Abstract: It is an indispensible strategy to adopt greenery
approach on architectural bases so as to improve ecological habitats,
decrease heat-island effect, purify air quality, and relieve surface
runoff as well as noise pollution, all of which are done in an attempt to
achieve sustainable environment. How we can do with plant design to
attain the best visual quality and ideal carbon dioxide fixation depends
on whether or not we can appropriately make use of greenery
according to the nature of architectural bases. To achieve the goal, it is
a need that architects and landscape architects should be provided with
sufficient local references. Current greenery studies focus mainly on
the heat-island effect of urban with large scale. Most of the architects
still rely on people with years of expertise regarding the adoption and
disposition of plantation in connection with microclimate scale.
Therefore, environmental design, which integrates science and
aesthetics, requires fundamental research on landscape environment
technology divided from building environment technology. By doing
so, we can create mutual benefits between green building and the
environment. This issue is extremely important for the greening design
of the bases of green buildings in cities and various open spaces. The
purpose of this study is to establish plant selection and allocation
strategies under different building sunshade levels. Initially, with the
shading of sunshine on the greening bases as the starting point, the
effects of the shades produced by different building types on the
greening strategies were analyzed. Then, by measuring the PAR
(photosynthetic active radiation), the relative DLI (daily light integral)
was calculated, while the DLI Map was established in order to
evaluate the effects of the building shading on the established
environmental greening, thereby serving as a reference for plant
selection and allocation. The discussion results were to be applied in
the evaluation of environment greening of greening buildings and
establish the “right plant, right place” design strategy of multi-level
ecological greening for application in urban design and landscape
design development, as well as the greening criteria to feedback to the
eco-city greening buildings.
Abstract: In recent years, the use of the aluminum based alloys
in the industry and technology are increasing. Alloying elements in
aluminum have further been improving the strength and stiffness
properties that provide superior compared to other metals. In this
study, investigation of physical properties (microstructure,
microhardness, tensile strength, electrical conductivity and thermal
properties) in the Al-12.6wt.%Si-%2wt.Ni ternary alloy were
investigated. Al-Si-Ni alloy was prepared in vacuum atmosphere. The
samples were directionally solidified upwards with different growth
rate V (8.3−165.45 μm/s) at constant temperature gradient G (7.73
K/mm). The flake spacings (λ), microhardness (HV), ultimate tensile
strength (σ), electrical resistivity (ρ) and thermal properties (H, Cp,
Tm) of the samples were measured. Influence of the growth rate and
spacings on microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and electrical
resistivity were investigated and relationships between them were
obtained. According to results, λ values decrease with increasing V,
but HV, σ and ρ values increase with increasing V. Variations of
electrical resistivity (ρ) of solidified samples were also measured.
The enthalpy of fusion (H) and specific heat (Cp) for the alloy was
also determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) from
heating trace during the transformation from liquid to solid. The
results in this work were compared with the previous similar
experimental results.
Abstract: Any variation in environmental characteristics of
geomorphosites would lead to destabilisation of their geotouristic
values all around the planet. The Urmia lake, with an area of
approximately 5,500 km2 and a catchment area of 51,876 km2, and to
which various reasons over time, especially in the last fifty years
have seen a sharp decline and have decreased by about 93 % in two
recent decades. These variations are not only driving significant
changes in the morphology and ecology of the present lake
landscape, but at the same time are shaping newly formed
morphologies, which vanished some valuable geomorphosites or
develop into smaller geomorphosites with significant value from a
scientific and cultural point of view. This paper analyses and
discusses features and evolution in several representative coastal and
island geomorphosites. For this purpose, a total of 23 geomorphosites
were studied in two data series (1963 and 2015) and the respective
data were compared and analysed. The results showed, the total loss
in geomorphosites area in a half century amounted to a loss of more
than 90% of the valuable geomorphosites. Moreover, the comparison
between the mean yearly value of coastal area lost over the entire
period and the yearly average calculated for the shorter period (1998-
2014) clearly indicates a pattern of acceleration. This acceleration in
the rate of reduction in lake area was seen in most of the southern
half of the lake. In the region as well, the general water-level falling
is not only causing the loss of a significant water resource, which is
followed by major impact on regional ecosystems, but is also driving
the most marked recent (last century) changes in the geotouristic
landscapes. In fact, the disappearance of geomorphosites means the
loss of tourism phenomenon. In this context attention must be paid to
the question of conservation. The action needed to safeguard
geomorphosites includes: 1) Preventive action, 2) Corrective action,
and 3) Sharing knowledge.
Abstract: The largest share of policy and money within the
European Union goes to agriculture. The Union’s Common
Agricultural Policy has undergone several transformations in the last
five decades, with the main change taking place in the 1990s. This
change influenced agriculture in the Czech Republic, inasmuch as the
fledgling republic was preparing to join the European Union and
adopt its policies. In the 1990s, Czech agriculture passed from
a centrally planned economy to a market economy and subsequently
adopted the terms of the Common Agricultural Policy. The Czech
Republic is also characterized by a significant diversification of
landscape sphere. Agricultural entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic
are still not accustomed to the possibility of grants from the European
Union. They focus rather on national or regional subsidies. Only half
of all agricultural entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic use European
subsidies. This article focuses on the introduction of the Common
Agricultural Policy to the Czech Republic and its subsequent
influence on Czech agriculture. It is demonstrated through the
implementation rate of the CAP in the EU Member States and
a closer focus on Czech integration.
Abstract: Co-crystal is believed to improve the solubility and
dissolution rates and thus, enhanced the bioavailability of poor water
soluble drugs particularly during the oral route of administration.
With the existing of poorly soluble drugs in pharmaceutical industry,
the screening of co-crystal formation using carbamazepine (CBZ) as
a model drug compound with dicarboxylic acids co-crystal formers
(CCF) namely fumaric (FA) and succinic (SA) acids in ethanol has
been studied. The co-crystal formations were studied by varying the
mol ratio values of CCF to CBZ to access the effect of CCF
concentration on the formation of the co-crystal. Solvent evaporation,
slurry and cooling crystallization which representing the solution
based method co-crystal screening were used. Based on the
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the melting point of
CBZ-SA in different ratio was in the range between 188oC-189oC.
For CBZ-FA form A and CBZ-FA form B the melting point in
different ratio were in the range of 174oC-175oC and 185oC-186oC
respectively. The product crystal from the screening was also
characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The XRPD
pattern profile analysis has shown that the CBZ co-crystals with FA
and SA were successfully formed for all ratios studied. The findings
revealed that CBZ-FA co-crystal were formed in two different
polymorphs. It was found that CBZ-FA form A and form B were
formed from evaporation and slurry crystallization methods
respectively. On the other hand, in cooling crystallization method,
CBZ-FA form A was formed at lower mol ratio of CCF to CBZ and
vice versa. This study disclosed that different methods and mol ratios
during the co-crystal screening can affect the outcome of co-crystal
produced such as polymorphic forms of co-crystal and thereof. Thus,
it was suggested that careful attentions is needed during the screening
since the co-crystal formation is currently one of the promising
approach to be considered in research and development for
pharmaceutical industry to improve the poorly soluble drugs.
Abstract: Nic Pizzolatto’s True Detective offers profound
mythological and philosophical ramblings for audiences with literary
sensibilities. An American Sothern Gothic with its Bayon landscape
of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, where two detectives Rustin Cohle
and Martin Hart begin investigating the isolated murder of Dora
Lange, only to discover an entrenched network of perversion and
corruption, offers an existential outlook. The proposed research paper
shall attempt to investigate the pervasive themes of gothic and
existentialism in the music of the first season of the series.
Abstract: Complexation of anthocyanins to mimic natural
copigmentation process was investigated. Cyanidin-rich extracts from
Zea mays L. ceritina Kulesh. and delphinidin-rich extracts from
Clitoria ternatea L. were used to form 4 anthocyanin complexes,
AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC4, in the presence of several polyphenols and
a trace metal. Characterizations of the ACs were conducted by UV,
FTIR, DSC/TGA and morphological observations. Bathochromic
shifts of the UV spectra of 4 formulas of ACs were observed at peak
wavelengths of about 510-620 nm by 10 nm suggesting complex
formation. FTIR spectra of the ACs indicate shifts of peaks from
1,733 cm-1 to 1,696 cm-1 indicating interactions and a decrease in the
peak areas within the wavenumber of 3,400-3,500 cm-1 indicating
changes in hydrogen bonding. Thermal analysis of all of the ACs
suggests increases in melting temperature after complexation. AC
with the highest melting temperature was morphologically observed
by SEM and TEM to be crystal-like particles within a range of 50 to
200 nm. Particle size analysis of the AC by laser diffraction gave a
range of 50-600 nm, indicating aggregation. This AC was shown to
have no cytotoxic effect on cultured HGEPp0.5 and HGF (all p>
0.05) by MTT. Therefore, complexation of anthocyanins was simple
and self-assembly process, potentially resulting in nanosized particles
of anthocyanin complex.
Abstract: The effect of the inclusion of thyme and rosemary
essential oils into chitosan films, as well as the microbiological and
physical properties when storing chitosan film with and without the
mentioned inclusion was studied. The film forming solution was
prepared by dissolving chitosan (2%, w/v), polysorbate 80 (4% w/w
CH) and glycerol (16% w/w CH) in aqueous lactic acid solutions
(control). The thyme (TEO) and rosemary (REO) essential oils (EOs)
were included 1:1 w/w (EOs:CH) on their combination 50/50
(TEO:REO). The films were stored at temperatures of 5, 20, 33°C
and a relative humidity of 75% during four weeks. The films with
essential oil inclusion did not show an antimicrobial activity against
strains. This behavior could be explained because the chitosan only
inhibits the growth of microorganisms in direct contact with the
active sites. However, the inhibition capacity of TEO was higher than
the REO and a synergic effect between TEO:REO was found for S.
enteritidis strains in the chitosan solution.
Some physical properties were modified by the inclusion of
essential oils. The addition of essential oils does not affect the
mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture
deformation), the water solubility, the swelling index nor the DSC
behavior. However, the essential oil inclusion can significantly
decrease the thickness, the moisture content, and the L* value of
films whereas the b* value increased due to molecular interactions
between the polymeric matrix, the loosing of the structure, and the
chemical modifications. On the other hand, the temperature and time
of storage changed some physical properties on the chitosan films.
This could have occurred because of chemical changes, such as
swelling in the presence of high humidity air and the reacetylation of
amino groups. In the majority of cases, properties such as moisture
content, tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture deformation,
a*, b*, chrome, 7E increased whereas water resistance, swelling
index, L*, and hue angle decreased.
Abstract: Chemical Reaction Optimization (CRO) is an
optimization metaheuristic inspired by the nature of chemical
reactions as a natural process of transforming the substances from
unstable to stable states. Starting with some unstable molecules with
excessive energy, a sequence of interactions takes the set to a state of
minimum energy. Researchers reported successful application of the
algorithm in solving some engineering problems, like the quadratic
assignment problem, with superior performance when compared with
other optimization algorithms. We adapted this optimization
algorithm to the Printed Circuit Board Drilling Problem (PCBDP)
towards reducing the drilling time and hence improving the PCB
manufacturing throughput. Although the PCBDP can be viewed as
instance of the popular Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), it has
some characteristics that would require special attention to the
transactions that explore the solution landscape. Experimental test
results using the standard CROToolBox are not promising for
practically sized problems, while it could find optimal solutions for
artificial problems and small benchmarks as a proof of concept.
Abstract: Given the dynamic nature of the higher education
landscape, induction programmes for new academics has become the
norm nowadays to support academics negotiate these rough terrain.
This study investigates an induction programme for new academics
in a higher education institution to establish what difference it has
made to participants. The findings revealed that the benefits ranged
from creating safe spaces for collaboration and networking to
fostering reflective practice and contributing to the scholarship of
teaching and learning. The study also revealed that some of the
intentions of the programme may not have been achieved, for
example transformative learning. This led to questioning whether this
intention is an appropriate one given the short duration of the
programme and the long, drawn out process of transformation. It may
be concluded that the academic induction programme in this study
serves to sow the seeds for transformative learning through fostering
critically reflective practice. Recommendations for further study
could include long term impact of the programme on student learning
and success, these being the core business of higher education. It is
also recommended that in addition to an induction programme, the
university invests in a mentoring programme for new staff and extend
the support for academics in order to sustain critical reflection and
which may contribute to transformative educational practice.
Abstract: Karst term is the determiner of a variety of areas or
landforms and unique perspectives that have been formed in result of
the of the ingredients dissolution of rocks constituter by natural
waters. Shiraz area with an area of 5322km2 is located in the simple
folded belt in the southern part of Zagros Mountain of Fars, and is
surrounded with Limestone Mountains (Asmari formation). Shiraz
area is located in Calcareous areas. The infrastructure of this city is
lime and absorbing wells that the city can influence the Limestone
dissolution and those accelerate its rate and increase the cavitation
below the surface. Dasht-e Arjan is a graben, which has been created
as the result of activity of two normal faults in its east and west sides.
It is a complete sample of Karst plains (Polje) which has been created
with the help of tectonic forces (fault) and dissolution process of
water in Asmari limestone formation. It is located 60km. off south
west of Shiraz (on Kazeroon-Shiraz road). In 1971, UNESCO has
recognized this plain as a reserve of biosphere. It is considered as one
of the world’s most beautiful geological phenomena, so that most of
the world’s geologists are interested in visiting this place. The
purpose of this paper is to identify and introduce landscapes of Karst
features shiraz city and Dasht-e Arjan including Karst dissolution
features (Lapiez, Karst springs, dolines, caves, underground caves,
ponors, and Karst valleys), anticlines and synclines, and Arjan Lake.
Abstract: This paper illustrates the effect of nano Magnesium
Hydroxide (MH) loading on the thermal properties of Low Density
Polyethylene (LDPE)/Poly (ethylene-co vinyl acetate) (EVA) nano
composite. Thermal studies were conducted, as it understanding is
vital for preliminary development of new polymeric systems.
Thermal analysis of nanocomposite was conducted using thermo
gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC). Major finding of TGA indicated two main stages of
degradation process found at (350 ± 25oC) and (480 ± 25oC)
respectively. Nano metal filler expressed better fire resistance as it
stand over high degree of temperature. Furthermore, DSC analysis
provided a stable glass temperature around 51 (±1oC) and captured
double melting point at 84 (±2oC) and 108 (±2oC). This binary
melting point reflects the modification of nano filler to the polymer
matrix forming melting crystals of folded and extended chain. The
percent crystallinity of the samples grew vividly with increasing filler
content. Overall, increasing the filler loading improved the
degradation temperature and weight loss evidently and a better
process and phase stability was captured in DSC.
Abstract: A series of polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles were
prepared by grafting polystyrene from both aggregated silica and
colloidally dispersed silica nanoparticles using atom-transfer radical
polymerisation (ATRP). Cross-linking and macroscopic gelation
were minimised by using a miniemulsion system. The thermal and
mechanical behaviour of the nanocomposites have been examined by
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical
thermal analysis (DMTA).
Abstract: Urban greenery remains the bastion of urban
landscape and a key to sustainable development due to its integral
connections to the general health and wellbeing of urban residents.
However, in an era of rapid urbanisation, recent studies indicate that
urban greenery, especially ecologically sensitive areas, in many
African cities is becoming increasingly depleted. Given the scale and
rate of natural and anthropogenic change, effective management of
urban greenery as the ultimate goal of restoring depleting urban
landscapes is urgent. This review advocates for an urban resilience
model to managing urban greenery.
Abstract: Novel bio-based polymer electrolyte was synthesized
with LiClO4 as the main source of charge carrier. Initially,
polyurethane-LiClO4 polymer electrolytes were synthesized via
prepolymerization method with different NCO/OH ratios and labelled
them as PU1, PU2, PU3 and PU4. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
analysis indicates the co-ordination between Li+ ion and polyurethane
in PU1. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicates
PU1 has the highest glass transition temperature (Tg) corresponds to
the most abundant urethane group which is the hard segment in PU1.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the good miscibility
between lithium salt and the polymer. The study found that PU1
possessed the greatest ionic conductivity and the lowest activation
energy, Ea. All the polyurethanes exhibited linear Arrhenius
variations indicating ion transport via simple lithium ion hopping in
polyurethane. This research proves the NCO content in polyurethane
plays an important role in affecting the ionic conductivity of this
polymer electrolyte.
Abstract: Ongoing landscape transformation is one of the major
causes behind disappearance of traditional landscapes, and lead to
species and resource loss. Tree in paddy fields in the northeast of
Thailand is one of those traditional landscapes. Using three different
historical time layers, we acknowledged the severe deforestation and
rapid urbanization happened in the region. Despite the general
thinking of decline in tree density as consequences, the heterogeneous
trend of changes in total tree density in three studied landscapes denied
the hypothesis that number of trees in paddy field depend on the length
of land use practice. On the other hand, due to selection of planting
new trees on levees, existence of trees in paddy field now relies on
their values for human use. Besides, changes in land use and landscape
structure had a significant impact on decision of which tree density
level is considered as suitable for the landscape.
Abstract: The effect of various humidities on process yields and
degrees of crystallinity for spray-dried powders from spray drying of
lactose with humid air in a straight-through system have been
studied. It has been suggested by Williams–Landel–Ferry kinetics
(WLF) that a higher particle temperature and lower glass-transition
temperature would increase the crystallization rate of the particles
during the spray-drying process. Freshly humidified air produced by
a Buchi-B290 spray dryer as a humidifier attached to the main spray
dryer decreased the particle glass-transition temperature (Tg), while
allowing the particle temperature (Tp) to reach higher values by using
an insulated drying chamber. Differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) and moisture sorption analysis were used to measure the
degree of crystallinity for the spray-dried lactose powders. The
results showed that higher Tp-Tg, as a result of applying humid air,
improved the process yield from 21 ± 4 to 26 ± 2% and crystallinity
of the particles by decreasing the latent heat of crystallization from
43 ± 1 to 30 ± 11 J/g and the sorption peak height from 7.3 ± 0.7% to
6 ± 0.7%.
Abstract: The scope of this paper is to evaluate and compare the potential of LS-PV(Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Plant) power generation systems in the southern region of Libya at Al-Kufra for both stationary and tracking systems. A Microsoft Excel-VBA program has been developed to compute slope radiation, dew-point, sky temperature, and then cell temperature, maximum power output and module efficiency of the system for stationary system and for tracking system. The results for energy production show that the total energy output is 114GWh/year for stationary system and 148GWh/year for tracking system. The average module efficiency for the stationary system is 16.6% and 16.2% for the tracking system.
The values of electricity generation capacity factor (CF) and solar capacity factor (SCF) for stationary system were found to be 26% and 62.5% respectively and 34% and 82% for tracking system. The GCR (Ground Cover Ratio) for a stationary system is 0.7, which corresponds to a tilt angle of 24°. The GCR for tracking system was found to be 0.12. The estimated ground area needed to build a 50MW PV plant amounts to approx. 0.55km2 for a stationary PV field constituted by HIT PV arrays and approx. 91MW/ km2. In case of a tracker PV field, the required ground area amounts approx.2.4km2 and approx. 20.5MW/ km2.
Abstract: Polymer composite nano-fibers including (1, 3 wt %)
silver nano-particles have been produced by electrospinning method.
Polyacrylonitrile/N,N-dimethylformamide (PAN/DMF) solution have
been prepared and the amount of silver nitrate have been adjusted to
PAN weight. Silver nano-particles were obtained from reduction of
silver ions into silver nano-particles by chemical reduction by
hydrazine hydroxide (N2H5OH). The different amount of silver salt
was loaded into polymer matrix to obtain polyacrylonitrile composite
nano-fiber containing silver nano-particles. The effect of the amount
of silver nano-particles on the properties of composite nano-fiber web
was investigated. Electrical conductivity, mechanical properties,
thermal properties were examined by Microtest LCR Meter 6370
(0.01 mΩ-100 MΩ), Tensile tester, Differential scanning calorimeter
DSC (Q10) and SEM respectively. Also antimicrobial efficiency test
(ASTM E2149-10) was done against to Staphylococcus aureus
bacteria. It has been seen that breaking strength, conductivity,
antimicrobial effect, enthalpy during cyclization increase by use of
silver nano-particles while the diameter of nano-fiber decreases.
Abstract: Economic growth always correlate positively with the
magnitude of the unemployment rate. This is caused by labor which
one of important variable to keep growth in the real sector of the
region. Meanwhile, the economic structure in districts of Jember
showed an increase of economic activity began to shift towards the
industrial sector and some other economic sectors, so they have an
affects to considerations for policy makers to increase economic
growth in Jember as an autonomous region in East Java Province. At
the fact, SMEs is among the factors driving economic growth in the
region. This is shown by the high amount of SMEs. However,
employment in the sector grew slightly slowed. It is caused by a lack
of productivity in SMEs. Through the analysis of the transformation of
economic structure theory, and the theory of Triple Helix using
descriptive analytical method Location Quotient and Shift - Share,
found that the results of the economic structure in Jember slowly
shifting from the agricultural sector to the industrial sector, because it
is dominated by trade sector, hotel and restaurant sector. In addition,
SMEs is the potential sector of economic growth in Jember. While to
maximizing role and functions of the institution's Research and
Development Center of SMEs, there are three points to be known, that
are Business Landscape, Business Architecture and Value Added.