Abstract: Dielectric ceramic samples in the BaO-Re2O3-TiO2
ternary system were synthesized with structural formula Ba2-
xRe4+2x/3Ti8O24 where Re= rare earth metal and Re= Sm and La where
x varies from 0.0 to 0.6 with step size 0.1. Polycrystalline samples
were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction technique. The
dielectric, electrical and impedance analysis of all the samples in the
frequency range 1KHz- 1MHz at room temperature (25°C) have been
done to get the understanding of electrical conduction and dielectric
relaxation and their correlation. Dielectric response of the samples at
lower frequencies shows dielectric dispersion while at higher
frequencies it shows dielectric relaxation. The ac conductivity is well
fitted by the Jonscher law. The spectroscopic data in the impedance
plane confirms the existence of grain contribution to the relaxation.
All the properties are found out to be function of frequency as well as
the amount of substitution.
Abstract: Many industrial materials like magnets need to be
tested for the radiation environment expected at linear colliders (LC)
where the accelerator and detectors will be subjected to large
influences of beta, neutron and gamma’s over their life Gamma
irradiation of the permanent sample magnets using a 60Co source was
investigated up to an absorbed dose of 700Mrad shows a negligible
effect on some magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B. In this work it has
been tried to investigate the change of some important properties of
Barium hexa ferrite. Results showed little decreases of magnetic
properties at doses rang of 0.5 to 2.5 Mrad. But at the gamma
irradiation dose up to 10 Mrad it is showed a few increase of
properties. Also study of gamma irradiation of Nd-Fe-B showed
considerably increase of magnetic properties.
Abstract: In more complex systems, such as automotive
gearbox, a rigorous treatment of the data is necessary because there
are several moving parts (gears, bearings, shafts, etc.), and in this
way, there are several possible sources of errors and also noise. The
basic objective of this work is the detection of damage in automotive
gearbox. The detection methods used are the wavelet method, the
bispectrum; advanced filtering techniques (selective filtering) of
vibrational signals and mathematical morphology. Gearbox vibration
tests were performed (gearboxes in good condition and with defects)
of a production line of a large vehicle assembler. The vibration
signals are obtained using five accelerometers in different positions
of the sample. The results obtained using the kurtosis, bispectrum,
wavelet and mathematical morphology showed that it is possible to
identify the existence of defects in automotive gearboxes.
Abstract: In this study, we proposed two techniques to track the
maximum power point (MPPT) of a photovoltaic system. The first is
an intelligent control technique, and the second is robust used for
variable structure system. In fact the characteristics I-V and P–V of
the photovoltaic generator depends on the solar irradiance and
temperature. These climate changes cause the fluctuation of
maximum power point; a maximum power point tracking technique
(MPPT) is required to maximize the output power. For this we have
adopted a control by fuzzy logic (FLC) famous for its stability and
robustness. And a Siding Mode Control (SMC) widely used for
variable structure system. The system comprises a photovoltaic panel
(PV), a DC-DC converter, which is considered as an adaptation stage
between the PV and the load. The modelling and simulation of the
system is developed using MATLAB/Simulink. SMC technique
provides a good tracking speed in fast changing irradiation and when
the irradiation changes slowly or it is constant the panel power of
FLC technique presents a much smoother signal with less
fluctuations.
Abstract: Failure of typical seismic frames has been found by
plastic hinge occurring on beams section near column faces. On the
other hand, the seismic capacity of the frames can be enhanced if the
plastic hinges of the beams are shifted away from the column faces.
This paper presents detailing of reinforcements in the interior beam–
column connections aiming to relocate the plastic hinge of reinforced
concrete and precast concrete frames. Four specimens were tested
under quasi-static cyclic load including two monolithic specimens
and two precast specimens. For one monolithic specimen, typical
seismic reinforcement was provided and considered as a reference
specimen named M1. The other reinforced concrete frame M2
contained additional intermediate steel in the connection area
compared with the specimen M1. For the precast specimens,
embedded T-section steels in joint were provided, with and without
diagonal bars in the connection area for specimen P1 and P2,
respectively. The test results indicated the ductile failure with beam
flexural failure in monolithic specimen M1 and the intermediate steel
increased strength and improved joint performance of specimen M2.
For the precast specimens, cracks generated at the end of the steel
inserts. However, slipping of reinforcing steel lapped in top of the
beams was seen before yielding of the main bars leading to the brittle
failure. The diagonal bars in precast specimens P2 improved the
connection stiffness and the energy dissipation capacity.
Abstract: An unconventional composite inorganic ceramic
membrane capable of enhancing carbon dioxide emission decline was
fabricated and tested at laboratory scale in conformism to various
environmental guidelines and also to mitigate the effect of global
warming. A review of the existing membrane technologies for carbon
capture including the relevant gas transport mechanisms is presented.
Single gas permeation experiments using silica modified ceramic
membrane with internal diameter 20mm, outside diameter 25mm and
length of 368mm deposited on a macro porous support was carried
out to investigate individual gas permeation behaviours at different
pressures at room temperature. Membrane fabrication was achieved
using after a dip coating method. Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Argon,
Oxygen and Methane pure gases were used to investigate their
individual permeation rates at various pressures. Results show that
the gas flow rate increases with pressure drop. However above a
pressure of 3bar, CO2 permeability ratio to that of the other gases
indicated control of a more selective surface adsorptive transport
mechanism.
Abstract: The potential neuroprotective effect of Phyllantus
nuriri against Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced oxidative
stress in mitochondria of rats brain was evaluated. Cellular viability
was assessed by MTT reduction, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
generation was measured using the probe 2,7-dichlorofluoresce
indiacetate (DCFH-DA). Glutathione content was measured using
dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). Fe2+ (10μM) and SNP (5μM)
significantly decreased mitochondrial activity, assessed by MTT
reduction assay, in a dose-dependent manner, this occurred in parallel
with increased glutathione oxidation, ROS production and lipid
peroxidation end-products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
TBARS). The co-incubation with methanolic extract of Phyllantus
nuriri (10-200 μg/ml) reduced the disruption of mitochondrial
activity, gluthathione oxidation, ROS production as well as the
increase in TBARS levels caused by both Fe2+ and SNP in a dose
dependent manner. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed the
presence of gallic acid (20.540.01), caffeic acid (7.930.02), rutin
(25.310.05), quercetin (31.280.03) and kaemferol (14.360.01).
This result suggests that these phytochemicals account for the
protective actions of P. niruri against Fe2+ and SNP -induced
oxidative stress. Our results show that P. nuriri consist important
bioactive molecules in the search for an improved therapy against the
deleterious effects of Fe2+, an intrinsic producer of reactive oxygen
species (ROS), that leads to neuronal oxidative stress and
neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Introduction: There are multiple social, individual and
cultural factors that influence an individual’s decision to adopt family
planning methods especially among non-users in patriarchal societies
like Pakistan. Non-users, if targeted efficiently, can contribute
significantly to country’s CPR. A research study showed that nonusers
if convinced to adopt lactational amenorrhea method can shift
to long term methods in future. Research shows that if non users are
targeted efficiently a 59% reduction in unintended pregnancies in
Saharan Africa and South-Central and South-East Asia is anticipated.
Methods: We did secondary data analysis on Pakistan
Demographic Heath Survey (2012-13) dataset. Use of contraception
(never-use/ever-use) was the outcome variable. At univariate level
Chi-square/Fisher Exact test was used to assess relationship of
baseline covariates with contraception use. Then variables to be
incorporated in the model were checked for multicollinearity,
confounding and interaction. Then binary logistic regression (with an
urban-rural stratification) was done to find relationship between
contraception use and baseline demographic and social variables.
Results: The multivariate analyses of the study showed that
younger women (≤ 29 years)were more prone to be never users as
compared to those who were >30 years and this trend was seen in
urban areas (AOR 1.92, CI 1.453-2.536) as well as rural areas (AOR
1.809, CI 1.421-2.303). While looking at regional variation, women
from urban Sindh (AOR 1.548, CI 1.142-2.099) and urban
Balochistan (AOR 2.403, CI 1.504-3.839) had more never users as
compared to other urban regions. Women in the rich wealth quintile
were more never users and this was seen both in urban and rural
localities (urban (AOR 1.106 CI .753-1.624); rural areas (AOR 1.162,
CI .887-1.524)) even though these were not statistically significant.
Women idealizing more children (>4) are more never users as
compared to those idealizing less children in both urban (AOR 1.854,
CI 1.275-2.697) and rural areas (AOR 2.101, CI 1.514-2.916).
Women who never lost a pregnancy were more inclined to be nonusers
in rural areas (AOR 1.394, CI 1.127-1.723) .Women familiar
with only traditional or no method had more never users in rural areas
(AOR 1.717, CI 1.127-1.723) but in urban areas it wasn’t significant.
Women unaware of Lady Health Worker’s presence in their area
were more never users especially in rural areas (AOR 1.276, CI
1.014-1.607). Women who did not visit any care provider were more
never users (urban (AOR 11.738, CI 9.112-15.121) rural areas (AOR
7.832, CI 6.243-9.826)).
Discussion/Conclusion: This study concluded that government,
policy makers and private sector family planning programs should
focus on the untapped pool of never users (younger women from underserved provinces, in higher wealth quintiles, who desire more
children.). We need to make sure to cover catchment areas where
there are less LHWs and less providers as ignorance to modern
methods and never been visited by an LHW are important
determinants of never use. This all is in sync with previous literate
from similar developing countries.
Abstract: Recently, there is a lot of interest in the field of under
water optical wireless communication for short range because of
its high bandwidth. But in most of the previous works line of
sight propagation or single scattering of photons only considered.
In practical case this is not applicable because of beam blockage in
underwater and multiple scattering also occurred during the photons
propagation through water. In this paper we consider a non-line
of sight underwater wireless optical communication system with
multiple scattering and examine the performance of the system using
monte carlo simulation. The distribution scattering angle of photons
are modeled by Henyey-Greenstein method. The average bit error
rate is calculated using on-off keying modulation for different water
types.
Abstract: Egg yolk oil is a natural source of bioactive
compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, oil soluble vitamins,
pigments and others. Bioactive compound content in egg yolk oil
depends from its content in eggs, from which oil was extracted. Many
studies show that bioactive compound content in egg is correlated to
the content of these compounds in hen feed, but there is also an
opinion that hen housing systems also have influence on egg
chemical content. The aim of this study was to determine which
factor, laying hen housing system or hen diet, has a primary influence
on bioactive compound content in egg yolk oil. The egg yolk oil was
extracted from eggs obtained from 4 different hen housing systems:
cage, barn and two groups of free range. All hens were fed with
commercially produced compound feed except one group of free
range hens which get free diet – pastured hens. Extracted egg yolk
oils were analyzed for fatty acids, oil soluble vitamins and β-carotene
content. α-tocopherol, ergocalcipherol and polyunsaturated fatty acid
content in egg yolk oil was higher from eggs obtained from all
housing systems where hens were fed with commercial compound
feed. β-carotene and retinol content in egg yolk oils from free range
free diet eggs was significantly (p>0.05) higher that from other eggs
because hens have access to green forage. Hen physical activity in
free range housing systems decreases content of some bioactive
compound in egg yolk oil.
Abstract: This study is about the structural transformations of
aluminium examining with the Dynamic Mechanical Thermal
Analyzer (DMTA). It is a faster and simpler measuring method to
make consequence about the metal’s structural transformations. The
device measures the changing of the mechanical characteristics
depending on the heating rate, and concludes certain transformations.
This measuring method fast and shows clean-cut results comparing
the conventional ways.
Applying polymer measuring devices for metal investigations is
not widespread method. One of the adaptable ways is shown in this
study. The article compares the results of the small specimen test and
the DMTA method, considering the temperature and the forming
dependence of recrystallization temperature.
Abstract: Availability of different genetic tests after completion
of Human Genome Project increases the physicians’ responsibility to
keep themselves update on the potential implementation of these
genetic tests in their daily practice. However, due to numbers of
barriers, still many of physicians are not either aware of these tests or
are not willing to offer or refer their patients for genetic tests. This
study was conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, mailed-based
survey to develop a primary data of Malaysian physicians’ level of
knowledge and perception of gene profiling. Questionnaire had 29
questions. Total scores on selected questions were used to assess the
level of knowledge. The highest possible score was 11. Descriptive
statistics, one way ANOVA and chi-squared test was used for
statistical analysis. Sixty three completed questionnaires were
returned by 27 general practitioners (GPs) and 36 medical specialists.
Responders’ age ranges from 24 to 55 years old (mean 30.2 ± 6.4).
About 40% of the participants rated themselves as having poor level
of knowledge in genetics in general whilst 60% believed that they
have fair level of knowledge; however, almost half (46%) of the
respondents felt that they were not knowledgeable about available
genetic tests. A majority (94%) of the responders were not aware of
any lab or company which is offering gene profiling services in
Malaysia. Only 4% of participants were aware of using gene profiling
for detection of dosage of some drugs. Respondents perceived greater
utility of gene profiling for breast cancer (38%) compared to the
colorectal familial cancer (3%). The score of knowledge ranged from
2 to 8 (mean 4.38 ± 1.67). Non- significant differences between score
of knowledge of GPs and specialists were observed, with score of
4.19 and 4.58 respectively. There was no significant association
between any demographic factors and level of knowledge. However,
those who graduated between years 2001 to 2005 had higher level of
knowledge. Overall, 83% of participants showed relatively high level
of perception on value of gene profiling to detect patient’s risk of
disease. However, low perception was observed for both statements
of using gene profiling for general population in order to alter their
lifestyle (25%) as well as having the full sequence of a patient
genome for the purpose of determining a patient’s best match for
treatment (18%). The lack of clinical guidelines, limited provider
knowledge and awareness, lack of time and resources to educate
patients, lack of evidence-based clinical information and cost of tests
were the most barriers of ordering gene profiling mentioned by
physicians. In conclusion Malaysian physicians who participate in
this study had mediocre level of knowledge and awareness in gene
profiling. The low exposure to the genetic questions and problems
might be a key predictor of lack of awareness and knowledge on
available genetic tests. Educational and training workshop might be useful in helping Malaysian physicians incorporate genetic profiling
into practice for eligible patients.
Abstract: The present research work investigates the seismic
response of reinforced concrete (RC) frame building considering the
effect of modeling masonry infill (MI) walls. The seismic behavior of
a residential 6-storey RC frame building, considering and ignoring
the effect of masonry, is numerically investigated using response
spectrum (RS) analysis. The considered herein building is designed
as a moment resisting frame (MRF) system following the Egyptian
code (EC) requirements. Two developed models in terms of bare
frame and infill walls frame are used in the study. Equivalent
diagonal strut methodology is used to represent the behavior of infill
walls, whilst the well-known software package ETABS is used for
implementing all frame models and performing the analysis. The
results of the numerical simulations such as base shear,
displacements, and internal forces for the bare frame as well as the
infill wall frame are presented in a comparative way. The results of
the study indicate that the interaction between infill walls and frames
significantly change the responses of buildings during earthquakes
compared to the results of bare frame building model. Specifically,
the seismic analysis of RC bare frame structure leads to
underestimation of base shear and consequently damage or even
collapse of buildings may occur under strong shakings. On the other
hand, considering infill walls significantly decrease the peak floor
displacements and drifts in both X and Y-directions.
Abstract: In this paper, we will analyze the relationship between the neo-liberal concept of property rights and redistribution policy. This issue is back in the focus of interest due to the crisis 2008. The crisis has reaffirmed the influence of the state on the free-market processes. The interference of the state with property relations reopened a classical question: is it legitimate to redistribute resources of a man in favor of another man with taxes? The dominant view is that the neoliberal philosophy of natural rights is incompatible with redistributive measures. In principle, this view can be accepted. However, when we look into the details of the theory of natural rights proposed by some coryphaei of neoliberal philosophy, such as Hayek, Nozick, Buchanan and Rothbard, we can see that it is not such an unequivocal view.
Abstract: Introduction: Researchers globally have strived to explore diverse factors that augment the continuation and uptake of family planning methods. Clients’ satisfaction is one of the core determinants facilitating continuation of family planning methods. There is a major debate yet scanty evidence to contrast public and private sectors with respect to client satisfaction. The objective of this study is to compare quality-of-care provided by public and private sectors of Pakistan through a client satisfaction lens. Methods: We used Pakistan Demographic Heath Survey 2012-13 dataset on 3133 women. Ten different multivariate models were made. to explore the relationship between client satisfaction and dependent outcome after adjusting for all known confounding factors and results are presented as OR and AOR (95% CI). Results: Multivariate analyses showed that clients were less satisfied in contraceptive provision from private sector as compared to public sector (AOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63-1.68) even though the result was not statistically significant. Clients were more satisfied from private sector as compared to the public sector with respect to other determinants of quality-of-care follow-up care (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.95-5.55), infection prevention (AOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.60-3.62), counseling services (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.27-3.18, timely treatment (AOR 3.37, 95% CI 2.20-5.15), attitude of staff (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.50-3.33), punctuality of staff (AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.92-4.13), timely referring (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.63-3.35), staff cooperation (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.51) and complications handling (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.56-3.29). Discussion: Public sector has successfully attained substantial satisfaction levels with respect to provision of contraceptives, but it contrasts previous literature from a multi country studies. Our study though in is concordance with a study from Tanzania where public sector was more likely to offer family planning services to clients as compared to private facilities. Conclusion: In majority of the developing countries, public sector is more involved in FP service provision; however, in Pakistan clients’ satisfaction in private sector is more, which opens doors for public-private partnerships and collaboration in the near future.
Abstract: Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is the dominant transport technology used in numerous high capacity backbone networks, based on optical infrastructures. Given the importance of costs (CapEx and OpEx) associated to these networks, resource management is becoming increasingly important, especially how the optical circuits, called “lightpaths”, are routed throughout the network. This requires the use of efficient algorithms which provide routing strategies with the lowest cost. We focus on the lightpath routing and wavelength assignment problem, known as the RWA problem, while optimizing wavelength fragmentation over the network. Wavelength fragmentation poses a serious challenge for network operators since it leads to the misuse of the wavelength spectrum, and then to the refusal of new lightpath requests. In this paper, we first establish a new Integer Linear Program (ILP) for the problem based on a node-link formulation. This formulation is based on a multilayer approach where the original network is decomposed into several network layers, each corresponding to a wavelength. Furthermore, we propose an efficient heuristic for the problem based on a greedy algorithm followed by a post-treatment procedure. The obtained results show that the optimal solution is often reached. We also compare our results with those of other RWA heuristic methods
Abstract: This paper presents effects of the mean operating
pressure on the optimal operating frequency based on temperature
differences across stack ends in a thermoacoustic refrigerator. In
addition to the length of the resonance tube, components of the
thermoacoustic refrigerator have an influence on the operating
frequency due to their acoustic properties, i.e., absorptivity,
reflectivity and transmissivity. The interference of waves incurs and
distorts the original frequency generated by the driver so that the
optimal operating frequency differs from the designs. These acoustic
properties are not parameters in the designs and be very complicated
to infer their responses. A prototype thermoacoustic refrigerator is
constructed and used to investigate its optimal operating frequency
compared to the design at various operating pressures. Helium and air
are used as working fluids during the experiments. The results
indicate that the optimal operating frequency of the prototype
thermoacoustic refrigerator using helium is at 6 bar and 490Hz or
approximately 20% away from the design frequency. The optimal
operating frequency at other mean pressures differs from the design
in an unpredictable manner, however, the optimal operating
frequency and pressure can be identified by testing.
Abstract: The textile industry plays a major role in the economy
of India and on the other side of the coin it is the major source for
water pollution. As azo dyes is the largest dye class they are
extensively used in many fields such as textile industry, leather
tanning industry, paper production, food, color photography,
pharmaceuticals and medicine, cosmetic, hair colorings, wood
staining, agricultural, biological and chemical research etc. In
addition to these, they can have acute and/or chronic effects on
organisms depending on their concentration and length of exposure
when they discharged as effluent in the environment. The aim of this
study was to assess the genotoxic and histotoxic potentials of
environmentally relevant concentrations of C. I. Reactive Red 120
(RR 120) on Catla catla, important edible freshwater fingerlings. For
this, healthy Catla catla fingerlings were procured from the
Government Fish Farm and acclimatized in 100 L capacity and
continuously aerated glass aquarium in laboratory for 15 days.
According to APHA some physic-chemical parameters were
measured and maintained such as temperature, pH, dissolve oxygen,
alkalinity, total hardness. Water along with excreta had been changed
every 24 hrs. All fingerlings were fed artificial food palates once a
day @ body weight. After 15 days fingerlings were grouped in 5 (10
in each) and exposed to various concentrations of RR 120 (Control,
10, 20, 30 and 40 mg.l-1) and samples (peripheral blood and gills,
kidney) were collected and analyzed at 96 hrs. All results were
compared with the control. Micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB),
fragmented-apoptotic (FA) and bi-nucleated (BN) cells in blood
smears and in tissues (gills and kidney cells) were observed.
Prominent histopathological alterations were noticed in gills such as
aneurism, hyperplasia, degenerated central axis, lifting of gill
epithelium, curved secondary gill lamellae etc. Similarly kidney
showed some detrimental changes like shrunken glomeruli with
increased periglomerular space, degenerated renal tubules etc. Both
haematological and histopathological changes clearly reveal the toxic
potential of RR 120. This work concludes that water pollution
assessment can be done by these two biomarkers which provide
baseline to the further chromosomal or molecular work.
Abstract: The flora of Bozdağ (Konya) and its surroundings
were investigated between 2003 and 2005 years; 700 herbarium
specimens belonging to 482 taxa, 257 genera and 57 families were
collected and identified from the area. The families which have the
most taxa in research area are Asteraceae 67 (14.0%), Fabaceae 60
(12.6%), Lamiaceae 57 (11.9%), Brassicaceae 34 (7.1%), Poaceae
30 (6.3%), Rosaceae 24 (5.0%), Caryophyllaceae 23 (4.8%),
Liliaceae 19 (4.0%), Boraginaceae 17 (3.6%), and Apiaceae 13
(2.7%).
The research area is in the district of Konya and is in the B4
square according to the Grid System. The phytogeographic elements
are represented in the study area as follows; Irano-Turanian 91
(18.9%), Mediterranean 72 (14.9%), Euro-Siberian 21 (4.3%). The
phytogeographic regions of 273 (56.6%) taxa are either multi-regional
or unknown. The number of endemic taxa is 79 (16.3%).
Abstract: Flash Floods, together with landslides, are a common
natural threat for people living in mountainous regions and foothills.
One way to deal with this constant menace is the use of Early
Warning Systems, which have become a very important mitigation
strategy for natural disasters.
In this work we present our proposal for a pilot Flash Flood Early
Warning System for Santiago, Chile, the first stage of a more
ambitious project that in a future stage shall also include early
warning of landslides.
To give a context for our approach, we first analyze three existing
Flash Flood Early Warning Systems, focusing on their general
architectures. We then present our proposed system, with main focus
on the decision support system, a system that integrates empirical
models and fuzzy expert systems to achieve reliable risk estimations.