Abstract: Modeling and forecasting dynamics of rainfall
occurrences constitute one of the major topics, which have been
largely treated by statisticians, hydrologists, climatologists and many
other groups of scientists. In the same issue, we propose, in the
present paper, a new hybrid method, which combines Extreme
Values and fractal theories. We illustrate the use of our methodology
for transformed Emberger Index series, constructed basing on data
recorded in Oujda (Morocco).
The index is treated at first by Peaks Over Threshold (POT)
approach, to identify excess observations over an optimal threshold u.
In the second step, we consider the resulting excess as a fractal object
included in one dimensional space of time. We identify fractal
dimension by the box counting. We discuss the prospect descriptions
of rainfall data sets under Generalized Pareto Distribution, assured by
Extreme Values Theory (EVT). We show that, despite of the
appropriateness of return periods given by POT approach, the
introduction of fractal dimension provides accurate interpretation
results, which can ameliorate apprehension of rainfall occurrences.
Abstract: The work allowed gaining knowledge about redox and
speciation changes of As, Cr and Sb ionic forms in Klodnica River
water. This kind of studies never has been conducted in this region of
Poland. In study optimized and validated previously HPLC-ICP-MS
methods for determination of As, Sb and Cr was used. Separation
step was done using high-performance liquid chromatograph
equipped with ion-exchange column followed by ICP-MS
spectrometer detector. Preliminary studies included determination of
the total concentration of As, Sb and Cr, pH, Eh, temperature and
conductivity of the water samples. The study was conducted monthly
from March to August 2014, at six points on the Klodnica River. The
results indicate that exceeded at acceptable concentration of total Cr
and Sb was observed in Klodnica River and we should qualify
Klodnica River waters below the second purity class. In Klodnica
River waters dominates oxidized antimony and arsenic forms, as well
as the two forms of chromium Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Studies have also
shown the methyl derivative of arsenic's presence.
Abstract: In a multi-cultural learning context, where ties are
weak and dynamic, combining qualitative with quantitative research
methods may be more effective. Such a combination may also allow
us to answer different types of question, such as about people’s
perception of the network. In this study the use of observation,
interviews and photos were explored as ways of enhancing data from
social network questionnaires. Integrating all of these methods was
found to enhance the quality of data collected and its accuracy, also
providing a richer story of the network dynamics and the factors that
shaped these changes over time.
Abstract: Silica was extracted from agriculture waste rice husk
ash (RHA) and was used as the silica source for synthesis of
RMCM-48 and RSBA-16. An alkali fusion process was utilized to
separate silicate supernatant and the sediment effectively. The
CTAB/Si and F127/Si molar ratio was employed to control the
structure properties of the obtained RMCM-48 and RSBA-16
materials. The N2 adsorption-desorption results showed the
micro-mesoporous RSBA-16 possessed high specific surface areas
(662-1001 m2/g). All the obtained RSBA-16 materials were applied as
the adsorbents for acetone adsorption. And the breakthrough tests
clearly revealed that the RSBA-16(0.004) materials could achieve the
highest acetone adsorption capacity of 181 mg/g under 1000 ppmv
acetone vapor concentration at 25oC, which was also superior to
ZSM-5 (71mg/g) and MCM-41 (157mg/g) under same test conditions.
This can help to reduce the solid waste and the high adsorption
performance of the obtained materials could consider as potential
adsorbents for acetone adsorption.
Abstract: Morphological interaction of porcine cumulus-oocyte
complexes (pCOCs) was investigated on in vitro condition using
electron microscope (SEM and TEM). The totals of 1,923 oocytes
were round in shape, surrounded by Zona pellucida with layer of
cumulus cells ranging between 59.29-202.14 μm in size. They were
classified into intact-, multi-, partial cumulus cell layer oocyte, and
completely denuded oocyte, at the percentage composition of 22.80%
32.70%, 18.60%, and 25.90 % respectively. The pCOCs classified as
intact- and multi cumulus cell layer oocytes were further culturing at
37°C with 5% CO2, 95% air atmosphere and high humidity for 44 h
in M199 with Earle’s salts supplemented with 10% HTFCS, 2.2
mg/mL NaHCO3, 1 M Hepes, 0.25 mM pyruvate, 15 μg/mL porcine
follicle-stimulating hormone, 1 μg/mL LH, 1μg/mL estradiol with
ethanol, and 50 μg/mL gentamycin sulfate. On electron microscope
study, cumulus cells were found to stick their processes to secrete
substance from the sac-shape end into Zona pellucida of the oocyte
and also communicated with the neighboring cells through their
microvilli on the beginning of incubation period. It is believed that
the cumulus cells communicate with the oocyte by inserting the
microvilli through this gap and embedded in the oocyte cytoplasm
before secreting substance, through the sac-shape end of the
microvilli, to inhibit primary oocyte development at the prophase I.
Morphological changes of the complexes were observed after
culturing for 24-44 h. One hundred percentages of the cumulus layers
were expanded and cumulus cells were peeling off from the oocyte
surface. In addition, the round-shape cumulus cells transformed
themselves into either an elongate shape or a columnar shape, and no
communication between cumulus neighboring cells. After 44 h of
incubation time, diameter of oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells
was larger than 0 h incubation. The effect of hormones in culture
medium is exerted by their receptors present in porcine oocyte. It is
likely that all morphological changes of the complexes after hormone
treatment were to allow maturation of the oocyte. This study
demonstrated that the association of hormones in M199 could
promote porcine follicle activation in 44 h in vitro condition. This
culture system should be useful for studying the regulation of early
follicular growth and development, especially because these follicles represent a large source of oocytes that could be used in vitro for cell
technology.
Abstract: This paper is a report on the findings of a study
conducted at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Saudi
Arabia. The paper applied both qualitative and quantitative
approaches to assess the levels of basic computer applications’ skills
among students enrolled in the preparatory programs of the
institution. Qualitative data have been collected from semi-structured
interviews with the instructors who have previously been assigned to
teach Introduction to information technology courses. Quantitative
data were collected by executing a self-report questionnaire and a
written statistical test. Three hundred eighty enrolled students
responded to the questionnaire and one hundred forty two
accomplished the statistical test. The results indicate the lack of
necessary skills to deal with computer applications among most of
the students who are enrolled in the IPA’s preparatory programs.
Abstract: Teaching art by digital means is a big challenge for
the majority of teachers of art and design in primary schools, yet it
allows relationships between art, technology and creativity to be
clearly identified. The aim of this article is to present a modern way
of teaching art, using digital tools in the art classroom to improve
creative ability in pupils aged between nine and eleven years. It also
presents a conceptual model for creativity based on digital art. The
model could be useful for pupils interested in learning to draw by
using an e-drawing package, and for teachers who are interested in
teaching modern digital art in order to improve children’s creativity.
By illustrating the strategy of teaching art through technology, this
model may also help education providers to make suitable choices
about which technological approaches are most effective in
enhancing students’ creative ability, and which digital art tools can
benefit children by developing their technical skills. It is also
expected that use of this model will help to develop skills of social
interaction, which may in turn improve intellectual ability.
Abstract: The effect of transition metal doping on Pt/Al2O3
catalyst used in propane dehydrogenation reaction at 500°C was
studied. The preparation methods investigated were sequential
impregnation (Pt followed by the 2nd metal or the 2nd metal followed
by Pt) and co-impregnation. The metal contents of these catalysts
were fixed as the weight ratio of Pt per the 2nd metal of around 0.075.
These catalysts were characterized by N2-physisorption, TPR, COchemisorption
and NH3-TPD. It was found that the impregnated 2nd
metal had an effect upon reducibility of Pt due to its interaction with
transition metal-containing structure. This was in agreement with the
CO-chemisorption result that the presence of Pt metal, which is a
result from Pt species reduction, was decreased. The total acidity of
bimetallic catalysts is decreased but the strong acidity is slightly
increased. It was found that the stability of bimetallic catalysts
prepared by co-impregnation and sequential impregnation where the
2nd metal was impregnated before Pt were better than that of
monometallic catalyst (undoped Pt one) due to the forming of Pt sites
located on the transition metal-oxide modified surface. Among all
preparation methods, the sequential impregnation method- having Pt
impregnated before the 2nd metal gave the worst stability because this
catalyst lacked the modified Pt sites and some fraction of Pt sites was
covered by the 2nd metal.
Abstract: Beta-glucosidase, chitinase, leucine-aminopeptidase, acid phosphomonoesterase and acetate-esterase enzyme activities in
the soils under the impact of metallurgical industrial activity in Lori
marz (district) were investigated. The results of the study showed that
the activities of the investigated enzymes in the soils decreased with increasing distance from the Shamlugh copper mine, the Chochkan
tailings storage facility and the ore transportation road. Statistical
analysis revealed that the activities of the enzymes were positively
correlated (significant) to each other according to the observation
sites which indicated that enzyme activities were affected by the
same anthropogenic factor. The investigations showed that the soils
were polluted with heavy metals (Cu, Pb, As, Co, Ni, Zn) due to
copper mining activity in this territory. The results of Pearson
correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation
between heavy metal pollution degree (Nemerow integrated pollution
index) and soil enzyme activity. All of this indicated that copper
mining activity in this territory causing the heavy metal pollution of
the soils resulted in the inhabitation of the activities of the enzymes
which are considered as biological catalysts to decompose organic
materials and facilitate the cycling of nutrients.
Abstract: This technical contribution treats of a novel approach
to condition-oriented maintenance as elaborated by Collaborative
Research Centre 653 at the Leibniz University in Hanover. The
objective resides in the targeted analysis of information about a
component's lifecycle for maintenance purposes. The information in
question is collected by means of the Collaborative Research Centre's
innovative technologies. This enables preventive maintenance of
components on the basis of their condition. This contribution initially
explains condition-oriented maintenance, before introducing the
Collaborative Research Centre and finally presenting the
methodology for analyzing the information. The current state of
development is described and an outlook provided for expanding the
methodology.
Abstract: The development of active and stable catalysts
without noble metals for low temperature oxidation of exhaust gases
remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to
determine the influence of the preparation method on the catalytic
activity of the supported copper-manganese mixed oxides in terms of
VOCs oxidation. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of γ-
Al2O3 with copper and manganese nitrates and acetates and the
possibilities for CO, CH3OH and dimethyl ether (DME) oxidation
were evaluated using continuous flow equipment with a four-channel
isothermal stainless steel reactor. Effect of the support, Cu/Mn mole
ratio, heat treatment of the precursor and active component loading
were investigated. Highly active alumina supported Cu-Mn catalysts
for CO and VOCs oxidation were synthesized. The effect of
preparation conditions on the activity behavior of the catalysts was
discussed.
The synergetic interaction between copper and manganese species
increases the activity for complete oxidation over mixed catalysts.
Type of support, calcination temperature and active component
loading along with catalyst composition are important factors,
determining catalytic activity. Cu/Mn molar ratio of 1:5, heat
treatment at 450oC and 20 % active component loading are the best
compromise for production of active catalyst for simultaneous
combustion of CO, CH3OH and DME.
Abstract: Recently, the green architecture becomes a
significant way to a sustainable future. Green building designs
involve finding the balance between comfortable homebuilding and
sustainable environment. Moreover, the utilization of the new
technologies such as artificial intelligence techniques are used to
complement current practices in creating greener structures to keep
the built environment more sustainable. The most common objectives
in green buildings should be designed to minimize the overall impact
of the built environment that effect on ecosystems in general and in
particularly human health and natural environment. This will lead to
protecting occupant health, improving employee productivity,
reducing pollution and sustaining the environmental. In green
building design, multiple parameters which may be interrelated,
contradicting, vague and of qualitative/quantitative nature are
broaden to use. This paper presents a comprehensive critical state- ofart-
review of current practices based on fuzzy and its combination
techniques. Also, presented how green architecture/building can be
improved using the technologies that been used for analysis to seek
optimal green solutions strategies and models to assist in making the
best possible decision out of different alternatives.
Abstract: Neuroplasticity or the flexibility of the neural system
is the ability of the brain to adapt to the lack or deterioration of sense
and the capability of the neural system to modify itself through
changing shape and function. Not only have studies revealed that
neuroplasticity does not end in childhood, but also they have proven
that it continues till the end of life and is not limited to the neural
system and covers the cognitive system as well. In the field of
cognition, neuroplasticity is defined as the ability to change old
thoughts according to new conditions and the individuals' differences
in using various styles of cognitive regulation inducing several social,
emotional and cognitive outcomes. This paper attempts to discuss and
define major theories and principles of neuroplasticity and elaborate
on nature or nurture.
Abstract: To study the effect of the cross direction in bead
wheat, three hybrid combinations (Babyle 113, Iratome), (Sawa,
Tamose2) and (Al Hashymya, Al Iraq) were tested for plant height,
spike and awn length, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight,
number of tillers/m and grain yield. The results revealed that the
direction of the crosses significantly effect on the number of
grains/spike, number of tillers/m and grain yields. Grain yield was
positively and significantly correlated with 1000-grain weight,
number of grains per spike and tillers. Depend on the results of
heritability and genetic advance it was suggested that 1000-grain
weight, number of grains per spike and tillers should be given
emphasis for future wheat yield improvement programs.
Abstract: Considering palm oil as non-drying oil owing to its
low iodine value, an attempt was taken to increase the unsaturation in
the fatty acid chains of palm oil for the preparation of alkyds. To
increase the unsaturation in the palm oil, sulphuric acid (SA) and
para-toluene sulphonic acid (PTSA) was used prior to alcoholysis for
the dehydration process. The iodine number of the oil samples was
checked for the unsaturation measurement by Wijs method. Alkyd
resin was prepared using the dehydrated palm oil by following
alcoholysis and esterification reaction. To improve the film properties
0.5wt.% multi-wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs) were used to
manufacture polymeric film. The properties of the resins were
characterized by various physico-chemical properties such as density,
viscosity, iodine value, saponification value, etc. Structural
elucidation was confirmed by Fourier transform of infrared
spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance; surfaces of the
films were examined by field-emission scanning electron microscope.
In addition, pencil hardness and chemical resistivity was also
measured by using standard methods. The effect of enhancement of
the unsaturation in the fatty acid chain found significant and
motivational. The resin prepared with dehydrated palm oil showed
improved properties regarding hardness and chemical resistivity
testing. The incorporation of MWCNTs enhanced the thermal
stability and hardness of the films as well.
Abstract: In review the generalized data about biological
activity of anthraquinone-containing plants and specimens on their
basis is presented. Data of traditional medicine, results of
bioscreening and clinical researches of specimens are analyzed.
Abstract: Within the framework of this research, the regulatory
documents, which are in force in relation to this industry, were
analyzed. The main attention is turned to their modernization and
necessity of their compliance with European standards.
It is a current issue to direct the efforts of state policy on support
of business by implementing infrastructural projects, as well as by
development of human resources, which may be possible by
supporting the relevant higher and vocational studying-educational
programs.
Abstract: Peace education supports a holistic appreciation for
the value of life and the interdependence of all living systems. Peace
education aims to build a culture of peace. One way of building a
culture of peace is through environmental stewardship. This study
sought to find out the environmental stewardship practices in selected
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and how
these environmental stewardship practices lead to building a culture
of peace. The findings revealed that there is still room for
improvement in implementing environmental stewardship in schools
through academic service learning. In addition, the following
manifestations are implemented very satisfactorily in schools: 1)
waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, 2) community service, and 3)
clean and green surroundings. Administrators of schools in the study
lead their staff and students in implementing environmental
stewardship. It could be concluded that those involved in
environmental stewardship display an acceptable culture of peace,
particularly solidarity, respect for persons, and inner peace.
Abstract: Data mining idea is mounting rapidly in admiration
and also in their popularity. The foremost aspire of data mining
method is to extract data from a huge data set into several forms that
could be comprehended for additional use. The data mining is a
technology that contains with rich potential resources which could be
supportive for industries and businesses that pay attention to collect
the necessary information of the data to discover their customer’s
performances. For extracting data there are several methods are
available such as Classification, Clustering, Association,
Discovering, and Visualization… etc., which has its individual and
diverse algorithms towards the effort to fit an appropriate model to
the data. STATISTICA mostly deals with excessive groups of data
that imposes vast rigorous computational constraints. These results
trials challenge cause the emergence of powerful STATISTICA Data
Mining technologies. In this survey an overview of the STATISTICA
software is illustrated along with their significant features.
Abstract: This work is undertaken to develop a methodology to enhance the management of dredged marine and river sediments in the North of France. The main objective of this study is to determine the main characteristics of these sediments. In this order, physical, mineralogical and chemical properties of both types of sediments are measured. Moreover, their potential impacts on the environment are assessed throughout leaching tests. From the obtained results, the potential of their use in road engineering is discussed.