Abstract: The quantitative determination of several trace
elements (Cr, As, Se, Cd, Hg, Pb) existing as inorganic impurities in
some oriental herb-products such as Lingzhi Mushroom capsules,
Philamin powder, etc using ICP-MS has been studied. Various
instrumental parameters such as power, gas flow rate, sample depth, as
well as the concentration of nitric acid and thick background due to
high concentration of possible interferences on the determination of
these above-mentioned elements was investigated and the optimum
working conditions of the sample measurement on ICP-MS
(Agilent-7500a) were reported. Appropriate isotope internal standards
were also used to improve the accuracy of mercury determination.
Optimal parameters for sampling digestion were also investigated. The
recovery of analytical procedure was examined by using a Certified
Reference Material (IAEA-CRM 359). The recommended procedure
was then applied for the quantitative determination of Cr, As, Se, Cd,
Hg, Pb in Lingzhi Mushroom capsule, and Philamine powder samples.
The reproducibility of sample measurement (average value between
94 and 102%) and the uncertainty of analytical data (less than 20%)
are acceptable.
Abstract: Exclusive breastfeeding is the feeding of a baby on no other milk apart from breast milk. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life is very important as it supports optimal growth and development during infancy and reduces the risk of obliterating diseases and problems. Moreover, it helps to reduce the incidence and/or severity of diarrhea, lower respiratory infection and urinary tract infection. In this paper, we make a survey of the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding and use two dispersed statistical models to analyze data. The models are the Generalized Poisson regression model and the Com-Poisson regression models.
Abstract: Many applications require surface modification and
micro-structuring of polymers. For these purposes is mainly used
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from excimer lamps or excimer lasers.
However, these sources have a decided disadvantage - degrading the
polymer deep inside due to relatively big radiation penetration depth
which may exceed 100 μm. In contrast, extreme ultraviolet (EUV)
radiation is absorbed in a layer approximately 100 nm thick only. In
this work, the radiation from a discharge-plasma EUV source (with
wavelength 46.9 nm) based on a capillary discharge driver is focused
with a spherical Si/Sc multilayer mirror for surface modification of
PMMA sample or thin gold layer (thickness about 40 nm). It was
found that the focused EUV laser beam is capable by one shot to
ablate PMMA or layer of gold, even if the focus is significantly
influenced by astigmatism.
Abstract: A long-term campaign for monitoring the
concentration of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) was conducted
at multiple sites located in the center and suburbs of the Tokyo
Metropolitan Area in Japan. The concentration of fine PM has shown a
declining trend over the last two decades. A positive matrix
factorization model elucidated that the contribution of combustion
sources was drastically reduced. In Japan, the regulations on vehicle
exhaust emissions were phased in and gradually tightened over the last
two decades, which has triggered a notable reduction in PM emissions
from automobiles and has contributed to the mitigation of the problem
of fine PM pollution.
Abstract: The desulfurization of coal using biological methods is an emerging technology. The biodesulfurization process uses the catalytic activity of chemolithotrophic acidpohiles in removing sulfur and pyrite from the coal. The present study was undertaken to examine the potential of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in removing the pyritic sulfur and iron from high iron and sulfur containing US coal. The experiment was undertaken in 10 L batch stirred tank reactor having 10% pulp density of coal. The reactor was operated under mesophilic conditions and aerobic conditions were maintained by sparging the air into the reactor. After 35 days of experiment, about 64% of pyrite and 21% of pyritic sulfur was removed from the coal. The findings of the present study indicate that the biodesulfurization process does have potential in treating the high pyrite and sulfur containing coal. A good mass balance was also obtained with net loss of about 5% showing its feasibility for large scale application.
Abstract: This paper presents a integer frequency offset (IFO)
estimation scheme for the 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) downlink
system. Firstly, the conventional joint detection method for IFO and
sector cell index (CID) information is introduced. Secondly, an IFO
estimation without explicit sector CID information is proposed, which
can operate jointly with the proposed IFO estimation and reduce
the time delay in comparison with the conventional joint method.
Also, the proposed method is computationally efficient and has almost
similar performance in comparison with the conventional method over
the Pedestrian and Vehicular channel models.
Abstract: Petrol Fuel Station (PFS) has potential hazards to the
people, asset, environment and reputation of an operating company.
Fire hazards, static electricity air pollution evoked by aliphatic and
aromatic organic compounds are major causes of accident/incident
occurrence at fuel station. Activities such as carelessness,
maintenance, housekeeping, slips trips and falls, transportation
hazard, major and minor injuries, robbery and snake bites has a
potential to create unsafe conditions. The level of risk of these
hazards varies according to location and country. The emphasis on
safety considerations by the government is variable all around the
world. Developed countries safety records are much better as
compared to developing countries safety statistics. There is no
significant approach available to highlight the unsafe acts and unsafe
conditions during operation and maintenance of fuel station. Fuel
station is the most commonly available facilities that contain
flammable and hazardous materials. Due to continuous operation of
fuel station they pose various hazards to people, environment and
assets of an organization. To control these hazards, there is a need for
specific approach. PFS operation is unique as compared to other
businesses. For smooth operations it demands an involvement of
operating company, contractor and operator group. This study will
focus to address hazard contributing factors that have a potential to
make PFS operation risky. One year data collected, 902 activities
analyzed, comparisons were made to highlight significant
contributing factors. The study will provide help and assistance to
PFS outlet marketing companies to make their fuel station operation
safer. It will help health safety and environment (HSE) professionals
to arrest the gap available related to safety matters at PFS.
Abstract: Oxidative stress makes up common incidents in
eukaryotic metabolism. The presence of diverse components
disturbing the equilibrium during oxygen metabolism increases
oxidative damage unspecifically in living cells. Body´s own
ubiquinone (Q10) seems to be a promising drug in defending the
heightened appearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though, its
lipophilic properties require a new strategy in drug formulation to
overcome their low bioavailability. Consequently, the manufacture of
heterogeneous nanodispersions is in focus for medical applications.
The composition of conventional nanodispersions is made up of a
drug-consisting core and a surfactive agent, also named as surfactant.
Long-termed encapsulation of the surfactive components into tissues
might be the consequence of the use during medical therapeutics. The
potential of provoking side-effects is given by their nonbiodegradable
properties. Further improvements during fabrication
process use the incorporation of biodegradable components such as
modified γ-polyglutamic acid which decreases the potential of
prospective side-effects.
Abstract: Lactic acid alone and its combined application with
nisin were evaluated for reducing population of naturally occurring
microorganisms on chilled shrimp. Fresh shrimps were dipped in 0,
1.0% and 2.0% (v/v) lactic acid alone and their combined application
with 0.04 (g/L/kg) nisin solution for 10 min. Total plate counts of
aerobic bacteria (TPCs), Psychrotrophic counts, population of
Pseudomonas spp., H2S producing bacteria and Lactic acid bacteria
(LAB) on shrimps were determined during storage at 4 °C. The
results indicated that total plate counts were 2.91 and 2.63 log CFU/g
higher on untreated shrimps after 7 and 14 days of storage,
respectively, than on shrimps treated with 2.0% lactic acid combined
with 0.04 (g/L/kg) nisin. Both concentrations of lactic acid indicated
significant reduction on Pseudomonas counts during storage, while
2.0% lactic acid combined with nisin indicated the highest reduction.
In addition, H2S producing bacteria were more sensitive to high
concentration of lactic acid combined with nisin during storage.
Abstract: fifteen cultivars of Strawberries (Queen Eliza, Sequia,
Paros, Mcdonance, Selva, Chandler, Mrak, Ten beauty, Aliso, Pajero,
Kordestan, Camarosa, Blackmore, Gaviota and Fresno) were
investigated in 2011, under hydroponic system condition. Yield and
fruit Firmness was determinate. Chemical analyses of soluble solids
content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AA) and pH
were done. 4 cultivars (Aliso, Selva, Paros and Gaviota) yielded more
than 250 g/plant, while cultivar Black more, Fresno and Kordestan
produced less than 100g/plant. The amounts of fruit firmness
indicated that 'Camarosa' fruit was firmer than others cultivars.
Cultivar 'Fresno' had the highest pH (3.27). Ttitratable acidity varied
from 1.03g/l00g for cultivar 'Sequia' and 'Gaviota' to 1.48g/l00g for
cultivar 'Chandler'. Fresno, Kordestan, Aliso and Chandler showed
the highest soluble solid concentration. Ascorbic acid averaged for
most cultivars between 30.26 and 79.73 mg/100gf.w. Present results
showed that different cultivars of strawberry contain highly variable
in fruit quality.
Abstract: Nuclear energy sources have been widely used in the
past decades in order to power spacecraft subsystems. Nevertheless,
their use has attracted controversy because of the risk of harmful
material released into the atmosphere if an accident were to occur
during the launch phase of the mission, leading to the general
adoption of photovoltaic systems.
As compared to solar cells, wind turbines have a great advantage
on Mars, as they can continuously produce power both during dust
storms and at night-time: this paper focuses on the potential of a wind
energy conversion system (WECS) considering the atmospheric
conditions on Mars. Wind potential on Martian surface has been
estimated, as well as the average energy requirements of a Martian
probe or surface rover. Finally, the expected daily energy output of
the WECS has been computed on the basis of both the swept area of
the rotor and the equivalent wind speed at the landing site.
Abstract: This paper proposes a Particle Swarm Optimization
(PSO) based technique for the optimal allocation of Distributed
Generation (DG) units in the power systems. In this paper our aim is
to decide optimal number, type, size and location of DG units for
voltage profile improvement and power loss reduction in distribution
network. Two types of DGs are considered and the distribution load
flow is used to calculate exact loss. Load flow algorithm is combined
appropriately with PSO till access to acceptable results of this
operation. The suggested method is programmed under MATLAB
software. Test results indicate that PSO method can obtain better
results than the simple heuristic search method on the 30-bus and 33-
bus radial distribution systems. It can obtain maximum loss reduction
for each of two types of optimally placed multi-DGs. Moreover,
voltage profile improvement is achieved.
Abstract: The paper relates to a catalyst, comprising copperchromium
spinel, coated on carrier γ-Al2O3. The effect of preparation
conditions on the active component composition and activity
behavior of the catalysts is discussed. It was found that the activity of
carbon monoxide, DME, formaldehyde and methanol oxidation
reaches a maximum at an active component content of 20 – 30 wt. %.
Temperature calcination at 500oC seems to be optimal for the γ–
alumina supported CuO-Cr2O3 catalysts for CO, DME, formaldehyde
and methanol oxidation. A three months industrial experiment was
carried out to elucidate the changes in the catalyst composition
during industrial exploitation of the catalyst and the main reasons for
catalyst deactivation.
It was concluded that the CuO–Cr2O3/γ–alumina supported
catalysts have enhanced activity toward CO, DME, formaldehyde
and methanol oxidation and that these catalysts are suitable for
industrial application. The main reason for catalyst deactivation
seems to be the deposition of iron and molybdenum, coming from the
main reactor, on the active component surface.
Abstract: This study has investigated the antidiabetic and
antioxidant potential of Pseudovaria macrophylla bark extract on
streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. LCMSQTOF
and NMR experiments were done to determine the chemical
composition in the methanolic bark extract. For in vivo experiments,
the STZ (60 mg/kg/b.w, 15 min after 120 mg/kg/1 nicotinamide, i.p.)
induced diabetic rats were treated with methanolic extract of
Pseuduvaria macrophylla (200 and 400 mg/kg·bw) and
glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg) as positive control respectively.
Biochemical parameters were assayed in the blood samples of all
groups of rats. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant status
and plasma transforming growth factor βeta-1 (TGF-β1) were
evaluated. The histological study of the pancreas was examined and
its expression level of insulin was observed by
immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of glucose
transporters (GLUT 1, 2 and 4) were assessed in pancreas tissue by
western blot analysis. The outcomes of the study displayed that the
bark methanol extract of Pseuduvaria macrophylla has potentially
normalized the elevated blood glucose levels and improved serum
insulin and C-peptide levels with significant increase in the
antioxidant enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in the
level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, the extract has
markedly decreased the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines
and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Histopathology
analysis demonstrated that Pseuduvaria macrophylla has the
potential to protect the pancreas of diabetic rats against peroxidation
damage by downregulating oxidative stress and elevated
hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, the expression of insulin protein,
GLUT-1, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 in pancreatic cells was enhanced.
The findings of this study support the anti-diabetic claims of
Pseudovaria macrophylla bark.
Abstract: Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the
chemical changes in normoxic polyhydroxyethylacrylate gel
dosimeter (PHEA) induced by radiation. Irradiations in the low dose
region are performed and the polymerizations of PHEA gels are
monitored by the observing the changes of Raman shift intensity of
the carbon covalent bond of PHEA originated from both monomer
and the cross-linker. The variation in peak intensities with absorbed
dose was observed. As the dose increase, the peak intensities of
covalent bond of carbon in the polymer gels decrease. This point out
that the amount of absorbed dose affect the polymerization of
polymer gels. As the absorbed dose increase, the polymerizations
also increase. Results verify that PHEA gel dosimeters are sensitive
even in lower dose region.
Abstract: Abstract–The objectives of the current study are to determine the
prevalence, etiological agents, drug susceptibility pattern and plasmid
profile of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Hospital-Acquired
Infections (HAI) at Community Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi
Arabia. A total of 1890 patients had developed infection during
hospital admission and were included in the study. Among those who
developed nosocomial infections, 15(9.4), 10(2.7) and 118 (12.7) had
respiratory tract infection (RTI), blood stream infections (BSI) and
urinary tract (UTI) respectively. A total of 268 bacterial isolates were
isolated from nosocomial infection. S. aureus was reported in 23.5%
for of the total isolates followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), E.
coli (17.2%), P. aeruginosa (11.9%), coagulase negative
staphylococcus (9%), A. baumannii (7.1%), Enterobacter spp.
(3.4%), Citrobacter freundii (3%), Proteus mirabilis (2.6%), and
Proteus vulgaris and Enterococcous faecalis (0.7%). Isolated
organisms are multi-drug resistant, predominantly Gram-positive
pathogens with a high incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus,
extended spectrum beta lactamase and vancomycin resistant
enterococci organisms. The RFLP (Fragment Length Polymorphisms)
patterns of plasmid preparations from isolated A. baumannii isolates
had altered RFLP patterns, possibly due to the presence of plasmid(s).
Five A. baumannii isolates harbored plasmids all of which were not
less than 2.71kbp in molecular weight. Hence, it showed that the gene
coding for the isolates were located on the plasmid DNA while the
remaining isolates which have no plasmid might showed gene coding
for antibiotic resistance being located on chromosomal DNA.
Nosocomial infections represent a current problem in Community
Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. Problems associated with
SSI include infection with multidrug resistant pathogens which are
difficult to treat and are associated with increased mortality.
Abstract: The intention of this paper is, to help the user of evolutionary algorithms to adapt them easier to their problem at hand. For a lot of problems in the technical field it is not necessary to reach an optimum solution, but to reach a good solution in time. In many cases the solution is undetermined or there doesn-t exist a method to determine the solution. For these cases an evolutionary algorithm can be useful. This paper intents to give the user rules of thumb with which it is easier to decide if the problem is suitable for an evolutionary algorithm and how to design them.
Abstract: The main features of NPP-2006/MIR-1200 design are
described. Estimation of individual doses for population under
normal operation and accident conditions is performed for
Leningradskaya NPP – 2 as an example. The radiation effect on
population and environment doesn-t exceed the established
normative limit and is as low as reasonably achievable. NPP-
2006/MIR-1200 design meets all Russian and international
requirements for power units under construction.
Abstract: A cognitive collaborative reinforcement learning
algorithm (CCRL) that incorporates an advisor into the learning
process is developed to improve supervised learning. An autonomous
learner is enabled with a self awareness cognitive skill to decide
when to solicit instructions from the advisor. The learner can also
assess the value of advice, and accept or reject it. The method is
evaluated for robotic motion planning using simulation. Tests are
conducted for advisors with skill levels from expert to novice. The
CCRL algorithm and a combined method integrating its logic with
Clouse-s Introspection Approach, outperformed a base-line fully
autonomous learner, and demonstrated robust performance when
dealing with various advisor skill levels, learning to accept advice
received from an expert, while rejecting that of less skilled
collaborators. Although the CCRL algorithm is based on RL, it fits
other machine learning methods, since advisor-s actions are only
added to the outer layer.
Abstract: The recovery of metal values and safe disposal of
spent catalyst is gaining interest due to both its hazardous nature and
increased regulation associated with disposal methods. Prior to the
recovery of the valuable metals, removal of entrained deposits limit
the diffusion of lixiviate resulting in low recovery of metals must be
taken into consideration. Therefore, petroleum refinery spent catalyst
was subjected to acetone washing and roasting at 500oC. The treated
samples were investigated for metals bioleaching using
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in batch reactors and the leaching
efficiencies were compared. It was found out that acetone washed
spent catalysts results in better metal recovery compare to roasted
spent. About 83% Ni, 20% Al, 50% Mo and 73% V were leached
using the acetone washed spent catalyst. In both the cases, Ni, V and
Mo was high compared to Al.