Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new packing strategy to
find a free resource for run-time mapping of application tasks to
NoC-based Heterogeneous MPSoC. The proposed strategy minimizes
the task mapping time in addition to placing the communicating tasks
close to each other. To evaluate our approach, a comparative study is
carried out for a platform containing single task supported PEs.
Experiments show that our strategy provides better results when
compared to latest dynamic mapping strategies reported in the
literature.
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the diversity and
abundance of shorebird species habituating the mudflat area of Jeram
Beach and Remis Beach, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Direct
observation technique (using binoculars and video camera) was
applied to record the presence of bird species in the sampling sites
from August 2013 until July 2014. A total of 32 species of shorebird
were recorded during both migratory and non-migratory seasons. Of
these, eleven species (48%) are migrants, six species (26%) have both
migrant and resident populations, four species (17%) are vagrants and
two species (9%) are residents. The compositions of the birds
differed significantly in all months (χ2 = 84.35, p < 0.001). There is a
significant difference in avian abundance between migratory and
non-migratory seasons (Mann-Whitney, t = 2.39, p = 0.036). The
avian abundance were differed significantly in Jeram and Remis
Beaches during migratory periods (t = 4.39, p = 0.001) but not during
non-migratory periods (t = 0.78, p = 0.456). Shorebird diversity was
also affected by tidal cycle. There is a significance difference
between high tide and low tide (Mann-Whitney, t = 78.0, p < 0.005).
Frequency of disturbance also affected the shorebird distribution
(Mann-Whitney, t = 57.0, p = 0.0134). Therefore, this study
concluded that tides and disturbances are two factors that affecting
temporal distribution of shorebird in mudflats area.
Abstract: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene
(vinyl acetate) (EVA) and PE-ionomer nanocomposite samples were
prepared by mixing of the polymer with organofilized
montmorillonite fillers Cloisite 93A and Dellite 67G. The amount of
each modified montmorillonite (MMT) was fixed to 5% (w/w). The
twin-screw kneader was used for the compounding of polymer matrix
and chosen nanofillers. The level of MMT exfoliation was studied by
the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The
mechanical properties of prepared materials were evaluated by
dynamical mechanical analysis at 30°C and by the measurement of
tensile properties (stress and strain at break).
Abstract: The objective of the study was to select the survival of
probiotic strains when exposed to acidic and bile salts condition. Four
probiotic strains Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus TISTR 047,
Lactobacillus casei TISTR 1500, Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR
1338 and Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 1465 were cultured in
MRS broth and incubated at 35ºC for 15 hours before being inoculated
into acidic condition 5 M HCl, pH 2 for 2 hours and bile salt 0.3%,
pH 5.8 for 8 hour. The survived probiotics were counted in MRS agar.
Among four stains, Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus TISTR 047
was the highest tolerance specie. Lactobacillus casei subsp.
rhamnosus TISTR 047 reduced 6.74±0.07 log CFU/ml after growing
in acid and 5.52±0.05 log CFU/ml after growing in bile salt. Then,
double emulsion of microorganisms was chosen to encapsulate before
spray drying. Spray drying was done with the inlet temperature 170ºC
and outlet temperature 80ºC. The results showed that the survival of
encapsulated Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus TISTR 047 after
spray drying decreased from 9.63 ± 0.32 to 8.31 ± 0.11 log CFU/ml
comparing with non-encapsulated, 9.63 ± 0.32 to 4.06 ± 0.08 log
CFU/ml. Therefore, Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus TISTR 047
would be able to survive in gastrointestinal and spray drying condition.
Abstract: This article presents summary on preparation and
characterization of zinc, copper, cadmium and cobalt chromite
nanocrystals, embedded in an amorphous silica matrix. The
ZnCr2O4/SiO2, CuCr2O4/SiO2, CdCr2O4/SiO2 and CoCr2O4/SiO2
nanocomposites were prepared by a conventional sol-gel method
under acid catalysis. Final heat treatment of the samples was carried
out at temperatures in the range of 900−1200 ◦C to adjust the
phase composition and the crystallite size, respectively. The resulting
samples were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD),
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM),
Raman/FTIR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Formation
of the spinel phase was confirmed in all samples. The average size of
the nanocrystals was determined from the PXRD data and by direct
particle size observation on HRTEM; both results were correlated.
The mean particle size (reviewed by HRTEM) was in the range from
∼4 to 46 nm. The results showed that the sol-gel method can be
effectively used for preparation of the spinel chromite nanoparticles
embedded in the silica matrix and the particle size is driven by the
type of the cation A2+ in the spinel structure and the temperature
of the final heat treatment. Magnetic properties of the nanocrystals
were found to be just moderately modified in comparison to the bulk
phases.
Abstract: Metal-enhanced Luminescence of silicon nanocrystals
(SiNCs) was determined using two different particle sizes of silver
nanoparticles (AgNPs). SiNCs have been characterized by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron
microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that
the SiNCs are crystalline with an average diameter of 65 nm and FCC
lattice. AgNPs were synthesized using photochemical reduction of
AgNO3 with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The enhanced
luminescence of SiNCs by AgNPs was evaluated by confocal Raman
microspectroscopy. Enhancement up to x9 and x3 times were
observed for SiNCs that mixed with AgNPs which have an average
particle size of 100 nm and 30 nm, respectively. Silver NPs-enhanced
luminescence of SiNCs occurs as a result of the coupling between the
excitation laser light and the plasmon bands of AgNPs; thus this
intense field at AgNPs surface couples strongly to SiNCs.
Abstract: Ficus deltoidea from the Moraceae family is a popular
medicinal herb in Malaysia. It possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory
properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory
effects of F. deltoidea extract on UVB-irradiated HaCaT
Keratinocytes were investigated. HaCaT Keratinocytes were UVBirradiated
(12.5 mJ/cm3) and were treated with 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% of
F. deltoidea extract. Cell viability following UVB irradiation was
significantly higher in the groups treated with the F. deltoidea extract
at doses of 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% than in control group with UVB
irradiation only. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α
(IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) play
primary roles in the inflammation process upon UV irradiation and
are known to be stimulated by UVB irradiation. Treatment with the
F. deltoidea extract dramatically inhibited the UV-induced TNF-α,
IL-1α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the F.
deltoidea extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and may be an effective protective agent for the treatment
of skin diseases.
Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of Plant Growth
Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and rhizobium bacteria on grain
yield and some agronomic traits of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.), an
experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block
design with three replications in Malekshahi, Ilam province, Iran
during 2012-2013 cropping season. Experimental treatments
consisted of control treatment, inoculation with rhizobium bacteria,
rhizobium bacteria and Azotobacter, rhizobium bacteria and
Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria and Pseudomonas, rhizobium
bacteria, Azotobacter and Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria,
Azotobacter and Pseudomonas, rhizobium bacteria, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas and rhizobium bacteria, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas. The results showed that the effect of PGPR and
rhizobium bacteria were significant affect on grain and its
components in mungbean plant. Grain yield significantly increased
by PGPR and rhizobium bacteria, so that the maximum grain yield
was obtained from rhizobium bacteria + Azospirillum +
Pseudomonas with the amount of 2287 kg.ha-1 as compared to
control treatment. Excessive application of chemical fertilizers causes
environmental and economic problems. That is, the overfertilization
of P and N leads to pollution due to soil erosion and runoff water, so
the use of PGPR and rhizobium bacteria can be justified due to
reduce input costs, increase in grain yield and environmental friendly.
Abstract: Azadirachta excelsa or locally known as sentang are
frequently used as a traditional medicine by diabetes patients in
Malaysia. However, less attention has been given to their toxicity
effect. Thus, the study is an attempt to examine the protective effect
of A. excelsa on the pancreas and to determine possible toxicity
mediated by the extract. Diabetes was induced experimentally in rats
by high-fat-diet for 16 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of
streptozotocin at dosage of 35 mg/kg of body weight. Declination of
the fasting blood glucose level was observed after continuous
administration of A. excelsa for 14 days twice daily. This is due to the
refining structure of the pancreas. However, surprisingly, the plant
extract reduced the leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCHC and
lymphocytes. In addition, the rat treated with the plant extract
exhibited increment in AST and eosinocytes level. Overall, the
finding shows that A. excelsa possesses antidiabetic activity by
improving the structure of pancreatic islet of Langerhans but
involved in ameliorating of hematology and biochemical parameters.
Abstract: Biological conversion of biomass to methane has
received increasing attention in recent years. Grasses have been
explored for their potential anaerobic digestion to methane. In this
review, extensive literature data have been tabulated and classified.
The influences of several parameters on the potential of these
feedstocks to produce methane are presented. Lignocellulosic
biomass represents a mostly unused source for biogas and ethanol
production. Many factors, including lignin content, crystallinity of
cellulose, and particle size, limit the digestibility of the hemicellulose
and cellulose present in the lignocellulosic biomass. Pretreatments
have used to improve the digestibility of the lignocellulosic biomass.
Each pretreatment has its own effects on cellulose, hemicellulose and
lignin, the three main components of lignocellulosic biomass. Solidstate
anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) generally occurs at solid
concentrations higher than 15%. In contrast, liquid anaerobic
digestion (AD) handles feedstocks with solid concentrations between
0.5% and 15%. Animal manure, sewage sludge, and food waste are
generally treated by liquid AD, while organic fractions of municipal
solid waste (OFMSW) and lignocellulosic biomass such as crop
residues and energy crops can be processed through SS-AD. An
increase in operating temperature can improve both the biogas yield
and the production efficiency, other practices such as using AD
digestate or leachate as an inoculant or decreasing the solid content
may increase biogas yield but have negative impact on production
efficiency. Focus is placed on substrate pretreatment in anaerobic
digestion (AD) as a means of increasing biogas yields using today’s
diversified substrate sources.
Abstract: There is an essential need for obtaining the mathematical representation of fish body undulations, which can be used for designing and building new innovative types of marine propulsion systems with less environmental impact. This research work presents a case study to derive the mathematical model for fish body movement. Observation and capturing image methods were used in this study in order to obtain a mathematical representation of Clariasbatrachus fish (catfish). An experiment was conducted by using an aquarium with dimension 0.609 m x 0.304 m x 0.304 m, and a 0.5 m ruler was attached at the base of the aquarium. Progressive Scan Monochrome Camera was positioned at 1.8 m above the base of the aquarium to provide swimming sequences. Seven points were marked on the fish body using white marker to indicate the fish movement and measuring the amplitude of undulation. Images from video recordings (20 frames/s) were analyzed frame by frame using local coordinate system, with time interval 0.05 s. The amplitudes of undulations were obtained for image analysis from each point that has been marked on fish body. A graph of amplitude of undulations versus time was plotted by using computer to derive a mathematical fit. The function for the graph is polynomial with nine orders.
Abstract: With growth of PV market in tropical region, it is necessary to investigate the performance of different types of PV technology under the tropical weather conditions. Singapore Polytechnic was funded by Economic Development Board (EDB) to set up a solar PV test-bed for the research on performance of different types of PV modules in the country. The PV test-bed installed the nine different types of PV systems that are integrated to power utility grid for monitoring and analyzing their operating performances. This paper presents the 12 months operational data of nine different PV systems and analyses on performances of installed PV systems using energy yield and performance ratio. The nine types of PV systems under test have shown their energy yields ranging from 2.67 to 3.36 kWh/kWp and their performance ratios (PRs) ranging from 70% to 88%.
Abstract: The effect of tillage technology of maize on intensity of weed infestation and weed species composition was observed at experimental field. Maize is grown consecutively since 2001. The experimental site is situated at an altitude of 230 m above sea level in the Czech Republic. Variants of tillage technology are CT: plowing – conventional tillage 0.22 m, MT: loosening – disc tillage on the depth of 0.1 – 0.12 m, NT: direct sowing – without tillage. The evaluation of weed infestation was carried out by numerical method in years 2012 and 2013. Within the monitoring were found 20 various species of weeds. Conventional tillage (CT) primarily supports the occurrence of perennial weeds (Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis). Late spring species (Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli) were more frequently noticed on variants of loosening (MT) and direct sowing (NT). Different tillage causes a significant change of weed species spectrum in maize.
Abstract: This research paper, based on demographic variables, is aimed to study the behaviour of bookkeeping for household accounts of residents living in urban communities in Dusit District, Bangkok and to investigate factors that affected the behavior of bookkeeping. By use of non proportional stratified sampling technique of probability sampling, the research had a total of 247 samples. The systematic sampling technique was also utilized by selecting one household out of every 3 households. The demographic findings reported female respondents as the majority with an average age between 26-35 years old, having married status and having children. The respondents earn a living by selling, with an average income per month of between 5,001-15,000 Baht. Most of the families rent a house and each family have approximately 3-4 members. Furthermore, most of the household respondents used to be trained to do bookkeeping for household accounts. In addition, the factors in affecting the residents’ behaviour of doing household account bookkeeping included a dislike of numbers, inaccuracy of recording, availability of accounting counselors in the communities, people’s participation in trainings arranged by outside organizations.
Abstract: Chromium is one of the most common heavy metals which exist in very high concentrations in wastewater. The removal is very expensive due to the high cost of normal adsorbents. Lignocellulosic materials and mainly treated materials have proven to be a good solution for this problem.
Adsorption tests were performed at different pH, different times and with varying concentrations.
Results show that is at pH 3 that treated wood absorbs more chromium ranging from 70% (2h treatment) to almost 100% (12 h treatment) much more than untreated wood with less than 40%. Most of the adsorption is made in the first 2-3 hours for untreated and heat treated wood. Modified wood adsorbs more chromium throughout the time. For all the samples, adsorption fitted relatively well the Langmuir model with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.85 to 0.97.
The results show that heat treated wood is a good adsorbent ant that this might be a good utilization for sawdust from treating companies.
Abstract: Portugal is an important wine and olive oil producer, activities which generate a high quantity of residues commonly called grape stalks and olive cake, respectively. In this work grape stalks and olive cake were used as lignocellulosic adsorbents for wastewater containing lead treatment. To attain a better knowledge of the factors that could influence the quality of the treated wastewater, a chemical characterization of the materials used in the treatment was done. To access the ecotoxicological safety of the treated wastewater, several tests were performed.
The results of the toxicity test show that the samples leachate has a mild effect on the living models tested. The tests performed in lemna and bacteria were the most sensible to toxicity effects of the samples. The results obtained in this work evidenced the importance of use of simple and fast toxicity tests to predict impacts in the environment.
Abstract: The present study consisted of an applied test in meat
system to assess the effectiveness of three bio agents bacteriocinproducing
strains: Lm24: Lactobacillus sakei, Lm14and Lm25:
Pediococcus spp. Two tests were carried out: The ex situ test was
intended for three batches added with crude bacteriocin solutions at
12.48 AU/ml for Lm25 and 8.4 AU/ml for Lm14 and Lm24. However, the
in situ one consisted of four batches; three of them inoculated with
one bacteriocinogenic Lm25, Lm14, Lm24, respectively. The fourth one
was used in mixture: Lm14+m24 at approximately of 107 CFU/ml. The
two used tests were done in the presence of the pathogen
St. aureus ATCC 6538, as a test strain at 103 CFU/ml. Another batch
served as a positive or a negative control was used too. The
incubation was performed at 7°C. Total viable counts, staphylococci
and lactic acid bacteria, at the beginning and at selected times with
interval of three days were enumerated. Physico-chemical
determinations (except for in situ test): pH, dry mater, sugars, fat and
total protein, at the beginning and at end of the experiment, were
done, according to the international norms. Our results confirmed the
ex situ effectiveness. Furthermore, the batches affected negatively the
total microbial load over the incubation days, and showed a
significant regression in staphylococcal load at day seven, for Lm14,
Lm24, and Lm25 of 0.73, 2.11, and 2.4 log units. It should be noticed
that, at the last day of culture, staphylococcal load was nil for the
three batches. In the in situ test, the cultures displayed less inhibitory
attitude and recorded a decrease in staphylococcal load, for Lm14,
Lm24, Lm25, Lm14+m24 of 0.73, 0.20, 0.86, 0.032 log units. Therefore,
physicochemical analysis for Lm14, Lm24, Lm25, Lm14+m24 showed an
increase in pH from 5.50 to 5.77, 6.18, 5.96, 7.22, a decrease in dry
mater from 7.30% to 7.05%, 6.87%, 6.32%, 6.00%.This result
reflects the decrease in fat ranging from 1.53% to 1.49%, 1.07%,
0.99%, 0.87%; and total protein from 6.18% to 5.25%, 5.56%,
5.37%, 5.5%. This study suggests that the use of selected strains as
Lm25 could lead to the best results and would help in preserving and
extending the shelf life of lamb meat.
Abstract: The surface properties of many materials can be readily and predictably modified by the controlled deposition of thin layers containing appropriate functional groups and this research area is now a subject of widespread interest. The layer-by-layer (lbl) method involves depositing oppositely charged layers of polyelectrolytes onto the substrate material which are stabilized due to strong electrostatic forces between adjacent layers. This type of modification affords products that combine the properties of the original material with the superficial parameters of the new external layers. Through an appropriate selection of the deposited layers, the surface properties can be precisely controlled and readily adjusted in order to meet the requirements of the intended application. In the presented paper a variety of anionic (poly(acrylic acid)) and cationic (linear poly(ethylene imine), polymers were successfully deposited onto the polypropylene nonwoven using the lbl technique. The chemical structure of the surface before and after modification was confirmed by reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, volumetric analysis and selective dyeing tests. As a direct result of this work, new materials with greatly improved properties have been produced. For example, following a modification process significant changes in the electrostatic activity of a range of novel nanocomposite materials were observed. The deposition of polyelectrolyte nanolayers was found to strongly accelerate the loss of electrostatically generated charges and to increase considerably the thermal resistance properties of the modified fabric (the difference in T50% is over 20oC). From our results, a clear relationship between the type of polyelectrolyte layer deposited onto the flat fabric surface and the properties of the modified fabric was identified.
Abstract: Microbial production of antimicrobials as biopreservatives is the major area of focus nowadays due to increased interest of consumers towards natural and safe preservation of ready to eat food products. The agro-industrial byproduct based medium and optimized process conditions can contribute in economical production of bacteriocins. Keeping this in view, the present investigation was carried out on agro-industrial byproducts utilization for the production of bacteriocin using Enterococcus faecium BS13 isolated from local fermented food. Different agro-industrial byproduct based carbon sources (whey, potato starch liquor, kinnow peel, deoiledrice bran and molasses), nitrogen sources (soya okra, pea pod and corn steep liquor), metal ions and surfactants were tested for optimal bacteriocin production. The effect of various process parameters such as pH, temperature, inoculum level, agitation and time were also tested on bacteriocin production. The optimized medium containing whey, supplemented with 4%corn steep liquor and polysorbate-80 displayed maximum bacteriocin activity with 2% inoculum, at pH 6.5, temperature 40oC under shaking conditions (100 rpm).
Abstract: Aluminum Matrix Composites reinforced with
nanocrystalline Ni3Al carbon-coated intermetallic particles, were
synthesized by powder metallurgy. Powder mixture of aluminum
with 0.5-volume fraction of reinforcement particles was compacted
by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique and the compared with
conventional sintering process. The better results for SPS technique
were obtained in 520ºC-5kN-3min.The hardness (70.5±8 HV) and the
elastic modulus (95 GPa) were evaluated in function of sintering
conditions for SPS technique; it was found that the incorporation of
these kind of reinforcement particles in aluminum matrix improve its
mechanical properties. The densities were about 94% and 97% of the
theoretical density. The carbon coating avoided the interfacial
reaction between matrix-particle at high temperature (520°C) without
show composition change either intermetallic dissolution.