Showing papers in "Sindh University Research Journal in 2013"

Distribution and hydrocarbon potential of datta sands in upper indus basin, pakistan

Abstract: Datta sands are producing oil and gas on commercial scale. It has collectively produced more than 1500 million barrels of oil from Toot, Meyal and Dhulian fields. In Pezu, Chonai and Marwat wells, porosity range from 17-30%. The discoveries of Chanda and Mela wells in the sandstone of Datta formation in Kohat sub-basin have made it more important. The formation is widely distributed in western part of the Salt Range and in Surghar, Shinghar, Shaikh Budin Hills in the Marwat Range and western Khisor Range. These delta front facies bear very good reservoir characteristics in thick sandstone beds that are cleaned and quartose. The formation also extends in Kala-Chitta, Hazara and Samana Ranges. The Jurassic sands provide good porosities in the area. The matrix porosity of Datta formation in Potwar ranges from 5% to 18%. Geochemical studies conducted by HDIP and OGDCL on well samples indicate that Datta formation of Jurassic age contain adequate amount of organic matter in some wells. The area contains overturned faulted anticlines, popup structures, or fault block traps. The structures in the area are considered to be formed by the combination of compressional tectonics and salt movement due to which reverse faults and thrusting are common.

Population, Host Preference and Feeding Potential of Chrysoperla Carnea (Stephens) on Different Insect Hosts in Cotton and Mustard Crops

Abstract: Studies on the population, host preference and feeding potential of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on different insect hosts were conducted in field and laboratory conditions in the year 2011. The results revealed that the maximum numbers of Bemisia tabaci 19.84 (±2.46), Aphis gossypii 23.14 (±0.84), Amrasca devastan 13.42 (±2.10) and mealybug 50.62 (±5.44) per leaf were found on cotton crop. Similarly, maximum population of B. tabaci, A. devastan, and eggs of Bagarada Picta was recorded as 9.44 (±1.14), 6.44 (±0.74), 38.13 (±1.44) and 22.144 (±7.83), respectively on mustard crop. More activities of C. carnea (0.32±0.10) per plant were recorded on mustard as compared to cotton (0.32±0.14). The population of C. canea was negatively correlated with B. tabaci population (-0.019 NS) and positively with A. devastan (0.145 NS), A. gossypii (0.700**) and mealybug (0.834**), respectively on cotton. Similarly, negative correlation with B. tabaci population (-0.193 NS) and positive correlations with A. devastan (0.202NS), L . erysimi (0.923**) and B. picta (0.925**), respectively were recorded on mustard crop. The 3rd instar larvae voraciously fed on 3rd instar nymphs of all sucking insects. They consumed 66.14 (±2.18) A. gossypii, 61.14 (±1.06) P. solinopsis, 32.78 (±1.32) B. tabaci and 19.66 (±1.34) A. devastans, respectively. The green lacewing fed 30.37 (±1.51) aphid day-1, followed by mealy bug (12.30± 1.48), whiteflies (1.94± 0.30), and jassid (0.43±0.095). It is concluded from the results that C. carnea displayed its maximum activities when pest population were at their peaks. The third instar grubs were voracious on 3rd instars of all prey hosts. A. gossypii was the most preferred host in cotton and L. erysimi in mustard crop. B. tabaci had no impact on population activities of C. carnea.

Theories and models of technology acceptance behaviour: a critical review of literature

Abstract: The inception of various theoretical models to increase the explanatory and predictive power with a parsimonious structure within technology acceptance has lasted more than 20 years. In this vein, researchers have attempted to constitute new models or derivatives from already existing models (e.g., TAM, TRA, and TPB). At the beginning, each of the models was doing well on approaching the problem with a specific theoretical stance; however, they were criticised at a later stage with some common features and limitations. Therefore, for IS researchers selecting an appropriate model has always remained a critical task. To overcome the problem, this study aims to critically examine the most prominent models (i.e. TAM, TRA and TPB) that are widely accepted as predicting and explaining human behaviour towards acceptance of various technologies. The critical evaluation of the previous theories and models would help future researchers in selecting appropriate single/multiple theoretical models/constructs based on their strength(s) and weaknesses in terms of explanatory power and path significance.

Depositional environment of the bara formation, fort ranikot area, sindh

Abstract: Bara Formation is well exposed at Ranikot Fort area. Twenty two samples of the Bara Formation from the eastern flank of the Ranikot anticline of Fort Ranikot area have been investigated to interpret its environment of deposition. The values of different statistical parameters of the studied sediments for their grain size data, e.g., mean, median, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis were determined for plotting the cumulative curves and histograms to analyze the data. The 92% negative and 8% positive values of skewness, respectively, indicated that the studied sediments are composed of coarse grained to fine grained sediments and were deposited under the high-low energy conditions of fluviatile environment. The presence of abundant amounts of Quartz (SiO2) in the bulk-rock samples also suggested fluviatile environment. The inclusive graphic standard deviation diagrams and the size distribution data also indicates that fine-medium grained sediments were deposited in the study area. Occurrence of three groups of sediments e.g., sediments from lower lagoon; sediments from upper lagoon and river; and the sediments from the dead-end marsh channels from the deeper parts of the basin of deposition have been recognized. The kurtosis values indicate that studied sediments are composed of Platykurtic, Leptokurtic and Mesokurtic groups of sediments, respectively.

Comparative study of physicochemical properties of mutant rice varieties cultivated in sindh

Abstract: Physicochemical Characterization of the individual rice seed and protein analysis by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis provides useful information for the isolation and utilization of seed proteins. Rice is highly consumable food with a variety of proteins and a popular subject to mutagenesis. Four mutant varieties with their parental varieties were collected from Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Tandojam. Physicochemical analysis including grain weight, length, width, L/B ratio, Amylose and protein content were carried out for screening of comparatively better quality characters. After quantification, proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE Electrophoresis. Analysis of results of SDS-PAGE was performed by using gel documentation system (Biorad) to find out the molecular weight of different protein fractions present in mutant rice varieties.

Comparison of condition factor of the ribbonfish trichiurus lepturus (linnaeus, 1758) and lepturacanthus savala (cuvier, 1829) from karachi coast, pakistan

Abstract: Study on Condition factor of Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829) from Karachi coast was conducted monthly from January 2011 to December 2011. Four hundred and thirty (430) fish samples were collected by artisanal fishermen using various fishing gears. Variations in coefficient of condition are evident in male and female T. lepturus and L. savala. The k value of the former species was found more affected by gonadal maturation than feeding activity whereas in latter species it was highly related with feeding intensity than sexual maturity. Male specimens had higher condition factors than Females in both the species. Knowledge of the two species is important for adequate management and maintenance of the biological equilibrium of the ecosystem.

Length-weight relationships and condition factor of oreochromis mossambicus (peters, 1852) from manchar lake distt. jamshoro, sindh, pakistan

Abstract: Oreochromis mossambicus are among the most widely distributed exotic fishes in the world and mostly used for food. The present study was undertaken to unveil information on the length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factor (Kn) of freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) from Manchar Lake District Jamshoro, after post super flood in Sindh. Fish were studied by examining 364 specimens (Male 186 and female 78) collected from August 2011 to July 2012. These were 10-26 cm in total length (TL) and 19.8- 295 g in weight. Length-weight relationships calculated were, Log W = -1.8007+3.0556 × Log L (Combined population), Log W = -1.7802+3.0406 × Log L (male population) and Log W = -1.8062 + 3.0577× Log L (female population). The relative condition factor (Kn) for Combined population was 0.87 – 1.07 (Mean 1.0023±0.0671), while for male 0.86 – 1.09 (Mean 1.0027 ± 0.0733) and females 0.87 – 1.07 (Mean 1.0020 ±0.0631). The Length-weight relationships and condition factor indicate isometric and satisfactory growth of Oreochromis mossambicus in Manchar Lake.

Biology of pink bollworm (pectinophora gossypiella) lepidoptera: galechiidae on different temperatures under controlled conditions.

Abstract: Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm) is major lepidopteron pest of many crops throughout the world, but it cause major infestation to cotton crop. Presently we have done the biology of pink bollworm on their natural diet cotton bolls, flowers, and squares and observed the effect of different temperatures (27, 31, and 35±1 °C) on their development rate. During present study the maximum development rate was observed on 27±1 °C while minimum development rate was observed on 35±1 °C. Total Cumulative percentage of survival was observed 69.5%. Highest mortality was observed in 1st larval instars and lowest mortality observed in 4th larval instars.

Sedimentologic studies of upper sands of lower Goru Formation based on well cuttings and wireline logs from wells of X Field in the subsurface of Sindh Monocline, Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan

Abstract: Detailed studies of lithologic successions of upper sands of Lower Goru Formation in the subsurface of X Field of Sindh monocline were investigated by Zoom Stereo Binocular examination and thin section study of well cuttings in conjunction with the wireline log and core analysis to understand the depositional environment. The sedimentological studies of the well cuttings samples of each of the main bodies resolved into various lithofacies based on their textural signatures (Grain size, shape, and sorting) wireline log and core analysis. Within A, B and C-sand distinct coarsening and fining upward sequences have been identified which reflect frequent sea level fluctuations. Textural investigations, particularly of those samples composed predominantly of sand size fractions, show that the mean grain size in studied field is fine to medium grained and range between 1.8φ and 2.5φ. The samples are moderate to well sorted and well rounded to sub-angular in shape. Mineralogically, the samples comprise mostly of quartz grains and occasionally feldspar grain. Only the fine grained sandstones of studied field exhibit a slight increase in the amount of feldspar. A few grains of dark colored minerals can occasionally be seen in thin sections. The results further indicate that the sandstones are fairly mature. The strongly coarse skewness determined in some of the facies, in particular the lithofacies of B sand indicate the progressively increasing competence of flood flow at near shore areas. Based on overall results it can be interpreted that the Upper sands of Lower Goru Formation of Lower Cretaceous age in Sindh monocline were deposited in moderate to high energy near shore sedimentary environment largely influenced by frequently fluctuating sea level.

Evaluation of sift and surf using bag of words model on a large dataset

Abstract: In this paper, the objective is image classification analysis based on the well known image descriptors, the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and the Speeded up Robust Features (SURF) on five online available standard datasets. For the classification framework, we adopted the visual words approach. For SIFT, we use the Lowe’s implementation and for Speeded up Robust Features (SURF), the Herbert Bay’s implementation is used. Extensive experimentation using five datasets shows that SURF is a better choice compared to Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT).

An adaptive crossover operator for genetic algorithms to solve the optimization problems

Abstract: Traditional genetic algorithms have been determined as an active approach for solving the optimization problems. Still now, most of GAs use a single crossover operator for all individuals. It means that all individuals in a population use the same mechanism due to this reason may be lack of intelligence for a particular individual; it is difficult to deal with complex situations. In adaptive scheme, single individual has four crossover operators to cope with different situations in the landscape. The adaptive algorithm can enable an individual to select the best operator according to its own local fitness landscape. The experimental results determine that our proposed technique is able to choose automatically the suitable crossover operator for different optimization problems.

Effect of Varying Levels of Protein from Different Animal Sources on Growth and Survival of Carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, Reared in Cemented Cisterns

Abstract: A total of 210 Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings were distributed in completely randomized way into six treatments with 3 replicates each to determine the effect of protein from different plant sources on the growth and body composition of C. mrigala. Six experimental protein diets of varying protein level were formulated utilizing rice protein and rice bran viz.; as plant protein source like rice protein with 30% protein (RP30), rice protein with 35% protein (RP35) and rice protein with 40% protein (RP40). Similarly rice bran as protein source like rice bran with 30% protein (RB30), rice bran with 35% protein (RB35) and rice bran with 40% protein (RB40). Controlled group diet contained a balanced mixture of proteins from both plant sources. The daily feed ration was 8% body weight of fish. Highly significant (P<0.001) results were observed with respect to growth and body composition parameters. Highly significant (p<0.001) results were observed with respect to growth and body composition parameters. In conclusion, RB40 showed better growth performance of C. mrigala reared in cemented cisterns.

Exergy analysis of 144 mw combined cycle power plant kotri pakistan

Abstract: The conventional energy analysis evaluates the performance of a thermodynamic system generally on its quantity only. It gives no information about the effect of irreversibilities on performance that occurs inherently during any thermodynamic process. On the other hand, exergy analysis, based on the second law of thermodynamics recognizes magnitudes and locations of the losses due to these irreversibilities. Therefore, the application of exergy analysis for thermodynamic evaluation of conventional power plants is steadily growing. This paper deals with the exergy analysis performed on a 144 MW combined cycle power plant situated at Kotri, Pakistan. The exergy destruction models are used to assess the losses occurred in the key components of the power plant. The results indicate that the total exergy destruction of the power plant is around 288.5 MW; combustion chambers contribute a major share of 168 MW (58.2%) followed by heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) with 43 MW (14.8%). The energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of the power plant are calculated as 34.41 and 33.40% respectively. Finally, some suggestions regarding the efficiency improvement of the power plant components are given.

Redescription and new record of small arab group of genus colitis (lepidoptera: pieridae) from jamshoro, sindh, pakistan.

Abstract: A group of butterflies commonly known as Small Arab butterflies belong to the genus Colotis are redescribed here on the basis of external morphology, specially colouration of wings, structure of mouth parts and internal male and female genitalia. A general description of genus Colotis is also given. This group of butterflies is new record from Jamshoro, Sindh.

Comparative analysis of fixed-gain relaying schemes for inter-relay communication over nakagami-m fading channel

Abstract: Analysis of Fixed-Gain relaying schemes for three time slot transmission protocol over Nakagami-m is presented. In this paper a profound analysis of two relaying schemes for inter-relay communication has been simulated and compared under different performance metrics. The performance is analyzed considering various relay locations in order to investigate the best relay location. The parameters used to analyze the system are Bit Error Rate, Outage capacity and Outage probability (BER).

Urban sprawl in karachi

Abstract: In the per iod of 1981to1998 massive f l ight of populat ion was recorded in Karachi Ci ty f rom the cent ral ci ty to the outski r ts. As a resul t cent ral populat ion densi ty sharply fel l and populat ion densi ty gradient adopted a gent le s lope. Simi lar ly dur ing the per iod 2002 to 2012, massive rural lands in Karachi had been conver ted into urbanized lands. As a resul t f i r st t ime overal l populat ion densi ty of Karachi fel l . These resul ts indicate urban sprawl phenomenon in Karachi which was f i rst ident i f ied in Amer ica in the 1950s. This paper is an at tempt : a) to invest igat e urban sprawl phenomenon in Karachi b) to evaluate how urban sprawl in Karachi is dissimi lar to Amer ican ci t ies c) to probe causes and impacts of sprawl in Karachi , and d) to analyse opinions of the ci ty dwel lers about the pol icies of dispersal and counter dis persal .

Quantifying the effect of Look up Table Size and Coefficients Complexity for Non-Linearity Compensation in Power Amplifiers

Abstract: Power Amplifiers are the critical part of communication systems but they are nonlinear in nature. Look up Table (LUT) is one of the promising approaches for compensating the nonlinear effects of Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifiers. In this study we present a Memoryless Digital Predistortion (MDP) model to compensate the amplifier non-linearity based on updating the LUT coefficient iterations. Nowadays, the dual mode (Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) power amplifiers are in practice. In this work, we have proposed a single amplifier fulfilling EDGE specifications that can be implemented for base stations in order to compensate the required linearity and to improve overall system performance. MATLAB was used to simulate the proposed Class-B amplifier and a numerous simulation results were obtained and on that basis the best optimized LUT coefficient size complexity has been proposed. The proposed system also improves the maximum output power by optimizing the power at critical offset frequency. Moreover, Vector Magnitude (EVM) difference between estimated input and output results have also been calculated.

Length-weight relationship of the silurid catfish sperata seenghala sykes 1839 (bagridae) from indus river, sindh, pakistan

Abstract: The present investigation describes the length-weight relationship of Sperata seenghala from the River Indus in Sindh, Pakistan. The exponent b values estimated for the total length in relation to body weight were 3.00, 3.17 and 3.05 for male, female and mixed sexes, respectively, indicating the isometric growth in males and positive allometric growth for females. To the best knowledge of the authors, this study presents the first reference on length-weight relationships of S. seenghala in Indus River, Sindh, Pakistan.

Ground drinking water and its consequences on health of residents; a case study of selected areas in bahawalpur city

Abstract: Arsenic in ground drinking water exposure serious skin diseases, including skin cancer, lung, bladder and kidney cancers, and perhaps other internal tumors, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. This research is focused on poor ground drinking water quality of four selected areas (Tibba Badar Shar, Modal Town “C”, Nashat Colony and Ghani ghot) in Bahawalpur. The residents of the study areas have no awareness about drinking water quality. Main objectives of the study is to exam the drinking water quality and compare with W.H.O standard and identify the different types of diseases caused by the Arsenic drinking water. A cross-sectional study was designed to look into the drinking water quality influencing factors and their health outcome of study areas. Water sample was collected through random sampling from the selected study areas and tested in Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Bahawalpur laboratory. After the water tested, water testing report was compare with W.H.O standard and checked the arsenic level in drinking water. In study area for check public health and awareness we conducted the structured questionnaire survey. A random sampling technique was applied for data collection. Data was collected through questionnaire (social survey technique) and 136 inhabitants were selected for sampling. After the data collection data was analyzed by using statistical techniques such as chi-square, correlation on quantitative data. The findings of the study related that People are using contaminated drinking water by arsenic. Due to the used of arsenic drinking water the rate of diseases is rapidly high. There was a significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics i.e. family type, education level, household income, public awareness and health outcome. The present study suggested that the policy makers formulate the policies towards the efficient handling of limited water resources and its quality.

The role of city government in maintaining the urban greening in the megacity karachi, pakistan

Abstract: Cities are a part of the general ecosystem and are part of the larger bioregion To preserve nature we need to integrate nature into cities, whether through green ways, wetlands, protected watersheds that provide a habitat for wildlife, or cultivated farm lands that preserve the generic variety of native species [I am not aware of cultivated farmlands that preserve native species] Green areas contribute to maintaining and expanding the biological base for diversity that is essential for human survival A well-planned urban greening program is part of securing a healthy sustainable future for the urban population of megacities of developing countries This study focuses the megacity of Karachi in Pakistan With a population of over 21 million, it is lacking in healthy recreational places Overall Karachi has 1256 open spaces including parks, playgrounds, and green belts This amount is inadequate for the 45 % per annum growth of the Karachi This study provides an overview of the developed and undeveloped urban parks of the city and their town wise (?) development from 2001 The study also provides information about the role of city district government and local government in the development and maintenance of green spaces including parks in Karachi Park encroachment by other departments or local people is burning issue in the city and is also discussed

Field evaluation of bio-pesticides against jassid, amrasca biguttula biguttula (ishida) in okra crop

Abstract: Field studies on evaluation of biopesticides against jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) in okra crop was carried out at the experimental area of Habib Farm, District Hyderabad, during the year 2012. The crop was sown on well preapred seedbed keeping 45 cm distance between ridge to ridge, after thinning a plant to plant distance of 22.5 cm in CRB design. During the present study four replications and five treatments i.e. T1 (Neem Powder), T2 (Tobacco leaves), T3 (Neem Oil), T4 (Neem oil + Beneficial micro-organism B.M), T5 (Control) were used. The pre-treatment observations were taken 24 hours before spray whereas post-treatment observations were taken at the intervals of 24, 48 and 72 hours and after one and two weeks. Relative neem oil + BM displayed greater reduction of jassid population (78.47%), followed by neem oil (76.57%), whereas, neem powder (65.46%) and tabacco leaves (63.16%) were less effective in reducing the population of jassid in field. However, during 2nd and 3rd spray the efficacy of all products remained the same altough it was higher as compared to 1st spray. The average performance of three sprays was maximum in case of (Neem oil + B.M ) (81.28%), followed by neem oil (79.40%), neem powder (72.93%) and tabacco leaves (69.00%) respectively. The present study strongly suggests that the use of bio-pesticides may be helpfull to reduce the effect of pesticides in the environment.

Pashto isolated character recognition using k-nn classifier

Abstract: This paper presents the development of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for printed Pashto text. The problem of the unavailability of the standard database for Pashto language has also been addressed by developing a medium size database with 25 different variations with a total number of 1125 entries in the final database. In the proposed approach, individual Pashto characters are recognized utilizing both high and low level features. High level features are based on the structural information from the characters and the resulting binary trees uniquely classify each of the characters. The approach though quite robust is affected slightly by the variation in size, orientation and writing style. An alternative low level feature approach based on K-Nearest Neighbors has been used giving an overall word recognition of 74.8%.

A conceptual framework for erp evaluation in higher educational institutes of pakistan

Abstract: The higher education has been greatly impacted by worldwide trends. In a result, the universities throughout the world are focusing to enhance performance and efficiency in their workings. Therefore, the higher education has moved their systems to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to cope with the needs of changing environment. However, the literature review indicates that there is void on the evaluation of success or failure of ERP systems in higher education Institutes in Pakistan. In overall, ERP systems implementation in higher education of Pakistan has not been given appropriate research focus. Thus, in this paper the authors have attempted to develop a conceptual framework for ERP evaluation in universities of Pakistan. This seeks to expand the knowledge on ERP in higher educational institutes of Pakistan and focuses on understanding the ERP related critical success factors.

Studies on the population dynamics of sugarcane stem borer, chilo infuscatellus (lepidoptera: pyralidae) and its parasitoid cotesia flavipes (hymenoptera: braconidae) in sugarcane in hyderabad region of sindh

Abstract: Sugarcane stem borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen is an important and destructive insect pest attacking sugarcane crop in Sindh. Wasp, Cotesia flavipes Cameron is effective larval parasitoid of Chilo species. In the present investigation, population dynamics of C. infuscatellus and C. flavipes were analyzed in Hyderabad region. The results indicated that the average percentage infestation of C. infuscatellus showed a significant difference among the sectors studied. The highest infestation ratio was 9.08 ± 3.97 in Chamber, followed by 8.44 ± 5.69 and 7.16 ± 3.94 in Tando Allahyar and Tando Muhammad. Khan respectively. However, in the remaining sectors infestation ratio was insignificant. Parasitism percentage of C. flavipes in different sectors of Faran Sugar Mills Ltd. showd that parasitism ratio was significantly higher in Khokhar i.e. 28.75% sector, followed by Digh Mori i.e. 18.75%.The overall parasitism ratio was 18.33 ± 5.57 and cocoon masses formation was 14.67 ± 4.46 out of 80 larvae of C. infuscatellus.

MINERALOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE BARA FORMATION OF SINDH, PAKISTAN.Investigation of the Bara Formation of Sindh, Pakistan.

Abstract: This paper describes the mineral composition of bulk-rock samples of the Bara Formation from famous Ranikot Fort area of Sindh province of Pakistan. The purpose of this research is to identify the minerals and to get the clues of provenance of Bara Formation. The petrography, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry were used for the detailed mineralogical investigations. Quartz, feldspars, hematite, gypsum, chlorite and goethite are dominant minerals showed their presence in the studied samples. The presence of quartz, feldspar, and chlorite indicated that Bara formation sediments were supply from the Igneous and etamorphic complex which is exposed in the southeastern part of the studied area. Presence of hematite and goethite also suggested that the studied sediments were deposited under.

Error-rate performance analysis of wireless sensor networks over fading channels

Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of wireless sensor networks. A wireless sensor node with a single transmitter antenna and multiple receiver antennas is considered here. We consider M (M ≥ 1) receiver antennas to mitigate channel fading effects. BER performance is analyzed in the presence of a co-channel interference source. Wireless channel is assumed to follow independently Nakagami fading for the wireless sensor network and Rayleigh fading for the interference signal. Based on the derived analytical expressions, the effects of different fading channel and co-channel interference parameters on the BER performance of wireless sensor networks are assessed.

Simultaneous coagulation-adsorption process optimization for the treatment of real wastewater of complex dyes manufacturing plant

Abstract: This research study was carried out for the optimization of treatment efficiency of industrial dyes wastewater. Hybrid process of coagulation-adsorption was utilized for an effective reduction of wastewater pollutants concentration with the use of commercial coagulants namely Ferric chloride (FeCl3), Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4) and Alum [Al2(SO4)3] and bottom based coal ash (BBCA) as an adsorbent. An effective adsorbent was prepared from coal power plant ash waste by physico-chemical treatment in order to enhance its physical properties. The removal efficiencies of pollutants for each individual and combined process were determined keeping contact time, agitation rate, equilibrium conditions similar in each case except for the dosages of chemicals added to suit the pollutants removal rates. Adsorptive capacity and adsorption (%) of BBCA adsorbent was determined for adsorption of organic pollutants along with dosage effects. Adsorption isotherm models such as Langmuir and Freundlich were applied for the determination of adsorption suitability and their mechanism. Both processes reduced the concentration of Chemical oxygen demand (COD), coloring matter, turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) in the range of 60-70%, whereas, hybrid process of coagulation and adsorption optimized the treatment efficiency up to 80%. The overall treatment efficiency with FeCl3-BBCA, FeSO4-BBCA and Alum-BBCA was observed as 80%, 78% and 73%, respectively.

Adaptive neuro fuzzy based best relay(s) selection in two-hop two-way relay channels

Abstract: In this paper, we suggest an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) based two-way relay channels mechanism for user cooperative networks. The proposed technique is analyzed for multi-user and multi-relay cooperation, over Rayleigh, Nakagami and Rician fading channels. The Hybrid Frequency-Division Multiple Access-Time-Division Multiple Access (Hybrid FDMA-TDMA) is used to access multiple users. The two-hop two-way multiple-user cooperation is achieved by applying Physical Network Coding (PNC) at relay node. Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) produce relay ranking parameter using effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and Cooperation gain as fuzzy parameters as two inputs to the controller at destination. The relay selection is then made by ANFIS using the relay selection parameter. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to obtain the cooperation gain and outage probability of the proposed relay selection scheme.

Evaluation of bacterial contamination of powdered food products, pakistan

Abstract: Food contamination is a serious issue because infectious diseases may spread through food or beverages. Infants and babies are more susceptible to infection by pathogens because of their less well-developed immune system and lack of competing organisms in the gut flora. The aim of this research study was to investigate microbiological safety of a range of powdered food products that are consumed by either infants or adults, who may be immune-compromised. In order to achieve the goal, 21 powdered food products including infant formula milks and powdered protein-based shakes were purchased from retail stores and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Seven out of 21 products were contaminated with different combinations of 9 bacterial isolates belonging to three different types. Isolation and identification was carried out using conventional methods including, culturing, microscopic analysis and biochemical testing. Three bacterial species including two Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and one Gram-negative (Enterobacter sakazakii) were isolated from seven locally made food products. B. cereus was found predominantly in five products. Furthermore, antibiotic susceptibility was determined using various commercially available antibiotic disks.

Anti-slip traction control of railway vehicle based on estimated wheel-rail contact condition

Abstract: In railway traction system adhesion is an important factor to accelerate the vehicles quickly. If applied tractive effort is greater than allowed by the adhesion level at the wheel-rail interface then wheel slip occurs. Wheel slip is an undesirable phenomenon which reduces the life of mechanical parts thus increasing the overall maintenance cost. Several techniques have been proposed to prevent the wheel-slip in ever-changing weather and environmental conditions. But the available measures are not effective to eliminate the problem completely. This paper presents a novel idea to develop an intelligent mechanism to tackle the problem of wheel slip. The proposed method first indirectly identifies the available adhesion level by analysing the changes in wheelset dynamics with respect to changes in contact condition. The estimated adhesion information is then used to optimize the traction forces in order to avoid slip. The efficacy of the proposed solution is demonstrated with the help of simulation results.