Abstract: Data from 1731 Gentile di Puglia lambs, sired by 65 rams over a 5-year period were analyzed by a mixed model to estimate the variance components for heritability. The considered growth traits were: birth weight (BW), weight at 30 days of age (W30) and average daily gain from birth to 30 days of age (DG). Year of birth, sex of lamb, type of birth (single or twin), dam age at lambing and farm were significant sources of variation for all the considered growth traits. The average lamb weights were 3.85±0.16 kg at birth, 9.57±0.91 kg at 30 days of age and the average daily gain was 191±14 g. Estimates of heritability were 0.33±0.05, 0.41±0.06 and 0.16±0.05 respectively for the same traits. These values suggest there is a good opportunity to improve Gentile di Puglia lambs by selecting animals for growth traits.
Abstract: Irradiation is considered one of the most efficient technological processes for the reduction of microorganisms in food. It can be used to improve the safety of food products, and to extend their shelf lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation for improvement of saffron shelf life. Samples were treated with 0 (none irradiated), 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kGy of gamma irradiation and held for 2 months. The control and irradiated samples were underwent microbial analysis, chemical characteristics and sensory evaluation at 30 days intervals. Microbial analysis indicated that irradiation had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the reduction of microbial loads. There was no significant difference in sensory quality and chemical characteristics during storage in saffron.
Abstract: An attempt has been made to determine the strength
and impact properties of Cr-Mo steel weld and base materials by
varying the current during manual metal arc welding. Toughness over
a temperature range from -32 to 100°C of base, heat affected zone
(HAZ) and weld zones at three current settings are made. It is
observed that the deterioration in notch toughness at any zone with
the temperature decreases. The values of notch toughness for all
zones at -32°C are almost same for any current settings. The values
of notch toughness at HAZ area are higher than that of weld area due
to the coarsening of ferrite grain of HAZ occurs with higher heat
input. From microhardness and microstructure result, it can be
concluded that large inclusion content in weld deposit is the cause of
lower notch toughness value.
Abstract: Coarse and fine particulate matter were collected at a
residential area at Vashi, Navi Mumbai and the filter samples were
analysed for trace elements using PIXE technique. The trend of
particulate matter showed higher concentrations during winter than
the summer and monsoon concentration levels. High concentrations
of elements related to soil and sea salt were found in PM10 and
PM2.5. Also high levels of zinc and sulphur found in the particulates
of both the size fractions. EF analysis showed enrichment of Cu, Cr
and Mn only in the fine fraction suggesting their origin from
anthropogenic sources. The EF value was observed to be maximum
for As, Pb and Zn in the fine particulates. However, crustal derived
elements showed very low EF values indicating their origin from
soil. The PCA based multivariate studies identified soil, sea salt,
combustion and Se sources as common sources for coarse and
additionally an industrial source has also been identified for fine
particles.
Abstract: Tungsten trioxide has been prepared by using P-PTA
as a precursor on alumina substrates by spin coating method.
Palladium introduced on WO3 film via electrolysis deposition by
using palladium chloride as catalytic precursor. The catalytic
precursor was introduced on the series of films with different
morphologies. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and XPS were applied to analyze structure and
morphology of the fabricated thin films. Then we measured variation
of samples- electrical conductivity of pure and Pd added films in air
and diluted hydrogen. Addition of Pd resulted in a remarkable
improvement of the hydrogen sensing properties of WO3 by detection
of Hydrogen below 1% at room temperature. Also variation of the
electrical conductivity in the presence of diluted hydrogen revealed
that response of samples depends rather strongly on the palladium
configuration on the surface.
Abstract: A multivariable discontinuous feedback linearization approach is proposed to position control of an electrically driven fast robot manipulator. A desired performance is achieved by selecting a useful controller and suitable sampling rate and considering saturation for actuators. There is a high flexibility to apply the proposed control approach on different electrically driven manipulators. The control approach can guarantee the stability and satisfactory tracking performance. A PUMA 560 robot driven by geared permanent magnet dc motors is simulated. The simulation results show a desired performance for control system under technical specifications.
Abstract: Whereas in the third generation nuclear reactors,
dimensions of core and also the kind of coolant and enrichment
percent of fuel have significantly changed than the second
generation, therefore in this article the aim is based on a
comparative investigation between two same power reactors of
second and third generations, that the neutronic parameters of both
reactors such as: K∞, Keff and its details and thermal hydraulic
parameters such as: power density, specific power, volumetric heat
rate, released power per fuel volume unit, volume and mass of clad
and fuel (consisting fissile and fertile fuels), be calculated and
compared together. By this comparing the efficiency and
modification of third generation nuclear reactors than second
generation which have same power can be distinguished.
In order to calculate the cited parameters, some information
such as: core dimensions, the pitch of lattice, the fuel matter, the
percent of enrichment and the kind of coolant are used. For
calculating the neutronic parameters, a neutronic program entitled:
SIXFAC and also related formulas have been used. Meantime for
calculating the thermal hydraulic and other parameters, analytical
method and related formulas have been applied.
Abstract: This present paper proposes the modified Elastic Strip
method for mobile robot to avoid obstacles with a real time system in
an uncertain environment. The method deals with the problem of
robot in driving from an initial position to a target position based on
elastic force and potential field force. To avoid the obstacles, the
robot has to modify the trajectory based on signal received from the
sensor system in the sampling times. It was evident that with the
combination of Modification Elastic strip and Pseudomedian filter to
process the nonlinear data from sensor uncertainties in the data
received from the sensor system can be reduced. The simulations and
experiments of these methods were carried out.
Abstract: Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking is part of
the Inter Planetary Internet with primary application being Deep
Space Networks. Its Terrestrial form has interesting research
applications such as Alagappa University Delay Tolerant Water
Monitoring Network which doubles as test beds for improvising its
routing scheme. DTNs depend on node mobility to deliver packets
using a store-carry-and forward paradigm. Throwboxes are small and
inexpensive stationary devices equipped with wireless interfaces and
storage. We propose the use of Throwboxes to enhance the contact
opportunities of the nodes and hence improve the Throughput. The
enhancement is evaluated using Alunivdtnsim, a desktop simulator in
C language and the results are graphically presented.
Abstract: The contents of nitrates and nitrites were monitored in
15 ground water resources of a selected region earmarked for the
emergency supply of population. The resources have been selected on
the basis of previous assessment of natural conditions and the
exploitation of territory in the infiltration area as well as the
surroundings of water resources. The health risk analysis carried out
in relation to nitrates and nitrites, which were found to be the most
serious water contaminants, proved, that 14 resources met the health
standards in relation to the assessed criterion and could be included in
crisis plans. Water quality of ground resources may be assessed in the
same way with regard to other contaminants.
Abstract: Cerium-doped lanthanum bromide LaBr3:Ce(5%)
crystals are considered to be one of the most advanced scintillator
materials used in PET scanning, combining a high light yield, fast
decay time and excellent energy resolution. Apart from the correct
choice of scintillator, it is also important to optimise the detector
geometry, not least in terms of source-to-detector distance in order to
obtain reliable measurements and efficiency. In this study a
commercially available 25 mm x 25 mm BrilLanCeTM 380 LaBr3: Ce
(5%) detector was characterised in terms of its efficiency at varying
source-to-detector distances. Gamma-ray spectra of 22Na, 60Co, and
137Cs were separately acquired at distances of 5, 10, 15, and 20cm. As
a result of the change in solid angle subtended by the detector, the
geometric efficiency reduced in efficiency with increasing distance.
High efficiencies at low distances can cause pulse pile-up when
subsequent photons are detected before previously detected events
have decayed. To reduce this systematic error the source-to-detector
distance should be balanced between efficiency and pulse pile-up
suppression as otherwise pile-up corrections would need to be
necessary at short distances. In addition to the experimental
measurements Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out for the
same setup, allowing a comparison of results. The advantages and
disadvantages of each approach have been highlighted.
Abstract: Larval survey was carried out in 6 localities in the
urban areas (Putrajaya) and suburban areas (Kuala Selangor) from
January until December 2010. A total of 520 representative
households in 6 localities were selected. Breeding habitats were
sampled outdoors in the surroundings of housing areas. The study
indicated that the most predominant species found in both areas was
Aedes albopictus with the gardening utensil as a preferred breeding
microhabitat for Putrajaya, in contrast to the artificial containers for
Kuala Selangor. From a total of 1083 mosquito larvae species, 984
were Aedes albopictus larvae, 67 positive larvae of Aedes aegypti
and 32 of Culex larvae. Aedes Index and Container Index were
elevated in Putrajaya with 13% and 11% respectively which is higher
than the standard given by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This
results implicating dengue-sensitive skewed to the urban areas.
Breteau Index result also above the standard in both study locations.
Abstract: The selection of parents and breeding strategies for
the successful maize hybrid production will be facilitated by
heterotic groupings of parental lines and determination of combining
abilities of them. Fourteen maize inbred lines, used in maize breeding
programs in Iran, were crossed in a diallel mating design. The 91 F1
hybrids and the 14 parental lines were studied during two years at
four locations of Iran for investigation of combining ability of
gentypes for grain yield and to determine heterotic patterns among
germplasm sources, using both, the Griffing-s method and the biplot
approach for diallel analysis. The graphical representation offered by
biplot analysis allowed a rapid and effective overview of general
combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA)
effects of the inbred lines, their performance in crosses, as well as
grouping patterns of similar genotypes. GCA and SCA effects were
significant for grain yield (GY). Based on significant positive GCA
effects, the lines derived from LSC could be used as parent in crosses
to increase GY. The maximum best- parent heterosis values and
highest SCA effects resulted from crosses B73 × MO17 and A679 ×
MO17 for GY. The best heterotic patterns were LSC × RYD, which
would be potentially useful in maize breeding programs to obtain
high-yielding hybrids in the same climate of Iran.
Abstract: The aim of current study was to investigate the
changes in the quality parameters of Holstein bull semen during the
heat stress and the effect of feeding a source of omega-3 fatty acids
in this period. Samples were obtained from 19 Holstein bulls during
the expected time of heat stress in Iran (June to September 2009).
Control group (n=10) were fed a standard concentrate feed while
treatment group (n=9) had this feed top dressed with 100 g of an
omega-3 enriched nutriceutical. Semen quality was assessed on
ejaculates collected after 1, 5, 9 and 12 weeks of supplementation.
Computer-assisted assessment of sperm motility, viability (eosinnigrosin)
and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) were conducted.
Heat stress affected sperm quality parameters by week 5 and 9
(p
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the effect of the initial
sample size on the performance of a sequential approach that used
in selecting a good enough simulated system, when the number
of alternatives is very large. We implement a sequential approach
on M=M=1 queuing system under some parameter settings, with a
different choice of the initial sample sizes to explore the impacts on
the performance of this approach. The results show that the choice
of the initial sample size does affect the performance of our selection
approach.
Abstract: Image Searching was always a problem specially when these images are not properly managed or these are distributed over different locations. Currently different techniques are used for image search. On one end, more features of the image are captured and stored to get better results. Storing and management of such features is itself a time consuming job. While on the other extreme if fewer features are stored the accuracy rate is not satisfactory. Same image stored with different visual properties can further reduce the rate of accuracy. In this paper we present a new concept of using polynomials of sorted histogram of the image. This approach need less overhead and can cope with the difference in visual features of image.
Abstract: The past decade has witnessed a good opportunities
for city development schemes in UK. The government encouraged
restoration of city centers to comprise mixed use developments with
high density residential apartments. Investments in regeneration areas
were doing well according to the analyses of Property Databank
(IPD). However, more recent analysis by IPD has shown that since
2007, property in regeneration areas has been more vulnerable to the
market downturn than other types of investment property. The early
stages of a property market downturn may be felt most in
regeneration where funding, investor confidence and occupier
demand would dissipate because the sector was considered more
marginal or risky when development costs rise. Moreover, the Bank
of England survey shows that lenders have sequentially tightened the
availability of credit for commercial real estate since mid-2007. A
sharp reduction in the willingness of banks to lend on commercial
property was recorded. The credit crunch has already affected
commercial property but its impact has been particularly severe in
certain kinds of properties where residential developments are
extremely difficult, in particular city centre apartments and buy-to-let
markets. Commercial property – retail, industrial leisure and mixed
use were also pressed, in Birmingham; tens of mixed use plots were
built to replace old factories in the heart of the city. The purpose of
these developments was to enable young professionals to work and
live in same place. Thousands of people lost their jobs during the
recession, moreover lending was more difficult and the future of
many developments is unknown. The recession casts its shadow upon
the society due to cuts in public spending by government, Inflation,
rising tuition fees and high rise in unemployment generated anger and
hatred was spreading among youth causing vandalism and riots in
many cities. Recent riots targeted many mixed used development in
the UK where banks, shops, restaurants and big stores were robbed
and set into fire leaving residents with horror and shock. This paper
examines the impact of the recession and riots on mixed use
development in UK.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a Perceptually Optimized Embedded ZeroTree Image Coder (POEZIC) that introduces a perceptual weighting to wavelet transform coefficients prior to control SPIHT encoding algorithm in order to reach a targeted bit rate with a perceptual quality improvement with respect to the coding quality obtained using the SPIHT algorithm only. The paper also, introduces a new objective quality metric based on a Psychovisual model that integrates the properties of the HVS that plays an important role in our POEZIC quality assessment. Our POEZIC coder is based on a vision model that incorporates various masking effects of human visual system HVS perception. Thus, our coder weights the wavelet coefficients based on that model and attempts to increase the perceptual quality for a given bit rate and observation distance. The perceptual weights for all wavelet subbands are computed based on 1) luminance masking and Contrast masking, 2) the contrast sensitivity function CSF to achieve the perceptual decomposition weighting, 3) the Wavelet Error Sensitivity WES used to reduce the perceptual quantization errors. The new perceptually optimized codec has the same complexity as the original SPIHT techniques. However, the experiments results show that our coder demonstrates very good performance in terms of quality measurement.
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the strategic stochastic air traffic flow management problem which seeks to balance airspace capacity and demand under weather disruptions. The goal is to reduce the need for myopic tactical decisions that do not account for probabilistic knowledge about the NAS near-future states. We present and discuss a scenario-based modeling approach based on a time-space stochastic process to depict weather disruption occurrences in the NAS. A solution framework is also proposed along with a distributed implementation aimed at overcoming scalability problems. Issues related to this implementation are also discussed.
Abstract: Dengue disease is an infectious vector-borne viral
disease that is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions,
especially in urban and semi-urban areas, around the world and
including Malaysia. There is no currently available vaccine or
chemotherapy for the prevention or treatment of dengue disease.
Therefore prevention and treatment of the disease depend on vector
surveillance and control measures. Disease risk mapping has been
recognized as an important tool in the prevention and control
strategies for diseases. The choice of statistical model used for
relative risk estimation is important as a good model will
subsequently produce a good disease risk map. Therefore, the aim of
this study is to estimate the relative risk for dengue disease based
initially on the most common statistic used in disease mapping called
Standardized Morbidity Ratio (SMR) and one of the earliest
applications of Bayesian methodology called Poisson-gamma model.
This paper begins by providing a review of the SMR method, which
we then apply to dengue data of Perak, Malaysia. We then fit an
extension of the SMR method, which is the Poisson-gamma model.
Both results are displayed and compared using graph, tables and
maps. Results of the analysis shows that the latter method gives a
better relative risk estimates compared with using the SMR. The
Poisson-gamma model has been demonstrated can overcome the
problem of SMR when there is no observed dengue cases in certain
regions. However, covariate adjustment in this model is difficult and
there is no possibility for allowing spatial correlation between risks in
adjacent areas. The drawbacks of this model have motivated many
researchers to propose other alternative methods for estimating the
risk.