Abstract: Bone properties and response behavior after static or
dynamic activation (loading) are still interesting topics in many fields
of the science especially in the biomechanical problems such as bone
loss of astronauts in space, osteoporosis, bone remodeling after
fracture or remodeling after surgery (endoprosthesis and implants)
and in osteointegration. This contribution deals with the relation
between physiological, demineralized and deproteinized state of the
turkey long bone – tibia. Three methods for comparison were used: 1)
densitometry, 2) three point bending and 3) frequency analysis. The
main goal of this work was to describe the decrease of the protein
(collagen) or mineral of the bone with relation to the fracture in three
point bending. The comparison is linked to the problem of different
bone mechanical behavior in physiological and osteoporotic state.
Abstract: Recently, an increasing number of researchers have
been focusing on working out realistic solutions to sustainability
problems. As sustainability issues gain higher importance for
organisations, the management of such decisions becomes critical.
Knowledge representation is a fundamental issue of complex
knowledge based systems. Many types of sustainability problems
would benefit from models based on experts’ knowledge. Cognitive
maps have been used for analyzing and aiding decision making. A
cognitive map can be made of almost any system or problem. A
fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) can successfully represent knowledge
and human experience, introducing concepts to represent the essential
elements and the cause and effect relationships among the concepts to
model the behaviour of any system. Integrated waste management
systems (IWMS) are complex systems that can be decomposed to
non-related and related subsystems and elements, where many factors
have to be taken into consideration that may be complementary,
contradictory, and competitive; these factors influence each other and
determine the overall decision process of the system. The goal of the
present paper is to construct an efficient IWMS which considers
various factors. The authors’ intention is to propose an expert based
system design approach for implementing expert decision support in
the area of IWMSs and introduces an appropriate methodology for
the development and analysis of group FCM. A framework for such a
methodology consisting of the development and application phases is
presented.
Abstract: The global solved problem is the calculation of the
parameters of ceramic material from a set of destruction tests of
ceramic heads of total hip joint endoprosthesis. The standard way of
calculation of the material parameters consists in carrying out a set of
3 or 4 point bending tests of specimens cut out from parts of the
ceramic material to be analysed. In case of ceramic heads, it is not
possible to cut out specimens of required dimensions because the
heads are too small (if the cut out specimens were smaller than the
normalised ones, the material parameters derived from them would
exhibit higher strength values than those which the given ceramic
material really has). A special destruction device for heads
destruction was designed and the solved local problem is the
modification of this destructive device based on the analysis of
tensile stress in the head for two different values of the depth of the
conical hole in the head. The goal of device modification is a shift of
the location with extreme value of σ1max from the region of head’s
hole bottom to its opening. This modification will increase the
credibility of the obtained material properties of bioceramics, which
will be determined from a set of head destructions using the Weibull
weakest link theory.
Abstract: Stochastic User Equilibrium (SUE) model is a widely
used traffic assignment model in transportation planning, which is
regarded more advanced than Deterministic User Equilibrium (DUE)
model. However, a problem exists that the performance of the SUE
model depends on its error term parameter. The objective of this
paper is to propose a systematic method of determining the
appropriate error term parameter value for the SUE model. First, the
significance of the parameter is explored through a numerical
example. Second, the parameter calibration method is developed
based on the Logit-based route choice model. The calibration process
is realized through multiple nonlinear regression, using sequential
quadratic programming combined with least square method. Finally,
case analysis is conducted to demonstrate the application of the
calibration process and validate the better performance of the SUE
model calibrated by the proposed method compared to the SUE
models under other parameter values and the DUE model.
Abstract: Folic acid (FA) is known to be an important
supplement to prevent neural tube defect (NTD) in pregnant women.
Similar to some commercial formulations, sodium bicarbonate
solution is used as a solvent for FA. This work uses the antisolvent
vapour precipitation (AVP), incorporating ethanol vapour as the
convective drying medium in place of air to produce branch-like
micro-structure FA particles. Interestingly, the dissolution rate of the
resultant particle is 2-3 times better than the particle produce from
conventional air drying due to the higher surface area of particles
produced. The higher dissolution rate could possibly improve the
delivery and absorption of FA in human body. This application could
potentially be extended to other commercial products, particularly in
less soluble drugs to improve its solubility.
Abstract: In the present work, hydrogen gas sensor of modest
sensitivity utilizing functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
partially decorated with tin oxide nanoparticles (F-MWCNTs/SnO2)
has been fabricated. This sensing material was characterized by
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, a remarkable
finding was that the F-MWCNTs/SnO2 sensor shows good sensitivity
as compared to F-MWCNTs for low concentration (0.05-1% by
volume) of H2 gas. The fabricated sensors show complete resistance
recovery and good repeatability when exposed to H2 gas at the room
temperature conditions.
Abstract: The Port of Townsville conducts regular annual
maintenance dredging to maintain depths of its harbor basin and
approach channels for the navigational safety of the vessels against
the natural accumulation of marine sediments. In addition to the
regular maintenance dredging, the port undertakes emergency
dredging in cases where large quantities of sediments are mobilized
and deposited in port waters by cyclone or major flood events. The
maintenance dredging material derived from the port may be
disposed at sea or on land in accordance with relevant state and
commonwealth regulations. For the land disposal, the dredged mud
slurry is hydraulically placed into containment ponds and left to
undergo sedimentation and self-weight consolidation to form fill
material for land reclamation. This paper provides an overview of the
maintenance dredging at the Port of Townsville and emphasis on
maintenance dredging requirements, sediment quality, bathymetry,
dredging methods used, and dredged material disposal options.
Abstract: The 1/f noise investigation in nanoscale light-emitting
diodes and lasers, based on GaAs and alloys, is presented here.
Leakage and additional (to recombination through quantum wells
and/or dots) nonlinear currents were detected and it was shown that
these currents are the main source of the 1/f noise in devices studied.
Abstract: Medical imaging technology has experienced a
dramatic change in the last few years. Medical imaging refers to the
techniques and processes used to create images of the human body
(or parts thereof) for various clinical purposes such as medical
procedures and diagnosis or medical science including the study of
normal anatomy and function. With the growth of computers and
image technology, medical imaging has greatly influenced the
medical field. The diagnosis of a health problem is now highly
dependent on the quality and the credibility of the image analysis.
This paper deals with the various aspects and types of medical
imaging.
Abstract: Human movement in the real world provides
important information for developing human behaviour models and
simulations. However, it is difficult to assess ‘real’ human behaviour
since there is no established method available. As part of the AUNTSUE
(Accessibility and User Needs in Transport – Sustainable Urban
Environments) project, this research aimed to propose a method to
assess human movement and behaviour in crowded areas. The
method is based on the three major steps of video recording,
conceptual behavior modelling and video analysis. The focus is on
individual human movement and behaviour in normal situations
(panic situations are not considered) and the interactions between
individuals in localized areas. Emphasis is placed on gaining
knowledge of characteristics of human movement and behaviour in
the real world that can be modelled in the virtual environment.
Abstract: The parameters of a two-layer soil can be determined by
processing resistivity data obtained from resistivity measurements
carried out on the soil of interest. The processing usually entails
applying the resistivity data as inputs to an optimisation function.
This paper proposes an algorithm which utilises the square error as an
optimisation function. Resistivity data from previous works were
applied to test the accuracy of the new algorithm developed and the
result obtained conforms significantly to results from previous works.
Abstract: The purpose of the present work is to review some
data for the management challenges that the aquaculture industry in
Greece is currently facing. The results indicate that Greek
aquaculture fish farms apply Human Resources Management (HRM)
practices which can increase motivation, commitment and job
satisfaction of their personnel. In turn, these practices can increase
the productivity of the business. The Greek fish farms appear to
invest in research and technological innovation with a good record in
research activities and the generation of patents. Interestingly, the
results of the present work were carried out during the period of the
recent economic crisis in Greece. Several sectors of the Greek
economy were severely affected by the financial problems of the
Greek government and the Greek banks. Under the adverse
economical conditions created by the Greek economic crisis, even the
Greek aquaculture industry, which historically is considered as a
thriving national exporting business sector, experienced harsh
economic and market conditions. As a result of the global, European
and national economic crisis, consumption of fish dropped while
companies had to hold most of their stocked fish in order to regulated
the flow to the market and the price. This occurred at a time where
Banks in Greece had their own financial crisis – banking crisis -
which resulted in limited access to lending for the all business sectors
of the national economy including the Greek aquaculture industry. In
spite of these economic conditions, the Greek aquaculture industry,
after a series of mergers and acquisitions, has now stabilized
production and exhibits very good prospects for future growth.
Evidently, the firms had to cut salaries and on some occasions even
pay their staff in arrears. Nevertheless, the results presented in this
paper indicate that during the economic crisis, the surveyed fish
farms maintained their HRM practices, investing in their human
capital and technological input. In fact, human capital and
technological input are the ticket for future success of companies in
any business sector.
Abstract: Mech-Degla, Degla-Beida and Frezza are the date
(Phoenix dactylifera L.) common varieties with a more or less good
availability and feeble trade value. Some morphologic and
physicochemical factors were determined. Results show that the
whole date weight is significantly different (P= 95%) concerning
Mech-Degla and Degla-Beida which are more commercialized than
Frezza whereas the pulp mass proportion in relation to whole fruits is
highest for Frezza (88.28%). Moreover, there is a large variability
concerning the weights and densities of constitutive tissues in each
variety. The white tissue is dominant in Mech-Degla in opposite to
the two other varieties. The variance analyze showed that the
difference in weights between brown and white tissues is significant
(P = 95%) for all studied varieties. Some other morphologic and
chemical proprieties of the whole pulps and their two constitutive
parts (brown or pigmented and white) are also investigated. The
predominance of phenolics in Mech-Degla (4.01g/100g, w.b) and
Frezza (4.96 g/100g, w.b) pulps brown part is the main result
revealed in this study.
Abstract: Identification and selection of appropriate product and
manufacturing technologies are key factors for competitiveness and
market success of technology-based companies. Therefore, many
companies perform technology intelligence (TI) activities to ensure
the identification of evolving technologies at the right time.
Technology monitoring is one of the three base activities of TI,
besides scanning and scouting.
As the technological progress is accelerating, more and more
technologies are being developed. Against the background of limited
resources it is therefore necessary to focus TI activities. In this paper
we propose a concept for defining appropriate search fields for
technology monitoring. This limitation of search space leads to more
concentrated monitoring activities. The concept will be introduced
and demonstrated through an anonymized case study conducted
within an industry project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production
Technology IPT.
The described concept provides a customized monitoring
approach, which is suitable for use in technology-oriented companies.
It is shown in this paper that the definition of search fields and search
tasks are suitable methods to define topics of interest and thus to
align monitoring activities. Current as well as planned product,
production and material technologies and existing skills, capabilities
and resources form the basis for derivation of relevant search areas.
To further improve the concept of technology monitoring the
proposed concept should be extended during future research e.g. by
the definition of relevant monitoring parameters.
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the diversity and
abundance of shorebird species habituating the mudflat area of Jeram
Beach and Remis Beach, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Direct
observation technique (using binoculars and video camera) was
applied to record the presence of bird species in the sampling sites
from August 2013 until July 2014. A total of 32 species of shorebird
were recorded during both migratory and non-migratory seasons. Of
these, eleven species (48%) are migrants, six species (26%) have both
migrant and resident populations, four species (17%) are vagrants and
two species (9%) are residents. The compositions of the birds
differed significantly in all months (χ2 = 84.35, p < 0.001). There is a
significant difference in avian abundance between migratory and
non-migratory seasons (Mann-Whitney, t = 2.39, p = 0.036). The
avian abundance were differed significantly in Jeram and Remis
Beaches during migratory periods (t = 4.39, p = 0.001) but not during
non-migratory periods (t = 0.78, p = 0.456). Shorebird diversity was
also affected by tidal cycle. There is a significance difference
between high tide and low tide (Mann-Whitney, t = 78.0, p < 0.005).
Frequency of disturbance also affected the shorebird distribution
(Mann-Whitney, t = 57.0, p = 0.0134). Therefore, this study
concluded that tides and disturbances are two factors that affecting
temporal distribution of shorebird in mudflats area.
Abstract: This research aims to investigate callus induction,
somatic embryogenesis and indirect plant regeneration of Crassula
ovata (Mill.) Druce – the famous ornamental plant. Experiment no.1:
Callus induction was obtained from leaf and stem explants on
Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various plant
growth regulators (PGRs). Effects of different PGRs, plant
regeneration and subsequent plantlet conversion were also assessed.
Indirect plant regeneration was achieved from the callus of stem
explants by the addition of 1.5 mg/L Kinetin (KN) alone. Best shoot
induction was achieved (6.5 shoots/per explant) after 60 days. For
successful rooting, regenerated plantlets were sub-cultured on the
same MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg/L KN alone. The rooted
plantlets were acclimatized and the survival rate was 90%.
Experiment no.2: Results revealed that 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D alone and in
combination with 1.0 mg/L 6-Benzyladenine (BA) gave 89.8% callus
from the stem explants as compared to leaf explants. Callus
proliferation and somatic embryo formation were also evaluated by
‘Double Staining Method’ and different stages of somatic
embryogenesis were revealed by scanning electron microscope. Full
Strength MS medium produced the highest number (49.6%) of
cotyledonary stage somatic embryos (SEs). Mature cotyledonary
stage SEs developed into plantlets after 12 weeks of culture. Wellrooted
plantlets were successfully acclimatized at the survival rate of
85%. Indirectly regenerated plants did not show any detectable
variation in morphological and growth characteristics when
compared with the donor plant.
Abstract: This paper presents a method for the efficient
implementation of a unidirectional or bidirectional DC/DC converter.
The DC/DC converter is used essentially for energy exchange
between the low voltage service battery and a high voltage battery
commonly found in Electric Vehicle applications. In these
applications, apart from cost, efficiency of design is an important
characteristic. A useful way to reduce the size of electronic
equipment in the electric vehicles is proposed in this paper. The
technique simplifies the mechanical complexity and maximizes the
energy usage using the latest converter control techniques. Moreover
a bidirectional battery charger for hybrid electric vehicles is also
implemented in this paper. Several simulations on the test system
have been carried out in Matlab/Simulink environment. The results
exemplify the robustness of the proposed design methodology in case
of a 1.5 KW DC-DC converter.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparison between using a
desktop web application and a mobile application for students
enrolling in courses at Rangsit University, Thailand. In addition,
Rangsit University has enhanced the enrollment process by
leveraging its information systems, which allows students to choose
to enroll in courses online. In order to use the system, students must
provide their identification and personal documents for registration.
The reason to have a mobile application is to support students’ ability
to access the system at anytime, anywhere and anyplace. The
objective of this paper was to: 1. Evaluate the success of developing a
user friendly mobile device system and 2. Measure user interest in
future mobile development.
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of
Garlic and Chili combination solution on control of insect pests in
cabbage crop. The solution was sprayed at different intervals after
transplanting. The efficiency of Garlic and chili combination solution
on cabbage insect pests was measured. Results revealed that Garlic
and chili combination solution was the effectively reduced cabbage
insect pests. On other hand, the spray solution not only reduced the
number of days required for the cabbage growth but also greatly
enhanced the leaf number, head diameter, head weight, and quality of
cabbage. Garlic and chili combination solution have positive effects
on pests reduction and improve growth, yield and quality of cabbage
vegetable.
Abstract: Ancillary services are support services which are
essential for humanizing and enhancing the reliability and security of
the electric power system. Reactive power ancillary service is one of
the important ancillary services in a restructured electricity market
which determines the cost of supplying ancillary services and finding
of how this cost would change with respect to operating decisions.
This paper presents a new formation that can be used to minimize the
Independent System Operator (ISO)’s total payment for reactive
power ancillary service. The modified power flow tracing algorithm
estimates the availability of reserve reactive power for ancillary
service. In order to find optimum reactive power dispatch,
Biogeography based optimization method (BPO) is proposed. Market
Reactive Clearing Price (MRCP) is then estimated and it encourages
generator companies (GENCOs) to participate in an ancillary service.
Finally, optimal weighting factor and real time utilization factor of
reactive power give the minimum ISO’s total payment. The
effectiveness of proposed design is verified using IEEE 30 bus
system.