Abstract: Lignocellulosic materials are considered the most
abundant renewable resource available for the Bioethanol
Production. Water Hyacinth is one of potential raw material of the
world-s worst aquatic plant as a feedstock to produce Bioethanol.
The purposed this research is obtain reduced of matter for
biodegradation lignin in Biological pretreatment with White Rot
Fungi eg. Phanerochaete Chrysosporium using Solid state
Fermentation methods. Phanerochaete Chrysosporium is known to
have the best ability to degraded lignin, but simultaneously it can also
degraded cellulose and hemicelulose. During 8 weeks incubation,
water hyacinth occurred loss of weight reached 34,67%, while loss
of lignin reached 67,21%, loss of cellulose reached 11,01% and loss
of hemicellulose reached 36,56%. The kinetic of losses lignin using
regression linear plot, the results is obtained constant rate (k) of
reduction lignin is -0.1053 and the equation of reduction of lignin
is y = wo - 0, 1.53 x
Abstract: This experiment was conducted in attempt of
improving hydrodynamic efficiency of the propulsion mechanism by
installing a spring to the wing so that the opening angle of the wing in
one stroke can be changed automatically, compared to the existing
method of fixed maximum opening angle in Weis-Fogh type ship
propulsion mechanism. Average thrust coefficient was almost fixed
with all velocity ratio with the prototype, but with the spring type,
thrust coefficient increased sharply as velocity ratio increased.
Average propulsive efficiency was larger with bigger opening angle in
the prototype, but in the spring type, the one with smaller spring
coefficient had larger value. In the range over 1.0 in velocity ratio
where big thrust can be generated, spring type had more than twice of
propulsive efficiency increase compared to the prototype.
Abstract: The present study was designed to demonstrate the seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters of fish farm at Govt. Nursery Unit, Muzaffargarh, Department of Fisheries Govt. of Punjab, Pakistan for a period of eight months from January to August 2008. Water samples were collected on fifteen days basis and have been analyzed for estimation of Air temperature, Water temperature, Light penetration, pH, Total dissolved oxygen, Clouds, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Total carbonates, Total dissolved solids, Chlorides, Calcium and Hardness. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in all the physico-chemical parameters of fish farm. The overall physicochemical parameters of fish pond water remained within the tolerable range throughout the study period.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a technical and an economic
assessment of several sources of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia;
mainly solar, wind, hydro and biomass. We analyze the
environmental and climatic conditions in relation to these sources
and give an overview of some of the existing clean energy
technologies. Using standardized cost and efficiency data, we carry
out a cost benefit analysis to understand the economic factors
influencing the sustainability of energy production from renewable
sources in light of the energy cost and demand in the Saudi market.
Finally, we take a look at the Saudi petroleum industry and the
existing sources of conventional energy and assess the potential of
building a successful market for renewable energy under the
constraints imposed by the flow of subsidized cheap oil. We show
that while some renewable energy resources are well suited for
distributed or grid connected generation in the kingdom, their
viability is greatly undercut by the well developed and well
capitalized oil industry.
Abstract: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application or commonly known as softphone has been developing an increasingly large market in today-s telecommunication world and the trend is expected to continue with the enhancement of additional features. This includes leveraging on the existing presence services, location and contextual information to enable more ubiquitous and seamless communications. In this paper, we discuss the concept of seamless session transfer for real-time application such as VoIP and IPTV, and our prototype implementation of such concept on a selected open source VoIP application. The first part of this paper is about conducting performance evaluation and assessments across some commonly found open source VoIP applications that are Ekiga, Kphone, Linphone and Twinkle so as to identify one of them for implementing our design of seamless session transfer. Subjective testing has been carried out to evaluate the audio performance on these VoIP applications and rank them according to their Mean Opinion Score (MOS) results. The second part of this paper is to discuss on the performance evaluations of our prototype implementation of session transfer using Linphone.
Abstract: This paper gives an introduction to Web mining, then
describes Web Structure mining in detail, and explores the data
structure used by the Web. This paper also explores different Page
Rank algorithms and compare those algorithms used for Information
Retrieval. In Web Mining, the basics of Web mining and the Web
mining categories are explained. Different Page Rank based
algorithms like PageRank (PR), WPR (Weighted PageRank), HITS
(Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search), DistanceRank and DirichletRank
algorithms are discussed and compared. PageRanks are calculated for
PageRank and Weighted PageRank algorithms for a given hyperlink
structure. Simulation Program is developed for PageRank algorithm
because PageRank is the only ranking algorithm implemented in the
search engine (Google). The outputs are shown in a table and chart
format.
Abstract: In this study the mixed mode fracture mechanics
parameters were investigated for high tensile steel butt welded joint
based on modified Arcan test and finite element analysis was used to
evaluate the effect of crack length on fracture criterion. The nondimensional
stress intensity factors, strain energy release rates and Jintegral
energy on crack tip were obtained for various in-plane
loading combinations on Arcan specimen starting from pure mode-I
to pure mode-II loading conditions. The specimen and apparatus were
modeled by finite element method and analyzed under various
loading angles (between 0 to 90 degrees with 15 degree interval) to
simulate the pure mode-I, II and mixed mode fracture. Since the
analytical results are independent from elasticity modules for
isotropic materials, therefore the results in elastic fields can be used
for Arcan specimens. The main objective of this study was to
evaluate the geometric calibration factors for modified Arcan test
specimen in order to obtain fracture toughness under mixed mode
loading conditions.
Abstract: New Growth Theory helps us make sense of the
ongoing shift from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based
economy. It underscores the point that the economic processes which
create and diffuse new knowledge are critical to shaping the growth
of nations, communities and individual firms. In all too many
contributions to New (Endogenous) Growth Theory – though not in
all – central reference is made to 'a stock of knowledge', a 'stock of
ideas', etc., this variable featuring centre-stage in the analysis. Yet it
is immediately apparent that this is far from being a crystal clear
concept. The difficulty and uncertainty of being able to capture the
value associated with knowledge is a real problem. The intent of this
paper is introducing new thinking and theorizing about the
knowledge and its measurability in new growth theory. Moreover the
study aims to synthesize various strain of the literature with a
practical bearing on knowledge concept. By contribution of
institution framework which is found within NGT, we can indirectly
measure the knowledge concept. Institutions matter because they
shape the environment for production and employment of new
knowledge
Abstract: In this paper, in order to categorize ORL database face
pictures, principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Kernel Principal
Component Analysis (KPCA) methods by using Elman neural
network and Support Vector Machine (SVM) categorization methods
are used. Elman network as a recurrent neural network is proposed
for modeling storage systems and also it is used for reviewing the
effect of using PCA numbers on system categorization precision rate
and database pictures categorization time. Categorization stages are
conducted with various components numbers and the obtained results
of both Elman neural network categorization and support vector
machine are compared. In optimum manner 97.41% recognition
accuracy is obtained.
Abstract: Hazardous Material transportation by road is coupled
with inherent risk of accidents causing loss of lives, grievous injuries,
property losses and environmental damages. The most common type
of hazmat road accident happens to be the releases (78%) of
hazardous substances, followed by fires (28%), explosions (14%) and
vapour/ gas clouds (6 %.).
The paper is discussing initially the probable 'Impact Zones'
likely to be caused by one flammable (LPG) and one toxic (ethylene
oxide) chemicals being transported through a sizable segment of a
State Highway connecting three notified Industrial zones in Surat
district in Western India housing 26 MAH industrial units. Three
'hotspots' were identified along the highway segment depending on
the particular chemical traffic and the population distribution within
500 meters on either sides. The thermal radiation and explosion
overpressure have been calculated for LPG / Ethylene Oxide BLEVE
scenarios along with toxic release scenario for ethylene oxide.
Besides, the dispersion calculations for ethylene oxide toxic release
have been made for each 'hotspot' location and the impact zones
have been mapped for the LOC concentrations. Subsequently, the
maximum Initial Isolation and the protective zones were calculated
based on ERPG-3 and ERPG-2 values of ethylene oxide respectively
which are estimated taking the worst case scenario under worst
weather conditions. The data analysis will be helpful to the local
administration in capacity building with respect to rescue /
evacuation and medical preparedness and quantitative inputs to
augment the District Offsite Emergency Plan document.
Abstract: The demand on High voltage (HV) infrastructures is growing due to the corresponding growth in industries and population. Many areas are being developed and therefore require additional electrical power to comply with the demand. Substation upgrade is one of the rapid solutions to ensure the continuous supply of power to customers. This upgrade requires civil modifications to structures and fences. The civil work requires excavation and steel works that may create unsafe touch conditions. This paper presents a brief theoretical overview of the touch voltage inside and around substations and uses CDEGS software to simulate a case study.
Abstract: This paper presents ageing experiments controlled by the evolution of junction parameters. The deterioration of the device is related to high injection effects which modified the transport mechanisms in the space charge region of the junction. Physical phenomena linked to the degradation of junction parameters that affect the devices reliability are reported and discussed. We have used the method based on numerical analysis of experimental current-voltage characteristic of the junction, in order to extract the electrical parameters. The simultaneous follow-up of the evolutions of the series resistance and of the transition voltage allow us to introduce a new parameter for reliability evaluation.
Abstract: Almost all Libyan industries (both private and public) have struggled with many difficulties during the past three decades due to many problems. These problems have created a strongly negative impact on the productivity and utilization of many companies within Libya. This paper studies the current awareness and implementation levels of Just-In-Time (JIT) within the Libyan Textile private industry. A survey has been applied in this study using an intensive detailed questionnaire. Based on the analysis of the survey responses, the results show that the management body within the surveyed companies has a modest strategy towards most of the areas that are considered as being very crucial in any successful implementation of JIT. The results also show a variation within the implementation levels of the JIT elements as these varies between Low and Acceptable levels. The paper has also identified limitations within the investigated areas within this industry, and has pointed to areas where senior managers within the Libyan textile industry should take immediate actions in order to achieve effective implementation of JIT within their companies.
Abstract: In this paper, a framework for the simplification and
standardization of metaheuristic related parameter-tuning by applying
a four phase methodology, utilizing Design of Experiments and
Artificial Neural Networks, is presented. Metaheuristics are multipurpose
problem solvers that are utilized on computational optimization
problems for which no efficient problem specific algorithm
exist. Their successful application to concrete problems requires the
finding of a good initial parameter setting, which is a tedious and
time consuming task. Recent research reveals the lack of approach
when it comes to this so called parameter-tuning process. In the
majority of publications, researchers do have a weak motivation for
their respective choices, if any. Because initial parameter settings
have a significant impact on the solutions quality, this course of
action could lead to suboptimal experimental results, and thereby
a fraudulent basis for the drawing of conclusions.
Abstract: Amount of dissolve oxygen in a river has a great direct affect on aquatic macroinvertebrates and this would influence on the region ecosystem indirectly. In this paper it is tried to predict dissolved oxygen in rivers by employing an easy Fuzzy Logic Modeling, Wang Mendel method. This model just uses previous records to estimate upcoming values. For this purpose daily and hourly records of eight stations in Au Sable watershed in Michigan, United States are employed for 12 years and 50 days period respectively. Calculations indicate that for long period prediction it is better to increase input intervals. But for filling missed data it is advisable to decrease the interval. Increasing partitioning of input and output features influence a little on accuracy but make the model too time consuming. Increment in number of input data also act like number of partitioning. Large amount of train data does not modify accuracy essentially, so, an optimum training length should be selected.
Abstract: The use of amine mixtures employing
methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and diethanolamine (DEA) have been investigated for a variety of cases
using a process simulation program called HYSYS. The results show that, at high pressures, amine mixtures have little or no advantage in the cases studied. As the pressure is lowered, it becomes more difficult for MDEA to meet residual gas requirements and mixtures can usually improve plant performance. Since the CO2 reaction rate
with the primary and secondary amines is much faster than with
MDEA, the addition of small amounts of primary or secondary amines to an MDEA based solution should greatly improve the overall reaction rate of CO2 with the amine solution. The addition of MEA caused the CO2 to be absorbed more strongly in the upper portion of the column than for MDEA along. On the other hand,
raising the concentration for MEA to 11%wt, CO2 is almost
completely absorbed in the lower portion of the column. The addition of MEA would be most advantageous.
Thus, in areas where MDEA cannot meet the residual gas
requirements, the use of amine mixtures can usually improve the plant
performance.
Abstract: The third generation (3G) of cellular system adopted
the spread spectrum as solution for the transmission of the data in the
physical layer. Contrary to systems IS-95 or CDMAOne (systems
with spread spectrum of the preceding generation), the new standard,
called Universal Mobil Telecommunications System (UMTS), uses
long codes in the down link. The system is conceived for the vocal
communication and the transmission of the data. In particular, the
down link is very important, because of the asymmetrical request of
the data, i.e., more remote loading towards the mobiles than towards
the basic station. Moreover, the UMTS uses for the down link an
orthogonal spreading out with a variable factor of spreading out
(OVSF for Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor). This
characteristic makes it possible to increase the flow of data of one or
more users by reducing their factor of spreading out without
changing the factor of spreading out of other users. In the current
standard of the UMTS, two techniques to increase the performances
of the down link were proposed, the diversity of sending antenna and
the codes space-time. These two techniques fight only fainding. The
receiver proposed for the mobil station is the RAKE, but one can
imagine a receiver more sophisticated, able to reduce the interference
between users and the impact of the coloured noise and interferences
to narrow band. In this context, where the users have long codes
synchronized with variable factor of spreading out and ignorance by
the mobile of the other active codes/users, the use of the sequences of
code pseudo-noises different lengths is presented in the form of one
of the most appropriate solutions.
Abstract: In present article the model of Blended Learning, its advantage at foreign language teaching, and also some problems that can arise during its use are considered. The Blended Learning is a special organization of learning, which allows to combine classroom work and modern technologies in electronic distance teaching environment. Nowadays a lot of European educational institutions and companies use such technology. Through this method: student gets the opportunity to learn in a group (classroom) with a teacher and additionally at home at a convenient time; student himself sets the optimal speed and intensity of the learning process; this method helps student to discipline himself and learn to work independently.
Abstract: This paper examined the influence of matching
students- learning preferences with the teaching methodology
adopted, on their academic performance in an accounting course in
two types of learning environment in one university in Lebanon:
classes with PowerPoint (PPT) vs. conventional classes. Learning
preferences were either for PPT or for Conventional methodology. A
statistically significant increase in academic achievement is found in
the conventionally instructed group as compared to the group taught
with PPT. This low effectiveness of PPT might be attributed to the
learning preferences of Lebanese students. In the PPT group, better
academic performance was found among students with
learning/teaching match as compared with students with
learning/teaching mismatch. Since the majority of students display a
preference for the conventional methodology, the result might
suggest that Lebanese students- performance is not optimized by PPT
in the accounting classrooms, not because of PPT itself, but because
it is not matching the Lebanese students- learning preferences in such
a quantitative course.
Abstract: In this paper we investigate the electrical
characteristics of a new structure of gate all around strained silicon
nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) with dual dielectrics by
changing the radius (RSiGe) of silicon-germanium (SiGe) wire and
gate dielectric. Indeed the effect of high-κ dielectric on Field Induced
Barrier Lowering (FIBL) has been studied. Due to the higher electron
mobility in tensile strained silicon, the n-type FETs with strained
silicon channel have better drain current compare with the pure Si
one. In this structure gate dielectric divided in two parts, we have
used high-κ dielectric near the source and low-κ dielectric near the
drain to reduce the short channel effects. By this structure short
channel effects such as FIBL will be reduced indeed by increasing
the RSiGe, ID-VD characteristics will be improved. The leakage
current and transfer characteristics, the threshold-voltage (Vt), the
drain induced barrier height lowering (DIBL), are estimated with
respect to, gate bias (VG), RSiGe and different gate dielectrics. For
short channel effects, such as DIBL, gate all around strained silicon
nanowire FET have similar characteristics with the pure Si one while
dual dielectrics can improve short channel effects in this structure.