Abstract: In this work new macroporous Ni electrodes modified
with Au nanoparticles for hydrogen production have been developed.
The supporting macroporous Ni electrodes have been obtained by
means of the electrodeposition at high current densities. Then, the Au
nanoparticles were synthesized and added to the electrode surface.
The electrocatalytic behaviour of the developed electrocatalysts was
studied by means of pseudo-steady-state polarization curves,
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and hydrogen
discharge curves. The size of the Au synthetized nanoparticles shows
a monomodal distribution, with a very sharp band between 10 and 50
nm. The characteristic parameters d10, d50 and d90 were 14, 20 and
31 nm respectively. From Tafel polarization data has been concluded
that the Au nanoparticles improve the catalytic activity of the
developed electrodes towards the HER respect to the macroporous Ni
electrodes. EIS permits to obtain the electrochemically active area by
means of the roughness factor value. All the developed electrodes
show roughness factor values in the same order of magnitude. From
the activation energy results it can be concluded that the Au
nanoparticles improve the intrinsic catalytic activity of the
macroporous Ni electrodes.
Abstract: The effect of processing on plasma lipid profile and
atherogenic indices of rats fed Artocarpus heterophyllus seed diets at
different concentrations were investigated. Fifty five rats were used
for this study, they were divided into eleven groups of five rats each
(one control group and ten test groups), the test groups were fed raw,
boiled, roasted, fermented and soaked diets at 10% and 40%
concentrations. The study lasted for thirty five days. The diets led to
significant decrease (p
Abstract: Mustard leaves are rich in folates, vitamin A, K and
B-complex. Mustard greens are low in calories and fats and rich in
dietary fiber. They are rich in potassium, manganese, iron, copper,
calcium, magnesium and low in sodium. It is very rich in antioxidants
and Phytonutrients. For the optimization of process variables
(moisture content and mustard leave powder), the experiments were
conducted according to central composite Face Centered Composite
design of RSM. The mustard leaves powder was replaced with
composite flour (a combination of rice, chickpea and corn in the ratio
of 70:15:15). The extrudate was extruded in a twin screw extruder at
a barrel temperature of 120°C. The independent variables were
mustard leaves powder (2-10 %) and moisture content (12-20 %).
Responses analyzed were bulk density, water solubility index, water
absorption index, lateral expansion, antioxidant activity, total
phenolic content, and overall acceptability. The optimum conditions
obtained were 7.19 g mustard leaves powder in 100g premix having
16.8% moisture content (w.b).
Abstract: This study aims at developing a novel cold asphalt
concrete binder course mixture by using Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) as a replacement for conventional mineral filler (0%-100%)
with new by-product material (LJMU-A2) used as a supplementary
cementitious material. With this purpose, cold asphalt concrete binder
course mixtures with cationic emulsions were studied by means of
stiffness modulus whereas water sensitivity was assessed by
measuring the stiffness modulus ratio before and after sample
conditioning.
The results indicate that a substantial enhancement in the stiffness
modulus and a considerable improvement of water sensitivity
resistance is achieved by adding LJMU-A2 to the cold asphalt
mixtures as a supplementary cementitious material. Moreover, the
addition of LJMU-A2 to those mixtures leads to a stiffness modulus
after 2-day curing compared to that obtained with Portland cement,
which occurs after 7-day curing.
Abstract: The phatic function of communication is a vital
element of any conversation. This research paper looks into this
function with respect to personal blogs maintained by Indian
bloggers. This paper is a study into the phenomenon of phatic
communication maintained by bloggers through their blogs. Based on
a linguistic analysis of the posts of twenty eight Indian bloggers,
writing in English, studied over a period of three years, the study
indicates that though the blogging phenomenon is not conversational
in the same manner as face-to-face communication, it does make
ample provision for feedback that is conversational in nature.
Ordinary day to day offline conversations use conventionalized
phatic utterances; those on the social media are in a perpetual mode
of innovation and experimentation in order to sustain contact with its
readers. These innovative methods and means are the focus of this
study. Though the personal blogger aims to chronicle his/her personal
life through the blog, the socializing function is crucial to these
bloggers. In comparison to the western personal blogs which focus on
the presentation of the ‘bounded individual self’, we find Indian
personal bloggers engage in the presentation of their ‘social selves’.
These bloggers yearn to reach out to the readers on the internet and
the phatic function serves to initiate, sustain and renew social ties on
the blogosphere thereby consolidating the social network of readers
and bloggers.
Abstract: Mitigating soil erosion, especially in Mediterranean
countries such as Greece, is essential in order to maintain
environmental and agricultural sustainability. In this paper, scientific
publications related to soil erosion studies in Greece were reviewed
and categorized. To accomplish this, the online search engine of
Scopus was used. The key words were “soil”, “erosion” and
“Greece.” An analysis of the published articles was conducted at
three levels: i) type of publication, ii) chronologic and iii) thematic. A
hundred and ten publications published in scientific journals were
reviewed. The results showed that the awareness regarding the soil
erosion in Greece has increased only in the last decades. The
publications covered a wide range of thematic categories such as the
type of studied areas, the physical phenomena that trigger and
influence the soil erosion, the negative anthropogenic impacts on
them, the assessment tools that were used in order to examine the
threat and the proper management. The analysis of these articles was
significant and necessary in order to find the scientific gaps of soil
erosion studies in Greece and help enhance the sustainability of soil
management in the future.
Abstract: Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
is the most common symptom when ordinary individuals and athletes
are exposed to unaccustomed physical activity, especially eccentric
contraction which impairs athletic performance, ordinary people
work ability and physical functioning. Multitudes of methods have
been investigated to reduce DOMS. One of the valuable methods to
control DOMS is repeated bout effect (RBE) as a prophylactic
method. Purpose: To compare the repeated bout effect of
submaximal eccentric with maximal isometric contraction on induced
DOMS. Methods: Sixty normal male volunteers were assigned
randomly into three equal groups: Group A (first study group): 20
subjects received submaximal eccentric contraction on non-dominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group B (second study
group): 20 subjects received maximal isometric contraction on nondominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group C (control
group): 20 subjects did not receive any prophylactic exercises.
Maximal isometric peak torque of elbow flexors and patient related
elbow evaluation (PREE) scale were measured for each subject 3
times before, immediately after, and 48 hours after induction of
DOMS. Results: Post-hoc test for maximal isometric peak torque and
PREE scale immediately and 48 hours after induction of DOMS
revealed that group (A) and group (B) resulted in significant decrease
in maximal isometric strength loss and elbow pain and disability
rather than control group (C), but submaximal eccentric group (A)
was more effective than maximal isometric group (B) as it showed
more rapid recovery of functional strength and less degrees of elbow
pain and disability. Conclusion: Both submaximal eccentric
contraction and maximal isometric contraction were effective in
prevention of DOMS but submaximal eccentric contraction produced
a greater protective effect against muscle damage induced by
maximal eccentric exercise performed 2 days later.
Abstract: The goal of the paper is to highlight the effect of the
building design and epicentral distance on the storey lateral
displacements, for several reinforced concrete buildings (6, 9 and 12
stories). These structures are subjected to seismic accelerations from
the Boumerdes earthquake (Algeria, May 21st, Mw = 6.8). Using the
response spectrum method (modal spectral approach), the analysis is
performed in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The
building design is expressed through the fundamental period and
epicentral distance is used to represent the earthquake effect variation
on storey lateral displacements and interstory drift for the considered
buildings.
Abstract: Cyberspace has become a more viable arena for
budding artists to share musical acts through digital forms. The
increasing relevance of online communities has attracted scholars
from various fields demonstrating its influence on social capital. This
paper extends this understanding of social capital among Filipino
music artists belonging to the SoundCloud Philippines Facebook
Group.
The study makes use of various qualitative data obtained from
key-informant interviews and participant observation of online and
physical encounters, analyzed using the case study approach.
Soundcloud Philippines has over seven-hundred members and is
composed of Filipino singers, instrumentalists, composers, arrangers,
producers, multimedia artists and event managers. Group interactions
are a mix of online encounters based on Facebook and SoundCloud
and physical encounters through meet-ups and events. Benefits
reaped from the community are informational, technical,
instrumental, promotional, motivational and social support. Under the
guidance of online group administrators, collaborative activities such
as music productions, concerts and events transpire. Most conflicts
and problems arising are resolved peacefully. Social capital in
SoundCloud Philippines is mobilized through recognition, respect
and reciprocity.
Abstract: This paper presents Carrier Sense Multiple Access
(CSMA) communication models based on SoC design methodology.
Such a model can be used to support the modeling of the complex
wireless communication systems. Therefore, the use of such
communication model is an important technique in the construction
of high-performance communication. SystemC has been chosen
because it provides a homogeneous design flow for complex designs
(i.e. SoC and IP-based design). We use a swarm system to validate
CSMA designed model and to show how advantages of incorporating
communication early in the design process. The wireless
communication created through the modeling of CSMA protocol that
can be used to achieve communication between all the agents and to
coordinate access to the shared medium (channel).
Abstract: The Chair of Thermal Engineering at Poznan
University of Technology has been conducted research works on the
possibilities of using carbon nanostructures in energy and mechanics
applications for a couple of years. Those studies have provided results in a form of co-operation with foreign research centres, numerous publications and patent
applications.
Authors of this paper have studied the influence of multi-walled
carbon nanostructures on changes in static friction arising when steel
surfaces were moved. Tests were made using the original test stand
consisting of automatically controlled inclined plane driven by
precise stepper motors. Computer program created in the LabView
environment was responsible for monitoring of the stand operation,
accuracy of measurements and archiving the obtained results. Such a
solution enabled to obtain high accuracy and repeatability of all
conducted experiments.
Tests and analysis of the obtained results allowed us to determine
how additional layers of carbon nanostructures influenced on changes
of static friction coefficients. At the same time, we analyzed the
potential possibilities of applying nanostructures under consideration
in mechanics.
Abstract: One of the functions of the commercial heavy vehicle
is to safely and efficiently transport goods and people. Due to its size
and carrying capacity, it is important to study the vehicle dynamic
stability during cornering. Study has shown that there are a number of
overloaded heavy vehicles or permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) violations recorded at selected areas in Malaysia assigned by
its type and category. Thus, the objective of this study is to
investigate the correlation and effect of the GVW on heavy vehicle
stability during cornering event using simulation. Various selected
heavy vehicle types and category are simulated using IPG/Truck
Maker® with different GVW and road condition (coefficient of
friction of road surface), while the speed, driver characteristic, center
of gravity of load and road geometry are constant. Based on the
analysis, the relationship between GVW and lateral acceleration were
established. As expected, on the same value of coefficient of friction,
the maximum lateral acceleration would be increased as the GVW
increases.
Abstract: This paper presents the ‘Eye Ball Motion Controlled
Wheelchair using IR Sensors’ for the elderly and differently abled
people. In this eye tracking based technology, three Proximity
Infrared (IR) sensor modules are mounted on an eye frame to trace
the movement of the iris. Since, IR sensors detect only white objects;
a unique sequence of digital bits is generated corresponding to each
eye movement. These signals are then processed via a micro
controller IC (PIC18F452) to control the motors of the wheelchair.
The potential and efficiency of previously developed rehabilitation
systems that use head motion, chin control, sip-n-puff control, voice
recognition, and EEG signals variedly have also been explored in
detail. They were found to be inconvenient as they served either
limited usability or non-affordability. After multiple regression
analyses, the proposed design was developed as a cost-effective,
flexible and stream-lined alternative for people who have trouble
adopting conventional assistive technologies.
Abstract: Market is an important factor for start-ups to look into
during decision-making in product development and related areas.
Emerging country markets are more uncertain in terms of information
availability and institutional supports. The literature review of market
uncertainty reveals the need for identifying factors representing the
market uncertainty. This paper identifies factors for market
uncertainty using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirmed
the number of factor retention using an alternative factor retention
criterion ‘Parallel Analysis’. 500 entrepreneurs, engaged in start-ups
from all over India participated in the study. This paper concludes
with the factor structure of ‘market uncertainty’ having dimensions of
uncertainty in industry orientation, uncertainty in customer
orientation and uncertainty in marketing orientation.
Abstract: Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), a
subsidiary of ExxonMobil and the highest crude oil & condensate
producer in Nigeria has its operational base and an oil terminal, the
Qua Iboe terminal (QIT) located at Ibeno, Nigeria. Other oil
companies like Network Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd,
Frontier Oil Ltd; Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd; Elf
Petroleum Nigeria Ltd and Nigerian Agip Energy, a subsidiary of the
Italian ENI E&P operate onshore, on the continental shelf and in deep
offshore of the Atlantic Ocean, respectively with the coastal waters of
Ibeno, Nigeria as the nearest shoreline. This study was designed to
delineate the oil-polluted sites in Ibeno, Nigeria using
microbiological and physico-chemical characterization of soils,
sediments and ground and surface water samples from the study area.
Results obtained revealed that there have been significant recent
hydrocarbon inputs into this environment as observed from the high
counts of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms in excess of 1% at all
the stations sampled. Moreover, high concentrations of THC, BTEX
and heavy metals contents in all the samples analyzed corroborate the
high recent crude oil input into the study area. The results also
showed that the pollution of the different environmental media
sampled were of varying degrees, following the trend: ground water
> surface water > sediments > soils.
Abstract: Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes due to human
activities and natural causes have become a major environmental
concern. Assessment of temporal remote sensing data provides
information about LULC impacts on environment. Land Surface
Temperature (LST) is one of the important components for modeling
environmental changes in climatological, hydrological, and
agricultural studies. In this study, LULC changes (September 7, 1984
and July 8, 2014) especially in agricultural lands together with
population changes (1985-2014) and LST status were investigated
using remotely sensed and census data in South Marmara Watershed,
Turkey. LULC changes were determined using Landsat TM and
Landsat OLI data acquired in 1984 and 2014 summers. Six-band TM
and OLI images were classified using supervised classification
method to prepare LULC map including five classes including Forest
(F), Grazing Land (G), Agricultural Land (A), Water Surface (W),
Residential Area-Bare Soil (R-B) classes. The LST image was also
derived from thermal bands of the same dates.
LULC classification results showed that forest areas, agricultural
lands, water surfaces and residential area-bare soils were increased as
65751 ha, 20163 ha, 1924 ha and 20462 ha respectively. In
comparison, a dramatic decrement occurred in grazing land (107985
ha) within three decades. The population increased 29% between
years 1984-2014 in whole study area. Along with the natural causes,
migration also caused this increase since the study area has an
important employment potential. LULC was transformed among the
classes due to the expansion in residential, commercial and industrial
areas as well as political decisions. In the study, results showed that
agricultural lands around the settlement areas transformed to
residential areas in 30 years.
The LST images showed that mean temperatures were ranged
between 26-32°C in 1984 and 27-33°C in 2014. Minimum
temperature of agricultural lands was increased 3°C and reached to
23°C. In contrast, maximum temperature of A class decreased to
41°C from 44°C. Considering temperatures of the 2014 R-B class and
1984 status of same areas, it was seen that mean, min and max
temperatures increased by 2°C.
As a result, the dynamism of population, LULC and LST resulted
in increasing mean and maximum surface temperatures, living
spaces/industrial areas and agricultural lands.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose moving object detection
method which is helpful for driver to safely take his/her car out of
parking lot. When moving objects such as motorbikes, pedestrians,
the other cars and some obstacles are detected at the rear-side of host
vehicle, the proposed algorithm can provide to driver warning. We
assume that the host vehicle is just before departure. Gaussian
Mixture Model (GMM) based background subtraction is basically
applied. Pre-processing such as smoothing and post-processing as
morphological filtering are added. We examine “which color space
has better performance for detection of moving objects?” Three color
spaces including RGB, YCbCr, and Y are applied and compared, in
terms of detection rate. Through simulation, we prove that RGB
space is more suitable for moving object detection based on
background subtraction.
Abstract: It is an established fact that polymers have several
physical limitations such as low stiffness and low resistance to
impact on loading. Hence, polymers do not usually have requisite
mechanical strength for application in various fields. The
reinforcement by high strength fibers provides the polymer
substantially enhanced mechanical properties and makes them more
suitable for a large number of diverse applications. This research
evaluates the effects of particulate Cow bone and Groundnut shell
additions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cow
bone and groundnut shell reinforced epoxy composite in order to
assess the possibility of using it as a material for engineering
applications. Cow bone and groundnut shell particles reinforced with
epoxy (CBRPC and GSRPC) was prepared by varying the cow bone
and groundnut shell particles from 0-25 wt% with 5 wt% intervals. A
Hybrid of the Cow bone and Groundnut shell (HGSCB) reinforce
with epoxy was also prepared. The mechanical properties of the
developed composites were investigated. Optical microscopy was
used to examine the microstructure of the composites. The results
revealed that mechanical properties did not increase uniformly with
additions in filler but exhibited maximum properties at specific
percentages of filler additions. From the Microscopic evaluation, it
was discovered that homogeneity decreases with increase in % filler,
this could be due to poor interfacial bonding.
Abstract: In recent years, multi-antenna techniques are being considered as a potential solution to increase the flow of future wireless communication systems. The objective of this article is to study the emission and reception system MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and present the different reception decoding techniques. First we will present the least complex technical, linear receivers such as the zero forcing equalizer (ZF) and minimum mean squared error (MMSE). Then a nonlinear technique called ordered successive cancellation of interferences (OSIC) and the optimal detector based on the maximum likelihood criterion (ML), finally, we simulate the associated decoding algorithms for MIMO system such as ZF, MMSE, OSIC and ML, thus a comparison of performance of these algorithms in MIMO context.
Abstract: HZSM-5 zeolites modified by iron and phosphorus
were applied in catalytic cracking of butene. N2 adsorption and
NH3-TPD were employed to measure the structure and acidity of
catalysts. The results indicate that increasing phosphorus loading
decreased surface area, pore volume and strong acidity of catalysts.
The addition of phosphorus significantly decreased butene conversion
and promoted propylene selectivity. The catalytic performance of
catalyst was strongly dependent on the reaction conditions.
Appropriate reaction conditions could suppress side reactions and
enhance propylene selectivity.