Abstract: Bamboo is extensively used in construction industry.
Low durability of bamboo due to fungus infestation and termites
attack under storage puts certain constrains for it usage as modern
structural material. Looking at many chemical formulations for
bamboo treatment leading to severe harmful environment effects,
research on eco-friendly preservatives for bamboo treatment has been
initiated world-over. In the present studies, eco-friendly preservative
for bamboo treatment has been developed. To validate its application
for structural purposes, investigation of effect of treatment on
compressive strength has been investigated. Neemoil (25%)
integrated with copper naphthenate (0.3%) on dilution with kerosene
oil impregnated into bamboo culm at 2 bar pressure, has shown
weight loss of only 3.15% in soil block analysis method. The results
from compressive strength analysis using HEICO Automatic
Compression Testing Machine reveal that preservative treatment has
not altered the structural properties of bamboo culms. Compressive
strength of control (11.72 N/mm2) and above treated samples (11.71
N/mm2) was found to be comparable.
Abstract: Several of the practical industrial control processes are
multivariable processes. Due to the relation amid the variables
(interaction), delay in the loops, it is very intricate to design a
controller directly for these processes. So first, the interaction of the
variables is analyzed using Relative Normalized Gain Array
(RNGA), which considers the time constant, static gain and delay
time of the processes. Based on the effect of RNGA, relative gain
array (RGA) and NI, the pair (control configuration) of variables to
be controlled by decentralized control is selected. The equivalent
transfer function (ETF) of the process model is estimated as first
order process with delay using the corresponding elements in the
Relative gain array and Relative average residence time array
(RARTA) of the processes. Secondly, a decentralized Proportional-
Integral (PI) controller is designed for each ETF simply using
frequency response specifications. Finally, the performance and
robustness of the algorithm is comparing with existing related
approaches to validate the effectiveness of the projected algorithm.
Abstract: This study presents an attempt to evaluate the
antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract,
and essential oils prepared from the leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis
L.). The content of polyphenol in the methanolic extracts from the
leaves of Salvia officinalis was determined spectrophotometrically,
calculated as gallic acid and catechin equivalent. The essential oils
and methanol extract were also subjected to screenings for the
evaluation of their antioxidant activities using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. While the plant essential oils showed
only weak antioxidant activities, its methanol extract was
considerably active in DPPH (IC50 = 37.29 μg/ml) test. Appreciable
total polyphenol content (31.25 mg/g) was also detected for the plant
methanol extract as gallic acid equivalent in the Folin–Ciocalteu test.
The plant was also screened for its antimicrobial activity and good to
moderate inhibitions were recorded for its essential oils, and
methanol extracts against most of the tested microorganisms.
The present investigation revealed that this plant had rich source
of antioxidant properties. It is for this reason that sage has found
increasing application in food formulations.
Abstract: The study is devoted to define the optimal conditions
for the nitriding of pure iron at atmospheric pressure by using NH3-
Ar-C3H8 gas mixtures. After studying the mechanisms of phase
formation and mass transfer at the gas-solid interface, a mathematical
model is developed in order to predict the nitrogen transfer rate in the
solid, the ε-carbonitride layer growth rate and the nitrogen and
carbon concentration profiles. In order to validate the model and to
show its possibilities, it is compared with thermogravimetric
experiments, analyses and metallurgical observations (X-ray
diffraction, optical microscopy and electron microprobe analysis).
Results obtained allow us to demonstrate the sound correlation
between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions.
Abstract: Many of the ever-growing elderly population require
exercise, such as running, for health management. One important
element of a runner’s training is the choice of shoes for exercise; shoes
are important because they provide the interface between the feet and
road. When we purchase shoes, we may instinctively choose a pair
after trying on many different pairs of shoes. Selecting the shoes
instinctively may work, but it does not guarantee a suitable fit for
running activities. Therefore, if we could select suitable shoes for each
runner from the viewpoint of brain activities, it would be helpful for
validating shoe selection. In this paper, we describe how brain
activities show different characteristics during particular task,
corresponding to different properties of shoes. Using five subjects, we
performed a verification experiment, applying weight, softness, and
flexibility as shoe properties. In order to affect the shoe property’s
differences to the brain, subjects run for 10 min. Before and after
running, subjects conducted a paced auditory serial addition task
(PASAT) as the particular task; and the subjects’ brain activities
during the PASAT are evaluated based on oxyhemoglobin and
deoxyhemoglobin relative concentration changes, measured by
near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). When the brain works actively,
oxihemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration drastically
changes; therefore, we calculate the maximum values of concentration
changes. In order to normalize relative concentration changes after
running, the maximum value are divided by before running maximum
value as evaluation parameters. The classification of the groups of
shoes is expressed on a self-organizing map (SOM). As a result,
deoxyhemoglobin can make clusters for two of the three types of
shoes.
Abstract: Brown seaweeds are abundant in Portuguese coastline
and represent an almost unexploited marine economic resource. One
of the most common species, easily available for harvesting in the
northwest coast, is Saccorhiza polyschides grows in the lowest shore
and costal rocky reefs. It is almost exclusively used by local farmers
as natural fertilizer, but contains a substantial amount of valuable
compounds, particularly alginates, natural biopolymers of high
interest for many industrial applications.
Alginates are natural polysaccharides present in cell walls of
brown seaweed, highly biocompatible, with particular properties that
make them of high interest for the food, biotechnology, cosmetics
and pharmaceutical industries. Conventional extraction processes are
based on thermal treatment. They are lengthy and consume high
amounts of energy and solvents. In recent years, microwave-assisted
extraction (MAE) has shown enormous potential to overcome major
drawbacks that outcome from conventional plant material extraction
(thermal and/or solvent based) techniques, being also successfully
applied to the extraction of agar, fucoidans and alginates. In the
present study, acid pretreatment of brown seaweed Saccorhiza
polyschides for subsequent microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of
alginate was optimized. Seaweeds were collected in Northwest
Portuguese coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean between May and
August, 2014. Experimental design was used to assess the effect of
temperature and acid pretreatment time in alginate extraction.
Response surface methodology allowed the determination of the
optimum MAE conditions: 40 mL of HCl 0.1 M per g of dried
seaweed with constant stirring at 20ºC during 14h. Optimal acid
pretreatment conditions have enhanced significantly MAE of
alginates from Saccorhiza polyschides, thus contributing for the
development of a viable, more environmental friendly alternative to
conventional processes.
Abstract: PVC foam-fly ash composites (PVC-FA) are
characterized for their structural, morphological, mechanical and
thermal properties. The tensile strength of the composites increased
modestly with higher fly ash loading, while there was a significant
increase in the elastic modulus for the same composites. On the other
hand, a decrease in elongation at UTS was observed upon increasing
fly ash content due to increased rigidity of the composites. Similarly,
the flexural modulus increased as the fly ash loading increased,
where the composites containing 25 phr fly ash showed the highest
flexural strength. Thermal properties of PVC-fly ash composites were
determined by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The
microstructural properties were studied by Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM). SEM results confirm that fly ash particles were
mechanically interlocked in PVC matrix with good interfacial
interaction with the matrix. Particle agglomeration and debonding
was observed in samples containing higher amounts of fly ash.
Abstract: Two types of glass fibers having different lengths
(1/16" and 1/32") were added into rigid PVC foams to enhance the
dimensional stability of extruded rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
foam at different concentrations (0-20 phr) using a single screw
profile extruder. PVC foam-glass fiber composites (PVC-GF) were
characterized for their dimensional stability, structural, thermal, and
mechanical properties. Experimental results show that the
dimensional stability, heat resistance, and storage modulus were
enhanced without compromising the tensile and flexural strengths of
the composites. Overall, foam composites which were prepared with
longer glass fibers exhibit better mechanical and thermal properties
than those prepared with shorter glass fibers due to higher
interlocking between the fibers and the foam cells, which result in
better load distribution in the matrix.
Abstract: This paper discusses the role of music as a ludic
activity and constituent element of voice in the construction and
consolidation of the relationship of the baby and his/her mother or
caretaker, evaluating its implications in his/her psychic structure and
constitution as a subject. The work was based on the research
developed as part of the author’s doctoral activities carried out from
her insertion in a project of the Music Department of Federal
University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, which objective was the
development of musical activities with groups of babies from 0 to 24
months old and their caretakers. Observations, video recordings of
the meetings, audio testemonies, and evaluation tools applied to
group participants were used as instruments for this research.
Information was collected on the participation of 195 babies, among
which 8 were more focused on through interviews with their mothers
or caretakers. These interviews were analyzed based on the
referential of French Discourse Analysis, Psychoanalysis, Psychology
of Development and Musical Education. The results of the research
were complemented by other posterior experiences that the author
developed with similar groups, in a context of a private clinic. The
information collected allowed the observation of the ludic and
structural functions of musical activities, when developed in a
structured environment, as well as the importance of the musicality of
the mother’s voice to the psychical structuring of the baby, allowing
his/her insertion in the language and his/her constitution as a subject.
Abstract: In this paper, the formulation of a new group explicit
method with a fourth order accuracy is described in solving the two
dimensional Helmholtz equation. The formulation is based on the
nine-point fourth order compact finite difference approximation
formula. The complexity analysis of the developed scheme is also
presented. Several numerical experiments were conducted to test the
feasibility of the developed scheme. Comparisons with other existing
schemes will be reported and discussed. Preliminary results indicate
that this method is a viable alternative high accuracy solver to the
Helmholtz equation.
Abstract: This paper presents the hardware implemented and
validation for a special system to assist the unprofessional users of
car with back trailers. The system consists of two platforms; the front
car platform (C) and the trailer platform (T). The main objective is to
control the Trailer platform using the actuators found in the front
platform (c). The mobility of the platform (C) is investigated and
inverse and forward kinematics model is obtained for both platforms
(C) and (T).The system is simulated using Matlab M-file and the
simulation examples results illustrated the system performance. The
system is constructed with a hardware setup for the front and trailer
platform. The hardware experimental results and the simulated
examples outputs showed the validation of the hardware setup.
Abstract: Vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is a promising thermal
insulator for buildings, refrigerator, LNG carrier and so on. In general,
it has the thermal conductivity of 2~4 mW/m·K. However, this thermal
conductivity is that measured at the center of VIP. The total effective
thermal conductivity of VIP is larger than this value due to the edge
conduction through the envelope. In this paper, the edge conduction of
VIP is examined theoretically, numerically and experimentally. To
confirm the existence of the edge conduction, numerical analysis is
performed for simple two-dimensional VIP model and a theoretical
model is proposed to calculate the edge conductivity. Also, the edge
conductivity is measured using the vacuum guarded hot plate and the
experiment is validated against numerical analysis. The results show
that the edge conductivity is dependent on the width of panel and
thickness of Al-foil. To reduce the edge conduction, it is recommended
that the VIP should be made as big as possible or made of thin Al film
envelope.
Abstract: Comprehensive numerical studies have been carried
out to examine the best aerodynamic performance of subsonic aircraft
at different winglet cant angles using a validated 3D k-ω SST model.
In the parametric analytical studies NACA series of airfoils are
selected. Basic design of the winglet is selected from the literature
and flow features of the entire wing including the winglet tip effects
have been examined with different cant angles varying from 150 to
600 at different angles of attack up to 140. We have observed, among
the cases considered in this study that a case, with 150 cant angle the
aerodynamics performance of the subsonic aircraft during takeoff
was found better up to an angle of attack of 2.80 and further its
performance got diminished at higher angles of attack. Analyses
further revealed that increasing the winglet cant angle from 150 to 600
at higher angles of attack could negate the performance deterioration
and additionally it could enhance the peak CL/CD on the order of
3.5%. The investigated concept of variable-cant-angle winglets
appears to be a promising alternative for improving the aerodynamic
efficiency of aircraft.
Abstract: In this work, a polyaniline/Iron oxide (PANI/Fe2O3)
composite was chemically prepared by oxidative polymerization of
aniline in acid medium, in presence of ammonium persulphate as an
oxidant and amount of Fe2O3. The composite was characterized by a
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared composite has
been used as adsorbent to remove Tartrazine dye form aqueous
solutions.
The effects of initial dye concentration and temperature on the
adsorption capacity of PANI/Fe2O3 for Tartrazine dye have been
studied in this paper.
The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models have been used
for the mathematical description of adsorption equilibrium data. The
best fit is obtained using the Freundlich isotherm with an R2 value of
0.998. The change of Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy of
adsorption has been also evaluated for the adsorption of Tartrazine
onto PANI/ Fe2O3. It has been proved according the results that the
adsorption process is endothermic in nature.
Abstract: Maturity models, used descriptively to explain
changes in reality or normatively to guide managers to make
interventions to make organizations more effective and efficient, are
based on the principles of statistical quality control and PDCA
continuous improvement (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Some frameworks
developed over the concept of maturity models include COBIT,
CMM, and ITIL.
This paper presents some limitations of traditional maturity
models, most of them related to the mechanistic and reductionist
principles over which those models are built. As systems theory helps
the understanding of the dynamics of organizations and
organizational change, the development of a systemic maturity model
can help to overcome some of those limitations.
This document proposes a systemic maturity model, based on a
systemic conceptualization of organizations, focused on the study of
the functioning of the parties, the relationships among them, and their
behavior as a whole. The concept of maturity from the system theory
perspective is conceptually defined as an emergent property of the
organization, which arises as a result of the degree of alignment and
integration of their processes. This concept is operationalized through
a systemic function that measures the maturity of organizations, and
finally validated by the measuring of maturity in some organizations.
For its operationalization and validation, the model was applied to
measure the maturity of organizational Governance, Risk and
Compliance (GRC) processes.
Abstract: There are a variety of reference current identification
methods, for the shunt active power filter (SAPF), such as the
instantaneous active and reactive power, the instantaneous active and
reactive current and the synchronous detection method are evaluated
and compared under ideal, non sinusoidal and unbalanced voltage
conditions. The SAPF performances, for the investigated
identification methods, are tested for a non linear load. The
simulation results, using Matlab Power System Blockset Toolbox
from a complete structure, are presented and discussed.
Abstract: The purpose of this work is examining the multiproduct
multi-stage in a battery production line. To improve the
performances of an assembly production line by determine the
efficiency of each workstation. Data collected from every
workstation. The data are throughput rate, number of operator, and
number of parts that arrive and leaves during part processing. Data
for the number of parts that arrives and leaves are collected at least at
the amount of ten samples to make the data is possible to be analyzed
by Chi-Squared Goodness Test and queuing theory. Measures of this
model served as the comparison with the standard data available in
the company. Validation of the task time value resulted by comparing
it with the task time value based on the company database. Some
performance factors for the multi-product multi-stage in a battery
production line in this work are shown.
The efficiency in each workstation was also shown. Total
production time to produce each part can be determined by adding
the total task time in each workstation. To reduce the queuing time
and increase the efficiency based on the analysis any probably
improvement should be done. One probably action is by increasing
the number of operators how manually operate this workstation.
Abstract: Many studies have revealed the fact of the complexity
of ontology building process. Therefore there is a need for a new
approach which one of that addresses the socio-technical aspects in the
collaboration to reach a consensus. Meta-design approach is
considered applicable as a method in the methodological model of
socio-technical ontology engineering. Principles in the meta-design
framework are applied in the construction phases of the ontology. A
web portal is developed to support the meta-design principles
requirements. To validate the methodological model semantic web
applications were developed and integrated in the portal and also used
as a way to show the usefulness of the ontology. The knowledge based
system will be filled with data of Indonesian medicinal plants. By
showing the usefulness of the developed ontology in a semantic web
application, we motivate all stakeholders to participate in the
development of knowledge based system of medicinal plants in
Indonesia.
Abstract: To elucidate the material characteristics of single
crystals of pure aluminum and copper, the respective relations between
crystallographic orientations and microstructures were examined,
along with bending and mechanical properties. The texture
distribution was also analysed. Bending tests were performed in a
SEM apparatus while its behaviors were observed. Some analytical
results related to crystal direction maps, inverse pole figures, and
textures were obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
analyses.
Abstract: The efficiency of wood vinegar mixed with each
individual of three plants extract such as: citronella grass
(Cymbopogon nardus), neem seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), and
yam bean seed (Pachyrhizus erosus Urb.) were tested against the
second instar larvae of housefly (Musca domestica L.). Steam
distillation was used for extraction of the citronella grass while neem
and yam bean were simple extracted by fermentation with ethyl
alcohol. Toxicity test was evaluated in laboratory based on two
methods of larvicidal bioassay: topical application method (contact
poison) and feeding method (stomach poison). Larval mortality was
observed daily and larval survivability was recorded until the
survived larvae developed to pupae and adults. The study resulted
that treatment of wood vinegar mixed with citronella grass showed
the highest larval mortality by topical application method (50.0%)
and by feeding method (80.0%). However, treatment of mixed wood
vinegar and neem seed showed the longest pupal duration to 25 day
and 32 days for topical application method and feeding method
respectively. Additional, larval duration on treated M. domestica
larvae was extended to 13 days for topical application method and 11
days for feeding method. Thus, the feeding method gave higher
efficiency compared with the topical application method.