Abstract: A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is a wellknown
non-imaging concentrator that will concentrate the solar
radiation onto receiver (PV cell). One of disadvantage of CPC is has
tall and narrow height compared to its diameter entry aperture area.
Therefore, for economic reason, a truncation had been done by
removed from the top of the full height CPC. This also will lead to
the decreases of concentration ratio but it will be negligible. In this
paper, the flux distribution of untruncated and truncated 2-D hollow
compound parabolic trough concentrator (hCPTC) design is
presented. The untruncated design has initial height H=193.4mm
with concentration ratio C_(2-D)=4. This paper presents the optical
simulation of compound parabolic trough concentrator using raytracing
software TracePro. Results showed that, after the truncation,
the height of CPC reduced 45% from initial height with the
geometrical concentration ratio only decrease 10%. Thus, the cost of
reflector and material dielectric usage can be saved especially at
manufacturing site.
Abstract: Fast speed drives for Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Motor (PMSM) is a crucial performance for the electric traction
systems. In this paper, PMSM is derived with a Model-based
Predictive Control (MPC) technique. Fast speed tracking is achieved
through optimization of the DC source utilization using MPC. The
technique is based on predicting the optimum voltage vector applied
to the driver. Control technique is investigated by comparing to the
cascaded PI control based on Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation
(SVPWM). MPC and SVPWM-based FOC are implemented with the
TMS320F2812 DSP and its power driver circuits. The designed MPC
for a PMSM drive is experimentally validated on a laboratory test
bench. The performances are compared with those obtained by a
conventional PI-based system in order to highlight the improvements,
especially regarding speed tracking response.
Abstract: To ensure targeting of apoferritin nanocarrier with
encapsulated doxorubicin drug, we used a peptide linker based on a
protein G with N-terminus affinity towards Fc region of antibodies.
To connect the peptide to the surface of apoferritin, the C-terminus of
peptide was made of cysteine with affinity to gold. The surface of
apoferritin with encapsulated doxorubicin (APODOX) was coated
either with gold nanoparticles (APODOX-Nano) or gold(III) chloride
hydrate reduced with sodium borohydride (APODOX-HAu). The
reduction with sodium borohydride caused a loss of doxorubicin
fluorescent properties and probably accompanied with the loss of its
biological activity. Fluorescent properties of APODOX-Nano were
similar to the unmodified APODOX; therefore it was more suited for
the intended use. To evaluate the specificity of apoferritin modified
with antibodies, ELISA-like method was used with the surface of
microtitration plate wells coated by the antigen (goat anti-human IgG
antibodies). To these wells, the nanocarrier was applied. APODOX
without the modification showed 5× lower affinity to the antigen than
APODOX-Nano modified gold and targeting antibodies (human IgG
antibodies).
Abstract: The novel 3D SnO cabbages self-assembled by
nanosheets were successfully synthesized via template-free
hydrothermal growth method under facile conditions. The XRD
results manifest that the as-prepared SnO is tetragonal phase. The
TEM and HRTEM results show that the cabbage nanosheets are
polycrystalline structure consisted of considerable single-crystalline
nanoparticles. Two typical Raman modes A1g=210 and Eg=112 cm-1
of SnO are observed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, galvanostatic
cycling tests has been performed using the SnO cabbages as anode
material of lithium ion battery and the electrochemical results suggest
that the synthesized SnO cabbage structures are a promising anode
material for lithium ion batteries.
Abstract: Current research is targeting new molecular
mechanisms that underlie non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
and associated metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
(NASH). Forty New Zealand White rabbits have been used and fed a
high protein (HP) and energy diet based on grains and containing
11.76 MJ/kg. Boron added to 3 experimental groups’ drinking waters
(30 mg boron/L) as boron compounds. Biochemical analysis
including boron levels, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based
metabolomics evaluation, and mRNA expression of peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family was performed. LDLcholesterol
concentrations alone were decreased in all the
experimental groups. Boron levels in serum and feces were increased.
Content of acetate was in about 2x higher for anhydrous borax group,
at least 3x higher for boric acid group. PPARα mRNA expression
was significantly decreased in boric acid group. Anhydrous borax
attenuated mRNA levels of PPARγ, which was further suppressed by
boric acid. Boron supplementation decreased the degenerative
alterations in hepatocytes. Except borax group other boron groups did
not have a pronounced change in tubular epithels of kidney. In
conclusion, high protein and energy diet leads hepatocytes’
degenerative changes which can be prevented by boron
supplementation. Boric acid seems to be more effective in this
situation.
Abstract: Total Quality Management (TQM) is a managerial
approach that improves the competitiveness of the industry,
meanwhile Information technology (IT) was introduced with TQM
for handling the technical issues which is supported by quality
experts for fulfilling the customers’ requirement. Present paper aims
to utilise AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) methodology to
priorities and rank the hierarchy levels of TQM enablers and IT
resource together for its successful implementation in the Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. A total of 17 TQM
enablers (nine) and IT resources (eight) were identified and
partitioned into 3 categories and were prioritised by AHP approach.
The finding indicates that the 17 sub-criteria can be grouped into
three main categories namely organizing, tools and techniques, and
culture and people. Further, out of 17 sub-criteria, three sub-criteria:
top management commitment and support, total employee
involvement, and continuous improvement got highest priority
whereas three sub-criteria such as structural equation modelling,
culture change, and customer satisfaction got lowest priority. The
result suggests a hierarchy model for ICT industry to prioritise the
enablers and resources as well as to improve the TQM and IT
performance in the ICT industry. This paper has some managerial
implication which suggests the managers of ICT industry to
implement TQM and IT together in their organizations to get
maximum benefits and how to utilize available resources. At the end,
conclusions, limitation, future scope of the study are presented.
Abstract: In the past decade, the use of digital image correlation
(DIC) techniques has increased significantly in the area of
experimental mechanics, especially for materials behavior
characterization. This non-contact tool enables full field displacement
and strain measurements over a complete region of interest. The DIC
algorithm requires a random contrast pattern on the surface of the
specimen in order to perform properly. To create this pattern, the
specimen is usually first coated using a white matt paint. Next, a
black random speckle pattern is applied using any suitable method. If
the applied paint coating is too thick, its top surface may not be able
to exactly follow the deformation of the specimen, and consequently,
the strain measurement might be underestimated. In the present
article, a study of the influence of the paint thickness on the strain
underestimation is performed for different strain levels. The results
are then compared to typical paint coating thicknesses applied by
experienced DIC users. A slight strain underestimation was observed
for paint coatings thicker than about 30μm. On the other hand, this
value was found to be uncommonly high compared to coating
thicknesses applied by DIC users.
Abstract: To mitigate the urban heat island effect has become a
global issue when we are faced with the challenge of climate change.
Through literature review, plant photosynthesis can reduce the carbon
dioxide and mitigate the urban heat island effect to a degree. Because
there are not enough open space and parks, green roof has become an
important policy in Taiwan.
We selected elementary school buildings in northern New Taipei
City as research subjects since elementary schools are asked with
priority to build green roof and important educational place to promote
green roof concept. Testo175-H1 recording device was used to record
the temperature and humidity differences between roof surface and
interior space below roof with and without green roof in the long-term.
We also use questionnaires to investigate the awareness of comfort
level of green roof and sensation of teachers and students of the
elementary schools.
The results indicated that the temperature of roof without greening
was higher than that with greening by about 2°C. But sometimes
during noontime, the temperature of green roof was higher than that of
non-green roof probably because of the character of the accumulation
and dissipation of heat of greening. The temperature of the interior
space below green roof was normally lower than that without green
roof by about 1°C, showing that green roof could lower the
temperature. The humidity of the green roof was higher than the one
without greening also indicated that green roof retained water better.
Teachers liked to combine green roof concept in the curriculum,
and students wished all classes can take turns to maintain the green
roof. Teachers and students whose school had integrated green roof
concept in the curriculum were more willing to participate in the
maintenance work of green roof. Teachers and students who may have
access to and touch the green roof can be more aware of the green roof
benefit. We suggest architects to increase the accessibility and
visibility of green roof, such as use it as a part of the activity space.
This idea can be a reference to the green roof curriculum design.
Abstract: Students' academic achievement, along with the
effects of different variables, has been a serious concern of educators
since long ago. This study was an attempt to investigate the interplay
of Locus of Control (LOC), academic achievement and biological
variables among Iranian online EFL Learners. The participants of the
study included 100 students of different age groups and genders
studying English online at Iran Language Institute (ILI), Isfahan,
Iran. The instrument used was Trice Academic LOC questionnaire
which identifies orientations of internality or externality. The
participants' Grade Point Averages (GPAs) were used as the measure
of their academic achievement. A series of independent samples ttests
were performed on the data. The results of the study showed that
(a) there were no significant differences between male and female
participants in LOC orientation, (b) there was no relationship
between LOC and academic achievement among internal males and
females, (c) external females were better achievers than external
males, (d) and the age had no significant relationship with LOC and
academic achievement. It can be concluded that the social, cultural
patterns of genders have changed. This study might help sociologists
and psychologists as well as applied linguists in that they reflect the
recent social changes and their effects on the LOC and their
consequent implications in teaching languages.
Abstract: Due to rapid advancement of powerful image
processing software, digital images are easy to manipulate and
modify by ordinary people. Lots of digital images are edited for a
specific purpose and more difficult to distinguish form their original
ones. We propose a clustering method to detect a copy-move image
forgery of JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and PNG. The process starts with
reducing the color of the photos. Then, we use the clustering
technique to divide information of measuring data by Hausdorff
Distance. The result shows that the purposed methods is capable of
inspecting the image file and correctly identify the forgery.
Abstract: A novel design technique employing CMOS Current
Feedback Operational Amplifier (CFOA) is presented. The feature of
consumption very low power in designing pseudo-OTA is used to
decreasing the total power consumption of the proposed CFOA. This
design approach applies pseudo-OTA as input stage cascaded with
buffer stage. Moreover, the DC input offset voltage and harmonic
distortion (HD) of the proposed CFOA are very low values compared
with the conventional CMOS CFOA due to the symmetrical input
stage. P-Spice simulation results are obtained using 0.18μm MIETEC
CMOS process parameters and supply voltage of ±1.2V, 50μA
biasing current. The p-spice simulation shows excellent improvement
of the proposed CFOA over existing CMOS CFOA. Some of these
performance parameters, for example, are DC gain of 62. dB, openloop
gain bandwidth product of 108 MHz, slew rate (SR+) of
+71.2V/μS, THD of -63dB and DC consumption power (PC) of
2mW.
Abstract: Among various active filters, shunt active filter is a
viable solution for reactive power and harmonics compensation. In
this paper, the SRF plan is used to generate current reference for
compensation and conventional PI controllers were used as the
controller to compensate the reactive power. The design of the closed
loop controllers is reserved simple by modeling them as first order
systems. Computationally uncomplicated and efficient SVM system
is used in the present work for better utilization of dc bus voltage.
The rating of shunt active filter has been finalized based on the
reactive power demand of the selected reactive load. The proposed
control and SVM technique are validated by simulating in MATLAB
software.
Abstract: In the present research work we present the optical
emission studies of the Indium (In) – Tin (Sn) plasma produced by
the first (1064 nm) harmonic of an Nd: YAG nanosecond pulsed
laser. The experimentally observed line profiles of neutral Indium (In
I) and Tin (SnI) are used to extract the electron temperature (Te)
using the Boltzmann plot method. Whereas, the electron number
density (Ne) has been determined from the Stark broadening line
profile method. The Te is calculated by varying the distance from the
target surface along the line of propagation of plasma plume and also
by varying the laser irradiance. Beside we have studied the variation
of Ne as a function of laser irradiance as well as its variation with
distance from the target surface.
Abstract: Development of new generation bio-tribological,
multilayer coatings opens an avenue for fabrication of future hightech
functional surfaces. In the presented work, nano-composite,
Cr/CrN+[Cr/ a-C:H implanted by metallic nanocrystals] multilayer
coatings have been developed for surface protection of medical tools.
Thin films were fabricated by a hybrid Pulsed Laser Deposition
technique. Complex microstructure analysis of nanomultilayer
coatings, subjected to mechanical and biological tests, were
performed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Microstructure characterization revealed the layered arrangement of
Cr23C6 nanoparticles in multilayer structure. Influence of deposition
conditions on bio-tribological properties of the coatings was studied.
The bio-tests were used as a screening tool for the analyzed
nanomultilayer coatings before they could be deposited on medical
tools. Bio-medical tests were done using fibroblasts. The mechanical
properties of the coatings were investigated by means of a ball-ondisc
mechanical test. The micro hardness was done using Berkovich
indenter. The scratch adhesion test was done using Rockwell
indenter. From the bio-tribological point of view, the optimal
properties had the C106_1 material.
Abstract: Atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions are considered
as the greatest environmental challenge the world is facing today.
The tasks to control the emissions include the recovery of CO2 from
flue gas. This concern has been improved due to recent advances in
materials process engineering resulting in the development of
inorganic gas separation membranes with excellent thermal and
mechanical stability required for most gas separations. This paper,
therefore, evaluates the performance of a highly selective inorganic
membrane for CO2 recovery applications. Analysis of results
obtained is in agreement with experimental literature data. Further
results show the prediction performance of the membranes for gas
separation and the future direction of research. The materials
selection and the membrane preparation techniques are discussed.
Method of improving the interface defects in the membrane and its
effect on the separation performance has also been reviewed and in
addition advances to totally exploit the potential usage of this
innovative membrane.
Abstract: WO3/SiO2 catalysts were modified by an ion exchange
method with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution. The
performance of the modified catalysts was tested in the metathesis of
ethylene and trans-2-butene to propylene. During ion exchange,
sodium and potassium ions played different roles. Sodium modified
catalysts revealed constant trans-2-butene conversion and propylene
selectivity when the concentrations of sodium in the solution were
varied. In contrast, potassium modified catalysts showed reduction of
the conversion and increase of the selectivity. From these results,
potassium hydroxide may affect the transformation of tungsten oxide
active species, resulting in the decrease in conversion whereas
sodium hydroxide did not. Moreover, the modification of catalysts by
this method improved the catalyst stability by lowering the amount of
coke deposited on the catalyst surface.
Abstract: This article presents our prototype MASET (Multi
Agents System for E-Tutoring Learners engaged in online
collaborative work). MASET that we propose is a system which
basically aims to help tutors in monitoring the collaborative work of
students and their various interactions. The evaluation of such
interactions by the tutor is based on the results provided by the
automatic analysis of the interaction indicators. This system is
predicated upon the middleware JADE (Java Agent Development
Framework) and e-learning Moodle platform. The MASET
environment is modeled by AUML which allows structuring the
different interactions between agents for the fulfillment and
performance of online collaborative work. This multi-agent system
has been the subject of a practical experimentation based on the
interactions data between Master Computer Engineering and System
students.
Abstract: For the music composer Myriam Marbe the musical
time and memory represent 2 (complementary) phenomena with
conclusive impact on the settlement of new musical ontologies.
Summarizing the most important achievements of the contemporary
techniques of composition, her vision on the microform presented in
The Concert for Daniel Kientzy, saxophone and orchestra transcends
the linear and unidirectional time in favour of a flexible, multivectorial
speech with spiral developments, where the sound substance
is auto(re)generated by analogy with the fundamental processes of
the memory. The conceptual model is of an archetypal essence, the
music composer being concerned with identifying the mechanisms of
the creation process, especially of those specific to the collective
creation (of oral tradition). Hence the spontaneity of expression,
improvisation tint, free rhythm, micro-interval intonation, coloristictimbral
universe dominated by multiphonics and unique sound
effects, hence the atmosphere of ritual, however purged by the
primary connotations and reprojected into a wonderful spectacular
space. The Concert is a work of artistic maturity and enforces respect,
among others, by the timbral diversity of the three species of
saxophone required by the music composer (baritone, sopranino and
alt), in Part III Daniel Kientzy shows the performance of playing two
saxophones concomitantly. The score of the music composer Myriam
Marbe contains a deeply spiritualized music, full or archetypal
symbols, a music whose drama suggests a real cinematographic
movement.
Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the burning
of syngas fuels derived from biomass and plastic solid waste mixture
through gasification process is presented in this paper. The syngas
fuel is burned in gas turbine can combustor. Gas turbine can
combustor with swirl is designed to burn the fuel efficiently and
reduce the emissions. The main objective is to test the impact of the
alternative syngas fuel compositions and lower heating value on the
combustion performance and emissions. The syngas fuel is produced
by blending palm kernel shell (PKS) with polyethylene (PE) waste
via catalytic steam gasification (fluidized bed reactor). High
hydrogen content syngas fuel was obtained by mixing 30% PE waste
with PKS. The syngas composition obtained through the gasification
process is 76.2% H2, 8.53% CO, 4.39% CO2 and 10.90% CH4. The
lower heating value of the syngas fuel is LHV = 15.98 MJ/m3. Three
fuels were tested in this study natural gas (100%CH4), syngas fuel
and pure hydrogen (100% H2). The power from the combustor was
kept constant for all the fuels tested in this study. The effect of syngas
fuel composition and lower heating value on the flame shape, gas
temperature, mass of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOX) per unit of energy generation is presented in this paper. The
results show an increase of the peak flame temperature and NO mass
fractions for the syngas and hydrogen fuels compared to natural gas
fuel combustion. Lower average CO2 emissions at the exit of the
combustor are obtained for the syngas compared to the natural gas
fuel.
Abstract: The concept of economic policy and the practical
economic policy diverge from each other at a certain stage of
development. This is related to the concept of realization of the
underlying problems. It comes with all the problems emerged in the
market oriented economic order due to the political processes based
on social welfare policy. The realization of the concept of economic
policy is impeded by economic and political obstacles. If you want to
fill the appeared between the concept and reality, it is necessary to
identify and avoid these obstacles. It requires the following: increase
of the level of the knowledge of prevention technology in
understanding of economic relations, as well as political aspects of
the formation of ideas; perfection of economic policy toolkit, and
political methods.
It is necessary to realize what is the main precondition of
implementation and further development of the concept of economic
policy, as well as the formation of opinions about economic and
public safety. This is a broad consensus on the basic values of the
content and the scale of action, which the general public wants to be
realized.