Abstract: Off-grid Photovoltaic (PV) systems are empowering
technology in underdeveloped countries like Ethiopia where many
people live far away from the modern world. Where there is
relatively low energy consumption, providing energy from grid
systems is not commercially cost-effective. As a result, significant
people groups worldwide stay without access to electricity. One
remote village in northern Ethiopia was selected by the United
Nations for a pilot project to improve its living conditions. As part of
this comprehensive project, an intelligent charge controller circuit for
Off-grid PV systems was designed for the clinic in that village. In
this paper, design aspects of an intelligent charge controller unit and
its load driver circuits are discussed for an efficient utilization of PVbased
supply systems.
Abstract: Green Forestation Plan (GFP) was expected to promote the reforestation of plains totaling 60,000 has within the first 8 years. Annual subsidies were budgeted at $120,000 per ha, and $2.4 million for 20 years. In this research we have surveyed landlords- opinions toward the GFP in an attempt to understand landlords- incentives for participating in the GFP and their levels of concern and agreement toward the policy design. Based our analysis of landlords- opinions on the policy design, we expect to derive appropriate complementary measures, establish effective promotional schemes, and raise the policy effectiveness of the GFP. According to the results of this research, there was still a relatively high proportion of population who were not aware of GFP; more than 50% of landlords were neutral or willing to participate given high reforestation subsidies; approximately 30% of landlords were unwilling to participate. In terms of the designs of GFP, more than 50% of respondents were concerned and agreed with the policy design. In terms of the period of this policy, 52.7% of respondents indicated that it should be shortened to 15 years or lower. In terms of the amount of the subsidy, 41.7% of respondents showed that it should be raised to approximately $250,000/ha. In terms of land area restrictions, 88.0% of respondents believed that the minimum should be lowered to 0.4 ha. More than 70% of respondents owned less than 0.4 has of land, and since they do not own enough land to be eligible for the program, more than 80% of landlords wished to lower the minimum requirements of land area. In addition, 59.3% of respondents were reluctant to participate in reforestation because their lands were too small to be eligible; 15.0% of respondents were reluctant because the duration was too long. Responses to the question about “how the policy can be adjusted to provide incentives for landlords- participation" revealed that almost 40% of respondents desired higher subsidies. Some policy suggestions are provided as follows: (1) many landlords are still unaware of the GFP so the government should enhance the promotion of the policy; (2) many landlords are unwilling to participate in GFP mainly because they do not own enough lands to be eligible, hence the government should consider adjusting its requirements for minimum agricultural land area; (3) for subsequent promotions on GFP, the government may consider targeting on the landlords with high income and high level of education; (4) because the subsidy of this policy alone provides limited help to landlords, the government should help the landlords to explore other revenue possibilities from afforestation in addition to the existing subsidies and raise the participation incentives.
Abstract: The effects of chitosan, a biodegradable polymer,
were studied in Grammatophyllum speciosum protocorm-like bodies
(PLBs) in vitro culture. The chitosan concentration of 0, 5, 10, 15,
20, 25, 50 or 100 mg/l were supplemented in half-strength Murashige
and Skoog (1/2 MS) liquid or on agar media containing 2% (w/v)
sucrose. The results showed that liquid medium supplemented with
15 mg/l chitosan showed the highest relative growth rate (7-fold
increase) of PLBs. On 1/2 MS agar medium supplemented with 25
mg/l chitosan gave the highest relative growth rate (4-fold increase).
The relative growth rate of G. speciosum PLBs on agar medium was
significantly lower than that in liquid medium. Moreover, chitosan,
supplemented to agar medium promoted shoot formation but not
rooting. However, supplementation at too high a level, such as 100
mg/l can inhibit growth and kill PLBs.
Abstract: This study aims to identify the current situation and
problems of environmental statement for major four home appliances
(refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and television
receivers) sold at online stores in Japan, and then to suggest how to
improve the situation, through a questionnaire survey conducted
among businesses that operate online stores and online malls with
multiple online stores. Results of the study boil down to:
(1) It is found out that environmental statement for the home
appliances at online stores have four problems; (i) less information
on “three Rs" and “chemical substances" than the one on “energy
conservation", (ii) cost for providing environmental statement, (iii)
issues associated with a label and mark placement, and (iv) issues
associated with energy conservation statement.
(2) Improvements are suggested for each of the four problems listed
above, and shown are (i) the effectiveness of, and need to promote, a
label and mark placement, (ii) cost burden on buyers, and (iii) need
of active efforts made by businesses and of dissemination of legal
regulations to businesses.
Abstract: A combination of image fusion and quad tree decomposition method is used for detecting the sunspot trajectories in each month and computation of the latitudes of these trajectories in each solar hemisphere. Daily solar images taken with SOHO satellite are fused for each month and the result of fused image is decomposed with Quad Tree decomposition method in order to classifying the sunspot trajectories and then to achieve the precise information about latitudes of sunspot trajectories. Also with fusion we deduce some physical remarkable conclusions about sun magnetic fields behavior. Using quad tree decomposition we give information about the region on sun surface and the space angle that tremendous flares and hot plasma gases permeate interplanetary space and attack to satellites and human technical systems. Here sunspot images in June, July and August 2001 are used for studying and give a method to compute the latitude of sunspot trajectories in each month with sunspot images.
Abstract: One of the essential requirements of a realistic
surgical simulator is to reproduce haptic sensations due to the
interactions in the virtual environment. However, the interaction need
to be performed in real-time, since a delay between the user action
and the system reaction reduces the immersion sensation. In this
paper, a prototype of a coronary stent implant simulator is present;
this system allows real-time interactions with an artery by means of a
specific haptic device. To improve the realism of the simulation, the
building of the virtual environment is based on real patients- images
and a Web Portal is used to search in the geographically remote
medical centres a virtual environment with specific features in terms
of pathology or anatomy. The functional architecture of the system
defines several Medical Centres in which virtual environments built
from the real patients- images and related metadata with specific
features in terms of pathology or anatomy are stored. The searched
data are downloaded from the Medical Centre to the Training Centre
provided with a specific haptic device and with the software
necessary both to manage the interaction in the virtual environment.
After the integration of the virtual environment in the simulation
system it is possible to perform training on the specific surgical
procedure.
Abstract: This paper develops a quality estimation method with
the application of fuzzy hierarchical clustering. Quality estimation is
essential to quality control and quality improvement as a precise
estimation can promote a right decision-making in order to help
better quality control. Normally the quality of finished products in
manufacturing system can be differentiated by quality standards. In
the real life situation, the collected data may be vague which is not
easy to be classified and they are usually represented in term of fuzzy
number. To estimate the quality of product presented by fuzzy
number is not easy. In this research, the trapezoidal fuzzy numbers
are collected in manufacturing process and classify the collected data
into different clusters so as to get the estimation. Since normal
hierarchical clustering methods can only be applied for real numbers,
fuzzy hierarchical clustering is selected to handle this problem based
on quality standards.
Abstract: In the present study, Convective heat transfer
coefficient and pressure drop of Al2O3/water nanofluid in laminar
flow regime under constant heat flux conditions inside a circular tube
were experimentally investigated. Al2O3/water nanofluid with 0.5%
and 1% volume concentrations with 15 nm diameter nanoparticles
were used as working fluid. The effect of different volume
concentrations on convective heat transfer coefficient and friction
factor was studied. The results emphasize that increasing of particle
volume concentration leads to enhance convective heat transfer
coefficient. Measurements show the average heat transfer coefficient
enhanced about 11-20% with 0.5% volume concentration and
increased about 16-27% with 1% volume concentration compared to
distilled water. In addition, the convective heat transfer coefficient of
nanofluid enhances with increase in heat flux. From the results, the
average ratio of (fnf/fbf) was about 1.10 for 0.5% volume
concentration. Therefore, there is no significant increase in friction
factor for nanofluids.
Abstract: The focus of this paper is to highlight the design and
development of an educational game prototype as an evaluation
instrument for the Malaysia driving license static test. This
educational game brings gaming technology into the conventional
objective static test to make it more effective, real and interesting.
From the feeling of realistic, the future driver can learn something,
memorized and use it in the real life. The current online objective
static test only make the user memorized the answer without knowing
and understand the true purpose of the question. Therefore, in real
life, they will not behave as expected due to behavior and moral
lacking. This prototype has been developed inform of multiple-choice
questions integrated with 3D gaming environment to make it simulate
the real environment and scenarios. Based on the testing conducted,
the respondent agrees with the use of this game prototype it can
increase understanding and promote obligation towards traffic rules.
Abstract: The recent development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enables new ways of "democratic" decision-making such as a page-ranking system, which estimates the importance of a web page based on indirect trust on that page shared by diverse group of unorganized individuals. These kinds of "democracy" have not been acclaimed yet in the world of real politics. On the other hand, a large amount of data about personal relations including trust, norms of reciprocity, and networks of civic engagement has been accumulated in a computer-readable form by computer systems (e.g., social networking systems). We can use these relations as a new type of social capital to construct a new democratic decision-making system based on a delegation network. In this paper, we propose an effective decision-making support system, which is based on empowering someone's vote whom you trust. For this purpose, we propose two new techniques: the first is for estimating entire vote distribution from a small number of votes, and the second is for estimating active voter choice to promote voting using a delegation network. We show that these techniques could increase the voting ratio and credibility of the whole decision by agent-based simulations.
Abstract: E-learning refers to the specific kind of learning
experienced within the domain of educational technology, which can
be used in or out of the classroom. In this paper, we give an
overview of an e-learning platform 'An Innovative Interactive and
Online English Platform for Upper Primary Students' is an
interactive web-based application which will serve as an aid to the
primary school students in Mauritius. The objectives of this platform
are to offer quality learning resources for the English subject at our
primary level of education, encourage self-learning and hence
promote e-learning. The platform developed consists of several
interesting features, for example, the English Verb Conjugation tool,
Negative Form tool, Interrogative Form tool and Close Test
Generator. Thus, this learning platform will be useful at a time
where our country is looking for an alternative to private tuition and
also, looking forward to increase the pass rate.
Abstract: One of the main environmental problems which affect extensive areas in the world is soil salinity. Traditional data collection methods are neither enough for considering this important environmental problem nor accurate for soil studies. Remote sensing data could overcome most of these problems. Although satellite images are commonly used for these studies, however there are still needs to find the best calibration between the data and real situations in each specified area. Neyshaboor area, North East of Iran was selected as a field study of this research. Landsat satellite images for this area were used in order to prepare suitable learning samples for processing and classifying the images. 300 locations were selected randomly in the area to collect soil samples and finally 273 locations were reselected for further laboratory works and image processing analysis. Electrical conductivity of all samples was measured. Six reflective bands of ETM+ satellite images taken from the study area in 2002 were used for soil salinity classification. The classification was carried out using common algorithms based on the best composition bands. The results showed that the reflective bands 7, 3, 4 and 1 are the best band composition for preparing the color composite images. We also found out, that hybrid classification is a suitable method for identifying and delineation of different salinity classes in the area.
Abstract: This paper presents a design and prototype
implementation of new home automation system that uses WiFi
technology as a network infrastructure connecting its parts. The
proposed system consists of two main components; the first part is
the server (web server), which presents system core that manages,
controls, and monitors users- home. Users and system administrator
can locally (LAN) or remotely (internet) manage and control system
code. Second part is hardware interface module, which provides
appropriate interface to sensors and actuator of home automation
system. Unlike most of available home automation system in the
market the proposed system is scalable that one server can manage
many hardware interface modules as long as it exists on WiFi
network coverage. System supports a wide range of home
automation devices like power management components, and
security components. The proposed system is better from the
scalability and flexibility point of view than the commercially
available home automation systems.
Abstract: In composting process, N high-organic wastes loss the
great part of its nitrogen as ammonia; therefore, using compost
amendments can promote the quality of compost due to the decrease
in ammonia volatilization. With regard to the effect of pH on
composting, microorganisms- activity and ammonia volatilization,
sulfuric acid and alkaline wastewater of paper mill (as liming agent
with Ca and Mg ions) were used as compost amendments. Study
results indicated that these amendments are suitable for reclamation
of compost quality properties. These held nitrogen in compost caused
to reduce C/N ratio. Both amendments had a significant effect on
total nitrogen, but it should be used sulfuric acid in fewer amounts
(20 ml/kg fresh organic wastes); and the more amounts of acid is not
proposed.
Abstract: This study analyzed environmental health risks and
people-s perceptions of risks related to waste management in poor
settlements of Abidjan, to develop integrated solutions for health and
well-being improvement. The trans-disciplinary approach used relied
on remote sensing, a geographic information system (GIS),
qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews and a
household survey (n=1800). Mitigating strategies were then
developed using an integrated participatory stakeholder workshop.
Waste management deficiencies resulting in lack of drainage and
uncontrolled solid and liquid waste disposal in the poor settlements
lead to severe environmental health risks. Health problems were
caused by direct handling of waste, as well as through broader
exposure of the population. People in poor settlements had little
awareness of health risks related to waste management in their
community and a general lack of knowledge pertaining to sanitation
systems. This unfortunate combination was the key determinant
affecting the health and vulnerability. For example, an increased
prevalence of malaria (47.1%) and diarrhoea (19.2%) was observed
in the rainy season when compared to the dry season (32.3% and
14.3%). Concerted and adapted solutions that suited all the
stakeholders concerned were developed in a participatory workshop
to allow for improvement of health and well-being.
Abstract: This is a survey research using quantitative and qualitative methodology. There were three objectives: 1) To study participatory level of community in water and waste environment management. 2) To study the affecting factors for community participation in water and waste environment management in Ampawa District, Samut Songkram Province. 3) To search for the participatory patterns in water and waste management. The population sample for the quantitative research was 1,364 people living in Ampawa District. The methodology was simple random sampling. Research instrument was a questionnaire and the qualitative research used purposive sampling in 6 Sub Districts which are Ta Ka, Suanluang, Bangkae, Muangmai, Kwae-om, and Bangnanglee Sub District Administration Organization. Total population is 63. For data analysis, the study used content analysis from quantitative research to synthesize and build question frame from the content for interview and conducting focus group interview. The study found that the community participatory in the issue of level in water and waste management are moderate of planning, operation, and evaluation. The issue of being beneficial is at low level. Therefore, the overall participatory level of community in water and waste environment management is at a medium level. The factors affecting the participatory of community in water and waste management are age, the period dwelling in the community and membership in which the mean difference is statistic significant at 0.05 in area of operation, being beneficial, and evaluation. For patterns of community participation, there is the correlation with water and waste management in 4 concerns which are 1) Participation in planning 2) Participation in operation 3) Participation in being beneficial both directly and indirectly benefited 4) Participation in evaluation and monitoring. The recommendation from this study is the need to create conscious awareness in order to increase participation level of people by organizing activities that promote participation with volunteer spirit. Government should open opportunities for people to participate in sharing ideas and create the culture of living together with equality which would build more concrete participation.
Abstract: This paper explains a project based learning method where autonomous mini-robots are developed for research, education and entertainment purposes. In case of remote systems wireless sensors are developed in critical areas, which would collect data at specific time intervals, send the data to the central wireless node based on certain preferred information would make decisions to turn on or off a switch or control unit. Such information transfers hardly sums up to a few bytes and hence low data rates would suffice for such implementations. As a robot is a multidisciplinary platform, the interfacing issues involved are discussed in this paper. The paper is mainly focused on power supply, grounding and decoupling issues.
Abstract: While the problem based learning (PBL) approach promotes unsupervised self-directed learning (SDL), many students experience difficulty juggling the role of being an information recipient and information seeker. Logbooks have been used to assess trainee doctors but not in other areas. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of logbook for assessing SDL during PBL sessions in first year medical students. The log book included a learning checklist and knowledge and skills components. Comparisons with the baseline assessment of student performance in PBL and that at semester end after logbook intervention showed significant improvements in student performance (31.5 ± 8 vs. 17.7 ± 4.4; p
Abstract: The purposes of this paper are to (1) promote excellence in computer science by suggesting a cohesive innovative approach to fill well documented deficiencies in current computer science education, (2) justify (using the authors' and others anecdotal evidence from both the classroom and the real world) why this approach holds great potential to successfully eliminate the deficiencies, (3) invite other professionals to join the authors in proof of concept research. The authors' experiences, though anecdotal, strongly suggest that a new approach involving visual modeling technologies should allow computer science programs to retain a greater percentage of prospective and declared majors as students become more engaged learners, more successful problem-solvers, and better prepared as programmers. In addition, the graduates of such computer science programs will make greater contributions to the profession as skilled problem-solvers. Instead of wearily rememorizing code as they move to the next course, students will have the problem-solving skills to think and work in more sophisticated and creative ways.
Abstract: Lycopene, which can be extracted from plants and is
very popular for fruit intake, is restricted for healthy food development
due to its high price. On the other hand, it will get great safety
concerns, especially in the food or cosmetic application, if the raw
material of lycopene is produced by chemical synthesis. In this
project, we provide a key technology to bridge the limitation as
mentioned above. Based on the abundant bioresources of BCRC
(Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Taiwan), a promising
lycopene output will be anticipated by the introduction of fermentation
technology along with industry-related core energy. Our results
showed that addition of tween 80(0.2%) and span 20 produced higher
amount of lycopene. And piperidine, when was added at 48hr to the
cultivation medium, could promote lycopene excretion effectively
also.