30 Articles Published

1. IN VITRO EFFECT OF AZADIRACHTIN-A, A TETRANORTRITARPINOID OF NEEM SEED KERNEL, ON RAT SPERMATOZOA

Authors: RAVINDRANATH H. ALADAKATTI , UMADEVI C. JADARAMKUNTI

Abstract: Since, there is only few documented evidence referring to assessment of the clear specific actions of medicinal plant source or active constituents in rodent model, the present study is undertaken to evaluate the effective concentration of technical azadirachtin-A, a tetranortritarpinoid of neem seed kernel, to immobilizes the cauda epididymal spermatozoa within 20 seconds and effectively inhibits sperm motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity in a dose-dependent manner. Spermicidal efficacy was evaluated in vitro by a modified Sander–Cramer test using different concentrations. The mode of spermicidal action was evaluated by (a) Sperm morphology and viability tests (b) hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) tests and (c) transmission electron microscopy. The minimum effective concentration (MEC) of azadirachtin-A for 100 % immobilization of sperm in 20 secs was around 4.50µg/million sperm. No morphological changes were found in the sperm head, midpiece or tail and no viable sperm seen. F

Keywords: Azadirachtin-A, spermatozoa, MEC, HOS and rat

Pages: 1 - 4 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-01

2. REDUCING AUTOCORRELATION EFFECT IN THE CONTROL CHART FOR PM10 CURVES

Authors: ABDUL AZIZ JEMAIN , NORSHAHIDA SHAADAN , SAYANG MOHD DENI

Abstract: The traditional control chart for industry often requires identical and independent (i.i.d) assumptions. Thus, some modification on the control chart used in the industry need to be done before it can be used in the environmental application due to the difference in the nature of the data. The recorded environmental data are usually multivariate, correlated, and non-stationary and can be expressed as a function of time. In this present study, a control chart for monitoring curves data is to be applied where the hourly recorded data within a one day period is treated as multivariate point data and the occurrence is treated as a function of time. The control chart is constructed using the Functional Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) model. In the monitoring of quality indices overtime, autocorrelated data often negatively affects the performance of a control chart resulting into increase in the number of false alarm. Data pre-whitening approach is proposed during the monitoring phase o

Keywords: control chart, PM10, monitoring, autocorrelation effect

Pages: 5 - 9 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-02

3. ON A NEW HYPERGEOMETRIC IDENTITY DEDUCIBLE BY USING BETA INTEGRAL METHOD

Authors: ARJUN K. RATHIE , MEDHAT A. RAKHA

Abstract: The aim of this short research note is to provide a new and interesting hypergeometric identity by applying the well known beta integral method which was used successfully and systematically by Krattenthaler and Rao in their well known and very interesting research paper. The identity is derived with the help of an extension of a quadratic transformation obtained very recently by the authors.

Keywords: Hypergeometric Series; Quadratic Transformation, Beta Integral

Pages: 18 - 21 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-05

4. EXISTENCE RESULTS FOR FRACTIONAL Q-DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS WITH NONLOCAL Q-INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

Authors: JIE HU , KUIKUI MA , SONGBING XU , YAFEI XU

Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the existence of positive solutions for nonlocal q-integral boundary value problems of fractional q-difference equations. By applying the generalized Banach contraction principle, the monotone iterative method, and Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem, some existence results of positive solutions are obtained.

Keywords: Positive solutions; boundary value problems; fractional; q-difference equations

Pages: 22 - 26 | DOI: 10.15224978-1-63248004006

5. ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIMOLLUSCAL ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF PLANT LATICES AND THEIR SERA

Authors: AHMED A. M. SHOREIT , MADY A. ISMAIL , NADIA H. MOHAMED

Abstract: The effect of three plant latices on some pathogenic bacteria, dermatophytes and phytopathogenic fungi, and two medically important species of molusca as well were studied. Trials for detection of the active compounds and/or enzymes in plant latex responsible for the antimicrobial activities were also carried out. The results revealed that the three plant latices have good antimicrobial activities on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Trichophyton rubrum and Chrysosporium tropicum. Latex of Ficus nitida was the most effective against both bacterial and fungal species. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of several active compounds (glycosides, terpenoids and tannins) in the three plant latices, (saponins) in Euphorbia pulcherrima and Ficus elastica, (phenolic compounds and alkaloids) in E. pulcherrima and F. nitida, (flavonoids) in only F. nitida latex. The serum fraction of latex from both E. pulcherrima and F. nitida had protease, lipase, chitinase and cellulases (C1

Keywords: Euphorbiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Moraceae, Asteraceae

Pages: 27 - 33 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-07

6. THE EXISTENCE OF POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THREE-POINT BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS OF FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Authors: LIZHENG XUE , DONG PAN , JIUSHUAN ZHANG , LI ZOU

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the existence of solutions for a class of three-point boundary value problems of fractional differential equations. By using Lebegesgue dominated convergence theorem and schauder fixed point theorem, a sufficient condition of the existence solution is obtained

Keywords: fixed point theorem; dominated convergence theorem; the existence of solutions

Pages: 34 - 37 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-08

7. ADVANCED CHEMICAL OXIDATION WITH PRE-COAGULATION FOR TREATMENT OF PAINT MANUFACTURING WASTEWATER

Authors: DENISS KLAUSON , ENELIIS KATTEL , MARIKA VIISIMAA , MARINA TRAPIDO , NIINA DULOVA

Abstract: A water-based paint wastewater, generated mainly during a periodic equipment-cleaning, was subjected to the combined pre-coagulation and advanced chemical treatment (H2O2/Fe2+, S2O82-/Fe2+, S2O82-/OH-, or S2O82-/H2O2 system). The results of ferric pre-coagulation trials indicated a high efficacy in wastewater treatment, resulted in 4 and 15 % residual COD and DOC, respectively, and in more than a 10-fold increase in a BOD7/COD ratio. The Fenton treatment of the pre-coagulated wastewater at the optimal COD/H2O2/Fe2+ weight ratio of 1:2:0.4 resulted in respective 14 and 31 % residual COD and DOC. The BOD7/COD ratio increase was the highest at the optimal ratio and resulted in more than 6-fold and 81-fold increase compared to the pre-coagulated and initial wastewater, respectively. The COD and DOC removal remained nearly identical in all trials with the ferrous-ions activated persulfate treatment of the pre-coagulated wastewater and did not exceed 35 and 7 %, respectively. The BOD7/COD re

Keywords: activated persulfate, coagulation, Fenton process, oxidation, water-based paint wastewater

Pages: 38 - 43 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-09

8. THE ROLE OF HYDROPERIOD, SOIL MOISTURE AND DISTANCE FROM THE RIVER MOUTH ON SOIL ORGANIC MATTER IN FUKIDO MANGROVE FOREST, ISHIGAKI ISLAND, JAPAN

Authors: ATSUSHI WATANABE , JUN YASUOKA , KAZUO NADAOKA , SAHADEV SHARMA , TAKASHI NAKAMURA

Abstract: Coastal wetlands are experiencing sea level rise, global warming and vegetation shift due to climate change. Climate change may influence soil organic matter mineralization, which plays an important role as a sink for atmospheric carbon; therefore it is important to identify the impact of hydrological processes on soil organic matter. We investigated how soil organic matter content responds to hydroperiod (i.e., the length of time portion of year during which the wetland area is waterlogged), distance from the river mouth and soil moisture content in subtropical Fukido riverine mangrove on Ishigaki Island. The relationships between soil organic matter with the hydroperiod, moisture and distance from the river mouth were analyzed by performing principle component analysis (PCA) on the log-transformed data set and by simple correlations. The organic matter in the sediments ranged between 5.8 and 23.1 %, with an average of 12.3 ± 3.3 % (SD) and decreased from river side to landward side.

Keywords: Blue carbon, anoxic soil, inundation, sea level rise, decomposition, mineralization

Pages: 44 - 48 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-10

9. BIOIMPRINT REPLICATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH INVESTIGATIONS AND ITS ANALYSIS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

Authors: BALU RANGANATHAN , FAHMI BIN SAMSURI , N.VIGNESWARAN

Abstract: In this paper, we have described about the obtaining of high resolution image of abnormal cells and the analysing it through artificial neural network (ANN). High resolution images can be obtained through imprinting method. High resolution imaging techniques like AFM, SEM and TEM can be used. These cell replicas contain features related to the cancer which can be used to train the neural network. Further it can be used for autonomous classification of cancerous and non-cancerous cells.

Keywords: Imprint, Cancer, Feature and Neural Network, NIL.

Pages: 49 - 52 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-11

10. A NEW ALGORITHM FOR PREDICTION WIMAX TRAFFIC BASED ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELS

Authors: DAW ABDULSALAM ALI DAW , KAMARUZZAMAN BIN SEMAN , MADIHAH BINT MOHD SAUDI

Abstract: In this paper, WIMAX traffic forecasting system for predicting traffic time series based on the traffic data recorded (TRD) along with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was proposed. The data used in this work are the maximum online user, minimum online user, traffic of MIMO-A and traffic of MIMO-B. These data are available from LibyaMax network (WiMAX technology) motorized by Libya Telecom and Technology over a period of 90 days. The quality of forecasting WIMAX traffic obtained by focusing on the ANN design through comparing different configurations of and models that consist of investigating different topology and learning algorithms. The decision of changing the ANN architecture is essentially based on prediction results to obtain the best ANN model for flow traffic prediction model. Testing the different configurations using real traffic data recorded at base stations (A, B and AB) that belong to a Libyan WiMAX Network. Statistical measurement is used to evaluate the different ANNs

Keywords: WIMAX traffic, ANN model , Forecasting System

Pages: 57 - 62 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-13

11. EFFECTIVENESS OF ARSENIC PHYTOREMEDIATION USING LUDWIGIA OCTOVALVIS IN A PILOT REED BED SYSTEM

Authors: HARMIN SULISTIYANING TITAH , HASSAN BASRI , MUHAMMAD MUKHLISIN , MUSHRIFAH IDRIS , NURINA ANUAR , SITI ROZAIMAH SKEIKH ABDULLAH

Abstract: Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven is a terrestrial tropical plant in Malaysia having the ability to uptake and accumulate arsenic in their tissue. The effectiveness of arsenic phytoremediation by L. octovalvis in pilot reed bed system using arsenic spiked sand was conducted to determine the feasibility using this plant in a large scale of phytoremediation. The depth of arsenic spiked sand in a reed bed system was 10 cm with another two fine and medium gravels layer below, each at 10 cm depth. All treatments were carried out without addition of fertilizer, bacteria or aeration. The higher arsenic uptake and accumulation reached 528.5 ± 68.3 mg/kg in leaves of L. octovalvis after 42 days of exposure at arsenic concentration of 39 mg/kg. Based on the translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BF) values, indicating phytoextraction has role process in arsenic phytoremediation using L. octovalvis in a pilot reed bed system using spiked sand. The effectiveness of arsenic phyt

Keywords: arsenic, uptake, accumulation, performance, pilot reed bed, effectiveness.

Pages: 63 - 67 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-14

12. THE EFFECT OF MIXTURE ( SIDR INFUSION WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE) ON BACTERIA PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Authors: ANWAR KADHIM AL-SAFFAR , HUSSEIN KADHIM AL-SAFFAR , SUAD GHALI KADHIM ALAHMED , THEKRA ABDULAALI ABED AL-CHAABAWI

Abstract: The remarkable ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and thrive in wide variety of environments is due in part to its extensive genetic versatility, which contributes significantly to its potential pathogenicity. Depending on the environmental conditions and the immune status of the host, P.aeruginosa can be a quiescent colonizer, a case of chronic infections, or highly virulent invader during acute infections. The study is to assess the antibacterial effect of a new special solution made by a mixture of sidr infusion (Ziziphussspina- Christi (L) var. inermisBoiss) with Hydrogen peroxide. In this study, P.aeruginosa isolates exhibited high resistance rate toward Cefataxime (CTX:30mg), Ceftazidme (Ca:30mg). Gentamicin (CN: 10 mg) and Carbenicillin (Py: 100mg). while Norfloxacin (NOR:10mg), Tobramycin (TOB:10mg) and Amikacin (Ami:30 mg) inbition zone of sensitive isolate in disc diffusion test were determined at (22.16 and 20) mm respectively. We was tested their decontamination usi

Keywords: Sidr infusion, Hydrogen peroxide, special antibacterial, P.aeruginosa.

Pages: 68 - 71 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-15

13. CO2 SEQUESTRATION USING CHARACIUM SP. IN AN AIRLIFT PHOTOBIOREACTOR

Authors: MOHD SOBRI TAKRIFF , NUR LIYANA ABDUL RAHIMI , ZAHIRA YAAKOB

Abstract: Microalgae are known to have better growth rate and have higher performance at fixing CO2 compared to other photosynthetic organisms. In addition, microalgae require less space for cultivation, hence, the strategic use of photobioreactor. Cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactor is a practical approach to mitigate CO2 emission. In this study, Characium sp. was cultured in an airlift photobioreactor to determine the effect of CO2 concentrations on its growth. Assessment was also conducted on its biomass, chlorophyll a and lipid contents. Characium sp. presented the highest CO2 fixation rate in 5% CO2 with 1.222 g L-1 d-1. During 21-day interval cultures, the specific growth rate of Characium sp. at CO2 concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% were 0.263 d-1,, 0.191 d-1, and 0.181 d-1 respectively. Meanwhile, its biomass productivity at 5%, 10%, and 15% CO2 concentrations was 0.048 g L-1 d-1, 0.038 g L-1 d-1, and 0.028 g L-1 d-1respectively. The highest chlorophyll a recorded was 2.82 µg/m

Keywords: microalgae, Characium sp., carbon dioxide;, airlift, CO2 fixation

Pages: 72 - 75 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-16

14. SALINITY STRESS ON GROWTH, NUTRIENTS AND CARBON DISTRIBUTION IN SEEDLINGS PARTS OF HERITIERA FOMES

Authors: MD. NAZMUL HASAN , MAHMOOD HOSSAIN , MOHAMMAD RAQIBUL HASAN SIDDIQUE , SANJOY SAHA

Abstract: Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity on survival and growth of Heretiera fomes Buch.-Ham seedling. It was also examine the distributional pattern of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and carbon in seedlings parts in relation to salinity. This experiment was carried out in hydroponic media for six months. All the seedlings (100%) found to survive at non saline (0 ppt) to moderate (10 ppt) saline conditions and lowest (40%) survival was observed at 35 ppt salinity. Significant (p 0.05) negative correlations were observed among salinity and different indicators of growth (collar diameter, height and oven-dried biomass increment). Significant (p 0.05) difference in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and carbon concentration was observed for different parts of seedlings at different salinity levels. Comparatively (p 0.05) highest concentration of nitrogen (16 to 21 mg/g), phosphorus (2.9 to 3.7 mg/g), potassium (11 to 26 mg/g) and carbon (44.60 to 46.4

Keywords: Growth, Heritiera fomes, Nutrients, Salinity, Seedling, Survival

Pages: 80 - 86 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-18

15. NATURALLY OCCURRING CAROTENOIDS IN CYANOBACTERIA AS BIOINDICATOR FOR HEAVY METALS DETECTION

Authors: LING SHING WONG , SIOK CHIN TEO

Abstract: Heavy metals pollution is a worldwide issue which requires close monitoring. The presence of naturally occurring cyanobacteria in water bodies makes them good candidates as bioindicators for heavy metals. In this paper, a novel bioindicator using naturally occurring carotenoids for heavy metals detection is reported. The content of carotenoids in cyanobacteria decreased in the presence of heavy metals, with the measurement carried out using spectrophotometer (λ = 440 nm). From the experiment, the cyanobacteria from the lag phase and stationary phase were suitable to be used as the bioindicator, while the detection ranges of Cu and Pb were within 0.01 mg/L to 10.00 mg/L. The lowest detection limits for both Cu and Pb were 0.01 mg/L respectively.

Keywords: Heavy metals indicator, Anabaena cylindrica, Carotenoids

Pages: 87 - 90 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-19

16. RICHARDS MODEL TO DETERMINE THE HEIGHT GROWTH RATE OF MUNG BEAN PLANT

Authors: MUSLIKHAH , WAYAN SURYA WARDHANI

Abstract: The aim of this research is applying sigmoid growth model to determine the mung bean height growth pattern, in order to find out the important period during the plant growth. The data used was secondary data of mung bean plant with nitrogen fertilizer treatment. Data were collected for three months in a week interval. The analysis result showed that Richards model is suitable in describing the plant growth pattern, as the adjusted coefficient of determination is more than 99%. The Richards growth curve and the trend of the growth rate were also drawn. Analyzing the trend, it was found that the maximum growth rate happens at about five weeks after planting and at that time the plant height is about 33 cm. It means that the important period is at about or just before week five after planting.

Keywords: Growth analysis, Mung bean, Richards model

Pages: 91 - 93 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-20

17. RADIATION DOSE ASSESSMENT DUE TO 222RN OF SOME SOIL SAMPLES IN DYWANIYA CITY, IRAQ

Authors: B. A. ALMAYAHI

Abstract: Radioactivity level of Ra226 in soil samples was determined using NaI (Tl) detector. Soil samples were collected from Dywaniya city (Sniya, Sadeer, Bdeer, Shanafeya, city center, and Summer). Results showed the presence of natural radionuclide Ra226 in some soil samples. In order to evaluate the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity, the mean resulted dose has been calculated.

Keywords: Radon, Natural radioactivity, Gamma spectrometry, NaI (Tl), Environmental radioactivity

Pages: 94 - 96 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-21

18. ASSESSING GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL OF A LIMESTONE AQUIFER IN LOPBURI PROVINCE, CENTRAL THAILAND

Authors: SCHRADH SAENTON , WANIDA PIAMTANG

Abstract: An assessment of groundwater potential in Huaykhunram subdistrict, Phattana Nikhom district, Lopburi province, Central Thailand was conducted. The study area was underlain by a fractured limestone aquifer where groundwater flow regime is complex and difficult to characterize. Groundwater is the main agricultural water source in this area and its quantity must be estimated for better planning of irrigation system. Primary study indicated that agriculture and domestic usage of groundwater in an area of approximately 100 km2 was as large as 1.26 Mm3/yr where the natural recharge and safe yield were approximately 3.89 Mm3/yr. The groundwater is mainly Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water types. The geochemical elements indicate quality of groundwater is controlled mainly by the dissolution of carbonate rocks. Future work will include pumping and tracers test as well as groundwater modeling using MODFLOW-CFP (conduit-flow process) to better assess groundwater resource of this area.

Keywords: groundwater, limestone, potential, aquifers

Pages: 97 - 101 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-22

19. HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SHALLOW GROUNDWATER IN THE ILLEGAL LANDFILL AREA, EASTERN THAILAND

Authors: SCHRADH SAENTON , SORRAWIT THAMMAJAI

Abstract: A shallow groundwater sampling scheme was conducted for a site located nearby the illegal landfill, eastern Thailand. The site was consisted of several soil pits which were subsequently filled by unidentified industrial wastes for an unknown duration. This preliminary investigation includes groundwater samplings and chemical analyses. Groundwater flow direction is mainly from north to south where the illegal landfill is clearly located on the groundwater flow pathways and this could pose a potential threat for groundwater contamination. Seven heavy metals are iron, lead, manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, and cadmium. Most metal are in the Thai Government’s regulated standards except for Mn and Pb for wells located near the landfill. Future work will include more detailed investigation and modeling to predict the extent and advance of contamination.

Keywords: groundwater, contamination, heavy metals, aquifers, Thailand

Pages: 102 - 105 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-23

20. MODIFICATION OF THE ADAPTIVE MORPHOLOGY AND MASK OVERLAPPING FOR BLOOD VESSEL SEGMENTATION

Authors: ARIF MUNTASAA , INDAH AGUSTIEN SIRADJUDDIN , MOCHAMMAD KAUTSAR SOPHAN

Abstract: Modification of the Adaptive Morphology and Mask Overlapping is proposed in this research for the blood vessel segmentation of the retinal image. The method consists of five main stages, first, enhancement of retinal image using adaptive enhancement method. Second stage is bottom Hat transformation for the segmentation and noise removal. Third, adaptive thresholding process to remove the remain noise in the image. Morphological operation is applied in the fourth stage, i.e. skeletonization and pruning. Skeletonization is used for the blood vessel thinning process, and pruning is used is to remove unused branches of the segmented blood vessel. The last stage in this research is noise removal using mask overlapping. Experiment is done using the retinal image from the DRIVE dataset. The sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of the segmentation method are 78.5%, 95.67%, and 87.12% respectively

Keywords: blood vessel segmentation, morphology, mask overlapping , skeletonization, prunning

Pages: 106 - 109 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-24

21. THE MULTI PUMP ABSORPTION MODEL FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF TOXIC GASES IN A TUNNEL

Authors: ROBERTA SBURLATI

Abstract: In this work we study the diffusion of a toxic gas in a tunnel due to an explosion. The aim is to to realize a control system for identification and immediate containment procedures. To this end, many aspiration pumps are turned on to mitigate the effects. The model utilizes the diffusion partial differential equation with non-homogeneous terms for the aspiration pumps

Keywords: Analytical solution · Circular tunnel · Explosion · Toxic gas · Dispersion

Pages: 116 - 119 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-87

22. AUTOMATED SUMMARIZATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM: QUALITY ASSESSMENT WITHOUT A REFERENCE SUMMARY

Authors: NORISMA IDRIS

Abstract: This paper presents an algorithm that can be used to assess the quality of the summaries without a gold standard. This algorithm is based on linguistic knowledge. An innovative aspect of our algorithm lies in its ability to improve the performance of existing techniques for evaluation summaries. The evaluation results on the students' summaries demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is able to obtain high accuracy and improve performance compared with the current techniques. The algorithm has also been developed into a learning environment for helping both teachers and students.

Keywords: Summarization Evolution algorithm, linguistic measurement, intelligent tutoring systems, Similarity measure

Pages: 125 - 129 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-89

23. ENHANCED PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF 4-NITROPHENOL USING ACRYONITRILE MODIFIED POLYMER/ZNO NANOCOMPOSITE PHOTODEGRADATION OF 4-NITROPHENOL

Authors: MUHAMMED M. IBRAHIM , SIRAJO B. LAWAN

Abstract: Factors affecting the degradation efficiency of one of the major persistent organic waste water pollutant 4-nitrophenol such as light source, photocatalyst load, maximum concentration of 4-nitrophenol, pH and period of irradiation are the main focus concern in the present work. Results obtained revealed the maximum photocatalyst loading and pollutant concentration to be 0.75g and 100ppm respectively with a pseudo-first-order decomposition reaction kinetics. The efficiency of 1:2 acryonitrile modified polymer/ZnO nanocomposite was found to be 96.47% after 120mins of exposure period which is higher as compared with the pure ZnO and the ordinary grafted cassava with 91% TOC removal ability. Incorporating of 1:2 acryonitrile modified polymer/ZnO was also found to increase the surfaced area and pore volume of the ZnO matrix thus increasing its porosity and visible light absorption which is the reason for the increased degradation efficiency.

Keywords: microwave, Phenol, Photocatalysis, Polymer, ZnO

Pages: 130 - 134 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-90

24. BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM DEACETYLATED BIOMASS AND OXALIC ACID PRETREATMENT WITHOUT DETOXIFICATION

Authors: JAE-WON LEE , CHANDAN KUNDU

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass which contains mainly cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin evaluated for production bioethanol and bio-based chemical. To produce bioethanol from yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), deacetylation was performed using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and analyzed by a response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters (time and NaOH concentration) to optimize the condition. The highest 7.06 g/L acetic acid was extracted through deacetylation by 0.8 % NaOH for 80 min and further used this condition to prepare deacetylated biomass. The pretreatment were carried out by oxalic acid at different temperatures for 30 min. After pretreatment, solids were separated from hydrolysate by filtration and used to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Acetic acid production significantly decreased in the oxalic acid pretreatment hydrolysate due to deacetylation. The xylan content decreased in the solid fraction after oxalic acid pretreatment with increa

Keywords: deacetylation, sodium hydroxide, (NaOH) solution

Pages: 135 - 135 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-91

25. A REVIEW OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE DUE TO UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN DRY ZONE, SRI LANKA

Authors: CHARUNI WIJERATHNE , TOMONORI KAWAKAMI

Abstract: Chronic Kidney Disease due to unknown etiology (CKDu) is a deadly disease of which the prevalence have been identified in several countries in North Central America, India and Sri Lanka. Several studies have showed that, the usual factors as long-standing diabetes and hypertension are not the leading causes for the majority of CKD patients from the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Many researchers suggest that the etiology for CKDu may be a combination of several environmental factors. Some suggest that even though no single geochemical parameter could be clearly and directly related to the CKD etiology, it is very likely that the unique hydro-geochemistry of the drinking water is closely associated with the incidence of the disease. Hence this research was aimed to identify the CKDu prevalence in Sri Lanka and the similarities with the reported cases in the world, and to evaluate the suggested etiologies for the CKDu in Sri Lanka with more focus to the strong etiology suggestions. Initially a t

Keywords: CKDu, Etiology, Groundwater Quality, Fluoride, Hardness

Pages: 136 - 140 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-92

26. A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR EXTRACTION OF HIGH PURITY CHITOSAN FROM SHRIMP SHELL WASTE

Authors: JISHA M.S , SHARREL REBELLO , DIVYA K

Abstract: Shell waste produced by the sea food industry is one of the most important problems contributing significant environmental and health hazards. The most frequent method employed for its disposal is burning which becomes environmentally costly due to low burning capacity of shells. In such a scenario, conversion of Shrimp shell waste to chitosan a commercially valuable product with a myriad of uses, could serve as an effective mode of shell remediation. Chitosan was obtained from shrimp shell waste by deproteination, demineralisation, decolourization and deacetylation processes. It was characterized using FT-IR, SEM and XRD. The physiochemical parameters like moisture content, pH, viscosity, residue on ignition, degree of deacetylation and solubility was also analysed. Results: Crude chitin was collected from shell of Penaeus monodon which was then processed to obtain chitosan. The chitosan yield was found to be 46%. Chitosan obtained had 5% moisture content, pH of 8 and 85% degree of de

Keywords: Penaeus monodon, chitin, chitosan

Pages: 141 - 145 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-93

27. ANALYSIS OF ULTRASTRUCTURE PROPERTIES OF CELL WALLS IN DILUTE ACID PRETREATED BIOMASS BY CONFOCAL RAMAN MICROSCOPY

Authors: JAE-WON LEE , SO-YEON JEONG

Abstract: The effect of dilute acid pretreatment on the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass was investigated, based on the chemical and ultrastructure properties of cell walls. Oxalic acid and sulfuric acid used as chemical catalyst. Confocal Raman microscopy was used to gain improved understanding of how acid pretreatment disrupt lignocelluloses cell walls. Total fermentable sugar (glucose and xylose) in the oxalic acid hydrolysate was as high as 26.18 g/L, compared to that of sulfuric acid hydrolysate. The chemical composition of the pretreated biomass differed slightly, depending on the acid catalyst. Considerable xylan was degraded, during oxalic acid pretreatment. The glucan and lignin contents were relatively increased in the oxalic acid pretreatment. Among two acid pretreatment, oxalic acid was more effective on enzymatic hydrolysis, with 29.46 g/l of total fermentable sugar after 96 h. Optical microscopy showed the dilute acid pretreatment significantly changed the cell wall structure,

Keywords: fermentable sugar, (glucose and xylose)

Pages: 146 - 146 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-94

28. TRACKING INFORMATION ON FUTURE INTERESTS/EVENTS USING WEB MINING, PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS AND SEMANTIC WEB

Authors: ANKIT SHARMA

Abstract: This paper explains the implementation of a mobile application solution on iOS to track future events and interests relevant to brands, weather, entertainment, leisure, persons followed, disaster, etc. and throw fragmented information threads to users using predictive analysis, push notifications, concepts of web mining and semantic web. Public APIs and XML, Json feeds have been used to gather data and push technology transfers processed information threads matched with objects of interests based on the user's predictive analysis. The utility of such a system is to rush the tracked information to the individuals in real time for better activity scheduling and informed decision making. The user's social graph, online activity, mobile data, time of day, location, historical search patterns are selectively accessed for insights into user's behavioral patterns to estimate user's future interests hierarchy. The solution can also be used to generate useful analytics for enterprises.

Keywords: push notification, predictive analysis, mobile iOS app development, semantic web, web mining

Pages: 147 - 152 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-95

29. THERMODYNAMIC STUDY OF COMPLEX FORMATION BETWEEN AZAMACROCYCLIC LIGAND WITH CU2+ AND FE2+ CATIONS IN MEOH-H2O BINARY SOLVENTS

Authors: LEILA NARIMANI , MAJID REZAYI , WOI PEI MENG , YATIMAH ALIAS

Abstract: The complex interaction studies involved complex formation reactions between 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle ligand and Cu2+ and Fe2+ metal cations in methanol-water (MeOH-H2O) binary mixtures at different temperatures by applying conductometric method. These are very important due to their role in some analytical applications such as molecular recognition and biological transportation mechanisms. In all cases, the Log Kf of 1:1 formed complexes between ligand and cations were obtained by fitting the molar conductivity curves using the Genplot computer program. The values of thermodynamic parameters, standard enthalpy (∆H) and standard entropy (∆S) for the complexes were obtained from the temperature dependence of the stability constants using the van’t Hoff plots. Complexations in every case were found to be entropy stabilized, and the selectivity order of all complexes changes as well as the changes in composition of the solvent mixtures.

Keywords: conductometric method, 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle ligand, thermodynamic study.

Pages: 153 - 156 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-111

30. ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE METHANE FROM PETROCHEMICAL WASTEWATER USING CSTR

Authors: A.W. ZULARISAM , MD. NURUL ISLAM SIDDIQUE

Abstract: The effect of gradual increase in organic loading rate (OLR) and temperature on biomethanation from petrochemical wastewater treatment was investigated using CSTR. The digester performance was measured at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 to 2d, and start up procedure of the reactor was monitored for 60 days via chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, biogas and methane production. By enhancing the temperature from 30 to 55 ˚C Thermophilic condition was attained, and pH was adjusted at 7 ± 0.5 during the experiment. Supreme COD removal competence was 98±0.5% (r = 0.84) at an OLR of 7.5 g-COD/Ld and 4d HRT. Biogas and methane yield were logged to an extreme of 0.80 L/g-CODremoved d (r = 0.81), 0.60 L/g-CODremoved d (r = 0.83), and mean methane content of biogas was 65.49%. The full acclimatization was established at 55 ˚C with high COD removal efficiency and biogas production. An OLR of 7.5 g-COD/L d and HRT of 4 days were apposite for petrochemical wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Petrochemical wastewater, CSTR, Methane.

Pages: 161 - 165 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-004-0-120