Abstract: Tamil handwritten document is taken as a key source
of data to identify the writer. Tamil is a classical language which has
247 characters include compound characters, consonants, vowels and
special character. Most characters of Tamil are multifaceted in
nature. Handwriting is a unique feature of an individual. Writer may
change their handwritings according to their frame of mind and this
place a risky challenge in identifying the writer. A new
discriminative model with pooled features of handwriting is proposed
and implemented using support vector machine. It has been reported
on 100% of prediction accuracy by RBF and polynomial kernel based
classification model.
Abstract: This paper discusses the general methods to saturation
in the steady-state, two axis (d & q) frame models of synchronous
machines. In particular, the important role of the magnetic coupling
between the d-q axes (cross-magnetizing phenomenon), is
demonstrated. For that purpose, distinct methods of saturation
modeling of dumper synchronous machine with cross-saturation are
identified, and detailed models synthesis in d-q axes. A number of
models are given in the final developed form. The procedure and the
novel models are verified by a critical application to prove the
validity of the method and the equivalence between all developed
models is reported. Advantages of some of the models over the
existing ones and their applicability are discussed.
Abstract: Tamil handwritten document is taken as a key source of data to identify the writer. Tamil is a classical language which has 247 characters include compound characters, consonants, vowels and special character. Most characters of Tamil are multifaceted in nature. Handwriting is a unique feature of an individual. Writer may change their handwritings according to their frame of mind and this place a risky challenge in identifying the writer. A new discriminative model with pooled features of handwriting is proposed and implemented using support vector machine. It has been reported on 100% of prediction accuracy by RBF and polynomial kernel based classification model.
Abstract: Cadmium (II) (Cd) is one of the major toxic elemental
pollutants, which is hazardous for humans, animals and plants. γ-
Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is an extracellular biopolymer produced
by several species of Bacillus which has been reported to be an
effective biosorbent for metal ions. The effect of γ-PGA on growth of
rice grown under laboratory conditions was investigated. Rice seeds
were germinated and then grown at 30±1°C on filter paper soaked
with Cd solution and γ-PGA for 7 days. The result showed that Cd
significantly inhibited the growth of roots, shoots by reducing root,
and shoot lengths. Fresh and dry weights also decreased compared
with control; however, the addition of 500 mg·L-1 γ-PGA alleviated
rice seedlings from the adverse effects of Cd. The analysis of
physiological traits revealed that Cd caused a decrease in the total
chlorophyll and soluble protein contents and amylase activities in all
treatments. The Cd content in seedling tissues increased for the Cd
250 μM treatment (P
Abstract: High frequency automotive interior noise above 500
Hz considerably affects automotive passenger comfort. To reduce this
noise, sound insulation material is often laminated on body panels or
interior trim panels. For a more effective noise reduction, the sound
reduction properties of this laminated structure need to be estimated.
We have developed a new calculate tool that can roughly calculate the
sound absorption and insulation properties of laminate structure and
handy for designers. In this report, the outline of this tool and an
analysis example applied to floor mat are introduced.
Abstract: In this paper, we report the development of the device
for diagnostics of cardiovascular system state and associated
automated workstation for large-scale medical measurement data
collection and analysis. It was shown that optimal design for the
monitoring device is wristband as it represents engineering trade-off
between accuracy and usability. Monitoring device is based on the
infrared reflective photoplethysmographic sensor, which allows
collecting multiple physiological parameters, such as heart rate and
pulsing wave characteristics. Developed device uses BLE interface
for medical and supplementary data transmission to the coupled
mobile phone, which processes it and send it to the doctor's
automated workstation. Results of this experimental model
approbation confirmed the applicability of the proposed approach.
Abstract: This report presents an alternative technique of
application of contrast agent in vivo, i.e. before sampling. By this
new method the electron micrograph of tissue sections have an
acceptable contrast compared to other methods and present no artifact
of precipitation on sections. Another advantage is that a small amount
of contrast is needed to get a good result given that most of them are
expensive and extremely toxic.
Abstract: Effects of nicotine on pre-partum body weight and
preimplantation embryonic development has been reported
previously. Present study was conducted to determine the effects of
annatto (Bixa orellana)-derived delta-tocotrienol (TCT) (with
presence of 10% gamma-TCT isomer) on the nicotine-induced
reduction in body weight and 8-cell embryonic growth in mice.
Twenty-four 6-8 weeks old (23-25g) female balb/c mice were
randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4; n=6). Those groups were
subjected to the following treatments for 7 consecutive days: G1
(control) were gavaged with 0.1 ml tocopherol stripped corn oil. G2
was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 3 mg/kg/day of nicotine. G3
received concurrent treatment of nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) and 60
mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture (contains 90% delta & 10% gamma
isomers) and G4 was given 60 mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture alone.
Body weights were recorded daily during the treatment. On Day 8,
females were superovulated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare’s Serum
Gonadotropin (PMSG) for 48 hours followed with 5 IU human
Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) before mated with males at the ratio
of 1:1. Females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for embryo
collection 48 hours post-coitum. Collected embryos were cultured in
vitro. Results showed that throughout Day 1 to Day 7, the body
weight of nicotine treated group (G2) was significantly lower
(p
Abstract: Particle size distribution, the most important
characteristics of aerosols, is obtained through electrical
characterization techniques. The dynamics of charged nanoparticles
under the influence of electric field in Electrical Mobility
Spectrometer (EMS) reveals the size distribution of these particles.
The accuracy of this measurement is influenced by flow conditions,
geometry, electric field and particle charging process, therefore by
the transfer function (transfer matrix) of the instrument. In this work,
a wire-cylinder corona charger was designed and the combined fielddiffusion
charging process of injected poly-disperse aerosol particles
was numerically simulated as a prerequisite for the study of a
multichannel EMS. The result, a cloud of particles with no uniform
charge distribution, was introduced to the EMS. The flow pattern and
electric field in the EMS were simulated using Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) to obtain particle trajectories in the device and
therefore to calculate the reported signal by each electrometer.
According to the output signals (resulted from bombardment of
particles and transferring their charges as currents), we proposed a
modification to the size of detecting rings (which are connected to
electrometers) in order to evaluate particle size distributions more
accurately. Based on the capability of the system to transfer
information contents about size distribution of the injected particles,
we proposed a benchmark for the assessment of optimality of the
design. This method applies the concept of Von Neumann entropy
and borrows the definition of entropy from information theory
(Shannon entropy) to measure optimality. Entropy, according to the
Shannon entropy, is the ''average amount of information contained in
an event, sample or character extracted from a data stream''.
Evaluating the responses (signals) which were obtained via various
configurations of detecting rings, the best configuration which gave
the best predictions about the size distributions of injected particles,
was the modified configuration. It was also the one that had the
maximum amount of entropy. A reasonable consistency was also
observed between the accuracy of the predictions and the entropy
content of each configuration. In this method, entropy is extracted
from the transfer matrix of the instrument for each configuration.
Ultimately, various clouds of particles were introduced to the
simulations and predicted size distributions were compared to the
exact size distributions.
Abstract: Application of biochar to arable soils represents a new
approach to restore soil health and quality. Many studies reported the
positive effect of biochar application on soil fertility and
development of soil microbial community. Moreover biochar may
affect the soil water retention, but this effect has not been sufficiently
described yet. Therefore this study deals with the influence of
biochar application on: microbial activities in soil, availability of
mineral nitrogen in soil for microorganisms, mineral nitrogen
retention and plant production. To demonstrate the effect of biochar
addition on the above parameters, the pot experiment was realized.
As a model crop, Lactuca sativa L. was used and cultivated from
December 10th 2014 till March 22th 2015 in climate chamber in
thoroughly homogenized arable soil with and without addition of
biochar. Five variants of experiment (V1 – V5) with different regime
of irrigation were prepared. Variants V1 – V2 were fertilized by
mineral nitrogen, V3 – V4 by biochar and V5 was a control. The
significant differences were found only in plant production and
mineral nitrogen retention. The highest content of mineral nitrogen
in soil was detected in V1 and V2, about 250 % in comparison with
the other variants. The positive effect of biochar application on soil
fertility, mineral nitrogen availability was not found. On the other
hand results of plant production indicate the possible positive effect
of biochar application on soil water retention.
Abstract: This paper shows the general perceptions of Spanish
university stakeholders in relation to the university’s annual reports
and the adequacy and potential of intellectual capital reporting. To
this end, a questionnaire was designed and sent to every member of
the Social Councils of Spanish public universities. It was thought that
these participants would provide a good example of the attitude of
university stakeholders since they represent the different social
groups connected with universities. From the results of this study we
are in the position of confirming the need for universities to offer
information on intellectual capital in their accounting information
model.
Abstract: The design of high pressure water jet based polishing
equipment and its fabrication conducted in this study is reported
herein, together with some preliminary test results for assessing its
applicability for HMA surface polishing. This study also provides
preliminary findings concerning the test variables, such as the
rotational speed, the water jet pressure, the abrasive agent used, and
the impact angel that were experimentally investigated in this study. The preliminary findings based on four trial tests (two on large
slab specimens and two on small size gyratory compacted
specimens), however, indicate that both friction and texture values
tend to increase with the polishing durations for two combinations of
pressure and rotation speed of the rotary deck. It seems that the more
polishing action the specimen is subjected to; the aggregate edges are
created such that the surface texture values are increased with the
accompanied increase in friction values. It may be of interest (but
which is outside the scope of this study) to investigate if the similar
trend exist for HMA prepared with aggregate source that is sand and
gravel.
Abstract: This paper is based on a large questionnaire study. The
paper presents how all participants and subgroups (upper- and
lower-level white-collar workers) answered the question, “Have you
had an ache, pain, or numbness, which you associate with desktop
computer use, in the different body parts during the last 12 months?’
14.6% of participants (19.4% of women and 8.2% of men) reported
that they had often or very often physical symptoms in the neck. Even
if our results cannot prove a causal relation of symptoms with
computer use, show that workers believe that computer use can
influence their wellbeing: this is important when devising treatment
modalities to decrease these physical symptoms.
Abstract: Optic disk segmentation plays a key role in the mass
screening of individuals with diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma
ailments. An efficient hardware-based algorithm for optic disk
localization and segmentation would aid for developing an automated
retinal image analysis system for real time applications. Herein,
TMS320C6416DSK DSP board pixel intensity based fractal analysis
algorithm for an automatic localization and segmentation of the optic
disk is reported. The experiment has been performed on color and
fluorescent angiography retinal fundus images. Initially, the images
were pre-processed to reduce the noise and enhance the quality. The
retinal vascular tree of the image was then extracted using canny
edge detection technique. Finally, a pixel intensity based fractal
analysis is performed to segment the optic disk by tracing the origin
of the vascular tree. The proposed method is examined on three
publicly available data sets of the retinal image and also with the data
set obtained from an eye clinic. The average accuracy achieved is
96.2%. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first work reporting
the use of TMS320C6416DSK DSP board and pixel intensity based
fractal analysis algorithm for an automatic localization and
segmentation of the optic disk. This will pave the way for developing
devices for detection of retinal diseases in the future.
Abstract: In present global scenario, aluminum alloys are
coining the attention of many innovators as competing structural
materials for automotive and space applications. Comparing to other
challenging alloys, especially, 7xxx series aluminum alloys have
been studied seriously because of benefits such as moderate strength;
better deforming characteristics and affordable cost. It is expected
that substitution of aluminum alloys for steels will result in great
improvements in energy economy, durability and recyclability.
However, it is necessary to improve the strength and the formability
levels at low temperatures in aluminum alloys for still better
applications. Aluminum–Zinc–Magnesium with or without other
wetting agent denoted as 7XXX series alloys are medium strength
heat treatable alloys. In addition to Zn, Mg as major alloying
additions, Cu, Mn and Si are the other solute elements which
contribute for the improvement in mechanical properties by suitable
heat treatment process. Subjecting to suitable treatments like age
hardening or cold deformation assisted heat treatments; known as low
temperature thermomechanical treatments (LTMT) the challenging
properties might be incorporated. T6 is the age hardening or
precipitation hardening process with artificial aging cycle whereas T8
comprises of LTMT treatment aged artificially with X% cold
deformation. When the cold deformation is provided after solution
treatment, there is increase in hardness related properties such as
wear resistance, yield and ultimate strength, toughness with the
expense of ductility. During precipitation hardening both hardness
and strength of the samples are increasing. The hardness value may
further improve when room temperature deformation is positively
supported with age hardening known as thermomechanical treatment.
It is intended to perform heat treatment and evaluate hardness, tensile
strength, wear resistance and distribution pattern of reinforcement in
the matrix. 2 to 2.5 and 3 to 3.5 times increase in hardness is reported
in age hardening and LTMT treatments respectively as compared to
as-cast composite. There was better distribution of reinforcements in
the matrix, nearly two fold increase in strength levels and up to 5
times increase in wear resistance are also observed in the present
study.
Abstract: The goal of this experiment is to evaluate the
effectiveness of different leachate pre-treatment options in terms of
COD and ammonia removal. This research focused on the evaluation
of physical-chemical methods for pre-treatment of leachate that
would be effective and rapid in order to satisfy the requirements of
the sewer discharge by-laws. The four pre-treatment options
evaluated were: air stripping, chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation
and advanced oxidation with sodium ferrate. Chemical
coagulation reported the best COD removal rate at 43%, compared to
18% for both air stripping and electro-coagulation, and 20% for
oxidation with sodium ferrate. On the other hand, air stripping was
far superior to the other treatment options in terms of ammonia
removal with 86%. Oxidation with sodium ferrate reached only 16%,
while chemical coagulation and electro-coagulation removed less
than 10%. When combined, air stripping and chemical coagulation
removed up to 50% COD and 85% ammonia.
Abstract: The environmental, cultural, social, and technological
changes have led higher education institutes to question their
traditional roles. Many declarations and frameworks highlight the
importance of fulfilling social responsibility of higher education
institutes. The study aims at developing a framework of university
social responsibility and sustainability (USR&S) with focus on South
Valley University (SVU) as a case study of Egyptian Universities.
The study used meetings with 12 vice deans of community services
and environmental affairs on social responsibility and environmental
issues. The proposed framework integrates social responsibility with
strategic management through the establishment and maintenance of
the vision, mission, values, goals and management systems;
elaboration of policies; provision of actions; evaluation of services
and development of social collaboration with stakeholders to meet
current and future needs of the community and environment. The
framework links between different stakeholders internally and
externally using communication and reporting tools. The results show
that SVU integrates social responsibility and sustainability in its
strategic plans. It has policies and actions however fragmented and
lack of appropriate structure and budgeting. The proposed framework
could be valuable for researchers and decision makers of the
Egyptian Universities. The study proposed recommendations and
highlighted building on the results and conducting future research.
Abstract: The using of waste materials in the construction
industry can reduce the dependence on the natural aggregates which
are going at the end to deplete. The glass waste is generated in a huge
amount which can make one of its disposals in concrete industry
effective not only as a green solution but also as an advantage to
enhance the performance of mechanical properties and durability of
concrete. This article reports the performance of concrete specimens
containing different percentages of milled glass waste as a partial
replacement of cement (Powder), when they are subject to cycles of
freezing and thawing. The tests were conducted on 75-mm cubes and
75 x 75 x 300-mm prisms. Compressive strength based on laboratory
testing and non-destructive ultrasonic pulse velocity test were
performed during the action of freezing-thawing cycles (F/T). The
results revealed that the incorporation of glass waste in concrete
mixtures is not only feasible but also showed generally better strength
and durability performance than control concrete mixture. It may be
said that the recycling of waste glass in concrete mixes is not only a
disposal way, but also it can be an exploitation in concrete industry.
Abstract: The literature on language teaching and second
language acquisition has been largely driven by monolingual
ideology with a common assumption that a second language (L2) is
best taught and learned in the L2 only. The current study challenges
this assumption by reporting learners' positive perceptions of tertiary
level teachers' code switching practices in Vietnam. The findings of
this study contribute to our understanding of code switching practices
in language classrooms from a learners' perspective.
Data were collected from student participants who were working
towards a Bachelor degree in English within the English for Business
Communication stream through the use of focus group interviews.
The literature has documented that this method of interviewing has a
number of distinct advantages over individual student interviews. For
instance, group interactions generated by focus groups create a more
natural environment than that of an individual interview because they
include a range of communicative processes in which each individual
may influence or be influenced by others - as they are in their real
life. The process of interaction provides the opportunity to obtain the
meanings and answers to a problem that are "socially constructed
rather than individually created" leading to the capture of real-life
data. The distinct feature of group interaction offered by this
technique makes it a powerful means of obtaining deeper and richer
data than those from individual interviews. The data generated
through this study were analysed using a constant comparative
approach. Overall, the students expressed positive views of this
practice indicating that it is a useful teaching strategy. Teacher code
switching was seen as a learning resource and a source supporting
language output. This practice was perceived to promote student
comprehension and to aid the learning of content and target language
knowledge. This practice was also believed to scaffold the students'
language production in different contexts. However, the students
indicated their preference for teacher code switching to be
constrained, as extensive use was believed to negatively impact on
their L2 learning and trigger cognitive reliance on the L1 for L2
learning. The students also perceived that when the L1 was used to a
great extent, their ability to develop as autonomous learners was
negatively impacted.
This study found that teacher code switching was supported in
certain contexts by learners, thus suggesting that there is a need for
the widespread assumption about the monolingual teaching approach
to be re-considered.
Abstract: This paper aims to study the effect of cold work
condition on the microstructure of Cu-1.5wt%Ti, and Cu-3.5wt%Ti
and hence mechanical properties. The samples under investigation
were machined, and solution heat treated. X-ray diffraction technique
is used to identify the different phases present after cold deformation
by compression and also different heat treatment and also measuring
the relative quantities of phases present. The metallographic
examination is used to study the microstructure of the samples. The
hardness measurements were used to indicate the change in
mechanical properties. The results are compared with the mechanical
properties obtained by previous workers. Experiments on cold
compression followed by aging of Cu-Ti alloys have indicated that
the most efficient hardening of the material results from continuous
precipitation of very fine particles within the matrix. These particles
were reported to be β`-type, Cu4Ti phase. The β`-β transformation
and particles coarsening within the matrix as well as long grain
boundaries were responsible for the overaging of Cu-1.5wt%Ti and
Cu-3.5wt%Ti alloys. It is well known that plate-like particles are β –
type, Cu3Ti phase. Discontinuous precipitation was found to start at
the grain boundaries and expand into grain interior. At the higher
aging temperature, a classic Widmanstätten morphology forms giving
rise to a coarse microstructure comprised of α and the equilibrium
phase β. Those results were confirmed by X-ray analysis, which
found that a few percent of Cu3Ti, β precipitates are formed during
aging at high temperature for long time for both Cu- Ti alloys (i.e.
Cu-1.5wt%Ti and Cu-3.5wt%Ti).