bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Wireless Power Transmission Systems in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy: An Overview
Authors: Basar Md , Ahmad Mohd , Cho Jongman , Ibrahim Fatimah
Published: June 2014

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a promising technology for direct diagnosis of the entire small bowel to detect lethal diseases, including cancer and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). To improve the quality of diagnosis, some vital specifications of WCE such as image resolution, frame rate and working time need to be improved. Additionally, future multi-functioning robotic capsule endoscopy (RCE) units may utilize advanced features such as active system control over capsule motion, drug delivery systems, semi-surgical tools and biopsy. However, the inclusion of the above advanced features demands additional power that make conventional power source methods impractical. In this regards, wireless power transmission (WPT) system has received attention among researchers to overcome this problem. Systematic reviews on techniques of using WPT for WCE are limited, especially when involving the recent technological advancements. This paper aims to fill that gap by providing a systematic review with emphasis on the aspects related to the amount of transmitted power, the power transmission efficiency, the system stability and patient safety. It is noted that, thus far the development of WPT system for this WCE application is still in initial stage and there is room for improvements, especially involving system efficiency, stability, and the patient safety aspects.
Les notions d'intégration et de fragmentation, approche géographique (Integration and fragmentation, a geographical approach)
Authors: Bret Bernard
Published: June 2014

L'Amérique latine est partagée entre un processus d'intégration et un processus de fragmentation territoriale. Alors que des efforts d'intégration ont été conduits à l'échelle nationale et le sont aujourd'hui dans des regroupements économiques internationaux (Alena, Mercosul), la mondialisation provoque une sélection entre les lieux et donc une fragmentation territoriale sensible à l'échelle régionale et à l'échelle locale.
Intégration pacifique et autonomie atlantique au Nicaragua (Integration and autonomy in Nicaragua, Pacific versus Atlantic)
Authors: Hardy Sébastien
Published: June 2014

L' Etat-nation nicaraguayen se révèle par de nombreux aspects, encore en construction. La difficile organisation de ses territoires s 'explique par les tensions qui traversent le Nicaragua, mais aussi de plus en plus l'isthme centraméricain. Les différences entre les territoires de la façade pacifique et ceux de la façade atlantique ne cessent ainsi de se renforcer, au détriment des populations amérindiennes. Elles interrogent aussi les capacités d'insertion du Nicaragua dans les recompositions territoriales en cours à l'échelle continentale.
Le risque dans la construction nationale équatorienne (The risk in the Ecuadorian national construction)
Authors: Sierra Alexis
Published: June 2014

Ecuador is knowing a political and regional significant division between its andeans areas and its costal areas. This analysis of the country 's national construction underlines the constant willing for getting through this division by using natural, military and financial threats. However, the allegation of these threats cover a strategy which supports the interests of the coastal areas actors. These ones establish, on the whole, the policy followed at the national scale.
Subsidiarité et développement durable: les risques de fragmentation du massif forestier amazonien (Subsidiarity principle and sustainable development: the risks of fragmentation of the Amazonian forest)
Authors: Broggio Céline , Droulers Martine
Published: June 2014

Deforestation has been pronounced in the South and East borders of Amazonia since the 1970s, when the integration of Amazonian basin with the rest of Brazilian territory policy took place. Since 1985, decentralization and subsidiarity principle, giving new spheres of intervention to federate states and cities in the administration of natural resources, create a risk of fragmentation of the forest center. Such issue finds its illustration in the Terra of Meio, in Para.
Mondialisation et territoires de la régulation au Chili et en Argentine (Globalisation and regulation territories in Chile and Argentina)
Authors: Velut Sébastien
Published: June 2014

Globalisation takes different forms in Chile and in Argentine. The early decisions of the Chilean military regime are opposing to the recent choices of Argentina. Whereas Chile appears as a winner, Argentine is going through difficulties. Those two countries evolutions entrance new regulation scales, nor national nor local. The regional level, but also transnational and international ones, are taking a more and more important role. Such emergence looks like an answer to uncertainties that globalisation brings.
Le réchauffement global : entre principe de précaution et rigueur scientifique ? (Global warming : between the principle of precaution and scientific rigour ?)
Authors: Vigneau Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2014

Le thème du réchauffement a récemment promu le climat parmi les problèmes majeurs auxquels la société est confrontée. Au-delà de la remise en cause d'une vulgate conquérante, il s 'agit de mener une réflexion sur l'élaboration des connaissances et le rôle du « scientifique ». Les besoins de la lutte contre la « dérive anthropique du climat » ont conduit à l'affirmation d'une géoscience dont les prétentions n 'ont d'égales que les incertitudes. Il s 'agit d'inscrire les faits dans une problématique réellement rigoureuse.
La territorialité de l'espace des camps des réfugiés sahraouis en Algérie (About territoriality in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria)
Authors: Dedenis Julien
Published: June 2014

Les camps de réfugiés sahraouis sont installés à l 'Ouest du grand Sud algérien depuis 1976 sur une surface aussi vaste qu'un département français. Cet espace de camps de réfugiés est aussi le siège de la République Arabe Sahraouie Démocratique (RASD) créée au début de l'exil. Ainsi, l'espace des camps est devenu le territoire d'un Etat exilé. Cette double nature géographique est questionnée d'une part au moyen de la grille de lecture proposée par G. Di Méo (1998) nommée «Formation socio-spatiale », et d'autre part, à travers les instances politiques et idéologiques de ce territoire d'un Etat réfugié.
L'humanitaire comme producteur de territoire. L'exemple du camp de Nkondo ouvert aux réfugiés angolais en R.D.C. (Humanitarian assistance as a mean of implementing a territory. The example of the angolan refugee camp of Nkondo in D.R.C.)
Authors: Tallio Virginie
Published: June 2014

Le camp de réfugiés est un espace créé dans l'urgence, dans un environnement « en construction », où la population est régie par des agences humanitaires. Un système socio-spatial est ainsi créé, qui se traduit aussi par l'appropriation de l'espace par les réfugiés et l'apparition de catégories identitaires liées à la mise en place de cet espace. L'installation des infrastructures nécessaires aux humanitaires pour gérer le camp organise l'espace en fonction des groupes sociaux en présence. Cette mise en territoire conduit également à une mise en catégorie de la population. Ce marquage territorial des agences humanitaires, par le biais de l 'espace mais aussi des identités en présence dans le camp, pose la question de l'apparition d'une nouvelle forme de pouvoir, particulière à ce type d'espace, une « bio-politique », pour reprendre les termes foucaldiens, et spécifique aux contingences humanitaires. Les résultats d'une enquête de terrain, réalisée dans le camp de réfugiés angolais de Nkondo, en République Démocratique du Congo (R.D. C), illustreront ces propos.
Vivre dans le camp, vivre ailleurs. Les Palestiniens réfugiés en Egypte et dans les Territoires palestiniens (Living inside or outside a camp. Palestinian refugees in Egypt and in the Palestinian territories)
Authors: Hanafi Sari
Published: June 2014

Parler des réfugiés palestiniens dans les pays arabes prend sens si l 'on distingue ceux qui habitent dans les camps et les autres. En Syrie, Jordanie, Liban mais aussi dans les Territoires palestiniens (Cisjordanie et bande de Gaza), les réfugiés ont été entassés dans des camps même si certains ont pu s 'en échapper. L 'Egypte est le seul pays arabe ayant refusé d'ouvrir des camps pour les Palestiniens qui, de ce fait, habitent principalement en ville. Cet article compare le statut légal et la situation socio-économique de deux communautés palestiniennes, l'une accueillie en Egypte et l'autre vivant dans des camps en Territoires palestiniens. Contrairement à l'opinion répandue qui soutient que la présence des camps est un facteur déterminant du maintien de l 'identité nationale des réfugiés dans le pays hôte, cet article démontre que la relation entre identité nationale et modalités d'installation est très faible. Vivre dans un camp crée une nouvelle identité qui relève davantage d'une identité urbaine que nationale.
Mémoire des lieux : les "camps" ouverts aux "harkis" dans le sud de la France (Places of memory : ''camps " of "harkis " in the south of France)
Authors: Kader Hamadi Abdel
Published: June 2014

The places which housed the "harkis" in France constitute a topic not yet much investigated. This article does not intend to draw a list of these places which were for most of them located in the south of France. Rather, it intends to analyse at different scales the spatial organization of this structure in order to understand and identify the various categories of places created following repatriation as well as their effects on the population. Therefore, the special types of spatial organization and administration are examined through two examples, the "cité d'accueil" of Astor at Bias and the "hameau forestier" of Pertuis.
The Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depression: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Janicak Philip G. , Carpenter Linda
Published: June 2014

Major depression is a leading cause of disease burden worldwide. Although various treatment approaches exist, including pharmacological (eg, antidepressant agents), psychotherapeutic (eg, cognitive-behavioral therapy), and neuromodulatory (eg, electroconvulsive therapy [ECT]), a substantial number of patients do not adequately benefit from or cannot tolerate these existing options. This has led to a re-emergence of other neurostimulation strategies, the best studied to date being transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This article reviews the rationale for TMS in treating depression with a brief description of the basic principles underlying magnetic stimulation; a discussion of its putative mechanism of action; and its recommended treatment parameters. We then focus on the evidence base to support its use as both a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depression. These data came from controlled trials comparing TMS to a sham procedure and naturalistic outcome studies for acute depression; studies directly comparing TMS to ECT for major depression; and open-label studies, retrospective analyses, naturalistic outcome studies, and case reports that consider the durability of TMS’ effect after acute response. The results of these studies have led to a growing use of TMS in clinical practice for treatment-resistant depression.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2014; 44(6):284–292.]
Integrative Review of Blogging: Implications for Nursing Education
Authors: Garrity Mary Kate , Jones Krista , VanderZwan Kathryn J. , de la Rocha Arlene Burla , Epstein Iris
Published: June 2014

This integrative review explores the question, “What is known about blogging as a pedagogical tool in nursing education?” The qualitative methods of this review are based in social constructivism and collaborative learning principles. Results of a literature search that used inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 15 articles, five of which were related to nursing. Deductive analysis was focused on capturing data under three broad themes that reflect collaborative learning principles with respect to blogging and microblogging. These themes include (a) learning occurs through dialogue and collaboration, (b) learning involves challenging opportunities that stimulate learner engagement, and (c) learning is a social process. Analysis indicates that blogging has the potential to enhance knowledge acquisition, provide stimulating learning opportunities, and recognize the social aspects of learning. However, further research is needed to fully understand the development, implementation, and evaluation of blogging on student knowledge acquisition in nursing education. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(7):395–401.]
Learning Opportunities in a Residential Aged Care Facility: The Role of Supported Placements for First-Year Nursing Students
Authors: Lea Emma , Marlow Annette , Bramble Marguerite , Andrews Sharon , Crisp Elaine , Eccleston Claire , Mason Ron , Robinson Andrew
Published: June 2014

The residential aged care sector is reportedly a less attractive career choice for nursing students than other sectors. Research shows that students are often fearful of working with residents with dementia when they are inadequately supported on clinical placements by aged care staff. Thirty first-year nursing students attended a 2-week placement in one of two Tasmanian aged care facilities as part of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre Teaching Aged Care Facilities Program, which aims to provide students with a quality aged care placement focusing on dementia palliation. Placement experience and dementia knowledge were evaluated through preplacement and postplacement questionnaires and weekly feedback meetings with mentors and students. Students had more positive attitudes related to aged care and higher dementia knowledge at the end of placement. Students described their interactions with residents with dementia and thought that the placement had increased their capacity to provide quality care to these residents. The findings indicate that residential aged care placements can be productive learning environments for novice nursing students. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(7):410–414.]
Networked Operations
Authors: de Waard E. J.
Published: June 2014

Decentralized, peer-to-peer command and control is a key principle of network-centric operations that has received a lot of scholarly attention. So far, robust networking, another principle, has remained rather underexposed in the academic debate. This chapter introduces theory on modular organizing to start a discourse on network robustness from an organizational design perspective. Above all, the chapter makes clear that the level of system decomposition influences the command and control process of composite military structures. When military organizations follow a fine-grained modularization approach, the structure of a task force deployed may become complex, asking for extra coordination mechanisms to achieve syntheses between the many contributing functional organizational components. In addition, it is argued that modularity's principle of near-decomposability has to be incorporated into the available mathematical models on network-centric operations. A point of concern, in this respect, is that the current modeling parameters make no clear distinction between the different types of actors—or nodes—in a military network structure, whereas in reality, technological, organizational, and human actors all live by their own specific rules.
Modelling Command and Control in Networks
Authors: Jensen E.
Published: June 2014

This chapter proposes an approach to modelling the functions of C2 performed over a network of geographically distributed entities. Any kind of command and control (C2) organisation, hierarchical, networked, or combinations thereof, can be represented with this approach. The chapter also discusses why a theory of C2 needs to be expressed in functions in order to support design and evaluation of C2 systems. The basic principle of how to model functions performed by network is borrowed from Cares' network model of warfare, which is also used to model the context in which C2 is performed. The approach requires that C2 is conceived of as fulfilling a set of necessary and sufficient functions. Brehmer proposes such a theoretical model that is at a sufficiently high level of abstraction to illustrate the suggested approach. More detailed models will be required, however, for the approach to be of practical use.
Dynamical Network Structures in Multi-Layered Networks
Authors: Janssen R. H. P. , Monsuur H. , van der Wal A. J.
Published: June 2014

In modeling military (inter)actions and cooperation as networks, military units or actors may be represented as nodes. In analyzing military networked action, a key observation is that a node is not just part of one type of network but simultaneously belongs to multiple networks. To model the dynamical behavior of actors, one has to take into account the interdependence of the different networks. In this chapter, the authors present a method that is used to implement, analyze, and evaluate some specific principles that may be used by the actors in an organization to drive the process of constant change. It can be used to analyze the effect of these principles on the metrics for coordination, synchronization, robustness, and desired operational effectiveness of the network as a whole. To demonstrate the approach, the authors apply it to networks in which two basic principles are operational: reciprocity and a novel principle called covering.
Research Progress of High Gravity Technology and its Application Prospect in Metallurgical Extraction Reaction
Authors: Du Yi , Ding Jia Man , Peng Jin Hui
Published: June 2014

High gravity technology is an efficient process intensification technology. Its applications in the chemical, materials and other industries have been relatively mature. The basic principles, characteristics and development of this technology are firstly summarized in this paper. And then, its basic theory researches and engineering applications are comprehensively analyzed. Finally, aiming at the liquid extraction problems in metallurgy industry, the application prospects and problems to be solved were put forward.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Injection Different Kinds of Water on Extra Low Permeability Reservoir
Authors: Chen Tao Ping , Su Xian Xi
Published: June 2014

The experiment study effect of injection different kinds of water on extra low permeability reservoir of Yushulin Oilfield. In the condition of actual temperature and pressure of the reservoir, through the experimental study the effect of injection different kinds of water on extra low permeability core. Experiments include injecting clean water, injecting clean water with scale inhibitor, injecting traditional treated sewage, injecting deep treated sewage, injecting deep treated sewage with scale inhibitor. The experimental results show that: Long term injecting clean water and clean water with scale inhibitor are harmless to core; Injecting traditional treated sewage, high content of oil and impurity bring injection pressure go up, the permeability of core down sharply; Injecting deep treated (aeration + flotation (PAC+PAM) + filtration + ultra filtration (FeCl3)) sewage must be added scale inhibitor, otherwise injection pressure continuously increase, permeability of the core continuously decrease, which seriously affect injection water.
Real Vehicle Test Research of Anti-Lock Based on Fuzzy Control Algorithm
Authors: Jin Li Qiang , He Gang , Liu Yue
Published: June 2014

To control the dynamic system, fuzzy control adopts the human brain intelligent reasoning methods, adheres to strict control rules. Compared with other ABS control method, it has good robustness, the characteristics of simple and practical, applicable to a variable and nonlinear ABS control system. In this paper, the fuzzy algorithm was used in ABS system of real car and tested at cold season, completed the ice road surface and the concrete road surface test. We have analyzed the test results in detail.
The Molecular Simulation Study of Optimum Blending Ratio for PVDF/PVC Membrane
Authors: Zhao Zhi Peng , Su Yue Feng , Li Mi Yi , Deng Wen Sheng
Published: June 2014

The PVDF/PVC blending membrane has a certain application in the field of sewage treatment. In this paper, the simulation study for the blending ratio of the PVDF/PVC membrane has been carried on, which has an influence on the membrane’s ability of sewage treatment. Firstly, the membrane models were constructed via Amorphous Cell module of MS (material studios) 6.0. Secondly, the optimization processes were achieved via Minimizer and MD (Molecular Dynamics) method of the Discover module. Lastly, the diffusion coefficientsDwas calculated indirectly through the Mean square displacement (MSD) getting from Forcite module and the solubility coefficientsSwas calculated indirectly through the adsorption isotherm getting from Sorption module. It was found that the membrane had a best ability of sewage treatment when the content of PVC was 5% (mass fraction). And the calculated result was well consistent with experiment result.
The Arrangement of the Content of Electromagnetics Experiment
Authors: Wang Xu Juan , Liu Cai Jun , Zhang Jie , Qiu Bao Song
Published: June 2014

In order to improve the ability of students in analyzing and solving problems, improve the experimental operation skills, improve physical experiment teaching must do a good job. In electromagnetism experiment, set up comprehensive, design experiments to cultivate students' comprehensive quality and innovation ability. The reform of traditional teaching methods, making up the defects of electromagnetics experiment.
Solubility of ZrO2 in Cryolite-Based Molten Salt System
Authors: Bao Morigen Gaowa , Wang Zhao Wen , Gao Bing Liang , Shi Zhong Ning , Hu Xian Wei , Yu Jiang Yu
Published: June 2014

Electrolysis of cryolite-based molten salt is an important method for Al-Zr alloy production. The dissolution of ZrO2 in the melts effects current efficiency and energy consumption of the production process of Al-Zr alloy, so it is most importance to study the solubility of ZrO2 in the melts. In this paper, the solubility of ZrO2 in the cryolite-based molten salt of different composition at different temperatures was measured by isothermal saturation method. It was found that ZrO2 content increased rapidly in the initial stage, but the increase rate was very slow after two hours, so it was thought that ZrO2 was nearly saturation after two hour-after dissolution. The solubility of ZrO2 in cryolite-based molten salt increased markedly when increased the temperature and addition of CaF2. The solubility of ZrO2 in 2.2NaF·AlF3-Al2O3-CaF2 molten salt is similar with solubility of ZrO2 in the 2.2NaF·AlF3-CaF2, it is reach 5.5wt%.
The Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of Commercial Pure Titanium
Authors: Wang Tong Bo , Li Bo Long , Li Mian , Li Ying Chao , Nie Zuo Ren
Published: June 2014

The high strain rate deformation behavior of as-annealed and as-cold rolled pure titanium was inspected by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The effect of deformation structure on adiabatic shear behavior in pure titanium was analyzed from the aspect of dynamic mechanical response and microstructural evolution. It was found that the strong {0001} basal texture was formed in as-cold rolled pure titanium. There were Geometrically Necessary Boundaries (GNBs) with spacing of 0.6μm and Incidental Dislocation Boundaries (IDBs) with size of 80nm in one grain. The enhancement of adiabatic shear sensitivity in as-cold rolled titanium was attributed to the deformation induced dislocation boundaries. The core of adiabatic shear band (ASB) was full of fine equiaxed grains with average size of 0.4μm, which was induced by dynamic recrystallization.
URSS/PVA/WP Composite Materials: Preparation and Performance
Authors: Wu Chuan Bao , Qiao Bo
Published: June 2014

A novel kind of environmentally friendly composite materials containing upper part of rice straw segments (URSS), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and waste paper (WP) were prepared by hot-pressing at 140°C for 10 min. The tensile strength, tensile elongation and hardness of composites were measured. Results showed that the tensile strength and the strength at tensile break of the composites first increased and then decreased with increasing PVA content. Tensile strength was higher than the strength at tensile break at different PVA contents, indicating that URSS/PVA/WP composite materials had certain toughness. Otherwise, URSS/PVA/WP composite materials had higher tensile strength than URSS/PVA composites. The tensile strengths of them were respectively 9.25 MPa and 3.9 MPa when prepared at PVA content of 40%. The hardness of composites lay between 90 and 96. Negligible difference exists in every composite.
Comparison of Endmill Tool Coating Performance during Machining of Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Palanisamy Suresh , Rahman Rashid R.A. , Brandt Milan , Sun S. , Dargusch M.S.
Published: June 2014

Titanium is a hard-to-machine material. An improvement in tool life via advanced tool coating materials can lead to higher productivity of titanium. In this study, a Grade 5 Ti workpiece was milled using a diamond-like carbon coated (ta-C) cutting tool and its performance compared with the standard TiAlN coated endmill. It was found that a ta-C coated tool experienced higher cutting forces than the TiAlN coated tool; however, it showed slower rate of tool wear indicating better tool life and the possibility of achieving higher metal removal rates. Hence, it was concluded that the ta-C coated cutting tool performed better than the standard TiAlN coated tool.
Tool Life Study of Coated/Uncoated Carbide Inserts during Turning of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Palanisamy Suresh , Rahman Rashid R.A. , Brandt Milan , Dargusch Matthew S.
Published: June 2014

For more than three decades, the machining industry has been employing coated tools to enhance productivity via improving tool life. Nonetheless, the problems associated with machining titanium alloys have been still prevalent. Advanced alloy materials such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are developed to combat these issues. In this study, the performance of a DLC coated tool is assessed and its tool wear mechanisms investigated. For the cutting conditions used during these trials, it has been identified that the DLC coated tool exhibited severe tool wear due to delamination and diffusion in comparison with the uncoated carbide tools. In conclusion, it is suggested that the performance of the DLC coated tools can be enhanced by applying alternate strategies to remove heat from the cutting region.
Effect of Catalyst Concentration on Performance of Hybrid CNT-Carbon Fibre Nanocomposite
Authors: Norazian I.S. , Suraya A.R. , Norhafizah A. , Amran T.M.T. , Alias N.
Published: June 2014

In this research, the CNT coating treatment process involves the growth of CNTs onto the surface of the carbon fibre by floating catalyst techniques using CVD. The amount of ferrocene concentration has been varied throughout this study. Different morphologies of structured CNTs through TEM instruments are discussed and the analysis study of the composition of the coated carbon fibres by the growth of CNTs using EDX is also explained. In the present study, various ferrocene concentration gives a greatest influenced to the structure of CNT growth on carbon fibre surface. Lower ferrocene concentration favoured the growth of CNTs meanwhile higher catalyst amount lead to catalyst poisoning effect which resulting lower tensile strength of the hybrid CNT-carbon fibre nanocomposite structure.
Characterization of Thermal Sprayed Titanium/Hydroxyapatite Composite Coating on Stainless Steel
Authors: Azhar Nurul Humaira , Talari Mahesh , Ramli Rosmamuhammadani , Koong Chue Keen
Published: June 2014

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in medical applications due to its superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Hydroxyapatite (HA), due to its similarity with teeth and bone material, is also widely used in clinical applications and orthopaedic implant manufacture. In this study, composite powers containing titanium with different wt % of HA were coated on stainless steel substrate using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray technique. These Ti+HA coatings were characterized using XRD technique to indentify phases present in the coating. Small amount of oxide phases were identified apart from the original Ti and HA in the coatings during XRD analysis. The microstructure analysis of the coating surface using FESEM and EDX revealed dense and homogeneous coatings along with few well distributed pores.
Effect of Sintering Temperature on Dielectric Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Prepared by Mechanochemical Process
Authors: Mohamed Masturah , Talari Mahesh , Deni Mohd Salleh Mohd , Zakaria Azlan
Published: June 2014

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) is well known to have colossal dielectric constant in the range of 105.It is widely accepted that this phenomenon may be attributed to internal layer barrier capacitance (IBLC) model. The dielectric properties of CCTO were reported to be strongly dependent on the processing conditions and grain size. In this work, CCTO samples with different grain sizes were produced by varying sintering temperature in order to investigate IBLC effect on dielectric properties of CCTO. The samples were sintered at four different temperatures, (T=1100°C, 1050°C, 1000°C and 950°C). Dielectric measurements were carried out for the samples in the frequency range of 102 – 106Hz using impedance spectrometer. Electron micrographs showed that increasing temperature promoted the grain growth of CCTO while sintering. The internal crystalline defects are seen to play major role by increasing the grain conductivity in dipole formation and increased the dielectric constant of the samples.
Analysis of Roughness and Heat Affected Zone of Steel Plates Obtained by Laser Cutting
Authors: Miraoui Imed , Boujelbene Mohamed , Bayraktar Emin
Published: June 2014

In the present study, high-power CO2 laser cutting of steel plates has been investigated and the effect of the input laser cutting parameters on the cut surface quality is analyzed. The average roughness of the cut surface of the specimens, produced by different laser beam diameter and laser power, were measured by using roughness tester. The scanning electron microscopy SEM is used to record possible metallurgical alterations on the cut edge. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of laser beam diameter and laser power on the cut surface roughness and on the heat affected zone width HAZ of steel plates obtained by CO2 laser cutting. An overall optimization was applied to find out the optimal cutting setting that would improve the cut surface quality. It was found that laser beam diameter has a negligible effect on surface roughness but laser power had major effect on roughness. The cut surface roughness decreases as laser power increases. Improved surface roughness can be obtained at higher laser power. Also, laser beam diameter and laser power had major effect on HAZ width. It increases as laser power increases.
The Influence of SS316L Foam Fabrication Parameter Using Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Mad Rosip N.I. , Ahmad Sufizar , Jamaluddin Khairur Rijal , Mat Nor F.
Published: June 2014

Metal foams are widely produced by using different techniques such as compaction and replication method. In this study, slurry method also known as replication method has been used to produce SS316L foams. SS316L powders (50wt% and 60wt%) were mixed with the binders and distilled water by using mechanical stirrer. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) were used as binders. Polyurethane (PU) foam was used as scaffold and dipped into SS316L slurry then dried in room temperature for 24 hours. Sintering process has been done in two different temperatures which were 1200°C and 1300°C in vacuum furnace. The morphological study was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The SEM micrograph showed that the cells were interconnected and the structures become denser as the sintering temperature increase. The average pores size is ranging from 252.8 μm-353.8 μm, while strut size ranging from 50.2 μm-79.9 μm based on SEM micrograph analysis. The elemental analysis from EDX showed the element presence in the SS316L foam remain from SS316L powder which are Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Molybdenum (Mo), Cooper (Cu), Nitrogen (N2), Sulphur (S) and Silicon (Si). Higher sintering temperature contributes better grain growth between particles where the point-contact between the particles expanded and disappear the small pores.
Effect of Process Parameters in Hot Press Forming Operation to Tensile Strength of Ultra High Strength Steel
Authors: Zawawi Mohd Zairulnizam , Nik Haron Nik Mohd Hafiz Aiman
Published: June 2014

The escalating issues on sustainable environment such as the necessity to reduce CO2 emission and fuel consumption including new regulations to improve the safety of passengers car had brought up the application of new innovative materials and manufacturing process in the automotive industry called hot press forming operation. By using this new technique, the manufacturers can produce more lightweight and high strength car parts such as the B-pillars with tensile strength ranging from 1200MPa to 1600MPa. Hot press forming is done by rapidly heating up Ultra High Strength Steels (UHSS) made of boron steel material in a furnace to austenization temperature of about 950°C for 5 minutes, then transferred it quickly to the hot press die where rapid quenching occurred during the die closed with the aid of cooling channel. This experiment investigates the effects of varying combination of hot press forming parameters to final tensile strength of boron steel and had been carried out without use of cooling channel. The studied parameters are the air cooling time, cooling rate, cooling time in die and stamping pressure. The type of boron steel material with trade name of Usibor® 1500 was used as the test specimens while for punch and die material, High Thermal Conductivity Tool Steel (HTCS-150) made by Rovalma was used. Both are common materials used in the automotive industry for hot press forming operation. A preliminary experiment had been conducted where ten flat tensile strength specimens of Usibor 1500 were heated to the austenization temperature of 950°C and immediately quenched in a tank of water to confirm the material ability to achieve the minimum tensile strength of 1500MPa. All specimens achieved average tensile strength of 1550MPa in this most ideal cooling rate condition. In the experimental hot press forming operation, result shows that the flat blank specimens of Usibor 1500 able to obtain ultimate tensile strength of 1400MPa after quenching in die without use of cooling channels when suitable process parameters were used during. Overall ,faster air cooling time, higher stamping pressure applied to the blank, and longer cooling time in die improve the cooling rate. Highest tensile strength of 1400MPa was achieved in the experiment when cooling rate was 95°C/s, air cooling time of 3.83s, stamping pressure of 50bar and cooling time in die of 30s.
Measurement of Liquid Film Thickness around Horizontal Tube Bundle by Optical Technique for Optimizing Evaporator Design and Manufacturing
Authors: Bourouni Karim , Taee Ali L.
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes the improvement of design and manufacturing of Falling Film Horizontal Tube Evaporators (FFHTE) through optimizing different parameters such as tubes pitch, tubes diameter and material and liquid film flow rate. These design and operational parameters have a significant influence on the hydrodynamic of the liquid film (eg: wetability of the tubes, scale deposition, heat transfer coefficient, etc.). Due to the complexity of the liquid film flow around the horizontal tube bundle, the experimental approach is preferred than modeling because it gives a better understanding of the phenomena occurring in the heat exchanger. In this paper one experiment was carried out to investigate liquid film flow around a single horizontal tube. A particular attention was taken for the measurement of liquid film thickness around the tube using a novel optical technique based on light reflection. The influence of the tubes pitch, tube diameter, height of the liquid distribution system and the liquid mass flow on the transitions between falling-film modes and film thickness is investigated and the results are compared to other data obtained from the literature. It was found that tubes wetability and heat transfer increased with increasing the vertical tube pitch. To account for fouling and heat transfer performance, a tube spacing value of 1.3 was recommended.
Study on Using EDXRF for the Determination of Gold Coating Thickness
Authors: Sulaiman Meor Yusoff Meor , Muslimin Masliana
Published: June 2014

The paper presents a study on the development of an analysis procedure for determining of gold coating thickness using the EDXRF technique. Gold coating thickness was measured by relating the counts under the Au Lα peak to its thickness value. In order to get a reasonably accurate result, a calibration graph was plotted using five gold-coated reference standards of different thicknesses. The calibration graph shows a straight line for thin coating measurement until 0.9μm. Beyond this point, the relationship was exponential and this may be resulted from the self-absorption effect. Quantitative analysis was then performed on three different samples namely two gold-coated jewelry samples and a phone connector sample. Result from the phone connector analysis seems to agree with the manufacturer’s gold coating value. Results from the analysis of gold-coated jewelry enable to differentiate the two articles as coated by using the gold wash and gold electroplated coating methods.
The Effect of Oxidized White Liquor on Pulp Brightness in Peroxide Bleaching in Pulp Mills
Authors: Khajornpaisan Nopdanai , Rojanarowan Napassavong
Published: June 2014

This paper aims to study the effect of using Oxidized White Liquor (OWL) on pulp brightness in peroxide bleaching. The proper setting of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the bleaching temperature, and the bleaching time was also studied. The Central Composite Design (CCD) was proposed to generate necessary experimental runs. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship equation. Optimization helped determine that to obtain the targeted brightness of 83%, the ratio between the volume of OWL and sodium hydroxide should be 50:50. This ratio should be used with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide at 6.9 g/kg, a bleaching temperature of 90 oC and a bleaching time of 75 minutes.
Evaluation of Mixed Cellulase-Amylase System on Enzymatic Hydrolysis Reaction Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Hamzah Fazlena , Saleh Nurul Husna , Alimin Nuratiqah , So’aib Mohamad Sufian
Published: June 2014

The ability of mixed enzyme (ɑ-amylase and cellulase) immobilized via cross-linking method with 3% of glutaraldehyde (GA) on polymeric membrane containing 20 wt% of polysulphone and 80 wt% of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to catalyze the complex structure (starch and cellulose) into glucose was investigated in this study. Central Composite Face Centered Design (CCFD) with alpha equal to 1 (ɑ=1) were used to evaluate the effects of pH, temperature, percent of enzyme dosage and percent of substrate concentration on enzymatic hydrolysis process. Maximum glucose concentration (g/L) was obtained at 50°C, pH 6.5, 3% of enzyme dosage and 3% of substrate concentration. The study indicated that only substrate and enzyme ratio play significant role (P < 0.1) in maximizing glucose production within pH, temperature, substrate and enzyme dosage range of pH5-8, 30-70°C, 1-5w/v%, and 1-5w/v% respectively. Kinetic enzyme using Lineweaver-Burk plotting suggested that Km and Vmax for the mixed enzyme in this process were 9.6 g/L and 0.3571 U/mg respectively.
Influence of Shear Rate on Proteins Separation, Molecular Weight Cut-Off and Average Pore Size of Polysulfone Blend Membranes
Authors: Ali Asmadi , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Awang Mohamad , Hamzah Sofiah
Published: June 2014

Rheological factor such as shear rate during membrane fabrication process has an effect on structural properties and performance of membranes. Flat sheet asymmetric polysulfone/cellulose acetate phthalate/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PSf/CAP/PVP) blend membranes were prepared by using an automatic casting machine at different shear rates in the range of 42.0 to 210.0 s-1. The blend membranes prepared at different shear rate were characterized in terms of its structural properties (molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) and average pore size) and performance (proteins separation). The results showed that increasing the shear rate from 42.0 to105 s-1 has decreased MWCO and average pore size of the blend membranes which then reduced protein solution permeate fluxes and increased proteins rejection of PSf/CAP/PVP blend membranes. However, further increasing the shear rate to 210.0 s-1 has resulted in an increase in MWCO and average pore size and consequently increased protein solution permeate flux but decreased proteins rejection.
Surface Modified Nano Calcium Oxide for Base Heterogeneous Transesterification of Kappaphycus Alvarezii Seaweed to Biofuel
Authors: Yacob Abdul Rahim , Sulaiman Nur Fatin , Khalid Qasim Maimoonah
Published: June 2014

The study of physicochemical properties of solid catalyst such as particle size, surface area and basicity are significant today since their reactivity depend on these properties. The number of defect sites in CaO, an alkaline metal oxide is important in heterogeneous catalysis. In this research work, nanostructured CaO was synthesized from commercial CaO via hydration-dehydration method. The surface modified CaO was calcined at various temperatures from 300°C to 800°C respectively under vacuum atmosphere of 10-3mbar. The prepared nanostructured CaO was then characterized using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The basicity then determined by back titration method. This research found that when activation temperature increased, the basicity also increases. For optimization, the prepared nanostructured CaO-600 was selected and applied for base transesterification reaction using algae species, Kappaphycusalvarezii to produce biodiesel. The latter reaction was then confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
A New Reinforcement Learning for Train Marshaling with Generalization Capability
Authors: Hirashima Yoichi
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a new marshaling method for assembling an outgoing train. In the proposed method, each set of freight cars that have the same destination make a group, and the desirable group layout constitutes the best outgoing train. The incoming freight cars are classified into several ``sub-tracks'' searching better assignment in order to reduce the transfer distance of locomotive. Classifications and marshaling plans based on the transfer distance of a locomotive are obtained autonomously by a reinforcement learning system. Then, the number of sub-tracks utilized in the classification is determined by the learning system in order to yield generalization capability.
Performance Enhancement of 10 Gbps OCDMA Networks Using DPSK and DQPSK with Unique Code-Sequence
Authors: Ii Go Yun , Gilbert Thio Tzer Hwai , Dimyati K.
Published: June 2014

This paper demonstrates the achievable performance enhancement in a multi-user network using optical unique code sequences. The study is conducted in a four-user Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) with a transmission rate of 10 Gbps. This paper investigates the feasibility of implementing Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) and Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) technique to replace conventional techniques such as On-Off Keying (OOK) and Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK). The performance of the integrated formulation of optical unique code sequenceswith DPSK and DQPSKtechnique is evaluated by determining the Bit Error Rate (BER) for various configurations and transmission distances up to 100 km.
Thinking on the Progressive Failure Analysis of the Slope
Authors: Wang Xiao Ping , Xia Xiong , Hu Kun , Feng Jin Cai
Published: June 2014

The progressive failure study of the slope is a challenging problem. There exist a lot of problems at present in this area, it’s necessary to do some summaries. This paper did some analysis and discussion from four aspects: limit equilibrium analysis of the slope progressive failure; test analysis of the slope progressive failure, numerical simulation of the slope progressive failure and limit equilibrium analysis on the basis of finite element, and provided some reference for slope progressive failure study.
The Use of the Six Sigma Approach to Minimize the Defective Rate from Bending Defects in Hard Disk Drive Media Disks
Authors: Suriyasuphapong Suthongchai , Rojanarowan Napassavong
Published: June 2014

The objective of this research is to reduce the defective rate from bending defects in media disks of hard disk drives by finding an optimal machine setting in the assembly process. The Six Sigma method was applied to find out the factors which statistically affected the bending value and to obtain the optimal setting of those factors. It was found that a minimal bending value was achieved with the setting of the clamp screw torque at 3.25 in-lb, the screw bit height at 3.00 mm., and the vertical force on the disk clamp and the motor at 2.50 lbs. With this optimal setting, the process capability index Cpk increased from 0.69 to 1.39, the mean bending value decreased from 5.12% to 3.43%, and the defective rate reduced from 32,219 ppm to 39 ppm.
Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Al2O3-SiC Composite with ZrO2 (3Y) Particles
Authors: Watcharamaisakul Sukasem
Published: June 2014

The mechanical properties of Al2O3-SiC based composites were improved by the addition of ZrO2(3Y) particles in the range of 10 to 25 vol.%. Al2O3-SiC/ZrO2(3Y) composites were manufactured by pressureless sintering at 1550, 1600, and 1650oC. Sintered composites were characterized for density, XRD, microstructure and mechanical properties such as flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness. The results showed that the highest flexural strength of 250 MPa was obtained with 25 vol.% ZrO2(3Y) composite sintered at 1600oC due to higher density and smaller Al2O3 grains in comparison with samples sintered at 1550oC and 1650oC, respectively. The maximum fracture toughness of 5.66 MPa.m1/2 was obtained with 20 vol.% ZrO2(3Y) sintered at 1600oC. The highest hardness of 9.16 GPa was obtained with composite of 10 vol.% ZrO2(3Y) sintered at 1600oC as it contains the largest amount of hard SiC.
Extended Supply Chain DEA for Considering Replaceable DMUs
Authors: Chaowarat Woramol , Suto Hidetsugu , Piboonrungroj Pairach
Published: June 2014

Efficiency evaluation is a critical step for effective supply chain management. The evaluation system should be constructed based on realistic structure of supply chain. In practical supply chain, the members can be divided into two types, replaceable and irreplaceable. However, the current studies do not consider such situations. In order to consider such situation, a two-stage DEA model is going to be extended and proposed. Frozen seafood supply chains of Thailand are presented as an application to show an efficacy and applicability of the proposed model. As a result, eleven inefficient chains have been found by using the proposed model while only six and seven inefficient chains have been found by using traditional models. We can ague that the proposed model can identify an efficiency of the realistic supply chain more sensitively than traditional models.