Abstract: The optimal extraction condition of dried
Echinocactus grusonii powder was studied. The three independent
variables are raw material drying temperature, extraction
temperature, and extraction time. The dependent variables are both
yield percentage of crude extract and total phenolic quantification as
gallic acid equivalent in crude extract. The experimental design was
based on central composite design. Highest yield percentage of crude
extract could get from extraction condition at raw material drying
temperature at 60°C, extraction temperature at 15°C, and extraction
time for 25 min °C. Moreover, the crude extract with highest phenolic
occurred by extraction condition of raw material drying temperature
at 60°C, extraction temperature at 35 °C, and extraction lasting 25
min.
Abstract: In this paper, an overview of the radio over fiber (RoF) technology is provided. Obstacles for reducing the capital and operational expenses in the existing systems are discussed in various perspectives. Some possible RoF deployment scenarios for WiMAX
data transmission are proposed as a means for capital and operational
expenses reduction. IEEE 802.16a standard based end-to-end physical layer model is simulated including intensity modulated direct detection RoF technology. Finally the feasibility of RoF
technology to carry WiMAX signals between the base station and the
remote antenna units is demonstrated using the simulation results.
Abstract: Antioxidants contribute to endogenous photoprotection
and are important for the maintenance of skin health. The study was carried out to compare the skin hydration and transepidermal
water loss (TEWL) effects of a stable cosmetic preparation
containing flavonoids, following two applications a day over a period
of tenth week. The skin trans-epidermal water loss and skin hydration
effect was measured at the beginning and up to the end of study period of ten weeks. Any effect produced was measured by Corneometer and TEWA meter (Non-invasive probe).
Two formulations were developed for this study design. Formulation one the control formulation in which no apple juice
extract( Flavonoids) was incorporated while second one was the active formulation in which the apple juice extract (3%) containing
flavonoids was incorporated into water in oil emulsion using Abil EM 90 as an emulsifier. Stable formulations (control and Active)
were applied on human cheeks (n = 12) for a study period of 10 weeks. Result of each volunteer of skin hydration and TEWL was
measured by corneometer and TEWA meter. By using ANOVA and Paired sample t test as a statistical evaluation, result of both base and
formulation were compared. Statistical significant results (p≤0.05)
were observed regarding skin hydration and TEWL when two creams, control and Formulation were compared. It showed that
desired formulation (Active) may have interesting application as an
active moisturizing cream on healthy skin.
Abstract: The equilibrium process of plasma nitrogen species by
chemical kinetic reactions along various pressures is successfully
investigated. The equilibrium process is required in industrial
application to obtain the stable condition when heating up the
material for having homogenous reaction. Nitrogen species densities
is modeled by a continuity equation and extended Arrhenius form.
These equations are used to integrate the change of density over the
time. The integration is to acquire density and the reaction rate of
each reaction where temperature and time dependence are imposed.
A comparison is made with global model within pressure range of 1-
100mTorr and the temperature of electron is set to be higher than
other nitrogen species. The results shows that the chemical kinetic
model only agrees for high pressure because of no power imposed;
while the global model considers the external power along the
pressure range then the electron and nitrogen species give highly
quantity densities by factor of 3 to 5.
Abstract: In deregulated operating regime power system security is an issue that needs due thoughtfulness from researchers in the horizon of unbundling of generation and transmission. Electric power systems are exposed to various contingencies. Network contingencies often contribute to overloading of branches, violation of voltages and also leading to problems of security/stability. To maintain the security of the systems, it is desirable to estimate the effect of contingencies and pertinent control measurement can be taken on to improve the system security. This paper presents the application of particle swarm optimization algorithm to find the optimal location of multi type FACTS devices in a power system in order to eliminate or alleviate the line over loads. The optimizations are performed on the parameters, namely the location of the devices, their types, their settings and installation cost of FACTS devices for single and multiple contingencies. TCSC, SVC and UPFC are considered and modeled for steady state analysis. The selection of UPFC and TCSC suitable location uses the criteria on the basis of improved system security. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested for IEEE 6 bus and IEEE 30 bus test systems.
Abstract: A new algorithm called Character-Comparison to
Character-Access (CCCA) is developed to test the effect of both: 1)
converting character-comparison and number-comparison into
character-access and 2) the starting point of checking on the
performance of the checking operation in string searching. An
experiment is performed; the results are compared with five
algorithms, namely, Naive, BM, Inf_Suf_Pref, Raita, and Circle.
With the CCCA algorithm, the results suggest that the evaluation
criteria of the average number of comparisons are improved up to
74.0%. Furthermore, the results suggest that the clock time required
by the other algorithms is improved in range from 28% to 68% by the
new CCCA algorithm
Abstract: Current proposals for E-passport or ID-Card is similar to a regular passport with the addition of tiny contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) inserted in the back cover, which will act as a secure storage device of the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport. In addition, it will include a digital photograph that will enable biometric comparison, through the use of facial recognition technology at international borders. Moreover, the e-passport will have a new interface, incorporating additional antifraud and security features. However, its problems are reliability, security and privacy. Privacy is a serious issue since there is no encryption between the readers and the E-passport. However, security issues such as authentication, data protection and control techniques cannot be embedded in one process. In this paper, design and prototype implementation of an improved E-passport reader is presented. The passport holder is authenticated online by using GSM network. The GSM network is the main interface between identification center and the e-passport reader. The communication data is protected between server and e-passport reader by using AES to encrypt data for protection will transferring through GSM network. Performance measurements indicate a 19% improvement in encryption cycles versus previously reported results.
Abstract: With a growing number of digital libraries and other
open education repositories being made available throughout the
world, effective search and retrieval tools are necessary to access the
desired materials that surpass the effectiveness of traditional, allinclusive
search engines. This paper discusses the design and use of
Folksemantic, a platform that integrates OpenCourseWare search,
Open Educational Resource recommendations, and social network
functionality into a single open source project. The paper describes
how the system was originally envisioned, its goals for users, and
data that provides insight into how it is actually being used. Data
sources include website click-through data, query logs, web server
log files and user account data. Based on a descriptive analysis of its
current use, modifications to the platform's design are recommended
to better address goals of the system, along with recommendations
for additional phases of research.
Abstract: Post-disaster reconstruction projects offer
opportunities to facilitate physical, social and economic development
and to reduce future hazard vulnerability long after the disasters.
Sustainability of post-disaster reconstruction project conducted in the
villages of Dinar following the 1995 earthquake was investigated in
this paper. Officials of the Government who were involved in the
project were interviewed. Besides, two field surveys were done in 12
villages of Dinar in winter months of 2008. Beneficiaries were
interviewed and physical, socio-cultural and economic impacts of the
reconstruction were examined. The research revealed that the postdisaster
reconstruction project has negative aspects from the point
view of sustainability. The physical, socio-cultural and economic
factors were not considered during decision making process of the
project.
Abstract: With a rapid growth in 3D graphics technology over the last few years, people are desired to see more flexible reacting motions of a biped in animations. In particular, it is impossible to anticipate all reacting motions of a biped while facing a perturbation. In this paper, we propose a three-level tracking method for animating a 3D humanoid character. First, we take the laws of physics into account to attach physical attributes, such as mass, gravity, friction, collision, contact, and torque, to bones and joints of a character. The next step is to employ PD controller to follow a reference motion as closely as possible. Once the character cannot tolerate a strong perturbation to prevent itself from falling down, we are capable of tracking a desirable falling-down action to avoid any falling condition inaccuracy. From the experimental results, we demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method in comparison with conventional data-driven approaches.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the inter
relationships among various leadership branding constructs of
entrepreneurs in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). We
employ a quantitative structural equation modeling through a new
leadership branding engagement model comprises constructs of
leader-s or entrepreneur-s personality, branding practice and
customer engagement. The results confirm that there are significant
relationships between the three constructs and the major fit indices
indicate that the data fits the proposed model. The findings provide
insights and fill in the literature gaps on statistically validated
representation of leadership branding for SMEs across new economic
regions of Malaysia that may implicate other economic zones with
similar situations. This study extends the establishment of a
leadership branding engagement model with a new mechanism of
using leaders- personality as a predictor to branding practice and
customer engagement performance.
Abstract: Non-premixed turbulent combustion Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been carried out in a simplified methanefuelled coaxial jet combustor employing Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of LES in modelling non-premixed combustion using a commercial software, FLUENT, and investigate the effects of the grid density and chemistry models employed on the accuracy of the simulation results. A comparison has also been made between LES and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) predictions. For LES grid sensitivity test, 2.3 and 6.2 million cell grids are employed with the equilibrium model. The chemistry model sensitivity analysis is achieved by comparing the simulation results from the equilibrium chemistry and steady flamelet models. The predictions of the mixture fraction, axial velocity, species mass fraction and temperature by LES are in good agreement with the experimental data. The LES results are similar for the two chemistry models but influenced considerably by the grid resolution in the inner flame and near-wall regions.
Abstract: Under the variation of crude oil price and the impact of
greenhouse effect, it is urgent to find a potential alternative fuel.
Among these alternative fuels, non edible plant oils are the most
potential ones, because they don-t have the problem of food and
cropland competitions. Among the non-edible plant oils, Jatropha oil
is the most potential one. Jatropha oil is non-eatable oil and has good
oil quality and low temperature performance. It has potential to
become one of the most competitive biomass crude oils. The crude
plant oil will be blended with diesel fuel to be tested in a power
generator. The international collaboration between Taiwan and
Indonesia on the production of Jatropha in Indonesia will also be
presented in this study.
Abstract: The significance of environmental protection is wellknown in today's world. The execution of any program depends on sufficient knowledge and required familiarity with environment and its pollutants. Taking advantage of a systematic method, as a new science, in environmental planning can solve many problems. In this article, air pollution in Tehran and its relationship with health and population growth have been analyzed using dynamic systems. Firstly, by using casual loops, the relationship between the parameters effective on air pollution in Tehran were taken into consideration, then these casual loops were turned into flow diagrams [6], and finally, they were simulated using the software Vensim [16]in order to conclude what the effect of each parameter will be on air pollution in Tehran in the next 10 years, how changing of one or more parameters influences other parameters, and which parameter among all other parameters requires to be controlled more.
Abstract: Yogyakarta, as the capital city of Yogyakarta Province, has important roles in various sectors that require good provision of public transportation system. Ideally, a good transportation system should be able to accommodate the amount of travel demand. This research attempts to develop a trip generation model to predict the number of public transport passenger in Yogyakarta city. The model is built by using multiple linear regression analysis, which establishes relationship between trip number and socioeconomic attributes. The data consist of primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected by conducting household surveys which randomly selected. The resulted model is further applied to evaluate the existing TransJogja, a new Bus Rapid Transit system serves Yogyakarta and surrounding cities, shelters.
Abstract: To enhance installation security, a LNG storage in Rudong of Jiangsu province was adopted as a practical work, and it was analyzed by nonlinear finite element method to research overall and local stability performance, as well as the stress and deformation under the action of wind load and self-weight. Results indicate that deformation is tiny when steel mesh maintains as an overall ring, and stress caused by vertical bending moment and tension of bottom tie wire are also in the safe range. However, axial forces of lap reinforcement in adjacent steel mesh exceed the ultimate bearing capacity of tie wire. Hence, tie wires are ruptured; single mesh loses lateral connection and turns into monolithic status as the destruction of overall structure. Further more, monolithic steel mesh is led to collapse by the damage of bottom connection. So, in order to prevent connection failure and enhance installation security, the overlapping parts of steel mesh should be taken more reliable measures.
Abstract: This study aims to assess the potential of solar energy technology for improving access to water and hence the livelihood strategies of rural communities in Baja California Sur, Mexico. It focuses on livestock ranches and photovoltaic water-pumptechnology as well as other water extraction methods. The methodology used are the Sustainable Livelihoods and the Appropriate Technology approaches. A household survey was applied in June of 2006 to 32 ranches in the municipality, of which 22 used PV pumps; and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings indicate that solar pumps have in fact helped people improve their quality of life by allowing them to pursue a different livelihood strategy and that improved access to water -not necessarily as more water but as less effort to extract and collect it- does not automatically imply overexploitation of the resource; consumption is based on basic needs as well as on storage and pumping capacity. Justification for such systems lies in the avoidance of logistical problems associated to fossil fuels, PV pumps proved to be the most beneficial when substituting gasoline or diesel equipment but of dubious advantage if intended to replace wind or gravity systems. Solar water pumping technology-s main obstacle to dissemination are high investment and repairs costs and it is therefore not suitable for all cases even when insolation rates and water availability are adequate. In cases where affordability is not an obstacle it has become an important asset that contributes –by means of reduced expenses, less effort and saved time- to the improvement of livestock, the main livelihood provider for these ranches.
Abstract: In all industries which are related to heat, suitable
thermal ranges are defined for each device to operate well.
Consideration of these limits requires a thermal control unit beside
the main system. The Satellite Thermal Control Unit exploits from
different methods and facilities individually or mixed. For enhancing
heat transfer between primary surface and the environment,
utilization of radiating extended surfaces are common. Especially for
large temperature differences; variable thermal conductivity has a
strong effect on performance of such a surface .In most literatures,
thermo-physical properties, such as thermal conductivity, are
assumed as constant. However, in some recent researches the
variation of these parameters is considered. This may be helpful for
the evaluation of fin-s temperature distribution in relatively large
temperature differences. A new method is introduced to evaluate
temperature-dependent thermal conductivity values. The finite
volume method is employed to simulate numerically the temperature
distribution in a space radiating fin. The present modeling is carried
out for Aluminum as fin material and compared with previous
method. The present results are also compared with those of two
other analytical methods and good agreement is shown.
Abstract: Non-isothermal stagnation-point flow with consideration of thermal radiation is studied numerically. A set of partial differential equations that governing the fluid flow and energy is converted into a set of ordinary differential equations which is solved by Runge-Kutta method with shooting algorithm. Dimensionless wall temperature gradient and temperature boundary layer thickness for different combinaton of values of Prandtl number Pr and radiation parameter NR are presented graphically. Analyses of results show that the presence of thermal radiation in the stagnation-point flow is to increase the temperature boundary layer thickness and decrease the dimensionless wall temperature gradient.
Abstract: In this work, sorption of nickel from aqueous solution on hypnea valentiae, red macro algae, was investigated. Batch experiments have been carried out to find the effect of various parameters such as pH, temperature, sorbent dosage, metal concentration and contact time on the sorption of nickel using hypnea valentiae. Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to optimize the process parameters. Based on the central composite design, quadratic model was developed to correlate the process variables to the response. The most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for the sorption of nickel were found to be: pH – 5.1, temperature – 36.8oC, sorbent dosage – 5.1 g/L, metal concentration – 100 mg/L and contact time – 30 min. At these optimized conditions the maximum removal of nickel was found to be 91.97%. A coefficient of determination R2 value 0.9548 shows the fitness of response surface methodology in this work.