Abstract: Immunomodulators are substances that alter immune
system via dynamic regulation of messenger molecules. It can be
divided into immunostimulant and immunosuppressant. It can help to
increase immunity of people with a low immune system, and also can
help to normalize an overactive immune system. Aim of this study is
to investigate the effects of in vitro exposure to low and high doses of
several immunomodulators which include caffeine, kaloba and
quercetin on antigen-stimulated whole blood culture cytokine
production. Whole blood samples were taken from 5 healthy males
(age: 32 ± 12 years; weight: 75.7 ± 6.1 kg; BMI: 24.3 ± 1.5 kg/m2)
following an overnight fast with no vigorous activity during the
preceding 24 h. The whole blood was then stimulated with 50 μl of
100 x diluted Pediacel vaccine and low or high dose of
immunomodulators in the culture plate. After 20 h incubation (5%
CO2, 37°C), it was analysed using the Evidence Investigator to
determine the production of cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-10,
IFN-γ, and IL-1α. Caffeine and quercetin showed a tendency towards
decrease cytokine production as the doses were increased. On the
other hand, an upward trend was evident with kaloba, where a high
dose of kaloba seemed to increase the cytokine production. In
conclusion, we found that caffeine and quercetin have potential as
immunosuppressant and kaloba as immunostimulant.
Abstract: This paper involved the performance of a hightemperature
X-Ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) of a sample of
chemical gypsum generated in the production of titanium white; this
gypsum originates by neutralizing highly acidic water with limestone
suspension. Specifically, it was gypsum formed in the first stage of
neutralization when the resulting material contains, apart from
gypsum, a number of waste products resulting from the
decomposition of ilmenite by sulphuric acid. So it can be described as
red titanogypsum. By conducting the experiment using XRD
apparatus Bruker D8 Advance with a Cu anode (λkα=1.54184 Å)
equipped with high-temperature chamber Anton Paar HTK 16, it was
possible to identify clearly in the sample each phase transition in the
system of CaSO4·xH2O.
Abstract: Caused by shorter product life cycles and higher
product variety the importance of production ramp ups is increasing.
Even though companies are aware of that fact, up to 40% of the ramp
up projects still miss technical and economical requirements. The
success of a ramp up depends on the planning of human factors,
organizational aspects and technological solutions. Since only partly
considered in scientific literature, this paper lays its focus on the
human factor during production ramp up. There are only incoherent
methods which address the problems in this area. A systematic and
holistic method to improve the capabilities of the employees during
ramp up is missing. The Harada Method is a relatively young
approach for developing highly-skilled workers. It consists of
different worksheets which help employees to set guidelines and
reach overall objectives. This approach is going to be transferred into
a tool for ramp up management.
Abstract: OEE has been used in many industries as measure of
performance. However due to limitations of original OEE, it has been
modified by various researchers. OEE for mining application is
special version of classic equation, carries these limitation over. In
this paper it has been aimed to modify the OEE for mining
application by introducing the weights to the elements of it and
termed as Mine Production index (MPi). As a special application of
new index MPishovel has been developed by authors. This can be used
for evaluating the shovel effectiveness. Based on analysis, utilization
followed by performance and availability were ranked in this order.
To check the applicability of this index, a case study was done on
four electrical and one hydraulic shovel in a Swedish mine. The
results shows that MPishovel can evaluate production effectiveness of
shovels and can determine effectiveness values in optimistic view
compared to OEE. MPi with calculation not only give the
effectiveness but also can predict which elements should be focused
for improving the productivity.
Abstract: The majority of contemporary insulation materials
commonly used in the building industry is made from non-renewable
raw materials; furthermore, their production often brings high energy
costs. A long-term trend as far as sustainable development is
concerned has been the reduction of energy and material demands of
building material production. One of the solutions is the possibility of
using easily renewable natural raw material sources which are
considerably more ecological and their production is mostly less
energy-consuming compared to the production of normal insulations
(mineral wool, polystyrene). The paper describes the results of
research focused on the development of thermal and acoustic
insulation materials based on natural fibres intended for floor
constructions. Given the characteristic open porosity of natural fibre
materials, the hygrothermal behaviour of the developed materials was
studied. Especially the influence of relative humidity and temperature
on thermal insulation properties was observed.
Abstract: Advances technology in the field of photogrammetry
replaces analog cameras with reflection on aircraft GPS/IMU system
with a digital aerial camera. In this system, when determining the
position of the camera with the GPS, camera rotations are also
determined by the IMU systems. All around the world, digital aerial
cameras have been used for the photogrammetry applications in the
last ten years. In this way, in terms of the work done in
photogrammetry it is possible to use time effectively, costs to be
reduced to a minimum level, the opportunity to make fast and
accurate.
Geo-referencing techniques that are the cornerstone of the GPS /
INS systems, photogrammetric triangulation of images required for
balancing (interior and exterior orientation) brings flexibility to the
process. Also geo-referencing process; needed in the application of
photogrammetry targets to help to reduce the number of ground
control points. In this study, the use of direct and indirect georeferencing
techniques on the accuracy of the points was investigated
in the production of photogrammetric mapping.
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: Diabetes is a growing health problem in worldwide.
Especially, the patients with Type 1 diabetes need strict glycemic
control because they have deficiency of insulin production. This
paper attempts to control blood glucose based on body mathematical
body model. The Bergman minimal mathematical model is used to
develop the nonlinear controller. A novel back-stepping based sliding
mode control (B-SMC) strategy is proposed as a solution that
guarantees practical tracking of a desired glucose concentration. In
order to show the performance of the proposed design, it is compared
with conventional linear and fuzzy controllers which have been done
in previous researches. The numerical simulation result shows the
advantages of sliding mode back stepping controller design to linear
and fuzzy controllers.
Abstract: Due to reduced stiffness, research on second
generation titanium alloys for implant applications, like the
metastable β-titanium alloy Ti-15Mo, become more and more
important in the recent years. The machinability of these alloys is
generally poor leading to problems during implant production and
comparably large production costs. Therefore, in the present study,
Ti-15Mo was alloyed with 0.8 wt.-% of the rare earth metals
lanthanum (Ti-15Mo+0.8La) and neodymium (Ti-15Mo+0.8Nd) to
improve its machinability. Their microstructure consisted of a
titanium matrix and micrometer-size particles of the rare earth metals
and two of their oxides. The particles stabilized the microstructure as
grain growth was minimized. As especially the ductility might be
affected by the precipitates, the behavior of Ti-15Mo+0.8La and Ti-
15Mo+0.8Nd was investigated during static and dynamic
deformation at elevated temperature to develop a processing route.
The resulting mechanical properties (static strength and ductility)
were similar in all investigated alloys.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to study of consumer
perception and understanding consumer buying behavior that related
between satisfied and factors affecting the purchasing. Methodology
can be classified between qualitative and quantitative approaches for
the qualitative research were interviews from middlemen who bought
organic vegetables, and middlemen related to production and
marketing system. A questionnaire was utilized as a tool to collect
data. Statistics utilized in this research included frequency,
percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression
analysis. The result show the reason to decision buying motives is
Fresh products of organic vegetables is the most significant factor on
individuals’ income, with a b of –.143, t = –2.470, the price of
organic vegetables is the most significant factor on individuals’
income, with a b of .176, t = 2.561, p value = .011. The results show
that most people with higher income think about the organic products
are expensive and have negative attitudes towards organic vegetable
as individuals with low and medium income level. Therefore,
household income had a significant influence on the purchasing
decision.
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: Rice straw pellets are a promising fuel as a renewable
energy source. Financial analysis is needed to make a utilization
system using rise straw pellets financially feasible, considering all
regional conditions including stakeholders related to the collection and
storage, production, transportation and heat utilization. We conducted
the financial analysis of feasibility for a heat utilization system using
rice straw pellets which has been developed for the first time in
Nanporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Especially, we attempted to clarify the
effect of factors required for the system to be financial feasibility, such
as the heating energy demand and collection and storage method of
rice straw. The financial feasibility was found to improve when
increasing the heating energy demand and collecting wheat straw in
August separately from collection of rice straw in November because
the costs of storing rice straw and producing pellets were reduced.
However, the system remained financially unfeasible. This study
proposed a contractor program funded by a subsidy from Nanporo
local government where a contracted company, instead of farmers,
collects and transports rice straw in order to ensure the financial
feasibility of the system, contributing to job creation in the region.
Abstract: In order to efficiently solve the problems created by the deepening energy crisis affecting Europe and the world,
governments cannot neglect the opportunities of using the energy
produced by sun collectors. In many of the EU countries there are sun
collectors producing heat energy, e.g. in 2011 in the area of EU27
(countries which belong to European Union) + Switzerland altogether
37519126 m2 were operated, which are capable of producing 26.3
GWh heat energy. The energy produced by these sun collectors is
utilized at the place of production. In the near future governments
will have to focus more on spreading and using sun collectors.
Among the complex problems of operating sun collectors, this article
deals with determining the optimal tilt angle, directions of sun
collectors. We evaluate the contamination of glass surface of sun
collector to the produced energy. Our theoretically results are confirmed by laboratory measurements. The purpose of our work is to help users and engineers in determination of optimal operation
parameters of sun collectors.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the ability to
identify and acquire knowledge from external sources at the regional
level in the Czech Republic. The results show that the most important
sources of knowledge for innovative activities are sources within the
businesses themselves, followed by customers and suppliers.
Furthermore, the analysis of relationships between the objective of
the innovative activity and the ability to identify and acquire
knowledge implies that knowledge obtained from (1) customers aims
at replacing outdated products and increasing product quality; (2)
suppliers aims at increasing capacity and flexibility of production;
and (3) competing businesses aims at growing market share and
increasing the flexibility of production and services. Regions should
therefore direct their support especially into development and
strengthening of networks within the value chain.
Abstract: In addition to the production, which is already
frequently optimized, improving the distribution logistics also opens
up tremendous potential for increasing an enterprise’s
competitiveness. Here too though, numerous interactions need to be
taken into account, enterprises thus need to be able to identify and
weigh between different potentials for economically efficient
optimizations. In order to be able to assess potentials, enterprises
require a suitable method. This paper first briefly presents the need
for this research before introducing the procedure that will be used to
develop an appropriate method that not only considers interactions
but is also quickly and easily implemented.
Abstract: The reduction of greenhouse gases emissions is highly
discussed ecological theme at present. In addition to power industry
also main production sectors of binders, i.e. cement, air and hydraulic
lime are very sensitive to these questions. One of the possibilities
how CO2 emissions can be reduced directly at clinker burnout is
represented by partial substitution of lime with a material containing
limy ions at absence of carbonate group. Fluidised fly ash is one of
such potential raw materials where CaO can be found free and also
bound in anhydrite, CaSO4. At application of FBC (fluidized bed
combustion) fly ash with approximate 20% CaO content and its
dosing ratio to high percent lime 1:2, corresponding stechiometrically
to the preparation of raw material powder, approximately 0,37 t CO2
per 1 ton of one-component cement would be released at clinker
burnout compared to 0,46 t CO2 when orthodox raw materials are
used. The reduction of CO2 emissions thus could reach even 20%.
Abstract: The aim of the present study is to investigate the
potential use of the selected seed oils. The oil was extracted using
Soxhlet apparatus and the physicochemical characteristics of the oil
determined using standard methods. The following results were
obtained for the physicochemical parameters analysed: for Egusi seed
oil, Oil yield 53.20%, Saponification value 178.03±1.25 mgKOH/g,
Iodine value 49.10±0.32 g I2/100g, Acid value 4.30±0.86 mgKOH/g,
and Peroxide value 5.80±0.27 meq/kg were obtained. For Pawpaw
seed oil, Oil yield 40.10%, Saponification value 24.13±3.93
mgKOH/g, Iodine value 24.87±0.19 g I2/100g, Acid value 9.46±0.40
mgKOH/g, and Peroxide value 3.12±1.22 meq/kg were obtained. For
Sweet orange seed oil, Oil yield 43.10%, Saponification value
106.30±2.37 mgKOH/g, Iodine value 37.08±0.04 g I2/100g, Acid
value 7.59±0.77 mgKOH/g, and Peroxide value 2.21±0.46 meq/kg
were obtained. From the obtained values of the determined
parameters, the oils can be extracted from the three selected seeds in
commercial quantities and that the egusi and sweet orange seed oils
may be utilized in the industrial soap production.
Abstract: In this study, first thermoplastic composite materials
/plates that have high ballistic impact resistance were produced. For
this purpose, the thermoplastic prepreg and the vacuum bagging
technique were used to produce a composite material. Thermoplastic
prepregs (resin-impregnated fiber) that are supplied ready to be used,
namely high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was chosen as matrix and
unidirectional glass fiber was used as reinforcement. In order to
compare the fiber configuration effect on mechanical properties,
unidirectional and biaxial prepregs were used. Then the
microstructural properties of the composites were investigated with
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Impact properties of
the composites were examined by Charpy impact test and tensile
mechanical tests and then the effects of ultraviolet irradiation were
investigated on mechanical performance.
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: The most important part of modern lean low NOx combustors is a premixer where swirlers are often used for intensification of mixing processes and further formation of required flow pattern in combustor liner. Swirling flow leads to formation of complex eddy structures causing flow perturbations. It is able to cause combustion instability. Therefore, at design phase, it is necessary to pay great attention to aerodynamics of premixers. Analysis based on unsteady CFD modeling of swirling flow in production combustor swirler showed presence of large number of different eddy structures that can be conditionally divided into three types relative to its location of origin and a propagation path. Further, features of each eddy type were subsequently defined. Comparison of calculated and experimental pressure fluctuations spectrums verified correctness of computations.