bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Three-Level Sine-Wave Inverter with Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Authors: Krachangchaeng Napat , Po-Ngam Sakorn
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is important in reliability for electric device. The UPS need high quality electricity. Therefore, the simulation of the three-level sine-wave inverter with power factor correction (PFC) is proposed in this paper. Moreover, the circuit’s guidelines of the active PFC controller in the active PFC and the sinusoidal output voltage are also presented. Validity of the proposed the three-level sine-wave inverter with the active PFC is confirmed by simulation. The simulation results show the very small current harmonics, the input power factor most nearly unity and constant output voltage when the suddenly step-load changed.
Fuzzy Gain Scheduling of PI Plus Derivative Controller to Improve the Transient Response of Boost DC/DC Converter
Authors: Kanthaphayao Yutthana , Reaungepattanawiwat Chalermpol
Published: August 2015

This paper illustrates a fuzzy gain scheduling of PI plus derivative controller. The proposed control technique improves the transient response of a DC/DC converter. The proposed control system is easy to implement based on an STM32F4 microcontroller. The performance evaluation was done by an experiment through a boost DC/DC converter, with a 24W load, a 12V input voltage, and a 24V output voltage, respectively. The system operation achieves tight output voltage regulation, both for the steady-state and transient responses.
Discontinuous Space Vector Modulation Strategy for Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped Inverter
Authors: Ek-Iam Kanyarat , Kumsuwan Yuttana
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a discontinuous space vector modulation (SVM) strategy for a three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) inverter. The proposed scheme, calculation switching time of the 3L-NPC inverter is fully described. A mathematical analysis of the duty cycle is determined by utilizing the calculated switching time method. The main advantages of the proposed method are minimization of the number of commutations of switches and reduction of the switching losses. Simulated and calculation results are presented to verify the validity and effectiveness of the proposed modulation scheme.
Improved Weighted Centroid Localization with Quadratic Means for Indoor Mobile Robot Tracking
Authors: Sangthong Jirapat , Torat Kantaphon , Promwong Sathaporn
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, mobile robot tracking is the one of application in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A one of promising localization algorithm in range-free algorithm is the weighted centroid localization (WCL) algorithm. This work proposed the improved WCL algorithm with quadratic means based on received signal strength (RSS). The ZigBee operated at 2.4 GHz frequency is used to measure in the indoor environment. The final results will be discuss about the comparison of the typically WCL algorithm and the improved WCL algorithm. From the results, the 1-meter-precision of improved WCL is 91.67% and WCL is 83.33%. Moreover, the improved WCL obtained the 16.67% no error of estimated position.
Bilateral Control Based on Disturbance Observer of Delta Robot with Gravity Compensation
Authors: Niramitvasu Nakhon , Mitsantisuk Chowarit
Published: August 2015

Recently, delta robots is widely used in many industrial application because the structure of delta robot is close loop chain and have properties of high rigid body and fast movement. However, the moving part of delta robot is arranged in pattern that influenced by gravity and has an impact on control system. In this paper, we proposed force and position control in master-slave configuration while compensate gravity. The control system using disturbance observer (DOB) to estimate sum of action/reaction force and gravity force of master-slave delta robot instead of the force sensors. The external force on travelling plate of delta robot is estimated by disturbance force on upper and computational gravity force from dynamic model. Moreover, the delta robot may various in size due to the conditioning of workspace, therefore the method to control the task space is proposed. The simulation is conduct to verify the control system, compare the position and force of travelling plate with and without gravity compensation.
Unfalsified Control to a pH Neutralization Process with Noisy Measurements
Authors: Wonghong Tanet
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we demonstrate an application of unfalsified control to the nonlinear control of a pH neutralization in continuous stirred tank reactors under noisy measurements. The adaptation of controllers can be performed by two mechanisms: 1) The switching of an active controller in a current controller set and 2) An adaptive controller set generated by an evolutionary algorithm (EA) and a diversity operator. This leads to an automatic controller tuning for PI controller structure. Finally, we show that the proposed algorithm can handle highly nonlinear dynamics of the neutralization process with noisy measurements well.
Angle Sensor Based on Golden Spiral–Shaped Tapered Ring Resonator Using Finite Difference Time-Domain Method
Authors: Harnsoongnoen S. , Charoen-In U. , Pattitanang S. , Auntarin C. , Angkawisittpan N.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, an angle sensor based on coplanar waveguides (CPWs) loaded with golden spiral–shaped tapered ring resonators (GS-RRs) is proposed. The E-fields and H-fields of the GS-RRs were simulated and analyzed using finite difference time-domain method (FDTD). It is shown that the proposed sensor has a high dynamic range and linearity for rotation sensing. The proposed sensor can be operated at a single fixed resonant frequency (6.32 GHz) which is inexpensive and probably for superior interest in a small scale structure using MEMS technology.
An Analysis of Force Response by Using Spectrogram
Authors: Varachitchai Napol , Mitsantisuk Chowarit
Published: August 2015

In haptic technology, robot has to contact with objects and human operator. The robot systems must be flexible systems, high accuracy and precision during the operation for safe the human operator. So, analysis of the force response is a necessary ability to design the controller of the robot systems. This paper proposes a methodology to analyze force response by mean of spectrogram analysis. The master-slave robot based on bilateral control is used by human operator. Disturbance Observe (DOB) is used to estimate the force response instead of force sensor to improve the performance of the whole system. Finally, force response is analyzed by spectrogram. The availability of the proposed method is shown in an experiment.
Unrelated Parallel Machine Scheduling with Sequence-Dependent Setup Times in Frozen Food Industry
Authors: Chatavithee Pachara , Piewthongngam Kullapapruk , Pathumnakul Supachai
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a scheduling problem in the freezing station of a frozen food industry is addressed. It is a case of the unrelated parallel machines with machine-dependent and job sequence-dependent setup times problem. In a production shift, each freezing machine is allowed to process only products in the same product family. A mathematical model is developed to solve the problem in order to minimize the production related cost including production cost, fixed production cost, setup cost, inventory holding cost, and backlog cost. The proposed model is tested with a set of various problems. The results demonstrate that the proposed mathematical model could optimally solve the small sized problems.
Ultra-Capacitors and Battery Management System of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Sungtum Sarawut , Supatti Uthane
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a bidirectional converter system to manage power transfer between ultra-capacitors (UC) and batteries for electric vehicle applications. A bidirectional buck-boost converter is used as a key converter to control power flow of the system. A control method is introduced to increase life cycle of both batteries and UC. Ultimately, the proposed converter system is able to (i) manage power between DC-bus, batteries and UC, (ii) control the current to flow between batteries and UC, (iii) maintains battery operation within charging limits, (iv) maintain the voltage at UC as setting value, (v) control the recharging at the UC by using the energy feedback from the battery instead of the common DC-bus and (vi) manage UC and battery to be recharged by using regenerative braking system. The validation of the proposed system is verified with analysis and simulation results by using MATLAB/Simulink.
Orbit Control Manoeuvre Strategy for Post-Mission De-Orbiting of a Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite
Authors: Aorpimai Manop , Navakitkanok Pornthep
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate a practical strategy for de-orbiting the retired satellite in low-Earth orbit for the space debris mitigation. The only means available onboard the spacecraft for performing the task is the chemical propulsion system with limited propellant provided. It is proposed to reduce the orbital perigee to reach a certain level where the atmospheric drag can play its role in lowering the satellite altitude, and eventually bringing it to re-entry within a defined period of time. The required delta-V is divided into a series under the constraints on the propulsion system and orbit control manoeuvre implementation. The results from the flight dynamics simulator suggest that a fraction of the remaining propellant available on the demonstrating mission, the Thaichote satellite, would be sufficient to accomplish the task. The strategy implementation will be another vital step in transferring the spacecraft to a safe passive state, where the fuel tank is empty, all batteries are discharged and all electronic devices are deactivated.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation of Functional Safety Compliant Electric Power Steering System
Authors: Lee Kyung Jung , Ahn Hyun Sik
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose a hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) for functional safety compliant electric power steering (EPS) system. The proliferation of electric and electronic systems in vehicles has brought the new automotive standard ISO 26262 for the safety of functions. The proposed EPS system should be Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) D compliant, which is the highest ASIL level. Therefore, EPS system complies with functional safety and HILS is configured to verify performance of functional safety compliant EPS system.
Active Contour Model with Edge Flow Vector for Texture Segmentation
Authors: Boonnuk Tanunchai , Srisuk Sanun , Sripramong Thanwa
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose effective method for texture segmentation using active contour model with edge flow vector. This technique was applied from previous active contour model that uses gradient vector flow as external force. It was observed that our method provided better results for texture segmentation while a traditional active contour model and active contour model with gradient vector flow were not capable to be used with texture image. Thus, texture image such as medical imaging can be identified using active contour model with edge flow vector.
Rice Kernel Separations Using Contour Analysis and Skeleton
Authors: Siriwongkul Chaladchai , Polpinit Pattarawit
Published: August 2015

Determine the percentage of broken rice kernel is crucial for rice quality evaluation. This paper studies a digital image processing method that can effectively separate touching rice kernels in an image of rice used for quality evaluation. An alternative separation algorithm based on contour analysis and skeleton is proposed to separate touching rice kernels. The proposed algorithm can be divided into three parts, namely, pre-processing, obtaining the candidates for separation line endpoints, and analysis for separation process. In the pre-processing, the images are converted into grayscale images. Then the median filter is applied in order to remove noise. Finally the binary images are obtained using Otsu’s algorithm. The next step is to obtain the candidates for separation line endpoints from concave points on the contour of rice kernels. The final step is to draw a separation lines among the candidates using several categories based on concave analysis and skeleton. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can accurately separate touching rice kernels and as a result the accurate percentage of broken rice can be obtained.
Prediction of Financial Time-Series Signals Using á Trous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Sangjun Wassanun , Supakwong Supawat , Thajchayapong Suttipong
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a financial time-series prediction method consisting of á Trous wavelet transform and polynomial regression. The main purpose of employing á Trous wavelet transform is to decompose financial time-series signals into different resolutions where only relevant signal components are used for prediction. Also, á Trous wavelet transform is used to avoid the edge problem where only the past and present components of the time-series signal are taken into account. The decomposed time-series signals are then fed into the polynomial regression part to obtain predicted time-series signals. Using real-world data, performance evaluation is conducted based on total benefit and profit/loss where it is shown that á Trous wavelet transform contributes to a significant performance improvement.
Characterization and Formulation of Microstrip-Slot Impedance with Different Thickness and Relative Permittivity
Authors: Yusof Khairul Huda , Seman Norhudah , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Zaidel D.N.A.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the characterization of a microstrip-slot line in terms of its impedance and dimension. The characterization is made by referring to the analysis of different relative permittivity and thicknesses of substrates, which conducted by using CST Microwave Studio. Based on the characterization with the use of completing square curve fitting method, new formulated equations are proposed for microstrip-slot line. These formulated equations are suitable for thin substrate with low relative permittivity. The characterization is made based on the substrates with the selected thickness of 0.508 mm, 0.762 mm and 1.542 mm, for relative permittivity of 4.5 (TMM4), 3.38 (RO 4003C) and 2.94 (RT 6002).
Robust Texture Classification Using Local Correlation Features for Thai Buddha Amulet Recognition
Authors: Kompreyarat Weera , Bunnam Thanasin
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose a development of Thai Buddha amulet identification using simple local correlation features. By using this technique, it has an ability to deal with variety of the amulet materials and colors in the same generation with less computation complexity. Moreover, it is able to apply for semi-controlled environment, which states that the image just has a plain background color that different from the amulet one. This article uses K-nearest neighbors as classification technique. The experiment was done automatically by using amulet images from the internet, which ensured that each image in the same class had a different in light intensity, contrast and color. There were 240 images with 80 classes for training data set and 751 images for test data set. The result shows that the proposed method gains a high recognition rate about 89.35%.
Arctangent Gradient Based Adaptive Algorithm for a Second-Order Adaptive IIR Notch Filter
Authors: Punchalard Rachu
Published: August 2015

Frequency estimation based on adaptive notch filter is very attractive due to simplicity and economy. This paper presents an arctangent gradient (AG) based adaptive algorithm for a second-order constrained adaptive IIR notch filter (ANF). The motivation is to use an arctangent value of the gradient signal to adjust the filter parameter. It is revealed that for slow adaptation, the AG can be considered as an unbiased estimator. The quantitative simulations have been conducted to support the superior of the proposed AG algorithm.
Homomorphic Filter Based Image Watermarking
Authors: Chotikawanid Piyanart , Thongkor Kharittha , Amornraksa Thumrongrat
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a spatial domain image watermarking method based on homomorphic filter. In the proposed method, after applying the homomorphic filter to the host color image, a watermark image is embedded into the natural logarithm reflectance component of the image. Based on the concept that the reflectance component contains most of the image details with low energy, the watermark energy added to this component will be imperceptually noticed by the human eye. The embedding watermark is also protected by a key-based stream cipher, so that without the correct secret key, one cannot reconstruct the watermark. To identify the existence of the embedded watermark, the semi-blind detection approach is applied. The performance of the proposed method in terms of correlation coefficient between the original and extracted watermarks is measured and presented. Its robustness against image blurring and image sharpening at various strengths is also evaluated. The results show the potential of the proposed method for a practical system.
Gaussian Kernel Posterior Elimination for Fast Look-Ahead Rao-Blackwellised Particle Filtering for SLAM
Authors: Nasuriwong Surasak , Yuwapoositanon Peerapol
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we explore a method for posterior elimination for fast computation of the look-ahead Rao-Blackwellised Particle Filtering (Fast la-RBPF) algorithm for the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem in the probabilistic robotics framework. In the case when a lot of SLAM states need to be estimated, large posterior states associated with the correct state may be outnumbered by multiple non-zero smaller posteriors. We show that by masking the low posterior weight states with a Gaussian kernel prior to weight selection the accuracy of the la-RBPF SLAM algorithm can be improved. Simulation results reveal that integrated with the proposed method the fast la-RBPF SLAM performance is enhanced over both the existing RBPF SLAM and the unmodified la-RBPF SLAM algorithms.
Design and Development of Data Model for Thai Sub Acute and Non Acute Patients
Authors: Sala Suketa , Soontornpipit Pichitpong
Published: August 2015

This study designs and develops two data models in order to support the classification of DRG for sub-acute and non-cute inpatient (SNAP) as an appropriate tool for payment and to persuade the better of rehabilitation services. The systems analysis and database design techniques have been used. The models are designed based on two different approaches, firstly minimum effects to a current service systems and secondly coverage of both outpatient and inpatient for SNAP service. Two data models, A and B, can present as alternative database sets to classify DRG for SNAP to get a better reimbursement.
E-Referral System by Means of Decision Support System
Authors: Pensuwan Waraluk , Viwatwongkasam Chukiat , Satitvipawee Pratana , Soontornpipit Pichitpong
Published: August 2015

This research aims to study, analyze, design and develop a web-based referral system for the recommendation of appropriate referred hospitals. Decision support system is applied to reduce time to find provider information that qualify with referral policy, medical specialists, bed, healthcare coverage, how emergency, distance and transportation time. This e-referral system scopes referral area from Siriraj hospital to other health care providers in Bangkok and metropolitan region (Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon), with a total of 240 hospitals. This approach uses a rule-based system to match providers with Siriraj referral policy. Then, these matched providers’ data are analyzed to calculate its weight value.
Comparison of Implantable Antennas for Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Soontornpipit Pichitpong
Published: August 2015

Implantable device cardiac observation (ICDO) such as pacemaker requires communication with medical devices outside the body in order to monitor or control the parameters of the organ it is supporting. Three types of implantable antennas have been investigated to determine their performances on two patient conditions: normal and hyperglycemia. Folded dipole, serpentine microstrip, and waffle-type Planar Inverted-F (PIFA) antennas are operated in the 402-405 MHz, which is medical implant communication services (MICS) band. Detailed analysis of the design issues of the antennas and comparative results of simulations and measurements are presented.
Simulation of Electric Field in Co-Field Treatment Chamber Using FEM
Authors: Kriengkriwut Teera , Techaumnat Boonchai
Published: August 2015

The technique of pulsed electric field is used for killing microbes causing food spoilage. This paper presents the calculation of electric field in co-field treatment chamber with the elliptic insulator type by the finite element method. The chamber diameter is 5 mm, and the insulator gap is 6 mm. The length of high-voltage electrode and the height of insulator were varied. The results show that too short voltage electrode length can generate high electric field spot at the junction of electrode and insulator. Increasing insulator height by 0.01 mm can decrease the maximum of the electric field by 1 percent. The results suggest that the dimensions of electrode and insulator are important to investigate the electric field for eliminating microbes.
Incomplete Nucleic Acid Sequences Visualization: A Case Study in Virus Sequences
Authors: Piyatamrong Thitiwat , Kamolphanus Anan , Lergchinnaboot Gasydech , Suphakarn Krittin , Temiyasathit Chivalai
Published: August 2015

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world, especially in the South East Asian regions. Transmitting the virus through mosquitoes, Dengue is an infectious viral borne disease. The virus sequences are assembled as series of nucleic acid, making the task of diagnosing virus sequences burdensome. Graphical representations are then proposed to represent Dengue virus to sustain the studies in virus sequences diagnosis. However, graphically representing sequences remained a crucified task especially for the incomplete genome sequences due to the missing nucleic acids. Although a number of studies provide methodologies on virus sequence visualization, in Dengue virus researches, those methodologies provide the visualization solely for complete genome sequences while neglecting the incomplete genome sequences. With the unaccommodating availabilities of research inputs, our study proposes a methodology for graphically representing the incomplete Dengue virus sequences, as well as complete virus sequences, by imputing in the incomplete part of a sequence with created reference sequences. The proposed methodology employs the use of database technology and majority voting technique to create reference sequences for each serotype of Dengue. Experimental results show that incomplete sequences are visualized realistically according to its respective serotype, thus providing flexibilities in Dengue virus researches to compensate incomplete sequences as inputs.
Fuel Property of Pyrolytic-Oil from Para Rubber De-Oiled Seed Residue
Authors: Unpinit Tanakorn , Thabuot Mallika
Published: August 2015

In this report, bio-oil was produced from the pyrolysis of Para Rubber de-oiled seed residue mixing with clay catalyst of 5-20%wt. under 400 to 600°C. Pyrolytic oil was determined for the thermal weight loss characteristic, heating value, structural and physical properties. Results showed the yield of pyrolytic oil increased with the increasing catalyst percentage, maximum yield of 24.59%wt. was revealed from the pyrolysis at 550°C. Using clay catalyst of 5%wt. at 400°C gave bio-oil with the highest heating value up to 49.17 MJ/kg. While pyrolytic oil which obtained from the mixture of de-oiled seed residue and 10%wt. clay at 400°C showed the thermal degradation behavior in the range of diesel and gasoline. All pyrolytic oils produced in this study have the major hydrocarbon structure of C-H stretching as investigated by FTIR. However, this product should be upgraded to get better properties closed to the commercial fuel.
F-Shaped Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) for 4G/LTE Applications
Authors: Roslan Siti Fairuz , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Khalily Mohsen
Published: August 2015

A F-shaped DRA at 2.6 GHZ for 4G/LTE application is presented in this paper. The F-shaped DRA was mounted on FR4 as a substrate. The simulated and measured impedance bandwidth are 20% (2.43-2.94GHz) and 36% (2.04-2.98GHz), respectively. The mode excited in this design is TEy1δ1 mode. The antenna provides gain of 1.99 dBi at frequency 2.6 GHz. The proposed antenna was analyzing and optimizing using CST Microwave Studio Software. The reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed.
Feed Formulation under Raw Material and Production Costs Consideration
Authors: Ittiphalin Mongkon , Nakrachata-Amon Thawee , Pathumnakul Supachai
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the problem of animal feed formulation is addressed. A feed product is comprised of various kinds of raw ingredients. Traditionally, the least cost formulation (LCF) approach is used in the feed industry to determine the optimal blend of the feed ingredients based on nutritional requirements and raw material costs. LCF, however, does not consider the production cost. In practice, a wide variety of raw ingredients may require different levels of production load. For example, feed ingredients with high amount of fiber content may reduce the pelleting production rate, leading to high production cost. The main focus of this study is the development of a mathematical model to find an optimal blend of the feed ingredients with an objective to minimize the overall cost consisting of raw material cost, production cost, and opportunity cost. Multiple linear regression equations are used to estimate the production rate that depends on the fat and the fiber contents in the feed mix and the durability index of the feed pellet. The results indicated that the proposed method is more beneficial than traditional LCF and applicable to the feed industry.
The Effect of Temperature on the Structure of Cotton Carbon Fiber by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Nissayan Jindamanee , Kruehong Saifon , Kruehong Chaiyaput , Artnaseaw Apichat
Published: August 2015

Synthesis of carbon fibers of cotton by chemical vapor deposition (CDV) method is the main focus of this study. Having ferocene as the catalyst, the study explored effects of synthesis process at different temperatures (750°C, 850°C and 950°C). Analysis of size, shape and structure were conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman spectroscope. The result showed that average diameter of carbon fibers tended to increase according to temperature. In addition, it was found that surface of the fiber is bend and helical. Also, higher temperature affected graphitic of the fiber.
Reconfigurable Frequency Textile Antenna with Circular Polarization Using Slotted Technique
Authors: Mat Salleh Shakhirul , Jusoh Muzammil , Ismail Abdul Hafiizh , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Ahmad Mohamad Imran , Sabapathy Thennarasan
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a reconfigurable frequency microstrip patch textile antenna using slotted technique. The switchable frequency is achieved by implementing three PIN diode switches at the slotted ground of the antenna. It is discovered that the switching element is capable to configure the frequency at six different states of operating frequencies between 1.575 GHz until 2.45 GHz. With certain switches configuration, the antenna is proficient to produce a dual-band frequency of band 1; 1.575 GHz and 2.45 GHz and band 2; 1.588 GHz and 2.36 GHz. Besides, the antenna has successfully perform an axial ratio of less than <3 dB at the GPS operating frequency of 1.575 GHz. A shieldit super is used for the antenna radiator and felt fabric as the antenna substrate. The design and simulated result shows that the presented antenna is potential to be implemented in GPS and Wi-Fi applications.
Analysis of Ionospheric Irregularity Observed near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand
Authors: Bumrungkit Acharaporn , Rungraengwajiake Sarawoot , Supnithi Pornchai , Saekow Apithep
Published: August 2015

The ionospheric irregularity is a major effect to the radio signals since the irregular electrons density can degrade the performance of the Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS). This work proposes the methods to calculate three parameters in the ionospheric threat model: front speed, front slope, and front width. The data of PRN9 satellite at three reference stations near Suvarnabhumi international airport, Thailand: KMITL, STFD and DPT stations, on 25th September 2012 are analyzed. The results show that the front speed is about 142.86 meters/second, the maximum front slope is-30 mm/km and the front width is higher than 25 kilometers.
A Study of 3G Network Performance Using Video Quality Assessment: Bangkok Case Study
Authors: Anupong Natradee , Sirawongphatsara Patsita , Wuttidittachotti Pongpisit , Daengsi Therdpong
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a study of 3G network performance in the inner city of Bangkok using a video quality assessment method, called Full-Reference Assessment. After the study, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) have been obtained. The results show that 3G networks from two 3G service providers tends to provide better video quality than the rest of 3G service providers, which are consistent with the speed test results.
Systematic Reconditioning of Fiber Connector Polishing Process by Reducing Statistical Variance of Connector Characteristics
Authors: Soukhavong Sengthong , Tangmala Tanawat , Mankong Ukrit
Published: August 2015

Optical connectors with high quality end-face polishes are crucial in future optical access network, where they must meet standard. Common polishing conditions may not always yield best results in any equipment setup due to high statistical variance in the polished connector characteristics. In this paper we propose a systematic approach to recondition the polishing process where we reduce the variance of the fiber height, radius of curvature and apex offset. The approach is enabled by our pneumatic system modification and improved controller design.
Nanoclay as Anti-Blistering Agent in Polyester Based Coating: Effect of Sea Water and Distilled Water Exposure
Authors: Surip Siti Norasmah , Rahman Abd Malik Abd , Jaafar Wan Nor Raihan Wan
Published: August 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nanoclay on hardness, pull off and blistering effect of polyester based coating. Polyester coat, nanoclay and hardener (MEKP) were mixed and mechanically stirred for one hour at ambient temperature at a shear rate of 1000 rpm. Prepared coating was then applied on the surface of plywood for the characterization of the hardness and pull off strength and for the observation of blistering effect towards sea and distilled water. As a result, 6% nanoclay loading gives better hardness strength which is 65% increment from unmodified polyester. However, the pull off strength shows that 2% of nanoclay loading gives higher strength among others with 114% increment compared to unmodified polyester coating. Blister was mostly observed at samples without nanoclay loading for both sea water and distilled water. While the less blistering effect was present at 2% nanoclay loading for sea water and 4% nanoclay loading for distilled water. The presence of nanoclay within the coating improves its bonding ability and the decreasing the micro space within the polymer. Blistering effect for highest and lowest frequency was observed by electron scanning microscope (SEM).
Graphene-CNTs into Neuron-Synapse Like Configuration a New Class of Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Avila Antonio F. , de Oliveira Aline M. , Munhoz Viviane C. , Pereira Glaucio C.
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the experimental procedures for developing and testing of a new class of hybrid nanocomposites, the neuron-synapse configuration ones. Two carbon based nanostructures, multiwall carbon nanotubes and multi-layered graphene, were incorporated to carbon epoxy laminated. The processing technique employed which includes a combination of sonication and high shear mixing allows the formation of a neuron-synapse nanostructure. X-ray diffractometry indicates that multi-layer graphene (MLG) has an average diameter close to 22 nm. TEM observations and raman spectroscopy revealed a thickness of 10 graphene layers, and a hybrid nanostructure where MWNT interpenetrated the MLG nanostructure. The hybrid nanostructure seems to be linked by Van der Walls bonds. This could be the reason for large crack density generated during short-beam bending tests. No significant stiffness changes were observed in both, tensile and bending, tests, while tensile strength were improved by 19% with 1 wt.% addition of graphene the interlaminar shear strength, was increased by 22% with the addition of MWNTs and 2.5% with the graphene (1 wt.%) and MWNT (0.3 wt.%) together.
Instant Microwave Synthesis of Titania Nanoflowers for Application in DSSCs
Authors: Javed Sofia , Akram Muhammad Aftab , Mujahid Mohammad
Published: August 2015

Nanoflowers are desirable in light driven applications like Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) due to their large surface area and greater light absorption capabilities. An instant, simple, cheap and environment friendly method of preparing titanium dioxide nanoflowers is presented. The nanoflowers are produced in a time as short as 5 minutes in aqueous conditions without the use of hazardous hydrofluoric acid or organic surfactants at 1 atm. pressure and low temperature of 100°C. Titanium dioxide commercial nanopowders are treated with microwaves in an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution for small durations. The resulting powders are annealed at 450°C in air and characterization is performed using XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy.
A Computational Chemistry Approach for Investigation of Low Friction Mechanisms Based on FEP Film with Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Morita Yusuke , de Weser Marleen , Schottner Gerhard
Published: August 2015

To improve the fuel efficiency of automobile internal combustion engines, we investigated the fundamental mechanism of friction reduction within engine moving parts. A new coating was designed by introducing SiO2 nanoparticles in FEP film. The SiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with hydrophobic fluoroalkyl units on their surface to create additional low friction property. Universal Surface Tester friction measurements revealed a significant reduction of the friction coefficient with increasing number of hydrophobic fluoroalkyl units for SiO2 surface functionalization. To clarify the friction reduction mechanisms by the functionalization of SiO2 nanoparticles, a quantum chemical calculation was carried out. The result indicates that an attractive force occurs between nanoparticle Si atoms and polymer F atoms, while by adding fluoroalkyl units on the SiO2 nanoparticle surface, this force changes to repulsive. By performing a molecular dynamics simulation of a shear model between FEP film and SiO2 nanoparticles, we observed a decrease of friction force with increasing fluoroalkyl units which lead smooth rolling motion of nanoparticles, thus confirming the repulsive effect of nanoparticle functionalization. We conclude that fluoroalkyl units on the SiO2 surface play an important role in creating a repulsive force between nanoparticle and FEP film which lead to low friction coefficient.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nano Rods by Microwave Assisted Precipitation Method Using Polyacrylic Acid
Authors: Suntako Rudeerat
Published: August 2015

A microwave assisted precipitation method has been used for the synthesis of ZnO nanorods by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) uses as a polymeric additive in process. The synthesized ZnO is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser light scattering technique. It is found that ZnO nanorods exhibit a crystalline structure with hexagonal structure of the wurtzite. Primary size of the synthesized ZnO nanorods can be controlled by PAA concentrations. Increasing of PAA concentrations provide ZnO nanorods with smaller and shorter size.
Nanoparticles Stabilized Carbon Dioxide Foams in Sandstone and Limestone Reservoir
Authors: Azizi Azlinda , Husin Hazlina , Ghazali Nurul Aimi , Khairudin Muhammad Kamil , Sauki Arina , Alias Nur Hashimah , Tengku Mohd Tengku Amran
Published: August 2015

The use of nanoparticles with carbon dioxide foams has been proposed for enhanced oil recovery due to their robust chemical stability in harsh environment. The experimental study was performed by using nanoparticles stabilized carbon dioxide foams to study their recovery of residual oil by varying the carbon dioxide flow rates on different core samples such as sandstone and limestone. Experimental setup was divided into two different kinds of experiments which are the injection of carbon dioxide foams and the injection of nanoparticles assisted carbon dioxide foams in both sandstone and limestone core samples. For the CO2 foam injection, it was found that limestone has higher oil recovery than sandstone rock samples with 38.67% recovery and 36.36% recovery for sandstone. With the nanoparticles assisted injection, the crude oil recovery increased to 41.82% and 45.33% for sandstone and limestone respectively. Limestone showed the higher porosity reduction at the end of experiment compared to sandstone with the porosity of 7.56% on limestone and 12.49% on sandstone respectively. This is due to the nanoparticles strongly absorbed at the limestone surfaces containing calcite component.
Sensitive Determination for Papain Conjugated CdSe Quantum Dots by Dynamic Light Scattering Analysis
Authors: Ratan Mandal Arup , Ishteev Artur , Volchematiev Sergey , Kuznetsov Denis V.
Published: August 2015

A strong, simple and rapid method for determination enzyme (papain) conjugated quantum dots (QDs) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) is proposed in this report. Yellow CdSe QDs are synthesized with changing the precursor ratio and confirmed by absorption and emission spectra. Shape and size of synthesized QDs are checked by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Both absorption and emission spectra reveal very strong quantum confinement effect as expected; yellow excitonic emission is observed at room temperature for photoluminescence spectra (PL). The peak maxima are appreciably red-shifted when QDs are conjugated with positively charged papain enzyme. The details possible mechanism is described here, which is very interesting and scarcely addressed before.
Development of the Bending Actuator with Nafion-Pt IPMC Tube
Authors: Nhat Nguyen Le Quang , Nguyen Truong Thinh
Published: August 2015

IPMC (Ionic Polymer Metal Composite) is promising candidate actuator for bio-related applications mainly due to its biocompatibility, soft properties and operation in wet condition. In this paper, a new actuator will be presented. The tubular actuator, based on the concept of tip-displacement of IPMC actuator and capable of generating bending of tube with surface outside electrodes, was proposed and studied experimentally. The actuator is a Nafion tube consisting of an even number of Pt segments along the length, which are plated outside of tube surface, and the Pt segments act as electrodes to apply the driving voltage. The experimental data measured on prototype actuators prove the proposed concept of bending depend on the shape of Nafion. Show that the actuator functions well both displacement and force.
An Experimental Study on the Usage of Poisson’s Ratio as a Damage Index
Authors: Yılmaz Cagatay , Akalın Cagdas , Kocaman Esat Selim , Yıldız Mehmet
Published: August 2015

Damage accumulation in uni-directional glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite manufactured with a stacking sequence of [90/0/0] s using vacuum infusion method is investigated by monitoring the change in Poisson’s ratio during quasi-static tension and quasi static cyclic tension test. During the tests, axial and transversal strains are recorded by utilizing extensometer and a strain gauge to compare the response of sensor types for the evolution of Poisson’s ratio.
Mechanical Properties of Poly(Butylene Succinate) Reinforced with Alpha Cellulose
Authors: Liprapan Sarit , Nhujak Thumnoon , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to prepare α-cellulose reinforced poly (butylene succinate) composites (PBS/α-cellulose). The effect of amount α-cellulose on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. To improve interfacial interaction between PBS and α-cellulose, glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS-g-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer. Mechanical properties of PBS composites prepared by using a twin-screw extruder were investigated. The mechanical properties of PBS/α-cellulose decreased due to the agglomeration of α-cellulose. Nevertheless, tensile strength, Young’s modulus and flexural strength of PBS composites were improved after the incorporation of PBS-g-GMA. The optimum loading of PBS-g-GMA and α-cellulose in the PBS was found to be 5 and 6 phr.
Effect of Fiber Content on Failure Modes of Glass Fiber Reinforced Injection Molded Polyamide 66 Composites
Authors: Göcek Ikilem , Keskin Reyhan , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: August 2015

In the present study, glass fiber reinforced Polyamide 66 composites were produced using laboratory type twin screw extrusion and injection molding processes. The glass fiber reinforcement was applied at 1, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 wt% loadings. The morphological structure of the samples and failure modes of glass fiber reinforced Polyamide 66 composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on fractured surfaces of tensile tested samples in this study.
Mechanical Properties and Thermal Behavior of TPS/PBS Blends with Maleated PBS as a Compatibilizer
Authors: Yin Qun Jie , Chen Fang Ping , Zhang He , Liu Chang Sheng
Published: August 2015

Thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene succinate),an entirely biodegradable polymer blend was prepared using a two-step extrusion process. The mechanical properties and thermal behavior of TPS/PBS blends were investigated. The results demonstrated that the strength and elongation at break of TPS/PBS blends were greatly improved with the addition of rPBS in PBS blends due to its contribution in the improvement of interfacial compatibilizing and miscibility.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Titanium Alloy Tribological Behaviour in Beta Solution Treated Condition
Authors: Setti Srinivasu Gangi , Rao R.N.
Published: August 2015

In the present investigation artificial neural network (ANN) approach was used for the prediction of wear and friction properties of low cost near beta titanium alloy β solution treated condition. The input parameters are load, track diameter and β solution treated temperature and output parameters are %weight loss, coefficient of friction and temperature generated between the pin and disc. In order to get the best model, different parameters like number of layers, number of hidden neurons, and transfer functions are changed. The data obtained in sliding wear tests were divided into two sets training data and testing data. A neural network was trained using a training data set and was validated using test data. The best network for prediction of tribological properties of these β solution treated specimens was 3-[11]1-[9]2-3 layer recurrent with purelin transfer function and trainlm is training function. The percentage error for %weight loss, coefficient of friction and temperature are 2.8, 1.7 and 5.3 respectively.
Synthesis of Amorphous Fe-Doped SiO2 Anode Nanomaterial via Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Garrido Catherine P. , Cervera Rinlee Butch M.
Published: August 2015

Silicon-based anode is one of the most promising anode materials for next generation batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of about 4200 mAh/g. However, the hurdle of using such high capacity anode material is its large volumetric change during lithiation and delithiation causing capacity fading. In this study, in order to circumvent the large volumetric change, nanograined size SiO2 incorporated with Fe having compositions of FexSi1-xO2 (x=0.05, 0.10) have been synthesized using a modified sol-gel processing and fully characterized for its structure, morphology, and thermal properties. From the different characterization results, the samples synthesized at low processing temperatures (400 and 600 °C) suggest an amorphous structure with grain size of about 5 nm and Fe successfully incorporated into the amorphous nanograined SiO2 matrix.
Response Surface Methodology to Optimize the Preparation of Chitosan/Alginate Nanoparticles Containing Curcumin Diethyl Disuccinate
Authors: Bhunchu Settapon , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Rojsitthisak Pranee
Published: August 2015

Curcumin diethyl disuccinate (CDD) is a succinate prodrug of curcumin that hasbetter anti-colon cancer and antinociceptive activities than curcumin and improved stability in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. However, formulation of CDD for pharmaceutical use is limited. Therefore, this study focused on preparation of chitosan/alginate nanoparticles containing CDD and optimization of the formulation using response surface methodology. Chitosan/alginate nanoparticles were prepared by o/w emulsification and ionotropic gelification. The optimized formulation of nanoparticles containing CDD had achitosan/alginate mass ratio of 0.05:1, a CDD concentration of 3 mg/ml, and a Tween 80®content of 4.05% (w/v). Response surface methodology was found to bean effective technique for optimization of the preparation of chitosan/alginatenanoparticles using a limited number of experiments.
Numerical Study of Adsorption Enhancement by Nanoparticles Scale Inhibitor
Authors: Teck John Kia Yu , binti Abu Radhiyatul Hikmah , binti Masuri Siti Ujila
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the numerical investigation on the adsorption () of nanoparticles (NPs) scale inhibitor (SI) using Eulerian Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver ANSYS/FLUENT® based on a scaled down flow model. The simulation were done to investigate theof normal and nanoscaled Calcium-phosphonate. The phosphonate used was 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-disphosphonic acid (HEDP) SI in order to determine the enhancement in adsorption achieved by the nanoscaled SI. This was done by looking at the change in concentration of the SI particles throughout the simulation time. It was found that the two sizes (normal and nanostructured) of the SI particles result in different change in concentration, hence indicates that the two yields different adsorption to the active sites. For the normal SI, the concentration distribution throughout the column remains almost the same as its initial concentration () of 2000 ppm except for very narrow regions in the vicinity of the wall boundaries. This suggests that the rate of process (of the SI onto the wall) is very slow. Consequently, it will take longer time for the SI to be adsorbed to the column wall, hence indicates that it is less efficient. Meanwhile, the nanoscaled Calcium-HEDP SI rapidly shows a significant change in concentration. At 200 s its concentration has distributed evenly in the range of 1960 ppm to 2000 ppm. This shows a really high rate. The results from this study indicates that the nanoscaled Calcium-HEDP SI has better which shows that it is more efficient than normal-scaled Calcium-HEDP SI.