Abstract: Active power filter continues to be a powerful tool to control harmonics in power systems thereby enhancing the power quality. This paper presents a fuzzy tuned PID controller based shunt active filter to diminish the harmonics caused by non linear loads like thyristor bridge rectifiers and imbalanced loads. Here Fuzzy controller provides the tuning of PID, based on firing of thyristor bridge rectifiers and variations in input rms current. The shunt APF system is implemented with three phase current controlled Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) and is connected at the point of common coupling for compensating the current harmonics by injecting equal but opposite filter currents. These controllers are capable of controlling dc-side capacitor voltage and estimating reference currents. Hysteresis Current Controller (HCC) is used to generate switching signals for the voltage source inverter. Simulation studies are carried out with non linear loads like thyristor bridge rectifier along with unbalanced loads and the results proved that the APF along with fuzzy tuned PID controller work flawlessly for different firing angles of non linear load.
Abstract: A novel robust audio watermarking scheme is
proposed in this paper. In the proposed scheme, the host audio signals
are segmented into frames. Two consecutive frames are assessed if
they are suitable to represent a watermark bit. If so, frequency
transform is performed on these two frames. The compressionexpansion
technique is adopted to generate distortion over the two
frames. The distortion is used to represent one watermark bit.
Psychoacoustic model is applied to calculate local auditory mask to
ensure that the distortion is not audible. The watermarking schemes
using mono and stereo audio signals are designed differently. The
correlation-based detection method is used to detect the distortion
and extract embedded watermark bits. The experimental results show
that the quality degradation caused by the embedded watermarks is
perceptually transparent and the proposed schemes are very robust
against different types of attacks.
Abstract: This paper presents the design of a low power second-order continuous-time sigma-delta modulator for low power
applications. The loop filter of this modulator has been implemented based on the nonlinear transconductance-capacitor (Gm-C) by employing current-mode technique. The nonlinear transconductance uses floating gate MOS (FG-MOS) transistors that operate in weak inversion region. The proposed modulator features low power consumption (
Abstract: Several recent studies have shown that the
transparency of financial reporting have a significant influence on investor-s decisions. Thus, regulation authorities and professional
organizations (IFAC) have emphasized the role of XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and interactive data as a means of
promoting transparency and monitoring corporate reporting. In this
context, this paper has as objective the analysis of interactive reporting through XBRL and its use as a support in the process of
taking decisions in corporate governance, namely the potential of interactive reports in XBRL to increase the transparency and
monitoring process of corporate governance.
Abstract: This paper attempts to investigate the factors that influence hotel managers- attitudes towards sustainable tourism practices (STP) in Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor in Malaysia. The study distributes 104 questionnaires to hotels ranging from one star to five-star categories including budget hotels. Out of this figure, 60 copies of the questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The finding revealed that of all the seven factors investigated, only the variables measuring incentives and knowledge have significantly influenced sustainable tourism practices in the country. Therefore, government and other green bodies within the country should continue to provide hotels with incentives for sound technologies. Moreover, the government agencies should continue to educate hoteliers on the relevance of environmental protection for the successful implementation of sustainable tourism practices.
Abstract: The typical coupled-tanks process that is TITO
plant has the difficulty in controller design because changing
of system dynamics and interacting of process. This paper
presents design methodology of auto-adjustable PI controller
using MRAC technique. The proposed method can adjust the
controller parameters in response to changes in plant and
disturbance real time by referring to the reference model that
specifies properties of the desired control system.
Abstract: The possible therapeutic effect of cannabidiol, the major non-psychotropic Cannabis constituent, was investigated against acute hepatotoxicity induced by a single oral dose of acetaminophen (500mg/kg) in mice. Cannabidiol (two intraperitoneal injections, 5mg/kg, each) was given 1 hour and 12 hours following acetaminophen administration. Acetaminophen administration caused significant elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase, and hepatic malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and a significant decrease in hepatic reduced glutathione. Cannabidiol significantly attenuated the deterioration in the measured biochemical parameters resulted from acetaminophen administration. Also, histopathological examination showed that cannabidiol markedly attenuated ameliorated acetaminophen-induced liver tissue damage. These results emphasize that cannabidiol represents a potential therapeutic option to protect against acetaminophen hepartotoxicity which is a common clinical problem.
Abstract: Climate change and environmental pressures are
major international issues nowadays. It is time when governments,
businesses and consumers have to respond through more
environmentally friendly and aware practices, products and policies.
This is the prime time to develop alternative sustainable construction
materials, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, look to
renewable energy sources and recycled materials, and reduce waste.
The utilization of waste materials (slag, fly ash, glass beads, plastic
and so on) in concrete manufacturing is significant due to its
engineering, financial, environmental and ecological benefits. Thus,
utilization of waste materials in concrete production is very much
helpful to reach the goal of the sustainable construction. Therefore,
this study intends to use glass beads in concrete production.
The paper reports on the performance of 9 different concrete
mixes containing different ratios of glass crushed to 5 mm - 20 mm
maximum size and glass marble of 20 mm size as coarse aggregate.
Ordinary Portland cement type 1 and fine sand less than 0.5 mm were
used to produce standard concrete cylinders. Compressive strength
tests were carried out on concrete specimens at various ages. Test
results indicated that the mix having the balanced ratio of glass beads
and round marbles possess maximum compressive strength which is
3889 psi, as glass beads perform better in bond formation but have
lower strength, on the other hand marbles are strong in themselves
but not good in bonding. These mixes were prepared following a
specific W/C and aggregate ratio; more strength can be expected to
achieve from different W/C, aggregate ratios, adding admixtures like
strength increasing agents, ASR inhibitor agents etc.
Abstract: There are a many of needs for the development of
SiC-based hydrogen sensor for harsh environment applications. We
fabricated and investigated Pd/Ta2O5/SiC-based hydrogen sensors
with MOS capacitor structure for high temperature process monitoring
and leak detection applications in such automotive, chemical and
petroleum industries as well as direct monitoring of combustion
processes. In this work, we used silicon carbide (SiC) as a substrate to
replace silicon which operating temperatures are limited to below
200°C. Tantalum oxide was investigated as dielectric layer which has
high permeability for hydrogen gas and high dielectric permittivity,
compared with silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. Then, electrical
response properties, such as I-V curve and dependence of capacitance
on hydrogen concentrations were analyzed in the temperature ranges
of room temperature to 500°C for performance evaluation of the
sensor.
Abstract: Manufacturing companies are facing a broad variety
of challenges caused by a dynamic production environment. To
succeed in such an environment, it is crucial to minimize the loss of
time required to trigger the adaptation process of a company-s
production structures. This paper presents an approach for the
continuous monitoring of production structures by neurologic
principles. It enhances classical monitoring concepts, which are
principally focused on reactive strategies, and enables companies to
act proactively. Thereby, strategic aspects regarding the
harmonization of certain life cycles are integrated into the decision
making process for triggering the reconfiguration process of the
production structure.
Abstract: This article explores the self-identity of the Kazakh
people by way of identifying the roots of self-understanding in
Kazakh culture. Unfortunately, Western methods of ethno
psychology cannot fully capture what is unique about identity in
Kazakh culture. Although Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in
terms of geographical space, Kazakh cultural identity is not wellknown
in the West. In this article we offer an account of the national
psychological features of the Kazakh people, in order to reveal the
spiritual, mental, ethical dimensions of modern Kazakhs. These
factors play a central role in the revival of forms of identity that are
central to the Kazakh people.
Abstract: This paper presents a method of reducing the feedback
delay time of DWA(Data Weighted Averaging) used in sigma-delta
modulators. The delay time reduction results from the elimination of
the latch at the quantizer output and also from the falling edge
operation. The designed sigma-delta modulator improves the timing
margin about 16%. The sub-circuits of sigma-delta modulator such as
SC(Switched Capacitor) integrator, 9-level quantizer, comparator, and
DWA are designed with the non-ideal characteristics taken into
account. The sigma-delta modulator has a maximum SNR (Signal to
Noise Ratio) of 84 dB or 13 bit resolution.
Abstract: As various mobile sensing technologies, remote
control and ubiquitous infrastructure are developing and expectations
on quality of life are increasing, a lot of researches and developments
on home network technologies and services are actively on going,
Until now, we have focused on how to provide users with high-level
home network services, while not many researches on home network
security for guaranteeing safety are progressing. So, in this paper, we
propose an access control model specific to home network that
provides various kinds of users with home network services up one-s
characteristics and features, and protects home network systems from
illegal/unnecessary accesses or intrusions.
Abstract: Implemented 5-bit 125-MS/s successive
approximation register (SAR) analog to digital converter (ADC) on
FPGA is presented in this paper.The design and modeling of a high
performance SAR analog to digital converter are based on monotonic
capacitor switching procedure algorithm .Spartan 3 FPGA is chosen
for implementing SAR analog to digital converter algorithm. SAR
VHDL program writes in Xilinx and modelsim uses for showing
results.
Abstract: Curing of paints by exposure to UV radiations is
emerging as one of the best film forming technique as an alternative
to traditional solvent borne oxidative and thermal curing coatings.
The composition and chemistry of UV curable coatings and role of
multifunctional and monofunctional monomers, oligomers, and
photoinitiators have been discussed. The limitations imposed by
thermodynamic equilibrium and tendency for acrylic double bond
polymerizations during synthesis of multifunctional acrylates have
been presented. Aim of present investigation was thus to explore the
reaction variables associated with synthesis of multifunctional
acrylates. Zirconium oxychloride was evaluated as catalyst against
regular acid functional catalyst. The catalyzed synthesis of glyceryl
acrylate and neopentyl glycol acrylate was conducted by variation of
following reaction parameters: two different reactant molar ratios-
1:4 and 1:6; catalyst usage in % by moles on polyol- 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5
and two different reaction temperatures- 45 and 75 0C. The reaction
was monitored by determination of acid value and hydroxy value at
regular intervals, besides TLC, HPLC, and FTIR analysis of
intermediates and products. On the basis of determination of reaction
progress over 1-60 hrs, the esterification reaction was observed to
follow 2nd order kinetics with rate constant varying from 1*10-4 to
7*10-4. The thermal and catalytic components of second order rate
constant and energy of activation were also determined. Uses of
these kinetic and thermodynamic parameters in design of reactor for
manufacture of multifunctional acrylate ester have been presented.
The synthesized multifunctional acrylates were used to formulate and
apply UV curable clear coat followed by determination of curing
characteristics and mechanical properties of cured film. The overall
curing rates less than 05 min. were easily attained indicating
economical viability of radiation curable system due to faster
production schedules
Abstract: With the advent of emerging personal computing paradigms such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, Web contents are becoming accessible from a wide range of mobile devices. Since these devices do not have the same rendering capabilities, Web contents need to be adapted for transparent access from a variety of client agents. Such content adaptation results in better rendering and faster delivery to the client device. Nevertheless, Web content adaptation sets new challenges for semantic markup. This paper presents an advanced components platform, called MorfeoSMC, enabling the development of mobility applications and services according to a channel model based on Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles. It then goes on to describe the potential for integration with the Semantic Web through a novel framework of external semantic annotation of mobile Web contents. The role of semantic annotation in this framework is to describe the contents of individual documents themselves, assuring the preservation of the semantics during the process of adapting content rendering, as well as to exploit these semantic annotations in a novel user profile-aware content adaptation process. Semantic Web content adaptation is a way of adding value to and facilitates repurposing of Web contents (enhanced browsing, Web Services location and access, etc).
Abstract: In this work we report on preliminary analysis of a novel optoelectronic gas sensor based on an optical fiber integrated with a tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) thin film. The sensitive materials are selectively deposited on the core region of a fiber tip by UV light induced deposition technique. A simple and cheap process which can be easily extended to different porphyrin derivatives. When the TPPS film on the fiber tip is exposed to acid and/or base vapors, dramatic changes occur in the aggregation structure of the dye molecules in the film, from J- to H-type, resulting in a profound modification of their corresponding reflectance spectra. From the achieved experimental results it is evident that the presence of intense and narrow band peaks in the reflected spectra could be monitored to detect hazardous vapors.
Abstract: Software reuse can be considered as the most realistic
and promising way to improve software engineering productivity and
quality. Automated assistance for software reuse involves the
representation, classification, retrieval and adaptation of components.
The representation and retrieval of components are important to
software reuse in Component-Based on Software Development
(CBSD). However, current industrial component models mainly focus
on the implement techniques and ignore the semantic information
about component, so it is difficult to retrieve the components that
satisfy user-s requirements. This paper presents a method of business
component retrieval based on specification matching to solve the
software reuse of enterprise information system. First, a business
component model oriented reuse is proposed. In our model, the
business data type is represented as sign data type based on XML,
which can express the variable business data type that can describe the
variety of business operations. Based on this model, we propose
specification match relationships in two levels: business operation
level and business component level. In business operation level, we
use input business data types, output business data types and the
taxonomy of business operations evaluate the similarity between
business operations. In the business component level, we propose five
specification matches between business components. To retrieval
reusable business components, we propose the measure of similarity
degrees to calculate the similarities between business components.
Finally, a business component retrieval command like SQL is
proposed to help user to retrieve approximate business components
from component repository.
Abstract: The paper is included within the framework of a
complex research program, which was initiated from the hypothesis
arguing on the existence of a correlation between pineal indolic and
peptide hormones and the somatic development rhythm, including
thus the epithalamium-epiphysis complex involvement. At birds,
pineal gland contains a circadian oscillator, playing a main role in the
temporal organization of the cerebral functions. The secretion of
pineal indolic hormones is characterized by a high endogenous
rhythmic alternation, modulated by the light/darkness (L/D)
succession and by temperature as well. The research has been carried
out using 100 chicken broilers - “Ross" commercial hybrid,
randomly allocated in two experimental batches: Lc batch, reared
under a 12L/12D lighting schedule and Lexp batch, which was photic
pinealectomised through continuous exposition to light (150 lux, 24
hours, 56 days). Chemical and physical features of the meat issued
from breast fillet and thighs muscles have been studied, determining
the dry matter, proteins, fat, collagen, salt content and pH value, as
well. Besides the variations of meat chemical composition in relation
with lighting schedule, other parameters have been studied: live
weight dynamics, feed intake and somatic development degree. The
achieved results became significant since chickens have 7 days of
age, some variations of the studied parameters being registered,
revealing that the pineal gland physiologic activity, in relation with
the lighting schedule, could be interpreted through the monitoring of
the somatic development technological parameters, usually studied
within the chicken broilers rearing aviculture practice.
Abstract: In this paper, half bridge DC-DC converters with
transformer isolation presented in the literature are analyzed for highcurrent
and low-voltage applications under the same operation
conditions, and compared in terms of losses and efficiency. The
conventional and improved half-bridge DC-DC converters are
simulated, and current and voltage waveforms are obtained for input
voltage Vdc=500V, output current IO=450A, output voltage VO=38V
and switching frequency fS=20kHz. IGBTs are used as power
semiconductor switches. The power losses of the semiconductor
devices are calculated from current and voltage waveforms. From
simulation results, it is seen that the capacitor switched half bridge
converter has the best efficiency value, and can be preferred at high
power and high frequency applications.