Abstract: ZnO nanostructure were synthesized via microwave
method using zinc acetate as starting material, guanidinium as
structure directing agents, and water as solvent.. This work
investigates the photodegradation of azo dyes using the ZnO Flowerlike
in aqueous solutions. As synthesized ZnO samples were
characterized using X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy.In this work
photodecolorization of congored azo dye under UV irradiation by
nano ZnO was studied.
Abstract: Language Reforms and potential use of ICTs has been a focal area of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Efforts are being accelerated to incorporate fast expanding ICTs to bring qualitative improvement in language instruction in higher education. This paper explores how university teachers are benefitting from ICTs to make their English class effective and what type of problems they face in practicing ICTs during their lectures. An in-depth qualitative study was employed to understand why language teachers tend to use ICTs in their instruction and how they are practicing it. A sample of twenty teachers from five universities located in Islamabad, three from public sector and two from private sector, was selected on non-random (Snowball) sampling basis. An interview with 15 semi-structured items was used as research instruments to collect data. The findings reveal that business English teaching is facilitated and improved through the use of ICTs. The language teachers need special training regarding the practices and implementation of ICTs. It is recommended that initiatives might be taken to equip university language teachers with modern methodology incorporating ICTs as focal area and efforts might be made to remove barriers regarding the training of language teachers and proper usage of ICTs.
Abstract: German electricity European options on futures using
Lévy processes for the underlying asset are examined. Implied
volatility evolution, under each of the considered models, is
discussed after calibrating for the Merton jump diffusion (MJD),
variance gamma (VG), normal inverse Gaussian (NIG), Carr, Geman,
Madan and Yor (CGMY) and the Black and Scholes (B&S) model.
Implied volatility is examined for the entire sample period, revealing
some curious features about market evolution, where data fitting
performances of the five models are compared. It is shown that
variance gamma processes provide relatively better results and that
implied volatility shows significant differences through time, having
increasingly evolved. Volatility changes for changed uncertainty, or
else, increasing futures prices and there is evidence for the need to
account for seasonality when modelling both electricity spot/futures
prices and volatility.
Abstract: The error monitoring and processing system, EMPS is
the system located in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, basal
ganglia and cortex of the forebrain, and plays a leading role in error
detection and correction. The main components of EMPS are the
dopaminergic system and anterior cingulate cortex. Although, recent
studies show that alcohol disrupts the EMPS, the ways in which
alcohol affects this system are poorly understood. Based on current
literature data, here we suggest a hypothesis of alcohol-related
glucose-dependent system of error monitoring and processing, which
holds that the disruption of the EMPS is related to the competency of
glucose homeostasis regulation, which in turn may determine the
dopamine level as a major component of EMPS. Alcohol may
indirectly disrupt the EMPS by affecting dopamine level through
disorders in blood glucose homeostasis regulation.
Abstract: The fast growth in complexity coupled with requests for shorter development periods for embedded systems are bringing demands towards a more effective, i.e. higher-abstract, design process for hardaware/software integrated design. In Software Engineering area, Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and Executable UML (xUML) has been accepted to bring further improvement in software design. This paper constructs MDA and xUML stepwise transformations from an abstract specification model to a more concrete implementation model using the refactoring technique for hardaware/software integrated design. This approach provides clear and structured models which enables quick exploration and synthesis, and early stage verification.
Abstract: Mobile learning (M-learning) integrates mobile
devices and wireless computing technology to enhance the current
conventional learning system. However, there are constraints which
are affecting the implementation of platform and device independent
M-learning. The main aim of this research is to fulfill the following
main objectives: to develop platform independent mobile learning
tool (M-LT) for structured programming course, and evaluate its
effectiveness and usability using ADDIE instructional design model
(ISD) as M-LT life cycle. J2ME (Java 2 micro edition) and XML
(Extensible Markup Language) were used to develop platform
independent M-LT. It has two modules lecture materials and quizzes.
This study used Quasi experimental design to measure effectiveness
of the tool. Meanwhile, questionnaire is used to evaluate the usability
of the tool. Finally, the results show that the system was effective and
also usability evaluation was positive.
Abstract: Based on different experiences in the historic centers
of Spain, we propose an global strategy for the regeneration of the
pre-tertiary fabrics and its application to the specific case of San
Mateo neighborhood, in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia), through a
diagnosis that focus particularly on the punishments the last-decade
economic situation (building boom and crisis) and shows the tragic
transition from economic center to an imminent disappearance with
an image similar to the ruins of war, due to the loss of their
traditional roles. From it we will learn their historically-tested
mechanisms of environment adaptation, which distill the vernacular
architecture essence and that we will apply to our strategy of action
based on a dotacional-and-free-space rhizome which rediscovers its
hidden character. The architectural fact will be crystallized in one of
the example-pieces proposed: The Artistic Revitalization Center.
Abstract: Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) solar system comprises a solar collector which is disposed on photovoltaic solar cells. The disadvantage of a conventional photovoltaic cell is that its performance decreases as the temperature increases. Indeed, part of the solar radiation is converted into electricity and is dissipated as heat, increasing the temperature of the photovoltaic cell with respect to the ambient temperature. The objective of this work is to study experimentally and implement a hybrid prototype to evaluate electrical and thermal performance. In this paper, an experimental study of two new configurations of hybrid collectors is exposed. The results are given and interpreted. The two configurations of absorber studied are a new combination with tubes and galvanized tank, the other is a tubes and sheet.
Abstract: This study presents energy saving in general-purpose
pumps widely used in industrial applications. Such pumps are
normally driven by a constant-speed electrical motor which in most
applications must support varying load conditions. This is equivalent
to saying the loading conditions mismatch the designed optimal
energy consumption requirements of the intended application thus
resulting in substantial energy losses. In the held experiments it was
indicated that combination of mechanical and electrical speed drives
can contribute to lower energy consumption in the pump without
negatively distorting the required performance indices of a typical
centrifugal pump at substantially lower energy consumption. The
registered energy savings were recorded to be within the 15-40%
margin. It was also indicated that although VSDs are installed at a
cost, the financial burden is balanced against the earnings resulting
from the associated energy savings.
Abstract: There are multiple ways to implement a decimator
filter. This paper addresses usage of CIC (cascaded-integrator-comb)
filter and HB (half band) filter as the decimator filter to reduce the
frequency sample rate by factor of 64 and detail of the
implementation step to realize this design in hardware. Low power
design approach for CIC filter and half band filter will be discussed.
The filter design is implemented through MATLAB system
modeling, ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) design flow
and verified using a FPGA (field programmable gate array) board
and MATLAB analysis.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess the
hospitals preparedness for emergency using WHO standards.
Method: This is a cross-sectional study, consisted of site visit,
questionnaire survey, 16 health facilities were included. The WHO
standard for emergency preparedness of health facilities was used to
evaluate and assess the hospitals preparedness of health facilities.
Result: 13 hospitals were responded. They scored below average
in all measure >75%), while above average score was in 7 out 9 nine
measure with a range of 8%-25%. Un acceptable below average was
noted in two measures only.
Discussion: The biggest challenge facing the hospitals in their
emergency intervention is the lack of pre-emergency and emergency
preparedness plans as well as the coordination of the hospitals
response mechanisms.
Conclusion: The studied hospitals presently are far from
international disasters preparedness protocols. That necessitates
improvements in emergency preparedness, as well as in physician
skills for injury management.
Abstract: In this paper, the shape design process is briefly discussed emphasizing the use of topology optimization in the conceptual design stage. The basic idea is to view feasible domains for sensitivity region concepts. In this method, the main process consists of two steps: as the design moves further inside the feasible domain using Taguchi method, and thus becoming more successful topology optimization, the sensitivity region becomes larger. In designing a double-eccentric butterfly valve, related to hydrodynamic performance and disc structure, are discussed where the use of topology optimization has proven to dramatically improve an existing design and significantly decrease the development time of a shape design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis results demonstrate the validity of this approach.
Abstract: Chinese Idioms are a type of traditional Chinese idiomatic
expressions with specific meanings and stereotypes structure
which are widely used in classical Chinese and are still common in
vernacular written and spoken Chinese today. Currently, Chinese
Idioms are retrieved in glossary with key character or key word in
morphology or pronunciation index that can not meet the need of
searching semantically. OCIRS is proposed to search the desired
idiom in the case of users only knowing its meaning without any key
character or key word. The user-s request in a sentence or phrase will
be grammatically analyzed in advance by word segmentation, key
word extraction and semantic similarity computation, thus can be
mapped to the idiom domain ontology which is constructed to provide
ample semantic relations and to facilitate description logics-based
reasoning for idiom retrieval. The experimental evaluation shows that
OCIRS realizes the function of searching idioms via semantics, obtaining
preliminary achievement as requested by the users.
Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease in humans which is caused by the SARS coronavirus. The treatment of coronavirus-associated SARS has been evolving and so far there is no consensus on an optimal regimen. The mainstream therapeutic interventions for SARS involve broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care, as well as antiviral agents and immunomodulatory therapy. The Protein- Ligand interaction plays a significant role in structural based drug designing. In the present work we have taken the receptor Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and identified the drugs that are commonly used against SARS. They are Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Ribavirin, and Oseltamivir. The receptor Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) was docked with above said drugs and the energy value obtained are as follows, Lopinavir (-292.3), Ritonavir (-325.6), Oseltamivir (- 229.1), Ribavirin (-208.8). Depending on the least energy value we have chosen the best two drugs out of the four conventional drugs. We tried to improve the binding efficiency and steric compatibility of the two drugs namely Ritonavir and Lopinavir. Several modifications were made to the probable functional groups (phenylic, ketonic groups in case of Ritonavir and carboxylic groups in case of Lopinavir respectively) which were interacting with the receptor molecule. Analogs were prepared by Marvin Sketch software and were docked using HEX docking software. Lopinavir analog 8 and Ritonavir analog 11 were detected with significant energy values and are probable lead molecule. It infers that some of the modified drugs are better than the original drugs. Further work can be carried out to improve the steric compatibility of the drug based upon the work done above for a more energy efficient binding of the drugs to the receptor.
Abstract: In this work, position vector of a time-like dual curve
according to standard frame of D31
is investigated. First, it is proven
that position vector of a time-like dual curve satisfies a dual vector
differential equation of fourth order. The general solution of this dual
vector differential equation has not yet been found. Due to this, in
terms of special solutions, position vectors of some special time-like
dual curves with respect to standard frame of D31
are presented.
Abstract: A new reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with fluorescent detector (FLD) was developed and optimized for Norfloxacin determination in human plasma. Mobile phase specifications, extraction method and excitation and emission wavelengths were varied for optimization. HPLC system contained a reverse phase C18 (5 μm, 4.6 mm×150 mm) column with FLD operated at excitation 330 nm and emission 440 nm. The optimized mobile phase consisted of 14% acetonitrile in buffer solution. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 2g of citric acid, 2g sodium acetate and 1 ml of triethylamine in 1 L of Milli-Q water was run at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The standard curve was linear for the range tested (0.156–20 μg/mL) and the coefficient of determination was 0.9978. Aceclofenac sodium was used as internal standard. A detection limit of 0.078 μg/mL was achieved. Run time was set at 10 minutes because retention time of norfloxacin was 0.99 min. which shows the rapidness of this method of analysis. The present assay showed good accuracy, precision and sensitivity for Norfloxacin determination in human plasma with a new internal standard and can be applied pharmacokinetic evaluation of Norfloxacin tablets after oral administration in human.
Abstract: this paper presents an auto-regressive network called the Auto-Regressive Multi-Context Recurrent Neural Network (ARMCRN), which forecasts the daily peak load for two large power plant systems. The auto-regressive network is a combination of both recurrent and non-recurrent networks. Weather component variables are the key elements in forecasting because any change in these variables affects the demand of energy load. So the AR-MCRN is used to learn the relationship between past, previous, and future exogenous and endogenous variables. Experimental results show that using the change in weather components and the change that occurred in past load as inputs to the AR-MCRN, rather than the basic weather parameters and past load itself as inputs to the same network, produce higher accuracy of predicted load. Experimental results also show that using exogenous and endogenous variables as inputs is better than using only the exogenous variables as inputs to the network.
Abstract: The development of wireless communication technologies has changed our living style in global level. After the international success of mobile telephony standards, the location and time independent voice connection has become a default method in daily telecommunications. As for today, highly advanced multimedia messaging plays a key role in value added service handling. Along with evolving data services, the need for more complex applications can be seen, including the mobile usage of broadcast technologies. Here performance of a system design for terrestrial multimedia content is examined with emphasis on mobile reception. This review paper has accommodated the understanding of physical layer role and the flavour of terrestrial channel effects on the terrestrial multimedia transmission using OFDM keeping DVB-H as benchmark standard.
Abstract: This paper presents a cold flow simulation study of a small gas turbine combustor performed using laboratory scale test rig. The main objective of this investigation is to obtain physical insight of the main vortex, responsible for the efficient mixing of fuel and air. Such models are necessary for predictions and optimization of real gas turbine combustors. Air swirler can control the combustor performance by assisting in the fuel-air mixing process and by producing recirculation region which can act as flame holders and influences residence time. Thus, proper selection of a swirler is needed to enhance combustor performance and to reduce NOx emissions. Three different axial air swirlers were used based on their vane angles i.e., 30°, 45°, and 60°. Three-dimensional, viscous, turbulent, isothermal flow characteristics of the combustor model operating at room temperature were simulated via Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) code. The model geometry has been created using solid model, and the meshing has been done using GAMBIT preprocessing package. Finally, the solution and analysis were carried out in a FLUENT solver. This serves to demonstrate the capability of the code for design and analysis of real combustor. The effects of swirlers and mass flow rate were examined. Details of the complex flow structure such as vortices and recirculation zones were obtained by the simulation model. The computational model predicts a major recirculation zone in the central region immediately downstream of the fuel nozzle and a second recirculation zone in the upstream corner of the combustion chamber. It is also shown that swirler angles changes have significant effects on the combustor flowfield as well as pressure losses.
Abstract: Reducing energy consumption of embedded systems requires careful memory management. It has been shown that Scratch- Pad Memories (SPMs) are low size, low cost, efficient (i.e. energy saving) data structures directly managed at the software level. In this paper, the focus is on heuristic methods for SPMs management. A method is efficient if the number of accesses to SPM is as large as possible and if all available space (i.e. bits) is used. A Tabu Search (TS) approach for memory management is proposed which is, to the best of our knowledge, a new original alternative to the best known existing heuristic (BEH). In fact, experimentations performed on benchmarks show that the Tabu Search method is as efficient as BEH (in terms of energy consumption) but BEH requires a sorting which can be computationally expensive for a large amount of data. TS is easy to implement and since no sorting is necessary, unlike BEH, the corresponding sorting time is saved. In addition to that, in a dynamic perspective where the maximum capacity of the SPM is not known in advance, the TS heuristic will perform better than BEH.