics. The method has been applied in simulation to an artificial multivariate time series
with five components, generated from three sources and a mixing matrix, randomly generated.
Abstract: Soft clays are defined as cohesive soil whose water
content is higher than its liquid limits. Thus, soil-cement mixing is
adopted to improve the ground conditions by enhancing the strength
and deformation characteristics of the soft clays. For the above
mentioned reasons, a series of laboratory tests were carried out to
study some fundamental mechanical properties of cement stabilized
soft clay. The test specimens were prepared by varying the portion of
ordinary Portland cement to the soft clay sample retrieved from the
test site of RECESS (Research Centre for Soft Soil). Comparisons
were made for both homogeneous and columnar system specimens
by relating the effects of cement stabilized clay of for 0, 5 and 10 %
cement and curing for 3, 28 and 56 days. The mechanical properties
examined included one-dimensional compressibility and undrained
shear strength. For the mechanical properties, both homogeneous and
columnar system specimens were prepared to examine the effect of
different cement contents and curing periods on the stabilized soil.
The one-dimensional compressibility test was conducted using an
oedometer, while a direct shear box was used for measuring the
undrained shear strength. The higher the value of cement content, the
greater is the enhancement of the yield stress and the decrease of
compression index. The value of cement content in a specimen is a
more active parameter than the curing period.
Abstract: The main goal of the study is to analyze all relevant properties of the electro hydraulic systems and based on that to make a proper choice of the neural network control strategy that may be used for the control of the mechatronic system. A combination of electronic and hydraulic systems is widely used since it combines the advantages of both. Hydraulic systems are widely spread because of their properties as accuracy, flexibility, high horsepower-to-weight ratio, fast starting, stopping and reversal with smoothness and precision, and simplicity of operations. On the other hand, the modern control of hydraulic systems is based on control of the circuit fed to the inductive solenoid that controls the position of the hydraulic valve. Since this circuit may be easily handled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal with a proper frequency, the combination of electrical and hydraulic systems became very fruitful and usable in specific areas as airplane and military industry. The study shows and discusses the experimental results obtained by the control strategy of neural network control using MATLAB and SIMULINK [1]. Finally, the special attention was paid to the possibility of neuro-controller design and its application to control of electro-hydraulic systems and to make comparative with other kinds of control.
Abstract: Cashew nut shells were converted into activated carbon powders using KOH activation plus CO2 gasification at 1027 K. The increase both of impregnation ratio and activation time, there was swiftly the development of mesoporous structure with increasing of mesopore volume ratio from 20-28% and 27-45% for activated carbon with ratio of KOH per char equal to 1 and 4, respectively. Activated carbon derived from KOH/char ratio equal to 1 and CO2 gasification time from 20 to 150 minutes were exhibited the BET surface area increasing from 222 to 627 m2.g-1. And those were derived from KOH/char ratio of 4 with activation time from 20 to 150 minutes exhibited high BET surface area from 682 to 1026 m2.g-1. The adsorption of Lead(II) and Cadmium(II) ion was investigated. This adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption for Lead(II) and Cadmium(II) ion. Maximum adsorption presented at 99.61% at pH 6.5 and 98.87% at optimum conditions. The experimental data was calculated from Freundlich isotherm and Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum capacity of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions was found to be 28.90 m2.g-1 and 14.29 m2.g-1, respectively.
Abstract: MRAM technology provides a combination of fast
access time, non-volatility, data retention and endurance. While a
growing interest is given to two-terminal Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
(MTJ) based on Spin-Transfer Torque (STT) switching as the
potential candidate for a universal memory, its reliability is
dramatically decreased because of the common writing/reading path.
Three-terminal MTJ based on Spin-Orbit Torque (SOT) approach
revitalizes the hope of an ideal MRAM. It can overcome the
reliability barrier encountered in current two-terminal MTJs by
separating the reading and the writing path. In this paper, we study
two possible writing schemes for the SOT-MTJ device based on
recently fabricated samples. While the first is based on precessional
switching, the second requires the presence of permanent magnetic
field. Based on an accurate Verilog-A model, we simulate the two
writing techniques and we highlight advantages and drawbacks of
each one. Using the second technique, pioneering logic circuits based
on the three-terminal architecture of the SOT-MTJ described in this
work are under development with preliminary attractive results.
Abstract: This study addresses the effect of impurities on the
crystallization of Na2CO3 produced within a strategy for capturing
CO2 from flue gases by alkaline absorption. A novel technology -
membrane assisted crystallization - is proposed for Na2CO3
crystallization from mother liquors containing impurities. High purity
of Na2CO3•10H2O crystals was obtained without impacting the
performance of the mass transfer of water vapor through membranes
during crystallization.
Abstract: Effect of oral administration of “Gadagi" tea on liver
function was assessed on 50 healthy male albino rats which were
grouped and administered with different doses(mg/kg) i.e low dose
(380mg/kg, 415mg/kg, 365mg/kg, 315mg/kg for “sak", “sada" and
“magani" respectively), standard dose ( 760mg/kg, 830mg/kg,
730mg/kg for “sak-, “sada" and “magani" respectively) and high dose
(1500mg/kg, 1700mg/kg and 1460mg/kg for “sak--,"sada" and
“magani" groups respectively) for a period of four weeks. Animals
that were not administered with the tea constituted the control group.
At the end of fourth week, the animals were sacrificed and their
serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin
(ALB), and globulins (GLO) were determined. Mean serum ALT and
ALP activities were significantly higher (P
Abstract: Pummelo is known to be the largest of all citrus fruits, with expected ratio of 2:1 (w/v) of producing juice, is an attractive opportunity for Malaysia to expand pummelo-s influence and marketability over the international market of juices. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds in two Malaysian varieties of pummelo fruit juice: Ledang (PO55) and Tambun (PO52). Identifications of polyphenols composition were done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). The phenolic compounds that were found in both varieties were hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonones. This study proved that Tambun variety has the highest antioxidant and phenolic compounds in comparison to Ledang variety. However, considerations have to be made to suit consumer-s taste bud and the amount of enzyme needed to clarify the juice for its marketability.
Abstract: COPD is characterized by loss of elastic fibers from
small airways and alveolar walls, with the decrease in elastin
increasing with disease severity. It is unclear why there is a lack of
repair of elastic fibers. We have examined fibroblasts cultured from
lung tissue from normal and COPD subjects to determine if the
secretory profile explains lack of tissue repair. In this study,
fibroblasts were cultured from lung parenchyma of bronchial
carcinoma patients with varying degrees of COPD; controls
(non-COPD, n=5), mild COPD (GOLD 1, n=5) and moderate-severe
COPD (GOLD 2-3, n=12). Measurements were made of proliferation,
senescence-associated beta-galactosidase-1, mRNA expression of
IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, tropoelastin and versican, and protein levels for
IL-6, IL-8, PGE2, tropoelastin, insoluble elastin, and versican. It was
found that GOLD 2-3 fibroblasts proliferated more slowly (p
Abstract: This paper presents a part of research on the
rheological properties of bitumen modified by thermoplastic namely
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene
(HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) and its interaction with 80 pen base
bitumen. As it is known that the modification of bitumen by the use
of polymers enhances its performance characteristics but at the same
time significantly alters its rheological properties. The rheological
study of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) was made through
penetration, ring & ball softening point and viscosity test. The results
were then related to the changes in the rheological properties of
polymer modified bitumen. It was observed that thermoplastic
copolymer shows profound effect on penetration rather than
softening point. The viscoelastic behavior of polymer modified
bitumen depend on the concentration of polymer, mixing
temperature, mixing technique, solvating power of base bitumen and
molecular structure of polymer used. PP offer better blend in
comparison to HDPE and LLDPE. The viscosity of base bitumen was
also enhanced with the addition of polymer. The pseudoplastic
behavior was more prominent for HDPE and LLDPE than PP. Best
results were obtained when polymer concentration was kept below
3%
Abstract: Optical properties of sputter-deposited ZnS thin films
were investigated as potential replacements for CBD(chemical bath
deposition) CdS buffer layers in the application of CIGS solar cells.
ZnS thin films were fabricated on glass substrates at RT, 150oC, 200oC,
and 250oC with 50 sccm Ar gas using an RF magnetron sputtering
system. The crystal structure of the thin film is found to be zinc blende
(cubic) structure. Lattice parameter of ZnS is slightly larger than CdS
on the plane and thus better matched with that of CIGS. Within a
400-800 nm wavelength region, the average transmittance was larger
than 75%. When the deposition temperature of the thin film was
increased, the blue shift phenomenon was enhanced. Band gap energy
of the ZnS thin film tended to increase as the deposition temperature
increased. ZnS thin film is a promising material system for the CIGS
buffer layer, in terms of ease of processing, low cost, environmental
friendliness, higher transparency, and electrical properties
Abstract: Decision Feedback equalizers (DFEs) usually outperform linear equalizers for channels with intersymbol interference. However, the DFE performance is highly dependent on the availability of reliable past decisions. Hence, in coded systems, where reliable decisions are only available after decoding the full block, the performance of the DFE will be affected. A symbol based DFE is a DFE that only uses the decision after the block is decoded. In this paper we derive the optimal settings of both the feedforward and feedback taps of the symbol based equalizer. We present a novel symbol based DFE filterbank, and derive its taps optimal settings. We also show that it outperforms the classic DFE in terms of complexity and/or performance.
Abstract: In this article we explore how computer assisted exercises may allow for bridging the traditional gap between theory and practice in professional education. To educate officers able to master the complexity of the battlefield the Norwegian Military Academy needs to develop a learning environment that allows for creating viable connections between the educational environment and the field of practice. In response to this challenge we explore the conditions necessary to make computer assisted training systems (CATS) a useful tool to create structural similarities between an educational context and the field of military practice. Although, CATS may facilitate work procedures close to real life situations, this case do demonstrate how professional competence also must build on viable learning theories and environments. This paper explores the conditions that allow for using simulators to facilitate professional competence from within an educational setting. We develop a generic didactic model that ascribes learning to participation in iterative cycles of action and reflection. The development of this model is motivated by the need to develop an interdisciplinary professional education rooted in the pattern of military practice.
Abstract: During recent years, the traditional learning
approaches have undergone fundamental changes due to the
emergence of new technologies such as multimedia, hypermedia and
telecommunication. E-learning is a modern world phenomenon that
has come into existence in the information age and in a knowledgebased
society. E-learning has developed significantly within a short
period of time. Thus it is of a great significant to secure information,
allow a confident access and prevent unauthorized accesses. Making
use of individuals- physiologic or behavioral (biometric) properties is
a confident method to make the information secure. Among the
biometrics, fingerprint is more acceptable and most countries use it as
an efficient methods of identification. This article provides a new
method to compare the fingerprint comparison by pattern recognition
and image processing techniques. To verify fingerprint, the shortest
distance method is used together with perceptronic multilayer neural
network functioning based on minutiae. This method is highly
accurate in the extraction of minutiae and it accelerates comparisons
due to elimination of false minutiae and is more reliable compared
with methods that merely use directional images.
Abstract: Mycotoxin (aflatoxins) contamination of peanuts is a
great concern for human health. A total of 72 samples of unripe,
roasted, and salty peanuts were collected randomly from Pothohar
plateau of Pakistan for the assessment of aflatoxin. Samples were
dried, ground and extracted by acetonitrile (84%). The filtered
extracts were cleaned up by MycoSep-226 and analyzed by high
performance liquid chromatography with flourescence detector.
Quantification limit of Aflatoxin was 1 μg/kg and 70% Recovery was
observed in spiked samples in the range 1–10 μg/kg. The screening
of mycotoxins indicated that aflatoxins were present in most of the
samples being detected in 82%, in concentrations from 14.25 μg/kg
to 98.80 μg/kg. Optimal conditions for mycotoxin production and
fungal growth are frequently found in the crop fields as well as in
store houses. Human exposure of such toxin can be controlled by
pointed out such awareness and implemented the regulations.
Abstract: We prove detailed analysis of a waveguide-based Schottky barrier photodetector (SBPD) where a thin silicide film is put on the top of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) channel waveguide to absorb light propagating along the waveguide. Taking both the confinement factor of light absorption and the wall scanning induced gain of the photoexcited carriers into account, an optimized silicide thickness is extracted to maximize the effective gain, thereby the responsivity. For typical lengths of the thin silicide film (10-20 Ðçm), the optimized thickness is estimated to be in the range of 1-2 nm, and only about 50-80% light power is absorbed to reach the maximum responsivity. Resonant waveguide-based SBPDs are proposed, which consist of a microloop, microdisc, or microring waveguide structure to allow light multiply propagating along the circular Si waveguide beneath the thin silicide film. Simulation results suggest that such resonant waveguide-based SBPDs have much higher repsonsivity at the resonant wavelengths as compared to the straight waveguidebased detectors. Some experimental results about Si waveguide-based SBPD are also reported.
Abstract: Oxidative stress is considered to be the cause for onset
and the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and
complications including neuropathy. It is a deleterious process that
can be an important mediator of damage to cell structures: protein,
lipids and DNA. Data suggest that in patients with diabetes and
diabetic neuropathy DNA repair is impaired, which prevents effective
removal of lesions. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate
the association of the hOGG1 (326 Ser/Cys) and XRCC1 (194
Arg/Trp, 399 Arg/Gln) gene polymorphisms whose protein is
involved in the BER pathway with DNA repair efficiency in patients
with diabetes type 2 and diabetic neuropathy compared to the healthy
subjects. Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP analysis in 385
subjects, including 117 with type 2 diabetes, 56 with diabetic
neuropathy and 212 with normal glucose metabolism. The
polymorphisms studied include codon 326 of hOGG1 and 194, 399
of XRCC1 in the base excision repair (BER) genes. Comet assay was
carried out using peripheral blood lymphocytes from the patients and
controls. This test enabled the evaluation of DNA damage in cells
exposed to hydrogen peroxide alone and in the combination with the
endonuclease III (Nth). The results of the analysis of polymorphism
were statistically examination by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and
their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using the ¤ç2-tests. Our data
indicate that patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (including those
with neuropathy) had higher frequencies of the XRCC1 399Arg/Gln
polymorphism in homozygote (GG) (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.07-3.22],
P=0.3) and also increased frequency of 399Gln (G) allele (OR: 1.38
[95% CI: 1.03-1.83], P=0.3). No relation to other polymorphisms
with increased risk of diabetes or diabetic neuropathy. In T2DM
patients complicated by neuropathy, there was less efficient repair of
oxidative DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in both the
presence and absence of the Nth enzyme. The results of our study
suggest that the XRCC1 399 Arg/Gln polymorphism is a significant
risk factor of T2DM in Polish population. Obtained data suggest a
decreased efficiency of DNA repair in cells from patients with
diabetes and neuropathy may be associated with oxidative stress.
Additionally, patients with neuropathy are characterized by even
greater sensitivity to oxidative damage than patients with diabetes,
which suggests participation of free radicals in the pathogenesis of
neuropathy.
Abstract: In this paper, image compression using hybrid vector
quantization scheme such as Multistage Vector Quantization
(MSVQ) and Pyramid Vector Quantization (PVQ) are introduced. A
combined MSVQ and PVQ are utilized to take advantages provided
by both of them. In the wavelet decomposition of the image, most of
the information often resides in the lowest frequency subband.
MSVQ is applied to significant low frequency coefficients. PVQ is
utilized to quantize the coefficients of other high frequency
subbands. The wavelet coefficients are derived using lifting scheme.
The main aim of the proposed scheme is to achieve high compression
ratio without much compromise in the image quality. The results are
compared with the existing image compression scheme using MSVQ.