Abstract: In this paper, we calculate the two-photon ionization
(TPI) cross-section for pump-probe scheme in Ag neutral cluster. The
pump photon energy is assumed to be close to the surface plasmon
(SP) energy of cluster in dielectric media. Due to this choice, the
pump wave excites collective oscillations of electrons-SP and the
probe wave causes ionization of the cluster. Since the interband
transition energy in Ag exceeds the SP resonance energy, the main
contribution into the TPI comes from the latter. The advantage of Ag
clusters as compared to the other noble metals is that the SP
resonance in silver cluster is much sharper because of peculiarities of
its dielectric function. The calculations are performed by separating
the coordinates of electrons corresponding to the collective
oscillations and the individual motion that allows taking into account
the resonance contribution of excited SP oscillations. It is shown that
the ionization cross section increases by two orders of magnitude if
the energy of the pump photon matches the surface plasmon energy
in the cluster.
Abstract: In the vicinity of red sea about 15 fungi species were
isolated from oil contaminated sites. On the basis of aptitude to
degrade the crude oil and DCPIP assay, two fungal isolates were
selected amongst 15 oil degrading strains. Analysis of ITS-1, ITS-2
and amplicon pyrosequencing studies of fungal diversity revealed
that these strains belong to Penicillium and Aspergillus species. Two
strains that proved to be the most efficient in degrading crude oil was
Aspergillus niger (54%) and Penicillium commune (48%) Subsequent
to two weeks of cultivation in BHS medium the degradation rate
were recorded by using spectrophotometer and GC-MS. Hence, it is
cleared that these fungal strains has capability of degradation and can
be utilize for cleaning the Saudi Arabian environment.
Abstract: Machine visualization is an area of interest with fast
and progressive development. We present a method of machine
visualization which will be applicable in real industrial conditions
according to current needs and demands. Real factory data were
obtained in a newly built research plant. Methods described in this
paper were validated on a case study. Input data were processed and
the virtual environment was created. The environment contains
information about dimensions, structure, disposition, and function.
Hardware was enhanced by modular machines, prototypes, and
accessories. We added functionalities and machines into the virtual
environment. The user is able to interact with objects such as testing
and cutting machines, he/she can operate and move them. Proposed
design consists of an environment with two degrees of freedom of
movement. Users are in touch with items in the virtual world which
are embedded into the real surroundings. This paper describes development of the virtual environment. We
compared and tested various options of factory layout virtualization
and visualization. We analyzed possibilities of using a 3D scanner in
the layout obtaining process and we also analyzed various virtual
reality hardware visualization methods such as: Stereoscopic (CAVE)
projection, Head Mounted Display (HMD) and augmented reality
(AR) projection provided by see-through glasses.
Abstract: Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) is well known
for its medicinal uses in African traditional medicine, for treating
many human diseases mainly skin diseases and infections. Mycetoma
disease is a fungal and/ or bacterial skininfection, mainly cause by
Madurella mycetomatis fungus. This study was carried out in vitro to
investigate the antifungal activity of Anogeissus leiocarpus leaf
extracts against the isolated pathogenic Madurella mycetomatis, by
using the NCCLS modified method compared to Ketoconazole
standard drug, and MTT assay. The bioactive fraction was subjected
to chemical analysis implementing different chromatographic
analytical methods (TLC, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS). The results
showed significance antifungal activity of A. leiocarpus leaf extracts
against the isolated pathogenic M. mycetomatis, compared to negative
and positive controls. The chloroform fraction showed the highest
antifungal activity. The chromatographic analysis of the chloroform
fraction with the highest activity showed the presence of important
bioactive compounds such as ellagic and flavellagic acids derivatives,
flavonoids and stilbenoid, which are well known for their antifungal
activity.
Abstract: In order to investigate the prebiotic potential of
oligosaccharides prepared by chemical hydrolysis of water-soluble
polysaccharides (WSP) from Zizyphus lotus leaves, the effect of
oligosaccharides on bacterial growth was studied. The chemical
composition of WSP was evaluated by colorimetric assays revealed
the average values: 7.05±0.73% proteins and 86.21±0.74%
carbohydrates, among them 64.81±0.42% is neutral sugar and the rest
16.25±1.62% is uronic acids. The characterization of
monosaccharides was determined by high performance anion
exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection
(HPAEC-PAD) was found to be composed of galactose (23.95%),
glucose (21.30%), rhamnose (20.28%), arabinose (9.55%), and
glucuronic acid (22.95%). The effects of oligosaccharides on the
growth of lactic acid bacteria were compared with those of fructooligosaccharide
(RP95). The oligosaccharides concentration was
1g/L of Man, Rogosa, Sharpe broth. Bacterial growth was assessed
during 2, 4.5, 6.5, 9, 12, 16 and 24 h by measuring the optical density
of the cultures at 600 nm (OD600) and pH values. During
fermentation, pH in broth cultures decreased from 6.7 to 5.87±0.15.
The enumeration of lactic acid bacteria indicated that
oligosaccharides led to a significant increase in bacteria (P≤0.05)
compared to the control. The fermentative metabolism appeared to be
faster on RP95 than on oligosaccharides from Zizyphus lotus leaves.
Both RP95 and oligosaccharides showed clear prebiotic effects, but
had differences in fermentation kinetics because of to the different
degree of polymerization. This study shows the prebiotic
effectiveness of oligosaccharides, and provides proof for the selection
of leaves of Zizyphus lotus for use as functional food ingredients.
Abstract: Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) is the relay center
in the visual pathway as it receives most of the input information
from retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and sends to visual cortex. Low
threshold calcium currents (IT) at the membrane are the unique
indicator to characterize this firing functionality of the LGN neurons
gained by the RGC input. According to the LGN functional
requirements such as functional mapping of RGC to LGN, the
morphologies of the LGN neurons were developed. During the
neurological disorders like glaucoma, the mapping between RGC and
LGN is disconnected and hence stimulating LGN electrically using
deep brain electrodes can restore the functionalities of LGN. A
computational model was developed for simulating the LGN neurons
with three predominant morphologies each representing different
functional mapping of RGC to LGN. The firings of action potentials
at LGN neuron due to IT were characterized by varying the
stimulation parameters, morphological parameters and orientation. A
wide range of stimulation parameters (stimulus amplitude, duration
and frequency) represents the various strengths of the electrical
stimulation with different morphological parameters (soma size,
dendrites size and structure). The orientation (0-1800) of LGN
neuron with respect to the stimulating electrode represents the angle
at which the extracellular deep brain stimulation towards LGN
neuron is performed. A reduced dendrite structure was used in the
model using Bush–Sejnowski algorithm to decrease the
computational time while conserving its input resistance and total
surface area. The major finding is that an input potential of 0.4 V is
required to produce the action potential in the LGN neuron which is
placed at 100 μm distance from the electrode. From this study, it can
be concluded that the neuroprostheses under design would need to
consider the capability of inducing at least 0.4V to produce action
potentials in LGN.
Abstract: Diets high in processed foods have been found to lack
essential micro-nutrients for optimum human development and
overall health. Some micro-nutrients such as copper (Cu) have been
found to enhance the inflammatory response through its oxidative
functions, thereby having a role in cardiovascular disease, metabolic
syndrome, diabetes and related complications. This research study
was designed to determine if food crops could be bio-fortified with
micro-nutrients by growing sprouts on mineral fortified fiber mats. In
the feasibility study described in this contribution, recycled cellulose
fibers and clay, saturated with either micro-nutrient copper ions or
copper nanoparticles, were converted to a novel mineral-cellulose
fiber carrier of essential micro-nutrient and of antimicrobial
properties. Seeds of Medicago sativa (alfalfa), purchased from a
commercial, organic supplier were germinated on engineered
cellulose fiber mats. After the appearance of the first leaves, the
sprouts were dehydrated and analyzed for Cu content. Nutrient
analysis showed ~2 increase in Cu of the sprouts grown on the fiber
mats with copper particles, and ~4 increase on mats with ionic copper
as compared to the control samples. This study illustrates the
potential for the use of engineered mats as a viable way to increase
the micro-nutrient composition of locally-grown food crops and the
need for additional research to determine the uptake, nutritional
implications and risks of micro-nutrient bio-fortification.
Abstract: Iranian architects had creative ways for constructing
the buildings in each climate. Some of these architectural elements
were made under the ground. Shovadan is one of these underground
spaces in hot-humid regions in Dezfoul and Shoushtar city that had
special functions and characteristics. In this paper some subjects such
as the history of Shovadan, its elements and effective factors in the
formation of Shovadan in Dezfool city are discussed.
Abstract: Noninvasive diagnostics of diseases via breath
analysis has attracted considerable scientific and clinical interest for
many years and become more and more promising with the rapid
advancements in nanotechnology and biotechnology. The volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, which are mainly
blood borne, particularly provide highly valuable information about
individuals’ physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Additionally, breath analysis is noninvasive, real-time, painless, and
agreeable to patients. We have developed a wireless sensor array
based on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-functionalized single-walled
carbon nanotubes (SWNT) for the detection of a number of
physiological indicators in breath. Seven DNA sequences were used
to functionalize SWNT sensors to detect trace amount of methanol,
benzene, dimethyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, acetone, and ethanol,
which are indicators of heavy smoking, excessive drinking, and
diseases such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and diabetes. Our test
results indicated that DNA functionalized SWNT sensors exhibit
great selectivity, sensitivity, and repeatability; and different
molecules can be distinguished through pattern recognition enabled
by this sensor array. Furthermore, the experimental sensing results
are consistent with the Molecular Dynamics simulated ssDNAmolecular
target interaction rankings. Thus, the DNA-SWNT sensor
array has great potential to be applied in chemical or biomolecular
detection for the noninvasive diagnostics of diseases and personal
health monitoring.
Abstract: The fundamental issue in understanding the origin and
growth mechanism of nanomaterials, from a fundamental unit is a big
challenging problem to the scientists. Recently, an immense attention
is generated to the researchers for prediction of exceptionally stable
atomic cluster units as the building units for future smart materials.
The present study is a systematic investigation on the stability and
electronic properties of a series of bimetallic (semiconductor-alkaline
earth) clusters, viz., BxMg3 (x=1-5) is performed, in search for
exceptional and/ or unusual stable motifs. A very popular hybrid
exchange-correlation functional, B3LYP along with a higher basis
set, viz., 6-31+G[d,p] is employed for this purpose under the density
functional formalism. The magic stability among the concerned
clusters is explained using the jellium model. It is evident from the
present study that the magic stability of B4Mg3
cluster arises due to
the jellium shell closure.
Abstract: A method of effective planning and control of
industrial facility energy consumption is offered. The method allows
optimally arranging the management and full control of complex
production facilities in accordance with the criteria of minimal
technical and economic losses at the forecasting control. The method
is based on the optimal construction of the power efficiency
characteristics with the prescribed accuracy. The problem of optimal
designing of the forecasting model is solved on the basis of three
criteria: maximizing the weighted sum of the points of forecasting
with the prescribed accuracy; the solving of the problem by the
standard principles at the incomplete statistic data on the basis of
minimization of the regularized function; minimizing the technical
and economic losses due to the forecasting errors.
Abstract: The liberalisation of the education industry has
exposed the institute of higher learning (IHL) in Malaysia to the
financial challenges. Without good financial standing, public
institution will rely on the government funding. Ostensibly, this
contradicts with the government’s aspiration to make universities
self-sufficient. With stiff competition from private institutes of higher
learning, IHL need to be prepared at the forefront level. The
corporate identity itself is the entrance to the world of higher learning
and it is in this uniqueness, it will be able to distinguish itself from
competitors. This paper examined the perception of the stakeholders
at one of the public universities in the east coast region in Malaysia
on the perceived reputation and how the university communicate its
preparedness for self-sustainability through corporate identity. The
findings indicated while the stakeholders embraced the challenges in
facing the stiff competition and struggling market conditions, most of
them felt the university should put more efforts in mobilising the
corporate identity to its constituencies.
Abstract: Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) routing is complex
due to its dynamic nature, computational overhead, limited battery
life, non-conventional addressing scheme, self-organization, and
sensor nodes limited transmission range. An energy efficient routing
protocol is a major concern in WSN. LEACH is a hierarchical WSN
routing protocol to increase network life. It performs self-organizing
and re-clustering functions for each round. This study proposes a
better sensor networks cluster head selection for efficient data
aggregation. The algorithm is based on Tabu search.
Abstract: Introduction: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) uses
high frequency mechanical stimuli generated by a vibration plate and
transmitted through bone, muscle and connective tissues to the whole
body. Research has shown that long-term vibration-plate training
improves neuromuscular facilitation, especially in afferent neural
pathways, responsible for the conduction of vibration and
proprioceptive stimuli, muscle function, balance and proprioception.
Some researchers suggest that the vibration stimulus briefly inhibits
the conduction of afferent signals from proprioceptors and can
interfere with the maintenance of body balance. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the influence of a single set of exercises associated
with whole-body vibration on the joint position sense and body
balance. Material and methods: The study enrolled 55 people aged
19-24 years. These individuals were randomly divided into a test
group (30 persons) and a control group (25 persons). Both groups
performed the same set of exercises on a vibration plate. The
following vibration parameters: frequency of 20Hz and amplitude of
3mm, were used in the test group. The control group performed
exercises on the vibration plate while it was off. All participants were
instructed to perform six dynamic exercises lasting 30 seconds each
with a 60-second period of rest between them. The exercises involved
large muscle groups of the trunk, pelvis and lower limbs.
Measurements were carried out before and immediately after
exercise. Joint position sense (JPS) was measured in the knee joint
for the starting position at 45° in an open kinematic chain. JPS error
was measured using a digital inclinometer. Balance was assessed in a
standing position with both feet on the ground with the eyes open and
closed (each test lasting 30 sec). Balance was assessed using Matscan
with FootMat 7.0 SAM software. The surface of the ellipse of
confidence and front-back as well as right-left swing were measured
to assess balance. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica
10.0 PL software. Results: There were no significant differences
between the groups, both before and after the exercise (p> 0.05). JPS
did not change in both the test (10.7° vs. 8.4°) and control groups
(9.0° vs. 8.4°). No significant differences were shown in any of the
test parameters during balance tests with the eyes open or closed in
both the test and control groups (p> 0.05). Conclusions: 1.
Deterioration in proprioception or balance was not observed
immediately after the vibration stimulus. This suggests that vibrationinduced
blockage of proprioceptive stimuli conduction can have only
a short-lasting effect that occurs only as long as a vibration stimulus
is present. 2. Short-term use of vibration in treatment does not impair
proprioception and seems to be safe for patients with proprioceptive
impairment. 3. These results need to be supplemented with an
assessment of proprioception during the application of vibration
stimuli. Additionally, the impact of vibration parameters used in the
exercises should be evaluated.
Abstract: The purposes of hydraulic gate are to maintain the
functions of storing and draining water. It bears long-term hydraulic
pressure and earthquake force and is very important for reservoir and
waterpower plant. The high tensile strength of steel plate is used as
constructional material of hydraulic gate. The cracks and rusts,
induced by the defects of material, bad construction and seismic
excitation and under water respectively, thus, the mechanics
phenomena of gate with crack are probing into the cause of stress
concentration, induced high crack increase rate, affect the safety and
usage of hydroelectric power plant. Stress distribution analysis is a
very important and essential surveying technique to analyze
bi-material and singular point problems. The finite difference
infinitely small element method has been demonstrated, suitable for
analyzing the buckling phenomena of welding seam and steel plate
with crack. Especially, this method can easily analyze the singularity
of kink crack. Nevertheless, the construction form and deformation
shape of some gates are three-dimensional system. Therefore, the
three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has been
developed and applied to analyze the strain variation of steel plate with
crack at weld joint. The proposed Digital image correlation (DIC)
technique is an only non-contact method for measuring the variation of
test object. According to rapid development of digital camera, the cost
of this digital image correlation technique has been reduced.
Otherwise, this DIC method provides with the advantages of widely
practical application of indoor test and field test without the restriction
on the size of test object. Thus, the research purpose of this research is
to develop and apply this technique to monitor mechanics crack
variations of weld steel hydraulic gate and its conformation under
action of loading. The imagines can be picked from real time
monitoring process to analyze the strain change of each loading stage.
The proposed 3-Dimensional digital image correlation method,
developed in the study, is applied to analyze the post-buckling
phenomenon and buckling tendency of welded steel plate with crack.
Then, the stress intensity of 3-dimensional analysis of different
materials and enhanced materials in steel plate has been analyzed in
this paper. The test results show that this proposed three-dimensional
DIC method can precisely detect the crack variation of welded steel
plate under different loading stages. Especially, this proposed DIC
method can detect and identify the crack position and the other flaws
of the welded steel plate that the traditional test methods hardly detect
these kind phenomena. Therefore, this proposed three-dimensional
DIC method can apply to observe the mechanics phenomena of
composite materials subjected to loading and operating.
Abstract: Botanical gardens are very significant organizations
which protect the environment against the increasing environmental
problems, provide environmental education for people, offer
recreation possibilities, etc. This article describes botanical gardens
and their functions. The most important function of botanical garden
is to provide environmental education for people and improve
environmental awareness. Considering this function, some botanical
gardens were examined and opinions were suggested about the
subject.
Abstract: A Multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) two-phase model was developed with the aim to simulate
the in-core coolant circuit of a pressurized heavy water reactor
(PHWR) of a commercial nuclear power plant (NPP). Due to the
fact that this PHWR is a Reactor Pressure Vessel type (RPV),
three-dimensional (3D) detailed modelling of the large reservoirs of
the RPV (the upper and lower plenums and the downcomer) were
coupled with an in-house finite volume one-dimensional (1D) code
in order to model the 451 coolant channels housing the nuclear fuel.
Regarding the 1D code, suitable empirical correlations for taking into
account the in-channel distributed (friction losses) and concentrated
(spacer grids, inlet and outlet throttles) pressure losses were used.
A local power distribution at each one of the coolant channels
was also taken into account. The heat transfer between the coolant
and the surrounding moderator was accurately calculated using a
two-dimensional theoretical model. The implementation of subcooled
boiling and condensation models in the 1D code along with the use
of functions for representing the thermal and dynamic properties of
the coolant and moderator (heavy water) allow to have estimations
of the in-core steam generation under nominal flow conditions for a
generic fission power distribution. The in-core mass flow distribution
results for steady state nominal conditions are in agreement with the
expected from design, thus getting a first assessment of the coupled
1/3D model. Results for nominal condition were compared with
those obtained with a previous 1/3D single-phase model getting more
realistic temperature patterns, also allowing visualize low values of
void fraction inside the upper plenum. It must be mentioned that the
current results were obtained by imposing prescribed fission power
functions from literature. Therefore, results are showed with the aim
of point out the potentiality of the developed model.
Abstract: In this study, static and dynamic responses of a typical
reinforced concrete solid slab, designed to British Standard (BS 8110:
1997) and under self and live loadings for dance halls are reported.
Linear perturbation analysis using finite element method was
employed for modal, impulse loading and frequency response
analyses of the slab under the aforementioned loading condition.
Results from the static and dynamic analyses, comprising of the slab
fundamental frequencies and mode shapes, dynamic amplification
factor, maximum deflection, stress distributions among other
valuable outcomes are presented and discussed. These were gauged
with the limiting provisions in the design code with a view of
justifying valid optimization objective function for the structure that
can ensure both adequate strength and economical section for large
clear span slabs. This is necessary owing to the continued increase in
cost of erecting building structures and the squeeze on public finance
globally.
Abstract: The article includes the results and conclusions from
empirical researches that had been done. The research focuses on the
impact of investments made in small and medium-sized enterprises
financed from EU funds on the competitiveness of these companies.
The researches includes financial results in sales revenue and net
income, expenses, and many other new products/services on offer,
higher quality products and services, more modern methods of
production, innovation in management processes, increase in the
number of customers, increase in market share, increase in
profitability of production and provision of services. The main
conclusions are that, companies with direct investments under this
measure shall apply the modern methods of production. The
consequence of this is to increase the quality of our products and
services. Furthermore, both small and medium-sized enterprises have
introduced new products and services. Investments were carried out,
thus enabling better work organization in enterprises. Entrepreneurs
would guarantee higher quality of service, which would result in
better relationships with their customers, what is more, noting the rise
in number of clients. More than half of the companies indicated that
the investments contributed to the increase in market share. Same
thing as for market reach and brand recognition of particular
company. An interesting finding is that, investments in small
enterprises were more effective than medium-sized enterprises.
Abstract: This investigation is focused on using of Mon dance
in Pathum Thani Province’s tradition and has the following
objectives: 1) to study the background of Mon dance in Pathum
Thani Province; 2) to study Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province;
and 3) to study of using Mon dance in Pathum Thani province’s
tradition. This qualitative research was conducted in Pathum Thani
province (in the central of Thailand). Data was collected from
documentary study and field data by means of observation, interview,
and group discussion. Workshops were also held with a total of 100
attendees, comprised of 20 key informants, 40 casual informants and
40 general informants. Data was validated using the triangulation
technique and the findings are presented using the descriptive
analysis. The results of the study show that the historical background
of Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province initiated during the war
evacuation from Martaban (south of Burma) to settle down in Sam
Khok, Pathum Thani Province in Ayutthaya period to Rattanakosin.
The study found that Mon dance typically consists of 12-13 dancing
process. The melodies have 12-13 songs. Piphat Mon (Mon
traditional music ensemble) is used in the performance. Performers
are dressed in Mon traditional costumes. The performers are 6-12
women and depending on the employer’s demands. Length of the
performance varies from the duration of music orchestration. Rituals
and customs performed are paying homage to teachers before the
performance. The offerings are composed of flowers, incense sticks,
candles, money gifts which are well arranged on a tray with pedestal,
and also liquors, tobaccos and pure water for asking propitiousness.
For the use of Mon dance in Pathum Thani Province’s tradition, it is
found that the dance is commonly performed in the funeral
ceremonial tradition at present because the physical postures of the
performance are considered graceful and exquisite. In addition, as for
its value, it has long been believed since the ancient times that Mon
dance was a sacred thing considered as the dignity and glorification
especially for funeral ceremonies of priest or royal hierarchy classes.
However, Mon dance has continued to be used in the traditions
associated with Mon people activities in Pathum Thani Province for
instance customary welcome for honor guest and Songkran festival.