Abstract: The Quad Tree Decomposition based performance
analysis of compressed image data communication for lossy and
lossless through wireless sensor network is presented. Images have
considerably higher storage requirement than text. While transmitting
a multimedia content there is chance of the packets being dropped
due to noise and interference. At the receiver end the packets that
carry valuable information might be damaged or lost due to noise,
interference and congestion. In order to avoid the valuable
information from being dropped various retransmission schemes have
been proposed. In this proposed scheme QTD is used. QTD is an
image segmentation method that divides the image into homogeneous
areas. In this proposed scheme involves analysis of parameters such
as compression ratio, peak signal to noise ratio, mean square error,
bits per pixel in compressed image and analysis of difficulties during
data packet communication in Wireless Sensor Networks. By
considering the above, this paper is to use the QTD to improve the
compression ratio as well as visual quality and the algorithm in
MATLAB 7.1 and NS2 Simulator software tool.
Abstract: From a perspective of moral education, this study has
examined the experiences of a group of college students who
volunteered in disaster areas after the magnitude 9.0 Earthquake,
which struck the Northeastern region of Japan in March, 2011. The
research, utilizing the method of grounded theory, has uncovered that
most of the students have gone through positive changes in their
development of moral and social characters, such as attaining deeper
sense of empathy and caring personalities. The study expresses, in
identifying the nature of those transformations, that the importance of
volunteer work should strongly be recognized by the colleges and
universities in Japan, in fulfilling their public responsibility of creating
and building learning communities that are responsible and caring.
Abstract: Many studies have revealed the fact of the complexity
of ontology building process. Therefore there is a need for a new
approach which one of that addresses the socio-technical aspects in the
collaboration to reach a consensus. Meta-design approach is
considered applicable as a method in the methodological model of
socio-technical ontology engineering. Principles in the meta-design
framework are applied in the construction phases of the ontology. A
web portal is developed to support the meta-design principles
requirements. To validate the methodological model semantic web
applications were developed and integrated in the portal and also used
as a way to show the usefulness of the ontology. The knowledge based
system will be filled with data of Indonesian medicinal plants. By
showing the usefulness of the developed ontology in a semantic web
application, we motivate all stakeholders to participate in the
development of knowledge based system of medicinal plants in
Indonesia.
Abstract: This work is focused on the study of valuation of
recycled concrete aggregates, by measuring certain properties of
concrete in the fresh and hardened state. In this study, rheological
tests and physic-mechanical characterization on concretes and
mortars were conducted with recycled concrete whose geometric
properties were identified aggregates. Mortars were elaborated with
recycled fine aggregate (0/5mm) and concretes were manufactured
using recycled coarse aggregates (5/12.5 mm and 12.5/20 mm). First,
a study of the mortars was conducted to determine the effectiveness
of polycarboxylate superplasticizer on the workability of these and
their action deflocculating of the recycled sand. The rheological
behavior of mortars based on fine aggregate recycled was
characterized. The results confirm that the mortars composed of
different fractions of recycled sand (0 /5) have a better mechanical
properties (compressive and flexural strength) compared to normal
mortar. Also, the mechanical strengths of concretes made with
recycled aggregates (5/12.5 mm and 12.5/20 mm), are comparable to
those of conventional concrete with conventional aggregates,
provided that the implementation can be improved by the addition of
a superplasticizer.
Abstract: A modeling approach for CMOS gates is presented
based on the use of the equivalent inverter. A new model for the
inverter has been developed using a simplified transistor current
model which incorporates the nanoscale effects for the planar
technology. Parametric expressions for the output voltage are
provided as well as the values of the output and supply current to be
compatible with the CCS technology. The model is parametric
according the input signal slew, output load, transistor widths, supply
voltage, temperature and process. The transistor widths of the
equivalent inverter are determined by HSPICE simulations and
parametric expressions are developed for that using a fitting
procedure. Results for the NAND gate shows that the proposed
approach offers sufficient accuracy with an average error in
propagation delay about 5%.
Abstract: This paper reveals the interaction between hydrogen
and surface stress in austenitic stainless steel by X-ray diffraction
stress measurement and thermal desorption analysis before and after
being charged with hydrogen. The surface residual stress was varied
by surface finishing using several disc polishing agents. The obtained
results show that the residual stress near surface had a significant
effect on hydrogen absorption behavior, that is, tensile residual stress
promoted the hydrogen absorption and compressive one did opposite.
Also, hydrogen induced equi-biaxial stress and this stress has a linear
correlation with hydrogen content.
Abstract: The knowledge of biodiesel density over large ranges
of temperature and pressure is important for predicting the behavior
of fuel injection and combustion systems in diesel engines, and for
the optimization of such systems. In this study, cottonseed oil was
transesterified into biodiesel and its density was measured at
temperatures between 288 K and 358 K and pressures between 0.1
MPa and 30 MPa, with expanded uncertainty estimated as ±1.6 kg⋅m-
3. Experimental pressure-volume-temperature (pVT) cottonseed data
was used along with literature data relative to other 18 biodiesels, in
order to build a database used to test the correlation of density with
temperarure and pressure using the Goharshadi–Morsali–Abbaspour
equation of state (GMA EoS). To our knowledge, this is the first that
density measurements are presented for cottonseed biodiesel under
such high pressures, and the GMA EoS used to model biodiesel
density. The new tested EoS allowed correlations within 0.2 kg·m-3
corresponding to average relative deviations within 0.02%. The built
database was used to develop and test a new full predictive model
derived from the observed linear relation between density and degree
of unsaturation (DU), which depended from biodiesel FAMEs
profile. The average density deviation of this method was only about
3 kg.m-3 within the temperature and pressure limits of application.
These results represent appreciable improvements in the context of
density prediction at high pressure when compared with other
equations of state.
Abstract: In this paper a novel design of aerostatic thrust bearing
is proposed and is analyzed numerically. The capillary restrictor and
bearing disk are made of elastomer like silicone and PU. The
viscoelasticity of elastomer helps the capillary expand for more air
flux and at the same time, allows conicity of the bearing surface to
form when the air pressure is enhanced. Therefore the bearing has the
better ability of passive compensation. In the present example, as
compared with the typical model, the new designs can nearly double
the load capability and offer four times static stiffness.
Abstract: This paper represents performance of particle swarm
optimisation (PSO) algorithm based integral (I) controller and
proportional-integral controller (PI) for interconnected hydro-thermal
automatic generation control (AGC) with generation rate constraint
(GRC) and Thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) in series with
tie line. The control strategy of TCPS provides active control of
system frequency. Conventional objective function integral square
error (ISE) and another objective function considering square of
derivative of change in frequencies of both areas and change in tie
line power are considered. The aim of designing the objective
function is to suppress oscillation in frequency deviations and change
in tie line power oscillation. The controller parameters are searched
by PSO algorithm by minimising the objective functions. The
dynamic performance of the controllers I and PI, for both the
objective functions, are compared with conventionally optimized I
controller.
Abstract: In this research article a comprehensive investigation
has been carried out to determine the effect of thermal cycle on
temperature dependent process parameters developed during gas
tungsten arc (GTA) welding of high carbon (AISI 1090) steel butt
joints. An experiment based thermal analysis has been performed to
obtain the thermal history. We have focused on different
thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, heat transfer
coefficient and cooling rate. Angular torch model has been utilized to
find out the surface heat flux and its variation along the fusion zone as
well as along the longitudinal direction from fusion boundary. After
welding and formation of weld pool, heat transfer coefficient varies
rapidly in the vicinity of molten weld bead and heat affected zone. To
evaluate the heat transfer coefficient near the fusion line and near the
rear end of the plate (low temperature region), established correlation
has been implemented and has been compared with empirical
correlation which is noted as coupled convective and radiation heat
transfer coefficient. Change in thermal conductivity has been
visualized by analytical model of moving point heat source. Rate of
cooling has been estimated by using 2-dimensional mathematical
expression of cooling rate and it has shown good agreement with
experimental temperature cycle. Thermophysical properties have been
varied randomly within 0 -10s time span.
Abstract: Asphaltic concrete for pavement construction in India
are produced by using crushed stone, gravels etc. as aggregate. In
north-Eastern region of India, there is a scarcity of stone aggregate.
Therefore the road engineers are always in search of an optional
material as aggregate which can replace the regularly used material.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the utilization of
substandard or marginal aggregates in flexible pavement
construction. The investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects
of using lower quality aggregates such as over burnt brick aggregate
on the preparation of asphalt concrete for flexible pavements. The
scope of this work included a review of available literature and
existing data, a laboratory evaluation organized to determine the
effects of marginal aggregates and potential techniques to upgrade
these substandard materials, and a laboratory evaluation of these
upgraded marginal aggregate asphalt mixtures. Over burnt brick
aggregates are water susceptible and can leads to moisture damage.
Moisture damage is the progressive loss of functionality of the
material owing to loss of the adhesion bond between the asphalt
binder and the aggregate surface. Hence zycosoil as an anti striping
additive were evaluated in this study. This study summarizes the
results of the laboratory evaluation carried out to investigate the
properties of asphalt concrete prepared with zycosoil modified over
burnt brick aggregate. Marshall specimen were prepared with stone
aggregate, zycosoil modified stone aggregate, over burnt brick
aggregate and zycosoil modified over burnt brick aggregate. Results
show that addition of zycosoil with stone aggregate increased
stability by 6% and addition of zycosoil with over burnt brick
aggregate increased stability by 30%.
Abstract: Due to growing concern about environmental and
social consequences throughout the world, a need has been felt to
incorporate sustainability concepts in conventional manufacturing.
This paper is an attempt to identify and evaluate drivers in
implementing sustainable manufacturing in Indian context. Nine
possible drivers for successful implementation of sustainable
manufacturing have been identified from extensive review. Further,
Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)
approach has been utilized to evaluate and categorize these identified
drivers for implementing sustainable manufacturing in to the cause
and effect groups. Five drivers (Societal Pressure and Public
Concerns; Regulations and Government Policies; Top Management
Involvement, Commitment and Support; Effective Strategies and
Activities towards Socially Responsible Manufacturing and Market
Trends) have been categorized into the cause group and four drivers
(Holistic View in Manufacturing Systems; Supplier Participation;
Building Sustainable culture in Organization; and Corporate Image
and Benefits) have been categorized into the effect group. “Societal
Pressure and Public Concerns” has been found the most critical driver
and “Corporate Image and Benefits” as least critical or the most
easily influenced driver to implementing sustainable manufacturing
in Indian context. This paper may surely help practitioners in better
understanding of these drivers and their priorities towards effective
implementation of sustainable manufacturing.
Abstract: Two micromechanical models for 3D smart composite
with embedded periodic or nearly periodic network of generally
orthotropic reinforcements and actuators are developed and applied to
cubic structures with unidirectional orientation of constituents.
Analytical formulas for the effective piezothermoelastic coefficients
are derived using the Asymptotic Homogenization Method (AHM).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is subsequently developed and used
to examine the aforementioned periodic 3D network reinforced smart
structures. The deformation responses from the FE simulations are
used to extract effective coefficients. The results from both
techniques are compared. This work considers piezoelectric materials
that respond linearly to changes in electric field, electric
displacement, mechanical stress and strain and thermal effects. This
combination of electric fields and thermo-mechanical response in
smart composite structures is characterized by piezoelectric and
thermal expansion coefficients. The problem is represented by unitcell
and the models are developed using the AHM and the FEA to
determine the effective piezoelectric and thermal expansion
coefficients. Each unit cell contains a number of orthotropic
inclusions in the form of structural reinforcements and actuators.
Using matrix representation of the coupled response of the unit cell,
the effective piezoelectric and thermal expansion coefficients are
calculated and compared with results of the asymptotic
homogenization method. A very good agreement is shown between
these two approaches.
Abstract: This work presents the result of investigations aimed
at determining the hardness of the welded Chromoly (A 4130) steel
plate of 2” thickness. Multi pass welding for the thick sections was
carried out and analyzed for the Chromoly alloy steel plates. The
study of hardness at the weld metal reveals that there is the presence
of different micro structure products which yields diverse properties.
The welding carried out using GMAW with ER70s-2 electrode.
Single V groove design was selected for the butt joint configuration.
The presence of hydrogen has been suppressed by selecting low
hydrogen electrode. Preheating of the plate prior to welding reduces
the cooling rate which also affects the weld metal microstructure. The
shielding gas composition used in this analysis is 80% Ar-20% CO2.
The experimental analysis gives the detailed study of the hardness of
the material.
Abstract: The aim of the present work was to statistically design
an autotrophic medium for maximum biomass production by
Chlorella pyrenoidosa using response surface methodology. After
evaluating one factor at a time approach, K2HPO4, KNO3,
MgSO4.7H2O and NaHCO3 were preferred over the other
components of the fog’s medium as most critical autotrophic medium
components. The study showed that the maximum biomass yield was
achieved while the concentrations of MgSO4.7H2O, K2HPO4, KNO3
and NaHCO3 were 0.409 g/L, 0.24 g/L, 1.033 g/L, and 3.265 g/L,
respectively. The study reported that the biomass productivity of C.
pyrenoidosa improved from 0.14 g/L in defined fog’s medium to 1.40
g/L in modified fog’s medium resulting 10 fold increase. The
biochemical composition biosynthesis of C. pyrenoidosa was altered
using nitrogen limiting stress bringing about 5.23 fold increase in
lipid content than control (cell without stress), as analyzed by FTIR
integration method.
Abstract: The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds,
such as bisphenol A (BPA), in the environment can cause serious
health problems. However, there are controversial opinions. This
study investigated the reproductive, metabolic, oxidative and
immunologic-disrupting effects of bisphenol A in male rabbits.
Rabbits were divided into five groups. The first four rabbit groups
were administered oral BPA (1, 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day) for ten
weeks. The fifth group was administered corn oil as the vehicle. BPA
significantly decreased serum testosterone, estradiol and the free
androgen index (FAI) and significantly increased sex hormone
binding globulin (SHBG) compared with the placebo group. The
higher doses of BPA showed a significant decrease in follicular
stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). A
significant increase in blood glucose levels was identified in the BPA
groups. The non-significant difference in insulin levels is a novel
finding. The cumulative testicular toxicity of BPA was clearly
demonstrated by the dose-dependent decrease in absolute testes
weight, primary measures of semen quality and a significant increase
in testicular malonaldehyde (MDA). Moreover, BPA significantly
decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and significantly
increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) at the highest concentration. Our
results suggest that BPA, especially at higher doses, is associated
with many adverse effects on metabolism, oxidative stress, immunity,
sperm quality and markers of androgenic action.
Abstract: A new relative efficiency in linear model in reference is
instructed into the linear weighted regression, and its upper and lower
bound are proposed. In the linear weighted regression model, for the
best linear unbiased estimation of mean matrix respect to the
least-squares estimation, two new relative efficiencies are given, and
their upper and lower bounds are also studied.
Abstract: Weed suppression and weeding are necessary measures
for rice cultivation. Weed suppression precedes the process of
weeding. It means suppressing the growth of young weeds and
creating a weed-less environment. If we suppress the growth of weeds,
we can reduce the number of weeds in a paddy field. This would result
in a reduction of the weeding work load.
In this paper, we will show how we developed a weed suppression
robot for the purpose of reducing the weeding work load. The robot
has a laser range finder for autonomous mobility and a robot arm for
weed suppression. It travels along the rice rows without stepping on
and injuring the rice plants in a paddy field. The robot arm applies
force to the weed seedlings and thereby suppresses the growth of
weeds. This paper will explain the methodology of the autonomous
mobile, the experiment in weed suppression, and the method of
controlling the robot’s posture on uneven ground.
Abstract: Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is one of the most
attractive bioceramics due to its moldable and shape ability to fill
complicated bony cavities or small dental defect positions. In this
study, CPC was produced by using mixture of tetracalcium phosphate
(TTCP, Ca4O(PO4)2) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA,
CaHPO4) in equimolar ratio (1/1) with aqueous solutions of acetic
acid (C2H4O2) and disodium hydrogen phosphate dehydrate
(Na2HPO4.2H2O) in combination with sodium alginate in order to
improve theirs moldable characteristic. The concentration of the
aqueous solutions and sodium alginate were varied to investigate the
effect of different aqueous solutions and alginate on properties of the
cements. The cement paste was prepared by mixing cement powder
(P) with aqueous solution (L) in a P/L ratio of 1.0g/0.35ml. X-ray
diffraction (XRD) was used to analyses phase formation of the
cements. Setting time and compressive strength of the set CPCs were
measured using the Gilmore apparatus and Universal testing
machine, respectively.
The results showed that CPCs could be produced by using both
basic (Na2HPO4.2H2O) and acidic (C2H4O2) solutions. XRD results
show the precipitation of hydroxyapatite in all cement samples. No
change in phase formation among cements using difference
concentrations of Na2HPO4.2H2O solutions. With increasing
concentration of acidic solutions, samples obtained less
hydroxyapatite with a high dicalcium phosphate dehydrate leaded to
a shorter setting time. Samples with sodium alginate exhibited higher
crystallization of hydroxyapatite than that of without alginate as a
result of shorten setting time in a basic solution but a longer setting
time in an acidic solution. The stronger cement was attained from
samples using the acidic solution with sodium alginate; however the
strength was lower than that of using the basic solution.
Abstract: The main objective of the study is focused in
producing slag based geopolymer concrete obtained with the addition
of alkali activator. Test results indicated that the reaction of silicates
in slag is based on the reaction potential of sodium hydroxide and the
formation of alumino-silicates. The study also comprises on the
evaluation of the efficiency of polymer reaction in terms of the
strength gain properties for different geopolymer mixtures.
Geopolymer mixture proportions were designed for different binder
to total aggregate ratio (0.3 & 0.45) and fine to coarse aggregate ratio
(0.4 & 0.8). Geopolymer concrete specimens casted with normal
curing conditions reported a maximum 28 days compressive strength
of 54.75 MPa. The addition of glued steel fibres at 1.0% Vf in
geopolymer concrete showed reasonable improvements on the
compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural properties of
different geopolymer mixtures. Further, comparative assessment was
made for different geopolymer mixtures and the reinforcing effects of
steel fibres were investigated in different concrete matrix.