bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic resistance of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Bulajic Snezana , Mijacevic Zora , Savic-Radovanovic Radoslava
Published: October 2011

Knowledge on the antibiotic resistance of lactic acid bacteria is still limited, possibly because of the large numbers of genera and species encountered in this group, as well as variances in their resistance spectra. The EFSA considers antibiotic resistances, especially transferable resistances, an important decision criterion for determining a strain's QPS status. There are no approved standards for the phenotypic or genotypic evaluation of antibiotic resistances in food isolates. Also, the choice of media is problematic, as well as the specification of MIC breakpoint values as a result of the large species variation and the possible resulting variation in MIC values between species and genera. The current investigations in this field showed that we might end up with a range of different species- or genus-specific breakpoint values that may further increase the current complexity. Another problem associated with safety determinations of starter strains is that once a resistance phenotype and an associated resistance determinant have been identified, it becomes difficult to show that this determinant is not transferable, especially if the resistance gene is not located on a plasmid and no standard protocols for showing genetic transfer are available. Encountering those problems, the QPS system should allow leeway for the interpretations of results, especially when these relate to the methodology for resistance phenotype determinations, determinations of MIC breakpoints for certain genera, species, or strains, the nondeterminability of a genetic basis of a resistance phenotype and the transferability of resistance genes.
Resistance to antibiotics and genotype characteristics of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Mbandaka isolated from poultry
Authors: Vidanovic Dejan , Sabo Z. , Kilibarda Natasa , Zivadinovic Mira , Zarkovic Aleksandar , Matovic Kazimir
Published: October 2011

Salmonellas are one of the main zoonotic pathogens whose reservoirs are poultry, cattle and pigs. By means of the food chain salmonellas can be transferred to humans through contaminated food of animal origin. Multiresistant strains Salmonella are particularly dangerous since they can transfer genes of resistance to antibiotics to other microorganisms. Control of salmonellas primarily depends on a good surveillance system and knowledge of the strain types present in the epizootiologic area. In some geographical regions only a few Salmonella serotypes are usually of epidemiological importance. Due to the predomination of some serotypes and fagotypes, when an additional discrimination within serotypes and fagotypes is needed, DNA genotyping is used. In cases when it is necessary to compare the strains which caused the poisoning of patients, with strains isolated from food or animals, a highly discriminatory method is used - pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Due to a high degree of discrimination the results of PFGE testing enable decision making with a higher degree of certainty in epizootiologic and epidemiologic research work. The aim of this testing was to determine the antibiotics resistance and genotype characteristics of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Mbandaka isolated from poultry from some areas of the territory of Serbia.
Presence of ochratoxin A and toxic elements residue in tissues and their impact on safety of pork
Authors: Milicevic Dragan , Jovanovic Milijan , Juric Verica , Dakovic Aleksandra , Stefanovic Srdjan , Petrovic Zoran
Published: October 2011

The aim and task of this study was to determine the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in blood serum, liver and kidneys of fattening swine, slaughtered regularly, originating from different areas of Serbia. During meat inspection on the slaughterhouse line samples of blood, kidney and liver per animal were randomly sampled (n=90) and analyzed by HPLC for ochratoxin A. Also, the presence of nephrotoxic (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) elements in kidneys was carried out. Of the 90 liver samples, 26.6% contained OTA in the range of 0.22-14.5 ng/g, while the incidence of OTA in serum and kidney samples were very similar (31 and 33.3%, respectively). The analyses showed that serum samples were positive in the range of 0.22-221 ng/mL, while ochratoxin A concentrations in the kidney were between 0.17 and 52.5 ng/g. The mean distribution of OTA residue followed the pattern: serum>kidneys>liver (100>34>17), while in respect to occurrence it followed the pattern: kidneys>serum>liver (100>93.4>79.9). The results of this study showed that 2.2% of kidney sample had a content of ochratoxin A above the maximum permitted limit in Serbia of 10 ng/g. The results from this survey indicated that there was a low correlation between the OTA level in serum and liver as well as in the OTA level in kidney and liver (r=0.319 and 0.341, respectively) while the strongest correlation was found between the OTA level in serum and in kidney (r=0.973). The presence of mercury was found in 33.3% of kidney samples in the range of 0.005-0.055 mg/kg, while the presence of cadmium was found to a lesser degree (27.7%). The Hg concentrations in the kidney samples were lower than 0.10 mg/kg and did not exceed the guideline level established in Serbia, while concentration of cadmium in only one kidney sample was greater than 1.0 mg/kg, and exceeded the limit proposed by the Serbian Rule Book. The presence of arsenic was found only in one sample, while the presence of lead was not established. This study shows the presence of OTA in Serbian slaughtered pigs at levels comparable to those reported in other countries.
Monitoring residue in animals and primary products of animal origin
Authors: Jankovic Sasa , Spiric Aurelija , Radicevic Tatjana , Stefanovic Srdjan
Published: October 2011

The objective of control and systematic monitoring of residue is to secure, by the examination of a corresponding number of samples, the efficient monitoring of the residue level in tissues and organs of animals, as well as in primary products of animal origin. This creates possibilities for the timely taking of measures toward the securing of food hygiene of animal origin and the protection of public health. Residue can be a consequence of the inadequate use of medicines in veterinary medicine and pesticides in agriculture and veterinary medicine, as well as the polluting of the environment with toxic elements, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and others. Residue is being monitored in Serbia since 1972, and in 2004, national monitoring was brought to the level of EU countries through significant investments by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. This is also evident in the EU directives which permit exports of all kinds of meat and primary products of animal origin, covered by the Residue Monitoring Program. The program of systematic examinations of residue has been coordinated with the requirements of the European Union, both according to the type of examined substance, as well as according to the number of samples and the applied analytical techniques. In addition to the development of methods and the including of new harmful substances into the monitoring programme, it is also necessary to coordinate the national regulations that define the maximum permitted quantities of certain medicines and contaminants with the EU regulations, in order to protect the health of consumers as efficiently as possible, and for the country to take equal part in international trade.
Study of density of interface states in MOS structure with ultrathin NAOS oxide
Authors: Jurečka Stanislav , Kobayashi Hikaru , Kim Woo-Byoung , Takahashi Masao , Pinčík Emil
Published: October 2011

The quality of the interface region in a semiconductor device and the density of interface states (DOS) play important roles and become critical for the quality of the whole device containing ultrathin oxide films. In the present study the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures with ultrathin SiO2 layer were prepared on Si(100) substrates by using a low temperature nitric acid oxidation of silicon (NAOS) method. Carrier confinement in the structure produces the space quantization effect important for localization of carriers in the structure and determination of the capacitance. We determined the DOS by using the theoretical capacitance of the MOS structure computed by the quantum mechanical approach. The development of the density of SiO2/Si interface states was analyzed by theoretical modeling of the C-V curves, based on the superposition of theoretical capacitance without interface states and additional capacitance corresponding to the charges trapped by the interface states. The development of the DOS distribution with the passivation procedures can be determined by this method.
Clinical trials in the era of personalized oncology
Authors: Maitland Michael L. , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: October 2011

The rapid pace of discoveries in tumor biology, imaging technology, and human genetics hold promise for an era of personalized oncology care. The successful development of a handful of new targeted agents has generated much hope and hype about the delivery of safer and more effective new treatments for cancer. The design and conduct of clinical trials has not yet adjusted to a new era of personalized oncology and so we are more in transition to that era than in it. With the development of treatments for breast cancer as a model, we review the approaches to clinical trials and the development of novel therapeutics in the prior era of population oncology, the current transitional era, and the future era of personalized oncology. CA Cancer J Clin 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Cichorium endivia L. Extract and Its Chemical Constituents
Authors: Chen Chao-Jie , Deng An-Jun , Liu Chang , Shi Rui , Qin Hai-Lin , Wang Ai-Ping
Published: October 2011

The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective properties of Cichorium endivia L. extract (CEE), and to identify its chemical constituents. CEE significantly blocked the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, oral administration of CEE to mice before the treatment of t-BHP exhibited a markedly protective effect by lowering serum levels of ALT and AST, inhibiting the changes in liver biochemistry including MDA, SOD, GSH and GST, as well as ameliorating the liver injuries according to the histopathological observations. According to the acute oral toxicity test, the LD50 of CEE was greater than 5,000 mg/kg, which demonstrates that the CEE can be considered practically non-toxic. Phytochemical analysis of CEE showed the presence of five compounds identified as 2-furanmethanol-(5'→11)-1,3-cyclopentadiene-[5,4-c]-1H-cinnoline, which is a new cinnoline derivative derived from a natural source but not synthesis, 2-phenylethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, kaempferol, and adenosine. In the ORAC assay, CEE and its constituents kaempferol and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside had considerable antioxidant potency. Taken together, CEE protects hepatic tissue from oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo, potentially due to its phenolic substances, and does not cause acute oral toxicity, which suggests that CEE may be a valid and safe remedy to cure liver disease.
Coupling Aptamers to Short Interfering RNAs as Therapeutics
Authors: Cerchia Laura , Esposito Carla Lucia , Camorani Simona , Catuogno Silvia , Franciscis Vittorio de
Published: October 2011

RNA-based approaches are among the most promising strategies aimed at developing safer and more effective therapeutics. RNA therapeutics include small non-coding miRNAs, small interfering RNA, RNA aptamers and more recently, small activating RNAs. However, major barriers exist to the use of RNAs as therapeutics such as resistance to nucleases present in biological fluids, poor chemical stability, need of specific cell targeted delivery and easy entry into the cell. Such issues have been addressed by several recent reports that show the possibility of introducing chemical modifications in small RNAs to stabilize the molecular conformation and increase by several fold their integrity, while still preserving the functional activity. Further, several aptamers have been developed as excellent candidates for the specific recognition of cell surface targets. In the last few years, by taking advantage of recent advances in the small RNA field, molecular bioconjugates have been designed that permit specific targeting and may act as cargoes for cell internalization of small RNAs acting on gene expression that will be discussed in this review.
Combining Diverse Knowledge Based Features for Semantic Relatedness Measures
Authors: Gentile Anna Lisa , Zhang Ziqi , Ciravegna Fabio
Published: October 2011

This chapter proposes a novel Semantic Relatedness (SR) measure that exploits diverse features extracted from a knowledge resource. Computing SR is a crucial technique for many complex Natural Language Processing (NLP) as well as Semantic Web related tasks. Typically, semantic relatedness measures only make use of limited number of features without considering diverse feature sets or understanding the different contributions of features to the accuracy of a method. This chapter proposes a random graph walk model based method that naturally combines diverse features extracted from a knowledge resource in a balanced way in the task of computing semantic relatedness. A set of experiments is carefully designed to investigate the effects of choosing different features and altering their weights on the accuracy of the system. Next, using the derived feature sets and feature weights we evaluate the proposed method against the state-of-the-art semantic relatedness measures, and show that it obtains higher accuracy on many benchmarking datasets. Additionally, the authors justify the usefulness of the proposed method in a practical NLP task, i.e. Named Entity Disambiguation.
Introduction to Autostereoscopic Displays
Authors: Grasnick Armin
Published: October 2011

This chapter is an introduction to the principles of operation in autostereoscopic displays. It explains the most important autostereoscopic technologies and their principles, the image representation, and the resulting strengths and weaknesses. Beside the general principles, all necessary steps for a successful 3D display design are illustrated. This includes the fundamental dimensions, the generation of the screen images, as well as the creation of the 3D optics. To characterize and classify a certain 3D display, a display metric for autostereoscopic displays is proposed. Even though all parameters are explained for a static 3D system, the basic principles are also applicable for dynamic systems (i.e. 3D displays with head or eye tracking). In such cases, the described geometrics are only correct for a singular point in time.
Optimization of Poly(β-L-malic acid) Production Using Aureobasidium Pullulans by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Qiao Chang Sheng , Zhong Kun , Hao Hua Xuan , Jia Yuan Yuan
Published: October 2011

Plackett-burman (P-B) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the conditions of Poly (β-L-malic acid) production by Aureobasidium pullulans. Results of the statistical analysis showed that the concentration of Poly (β-L-malic acid ) was influenced by the concentrations of initial glucose, (NH4)2SO4, CaCO3 and agitation speed, liquid loading, and incubation time. The optimized fermentation conditions performed in shaking flasks were glucose 100.428g/L, (NH4)2SO4 3.06g/L, succinic acid 2g/L, K2CO3 0.4g/L, KH2PO4 0.1g/L, CaCO3 27.7g/L, ZnSO4·7H2O 5×10-5g/L, MgSO4·7H2O 0.1g/L, and corn steep liquor 0.1% (v/v), liquid loading 55mL/500mL, temperature 25°C, agitation speed 207 r/min, and incubation time 152h. Under which the maximum Poly (β-L-malic acid) concentration of 3.897±0.472g/L was obtained at the optimum conditions, which significantly increased by 218.8% compared with the control (1.781±0.342 g/L).
Comparison of Evaluation Based on Different Atmospheric Correction Methods for HJ-1A Hyperspectral Imaging Data
Authors: Wang Ping , Xing Zhu Rong , Feng You Gui
Published: October 2011

HJ-1 Hyperspectral image radiometer is on the HJ-1A satellite. It will provide images about 115 spectral bands between 0.45 and 0.95μm, with spatial resolution of 100 meters and give a return visit every 96 hours. Atmospheric correction models of 6S and FLAASH were applied to the image. The results showed that both models could carry out the radiation correction to radiation-induced distortion caused by atmospheric effects, but correction results were different. 6S had well results comparing to the in-situ spectrum of vegetation. The image quality was better which had the further application ability.
Impact of Land-Use Change on Carbon Stocks in Meadow Steppe of Northeast China
Authors: Lian Pei Yong , Zeng De Hui , Liu Jin Ye , Ding Fan , Wu Zhi Wei
Published: October 2011

An improved understanding of changes in carbon storage of terrestrial ecosystems is very important for assessing the impacts of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate change on the terrestrial biosphere. Accurately predicting terrestrial carbon (C) storage requires understanding the carbon stock, because it helps us understand how ecosystems would respond to natural and anthropogenic disturbances under different management strategies. We investigated organic C storage in aboveground biomass, litter, roots, and soil organic matter (SOM) in five land-use types (i.e. artificial pasture, AP; natural meadow, NM; corn plantation, CP; temperate savanna, TS; and bush wood, BW) in meadow steppe of Northeast China. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of different land-use types on the carbon stock. The total C storage (including C stored in aboveground biomass, litter, roots, and 0–100-cm soil layers) did not significantly differ between one and another type among the five pairs (P>0.05), with the exception of AP2-BW pair. The total C storage changes in value varying from 5958.09 g C m-2 for plot NM2 to 11922.87 g C m-2 for plot CP1. The C stored in the aboveground biomass was less than 1177.96 g C m-2, accounting for negligible amounts (<1% of the total) of total C storage in the ecosystem except corn plantation. The amount of C stored in SOM accounted for less than 85% of the total C storage in TS, AP2, and NM3, and the C stored in litter was very low (<1.5%), compared to other pools in the ecosystem. The amount of C stored in the roots varied from 0 g C m-2 for plot BW, CP1, and CP2 to 2032.32 g C m-2 for plot NM3, and it accounted for less than 20% of C storage in the grassland.
A Low Power Amplifier for Bio-Signal Processing
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a low voltage amplifier with low noise and very low frequency designed for bio-signal processing. The amplifier requires only ± 0.6V supply and consumes 1.24μW, with a 75.5 dB gain over a bandwidth covering a range of frequencies from some hundreds of mHz to 19 kHz. A SMIC 0.13μm CMOS process is used in design and simulation.
Improving the Gas Barrier Property of SBR/Clay Nanocomposite through In Situ Sulfur Modification during Curing Process
Authors: He Shao Jian , Wang Yi Qing , Lin Jun , Zhang Li Qun
Published: October 2011

Rubber/clay nanocomposites have been explored as alternative materials to replace expensive halogenated butyl rubber. In order to further improve their gas barrier properties, a simple and efficient method through sulfur modification was applied in this work. Excess sulfur was added into SBR/clay nanocompound to prepare sulfur modified nanocomposite via the formation of cyclic sulfide in addition to crosslinking. The vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical property and gas barrier property of the nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the sulfur modified SBR/clay nanocomposites showed much increased glass transition temperature and lower gas permeability.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation for Reconfigurable Assembly Line
Authors: Yuan Ming Hai , Wang Ze Zhong
Published: October 2011

On the basis of the analyzing of the criterion of the evaluation index, a comprehensive evaluation model for RAL (reconfigurable assembly line) is proposed based on the hierarchy analysis according to the characteristics of the RAL and the engineering application. The new combination weighting method is used to calculate the weights of every index, and the index is assessed by fuzzy synthetically evaluation. The subordinate degree of evaluation object relative to optimum reference value adopting least squares principle is regarded as the evaluation criteria. Finally, this method is demonstrated to be reasonable and effective by a simulation example.
Numerical Simulation of Different Projectile Penetrating the Single-Layer Steel Target
Authors: Liu Li Shuang , Liu Jun , Shi Yun Bo
Published: October 2011

The numerical simulation that projectiles, which are different length-diameter ratio, different cone angle, penetratethe same steel target is executed with ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The environmental characteristics are summarized. It provides a reference for the instrument on projectiles.
Microstructure Modeling for Prediction of Thermal Conductivity of Plain Weave C/SiC Fibre Bundles Considering Manufacturing Flaws
Authors: Lv Sheng Li , Zeng Qing Na , Yao Lei Jiang , Chen Liu Ding , Tong Xiao Yan
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is to propose a microstructure modeling for prediction of thermal conductivity of plain weave C/SiC fibre bundles considering manufacturing flaws. Utilized photomicrographs taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM), an accurate representative volume element (RVE) model for carbon fiber bundles is established. Based on the steady-analysis method, the axial and transverse thermal conductivity of the carbon fibre bundles are calculated as 40.32Wm-1K-1 and 11.33 Wm-1K-1, respectively. The manufacturing flaws have different effects on thermal conductivity, the study shows that class A porosity has a significant effect on thermal conductivity, which leads to the thermal conductivity on the axial direction decrease by 13.31% and transverse direction decrease by 20.56% compared with no flaws RVE. While class B porosity has little influence on the k-value. The change law of axial and transverse thermal conductivity along with porosity volume is also observed: as porosity volume fraction is increasing, the thermal conductivity of fibre bundles shows significant linear decrease.
A Facile Method for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in the Presence of Sodium Phosphate
Authors: Shi Yu Li , Zhou Qi , Lv Li Yun , Hong Wang
Published: October 2011

A facile method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (NPs) has been developed by using sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) as stabilizing agents and glucose the reducing agent, respectively. The obtained silver NPs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that in the presence of sodium phosphate, silver NPs with different morphologies and sizes were obtained. The formation mechanism of diverse silver NPs was studied preliminarily.
Application of Group Technology in Mechanical Processing
Authors: Liu Chun Lin , Wang Ke Sheng
Published: October 2011

The principle of group technology is presented in this paper. Similar machining pieces are grouped and processed according divided groups for enlarging processing batch in multi-variety parts production. In order to obtain synthetic economy results, group technology should be overall implemented in multi-species and small-batch productive system by adopting high effective processing method or equipment to get better economy efficiency which is able to obtain from large-batch machining processes. Group technology optimizes the processing subsequence of parts as well as improves production and economy efficiency which is an advantage for enterprises to develop forward professional production.
Thermal Shock Cracks Initiation and Propagation of WCp / Steel Substrate Surface Composite at 500°C
Authors: Huang Ru Qing , Li Zu Lai , Jiang Ye Hua , Zhou Rong , Gao Fan
Published: October 2011

In order to provide a theoretical basis for the study of thermal fatigue properties on surface composites, thermal shock cracks initiation and propagation of WCP reinforced high chromium steel substrate surface composites were studied by thermal shock test method at 500 °C. The results show that cracks initiation and propagation begin within a few thermal shock cycles, and after 15 thermal shock cycles, the composites remain intact, indicating a good thermal shock resistance. The thermal shock cracks consist mainly of longitudinal and transverse cracks. Within a few thermal shock cycles, the initiation and propagation of longitudinal cracks play a dominant role; however, with the increase in the number of thermal shock, the transverse cracks may play a key role as the length and number of both types of cracks increases. However, the increase is slow. The longitudinal cracks are mainly caused by the first class thermal stress and the transverse cracks result from the culminant effects of the first and second thermal stress, interacting with each other.
Numerical Study on the Equivalent Target for Deep Penetration
Authors: Wang Shu You , Men Jian Bing , Jiang Jian Wei
Published: October 2011

The influence of radial and axial boundary effect on penetration effect are calculated, numerical simulation are executed to compute the kinetic projectile against deep hard target by finite element code, the boundary effects were achieved for different velocity range. Result shows that the minimal Dt/Dp (diameter ratio of target to projectile) for impact velocity 600m/s is 17.5, while the minimal Dt/Dp for impact velocity 900m/s is 20. Furthermore, the depth of equivalent target to substitute semi-infinite target is twice of penetration depth limit for impact velocity 300m/s, and 1.6 times respectively, for impact velocity 600m/s, 900m/s.
FEA Simulation of Extruding Feed through Die Hole in Pelleting Process
Authors: Wu Kai , Shi Shui Juan , Wang Yi Long , Peng Bin Bin
Published: October 2011

Pellet mill has been widely used in feed industry and biomass energy industry and ring die is its critical component. The structure of the ring die hole not only determines whether the feed can go through the hole smoothly, but also has a great effect on the abrasion of die hole. The finite element simulations that describe the feed extruding in different die-hole have been done and the axial nodal displacements as well as equivalent force along the die-hole internal surface are extracted. Then the feed extruding in different conicities of inlets are also analyzed. It is shown that the camber inlet is better than the conical inlet when taking the abrasion of die-hole into account. Furthermore, the smaller entrance angle of conical inlet is better.
Microstructure and Performance of Multiple Tracks Lap-Joint Coating by Plasma Cladding
Authors: Wang Li Mei , Liu Jun Bo , Huang Bao Xin
Published: October 2011

Plasma cladding multi-lap joint alloying was attained on low carbon steel with self-designed Fe-Cr-C alloy powder by plasma cladding equipment. The lap-joint proportion is 50%. Microstructure and performance of lap-joint had been analyzed and detected, rosette crystal grain are found in lap-joint area, The structure in this area are more fine and compact, The hardness has been increased.
An Improved Magnesium Alloy Heater’s Controller Based on the Smith Predictor
Authors: Hu Xiong Xin
Published: October 2011

As an excellent material, Magnesium (Mg) alloy was widely used in automobile, IT product and aerospace industries. The magnesium alloy heater needs a robust controller to advance on the high accuracy, the static and dynamic stable characters, and the heater’s time delay. Firstly the magnesium alloy furnace mechanical model based on multi-layer equivalent thermal network for a radiant tube is introduced. The numeric model in one dimension steady heat transfer was developed. And a series of linear systemic characters were developed via experimental research. Secondly the furnace control system model was developed, which was built on the PID and Smith predictor in detail. And its kernel algorithm was simulated and applied in the furnace equipment system. Comparison of the Smith predictor and the conventional PID controller demonstrated that the former could eliminate the static error, reduce overshoot, shorten regulating time, and improve control precision and running stability. Finally an example which was a whole process experiment of the Mg alloy melting was given. It should be drawn that Smith predictor control system was superior to the conventional PID controller in the heater.
Schedule Study and Simulation Experiment of Lift-Sliding Stereo Garage Based on A* Algorithm
Authors: Yang Zhong Xiu , Ren Xiao Bo , Song Jia Tao , Wang Wan Liang
Published: October 2011

This paper studied the schedule of lift-sliding stereo garages and proposed an effective schedule based on A* algorithm. The results show that the run time of the schedule based on A* algorithm is almost close to 0. It could effectively work in lift-sliding garages and is better than those full search methods such as simple depth-first search and so on. It solves some problems that exist in the management of stereo garages.
LAHP-Based Theory of Building e-Commerce Customer Satisfaction Degree Index System
Authors: Jia Chun Mei , Yu Ling Hong
Published: October 2011

According to the development of electronic commerce, this paper analyzed the case of online shopping e-commerce customer satisfaction factors. Also based on AHP not only established a customer satisfaction evaluation index system, and rank the factors that influenced the indicators, and finally to propose a solution.
Research on Strength Characteristics of Expansive Soil
Authors: Li Qian , Fu Le
Published: October 2011

According to expansive soil, consolidated drained tests and undrained tests are carried on under saturated and remoulded conditions. The stress-strain characteristics of saturated soil are researched systematically under different confining pressure, initial dry density, initial water content, shearing rate and drainage condition. The inherent unity of diversity of shearing strength for the same samples measured by different experimental methods is indicated according to the normalization of critical state test results.
Self-Collimation in Square Lattice Two Dimensional Photonic Crystals with Ring-Shaped Holes
Authors: Xu Quan , Xie Kang , Yang Hua Jun
Published: October 2011

We demonstrate self-collimation phenomena based on a new type of photonic crystals made of square lattice with ring shaped holes. The plane wave expansion (PWE) method is used to get the three dimensional band diagram and equi-frequency of the second band which displays the self-collimation phenomena for the structure we proposed in this paper. The collimation angle is mainly depending on the maximum flatness half width (MFHW) of the equi-frequency. The FDTD method is employed to demonstrate the electric field amplitude distributions for the collimation phenomena. Partly, in order to achieve high efficient coupling of the input and output port, we modify both surface structures to modulate the wave-front to obtain desired effect. The parameter of the input surface is modified which will prevent the production of surface modes which takes away the EM power and enhance the transmittance. For a square lattice with the modified parameters at each side of the input surface, the surface modes are suppressed to couple with the continuum of the dielectric waveguide modes. More importantly, they might have potential application in integrated optical circuits.
Dynamic Characterization of Non-Homogeneous Magnetorheological Fluids Based Multi-Layer Beam
Authors: Vasudevan R. , Ramamoorthy Manoharan
Published: October 2011

The vibration properties of multi-layer beam structure comprising axially non-homogeneous magneto-rheological (MR) fluids layer are investigated. The governing equations of a non-homogeneous MR fluids multi-layered beam are formulated using finite element method and Ritz formulation. The validity of the proposed finite element formulations is demonstrated by comparing the results with those obtained from the Ritz formulation. The properties of different configurations of a non-homogeneous MR-fluid beam are evaluated to investigate the influences of the location of the different MR-fluids for various boundary conditions. The properties in terms of natural frequencies and loss factors corresponding to various modes are evaluated under different magnetic field intensities. The effect of location of the fluid treatment on deflection mode shapes is also investigated. The results suggest that the natural frequencies and loss factors of the non-homogeneous MR fluid beams are strongly influenced not only by the intensity of the applied magnetic field, but also by the location of the MR fluids. It is also concluded that the application of non-homogeneous MR fluids could also alter the deflection pattern of the beam, particularly the location of the peak deflection.
Application of Fuzzy Rule-Based Model to Predict TiAlN Coatings Roughness
Authors: Jaya Abdul Syukor Mohamad , Muhamad Mohd Razali , Abd Rahman Md Nizam , Hashim Siti Zaiton Mohd
Published: October 2011

In this work, an approach for predicting the roughness of Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) coatings using fuzzy ruled-based model was discussed. TiAlN coatings were produced using magnetron sputtering process. Tungsten carbide (WC) was selected as the substrate and titanium alloy was used as the material to coat the cutting tool. The sputtering power, substrate bias voltage and substrate temperature were selected as the input variables while roughness of the TiAlN coatings was considered as the response variable. A statistical design of experiments method known as centre cubic design (CCD) was selected to collect the data for developing the fuzzy rules. The prediction performances of the fuzzy rule-based model with respect to percentage error, mean squared error (MSE), co-efficient determination (R2) and model accuracy were compared with the response surface regression model (RSM). The result shown that the fuzzy rule-based model has much better predicting capability compared to the RSM.
Preparation of Amorphous Silicon Oxide Nanowires by the Thermal Heating of Ni or Au-Coated Si Substrates
Authors: Ha Jong Keun , Cho Kwon Koo
Published: October 2011

Silicon oxide (SiOx) nanowires may have many applications due to their electrical, mechanical and optical properties. Many methods have been reported for the synthesis of SiOx nanowires, including laser ablation, sol–gel, thermal evaporation, carbothermal reduction, physical evaporation, rapid thermal annealing, chemical vapor deposition and thermal oxidation route, oxide assisted growth and thermal sublimation. In this paper, we reported SiOx nanowires fabricated by simple thermal heating process of catalyst thin film-coated Si substrates with various parameters, such as synthesis temperature, synthesis gases, catalysts, and buffer layer (SiO2 layer). Synthesized silicon oxide nanowires were amorphous crystalline. The best synthesis condition of prepared SiOx nanowire is slightly varied with catalysts and buffer layer. The flow rate of synthesis gas affected diameter of silicon oxide nanowires.
Structural Changes of UHV Deposited Titanium Thin Films in Presence of Oxygen Flow and Temperature
Authors: Kangarlou Haleh , Gharahasanloo Mehdi Bahrami , Saray Akbar Abdi , Gharabagh Reza Mohammadi
Published: October 2011

Ti films of same thickness, and near normal deposition angle, and same deposition rate were deposited on glass substrates, at room temperature, under UHV conditions. Different annealing temperatures as 393K, 493K and 593K with uniform 8 cm3/sec, oxygen flow, were used for producing titanium oxide layers. Their nanostructures were determined by AFM and XRD methods. Roughness of the films changed due to annealing process. The gettering property of Ti and annealing temperature can play an important role in the nanostructure of the films.
Research on Vibration-Reduced Characteristics for Dry-Friction Damping Material of Metallic Rubber
Authors: Li Yu Yan , Huang Xie Qing
Published: October 2011

Harmonic balancing method has more powerful superiority than other perturbation methods in the respect of solving steady-state response of strong nonlinear system. The amplitude-frequency equation of dry-friction vibration system considering cubic nonlinear displacement under harmonic excitation was derived by harmonic balancing method. Because the effect of even nonlinear term on vibration response of system was not evident, even nonlinear term of elastic restoring force was neglected. The first term coefficient and third term coefficient obtained by static experimental data for constitutive relationship of metallic rubber were substituted into frequency response equation. Amplitude-frequency characteristics curves of vibration response for cubic nonlinear displacement dry-friction system of metallic rubber were obtained. Natural frequencies obtained by computation were compared with natural frequencies by experiment, and the two Natural frequencies consisted with each other. It showed that the method that vibration response for cubic nonlinear displacement dry-friction system of metallic rubber was computed is reasonable.
Hygrothermal Buckling Response of Laminated Composite Plates with Random Material Properties: Micro-Mechanical Model
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Singh Dharamveer
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is to find out the randomness in the material properties on the buckling of laminated composite plate needed for the economy, safety and reliability of the structures and components in their operational life especially for sensitive Aerospace Engineering applications in hygrothermal environments. Micromechanical model has been taken for the analysis .The used methodology is a C0 finite element method based on higher-order shear deformation plate theory for deriving the standard eigenvalue problem. A Taylor series based mean-centered first order perturbation technique is used to find out the second order statistics of the hygrothermal buckling loads under different sets of environmental conditions..The numerical results for deterministic parameters are compared and validated with available literature and random parameters with independent Monte Carlo Simulation. The result shows that the plate is significantly affected by the hygrothermal buckling load.
Effect of Dye Coating Duration on the Performance of Inverted Type Organic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell Based on Eosin-Y Coated ZnO Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Yahaya Muhammad , Yap C.C. , Salleh Muhamad Mat
Published: October 2011

The effects of dye coating duration on the performance of inverted bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on a blend of poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) as donor and (6,6)-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor with a structure of FTO/Eosin-Y coated ZnO nanorod arrays/MEHPPV:PCBM/Au utilizing ZnO nanorod arrays as electron collecting layer and gold as a hole collecting electrode were investigated. ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates which were pre-coated with ZnO nanoparticles using a low temperature chemical solution method. The ZnO nanorods-coated FTO substrates were immersed in the Eosin-Y dye solution at 60 oC for 15, 60 and 120 min. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cell increased with dye coating duration and reached an optimum value at dye coating duration of 60 min. The device with dye coating duration of 60 min exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency of 5.05 x 10-4 % with short circuit current density of 9.95 μA/cm2, open circuit voltage of 0.18 V and fill factor of 28%.
Nonlinear Self-Excited Combustion Oscillations of a Premixed Laminar Flame
Authors: Zhao Dan
Published: October 2011

Self-excited combustion oscillations are caused by a coupling between acoustic waves and unsteady heat release. A premixed laminar flame in a Rijke tube, anchored to a metal gauze, is considered in this work. The flame response to flow disturbances is investigated by developing a nonlinear kinematic model based on the classical-equation, with the assumption of a time-invariant laminar flame speed. Unsteady heat release from the flame is assumed to be caused by its surface variations, which results from the fluctuations of the oncoming flow velocity. The flame is acoustically compact, and its presence causes the mean temperature undergoing a jump, whose effect on the dynamics of the thermo-acoustic system is discussed. Coupling the flame model with a Galerkin series expansion of the acoustic waves present enables the time evolution of the flow disturbances to be calculated. It was found that the model can predict the mode shape and the frequencies of the excited combustion oscillations very well. Moreover, the fundamental mode is found to be the easiest one to be triggered among all acoustic modes. To gain insight about the mode selection and triggering, further numerical investigation is conducted by linearizing the flame model and recasting into the popular formulation.
Relationship between Interfacial Instabilities and Tensile Stress of Three-Layer (PP/HDPE/PP) Polymer Structure - An Experimental Study
Authors: Ranjbaran Mohammad M.
Published: October 2011

The interface instability of the co-extrusion flow of polyethylene and polypropylene is studied experimentally in a slit geometry. This is done by introducing disturbances of controlled wave length and amplitude on three-layer symmetric (A-B-A) polymer melts and performing a series of extrudate mechanical testing. In this study variations of the mechanical properties as well as wave interlocking have been related to the conformation of the interfacial waves (IW). By investigating the growing (IW) and tensile stress of extrudate samples a relationship between interfacial instability (II) and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) has been established. It has been shown that instabilities are associated with IW, and it turns out that IW amplitude is known as a mechanism for controlling the strength of three layer polymer products. It is shown that the mechanism of interfacial strength is related to interfacial instabilities and the interfacial wave interlocking.
Band Gap Optimization by Ga and S Additions in CuInSe2 for Solar Cell Absorber Applications
Authors: Munir Badrul , Ho Kim Kyoo
Published: October 2011

Gallium or sulphur additions in CuInSe2 were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition respectively. All of the observed thin films show a chalcopyrite structure with the S addition increases the favourable (112) peak. The optical absorption coefficients were slightly decreased. The films energy band gap could be shifted from 1.04 to 1.68eV by adjusting the mole ratio of S/(S+Se) and In/(In+Ga). It is possible to obtain the optimum energy band gap by adding S solute or Ga at a certain ratio in favour of Se and In respectively. It is also necessary to control the ratio of Ga and S additions and to retain a certain portion of In to provide better properties of CIS films.
The Variations of Cu/Ga Ratio on the Structural and Optical Properties of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 Thin Films by Co-Evaporation Technology
Authors: Chen Hung Ing , Wang Jen Cheng , Fang Chia Hui , Liang Yu Ting , Hsieh Tung Po , Chang Jen Chuan , Nee Tzer En
Published: October 2011

The result of an extensive research on this material is the achievement of approaching 20% efficiency by the co-evaporation of copper, indium, gallium and selenium elements. Recently, photoluminescence (PL) spectra have been studied on Cu (In,Ga) Se2 (CIGS) thin films and CIGS solar cells, to clarify the carrier recombination process. The CIGS layers were grown on the Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrate by the three stage process and four sources co-evaporation of constituent elements onto a heated substrate. It has found that the structural and optical properties of the CIGS thin film was influenced by the Cu/Ga ratio (RCu/Ga) of the CIGS thin film compositional variation. The X-ray diffraction and PL spectra were used to characterize the structure property and carrier recombination mechanism of CIGS thin film.
Fabrication and Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Pure Silver-Electrode Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuator
Authors: Biswal Dillip Kumar , Bandopadhya Dibakar , Dwivedy Santosha Kumar
Published: October 2011

Till to date, fabrication of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) are carried out successfully using noble metal such as platinum/gold as the surface electrode. In this work we have proposed cost effective fabrication method for IPMC actuator using non-precious metal electrode of silver (Ag). Chemical decomposition method is followed using Nafion as the ion exchange membrane to fabricate pure Ag-electrode IPMC. Microscopic and morphological analyses reveal that, silver particles penetrate well through the surface of Nafion membrane. The bending deformation measurement and analysis of the thermo-mechanical properties of the fabricated IPMC is carried out. The experiment results and performance of the IPMC actuator confirm that the fabrication of pure Ag-IPMC is feasible and can be used as artificial muscle material.
Effect of Ag Doping in 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel on Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Lin Dong Yih , Yang Sheng Min , Chou Yong Chih , Fang Yi Ya , Wang Huei Sen
Published: October 2011

Anti-bacterial property is a major concern of material use in many areas, such as food industries, hospitals, and kitchenware. It is well known that Ag owns the ability to destroy the cell walls and cell membranes of bacteria to inhibit their breeding. Therefore, Ag implanted on the material surfaces is a popular process in biomedical application. Once the implanted layer is destroyed, the well-effective antibacterial property is also ceased. In order to improve the effectiveness of bacterial characteristics, adding Ag in 2205 duplex stainless steel can maintain the bacterial property for a long period of time than Ag-implanted process. 2205 duplex stainless steel possesses excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and superior workability, owing to possess both austenite and ferrite phase. Among them, 2205 duplex stainless steel was adopted as the test material, doping various Ag contents in this study. The result reveals that Ag content increased with ferrite phase fraction increasing. It showed Ag is the stabilizer of ferrite. In addition, the solubility of Ag into Fe was extremely low and Ag particles were distributed randomly. However, polarization test was carried out to investigate the ability of corrosion resistance. The test result showed adding Ag in 2205 duplex stainless steel had obvious contribution to decrease its corrosion resistance.
DIP Coated Thick Films of SnO2 and it’s Ethanol Sensing Properties
Authors: Bharath B. , Reddy G. Pradeep
Published: October 2011

SnO2 powder was prepared by soft chemical method. The Structure and Morphological characteristics of SnO2 powder was analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV, FTIR and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Its gas sensing properties are analyzed towards toxic gas at ppm level. Sensitivity of a SnO2 oxide based sensor towards an analyte gas can be enhanced by using the metals in different geometries viz, thick film. The gas sensing properties were studied towards reducing gas like ethanol and it is observed that SnO2 shows high response to ethanol at relatively lower operating temperature. The SnO2 nanomaterial shows better sensitivity towards ethanol at an operating temperature 2500C. Ethanol vapour has been one of the most extensively studied gases for metal oxide gas sensors.