Abstract: The presence of toxic heavy metals in industrial
effluents is one of the serious threats to the environment. Heavy
metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Mercury,
Copper, Arsenic are found in the effluents of industries such as
foundries, electroplating, petrochemical, battery manufacturing,
tanneries, fertilizer, dying, textiles, metallurgical and metal finishing.
Tremendous increase of industrial copper usage and its presence in
industrial effluents has lead to a growing concern about the fate and
effects of Copper in the environment. Percolation of industrial
effluents through soils leads to contamination of ground water and
soils. The transport of heavy metals and their diffusion into the soils
has therefore, drawn the attention of the researchers.
In this study, an attempt has been made to delineate the
mechanisms of transport and fate of copper in terrestrial
environment. Column studies were conducted using perplex glass
square column of dimension side 15 cm and 1.35 m long. The soil
samples were collected from a natural drain near Mohali (India). The
soil was characterized to be poorly graded sandy loam. The soil was
compacted to the field dry density level of about 1.6 g/cm3. Break
through curves for different depths of the column were plotted. The
results of the column study indicated that the copper has high
tendency to flow in the soils and fewer tendencies to get absorbed on
the soil particles. The t1/2 estimates obtained from the studies can be
used for design copper laden wastewater disposal systems.
Abstract: This paper presents a NDT by infrared thermography with excitation CO2 Laser, wavelength of 10.6 μm. This excitation is the controllable heating beam, confirmed by a preliminary test on a wooden plate 1.2 m x 0.9 m x 1 cm. As the first practice, this method is applied to detecting the defect in CFRP heated by the Laser 300 W during 40 s. Two samples 40 cm x 40 cm x 4.5 cm are prepared, one with defect, another one without defect. The laser beam passes through the lens of a deviation device, and heats the samples placed at a determinate position and area. As a result, the absence of adhesive can be detected. This method displays prominently its application as NDT with the composite materials. This work gives a good perspective to characterize the laser beam, which is very useful for the next detection campaigns.
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to determine the primary mathematics student teachers- views related to use instructional technology tools in course of the learning process and to reveal how the sample presentations towards different mathematical concepts affect their views. This is a qualitative study involving twelve mathematics students from a public university. The data gathered from two semi-structural interviews. The first one was realized in the beginning of the study. After that the representations prepared by the researchers were showed to the participants. These representations contain animations, Geometer-s Sketchpad activities, video-clips, spreadsheets, and power-point presentations. The last interview was realized at the end of these representations. The data from the interviews and content analyses were transcribed and read and reread to explore the major themes. Findings revealed that the views of the students changed in this process and they believed that the instructional technology tools should be used in their classroom.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate factors
regulating groundwater quality in an area with agriculture as main
use. Under this study twelve groundwater samples have been
collected from Padra taluka, Dabhoi taluka and Savli taluka of
Vadodara district. Groundwater samples were chemically analyzed
for major physicochemical parameter in order to understand the
different geochemical processes affecting the groundwater quality.
The analytical results shows higher concentration of total dissolved
solids (16.67%), electrical conductivity (25%) and magnesium
(8.33%) for pre monsoon and total dissolved solids (16.67%),
electrical conductivity (33.3%) and magnesium (8.33%) for post
monsoon which indicates signs of deterioration as per WHO and BIS
standards. On the other hand, 50% groundwater sample is unsuitable
for irrigation purposes based on irrigation quality parameters. The
study revealed that application of fertilizer for agricultural
contributing the higher concentration of ions in aquifer of Vadodara
district.
Abstract: Not with standing the importance of foreign highly
skilled professionals for host economies, there is a paucity of
research studies investigating the role of the corporate social context
during the integration process. This research aims to address this
paucity by exploring the role of social capital in the integration of
foreign health professionals. It does so by using a qualitative research
approach. In this pilot study the hospital sector forms this study-s
sample and interviews were conducted with HR managers, foreign
health professionals and external HR consultants. It was found that
most of the participating hospitals had not established specific HR
practices and had only partly linked the development of
organisational social capital with a successful integration process.
This research contributes, for example, to the HR literature on the
integration of self-initiated expatriates by analysing the role of HRM
in generating organisational social capital needed for a successful
integration process.
Abstract: Fecal coliform bacteria are widely used as indicators of
sewage contamination in surface water. However, there are some
disadvantages in these microbial techniques including time consuming
(18-48h) and inability in discriminating between human and animal
fecal material sources. Therefore, it is necessary to seek a more
specific indicator of human sanitary waste. In this study, the feasibility
was investigated to apply caffeine and human pharmaceutical
compounds to identify the human-source contamination. The
correlation between caffeine and fecal coliform was also explored.
Surface water samples were collected from upstream, middle-stream
and downstream points respectively, along Rochor Canal, as well as 8
locations of Marina Bay. Results indicate that caffeine is a suitable
chemical tracer in Singapore because of its easy detection (in the range
of 0.30-2.0 ng/mL), compared with other chemicals monitored.
Relative low concentrations of human pharmaceutical compounds (<
0.07 ng/mL) in Rochor Canal and Marina Bay water samples make
them hard to be detected and difficult to be chemical tracer. However,
their existence can help to validate sewage contamination. In addition,
it was discovered the high correlation exists between caffeine
concentration and fecal coliform density in the Rochor Canal water
samples, demonstrating that caffeine is highly related to the
human-source contamination.
Abstract: Dual phase steels (DPS)s have a microstructure
consisting of a hard second phase called Martensite in the soft Ferrite
matrix. In recent years, there has been interest in dual-phase steels,
because the application of these materials has made significant usage;
particularly in the automotive sector Composite microstructure of
(DPS)s exhibit interesting characteristic mechanical properties such
as continuous yielding, low yield stress to tensile strength
ratios(YS/UTS), and relatively high formability; which offer
advantages compared with conventional high strength low alloy
steels(HSLAS). The research dealt with the characterization of
damage in (DPS)s. In this study by review the mechanisms of failure
due to volume fraction of martensite second phase; a new method is
introduced to identifying the mechanisms of failure in the various
phases of these types of steels. In this method the acoustic emission
(AE) technique was used to detect damage progression. These failure
mechanisms consist of Ferrite-Martensite interface decohesion and/or
martensite phase fracture. For this aim, dual phase steels with
different volume fraction of martensite second phase has provided by
various heat treatment methods on a low carbon steel (0.1% C), and
then AE monitoring is used during tensile test of these DPSs. From
AE measurements and an energy ratio curve elaborated from the
value of AE energy (it was obtained as the ratio between the strain
energy to the acoustic energy), that allows detecting important
events, corresponding to the sudden drops. These AE signals events
associated with various failure mechanisms are classified for ferrite
and (DPS)s with various amount of Vm and different martensite
morphology. It is found that AE energy increase with increasing Vm.
This increasing of AE energy is because of more contribution of
martensite fracture in the failure of samples with higher Vm. Final
results show a good relationship between the AE signals and the
mechanisms of failure.
Abstract: This paper fist examines three set of bivariate cointegrations between any two of current accounts, stock markets, and currency exchange markets in ten Asian countries. Furthermore, we examined the effect of country characters on this bivariate cointegration. Our findings suggest that for three sets of cointegration test, each sample country at least exists one cointegration. India consistently exhibited a bi-directional causal relationship between any two of three indicators. Unlike Pan et al. (2007) and Phylaktis and Ravazzolo (2005), we found that such cointegration is influenced by three characteristics: capital control; flexibility in foreign exchange rates; and the ratio of trade to GDP. These characteristics are the result of liberalization in each Asian country. This implies that liberalization policies are effective on improving the cointegration between any two of financial markets and current account for ten Asian countries.
Abstract: Simultaneous effects of temperature, immersion time, salt concentration, sucrose concentration, pressure and convective dryer temperature on the combined osmotic dehydration - convective drying of edible button mushrooms were investigated. Experiments were designed according to Central Composite Design with six factors each at five different levels. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimum processing conditions that yield maximum water loss and rehydration ratio and minimum solid gain and shrinkage in osmotic-convective drying of edible button mushrooms. Applying surfaces profiler and contour plots optimum operation conditions were found to be temperature of 39 °C, immersion time of 164 min, salt concentration of 14%, sucrose concentration of 53%, pressure of 600 mbar and drying temperature of 40 °C. At these optimum conditions, water loss, solid gain, rehydration ratio and shrinkage were found to be 63.38 (g/100 g initial sample), 3.17 (g/100 g initial sample), 2.26 and 7.15%, respectively.
Abstract: This work relates the development of an optical fiber
(OF) sensor for the detection and quantification of single walled
carbon nanotubes in aqueous solutions. The developed OF displays a
compact design, it requires less expensive materials and equipment
as well as low volume of sample (0.2 mL). This methodology was
also validated by the comparison of its analytical performance with
that of a standard methodology based on ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy. The developed OF sensor follows the general SDS
calibration proposed for OF sensors as a more suitable calibration
fitting compared with classical calibrations.
Abstract: The modeling of inelastic behavior of plastic materials requires measurements providing information on material response to different multiaxial loading conditions. Different triaxiality conditions and values of Lode parameters have to be
covered for complex description of the material plastic behavior.
Samples geometries providing material plastic behavoiur over the range of interest are proposed with the use of FEM analysis. Round samples with 3 different notches and smooth surface are used
together with butterfly type of samples tested at angle ranging for 0 to
90°. Identification of ductile damage parameters is carried out on
the basis of obtained experimental data for austenitic stainless steel.
The obtained material plastic damage parameters are subsequently applied to FEM simulation of notched CT normally samples used for
fracture mechanics testing and results from the simulation are
compared with real tests.
Abstract: We study the typical domain size and configuration
character of a randomly perturbed system exhibiting continuous
symmetry breaking. As a model system we use rod-like objects
within a cubic lattice interacting via a Lebwohl–Lasher-type
interaction. We describe their local direction with a headless unit
director field. An example of such systems represents nematic LC or
nanotubes. We further introduce impurities of concentration p, which
impose the random anisotropy field-type disorder to directors. We
study the domain-type pattern of molecules as a function of p,
anchoring strength w between a neighboring director and impurity,
temperature, history of samples. In simulations we quenched the
directors either from the random or homogeneous initial
configuration. Our results show that a history of system strongly
influences: i) the average domain coherence length; and ii) the range
of ordering in the system. In the random case the obtained order is
always short ranged (SR). On the contrary, in the homogeneous case,
SR is obtained only for strong enough anchoring and large enough
concentration p. In other cases, the ordering is either of quasi long
range (QLR) or of long range (LR). We further studied memory
effects for the random initial configuration. With increasing external
ordering field B either QLR or LR is realized.
Abstract: We have developed a computer program consisting of
6 subtests assessing the children hand dexterity applicable in the
rehabilitation medicine. We have carried out a normative study on a
representative sample of 285 children aged from 7 to 15 (mean age
11.3) and we have proposed clinical standards for three age groups
(7-9, 9-11, 12-15 years). We have shown statistical significance of
differences among the corresponding mean values of the task time
completion. We have also found a strong correlation between the task
time completion and the age of the subjects, as well as we have
performed the test-retest reliability checks in the sample of 84
children, giving the high values of the Pearson coefficients for the
dominant and non-dominant hand in the range 0.740.97 and
0.620.93, respectively.
A new MATLAB-based programming tool aiming at analysis of
cardiologic RR intervals and blood pressure descriptors, is worked
out, too. For each set of data, ten different parameters are extracted: 2
in time domain, 4 in frequency domain and 4 in Poincaré plot
analysis. In addition twelve different parameters of baroreflex
sensitivity are calculated. All these data sets can be visualized in time
domain together with their power spectra and Poincaré plots. If
available, the respiratory oscillation curves can be also plotted for
comparison. Another application processes biological data obtained
from BLAST analysis.
Abstract: This paper reports the influence of sucrose on the
preservation of CO2 hydrate crystal samples. The particle diameter of
hydrate samples were 1.0 and 5.6-8.0 mm. Mass fraction of sucrose in
the sample was 0.16. The samples were stored at the aerated condition
under atmospheric pressure and at the temperature of 253 or 258 K.
The results indicated that the mass fractions of CO2 hydrate in the
samples with sucrose were 0.10 ± 0.03 at the end of 3-week
preservation, regardless of temperature and particle diameter. Mass
fraction of CO2 hydrate in the samples with sucrose was higher than
that of pure CO2 hydrate for 1.0 mm particle diameter, while was
lower than that of pure CO2 hydrate for 5.6-8.0 mm particle diameter.
Discussion is made on the influence of sucrose on the dissociation of
CO2 hydrate and the resulting formation of ice.
Abstract: The effect of teaching method on learning
assistance Dunn Review .The study, to compare the effects of
collaboration on teaching mathematics learning courses, including
writing, science, experimental girl students by other methods of
teaching basic first paid and the amount of learning students
methods have been trained to cooperate with other students with
other traditional methods have been trained to compare. The
survey on 100 students in Tehran that using random sampling ¬
cluster of girl students between the first primary selections was
performed. Considering the topic of semi-experimental research
methods used to practice the necessary information by
questionnaire, examination questions by the researcher, in
collaboration with teachers and view authority in this field and
related courses that teach these must have been collected.
Research samples to test and control groups were divided.
Experimental group and control group collaboration using
traditional methods of mathematics courses, including writing and
experimental sciences were trained. Research results using
statistical methods T is obtained in two independent groups show
that, through training assistance will lead to positive results and
student learning in comparison with traditional methods, will
increase also led to collaboration methods increase skills to solve
math lesson practice, better understanding and increased skill
level of students in practical lessons such as science and has been
writing.
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a method to reduce
quantization error. In order to reduce quantization error, low pass
filtering is applied on neighboring samples of current block in
H.264/AVC. However, it has a weak point that low pass filtering is
performed regardless of prediction direction. Since it doesn-t consider
prediction direction, it may not reduce quantization error effectively.
Proposed method considers prediction direction for low pass filtering
and uses a threshold condition for reducing flag bit. We compare our
experimental result with conventional method in H.264/AVC and we
can achieve the average bit-rate reduction of 1.534% by applying the
proposed method. Bit-rate reduction between 0.580% and 3.567% are
shown for experimental results.
Abstract: Experiments have been carried out at the Latvia
University of Agriculture Department of Food Technology. The aim
of this work was to assess the effect of thermal treatment in flexible
retort pouch packaging on the quality of potatoes’ produce during the
storage time. Samples were evaluated immediately after retort
thermal treatment; and following 1; 2; 3 and 4 storage months at the
ambient temperature of +18±2ºC in vacuum packaging from
polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) and aluminum/polyethylene
(Al/PE) film pouches with barrier properties. Experimentally the
quality of the potatoes’ produce in dry butter and mushroom
dressings was characterized by measuring pH, hardness, color,
microbiological properties and sensory evaluation. The sterilization
was effective in protecting the produce from physical, chemical, and
microbial quality degradation. According to the study of obtained
data, it can be argued that the selected product processing technology
and packaging materials could be applied to provide the safety and
security during four-month storage period.
Abstract: This study describes a capillary-based device
integrated with the heating and cooling modules for polymerase chain
reaction (PCR). The device consists of the reaction
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) capillary, the aluminum blocks, and is
equipped with two cartridge heaters, a thermoelectric (TE) cooler, a
fan, and some thermocouples for temperature control. The cartridge
heaters are placed into the heating blocks and maintained at two
different temperatures to achieve the denaturation and the extension
step. Some thermocouples inserted into the capillary are used to obtain
the transient temperature profiles of the reaction sample during
thermal cycles. A 483-bp DNA template is amplified successfully in
the designed system and the traditional thermal cycler. This work
should be interesting to persons involved in the high-temperature
based reactions and genomics or cell analysis.
Abstract: In this study, synthesis of biomemitic patterned nano
hydroxyapatite-starch biocomposites using different concentration of
starch to evaluate effect of polymer alteration on biocomposites
structural properties has been reported. Formation of hydroxyapatite
nano particles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Size and morphology of the
samples were characterized using scanning and transmission electron
microscopy (SEM and TEM). It seems that by increasing starch
content, the more active site of polymer (oxygen atoms) can be
provided for interaction with Ca2+ followed by phosphate and
hydroxyl group.
Abstract: Post cracking behavior and load –bearing capacity of
the steel fiber reinforced high-strength concrete (SFRHSC) are
dependent on the number of fibers are crossing the weakest crack
(bridged the crack) and their orientation to the crack surface. Filling
the mould by SFRHSC, fibers are moving and rotating with the
concrete matrix flow till the motion stops in each internal point of the
concrete body. Filling the same mould from the different ends
SFRHSC samples with the different internal structures (and different
strength) can be obtained. Numerical flow simulations (using Newton
and Bingham flow models) were realized, as well as single fiber
planar motion and rotation numerical and experimental investigation
(in viscous flow) was performed. X-ray pictures for prismatic
samples were obtained and internal fiber positions and orientations
were analyzed. Similarly fiber positions and orientations in cracked
cross-section were recognized and were compared with numerically
simulated. Structural SFRHSC fracture model was created based on
single fiber pull-out laws, which were determined experimentally.
Model predictions were validated by 15x15x60cm prisms 4 point
bending tests.