Abstract: There was a high rate of corrosion in Pyrolysis
Gasoline Hydrogenation (PGH) unit of Arak Petrochemical Company
(ARPC), and it caused some operational problem in this plant. A
commercial chemical had been used as anti-corrosion in the
depentanizer column overhead in order to control the corrosion rate.
Injection of commercial corrosion inhibitor caused some
operational problems such as fouling in some heat exchangers. It was
proposed to replace this commercial material with another more
effective trouble free, and well-known additive by R&D and
operation specialists.
At first, the system was simulated by commercial simulation
software in electrolytic system to specify low pH points inside the
plant. After a very comprehensive study of the situation and technical
investigations ,ammonia / monoethanol amine solution was proposed
as neutralizer or corrosion inhibitor to be injected in a suitable point
of the plant. For this purpose, the depentanizer column and its
accessories system was simulated again in case of this solution
injection.
According to the simulation results, injection of new anticorrosion
substance has no any side effect on C5 cut product and
operating conditions of the column. The corrosion rate will be
cotrolled, if the pH remains at the range of 6.5 to 8 . Aactual plant
test run was also carried out by injection of ammonia / monoethanol
amine solution at the rate of 0.6 Kg/hr and the results of iron content
of water samples and corrosion test coupons confirmed the
simulation results.
Now, ammonia / monoethanol amine solution is injected to a
suitable pint inside the plant and corrosion rate has decreased
significantly.
Abstract: The main issue discussed is on the role of education system in the process of nation building as a means in uniting different community ethnics which later on, hoped to shape the future ethnic relation of this country. It is generally known that political socialization experienced by each ethnic community has given birth to a vernacular education system, separated along the ethnic line. Every community shapes their own education system based on their respective mother tongue language, however all are based on the same curriculum. As a result the role of education as a uniting force is not significantly effective. Historically, it has been shown that government efforts to unite the country education system under the wing of national education system (national school) is not that successful since every community (Chinese) will defend the existence of their community education system because they want to spur their mother tongue language. The clash between national education system and vernacular education system is the root cause of stalemate in the ethnic relation in Malaysia and it always becomes a flash point when the issue is raised. The question now is what is the best solution to enhance the national education system in multiethnic Malaysia?
Abstract: In production of medicinal plants, seed germination is
very important problem. The treated seeds (control, hydro priming
and ZnSO4) of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) were evaluated at
germination and seedling growth for tolerance to salt (NaCl and
Na2SO4) conditions at the same water potentials of 0.0, -0.3, -0.6, -
0.9 and -1.2MPa. Electrical conductivity (EC) values of the NaCl
solutions were 0.0, 6.5, 12.7, 18.4 and 23.5 dSm-1, respectively. The
objective of the study was to determine factors responsible for
germination and early seedling growth due to salt toxicity or osmotic
effect and to optimize the best priming treatment for these stress
conditions. Results revealed that germination delayed in both
solutions, having variable germination with different priming
treatments. Germination, shoot and weight, root and shoot length
were higher but mean germination time and abnormal germination
percentage were lower in NaCl than Na2SO4 at the same water
potential. The root / shoot weight and R/S length increased with
increase in osmotic potential in both NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions.
NaCl had less inhibitor effect on seedling growth than the
germination. It was concluded that inhibition of germination at the
same water potential of NaCl and Na2SO4 resulted from salt toxicity
rather than osmotic effect. Hydro priming increased germination and
seedling growth under salt stress. This protocol has practical
importance and could be recommended to farmers to achieve higher
germination and uniform emergence under field conditions.
Abstract: Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are sparse, wireless
networks where disconnections are common due to host mobility and
low node density. The Message Ferrying (MF) scheme is a mobilityassisted
paradigm to improve connectivity in DTN-like networks. A
ferry or message ferry is a special node in the network which has
a per-determined route in the deployed area and relays messages
between mobile hosts (MHs) which are intermittently connected.
Increased contact opportunities among mobile hosts and the ferry
improve the performance of the network, both in terms of message
delivery ratio and average end-end delay. However, due to the inherent
mobility of mobile hosts and pre-determined periodicity of the
message ferry, mobile hosts may often -miss- contact opportunities
with a ferry. In this paper, we propose the combination of stationary
ferry access points (FAPs) with MF routing to increase contact
opportunities between mobile hosts and the MF and consequently
improve the performance of the DTN. We also propose several
placement models for deploying FAPs on MF routes. We evaluate the
performance of the FAP placement models through comprehensive
simulation. Our findings show that FAPs do improve the performance
of MF-assisted DTNs and symmetric placement of FAPs outperforms
other placement strategies.
Abstract: The study of the generated defects on manufactured
parts shows the difficulty to maintain parts in their positions during
the machining process and to estimate them during the pre-process
plan. This work presents a contribution to the development of 3D
models for the optimization of the manufacturing tolerances. An
experimental study allows the measurement of the defects of part
positioning for the determination of ε and the choice of an optimal
setup of the part. An approach of 3D tolerance based on the small
displacements method permits the determination of the
manufacturing errors upstream. A developed tool, allows an
automatic generation of the tolerance intervals along the three axes.
Abstract: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a polychlorinated
aromatic compound that is widespread in industrial effluents and is
considered to be a serious pollutant. Among the variety of industrial
effluents encountered, effluents from tanning industry are very
important and have a serious pollution potential. PCP is also formed
unintentionally in effluents of paper and pulp industries. It is highly
persistent in soils and is lethal to a wide variety of beneficial
microorganisms and insects, human beings and animals. The natural
processes that breakdown toxic chemicals in the environment have
become the focus of much attention to develop safe and environmentfriendly
deactivation technologies. Microbes and plants are among
the most important biological agents that remove and degrade waste
materials to enable their recycling in the environment. The present
investigation was carried out with the aim of developing a microbial
system for bioremediation of PCP polluted soils. A number of plant
species were evaluated for their ability to tolerate different
concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in the soil. The
experiment was conducted for 30 days under pot culture conditions.
The toxic effect of PCP on plants was studied by monitoring seed
germination, plant growth and biomass. As the concentration of PCP
was increased to 50 ppm, the inhibition of seed germination, plant
growth and biomass was also increased. Although PCP had a
negative effect on all plant species tested, maize and groundnut
showed the maximum tolerance to PCP. Other tolerating crops
included wheat, safflower, sunflower, and soybean. From the
rhizosphere soil of the tolerant seedlings, as many as twenty seven
PCP tolerant bacteria were isolated. From soybean, 8; sunflower, 3;
safflower 8; maize 2; groundnut and wheat, 3 each isolates were
made. They were screened for their PCP degradation potentials.
HPLC analyses of PCP degradation revealed that the isolate MAZ-2
degraded PCP completely. The isolate MAZ-1 was the next best
isolate with 90 per cent PCP degradation. These strains hold promise
to be used in the bioremediation of PCP polluted soils.
Abstract: The software system goes through a number of stages
during its life and a software process model gives a standard format
for planning, organizing and running a project. The article presents a
new software development process model named as “Divide and
Conquer Process Model", based on the idea first it divides the things
to make them simple and then gathered them to get the whole work
done. The article begins with the backgrounds of different software
process models and problems in these models. This is followed by a
new divide and conquer process model, explanation of its different
stages and at the end edge over other models is shown.
Abstract: This paper discusses the development of a qualitative
simulator (abbreviated QRiOM) for predicting the behaviour of
organic chemical reactions. The simulation technique is based on the
qualitative process theory (QPT) ontology. The modelling constructs
of QPT embody notions of causality which can be used to explain the
behaviour of a chemical system. The major theme of this work is
that, in a qualitative simulation environment, students are able to
articulate his/her knowledge through the inspection of explanations
generated by software. The implementation languages are Java and
Prolog. The software produces explanation in various forms that
stresses on the causal theories in the chemical system which can be
effectively used to support learning.
Abstract: Breast carcinoma is the most common form of cancer
in women. Multicolour fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (m-FISH) is
a common method for staging breast carcinoma. The interpretation
of m-FISH images is complicated due to two effects: (i) Spectral
overlap in the emission spectra of fluorochrome marked DNA probes
and (ii) tissue autofluorescence. In this paper hyper-spectral images of
m-FISH samples are used and spectral unmixing is applied to produce
false colour images with higher contrast and better information
content than standard RGB images. The spectral unmixing is realised
by combinations of: Orthogonal Projection Analysis (OPA), Alterating
Least Squares (ALS), Simple-to-use Interactive Self-Modeling
Mixture Analysis (SIMPLISMA) and VARIMAX. These are applied
on the data to reduce tissue autofluorescence and resolve the spectral
overlap in the emission spectra. The results show that spectral unmixing
methods reduce the intensity caused by tissue autofluorescence by
up to 78% and enhance image contrast by algorithmically reducing
the overlap of the emission spectra.
Abstract: Advances in computing applications in recent years
have prompted the demand for more flexible scheduling models for
QoS demand. Moreover, in practical applications, partly violated
temporal constraints can be tolerated if the violation meets certain
distribution. So we need extend the traditional Liu and Lanland model
to adapt to these circumstances. There are two extensions, which are
the (m, k)-firm model and Window-Constrained model. This paper
researches on weakly hard real-time constraints and their combination
to support QoS. The fact that a practical application can tolerate some
violations of temporal constraint under certain distribution is
employed to support adaptive QoS on the open real-time system. The
experiment results show these approaches are effective compared to
traditional scheduling algorithms.
Abstract: Gas hydrates form when a number of factors co-exist:
free water, hydrocarbon gas, cold temperatures and high pressures are typical of the near mud-line conditions in a deepwater drilling
operation. Subsequently, when drilling with water based muds, particularly on exploration wells, the risk of hydrate formation
associated with a gas influx is high. The consequences of gas hydrate
formation while drilling are severe, and as such, every effort should be made to ensure the risk of hydrate formation is either eliminated
or significantly reduced. Thermodynamic inhibitors are used to reduce the free water content of a drilling mud, and thus suppress the
hydrate formation temperature. Very little experimental work has
been performed by oil and gas research companies on the evaluation
of gas hydrate formation in a water-based drilling mud. The main
objective of this paper is to investigate the experimental gas hydrate
formation for a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide & nitrogen in a
water-based drilling mud with or without presence of different
concentrations of thermodynamic inhibitors including pure salt and a
combination of salt with methanol or ethylene glycol at different
concentrations in a static loop apparatus. The experiments were
performed using a static loop apparatus consisting of a 2.4307 cm
inside diameter and 800 cm long pipe. All experiments were conducted at 2200 psia. The temperature in the loop was decreased at
a rate of 3.33 °F/h from initial temperature of 80 °F.
Abstract: An epidemiological cross sectional study was
undertaken in Yaoundé in 2002 and updated in 2005. Focused on
health within the city, the objectives were to measure diarrheal
prevalence and to identify the risk factors associated with them.
Results of microbiological examinations have revealed an urban
average prevalence rate of 14.5%. Access to basic services in the
living environment appears to be an important risk factor for
diarrheas. Statistical and spatial analyses conducted have revealed
that prevalence of diarrheal diseases vary among the two main types
of settlement (informal and planned). More importantly, this study
shows that, diarrhea prevalence rates (notably bacterial and parasitic
diarrheas) vary according to the sub- category of settlements. The
study draws a number of theoretical and policy implications for
researchers and policy decision makers.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new method for image searches and image indexing in databases with a color temperature histogram. The color temperature histogram can be used for performance improvement of content–based image retrieval by using a combination of color temperature and histogram. The color temperature histogram can be represented by a range of 46 colors. That is more than the color histogram and the dominant color temperature. Moreover, with our method the colors that have the same color temperature can be separated while the dominant color temperature can not. The results showed that the color temperature histogram retrieved an accurate image more often than the dominant color temperature method or color histogram method. This also took less time so the color temperature can be used for indexing and searching for images.
Abstract: The paper presents the influence of the conventional
ploughing tillage technology in comparison with the minimum
tillage, upon the soil properties, weed control and yield in the case of
maize (Zea mays L.), soya-bean (Glycine hispida L.) and winter
wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a three years crop rotation. A
research has been conducted at the University of Agricultural
Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The use of
minimum soil tillage systems within a three years rotation: maize,
soya-bean, wheat favorites the rise of the aggregates hydro stability
with 5.6-7.5% on a 0-20 cm depth and 5-11% on 20-30 cm depth.
The minimum soil tillage systems – paraplow, chisel or rotary grape
– are polyvalent alternatives for basic preparation, germination bed
preparation and sowing, for fields and crops with moderate loose
requirements being optimized technologies for: soil natural fertility
activation and rationalization, reduction of erosion, increasing the
accumulation capacity for water and realization of sowing in the
optimal period. The soil tillage system influences the productivity
elements of cultivated species and finally the productions thus
obtained. Thus, related to conventional working system, the
productions registered in minimum tillage working represented 89-
97% in maize, 103-112% in soya-bean, 93-99% in winter-wheat. The
results of investigations showed that the yield is a conclusion soil
tillage systems influence on soil properties, plant density assurance
and on weed control. Under minimum tillage systems in the case of
winter weat as an option for replacing classic ploughing, the best
results in terms of quality indices were obtained from version worked
with paraplow, followed by rotary harrow and chisel. At variants
worked with paraplow were obtained quality indices close to those of
the variant worked with plow, and protein and gluten content was
even higher. At Ariesan variety, highest protein content, 12.50% and
gluten, 28.6% was obtained for the variant paraplow.
Abstract: This article is dedicated to the question of regionalism
and regionalization in contemporary international relations, with a
specific focus on Central Asia. The article addresses the question of
whether or not Central Asia can be referred to as a true geopolitical
region. In addressing this question, the authors examine particular
factors that are essential for the formation of a region, including those
tied to the economy, energy, culture, and labor migration.
Abstract: Because of importance of energy, optimization of
power generation systems is necessary. Gas turbine cycles are
suitable manner for fast power generation, but their efficiency is
partly low. In order to achieving higher efficiencies, some
propositions are preferred such as recovery of heat from exhaust
gases in a regenerator, utilization of intercooler in a multistage
compressor, steam injection to combustion chamber and etc.
However thermodynamic optimization of gas turbine cycle, even
with above components, is necessary. In this article multi-objective
genetic algorithms are employed for Pareto approach optimization of
Regenerative-Intercooling-Gas Turbine (RIGT) cycle. In the multiobjective
optimization a number of conflicting objective functions
are to be optimized simultaneously. The important objective
functions that have been considered for optimization are entropy
generation of RIGT cycle (Ns) derives using Exergy Analysis and
Gouy-Stodola theorem, thermal efficiency and the net output power
of RIGT Cycle. These objectives are usually conflicting with each
other. The design variables consist of thermodynamic parameters
such as compressor pressure ratio (Rp), excess air in combustion
(EA), turbine inlet temperature (TIT) and inlet air temperature (T0).
At the first stage single objective optimization has been investigated
and the method of Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
(NSGA-II) has been used for multi-objective optimization.
Optimization procedures are performed for two and three objective
functions and the results are compared for RIGT Cycle. In order to
investigate the optimal thermodynamic behavior of two objectives,
different set, each including two objectives of output parameters, are
considered individually. For each set Pareto front are depicted. The
sets of selected decision variables based on this Pareto front, will
cause the best possible combination of corresponding objective
functions. There is no superiority for the points on the Pareto front
figure, but they are superior to any other point. In the case of three
objective optimization the results are given in tables.
Abstract: A new voltage-mode triple-input single-output multifunction filter using only two current conveyors is presented. The proposed filter which possesses three inputs and single-output can generate all biquadratic filtering functions at the output terminal by selecting different input signal combinations. The validity of the proposed filter is verified through PSPICE simulations.
Abstract: This article examines the emergence and development
of the Kazakhstan species of humanism. The biggest challenge for
Kazakhstan in terms of humanism is connected with advocating
human values in parallel to promoting national interests; preserving
the continuity of traditions in various spheres of life, business and
culture. This should be a common goal for the entire society, the
main direction for a national intelligence, and a platform for the state
policy. An idea worth considering is a formation of national humanist
tradition model; the challenges are adapting people to live in the
context of new industrial and innovative economic conditions,
keeping the balance during intensive economic development of the
country, and ensuring social harmony in the society.
Abstract: Response to the public health-related emergencies is analysed here for a rural university in South Africa. The structure of the designated emergency plan covers all the phases of the disaster management cycle. The plan contains elements of the vulnerability model and the technocratic model of emergency management. The response structures are vertically and horizontally integrated, while the planning contains elements of scenario-based and functional planning. The available number of medical professionals at the Rhodes University, along with the medical insurance rates, makes the staff and students potentially more medically vulnerable than the South African population. The main improvements of the emergency management are required in the tornado response and the information dissemination during health emergencies. The latter should involve the increased use of social media and e-mails, following the Taylor model of communication. Infrastructure must be improved in the telecommunication sector in the face of unpredictable electricity outages.
Abstract: Nondestructive testing in engineering is an inverse
Cauchy problem for Laplace equation. In this paper the problem
of nondestructive testing is expressed by a Laplace-s equation with
third-kind boundary conditions. In order to find unknown values on
the boundary, the method of fundamental solution is introduced and
realized. Because of the ill-posedness of studied problems, the TSVD
regularization technique in combination with L-curve criteria and
Generalized Cross Validation criteria is employed. Numerical results
are shown that the TSVD method combined with L-curve criteria is
more efficient than the TSVD method combined with GCV criteria.
The abstract goes here.