Abstract: Problem of food preservation is extremely important
for mankind. Viscous damage ("illness") of bread results from
development of Bacillus spp. bacteria. High temperature resistant
spores of this microorganism are steady against 120°C) and remain in
bread during pastries, potentially causing spoilage of the final
product. Scientists are interested in further characterization of bread
spoiling Bacillus spp. species. Our aim was to find weather yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that are able to produce natural
antimicrobial killer factor can preserve bread illness. By diffusion
method, we showed yeast antagonistic activity against spore-forming
bacteria. Experimental technological parameters were the same as for
bakers' yeasts production on the industrial scale. Risograph test
during dough fermentation demonstrated gas production. The major
finding of the study was a clear indication of the presence of killer
yeast strain antagonistic activity against rope in bread causing
bacteria. After demonstrating antagonistic effect of S. cerevisiae on
bacteria using solid nutrient medium, we tested baked bread under
provocative conditions. We also measured formation of carbon
dioxide in the dough, dough-making duration and quality of the final
products, when using different strains of S. cerevisiae. It is
determined that the use of yeast S. cerevisiae RCAM 01730 killer
strain inhibits appearance of rope in bread. Thus, natural yeast
antimicrobial killer toxin, produced by some S. cerevisiae strains is
an anti-rope in bread protector.
Abstract: Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of roughness on the reattachment and redevelopment regions over a 12 mm forward facing step (FFS) in an open channel flow. The experiments were performed over an upstream smooth wall and a smooth FFS, an upstream wall coated with sandpaper 36 grit and a smooth FFS and an upstream rough wall produced from sandpaper 36 grit and a FFS coated with sandpaper 36 grit. To investigate only the wall roughness effects, Reynolds number, Froude number, aspect ratio and blockage ratio were kept constant. Upstream profiles showed reduced streamwise mean velocities close to the rough wall compared to the smooth wall, but the turbulence level was increased by upstream wall roughness. The reattachment length for the smooth-smooth wall experiment was 1.78h; however, when it is replaced with rough-smooth wall the reattachment length decreased to 1.53h. It was observed that the upstream roughness increased the physical size of contours of maximum turbulence level; however, the downstream roughness decreased both the size and magnitude of contours in the vicinity of the leading edge of the step. Quadrant analysis was performed to investigate the dominant Reynolds shear stress contribution in the recirculation region. The Reynolds shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy profiles after the reattachment showed slower recovery compared to the streamwise mean velocity, however all the profiles fairly collapse on their corresponding upstream profiles at x/h = 60. It was concluded that to obtain a complete collapse several more streamwise distances would be required.
Abstract: Knowledge transfer between personnel could benefit an organization’s improved competitive advantage in the marketplace from a strategic approach to knowledge management. The lack of information sharing between personnel could create knowledge transfer gaps while restricting the decision-making processes. Knowledge transfer between personnel can potentially improve information sharing based on an implemented knowledge management strategy. An organization’s capacity to gain more knowledge is aligned with the organization’s prior or existing captured knowledge. This case study attempted to understand the overall influence of a KMS within the corporate environment and knowledge exchange between personnel. The significance of this study was to help understand how organizations can improve the Return on Investment (ROI) of a knowledge management strategy within a knowledge-centric organization. A qualitative descriptive case study was the research design selected for this study. The lack of information sharing between personnel may create knowledge transfer gaps while restricting the decision-making processes. Developing a knowledge management strategy acceptable at all levels of the organization requires cooperation in support of a common organizational goal. Working with management and executive members to develop a protocol where knowledge transfer becomes a standard practice in multiple tiers of the organization. The knowledge transfer process could be measurable when focusing on specific elements of the organizational process, including personnel transition to help reduce time required understanding the job. The organization studied in this research acknowledged the need for improved knowledge management activities within the organization to help organize, retain, and distribute information throughout the workforce. Data produced from the study indicate three main themes including information management, organizational culture, and knowledge sharing within the workforce by the participants. These themes indicate a possible connection between an organizations KMS, the organizations culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge transfer.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to compare abused and normal male students in Tehran guidance schools with emphasis on the co-dependency of their mothers. The method of this study is based on survey method and comparison (Ex-Post Facto). The method of sampling is also multi-stage cluster. Accordingly, we did sampling from secondary schools of education and training in Tehran, including 12 schools with levels of first, second and third. Each of the schools represents the three – high, medium and low- economic and social conditions. In the following, three classes from every school and 20 students from each class were randomly selected. By (CTQ) abused and normal students were separated that 670 children were recognized as normal and 50 children as abused. Then, 50 children were randomly selected from normal group and compared with abused group. Using Spanned-Fischer Co-dependency Scale, we compared mothers of abused and normal students. The results showed that mothers of the abused children have higher co- dependency average comparing to the mothers of the normal children.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the solution-focused brief therapy on improving the psychological wellbeing of family supervisor woman. This study has been carried out by semi-experimental method and in the form of pre-test, post-test performance on two groups (experimental and control), so that one sample group of 30 individuals was randomly achieved and were randomly divided in two groups of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). To collect data, Ryff scale psychological wellbeing was used. After conducting pre-test (RSPWB) for two experimental and control groups, Solution-focused brief therapy interference was conducted on the experimental group during five two-hour sessions. Finally, Ryff scale psychological wellbeing was reused for the two groups as post-test and achieved outcomes that were analyzed using covariance. The results indicated that the significant increase of average marks of the experimental group in psychological wellbeing had better function than that of the control group. Finally, solution-focused brief therapy for improving psychological well-being of family supervisor women has a suitable capability and could be used in this way.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of solution-focused group therapy on improving the depressed mothers of child abuser families. This study was carried out in the form of a semi-pilot, pre-test and post-test on two groups (experimental and control). Subjects include all mothers and their children that are the members of Shush and Naser Khosro child home. Beck Depression Inventory and Child Trauma Questionnaire were used to collect data. First, child abuse questionnaire was completed by children, Then Beck Depression Inventory was completed by their mothers that 22 of them were recognized as depressed and randomly divided in two groups of experimental and control. After applying pre-test for both of these groups, the intervention of solution- focused group therapy was performed in five sessions on experimental group. Finally, post-test was applied on both groups and subsequently in a month, follow-up test was performed. T-test, multivariate variance, and repeated measurement analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, it can be concluded that this therapy leads to the improvement of depressed mother's mood. As a result, the intervention of solution-focused group therapy is useful in order to improve the depressing mood of mothers of child abuser families.
Abstract: Feedback is a vital element for improving student
learning in a simulation-based training as it guides and refines
learning through scaffolding. A number of studies in literature have
shown that students’ learning is enhanced when feedback is provided
with personalized tutoring that offers specific guidance and adapts
feedback to the learner in a one-to-one environment. Thus, emulating
these adaptive aspects of human tutoring in simulation provides an
effective methodology to train individuals. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the
effectiveness of automating different types of feedback techniques
such as Knowledge-of-Correct-Response (KCR) and Answer-Until-
Correct (AUC) in software simulation for learning basic information
technology concepts. For the purpose of comparison, techniques like
simulation with zero or no-feedback (NFB) and traditional hands-on
(HON) learning environments are also examined. The paper presents the summary of findings based on quantitative
analyses which reveal that the simulation based instructional
strategies are at least as effective as hands-on teaching methodologies
for the purpose of learning of IT concepts. The paper also compares
the results of the study with the earlier studies and recommends
strategies for using feedback mechanism to improve students’
learning in designing and simulation-based IT training.
Abstract: AmI proposes a new way of thinking about computers, which follows the ideas of the Ubiquitous Computing vision of Mark Weiser. In these, there is what is known as a Disappearing Computer Initiative, with users immersed in intelligent environments. Hence, technologies need to be adapted so that they are capable of replacing the traditional inputs to the system by embedding these in every-day artifacts. In this work, we present an approach, which uses Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies. In the latter, a new form of interaction appears by contact. We compare both technologies by analyzing their requirements and advantages. In addition, we propose using a combination of RFID and NFC.
Abstract: This paper presents results of numerical and experimental studies on a two-dimensional (2D) flapping elliptic airfoil in a forward flight condition at Reynolds number of 5000. The study is motivated from an earlier investigation which shows that the deterioration in thrust performance of a sinusoidal heaving and pitching 2D (NACA0012) airfoil at high flapping frequency can be recovered by changing the effective angle of attack profile to square wave, sawtooth, or cosine wave shape. To better understand why such modifications lead to superior thrust performance, we take a closer look at the transient aerodynamic force behavior of an airfoil when the effective angle of attack profile changes gradually from a generic smooth trapezoidal profile to a sinusoid shape by modifying the base length of the trapezoid. The choice of using a smooth trapezoidal profile is to avoid the infinite acceleration condition encountered in the square wave profile. Our results show that the enhancement in the time-averaged thrust performance at high flapping frequency can be attributed to the delay and reduction in the drag producing valley region in the transient thrust force coefficient when the effective angle of attack profile changes from sinusoidal to trapezoidal.
Abstract: Sclareolide is made from sclareol by oxidiative synthesis and subsequent crystallization, while the crystallization mother liquor still contains 15%~30%wt of sclareolide to be reclaimed. With the reaction material of sclareol is provided as plant extract, many sorts of complex impurities exist in the mother liquor. Due to the difficulty in recycling sclareolide after solvent recovery, it is common practice for the factories to discard the mother liquor, which not only results in loss of sclareolide, but also contributes extra environmental burden. In this paper, a process based on adsorption and elution has been presented for recycling of sclareolide from mother liquor. After pretreatment of the crystallization mother liquor by HZ-845 resin to remove parts of impurities, sclareolide is adsorbed by HZ-816 resin. The HZ-816 resin loaded with sclareolide is then eluted by elution solvent. Finally, the eluent containing sclareolide is concentrated and fed into the crystallization step in the process. By adoption of the recycle from mother liquor, total yield of sclareolide increases from 86% to 90% with a stable purity of the final sclareolide products maintained.
Abstract: This project aims at building an efficient and
automatic power monitoring SCADA system, which is capable of
monitoring the electrical parameters of high voltage powered devices
in real time for example RMS voltage and current, frequency, energy
consumed, power factor etc. The system uses RS-485 serial
communication interface to transfer data over longer distances.
Embedded C programming is the platform used to develop two
hardware modules namely: RTU and Master Station modules, which
both use the CC2540 BLE 4.0 microcontroller configured in slave /
master mode. The Si8900 galvanic ally isolated microchip is used to
perform ADC externally. The hardware communicates via UART
port and sends data to the user PC using the USB port. Labview
software is used to design a user interface to display current state of
the power loads being monitored as well as logs data to excel
spreadsheet file. An understanding of the Si8900’s auto baud rate
process is key to successful implementation of this project.
Abstract: Hydrologic models are increasingly used as tools to
predict stormwater quantity and quality from urban catchments.
However, due to a range of practical issues, most models produce
gross errors in simulating complex hydraulic and hydrologic systems.
Difficulty in finding a robust approach for model calibration is one of
the main issues. Though automatic calibration techniques are
available, they are rarely used in common commercial hydraulic and
hydrologic modelling software e.g. MIKE URBAN. This is partly
due to the need for a large number of parameters and large datasets in
the calibration process. To overcome this practical issue, a
framework for automatic calibration of a hydrologic model was
developed in R platform and presented in this paper. The model was
developed based on the time-area conceptualization. Four calibration
parameters, including initial loss, reduction factor, time of
concentration and time-lag were considered as the primary set of
parameters. Using these parameters, automatic calibration was
performed using Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). ABC is
a simulation-based technique for performing Bayesian inference
when the likelihood is intractable or computationally expensive to
compute. To test the performance and usefulness, the technique was
used to simulate three small catchments in Gold Coast. For
comparison, simulation outcomes from the same three catchments
using commercial modelling software, MIKE URBAN were used.
The graphical comparison shows strong agreement of MIKE URBAN
result within the upper and lower 95% credible intervals of posterior
predictions as obtained via ABC. Statistical validation for posterior
predictions of runoff result using coefficient of determination (CD),
root mean square error (RMSE) and maximum error (ME) was found
reasonable for three study catchments. The main benefit of using
ABC over MIKE URBAN is that ABC provides a posterior
distribution for runoff flow prediction, and therefore associated
uncertainty in predictions can be obtained. In contrast, MIKE
URBAN just provides a point estimate. Based on the results of the
analysis, it appears as though ABC the developed framework
performs well for automatic calibration.
Abstract: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA found in
many different species. They play crucial roles in cancer such as
biological processes of apoptosis and proliferation. The identification
of microRNA-target genes can be an essential first step towards to
reveal the role of microRNA in various cancer types. In this paper,
we predict miRNA-target genes for lung cancer by integrating
prediction scores from miRanda and PITA algorithms used as a
feature vector of miRNA-target interaction. Then, machine-learning
algorithms were implemented for making a final prediction. The
approach developed in this study should be of value for future studies
into understanding the role of miRNAs in molecular mechanisms
enabling lung cancer formation.
Abstract: An experiment to verify the relationships between
physiological indexes of an e-learner and the presence or absence of an
operation during e-learning is described. Electroencephalogram
(EEG), hemoencephalography (HEG), skin conductance (SC), and
blood volume pulse (BVP) values were measured while participants
performed experimental learning tasks. The results show that there are
significant differences between the SC values when reading with
clicking on learning materials and the SC values when reading without
clicking, and between the HEG ratio when reading (with and without
clicking) and the HEG ratio when resting for four of five participants.
We conclude that the SC signals can be used to estimate whether or not
a learner is performing an active task and that the HEG ratios can be
used to estimate whether a learner is learning.
Abstract: Electric field is an important fundamental concept in
electrostatics. In high-school, generally Thai students have already
learned about definition of electric field, electric field due to a point
charge, and superposition of electric fields due to multiple-point
charges. Those are the prerequisite basic knowledge students holding
before entrancing universities. In the first-year university level,
students will be quickly revised those basic knowledge and will be
then introduced to a more complicated topic—electric field due to
continuous charged distributions. We initially found that our
freshman students, who were from the Faculty of Science and
enrolled in the introductory physic course (SCPY 158), often
seriously struggled with the basic physics concepts—superposition of
electric fields and inverse square law and mathematics being relevant
to this topic. These also then resulted on students’ understanding of
advanced topics within the course such as Gauss's law, electric
potential difference, and capacitance. Therefore, it is very important
to determine students' understanding of electric field due to
continuous charged distributions. The open-ended question about
sketching net electric field vectors from a uniformly charged
insulating rod was administered to 260 freshman science students as
pre- and post-tests. All of their responses were analyzed and
classified into five levels of understandings. To get deep
understanding of each level, 30 students were interviewed toward
their individual responses. The pre-test result found was that about
90% of students had incorrect understanding. Even after completing
the lectures, there were only 26.5% of them could provide correct
responses. Up to 50% had confusions and irrelevant ideas. The result
implies that teaching methods in Thai high schools may be
problematic. In addition for our benefit, these students’ alternative
conceptions identified could be used as a guideline for developing the
instructional method currently used in the course especially for
teaching electrostatics.
Abstract: In order to understand whether there is a better than the
learning function of learning methods and improve the CAD Courses
for enterprise’s design human resource development, this research is
applied in learning practical learning computer graphics software. In
this study, Revit building information model for learning content,
design of two different modes of learning curriculum to learning,
learning functions, respectively, and project learning. Via a post-test,
questionnaires and student interviews, etc., to study the effectiveness
of a comparative analysis of two different modes of learning. Students
participate in a period of three weeks after a total of nine-hour course,
and finally written and hands-on test. In addition, fill in the
questionnaire response by the student learning, a total of fifteen
questionnaire title, problem type into the base operating software,
application software and software-based concept features three
directions. In addition to the questionnaire, and participants were
invited to two different learning methods to conduct interviews to
learn more about learning students the idea of two different modes.
The study found that the ad hoc short-term courses in learning, better
learning outcomes. On the other hand, functional style for the whole
course students are more satisfied, and the ad hoc style student is
difficult to accept the ad hoc style of learning.
Abstract: The effectiveness of microchannels in enhancing heat
transfer has been demonstrated in the semiconductor industry. In
order to tap the microscale heat transfer effects into macro
geometries, overcoming the cost and technological constraints,
microscale passages were created in macro geometries machined
using conventional fabrication methods. A cylindrical insert was
placed within a pipe, and geometrical profiles were created on the
outer surface of the insert to enhance heat transfer under steady-state
single-phase liquid flow conditions. However, while heat transfer
coefficient values of above 10 kW/m2·K were achieved, the heat
transfer enhancement was accompanied by undesirable pressure drop
increment. Therefore, this study aims to address the high pressure
drop issue using Constructal theory, a universal design law for both
animate and inanimate systems. Two designs based on Constructal theory were developed to study
the effectiveness of Constructal features in reducing the pressure drop
increment as compared to parallel channels, which are commonly
found in microchannel fabrication. The hydrodynamic and heat
transfer performance for the Tree insert and Constructal fin (Cfin)
insert were studied using experimental methods, and the underlying
mechanisms were substantiated by numerical results. In technical
terms, the objective is to achieve at least comparable increment in
both heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, if not higher
increment in the former parameter. Results show that the Tree insert improved the heat transfer
performance by more than 16 percent at low flow rates, as compared
to the Tree-parallel insert. However, the heat transfer enhancement
reduced to less than 5 percent at high Reynolds numbers. On the
other hand, the pressure drop increment stayed almost constant at 20
percent. This suggests that the Tree insert has better heat transfer
performance in the low Reynolds number region. More importantly,
the Cfin insert displayed improved heat transfer performance along
with favourable hydrodynamic performance, as compared to Cfinparallel
insert, at all flow rates in this study. At 2 L/min, the
enhancement of heat transfer was more than 30 percent, with 20
percent pressure drop increment, as compared to Cfin-parallel insert.
Furthermore, comparable increment in both heat transfer coefficient
and pressure drop was observed at 8 L/min. In other words, the Cfin
insert successfully achieved the objective of this study. Analysis of the results suggests that bifurcation of flows is
effective in reducing the increment in pressure drop relative to heat
transfer enhancement. Optimising the geometries of the Constructal
fins is therefore the potential future study in achieving a bigger stride
in energy efficiency at much lower costs.
Abstract: The objective of this research is to mitigate and prevent
the alkali silica reactivity (ASR) in highway construction projects.
ASR is a deleterious reaction initiated when the silica content of the
aggregate reacts with alkali hydroxides in cement in the presence of
relatively high moisture content. The ASR results in the formation of
an expansive white colored gel-like material which forms the
destructive tensile stresses inside hardened concrete. In this research, different types of local aggregates available in the
State of Arkansas were mixed and mortar bars were poured according
to the ASTM specifications. Mortar bars expansion was measured
versus time and aggregates with potential ASR problems were
detected. Different types of supplementary cementitious materials
(SCMs) were used in remixing mortar bars with highly reactive
aggregates. Length changes for remixed bars proved that different
types of SCMs can be successfully used in reducing the expansive
effect of ASR. SCMs percentage by weight is highly dependent on
the SCM type. The result of this study will help avoiding future
losses due to ASR cracking in construction project and reduce the
maintenance, repair, and replacement budgets required for highways
network.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to identify the measures
companies undertake in order to adapt to the environment as well as
discussing their diversity and effectiveness. The research methods
used in the study include an in-depth analysis of the literature and a
case study, which helps to illustrate the issue in question. Referring to
the concept of agility, which is firmly embedded in the theory of
strategic management and has been developed with the aim of
adapting to the environment and its changes, the paper first examines
different types of adaptation measures for companies. Then the issue
under discussion is illustrated with the example of the company
Hortimex. This company is an eminent representative of the world’s
leading manufacturers of food additives and ingredients. The
company was established in 1988 and is a family business, which in
practice means that it conducts business in a responsible manner,
observing the law and respecting the interests of society and the
environment. The company’s mission is to develop a market in
Poland for the products and solutions offered by their partners and to
share their knowledge of additives in food production and
consumption.
Abstract: In this paper, a desiccant solar unit for air
conditioning and desalination is presented first. Secondly, a dynamic
modelling study of the desiccant wheel is developed. After that, a
simulation study and an experimental investigation of the behaviour
of desiccant wheel are developed. The experimental investigation is
done in the chamber of commerce in Freiburg-Germany. Indeed, the
variations of calculated and measured temperatures and specific
humidity of dehumidified and rejected air are presented where a good
agreement is found when comparing the model predictions with
experimental data under the considered range of operating conditions.
Finally, the study of the compartments of desalination and water
condensation shows that the unit can produce an acceptable quantity
of water at the same time of the air conditioning operation.