bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Intelligent Solar Panel Cleaning System with Fuzzy Logic Theorem
Authors: Huang Cong Hui , Lee Ming Rong , Su Yih Feng , Huang Chung Chi , Su Yu Tang , Su Wei Hao , Cai Feng Zheng
Published: December 2013

In this paper, an intelligent solar panel cleaning system that monitors the output of solar panels is designed. The output voltage of the solar panel is used to decide if the solar panel needs to clean or not. The control system is developed using Lab-VIEW. The direction and position of the system is set by the light sensor, which is parallel to the direction of sunlight. The data from the light sensors, along with the fuzzy logic control software developed using Lab-View determines the control commands for the stepper motors controlling the cleaning process. The commands are stop, forward or reverse and the cleaning process is repeated until the generated power output of the solar panels is sufficient. The cleaning process is performed in real-time to maintain the power generating capacity of the solar cells.
Elman Neural Network for Dynamic Control of Wind Power Systems
Authors: Huang Cong Hui , Hong Chih Ming , Su Yih Feng , Lee Song Mao , Jhuang Chuan Sing , Shi Bo Yan , Shi Bo Ren
Published: December 2013

This paper presents Elman neural network for the dynamic control strategies of a hybrid power system that include wind/photovoltaic/diesel system. Wind and PV power are the primary power sources of the system to take full advantages of renewable energy, and the diesel-engine is used as a backup system. A simulation model for the hybrid energy system has been developed using MATLAB/Simulink. To achieve a fast and stable response for the real power control, the intelligent controller consists of a Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN) and an modified Elman Neural Network (ENN) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The pitch angle of wind turbine is controlled by ENN, and the PV system uses RBFN, where the output signal is used to control the DC / DC boost converters to achieve the MPPT.
Effect of Geometry on Energy Absorption of Reduction Tubes Using a Die - A Numerical Study
Authors: Mao He , Luo Chang Jie , He Kai , Du Ruxu
Published: December 2013

The present paper deals with the numerical study of energy absorption of reduction tubes using a die subject to axial impact load. Non-linear finite element software LS-DYNA is employed to analyze the deformation pattern and energy absorption characteristics. The tubes, with the bottom ends constrained axially, deformed in necking modes by the axially moving dies. The geometries of the tubes and the dies were varied to find out the influence of the geometry parameters. The strain rate effect of the material is considered and the Cowper-Symonds equation is applied in the plastic dynamic analysis.
Effect of ZnO Seed Layer and TiO2 Coating Treatments on Aligned TiO2/ZnO Nanostructures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Lung Chuan , Chen Jean Hong , Tsai Shuei Feng , Wang Guan Wen
Published: December 2013

A chemical bath deposition (CBD) method was applied to grow zinc oxide nanorod arrays on transparent conductive oxides acting as templates for the synthesis of TiO2/ZnO nanostructures (TiO2/ZNR) followed by HCl etching, and then these nanostructures were assembled as anodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The ZnO nanorods, predominantly grew with good crystallinity along c-axis, exhibit wurtzite structure with smooth surface. Etching of the TiO2/ZNR by HCl changes the most preferential crystal plane of ZnO from (002) to (100) and significantly increases the atomic ratio of Ti/Zn. Optical absorption measurements indicate a band gap energy of 3.1 eV for ZNR and TiO2/ZNR. Increasing the spin coating time (SCT) of TiO2 on ZNR increases the PL intensity. The seed layer number (SLN) of ZnO exerts moderate influence on the photo-to-electricity conversion and an optimum SLN was observed for this study.
High Performance CO Sensors Utilizing Sprayed Distributed Toluene-Based Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Chun Yi , Lee Ho Cheng , Wu Yung Chen , Lin Che Hsin
Published: December 2013

This study presents a simple and low-cost spray coating process for producing high performance CO (carbon monoxide) sensors utilizing toluene-based gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). Thanks to the success synthesis of Au-NPs in toluene, this low surface tension organic solvent prevents Au-NPs from colligation. And therefore Au-NPs can be well dispersed on the surface of the electrodes as the sensing layer during spraying. To compare with the typical metal oxide based CO sensors that have to work at a higher working temperature of about 150~350°C, the produced sensor can work at room temperature and have a better detection limit for CO gas (5 ppm). Experimental results indicate good linear sensitivity under repeated measurements for concentration range from 5 250 ppm (R2=0.996). The repeatability is also confirmed by measuring 100 ppm CO gas, the calculated variation is less than 2.8% for six repeating measurements. The process developed in this study can be used to produce not only high performance CO gas sensors but other related gas sensors.
Development of a Laser Measuring Method for Small Displacement of a Thin Plastic String
Authors: Liu Chi Fan
Published: December 2013

This paper presented a simple laser measuring method for measuring small displacement of a thin plastic string. The laser measuring method is based on the deviation of laser energy method. This measuring system consists of a laser diode and a photodetector. A photodetector received the laser beam from the laser diode is used to detect the laser energy deviation. A straight thin plastic string is placed between the laser diode and the photodetector to cover half area of the photodetector. When the string moves into or out the photodetector, the amount of the laser energy will change proportionally to the displacement of the string. A plastic string for the tennis is tested in this paper. The relation between the displacement of a plastic string and deviation of laser energy is verified by using a linear moving stage and a laser interferometer. The result showed the correlation is obtained. Thus, the displacement of a plastic string can be measured using the proposed laser measuring system.
Distributed Control Intelligent Robotic Gripper
Authors: Huang Shiuh Jer , Chang Wei Han , Su Jui Yiao , Liu Yan Chen
Published: December 2013

An intelligent gripper is designed with embedded distributed control structure for overcoming the uncertainty of grasped object mass and soft/hard features. An efficient model-free intelligent fuzzy sliding mode control strategy is employed to design the position and force controllers of gripper, respectively. Experimental results of pick-and-place soft and hard objects with grasping force auto-tuning and anti-slip control strategy are shown by pictures to verify this distributed system performance. The position and force tracking errors are less than 1 mm and 0.1 N, respectively.
Discoid and Asymmetrical Micro-Satellite Propulsion Mode Attitude Control with Great Mass Change and without Angular Rate Sensor
Authors: Shou Ho Nien
Published: December 2013

The center of mass of the micro-satellite can offset due to fuel consumption in the course of propulsion, with the interference of external orbital environment such as gravity gradient torque and solar radiation torque. If the structural shape is discoid and asymmetrical, the attitude control may be difficult. The only solution is to design a robust controller, so that the attitude pointing of the satellite can meet the mission requirements with the interference of internal parameter perturbation and external disturbance. This study applied the robust control theory control law in the design of Formosat-3 propulsion mode attitude control, and carried out cross validation of the feasibility of the controller by time domain and frequency domain stability analyses. This study used controller as the experimental result. The time domain performance indexes (e.g., rise time, maximum overshoot and stabilization time) of the designed controller were consistent with the robust stability margin of stable performance index of frequency domain. Meanwhile, in order to reduce the weight and manufacturing cost of satellite, in the design of satellite attitude angular rate determination, the project used unscented kalman filter (UKF) algorithm, coarse sun sensor (CSS) and earth horizon sensor (EHS) as measurement components to obtain the satellite attitude without rate gyro. The research method and procedures in this study are applicable to any shaped and asymmetrical satellites with large mass variation and without angular rate sensor. The attitude sensors include three-axis magnetometer, horizon sensor, CSS as the analytic platform for stability of attitude control.
A Fuzzy-Based Management for Power-Aware Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Wang Shu Ching , Wang Shun Sheng , Chen Ching Wei , Yan Kuo Qin
Published: December 2013

In recent years, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is one important type of mobile network that consists of many sensor nodes (SNs). The power consumption rate and bandwidth of each SN becomes an important issue and needs to be addressed. For increasing the reliability of WSN, this paper proposed a power-aware mechanism to select a stable manager from SNs by fuzzy based inference systems based on the factors of speed, power and location. Further, our mechanism can trigger a mobile agent to distribute the managerial workload.
Motion Control of a Robot Arm
Authors: Su Kuo Lan , Li Bo Yi , Guo Jr Hung , Chau H.H. Kevin
Published: December 2013

The article designs a seven joints robot arm using PC-based controller. The system architecture of the robot arm contains seven DC servomotors, seven driver devices and a NI motion control card. The robot arm uses proximity sensors to locate the limit position, and programs motion trajectories to finish assigned tasks. We tune the parameters of the PID controller for the robot arm, and get the nice response to control the robot arm moving to the assigned position. The user interface is developed to control each DC servomotor using Visual Basic. The paper computes the kinematic equations of the seven joints robot arm, and calculates the motion displacement of each joint using inverse kinematic equation. The controller of the robot arm can implement precision point to point motion trajectories, and programs the motion paths on the user interface. In the experimental result, users can program the word type in the user interface. The robot arm catches the pin to write the word in the plane.
Distributed Tree Routing Scheme for Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Yih Chuan , Zhong Jia Hong
Published: December 2013

This paper addresses the problem of how to make efficient energy consumption on routing communications among the set of wireless sensor nodes deployed randomly in a large-scale manner. Tree-based routing topology is considered in the study with regarding to its simplicity of routing process. To minimize the energy dissipation of tree-routing, centralized coordination schemes are usually used to construct an optimal tree routing topology. In this paper, a distributed-based tree routing protocol is proposed not only to improve the scalability of the centralized tree routing schemes but also handle the balance consumption among the sensor nodes. With computer simulation, the effectiveness of the proposed routing scheme is verified and shown to be useful in large-scale wireless sensor networks.
A N-Hop Concentric Clustering Algorithm with Sub-Clusters in a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Chen Young Long , Shih Yi Nung , Shih Siao Jhu
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we aim to improve theenergy efficiency via a Clustering Algorithm based on Social Insect Colonies (CASIC), inorder to extend the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks(WSNs). We propose a CASIC with Sub-clusters (CASIC-S) for reducing the energyconsumption of sensor nodes within the concentric layer during transmission orreception. We also investigate the CASIC-S scheme with different numbers ofnodes in our simulations. The simulation results show that our proposed scheme performs better in terms of first node death and the number of nodes alive.
Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 Barrier Layers on Flexible PET Substrates
Authors: Chang Rwei Ching , Hou Hsi Ting , Tsai Fa Ta , Jhu Pei Sin
Published: December 2013

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is utilized to grow high performance aluminum oxide (Al2O3) barrier films on flexible PET substrates, where the effects of precursor pulse time and deposition temperature on the film properties are also studied in this work. Significant differences are observed that the water vapor transmission rate of the PET substrate is largely improved by coating the Al2O3 barrier films. Further observations on the surface roughness, optical transmittance, adhesion, mechanical properties of the deposited films are also conducted. The results show that the Al2O3 film deposited with 10 msec precursor pulse time and 60°C deposition temperature behaves the best performance.
Efficient Computational Workload Distribution on Heterogeneous GPUs
Authors: Lin Chih Sheng , Liu Po Ting , Hsieh Chih Wei , Chang Hsi Ya , Hsiung Pao Ann
Published: December 2013

Recently, heterogeneous system architectures are becoming a mainstream for achieving high performance and power efficiency. In particular, many-core graphics processing units (GPUs) have started to play an important role for computing in heterogeneous architectures. However, for application designers, computational workload still needs to be distributed among heterogeneous GPUs manually and remains inefficient. In this work, we propose a MINLP-based method for efficient workload distribution among GPUs by considering the capabilities of GPUs for various applications. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of our proposed method.
A Study on the Multiple Improper Integral Problems with Maple
Authors: Yu Chii Huei
Published: December 2013

This paper uses the mathematical software Maple for the auxiliary tool to study the evaluation of two types of multiple improper integrals. We can obtain the infinite series forms of these two types of multiple improper integrals, and we propose four examples to do calculation practically. The research methods adopted in this study involved finding solutions through manual calculations and verifying these solutions by using Maple. This type of research method not only allows the discovery of calculation errors, but also helps modify the original directions of thinking from manual and Maple calculations. For this reason, Maple provides insights and guidance regarding problem-solving methods.
Modeling and Simulation of the Optical Properties of Low-Speed Target in Near Space
Authors: Du Xiao Ping , Chen Hang , Liu Zheng Jun , Cheng Xiang Zheng
Published: December 2013

A novel near space target optical properties modeling method based on the reverse Monte Carlo optical tracking is proposed. Both the environment characteristics in near space and the light transmission characteristics in different detection platform mode are considered and analysis in detail. The invalid light can be eliminated adaptively in this model. According to the phase relationship of target-observing systems-the sun, the optical properties of the target can be obtained. Some numerical simulations are made to test the accuracy and capability of the proposed modeling method.
A Novel Unambiguous Correlation Function with a High and Sharp Main-Peak for BOC Signal Tracking
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Lee Seong Ro , Yoo Seungsoo , Lee Jaewoo , Shim Jeongyoon , Yoon Seok Ho
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose a novel unambiguous correlation function with a high and sharp main-peak for binary offset carrier (BOC) signal tracking. First, we construct a correlation function with a low and narrow main-peak using partial correlation functions. Then, we generate an unambiguous correlation function with a high and sharp main-peak via combinations of the correlation function with the partial correlation functions. From numerical results, it is observed that the proposed unambiguous correlation function with a high and sharp main-peak offers a better tracking performance than the conventional correlation functions with a low and flat main-peak in terms of the tracking error standard deviation.
Face Recognition by Geometrical Feature-Point Bilateral Matching
Authors: Huang Yea Shuan , Peng Guo Da
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a novel feature-point bilateral recognition method for recognizing human faces. At first, from either an input face image or a reference face image, a set of distinct feature points is extracted by using a general salient point detection algorithm. Then, based on the detected feature points, a bilateral recognition is performed. Bilateral recognition means there are two ways of recognition, forward recognition and backward recognition. Finally, the forward score and the backward score are summed up into a bilateral score which is used to obtain recognition result. In order to perform recognition in real-time, we also use a GDA algorithm to select the possible candidates, and then use the proposed bilateral recognition operation to make the final recognition decision. Experiments on two famous face databases show that the proposed algorithm get excellence recognition result and is complementary to traditional global-feature-based face recognition methods.
A Method of Handling Missing Data in the Context of Learning Bayesian Network Structure
Authors: Chen Chong , Yu Hua , Wang Ju Yun
Published: December 2013

Under the background of learning Bayesian network structure, we proposed a new method based on the KNN algorithm and dynamic Gibbs sampling to fill in the missing data, which is mainly used to solve the problem of how to learn the Bayesian network structure better with missing data sets. The experiments based on Asia Network show that, this method can restore the original data very well, which will make it available to use some Bayesian network structure learning algorithm only based on complete data. This method will expand the scope and improve the effect of Bayesian networks application.
A Cloud-Based Test Architecture for IPv6 SNMPv3 Agent
Authors: Chang Chiung I , Tsao Chih Cheng
Published: December 2013

Since the Internet will migrating from IPv4 to IPv6 in the near future. There are many test methods to validate the IPv6 operation environment. Today, most of the IPv6 SNMPv3 test bed is both expensive and location restricted. This paper proposes an improved test method that can provide cloud-based service for the validation of IPv6 SNMPv3 agent. The proposed test architecture consists of two elements: Test broker and Test engine. Test broker as a negotiator between SNMPv3 agent, while Test engine is commissioned to create and manage test operations. Also, Test engine is delegated to perform test methodology on the SNMPv3 agent with IPv6 capabilities. This test service can be used anytime and anywhere to verify the selected IPv6 SNMPv3 agent no matter where it is located in the IPv6 world.
On the Security of the Discrete Logarithm Based Remote Authentication Scheme Using Smart Cards
Authors: Lee Yung Cheng , Lee Pei Ju
Published: December 2013

Nowadays, we can easily obtain variety of services through network. But due to the open environment, networks are vulnerable to variety of security threats. Ramasamy et al. proposed a discrete logarithm based remote authentication scheme with smart cards. Their scheme provides mutual authentication and withstanding the denial of service attack, forgery attack, parallel session attack and smart card loss attack. In this article, we show that their scheme is not a practical solution for remote accessing. It also lacks key agreement mechanism; and users cannot update password freely. Moreover, their scheme cannot resist the stolen verifier attack and off-line guessing attack.
A Secure Hybrid P2P Network Mobile Communication Device Design
Authors: Kuo Wen Hsiung , Su Pin Chiang , Liu Jiang Lung
Published: December 2013

Wireless Networkinfrastructure has Developed Rapidly with the Popularity of Personal Mobiledevices. Userscan Use Mobile Devices to Roam the Wireless Network Environment Conductingtransactions such as Sending Messages and Accessing the Internet. Networkcommunication has Become a Lifestyle Necessity. the Application of Information Technologyproducts also Brings IT Security Issues. the Wireless Network Environment Makesmessages Susceptible to Eavesdropping and Data Tampering Attacks. in Addition,the Mobile Device Computation Ability Presents Power Limiting Issues. Therefore,achieving Efficiency and Security Requirements is more Difficult in Mobiledevice Data Transfer over a Wireless Network Compared with a Hard-Wiredcomputer Network. Insecurity Issues Abound in Peer to Peer (P2P) Networks.Conducting Identity Authentication Recognized Certified Legal Membership Andperforming Message Delivery and Shared Information are Critical Issues. Theidentity (ID) Authentication and Certification for this Type of Network Hasbecome an Important Issue. the Paperpresents a Secure Communication Method Using Self-Certified Sign-Cryption Witha Blind Signature Scheme Based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) Forhybrid P2P Networks. Theoreticalanalysis Shows Better Secure Identification-and-Authentication Features.
Development of the Boundary Layer in the Rear Section in BLWT STU - Trnavka
Authors: Magát Marek , Olekšáková Ivana , Žilinský Juraj
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the basic simulation of boundary layer in the wind tunnel in STU Bratislava and boundary layer given in the Slovak Technical Standard STN EN 1991-1-4 in Bratislava for category of terrain no. IV. The wind tunnel mainly allows experiments to determine the realistic reproduction of the static and dynamic response of a scale models of the buildings and structures immersed in a turbulent flow which simulates the natural wind in various categories of terrain. We have to deal with similarity criteria of modeling the objects, measuring the pressure and the velocity of flow in the tunnel by using the whole range of devices such as Pitot static probe, Constant Temperature Anemometry, Particle Image Velocimetry etc. all under the control in the program Labview developed by National Instruments .Than we are able to measure the pressure coefficients or any other parameters needed for design of buildings and structures of any shape and size, allowed by tunnel dimensions, placed on a different types of terrain roughness. The most recent research in new BLWT was calibration and simulation of boundary layer in the rear space of the tunnel.
Divide of Cavity in Timber Frame Construction
Authors: Leitnerová Soňa , Olbřímek Juraj , Jankovič Dušan
Published: December 2013

The issue of calculating the fire resistance of timber structures is discussed in detail in European Standard EN 1995-1-2. In the calculation it is possible to combine different materials, joints and effect of cavities on the spread of fire. The problem occurs if the design is underestimated, the realization of construction or choice of materials. Improperly designed geometry, poorly chosen materials, products or systems contribute to the intensity of the fire. It is important to remember properties of the individual components of a structural element and subsequent interaction during a fire. Article simply analyses the impacts of possible choices of different products and their behavior in fire. The article is based on EN 1995-1-2:2004 [.
Dynamic Thermal Properties of Uninsulated Rammed Earth Building Envelopes
Authors: Bagoňa Miloslav , Stone Clayton , Šimiček Jozef
Published: December 2013

The paper demonstrates the thermal admittance procedure as a technique to quantify the dynamic thermal properties of two uninsulated rammed earth building components subjected to radiative and conductive heat transfer processes. With the aid of Australian climate data and a climate chamber, this research paper uses a dynamic thermal property calculator developed by Arup in accordance with EN ISO 13786:2007 to quantify the performance of a homogenous rammed earth envelope subjected to in-situ measurements that mimic real conditions.
Conductivity and Transport Properties Study of Plasticized Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Based Solid Biopolymer Electrolytes (SBE)
Authors: Samsudin A. S. , Isa M.I.N.
Published: December 2013

Solid biopolymer electrolytes (SBE) comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with NH4Br-EC were prepared by solution casting method. The samples were characterized by impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and sample containing 25wt. % of NH4Br exhibited the highest room temperature conductivity of 1.12 x 10-4 S/cm for salted CMC based SBE system. The ionic conductivity increased to 3.31 x 10-3 S/cm when 8 wt. % of ethylene carbonate (EC) was added to the highest conductivity. The conductivity-temperature of plasticized SBE system obeys the Arrhenius relation where the ionic conductivity increases with temperature. The influence of EC addition on unplasticized CMC based SBE was found to be dependent on the number and the mobility of the ions. This results revealed that the influence of plasticizer (EC) which was confirmed play the significant role in enhancement of ionic conductivity for SBE system.
Cutting Simulations and Experiments of Milled SiC Particle-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Da Peng , Shui Xiao Ju
Published: December 2013

When SiC particles are added into aluminum, property of aluminum is greatly improved during a reinforcing phase to produce particle reinforced aluminum composites. However, cutting tools wear out quickly and it is difficult to meet machining accuracy and surface quality requirements due to the rough surface produced by the reinforcement process. This paper presents a simulation model of SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites is established considering particles, cohesive elements, and material matrix. Stress distribution and surface roughness are analyzed for SiC/Al matrix composites based on the cutting process. Experiments are performed to test the degree of surface roughness using different cutting parameters. The relationship of cutting depth, cutting velocity, and feed rate per tooth to surface roughness degree is obtained for SiC/Al matrix composites. The optimization of cutting process is performed based on simulation. The results lay a foundation on the optimization of machining processes for metal matrix composites.
Numerical Simulation of Polyurethane Foaming Process Using Finite Point Method
Authors: Abdessalam H. , Abbès B. , Guo Y.Q. , Kwassi E. , Romain J.L.
Published: December 2013

For the numerical simulation of fluid mechanics problems in complex geometries, the use of the classical grid methods such as the finite element method and the finite volume method can give rise to several problems related to the deformation of the mesh. In this work, a meshfree Lagrangian method is used to avoid these problems. This method called Finite Point Method (FPM) has been developed by Kuhnert. It consists in representing the fluid domain by a set of particles. The efficiency of this method is pointed by studying the problem of polyurethane foaming. To do so, we have adopted a theoretical model describing the contribution of the chemical kinetics and the rheological coupling characterizing such process. This coupling is displayed through the dependency of the fluid viscosity to the evolution of the temperature and the chemical reactions present during the foaming process. The expansion of the mixture is governed by the front velocity which is calculated by solving the Navier-Stokes equations. Compared to the experimental results for polyurethane foaming process in a conical beaker, the numerical results using the FPM code are acceptable.
Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of Visible Light Responsive Nitrogen Doped TiO2 Nano Photocatalyst
Authors: Batra Ramita , Sharotri Nidhi , Sud Dhiraj
Published: December 2013

The present study is an attempt to synthesize N-doped TiO2 nanophotocatalyst using sonochemical method, having photocatalytic activity in the visible region. Non-metal doped nanocatalysts have been successfully synthesized and characterized structurally and physiochemically by using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, UV-VIS, FT-IR, Raman and PL. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized photocatalyst was investigated for the degradation of 2-CP as model compound. The result confirms the successful synthesis of N-doped photocatalyst with particle size 34 nm having anatase phase and shows new peak in a visible region at 587 nm..
Fibrous Cerium (IV) Hydrogen Phosphate Membrane Self-Supported Benzimidazole Polymerization Agent
Authors: Shakshooki S.K. , El-Akari F.A. , El-Fituri S.M. , El-Fituri S.S.
Published: December 2013

Nanosized fibrous cerium phosphates, Ce (HPO4)2.2.9H2O (nCePf), wa prepared. was characterized by chemical , XRD, TGA analysis, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Novel supported polybenzimidazole/ fibrous cerium phosphate nanocomposite membrane was prepared via in-situ chemical oxidation of the monomer that was promoted by the reduction of Ce (iv) ions present in the inorganic matrix. The presence of Ce (iv) ions allows redox reactions necessary to oxidative polymerization to occur. The resultant material was characterized by XRD, TGA, elemental (C,H,N) analysis and by FT-IR spectroscopy. Image SEM of the resulting nanocomposite reveals a uniform distribution of the polymer on the inorganic matrix }. Amount of polymer present in the composites found to be 11%.
The Effect of Silver and Silver-Platinum Doped Into 5A Zeolite on the Degradation of Naptalam
Authors: Kanan Sofian M. , Nusri Saeed E.
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the synthesis and catalytic properties of silver, platinum, and mixed Ag-Pt dopants into the 5A zeolite host. The prepared materials were tested toward the photodecomposition of the pesticide naptalam. The results indicate strong catalytic activities for the Ag-Pt-5A catalyst whereas, the Ag5A was found out to be the only doped zeolite that adsorbs the pesticide as soon as it came in contact with its surface. a-naphtylamine and phthalic acid were determined to be major photodecomposition products.
Hydrogen Interaction with Defects in Nanocrystalline, Polycrystalline and Epitaxial Pd Films
Authors: Čížek Jakub , Melikhova Oksana , Vlček Marián , Lukáč František , Vlach Martin , Dobron Patrik , Procházka Ivan , Anwand Wolfgang , Brauer Gerhard , Wagner Stefan , Uchida Helmut , Gemma Ryota , Pundt Astrid
Published: December 2013

Hydrogen interaction with defects and structural development of Pd films with various microstructures were investigated. Nanocrystalline, polycrystalline and epitaxial Pd films were prepared and electrochemically loaded with hydrogen. Structural changes of Pd films caused by absorbed hydrogen were studied by in-situ X-ray diffraction combined with acoustic emission and measurement of electromotorical force. Development of defects during hydrogen loading was investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy. It was found that hydrogen firstly fills open volume defects existing already in the films and subsequently it occupies also interstitial sites in Pd lattice. Absorbed hydrogen causes volume expansion, which is strongly anisotropic in thin films. This introduces high stress into the films loaded with hydrogen. Acoustic emission measurements revealed that when hydrogen-induced stress achieves a certain critical level rearrangement of misfit dislocations takes place. The stress which grows with increasing hydrogen concentration can be further released by plastic deformation and also by detachment of the film from the substrate.
Re-valuing Women's Knowledge
Authors: Yerbury Hilary
Published: December 2013

Women’s knowledge has often been seen as “a whole set of knowledges that have been disqualified as inadequate to their task or insufficiently elaborated: naive knowledges, located low down on the hierarchy, beneath the required level of cognition or scientificity." (Foucault 1980, p. 82). In this description, scientific knowledges are seen to be hierarchically more important, with traditional knowledges ranged beneath them. In this hierarchy, women’s knowledges are found wanting. The purpose of this paper is to explore the assertion that women’s knowledges are inadequate and to document ways in which they are marginalised. Revaluing women’s knowledge is recognised as one of the most direct methods of changing the way a society works. A vast literature has argued that is a key factor in development and has been shown to lead to poverty alleviation, to the development of active citizens and to the creation of a more open and democratic society. Possibilities for the revaluing of women’s knowledge using information and communication technologies are considered, focussing on the concepts of open access and the information commons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/ccs.v5i3.3381
Information in Civil Societies – a multi-faceted approach
Authors: Narayan Bhuva
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/ccs.v5i3.3706
Acute toxicity of pyrethroid-based insecticides in the Neotropical freshwater fish Brycon amazonicus
Authors: Moraes Fernanda Dias de , Venturini Francine Perri , Cortella Lucas Ribeiro Xavier , Rossi Priscila Adriana , Moraes Gilberto
Published: December 2013

Pyrethroids are insecticides widely used in agriculture to control ectoparasites and biological vectors. They can reach the water bodies by leaching and or runoff. Fishes are highly sensitive to pyrethroids and the nervous system sensibility and the deficient drug metabolism are the clues but the toxicity mechanisms are yet unclear. The acute toxicity assays allow evaluating the potential, environmental risks of specific pesticides. Type II pyrethroids are becoming widely used and there is no law concerning the limits of use to this kind of pesticide in Brazil. The LC50;96h was evaluated for three pyrethroid based-insecticides (PBI): cypermethrin, deltamethrin and Î»-cyhalothrin in fish Brycon amazonicus. The LC50;96h for the cypermethrin based-insecticide (CBI) was 36 Î¼g L-1; for deltamethrin based-insecticide (DBI) was 2.6 Î¼g L-1; and for Î»-cyhalothrin (LBI) was 6.5 Î¼g L-1. During the tests some behavioral alterations were registered just after the exposure; they were more evident at the highest xenobiotics concentrations. These alterations were indicative of asphyxia and nervous system damages. The three insecticides are highly toxics to B. amazonicus and the degree of toxicity is: deltamethrin> Î»-cyhalothrin> cypermethrin. The behavioral alterations observed are worrying since long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations can affect survival and reproductive ratios.
Intestinal Retransplant in a Patient after Fungal Sepsis: Considerations and Issues
Authors: Castillo Marcia
Published: December 2013

An adolescent female received an isolated intestinal transplant. She developed severe exfoliative rejection and required complete enterectomy. The patient developed a septic hip and lung lesions with biopsy-proven Aspergillus nidulans and was treated with caspofungin, ambiosome, and voriconizole. After completing a year of treatment and extensive physical therapy, the patient requested retransplant. The case was presented to the ethics committee, which determined that the patient demonstrated understanding of the risks and benefits. Infectious disease consultants presented data showing high risk for fungal recurrence. Quality of life as observed by our transplant team seemed good and the patient had no other indications. Retransplant is associated with higher risk than first transplants. Does the team have the right to deny retransplant if the competent patient requests transplant despite high risk? Guidelines for this indication are complex and evolving.
Kidney Transplant and the Digital Divide: Is Information and Communication Technology a Barrier or a Bridge to Transplant for African Americans?
Authors: Lockwood Mark B. , Saunders Milda R. , Lee Christopher S. , Becker Yolanda T. , Josephson Michelle A. , Chon W. James
Published: December 2013

Context

Barriers to kidney transplant for African Americans are well documented in the literature. Little information on ownership of information and communication technology and use of such technology in transplant populations has been published.

Objective

To characterize racial differences related to ownership and use of information and communication technology in kidney transplant patients.

Design

A single-center, cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

An urban Midwestern transplant center.

Participants

78 pretransplant patients and 177 transplant recipients.

Main Outcomes Measures

The survey consisted of 6 demographic questions, 3 disease-related questions, and 9 technology-related questions. Dichotomous (yes/no) and Likert-scale items were the basis for the survey.

Results

Cell phone use was high and comparable between groups (94% in African Americans, 90% in whites, P = .22). A vast majority (75% of African Americans and 74% of whites) reported being “comfortable” sending and receiving text messages. Computer ownership (94.3% vs 79.3%) and Internet access (97.7% vs 80.7%) were greater among whites than African Americans (both P < .01). Fewer African Americans were frequent users of the Internet (27.1% vs 56.3%) and e-mail (61.6% vs 79.3%) than whites (both P < .01). More African Americans than whites preferred education in a classroom setting (77% vs 60%; P < .005) and educational DVDs (66% vs 46%; P < .002).

Conclusion

The use of cell phone technology and text messaging was ubiquitous and comparable between groups, but computer and Internet access and frequency of use were not. Reaching out to the African American community may best be accomplished by using cell phone/text messaging as opposed to Internet-based platforms.
Randomized Trial to Evaluate Nutritional Status and Absorption of Enteral Feeding after Brain Death
Authors: Hergenroeder Georgene W. , Ward Norman H. , Yu Xiaoying , Opekun Antone , Moore Anthony N. , Kozinetz Claudia A. , Powner David J.
Published: December 2013

Context

Catecholamines and inflammatory mediators, with elevated levels after brain death, are associated with reduced function and survival of transplanted organs. Enteral nutrition reduces tissue damage and may benefit organs.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of immunomodulating enteral nutrition in organ donors.

Design

Prospective, randomized, open-label study.

Setting

Intensive care unit.

Patients

Thirty-six brain-dead organ donors.

Interventions

Donors were randomized to receive enteral nutrition containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, antioxidants, and glutamine or standard care (fasting). Donors received hormonal replacement therapy of corticosteroid, levothyroxine, dextrose, and insulin.

Main Outcome Measures

Gastrointestinal assimilation (measured by 13carbon-labeled uracil breath analysis), quantity of organs recovered, resting energy expenditure, urine level of urea nitrogen, and serum levels of albumin, prealbumin, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein were evaluated.

Results

Thirteen patients (36%) assimilated 13C-labeled uracil. Resting energy expenditure was significantly higher than predicted between 10 and 14 hours after baseline in 33 donors ( P = .007). Other measures were not conclusively different between fed and fasting groups. No adverse events occurred that were related to the enteral feeding.

Conclusions

About 30% of donors metabolized 13C-labeled uracil, although no difference in oxidation rate was found between fasting and fed donors. Corticosteroid administration lowers plasma levels of interleukin 6 and most likely contributes to greater than predicted resting energy expenditure. Thus energy needs may not be met during fasting if hormones are given. Consequences of this possible energy deficit warrant further study.
Sartre et la mort : « Le mur » et après
Authors: Louette Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Le jeune Poulou n’aimait pas se relire, à en croire Les mots. Mais Poulou devenu grand, c’est-à-dire Sartre ? Sans même avoir à les relire, un grand écrivain peut dialoguer avec ses propres textes. Ne cesser de les repenser, de les réécrire. C’est le cas pour Sartre — notamment pour ce qui est de la nouvelle qu’il a intitulée « Le mur » (1937). Il s’agit d’en rappeler quelques enjeux, autour de trois motifs (les lieux funèbres, la farce jouée aux franquistes et le rire final), avant de faire entendre les échos que Sartre, explorant la pré-mort et l’après-mort,lui a donnés dans la suite de son oeuvre — c’est-à-dire dans les Carnets de la drôle de guerre, Le sursis, L’être et le néant, Les jeux sont faits, Huis clos, les Cahiers pour une morale, Les séquestrés d’Altona, la Critique de la raison dialectique enfin. La nouvelle de 1937, que Gide tenait pour un chef-d’oeuvre, apparaît alors comme un texte matriciel pour tout un pan de l’oeuvre de Sartre. Matriciel dans la mesure où elle réunit un problème philosophique (que fait la mort, ou son approche, à l’existence ?), un mystère de la condition humaine (peut-on entrevoir l’autre côté du mur ?), qui sollicite une veine fantastique chère à Sartre, et l’un des plus vieux fantasmes de l’auteur (qu’est-ce que vivre pour un homme qui ne s’est fait écrivain qu’en devenant dès son jeune âge — selon Les mots, encore — « tout à fait posthume » ?).
How well do we know the polar hydrogen distribution on the Moon?
Authors: Teodoro L. F. A. , Eke V. R. , Elphic R. C. , Feldman W. C. , Lawrence D. J.
Published: December 2013

A detailed comparison is made of results from the Lunar Prospector Neutron Spectrometer (LPNS) and the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector Collimated Sensors for Epithermal Neutrons (LEND CSETN). Using the autocorrelation function and power spectrum of the polar count rate maps produced by these experiments, it is shown that the LEND CSETN has a footprint that is at least as big as would be expected for an omnidirectional detector at an orbital altitude of 50 km. The collimated flux into the field of view of the collimator is negligible. A dip in the count rate in Shoemaker crater is found to be consistent with being a statistical fluctuation superimposed on a significant, larger‐scale decrease in the count rate, providing no evidence for high spatial resolution of the LEND CSETN. The maps of lunar polar hydrogen with the highest contrast, i.e., spatial resolution, are those resulting from pixon image reconstructions of the LPNS data. These typically provide weight percentages of water‐equivalent hydrogen that are accurate to 30% within the polar craters.
Identifying Enantiomers in Mixtures of Chiral Molecules with Broadband Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Shubert V. Alvin , Schmitz David , Patterson David , Doyle John M. , Schnell Melanie
Published: December 2013

Chirality‐sensitive broadband microwave spectroscopy was performed on mixtures of carvone enantiomers and conformers to distinguish enantiomers, measure enantiomeric excesses, and determine the absolute configurations of the enantiomers. This method uses microwave three‐wave mixing and is inherently well‐suited to the analysis of mixtures—a unique advantage over other techniques. In contrast to conventional microwave spectroscopy, the phase of the received signal is also exploited. This phase depends upon the signs of the molecules’ dipole‐moment components and is used to identify the excess enantiomer. The measured signal amplitude determines the size of the excess. The broadband capabilities of the spectrometer were used to simultaneously excite and measure two conformers of carvone, demonstrating the analysis of a sample with multiple chiral species. Employing quantum chemical calculations and the measured phases, the absolute configurations of the enantiomers are determined.
Linking of oligoesters hydrolysis to polyurethane coatings
Authors: Ramirez Mayela , Miller Kent R. , Soucek Mark D.
Published: December 2013

The hydrolytic stability of a series of oligoesters comprised of three and four different monomers was evaluated. The hydroxyl terminal oligoesters were prepared from adipic acid (AA) and isophthalic acid (IPA), with six different diols and one triol, which included: 1,4‐butanediol, 1,5‐pentanediol, 1,6‐hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and 2‐butene‐1,4‐diol. The hydroxyl terminated oligoesters were reacted with phenyl isocyanate to form telechelic urethane groups. Hydrolysis rate constants were obtained from plots of acid number vs. time. It was observed that ternary oligoester systems had lower hydrolysis rates than quaternary systems. In addition to investigating the hydrolytic stability of the synthesized oligoesters, polyurethane coatings were produced by reacting the hydroxyl‐terminated oligoesters with an aliphatic polyisocyanate (1,6‐hexanediisocyanate trimer). Model oliogester hydrolysis was then correlated to the weatherability of a crosslinked polyurethane film. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40198.
Calcium alginate fibers containing metallic nanoadditives
Authors: Boguń Maciej , Szparaga Grzegorz , Król Paulina , Mikołajczyk Teresa , Rabiej Stanisław
Published: December 2013

In this manuscript two types of nanocomposite alginate fibers containing metallic nanoadditives: silver or Fe3O4 were obtained. The effect of the process parameters and the influence of the amount of nanoadditives in the fibers matrix on the mechanical properties, crystalline structure, porous structure, and sorption properties was investigated. The resulting fibers are characterized by the level of tenacity up to 23 cN/tex, the degree of crystallinity about 30%, and high sorption properties, which are strictly connected with hydrophilic nature of the polymer. On the basis of the images obtained by using an electron microscope linked to an X‐ray microanalysis it was found that the distribution of nanoadditives in the material of calcium alginate fibers is uniform. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40223.
Simultaneous determination of corosolic acid and euscaphic acid in the plasma of normal and diabetic rat after oral administration of extract of Potentilla discolor Bunge by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Jing‐jing , Li Yi , Bai Min , Tan Jing‐fu , Wang Qiang , Yang Jie
Published: December 2013

Potentilla discolor Bunge has been used for diabetes in China for a long time. Corosolic acid (CA) and euscaphic acid (EA), with significant anti‐diabetic activity, are two major triterpenoids in P. discolor. In this study, a specific, sensitive and convenient LC‐MS method has been developed for simultaneous determination of CA and EA in the plasma of normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract of P. discolor. The chromatographic separation was achieved using an Alltima C18 column (53 × 7.0 mm, i.d., 3 µm) with a mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid water and 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was performed by MS with electrospray ionization interface in negative selected ion monitoring mode. All the validation data, such as specificity, linearity (r2 > 0.9991 within 0.025–10.0 µg/mL), lower limit of quantitation (2.5 ng/mL), precision (intra‐ and inter‐day <14.7%), accuracy (<15.0%), recovery (85.7–110.8%) and stability were determined and all of them were within the required limits. This method was successfully applied for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic behaviors of these two compounds in the plasma of normal and diabetic rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.