Abstract: The aim of this study was to extract sugar from
sugarcane using high electric field pulse (HELP) as a non-thermal cell permeabilization method. The result of this study showed that it
is possible to permeablize sugar cane cells using HELP at very short times (less than 10 sec.) and at room temperature. Increasing the field strength (from 0.5kV/cm to 2kV/cm) and pulse number (1 to 12) led to increasing the permeabilization of sugar cane cells. The energy
consumption during HELP treatment of sugar cane (2.4 kJ/kg) was about 100 times less compared to thermal cell disintegration at 85
Abstract: In this paper, a model for an information retrieval
system is proposed which takes into account that knowledge about
documents and information need of users are dynamic. Two
methods are combined, one qualitative or symbolic and the other
quantitative or numeric, which are deemed suitable for many
clustering contexts, data analysis, concept exploring and
knowledge discovery. These two methods may be classified as
inductive learning techniques. In this model, they are introduced to
build “long term" knowledge about past queries and concepts in a
collection of documents. The “long term" knowledge can guide
and assist the user to formulate an initial query and can be
exploited in the process of retrieving relevant information. The
different kinds of knowledge are organized in different points of
view. This may be considered an enrichment of the exploration
level which is coherent with the concept of document/query
structure.
Abstract: Hybridization refers to the crossing breeding of two
plants. Coefficient of Parentage (COP) is used by the plant breeders
to determine the genetic diversity across various varieties so as to
incorporate the useful characters of the two varieties to develop a
new crop variety with particular useful characters. Genetic Diversity
is the prerequisite for any cultivar development program. Genetic
Diversity depends upon the pedigree information of the varieties
based on particular levels. Pedigree refers to the parents of a
particular variety at various levels. This paper discusses the searching
and analyses of different possible pairs of varieties selected on the
basis of morphological characters, Climatic conditions and Nutrients
so as to obtain the most optimal pair that can produce the required
crossbreed variety. An algorithm was developed to determine the
coefficient of parentage (COP) between the selected wheat varieties.
Dummy values were used wherever actual data was not available.
Abstract: A game animals – elk (Alces alces), deer (Cervus
elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) or wild boar (Sus scrofa
scrofa) - every autumn and winter period provide an excellent
investment, diversification of many consumer meals. In last years
consumption and assortiment of game meat products significantly
increase. Investigations about biochemical composition of game meat
are not very much. The meat of wild animals is more favourable for
human health because it has lower saturated fatty acids content, but
higher content of protein. Therefore the aim of investigations was to
compare biochemical composition of ungulates obtained in
Latvia.Investigations were carried out in wild animals different
regions of Latvia. In the studied samples protein, intramuscular fat,
fatty acids and cholesterol were determined. The biochemical
analysis of 54 samples were done. Results of analysis showed that
protein content 22.36 – 22.92% of all types of meat samples is not
different statistically, significantly lower fat content 1.33 ± 0.88%
had elk meat samples and 1.59 ± 0.59% roe deer samples. Content of
cholesterol was various 64.41 – 95.07% in the ruminant meat
samples of different species. From the dietetic point of view the best
composition of fatty acids has meat samples of roe deer.
Abstract: The present study aims to evaluating the effect of
rotor solidity - in terms of chord length for a given rotor diameter - on
the performances of a small vertical axis Darrieus wind turbine. The
proposed work focuses on both power production and rotor power
coefficient, considering also the structural constraints deriving from
the centrifugal forces due to rotor angular velocity. Also the
smoothness of the resulting power curves have been investigated, in
order to evaluate the controllability of the corresponding rotor
architectures.
Abstract: Microbial oil was produced by soil isolated
oleaginous yeast YU5/2 in flask-batch fermentation. The yeast was
identified by molecular genetics technique based on sequence
analysis of the variable D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (26S)
ribosomal DNA and it was identified as Torulaspora globosa. T.
globosa YU5/2 supported maximum values of 0.520 g/L/d, 0.472 g
lipid/g cells, 4.16 g/L, and 0.156 g/L/d for volumetric lipid
production rate, and specific yield of lipid, lipid concentration, and
specific rate of lipid production respectively, when culture was
performed in nitrogen-limiting medium supplemented with 80g/L
glucose. Among the carbon sources tested, maximum cell yield
coefficient (YX/S, g/L), maximum specific yield of lipid (YP/X, g
lipid/g cells) and volumetric lipid production rate (QP, g/L/d) were
found of 0.728, 0.237, and 0.619, respectively, using sweet potato
tubers hydrolysates as carbon source.
Abstract: Aim of this work was to compare the efficacy of two
loading methods of proteins onto polymeric nanocarriers: adsorption
and encapsulation methods. Preliminary studies of protein loading
were done using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as model protein.
Nanocarriers were prepared starting from polylactic co-glycolic acid
(PLGA) polymer; production methods used are two different variants
of emulsion evaporation method. Nanoparticles obtained were
analyzed in terms of dimensions by Dynamic Light Scattering and
Loading Efficiency of BSA by Bradford Assay. Loaded
nanoparticles were then submitted to in-vitro protein dissolution test
in order to study the effect of the delivery system on the release rate
of the protein.
Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to investigate thelong-run equilibrium and short-run dynamics of international housing prices when macroeconomic variables change. We apply the Pedroni’s, panel cointegration, using the unbalanced panel data analysis of 33 countries over the period from 1980Q1 to 2013Q1, to examine the relationships among house prices and macroeconomic variables. Our empirical results of panel data cointegration tests support the existence of a cointegration among these macroeconomic variables and house prices. Besides, the empirical results of panel DOLS further present that a 1% increase in economic activity, long-term interest rates, and construction costs cause house prices to respectively change 2.16%, -0.04%, and 0.22% in the long run.Furthermore, the increasing economic activity and the construction cost would cause strongerimpacts on the house prices for lower income countries than higher income countries.The results lead to the conclusion that policy of house prices growth can be regarded as economic growth for lower income countries. Finally, in America region, the coefficient of economic activity is the highest, which displays that increasing economic activity causes a faster rise in house prices there than in other regions. There are some special cases whereby the coefficients of interest rates are significantly positive in America and Asia regions.
Abstract: Predictions of flow and heat transfer characteristics and shape optimization in internally finned circular tubes have been performed on three-dimensional periodically fully developed turbulent flow and thermal fields. For a trapezoidal fin profile, the effects of fin height h, upper fin widths d1, lower fin widths d2, and helix angle of fin ? on transport phenomena are investigated for the condition of fin number of N = 30. The CFD and mathematical optimization technique are coupled in order to optimize the shape of internally finned tube. The optimal solutions of the design variables (i.e., upper and lower fin widths, fin height and helix angle) are numerically obtained by minimizing the pressure loss and maximizing the heat transfer rate, simultaneously, for the limiting conditions of d1 = 0.5~1.5 mm, d2 = 0.5~1.5 mm, h= 0.5~1.5mm, ? = 10~30 degrees. The fully developed flow and thermal fields are predicted using the finite volume method and the optimization is carried out by means of the multi-objective genetic algorithm that is widely used in the constrained nonlinear optimization problem.
Abstract: FW4 is a newly developed hot die material widely
used in Forging Dies manufacturing. The right selection of the
machining conditions is one of the most important aspects to take
into consideration in the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of
FW4. In this paper an attempt has been made to develop
mathematical models for relating the Material Removal Rate (MRR),
Tool Wear Ratio (TWR) and surface roughness (Ra) to machining
parameters (current, pulse-on time and voltage). Furthermore, a study
was carried out to analyze the effects of machining parameters in
respect of listed technological characteristics. The results of analysis
of variance (ANOVA) indicate that the proposed mathematical
models, can adequately describe the performance within the limits of
the factors being studied.
Abstract: After the development of the Internet a suitable
discipline for trading goods electronically has been emerged.
However, this type of markets is not still mature enough in order to
become independent and get closer to seller/buyer-s needs.
Furthermore, the buyable and sellable goods in these markets still
don-t have essential standards for being well-defined. In this paper,
we will present a model for development of a market which can
contain goods with variable definitions and we will also investigate
its characteristics. Besides, by noticing the fact that people have
different discriminations, it-s figured out that the significance of each
attribute of a specific product may vary from different people-s view
points. Consequently we-ll present a model for weighting and
accordingly different people-s view points could be satisfied. These
two aspects will be discussed completely throughout this paper.
Abstract: In this study, the density dependent nonlinear reactiondiffusion
equation, which arises in the insect dispersal models, is
solved using the combined application of differential quadrature
method(DQM) and implicit Euler method. The polynomial based
DQM is used to discretize the spatial derivatives of the problem. The
resulting time-dependent nonlinear system of ordinary differential
equations(ODE-s) is solved by using implicit Euler method. The
computations are carried out for a Cauchy problem defined by a onedimensional
density dependent nonlinear reaction-diffusion equation
which has an exact solution. The DQM solution is found to be in a
very good agreement with the exact solution in terms of maximum
absolute error. The DQM solution exhibits superior accuracy at large
time levels tending to steady-state. Furthermore, using an implicit
method in the solution procedure leads to stable solutions and larger
time steps could be used.
Abstract: Heating systems are a necessity for regions which
brace extreme cold weather throughout the year. To maintain a comfortable temperature inside a given place, heating systems
making use of- Hydronic boilers- are used. The principle of a single
pipe system serves as a base for their working. It is mandatory for these heating systems to control the room temperature, thus
maintaining a warm environment. In this paper, the concept of regulation of the room temperature over a wide range is established
by using an Adaptive Fuzzy Controller (AFC). This fuzzy controller automatically detects the changes in the outside temperatures and
correspondingly maintains the inside temperature to a palatial value. Two separate AFC's are put to use to carry out this function: one to
determine the quantity of heat needed to reach the prospective temperature required and to set the desired temperature; the other to control the position of the valve, which is directly proportional to the
error between the present room temperature and the user desired temperature. The fuzzy logic controls the position of the valve as per
the requirement of the heat. The amount by which the valve opens or closes is controlled by 5 knob positions, which vary from minimum to maximum, thereby regulating the amount of heat flowing through the valve. For the given test system data, different de-fuzzifier
methods have been implemented and the results are compared. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a fuzzy controller has been designed by obtaining a test data from a real time
system. The simulations are performed in MATLAB and are verified with standard system data. The proposed approach can be implemented for real time applications.
Abstract: This paper presents a research conducted to investigate the effect of mixing process on polypropylene (PP) modified bitumen mixed with well graded aggregate to form modified bituminous concrete mix. Two mode of mixing, namely dry and wet with different concentration of polymer polypropylene was used with 80/100 pen bitumen, to evaluate the bituminous concrete mix properties. Three percentages of polymer varying from 1-3% by the weight of bitumen was used in this study. Three mixes namely control mix, wet mix and dry mix were prepared. Optimum binder content was calculated considering Marshall Stability, flow, air voids and Marshall Quotient at different bitumen content varying from 4% - 6.5% for control, dry and wet mix. Engineering properties thus obtained at the calculated optimum bitumen content revealed that wet mixing process is advantageous in comparison to dry mixing as it increases the stiffness of the mixture with the increase in polymer content in bitumen. Stiffness value for wet mix increases with the increase in polymer content which is beneficial in terms of rutting. 1% PP dry mix also shows enhanced stiffness, with the air void content limited to 4%.The flow behaviour of dry mix doesn't indicate any major difference with the increase in polymer content revealing that polymer acting as an aggregate only without affecting the viscosity of the binder in the mix. Polypropylene (PP) when interacted with 80 pen base bitumen enhances its performance characteristics which were brought about by altered rheological properties of the modified bitumen. The decrease in flow with the increase in binder content reflects the increase in viscosity of binder which induces the plastic flow in the mix. Workability index indicates that wet mix were easy to compact up to desired void ratio in comparison to dry mix samples.
Abstract: The purpose of this work was to study the effect of the
irrigation using waste water with various electric conductivities (T(0,92ds/m), EC3 (3ds/m) and EC6 (6ds/m) on three varieties of
quinoa cultivated in a field south of Morocco. The follow up of the evolution of the chemical and agronomic parameters throughout the
culture made it possible to determine the responses to the saline stress in arid conditions. Results showed that the salinity caused the
depression of plant-s height, and reduced the fresh and dry weight in
the different parts of the three varieties plants. The increase of the irrigation water EC didn-t affect the yield for the varieties. Thus,
quinoa resisted to salinity and proved a behavior of a facultative halophyte crop. In fact, the cultivation of this using treated wastewater is feasible especially in arid areas for a sustainable use of
water resources.
Abstract: The advancement in wireless technology with the wide
use of mobile devices have drawn the attention of the research and
technological communities towards wireless environments, such as
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Wide Area
Networks (WWANs), and mobile systems and ad-hoc networks.
Unfortunately, wired and wireless networks are expressively different
in terms of link reliability, bandwidth, and time of propagation delay
and by adapting new solutions for these enhanced
telecommunications, superior quality, efficiency, and opportunities
will be provided where wireless communications were otherwise
unfeasible. Some researchers define 4G as a significant improvement
of 3G, where current cellular network’s issues will be solved and data
transfer will play a more significant role. For others, 4G unifies
cellular and wireless local area networks, and introduces new routing
techniques, efficient solutions for sharing dedicated frequency bands,
and an increased mobility and bandwidth capacity. This paper
discusses the possible solutions and enhancements probabilities that
proposed to improve the performance of Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) over different wireless networks and also the paper
investigated each approach in term of advantages and disadvantages.
Abstract: The effect of phosphorus supplementation of ammoniated rice straw was studied. The in vitro experiment was carried out following the first stage of Tilley and Terry method. The treatments consisting of four diets were A = 50% ammoniated rice straw + 50% concentrate (control), B = A + 0.2% Phosphor (P) supplement, C = A + 0.4% Phosphor (P) supplement, and D = A + 0.6% Phosphor (P) supplement of dry matter. Completely randomized design was used as the experimental design with differences among treatment means were examined using Duncan multiple range test. Variables measured were total bacterial and cellulolytic bacterial population, cellulolytic enzyme activity, ammonia (NH3) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, as fermentability indicators and synthesized microbial protein, as well as degradability indicators including dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and cellulose. The results indicated that fermentability and degradability of diets consisting ammoniated rice straw with P supplementation were significantly higher than the control diet (P< 0.05). It is concluded that P supplementation is important to improve fermentability and degradability of rations containing ammoniated RS and concentrate. In terms of the most effective level of P supplementation occurred at a supplementation rate of 0.4% of dry matter.
Abstract: Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is one of machine
learning algorithms for problem solving and learning that caught a lot
of attention over the last few years. In general, CBR is composed of
four main phases: retrieve the most similar case or cases, reuse the
case to solve the problem, revise or adapt the proposed solution, and
retain the learned cases before returning them to the case base for
learning purpose. Unfortunately, in many cases, this retain process
causes the uncontrolled case base growth. The problem affects
competence and performance of CBR systems. This paper proposes
competence-based maintenance method based on deletion policy
strategy for CBR. There are three main steps in this method. Step 1,
formulate problems. Step 2, determine coverage and reachability set
based on coverage value. Step 3, reduce case base size. The results
obtained show that this proposed method performs better than the
existing methods currently discussed in literature.
Abstract: Many water supply systems in Australia are currently
undergoing significant reconfiguration due to reductions in long term
average rainfall and resulting low inflows to water supply reservoirs
since the second half of the 20th century. When water supply systems
undergo change, it is necessary to develop new operating rules,
which should consider climate, because the climate change is likely
to further reduce inflows. In addition, water resource systems are
increasingly intended to be operated to meet complex and multiple
objectives representing social, economic, environmental and
sustainability criteria. This is further complicated by conflicting
preferences on these objectives from diverse stakeholders. This paper
describes a methodology to develop optimum operating rules for
complex multi-reservoir systems undergoing significant change,
considering all of the above issues. The methodology is demonstrated
using the Grampians water supply system in northwest Victoria,
Australia. Initial work conducted on the project is also presented in
this paper.
Abstract: This paper provides a flexible way of controlling
Variable-Bit-Rate (VBR) of compressed digital video, applicable to
the new H264 video compression standard. The entire video
sequence is assessed in advance and the quantisation level is then set
such that bit rate (and thus the frame rate) remains within
predetermined limits compatible with the bandwidth of the
transmission system and the capabilities of the remote end, while at
the same time providing constant quality similar to VBR encoding.
A process for avoiding buffer starvation by selectively eliminating
frames from the encoded output at times when the frame rate is slow
(large number of bits per frame) will be also described. Finally, the
problem of buffer overflow will be solved by selectively eliminating
frames from the received input to the decoder. The decoder detects
the omission of the frames and resynchronizes the transmission by
monitoring time stamps and repeating frames if necessary.