Abstract: WO3/SiO2 catalysts were modified by an ion exchange
method with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution. The
performance of the modified catalysts was tested in the metathesis of
ethylene and trans-2-butene to propylene. During ion exchange,
sodium and potassium ions played different roles. Sodium modified
catalysts revealed constant trans-2-butene conversion and propylene
selectivity when the concentrations of sodium in the solution were
varied. In contrast, potassium modified catalysts showed reduction of
the conversion and increase of the selectivity. From these results,
potassium hydroxide may affect the transformation of tungsten oxide
active species, resulting in the decrease in conversion whereas
sodium hydroxide did not. Moreover, the modification of catalysts by
this method improved the catalyst stability by lowering the amount of
coke deposited on the catalyst surface.
Abstract: This article presents our prototype MASET (Multi
Agents System for E-Tutoring Learners engaged in online
collaborative work). MASET that we propose is a system which
basically aims to help tutors in monitoring the collaborative work of
students and their various interactions. The evaluation of such
interactions by the tutor is based on the results provided by the
automatic analysis of the interaction indicators. This system is
predicated upon the middleware JADE (Java Agent Development
Framework) and e-learning Moodle platform. The MASET
environment is modeled by AUML which allows structuring the
different interactions between agents for the fulfillment and
performance of online collaborative work. This multi-agent system
has been the subject of a practical experimentation based on the
interactions data between Master Computer Engineering and System
students.
Abstract: For the music composer Myriam Marbe the musical
time and memory represent 2 (complementary) phenomena with
conclusive impact on the settlement of new musical ontologies.
Summarizing the most important achievements of the contemporary
techniques of composition, her vision on the microform presented in
The Concert for Daniel Kientzy, saxophone and orchestra transcends
the linear and unidirectional time in favour of a flexible, multivectorial
speech with spiral developments, where the sound substance
is auto(re)generated by analogy with the fundamental processes of
the memory. The conceptual model is of an archetypal essence, the
music composer being concerned with identifying the mechanisms of
the creation process, especially of those specific to the collective
creation (of oral tradition). Hence the spontaneity of expression,
improvisation tint, free rhythm, micro-interval intonation, coloristictimbral
universe dominated by multiphonics and unique sound
effects, hence the atmosphere of ritual, however purged by the
primary connotations and reprojected into a wonderful spectacular
space. The Concert is a work of artistic maturity and enforces respect,
among others, by the timbral diversity of the three species of
saxophone required by the music composer (baritone, sopranino and
alt), in Part III Daniel Kientzy shows the performance of playing two
saxophones concomitantly. The score of the music composer Myriam
Marbe contains a deeply spiritualized music, full or archetypal
symbols, a music whose drama suggests a real cinematographic
movement.
Abstract: We present a gas-liquid microfluidic system as a
reactor to obtain magnetite nanoparticles with an excellent degree of
control regarding their crystalline phase, shape and size. Several
types of microflow approaches were selected to prevent nanomaterial
aggregation and to promote homogenous size distribution. The
selected reactor consists of a mixer stage aided by ultrasound waves
and a reaction stage using a N2-liquid segmented flow to prevent
magnetite oxidation to non-magnetic phases. A milli-fluidic reactor
was developed to increase the production rate where a magnetite
throughput close to 450 mg/h in a continuous fashion was obtained.
Abstract: The paper presents a novel screening method to
indicate congenital heart diseases (CHD), which otherwise could
remain undetected because of their low level. Therefore, not
belonging to the high-risk population, the pregnancies are not subject
to the regular fetal monitoring with ultrasound echocardiography.
Based on the fact that CHD is a morphological defect of the heart
causing turbulent blood flow, the turbulence appears as a murmur,
which can be detected by fetal phonocardiography (fPCG). The
proposed method applies measurements on the maternal abdomen
and from the recorded sound signal a sophisticated processing
determines the fetal heart murmur. The paper describes the problems
and the additional advantages of the fPCG method including the
possibility of measurements at home and its combination with the
prescribed regular cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring. The
proposed screening process implemented on a telemedicine system
provides an enhanced safety against hidden cardiac diseases.
Abstract: The substantial development of the construction
industry has forced the cement industry, its major support, to focus
on achieving maximum productivity to meet the growing demand for
this material. This means that the reliability of a cement production
system needs to be at the highest level that can be achieved by good
maintenance. This paper studies the extent to which the
implementation of RCM is needed as a strategy for increasing the
reliability of the production systems component can be increased,
thus ensuring continuous productivity. In a case study of four Libyan
cement factories, 80 employees were surveyed and 12 top and middle
managers interviewed. It is evident that these factories usually
breakdown more often than once per month which has led to a
decline in productivity. In many times they cannot achieve the
minimum level of production amount. This has resulted from the
poor reliability of their production systems as a result of poor or
insufficient maintenance. It has been found that most of the factories’
employees misunderstand maintenance and its importance. The main
cause of this problem is the lack of qualified and trained staff, but in
addition it has been found that most employees are not found to be
motivated as a result of a lack of management support and interest. In
response to these findings, it has been suggested that the RCM
strategy should be implemented in the four factories. The results
show the importance of the development of maintenance strategies
through the implementation of RCM in these factories. The purpose
of it would be to overcome the problems that could secure the
reliability of the production systems. This study could be a useful
source of information for academic researchers and the industrial
organizations which are still experiencing problems in maintenance
practices.
Abstract: Masonry infill walls are inevitable in the selfsupporting
structures, but their contribution in the resistance to
earthquake loads is generally neglected in the structural analyses. The
principal aim of this work through a numerical study of masonry
infill walls behavior in structures subjected to horizontal load is to
propose by finite elements numerical modeling, a more reliable
approach, faster and close to reality. In this study, 3D Finite Element
Analysis was developed to study the behavior of masonry infill walls
in structures subjected to horizontal load; the finite element software
being used was ABAQUS, it is observed that more rigidity of the
masonry filling is significant, more the structure is rigid, we can so
conclude that the filling brings an additional rigidity to the structure
not to be neglected; it is also observed that when the framework is
subjected to horizontal loads, the framework separates from the
filling on the level of the tended diagonal.
Abstract: This study focuses on a novel method for dispersion
and distribution of reinforcement under high intensive shear stress to
produce metal composites. The polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based short
carbon fiber (Csf) and Nextel 610 alumina fiber were dispersed under
high intensive shearing at mushy zone in semi-solid of A356 by a
novel method. The bundles and clusters were embedded by
infiltration of slurry into the clusters, thus leading to a uniform
microstructure. The fibers were embedded homogenously into the
aluminum around 576-580°C with around 46% of solid fraction.
Other experiments at 615°C and 568°C which are contained 0% and
90% solid respectively were not successful for dispersion and
infiltration of aluminum into bundles of Csf. The alumina fiber has
been cracked by high shearing load. The morphologies and
crystalline phase were evaluated by SEM and XRD. The adopted
thixo-process effectively improved the adherence and distribution of
Csf into Al that can be developed to produce various composites by
thixomixing.
Abstract: The concept of economic policy and the practical
economic policy diverge from each other at a certain stage of
development. This is related to the concept of realization of the
underlying problems. It comes with all the problems emerged in the
market oriented economic order due to the political processes based
on social welfare policy. The realization of the concept of economic
policy is impeded by economic and political obstacles. If you want to
fill the appeared between the concept and reality, it is necessary to
identify and avoid these obstacles. It requires the following: increase
of the level of the knowledge of prevention technology in
understanding of economic relations, as well as political aspects of
the formation of ideas; perfection of economic policy toolkit, and
political methods.
It is necessary to realize what is the main precondition of
implementation and further development of the concept of economic
policy, as well as the formation of opinions about economic and
public safety. This is a broad consensus on the basic values of the
content and the scale of action, which the general public wants to be
realized.
Abstract: Microbes have been used to solve environmental
problems for many years. The role of microorganism to sequester,
precipitate or alter the oxidation state of various heavy metals has
been extensively studied. Treatment using microorganism interacts
with toxic metal are very diverse. The purpose of this research is to
remove the mercury using Pseudomonas putida (P. putida), pure
culture ATTC 49128 at optimum growth parameters such as
techniques of culture, acclimatization time and speed of incubator
shaker. Thus, in this study, the optimum growth parameters of P.
putida were obtained to achieve the maximum of mercury removal.
Based on the optimum parameters of P. putida for specific growth
rate, the removal of two different mercury concentration, 1 ppm and
4 ppm were studied. From mercury nitrate solution, a mercuryresistant
bacterial strain which is able to reduce from ionic mercury
to metallic mercury was used to reduce ionic mercury. The overall
levels of mercury removal in this study were between 80% and 89%.
The information obtained in this study is of fundamental for
understanding of the survival of P. putida ATTC 49128 in mercury
solution. Thus, microbial mercury removal is a potential
bioremediation for wastewater especially in petrochemical industries
in Malaysia.
Abstract: In contrast with literal meaning of nano, researchers
have been achieved mega adventures in this area and every day more
nanomaterials are being introduced to the market. After long time
application of fossil-based plastics, nowadays accumulation of their
waste seems to be a big problem to the environment. On the other
hand, mankind has more attention to safety and living environment.
Replacing common plastic packaging materials with degradable ones
that degrade faster and convert to non-dangerous components like
water and carbon dioxide have more attractions; these new materials
are based on renewable and inexpensive sources of starch and
cellulose. However, the functional properties of them do not suitable
for packaging. At this point, nanotechnology has an important role.
Utilizing of nanomaterials in polymer structure will improve
mechanical and physical properties of them; nanocrystalline cellulose
(NCC) has this ability. This work has employed a chemical method to
produce NCC and starch bio nanocomposite containing NCC. X-Ray
Diffraction technique has characterized the obtained materials.
Results showed that applied method is a suitable one as well as
applicable one to NCC production.
Abstract: This paper deals with the study of reflection and
transmission characteristics of acoustic waves at the interface of a
semiconductor half-space and elastic solid. The amplitude ratios
(reflection and transmission coefficients) of reflected and transmitted
waves to that of incident wave varying with the incident angles have
been examined for the case of quasi-longitudinal wave. The special
cases of normal and grazing incidence have also been derived with
the help of Gauss elimination method. The mathematical model
consisting of governing partial differential equations of motion and
charge carriers’ diffusion of n-type semiconductors and elastic solid
has been solved both analytically and numerically in the study. The
numerical computations of reflection and transmission coefficients
has been carried out by using MATLAB programming software for
silicon (Si) semiconductor and copper elastic solid. The computer
simulated results have been plotted graphically for Si
semiconductors. The study may be useful in semiconductors,
geology, and seismology in addition to surface acoustic wave (SAW)
devices.
Abstract: This paper presents an optimization method for
reducing the number of input channels and the complexity of the
feed-forward NARX neural network (NN) without compromising the
accuracy of the NN model. By utilizing the correlation analysis
method, the most significant regressors are selected to form the input
layer of the NN structure. An application of vehicle dynamic model
identification is also presented in this paper to demonstrate the
optimization technique and the optimal input layer structure and the
optimal number of neurons for the neural network is investigated.
Abstract: Mammography is widely used technique for breast cancer
screening. There are various other techniques for breast cancer screening
but mammography is the most reliable and effective technique. The
images obtained through mammography are of low contrast which
causes problem for the radiologists to interpret. Hence, a high quality
image is mandatory for the processing of the image for extracting any
kind of information from it. Many contrast enhancement algorithms have
been developed over the years. In the present work, an efficient
morphology based technique is proposed for contrast enhancement of
masses in mammographic images. The proposed method is based on
Multiscale Morphology and it takes into consideration the scale of the
structuring element. The proposed method is compared with other stateof-
the-art techniques. The experimental results show that the proposed
method is better both qualitatively and quantitatively than the other
standard contrast enhancement techniques.
Abstract: Toddy sediment (TS) was cultured in a PDA medium
to determine initial yeast load, and also it was undergone sun, shade,
solar, dehumidified cold air (DCA) and hot air oven (at 400, 500 and
60oC) drying with a view to preserve viability of yeast. Thereafter,
this study was conducted according to two factor factorial design in
order to determine best preservation method. Therein the dried TS
from the best drying method was taken and divided into two portions.
One portion was mixed with 3: 7 ratio of TS: rice flour and the
mixture was divided in to two again. While one portion was kept
under in house condition the other was in a refrigerator. Same
procedure was followed to the rest portion of TS too but it was at the
same ratio of corn flour. All treatments were vacuum packed in triple
laminate pouches and the best preservation method was determined
in terms of leavening index (LI). The TS obtained from the best
preservation method was used to make foods (bread and hopper) and
organoleptic properties of it were evaluated against same of ordinary
foods using sensory panel with a five point hedonic scale.
Results revealed that yeast load or fresh TS was 58×106 CFU/g.
The best drying method in preserving viability of yeast was DCA
because LI of this treatment (96%) is higher than that of other three
treatments. Organoleptic properties of foods prepared from best
preservation method are as same as ordinary foods according to Duo
trio test.
Abstract: New design of three dimensional (3D) flywheel system
based on gimbal and gyro mechanics is proposed. The 3D flywheel
device utilizes the rotational motion of three spherical shells and the
conservation of angular momentum to achieve planar locomotion.
Actuators mounted to the ring-shape frames are installed within the
system to drive the spherical shells to rotate, for the purpose of steering
and stabilization. Similar to the design of 2D flywheel system, it is
expected that the spherical shells may function like a “flyball” to store
and supply mechanical energy; additionally, in comparison with
typical single-wheel and spherical robots, the 3D flywheel can be used
for developing omnidirectional robotic systems with better mobility.
The Lagrangian method is applied to derive the equation of motion of
the 3D flywheel system, and simulation studies are presented to verify
the proposed design.
Abstract: This paper examines the system protection for cyber-physical
systems (CPS). CPS are particularly characterized by their
networking system components. This means they are able to adapt to
the needs of their users and its environment. With this ability, CPS
have new, specific requirements on the protection against anti-counterfeiting,
know-how loss and manipulation. They increase the
requirements on system protection because piracy attacks can be
more diverse, for example because of an increasing number of
interfaces or through the networking abilities. The new requirements
were identified and in a next step matched with existing protective
measures. Due to the found gap the development of new protection
measures has to be forced to close this gap. Moreover a comparison
of the effectiveness between selected measures was realized and the
first results are presented in this paper.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental
study undertaken to evaluate the local bond stress-slip response of
short embedment of reinforcing bars in normal concrete (NC) and
high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)
blocks. Long embedment was investigated as well to gain insights on
the distribution of strain, slip, bar stress and bond stress along the bar
especially in post-yield range. A total of 12 specimens were tested,
by means of pull-out of the reinforcing bars from concrete blocks. It
was found that the enhancement of local bond strength can be
reached up to 50% and ductility of the bond behavior was improved
significantly if HPFRCC is used. Also, under a constant strain at
loaded end, HPFRCC has delayed yielding of bars at other location
from the loaded end. Hence, the reduction of bond stress was slower
for HPFRCC in comparison with NC. Due to the same reason, the
total slips at loaded end for HPFRCC was smaller than NC as
expected. Test results indicated that HPFRCC has better bond slip
behavior which makes it a suitable material to be employed in
anchorage zone such as beam-column joints.
Abstract: The effect of partially substitution of magnetic
impurity Fe for Cu to the magnetic and transport properties in
electron-doped superconducting cuprates of
Eu1.85+yCe0.15-yCu1-yFeyO4+α-δ (ECCFO) with y = 0, 0.010, 0.020, and
0.050 has been studied, in order to investigate the mechanism of
magnetic and transport properties of ECCFO in normal-state.
Magnetic properties are investigated by DC magnetic-susceptibility
measurements that carried out at low temperatures down to 2 K using a
standard SQUID magnetometer in a magnetic field of 5 Oe on field
cooling. Transport properties addressed to electron mobility, are
extracted from radius of electron localization calculated from
temperature dependence of resistivity. For y = 0, temperature
dependence of dc magnetic-susceptibility (χ) indicated the change of
magnetic behavior from paramagnetic to diamagnetic below 15 K.
Above 15 K, all samples show paramagnetic behavior with the values
of magnetic moment in every volume unit increased with increasing y.
Electron mobility decreased with increasing y.
Abstract: In this paper, a new concept of closed-loop design for a
product is presented. The closed-loop design model is developed by
integrating forward design and reverse design. Based on this new
concept, a closed-loop design model for sustainable manufacturing by
integrated evaluation of forward design, reverse design, and green
manufacturing using a fuzzy analytic network process is developed. In
the design stage of a product, with a given product requirement and
objective, there can be different ways to design the detailed
components and specifications. Therefore, there can be different
design cases to achieve the same product requirement and objective.
Subsequently, in the design evaluation stage, it is required to analyze
and evaluate the different design cases. The purpose of this research is
to develop a model for evaluating the design cases by integrated
evaluating the criteria in forward design, reverse design, and green
manufacturing. A fuzzy analytic network process method is presented
for integrated evaluation of the criteria in the three models. The
comparison matrices for evaluating the criteria in the three groups are
established. The total relational values among the three groups
represent the total relational effects. In applications, a super matrix
model is created and the total relational values can be used to evaluate
the design cases for decision-making to select the final design case. An
example product is demonstrated in this presentation. It shows that the
model is useful for integrated evaluation of forward design, reverse
design, and green manufacturing to achieve a closed-loop design for
sustainable manufacturing objective.