bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Wheelchair Stair Lift Using RFID Detection Method and Fuzzy-PI with PLC Ladder Control
Authors: Kantawong Songkran
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the development of wheelchair stair lift with an intelligent control system that aim to apply for helping the mobility of ageing, disabled and wheelchair people who are suffered from any inconvenience causes of building stair usages and also served for the fire stair evacuation path in the same time. The stair lift is controlled by PLC with the fuzzy proportional plus integral (F-PI) controller combined on their driver functions called as fuzzy ladder control which can generate an appropriate setting voltage and torque to maintain a target position and speed of stair lift when it move along the stair path with shorter time of accessing, travelling and dwelling process. To gain the precise value of target position and speed , the DC motor drive with smart steering gear box that are coupled on two stair guide rails is designed for acting easily as a linear moving control by F-PI controller. By several tests of the unknown characteristics of wheelchair users, the F-PI controller can solve this kind of problems with more efficiency because of the main advantage of fuzzy logic is that no mathematical model is required but can be achieved higher performance with the effective tuning parameters especially in an initial setting process. For more efficiency, the RFID detection method is applied to use for identifying and automatically accessing of wheelchair users who want to use this stair lift with some important data such as their name, age or weight as the prior knowledge data of the initial setting process. By applying the proposed system, performance has been improved by mathematical analysis, solid work simulation, matlab simulation and several tests at laboratory room and real building stair. The results are better than the conventional PI control with more accuracy, correctly, smoothly, stability and safety. Finally, the all system can work well as design concept and the future work will further improve the system performance both in mechanical and control part for more practical to use in any real stair usage.
Energy Analysis in Zigbee Based Wireless Sensor Node Powered by Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Isarakorn Don , Sudhawiyangkul Thapanun , Nundrakwang Songmoung
Published: May 2014

Recently, an integration of wireless sensor network with energy harvesters is getting more interested because it can extend the life time of battery in a sensor node, which is very important in many applications. This paper presents the concept of energy analysis in Zigbee based wireless sensor network, which is powered by a piezoelectric energy harvester to optimize the algorithms used in wireless sensor network. In this work, difference aspects related to piezoelectric energy harvester, characteristic of power consumption in Zigbee based wireless sensor node and concept of optimizing algorithms to balance input and output power in the integrated system are proposed. Keywords: energy harvesting, piezoelectric transducer, Zigbee based wireless sensor network
Development of Automatic Copper Wire Locating System for HDD Manufacturing Process: Image Processing Part
Authors: Wannapop Rangsan , Jearsiripongkul Thira , Songsee Thanathum
Published: May 2014

This research presents the result of study and development of image processing program to monitor the copper wire placement process prior to the autonomous soldering process. The program has been developed using Visual Studio C++6.0 with Open CV, which is software that is on the command image processing. The experiment has 3 parameters to consider, focal length of camera, color of lighting and lighting control the pieces. The experiment shows the result that control ambient light improve the image processing output. Using focal length of 100 mm gives error of less using focal length of 130 mm. The light illuminated color affects the reflection, red-light gives low reflect, compare to white-light. The image processing using this setup can detect soldering point up to 98.5 % and 92.5 % of copper wire is detected. The setup using white-light cannot detect soldering coordinates, and able to detect copper wire only 42.5%. To control the ambient light, the focal length of 100 mm, and the red illuminating suited for the image processing system of the autonomous soldering and copper wire placement.
Classification of Tourism Web with Modified Naïve Bayes Algorithm
Authors: Panawong Naruepon , Snae Namahoot Chakkrit , Brückner Michael
Published: May 2014

In this paper we report results of a research aimed at classification Web contents on tourism with a modified Naïve Bayes algorithm. We used Web pages relating touristic information about Thailand. An appropriate light-weight tourism ontology with related terms was used to improve the results, which were categorized into six categories (attractions, accommodation, dining, local product markets, One Tambon One Product (OTOP) shops, and events). The Naïve Bayes algorithm generates results for each category, but Web pages can contain diverse information about tourism spanning over groups. The initial Web classification system could not categorize 130 sites (27.40%) out of 475 tested pages, because those Web pages contain words from more than one category. Therefore, we modified the Naïve Bayes algorithm to improve the efficiency of Web classification, which was then tested with the help of F-Measure: the results show 100% for precision, 97.39% for recall, and 98.58% for F-measure.
Effect of ZrO2 Additive on Phase Composition of CaO-ZrO2-SiO2 Glaze
Authors: Traipanya Kamol , Watcharamaisakul Sukasem
Published: May 2014

The effect of ZrO2 content on phase composition of CaO-ZrO2-SiO2 glass system was investigated in the present research. CaO, ZrO2 and SiO2 were used to made frits. It was found that glass samples of high ZrO2 content contained wollastonite, pseudowollastonite and Ca2ZrSi4O12 as the major components of crystalline phase and samples of low ZrO2 content mainly included non-crystalline phase. The present results also confirmed that firing temperature and soaking time have influence on the phase transition of wollastonite. At high temperature, the wollastonite phase was changed to the pseudowollastonite phase which was verified by thermal analysis. Microstructure observations of glaze samples revealed the formation of crystals in different directions. The thermal expansion mismatch between glaze and body led to the development of microcracks.
Departure Prediction of Online Game Players
Authors: Savetratanakaree Kittipat , Sookhanaphibarn Kingkarn , Intakosum Sarun , Thawonmas Ruck , Chen Kuan Ta
Published: May 2014

Most business models of online game companies usually depend on sale of virtual items and the monthly subscription fees. The prediction of player departure could increase revenues by giving special promotions out to the players who are expected to unsubscribe or quit playing the game. This paper proposes a departure prediction approach by using a new feature called SLKdays and a game revisitation. The feature "SLKdays" is defined as "Staytime", which is the time each player spending in an online game, of the last k days, and a game revisitation is the playing frequency in the last month to predict the next month subscription. We explore our new feature "SLKdays" to determine the optimal number of k for the departure prediction. With our proposed feature, the accuracy of the departure prediction is high, 91.92%, and the precision and recall rate are 98.22% and 84.51%.
A Framework of Personalized Travelling Information Services for Thailand
Authors: Asavasuthirakul Duangduen , Harfield Antony , Kesorn Kraisak
Published: May 2014

Planning each comprehensive trip is regarded as a complicated and time-consuming task which includes the process starting from searching specific tourist information to planning an itinerary in unfamiliar areas. In response to the decision making challenges that tourists may encounter in planning a trip or discovering a destination, this paper proposes an integrated framework for a system supporting tourists in Thailand. The aim of the framework is to provide a service that considers data from a variety of sources, including static and social data, and then recommends points of interest (POI) and itineraries for POI, based on the requirements and interests of the user. The framework consists of three components: a personalized POI recommendation engine, an itinerary planner, and a mobile application. Together these form the foundation of a personalized travelling information system for Thailand. This paper outlines the basic framework and provides a discussion on the potential issues encountered.
Objects Centroid Correlation Using MATLAB's Neural Network Toolbox for Visually-Guided Object Manipulation
Authors: Wanchat Sujin , Plermkamon Supattra , Chetchotsak Danaipong
Published: May 2014

Since a pick-and-place task plays an important role in an automatic process, it normally requires machine vision to locate an object for grasping. This paper presents a practicable method used to visually guide an object grasping a group of small, 1.1 mm diameter, screws by using an inexpensive webcam with a resolution of 640 x 480. A basic feedforward neural network is utilized to make a fitting function which associates pixel coordinates of the camera to the physical coordinates of the robot while the method of linear least squares is used for comparison in parallel. The result from the feedforward neural network shows that fifty screws can be completely manipulated from a tray after their physical coordinates are loaded into the robot while the result from the method of linear least squares shows failure when picking two of the samples.
Synthesis, Characterization and Solar-Reflective Properties of Cr2O3-Based Green Pigment
Authors: Suwan Mantana , Sakchaikul Pantip , Yoriya Sorachon , Supothina Sitthisuntorn
Published: May 2014

Solar-reflective green pigment was synthesized from the starting powder consisting of chromium oxide (Cr2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and vanadium oxide (V2O5) by high-speed, wet milling at the speed of 300 rpm for 2 h followed by calcination at 1150 or 1200 °C for 0.5-5 h. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of reduced chromium oxide, Cr2O2.4, which is the major component, and rutile TiO2 phase of which its XRD peak intensities were intensified upon calcination as a result of phase transformation from amorphous portion in the starting TiO2. Microstructural analysis revealed significant particle growth after calcination at 1200 °C for 5 h due to Ostwald ripening. Highest near-infrared reflectance of 70.1% was obtained from the product calcined at 1150 °C for 0.5 h. Higher calcination temperature and/or extended period of calcination time led to a reduced reflection which is ascribed to an increased of particle size of the synthesized pigment.
MFFV3: An Improved Integer Factorization Algorithm to Increase Computation Speed
Authors: Somsuk Kritsanapong , Kasemvilas Sumonta
Published: May 2014

RSA, a public key cryptosystem, was proposed to protect the information in the insecure channel. The security of RSA relies on the difficulty of factoring the modulus which is the product of two large primes. We proposed Modified Fermat Factorization Version 2 (MFFV2) modified from Modified Fermat Factorization (MFF) to break RSA. The key of MFFV2 is to decrease the number of times of MFF for computing an integers square root. However, MFFV2 is still time-consuming to some extent due to computation time of the subtraction of two integers for all iterations. Thus, this paper aims to propose Modified Fermat Factorization Version 3 (MFFV3) to increase the computation speed when compared with MFFV2. For MFFV3, we can ignore computing the difference between two integers when we know that the subtractions result is certainly not a perfect square. Hence, we develop the Differences Least Significant Digit Table (DLSDT), the information table used to analyze the least significant digit of the subtractions result. Experimental results show that the computation time of MFFV3 for factoring the modulus is substantially reduced in comparison to MFF and MFFV2 respectively.
Evidence-Based Design Principles for Web Sites Advancing eHealth Literacy
Authors: Brückner Michael , Sivilai Sakesan , Snae Namahoot Chakkrit
Published: May 2014

This paper reports on a study on practical design principles for Web sites aiming at the support of personal Web-based health literacy among the general population, especially adults. The principles cover the construction, presentation and management of content relating such health literacy topics as healthy food intake and the value of exercising for different groups of population. The key proposition of this study is that the design of eHealth literacy information on the Web is a special case of e-learning with respect to content delivery and focus groups. We also see adults as the members of eHealth focus groups for which we need a learner-centered approach to delivering materials. Therefore, we study seven principles in some detail with the help of a user story and following published evidence gathered by experiments relating e-learning of adults: (1) multimedia enhanced content delivery of textual information, (2) contiguity or immediate vicinity, (3) modality, (4) redundancy, (5) coherence or lean presentation, (6) personalization, and (7) segmenting.
A Study on the Relationship between Search Engine Optimization Factors and Rank on Google Search Result Page
Authors: Nasomyont Tamrerk , Wisitpongphan Nawaporn
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, Google has taken a role as a major platform for the Internet search; its search algorithm has been changed periodically, hence being positioned on the first page of the Google search result has a tremendous impact on the online marketing strategy of the organization. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has been considered as one of the most effective strategies to place the webpage at the top rank of the search engine result. This paper presents the relationship between various SEO factors and the rank in the Search Engine Result Page. The results unravel the key SEO factors, e.g. Backlinks, Keyword, Site structure, that have high degree of relationship with rank in the search engine result page (SERPs).
Structure and Microstructure of Binary Nitride TiN Thin Films Deposited by DC Reactive Sputtering
Authors: Buranawong Adisorn , Witit-Anun Nirun , Chaiyakun Surasing
Published: May 2014

Titanium nitride (TiN) thin films were deposited on to unheated silicon (100) and stainless steel substrates by home-made direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering method at a deposition of 60 min in an Ar-N2 gas mixture. The effects of sputtering power on structure and microstructure of these films have been studied. The films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). The films colors were influenced by sputtering parameter which altered from green purple to light gold and dark gold, respectively. By XRD, the polycrystalline structure of the as-deposited films was face center cubic (fcc) of TiN structure with (111), (200), (220), and (311), planes. The increasing of sputtering power transformed film from amorphous phase to crystal phase with crystal size were enhanced from 21.9 nm to 39.8 nm. The AFM scans revealed that sputtering power significantly affected surface morphologies and thicknesses of the TiN films. With increase in sputtering power, the roughness and films thickness were increased from 0.5 nm to 25.1 nm and 331 nm to 1113 μm, respectively. The microstructure combined with cross-section analysis FE-SEM revealed that the grain refinement with columnar structure were obtained for the film deposited at sputtering power of 270 W.
Factors Affecting the Quality of MMORPG Online Games in Bangkok
Authors: Aimsupasit Permbun , Feungchan Witcha
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, Online gaming industry has been fast growing in Bangkok especially massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). As online games grow in importance as an electronic commerce application, game developers and publishers increasingly believe that understanding factors affecting the quality of MMORPG online games is critical to the success of online game industry. Nevertheless, scant attention is given to the empirical investigation of the influence of online gaming perceived MMORPG quality. As for the study of factors affecting the quality of MMORPG online games in Bangkok, the researchers had set the regulations of quantitative research as a survey research with a questionnaire as the tool for data collection, the study results could be useful for online game industry.
Feasibility of Using a Multistage Drying Method Including Infrared Heating, Tempering and Sun Drying for Wet Paddy
Authors: Duangkhamchan Wasan , Laohavanich Juckamas
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the practical multistage drying process of wet paddy with high moisture content in the range of 20 to 30%wet basis. The drying with infrared radiation was firstly used and followed by tempering and sun drying with variation of drying time for 2-6 min, 0-60 min and 180-300 min, respectively, in order to investigate their effects on milling qualities in terms of head rice yield and whiteness index. The response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction effect of variables. The results showed that the optimum drying time with infrared radiation should not be up to 6 minutes. When overlapping the contour graphs, the superimposed response surface plots showed the boundary conditions in which head rice yield and whiteness index of milled rice were approximately equal to those of reference rice. The testing condition was finally selected to verify the proposed method. The results of milling qualities, cooking properties and pasting properties of tested sample were found to be acceptable.
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction for Preparation Dietary Fiber from Cassava Pulp
Authors: Chirinang Pornariya , Oonsivilai Ratchadaporn , Kulrattanarak Thanawit
Published: May 2014

Dietary fiber is one of value added products from cassava pulp, byproduct of cassava starch industry. It could be produced by enzymatic digestion in which the optimal condition was studied. The three independent variables are heating temperature (°C) after adding α-amylase concentration (%v/v) and amyloglucosidase concentration (%v/v) regarding of two responses solid percentage yield and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the digested sample. The experimental design was based on central composite design. The highest solid percentage yield and NDF of cassava byproduct could get from enzymatic digestion condition at heating temperature at 90 °C, α-amylase concentration of 0.3 % (v/v), and amyloglucosidase concentration of 0.5 % (v/v). For ultrasound-assisted preparation was investigated at the optimum condition of enzymatic digestion. Ultrasound condition was control power of 140% and a frequency of 40 kHz for 15 min. The ultrasound was applied at pre-treatment condition (before adding α-amylase, PU) collocated with intermediate condition (before adding amyloglucosidase, IU) higher NDF yield than optimal condition at 18.78%. In addition, this ultrasound assisted technique give the highest solid percentage.
Effects of Water Circulation and Quantity on GABA Content and some Properties of Germinated Brown Rice
Authors: Pilawut Sirorat , Chinsuwan Winit
Published: May 2014

At germination stage, paddy rice seed produces phytochemicals that are essential for human health. One way of value added concept for rice production is to germinate paddy rice grain to increase nutritional quality before selling. Typical method of soaking paddy grain in stagnant water for 1 to 2 days has been employed for germination. Water flowing through rice grains instead of stagnant may increase its nutritional quality. The objective of this study was to compare 2 methods of grain watering, i.e. soaking in stagnant water and circulating water through grains, on gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and some other properties. The appropriate proportion of water used was also to be evaluated. The Khoa Dok Mali 105 rice variety was chosen for germination tests. The soaking and circulation methods were compared at 8 levels of water quantity i.e. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 times of paddy rice by weight. The results showed GABA content of paddy rice under circulation method was higher for all water quantities. The higher the amount of water, the higher the GABA content in both watering methods.
Modeling Keeping Quality of Pasteurized Milk
Authors: Lucknakhul Nawapol , Jindal Vinod , Jonglertjunya Woranart
Published: May 2014

The quality attributes of pasteurized milk such as total viable count (TVC), pH, conductivity and titratable acidity (TA) were determined during storage at 6, 15 and 25°C. The quality deterioration was indicated by an increase in initial TVC, conductivity and TA, and decrease in pH. The TVC increased from initial 103.6CFU/ml to about 106-107CFU/ml indicating spoilage of milk. The milk could be kept without spoilage for about 4, 1 and 0.35 day during storage at 6, 15 and 25°C, respectively. Changes in pH and TA could only be detected after TVC reached a level of about 106CFU/ml.). Results showed that both multiple regression and Gompertz models could be used for shelf-life prediction of pasteurized milk. However, the Gompertz model resulted in superior fitting to experimental data (r2= 0.98) compared to the multiple regression model (r2= 0.76).
Effects of Mixing Ratio between Eucalyptus Bark Charcoal and Cassava Starch on the Performance of a Charcoal Block Pressing Unit
Authors: Laloon Kittipong , Sudajan Somposh
Published: May 2014

The objective of this research was to study on charcoal block production from eucalyptus bark using screw press unit. The physical and thermal properties of charcoal and factors affecting the testing units performance, which were mixing ratios by weight of eucalyptus bark charcoal: cassava starch: water content (1: 0.10: 0.75, 1: 0.15: 0.75 and 1: 0.20: 0.75) and screw pressing speeds (90, 105, 120 and 135 rpm) were studied. The optimum of screw press unit was screw pressing speed of 120-135 rpm and a mixing ratio by weight of eucalyptus bark charcoal: cassava starch: water content of 1: 0.15: 0.75. The test result at the feed rate of 140 kg/hr indicated that the machine had a capacity of 119.71-121.95 kg/hr, specific energy consumption of 12.33-12.73 W-hr/kg, charcoal block bulk density of 467.55 to 468.88 kg/m3, charcoal strength of 152.58 to 153.60 kPa and heating value of 21.95 MJ/kg for charcoal block moisture content of 7.46 % (w.b.)
Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sugarcane Trash Relating to the Criteria Design of a Sugarcane Trash Chopping Machine
Authors: Khongthon Nirattisak , Sudajan Somposh
Published: May 2014

The physical and mechanical properties of sugarcane leaves were necessary for the design consideration of the relating storage, handling and processing equipment. The sugarcane trash at moisture contents of 23.40 and 73.91 % w.b. were used for this study. The mean length and unit weight of sugarcane trashes were 168.63 cm and 65.87 grams respectively. The average number of leaf of each sample was 4. The mean diameter of the thrash top, width and thickness increased with the increase of moisture from 23.40 and 73.91 % w.b.. The average leaf angles (β) relative to the horizontal plane of the first left leaf, second left leaf, first right leaf and second right leaf were 65.10, 73.36, 71.07 and 78.26 degrees for 73.91 % w.b., and 66.33, 73.50, 67.50 and 75.83 degrees for 23.40 % w.b. respectively. When the moisture content increased from 23.40 to 73.91% w.b., the static coefficient of friction increased from 0.30 to 0.43, 0.38 to 0.41, 0.30 to 0.37 and 0.54 to 0.66 for plywood, mild steel, galvanized iron and rubber plate respectively. The least static coefficient of friction occurred on the galvanized iron plate. The results from experimenting on mechanical properties showed that the maximum shearing force increased with the increase in moisture content from 23.40 to 73.91% w.b. respectively. The maximum shearing force was 360.15 and 457.32 N for moisture contents of 23.40 and 73.91% w.b.. The maximum tensile force decreased toward upper region of the leaf for both 23.40 and 73.91% w.b.. The results of this study would be useful for the design and optimization of the equipment associated with harvesting, threshing, chopping and processing.
Acid Hydrolysis from Corn Stover for Reducing Sugar
Authors: Satarn Jintara , Lamamorphanth Wimonporn , Kamwilaisak Khanita
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study is to extract the reducing sugar by acid hydrolysis of corn stover. The corn stover was hydrolyzed by using H2SO4at different concentrations (0-6%, v/v),reaction times (15-180 min) at temperature 122 C with ratio of 1 g of corn stover to 20 ml of H2SO4solution. The samples were analyzed the reducing sugar by HPLC. The optimal conditions of acid hydrolysis was at 1% H2SO4(v/v), 122 C for 60 min, which produced 24.96 g/L of reducing sugar. The hydrolysed sample composed of 12.4 g/L of xylose, 2.9 g/l of glucose and 3.2 g/L of arabinose. Also, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was analyzed the morphology of untreated and treated corn stover which showed the breakdown fibril of treated sample.
Sweet Pepper Seed Inspection Using Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Chupawa Prarin , Kanjanawanishkul Kiattisin
Published: May 2014

Since seeds are the foundation of agriculture and the Thai government plans to make Thailand an export hub of seeds under the Asean Economic Community (AEC) 2015, seed quality plays an important role in the seed production. Traditionally, physical attributes of seeds are inspected by human. However this method is very time-consuming and it highly relies on human skills and experience. Thus, in this paper, we focus on seed quality inspection of sweet pepper seeds using image processing techniques. Sweet peppers are very interesting since they have been one of the most important vegetable around the world and they have a variety of vitamins and nutrients. To identify defective sweet pepper seeds, two features used in our proposed algorithm are seed color and seed size. As shown in the results, percent accuracy of abnormal seed color and unaccepted seed size detection are 95.82% and 90.76%, respectively.
Identifying Optimum Parameter Setting for Layout Design via Experimental Design and Analysis
Authors: Vitayasak Srisatja , Pongcharoen Pupong
Published: May 2014

The performance of finding an optimal solution is always a crucial engineering research topic. Quality of solutions obtained depends on the algorithm and its parameter settings applied to solve a problem. Machine layout design (MLD) problem involves the arrangement of machines into shop floor area to optimise performance measures. This paper presents the use of the experimental design and analysis to investigate the optimal parameter setting of Genetic Algorithm (GA) for designing multiple-row machine layout with demand uncertainty aiming to minimise the total cost. The analysis on the results obtained from computational experiments suggested that the proposed algorithm with and without adopting the optimised parameter setting performed distinctively on each problem size. The best GA parameters for MLD problem under stochastic customer demand were statistically compared and reported.
Global Challenge Disaster Logistics Lessons Learned from the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand
Authors: Gruenwald Hermann
Published: May 2014

Natural and man-made disasters remain one of the global challenges in the future. This paper looks at the disaster logistics surrounding the Tsunami from 2004 which was caused by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean with a magnitude of Mw 9.19.3. In all 14 billion US $ in humanitarian aid were donated to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand The qualitative study uses grounded theory by Glaser and Strauss with in-depth interviews to analyze the lessons learned from this natural disaster response. The data was collected from ground zero to present day. It looks at all forms of disaster logistics from the private and government (military) sector to national Thai efforts and international disaster relieve efforts by a large number of Asian and European countries as well as the USA. What lessons are there to be learned both for disaster logistics policies as well as procedures and equipment needs and preventive measures and material and design requirements?
Potentials and Suggestions for the Development of High-Quality Beef Industry in Thailand
Authors: Ubalee Duenrung , Arunyanart Sirawadee , Sessomboon Weerapat
Published: May 2014

This study focuses on potentials for development of high-quality beef industry in Thailand by reviewing information from various sources such as articles and web pages, including interviewing beef processors. We describe a situation of beef in ASEAN countries, demonstrated a beef supply chain and situation of high-quality beef in Thailand. Potentials and suggestion for development of high-quality beef industry are presented. This study shows that Thailand has potential for development of high-quality beef industry for exporting to ASEAN countries. However, there are problems in the supply chain regarding cattle farming, and food quality and safety need to be improved.
A Genetic Algorithm for Minimizing Relocations at Container Yard in Container Terminal
Authors: Sriphrabu Phatchara , Sethanan Kanchana , Theerakulpisut Somnuk
Published: May 2014

This paper focuses on storage location assignment and exported container relocation in container yard of container terminal with the objective of minimizing the number of container lifting. On the lifting steps, the truck with yard crane should be chosen in order to deliver a container from container yard to container ship, and this action can reduce container ship's docking time and increase effectiveness in container terminal service. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) in container storage assignment and a heuristic for the container relocation determination are adopted. Also, the current practice including first-in-first-stored (FIFS) and simple relocation (SR) is used to compare the effectiveness of the GA and the proposed heuristic (RH). The experimental result presented that the proposed method is able to construct the effective solutions of storage location assignment of exported containers, and it reduces the number of relocations of exported container effectively.
Effect of Applied Pressure on the Separation of Succinate and Acetate in Dead-End Nanofiltration
Authors: Sribut Kitiya , Umpuch Chakkrit
Published: May 2014

The objective of this work is to study the removal of acetate from succinate in an aqueous solution by dead-end nanofiltration. The effect of applied pressure under 40, 50 and 60 psi on the separation between both solutes was investigated. Experiments with a HL4040FM membrane were evaluated using various synthetic solutions, i.e. single-solute solutions of potassium acetate and potassium succinate and mixed-solute solutions containing both solutes. In single-solute solution, the retentions of acetate and succinate salts increase with increasing in applied pressures. At each applied pressure the retention of acetate salt decreases with time while the retention of succinate salt declines to a constant. In mixed-solute solutions, in presence of succinate anion, the retention of acetate anion is significantly lower than those observed in single-solute solution even showing negative value. The lower retention of acetate can be well described by the facilitated transport of the monovalent anion due to pumping effect and electroneutrality in the presence of a divalent anion. It was expected that removal of acetate by-product from succinate solution with HL4040FM in dead end filtration was possible.
Dielectric Relaxation Process and Microwave Heating Mechanism in ε-Caprolactone as a Function of Frequency and Temperature
Authors: Kamaruddin Mohd Johari , Johari Anwar , Mat Ramli , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Mohd Setapar Siti Hamidah , Sulaiman Wan Rosli Wan , Ali Asmadi
Published: May 2014

Dielectric properties of materials play a significant role in design of microwave assisted processing system. This paper is focused on the dielectric properties of ε-caprolactone (ε-cap) which is the monomer for the biodegradable polymer, Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The dielectric properties of ε-cap were measured across a wide range of frequencies (0.1 GHz5.0 GHz) and temperatures (20-150oC). Then the measured dielectric properties data was modelled using Debye model in order to relate quantitatively the dielectric properties to microwave heating mechanisms. The analysis carried out gives a clear picture of interaction of ε-cap with microwave energy and its heating mechanism in microwave assisted polymerisation process. This study concluded that microwave heating mechanism of the ε-cap in the measured range may be dominated by the dipole reorientation.
Determination of Thermodynamic Parameters of Zinc (II) Adsorpton on Pulp Waste as Biosorbent
Authors: Sampranpiboon Panida , Charnkeitkong Pisit , Feng Xian She
Published: May 2014

Dried pulp waste, a manufactured solid waste by product was used as a biosorbent for the removal zinc (II) from aqueous solution. A series of experiments were conducted in a batch system to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters of the pulp waste for zinc (II) removal at an initial pH value of 6.0, ZnCl2 concentration of 50-200 ppm and temperature 30-50 °C. Thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°), evaluation of zinc (II) adsorption on pulp waste showed that the adsorption process under the selected conditions was spontaneous and endothermic nature for all concentration and temperature studied. The activation energy of zinc (II) adsorption (Ea) was determined using modified Arrhenius equation as 1.89, 3.76, 4.73 and 6.46 kJ/mol at different concentration 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm, respectively. The sticking probability (SP*) was also evaluated.
Toluene Degradation by Thermal Catalytic Oxidation over K-OMS-2 Catalysts
Authors: Boonruam Patiparn , Neramittagapong Sutasinee , Neramittagapong Arthit , Wantala Kitirote
Published: May 2014

The goal of this research was to synthesize two different catalysts, namely K-OMS-2 and MnOx. The K-OMS-2 was an octahedral manganese complex prepared by hydrothermal method, while manganese oxide (MnOx) was directly synthesized by precipitation method. Both catalysts were employed to decompose toluene, an organic solvent that is widely used in industries. The catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2-physorption. The surface areas of K-OMS-2 and MnOx were 83.50 and 20.04 m2/g, respectively. The precipitation route gave XRD patterns of γ-Mn2O3 structure, and a successful structure of an octahedral molecular sieve manganese oxide was obtained by the hydrothermal method. The toluene degradation was carried out in gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) range of 20,000-60,000 h-1 with toluene concentration of 7,700 ppmv. The higher GHSV over K-OMS-2 gave the lower contact time consequently resulting in the lower %toluene degradation, whereas the best GHSV over γ-Mn2O3 was suitable at 40,000 h-1. The complete oxidation temperature of toluene over K-OMS-2 occurred at 260 °C and was lower than the temperature by γ-Mn2O3 at 300 °C. The higher surface area of K-OMS-2 may not facilitate internal toluene diffusion to active K-OMS-2 sites because molecular toluene (5.6 Å) cannot migrate through its smaller pore diameter (4.6 Å); however, the fully oxidized K-OMS-2 can provide higher average oxidation state (AOS) and higher amount of lattice oxygen assisting toluene degradation compared to γ-Mn2O3. The full factorial design of experiment (DOE) exhibited a strong effect of temperature and catalyst types on toluene removal; in contrast gas hour space velocity (GHSV) exhibited no significant effect on %toluene removal even with increasing GHSV.
The Effects of Magnetic Properties of L10-FePt/Fe Based Exchange Coupled Composite Media on Switching Field
Authors: Tipcharoen Warunee , Kaewrawang Arkom , Siritaratiwat Apirat , Tonmitra Kittipong
Published: May 2014

The L10-FePt/Fe based exchange coupled composite (ECC) bilayer media is one candidate to extend the areal density of magnetic recording system and solve writability issue in trilemma. L10-FePt is the great high magnetic anisotropy material. Therefore, the magnetic parameters of this material such as magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant, Ku, saturation magnetization, Ms, and exchange coupling between a soft/hard interface, are important on magnetic material properties. In this work, the effects of magnetic parameters on magnetic properties of L10-FePt/Fe based ECC bilayer media are simulated by the object oriented micromagnetic framework based on Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The ECC bilayer media can reduce switching field, Hsw, of media lower than available writing head field. Hence, writability issues of high Ku media can be achieved. Reducing Hsw of ECC bilayer media obtains from lower Ku and higher Ms values. This work can achieve writing capability of a future magnetic recording system.
Characterization of Durian Seed Starch/PVOH Composite Hydrogel as a Potential Adsorbent for Removal of Hazardous Dyes
Authors: Pimpa W. , Pimpa C.
Published: May 2014

The intention of this study was to prepare the environment friendly durian seed starch/polyvinyl alcohol (DSS/PVOH) composite hydrogels modified by chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and to assess the adsorption potential of the DSS/PVOH composite hydrogels for the removal of the synthetic dyes from aqueous solution. The hydrogels were characterized by swelling behavior and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of DSS content and initial dye solution pH on the adsorption capacity was studied conducting batch experiment system. The DSS/PVOH composite hydrogels consisting 3% DSS has optimum adsorption capacity of 3.411 mg/g (for methylene blue under the condition of pH 7) and 3.274 mg/g (for acid orange 8 under the condition of pH 2.5) at 24 h of contact time. The adsorptions were well fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. It was indicated that the mechanism of removal predominant is effective for low dye concentrations, below 10 mg/l.
Dimethyl Ether Synthesis via Methanol Dehydration over BEA Zeolite from Bagasse Fly Ash with Zircronium- and Nickel-Ion Exchange
Authors: Pranee Watcharakorn , Assawasaengrat Pornsawan , Neramittagapong Arthit , Intarachit Sasitorn , Neramittagapong Sutasinee
Published: May 2014

The synthesis of dimethyl ether via methanol dehydration has been carried out over Beta zeolite (BEA) and ion-exchanged Beta zeolite from bagasse fly ash using hydrothermal method. The reactions were taken place in a fixed-bed reactor. The effects of nickel and zirconium ion-exchanged of BEA were investigated. Ni-BEA zeolite exhibited high methanol conversion rate and DME-resultant upon the reaction temperature from 200 to 225°C with equilibrium-limiting condition over 225°C; Furthermore, the Ni-BEA zeolite presented the best stable activity at 225°C over 1,200 minute. The Ni-BEA zeolite has also been interesting as a zeolite which suited to be one role importance to improve the properties for methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether.
Application of Using the Optical Strain Measuring Device in Material Testing and Tools and Dies Design
Authors: Sirivedin K.
Published: May 2014

Optical strain analysis system plays an important role in tools and dies design, particularly in the phase of die design and die tryout. The objective of this paper is to present the information of the application by using the optical strain measurement device in tools and dies design and material testing. Therefore, two cases in mechanical testing and one case of tools and dies design are demonstrated. The AutoGrid® Compact strain measuring device is applied for all cases. The determination of Forming Limit Diagram (FLD) by using tensile testing machine and U-bending test supported by the optical strain measuring technique is performed and illustrated. In this paper, the procedure of material testing is developed and applied from related literatures. The result obtained from several cases shows the powerful performance of using the strain measurement device for providing the strain information in each situation of forming material as required so that the engineer can tackle the problem and find the solution to improve the production processes in a short time.
Catalytic Wet-Air Oxidation of Aniline Removal from Synthetic Wastewater
Authors: Sriprom Pongsert , Assawasaengrat Pornsawan , Neramittagapong Arthit , Neramittagapong Sutasinee
Published: May 2014

Wet-air oxidation (WAO) and catalytic wet-air oxidation (CWAO) over CuO/Al2O3 and
NiO/Al2O3 catalysts for aniline removal were investigated. The oxidation reaction was carried out in
a 1000-ml high-pressure batch reactor. The temperatures of 160, 200 and 260C and the pressures of 5 and 10 bars were generally applied for 120 min. CuO/Al2O3 and NiO/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by impregnation method. It is found from the results that aniline was completely degraded
at these conditions. However, aniline was converted into other organic carbons which remained in the solution. So COD was found in the solution after the reaction. It is seen from the results that 56% of COD was removed by WAO at 200C and 10 bars for 120 min. The CWAO over CuO/Al2O3 catalyst showed higher COD removal (76%) than NiO/Al2O3 catalyst (60%). The types of metal oxide had an effect to the activity of COD removal; that is, CuO showed higher COD removal than NiO. The WAO and CWAO of COD removal in aniline solution were the first-order kinetic with the constant reaction rate and activation energy for CuO/Al2O3 of 0.234 s-1 and 11.772 kJ/mol, respectively.
Investigation of Dissimilar Joint between 356 and 7075 of Semi-Solid (SSM) Aluminum Alloy by Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Boonchouytan Worapong , Chatthong Jaknarin , Rawangwong Surasit , Romadorn Romadorn , Muangjunburee Prapas
Published: May 2014

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded butt joints of dissimilar aluminum alloy sheets between Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) 356 and 7075. The base metal of SSM 356 and 7075 was located on the advancing side and the retreating side, respectively. The cylindrical pin was used as the welding tool geometry. Friction stir welded using different tool rotation speed (710, 1000 and 1400 rpm) and welding speed (80, 112 and 160 mm/min). The result indicated that the maximum average tensile strength of 205.13 MPa was achieved for the joint produced at tool rotation speed 1000 rpm, welding speed 160 mm/min. In addition, the metallurgy and welding structures of combined two types aluminium showed more definite than the base metal.
Preparation and Characterization of Calcium Sources from Golden Apple Snail Shell for Naturally Based Biomaterials
Authors: Leelatawonchai Panu , Laonapakul Teerawat
Published: May 2014

The use of biogenic materials to produce naturally based biomaterials has been widely studied. In this study, heavy metal content, phase transformation and physical characterization of Golden Apple Snail shell were investigated for use as a calcium source in the production of naturally based biomaterials. In order to investigate phase transformation, Golden Apple Snail shell was calcined at 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C. Small amounts of As and Pb were found in raw Golden Apple Snail shell. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3, calcite) and calcium oxide (CaO) phases were observed in Golden Apple Snail shells after calcination at 600 °C and 800 °C. Fine white CaCO3 (calcite) and CaO powders were prepared after calcination of Golden Apple Snail shells. The CaCO3 (calcite phase) was completely transformed into a CaO phase at 800 °C. Phase transformation depended on calcination temperature and time.
Numerical Analysis of Material Temperature Distribution
Authors: Jani Muaffaq Achmad
Published: May 2014

The temperature of the surface of a material in a manufacturing process of plasma is very important information, while the results of measurements usually indicate the average temperature of the material. By using the method of numerical analysis, the distribution of temperature on the thickness of the material can be formulated using the heat conduction equation for material. Heat distribution that occurs is computed using a heat flux parameter input power, the heat transfer coefficient and surface area of the material. Simulations performed on the heat distribution PMMA and LiNbO3 crystal with thickness of 2 to 2.5 mm.
Influence of RBD Palm Olein on Hydraulic Pump Performance
Authors: Chanbua Weerapong , Pinsopon Unnat
Published: May 2014

At the present time, researchers try to find alternative fluids for being used as lubricants or hydraulic fluids that are biodegradable and environmental friendly. In this study, Refined-Bleached-Deodorized (RBD) palm olein was investigated whether it is such a potential candidate. RBD palm olein could be easily acquired since it is of the type used as cooking oil. The physical properties of both conventional hydraulic oil and RBD palm olein were tested and compared by an accredited laboratory. The performance of the hydraulic systems when using both fluids as working mediums were also tested and compared. The experimental results show that temperature significantly affected the performance of the hydraulic system when using conventional hydraulic oil, whereas the performance of the hydraulic system when using RBD palm olein barely changed with temperatures. At the temperatures below 60 °C, the RBD palm olein yielded less flow rate and less energy efficiency. However, for the temperatures above 60 °C, the RBD palm olein yielded slightly more flow rate and slightly more energy efficiency. It can be confirmed from this study that RBD palm olein can be used as an alternative hydraulic fluid.
Probabilistic Assessment of CO2 due to Concrete Repairs for Crack-Free Condition of Marine Concrete Structures
Authors: Petcherdchoo Aruz
Published: May 2014

An approach which combines the Latin Hypercube technique with Crank-Nicolson based finite difference approach is developed for probabilistic assessment of chloride diffusion in concrete structures with repairs. Two random variables, i.e., surface chloride and diffusion coefficient, are considered. Four repair strategies are proposed by varying the diffusion coefficient of repair concrete and the repair depth. A repair by cover replacement is applied at a critical time which the chloride content at a threshold depth reaches its critical value for concrete cracking. The critical time is defined as the repair time, which the CO2 due to repair concrete production and replacement processing occurs. By this method, the median of repair time and the probabilistic time-dependent CO2 can be assessed. The mean and the percentiles of cumulative total CO2 are compared.
Electrical Resistivity of Cement-Based Sensors under a Sustained Load
Authors: Loamrat Kraisit , Sappakittipakorn Manote , Sukontasukkul Piti
Published: May 2014

This research was to study the influence of a sustained load on the electrical resistivity of a cement-based sensor. The cement-based sensor in this study was made of cement paste having water to cement ratio of 0.4 with the addition of graphite powder at 2% and 4% by weight of cement and carbon fibers at 2% and 4% by volume. The sustained load was applied on the cement-based-sensor using a sustain machine to control a compressive force continually at 30% of its ultimate compressive strength for a period of 30 days. The test results showed that the sustained load induced a creep strain on the cement-based-sensor. The graphite incorporated cement-based sensor showed higher creep strain than the plain cement-based sensor while the carbon fiber cement-based sensor showed lesser. In addition, it was shown that the creep strains affect the electrical resistivity of the cement-based sensors.