Showing papers in "Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering in 2014"

Measuring effectiveness of learning chatbot systems on Student’s learning outcome and memory retention

Abstract: Creating a learning environment in which students learn more effectively remains the great challenge from decades; different approaches are proposed, for example, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Question Answering System and chatbot. All these approaches used natural language to achieve that goal. A comparison of these systems viz-a-viz student learning outcome and behavior is of eminent importance. To achieve this goal a chatbot system with knowledge base for Object-Oriented Programming Languages is developed and deployed. Case study was made to assess and evaluate the chatbot system for student learning methodology. Learning outcomes and Memory retention have been measured for the developed system. Comparisons were made between the results obtained using Google search engine and our chatbot system. The results indicate that learning through Chabot have a significant impact on memory retention and Learning outcomes of the students.

Socio-economic Characteristics of Subsistent Small Ruminant Farmers in Three Regions of Northern Ghana

Abstract: The study seeks to characterise socio-economic and farm characteristics of small ruminant farmers in three regions of northern Ghana. Two hundred and forty-nine (249) respondents were selected using multistage sampling procedure. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Majority of respondents were males (71.5%), household-heads (65.9%), married (73.5%), Muslims (62.1%) and uneducated (63.9%). Access to extension (29.8%) and credit (14.9%) services was low. Farmers’ average age (47.29±16.00 years) and sheep holdings (12.14±9.60) were similar across the regions, but family size (11.56±7.83), goat holdings (11.89±9.32), and purpose of rearing small ruminants differ significantly. Adult children and female spouses contribute meaningfully to small ruminant management practices. Thus, socio-economic and farm characteristics offer significant input in designing effective livestock programs.

Edible Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) caterpillar among Moba people of the Savannah Region in North Togo: from collector to consumer

Abstract: Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is a Lepidoptera species whose larvae are eaten in West Africa. In Togo, larvae of C. forda are eaten and sold in northern part of the country, by Moba people. However no, scientific information was recorded on this practice. The objective of this study is to increase the value of this edible unconventional resource to ensure food security. The research was carried out in three villages in the study area and 300 actors were surveyed in two main markets of the Savannah Region in order to obtain information about the availability of caterpillars in a year period; their collection, cooking and conservation techniques; financial income and distribution channels. The nutritional value of C. forda larva was also evaluated through biochemical analyses. The period of availability of C. forda larva goes from July to September and mostly during the rainy season. The collection, conversion and sale of C. forda larva are activities occurred in all surveyed villagers. People of different sexes and ages carry out this activity. However, resale strictly involves women. Wholesalers buy C. forda caterpillars from collectors and sell them to middlemen who, on their turn, sell them to retailers. The average price of C. forda caterpillar increases from collectors to wholesalers, from wholesalers to middlemen and from middlemen to retailers, but the margins of profit are in the reverse order. The margins of profit on one kilogram are 600 F CFA, 287.5 F CFA, 187.5 F CFA and 125 F CFA for collectors, wholesalers, middlemen and retailers respectively. As far as the nutritional value is concerned, raw as well as converted C. forda caterpillar contains less water, but a lot of ashes, proteins, high in crude fibers and minerals with significant differences sometimes. Consequently, C. forda caterpillar is a good food resource and provides significant incomes for poor people in the north of Togo. This study lays the foundation of a program aimed at increasing the economic value of this unconventional food resource in Togo.

Adsorption of Crude Oil using Meshed Corncobs

Abstract: The potential of using corncobs a typical agro-based waste as an adsorbent for removal of oil contaminated water was investigated in this work. Gradually, the awareness of the impact of spilled crude oil and products from it on human health and environment is on the increase. Corncobs wastes generated in local maize flour processing plants, road-side corn vendors and individuals, were converted into an adsorbent. The corncobs were treated and meshed to adsorb crude oil from water at various experimental conditions. Investigations carried out include the effects of parametric variations of different adsorbate and adsorbent masses, time, temperature, particle size and mixing speed on the adsorption of crude oil. Meshed corncobs, especially the 80 micrometer particle size exhibited high affinity for crude oil adsorption. The maximum adsorption was observed at 15 °C for the temperature range considered. The results demonstrated that a crude oil adsorption with this readily available and biodegradable waste material is feasible. Due to its high affinity for oil and low water pick up, meshed corncobs adsorbent is convincingly oleophilic or hydrophobic.

Extraction, Compositional and Physicochemical Characteristics of Cashew (Anarcadium occidentale) Nuts Reject Oil

Abstract: Cashew nut (Anarcadium occidentale) reject is a waste material from cashew nut processing industry usually regarded as non valuable. The oil was extracted using Soxhlet and mechanical methods separately; the proximate composition and physicochemical characteristics of the oil were investigated using standard analytical methods. The mean values of various parameters for proximate composition (%) obtained were: moisture content (8.90 + 0.2), crude protein (22.10 + 0.2), crude fiber (0.90 + 0.3), ether extract (40.23 + 0.1), ash content (3.73 + 0.1), Nitrogen free extract (24.04), tannin (1.02) and phytic acid (0.50). The oil yields are 40% and 26.66% for soxhlet and mechanical methods respectively. The results of the physicochemical properties ( the mean values), for soxhlet and mechanical extraction are: Colour (Winsor orange; yellowish), Specific gravity at 200C(0.909; 0.913 ), Acid value (2.24; 2.62 + 0.4 mg KOH/g), Saponification value (212; 167 + 0.3 mg KOH/g), Iodine value (50.61; 84.77 + 0.1mgI2/g), Peroxide value (10.58; 10.0 + 0.2 Meq/kg), Free Fatty acid (2.24; 2.45 + 0.1 mg KOH/g), pH (5.7; 5.2), Density (0.91,0.90kg/m3), Acidity (114.50; 102.2 mg/l) and Turbidity (586.5; 675.2 FTU) respectively. The results showed that the method of soxhlet extraction gave the highest yield and that the cashew nuts reject oil is non- drying, non - edible and can be employed for soap making, biodiesel production and other industrial uses.

Albinism: awareness, attitudes and level of albinos’ predicament in Sukumaland, Tanzania

Abstract: In Tanzania, persons with albinism (PWA), continue to be less valued, rejected, attacked and killed for ritual purposes. This study examined the situation of PWA and their households resulting from killings and attacks on them. Specifically, the study assessed the level of awareness, attitudes towards albinism and PWA and level of predicament felt by members of households with PWA. An albinism understanding test and attitudinal scales (Likert and Semantic differential scales) were used to determine attitudes towards albinism and level of dilemma felt. A linear regression model was used to determine the impacts of various variables on the level of predicament. Knowledge on albinism was found to be moderate. Levels of awareness were significantly associated with respondents’ age (p = 0.004), sex (p = 0.017), education level (p < 0.0001), religion (p < 0.001) and ethnic group (p = 0.025). Four-fifths of the respondents (80%) had negative attitudes towards albinism and PWA. Unfavourable attitude was highly associated with education level and occupation (p < 0.001). Level of PWA predicament was higher among household members being significantly impacted positively by level of albinism awareness (β = 0.500), but negatively impacted by attitude towards albinism (β = -313) and age (β = -0.191). Age, education, sex and belief determined level of knowledge on albinism. Education level determined attitudes of respondents. Albinism awareness determined the level of predicament felt. The fight against negative beliefs and attitudes towards albinism requires properly designed albinism awareness creation programme.

Customer Satisfaction of Internet Banking in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Citibank N.A

Abstract: The concept of E-banking or internet banking has been practiced by Citibank N.A successfully over the years. E-banking applications enable an account holder to gain control over the cash positions. Customization is another benefit for both the bank and the user if e-banking is used instead of traditional banking. It makes it easier for the user to carry out day to day transactions. Citibank via CitiDirect® Online banking streamlines banking activities by giving authorized access to certain authorized users at every level of the organization to corporate accounts. An easy to use web interface allows this procedure. Citibank N.A has achieved success in this field of e-banking and has been named the Best Internet Bank by Global Finance in the previous years. The Study was carried out using questionnaires survey from clients and multiple regression with satisfaction factors are found using SPSS software. The results clearly indicate that internet banking plays an important role in customer satisfaction. A very significant task is to understand the risks of customer satisfaction of internet banking and rectify the errors wherever possible. The results show that the majority of the users of internet banking are satisfied with the internet banking. Citibank also needs to be aware of future threats of internet banking and introduce new techniques to combat hacking, phishing, pharming and other unethical practices. It is also evident that those who use traditional banking want to switch to internet banking so the prospect of internet banking is very prosperous for Citibank N.A and Bangladesh.

Spatial Planning Interventions and their Implications on Conservation of Urban Green Spaces

Abstract: Urban green spaces are quite important in enhancing the urban environment and the aesthetic quality of city life. This research attempts to give proposals for improving the quality of urban green spaces in Kisumu city. The objective of the study was to analyze spatial planning interventions and their implications on conservation of urban green spaces. Data, which was qualitative, was collected from published documents, observation and questionnaires. Content Analysis was used to analyze this objective. The study found out that the multiplicity of laws and regulations, as well as multiple institutions, are the major impediments to the planning and building sector. The absence of a national land use and urban policy has also resulted in haphazard developments that are incompatible and not well served with infrastructural services. The study recommends that a supportive legislative and administrative framework should be put in place; a supportive authoritative body should be established to exhibit strict adherence to physical planning laws at all times; and a single inter-ministerial agency should be made responsible for urban affairs.

Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential alongside Motorways of Pakistan

Abstract: Presently world in general and Pakistan in particular is facing energy crisis despite the fact that Pakistan is blessed with natural resources required for its generation. There is a need to resolve the crises as they are directly affecting all spheres of life. The government is trying to explore economical renewable energy resources. One such renewable energy resource available in abundance is wind. Different potential sites for harnessing wind energy in Pakistan have already been identified by researchers. This paper aims at identifying the additional wind energy generation sites alongside the motorways due to natural wind and vehicular generated vortices due to heavy traffic. It aims at experimentally measuring the wind data and then calculating the available power potential at selected sites utilizing measured data. The most suitable sites for installation of the wind farm have also been identified and proposed with the estimate of total power potential.

Consumer Preference on Value Added Products of Farmed Fish in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

Abstract: This paper articulates the empirical evidence on consumer taste preference and purchase intent of value added products of farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). To meet the study objective, 150 fish consumers in Nyamagana district, Mwanza tasted various fish products including fishballs, samosa, pie and hot-smoked fish. A 3- point Likert scale was used to rank the taste and purchase intent for each product. Percentages and frequency distribution were calculated for descriptive analysis. Kruskal–Wallis test was performed for statistical analysis to find out the significant differences between consumer preference to the taste and willingness to purchase the fish products. Subsequently, Mann-Whitney U test was performed for post hoc tests. Results indicate that, the consumers’ taste preference between African catfish products were significantly different (H (3) = 11.40, p 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed on the purchase intent of all products for the two species (H (3) = 4.090, p > 0.05 for tilapia products, and H (3) = 2.953, p > 0.05 for African catfish products). Generally, the consumers accepted the taste of all products, despite the differences exhibited for the African catfish products. Training and promotion of value addition for farmed fish is therefore recommended to improve fish consumption as well as enhancing market performance for the aquaculture industry.

Linear Active Control Algorithm to Synchronize a Nonlinear HIV/AIDS Dynamical System

Abstract: Chaos synchronization between two chaotic systems happens when the trajectory of one of the system asymptotically follows the trajectory of another system due to forcing or due to coupling. This research paper addresses the synchronization problem of an In-host Model for HIV/AIDS dynamics using the Linear Active Control Technique. In this study, using the Linear Active Control Algorithm based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the synchronization between two identical HIV/AIDS chaotic systems and the switching synchronization between two different HIV/AIDS and Qi 4-D chaotic systems has been observed. Further, it has been shown that the proposed schemes have excellent transient performance and analytically as well as graphically found that the synchronization is globally exponential stable. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach that support the analytical results and illustrated the possible scenarios for synchronization. All simulations have been done using Mathematica 9.

Electric Properties of Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)- Polyol and Prepared Sulfonated Phenol-formaldehyde Resin (SPF) Bulk Samples Composite

Abstract: Poly vinyl acetate (PVA)/Polyol were blended by weight 3:1. This is mixed with different percentages of prepared sulfonated-phenol formaldehyde resin (SPF). The mixture was prepared on clean glass substrate as a bulk films, at different thicknesses (0.1-0.18) cm. SPF was diagnosed by FTIR spectrophotometer. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the bulk samples were measured at room temperature. These were investigated at time of measurements. The electrical conductivity was investigated and was calculated (10-7-10-5 to 0.239-1.623) S.cm-1.

Float Trays as an Alternative to Methyl Bromide in Tobacco Production in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe

Abstract: The study was carried out in Hurungwe district in Zimbabwe to evaluate the feasibility as well as the challenges of using float trays as an alternative to the use of methyl bromide in tobacco production. The study made use of the qualitative and quantitative research design. Questionnaires, interviews, economic analysis and field observations were used as data collection instruments. Descriptive analysis was used in the research. The results of the study indicated that floating trays can effectively substitute the use of methyl bromide in tobacco seedling production. This is because of their accessibility, ability to produce excellent quality seedlings because of reduced insect pest, weeds and disease attack and also a reduction in labor requirement. The float trays maintain or improve productivity because the transplanting shock is reduced; when the seedlings are ready for transplanting, there is a reduction land required for seedling production as well as the cost effectiveness of the float trays. There are, however, challenges that affect the float tray system, although the challenges are outweighed by the advantages. The challenges include the technical knowhow that is associated with the float tray system. The unavailability of additional substrates, the distance to the float tray distributors where the trays are procured, high initial establishment costs and the need for farmer to stay on the farm until the seedlings are transplanted onto the field are also factors affecting the adoption of the float trays. From the results of the research, it can be concluded that float trays can substitute methyl bromide in insect pest, weeds and disease control while being environmentally friendly. It is recommended that there is need for farmer training on the use of float trays, government subsidies in initial establishment of the technique, ready supply of the float trays and decentralization of the manufacturers of float trays into tobacco growing areas.

Social Changes Imposed by HIV and AIDS in Rural Areas: An Empirical Evidence of Sex Education in Maswa District, Tanzania

Abstract: This study intended to explore parents’ feelings and beliefs on issues related to sex education and establish whether parents are ready to discuss with their children or willing to allow sex related information reach their children as a means of reducing the risks of HIV infections. Data collection from 210 respondents (150 youths and 60 parents) used a cross-sectional research design approach. Students were from three community secondary schools, six primary schools. Youths out of schools and parents (adult community members) were from villages in which schools involved in this study are. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square were used to test the statistical significance of categorical data. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people aimed at combating the spread of HIV and AIDS. Other sources (arranged in the order of importance) were open air campaigns, politicians, other adults, the media and teachers. The most popular message in sex education was abstinence. Other types of sex education messages (arranged from the most common to the least common) include abiding by ABC strategy, use of condoms and delaying sex debut. Parents have positive attitudes towards sex education given to their children as part of HIV and AIDS prevention. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people. Parents have good knowledge of HIV and AIDS. However, among young people the level of awareness decrease with age. Attitudes of religious leaders and male parents about HIV and AIDS should be re-addressed. Serious steps should be taken to raise the level of HIV awareness among younger people.

Performance Evaluation of Draught Animal Power Cultivator

Abstract: This performance evaluation was conducted to pave the way for making use of Draught Animal Power Cultivator and cosequently possibilities of adaptation in our local condition between 2010 and 2011 in the Jimma zone two districts of southwestern Ethiopia on the farmers’ field to evaluate energy requirement. To improve weed management at the small holder farmers level, animal-drawn cultivating equipment is now available, with very little technical information available to the farmer on their performance, commonly used in different countries. Sets of intercultural equipment had been evaluated on farmers' fields to assess energy requirement. The average crop height, plant population and average weed population ranged from 200-450 mm, 1.66 plants/m 60-350 weed/m2- respectively. The average effective field capacity of three-tine cultivator, five-tine cultivator and traditional Plow were 0.05,0.08 and 0.03 (ha/h) respectively. The saving in the cost of operation of three-tine cults, five-tine-cults, and traditional Plow were 78.64, 47.48 and 133.00 (Birr/ha) respectively. In labor requirement, saving were 19.66, 11.87 and 33.25 (man-h/ha) respectively. The three-tine cultivator had been preferred by farmers because of its light weight over the five-tine cultivator. Therefore, it had been recommended for popularization in any row planted crops as it gave better field capacity (0.05 ha/h) and higher saving in the cost of operation (78.64 Birr/ha) over the traditional Plow.

Global Strength Analysis in Head Waves, for an Offshore Support Vessel

Abstract: The main topic of this paper is the 3D-FEM global strength analysis of a offshore supply vessel (OSV) under the following loads: still water and equivalent quasi-static head waves pressure, eigen ship and cargo weight. Two loading cases are selected for this analysis: full loading condition and ballast condition. The 3D-FEM (Finite Element Method) model extends over the whole ship length, the floating and trim equilibrium condition, in vertical plane, are obtained using eigen iterative numerical procedures. The buckling and yielding criteria are used to compare the numerical results with the allowable values according to classification societies.

Statistical Optimization of Kojic Acid Production through Response Surface Methodology by Aspergillus Flavus using Sago Starch Hydrolysate as a Carbon Source

Abstract: Optimization of process conditions to achieve maximum yield of kojic acid was carried out with a soil isolated fungal culture Aspergillus flavus. Five physicochemical factors which significantly influence the production were screened using a non-statistical One-factor-at-a-time method (OFAT) and later statistical Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response surface methodology (RSM) were performed for designing of the experiment, analysis of results to study the interaction among the parameters. The maximum production of 82.6g/L of kojic acid was noticed at optimized conditions of Carbon source concentration i.e., starch hydrolysate of Sago starch 100ml, Peptone concentration 4g/L, KH2PO4 concentration 1g/L, MgSO4 concentration 0.5g/L, pH 6.0, Time 28d and Temperature 280C with OFAT method whereas the production yield was enhanced significantly to 90.8g/L with response surface methodology. It was estimated from the model that the determination co-efficient was (R2=0.9561) represented that 95.61% of the variability in the response could be interpreted by the model and the results showed an excellent adequacy of the multiple-regression model. During the last phase of the kojic acid fermentation, the entire fermented broth was subjected to evaporation followed by crystallization and the purity of the crystal was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

Effects of Nitrogen Application on Growth and Yield of Snowpeas (Pisum sativum)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted at Kabete field station, University of Nairobi between March and July 2000 (season I) and between June and September 2000 (season II) to determine the effect of different rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application on growth and yield of snowpea. Snowpea variety “Oregon sugar pod II” was used. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Four N levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1) were split applied in equal halves as CAN (26% N) at 29 and 58 days after planting (DAP). Plant height, leaf area index, above ground dry mass, number of pods and pod dry weight were determined overtime. All the growth and yield parameters studied did not substantially benefit from N fertilizer application. It was therefore recommended that less N be applied for growth and yield of snowpeas.

Non-Associativity of Lorentz Transformation and Associative Reciprocal Symmetric Transformation

Abstract: Lorentz transformation is not associative. The non-associativity makes it frame dependent; and it does not fulfill relativistic requirements including reciprocity principle. The non associativity also leads to ambiguities when three or more velocities are involved. We have proposed an associative Reciprocal Symmetric Transformation (RST) to replace Lorentz transformation. RST is complex and is compatible with Pauli and Dirac algebra.

Awareness about Hospital Wastes and its effects on the Health of Patients in District Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract: The hospital wastes are different kinds of wastes especially infectious wastes. A study was conducted to measures the awareness among patients about hospital wastes and its effects on health. The importance of the study is that mostly patients were illiterate they don’t know about the importance of infectious wastes. The main objectives were to measure the awareness about hospital wastes and chances of infectious diseases among patients. The study was conducted at DHQ Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan. Total 200 hundred patients were interviewed through convenient sampling procedure. Data was collected through interview schedule tool because mostly patients were illiterate. After data collection, the Chi-square test was applied to test the hypothesis the greater the awareness about hospital and lower the chances of infectious disease. The result was calculated through the value of “Chi square” at 0.05 level of significance and on the basis of P-value. There was a significance association between awareness about hospital wastes and chances of infectious diseases. The hypothesis was accepted. The conclusion of the study was a lack of awareness about effects of hospital wastes among patients and more chances of infectious diseases. Because there were improper handling and disposal of hospital infectious wastes at DHQ Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan, there was a pose risk for the patient’s health.

Estimation of Groundwater Recharge Using Water Balance Model Coupled with Base flow Separation in Bulbul River Catchment of Gilgel-Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia

Abstract: Sustainable development, use and management of groundwater resources is a challenge under the current population growth, land degradation, climate change and economic development require proper quantification of groundwater recharge. Therefore, this study anticipated the amount, spatial and temporal variability of groundwater recharge at the Bulbul River Catchment of Gilgel-Gibe River Basin (Ethiopia) using the soil mass balance method in conjunction with base-flow separation method.Theresult shows coefficient of groundwater recharge by the precipitation isestimated to be 23.07% and 25.62%from theestablished soil moisture budget model and the base-flow model respectively. Even though, change in groundwater storage in the area is positive, the river flow demonstrated a seasonal shift from summer to autumn. This change may substantially alter seasonal water retention capacity in the river catchment and irrigation development in the floodplain following the embankment. Hence, supplementary irrigation water application at the time of water shortage in the area is highly recommended.

An Investigation on Fire Safety of Air-conditioned Shopping Centers at Dhaka City

Abstract: Shopping is an important and essential routine of urban life. Day by day the need for organized shopping centre is gaining importance in our society. The current trend in Dhaka is to accommodate various functions such as office, hotels, apartments etc. along with the shopping facilities within the same structure. These have increased the potential danger of fire hazard in these mixed uses, multi-storied and usually introvert building type. At present a lot of high-rise Shopping Centers have sprung up all over the city. Among them a big numbers of high-rise Shopping Centers have a doubtful facility to fight with fire. The present study intends to examine the deplorable conditions regarding fire safety and high risk environment that exists in the high-rise shopping centers of Dhaka city. This study is based on the literature review focusing on basic concept about fire. Some shopping centers have been taken as a sample for survey to enquiry whether they meet the requirements and regulations for fire safety or not and what extent they are risky in question of fire.

Characteristic of Silver\ polyaniline nanocomposite thin films prepared by aerosol assisted dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet polymerization

Abstract: Silver polyanilinenano composite thin films deposited on glass substrates by in-situ aerosol assisted plasma polymerization at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, from aniline monomer in the presence of different concentrations of Ag nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle with 50nm average particles size was prepared in our laboratory by electrical exploding weir method. Metal polymer nanocomposite thin films were characterized by UV-VIS, XRD, FTIR, AFM and SEM the optical studies show that the energy band gap will be different according to the silver polyaniline concentration. The XRD pattern indicates that the synthesized Ag-polyaniline nanocomposite is amorphous. FTIR reveals the presence of silver nanoparticle embedded into polyaniline.AFM and SEM surface images show that the silver nanoparticle impeded homogenously inside the polyaniline matrices. It can be concluded that it can be preparedAg\ polyanilinenano composite thin films by aerosol assisted dielectric barrier discharge DBD plasma jet polymerization and control the optical energy band gap irregulars by controlling the experiment variables.

Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles by Exploding Wire in Different Liquids

Abstract: The present work, provides a simple technique for the production of silver nanoparticlesbased on the explosion of thin silver wires in different liquids (distilled water, ethylene glycol and cyclohexane),by applying 36 Volt DC to two electrodes, one of them is a thin wire and the other is a plate, and bring them to touch mechanically. The nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction and UV-Visible spectroscopy.X-ray diffraction results reveal that the nanoparticles continue to routine lattice periodicity at reduced particle sizes. The UV-Visible absorption spectrum of the liquid solution of the silver nanoparticles shows a sharp and single Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak centered at a wavelength around 400nm, this peak indicated the production of pure and spherical silver nanoparticles. The TEM and SEM images show that the silver nanoparticles have narrow particle size distribution ranged from 20-120nm with average particle size of 80nm. The silver nanoparticles which were prepared in water or ethylene glycol had no difference in their average particle size and particle size distribution, while those which were prepared in cyclohexane had smaller sizes.

The Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Energy Gap of Polyanniline Thin Films Prepared by Non-thermal Plasma Jet

Abstract: In this paper, we present a new and directmethod to prepare nanostructured polyaniline thin filmson any surface. This method was developed to improve the mechanical and adherence properties of polyaniline devices used as ionization radiation sensors. Plasma polymerized organic thin films have received a great deal of interest because of their unique characteristics such as: pinhole-free, structurally cross-linked, insoluble and highly adhered. In this work, nanostructures polyaniline (PANI) thin films were prepared by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet polymerization technique. The UV–visible absorption and infrared analysis confirm that a polyanilineis obtained. Optical properties reveal the band gap of the PANI thin film at room temperature is 2.56 eV. Preliminary gamma radiation interaction with the polyaniline shows that the thin film of polyanilineexhibits a linear response that canbe used as a dosimeter for the dose range from 0 to 24000 Gy.

Work on behalf of Native Forest Conservation in the Settlements Pacas and Paraná, Murici and Girau Do Ponciano Municipalities, State of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract: In the construction of Agrarian Reform in Brazil, or even work for the growing of crops in favor of sugar cane to produce ethanol and sugar, several areas were deforested, requiring much effort and mobilization by NGOs and universities to political able to preserve areas of greatest importance to the conservation of regional biodiversity This repair work and environmental education of the Agrarian Reform Settlements Pacas and Parana, Muriciand Girau do Ponciano municipalities in Alagoas State, northeastern Brazil, aimed to promote the conservation of 300 hectares of native tropical forest (moist rainforest) as from the permanent reserve environmental education, participatory forestry, production of seedlings for the project dissemination and expansion of endemic species and of major importance in fighting the extinction of species of flora and fauna

Using Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Technique to Identify the Low-Carbon Steel in the Industrial Alloy

Abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system (LIBS) had been designed for analysis of the industrial alloy via analysis induced plasma emission, laser spectroscopy to plasma produce one of the applications resulting from the interaction of the laser beam with material. The design consists of Nd:YAG laser passively Q-Switched with output energy (50-mJ @ 1064 nm) and (9 ns) pulse duration the laser beam was focused via converging lens with a focal length (100mm) that generates (7.07*108W/mm2) power intensity, optical analysis system was used that operated on the analysis of plasma light resulting from the interaction of lasers with the target, within spectrum range of 320-740 nm and (0.5nm) optical resolution. The analysis results obtained show a variety of metallic elements in the industrial alloy, the results obtained by using X-ray fluorescence system (XRF), and other spectral references have been compared. LIBS have shown detection of the main elements in the sample with other elements are manganese, aluminum, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, and carbon, these elements not identified in the XRF.

Situation Analysis and Perspectives of Transboundary Wastewater Management Along Israel/palestine borders

Abstract: Environmental problems between countries can have deep historical roots and consequences for several reasons. Most environmental transboundary problems are yet to be resolved.Solutions that were developed responded to the forcesof political, media, and localNon-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and did not respond to the needs or reality on the ground. This paper focuses on transboundary wastewater management between Israel and Palestine. Themeasures undertaken by Israel, thestronger party, and the associated effects on solvingthe transboundarypollution issues are presented. Of equal importance, proceduresfollowed by the weaker party, Palestine, to resolve the environmental problems are discussed. The responsibility ofthe donor countries and local NGOs in the conflict are also addressed. Results obtained revealed that the current bi-national agreement does not achieveenvironmental justiceand protection. The stronger party applies stringent standards and guidelines, which go abovethe technicaland financialcapacity of the weaker party to achieve sustainable sanitation facilities within its region. A regional cooperative framework with clear coordination mechanism considering the international experience on transboundary management of wastewater and engagement of NGOs and donor countries is needed.

An Evaluation of Water Resources Planning Organization, an Apex Planning Organization in Water Sector Bangladesh

Abstract: The Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) is an exclusive government institution (created by Water Resources Planning Act, 1992) under the ministry of Water Resources Bangladesh for Macro-level water resources planning and management in Bangladesh by pursuing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It is the central coordinating body for the water sector and acts as an Executive Secretariat of the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC). The Bangladesh Water Act, 2013; The Water Resources Planning Act, 1992; National Water Policy, 1999; Coastal Zone Policy, 2005; National Water Management Plan, 2004; National Water Resources Council (NWRC); the Executive Committee of the National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC), etc. have given mandated task for WARPO. The four main task of WARPO are to prepare and update the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP); update and maintain the National Water Resources Database (NWRD); act as a clearing house role for all projects undertaken by any agency involved in the water sector; and coordinate & implement Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). From the creation of WARPO, it has made remarkable contribution to water sector, Bangladesh. However, a lot of gaps are existing in this Organization. The existing staffing structure, strength, support and service of WARPO are not sufficient to commensurate with its mandate and redefined functions effectively. This study has identified the contribution of WARPO in Water Sector and at the same time has identified the existing gaps in this organization and finally has recommended the tasks to become the centre of excellence in Water sector Bangladesh.

Studies on the Performance of ITER90H-P Fusion Reactor Considering the D-T and D-3He Fuel in the Steady-state

Abstract: In this work, the performance of fusion reactor ITER90H-P with considering D–T and D-3He fuels areexamined by writing the dynamics equations on thesystemreactor. Therefore, we solve these equations analytically in thesteady state. In this state we determine the optimum conditions for achieving the maximum fusion gain. In addition, we ignore the impurities because we need to high performance points without impurities. Our calculationsinthis papershow that we have maximum fusion gain for D-T and D-3He fusion reactions in steady state at resonance temperature Kev70 for D-T fusion reaction respectively .Their maximum values of fusion gain are equal to for D-T fuel-and the 0.012 for , respectively. Therefore, currently, using as a fusion fuel is not recommended.