Abstract: According to previous studies, some muscles present a non-homogeneous spatial distribution of its muscle fiber types and motor unit types. However, available muscle models only deal with muscles with homogeneous distributions. In this paper, a new architecture muscle model is proposed to permit the construction of non-uniform distributions of muscle fibers within the muscle cross section. The idea behind is the use of a motor unit placement algorithm that controls the spatial overlapping of the motor unit territories of each motor unit type. Results show the capabilities of the new algorithm to reproduce arbitrary muscle fiber type distributions.
Abstract: The equilibrium process of plasma nitrogen species by
chemical kinetic reactions along various pressures is successfully
investigated. The equilibrium process is required in industrial
application to obtain the stable condition when heating up the
material for having homogenous reaction. Nitrogen species densities
is modeled by a continuity equation and extended Arrhenius form.
These equations are used to integrate the change of density over the
time. The integration is to acquire density and the reaction rate of
each reaction where temperature and time dependence are imposed.
A comparison is made with global model within pressure range of 1-
100mTorr and the temperature of electron is set to be higher than
other nitrogen species. The results shows that the chemical kinetic
model only agrees for high pressure because of no power imposed;
while the global model considers the external power along the
pressure range then the electron and nitrogen species give highly
quantity densities by factor of 3 to 5.
Abstract: The problem of N cracks interaction in an isotropic
elastic solid is decomposed into a subproblem of a homogeneous solid
without crack and N subproblems with each having a single crack
subjected to unknown tractions on the two crack faces. The unknown
tractions, namely pseudo tractions on each crack are expanded into
polynomials with unknown coefficients, which have to be determined
by the consistency condition, i.e. by the equivalence of the original
multiple cracks interaction problem and the superposition of the N+1
subproblems. In this paper, Kachanov-s approach of average tractions
is extended into the method of moments to approximately impose the
consistence condition. Hence Kachanov-s method can be viewed as
the zero-order method of moments. Numerical results of the stress
intensity factors are presented for interactions of two collinear cracks,
three collinear cracks, two parallel cracks, and three parallel cracks.
As the order of moment increases, the accuracy of the method of
moments improves.
Abstract: Wireless Sensor Networks consist of inexpensive, low power sensor nodes deployed to monitor the environment and collect
data. Gathering information in an energy efficient manner is a critical aspect to prolong the network lifetime. Clustering algorithms have an advantage of enhancing the network lifetime. Current clustering algorithms usually focus on global re-clustering and local re-clustering separately. This paper, proposed a combination of those two reclustering methods to reduce the energy consumption of the network. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can apply to homogeneous as well as heterogeneous wireless sensor networks. In addition, the cluster head rotation happens, only when its energy drops below a dynamic threshold value computed by the algorithm. The simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm prolong the network lifetime compared to existing algorithms.
Abstract: Among all microRNAs (miRNAs) in 12 plant species investigated in this study, only miR398 targeted the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS). The nucleotide sequences of miRNA binding sites were located in the mRNA protein-coding sequence (CDS) and were highly homologous. These binding sites in CCS mRNA encoded a conservative GDLGTL hexapeptide. The binding sites for miR398 in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 1 mRNA encoded GDLGN pentapeptide. The conservative miR398 binding site located in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 2 mRNA encoded the GDLGNI hexapeptide. The miR398 binding site in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 3 mRNA encoded the GDLGNI or GDLGNV hexapeptide. Gene expression of the entire superoxide dismutase family in the studied plant species was regulated only by miR398. All members of the miR398 family, i.e. miR398a,b,c were connected to one site for each CuZnSOD and chaperone mRNA.
Abstract: The occurrence and removal of trace organic
contaminants in the aquatic environment has become a focus of
environmental concern. For the selective removal of carbamazepine
from loaded waters molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were
synthesized with carbamazepine as template. Parameters varied were
the type of monomer, crosslinker, and porogen, the ratio of starting
materials, and the synthesis temperature. Best results were obtained
with a template to crosslinker ratio of 1:20, toluene as porogen, and
methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomer. MIPs were then capable to
recover carbamazepine by 93% from a 10-5 M landfill leachate
solution containing also caffeine and salicylic acid. By comparison,
carbamazepine recoveries of 75% were achieved using a nonimprinted
polymer (NIP) synthesized under the same conditions, but
without template. In landfill leachate containing solutions
carbamazepine was adsorbed by 93-96% compared with an uptake of
73% by activated carbon. The best solvent for desorption was
acetonitrile, with which the amount of solvent necessary and dilution
with water was tested. Selected MIPs were tested for their reusability
and showed good results for at least five cycles. Adsorption
isotherms were prepared with carbamazepine solutions in the
concentration range of 0.01 M to 5*10-6 M. The heterogeneity index
showed a more homogenous binding site distribution.
Abstract: A homologous series of aromatic esters, 4-nalkanoyloxybenzylidene-
4--bromoanilines, nABBA,
consisting of two 1,4-disubstituted phenyl cores and a Schiff
base central linkage was synthesized. All the members can be
differed by the number of carbon atoms at terminal
alkanoyloxy chain (CnH2n-1COO-, n = 2, 6, 18). The molecular
structure of nABBA was confirmed with infrared
spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
spectroscopy and electron-ionization mass (EI-MS)
spectrometry. Mesomorphic properties were studied using
differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical
microscopy.
Abstract: Let A and B be two linear algebras. A linear map ϕ : A → B is called an n-homomorphism if ϕ(a1...an) = ϕ(a1)...ϕ(an) for all a1, ..., an ∈ A. In this note we have a verification on the behavior of almost n-multiplicative linear maps with n > 2 in the fuzzy normed spaces
Abstract: Load balancing in distributed computer systems is the
process of redistributing the work load among processors in the
system to improve system performance. Most of previous research in
using fuzzy logic for the purpose of load balancing has only
concentrated in utilizing fuzzy logic concepts in describing
processors load and tasks execution length. The responsibility of the
fuzzy-based load balancing process itself, however, has not been
discussed and in most reported work is assumed to be performed in a
distributed fashion by all nodes in the network. This paper proposes a
new fuzzy dynamic load balancing algorithm for homogenous
distributed systems. The proposed algorithm utilizes fuzzy logic in
dealing with inaccurate load information, making load distribution
decisions, and maintaining overall system stability. In terms of
control, we propose a new approach that specifies how, when, and by
which node the load balancing is implemented. Our approach is
called Centralized-But-Distributed (CBD).
Abstract: Quality control in ceramic tile manufacturing is hard, labor intensive and it is performed in a harsh industrial environment with noise, extreme temperature and humidity. It can be divided into color analysis, dimension verification, and surface defect detection, which is the main purpose of our work. Defects detection is still based on the judgment of human operators while most of the other manufacturing activities are automated so, our work is a quality control enhancement by integrating a visual control stage using image processing and morphological operation techniques before the packing operation to improve the homogeneity of batches received by final users.
Abstract: In this paper a new fast simplification method is
presented. Such method realizes Karnough map with large
number of variables. In order to accelerate the operation of the
proposed method, a new approach for fast detection of group
of ones is presented. Such approach implemented in the
frequency domain. The search operation relies on performing
cross correlation in the frequency domain rather than time one.
It is proved mathematically and practically that the number of
computation steps required for the presented method is less
than that needed by conventional cross correlation. Simulation
results using MATLAB confirm the theoretical computations.
Furthermore, a powerful solution for realization of complex
functions is given. The simplified functions are implemented
by using a new desigen for neural networks. Neural networks
are used because they are fault tolerance and as a result they
can recognize signals even with noise or distortion. This is
very useful for logic functions used in data and computer
communications. Moreover, the implemented functions are
realized with minimum amount of components. This is done
by using modular neural nets (MNNs) that divide the input
space into several homogenous regions. Such approach is
applied to implement XOR function, 16 logic functions on one
bit level, and 2-bit digital multiplier. Compared to previous
non- modular designs, a clear reduction in the order of
computations and hardware requirements is achieved.
Abstract: This article summarizes ways to verify neutron
fluence for neutron transmutation doping of silicon with phosphorus
on the LVR-15 reactor. Neutron fluence is determined using
activation detectors placed along the crystal in a strip or encapsulated
in a rod holder. Holders are placed at the centre of a water-filled
capsule or in an aluminum or silicon ingot that simulates a real single
crystal. If the diameter of the crystal is significantly less than the
capsule diameter and water from the primary circuit enters the free
space in the capsule, neutron interaction in the water changes neutron
fluence, affecting axial irradiation homogeneity. The effect of
moving the capsule vertically in the channel relative to maximum
neutron fluence in the reactor core was also measured. Even a small
shift of the capsule-s centre causes great irradiation inhomogeneity.
This effect was measured using activation detectors, and was also
confirmed by MCNP calculation.
Abstract: This paper presents an automated inspection algorithm
for a thick plate. Thick plates typically have various types of surface
defects, such as scabs, scratches, and roller marks. These defects have
individual characteristics including brightness and shape. Therefore, it
is not simple to detect all the defects. In order to solve these problems
and to detect defects more effectively, we propose a dual light
switching lighting method and a defect detection algorithm based on
Gabor filters.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present a
comparative study of Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM),
Variational Iteration Method (VIM) and Homotopy Analysis
Method (HAM) for the semi analytical solution of Kortweg-de
Vries (KdV) type equation called KdV. The study have been
highlighted the efficiency and capability of aforementioned methods
in solving these nonlinear problems which has been arisen from a
number of important physical phenomenon.
Abstract: Homogeneous composites of alumina and zirconia
with a small amount of MgO (99%) were obtained for ZTA ceramic containing 0.05 wt% MgO in
1500 °C.
Abstract: The production of biodiesel from crude palm oil with
a homogeneous base catalyst is unlikely owing to considerable
formation of soap. Free fatty acids (FFA) in crude palm oil need to
be reduced, e.g. by esterification. This study investigated the activity
of sulfated zirconia calcined at various temperatures for esterification
of FFA in crude palm oil to biodiesel. It was found that under a
proper reaction condition, sulfated zirconia well catalyzes
esterification. FFA content can be reduced to an acceptable value for
typical biodiesel production with a homogeneous base catalyst.
Crystallinity and sulfate attachment of sulfated zirconia depend on
calcination temperature during the catalyst preparation. Too low
temperature of calcination gives amorphous sulfated zirconia which
has low activity for esterification of FFA. In contrast, very high
temperature of calcination removes sulfate group, consequently,
conversion of FFA is reduced. The appropriate temperature range of
calcination is 550-650 oC.
Abstract: In this paper, free vibration analysis of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced laminated composite panels is presented. Three types of panels such as flat, concave and convex are considered for study. Numerical simulation is carried out using commercially available finite element analysis software ANSYS. Numerical homogenization is employed to calculate the effective elastic properties of randomly distributed carbon nanotube reinforced composites. To verify the accuracy of the finite element method, comparisons are made with existing results available in the literature for conventional laminated composite panels and good agreements are obtained. The results of the CNT reinforced composite materials are compared with conventional composite materials under different boundary conditions.
Abstract: The growing health hazardous impact of arsenic (As)
contamination in environment is the impetus of the present
investigation. Application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the
removal of toxic and heavy metals from water has been reported.
This study was performed in order to isolate and characterize the Asresistant
LAB from mud and sludge samples for using as efficient As
uptaking probiotic. Isolation of As-resistant LAB colonies was
performed by spread plate technique using bromocresol purple
impregnated-MRS (BP-MRS) agar media provided with As @ 50
μg/ml. Isolated LAB were employed for probiotic characterization
process, acid and bile tolerance, lactic acid production, antibacterial
activity and antibiotic tolerance assays. After As-resistant and
removal characterizations, the LAB were identified using 16S rDNA
sequencing. A total of 103 isolates were identified as As-resistant
strains of LAB. The survival of 6 strains (As99-1, As100-2, As101-3,
As102-4, As105-7, and As112-9) was found after passing through the
sequential probiotic characterizations. Resistant pattern pronounced
hollow zones at As concentration >2000 μg/ml in As99-1, As100-2,
and As101-3 LAB strains, whereas it was found at ~1000 μg/ml in
rest 3 strains. Among 6 strains, the As uptake efficiency of As102-4
(0.006 μg/h/mg wet weight of cell) was higher (17 – 209%)
compared to remaining LAB. 16S rDNA sequencing data of 3 (As99-
1, As100-2, and As101-3) and 3 (As102-4, As105-7, and As112-9)
LAB strains clearly showed 97 to 99% (340 bp) homology to
Pediococcus dextrinicus and Pediococcus acidilactici, respectively.
Though, there was no correlation between the metal resistant and
removal efficiency of LAB examined but identified elevated As
removing LAB would probably be a potential As uptaking probiotic
agent. Since present experiment concerned with only As removal
from pure water, As removal and removal mechanism in natural
condition of intestinal milieu should be assessed in future studies.
Abstract: A total of twenty tensile biopsies were collected from
children undergoing tonsillectomy from teaching hospital ENT
department and Kurdistan private hospital in sulaimani city. All
biopsies were homogenized and cultured; the obtained bacterial
isolates were purified and identified by biochemical tests and VITEK
2 compact system. Among the twenty studied samples, only one
Pseudomonas putida with probability of 99% was isolated.
Antimicrobial susceptibility was carried out by disk diffusion
method, Pseudomonas putida showed resistance to all antibiotics
used except vancomycin. The isolate further subjected to PCR and
DNA sequence analysis of blaVIM gene using different set of primers
for different regions of VIM gene. The results were found to be PCR
positive for the blaVIM gene. To determine the sequence of blaVIM
gene, DNA sequencing performed. Sequence alignment of blaVIM
gene with previously recorded blaVIM gene in NCBI- database showed
that P. putida isolate have different blaVIM gene.