Abstract: In this study was monitored the population of the
European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the area
of Narta Lagoon, Vlora Bay (Albania), from August to October 2014.
A total of 54 individuals of E. orbicularis were studied using
different methodologies. Curved Carapace Length (CCL), Plastron
Length (PL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured for
each individual of E. orbicularis and were statistically analyzed. All
captured turtles were separated in seven different size – classes based
on their carapace length (CCL). Each individual of E. orbicularis was
marked by notching the carapace (marginal scutes). Form all
individuals captured resulted that 37 were females (68.5%), 14 males
(25.9%), 3 juveniles (5.5%), while 18 individuals of E. orbicularis
were recaptured for the first and some for the second time.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to forecast the influences
of information and communication technology (ICT) on the structural
changes of Japanese economies. In this study, input-output (IO) and
statistical approaches are used as analysis instruments. More
specifically, this study employs Leontief IO coefficients and
constrained multivariate regression (CMR) model in order to achieve
the purpose. The periods of initial and forecast in this study are 2005
and 2015, respectively. In this study, ICT is represented by ICT capital
stocks. This study conducts two levels of analysis, namely macro and
micro. The results of macro level analysis show that the dynamics of
Japanese economies on the forecast period, relative to the initial period,
are not so high. We focus on (1) commerce, (2) business services and
office supplies, and (3) personal services sectors when conducting the
analysis of the micro level. Further, we analyze its specific IO
coefficients when doing this analysis. The results of the analysis
explain that ICT gives a strong influence on the changes of these
coefficients from initial to forecast periods.
Abstract: Polysulfone (PSU) is a specialty engineering polymer
having various industrial applications. PSU is especially used in
waste water treatment membranes due to its good mechanical
properties, structural and chemical stability. But it is a hydrophobic
material and therefore its surface aim to pollute easily. In order to
resolve this problem and extend the properties of membrane, PSU
surface is rendered hydrophilic by addition of the sepiolite
nanofibers. Sepiolite is one of the natural clays, which is a hydrate
magnesium silicate fiber, also one of the well known layered clays of
the montmorillonites where has several unique channels and pores
within. It has also moisture durability, strength and low price.
Sepiolite channels give great capacity of absorption and good surface
properties. In this study, nanocomposites of commercial PSU and
Sepiolite were prepared by solvent mixing method. Different organic
solvents and their mixtures were used. Rheological characteristics of
PSU-Sepiolite solvent mixtures were analyzed, the solubility of
nanocomposite content in those mixtures were studied.
Abstract: This work presents synthesis of α,ω-dithienyl
terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGTh) capable for further chain
extension by either chemical or electrochemical polymeriztion.
PEGTh was characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR. Further
copolymerization of PEGTh and pyrrole (Py) was performed by
chemical oxidative polymerization using ceric (IV) salt as an oxidant
(PPy-PEGTh). PEG without end group modification was used
directly to prepare copolymers with Py by Ce (IV) salt (PPy-PEG).
Block copolymers with mole ratio of pyrrole to PEGTh (PEG) 50:1
and 10:1 were synthesized. The electrical conductivities of
copolymers PPy-PEGTh and PPy-PEG were determined by four
point probe technique. Influence of the synthetic route and content of
the insulating segment on conductivity and yield of the copolymers
were investigated.
Abstract: Different tools and technologies were implemented
for Crisis Response and Management (CRM) which is generally
using available network infrastructure for information exchange.
Depending on type of disaster or crisis, network infrastructure could
be affected and it could not be able to provide reliable connectivity.
Thus any tool or technology that depends on the connectivity could
not be able to fulfill its functionalities. As a solution, a new message
exchange framework has been developed. Framework provides
offline/online information exchange platform for CRM Information
Systems (CRMIS) and it uses XML compression and packet
prioritization algorithms and is based on open source web
technologies. By introducing offline capabilities to the web
technologies, framework will be able to perform message exchange
on unreliable networks. The experiments done on the simulation
environment provide promising results on low bandwidth networks
(56kbps and 28.8 kbps) with up to 50% packet loss and the solution is
to successfully transfer all the information on these low quality
networks where the traditional 2 and 3 tier applications failed.
Abstract: Vegetation affects the mean and turbulent flow
structure. It may increase flood risks and sediment transport.
Therefore, it is important to develop analytical approaches for the bed
shear stress on vegetated bed, to predict resistance caused by
vegetation. In the recent years, experimental and numerical models
have both been developed to model the effects of submerged
vegetation on open-channel flow. In this paper, different analytic
models are compared and tested using the criteria of deviation, to
explore their capacity for predicting the mean velocity and select the
suitable one that will be applied in real case of rivers. The
comparison between the measured data in vegetated flume and
simulated mean velocities indicated, a good performance, in the case
of rigid vegetation, whereas, Huthoff model shows the best
agreement with a high coefficient of determination (R2=80%) and the
smallest error in the prediction of the average velocities.
Abstract: The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) has been
acknowledged as an important parameter to characterize the bearing
capacity of earth structures, such as earth dams, road embankments,
airport runways, bridge abutments and pavements. Technically, the
CBR test can be carried out in the laboratory or in the field. The CBR
test is time-consuming and is infrequently performed due to the
equipment needed and the fact that the field moisture content keeps
changing over time. Over the years, many correlations have been
developed for the prediction of CBR by various researchers,
including the dynamic cone penetrometer, undrained shear strength
and Clegg impact hammer. This paper reports and discusses some of
the results from a study on the prediction of CBR. In the current
study, the CBR test was performed in the laboratory on some finegrained
subgrade soils collected from various locations in Victoria.
Based on the test results, a satisfactory empirical correlation was
found between the CBR and the physical properties of the
experimental soils.
Abstract: Vancron 40, a nitrided powder metallurgical tool
Steel, is used in cold work applications where the predominant failure
mechanisms are adhesive wear or galling. Typical applications of
Vancron 40 are among others fine blanking, cold extrusion, deep
drawing and cold work rolls for cluster mills. Vancron 40 positive
results for cold work rolls for cluster mills and as a tool for some
severe metal forming process makes it competitive compared to other
type of work rolls that require higher precision, among others in cold
rolling of thin stainless steel, which required high surface finish
quality. In this project, three roll materials for cold rolling of stainless
steel strip was examined, Vancron 40, Narva 12B (a high-carbon,
high-chromium tool steel alloyed with tungsten) and Supra 3 (a
Chromium-molybdenum tungsten-vanadium alloyed high speed
steel). The purpose of this project was to study the depth profiles of
the ironed stainless steel strips, emergence of galling and to study the
lubrication performance used by steel industries. Laboratory
experiments were conducted to examine scratch of the strip, galling
and surface roughness of the roll materials under severe tribological
conditions. The critical sliding length for onset of galling was
estimated for stainless steel with four different lubricants. Laboratory
experiments result of performance evaluation of resistance capability
of rolls toward adhesive wear under severe conditions for low and
high reductions. Vancron 40 in combination with cold rolling
lubricant gave good surface quality, prevents galling of
metal surfaces and good bearing capacity.
Abstract: Many issues about the relationship between auditors in
auditing practices with its stakeholders often heard. It appears in
perspectives of bringing out the variety of phenomena affecting from
the audit practice of greed and not appreciating from the
independency of the audit profession and professional code of ethics.
It becomes a logical consequence in practicing of capitalism in
accounting. The main purpose of this article would like to uncover
the existing auditing practices in Indonesia, especially in Java that
associated with a strong influence of Javanese culture with reluctant
/”shy", politely, "legowo (gratefully accepted)", "ngemong"
(friendly), "not mentholo" (lenient), "tepo seliro" (tolerance),
"ngajeni" (respectful), "acquiescent" and also reveals its relationships
with Non Javanese culture in facing the conflict of interest in
practical of auditing world. The method used by interpretive
approach that emphasizes the role of language, interpret and
understand and see social reality as something other than a label,
name or concept. Global practices in auditing of each country have
particular cultures that affect the standard set by those regulatory
standards results the adaptation of IAS. The majority of parties in
Indonesia is dominated by Javanese racial regulators, so Java culture
is embedded in every audit practices and those conditions in Java
leads auditors in having similar behaviour, sometimes interfere with
standard Java code of conduct must be executed by an auditor.
Auditors who live in Java have the characters of Javanese culture that
is hard to avoid in the audit practice. However, practically, the
auditors still are relevant in their profession.
Abstract: Building loss estimation methodologies which have
been advanced considerably in recent decades are usually used to
estimate socio and economic impacts resulting from seismic structural
damage. In accordance with these methods, this paper presents the
evaluation of an annual loss probability of a reinforced concrete
moment resisting frame designed according to Korean Building Code.
The annual loss probability is defined by (1) a fragility curve obtained
from a capacity spectrum method which is similar to a method adopted
from HAZUS, and (2) a seismic hazard curve derived from annual
frequencies of exceedance per peak ground acceleration. Seismic
fragilities are computed to calculate the annual loss probability of a
certain structure using functions depending on structural capacity,
seismic demand, structural response and the probability of exceeding
damage state thresholds. This study carried out a nonlinear static
analysis to obtain the capacity of a RC moment resisting frame
selected as a prototype building. The analysis results show that the
probability of being extensive structural damage in the prototype
building is expected to 0.01% in a year.
Abstract: Bacterial strains capable of degradation of malathion
from the domestic sewage were isolated by an enrichment culture
technique. Three bacterial strains were screened and identified as
Acinetobacter baumannii (AFA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS1),
and Pseudomonas mendocina (PS2) based on morphological,
biochemical identification and 16S rRNA sequence analysis.
Acinetobacter baumannii AFA was the most efficient malathion
degrading bacterium, so used for further biodegradation study. AFA
was able to grow in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with
malathion (100 mg/l) as a sole carbon source, and within 14 days,
84% of the initial dose was degraded by the isolate measured by high
performance liquid chromatography. Strain AFA could also degrade
other organophosphorus compounds including diazinon, chlorpyrifos
and fenitrothion. The effect of different culture conditions on the
degradation of malathion like inoculum density, other carbon or
nitrogen sources, temperature and shaking were examined.
Degradation of malathion and bacterial cell growth were accelerated
when culture media were supplemented with yeast extract, glucose
and citrate. The optimum conditions for malathion degradation by
strain AFA were; an inoculum density of 1.5x 10^12CFU/ml at 30°C
with shaking. A specific polymerase chain reaction primers were
designed manually using multiple sequence alignment of the
corresponding carboxylesterase enzymes of Acinetobacter species.
Sequencing result of amplified PCR product and phylogenetic
analysis showed low degree of homology with the other
carboxylesterase enzymes of Acinetobacter strains, so we suggested
that this enzyme is a novel esterase enzyme. Isolated bacterial strains
may have potential role for use in bioremediation of malathion
contaminated.
Abstract: A model reference adaptive control and a fixed gain
LQR control were implemented in the height controller of a quadrotor
that has parametric uncertainties due to the act of picking up an
object of unknown dimension and mass. It is shown that an adaptive
controller, unlike the fixed gain controller, is capable of ensuring a
stable tracking performance under such condition, although adaptive
control suffers from several limitations. The combination of both
adaptive and fixed gain control in the controller architecture can
result in an enhanced tracking performance in the presence parametric
uncertainties.
Abstract: This paper presents an evolutionary algorithm for
solving multi-objective optimization problems-based artificial neural
network (ANN). The multi-objective evolutionary algorithm used in
this study is genetic algorithm while ANN used is radial basis
function network (RBFN). The proposed algorithm named memetic
elitist Pareto non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-based RBFN
(MEPGAN). The proposed algorithm is implemented on medical
diseases problems. The experimental results indicate that the
proposed algorithm is viable, and provides an effective means to
design multi-objective RBFNs with good generalization capability
and compact network structure. This study shows that MEPGAN
generates RBFNs coming with an appropriate balance between
accuracy and simplicity, comparing to the other algorithms found in
literature.
Abstract: At certain depths during large diameter displacement
pile driving, rebound well over 0.25 inches was experienced,
followed by a small permanent-set during each hammer blow. High
pile rebound (HPR) soils may stop the pile driving and results in a
limited pile capacity. In some cases, rebound leads to pile damage,
delaying the construction project, and the requiring foundations
redesign. HPR was evaluated at seven Florida sites, during driving of
square precast, prestressed concrete piles driven into saturated, fine
silty to clayey sands and sandy clays. Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA)
deflection versus time data recorded during installation, was used to
develop correlations between cone penetrometer (CPT) pore-water
pressures, pile displacements and rebound. At five sites where piles
experienced excessive HPR with minimal set, the pore pressure
yielded very high positive values of greater than 20 tsf. However, at
the site where the pile rebounded, followed by an acceptable
permanent-set, the measured pore pressure ranged between 5 and 20
tsf. The pore pressure exhibited values of less than 5 tsf at the site
where no rebound was noticed. In summary, direct correlations
between CPTu pore pressure and rebound were produced, allowing
identification of soils that produce HPR.
Abstract: Text mining techniques are generally applied for
classifying the text, finding fuzzy relations and structures in data
sets. This research provides plenty text mining capabilities. One
common application is text classification and event extraction,
which encompass deducing specific knowledge concerning incidents
referred to in texts. The main contribution of this paper is the
clarification of a concept graph generation mechanism, which is based
on a text classification and optimal fuzzy relationship extraction.
Furthermore, the work presented in this paper explains the application
of fuzzy relationship extraction and branch and bound (BB) method
to simplify the texts.
Abstract: In and around Erode District, it is estimated that more
than 1250 chemical and allied textile processing fabric industries are
affected, partially closed and shut off for various reasons such as poor
management, poor supplier performance, lack of planning for
productivity, fluctuation of output, poor investment, waste analysis,
labor problems, capital/labor ratio, accumulation of stocks, poor
maintenance of resources, deficiencies in the quality of fabric, low
capacity utilization, age of plant and equipment, high investment and
input but low throughput, poor research and development, lack of
energy, workers’ fear of loss of jobs, work force mix and work ethic.
The main objective of this work is to analyze the existing conditions
in textile fabric sector, validate the break even of Total Productivity
(TP), analyze, design and implement fuzzy sets and mathematical
programming for improvement of productivity and quality
dimensions in the fabric processing industry. It needs to be
compatible with the reality of textile and fabric processing industries.
The highly risk events from productivity and quality dimension were
found by fuzzy systems and results are wrapped up among the textile
fabric processing industry.
Abstract: Motion Tracking and Stereo Vision are complicated,
albeit well-understood problems in computer vision. Existing
softwares that combine the two approaches to perform stereo motion
tracking typically employ complicated and computationally expensive
procedures. The purpose of this study is to create a simple and
effective solution capable of combining the two approaches. The
study aims to explore a strategy to combine the two techniques
of two-dimensional motion tracking using Kalman Filter; and depth
detection of object using Stereo Vision. In conventional approaches
objects in the scene of interest are observed using a single camera.
However for Stereo Motion Tracking; the scene of interest is
observed using video feeds from two calibrated cameras. Using two
simultaneous measurements from the two cameras a calculation for
the depth of the object from the plane containing the cameras is made.
The approach attempts to capture the entire three-dimensional spatial
information of each object at the scene and represent it through a
software estimator object. In discrete intervals, the estimator tracks
object motion in the plane parallel to plane containing cameras and
updates the perpendicular distance value of the object from the plane
containing the cameras as depth. The ability to efficiently track
the motion of objects in three-dimensional space using a simplified
approach could prove to be an indispensable tool in a variety of
surveillance scenarios. The approach may find application from high
security surveillance scenes such as premises of bank vaults, prisons
or other detention facilities; to low cost applications in supermarkets
and car parking lots.
Abstract: Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) of
commercial Al-Mg-Si alloy was conducted using two strain rates.
The ECAP processing was conducted at room temperature and at
250°C. Route A was adopted up to a total number of four passes in
the present work. Structural evolution of the aluminum alloy discs
was investigated before and after ECAP processing using optical
microscopy (OM). Following ECAP, simple compression tests and
Vicker’s hardness were performed. OM micrographs showed that, the
average grain size of the as-received Al-Mg-Si disc tends to be larger
than the size of the ECAP processed discs. Moreover, significant
difference in the grain morphologies of the as-received and processed
discs was observed. Intensity of deformation was observed via the
alignment of the Al-Mg-Si consolidated particles (grains) in the
direction of shear, which increased with increasing the number of
passes via ECAP. Increasing the number of passes up to 4 resulted in
increasing the grains aspect ratio up to ~5. It was found that the
pressing temperature has a significant influence on the
microstructure, Hv-values, and compressive strength of the processed
discs. Hardness measurements demonstrated that 1-pass resulted in
increase of Hv-value by 42% compared to that of the as-received
alloy. 4-passes of ECAP processing resulted in additional increase in
the Hv-value. A similar trend was observed for the yield and
compressive strength. Experimental data of the Hv-values
demonstrated that there is a lack of any significant dependence on the
processing strain rate.
Abstract: As the current status and growth of Indian automobile
industry is remarkable, transportation sectors are the main concern in
terms of energy security and climate change. Due to rising demand of
fuel and its dependency on foreign countries that affects the GDP of
nation, suggests that penetration of electrical vehicle will increase in
near future. So in this context analysis is done if the 10 percent of
conventional vehicles including cars, three wheelers and two
wheelers becomes electrical vehicles in near future which is also a
part of Nations Electric Mobility Mission Plan then the saving which
improves the nation’s economy is analyzed in detail. Whether the
Indian electricity grid is capable of taking this load with current
generation and demand all over the country is also analyzed in detail.
Current situation of Indian grid is analyzed and how the gap between
generation and demand can be reduced is discussed in terms of
increasing generation capacity and energy conservation measures.
Electrical energy conservation measures in Industry and especially in
rural areas have been analyzed to improve performance of Indian
electricity grid in context of electrical vehicle penetration in near
future. Author was a part of Vishvakarma yojna in which energy
losses were measured in 255 villages of Gujarat and solutions were
suggested to mitigate them and corresponding reports was submitted
to the authorities of Gujarat government.
Abstract: An existing RC building in Madinah is seismically
evaluated with and without infill wall. Four model systems have been
considered i.e. model I (no infill), model IIA (strut infill-update from
field test), model IIB (strut infill- ASCE/SEI 41) and model IIC (strut
infill-Soft storey- ASCE/SEI 41). Three dimensional pushover
analyses have been carried out using SAP2000 software
incorporating inelastic material behavior for concrete, steel and infill
walls. Infill wall has been modeled as equivalent strut according to
suggested equation matching field test measurements and to the
ASCE/SEI 41 equation. The effect of building modeling on the
performance point as well as capacity and demand spectra due to EQ
design spectrum function in Madinah area has been investigated. The
response modification factor (R) for the 5 story RC building is
evaluated from capacity and demand spectra (ATC-40) for the
studied models. The results are summarized and discussed.