bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Object Distance and Size Measurement Using Stereo Vision System
Authors: Mustafah Yasir Mohd , Azman Amelia Wong , Ani Mohd Hanafi
Published: December 2012

Object size identification is very useful in building systems or applications especially in autonomous system navigation. Many recent works have started to use multiple vision sensors or cameras for different type of application such as 3D image constructions, occlusion detection and etc. Multiple cameras system has becoming more popular since cameras are now very cheap and easy to deploy and utilize. The proposed measurement system consists of object detection on the stereo images and blob extraction and distance and size calculation and object identification. The system also employs a fast algorithm so that the measurement can be done in real-time. The object measurement using stereo camera is better than object detection using a single camera that was proposed in many previous research works. It is much easier to calibrate and can produce a more accurate results.
Localization Technology Basing Two-Dimensional Vector Sensor
Authors: Han Peng , Liu Yang
Published: December 2012

A two-dimensional (2D) vector sensor measures one acoustic pressure and two acoustic particle velocity components of the acoustic field. In this paper, a new approach is presented for localization of acoustic sources using an array of 2D vector sensors. A simple algorithm for estimating the source location with this array is presented along with their statistical performance analysis. The simulation experiment is presented to verify the efficacy of the proposed localization method and simultaneously analyzing the factors which affects the accuracy of localization.
Structural Health Monitoring of Thin Aluminum Plate Using Acoustic Sensors
Authors: Nishanth R. , Lingadurai K. , Malolan V. , Wuriti Gowrishankar , Babu M.R.M.
Published: December 2012

SHM is defined as “an emerging technology that can be defined as continuous, autonomous, real time, in-service monitoring of the physical condition of a structure by means of embedded or attached sensors with minimum manual intervention” .SHM provides the ability of a system to detect adverse changes within a system’s structure to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance costs. There are different Non-Destructive techniques like acoustic emission, ultrasonic, acousto-ultrasonic, guided ultrasonic waves or Lamb waves which are nowadays investigated for the development of an efficient and user-friendly damage identification system. This paper deals with the latter which is based on Lamb wave propagation. It has been developed especially for distinguishing different kinds of damages. The Lamb wave-based active SHM method uses piezoelectric (PZT) sensors to transmit and receive Lamb waves in a thin Aluminum plate. The Lamb wave modes (AO &SO) travel into the structure and are reflected by the structural boundaries, discontinuities, and damage. By studying their propagation and reflection, the presence of defect in the structure is determined. Laboratory level experiments have been carried out on thin Aluminum plates with angular, horizontal and vertical defect. The obtained waveform is filtered to avoid unwanted noise & disturbances using Savitzky-Golay filtering. The filtered waveforms are compared to differentiate the defects. Short Time Fourier Transform has been carried out on the acquired waveform. This study provides significant insight into the problem of identifying localized damages in the structure using PZT and dispersion of signal after they interact with different types of damage. Those small defects like the horizontal one that may be nearly missed in time domain analysis can also be clearly identified in the STFT analysis. Moreover the occurrence of So mode is also clearly seen. Thus, Lamb waves generated by PZT sensors and time-frequency analysis techniques could be used effectively for damage detection in aluminum plate. This study has given a complete idea of the working and the basic requirements of SHM system.
Determining Blade Pitch Angle Sensitivity for PID Controller
Authors: Kang Min Jae , Ko Jung Min , Boo Chang Jin , Huh Jong Chul , Lee Jung Hoon , Kim Ho Chan
Published: December 2012

A blade pitch angle sensitivity of wind turbine can be used to design a PID pitch controller. However, it is not simple to get a blade pitch angle sensitivity of wind turbine , becuase it depends on not only a blade-pitch angle but also wind speed. This paper suggests the analytical method of determining a blade pitch angle sensitivity. Finally, examples have been simulated to evaluate the proposed method in this paper.
Dynamic Surface Tension of Ionic Liquid [C10(EPy)2]Br2 Using Maximum Bubble Pressure Method
Authors: La Dahye , Chinnappan Amuthan , Kim Hern
Published: December 2012

The ionic liquids used in this study are (1,1’-decane-1,10-diylbis (3-ethylpyridinium) dibromide. The reason of this experiment is to figure out character of ionic liquids called green solvent. It can help to use of ILs to know that specific feature since ionic liquids are made so many different way. Using maximum bubble pressure method, we tested dynamic surface tension in range of 298K~418K and time range is 0.03s~60s. Among various method of inspecting dynamic surface tension, maximum bubble pressure is the easiest way to have such description of the solution at air/water interface. In the short time, it show only diffusion model, but in the long time range there is different aspect which it called diffusion-controlled model
A Transient Model of Photovoltaic System Based on MPPT and Forward-Feed Control
Authors: Xu Zhi Heng , Li Da Peng , Zhang Jian , Xu Ming , Lei Wei Min
Published: December 2012

In recent years, in order to achieve a stable and efficient output, the research about the method of efficient controlling has become a significant and popular research topic in the academic field. In this paper, a novel electromagnetic transient model of photovoltaic cells is proposed and established with the method of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and forward-feed controll. Dynamic simulation proves that the model can reflect working situation of the photovoltaic systems correctly under different environment parameters.
Research of Information Systems Interoperable Access Control Technology Based on the Dynamic Trust
Authors: Tian Shu Guang , Wang Yan Hui , Zhang Chen Chen
Published: December 2012

Due to the analysis and research the of the Traffic Safety Management, faced with the problems of scattered business application systems, fully integrated business data resources and inter-departmental information sharing, and based on the existed OBAC Access Control Model, this study has proposed a dynamic trust-based information systems interoperable access control technology, provided technical support to solve the interoperability of information between inter-departmental access.
Determination of Enantiomeric Composition of Dopa by Using UV Spectroscopy Combined with Principal Component Regression
Authors: Deng Qiang , Jiao Long , Ge Yi Qing , Wang Yun Xia
Published: December 2012

A method which combines UV spectroscopy, guest–host chemistry and principal component regression (PCR) was proposed for determining the enantiomeric composition of DOPA samples. The calibration models were developed from UV spectral data of a series of samples containing DOPA with different known enantiomeric compositions by using PCR. The obtained model was subsequently validated by determining the enantiomeric composition of a set of independently prepared samples. This method shows high sensitivity for determining the enantiomeric composition of DOPA. When there is 5.00 μM DOPA in the samples, the enantiomeric composition of DOPA can be accurately determined.
Relative Eco-Efficiency Recognition Based on DEA Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Feng Rong , Cao Yong Hong , Li Zhuo , Xiao Xin Wei
Published: December 2012

Regional eco-efficiency is regarded as a relative concept. It could be presented the relative eco-efficiency with the change of economy and environment. That means it could not the optimal compared with the predicted optimum in the future. It would be a basis of policy decision making of local governments according to identify the life cycle stage of current regional eco-efficiency. As a beneficial supplement of the eco-efficiency measurement, this paper set up a DEA Neural Network recognition model which can effectively analyze and identify the current relative eco-efficiency of a regional. The empirical research shows that the phenomenon of forecasted value “floating upon” has been restrained effectively. It is an obvious advantage that this method is showed as a method of fast convergence, accurate identification, extensive application and promotion value in practice.
Aeroacoustic Analysis of Automobile Antenna in Various Positions
Authors: Namazian Zafar , Goudarzi Koorosh
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we investigate the effect of antenna location on aerodynamic and acoustic parameters. In order to study this, five different antenna positions are considered. The chosen positions are based on the common situation in actual cars. The finite volume numerical method is used. The obtained results show that the location of antenna at the trunk, perpendicular to the surface, produces the minimum noise.
Design of CTS Measurement & Control System Based on the VXI Bus
Authors: Liu Xiao Wei , Ma Yu , Qin Yong Ming
Published: December 2012

The Capture Trajectory System (CTS) is an advanced measurement method of the trajectory for store separation in wind tunnel test. According to the characteristics of good real-time, high reliability and a large amount of data processing in the CTS test, an open-architecture measurement & control system based on VXI bus and PMAC2 is proposed in this paper, and its overall scheme design, hardware composition and software structure are described. With IPC, embedded operator and PMAC2 applied, the three level microcomputer structure ensures the system has good real-time and accurate trajectory control. The hierarchical software and the modular design method make sure that the system has good portability, universality and extensibility.
Signal Conditioning of Low-Cost Gyroscope Using Kalman Filter and Nonlinear Least Square Method
Authors: Saraporn C. , Dolwichai T. , Srisertpol J. , Teeka K.
Published: December 2012

Gyroscopes are important sensors in motion control in equipment such as airplanes, missiles and Segway. Low-cost gyroscopes have problems in signals such as bias, noise and scaling factor that decrease the efficiency of motion control. Therefore this paper is to present signal conditioning of low-cost gyroscopes using a Kalman filter to remove unwanted noise and nonlinear least square method to estimate parameters for compensation errors to the model by comparison with the encoder. The experimental results is shown that Kalman filter and nonlinear least square method can be used in signal conditioning of low-cost gyroscope for a more accurate signal.
Multi-Objective Optimization Approach with Job-Based Encoding Method for Semiconductor Final Testing Scheduling Problem
Authors: Sun Yi , Wei Xin , Fujimura Shigeru , Yang Gen Ke
Published: December 2012

The semiconductor final testing scheduling problem (SFTSP) is a variation of the complex scheduling problem, which deals with the arrangement of the job sequence for the final testing process. In this paper, we present an actual SFTSP case includes almost all the flow-shop factors as reentry characteristic, serial and batch processing stages, lot-clusters and parallel machines. Since the critical equipment needs to be utilized efficiently at a specific testing stage, the scheduling arrangement is then playing an important role in order to reduce both the makespan and penalty cost of all late products in total final testing progress. On account of the difficulty and long time it takes to solve this problem, we propose a multi-objective optimization approach, which uses a lot-merging procedure, a new job-based encoding method, and an adjustment to the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). Simulation results of the adjusted NSGA-II on this SFTSP problem are compared with its traditional algorithm and much better performance of the adjusted one is observed.
A Novel Testing System of Welds in Tube Nodes Based on Ultrasonic Phased Array Technology
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhou She Yu , Que Pei Wen
Published: December 2012

A novel automatic ultrasonic system used for the inspection of welds in T nodes is developed, in which a linear phased array transducer using electronic scan is adopted. This paper introduces the testing method of welds in T nodes, and the structure of the whole testing system. Optimization of array transducer has been also pursued based on a mathematical model of acoustic field for linear phased array. The experimental results have proved that the phased array transducer system had the same detectability as that of conventional ultrasonic transducer system, but the component part of the system can be simplified greatly, and the testing flexibility and the testing speed can be improved greatly. It provides an excellent base for the further research and development of the defect inspection of welds in TKY nodes.
Based on Atomic Spectrometry for the Determination of Titanium Element in Molten Steel
Authors: Ma Cui Hong , Zhang Wei Qiang
Published: December 2012

Atomic emission spectrometry with high accuracy, short lag time, and low detection limit, it has been widely applied in various fields. The application of atomic emission spectrometry in the converter steelmaking process has an important significance to improve the smelting of speed and steel quality. This article describes the principle of atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) analysis. Spectra obtained by the experimental for qualitative analysis, detected molten steel containing titanium element.
Estimation of Crystallinity of Poplar Cellulose Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Zhen Bo , Kong Wen Yang , Liu Yi Xing , Xue Zhan Chuan , Shen Xiao Yan , Wang Peng , Wang Xiang Ming
Published: December 2012

Many studies have successfully applied near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to estimate important wood properties. In this paper, the use of NIR (350–2500 nm) spectroscopy to predict the cellulose crystallinity of Poplar (Populus nigra var.) was investigated. The calibration and test models were constructed using partial least squares regression (PLS). The correlations were significant both the calibration and the test samples using six factors, and the correlation coefficients (R2) were 0.9367, 0.9472 respectively. The results suggest that NIR spectroscope may provide a useful tool for rapid and accurate prediction of the cellulose crystallinity of Poplar.
Thermal Stability Evaluation of Diamond-Like Carbon Coated by Filtered Cathodic Arc on Magnetic Recording Head Application
Authors: Khamnaulthong Nattaporn , Siangchaew Krisda , Limsuwan Pichet
Published: December 2012

Tetrahedral amorphous diamond-like carbon films were deposited on magnetic recording head by Filtered Cathodic Arc and subsequently thermally heated to various conditions. Raman spectroscopy was then performed to understand film structure; and mechanical property in terms of wear resistance was investigated by nanoindenter. The Raman spectra revealed that G position, FWHM of G peak and Id/Ig changed as a function of heating temperature and time which also agree well with wear depth measured.
Air Flow in a Hot Water Induced Stack Subject to Wind Disturbance
Authors: Pongtaveesap Thongchai , Chirarattananon Surapong , Exell Robert H.B. , Chaiwiwatworakul Pipat
Published: December 2012

This paper reports results of an experimental and theoretical study of the air flow in a vertical stack driven by thermal buoyancy and induced by surrounding wind. Tubular stacks with water jacket were constructed for experiments. To investigate the effect of the buoyancy force on the air flow, hot water was circulated through the stack jacket each experimental case with a different temperature. The effect due to the surrounding wind was studied using a wind tunnel to produce wind at different velocities. In this study, a simple model was developed to characterize the air flow caused by the effects. From the experimental validation, it was found that the model can predict well the volumetric rate of the air flow in the stack.
Vibroacoustic Optimization of Mechanical Structures: A Controlled Random Search Approach
Authors: Ranjbar Mostafa , Marburg Steffen
Published: December 2012

A combination of controlled random search method and geometry modification concept is used to minimize the root mean square level of structure borne sound for a model. The structure is a rectangular plate made of steel. A specific frequency range for this porpuse is considered. The results show that this approach could produce significant reduction in the value of radiated sound power level of the structure within a limited time.
Chemical Energy Transportation of Waste Heat for Heating/Drying and Cooling/Dehumidifying
Authors: Ogura Hironao , Ozawa Eri
Published: December 2012

From the viewpoints of energy and environmental problems, an effective energy utilization system for thermal energy management using chemical heat pump container (CHPC) is proposed. In this system, waste heat etc. is stored as chemical energy in CHPC. The stored heat is transported with almost no heat loss by CHPC transportation using truck, train, ship etc. At heat supply area, the stored heat is upgraded to higher temperature heat for heating/drying or lower temperature heat for cooling/refrigerating/dehumidifying without adding extra energy by the chemical heat pump function. In this study, the simulation on local recycling energy system using CHPC for heating/drying and cooling/dehumidifying was performed. The heat storing/releasing characteristics, the energy efficiencies and the CO2 emissions were shown. As a result, the system using CHPC was found to be much more effective than domestic boiler system and even more effective than similar transportation systems using latent heat storage container etc. Especially, the system using CHPC can supply hot-heat and cold-heat effectively without adding extra energy at heat supply area.
Defining the Size of Changes in Heat Loss Changes in the Shape of the Size
Authors: Kozakova Marketa , Kubečková Darja
Published: December 2012

The shape of the house significantly affects its energy intensity. For general design has not yet been established proven theoretical basis for assessing changes in heat loss, depending on the shape of the object and the object size normal family home. The proposed series of standard to function with which to compare the specific cases of precise calculations, but the standard pre-defined with a reasonable probability region closer to what the reality will move.
Thermal Analysis & Studies on Low Pressure Gas Turbine Blades Coated with Yitria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ)
Authors: Rajasekar N. , Shivraj P.M. , Renald C.J. Thomas , Karthick K. , Tamizhmani M.P.
Published: December 2012

The thermal barrier coatings have many potential applications in the protection of gas turbine engine components, essentially the turbine blades.In this study micro analysis was carried out on Yitria Stabilized Zirconia(YSZ) coated turbine blades and the results are compared with the uncoated blades.We have used the atmosphere plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating with a thickness of 0.25mm to withstand the high temperature of about 2000 C.We observed that by increasing the thermal coating thickness of about 0.25mm cause to increase 50% of the surface temperature of the turbine blade,which in turn increased the aero engine thrust.
A Refined Theory of Axisymmetric Thermoelastic Circular Cylinder with Transversely Isotropic
Authors: Wu Di , Zhao Bao Sheng
Published: December 2012

For analyzing the exact stress field, the exact displacement field and the exact temperature field in axisymmetric thermoelastic circular cylinder with transversely isotropic, the refined theory of an axisymmetric circular cylinder was researched. Without ad hoc assumptions, the refined equation of an axisymmetric thermoelastic circular cylinder with transversely isotropic was obtained, which yields Bessel's function and the solution of the cylinder directly from the general solution. By dropping terms of high order, the approximate solutions are derived for a circular cylinder under radial direction surface loading. At last, we study the approximate equations with the temperature effect.
The Wetland Plant Manipulation Technology and Management Based on the Principle of Food Web in Damu Bay New Town Design
Authors: Lei Cao , Yu Ye
Published: December 2012

Based on the principle of food web, this present attempts to discuss various methods to manage the aquatic plant in the city. In the ecological design of urban waterscape, to design the habitat and recover the food web is very important. It can reduce and control pollution; protect and improve the ecological environment, water environment; and maintain the diversity, stability and continuity of the eco-system.
Modification of Reed Alkali Lignin to Adsorption of Heavy Metals
Authors: Yang Lei , Yan Hui Zhen
Published: December 2012

We use reed alkali lignin to extract heavy metal adsorbent with the method of phenol modification. Then we study how the phenols addition amount, reaction temperature and reaction time affect the modified products’ adsorption of heavy metal. The results are as follows. The best adsorption of Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+ can be got when phenols addition amount is 4g, the reaction temperature is100°C and the reaction time is 90 min. Compared with alkali lignin, the adsorption rate gets an obvious improvement. The removal rate of Pb2+ rises from 92.4 to 97.8%. The removal rate of Cd2+ rises from 44.5 to 63.8%. The removal rate of Cr3+ rises from 43.4 to 62.5%. Also the adsorption rate improves with the increase of phenolic hydroxyl, which shows that the phenolic hydroxylfacilitates adsorption.
A Novel Network and its Application to Intelligent Community
Authors: Niu Xiang Yu , Wang Tong , Zhang Kai Fan
Published: December 2012

The level of performance of intelligent community is greatly promoted by the development of networking technologies. Some researchers obtained the achievement of intelligent community by utilizing complex algorithm and advanced equipment that makes the solution very expensive. Our research aims to find out a way to intellectualize residential community that is easy to implement, highly reliable and cost-effective. In this study, we present a system which consists of three layers based on the ring topology. For reliability and the ease of maintenance, we propose an automatic fault detection and handling function that is able to quickly detect any fault of the circuit and automatically eliminate the issue. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed system is extremely efficient, intelligent, and environmentally friendly while being highly reliable and affordable.
Application of a Wavelet Extension De-Noising Method in Seismic Data Processing
Authors: Wu Ye , Zhang Bo , Wei Jia
Published: December 2012

A new wavelet extension de-noising (WED) method is proposed in this paper. The basic principle is derived in detail. We have removed the high frequency noise in seismic data based on the suppressing detail components method, Fourier transform filtering method, WED method and reconstructing the 5th layer approximate coefficient method respectively, and the results show that the WED method can more effectively restrain noise than the other methods.
The Earth’s Free Spherical Oscillations of the Chile Earthquake
Authors: Wu Ye , Yang Shu , Ding Liang
Published: December 2012

An M8.8 earthquake struck Chile on February 27, 2010 and the strong earthquake made continuous oscillation of the Earth. We studied the Earth’s free oscillations using observations of VHZ channel of China Digital Seismic Network (CDSN). Since the frequency response of seismograph in CDSN suppresses the information of low frequency signal, we do not need to remove the solid tide in our data processing. We extracted 76 clear spherical modes of (0S0, 0S2 to 0S76) of the Earth’s free oscillation and 78 harmonic modes and they are consistent and nearly same with the frequencies of the modes of Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM). Spectral splitting phenomenon is observed obviously in 0S2, 0S3, 0S4 and 1S2 free oscillation modes.
Using Data Envelopment Analysis for Green Supplier Selection in Manufacturing under Vague Environment
Authors: Amindoust Atefeh , Shamsuddin Ahmed , Saghafinia Ali
Published: December 2012

In these days, considering the growth of knowledge about environmental protection and green issues in manufacturing, green supplier selection would be the central component in the management of supply chain. This paper intends to apply data envelopment analysis for supplier selection considering environmental merits. The suppliers’ performances with respect to criteria are not pure numbers and considered in linguistic terms according to decision makers’ opinion. To handle the subjectivity of decision makers’ assessments, fuzzy logic has been applied. A case study is done to present the application of the method.
Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour Modelfor Measuring Households’ Recycling Behaviour in Malaysia
Authors: Ling Goh Mei , Tong David Yoon Kin , Ahmed Elsadig Musa
Published: December 2012

Malaysia generates 0.8 kg waste per capita per day. Despite the recycling previous programmeslaunched, the national recycling rate was as low as 5%. Households’ involvement is expected to be the key factor to the success of recycling. Therefore, empirical study is needed to examineon the behavioural determinants of households’ recycling behaviour. The paper aims to extend the Theory of Planned Behaviour in predicting the households’ recycling behaviour. The paper will provide useful information and guidelines to the respective authorities in designingstrategies to encourage higher participation from households in the recycling programs.
Sustainable Development of Construction Industry – The China Case
Authors: Zhang Peng , London Kerry
Published: December 2012

Sustainable development is a significant research theme in various fields. With the developments to theory, the fundamental concept of sustainable development has expanded from only the environment perspective to now including economic, social and environment perspectives. As a resource-intensive industry, the policy, processes and practices in relation to sustainable development of the construction industry is critical. An important theoretical and practical concern is the creation of indicator systems that assist with the measurement of sustainable urban development. However there is no an internationally agreed one especially for construction industry. Past research and practice has tended to focus on the measurement of sustainability of the construction projects in relation to the individual projects or at the organizational level. Zhang and London (2011) generated a new sustainable development measurement according to the characteristics of construction industry, the availability of data and other sustainable development indicators system which have been proposed before. This measurement will be used to analyze the performance of Chinese construction industry’s sustainability from 2001 to 2010.
Research on China’s Optimization and Development of New Energy under Low-Carbon Economy
Authors: Wu Yun Na , Chen Jian , Wang He Ping , Gao Min
Published: December 2012

In recent years, fluctuations have been on traditional gases prices, problems of energy emission pollution are also worsening. In the Copenhagen conference at the end of 2009, developing new energy is again appealed by many countries, among which China clearly proposed that it will take the new energy development as a switching point to optimize and upgrade the new energy industry development. This thesis is about a deep analysis on the genera of new energy industry as well as its life-circle and value flow, thereafter is some suggestion to the chain and structural optimization of China’s future new energy development.
Geotourism: A Tool for Sustainable Development of Geoheritage Resources
Authors: Ehsan Sofia , Leman Mohd Shafeea , Ara Begum Rawshan
Published: December 2012

The theoretical understanding suggests that geotourism relates tourism and geology in such a way that the public can experience the earth’s geological wonders with environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation through formal and informal education. With proper enforcement emplaced, this idea of protection through usage should lead to an increase in ecological and socio-cultural awareness and behaviour among geotourists and local guardians of geological heritage. In the prospect of geotourism, geotourists and local public are related in a way that the former play its part in geoheritage conservation through visiting geological heritages while expenditures spent by geotourists contributed to the gross income of the latter and partially to the nation through various tax structures. These economic benefit as well as environmental incentives of geotourism would encourage local public to embrace into geotourism industry and geoheritage conservation. Thus, when these mechanisms work perfectly, geotourism will offer one realistic key solution to the apparent conflict between environmental and cultural protection, and economic growth.
Electrocoagulation of a Real Malaysian Leachate Sample Using Al Electrodes to Meet Discharge Standards
Authors: Moayerikashani Masoumeh , Soltani Salman Masoudi
Published: December 2012

This work investigates the applicability of electrocoagulation using aluminum (Al) electrodes to treat a typical Malaysian leachate sample. The treated leachate sample well met Malaysian discharge standards in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color. Color was lowered by 72 %. To the knowledge of the authors, no earlier study on the use of Al electrodes in the treatment of a real leachate sample has been reported elsewhere. This work suggests that Electrocoagulation using Al electrodes could an efficient approach in real leachate treatment processes.
Experiment Study on Reinforcement Effect of Composite Foundation in Saline Soils
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Jian Kun , Fang Jian Hong , Xu An Hua
Published: December 2012

Using DPT and plate loading test, the paper analyzed different reinforcement effects from four different reinforcement technologies－gravel piles method, dynamic compaction method, dynamic compaction replacement (DCR) method and impact compacted method for Cha-Ge highway saline soils ground located in salt lake area, and got the following conclusions: (1) DCR method has the best reinforcement effect, and impact compacted method has the worst. There is a difference of 166.9 % between them. (2)Tamping energy is important on reinforcement effect to the last three methods and related directly to the values of the strengthened bearing capacity and deformation modulus. The DCR method and gravel piles method mentioned above are useful on reducing the settlement of natural saline soils foundation. In recent years, a lot of ground treatment methods are widely used to consolidate soft soil foundation for its short period and simple construction and so on. Numerous scientists and engineers have obtained useful results and experience from DCR and gravel piles foundation treatment of soft soil [1,2,3,4]. (e.g., A. G. Phear, S. J. Harris, 2008; Dong,Yan and , 2009; Huang, Zhou and He, 2006; Liu, 2006;); But the reinforcement in regions of saline soils, such as DCR hasn't been well researched; theoretical study is far behind engineering practice; so it is hard to build up the design theory and method..
Effects of Re-Used Plastic Film Mulching on Soil Moisture and Water Use Efficiency in Hetao Area, China
Authors: Shi Jian Guo , Liu Jing Hui , Jia Li Xin , Zhao Bao Ping , Li Li Jun , Zhang Zhi Dong , Gao Cai Ting , Rong Xiao Ping , Chen Lei Qing
Published: December 2012

Aiming at reducing agricultural pollution caused by plastic film and increasing soil moisture and water use efficiency (WUE), the field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of re-used plastic film mulching on soil moisture, sunflower’s yield and water use efficiency by compared with new plastic film mulching and bare field in Hetao area, China. The results showed that, soil water of re-used film mulching increased at different degree. Compared with bare field and new film mulching, soi1 moisture of re-used film were higher significantly 1.5 percentage points in 0-100 cm, and especially 1.9 or 2.6 percentage points in 0-10 cm during sunflower’s growth stage. Soil water of re-used film was more than that of bare field 24.8 mm (in 2010) and 33.0 mm (in 2011) before seeding, and 21.6mm (in 2010) and 24.5mm (in 2011) at harvest when soil water was replenished to same level for each treatment before sowing. Meanwhile, the grain yield of re-used film was higher significantly than that of bare field 11.4% (in 2010) and 16.8% (in 2011), and WUE of re-used film was higher significantly 15.7% (in 2010) and 22.7% (in 2011) respectively, no significant with new film. So it was worth to apply re-used film to agriculture production for improving the soil moisture, enhancing water use efficiency and increasing the yield of sunflower. We suggest that the application of re-used film mulching is a suitable soil management practice for increase water and WUE in Hetao area or other areas with similar conditions.
A Study on the Performance of Microwave Extraction System (MES) for the Extraction of Essential Oils from Jasminum sambac Flowers: Rapidity and Quantity of Yield
Authors: Osman Nurshahidah , Amat Azuraida , Ahmad Nurazlin , Khalid Kaida
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate MES and CEM for the extraction of essential oils from Jasminum sambac flowers using various methods such as dry distillation (DD), wet distillation (WD), hydro distillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD). The MES was performed by DD and WD at irradiation power of about 450 W and temperature about 100 °C for 1 hour whereas CEM was performed by HD and SD at extraction power of 450 W and temperature 100 °C for 8 hours. After 1 hour of microwave extraction, it was possible to collect sufficient essential oil which provided comparable yields to those obtained with 8 hours by CEM. To obtain its first oil droplet, it was necessary to heat only 5 min with DD and 9 min with WD against 15 min for HD and 42 min for SD. In terms of yield, MES contributed higher percentage of yield with 0.10 % and 0.06 % for DD and WD, respectively whereas both HD and SD contributed only 0.02 %.
Protein Foaming-Consolidation Method for Fabrication of High Performance Porous Bioceramics
Authors: Sopyan Iis , Suryanto Suryanto , Fadli Ahmad , Singh Ramesh
Published: December 2012

Protein foaming-consolidation method is a facile technique for production of porous materials using egg yolk as pore creating agent. Usage of the yolk in the process offers a number of advantages over other proteins such as egg white and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Various materials were successfully fabricated using this technique. The present paper gives a brief review of the preparation and characterization of the materials through protein foaming-consolidation technique for biomedical application.
Esterification of Cellulose with Palmitoyl Chloride by Using Microwave Irradiation and Application to Adsorption of Methylene Blue
Authors: Mai Xuan Thang , Appiah-Ntiamoah Richard , Momade Francis W.Y. , Kim Hern
Published: December 2012

Palmitoyl cellulose was synthesized under microwave irradiation. The system used was cellulose/ N,N-dimethylacetamide/ LiCl and palmitoylchloride with 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst. Under microwave irradiation 60secwas sufficient for the completion of reaction, compared to the conventional heating mode. The conditions for reaction under microwave irradiation are: power input of 200watt, 0.5equiv.of DMAPcatalyst andreaction time of 60sec.The adsorption capacity based on Langmuir isotherm is263mg/g which is greater than unmodified cellulose. Material characterization by FT-IR indicates thesuccessful modification of cellulose into palmitoyl cellulose.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) Membrane with Surface Immobilized β-Cyclodextrin Synthesis via Glutaraldehyde
Authors: Puguan John Marc C. , Kim Hern
Published: December 2012

A novel cyclodextrin (CD) grafted polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material has been synthesized. Beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is chemically grafted into PVA via glutaraldehyde (GA) in acidic medium (HCl). The reaction mechanism and the membrane surface grafting are confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), modulus of elasticity and contact angle determination. An amount of PVA and βCD are dissolved in a pH 3 HCl solution at 90oC with continuous stirring. Glutaraldehyde was slowly added into the clear solution to effect grafting and crosslinking between the PVA and βCD. It was cooled and allowed to stand overnight to eliminate bubbles formed. The clear PVA-GA-βCD material is casted on a glass plate to form membranes which are peeled off after subsequent drying. The grafted and crosslinked membrane showed peaks in the IR spectra confirming the chemical bonding between PVA, GA and βCD. PVA-GA-βCD membrane is 6% stronger than the physically blended membrane as shown by the increase of its modulus of elasticity. Likewise, a reduction in the hydrophilicity is observed by the newly synthesized membrane as shown by the increase of the membrane’s contact angle.This newly developed material with immobilized βCD may significantly improve the performance of PVA-CD pervaporation membranes by reducing the phase separation phenomenon due to agglomeration of CD in high concentrations as well as preventing βCD from dissolving in aqueous feed. Moreover, this may open new perspective for the development of high performance nanofibers and other nanomaterialssuch as drug delivery system materials and inclusion complexes.
Effect of Mixing Bioactive Nanoceramics with a Thermosensitive Hydrogel as Bone Substitute
Authors: Lai Po Liang , Hong Ding Wei , Lin Carl Tsai Yu , Chen Lih Huei , Chen Wen Jer , Chu I Ming
Published: December 2012

The composite of methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) and poly(lactic-co- glycolic acid) (PLGA) thermosensitive hydrogel mixed with different mass raio of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were used as bone graft substitutes. The physical properties of a series of composite gels, including the critical micelle concentration (CMC), particle sizes, zeta potential, rheological behavior, morphology of composite gels, and sol–gel transition, were characterized in vitro. These composite gels could form a gel at body temperature and could be controlled easily at room temperature. During the in vitro degradation process, composite gels demonstrated a slight decrease in pH value, a slower degradation rate, less toxicity, and a higher cell survival rate. The biocompatibility of the composite gels was validated by hemolysis test. In vivo animal studies demonstrated both radiographic and gross bone union when the ratio of HAP/ β-TCP was 7:3.
Biomimetic Insights: Structure-Toughness Relations in Spider Silk Nanocrystals
Authors: Alam Parvez
Published: December 2012

This brief communication proposes reasons for why larger β-sheet nanocrystals in spider silk exhibit lowered toughness as a function of increasing lateral size, but higher toughness as the β-strands are lengthened. Herein, this phenomenon is understood to be due to β-sheet stacking and the non-linear decreases in the electrostatic forces of attraction between β-sheets as more sheets are conjoined to form the crystal. Lengthening the β-strands raises the crystal toughness as a result of heightened electrostatic forces of attraction between the sheets. The extent of β-sheet nanocrystal toughness is a fractional balance between inter- and intramolecular bond strengths.
Performance Enhancement of Electrostatically Actuated Microgripper with Modified Fingers for Microassembly
Authors: Kalaiarasi A.R. , Hosimin Thilagar S.
Published: December 2012

The application of microgrippers for handling and assembling micro parts in the field of robotics attracts more attention by the growth in micro electro mechanical systems. In this paper an electrostatic microgripper using comb drive is designed and analyzed using IntelliSuite. The use of modified fingers in the combdrive amplifies the output displacement of microgripper for given supply voltage. It also provides a linear force displacement behavior over a range of displacement. To show this amplification, finite element simulations are performed on the proposed design of microgripper models. It was found that displacement of about 7 µm has been obtained at a voltage of 14 volts with 28 fingers only with one of the proposed designs of microgripper against 25 volts for rectangular finger microgripper with 28 fingers. The simulation results have been verified by analytical results. The results of analytical and simulation are found to be in good agreement.
A Review on Dynamic Production Scheduling and Solvable Algorithms
Authors: Hu Guo Jin , Fu Pin Xin , Wang Mei Lin , Dai Qing Yun , Song Jian Cong
Published: December 2012

Dynamic production scheduling (DPS) is usually trigged by uncertain disturbances such as emergency orders, machine breakdown and rolling planning horizon etc. DPS is a challenging problem in real-life industry manufacturing field due to its bulky problem scalability, which is more significant in discrete manufacturing industry. This industry features multi-specifications, small batch and customization production pattern in terms of its production characteristics and workshop scheduling algorithm whose multi-product series are subject to complexity, multi- various constrains, multi-dynamic objectives and uncertainties. In order to card this research direction, this paper reviews it given different disturbances including emergency orders, machine breakdown, tardiness of job, and engineering changes. Moreover, currently common advantages and disadvantages of dynamic scheduling algorithm are laid stress on. Accordingly, characteristics and future research direction of it are presented. For different disturbances, corresponding algorithm solutions are categorized and reviewed. It aims at guiding the academics and practitioners to choose the efficient and effective solutions when facing different situations.
Theoretical Investigation in Transient Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Reciprocating Motion in Air Compressor Piston Pin
Authors: Wongseedakaew Khanittha
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the effect of squeeze motion to elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) in piston pin of air compressor with non-Newtonian lubricants based on a Carreau viscosity model. The time dependent modified Reynolds equation and elasticity with initial conditions were formulated and solved numerically using a multigrid multilevel with full approximation technique for a piston pin. Effects of bearing materials and liquid properties were examined. The results show that minimum film thickness and friction coefficient increases when lubricant viscosity increases. At the same time, for increasing of elastic modulus of bearing bushing the friction coefficient decreases.
Nonequilibrium Density of State of a Kondo Dot Coupled to Luttinger Liquid
Authors: Yang Kai Hua , Chen Yang , Liu Bei Yun , He Xian
Published: December 2012

We theoretically investigate the nonequilibrium density of states (DOS) of a Kondo dot weakly coupled to Luttinger liquid leads by using the equation-of-motion technique of non-equilibrium Green functions. The joint effects of large bias voltage and moderately strong intralead interactions results in nontrivial modifications of the Kondo peak in the DOS. The DOS exhibits a two-channel Kondo physics for moderately strong interaction in the leads at zero temperature.
Applying Lean Manufacturing Tool (SMED/QCO) to Overcome Additional Investment for Meeting Customer Needs – A Study at Robert Bosch (I) Limited
Authors: Nystha Baishya , Sathish Rao U. , Sharath Diwakar
Published: December 2012

Nowadays the market is increasingly demanding more customized products, thus making the manufacturers under the pressure of cost reduction, to survive in the highly competitive market. Working on this, Robert Bosch INdia (RBIN) Limited, Bangalore Plant (BanP) designs and produces Diesel systems which make vehicles more cleaner and economical. To be the world’s leading manufacturer of diesel injection systems, Bosch has to manufacture its very own design to fulfill the requirements for every customers, economically. Fuel Injection Equipment in diesel engine is the “Heart of the Engine” and plays a major role in its performance, emissions and reliability. Hot Forged Rail (HFR) finds its application in common rail fuel injection system, which stores the fuel at high pressure (1600bar). And at the same time, the pressure oscillation, which is generated due to the high pressure pump delivery and the injection of fuel are damped by the rail volume. Its design varies according to customer requirement and engine design. Therefore, BanP has to produce different types of rails to complete diesel market in India. In order to be customer centric and productive, BOSCH follows Bosch Production Systems (BPS), the elements of BPS in Lean manufacturing are Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Value Stream Design (VSD) and Value Stream Planning (VSP). The Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) is one important lean manufacturing tool to reduce waste and improve production flexibility, allowing lot size reduction and manufacturing flow improvements. Quick Change Over (QCO) is a set of activities (preparation, changing and adjustment) which are being carried out in between the production of two varieties to reduce changeover time and to reach the optimum production running. The proposed SMED approach was tested for injection machines changeovers in the automotive industry and the implementation had enabled reduction in setup time, through company’s internal resources reorganizations without the need for significant investment. The objective of the present study is to implement the SMED/QCO tool approach in RBIN, BanP, HFR production line to reduce the changeover time by >65% and improve availability by 15%, thereby eliminating the possibility of investing on new production line to meet customer demand.
Proposing a Flexible Approach to Architectural Design as a Tool for Achievement Eco-Friendly Multi-Purpose Buildings
Authors: Mahdavinejad Mohammad Javad , Ashtiani Sima Rezaei , Ebrahimi Mahin , Shamshirband Mostafa
Published: December 2012

In the following paper, sustainability has been considered in the multifunctional spaces, according to the point that flexibility and adaptability are the principle topics in the sustainable architecture also in this case. To follow the issues, it’s considered to design an intelligent building with consideration to the feature of adapting itself with the direct and indirect alternations. The function of the smart building has been considered as amphitheater. Hence, the following research intends to utilize the propitious methods to access the pattern in designing the multifunctional amphitheater. In the paper, the research methodology is experimental. The statistical society includes the study on eight amphitheaters in Tehran which is haphazardly chosen.