bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relief Effects on the L-Band Emission of a Bare Soil
Authors: Völksch Ingo , Schwank Mike , Stähli Manfred , Mätzler Christian
Published: October 2015

In a combined experimental and model study, we investigated effects of surface topography (relief) on the thermal L-band emission of a sandy soil. To this end, brightness temperatures of two adjacent footprint areas were measured quasi-simultaneously with an L-band radiometer at the observation angle of 55° relative to nadir for one year. One footprint featured a distinct relief in the form of erosion gullies with steep slopes, whereas the surface of the second footprint was smooth. Additionally, hydrometeorological variables, in situ soil moisture and temperature were measured, and digital terrain models of the two scenes were derived from terrestrial laser scanning. A facet model, taking into account the topography of the footprint surfaces as well as the antenna’s directivity, was developed and brightness temperatures of both footprints were simulated based on the hydrometeorological and in situ soil data. We found that brightness temperatures of the footprint with the distinct surface relief were increased at horizontal and decreased at vertical polarization with respect to those of the plane footprint. The simulations showed that this is mainly due to modifications of local (facet) observation angles and due to polarization mixing caused by the pronounced relief. Measurements furthermore revealed that brightness temperatures of both areas respond differently to changing ambient conditions indicating differences in their hydrological properties.
Satellite Images for Monitoring Mangrove Cover Changes in a Fast Growing Economic Region in Southern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Kanniah Kasturi , Sheikhi Afsaneh , Cracknell Arthur , Goh Hong , Tan Kian , Ho Chin , Rasli Fateen
Published: October 2015

Effective monitoring is necessary to conserve mangroves from further loss in Malaysia. In this context, remote sensing is capable of providing information on mangrove status and changes over a large spatial extent and in a continuous manner. In this study we used Landsat satellite images to analyze the changes over a period of 25 years of mangrove areas in Iskandar Malaysia (IM), the fastest growing national special economic region located in southern Johor, Malaysia. We tested the use of two widely used digital classification techniques to classify mangrove areas. The Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) technique provided significantly higher user, producer and overall accuracies and less “salt and pepper effects” compared to the Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique. The classified satellite images using the MLC technique showed that IM lost 6740 ha of mangrove areas from 1989 to 2014. Nevertheless, a gain of 710 ha of mangroves was observed in this region, resulting in a net loss of 6030 ha or 33%. The loss of about 241 ha per year of mangroves was associated with a steady increase in urban land use (1225 ha per year) from 1989 until 2014. Action is necessary to protect the existing mangrove cover from further loss. Gazetting of the remaining mangrove sites as protected areas or forest reserves and introducing tourism activities in mangrove areas can ensure the continued survival of mangroves in IM.
Detecting the Source Location of Recent Summit Inflation via Three-Dimensional InSAR Observation of Kīlauea Volcano
Authors: Jo Min-Jeong , Jung Hyung-Sup , Won Joong-Sun
Published: October 2015

Starting on 21 April 2015, unusual activity on the summit of Kīlauea was detected. Rapid summit inflation and a rising lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater were interpreted as early signs of imminent magma intrusion. We explored the three-dimensional (3D) surface motion accompanying this volcanic event using the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) stacking method. Multi-temporal COSMO-SkyMed X-band SAR data collected from ascending and descending orbits were processed for the time period encompassing the unrest behavior. The 3D displacement maps retrieved by integrating the stacked InSAR with Multiple-Aperture Interferometric SAR (MAI) measurements revealed the deformation patterns and areal coverage of this volcanic activity. The observed maximum displacements were approximately 8.2, −13.8, and 11.6 cm in the east, north, and up directions, respectively. The best-fit model for the mechanism causing the surface deformation was determined via ten thousand simulations using the 3D surface deformation as the input. When compared to the results of a previous study, the 3D-based modeling produced more precise model parameter estimates with markedly lower uncertainties. The optimal spheroid magma source was located southwest of the caldera, lying at a depth of approximately 2.8 km below the surface. Precise model parameter estimates produced using the 3D-based modeling will be helpful in understanding the magma behavior in Kīlauea’s complex volcanic system.
Advanced Interrogation of Fiber-Optic Bragg Grating and Fabry-Perot Sensors with KLT Analysis
Authors: Tosi Daniele
Published: October 2015

The Karhunen-Loeve Transform (KLT) is applied to accurate detection of optical fiber sensors in the spectral domain. By processing an optical spectrum, although coarsely sampled, through the KLT, and subsequently processing the obtained eigenvalues, it is possible to decode a plurality of optical sensor results. The KLT returns higher accuracy than other demodulation techniques, despite coarse sampling, and exhibits higher resilience to noise. Three case studies of KLT-based processing are presented, representing most of the current challenges in optical fiber sensing: (1) demodulation of individual sensors, such as Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) and Fabry-Perot Interferometers (FPIs); (2) demodulation of dual (FBG/FPI) sensors; (3) application of reverse KLT to isolate different sensors operating on the same spectrum. A simulative outline is provided to demonstrate the KLT operation and estimate performance; a brief experimental section is also provided to validate accurate FBG and FPI decoding.
Sustainability Frames in the Context of the Energy Wood Conflict in Germany
Authors: Peters Dörte , Schraml Ulrich
Published: October 2015

Interpretations of the concept of sustainability vary substantially in relation to forests and their management, and they are usually present in conflicts about forest use. In this article, we consider underlying interests relating to conflicts of forest use as a given. Our aim is therefore not to reveal those interests, but rather to explore understandings of sustainability hiding behind them—sustainability frames. To this end, we use frame theory to investigate the following research question: How are different sustainability frames of interest groups reflected in a forest use conflict situation in Germany? The energy wood conflict serves as the example for our research, as it is currently the most prominent forest management conflict in Germany. Using 12 stakeholder interviews within three interest groups as the empirical data basis, it becomes clear that sustainability understandings reflect particular positionings in conflicts, or vice versa. In the energy wood conflict, the classic dichotomy between forestry and conservation groups becomes a trichotomy in which the forestry group splits into an interest group that profits from energy wood production and one that competes with it. We suggest that sustainability understandings do not represent worldviews that guide how actors understand conflicts, but rather that they are shaped according to actors’ particular interests in conflicts.
Complications of appendicular fracture repair in cats and small dogs using locking compression plates
Authors: Le Pommellet Helene , Savin Audrey , Decambron Adeline , Manassero Mathieu , Viateau Véronique , Gauthier Olivier , Fayolle Pascal , Vallefuoco Rosario
Published: October 2015

Objective: Our objectives were: 1) to review the complications associated with stabilization of appendicular fractures in cats and small dogs using locking compression plates (LCP), and 2) to identify factors that could influence fixation construct stability.

Study design: Retrospective clinical study.

Materials and methods: Medical and radiographic records of cats and small dogs with appendicular fractures treated with LCP were reviewed. Only cases with adequate follow-up to document clinical union and cases for which complications appeared before the clinical union were included. Complications were classified as implant-related complications or other complications. Cases with implant-related complications were compared to cases with non-implant-related complications for differences in signalment (species, age, body weight, multiple fractures), fracture location and type (fractured bone, fracture localization, closed or open fracture), reduction method (open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] or minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis [MIPO]) and fixation evaluations (implant size, platebridging ratio, plate span ratio, working length, plate screw density, number of screws and cortices engaged per plate and per main fragment, ratio between screw and bone diameter at the narrowest aspect of the bone, and presence of ancillary fixation).

Results: Seventy-five fractures from 63 cats (64 fractures) and 10 dogs (11 fractures) met the inclusion criteria. Eight humeral, 13 radio-ulnar, 26 femoral, and 28 tibio-fibular fractures were treated. Primary repair of the fracture was performed using 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm LCP in 22 and 53 fractures, respectively. Overall and implant-related complications were encountered in 13 and seven of 75 fractures, respectively. Fixation failure was not significantly associated with any aforementioned factor considered in this study, and in particular, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of fixation failure between fractures stabilized with two, or more than two, bicortical locking screws per main fragment.

Clinical significance: 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm LCP were used to manage appendicular fractures in cats and small dogs. The overall complication and fixation failure rate were comparable to those reported in previous studies in which various locking plate systems were used.

Online Supplementary Material for this article is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-14-09-0146
A comparative study of the dorsolateral and ventrolateral approaches for repair of canine sacroiliac luxation
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Kowaleski Michael , McCarthy Robert , Boudrieau Randy
Published: October 2015

Objectives: Retrospective comparison of dorsolateral (DLA) and ventrolateral (VLA) surgical approaches for treatment of canine sacroiliac luxation using three different radiographic analyses.

Methods: Surgical cases with immediate and ≥ 4 week postoperative radiographs were reviewed (Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2015). Exactness of reduction, screw position, and sacral body screw purchase were assessed with three separate methods: single plane assessment and orthogonal assessment with or without rotational limits.

Results: The reduction index (RI) for DLA and VLA was not significantly different with single plane assessment (p = 0.0789), but it was significantly greater for DLA than VLA with orthogonal assessment, with or without rotational limits (p = 0.0039, p = 0.0146). No differences were observed with screw placement into the intended location (single plane, and orthogonal assessment with or without rotational limits; p = 0.2941, p = 0.4151, p = 0.3550, respectively). No differences were observed between mean screw purchase index (SPI) and the 60% goal for the DLA (p = 0.1303, p = 0.9594, p = 0.7120) or 50% goal for the VLA (p = 0.2224, p = 0.1401, p = 0.2224; single plane, and orthogonal assessment with or without rotational limits). Implant loosening was present in four DLA cases and one VLA case. No differences were observed in the number of cases or number of screws that loosened (p = 0.3483 and p = 0.6873, respectively).

Clinical significance: The key factor demonstrated in maintaining screw and fixation stability was correct screw placement within the sacral body, regardless of the surgical approach.
Lameness caused by an extradural lumbosacral foraminal synovial cyst in three German Shepherd Dogs
Authors: Rapp Martin , Schmökel Hugo
Published: October 2015

Three German Shepherd Dogs that were presented for investigation of chronic uni -lateral hindlimb lameness and pain in the lumbosacral region were diagnosed with an intra spinal, extradural synovial cyst and reactive fibrosis protruding into the foramen of the lumbosacral articulation using magnetic resonance imaging and histology. This extradural mass compressed the nerve root in the foramen and the cauda equina. During a dorsal laminectomy and unilateral partial foraminotomy, the cyst and the fibrotic tissue were removed with the aid of a 2.4 mm 30° arthroscope for visualization of the foramen. The fibrotic tissue surrounding the cysts was in all cases confluent with the annulus of the intervertebral disc. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a synovial cyst in all three cases by finding inflamed synovial membrane in the samples from the wall of the cyst as well as reactive fibrosis and cartilaginous metaplasia in the surrounding tissue. The three patients improved after the surgery and were pain free during the follow-up evaluations.
Methodological Bricolage: A Journey on the Road Less Traveled in Tourism Studies
Authors: O'Regan Michael
Published: October 2015

This article, by exploring an approach to research, argues a case for bricolage as an acceptable approach in tourism research. Tourism researchers thinking about utilizing methodological bricolage as a research approach have little scholarly literature to draw from; therefore, it remains
relatively underused and misunderstood as a means of qualitative inquiry. This article presents an account of getting to grips with a multiparadigmatic methodological bricolage as a way of understanding the world of backpacking and its inhabitants, who actively constitute, distinguish, and
label themselves as backpackers. It is an approach that delivered a coherent conceptual scaffold, producing a rich, but always partial, understanding of a social world, those who inhabit it, and how they sustain it. It doing so, the research design adds to methodological innovation and diversification
in tourism research.
An Investigation of Environmental and Situational Factors Affecting Tourists' Behavioral Intention to Choose Bangkok as their Final Destination
Authors: Suttikun Chompoonut , Chang Hyo Jung , Komolsevin Rosechongporn , Chongsithiphol Srisuda
Published: October 2015

This study aims to explore the factors attracting international tourists to visit Bangkok. A total of 396 questionnaires were completed by participants, and they were tourists who visited the main three tourist attractions in Bangkok. The results showed that international tourists were
attracted to visit Bangkok by physical attractions, sociopsychological attractions, and available time. Most tourists decided to visit Bangkok as a tourist destination. In terms of physical attractions, tourists decided to go to Bangkok to escape the terrible winters of their hometown. Regarding
sociopsychological attractions, tourists desired to go to Bangkok because of attitudes of local people. In addition, the amount of time tourists could spend traveling in Bangkok matched with tourists' available vacation time, which motivated them to visit Bangkok. The finding of this study
suggests that infrastructure and facilities of physical and sociopsychological attractions need to be developed to attract more international tourists to visit Bangkok.
Poliovirus and other enteroviruses in children infected with intestinal parasites in Nigeria
Authors: Adekolujo Daniel R , Olayinka Suraj O , Adeniji Johnson A , Oyeyemi Oyetunde T , Odaibo Alexander B
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Poliovirus, an enterovirus, still persists in Nigeria despite the global efforts tailored towards its eradication. This study aimed to assess the impacts of poliovirus and other enteroviruses on the susceptibility of individuals to intestinal parasite infections. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites was conducted on two-sample stool specimens of 717 Nigerian children (between 1 and 19 years of age) whose poliovirus/other enteroviruses infection status had been determined. Results: The overall prevalence of Sabin poliovirus and other related enteroviruses infections were 6.6% and 13.8%, respectively. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly higher than that of other intestinal parasites (p < 0.05), with children in the 0–4 year age group being the most predisposed age group to intestinal parasitic infection (OR = 11.7, CI = 9.2–15.0). While the prevalence of all species of parasites except S. mansoni showed no significant variations in children with Sabin poliovirus (p > 0.05), the prevalence of hookworms and Taenia spp. was significantly higher in children with other enteroviral infections (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The high risk of children of acquiring enteroviral infection through some intestinal parasites is an indication of possible association of the parasites in a more poliovirus-endemic population. A combined intervention approach for the two infections is advocated.
Oral teicoplanin for successful treatment of severe refractory Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Popovic Natasa , Korac Milos , Nesic Zorica , Milosevic Branko , Urosevic Aleksandar , Jevtovic Djordje , Pelemis Mijomir , Delic Dragan , Prostran Milica , Milosevic Ivana
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea. There is no defined protocol for treating severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) refractory to vancomycin or vancomycin and metronidazole combination therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of clinical cure, time to resolution of diarrhoea and recurrence rate in patients with severe refractory CDI treated with oral teicoplanin. Methodology: A one-year prospective study was carried out in the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center Serbia. Patients with severe and complicated CDI who failed to respond to oral vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole combination therapy were enrolled. They were given oral teicoplanin 100 mg bi-daily. Patients were followed for recurrence for eight weeks. Results: Nine patients with a mean age of 70.8±9.4 years were analyzed. All patients had pseudomembranous colitis, and five had complicated disease. In four patients intracolonic delivery of vancomycin was also performed in addition to oral vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole prior to initiating teicoplanin, but without improvement. After teicoplanin initiation all patients achieved clinical cure. The mean time to resolution of diarrhoea after teicoplanin introduction was 6.3±4.5 days. There was no statistically significant difference in time to resolution of diarrhoea according to initial leucocyte count, age over 65 years, the presence of ileus, complicated disease and the use of concomitant antibiotic therapy (p = 0.652, 0,652, 0.374, 0.374, and 0,548, respectively). None of the patients experienced recurrence. Conclusions: Oral teicoplanin might be a potential treatment for severe and complicated refractory CDI, but further studies are required.
Mutant prevention concentration of tigecycline for Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with four different resistance statuses
Authors: Zhong Xue , Xu Hong-Tao , Chen Dong-Ke , Hu Xin , Cheng Gang
Published: October 2015

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
A Linear Weighted Sum Multi-objective Optimization Algorithm Based on PSO for Wideband Spectrum Sensing
Authors: Wang Yonghua , Li Yuehong , Zheng Yiquan , Liang Ting , Fu Yuli
Published: October 2015

In order to maximize throughput and minimize interference of the wideband spectrum sensing problem in OFDM cognitive radio sensor networks, a linear weighted sum multi-objective algorithm based on the Particle Swarm Optimization is proposed. The multi-objective optimization advantages of Particle Swarm Optimization are utilized to solve the optimal threshold vector of the spectrum sensing problem in OFDM cognitive radio sensor networks. So the network can get a larger throughput under the condition of small interference. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can make larger throughput while keeping the interference is smaller in OFDM cognitive radio sensor networks. Thus the spectrum resources are used more effectively.
Clothing Product Reviews Mining Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Hong Qing , Feng Peifei , Cheng Zhichao
Published: October 2015

This paper used the method of machine learning to study clothing product reviews classification based on big enterprise data. Taking Taobao clothing reviews as the object, it firstly excavated review themes from reviews corpus by association rules, and then searched review themes related to the categories by a method of mutual information to enrich the review themes. In the process of building classification models, commonly used SVM classifiers were studied in the beginning. After training and verification of a large amount of data, the classification accuracy reached 90.597%. In order to further improve the classification accuracy, the maximum entropy model was built by adopting the maximum entropy algorithm, on the basis of the same review themes. After repeated experiments and optimization in a large-scale of clothing product reviews, the classification accuracy reached up to 93.035% finally. Compared with SVM classification algorithm, the accuracy of maximum entropy in the clothing product reviews classification is higher. This paper verified the effectiveness of maximum entropy model on comment text multi-classification problem, and the maximum entropy model has practical values in electronic business.
An Improved Bayesian Learning Method for Multi-agent System
Authors: Dai Shenghui , Zhu Xueqin , Gui Ying , Xu Hongzhen
Published: October 2015

A multi-agent coordinate ion is addressed in urban traffic control, which uses the recursive modeling method (RMM) that enables an agent to select its rational act ion by examining with other agents by modeling their decision making in a distributed multi-agent environment. Bayesian learning is used in conjunction with RMM for belief update. Based on this method, a multi-agent traffic control system is established and the results rated its effective.
Simulation of Procedure for Processing of Consignments in Delivery Company
Authors: Fedorko Gabriel , Cujan Zdenek
Published: October 2015

Computer simulation is an efficient and useful tool intended for simulation of various logistic processes [1]. The main purpose of this article is description of a simulation model and presentation of its application possibilities with regard to analysis of procedures specified for processing of consignments in storage of a delivery company.
Innovation in Field of Automatic Identification by Selected Components in the Automobile Industry
Authors: Kolarovszki Peter , Tengler Jiří
Published: October 2015

Article provides research in field of automatic identification by selected components through radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) in conjunction with automotive industry. The ambition of our research was to achieve 100 % readability of RFID tags placed on selected component. Measurements were done at company providing signal lights for automotive industry and all results had been measured in real condition. A special section is dedicated to description of the technical equipment, used during measurements as well as their results from MySQL database.
Aspects Influencing the Utilization of the Environmentally Friendly Vehicles in the Logistics and Transport Companies and the Future of Alternative Drive Systems
Authors: Kubanova Jaroslava , Britanakova Miroslava , Lizbetin Jan , Stopka Ondrej
Published: October 2015

Purchasing and utilizing the vehicles is an important element of corporate logistics in the transport companies. Novel trends and customer requirements in terms of range and quality of received services of the carriers have continuous increase. This paper discusses about aspects influencing the utilization the environmentally friendly vehicles, in other words the motivation for their purchasing, in terms of toll charges for transport and logistics companies in the selected countries. This could be one of tools to maintain competitiveness of the particular company in the market. The paper is focused on description of selected elements regarding the future of alternative drive systems as well.
Warehouse Location Problem as a Strategical and Operative Logistic Decision
Authors: Nekutova Marcela , Svadlenka Libor , Kudlackova Nina
Published: October 2015

Logistics plays an extremely important role in all production and non-production processesin almost every business company. Logistics is a key part of the strategy of each company and none of today's evolving market opportunities may not be used if the supply chain (or logistics) will not work effectively. And effective management of global logistics is certainly not inconsiderable step in the process to the target of each company, which is undoubtedly the maximum profit.
Demand Forecasting in Production Logistics of Food Industry
Authors: Prusa Petr , Chocholac Jan
Published: October 2015

Every participants of the supply chain want to be maximally effective. That is possible only with quality forecasting of demand, because based on this forecasting is scheduled main production plan. It is very important to affect each factor which influences the demand. This article focuses with demand forecasting in the food industry which has a lot of specifics.
A Genetic Algorithm for the Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Rybickova Alena , Brodsky Jakub , Karaskova Adela , Mockova Denisa
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we focus on the optimization of the system of the spare parts distribution for authorized garages in the Czech Republic. A spare parts market belongs to one of the key elements of the car industry. However, it has to adapt to still higher requirements on accuracy, speed and minimum error rate of the deliveries with keeping the costs at its minimum at the same time. The distribution of products from depots to customers is a practical and challenging problem in logistics that opens a significant space for application of software products.The design of optimal routes of vehicles from two depots can be formulated in combinatorial optimization as a multi-depot vehicle routing problem.The goal of a multi-depot vehicle routing problem is to design routes that start and end in one of the depots and visit a subset of customers in a specific sequence. Every customer has to be visited on one of the routes and the total costs for the delivery should be minimal.Vehicle routing problems belong to the class of NP-hard problems which means that there is no efficient algorithm for finding optimal solution available. To find a solution in an efficient way, we propose an approximate method based on a genetic algorithm.
The New Large Container Carriers and Their Operational Effectiveness in Logistics Chains
Authors: Siroky Jaromir
Published: October 2015

This paper compares two types of container ships used in maritime transport of containers: Triple-E and Suezmax ships. Unit costs for a selected route are compared and operational effectiveness of large container ships is calculated. Unit transportation costs per TEU transported are compared as well. There is described the importance of these large container carriers for logistics.
The System of Semi-Trailers Transportation by Railways and their Using in Logistics Chains
Authors: Vohankova-Chalupova Hana , Siroky Jaromir
Published: October 2015

This paper is focused on systems which enables transportation of semi-trailers by rail. The selected systems are evaluated from the economical point of view. These systems which meets today's requirements, with simple technical solutions, suitable for existing infrastructures, free of constraints for users and requiring only limited investment. The main objective of this article consists of the operational costs calculating and their comparison. The selected systems are CargoBeamer, Modalohr, ISU and Megaswing.
Application of Information Technologies to Fuel Savings in Construction
Authors: Vondrackova Terezie , Sip Martin , Caha Zdenek
Published: October 2015

This contribution deals with the benefits of the global positioning system, with the influence of the human factor on fuel consumption and with monitoring of further savings in operation of earthmoving machines in a construction company. Fuel consumption data of a selected earthmoving machine before and after installation of a global positioning system unit and a fuel level measurement sensor are compared. These data are evaluated and the extent of the influence of the installed devices on the machine fuel consumption is determined from them. Further possibility of exploitation of monitoring of earthmoving machines during excavation and creation of given relief is also described here. Not only the fuel savings were evaluated, but also the accuracy and speed of performed work and thus also the influence of the human factor on performance of earthmoving machines itself.
Preparation and Characterization of Cement-TiO2 Composites
Authors: Kaewgabkam Noosara , Jaitanong Nittaya , Narksitipan Suparut
Published: October 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used photocatalyst because of its high photocatalytic activity and reasonably low cost. Moreover, TiO2 has strong chemical stability in a large variety of environmental conditions. The combination of TiO2 with cementatious materials has been widely investigated, and the effects of the TiO2 contents (10-40% by weight) were studied in this research. The crystalline structures and chemical compositions were analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Moreover, its microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the intensity of CS and CH decreased with an increase in the TiO2 powder content. This was because when adding more TiO2 powder to the composite system, more water was needed to add to the hydration reaction.
Effect of Titanium Nitride on Properties of Hydroxyapatite-Based Composites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chokethawai Komsanti , Rujijanagul Gobwut , Tunkasiri Tawee
Published: October 2015

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is widely used in biomedical applications as an artificial bone due to its excellent biocompatibility. In this work, the high purity HA powders were synthesized from natural bovine bone by a sequence of thermal processes. Then, the HA-based composites containing titanium nitride (TiN) at various compositions were fabricated by a solid-state reaction mixed oxide method. The green compacts were subsequently pressed and then sintered at 1200-1250°C for 2 hours. Surface morphology, compositions and phases of the as-prepared HA-based composites were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) utilizing energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), respectively. The results showed that the physical and mechanical properties and also the aesthetic performance of HA-TiN composites were substantially varied through the changes in the microstructure and volume fraction of the reinforcing particulates. The maximum hardness value of 3.5 GPa was obtained for HA-2wt%TiN ceramic sintered at 1250°C.
Effects of Calcium Carbonate Synthesized from Cockle Shell on Characteristics of Calcium Phosphate Biphasic
Authors: Lertcumfu Narumon , Jarupoom Parkpoom , Arkornsakul Pongthep , Tunkasiri Tawee , Sweatman Denis Russell , Rujijanagul Gobwute
Published: October 2015

Calcium phosphate is a biomaterial which exhibits excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity and biodegradability for bone replacement and other medical applications. In the present work, multiphasic calcium phosphate compounds consisting of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tri-calcium phosphates (TCP) were prepared by a solid state reaction method. Effects of calcium carbonate (CaCO3: ±3-5 wt%) on the properties of the studied powders were investigated where calcium carbonate powder was synthesized from a natural product (cockle shell). The phase formation and morphology of the powders were characterization by many techniques such as XRD, SEM and dynamic light scattering techniques. The results showed that amount of calcium carbonate additive affected on the properties of the studied samples.
Dielectric Properties of Y2NiMnO6 Ceramics at Various Sintering Times and Temperatures
Authors: Deeyai Panakamon , Sareein Thanapong , Putasaeng Bundit , Chathirat Naphat
Published: October 2015

Dielectric properties of hydrothermally decomposed Y2NiMnO6 ceramics prepared under several sintering conditions were investigated at room temperature. As the results, dielectric constants at 200 Hz were found about 928 and 23x103 for samples sintered at 1000 and 1400 oC, respectively. The dielectric permittivity for samples sintered at 1400 oC for different sintering times from 6 to 24 hours have yielded the best dielectric permittivity value of 104. On the other hand, low sintering temperature had resulted in smaller dielectric loss in comparison to larger dielectric loss generally found in the ceramics with high sintering temperature.
Predicting the UV Spectrum of Single Stranded DNA
Authors: Chathirat Naphat
Published: October 2015

A model was developed to predict the UV absorbance spectra and thus concentration of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) samples. The model was developed from UV absorbance spectra of ssDNA oligodeoxynucleotides determined at different concentrations. The model, which would predict the concentration of ssDNA from the A260 value, is shown to predict absorbance spectra of ssDNA as shown when compared to the experimental result.
Effect of Barium Titanate Additives on Dielectric Property of PLZT Ceramics
Authors: Chumprasert Ladapak , Funsueb Narit , Limpichaipanit Apichart , Ngamjarurojana Athipong
Published: October 2015

Barium titanate (BT) additive in lanthanum modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) was used to modify the microstructure and resultant properties of (1-x) PLZT– x BT where x= 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25. Oxide powders were synthesized by mixed oxide synthetic route via a rapid vibro-milling technique. All of samples were sintered at 1275°C with the soaking time of 4 h. The ceramic samples were investigated for phase formation and evolution, dielectric behavior and ferroelectric properties. Introduction of BT in PLZT lattice resulted in ferroelectric tetragonal-rhombohedral structure, and further increase of BT content resulted in stabilizing the ferroelectric tetragonal perovskite phase. Dielectric behavior and ferroelectric properties were examined as a function of BT content.
Needleless Electrospinning of Silk Fibroin/Gelatin Blend Nanofibres
Authors: Sasithorn Nongnut , Martinová Lenka
Published: October 2015

In this study, nanofibres consisting of silk fibroin (SF) and gelatin (GP) with different composition ratio were fabricated by needleless electrospinning method. The influences of SF/GP blending ratio on the properties of spinning solution and the morphology of electrospun fibres were investigated. A variety of compositions of the silk fibroin/gelatin blend solutions were successfully electrospun into nanofibres sheet. The morphology of electrospun fibre was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) which indicates that the morphology of obtained fibres was influenced by the weight ratio of gelatin to silk fibroin in the spinning solution. It was observed that the blending ratio of gelatin to silk fibroin in spinning solution played an important role in spinning performance of the process and the diameter of obtained fibres. An increasing in gelatin content in blended solution resulted in bigger diameter of the obtained electrospun fibres. The silk fibroin/gelatin electrospun fibres had diameters ranging from 200 to 660 nm.
Environmental Survey on Physicochemical Parameters in Surface Water: A Case of Klong Prem Prachakorn, Thailand
Authors: Boonyaroj Varinthorn , Peansawang Pattanasorn , Sonchan Nonthavorn , Sukrasorn Atcharaporn
Published: October 2015

Water quality in canals and other water courses is changing with space and time. Nutrients, organics and inorganic compounds are contained in water and cause pollution. Rapid expansion of communities development nearly Khlong Prem Prachakorn over past decades have caused considerable impact on water quality in this canal. The objective of this research was investigated Khlong Prem Prachakorn water quality. The geographical information system (GIS) was applied for ecological conservation studies in this area. Water samples were taken along the length of the canal between Bang Khaen train station intersection and Wat Samiannari intersection with a total distance of 1.3 kilometers. The physicochemical parameters were measured. The results shown that the values of each parameters being monitored are within the range of the surface water quality standards in Thailand. This research contributes to an existing knowledge and understanding of Khlong Prem Prachakorn’s water quality problems and can be used to promote water quality improvement campaign.
Heavy Rain and Drought Conditions in Thailand under Global Warming
Authors: Saiuparad Sunisa
Published: October 2015

Thailand is an agricultural country. Most farmers still depend on rainfall for cultivation. Global warming may result in changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall both in space and time. This could impact the occurrence of heavy rain and drought in the country. Thus, it is necessary to analyze heavy rain and drought conditions in Thailand under global warming for the purpose of preparedness and impact mitigation. The data used in this study consist of present climate and future climate. The data for present climate are from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The data for future climate are from the Educational Global Climate Model (EdGCM). The results are risk maps of heavy rain and drought in Thailand during the years 2046-2065 and 2081-2099 under a global warming scenario.
Predictability of the Northeast Monsoon Forecasts by the Educational Global Climate Model
Authors: Saiuparad Sunisa , Sukawat Dusadee
Published: October 2015

The predictability by an atmospheric prediction model is determined by the uncertainties in the initial condition and the imperfection of the model. It is difficult to provide accurate weather prediction and determines the predictability of a model. Atmospheric prediction model efficiency is obtained from the analysis of predictability measurement. Five existing predictability measurements; Lyapunov exponent, finite size Lyapunov exponent, finite time Lyapunov exponent, local Lyapunov exponent and largest Lyapunov exponent are used to measure predictability of the northeast monsoon (winter monsoon) by the Educational Global Climate Model (EdGCM) and to test sensitivity of the model to small initial perturbations. The EdGCM is run for 142-year predictions from the year 1958 to 2100. However, only the outputs of geopotential height at 500hPa of December from 2012 to 2100 are used for predictability measurement. The results show that the EdGCM predictability for the northeast monsoon forecast is about 120 years.
Fabrication of 2 wt% NiFe2O4/HAp Composite Ceramic for Future Heavy Metal Removal Applications
Authors: Klumdoung Pattarinee , Pukjaroon Salakchit , Pankaew Piyapong
Published: October 2015

In this study, 2 wt% NiFe2O4/HAp composite ceramic was fabricated by the solid state reaction method to form a composite with the future potentiality to remove heavy metals. HAp powders were synthesized by precipitation using Ca (NO3)2 as Ca source, (NH4)2HPO4 as the P source and ammonia as a pH adjuster. NiFe2O4 powders were prepared by mixing and milling NiO and Fe2O3 powders (using stoichiometry ratio) in ethanol and sequent dehydration and then calcination. 2 wt% of NiFe2O4 powders were milled with 98 wt% of HAp powders for 10 minutes before uniaxial pressing and sintering at 1200 °C for 3 hours to form 2 wt% NiFe2O4/HAp composite ceramic. The prepared ceramic was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD result shown that 2 wt% NiFe2O4/HAp composite ceramic with only HAp and NiFe2O4 phases obtained. FT-IR results revealed vibration bands of standard HAp and indicated the interaction between ZnFe2O4 and HAp. For the SEM result, the morphology of the prepared ceramic revealed nanoand micro sized grains. These results could lead us to the development of a method for a NiFe2O4/HAp composite ceramic optimized for specific heavy metal removal applications.
Effect of Electric Field and Temperature in Electrochemical Dissolution and Deposition Process on Morphologies of ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Toboonsung Buppachat
Published: October 2015

Zinc oxide nanostructures were synthesized by an electrochemical dissolution and deposition process. The zinc plates were immerged in deionized water and used as two electrodes. The process was operated by applying the electric field of 10, 12.5, 25 and 50 V/cm, the constant voltage of 10 V and varied the temperatures from room temperature to 70 °C during 1 h. It was found that the electric field and temperature of electrolyte solution had affected to morphologies of ZnO NSs and were grown in forms of nanoflakes, nanoparticles and nanorods.
Wigner Representation for Investigation of Entangled Photon Evolution in Four-Wave Mixing Process within a Fiber Ring Resonator
Authors: Sripakdee Chatchawal
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study is to analyze the quantum correlation of entangled photons for four-wavemixing process within Kerr nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) of an optical fiber ring resonator. The main system Hamiltonian composes of two types of coupling photon modes, including pumping and parametric-down conversion. Wigner representation is applied to the Heisenberg equation of motion derived from the system Hamiltonian in order to obtain the corresponding stochastic equations of motion in a c-number. Quantum trajectories obtained from the stochastic equation of motion of photon states are then derived. Finally, the entanglement inseparability criteria for a pair of entangled photonfrom a numerical approach is also satisfied.
Better Understanding Network of Electrical Terminal Stations by Topological Analysis
Authors: Sodsee Sunantha , Komkhao Maytiyanin , Halang Wolfgang A.
Published: October 2015

Preventing power transmission failures in its network of electrical terminal stations is a major concern for the infrastructure of the Thai capital Bangkok and its vicinity. Towards this objective the present study aims to analyse the network and its reliability under conditions of increased demand. The analysis is based on a representation of the network as a graph allowing to identify the most important terminal stations by graph-theoretical terms. These are, in particular, the centrality measures Degree Centrality (DC) giving the number of a station’s one-hop neighbours, Closeness Centrality (CC) describing the efficiency of power transmission from one station to others, shortest-path Betweenness Centrality (BC) indicating the number of a station’s occurrences on the shortest paths between indirectly connected stations, Hub describing stations that are connected to a large number of important stations, and Authority indicating the stations that connect many important stations. Experimental results revealed that the Bangkok Noi station was most significant when the measures DC, CC and BC were considered and, on the other hand, that the North Bangkok station was vital in terms of CC, Hub and Authority. Therefore, these stations need to be closely monitored and their operation to be carried out with extreme care in order to prevent the occurrence of power transmission failures within the Bangkok metropolitan area.
A Mathematical Model for Determination of Electric Energy Performance of Small Solar Chimney System in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Authors: Jittabut Pongsak
Published: October 2015

A solar chimney power plant is a simple solar thermal power plant that is capable of converting solar energy to thermal energy in the solar collectors. Then, the generated thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy in the chimney and ultimately to electric energy via a wind turbine and a generator. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the solar chimney power plant in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in terms of estimateion for the electric energy output. A mathematical model based on the energy balance was developed to estimate the power output of solar chimneys as well as to examine the effect of various ambient conditions and structural dimensions on the power generation. It was found that, the wind speed inside chimney reaches more than 2 times of the value of free wind speed outside the chimney. The solar chimney power plant with 10 m chimney height and 4 m chimney diameter is capable of yearly producing between 1,779-3,647 W and the performance of solar chimney in the range of 9-18% respectively. The highest performance of solar chimney (18%) was appeared in April. It can save the use of conventional sources of energy like oil and natural gas.
Application of Learning Management System for Online Learning Modules
Authors: Jakchaikul Vipa
Published: October 2015

In the present decade, education is entering to the world of online learning and focusing to a learner as the center of education. To manage learning system successfully, the education courses: Learning management system (LMS) based on the online learning has been developed. In this study, LMS was developed for Programming Language course for the students of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon by using the principle of software development life cycle (SDLC) process. Additionally, the development of the program was done via important major phases of planning analysis, design, implement and evaluated by experts in this field. From 60 randomly selected students of the Faculty of Science and Technology, online Programming Language course providing modules based on LMS model via the Internet showed higher efficiency of 85% than the control in the standard usual instruction procedure. All these aspects of system performance evaluated by the students were also at high level and satisfied with the developed lesson described on the web. Therefore, this online learning system is helpful for all learners in the present information technology world. This system would be further applied for other courses with other additional interactive systems.