76,693 research outputs found
An improved Pattern Search based algorithm to solve the Dynamic Economic Dispatch problem with valve-point effect
No full textIn this paper, an improved algorithm based on Pattern Search method (PS) to solve the Dynamic Economic Dispatch is proposed. The algorithm maintains the essential unit ramp rate constraint, along with all other necessary constraints, not only for the time horizon of operation (24 h), but it preserves these constraints through the transaction period to the next time horizon (next day) in order to avoid the discontinuity of the power system operation. The Dynamic Economic and Emission Dispatch problem (DEED) is also considered. The load balance constraints, operating limits, valve-point loading and network losses are included in the models of both DED and DEED. The numerical results clarify the significance of the improved algorithm and verify its performance
Comparison of Tooth Size Discrepancy of Three Main Ethnics in Malaysia with Bolton's Ratio
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of Bolton's ratios in orthodontic population of Malaysian main ethnics; Malay, Chinese and Indians. Ninety convenient samples consisting of 30 pre-orthodontic study casts from each ethnic that fits the inclusion criteria were selected. The greatest mesiodistal widths of each tooth from six to six for overall ratio and three to three for anterior ratio were measured using a digital callipers linked to Hamilton Arch Tooth System software to the nearest 0.01mm. Means of the ratios were calculated using Bolton analysis. One sample t-test statistic analysis was carried out to compare the means with Bolton values of anterior ratio and overall ratio and one-way ANOVA was used to analyze comparison between ethnic groups of the anterior ratio and the overall ratio with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. However, there were no significant differences when comparing Bolton values with Chinese and Indian anterior and overall ratios. The Bolton standards could be applied to Malaysian Chinese, Indians and Malay's female. Subsequently, a specific standard should be used for the Malays orthodontic population.Article URL : http://www.ukm.my/jsm/pdf_files/SM-PDF-41-2-2012/17%20Aida%20Nur%20Ashikin.pd
Preventing crystal agglomeration of pharmaceutical crystals using temperature cycling and a novel membrane crystallization procedure for seed crystal generation
No full textIn this work, a novel membrane crystallization system was used to crystallize micro-sized seeds of piroxicam monohydrate by reverse antisolvent addition. Membrane crystallization seeds were compared with seeds produced by conventional antisolvent addition and polymorphic transformation of a fine powdered sample of piroxicam form I in water. The membrane crystallization process allowed for a consistent production of pure monohydrate crystals with narrow size distribution and without significant agglomeration. The seeds were grown in 350 g of 20:80 w/w acetone-water mixture. Different seeding loads were tested and temperature cycling was applied in order to avoid agglomeration of the growing crystals during the process. Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM); and particle vision and measurement (PVM) were used to monitor crystal growth; nucleation and agglomeration during the seeded experiments. Furthermore; Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor solute concentration and estimate the overall yield of the process. Membrane crystallization was proved to be the most convenient and consistent method to produce seeds of highly agglomerating compounds; which can be grown via cooling crystallization and temperature cycling
The Benefits of Being Economics Professor A (and not Z)
Get PDFAlphabetic name ordering on multi-authored academic papers, which is the convention in the economics discipline and various other disciplines, is to the advantage of people whose last name initials are placed early in the alphabet. As it turns out, Professor A, who has been a first author more often than Professor Z, will have published more articles and experienced afaster growth rate over the course of her career as a result of reputation and visibility. Moreover, authors know that name ordering matters and indeed take ordering seriously: Several characteristics of an author group composition determine the decision to deviate from the default alphabetic name order to a significant extent.performance measurement, incentives, economists, name ordering
Final word on Jersey Dutch
No full textIn this article, William Z. Shetter compares and contrasts the dialects that developed between different Dutch colonies in the New World. He explores in-depth the nuances of Jersey Dutch, and provides theories to explain how Dutch and colonial languages blended. The article is reprinted from American Speech, December 1958, Volum XXXIII, No. 4
Synthesis and use of magnetic nanoparticles for the adsorption of mercury from water
No full textThis study used magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs), mesoporous silica coated magnetite NPs (SCMNPs) and thiol functionalised silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles (SH-SCMNPs) for Hg(II) removal and recovery from water. The Fe3O4 NPs were prepared via conventional co-precipitation methods. Mesoporous silica coating was created on dense liquid-silica coated magnetite NPs (DLSC-Fe3O4 NPs) using cetyltri-methyl-ammonium chloride (CTAC) as molecular templates and followed by a sol-gel reaction. SCMNPs were functionalised with 3-MPTMS using the co-condensation method. Functionalisation of SCMNPs with this specific organic group was performed to enhance the selectivity of the magnetic NPs towards Hg(II). The characteristics of these particles were assessed at different stages in the production process. The hydrodynamic particle size distribution increased from an average diameter of ~75 nm for Fe3O4 NPs to ~105 nm after silica coating, and was found to be ~111 nm after functionalisation with thiol. The particles were found to be almost spherical with a uniform mesoporous structure with a pore size of ~2.1 nm. The particles were strongly responsive to an external magnetic field making separation from solution possible in less than 1 minute using a permanent magnet.Batch tests were used to evaluate the feasibility of the prepared NPs for the adsorption and desorption of Hg (II) from synthetic wastewater. SH-SCMNPs displayed a high removal efficiency for Hg(II) uptake, with 90% of Hg(II) removed during the first 5 minutes and equilibrium in less than 15 minutes. The adsorption efficiency was highly pH dependant. Adsorption was not affected by the majority of coexisting cations and anions under the conditions tested. 3 M HCl and thiourea in a 3 M HCl solution was an effective eluent for the desorption of adsorbed-Hg on SCMNPs and SH-SCMNPs respectively. This did not result in the destruction of the nanoparticles and they could subsequently be reused, without loss of their activity, in further adsorption tests. The adsorption characteristics of the particles were quantified in a series of isotherm experiments using Hg(II) solution concentrations of between 40 and 1000 ?g L?1 at adsorbent concentrations of 4 and 8 mg L-1. The adsorption capacity was higher than for other commonly used adsorbents. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to the isotherm data and the maximum adsorption capacity was achieved when the ratio of adsorbent to adsorbate was low.A semi-continuous method for using the process at a lab scale was developed and was found to be successful in the removal and recovery of Hg(II) and confirmed the results of the batch experiments
Real Coded Genetic Algorithm Compared to the Classical Method of Fast Fourier Transform in Harmonics Analysis
Get PDFDirectors' remuneration influence on tax planning activities of large Malaysian companies
No full textPreparation of microcrystals of piroxicam monohydrate by antisolvent precipitation via microfabricated metallic membranes with ordered pore arrays
No full textMicrocrystals of piroxicam (PRX) monohydrate with a narrow size distribution were prepared from acetone/ PRX solutions by antisolvent crystallization via metallic membranes with ordered pore arrays. Crystallization was achieved by controlled addition of the feed solution through the membrane pores into a well-stirred antisolvent. A complete transformation of an anhydrous form I into a monohydrate form of PRX was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The size of the crystals was 7−34 μm and was controlled by the PRX concentration in the feed solution (15−25 g L−1), antisolvent/solvent volume ratio (5−30), and type of antisolvent (Milli-Q water or 0.1−0.5 wt % aqueous solutions of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), poly(vinyl alcohol) or Pluronic P-123). The smallest crystals were obtained by injecting 25 g L−1 PRX solution through a stainless-steel membrane with a pore size of 10 μm into a 0.06 wt % HPMC solution stirred at 1500 rpm using an antisolvent/solvent ratio of 20. HPMC provided better steric stabilization of microcrystals against agglomeration than poly(vinyl alcohol) and Pluronic P-123, due to hydrogen bonding interactions with PRX and water. A continuous production of large PRX monohydrate microcrystals with a volume-weighted mean diameter above 75 μm was achieved in a continuous stirred membrane crystallizer. Rapid pouring of Milli-Q water into the feed solution resulted in a mixture of highly polydispersed prism-shaped and needle-shaped crystals
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