Abstract: A local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)
experiencing poor nitrification tracked down high level of
surfactants in the plant-s influent and effluent. The aims of this project were to assess the potential inhibitory effect of surfactants on activated sludge processes. The effect of the
presence of TergitolNP-9, TrigetolNP-7, Trigetol15-S-9,
dodecylbenzene sulphonate (SDBS) and sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) on activated sludge oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and nitrification were assessed. The average concentration of non-ionic and anionic
surfactants in the influent to the local WWTP were 7 and 8.7 mg/L, respectively. Removal of 67% to 90% of the non-ionic and 93-99% of the anionic surfactants tested were measured. All surfactants tested showed inhibitory effects both on OUR
and nitrification. SDS incurred the lowest inhibition whereas
SDBS and NP-9 caused severe inhibition to OUR and
Nitrification. Activated sludge flocs sizes slightly decreased
after 3 hours contact with the surfactant present in the test.
The results obtained indicated that high concentrations of
surfactants are likely to have an adverse effect on the
performance of WWTPs utilizing activated sludge processes.
Abstract: Skip cycle is a working strategy for spark ignition
engines, which allows changing the effective stroke of an engine
through skipping some of the four stroke cycles. This study proposes
a new mechanism to achieve the desired skip-cycle strategy for
internal combustion engines. The air and fuel leakage, which occurs
through the gas exchange, negatively affects the efficiency of the
engine at high speeds and loads. An absolute sealing is assured by
direct use of poppet valves, which are kept in fully closed position
during the skipped mode. All the components of the mechanism were
designed according to the real dimensions of the Anadolu Motor's
gasoline engine and modeled in 3D by means of CAD software. As
the mechanism operates in two modes, two dynamically equivalent
models are established to obtain the force and strength analysis for
critical components.
Abstract: In this paper a new cost function for blind equalization
is proposed. The proposed cost function, referred to as the modified
maximum normalized cumulant criterion (MMNC), is an extension
of the previously proposed maximum normalized cumulant criterion
(MNC). While the MNC requires a separate phase recovery system
after blind equalization, the MMNC performs joint blind equalization
and phase recovery. To achieve this, the proposed algorithm
maximizes a cost function that considers both amplitude and phase of
the equalizer output. The simulation results show that the proposed
algorithm has an improved channel equalization effect than the MNC
algorithm and simultaneously can correct the phase error that the
MNC algorithm is unable to do. The simulation results also show that
the MMNC algorithm has lower complexity than the MNC algorithm.
Moreover, the MMNC algorithm outperforms the MNC algorithm
particularly when the symbols block size is small.
Abstract: Currently in many major cities, public transit schedules
are disseminated through lists of routes, grids of stop times and
static maps. This paper describes a web based geographic information
system which disseminates the same schedule information through
intuitive GIS techniques. Using data from Calgary, Canada, an map
based interface has been created to allow users to see routes, stops and
moving buses all at once. Zoom and pan controls as well as satellite
imagery allows users to apply their personal knowledge about the
local geography to achieve faster, and more pertinent transit results.
Using asynchronous requests to web services, users are immersed
in an application where buses and stops can be added and removed
interactively, without the need to wait for responses to HTTP requests.
Abstract: Three-phase induction machines are today a standard
for industrial electrical drives. Cost, reliability, robustness and maintenance free operation are among the reasons these machines are
replacing dc drive systems. The development of power electronics
and signal processing systems has eliminated one of the greatest
disadvantages of such ac systems, which is the issue of control. With
modern techniques of field oriented vector control, the task of
variable speed control of induction machines is no longer a
disadvantage. The need to increase system performance, particularly
when facing limits on the power ratings of power supplies and
semiconductors, motivates the use of phase number other than three,
In this paper a novel scheme of connecting two, three phase
induction motors in parallel fed by two inverters; viz. VSI and CSI
and their vector control is presented.
Abstract: The theory of rough sets is generalized by using a
filter. The filter is induced by binary relations and it is used to
generalize the basic rough set concepts. The knowledge
representations and processing of binary relations in the style of
rough set theory are investigated.
Abstract: Efficient and safe plant operation can only be
achieved if the operators are able to monitor all key process
parameters. Instrumentation is used to measure many process
variables, like temperatures, pressures, flow rates, compositions or
other product properties. Therefore Performance monitoring is a
suitable tool for operators. In this paper, we integrate rigorous
simulation model, data reconciliation and parameter estimation to
monitor process equipments and determine key performance
indicator (KPI) of them. The applied method here has been
implemented in two case studies.
Abstract: This paper presents a hybrid algorithm for solving a timetabling problem, which is commonly encountered in many universities. The problem combines both teacher assignment and course scheduling problems simultaneously, and is presented as a mathematical programming model. However, this problem becomes intractable and it is unlikely that a proven optimal solution can be obtained by an integer programming approach, especially for large problem instances. A hybrid algorithm that combines an integer programming approach, a greedy heuristic and a modified simulated annealing algorithm collaboratively is proposed to solve the problem. Several randomly generated data sets of sizes comparable to that of an institution in Indonesia are solved using the proposed algorithm. Computational results indicate that the algorithm can overcome difficulties of large problem sizes encountered in previous related works.
Abstract: A cross sectional study design and standard
microbiological procedures were used to determine the prevalence
and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli,
Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae O1
isolated from water and two fish species Rastrineobola argentea and
Oreochromis niloticus collected from fish landing beaches and
markets in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya. Out of 162
samples analyzed, 133 (82.1%) were contaminated, with S.
typhimurium as the most prevalent (49.6%), followed by E. coli
(46.6%), and lastly V. cholerae (2.8%). All the bacteria isolates were
sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin,
tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenical and gentamicin while
S. typhimurium isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin,
tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole. The V. cholerae O1 isolates were
resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. The high prevalence of drug
resistant enteric bacteria in water and fish from the study region
needs public health intervention from the local government.
Abstract: Hypertension is characterized with stress on the heart and blood vessels thus increasing the risk of heart attack and renal diseases. The Renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in blood pressure control. Renin is the enzyme that controls the RAS at the rate-limiting step. Our aim is to develop new drug-like leads which can inhibit renin and thereby emerge as therapeutics for hypertension. To achieve this, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and receptor-based pharmacophore modeling were implemented, and three rennin-inhibitor complex structures were selected based on IC50 value and scaffolds of inhibitors. Three pharmacophore models were generated considering conformations induced by inhibitor. The compounds mapped to these models were selected and subjected to drug-like screening. The identified hits were docked into the active site of renin. Finally, hit1 satisfying the binding mode and interaction energy was selected as possible lead candidate to be used in novel renin inhibitors.
Abstract: The most common cause of power transformer failures
is mechanical defect brought about by excessive vibration, which is
formed by the combination of multiples of a frequency of 120 Hz. In
this paper, the types of mechanical exciting forces applied to the
power transformer were classified, and the mechanical damage
mechanism of the power transformer was identified using the
vibration transfer route to the machine or structure. The general
effects of 120 Hz-vibration on the enclosure, bushing, Buchholz
relay, pressure release valve and tap changer of the transformer were
also examined.
Abstract: Information society is an absolutely new public formation at which the infrastructure and the social relations correspond to the socialized essence of «information genotype» mankind. Information society is a natural social environment which allows the person to open completely the information nature, to use intelligence for joint creation with other people of new information on the basis of knowledge earlier saved up by previous generations.
Abstract: The effect of nano Co3O4 addition on the
superconducting properties of (Bi, Pb)-2223 system was studied. The
samples were prepared by the acetate coprecipitation method. The
Co3O4 with different sizes (10-30 nm and 30-50 nm) from x=0.00 to
0.05 was added to Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy(Co3O4)x. Phase analysis by
XRD method, microstructural examination by SEM and dc electrical
resistivity by four point probe method were done to characterize the
samples. The X-ray diffraction patterns of all the samples indicated
the majority Bi-2223 phase along with minor Bi-2212 and Bi-2201
phases. The volume fraction was estimated from the intensities of Bi-
2223, Bi-2212 and Bi-2201 phase. The sample with x=0.01 wt% of
the added Co3O4 (10-30 nm size) showed the highest volume fraction
of Bi-2223 phase (72%) and the highest superconducting transition
temperature, Tc (~102 K). The non-added sample showed the highest
Tc(~103 K) compared to added samples with nano Co3O4 (30-50 nm
size) added samples. Both the onset critical temperature Tc(onset)
and zero electrical resistivity temperature Tc(R=0) were in the range
of 103-115 ±1K and 91-103 ±1K respectively for samples with added
Co3O4 (10-30 nm and 30-50 nm).
Abstract: Most agricultural crops cultivated in Brazil are highly
nutrient demanding. Brazilian soils are generally acidic with low base
saturation and available nutrients. Demand for fertilizer application
has increased because the national agricultural sector expansion. To
improve productivity without environmental impact, there is the need
for the utilization of novel procedures and techniques to optimize
fertilizer application. This includes the digital soil mapping and GIS
application applied to mapping in different scales. This paper is
based on research, realized during 2005 to 2010 by Brazilian
Corporation for Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA) and its partners.
The purpose was to map soil fertility in national and regional scales.
A soil profile data set in national scale (1:5,000,000) was constructed
from the soil archives of Embrapa Soils, Rio de Janeiro and in the
regional scale (1:250,000) from COMIGO Cooperative soil data set,
Rio Verde, Brazil. The mapping was doing using ArcGIS 9.1 tools
from ESRI.
Abstract: The relation between taxation states and foreign direct
investment has been studied for several perspectives and with states
of different levels of development. Usually it's only considered the
impact of tax level on the foreign direct investment volume. This
paper enhances this view by assuming that multinationals companies
(MNC) can use transfer prices systems and have got investment
timing flexibility. Thus, it evaluates the impact of the use of
international transfer pricing systems on the states- policy and on the
investment timing of the multinational companies. In uncertain
business environments (with periodical release of news), the
investment can increase if MNC detain investment delay options.
This paper shows how tax differentials can attract foreign direct
investments (FDI) and influence MNC behavior. The equilibrium is
set in a global environment where MNC can shift their profits
between states depending on the corporate tax rates. Assuming the
use of transfer pricing schemes, this paper confirms the relationship
between MNC behavior and the release of new business news.
Abstract: The given work is devoted to the description of
Information Technologies NAS of Azerbaijan created and
successfully maintained in Institute. On the basis of the decision of
board of the Supreme Certifying commission at the President of the
Azerbaijan Republic and Presidium of National Academy of
Sciences of the Azerbaijan Republic, the organization of training
courses on Computer Sciences for all post-graduate students and
dissertators of the republic, taking of examinations of candidate
minima, it was on-line entrusted to Institute of Information
Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.
Therefore, teaching the computer sciences to post-graduate
students and dissertators a scientific - methodological manual on
effective application of new information technologies for research
works by post-graduate students and dissertators and taking of
candidate minima is carried out in the Educational Center.
Information and communication technologies offer new
opportunities and prospects of their application for teaching and
training. The new level of literacy demands creation of essentially
new technology of obtaining of scientific knowledge. Methods of
training and development, social and professional requirements,
globalization of the communicative economic and political projects
connected with construction of a new society, depends on a level of
application of information and communication technologies in the
educational process. Computer technologies develop ideas of
programmed training, open completely new, not investigated
technological ways of training connected to unique opportunities of
modern computers and telecommunications. Computer technologies
of training are processes of preparation and transfer of the
information to the trainee by means of computer. Scientific and
technical progress as well as global spread of the technologies
created in the most developed countries of the world is the main
proof of the leading role of education in XXI century. Information
society needs individuals having modern knowledge. In practice, all
technologies, using special technical information means (computer,
audio, video) are called information technologies of education.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of 8-week Pilates training program on limits of stability (LOS) and abdominal muscle strength in young dancers. Twenty-four female volunteered and randomly assigned as experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). All subjects received the same dance lessons but the EG underwent an extra Pilates mat exercises for 40 minutes, three times a week, for 8 weeks. LOS was evaluated by the Biodex Balance System and the abdominal strength was measured by 30/60 seconds sit-ups test. One factor ANCOVA was used to examine the differences between groups after training. The results showed that the overall LOS scores at levels 2/8 and the 30/60 seconds sit-ups for the EG group pre- and post-training were changed from 22/38 % to 31/51 % and 20/33 times to 24/42 times, respectively. The study demonstrated that 8-week Pilates training can improve the LOS performance and abdominal strength in young dancers.
Abstract: Construction project control attempts to obtain real-time information and effectively enhance dynamic control and management via information sharing and analysis among project participants to eliminate construction conflicts and project delays. However, survey results for Taiwan indicate that construction commercial project management software is not widely accepted for subcontractors and suppliers. To solve the project communications problems among participants, this study presents a novel system called the Construction Dynamic Teams Communication Management (Con-DTCM) system for small-to-medium sized subcontractors and suppliers in Taiwanese Construction industry, and demonstrates that the Con-DTCM system responds to the most recent project information efficiently and enhances management of project teams (general contractor, suppliers and subcontractors) through web-based environment. Web-based technology effectively enhances information sharing during construction project management, and generates cost savings via the Internet. The main unique characteristic of the proposed Con-DTCM system is extremely user friendly and easily design compared with current commercial project management applications. The Con-DTCM system is applied to a case study of construction of a building project in Taiwan to confirm the proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of information sharing during the construction phase. The advantages of the Con-DTCM system are in improving project control and management efficiency for general contractors, and in providing dynamic project tracking and management, which enables subcontractors and suppliers to acquire the most recent project-related information. Furthermore, this study presents and implements a generic system architecture.
Abstract: Automated discovery of Rule is, due to its applicability, one of the most fundamental and important method in KDD. It has been an active research area in the recent past. Hierarchical representation allows us to easily manage the complexity of knowledge, to view the knowledge at different levels of details, and to focus our attention on the interesting aspects only. One of such efficient and easy to understand systems is Hierarchical Production rule (HPRs) system. A HPR, a standard production rule augmented with generality and specificity information, is of the following form: Decision If < condition> Generality Specificity . HPRs systems are capable of handling taxonomical structures inherent in the knowledge about the real world. This paper focuses on the issue of mining Quantified rules with crisp hierarchical structure using Genetic Programming (GP) approach to knowledge discovery. The post-processing scheme presented in this work uses Quantified production rules as initial individuals of GP and discovers hierarchical structure. In proposed approach rules are quantified by using Dempster Shafer theory. Suitable genetic operators are proposed for the suggested encoding. Based on the Subsumption Matrix(SM), an appropriate fitness function is suggested. Finally, Quantified Hierarchical Production Rules (HPRs) are generated from the discovered hierarchy, using Dempster Shafer theory. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Abstract: In this paper the optimal control strategy for
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) based drive system
is presented. The designed full optimal control is available for speed
operating range up to base speed. The optimal voltage space-vector
assures input energy reduction and stator loss minimization,
maintaining the output energy in the same limits with the
conventional PMSM electrical drive. The optimal control with three
components is based on the energetically criteria and it is applicable
in numerical version, being a nonrecursive solution. The simulation
results confirm the increased efficiency of the optimal PMSM drive.
The properties of the optimal voltage space vector are shown.