Abstract: Attractive and creative advertisement displays are
often in high demand as they are known to have profound impact on
the commercial market. In the fast advancement of technology,
advertising trend has taken a great leap in attracting more and more
demanding consumers. A low-cost and low-power consumption
flipping advertisement board has been developed in this paper. The
design of the electrical circuit and the controller of the advertisement
board are presented. A microcontroller, a Darlington Pair driver and a
unipolar stepper motor were used to operate the electrical flipping
advertisement board. The proposed system has been implemented
and the hardware has been tested to demonstrate the capability of
displaying multiple advertisements in a panel.
Abstract: The powders of Ba(Ce1-xZrx)0.90Y0.1O3-δ (BCZY) with 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 have been prepared by a modified sol-gel method. Triethylenetetramine (TETA) was employed as chelating agent. Phase formation of calcined powders at 1100oC and sintered pellets at 1400oC of BCZY were examined by an X-ray diffractrometer (XRD). XRD results showed the calcined powder and sintered pellet formed a single perovskite phase over the entire range of x values. As the amount of zirconium substitution (x values) increase, the main peaks are shifted to the higher 2theta values which suggest a complete substitution of zirconium into cerium sites. All the obtained calcined powders and sintered pellets possess cubic structure (Pm-3m) at all x values.
Abstract: As Malaysia aims to be a developed country by year 2020; the construction industry has since been identified as a major catalyst for the country to attain the status. It is one of the sectors that contribute to most environmental pollutions. It is, therefore, important for the industry to implement sustainable construction practices to reduce the negative impacts that it has on the environment. However, most Malaysian developers have placed much focus on market demand and economic factors; neglecting the need for attention on environmental issues. The practice of sustainable construction is deemed to be an obstacle to achieve short-term economic goals due to the higher cost incurred in the operations. Hence, choices need to be made and a balance needs to be struck in weighing the long-term environmental benefits against immediate economic factors. This paper discusses the challenges faced by Malaysian developers in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry and the cause of these challenges. It also looks into the achievements and breakthroughs that developers in Malaysia have achieved so far. The paper aims explores the long-term benefits of sustainable practices that would potentially raise awareness on the feasibility and economic potential of sustainable construction.
Abstract: An extensive amount of work has been done in data
clustering research under the unsupervised learning technique in Data
Mining during the past two decades. Moreover, several approaches
and methods have been emerged focusing on clustering diverse data
types, features of cluster models and similarity rates of clusters.
However, none of the single clustering algorithm exemplifies its best
nature in extracting efficient clusters. Consequently, in order to
rectify this issue, a new challenging technique called Cluster
Ensemble method was bloomed. This new approach tends to be the
alternative method for the cluster analysis problem. The main
objective of the Cluster Ensemble is to aggregate the diverse
clustering solutions in such a way to attain accuracy and also to
improve the eminence the individual clustering algorithms. Due to
the massive and rapid development of new methods in the globe of
data mining, it is highly mandatory to scrutinize a vital analysis of
existing techniques and the future novelty. This paper shows the
comparative analysis of different cluster ensemble methods along
with their methodologies and salient features. Henceforth this
unambiguous analysis will be very useful for the society of clustering
experts and also helps in deciding the most appropriate one to resolve
the problem in hand.
Abstract: Image segmentation process based on mathematical morphology has been studied in the paper. It has been established from the first principles of the morphological process, the entire segmentation is although a nonlinear signal processing task, the constituent wise, the intermediate steps are linear, bilinear and conformal transformation and they give rise to a non linear affect in a cumulative manner.
Abstract: This paper presents the electrical effect of two neighboring distribution substation during the construction phase. The size of auxiliary grounding grid have an effect on entire grounding system. The bigger the size of auxiliary grounding grid, the lower the GPR and maximum touch voltage, with the exception that when the two grids are unconnected, i.e. the bigger the size of auxiliary grounding grid, the higher the maximum step voltage. The results in this paper could be served as design guideline of grounding system, and perhaps remedy of some troublesome grounding grids in power distribution’s system. Modeling and simulation is carried out on the Current Distribution Electromagnetic interference Grounding and Soil structure (CDEGS) program. The simulation results exhibit the design and analysis of power system grounding and perhaps could be set as a standard in grounding system design and modification in distribution substations.
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to optimize a Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) for an automotive application, specifically for a fully electric car. A new optimization approach is proposed. This unique approach transforms automotive customer requirements into an optimization problem, based on sound knowledge of a SRM theory. The approach combines an analytical and a finite element analysis of the motor to quantify static nonlinear and dynamic performance parameters, as phase currents and motor torque maps, an output power and power losses in order to find the optimal motor as close to the reality as possible, within reasonable time. The new approach yields the optimal motor which is competitive with other types of already proposed motors for automotive applications. This distinctive approach can also be used to optimize other types of electrical motors, when parts specifically related to the SRM are adjusted accordingly.
Abstract: This work studied the ability of adipose tissue-derived
mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to form stroma for expansion of
cord blood hematopoietic cells. We showed that 72-hour interaction
of MSCs with cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) in vitro at
atmospheric (20%) and low (5%) O2 conditions increased the
expression of ICAM-1, HCAM (at the beginning of interaction) on
MSCs. Viability of MSCs and MNCs were maintained at high level.
Adhesion of MNCs to MSCs was faster at 20% O2. MSCs promoted
the proliferation of adhered MNCs to form the suspension containing
great number of hematopoietic colony-forming units, and this effect
was more pronounced at 5% O2. Thus, adipose-derived MSCs
supplied sufficient stromal support to cord blood MNCs both at 20%
and 5% О2, providing their adhesion with further expansion of new
generation of different hematopoietic lineages.
Abstract: In this paper influence of packaging method (vacuum
and modified atmosphere packaging) on lipid oxidative stability and
sensory properties of odor and taste of the traditional sausage
Petrovská klobása were examined. These parameters were examined
during storage period (7 months). In the end of storage period,
vacuum packed sausage showed better oxidative stability. Propanal
content was significantly lower (P
Abstract: The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Czech Republic has evolved notably during the last few years and an issue that started as an interest- and motive-based activity for businesses is becoming more commonplace. Governments have a role to play in ensuring that corporations behave according to the rules and norms of society and can legislate, foster, collaborate with businesses and endorse good practice in order to facilitate the development of CSR. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities and options of CSR in government policy and research its relevance to a business sector. An increasing number of companies is engaging in responsible activities, the public awareness of CSR is rising, and customers are giving higher importance to CSR of companies in their choice. By drawing on existing CSR approach in Czech and understanding of CSR are demonstrated. The paper provides an overview, more detailed government approach of CSR.
Abstract: Strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19; Sr-ferrite) is one of
the well-known materials for permanent magnets. In this study, Mtype
strontium ferrite was prepared by following the conventional
ceramic method from steelmaking by-product. Initial materials;
SrCO3 and by-product, were mixed together in the composition of
SrFe12O19 in different Sr/Fe ratios. The mixtures of these raw
materials were dry-milled for 6h. The blended powder was presintered
(i.e. calcination) at 1000°C for different times periods, then
cooled down to room temperature. These pre-sintered samples were
re-milled in a dry atmosphere for 1h and then fired at different
temperatures in atmospheric conditions, and cooled down to room
temperature. The produced magnetic powder has a dense hexagonal
grain shape structure. The calculated energy product values for the
produced samples ranged from 0.3 to 2.4 MGOe.
Abstract: The mixed convection stagnation point flow toward a vertical plate is investigated. The external flow impinges normal to the heated plate and the surface temperature is assumed to vary linearly with the distance from the stagnation point. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations, which are then solved numerically using MATLAB routine boundary value problem solver bvp4c. Numerical results show that dual solutions are possible for a certain range of the mixed convection parameter. A stability analysis is performed to determine which solution is linearly stable and physically realizable.
Abstract: Control of a semi-batch polymerization reactor using
an adaptive radial basis function (RBF) neural network method is
investigated in this paper. A neural network inverse model is used to
estimate the valve position of the reactor; this method can identify the
controlled system with the RBF neural network identifier. The
weights of the adaptive PID controller are timely adjusted based on
the identification of the plant and self-learning capability of RBFNN.
A PID controller is used in the feedback control to regulate the actual
temperature by compensating the neural network inverse model
output. Simulation results show that the proposed control has strong
adaptability, robustness and satisfactory control performance and the
nonlinear system is achieved.
Abstract: In the present study we evaluated the nutritional status of 214 institutionalized elderly residents of both genders, aged 65 years and older of 11 care homes located in the district of Viseu (center of Portugal). The evaluation was based on anthropometric measurements and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score.
The mean age of the subjects was 82.3 ± 6.1 years-old. Most of the elderly residents were female (72.0%). The majority had 4 years of formal education (51.9%) and was widowed (74.3%) or married (14.0%).
Men presented a mean age of 81.2±8.5 years-old, weight 69.3±14.5 kg and BMI 25.33±6.5 kg/m2. In women, the mean age was 84.5±8.2 years-old, weight 61.2±14.7 kg and BMI 27.43±5.6 kg/m2.
The evaluation of the nutritional status using the MNA score showed that 24.0% of the residents show a risk of undernutrition and 76.0% of them were well nourished.
There was a high prevalence of obese (24.8%) and overweight residents (33.2%) according to the BMI. 7.5% were considered underweight.
We also found that according to their waist circumference measurements 88.3% of the residents were at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 64.0% of them presented very high risk for CVD (WC≥88 cm for women and WC ≥102 cm for men).
The present study revealed the coexistence of a dual form of malnutrition (undernourished and overweight) among the institutionalized Portuguese concomitantly with an excess of abdominal adiposity. The high prevalence of residents at high risk for CVD should not be overlooked.
Given the vulnerability of the group of institutionalized elderly, our study highlights the importance of the classification of nutritional status based on both instruments: the BMI and the MNA.
Abstract: The applicability of Net Present Value (NPV) in an
investment project is becoming more and more popular in the field
of engineering economics. The classical NPV methodology involves
only the precise and accurate data of the investment project. In the
present communication, we give a new mathematical model for NPV
which uses the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy set theory. The proposed
model is based on triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number, which may
be known as Intuitionistic Fuzzy Net Present Value (IFNPV). The
model has been applied to an example and the results are presented.
Abstract: Amyloid aggregation of polypeptides is related to a
growing number of pathologic states known as amyloid disorders. In
recent years, blocking or reversing amyloid aggregation via the use of
small compounds are considered as two useful approaches in
hampering the development of these diseases. In this research, we
have compared the ability of several manganese-salen derivatives, as
synthetic compounds, and apigenin, as a natural flavonoid, to inhibit
of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) aggregation, as an in vitro
model system.
Different spectroscopic analyses such as Thioflavin T (ThT) and
Anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence, Congo red
(CR) absorbance along with transmission electron microscopy were
used in this work to monitor the HEWL aggregation kinetic and
inhibition. Our results demonstrated that both type of compounds
were capable to prevent the formation of lysozyme amyloid
aggregation in vitro. In addition, our data indicated that synthetic
compounds had higher activity to inhibit of the β-sheet structures
relative to natural compound. Regarding the higher antioxidant
activities of the salen derivatives, it can be concluded that in addition
to aromatic rings of each of the compounds, the potent antioxidant
properties of salen derivatives contributes to lower lysozyme fibril
accumulation.
Abstract: In this paper, we apply the Exp-function method to
Rosenau-Kawahara and Rosenau-KdV equations. Rosenau-Kawahara
equation is the combination of the Rosenau and standard Kawahara
equations and Rosenau-KdV equation is the combination of the
Rosenau and standard KdV equations. These equations are nonlinear
partial differential equations (NPDE) which play an important role
in mathematical physics. Exp-function method is easy, succinct and
powerful to implement to nonlinear partial differential equations
arising in mathematical physics. We mainly try to present an
application of Exp-function method and offer solutions for common
errors wich occur during some of the recent works.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to create a proposal for determining the costs of logistics processes by using process-oriented calculation methods. The traditional approach is that logistics costs are part of manufacturing overhead which is usually calculated as a percentage surcharge. Therefore in the traditional approach it is not obvious where and in which activities costs were incurred. So it is impossible to trace logistics costs to products. Our point of view is trying to fix or at least improve this issue. Another benefit of applying the process approach is identification of logistics processes which are otherwise part of manufacturing overhead. In the first part this paper describes the development of process-oriented methods over time. The next part shows the possibility of implementing the process-oriented method called Prozesskostenrechnung to logistics processes. The conclusion summarizes advantages and disadvantages of using this method in logistics.
Abstract: Analytical expressions of the current and angular errors, as well as the frequency characteristics of an induction converter describing the relation with its structural parameters, the core and winding characteristics are obtained. Based on estimation of the dependences obtained, a mathematical problem of parametric optimization is formulated which can successfully be used for investigating and diagnosing an induction converter.
Abstract: There is an increasing demand for broadband services
in Indonesia. Therefore, the answer is the use of Ka-Band which has
some advantages such as wider bandwidth, the higher transmission
speeds, and smaller size of antenna in the ground. However, rain
attenuation is the primary factor in the degradation of signal at the
Kaband. In this paper, the author will determine whether the Ka-band
frequency can be implemented in Indonesia which has high intensity
of rainfall.