bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Progress of Personalized Content Management System
Authors: Yu Bao Fu , Wang Zhi Kang , Fang Xian , Ye Zhi Qian
Published: October 2011

Personalized content management system (PCMS) is an information management and sharing platforms, which is personalized, stable, efficient and extensible. Often any people need to search for suitable bits of information by sifting through many documents which can be very tiring and time-consuming. PCMS is the system that may answer this need. In this paper, the architecture, features of PCMS and key technologies in the field of PCMS research are analyzed. After concluding the popular spots and current status, the future development trends of PCMS are indicated..
Selective Harmonics Elimination for PWM Inverters Using the PSO Optimization Technique
Authors: Chen Jin Ping , Ju Yong Feng , He Yu Yao
Published: October 2011

Harmonic minimization in PWM inverters is a complex optimization problem which involves non-linear transcendental equations having multiple local minima. In this paper, a solution to the harmonic minimization problem using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been proposed to solve the SHE problem. It overcomes the complicated computations associated with conventional iterative techniques. As an example, in this paper a bipolar PWM inverter with seven switching angles per quarter cycle with varying modulation index is considered, and the optimum switching angles are calculated offline to eliminate the 5th,7th, 11th,13th,17th and 19th harmonics. The simulated results are also validated by experiment.
Service Development Research for ICT Companies Based on Service Science Analysis
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: October 2011

Service has emerged as the major element of the modern world’s economies, especially in the ICT industry. But the theory of service science is far behind the reality. Service science should provide theoretical basis and analysis framework for the service development. Through analyzing service science theory and current literatures, combining ICT companies’ real situation and development challenge, this paper offers several suggestions for service development, and builds the general service portfolio for ICT companies. On the other hand, this application in ICT companies will facilitate service science innovation, education, research application and development.
Dynamic and Buffeting Analysis of Suspension Pipeline Bridge
Authors: Huang Li Hua , Li Bing , Lei Gang , Shi Dong Dong
Published: October 2011

Suspension aerial crossing structures are broadly applied for supporting petroleum pipelines across special terrain for their optimal structural style and constructional benefit. Due to the general flexibility of the structures, pipeline suspension bridges easily vibrate under the action of random wind forces. One of the typical vibration responses, known as buffeting, is considered to be an important factor for the serviceable safety of suspension bridges. In this paper, the dynamical model of a suspension pipeline bridge is presented and buffeting analysis under the action of wind loads is carried out through the Finite Element Method. It is shown that the frequency spectrum of the suspension pipeline bridge is composed of densely distributed modal frequencies. Low frequencies are mainly focused on horizontal and vertical bending motions of the bridge. Based on the standard harmonic response analysis, the Pseudo-Excitation Method (PEM) is introduced to obtain the buffeting vibration in response to the wind excitation. The correlative formulas of quasi-static buffeting force model are derived, and the buffeting analysis of the bridge using PEM is achieved on the solution platform Ansys.
Effect Analysis for Reinforcing Method of Certain Cracked Bearing Platform
Authors: Luo Yan , Yu Lang
Published: October 2011

A kind of reinforcement way was applied to the cracked bearing platform on a certain viaduct, and the results of effect analysis show that the method could not only improve overall performance of the platform, inhibit the crack propagation, but also keep the reliable connection between the pouring concrete on the top surface and the existing bearing platform. Therefore, the reinforcing method is reasonable and effective, and can provide technical reference for other similar projects.
Numerical Study on Effects of Rock Bridge Angle in Uniaxial Compression Test
Authors: Xie Bing , Ma Yun Ling , Xia Xiang
Published: October 2011

Numerical specimens with two pre-existing flaws is established by using particle flow code PFC2D and by changing the relative position of the pre-existing flaws different rock bridge angle is obtained. Though the uniaxial compression test of specimens with different rock bridge angle , it can be found that rock bridge angle have a great impact on the mode of crack propagation of specimen. The different relative position between the two pre-existing flaws led to different levels of stress shielding effect under the axial force, and it is most likely to damage when the two pre-existing flaws are about overlap.
Salt Flux in a Partially Mixed Estuary with Varying River Discharge over a Spring-Neap Tide Cycle
Authors: Yuan Li Rong , Chen Rong Li , Lu Cheng
Published: October 2011

The mechanisms driving the salt flux in the Modaomen estuary were investigated using measurements from along-channel shipboard surveys over a spring-neap tide cycle. During the investigation, river discharge was controlled to increase sharply and then decrease gently. The measurement data were analyzed with composition method. The results show that exchange flow varied significantly over the spring–neap cycle, being weakest during middle tides and strongest during neap tides. It could be concluded that sub-tidal vertical shear dispersion, resulting from the estuarine exchange flow, is the dominant mechanism driving the salt flux since the salt flux resulting from vertical shear dispersion varies in amplitude by over an order of magnitude, which is close to two times as large as the variation of advective salt flux.
Fitting Theory and Method of Hyper-Elastic Materials’ Nonlinear Constitutive Relations Base on BP Neural Network
Authors: Yang Bin , Liu Lihua , Zhang Shao Kun
Published: October 2011

Base on the principle of nonlinear calculation, the mechanical models and the method of models experiment, we have provided a numerical analysis method of fitting hyper-elastic material constitutive relations. The method educed material spacial constitutive relations expressed by tensor through strain energy theory. After that, deduced material uniaxis constitutive models and use BP neural network to fit coefficients. Constitutive relations are the base of material deformation research. However we just paid attention to deformation experimental result before, rather than theoretical analysis. The theoretical analysis method this paper researching is convenient and precise and scientific, so it has theoretical meaning and practical value.
Discussion on the Relationship between Rockburst Proneness of Rock and its AE b-Value
Authors: Zhang Guang , Li Mo Xiao , Chen Jing Xi
Published: October 2011

In order to strengthen the study on rockburst prediction and inquire the relationship between rockburst proneness of rock and its AE b-value, we select three typical rocks of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic to conduct indoor rock mechanics test. Uniaxial compression test are carried to calculate the rockburst proneness of three kinds of rocks, at the meantime we collect the acoustic emission signal during the whole process by acoustic emission instrument. After analyzing the different AE features of all kinds of rocks, we find that the AE b-values of three kinds of rocks both develop in the beginning of two different loading conditions. The AE b-values of marble and sandstone change in a more stable way, and the b-value of granite decline at the 50% of the peak stress. The b-value of granite is the biggest and the sandstone’s is the smallest.
Prediction of Welding Distortion in 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Li Dong Feng , Wang Rui , Han Xin Li , Yang Peng , Han Jun , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2011

Prediction of welding distortion of stainless steel welding joint in reasonable time is meaningful in welding industry. In this paper, a three dimensional thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method (FEM) is developed to precisely predict welding distortion on bead on plate welding with 304 stainless steel. Meanwhile, the corresponding experiments are carried out to validate the predicted results. Research results show the predicted results by FEM match the experimental results very well. In the condition of different welding heat input, the welding heat input play an important role on welding distortion. While, material properties of stainless steel play a larger role on welding distortion when welding heat input is same. Further, for bead on plate welding of thin plate, both large distortion theory and small distortion theory are computed. The results show that using large distortion theory is more accurate in prediction welding distortion on thin plate welding.
Slope Stability Analysis Using Unified Strength Theory
Authors: Ma Zong Yuan , Liao Hong Jian , Yu Mao Hong
Published: October 2011

Numerical computations using finite difference method and unified strength theory are reported to analyze the slope stability problem. The Factor of safety of plane strain and axisymmetric slopes was calculated by strength reducing method, and the influences of intermediate principal stress on slope stability problem was analyzed. The associative and non-associative flow rule was taking into account in plane strain slope problem analysis. The intermediate principal stress has equivalent influences on slope stability problem under associative and non-associative flow rule. The Factor of safety of plane strain slope is lower than the axisymmetric situation. The influence of intermediate principal stress on slope stability under plane strain condition is heavier than axisymmetry.
The Effect of Load Direction on the Structure Capacity of Human Proximal Femur during Falling
Authors: Fu Lu , Zhao Hong Wei , Zhu Yu Xiang , Zou Qing , Geng Chun Yang , Zhao Bo , Liu Chang Sheng
Published: October 2011

The annual occurrence of hip fracture increases very rapidly, which cause a heavy public health burden. From a biomechanical perspective, hip fractures are thought to be caused by different directions of load. Fifteen different load conditions were studied here to simulate various falling configurations, the directions of which were defined by angle γ, δ. The purpose of the current study was to clarify the influence of load direction on strength and fracture site of the proximal femur using FE method to determine the load direction under which the proximal femur is most vulnerable to fracture.
A Study on Deformation Trend of Concrete Dams
Authors: Qian Jing Lin , Zhang Ye , Zheng Min Sheng
Published: October 2011

The observation series of concrete dam deformation is composed of the trend component, the periodic component and the stochastic component.In this paper, several stages are separated from the whole runtime according to the state of the dam.The trend component at each stage is extracted with the wavelet decomposition method, and modeled by the auto-regression method respectively. Then the characteristic polynomials of the auto-regression models are built. When solving these characteristic polynomials, the characteristic roots can be got. At last, to make a decision whether the dam is safe or not according to the trend of the minimum moduli of the roots. The application example shows that the conclusions of the method are consistent with the fact.
Development of Nanotechnology in High Performance Concrete
Authors: Nima Farzadnia , Ali Abang Abdullah Abang , Demirboga Ramazan
Published: October 2011

Concrete is the most widely used building material all around the world which has been undergoing many changes aligned with technological advancement. The most recent available type of concrete is high performance concrete which is produced employing different admixtures both chemical and mineral to enhance mechanical and durability qualities. As sustainability emerged as an indispensable factor in concrete industry, many researchers targeted micro sized mineral admixtures such as silica fume, fly ash, rice husk ash, slag and so on in order to replace Portland cement which is known to be responsible for almost 7% of carbon dioxide emission into atmosphere.Recently, technology has made it easy for scientist to study nanoscale admixtures and their effect on structure of concrete. This paper reviews nanomaterials in cement composites and how they can improve different properties of concrete.
The Mechanical Behavior of the Hybrid FRP Beam
Authors: Li Yeou Fong , Kan Shu Ting
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the mechanical behaviors of hybrid fiber reinforced plastic (HFRP) composite beams. There are two methods were proposed to increase the stiffness of pultruded glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) beam and change the failure mode. The first method is to infill the epoxy mortar into the GFRP beam. The second method is hand layout the GFRP beam by using carbon fiber with different direction fibers to increase the stiffness of the GFRP beam. Three-point bending test was conducted to obtain the force-displacement relationship, stiffness, failure strength and failure mode of the GFRP beams. The test results show that the stiffness of GFRP beam filled with epoxy mortar is twice larger than GFRP beam.
Effect of ilvBN Overexpression on the Metabolic Flux Distributions in Brevibacterium Flavum XVO5O5
Authors: Chen Ning , Qin Yong Feng , Xu Qing Yang , Xie Xi Xian
Published: October 2011

In this stuty, overexpression of the ilvBN gene, enconding acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), in the valine-prouducing strain Brevibacterium flavum XVO5O5 resulted in increased valine production by 9.85% and decreased alanine and acetic acid (the main by-products) by 30.49% and 20.89%, respectively. Metabolic flux analysis revealed a 19.9 % increase of valine synthase pathway in response to overexpression of the ilvBN. The benefit of overexpressing ilvBN was that it resulted in an intracellular pyruavte concentration decresed from 10.45mM to 4.42mM, which means that more carbon flux entering efficiently the pathway of synthesizing L-valine. It could be concluded from the results that ilvBN overexpression was essential achieve suffient carbon flux towards the desired product. Overexpression of ilvBN reduced pyruvate availability for L-alanine formation and therefor resulted in L-alanine reduction.
Blue Fluorescent Quantum Dots-Based Probe for Detection of Influenza B Virus
Authors: Wen Jun Lin , He Dai Gui , Zhao Su Qing
Published: October 2011

Influenza is a common acute viral disease that has caused massive harm to human, so a rapid pathogen-detecting method is required for monitoring the status of the disease. Quantum dots are promising emerging fluorescent probe for diagnostic assay. In this work, water soluble ZnO quantum dots were covalently conjugated to rabbit anti-chicken IgY antibody to prepare the quantum dots-linked secondary antibody. The conjugate was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Fluorescent quantum dots-based immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine the concentration of influenza B virus. We found that rabbit anti-chicken IgY antibody augmented its molecular weight while coupled to ZnO quantum dots, but the emission spectrum didn’t change. More importantly, the luminescence intensity of QDs correlated to viral concentration in a linear relationship. These results may suggest a potential new approach for quantifying virus, pathogenic bacteria and toxic molecule.
Isolation and Characterization of Rice Prolamin
Authors: Song Xin Xin , Zhao Xian Ming , Li Ya Nan , Peng Xue , Sun Shu Hong , Zhuang Tong Chun , Yang Lin
Published: October 2011

Rice prolamin, constituting 10, 13 and 16 kDa polypeptides, is indigestible and may work as a kind of ‘resistant protein’. To investigate the effective method for isolation of prolamin, in this study, prolamin fractions were extracted from defatted rice flour by 70% ethanol, 55% and 60% n-propanol, 55%, 60% and 100% ethylene glycol, and 60% isopropanol, respectively. The isolated prolamin fractions were compared and characterized by yield, efficiency of extraction and SDS-PAGE patterns. Our results indicated that the optimum extraction condition for isolation of prolamin was 55% n-propanol, with 13 kDa and 16 kDa as the dominant fractions in prolamin.
Genistein and Cisplatin, Alone and in Combination, Suppress Growth of Human Ovarian carcinoma Cell Line SKOV3
Authors: Tang Li , Yu Li
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have shown that Genistein can obviously suppress growth of gynecologic carcinoma. In this study we examined whether Genistein and Cisplatin, alone and in combination, exhibited a inhibitory effect on the growth of ovarian carcinoma. SKOV3 cells were treated with 20µM Genistein, 20µM Cisplatin and combination group (G+C) for 24 to 72 hours, antiproliferative effect was tested by MTT method. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Then the transplanted xenografts were treated with Genistein and Cisplatin, the tumor volume and tumor weight were measured, HE staining were performed for morphologic observation. A time and dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed. When treated the cells with 20µM Genistein, 20µMCisplatin and combination group (G+C), compared with the control group, the growth of cells in different treatment group was inhibited, while the combination of Genistein and Cisplatin showed significant inhibition effect than single agent. When Genistein (0.4mg/kg, s.c.) treated the transplanted xenograft in vivo, the tumor volume and tumor weight decreased, T/C ratio (mean volume of treated group/mean volume of control group) also was reduced compared to untreated group, and extensive necrotic areas in the tumor treated with Genistein and Cisplatin appeared in HE section. A weight loss of nude mice after treatment with Genistein was not significant as compared with the control group. And when treated with Genistein (0.4mg/kg, s.c.) and Cisplatin (4mg/kg, i.v.), it showed a synergistic effect. Genistein and Cisplatin, alone and in combination, suppress cell growth. The combination of Genistein and Cisplatin, as compared to single treated group, caused a synergistic increase in antiproliferative effect on SKOV3 cells. The implication for treatment of ovarian cancer may be combination of Genistein and Cisplatin. Further studies are needed to supply more evidence.
Separation and Recovery of Copper (II), Nickel (II) from Simulated Plating Wastewater by Solvent Extraction Using Lix984
Authors: Li Li Qing , Zhong Hong
Published: October 2011

The process of solvent extraction was applied to separate and recover Cu2+ and Ni2+ from plating wastewater from copper and nickel alloy plating process, because there are abundant Cu2+ and Ni2+. And the influence parameters have been investigated. Lix984 was chosen as the extractant due to it has good performance to extract metals from the water. The results showed the separation of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from sulphate medium can be realized by adjusting pH value with the help of Lix984, And more, the optimal pH values for extracting Cu2+and Ni2+ are 4 and 10, respectively. The maximal extraction efficiency for Cu2+ and Ni2+ can reach above to 90.6% and 93.5% by single-stage extraction. The recovered Cu2+ and Ni2+ were stripped in 170g/L and 200g/L H2SO4 medium, respectively. And the stripping of Cu2+ and Ni2+ are >99.2% and >99.4%, respectively. It can be successfully applied to the field of plating wastewater, decreasing the environment pollution from Cu2+ and Ni2+ and providing a kind of new copper and nickel resource.
Study on the Treatment Effect of Ammonia in Landfill Leachate by Recirculation
Authors: Liu Shan , Zhang Zhen Bo , Li Yue , Gao Wen Yi
Published: October 2011

To study the treatment of domestic solid wastes in a landfill by leachate recirculation treatment, simultaneous comparative tests with and without recirculation were conducted. Test results indicate that the relative removal rates of CODCr and ammonia from the leachate with recirculation are 33.7% and 30.3 respectively, and some of the toxic substances are also removed. The removal mechanism of ammonia is the effect of anaerobic ammonia oxidation. The removal of ammonia and the other toxic materials can facilitate the subsequent biochemical treatment of leachate.
Effect of Load Orientation on the Performance of an Inverted Three-Lobe Pressure dam Bearing
Authors: Batra N.K. , Bhushan Gian , Mehta N.P.
Published: October 2011

Sometimes the line of action of the load does not pass through the axis of a bearing and is shifted on either side by a few degrees. The effect of load orientation on the stability of an inverted three-lobe pressure dam bearing has been studied in this paper. An inverted three lobe pressure dam bearing is produced by incorporating two pressure dams in the upper two lobes and one relief track in the lower lobe. The result shows that stability of an inverted three-lobe pressure dam bearing supporting either rigid or flexible rotor is increased for the positive values of load orientation i.e. when the load line is shifted in the opposite direction of rotation.
Effect of Al-5Ti-B Refiner on Microstructure of Al-5Cu Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Shi De Quan , Shao Yang , Gao Gui Li , Gao Zhi Wei , Wang Xu Dong
Published: October 2011

By using the Olympus GX71 microscope, the effects of Al-5Ti-B addition, holding time and holding temperature on the microstructure of Al-5Cu alloy have been studied, and the influencing rules have been got. The experimental results show that the refinement effect of Al-5Ti-B is very remarkable and the grain sizes of Al-5Cu become small. The optimal parameters are as follows. The refiner addition is 2%-3%, and the holding time is 15 minutes, and the holding temperature is 720°C-740°C. When the 2%-3% Al-5Ti-B refiner is added, the Al3Ti is fine needle shape and the precipitation phase Al2Cu is round flake shape or reticular shape. Simultaneously, the dendrites have minimum spacing, and the microstructure becomes fine and uniform.
Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Li Chang Yong , Chen Huai , Zhao Shun Bo
Published: October 2011

Experiments were conducted to study the basic properties of steel fiber reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete (SFLAC) mixed with machine-made sand and expanded-shale. The effects of sand ratio and cement content on the cubic and axial compressive strengths, splitting and axial tensile strengths, flexural tensile strength as well as compressive and tensile elastic modulus of SFLAC are analyzed comparing with those of LAC in the same conditions. Data from the experiments shows that, the steel fiber has advantages to every mechanical properties of LAC especially to the tensile strengths, and also modifies the abruptness failure states of LAC into multi-cracked characteristics of SFLAC. The optimum mix proportion is suggested for getting better properties of SFLAC.
Preparation of Tb (III) Complex Material with 1-acetyl-2-naphthol-4, 4'-diaminodiphenyl Ether
Authors: Wang Li Hua
Published: October 2011

A new Tb (III) complex material was synthesized from Tb(NO3)3•6H2O and 1-acetyl-2-naphthol-4, 4'-diaminodiphenyl ether. The infrared characterization and luminescent properties of the Tb (III) complex material were studied. Based on the fluorescent property, the Tb (III) complex material can only emit the fluorescence of the ligand, but not emit the characteristic fluorescence of Tb (III) ion in solid and in organic solvents. This indicates that the energy transfer process between the ligand and Tb (III) ion is ineffective.
The Design of Emergency Information System
Authors: Peng Xu Fu
Published: October 2011

The function design requirement about handling, information management, information joint inquiry, signal communication, command and mobile, security guarantee of emergency information system are discussed. Emergency information system structure and the relationship between subsystems are described. The design elements such as expert group library, material resource database and geographic information database are discussed, and security communication algorithm procedures of emergency information system are designed in detail.
MgO-PSZ Solid State Electrolyte Tubes for Metallurgical Oxygen Sensors Made by Powder Injection Moulding
Authors: Kong Xiang Hua , Tang Jin , Sun Rui Hong , Liu Qing Guo
Published: October 2011

MgO-PSZ tubes used in metallurgical oxygen sensors were prepared by powder injection molding process. The microstructure was characterized by SEM, XRD and Thermomechanical Analyzer. The sintered tubes were assembled into oxygen sensors and tested in RH vessel. SEM images demonstrated that there were few pores in the tubes. The optimum injection pressure for the present organic binder is 20~30 MPa. XRD demonstrated that cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic phase coexisted in the tube and the main phase is monoclinic phase. The results show a few monoclinic phase should be helpful for the thermal shock resistance. The thermal shock resistance of MgO-PSZ tubes was enough to determinate the active oxygen concentration in the steel melt.
The Study of Mine Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Wang Xin Wen
Published: October 2011

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is integration of information systems and physical systems, so as to achieve real-time perception, dynamic control and information services of large-scale engineering systems, but the research is still in infancy. Based on the wide applications and good prospects of CPS in the future, this paper has introduced CPS briefly, described its structure and characteristics. Furthermore, this paper combines the CPS with the mine, proposes the basic framework of the mine CPS and introduces its key technologies and challenges, striving the technical service to mine.
Non-Linear Analysis of Z-Shaped Section Reinforced Concrete Column
Authors: Wang Tie Cheng , Chen Xuan
Published: October 2011

Making use of the numerical analysis method, the ductility of reinforced concrete column with Z-shaped cross-section was analyzed. Considering stirrup confinements’ influence upon concrete deformation, with using self-made programs, some elements imposing influence on column section ductility were analyzed, such as axial compressive ratio、loading angle、material strength and setting mode of reinforcing bars. The results indicates that the loading angle has great influence on section especially under smaller compressive ratio, while the strength changes of the concrete and reinforced bars has a little influence. Thus, without changing amount of steel, encrypted hooping will effectively improve the ductility of column section.
A New Fluorescent Material of Mg (II) Complex with Salicylaldehyde- 4,4’-diaminodiphenylamine
Authors: Tai Xi Shi
Published: October 2011

Novel schiff-base ligand and its Mg (II) complex were prepared by one-pot method after mixing salicylaldehyde, 4, 4’-Diaminodiphenylamine and MgCl2•6H2O. The luminescent properties of the Mg (II) complex material were investigated experimentally in solid state and in organic solvents. The results show that the Mg (II) complex material emits strong green fluorescence at 532 nm when excited at 393 nm even if the spit widths of excitation and emission are 2.5 nm, which may be applied as a potential fluorescent material in a wide range of new technologies.
Preparation of Polyurethane Solid Tire with Low Heat Generating
Authors: Yi Yu Hua , Zhang Shi Lei
Published: October 2011

Based on PTMEG and TDI as raw materials,a polyurethane prepolymer with low free TDI monomer was synthesized by molecular distillation method,then a castable polyurethane solid tire was preparaed with MOCA as chain extender,and the dynamic performance of this elastomer and the durable properties of this solid tire was investigated.The results showed that the polyurethane elastomer based on the low free prepolymer has excellent dynamic performance, a low heat build-up and the solid tire has excellent endurance quality.
Effect of Kanamycin Sulfate and Gentamicin on Growth of Probiotics
Authors: Shu Guo Wei , Ji Zhe , Wang Zhao Wei , Chen He
Published: October 2011

Effect of kanamycin sulfate and gentamicin on growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus was studied by measuring the optical density at 600nm and pH using MRS broth as the control. The addition of kanamycin sulfate (%, w/v) was 0.0025, 0.005, 0.0075 and 0.01 and the addition of gentamicin(U/ml) was 48, 72, 144, 192 and 240. Results were as follows: addition of kanamycin sulfate at the concentration above 0.0025% has a significant inhibition on the growth of B. bifidum and has no influence on the other four probiotics at incubation12h or 24h. The optimum selective concentration of kanamycin sulfate in MRS media was 0.005% for selective enumeration of B.bifidum. Addition of gentamicin at the concentration above 240U/ml has a significant inhibition on the growth of L. bulgaricus at incubation 24h. Addition of neomycin sulfate in MRS can use to realize selective enumeration of L. bulgaricus in yogurt
Experimental Study on Crack Resistance of Ceramic Sand Insulation Mortar
Authors: Yang Wei Jun , Zeng Huan
Published: October 2011

This article analyzes about four aspects of insulation mortar of various performance indicators, including anti-cracking, flexural strength and compressive strength, shear bond strength and shrinkage rate, it is concluded that the insulation mortar meets to various performance indicators requirement of masonry mortar or plastering mortar.
Viscosity of Delaminated Kaolin through Intercalation of Potassium Acetate into its Layers
Authors: Zhao Li Hong , Hu Jian Rong , He Bei Hai
Published: October 2011

In this work, the effects of potassium acetate(KAc) intercalation on particle size and viscosity of delaminated kaolin were investigated. It was found that the KAc intercalation in the presence of a small quantity of water possessed more efficiencies. Through inserting kaolin layers with potassium acetate, the average particle size of delaminated kaolin decreased from 5.48μm to 2.21μm, moreover, the viscosity at solid content of 60% decreased distinctly, from more than 10000 mPa•s to less than 200 mPa•s. The result also indicated that the calcined kaolin was delaminated by KAc efficiently, the particle size decreased greatly without harming to the dispersion ability of kaolin suspension.
A Video Semantic Mining Scheme
Authors: Zhang Shi Lin , Li He Ping , Zhang Shu Wu
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present a method for video semantic mining. Speech signal, video caption text and video frame images are all key factors for a person to understand the video content. Through above observation, we bring forward a method which integrating continuous speech recognition, video caption text recognition and object recognition. The video is firstly segmented to a serial of shots by shot detection. Then the caption text and speech recognition results are treated as two paragraphs of text. The object recognition results are presented by bag of words. The above three aspects of texts are processed by part of speech and stemming. Then only the noun words are kept. At last a video is represented by three bags of words. The words are further depicted as a graph. The graph vertices stand for the words and the edges denote the semantic distance between two neighboring words. In the last step, we apply the dense sub graph finding method to mine the video semantic meaning. Experiments show that our video semantic mining method is efficient.
Modeling Distribution Component Deterioration: An Application to Transformer Insulation
Authors: Adoghe A.U. , Awosope C.O.A. , Daramola S.A.
Published: October 2011

The two most critical components in a typical Power System are the circuit breakers and transformers. Failure of any of these components will result in high cost due to component replacement and associated load loss. Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) may reduce this cost in the long run by extending the component lifetime and increasing availability. This will be possible, since the adopted RCM will balance carrying out too much maintenance which will increase maintenance cost or too little maintenance that will result in catastrophic failure and hence increases the cost of maintenance and repair. A Markov model that relates probability of failure to maintenance activity is developed for distribution transformers. This model incorporates various levels of insulation deterioration and minor maintenance state. It was applied to one of the distribution transformers in Abule-Egba Business unit network of Power Holding Company of Nigeria. The result obtained from model simulation agrees with the one obtained from the mathematical analysis of the developed model. With an adjustment in the inspection parameter, this probabilistic deterioration model for a distribution transformer can also be applied to predict the performance of circuit breakers.
Analysis of a Weaver, Hartley and Saw-Filter Based, Image Reject Architectures for Radio Receiver Design
Authors: Idachaba Francis Enejo , Orovwode H.E.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an analysis of the three popular image reject architectures used in radio receiver design. The SAW-filter based image reject architecture is the simplest to implement and has the lowest power consumption while the weaver is the most complex with the highest power consumption. The Hartley architecture which utilizes half the number of mixers used in the weaver architecture does not consume as much as the weaver architecture but is not as efficient due to the use of the 900 phase shifter. The three architectures are optimized for various design specifications. The receiver design with power constraints is better realized using the SAW filter while the receiver with portability as its highest priority is better realized using the weaver architecture. The architecture implemented for any particular radio design is determined by the receiver specification with the highest priority.
Comparative Analysis of Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying and Binary Differential Phase Shift Keying Signalling Schemes with Maximal Ratio Combiner over Rayleigh Environment
Authors: Adeyemo Z.K. , Abolade R.O.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the investigation of two transmission schemes with a diversity combining technique over Rayleigh fading channels. Each of Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) and Binary Differential Phase Shift Keying (BDPSK) transmission schemes was considered with a diversity combining technique known as Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC). Rayleigh fading channel is used statistically to model the communication channel where there is no direct line of sight, which is the attribute of mobile communication. Mobile communication industry is faced with the problem of providing the technology that will be able to support a wide variety of services irrespective of distance, other signals interferences, noise, and objects in the medium of transmission. The system model for the received signal was developed using Jakes model under two propagation paths. The developed model was simulated based on the developed algorithms using MATLAB application package. Two different types of data, randomly generated symbols and image data, were used as the information signal. The results obtained showed that the GMSK scheme had higher average Bit Error Rate (BER) values than the corresponding BDPSK scheme which indicates better performance of BDPSK when the same numbers of bits were transmitted over this channel. Consequently, the quality of the images received with both signalling schemes was in agreement with the BER results. The results obtained showed that though GMSK scheme is comparatively more immune to noise and other interfering signals in this type of fading environment but BDPSK scheme has the advantage of feeding back the output signal to form differential with the input signal which invariably resulted in better average BER of the signal.
Investigation of Causes of Call Drops in GSM Network: A Case Study of Zain Nig. Ltd. in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Otasowie P.O. , Evbomwan O.
Published: October 2011

This research is an investigation of the causes of call drops in a GSM network in Benin City, Nigeria. Call drop is inability of call to connect and go through the network successfully. For a drop call the subscriber does not enter into a queue for potential assignment. In this work, a drive test was conducted over a period of three months (March, April and May 2010) in cells around Benin City area. The drive test was conducted with the use of test mobile. A test mobile is a kit comprising mobile phone, drive testing proprietary software called TERMS on a laptop computer and GPS (global positioning system). A total of twenty seven cells out of forty cells around Benin City area were discovered to have severe call drops leading to very poor network performance. The problems that caused the call drops were determined and corrected leading to high improvement in call performance.
Theoretical Dimensionless Breakthrough Time of a Horizontal Well in a Vertically-Stacked Two-Layered Reservoir System with Varying Architecture Part I: Letter ‘B’ Architecture, Edge Water Drive Mechanism
Authors: Adewole E. Steve
Published: October 2011

In this paper, which is Part I of a series, theoretical breakthrough times of different models of a crossflow two-layered reservoir having an architecture similar to letter ‘B’ and experiencing an edge water drive, with or without a top gas, are derived. The theoretical breakthrough times are based on dimensionless pressure distributions of each identified model.
Optimisation of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage [SAGD] for Improved Recovery from Unconsolidated Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Oyeneyin Babs Mufutau , Bali Amol , Adom Ebenezer
Published: October 2011

Most of the heavy oil resources in the world are in sandstone reservoir rocks, the majority of which are unconsolidated sands which presents unique challenges for effective sand management. Because they are viscous and have less mobility, then appropriate recovery mechanisms that lower the viscosity to the point where it can readily flow into the wellbore and to the surface are required. There are many cold and thermal recovery methods assisted by gravity drainage being employed by the oil industry. These are customised for specific reservoir characteristics with associated sand production and management problems. Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) based on horizontal wells and gravity drainage, is becoming very popular in the heavy oil industry as a thermal viscosity reduction technique. SAGD has the potential to generate a heavy oil recovery factor of up to 65% but there are challenges to ‘’realising the limit’’. The process requires elaborate planning and is influenced by a combination of factors. This paper presents unique models being developed to address the issue of multiphase steam-condensed water-heavy oil modelling. It addresses the effects of transient issues such as the changing pore size distribution due to compaction on the bulk and shear viscosities of the non-Newtonian heavy oil and the impact on the reservoir productivity, thermal capacity of the heavy oil, toe-to-heel steam injection rate and quality for horizontal well applications. Specific case studies are presented to illustrate how the models can be used for detailed risk assessment for SAGD design and real-time process optimisation necessary to maximise production at minimum drawdown. Nomenclature
Performance of Cement Kiln Dust in Stabilizing Lateritic Soil Contaminated with Organic Chemicals
Authors: Amadi Agapitus A. , Eberemu Adrian O.
Published: October 2011

Accidental or deliberate operational discharges of organic chemicals or wastes containing organic chemicals induce geochemical reactions with resultant adverse effects on basic geotechnical properties of the soil. To utilize soil materials from such sites for engineering construction or as foundation soil, stabilization must be carried out. In this study, cement kiln dust (CKD) was applied to lateritic soil contaminated with three different types of commonly occurring organic chemicals namely benzene, ethanol and kerosene to evaluate the restoration and improvements in the engineering properties. Contamination was simulated in the laboratory by adding known quantities (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%) of each of the chemicals separately to lateritic soil samples and allowed to air dry for 14 days before stabilizing with 10% CKD. Performance was evaluated on Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, strength properties and hydraulic conductivity of the contaminated soil. Strength and hydraulic conductivity specimens were compacted with British Standard Light (BSL) compactive effort at predetermined optimum moisture content. Results showed that the simultaneous effects of the cementing and pozzolanic action of the CKD rejuvenated the geotechnical properties of the soil, in most cases comparable to the properties at the original pristine condition. Studies on durability and long term competent performance of the stabilized contaminated soil specimens is in progress.
Modeling Declining Incomes from Non-Renewable Natural Resources
Authors: Idigbe K. I. , Adeniji A. A.
Published: October 2011

Traditionally, petroleum, accumulated in subsurface containers – reservoirs, is often characterized as a non-renewable natural resource. Thus, the rate of exploitation of its gaseous and/or liquid phases is expected to decline with time. The net incomes from the development of these finite assets play very important roles in determining the profitability and net values of the petroleum assets. We present equations, simple relationships, which can be used to model the development life of a petroleum asset, and thus, the net incomes. These relationships provide very simple and easy to use models, for field development plans (FDPs), a key requirement in petroleum economics. Nomenclature
Determining the Subsidence of Oil Storage Tank Walls from Geodetic Leveling
Authors: Ehigiator R. Irughe , Ehiorobo J.O. , Ehigiator M.O. , Beshr Ashraf A.
Published: October 2011

In this paper the monitoring for subsidence in crude oil storage tanks by the method of Geodetic leveling is discussed. The monitoring network consisted of three control points established about 100m from the tank and 16 studs established at the base of the tank. From the control points, the stud locations were leveled using a geodetic level with parallel plate micrometer and telescopic staves. All levels were run in forward and reverse directions and the measurements were carried out in 2003, 2004 and 2008. Adjustment of observation was carried out using the least squares estimation model to determine the elevation of each stud position in the three measurement epochs together with their accuracy standards. Comparisons were made of the calculated movements from the three measurement epochs and the associated accuracies calculated from the least squares model. Analysis of the results indicated that with the exception of one stud ( stud 8), all other studs emplaced had moved and the movements ranged from 0.91mm to 13.06mm
Production of Bio-Diesel from Palm Kernel Oil and Groundnut Oil
Authors: Ojolo S.J. , Adelaja A.O. , Sobamowo M.G.
Published: October 2011

The need for renewable and environmentally friendlier energy sources has led to intensified efforts with respect to research in that area. One of such endeavours is the production of biofuels from various sources of vegetable oils. Therefore, this work is aimed at producing biodiesel from freshly prepared and clean palm kernel oil and groundnut oil making use of methanol and sodium hydroxide pellets in a base-catalysed trans-esterification reaction. 185g groundnut oil and 187g palm kernel was trans-esterified with 37g of methanol and 0.7g of NaOH pellets at 55°C operating temperature. The result gave a percentage conversion of 91.98% for groundnut oil feedstock and 16.18g of glycerol (i.e. soap) as bye product, while palm kernel oil feedstock gave a yield of 90.53% conversion and 15.20g of glycerol. The biodiesel retained the physical properties of the oil such as smell and colour. The density of the biodiesel from groundnut oil was found to be 850.80kg/m3 while that of palm kernel oil gave 848.0kg/m3. The kinematic and dynamic viscosities of groundnut oil bio-diesel were obtained to be 15.9mm2/s and 13.5 x 10-3kgm-1s-1 while that of palm kernel gave 7.65mm2/s and 6.49 x 10-3kgm-1s-1 respectively.
Vertical Electrical Sounding as a Tool for Estimating Thickness of Clay Deposit in Delta North District, Nigeria
Authors: Ezomo F.O.
Published: October 2011

Geophysical survey based on “Schlumberger” array of vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out to study the quantity of clay deposits in Delta North District, Nigeria. Obviously, the quantity of clay deposit depends on its thickness. Previous researchers did not work in this area primarily to search for the clay deposit. The need to prospect or search for clay deposits in this area became inevitable so as to solve the problem of youth restiveness in the area by way of setting up industries in Delta North district that rely on clay for manufacturing purposes. Ten (10) VES, uniformly distributed in six different stations in Agbor were carried out using six (06) points per decade with maximum current electrode spacing of 928.0m. The software IP12WIN utilizing computer iteration was used for interpretation of apparent resistivity data. The result of the resistivity survey showed that clay and clayey soil (clay mixed with other rock types) were present. The depths and thicknesses of each clay formation were then ascertained. Depths to probable clay formations varied from 0.5m to 90m while the thicknesses varied from 0.95m to 7.00m.
Tracking Design Elements in a Mechanical Engineering Curriculum
Authors: Oladiran M.T. , Uziak Jacek , Kommula Venkata Parasuram
Published: October 2011

Design activity is core to modern engineering practice. Some design experience is demanded by professional bodies that accredit degree engineering programmes (e.g. ABET and ECSA). The purpose of this paper is to track design related topics through the curriculum of the mechanical engineering degree programme at the University of Botswana. A questionnaire was designed and administered to staff teaching on the programme. The responses were used to map design components in the curriculum and assess the design experience of students. The results showed that design topics were delivered in various courses and the knowledge gained by students increased steadily from Year 3 to Year 5. Some observed deficiencies in the teaching of design included lack of industry recommended projects, negligible application of design software, and the use of only single discipline based problems (i.e. no multi disciplinary teaching approach). It was concluded that a programme review is needed to improve the pedagogy of design and enhance programme robustness. It is envisaged that the study will help in designing a new mechanical engineering curriculum to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Quality Management in Further Training and Education Institutions: A Case Study of FTE Colleges in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Agwa-Ejon J.
Published: October 2011

This study investigated how a further training and education (FTE) institution manages the culture of quality. The paper sought to adopt a total quality approach in which all of the aspects were assessed and evaluated at FTE colleges, with a view to formulating recommendations to improve quality in most colleges in Gauteng province in South Africa. Various parameters that impact on quality were investigated such as teaching aids, the learning environment, utilisation of technology and better communication skills. Quality was found to be affected by factors such as the learning environment; availability of resources, quality of students enrolled and staff qualifications.