Abstract: Prickly pear juice has received renewed attention with regard to the effects of processing and preservation on its sensory qualities (colour, taste, flavour, aroma, astringency, visual browning and overall acceptability). Juice was prepared by homogenizing fruit and treating the pulp with pectinase (Aspergillus niger). Juice treatments applied were sugar addition, acidification, heat-treatment, refrigeration, and freezing and thawing. Prickly pear pulp and juice had unique properties (low pH 3.88, soluble solids 3.68 oBrix and high titratable acidity 0.47). Sensory profiling and descriptive analyses revealed that non-treated juice had a bitter taste with high astringency whereas treated prickly pear was significantly sweeter. All treated juices had a good sensory acceptance with values approximating or exceeding 7. Regression analysis of the consumer sensory attributes for non-treated prickly pear juice indicated an overwhelming rejection, while treated prickly pear juice received overall acceptability. Thus, educed favourable sensory responses and may have positive implications for consumer acceptability.
Abstract: The primary purpose of this article is an attempt to
find the implication of globalization on education. Globalization has
an important role as a process in the economical, political, cultural
and technological dimensions in the life of the contemporary human
being and has been affected by it. Education has its effects in this
procedure and while influencing it through educating global citizens
having universal human features and characteristics, has been
influenced by this phenomenon too. Nowadays, the role of education
is not just to develop in the students the knowledge and skills
necessary for the new kinds of jobs. If education wants to help
students be prepared of the new global society, it has to make them
engaged productive and critical citizens for the global era, so that
they can reflect about their roles as key actors in a dynamic often
uneven, matrix of economic and cultural exchanges. If education
wants to reinforce and raise the national identity, the value system
and the children and teenagers, it should make them ready for living
in the global era of this century. The used method in this research is
documentary and analyzing the documents. Studies in this field show
globalization has influences on the processes of the production,
distribution and consuming of knowledge. The happening of this
event in the information era has not only provide the necessary
opportunities for the exchanges of education worldwide but also has
privileges for the developing countries which enables them to
strengthen educational bases of their society and have an important
step toward their future.
Abstract: The success of an e-learning system is highly
dependent on the quality of its educational content and how effective,
complete, and simple the design tool can be for teachers. Educational
modeling languages (EMLs) are proposed as design languages
intended to teachers for modeling diverse teaching-learning
experiences, independently of the pedagogical approach and in
different contexts. However, most existing EMLs are criticized for
being too abstract and too complex to be understood and manipulated
by teachers. In this paper, we present a visual EML that simplifies the
process of designing learning scenarios for teachers with no
programming background. Based on the conceptual framework of the
activity theory, our resulting visual EML focuses on using Domainspecific
modeling techniques to provide a pedagogical level of
abstraction in the design process.
Abstract: This paper presents a new optimization technique based on quantum computing principles to solve a security constrained power system economic dispatch problem (SCED). The proposed technique is a population-based algorithm, which uses some quantum computing elements in coding and evolving groups of potential solutions to reach the optimum following a partially directed random approach. The SCED problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem in a way that insures a secure-economic system operation. Real Coded Quantum-Inspired Evolution Algorithm (RQIEA) is then applied to solve the constrained optimization formulation. Simulation results of the proposed approach are compared with those reported in literature. The outcome is very encouraging and proves that RQIEA is very applicable for solving security constrained power system economic dispatch problem (SCED).
Abstract: The object of this paper is to design and analyze a
proportional – integral (PI) control for positive output elementary
super lift Luo converter (POESLLC), which is the start-of-the-art
DC-DC converter. The positive output elementary super lift Luo
converter performs the voltage conversion from positive source
voltage to positive load voltage. This paper proposes a
development of PI control capable of providing the good static and
dynamic performance compared to proportional – integralderivative
(PID) controller. Using state space average method
derives the dynamic equations describing the positive output
elementary super lift luo converter and PI control is designed. The
simulation model of the positive output elementary super lift Luo
converter with its control circuit is implemented in
Matlab/Simulink. The PI control for positive output elementary
super lift Luo converter is tested for transient region, line changes,
load changes, steady state region and also for components
variations.
Abstract: A hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) solar system integrates photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies into one single solar energy device, with dual generation of electricity and heat energy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential for introduction of the PV/T technology into Northern China. For this purpose, outdoor experiments were conducted on a prototype of a PV/T water-heating system. The annual thermal and electrical performances were investigated under the climatic conditions of Beijing. An economic analysis of the system was then carried out, followed by a sensitivity study. The analysis revealed that the hybrid system is not economically attractive with the current market and energy prices. However, considering the continuous commitment of the Chinese government towards policy development in the renewable energy sector, and technological improvements like the increasing cost-effectiveness of PV cells, PV/Thermal technology may become economically viable in the near future.
Abstract: Turkey has 72 % of total world boron reserves on the
basis of B2O3.Borates that is a refined form of boron minerals have a
wide range of applications. Zinc borates can be used as multifunctional
synergistic additives. The most important properties are
low solubility in water and high dehydration temperature. Zinc
borates dehydrate above 290°C and anhydrous zinc borate has
thermal resistance about 400°C. Zinc borates can be synthesized
using several methods such as hydrothermal and solid-state
processes. In this study, the solid-state method was applied between
500 and 800°C using the starting materials of ZnO and H3BO3 with
1:4 mole ratio. The reaction time was determined as 4 hours after
some preliminary experiments. After the synthesis, the crystal
structure and the morphology of the products were examined by XRay
Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
(FT-IR) and Raman Spectrometer. As a result the form of ZnB4O7
was synthesized with the highest crystal score at 800°C.
Abstract: Transcription factors are a group of proteins that
helps for interpreting the genetic information in DNA.
Protein-protein interactions play a major role in the execution
of key biological functions of a cell. These interactions are
represented in the form of a graph with nodes and edges.
Studies have showed that some nodes have high degree of
connectivity and such nodes, known as hub nodes, are the
inevitable parts of the network. In the present paper a method
is proposed to identify hub transcription factor proteins using
sequence information. On a complete data set of transcription
factor proteins available from the APID database, the
proposed method showed an accuracy of 77%, sensitivity of
79% and specificity of 76%.
Abstract: Artifact free photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals are
necessary for non-invasive estimation of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in
arterial blood. Movement of a patient corrupts the PPGs with motion
artifacts, resulting in large errors in the computation of Sp02. This
paper presents a study on using Kalman Filter in an innovative way
by modeling both the Artillery Blood Pressure (ABP) and the
unwanted signal, additive motion artifact, to reduce motion artifacts
from corrupted PPG signals. Simulation results show acceptable
performance regarding LMS and variable step LMS, thus
establishing the efficacy of the proposed method.
Abstract: Gene, principal unit of inheritance, is an ordered
sequence of nucleotides. The genes of eukaryotic organisms include
alternating segments of exons and introns. The region of
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within a gene containing instructions
for coding a protein is called exon. On the other hand, non-coding
regions called introns are another part of DNA that regulates gene
expression by removing from the messenger Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
in a splicing process. This paper proposes to determine splice
junctions that are exon-intron boundaries by analyzing DNA
sequences. A splice junction can be either exon-intron (EI) or intron
exon (IE). Because of the popularity and compatibility of the
artificial neural network (ANN) in genetic fields; various ANN
models are applied in this research. Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP),
Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Generalized Regression Neural
Networks (GRNN) are used to analyze and detect the splice junctions
of gene sequences. 10-fold cross validation is used to demonstrate
the accuracy of networks. The real performances of these networks
are found by applying Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)
analysis.
Abstract: The aim of this study is evaluating the antinociceptive
and anti-inflamatory activity of Geum kokanicum. After
determination total extract LD50, different doses of extract were
chosen for intrapritoneal injections. In inflammation test, male NMRI
mice were divided into 6 groups: control (normal saline), positive
control (Dexamethasone 15mg/kg), and total extract (0.025, 0.05,
0.1, and 0.2 gr/kg). The inflammation was produced by xyleneinduced
edema. In order to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of total
extract, formalin test was used. Mice were divided into 6 groups:
control, positive control (morphine 10mg/kg), and 4 groups which
received total extract. Then they received Formalin. The animals
were observed for the reaction to pain. Data were analyzed using
One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison
test. LD50 was 1 gr/kg. Data indicated that 0.5,0.1 and 0.2 gr/kg
doses of total extract have particular antinociceptive and antiinflammatory
effects in a comparison with control (P
Abstract: Magnesium is used implant material potentially for
non-toxicity to the human body. Due to the excellent
bio-compatibility, Mg alloys is applied to implants avoiding removal
second surgery. However, it is found commercial magnesium alloys
including aluminum has low corrosion resistance, resulting
subcutaneous gas bubbles and consequently the approach as
permanent bio-materials. Generally, Aluminum is known to pollution
substance, and it raises toxicity to nervous system. Therefore
especially Mg-35Zn-3Ca alloy is prepared for new biodegradable
materials in this study. And the pulsed power is used in
constant-current mode of DC power kinds of anodization. Based on
the aforementioned study, it examines corrosion resistance and
biocompatibility by effect of current and frequency variation. The
surface properties and thickness were compared using scanning
electronic microscopy. Corrosion resistance was assessed via
potentiodynamic polarization and the effect of oxide layer on the body
was assessed cell viability. Anodized Mg-35Zn-3Ca alloy has good
biocompatibility in vitro by current and frequency variation.
Abstract: Automatic face detection is a complex problem in
image processing. Many methods exist to solve this problem such as
template matching, Fisher Linear Discriminate, Neural Networks,
SVM, and MRC. Success has been achieved with each method to
varying degrees and complexities. In proposed algorithm we used
upright, frontal faces for single gray scale images with decent
resolution and under good lighting condition. In the field of face
recognition technique the single face is matched with single face
from the training dataset. The author proposed a neural network
based face detection algorithm from the photographs as well as if any
test data appears it check from the online scanned training dataset.
Experimental result shows that the algorithm detected up to 95%
accuracy for any image.
Abstract: Software effort estimation is the process of predicting
the most realistic use of effort required to develop or maintain
software based on incomplete, uncertain and/or noisy input. Effort
estimates may be used as input to project plans, iteration plans,
budgets. There are various models like Halstead, Walston-Felix,
Bailey-Basili, Doty and GA Based models which have already used
to estimate the software effort for projects. In this study Statistical
Models, Fuzzy-GA and Neuro-Fuzzy (NF) Inference Systems are
experimented to estimate the software effort for projects. The
performances of the developed models were tested on NASA
software project datasets and results are compared with the Halstead,
Walston-Felix, Bailey-Basili, Doty and Genetic Algorithm Based
models mentioned in the literature. The result shows that the NF
Model has the lowest MMRE and RMSE values. The NF Model
shows the best results as compared with the Fuzzy-GA based hybrid
Inference System and other existing Models that are being used for
the Effort Prediction with lowest MMRE and RMSE values.
Abstract: Indoor air distribution has great impact on people-s thermal sensation. Therefore, how to remove the indoor excess heat becomes an important issue to create a thermally comfortable indoor environment. To expel the extra indoor heat effectively, this paper used a dynamic CFD approach to study the effect of an air-supply guide vane swinging periodically on the indoor air distribution within a model room. The numerical results revealed that the indoor heat transfer performance caused by the swing guide vane had close relation with the number of vortices developing under the inlet cold jet. At larger swing amplitude, two smaller vortices continued to shed outward under the cold jet and remove the indoor heat load more effectively. As a result, it can be found that the average Nusselt number on the floor increased with the increase of the swing amplitude of the guide vane.
Abstract: The investigating and assessing the effects of
relaxation training on the levels of state anxiety concerning first year
female nursing students at their initial experience in clinical setting.
This research is a quasi experimental study that was carried out in
nursing and midwifery faculty of Tehran university of medical
sciences .The sample of research consists 60 first term female
nursing students were selected through convenience and random
sampling. 30 of them were the experimental group and 30 of them
were in control group. The Instruments of data-collection has been a
questionnaire which consists of 3 parts. The first part includes 10
questions about demographic characteristics .the second part includes
20 question about anxiety (test 'Spielberg' ). The 3rd part includes
physiological indicators of anxiety (BP, P, R, body temperature). The
statistical tests included t-test and and fisher test, Data were
analyzed by SPSS software.
Abstract: In this paper, we start by first characterizing the most
important and distinguishing features of wavelet-based watermarking
schemes. We studied the overwhelming amount of algorithms
proposed in the literature. Application scenario, copyright protection
is considered and building on the experience that was gained,
implemented two distinguishing watermarking schemes. Detailed
comparison and obtained results are presented and discussed. We
concluded that Joo-s [1] technique is more robust for standard noise
attacks than Dote-s [2] technique.
Abstract: The current paper conceptualizes the technique of
release consistency indispensable with the concept of
synchronization that is user-defined. Programming model concreted
with object and class is illustrated and demonstrated. The essence of
the paper is phases, events and parallel computing execution .The
technique by which the values are visible on shared variables is
implemented. The second part of the paper consist of user defined
high level synchronization primitives implementation and system
architecture with memory protocols. There is a proposition of
techniques which are core in deciding the validating and invalidating
a stall page .
Abstract: In this research the level of mercury is analyzed in
muscle tissue of Otolithes ruber retailed in Hamedan, Iran were
determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after wet
digestion. Analysis of mercury was carried out by
spectrophotometrically. The average concentration of Hg in muscle
tissue of Otolithes ruber was 0.030±0.026 -g/g so lower than to
compare with the Maximum Allowable Concentration determined by
FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Abstract: Friction stir welding is a solid state joining process. High strength aluminum alloys are widely used in aircraft and marine industries. Generally, the mechanical properties of fusion welded aluminum joints are poor. As friction stir welding occurs in solid state, no solidification structures are created thereby eliminating the brittle and eutectic phases common in fusion welding of high strength aluminum alloys. In this review the process parameters, microstructural evolution, and effect of friction stir welding on the properties of weld specific to aluminum alloys have been discussed.