Abstract: Understanding the consumption and production of
various metabolites of fibroblast conditioned media is needed for its
proper and optimized use in expansion of pluripotent stem cells. For
this purpose, we have used the HPLC method to analyse the
consumption of glucose and the production of lactate over time by
mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The experimental data have also been
compared with mathematical model fits. 0.025 moles of lactate was
produced after 72 hrs while the glucose concentration decreased from
0.017 moles to 0.011 moles. The mathematical model was able to
predict the trends of glucose consumption and lactate production.
Abstract: In this study we investigate the insertion of
pioglitazone, a Thiazolidinedione, into the two different sizes of
Carbon nanotub. It was shown that the insertion of pioglitazone into
the carbon nanotube in a water solute environment could be related
to the diameter of the nanotube and in the flow of the waters via
hydrophilic interactions. This encapsulated drug-carbon nanotube
molecule can be further applicable in other investigations in target
therapy with these agents regarding to reduce their potential toxic
effects.
Abstract: Decentralized eco-sanitation system is a promising and sustainable mode comparing to the century-old centralized conventional sanitation system. The decentralized concept relies on an environmentally and economically sound management of water, nutrient and energy fluxes. Source-separation systems for urban waste management collect different solid waste and wastewater streams separately to facilitate the recovery of valuable resources from wastewater (energy, nutrients). A resource recovery centre constituted for 20,000 people will act as the functional unit for the treatment of urban waste of a high-density population community, like Singapore. The decentralized system includes urine treatment, faeces and food waste co-digestion, and horticultural waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste treatment in composting plants. A design model is developed to estimate the input and output in terms of materials and energy. The inputs of urine (yellow water, YW) and faeces (brown water, BW) are calculated by considering the daily mean production of urine and faeces by humans and the water consumption of no-mix vacuum toilet (0.2 and 1 L flushing water for urine and faeces, respectively). The food waste (FW) production is estimated to be 150 g wet weight/person/day. The YW is collected and discharged by gravity into tank. It was found that two days are required for urine hydrolysis and struvite precipitation. The maximum nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery are 150-266 kg/day and 20-70 kg/day, respectively. In contrast, BW and FW are mixed for co-digestion in a thermophilic acidification tank and later a decentralized/centralized methanogenic reactor is used for biogas production. It is determined that 6.16-15.67 m3/h methane is produced which is equivalent to 0.07-0.19 kWh/ca/day. The digestion residues are treated with horticultural waste and organic fraction of municipal waste in co-composting plants.
Abstract: In this study, workplace environmental monitoring
systems were established using USN(Ubiquitous Sensor Networks)
and LabVIEW. Although existing direct sampling methods enable
finding accurate values as of the time points of measurement, those
methods are disadvantageous in that continuous management and
supervision are difficult and costs for are high when those methods are
used. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of workplace
management by supervisors are relatively low when those methods are
used. In this study, systems were established so that information on
workplace environmental factors such as temperatures, humidity and
noises is measured and transmitted to the PC in real time to enable
supervisors to monitor workplaces through LabVIEW on the PC.
When any accidents have occurred in workplaces, supervisors can
immediately respond through the monitoring system and this system
enables integrated workplace management and the prevention of
safety accidents. By introducing these monitoring systems, safety
accidents due to harmful environmental factors in workplaces can be
prevented and these monitoring systems will be also helpful in finding
out the correlation between safety accidents and occupational diseases
by comparing and linking databases established by this monitoring
system with existing statistical data.
Abstract: This paper presents a generalized formulation for the
problem of buckling optimization of anisotropic, radially graded,
thin-walled, long cylinders subject to external hydrostatic pressure.
The main structure to be analyzed is built of multi-angle fibrous
laminated composite lay-ups having different volume fractions of the
constituent materials within the individual plies. This yield to a
piecewise grading of the material in the radial direction; that is the
physical and mechanical properties of the composite material are
allowed to vary radially. The objective function is measured by
maximizing the critical buckling pressure while preserving the total
structural mass at a constant value equals to that of a baseline
reference design. In the selection of the significant optimization
variables, the fiber volume fractions adjoin the standard design
variables including fiber orientation angles and ply thicknesses. The
mathematical formulation employs the classical lamination theory,
where an analytical solution that accounts for the effective axial and
flexural stiffness separately as well as the inclusion of the coupling
stiffness terms is presented. The proposed model deals with
dimensionless quantities in order to be valid for thin shells having
arbitrary thickness-to-radius ratios. The critical buckling pressure
level curves augmented with the mass equality constraint are given
for several types of cylinders showing the functional dependence of
the constrained objective function on the selected design variables. It
was shown that material grading can have significant contribution to
the whole optimization process in achieving the required structural
designs with enhanced stability limits.
Abstract: E-Appointment Scheduling (EAS) has been developed
to handle appointment for UMP students, lecturers in Faculty of
Computer Systems & Software Engineering (FCSSE) and Student
Medical Center. The schedules are based on the timetable and
university activities. Constraints Logic Programming (CLP) has been
implemented to solve the scheduling problems by giving
recommendation to the users in part of determining any available
slots from the lecturers and doctors- timetable. By using this system,
we can avoid wasting time and cost because this application will set
an appointment by auto-generated. In addition, this system can be an
alternative to the lecturers and doctors to make decisions whether to
approve or reject the appointments.
Abstract: The mosaicing technique has been employed in more and more application fields, from entertainment to scientific ones. In the latter case, often the final evaluation is still left to human beings, that assess visually the quality of the mosaic. Many times, a lack of objective measurements in microscopic mosaicing may prevent the mosaic from being used as a starting image for further analysis. In this work we analyze three different metrics and indexes, in the domain of signal analysis, image analysis and visual quality, to measure the quality of different aspects of the mosaicing procedure, such as registration errors and visual quality. As the case study we consider the mosaicing algorithm we developed. The experiments have been carried out by considering mosaics with very different features: histological samples, that are made of detailed and contrasted images, and live stem cells, that show a very low contrast and low detail levels.
Abstract: Recently, the advanced technologies that offer high
precision product, relative easy, economical process and also rapid
production are needed to realize the high demand of ultra precision
micro part. In our research, micromanufacturing based on soft
lithography and nanopowder injection molding was investigated. The
silicone metal pattern with ultra thick and high aspect ratio succeeds to
fabricate Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micro mold. The process
followed by nanopowder injection molding (PIM) by a simple vacuum
hot press. The 17-4ph nanopowder with diameter of 100 nm, succeed
to be injected and it forms green sample microbearing with thickness,
microchannel and aspect ratio is 700μm, 60μm and 12, respectively.
Sintering process was done in 1200 C for 2 hours and heating rate
0.83oC/min. Since low powder load (45% PL) was applied to achieve
green sample fabrication, ~15% shrinkage happen in the 86% relative
density. Several improvements should be done to produce high
accuracy and full density sintered part.
Abstract: Proactive coping directed at an upcoming as opposed
to an ongoing stressor, is a new focus in positive psychology. The
present study explored the proactive coping-s effect on the workplace
adaptation after transition from college to workplace. In order to
demonstrate the influence process between them, we constructed the
model of proactive coping style effecting the actual positive coping
efforts and outcomes by mediating proactive competence during one
year after the transition. Participants (n = 100) started to work right
after graduating from college completed all the four time-s surveys
--one month before (Time 0), one month after (Time 1), three months
after (Time 2), and one year after (Time 3) the transition. Time 0
survey included the measurement of proactive coping style and
competence. Time 1, 2, 3 surveys included the measurement of the
challenge cognitive appraisal, problem solving coping strategy, and
subjective workplace adaptation. The result indicated that proactive
coping style effected newcomers- actual coping efforts and outcomes
by mediating proactive coping competence. The result also showed
that proactive coping competence directly promoted Time1-s actual
positive coping efforts and outcomes, and indirectly promoted Time
2-s and Time 3-s.
Abstract: This paper presents a new approach for image
segmentation by applying Pillar-Kmeans algorithm. This
segmentation process includes a new mechanism for clustering the
elements of high-resolution images in order to improve precision and
reduce computation time. The system applies K-means clustering to
the image segmentation after optimized by Pillar Algorithm. The
Pillar algorithm considers the pillars- placement which should be
located as far as possible from each other to withstand against the
pressure distribution of a roof, as identical to the number of centroids
amongst the data distribution. This algorithm is able to optimize the
K-means clustering for image segmentation in aspects of precision
and computation time. It designates the initial centroids- positions
by calculating the accumulated distance metric between each data
point and all previous centroids, and then selects data points which
have the maximum distance as new initial centroids. This algorithm
distributes all initial centroids according to the maximum
accumulated distance metric. This paper evaluates the proposed
approach for image segmentation by comparing with K-means and
Gaussian Mixture Model algorithm and involving RGB, HSV, HSL
and CIELAB color spaces. The experimental results clarify the
effectiveness of our approach to improve the segmentation quality in
aspects of precision and computational time.
Abstract: A concrete structure is designed and constructed for its
purpose of use, and is expected to maintain its function for the target
durable years from when it was planned. Nevertheless, as time elapses
the structure gradually deteriorates and then eventually degrades to the
point where the structure cannot exert the function for which it was
planned. The performance of concrete that is able to maintain the level
of the performance required over the designed period of use as it has
less deterioration caused by the elapse of time under the designed
condition is referred to as Durability. There are a number of causes of
durability degradation, but especially chloride damage, carbonation,
freeze-thaw, etc are the main causes. In this study, carbonation, one of
the main causes of deterioration of the durability of a concrete
structure, was investigated via a microstructure analysis technique.
The method for the measurement of carbonation was studied using the
existing indicator method, and the method of measuring the progress
of carbonation in a quantitative manner was simultaneously studied
using a FT-IR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) Spectrometer along with
the microstructure analysis technique.
Abstract: The article emphasizes the ideological commitment of
the philosopher Emil Cioran. It presents firstly Cioran's works on the
theme announced by the title, then the European context that
determined the political option of Cioran and a brief analysis of his
relationship with History during his French period. The anti-
Semitism of Cioran was favored by his attachment to a few
philosophers, but also by the European extremist and anti-Semitic
context. The article seeks to demonstrate that the philosopher Cioran,
known more for his pessimism and nihilism, maintained in time an
obsessive relationship with History. His political philosophy is as
important as his subjective philosophy, better known than the former.
Abstract: The Taiwan government has started to promote the “Plain Landscape Afforestation and Greening Program" since 2002. A key task of the program was the payment for environmental services (PES), entitled the “Plain Landscape Afforestation Policy" (PLAP), which was certificated by the Executive Yuan on August 31, 2001 and enacted on January 1, 2002. According to the policy, it is estimated that the total area of afforestation will be 25,100 hectares by December 31, 2007. Until the end of 2007, the policy had been enacted for six years in total and the actual area of afforestation was 8,919.18 hectares. Among them, Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) was accounted for 7,960 hectares (with 2,450.83 hectares as public service area) which occupied 86.22% of the total afforestation area; the private farmland promoted by local governments was accounted for 869.18 hectares which occupied 9.75% of the total afforestation area. Based on the above, we observe that most of the afforestation area in this policy is executed by TSC, and the achievement ratio by TSC is better than by others. It implies that the success of the PLAP is seriously related to the execution of TSC. The objective of this study is to analyze the relevant policy planning of TSC-s participation in the PLAP, suggest complementary measures, and draw up effective adjustment mechanisms, so as to improve the effectiveness of executing the policy. Our main conclusions and suggestions are summarized as follows: 1. The main reason for TSC-s participation in the PLAP is based on their passive cooperation with the central government or company policy. Prior to TSC-s participation in the PLAP, their lands were mainly used for growing sugarcane. 2. The main factors of TSC-s consideration on the selection of tree species are based on the suitability of land and species. The largest proportion of tree species is allocated to economic forests, and the lack of technical instruction was the main problem during afforestation. Moreover, the method of improving TSC-s future development in leisure agriculture and landscape business becomes a key topic. 3. TSC has developed short and long-term plans on participating in the PLAP for the future. However, there is no great willingness or incentive on budgeting for such detailed planning. 4. Most people from TSC interviewed consider the requirements on PLAP unreasonable. Among them, an unreasonable requirement on the number of trees accounted for the greatest proportion; furthermore, most interviewees suggested that the government should continue to provide incentives even after 20 years. 5. Since the government shares the same goals as TSC, there should be sufficient cooperation and communication that support the technical instruction and reduction of afforestation cost, which will also help to improve effectiveness of the policy.
Abstract: Kobe City is a metropolis including large suburbs, where housing communities have been developed for many years. People have been recently moving to the urban areas and the suburbs are losing their power to attract population. At the same time, many blocks of high-rise flats have being built near railway stations adjoining town centers, and are drawing people of all generations. Residents with different lifestyle preferences are making good use of town centers and city centers based on effective railway services to live together happily in a household as well as the same flats. Thus railway services can play an essential role in sustainable urban development.
Abstract: Financial literacy is one of the key factors needed in making informed financial decisions. As businesses continue to be more profit driven, more financial and economic intrigues arise that continue to put individuals at the risk of spending more and more without considering the short term and long term effects. We conducted a study to assess financial literacy and financial decision making among Emiratis. Our results show that financial literacy is lacking among Emiratis. Also, almost half of respondents owe loans to other peoples and 1/5 of them have bank loans. We expect that the outcome of this research will be useful for designing educational programs and policies to promote financial planning and security among Emiratis. We also posit that deeper and more informed understanding of this problem is a precursor for developing effective financial education programs with the aim of improving financial decision- making among Emiratis.
Abstract: This paper investigates and compares performance of
various conventional and fuzzy logic based controllers at generator
locations for oscillation damping. Performance of combination of
conventional and fuzzy logic based controllers also studied by
comparing overshoot on the active power deviation response for a
small disturbance and damping ratio of the critical mode. Fuzzy logic
based controllers can not be modeled in the state space form to get
the eigenvalues and corresponding damping ratios of various modes
of generators and controllers. Hence, a new method based on tracing
envelop of time domain waveform is also presented and used in the
paper for comparing performance of controllers. The paper also
shows that if the fuzzy based controllers designed separately
combining them could not lead to a better performance.
Abstract: The microbiological and physicochemical
characteristics of wetland soils in Eket Local Government Area were
studied between May 2001 and June 2003. Total heterotrophic
bacterial counts (THBC), total fungal counts (TFC), and total
actinomycetes counts (TAC) were determined from soil samples
taken from four locations at two depths in the wet and dry seasons.
Microbial isolates were characterized and identified. Particle size and
chemical parameters were also determined using standard methods.
THBC ranged from 5.2 (+0.17) x106 to 1.7 (+0.18) x107 cfu/g and
from 2.4 (+0.02) x106 to 1.4 (+0.04) x107cfu/g in the wet and dry
seasons, respectively. TFC ranged from 1.8 (+0.03) x106 to 6.6 (+
0.18) x106 cfu/g and from 1.0 (+0.04) x106 to 4.2 (+ 0.01) x106 cfu/g
in the wet and dry seasons, respectively .TAC ranged from 1.2
(+0.53) x106 to 6.0 (+0.05) x106 cfu/g and from 0.6 (+0.01) x106 to
3.2 (+ 0.12) x106 cfu/g in the wet and dry season, respectively.
Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Beijerinckja,
Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Flavobacterium, Serratia, Enterococcus,
and Pseudomonas species were predominant bacteria while
Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizopus were the
dominant fungal genera isolated. Streptomyces and Norcadia were
the actinomycetes genera isolated. The particle size analysis showed
high sand fraction but low silt and clay. The pH and % organic
matter were generally acidic and low, respectively at all locations.
Calcium dominated the exchangeable bases with low electrical
conductivity and micronutrients. These results provide the baseline
data of Eket wetland soils for its management for sustainable
agriculture.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the development of Szuchung Creek take for the cause of the critical success factors, This research is to use the depth interviews, document analysis and Modified-Delphi technique survey of nine depth interviews with experts and 14 experts of Modified-Delphi technique questionnaire and inviting as the research object, Szuchung Creek Hot Springs for the scope of the study. The results show, Szuchung Creek Hot Springs development take for career success factors for the following reasons: 1. Government. 2. Opportunities. 3. Factors of production. 4. Demand conditions. 5. Corporate structure and the degree of competition. 6. Related and supporting industries. Furthermore, Szuchung Creek hot springs, itself already has a number of critical success factors. Contingent less than or inadequacies by Szuchung Creek take for the enterprise development to take for the cause of the critical success factors as the basis for correcting, planning out for local use improvement strategies to achieve the objective of sustainable management.
Abstract: Whilst there is growing evidence that activity
across the lifespan is beneficial for improved health, there are
also many changes involved with the aging process and
subsequently the potential for reduced indices of health. The
nexus between health, physical activity and aging is complex
and has raised much interest in recent times due to the
realization that a multifaceted approached is necessary in
order to counteract a growing obesity epidemic. By
investigating age based trends within a population adhering to
competitive sport at older ages, further insight might be
gleaned to assist in understanding one of many factors
influencing this relationship.
BMI was derived using data gathered on a total of 6,071
masters athletes (51.9% male, 48.1% female) aged 25 to 91
years ( =51.5, s =±9.7), competing at the Sydney World
Masters Games (2009). Using linear and loess regression it
was demonstrated that the usual tendency for prevalence of
higher BMI increasing with age was reversed in the sample.
This trend in reversal was repeated for both male and female
only sub-sets of the sample participants, indicating the
possibility of improved prevalence of BMI with increasing
age for both the sample as a whole and these individual subgroups.
This evidence of improved classification in one index of
health (reduced BMI) for masters athletes (when compared to
the general population) implies there are either improved
levels of this index of health with aging due to adherence to
sport or possibly the reduced BMI is advantageous and
contributes to this cohort adhering (or being attracted) to
masters sport at older ages. Demonstration of this
proportionately under-investigated World Masters Games
population having an improved relationship between BMI and
increasing age over the general population is of particular
interest in the context of the measures being taken globally to
curb an obesity epidemic.
Abstract: The stochastic nature of tool life using conventional discrete-wear data from experimental tests usually exists due to many individual and interacting parameters. It is a common practice in batch production to continually use the same tool to machine different parts, using disparate machining parameters. In such an environment, the optimal points at which tools have to be changed, while achieving minimum production cost and maximum production rate within the surface roughness specifications, have not been adequately studied. In the current study, two relevant aspects are investigated using coated and uncoated inserts in turning operations: (i) the accuracy of using machinability information, from fixed parameters testing procedures, when variable parameters situations are emerged, and (ii) the credibility of tool life machinability data from prior discrete testing procedures in a non-stop machining. A novel technique is proposed and verified to normalize the conventional fixed parameters machinability data to suit the cases when parameters have to be changed for the same tool. Also, an experimental investigation has been established to evaluate the error in the tool life assessment when machinability from discrete testing procedures is employed in uninterrupted practical machining.