Search results for: species profile

Authors: Leto Leandra, Guaitini Caterina, Agosti Anna, Del Vecchio Lorenzo, Guarrasi Valeria, Cirlini Martina, Chiancone Benedetta

Abstract:

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to investigate the in vitro germination response of Rhus coriaria L., and its sprout chemical characterization. Rhus coriaria L., a species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, is commonly called "sumac" and is cultivated, in different countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions, to produce a spice with a sour taste, obtained from its dried and ground fruits. Moreover, since ancient times, many beneficial properties have been attributed to this plant that has been used, in the traditional medicine of several Asian countries, against various diseases, including liver and intestinal pathologies, ulcers and various inflammatory states. In the recent past, sumac was cultivated in the Southern regions of Italy to treat leather, but its cultivation was abandoned, and currently, sumac plants grow spontaneously in marginal areas. Recently, in Italy, the interest in this species has been growing again, thanks to its numerous properties; thus, it becomes imperative to deepen the knowledge of this plant. In this study, in order to set up an efficient in vitro seed germination protocol, sumac seeds collected from spontaneous plants grown in Sicily, an island in the South of Italy, were, firstly, subjected to different treatments, scarification (mechanical, physical and chemical), cold stratification and imbibition, to break their physical and physiological dormancy, then, treated seeds were in vitro cultured on media with different gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations. Results showed that, without any treatment, only 5% of in vitro sown seeds germinated, while the germination percentage increased up to 19% after the mechanical scarification. A further significative improvement of germination percentages was recorded after the physical scarification, with (40.5%) or without (36.5%) 8 weeks of cold stratification, especially when seeds were sown on gibberellin enriched cultured media. Vitro-derived sumac sprouts, at different developmental stages, were chemically characterized, in terms of polyphenol and tannin content, as well as for their antioxidant activity, to evaluate this matrix as a potential novel food or as a source of bioactive compounds. Results evidenced how more developed sumac sprouts and, above all, their leaves are a wealthy source of polyphenols (78.4 GAE/g SS) and tannins (21.9 mg GAE/g SS), with marked antioxidant activity. The outcomes of this study will be of support the nursery sector and sumac growers in obtaining a higher number of plants in a shorter time; moreover, the sprout chemical characterization will contribute to the process of considering this matrix as a new source of bioactive compounds and tannins to be used in food and non-food sectors.

Keywords: bioactive compounds, germination pre-treatments, rhus coriaria l., tissue culture

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Authors: Leto Leandra, Guaitini Caterina, Agosti Anna, Del Vecchio Lorenzo, Guarrasi Valeria, Cirlini Martina, Chiancone Benedetta

Abstract:

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to investigate the in vitro germination response of Rhus coriaria L. and its sprout chemical characterization. Rhus coriaria L., a species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, is commonly called "sumac” and is cultivated, in different countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions, to produce a spice with a sour taste, obtained from its dried and ground fruits. Moreover, since ancient times, many beneficial properties have been attributed to this plant that has been used, in the traditional medicine of several Asian countries, against various diseases, including liver and intestinal pathologies, ulcers, and various inflammatory states. In the recent past, sumac was cultivated in the Southern regions of Italy to treat leather, but its cultivation was abandoned, and currently, sumac plants grow spontaneously in marginal areas. Recently, in Italy, the interest in this species has been growing again, thanks to its numerous properties; thus, it becomes imperative to deepen the knowledge of this plant. In this study, in order to set up an efficient in vitro seed germination protocol, sumac seeds collected from spontaneous plants grown in Sicily, an island in the South of Italy, were, firstly, subjected to different treatments, scarification (mechanical, physical and chemical), cold stratification and imbibition, to break their physical and physiological dormancy, then, treated seeds were in vitro cultured on media with different gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations. Results showed that, without any treatment, only 5% of in vitro sown seeds germinated, while the germination percentage increased up to 19% after the mechanical scarification. A further significative improvement of germination percentages was recorded after the physical scarification, with (40.5%) or without (36.5%) 8 weeks of cold stratification, especially when seeds were sown on gibberellin enriched cultured media. Vitro-derived sumac sprouts, at different developmental stages, were chemically characterized, in terms of polyphenol and tannin content, as well as for their antioxidant activity, to evaluate this matrix as a potential novel food or as a source of bioactive compounds. Results evidenced how more developed sumac sprouts and, above all, their leaves are a wealthy source of polyphenols (78.4 GAE/g SS) and tannins (21.9 mg GAE/g SS), with marked antioxidant activity. The outcomes of this study will be of support the nursery sector and sumac growers in obtaining a higher number of plants in a shorter time; moreover, the sprout chemical characterization will contribute to the process of considering this matrix as a new source of bioactive compounds and tannins to be used in food and non-food sectors.

Keywords: bioactive compounds, germination pre-treatments, rhus coriaria l., tissue culture

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Authors: Weiyao Zhu, Bingbing Li, Yajing Liu, Zhiyong Song

Abstract:

Branched-preformed particle gel (B-PPG) is a newly developed profile control and oil displacement agent for enhanced oil recovery in major oilfields. To provide a better understanding of the performance of B-PPG in high temperature reservoirs, a comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted by utilizing glass micromodel and synthetic core. The microscopic experimental results show that the B-PPG can selectively flow and plug in large pores. In terms of enhanced oil recovery, the decrease of residual oil in the margin regions (24.6%) was higher than that in the main stream (13.7%), which indicates it enlarged the sweep area. In addition, the effects of B-PPG injection concentration and injection rate on enhanced oil recovery were implemented by core flooding. The macroscopic experimental results indicate that the enhanced oil recovery increased with the increasing of injection concentration. However, the injection rate had a peak value. It is significant to get insight into the behaviors of B-PPG in reservoirs.

Keywords: branched-preformed particle gel, enhanced oil recovery, micromodel, core flooding

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Authors: K. Abbas, R. Ahmad, I. A. Khan, S. Saleem, U. Ikhlaq

Abstract:

Nitriding of p-type Si samples by pulsed DC glow discharge is carried out for different Ar concentrations (30% to 90%) in nitrogen-argon plasma whereas the other parameters like pressure (2 mbar), treatment time (4 hr) and power (175 W) are kept constant. The phase identification, crystal structure, crystallinity, chemical composition, surface morphology and topography of the nitrided layer are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. The XRD patterns reveal the development of different diffraction planes of Si₃N₄ confirming the formation of polycrystalline layer. FTIR spectrum confirms the formation of bond between Si and N. Results reveal that addition of Ar into N₂ plasma plays an important role to enhance the production of active species which facilitate the nitrogen diffusion.

Keywords: crystallinity, glow discharge, nitriding, sputtering

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Authors: Yaowaporn Sangsen, Kittisak Likhitwitayawuid, Boonchoo Sritularak, Kamonthip Wiwattanawongsa, Ruedeekorn Wiwattanapatapee

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Novel solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed to improve oral bioavailability of oxyresveratrol (OXY). The SLNs were prepared by a high speed homogenization technique, at an effective speed and time, using Compritol® 888 ATO (5% w/w) as the solid lipid. The appropriate weight proportions (0.3% w/w) of OXY affected the physicochemical properties of blank SLNs. The effects of surfactant types on the properties of the formulations such as particle size and entrapment efficacy were also investigated. Conclusively, Tween 80 combined with soy lecithin was the most appropriate surfactant to stabilize OXY-loaded SLNs. The mean particle size of the optimized formulation was 134.40 ± 0.57 nm. In vitro drug release study, the selected S2 formulation showed a retarded release profile for OXY with no initial burst release compared to OXY suspension in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Therefore, these SLNs could provide a suitable system to develop for the oral OXY delivery.

Keywords: solid lipid nanoparticles, physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, oxyresveratrol

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Authors: Zoirov Amirdin Olimovich, Akbarov Elbek Elmurodovich

Abstract:

Introduction: Pneumonia that occurs during COVID-19 infection is common among patients. This research was conducted to determine the frequency of symptoms occurring during pneumonia according to the purpose. Objective and Task: The goal of our research is to develop clinical concepts of pneumonia that occur during COVID-19 infection. Our main task is to analyze the results of blood tests and understand the progression of the disease. Research Materials and Methods: The research was conducted among patients admitted to the Tashkent Medical Academy multi-profile clinic in the department of infectious diseases undergoing stationary treatment with a diagnosis of COVID-19. The analyzed patients had an average age of 46, with a total of 48 patients, 23 of whom were female and 25 were male. Research Results: The research results showed the development of pneumonia within three days in 27 patients after COVID-19 infection. During the observation period, 24 patients (88.8%) recovered completely. The X-ray revealed no signs of pneumonia in those who fully recovered. The remaining three patients showed a persistent form of pneumonia. Conclusion: The conclusion of the research indicates that pneumonia during COVID-19 infection develops in many patients, and 88.8% of patients recover completely without any lingering symptoms.

Keywords: COVID-19, pneumonia, the X-ray, blood, TTA

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Authors: S. Barabas, F. Sarbu, B. Barabas, A. Fota

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Main objective of this paper is to establish a link between inertial forces of the bearings used in construction of wind power plant and its behavior. Using bearings with lower inertial forces has the immediate effect of decreasing inertia rotor system, with significant results in increased energy efficiency, due to decreased friction forces between rollers and raceways. The FEM analysis shows the appearance of uniform contact stress at the ends of the rollers, demonstrated the necessity of production of low mass bearings. Favorable results are expected in the economic field, by reducing material consumption and by increasing the durability of bearings. Using low mass bearings with hollow rollers instead of solid rollers has an impact on working temperature, on vibrations and noise which decrease. Implementation of types of hollow rollers of cylindrical tubular type, instead of expensive rollers with logarithmic profile, will bring significant inertial forces decrease with large benefits in behavior of wind power plant.

Keywords: inertial forces, Von Mises stress, hollow rollers, wind turbine

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Authors: S. Sambath, P. Palanivel

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Research conducted in the last few decades has proven that an inclusion of Distributed Genaration (DG) into distribution systems considerably lowers the level of power losses and the power quality improved. Moreover, the choice of DG is even more attractive since it provides not only benefits in power loss minimisation, but also a wide range of other advantages including environment, economic, power qualities and technical issues. This paper is an intent to quantify and analyse the impact of distributed generation (DG) in Tamil Nadu, India to examine what the benefits of decentralized generation would be for meeting rural loads. We used load flow analysis to simulate and quantify the loss reduction and power quality enhancement by having decentralized generation available line conditions for actual rural feeders in Tamil Nadu, India. Reactive and voltage profile was considered. This helps utilities to better plan their system in rural areas to meet dispersed loads, while optimizing the renewable and decentralised generation sources.

Keywords: distributed generation, distribution system, load flow analysis, optimal location, power quality

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Authors: Reim A. Almotiri, Manal M. Alkhamisi

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Ternary nanocomposites based on hydroxyapatite (HAP) and alumina (Al2O3) were embedded through graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets to be investigated for medical applications. The composition of the preparations has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy have shown the typical morphologies of the components of the nanocomposites with hydroxyapatite nanorods reaching an average diameter of 22.26±2 nm and an average length of 69.56±19.25 nm in the ternary nanocomposites. The ternary nanocomposite has a microhardness of 5.8±0.1 GPa and a higher average roughness of 6.5 nm compared to pure HAP preparation with an average roughness of 2.7 nm. All preparations have shown an acceptable cytotoxicity profile with a percent osteoblasts cell viability of 98.6±1.3% after culturing with the ternary nanocomposite. The TNC has also shown the highest antibacterial activity compared to preparations of each of its constituents and their nanocomposites, with a zone of inhibition’s diameter of 14.1±0.8 mm and 13.6±0.6 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, compared to no zone of inhibition for the pure hydroxyapatite preparation.

Keywords: hydroxypatite, cytotoxicity, nanocomposites, X-ray analysis

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Authors: Ha T. Pham, Shuichi Miyagawa

Abstract:

Ongoing landscape transformation is one of the major causes behind disappearance of traditional landscapes, and lead to species and resource loss. Tree in paddy fields in the northeast of Thailand is one of those traditional landscapes. Using three different historical time layers, we acknowledged the severe deforestation and rapid urbanization happened in the region. Despite the general thinking of decline in tree density as consequences, the heterogeneous trend of changes in total tree density in three studied landscapes denied the hypothesis that number of trees in paddy field depend on the length of land use practice. On the other hand, due to selection of planting new trees on levees, existence of trees in paddy field are now rely on their values for human use. Besides, changes in land use and landscape structure had a significant impact on decision of which tree density level is considered as suitable for the landscape.

Keywords: aerial photographs, land use change, traditional landscape, tree in paddy fields

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Authors: Farhan Saeed

Abstract:

The core objective of this work is to explicate the biochemical and therapeutic properties of aged garlic. For this purpose, two varieties of garlic were obtained from Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad-Pakistan. Additionally, fresh garlic was converted into aged garlic via fermentation method in the incubator at 70 to 80 % humidity level and 60C0 temperature for one month. Similarly, biochemical and antioxidant properties of fresh and aged garlic were also elucidated. Mean values showed that moisture content was decreased, whereas crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash and total carbohydrates were enhanced after fermentation. Additionally, crude protein of fresh and aged garlic was 7.57±0.16 and 5.52±0.12%, respectively, whilst 9.68±0.41 and 8.78±0.29%, respectively, after the fermentation process. In addition, NFE contents were also enhanced up to 39% after the fermentation method. Moreover, Zn, S, Al, K, Fe, Na, Mg, and Cu contents were also increased. Furthermore, Total phenolic contents (TPC) of fresh and aged garlic were 2498.70 & 2188.50mg GAE/kg whilst 3008.59, & 2591.81mg GAE/kg for aged garlic. In conclusion, aged garlic explicated the better biochemical properties, mineral profile and antioxidant properties as compared to fresh garlic.

Keywords: aged garlic, nutritional values, bioactive properties, fermentation

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Authors: Mohsen Farshad

Abstract:

Information and force definition has been intertwined with the concept of entropy for many years. The displacement information of degrees of freedom with Brownian motions at a given temperature in space emerges as an entropic force between species. Here, we use this concept of entropy to understand the underlying physics behind the formation of attractive and repulsive forces by imagining that space is filled with free Brownian degrees of freedom. We incorporate the radius of bodies and the distance between them into entropic force relation systematically. Using this modified gravitational entropic force, we derive the attractive entropic force between bodies without considering their spin. We further hypothesize a possible mechanism for the formation of the repulsive force between two bodies. We visually elaborate that the repulsive entropic force will be manifested through the rotation of degrees of freedom around the spinning particles.

Keywords: entropy, information, force, Brownian Motions

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Authors: Nicole Merkle, Stefan Zander

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Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) describes a technological and methodological stack of (e.g. formal model-theoretic semantics, rule-based reasoning and machine learning), different aspects regarding the behavior, activities and characteristics of humans. Hence, a semantic representation of the user environment and its relevant elements are required in order to allow assistive agents to recognize situations and deduce appropriate actions. Furthermore, the user and his/her characteristics (e.g. physical, cognitive, preferences) need to be represented with a high degree of expressiveness in order to allow software agents a precise evaluation of the users’ context models. The correct interpretation of these context models highly depends on temporal, spatial circumstances as well as individual user preferences. In most AAL approaches, model representations of real world situations represent the current state of a universe of discourse at a given point in time by neglecting transitions between a set of states. However, the AAL domain currently lacks sufficient approaches that contemplate on the dynamic adaptions of context-related representations. Semantic representations of relevant real-world excerpts (e.g. user activities) help cognitive, rule-based agents to reason and make decisions in order to help users in appropriate tasks and situations. Furthermore, rules and reasoning on semantic models are not sufficient for handling uncertainty and fuzzy situations. A certain situation can require different (re-)actions in order to achieve the best results with respect to the user and his/her needs. But what is the best result? To answer this question, we need to consider that every smart agent requires to achieve an objective, but this objective is mostly defined by domain experts who can also fail in their estimation of what is desired by the user and what not. Hence, a smart agent has to be able to learn from context history data and estimate or predict what is most likely in certain contexts. Furthermore, different agents with contrary objectives can cause collisions as their actions influence the user’s context and constituting conditions in unintended or uncontrolled ways. We present an approach for dynamically updating a semantic model with respect to the current user context that allows flexibility of the software agents and enhances their conformance in order to improve the user experience. The presented approach adapts rules by learning sensor evidence and user actions using probabilistic reasoning approaches, based on given expert knowledge. The semantic domain model consists basically of device-, service- and user profile representations. In this paper, we present how this semantic domain model can be used in order to compute the probability of matching rules and actions. We apply this probability estimation to compare the current domain model representation with the computed one in order to adapt the formal semantic representation. Our approach aims at minimizing the likelihood of unintended interferences in order to eliminate conflicts and unpredictable side-effects by updating pre-defined expert knowledge according to the most probable context representation. This enables agents to adapt to dynamic changes in the environment which enhances the provision of adequate assistance and affects positively the user satisfaction.

Keywords: ambient intelligence, machine learning, semantic web, software agents

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Authors: Maritsa Kurashvili, George Adamia, Tamar Ananiashvili, Lia Amiranasvili, Tamar Varazi, Marina Pruidze, Marlen Gordeziani, Gia Khatisashvili

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The goal of presented work is the development phytoremediation method targeted to cleaning environment polluted with organochlorine pesticides, based on joint application of plants and microorganisms. For this aim the selection of plants and microorganisms with corresponding capabilities towards three organochlorine pesticides (Lindane, DDT and PCP) has been carried out. The tolerance of plants to tested pesticides and induction degree of plant detoxification enzymes by these compounds have been used as main criteria for estimating the applicability of plants in proposed technology. Obtained results show that alfalfa, maize and soybean among tested six plant species have highest tolerance to pesticides. As a result of screening, more than 30 strains from genera Pseudomonas have been selected. As a result of GC analysis of incubation area, 11 active cultures for investigated pesticides are carefully chosen.

Keywords: DDT, Lindane, organochlorine pesticides, PCP, phytoremediation

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Authors: K. Nazan Turhan, Tuğçe Ersan

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The population of the world is approximately 8 billion, and it increases uncontrollably and irrepressibly, leading to an increase in consumption. This situation causes crucial problems, and food waste is one of these. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food waste as the discarding or alternative utilization of food that is safe and nutritious for the consumption of humans along the entire food supply chain, from primary production to end household consumer level. In addition, according to the estimation of FAO, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted worldwide every year. Wasting food endangers natural resources and causes hunger. For instance, excessive amounts of food waste cause greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming. Therefore, waste management has been gaining significance in the last few decades at both local and global levels due to the expected scarcity of resources for the increasing population of the world. There are several ways to recover food waste. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Hierarchy, food waste recovery ways are source reduction, feeding hungry people, feeding animals, industrial uses, composting, and landfill/incineration from the most preferred to the least preferred, respectively. Bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, agricultural fertilizer and animal feed can be obtained from food waste that is generated by different food industries. In this project, feeding animals was selected as a food waste recovery method and food waste of a plant was used to provide ingredient uniformity. Grasshoppers were used as a protein source. In other words, the project was performed to develop a dog food product by recovery of the plant’s food waste after following some steps. The collected food waste and purchased grasshoppers were sterilized, dried and pulverized. Then, they were all mixed with 60 g agar-agar solution (4%w/v). 3 different aromas were added, separately to the samples to enhance flavour quality. Since there are differences in the required amounts of different species of dogs, fulfilling all nutritional needs is one of the problems. In other words, there is a wide range of nutritional needs in terms of carbohydrates, protein, fat, sodium, calcium, and so on. Furthermore, the requirements differ depending on age, gender, weight, height, and species. Therefore, the product that was developed contains average amounts of each substance so as not to cause any deficiency or surplus. On the other hand, it contains more protein than similar products in the market. The product was evaluated in terms of contamination and nutritional content. For contamination risk, detection of E. coli and Salmonella experiments were performed, and the results were negative. For the nutritional value test, protein content analysis was done. The protein contents of different samples vary between 33.68% and 26.07%. In addition, water activity analysis was performed, and the water activity (aw) values of different samples ranged between 0.2456 and 0.4145.

Keywords: food waste, dog food, animal nutrition, food waste recovery

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Authors: Abdul Azeez Badmus

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The extent to which women are allowed to express their liberty and freedom are varying in human society. Islam’s basic view of women postulates a complimentary function as the creator has created every living thing in pairs based on the foundation of complimentary functions, so the human species is not exceptional. It is also ubiquitous contention whether women should participate in politics or not; the limit to which women should participate in politics is another problem. This paper attempts to suggest a possible solution to the questions mentioned above, to review the level of participation of women in politics since the beginning of Islam and the Quranic injunctions that seem to have allowed or disallowed that. The paper adopts a historical and analytical approach, with special reference to the Quranic, Sunna, juristic opinions, and historical events. The paper advocates for proper reference to the authentic Islamic sources in determining the right and obligations of women in society.

Keywords: politics, right, challenges, Qur’ān, perspective

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Authors: F. Garousi, Sz. Veres, É. Bódi, Sz. Várallyay, B. Kovács

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Specific leaf area (SLA; cm2leaf g-1leaf) is a key ecophysiological parameter influencing leaf physiology, photosynthesis, and whole plant carbon gain and also can be used as a rapid and diagnostic tool. In this study, two species of soluble inorganic selenium forms, selenite (SeIV) and selenate (SeVI) at different concentrations were investigated on maize plants that were growing in nutrient solutions during 2 weeks and at the end of the experiment, amounts of SLA for first and second leaves of maize were measured. In accordance with the results we observed that our regarded Se concentrations in both forms of SeIV and SeVI were not effective on maize plants’ SLA significantly although high level of 3 mg.kg-1 SeIV had negative affect on growth of the samples that had been treated by it but about SeVI samples we did not observe this state and our different considered SeVI concentrations were not toxic for maize plants.

Keywords: maize, sodium selenate, sodium selenite, specific leaf area

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Authors: Rekha Vijayvergia

Abstract:

Around seven percent of tribal population of India lives in Rajasthan. Rajasthan has rich cultural diversity and biodiversity. Ethno-botany can be defined as the total natural and traditional relationship and the interactions between man and his surrounding plant wealth from times immemorial, due to sheer, necessity, intuition, observation, and experimentation. Medicinal plants are valuable and are used for the production of various drugs. These plants produce a high diversity of natural products or secondary metabolites like Mahanimbicine, Andrographine, murrayaline, lupeol, and limonin etc. with a prominent function in the protection against diseases like diabetes, kidney stones, osteoporosis, tumours, opthalmia, leucorrhoea, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, cancer, etc. The present report gives an account of traditional medicinal uses of common medicinal plants of Rajasthan. A total of 18 plant species belonging to 13 families are reported, that are being used for various purposes.

Keywords: ethno botany, Rajasthan, secondary metabolites, traditional medicines

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Authors: H. Idouhar-Saadi, A. Smaï, S. Zenia, F. Haddadj, M. Aissi, S. Doumandji

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During the period of reproduction, the collection of eggs of the Barbary gambra partridge is made only once a week in the morning, considering the sensibility in the stress of this native species. The number of considered samples is 33 eggs. The duration of the incubation is of 18 days. Unhatched eggs and eggs eliminated previously at the time of the mirage are collected and forwarded to the laboratories of microbiology and parasitology. The average weight of the eggs of the Barbary Partridge vary much [20.08 ± 1.81 g. (2006) < Pm < 20.82 ± 2,11g. (2008)]. The percentage of unhatched eggs varies between 9.3% in 2005 and 15.55% in 2007. It appears that the rate of embryonic mortality is slightly higher compared to that of infertile eggs. Microbiological analysis of unhatched eggs showed the presence of pathogenic germs such as lute Chryseomonas luteola. Chryseomonas ola and Escherichia coli. As against the parasites research is negative.

Keywords: barbary partridge, unhatched eggs, embryo mortality, pathogenic germs

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Authors: Marek Gancarz, Katarzyna Grądecka-Jakubowska, Urszula Malaga-Toboła, Rafał Kornas, Aleksandra Żytek, Robert Rusinek

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The aim of the research was to determine the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from corn grain depending on the degree of consolidation of the bulk material, imitating the processes occurring in silos during material storage. An electronic nose and a gas chromatograph were used for VOC analysis. Corn grain was densified under pressure of 40 and 80 kPa. Control samples of corn grain were not compacted and had bulk density. The analyzes were carried out at 14% and 17% humidity (w.b. – wet basis). The measurement system enabled quantitative and qualitative analyzes of volatile compounds and their emission intensity during the 10-day storage period. The study determined the profile of volatile compounds as a function of storage time and grain density level. The test results showed that the highest emission of volatile compounds was recorded in the first four days of storage of corn grain. VOC emissions, as well as grain moisture and volume, can be helpful in determining the quality of material stored in silos and its subsequent suitability for consumption.

Keywords: maize, consolidation, storage, VOCs, GC-MS, chemometrics

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Authors: M. H. Aissa, Amar Bouzid Dj

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As known, many countries are now planning to build new wind farms with high capacity up to 5MW. Consequently, the size of the foundation increase. These kinds of structures are subject to fatigue damage from environmental loading mainly due to wind and waves as well as from cyclic loading imposed through the rotational frequency (1P) through mass and aerodynamic imbalances and from the blade passing frequency (3P) of the wind turbine which make them behavior dynamically very sensitive. That is why natural frequency must be determined with accuracy from the existing data of the soil and the foundation stiffness sources of uncertainties, to avoid the resonance of the system. This paper presents analytical expressions of stiffness foundation with large diameter in linear soil behavior in different soil stiffness profile. To check the accuracy of the proposed formulas, a mathematical model approach based on non-dimensional parameters is used to calculate the natural frequency taking into account the soil structure interaction (SSI) compared with the p-y method and measured frequency in the North Sea Wind farms.

Keywords: offshore wind turbines, semi analytical FE analysis, p-y curves, piles foundations

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Authors: Bikshalu Kalagadda, Srikanth Rangu

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The important object of images segmentation is to extract objects with respect to some input features. One of the important methods for image segmentation is Level set method. Generally medical images and synthetic images with low contrast of pixel profile, for such images difficult to locate interested features in images. In conventional level set function, develops irregularity during its process of evaluation of contour of objects, this destroy the stability of evolution process. For this problem a remedy is proposed, a new hybrid algorithm is Clustering Level Set Evolution. Kernel fuzzy particles swarm optimization clustering with the Distance Regularized Level Set (DRLS) and Selective Binary, and Gaussian Filtering Regularized Level Set (SBGFRLS) methods are used. The ability of identifying different regions becomes easy with improved speed. Efficiency of the modified method can be evaluated by comparing with the previous method for similar specifications. Comparison can be carried out by considering medical and synthetic images.

Keywords: segmentation, clustering, level set function, re-initialization, Kernel fuzzy, swarm optimization

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Authors: Ali Ravangard, S. Mohammadi

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Shunt Capacitors have several uses in the electric power systems. They are utilized as sources of reactive power by connecting them in line-to-neutral. Electric utilities have also connected capacitors in series with long lines in order to reduce its impedance. This is particularly common in the transmission level, where the lines have length in several hundreds of kilometers. However, this post will generally discuss shunt capacitors. In distribution systems, shunt capacitors are used to reduce power losses, to improve voltage profile, and to increase the maximum flow through cables and transformers. This paper presents a new method to determine the optimal locations and economical sizing of fixed and/or switched shunt capacitors with a view to power losses reduction and voltage stability enhancement. For solving the problem, a new enhanced cuckoo optimization algorithm is presented.The proposed method is tested on distribution test system and the results show that the algorithm suitable for practical implementation on real systems with any size.

Keywords: capacitor placement, power losses, voltage stability, radial distribution systems

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Authors: Masoumeh Hosseini

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Obesity is known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the effect of a long term aerobic training program on serum ghrelin in obese men. For this purpose, twenty four sedentary adult obese men aged 30-40 years and body mass index 30-36 kg/m2 were participated in this study and divided randomly into exercise (3 months aerobic training, 3 times/weekly) or control (no training) groups. Serum ghrelin and cardiovascular risk factor (TG, TC, LDL, and HDL) were measured before and after treatment. Anthropometrical markers were measured at two occasions. Data were analyzed by independent-paired T-test. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. Aerobic training resulted in significant decrease in serum ghrelin and TG in exercise group. All anthropometrical markers decreased significantly in exercise group but not in control subjects. Based on these data, it is concluded that weight loss by aerobic training can be affect serum ghrelin in obese subject, although some cardiovascular risk factor remained without changed.

Keywords: aerobic training, homeostasis, lipid profile, obesity

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Authors: A. Jamsheera, F. Arjmand, D. K. Mohapatra

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Small molecules binding to specific sites along DNA molecule are considered as potential chemotherapeutic agents. Their role as mediators of key biological functions and their unique intrinsic properties make them particularly attractive therapeutic agents. Keeping in view, novel dipeptide complexes Cu(II)-Val-Pro (1), Zn(II)-Val-Pro (2), Cu(II)-Ala-Pro (3) and Zn(II)-Ala-Pro (4) were synthesized and thoroughly characterized using different spectroscopic techniques including elemental analyses, IR, NMR, ESI–MS and molar conductance measurements. The solution stability study carried out by UV–vis absorption titration over a broad range of pH proved the stability of the complexes in solution. In vitro DNA binding studies of complexes 1–4 carried out employing absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism and viscometric studies revealed the binding of complexes to DNA via groove binding. UV–vis titrations of 1–4 with mononucleotides of interest viz., 5´-GMP and 5´-TMP were also carried out. The DNA cleavage activity of the complexes 1 and 2 were ascertained by gel electrophoresis assay which revealed that the complexes are good DNA cleavage agents and the cleavage mechanism involved a hydrolytic pathway. Furthermore, in vitro antitumor activity of complex 1 was screened against human cancer cell lines of different histological origin.

Keywords: dipeptide Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes, DNA binding profile, pBR322 DNA cleavage, in vitro anticancer activity

Procedia PDF Downloads 331

Authors: Hamid Aslani, Ahmed Radwan

Abstract:

In this paper, a single element microstrip antenna is presented for UWB applications by using techniques as partial ground plane and modified the shape of the patch. The antenna is properly designed to have a compact size and constant gain against frequency. The simulated results have done using two EM software and show good agreement with the measured results for the fabricated antenna. Then a designing of two elements patch antenna array for UWB in the frequency band of 3.1-10 GHz is presented in this paper. The array is constructed by means of feeding two omni-directional modified circular patch elements with a modified power divider. Experimental results show that the array has a stable radiation pattern and low return loss over a broad bandwidth of 64% (3.1–10 GHz). Due to its planar profile, physically compact size, wide impedance bandwidth, directive performance over a wide bandwidth proposed antenna is a good candidate for portable UWB applications and other UWB integrated circuits.

Keywords: ultra wide band, radiation performance, microstrip antenna, size miniaturized antenna

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Authors: Kalaya Sribuddhachart, Mayuree Pumipaiboon, Mayuva Youngsabanant-Areekijseree

Abstract:

The ultrastructure of 20 species of pheasant eggshells in Thailand, (Simese Fireback, Lophura diardi), (Silver Pheasant, Lophura nycthemera), (Kalij Pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos crawfurdii), (Kalij Pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos lineata), (Red Junglefowl, Gallus gallus spadiceus), (Crested Fireback, Lophura ignita rufa), (Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus), (Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus), (Grey Peacock Pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum bicalcaratum), (Lesser Bornean Fireback, Lophura ignita ignita), (Green Junglefowl, Gallus varius), (Hume's Pheasant, Syrmaticus humiae humiae), (Himalayan Monal, Lophophorus impejanus), Golden Pheasant, Chrysolophus pictus, (Ring-Neck Pheasant, Phasianus sp.), (Reeves’s Pheasant, Syrmaticus reevesi), (Polish Chicken, Gallus sp.), (Brahma Chicken, Gallus sp.), (Yellow Golden Pheasant, Chrysolophus pictus luteus), and (Lady Amhersts Pheasant, Chrysolophus amherstiae) were studied by Secondary electron imaging (SEI) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) detectors of scanning electron microscope. Generally, all pheasant eggshells showed 3 layers of cuticle, palisade, and mammillary. The total thickness was ranging from 190.28±5.94-838.96±16.31µm. The palisade layer is the most thickness layer following by mammillary and cuticle layers. The palisade layer in all pheasant eggshells consisted of numerous vesicle holes that were firmly forming as network thorough the layer. The vesicle holes in all pheasant eggshells had difference porosity ranging from 0.44±0.11-0.23±0.05 µm. While the mammillary layer was the most compact layer with a variable shape (broad-base V and U-shape) connect to shell membrane. Elemental analysis by of 20 specie eggshells showed 9 apparent elements including carbon (C), oxygen (O), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu) at the percentage of 28.90- 8.33%, 60.64-27.61%, 55.30-14.49%, 1.97-0.03%, 0.08-0.03%, 0.50-0.16%, 0.30-0.04%, 0.06-0.02%, and 2.67-1.73%, respectively. It was found that Ca, C, and O showed highest elemental compositions, which essential for pheasant embryonic development, mainly presented as composited structure of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) more than 97%. Meanwhile, Mg, S, Si, Al, and P were major inorganic constituents of the eggshells which directly related to an increase of the shell hardness. Finally, the percentage of heavy metal copper (Cu) has been observed in 4 eggshell species. There are Golden Pheasant (2.67±0.16%), Indian Peafowl (2.61±0.13%), Green Peafowl (1.97±0.74%), and Silver Pheasant (1.73±0.11%), respectively. A non-significant difference was found in the percentages of 9 elements in all pheasant eggshells. This study is useful to provide the information of biology and taxonomic of pheasant study in Thailand for conservation.

Keywords: pheasants eggshells, secondary electron imaging (SEI) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), morphology, Thailand

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Authors: M. Isabel Santos, Ana Breda, Ana Margarida Almeida

Abstract:

Research on academic abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) underlines the importance of mathematics interventions. Yet the proposal of digital applications for children and youth with ASD continues to attract little attention, namely, regarding the development of mathematical reasoning, being the use of the digital technologies an area of great interest for individuals with this disorder and its use is certainly a facilitative strategy in the development of their mathematical abilities. The use of digital technologies can be an effective way to create innovative learning opportunities to these students and to develop creative, personalized and constructive environments, where they can develop differentiated abilities. The children with ASD often respond well to learning activities involving information presented visually. In this context, we present the digital Learning Environment on Mathematics for Autistic children (LEMA) that was a research project conducive to a PhD in Multimedia in Education and was developed by the Thematic Line Geometrix, located in the Department of Mathematics, in a collaboration effort with DigiMedia Research Center, of the Department of Communication and Art (University of Aveiro, Portugal). LEMA is a digital mathematical learning environment which activities are dynamically adapted to the user’s profile, towards the development of mathematical abilities of children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with ASD. LEMA has already been evaluated with end-users (both students and teacher’s experts) and based on the analysis of the collected data readjustments were made, enabling the continuous improvement of the prototype, namely considering the integration of universal design for learning (UDL) approaches, which are of most importance in ASD, due to its heterogeneity. The learning strategies incorporated in LEMA are: (i) provide options to custom choice of math activities, according to user’s profile; (ii) integrates simple interfaces with few elements, presenting only the features and content needed for the ongoing task; (iii) uses a simple visual and textual language; (iv) uses of different types of feedbacks (auditory, visual, positive/negative reinforcement, hints with helpful instructions including math concept definitions, solved math activities using split and easier tasks and, finally, the use of videos/animations that show a solution to the proposed activity); (v) provides information in multiple representation, such as text, video, audio and image for better content and vocabulary understanding in order to stimulate, motivate and engage users to mathematical learning, also helping users to focus on content; (vi) avoids using elements that distract or interfere with focus and attention; (vii) provides clear instructions and orientation about tasks to ease the user understanding of the content and the content language, in order to stimulate, motivate and engage the user; and (viii) uses buttons, familiarly icons and contrast between font and background. Since these children may experience little sensory tolerance and may have an impaired motor skill, besides the user to have the possibility to interact with LEMA through the mouse (point and click with a single button), the user has the possibility to interact with LEMA through Kinect device (using simple gesture moves).

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, digital technologies, inclusion, mathematical abilities, mathematical learning activities

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Authors: Esmail Shakman, Khaled Etyab, Ibraheim Taboni, Mohamed Et-wail, Abdallah Ben Abdallah

Abstract:

This study was carried out along the Libyan coast during the period from 1st February to 31st March 2013. More than 120 landing sites have been visited in order to investigate their status and fishing activities. The study found that more than 91% of the landing sites were permanent and around 8% were seasonal. The type of landing sites were mostly harbors (42.86%), 31.75% protected bays and 25.4% are open beach. However, seven types of fishing boats were observed; flouka type was the largest percentage (70.06%), then 18.14% for mator, 3.28% for lampara, 0.41% for Tarrad, Gayag (0.16%), 5.97 for Daghesa, and 1.98% for batah. Moreover, the majority of them were concentrated in the western region of the country. The most common used fishing gearsare the trammel nets about 80%, which are used by flouka, mator, Tarrad, and batah. The using of trammel nets rely on the fishing season, fishes size and the target fish species. The other fishing gears are also used but occasionally.

Keywords: fishery, South Mediterranean, landing sites, marine biology

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Authors: F. Adjel, S. Almi, D. Barkat

Abstract:

The synergistic solvent extraction of cobalt (II) from 0.33 mol dm-3 Na2SO4 aqueous solutions with capric acid (HL) in the absence and presence of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in chloroform at 25°C, has been studied. The extracted species when the capric acid compound was used alone, is CoL2(HL)2. In the presence of TOPO, a remarkable enhancement on the extraction of nickel (II) with 0.02 mol dm-3 capric acid was observed upon the addition of 0.0025 to 0.01 mol dm-3 TOPO in chloroform. From an synergistic extraction- equilibrium study, the synergistic enhancement was ascribed to the adduct formation CoL2(HL)2 n(TOPO). The TOPO-HL interaction strongly influences the synergistic extraction efficiency. The synergistic extraction stoichiometry of cobalt (II) with capric acid and TOPO is studied with the methods of slope analysis. The equilibrium constants were determined.

Keywords: solvent extraction, cobalt (II), capric acid, TOPO, synergism

Procedia PDF Downloads 509