Abstract: Aluminium and its alloys have excellent corrosion
resistant properties, ease of fabrication and high specific strength to
weight ratio. In this investigation an attempt has been made to study
the effect of different post weld heat treatment methods on the
mechanical and metallurgical properties of TIG welded joints of the
commercial aluminium alloy. Three different methods of post weld
heat treatments are solution heat treatment, artificial ageing and
combination of solution heat treatment and artificial aging are given
to TIG welded aluminium joints. Mechanical and metallurgical
properties of As welded joints of the aluminium alloys and post weld
heat treated joints of the aluminium alloys were examined.
Abstract: The development of the agricultural sector in Ghana
has been reliant on the use of irrigation systems to ensure food
security. However, the manual operation of these systems has not
facilitated their maximum efficiency due to human limitations.
This paper seeks to address this problem by designing and
implementing an efficient, cost effective automated system which
monitors and controls the water flow of irrigation through
communication with an authorized operator via text messages. The
automatic control component of the system is timer based with an
Atmega32 microcontroller and a real time clock from the SM5100B
cellular module. For monitoring purposes, the system sends periodic
notification of the system on the performance of duty via SMS to the
authorized person(s). Moreover, the GSM based Irrigation
Monitoring and Control System saves time and labour and reduces
cost of operating irrigation systems by saving electricity usage and
conserving water.
Field tests conducted have proven its operational efficiency and
ease of assessment of farm irrigation equipment due to its costeffectiveness
and data logging capabilities.
Abstract: The main goal of this paper was evaluate the effect of
diets containing different levels of probiotic on performance and milk
composition of lactating cows.
Eight Holstein cows were distributed in two 4x4 Latin square. The
diets were based on corn silage, concentrate and the treatment (0, 3, 6
or 9 grams of probiotic/animal/day). It was evaluated the dry matter
intake of nutrients, milk yield and composition.
The use of probiotics did not affect the nutrient intake (p>0.05)
neither the daily milk production or corrected to 4% fat (p>0.05).
However, it was observed that there was a significant fall in milk
composition with higher levels of probiotics supplementation.
These results emphasize the need of further studies with different
experimental designs or improve the number of Latin square with
longer periods of adaptation.
Abstract: This experimental study aims at studying the
conversion of macro-algae into bioethanol under several steps of
procedure: preparation, pre-treatment, fermentation, and distillation.
The main objective of this work was to investigate the role of buffer’s
type as a stabiliser of pH level and fermentation time on the yield of
ethanol. For this purpose, experiments were carried out on biomass
macro-algae to de-couple the pre-treatment and fermentation
processes from those associated with distillation process. β-
glucosidase was used as cellulose decomposer during hydrolysis step
and yeast was used during fermentation process. The species of
macro-algae utilised as energy feedstock was Ulva lactuca and it was
harvested from southern coast of Central of Java Island – Indonesia.
Experiments were conducted in a simple fermenter over a different
buffer: citrate buffer and acetic buffer, and over a range of
fermentation times between 5 to 20 days. The ethanol production was
found to be significantly affected by both variables. The optimum
time of fermentation was 10 days with citrate buffer; result in
0.88458% of ethanol, and the ethanol content after distillation
process was shown 0.985015%.
Abstract: Multiwall carbon nanotubes, prepared by chemical
vapor deposition, have an average diameter of 60-100 nm as shown
by High Resolution Transmittance Electron Microscope, HR-TEM.
The Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were further
characterized using X-ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy.
Mercury uptake capacity of MWCNTs was studied using batch
adsorption method at different concentration ranges up to 150 ppm.
Mercury concentration (before and after the treatment) was measured
using cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. The effect of time,
concentration, pH and adsorbent dose were studied. MWCNT were
found to perform complete absorption in the sub-ppm concentrations
(parts per billion levels) while for high concentrations, the adsorption
efficiency was 92% at the optimum conditions; 0.1 g of the adsorbent
at 150 ppm mercury (II) solution. The adsorption of mercury on
MWCNTs was found to follow the Freundlich adsorption isotherm
and the pseudo-second order kinetic model.
Abstract: The aim of present study was to monitor the presence
of Trichodina sp. in Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss collected
from various fish farms in the western provinces of Iran during
January, 2013- January, 2014. Out of 675 sampled fish 335, (49.16%)
were infested with Trichodina. The highest prevalence was observed
in the spring and winter followed by autumn and summer. In general,
the intensity of infection was low except in cases where outbreaks of
Trichodiniasis endangered the survival of fish in some ponds. In light
infestation Trichodina is usually present on gills, fins and skin of
apparently healthy fish. Clinical signs of Trichodiniasis only appear
on fish with heavy infections and cases of moderate ones that are
usually exposed to one or more stress factors including, rough
handling during transportation from ponds, overcrowdness,
malnutrition, high of free ammonia and low of oxygen concentration.
Clinical signs of Trichodiniasis in sampled fish were sluggish
movement, loss of appetite, black coloration, necrosis and ulcer on
different parts of the body, detached scales and excessive
accumulation of mucous in gill pouches. The most obvious
histopathological changes in diseased fish were sloughing of the
epidermal layer, aggregation of leucocytes and melanine-carrying
cells (between the dermis and hypodermis) and proliferative changes
including hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the epithelial lining cells of
gill filaments which resulted in fusion of secondary lamellae. Control
of Trichodiniasis, has been achieved by formalin bath treatment at a
concentration of 250 ppm for one hour.
Abstract: The theoretical approach is developed to describe the
change of drops in the atmosphere of own steam and buffer gas under
irradiation. It is shown that the irradiation influences on size of stable
droplet and on the conditions under which the droplet exists. Under
irradiation the change of drop becomes more complex: the not
monotone and periodical change of size of drop becomes possible.
All possible solutions are represented by means of phase portrait. It is
found all qualitatively different phase portraits as function of critical
parameters: rate generation of clusters and substance density.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the manganese
removal from aqueous solution using Banana peels activated carbon
(BPAC). Batch experiments have been carried out to determine the
influence of parameters such as pH, biosorbent dose, initial metal ion
concentrations and contact times on the biosorption process. From
these investigations, a significant increase in percentage removal of
manganese 97.4% is observed at pH value 5.0, biosorbent dose 0.8 g,
initial concentration 20 ppm, temperature 25 ± 2°C, stirring rate 200
rpm and contact time 2h. The equilibrium concentration and the
adsorption capacity at equilibrium of the experimental results were
fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models; the Langmuir
isotherm was found to well represent the measured adsorption data
implying BPAC had heterogeneous surface. A raw groundwater
samples were collected from Baharmos groundwater treatment plant
network at Embaba and Manshiet Elkanater City/District-Giza,
Egypt, for treatment at the best conditions that reached at first phase
by BPAC. The treatment with BPAC could reduce iron and
manganese value of raw groundwater by 91.4% and 97.1%,
respectively and the effect of the treatment process on the
microbiological properties of groundwater sample showed decrease
of total bacterial count either at 22°C or at 37°C to 85.7% and 82.4%,
respectively. Also, BPAC was characterized using SEM and FTIR
spectroscopy.
Abstract: As the human race will continue to explore the space
by creating new space transportation means and sending them to other
planets, the enhance of atmospheric reentry study is crucial. In this
context, an analysis of mass recession rate of ablative materials for
thermal shields of reentry spacecrafts is important to be carried out.
The paper describes a new estimation method for calculating the mass
recession of an ablator system made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic
materials. This method is based on Arrhenius equation for low
temperatures and, for high temperatures, on a theory applied for the
recession phenomenon of carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials,
theory which takes into account the presence of the resin inside the
materials. The space mission of USERS spacecraft is considered as a
case study.
Abstract: Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm is a member of the
Lauraceae family, widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It is from the
same genus with avocado (Persea americana Mill), which is widely
consumed as food and for medicinal purposes. In the present study,
we examined the anticancer properties of Persea declinata (Bl.)
Kosterm bark methanolic crude extract (PDM). PDM exhibited a
potent antiproliferative effect in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells,
with an IC50 value of 16.68 .g/mL after 48h of treatment. We
observed that PDM caused cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis
in MCF-7 cells, as exhibited by increased population at G0/G1 phase,
higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and DNA
fragmentation. Mechanistic studies showed that PDM caused
significant elevation in ROS production, leading to perturbation of
mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and activation
of caspases-3/7. On the other hand, real-time PCR and Western blot
analysis showed that PDM treatment increased the expression of the
proapoptotic molecule, Bax, but decreased the expression of
prosurvival proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, in a dose-dependent manner.
These findings imply that PDM could inhibit proliferation in MCF-7
cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, indicating its
potential as a therapeutic agent worthy of further development.
Abstract: The manufacturing technology of band cotton is very
delicate and depends to choice of certain parameters such as torsion
of warp yarn.
The fabric elasticity is achieved without the use of any elastic
material, chemical expansion, artificial or synthetic and it’s capable
of creating pressures useful for therapeutic treatments.
Before use, the band is subjected to treatments of specific
preparation for obtaining certain elasticity, however, during its
treatment, there are some regression parameters. The dependence of
manufacturing parameters on the quality of the chemical treatment
was confirmed.
The aim of this work is to improve the properties of the fabric
through the development of manufacturing technology appropriately.
Finally for the treatment of the strip pancake 100% cotton, a
treatment method is recommended.
Abstract: This article presents summary on preparation and
characterization of zinc, copper, cadmium and cobalt chromite
nanocrystals, embedded in an amorphous silica matrix. The
ZnCr2O4/SiO2, CuCr2O4/SiO2, CdCr2O4/SiO2 and CoCr2O4/SiO2
nanocomposites were prepared by a conventional sol-gel method
under acid catalysis. Final heat treatment of the samples was carried
out at temperatures in the range of 900−1200 ◦C to adjust the
phase composition and the crystallite size, respectively. The resulting
samples were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD),
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM),
Raman/FTIR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Formation
of the spinel phase was confirmed in all samples. The average size of
the nanocrystals was determined from the PXRD data and by direct
particle size observation on HRTEM; both results were correlated.
The mean particle size (reviewed by HRTEM) was in the range from
∼4 to 46 nm. The results showed that the sol-gel method can be
effectively used for preparation of the spinel chromite nanoparticles
embedded in the silica matrix and the particle size is driven by the
type of the cation A2+ in the spinel structure and the temperature
of the final heat treatment. Magnetic properties of the nanocrystals
were found to be just moderately modified in comparison to the bulk
phases.
Abstract: Ficus deltoidea from the Moraceae family is a popular
medicinal herb in Malaysia. It possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory
properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory
effects of F. deltoidea extract on UVB-irradiated HaCaT
Keratinocytes were investigated. HaCaT Keratinocytes were UVBirradiated
(12.5 mJ/cm3) and were treated with 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% of
F. deltoidea extract. Cell viability following UVB irradiation was
significantly higher in the groups treated with the F. deltoidea extract
at doses of 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% than in control group with UVB
irradiation only. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α
(IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) play
primary roles in the inflammation process upon UV irradiation and
are known to be stimulated by UVB irradiation. Treatment with the
F. deltoidea extract dramatically inhibited the UV-induced TNF-α,
IL-1α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the F.
deltoidea extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and may be an effective protective agent for the treatment
of skin diseases.
Abstract: With demand for primary energy continuously
growing, search for renewable and efficient energy sources has been
high on agenda of our society. One of the most promising energy
sources is biogas technology. Residues coming from dairy industry
and milk processing could be used in biogas production; however,
low efficiency and high cost impede wide application of such
technology. One of the main problems is management and conversion
of organic residues through the anaerobic digestion process which is
characterized by acidic environment due to the low whey pH (
Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of Plant Growth
Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and rhizobium bacteria on grain
yield and some agronomic traits of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.), an
experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block
design with three replications in Malekshahi, Ilam province, Iran
during 2012-2013 cropping season. Experimental treatments
consisted of control treatment, inoculation with rhizobium bacteria,
rhizobium bacteria and Azotobacter, rhizobium bacteria and
Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria and Pseudomonas, rhizobium
bacteria, Azotobacter and Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria,
Azotobacter and Pseudomonas, rhizobium bacteria, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas and rhizobium bacteria, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas. The results showed that the effect of PGPR and
rhizobium bacteria were significant affect on grain and its
components in mungbean plant. Grain yield significantly increased
by PGPR and rhizobium bacteria, so that the maximum grain yield
was obtained from rhizobium bacteria + Azospirillum +
Pseudomonas with the amount of 2287 kg.ha-1 as compared to
control treatment. Excessive application of chemical fertilizers causes
environmental and economic problems. That is, the overfertilization
of P and N leads to pollution due to soil erosion and runoff water, so
the use of PGPR and rhizobium bacteria can be justified due to
reduce input costs, increase in grain yield and environmental friendly.
Abstract: Recent perceived climate variability raises concerns
with unprecedented hydrological phenomena and extremes.
Distribution and circulation of the waters of the Earth become
increasingly difficult to determine because of additional uncertainty
related to anthropogenic emissions. The world wide observed
changes in the large-scale hydrological cycle have been related to an
increase in the observed temperature over several decades. Although
the effect of change in climate on hydrology provides a general
picture of possible hydrological global change, new tools and
frameworks for modelling hydrological series with nonstationary
characteristics at finer scales, are required for assessing climate
change impacts. Of the downscaling techniques, dynamic
downscaling is usually based on the use of Regional Climate Models
(RCMs), which generate finer resolution output based on atmospheric
physics over a region using General Circulation Model (GCM) fields
as boundary conditions. However, RCMs are not expected to capture
the observed spatial precipitation extremes at a fine cell scale or at a
basin scale. Statistical downscaling derives a statistical or empirical
relationship between the variables simulated by the GCMs, called
predictors, and station-scale hydrologic variables, called predictands.
The main focus of the paper is on the need for using statistical
downscaling techniques for projection of local hydrometeorological
variables under climate change scenarios. The projections can be then
served as a means of input source to various hydrologic models to
obtain streamflow, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and other
hydrological variables of interest.
Abstract: Natural antimicrobials are used to preserve foods that
can be found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Antimicrobial
substances are natural or artificial agents that produced by
microorganisms or obtained semi/total chemical synthesis are used at
low concentrations to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.
Food borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms are inactivated
by the use of antagonistic microorganisms and their metabolites.
Yeasts can produce toxic proteins or glycoproteins (toxins) that cause
inhibition of sensitive bacteria and yeast species. Antimicrobial
substance producing phenotypes belonging different yeast genus
were isolated from different sources. Toxins secreted by many yeast
strains inhibiting the growth of other yeast strains. These strains show
antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria.
The effect of antimicrobial agents produced by yeasts can be
extremely fast, and therefore may be used in various treatment
procedures. Rapid inhibition of microorganisms is possibly caused by
microbial cell membrane lipopolysaccharide binding and in
activation (neutralization) effect. Antimicrobial agents inhibit the
target cells via different mechanisms of action.
Abstract: A generalized vortex lattice method for complex
lifting surfaces with flap and aileron deflection is formulated. The
method is not restricted by the linearized theory assumption and
accounts for all standard geometric lifting surface parameters:
camber, taper, sweep, washout, dihedral, in addition to flap and
aileron deflection. Thickness is not accounted for since the physical
lifting body is replaced by a lattice of panels located on the mean
camber surface. This panel lattice setup and the treatment of different
wake geometries is what distinguish the present work form the
overwhelming majority of previous solutions based on the vortex
lattice method. A MATLAB code implementing the proposed
formulation is developed and validated by comparing our results to
existing experimental and numerical ones and good agreement is
demonstrated. It is then used to study the accuracy of the widely used
classical vortex-lattice method. It is shown that the classical approach
gives good agreement in the clean configuration but is off by as much
as 30% when a flap or aileron deflection of 30° is imposed. This
discrepancy is mainly due the linearized theory assumption
associated with the conventional method. A comparison of the effect
of four different wake geometries on the values of aerodynamic
coefficients was also carried out and it is found that the choice of the
wake shape had very little effect on the results.
Abstract: In the present study, M2 high speed steels were
fabricated by using electro-slag rapid remelting process. Carbide
structure was analysed and the fracture toughness and hardness were
also measured after austenitization treatment at 1190 and 1210oC
followed by tempering treatment at 535oC for billets with various
diameters from 16 to 60 mm. Electro-slag rapid remelting (ESRR)
process is an advanced ESR process combined by continuous casting
and successfully employed in this study to fabricate a sound M2 high
speed ingot. Three other kinds of commercial M2 high speed steels,
produced by traditional method, were also analysed for comparison.
Distribution and structure of eutectic carbides of the ESRR billet were
found to be comparable to those of commercial alloy and so was the
fracture toughness.
Abstract: Phase equilibria of AZ91D Mg alloys for
nonflammable use, containing Ca and Y, were carried out by using
FactSage® and FTLite database, which revealed that solid solution
treatment could be performed at temperatures from 400 to 450oC.
Solid solution treatment of AZ91D Mg alloy without Ca and Y was
successfully conducted at 420oC and supersaturated microstructure
with all beta phase resolved into matrix was obtained. In the case of
AZ91D Mg alloy with some Ca and Y; however, a little amount of
intermetallic particles were observed after solid solution treatment.
After solid solution treatment, each alloy was annealed at temperatures
of 180 and 200oC for time intervals from 1 min to 48 hrs and hardness
of each condition was measured by micro-Vickers method. Peak aging
conditions were deduced as at the temperature of 200oC for 10 hrs.