Abstract: CTMA-bentonite and BTEA-Bentonite prepared by Na-bentonite cation exchanged with cetyltrimethylammonium(CTMA) and benzyltriethylammonium (BTEA). Products were characterized by XRD and IR techniques.The d001 spacing value of CTMA-bentonite and BTEA-bentonite are 7.54Å and 3.50Å larger than that of Na-bentonite at 100% cation exchange capacity, respectively. The IR spectrum showed that the intensities of OH stretching and bending vibrations of the two organoclays decreased greatly comparing to untreated Na-bentonite. Batch experiments were carried out at 303 K, 318 K and 333 K to obtain the sorption isotherms of Crystal violet onto the two organoclays. The results show that the sorption isothermal data could be well described by Freundlich model. The dynamical data for the two organoclays fit well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption capacity of CTMA-bentonite was found higher than that of BTEA-Bentonite. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in the free energy (ΔG°), the enthalpy (ΔH°) and the entropy (ΔS°) were also evaluated. The overall adsorption process of Crystal violet onto the two organoclays were spontaneous, endothermic physisorption. The CTMA-bentonite and BTEA-Bentonite could be employed as low-cost alternatives to activated carbon in wastewater treatment for the removal of color which comes from textile dyes.
Abstract: This paper presents a study of the Taguchi design
application to optimize surface quality in damper inserted end milling
operation. Maintaining good surface quality usually involves
additional manufacturing cost or loss of productivity. The Taguchi
design is an efficient and effective experimental method in which a
response variable can be optimized, given various factors, using
fewer resources than a factorial design. This Study included spindle
speed, feed rate, and depth of cut as control factors, usage of different
tools in the same specification, which introduced tool condition and
dimensional variability. An orthogonal array of L9(3^4)was used;
ANOVA analyses were carried out to identify the significant factors
affecting surface roughness, and the optimal cutting combination was
determined by seeking the best surface roughness (response) and
signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, confirmation tests verified that the
Taguchi design was successful in optimizing milling parameters for
surface roughness.
Abstract: Shadoo protein (Sho) was described in 2003 as the newest member of Prion protein superfamily [1]. Sho has similar structural motifs like prion protein (PrP) that is known for its central role in transmissible spongiform enchephalopathies. Although a great number of functions have been proposed, the exact physiological function of PrP is not known yet. Investigation of the function and localization of Sho may help us to understand the function of the Prion protein superfamily. Analyzing the subcellular localization of YFP-tagged forms of Sho, we detected the protein in the plasma membrane and in the nucleus of various cell lines. To reveal the localization of the endogenous protein we generated antibodies against Shadoo as well as employed commercially available anti-Shadoo antibodies: i) EG62 anti-mouse Shadoo antibody generated by Eurogentec Ltd.; ii) S-12 anti-human Shadoo antibody by Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.; iii) R-12 anti-mouse Shadoo antibody by Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.; iv) SPRN antibody against human Shadoo by Abgent Inc. We carried out immunocytochemistry on non-transfected HeLa, Zpl 2-1, Zw 3-5, GT1-1, GT1-7 and SHSY5Y cells as well as on YFP-Sho, Sho-YFP, and YFP-GPI transfected HeLa cells. Their specificity (in antibody-peptide competition assay) and co-localization (with the YFP signal) were assessed.
Abstract: Along with the advances in medicine, providing medical information to individual patient is becoming more important. In Japan such information via Braille is hardly provided to blind and partially sighted people. Thus we are researching and developing a Web-based automatic translation program “eBraille" to translate Japanese text into Japanese Braille. First we analyzed the Japanese transcription rules to implement them on our program. We then added medical words to the dictionary of the program to improve its translation accuracy for medical text. Finally we examined the efficacy of statistical learning models (SLMs) for further increase of word segmentation accuracy in braille translation. As a result, eBraille had the highest translation accuracy in the comparison with other translation programs, improved the accuracy for medical text and is utilized to make hospital brochures in braille for outpatients and inpatients.
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that there are arguments
regarding the reliability and validity of the Ashworth and Modified
Ashworth Scale towards evaluating patients diagnosed with upper
limb disorders. These evaluations depended on the raters’ experiences.
This initiated us to develop an upper limb disorder part-task trainer
that is able to simulate consistent upper limb disorders, such as
spasticity and rigidity signs, based on the Modified Ashworth Scale to
improve the variability occurring between raters and intra-raters
themselves. By providing consistent signs, novice therapists would be
able to increase training frequency and exposure towards various
levels of signs. A total of 22 physiotherapists and occupational
therapists participated in the study. The majority of the therapists
agreed that with current therapy education, they still face problems
with inter-raters and intra-raters variability (strongly agree 54%; n =
12/22, agree 27%; n = 6/22) in evaluating patients’ conditions. The
therapists strongly agreed (72%; n = 16/22) that therapy trainees
needed to increase their frequency of training; therefore believe that
our initiative to develop an upper limb disorder training tool will help
in improving the clinical education field (strongly agree and agree
63%; n = 14/22).
Abstract: This paper investigated the impact of ceiling height and window head heights variation on daylighting inside architectural teaching studio with a full width window. In architectural education, using the studio is more than normal classroom in most credit hours. Therefore, window position, size and dimension of studio have direct influence on level of daylighting. Daylighting design is a critical factor that improves student learning, concentration and behavior, in addition to these, it also reduces energy consumption. The methodology of analysis involves using Radiance in IES software under overcast and cloudy sky in Malaysia. It has been established that presentation of daylighting of architecture studio can be enhanced by changing the ceiling heights and window level, because, different ceiling heights and window head heights can contribute to different range of daylight levels.
Abstract: This research was to evaluate a technical feasibility of
making single-layer experimental particleboard panels from bamboo
waste (Dendrocalamus asper Backer) by converting bamboo into
strips, which are used to make laminated bamboo furniture. Variable
factors were density (600, 700 and 800 kg/m3) and temperature of
condition (25, 40 and 55 °C). The experimental panels were tested for
their physical and mechanical properties including modulus of
elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding
strength (IB), screw holding strength (SH) and thickness swelling
values according to the procedures defined by Japanese Industrial
Standard (JIS). The test result of mechanical properties showed that
the MOR, MOE and IB values were not in the set criteria, except the
MOR values at the density of 700 kg/m3 at 25 °C and at the density
of 800 kg/m3 at 25 and 40 °C, the IB values at the density of 600
kg/m3, at 40 °C, and at the density of 800 kg/m3 at 55 °C. The SH
values had the test result according to the set standard, except with
the density of 600 kg/m3, at 40 and 55 °C. Conclusively, a valuable
renewable biomass, bamboo waste could be used to manufacture
boards.
Abstract: IEEE has designed 802.11i protocol to address the
security issues in wireless local area networks. Formal analysis is
important to ensure that the protocols work properly without having
to resort to tedious testing and debugging which can only show the
presence of errors, never their absence. In this paper, we present
the formal verification of an abstract protocol model of 802.11i.
We translate the 802.11i protocol into the Strand Space Model and
then prove the authentication property of the resulting model using
the Strand Space formalism. The intruder in our model is imbued
with powerful capabilities and repercussions to possible attacks are
evaluated. Our analysis proves that the authentication of 802.11i is
not compromised in the presented model. We further demonstrate
how changes in our model will yield a successful man-in-the-middle
attack.
Abstract: Lately, an interest has grown greatly in the usages of
RFID in an un-presidential applications. It is shown in the adaptation
of major software companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle
the RFID capabilities in their major software products. For example
Microsoft SharePoints 2010 workflow is now fully compatible with
RFID platform. In addition, Microsoft BizTalk server is also capable
of all RFID sensors data acquisition. This will lead to applications
that required high bit rate, long range and a multimedia content in
nature. Higher frequencies of operation have been designated for
RFID tags, among them are the 2.45 and 5.8 GHz. The higher the
frequency means higher range, and higher bit rate, but the drawback
is the greater cost. In this paper we present a single layer, low
profile patch antenna operates at 5.8 GHz with pure resistive input
impedance of 50 and close to directive radiation. Also, we propose
a modification to the design in order to improve the operation band
width from 8.7 to 13.8
Abstract: Scalability poses a severe threat to the existing
DRAM technology. The capacitors that are used for storing and
sensing charge in DRAM are generally not scaled beyond 42nm.
This is because; the capacitors must be sufficiently large for reliable
sensing and charge storage mechanism. This leaves DRAM memory
scaling in jeopardy, as charge sensing and storage mechanisms
become extremely difficult. In this paper we provide an overview of
the potential and the possibilities of using Phase Change Memory
(PCM) as an alternative for the existing DRAM technology. The
main challenges that we encounter in using PCM are, the limited
endurance, high access latencies, and higher dynamic energy
consumption than that of the conventional DRAM. We then provide
an overview of various methods, which can be employed to
overcome these drawbacks. Hybrid memories involving both PCM
and DRAM can be used, to achieve good tradeoffs in access latency
and storage density. We conclude by presenting, the results of these
methods that makes PCM a potential replacement for the current
DRAM technology.
Abstract: This paper deals with wireless relay communication
systems in which multiple sources transmit information to the
destination node by the help of multiple relays. We consider a
signal forwarding technique based on the minimum mean-square
error (MMSE) approach with multiple antennas for each relay. A
source-relay-destination joint design strategy is proposed with power
constraints at the destination and the source nodes. Simulation results
confirm that the proposed joint design method improves the average
MSE performance compared with that of conventional MMSE relaying
schemes.
Abstract: The paper depicts air velocity values, reproduced by laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) and ultrasonic anemometer (UA), relations with calculated ones from flow rate measurements using the gas meter which calibration uncertainty is ± (0.15 – 0.30) %. Investigation had been performed in channel installed in aerodynamical facility used as a part of national standard of air velocity. Relations defined in a research let us confirm the LDA and UA for air velocity reproduction to be the most advantageous measures. The results affirm ultrasonic anemometer to be reliable and favourable instrument for measurement of mean velocity or control of velocity stability in the velocity range of 0.05 m/s – 10 (15) m/s when the LDA used. The main aim of this research is to investigate low velocity regularities, starting from 0.05 m/s, including region of turbulent, laminar and transitional air flows. Theoretical and experimental results and brief analysis of it are given in the paper. Maximum and mean velocity relations for transitional air flow having unique distribution are represented. Transitional flow having distinctive and different from laminar and turbulent flow characteristics experimentally have not yet been analysed.
Abstract: Hemorrhage Disease of Grass Carp (HDGC) is a kind
of commonly occurring illnesses in summer, and the extremely high
death rate result in colossal losses to aquaculture. As the complex
connections among each factor which influences aquiculture diseases,
there-s no quit reasonable mathematical model to solve the problem at
present.A BP neural network which with excellent nonlinear mapping
coherence was adopted to establish mathematical model;
Environmental factor, which can easily detected, such as breeding
density, water temperature, pH and light intensity was set as the main
analyzing object. 25 groups of experimental data were used for
training and test, and the accuracy of using the model to predict the
trend of HDGC was above 80%. It is demonstrated that BP neural
network for predicating diseases in HDGC has a particularly
objectivity and practicality, thus it can be spread to other aquiculture
disease.
Abstract: Due to the three- dimensional flow pattern interacting with bed material, the process of local scour around bridge piers is complex. Modeling 3D flow field and scour hole evolution around a bridge pier is more feasible nowadays because the computational cost and computational time have significantly decreased. In order to evaluate local flow and scouring around a bridge pier, a completely three-dimensional numerical model, SSIIM program, was used. The model solves 3-D Navier-Stokes equations and a bed load conservation equation. The model was applied to simulate local flow and scouring around a bridge pier in a large natural river with four piers. Computation for 1 day of flood condition was carried out to predict the maximum local scour depth. The results show that the SSIIM program can be used efficiently for simulating the scouring in natural rivers. The results also showed that among the various turbulence models, the k-ω model gives more reasonable results.
Abstract: This experiment was carried out to study the effect of
AMF, drought stress and phosphorus on physiological growth indices of basil at Iran using by a split-plot design with three replications.
The main-plot factor included: two levels of irrigation regimes (control=no drought stress and irrigation after 80 evaporation=
drought stress condition) while the sub-plot factors included
phosphorus (0, 35 and 70 kg/ha) and application and non-application of Glomus fasciculatum. The results showed that total dry matter
(TDM), life area index (LAI), relative growth rate (RGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) were all highly significantly different among the
phosphorus, whereas drought stress had effect of practical
significance on TDM, LAI, RGR and CGR. The results also showed that the highest TDM, LAI, RGR and CGR were obtained from
application of Glomus fasciculatum under no-drought condition.
Abstract: In this study, the effects of machining parameters on
specific energy during surface grinding of 6061Al-SiC35P
composites are investigated. Vol% of SiC, feed and depth of cut were
chosen as process variables. The power needed for the calculation of
the specific energy is measured from the two watt meter method.
Experiments are conducted using standard RSM design called Central
composite design (CCD). A second order response surface model was
developed for specific energy. The results identify the significant
influence factors to minimize the specific energy. The confirmation
results demonstrate the practicability and effectiveness of the
proposed approach.
Abstract: This study proposes a basic molecular formula for all
proteins. A total of 10,739 proteins belonging to 9 different protein
groups classified on the basis of their functions were selected
randomly. They included enzymes, storage proteins, hormones,
signalling proteins, structural proteins, transport proteins,
immunoglobulins or antibodies, motor proteins and receptor proteins.
After obtaining the protein molecular formula using the ProtParam
tool, the H/C, N/C, O/C, and S/C ratios were determined for each
randomly selected sample. In this case, H, N, O, and S coefficients
were specified per carbon atom. Surprisingly, the results
demonstrated that H, N, O, and S coefficients for all 10,739 proteins
are similar and highly correlated. This study demonstrates that
despite differences in the structure and function, all known proteins
have a similar basic molecular formula CnH1.58 ± 0.015nN0.28 ± 0.005nO0.30
± 0.007nS0.01 ± 0.002n. The total correlation between all coefficients was
found to be 0.9999.
Abstract: In modern agriculture, polymeric hydrogels are
known as a component able to hold an amount of water due to their
3-dimensional network structure and their tendency to absorb water
in humid environments. In addition, these hydrogels are able to
controllably release the fertilisers and pesticides loaded in them.
Therefore, they deliver these materials to the plants' roots and help
them with growing. These hydrogels also reduce the pollution of
underground water sources by preventing the active components
from leaching. In this study, sIPN acrylamide based hydrogels are
synthesised by using acrylamide free radical, potassium acrylate, and
linear polyvinyl alcohol. Ammonium nitrate is loaded in the hydrogel
as the fertiliser. The effect of various amounts of monomers and
linear polymer, measured in molar ratio, on the swelling rate,
equilibrium swelling, and release of ammonium nitrate is studied.
Abstract: In the present article, a new method has been developed to enhance the application of equipment monitoring, which in turn results in improving condition-based maintenance economic impact in an automobile parts manufacturing factory. This study also describes how an effective software with a simple database can be utilized to achieve cost-effective improvements in maintenance performance. The most important results of this project are indicated here: 1. 63% reduction in direct and indirect maintenance costs. 2. Creating a proper database to analyse failures. 3. Creating a method to control system performance and develop it to similar systems. 4. Designing a software to analyse database and consequently create technical knowledge to face unusual condition of the system. Moreover, the results of this study have shown that the concept and philosophy of maintenance has not been understood in most Iranian industries. Thus, more investment is strongly required to improve maintenance conditions.
Abstract: This paper presents the solution of power economic dispatch (PED) problem of generating units with valve point effects and multiple fuel options using Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution (SDE) algorithm. The global optimal solution by mathematical approaches becomes difficult for the realistic PED problem in power systems. The Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is found to be a powerful evolutionary algorithm for global optimization in many real problems. In this paper the key parameters of control in DE algorithm such as the crossover constant CR and weight applied to random differential F are self-adapted. The PED problem formulation takes into consideration of nonsmooth fuel cost function due to valve point effects and multi fuel options of generator. The proposed approach has been examined and tested with the numerical results of PED problems with thirteen-generation units including valve-point effects, ten-generation units with multiple fuel options neglecting valve-point effects and ten-generation units including valve-point effects and multiple fuel options. The test results are promising and show the effectiveness of proposed approach for solving PED problems.