Power Allocation for Adaptive OFDM Index Modulation in Cooperative Networks

In this paper, we propose a power allocation strategy for the adaptive orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) index modulation (IM) in cooperative networks. The allocation strategy is based on the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions, and aims at maximizing the average network capacity according to the instantaneous channel state information (CSI). As the transmit power at source and relay is constrained separately, we can thus formulate an optimization problem by allocating power to active subcarriers. Compared to the conventional uniform power allocation strategy, the proposed dynamic strategy can lead to a higher average network capacity, especially in the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region. The analysis is also verified by numerical results produced by Monte Carlo simulations. By applying the proposed power allocation strategy, the efficiency of adaptive OFDM IM can be enhanced in practice, which paves the way for its implementation in the future, especially for cell-edge communications

Semiconductor Nanocrystals as Detection Components in Microfluidic Analytical Systems

Miniaturized and portable microfluidic analytical platforms have been widely explored in the broad field of chemical analysis. The concept of microfluidics offer a number of important advantages, including low reagent consumption, low-cost detection, high sample throughput, and shorter analysis time. Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots have been extensively utilized in a wide variety of manners including as emitters in consumer products (light bulbs) and, more importantly here, as elements for chemical and biological sensing. These applications are possible because of their unique optical and electronic properties. The goal of this dissertation was to integrate two fields of study – microfluidics for chemical and biological analysis, and semiconductor nanocrystals for detection – into a single analytical device. In this work, the development of microfluidic analytical devices incorporating semiconductor nanocrystals for chemical sensing is presented. The research effort started with the synthesis of a dual emission fluorescent quantum dot pair. CdTe quantum dots of two different sizes, emitting green and red light, were utilized as fluorophores. The green dot was used as a constant emitter and was encapsulated in a silica shell. The red dot was immobilized on the silica surface and selectively quenched in the presence of copper. The wavelength-ratiometric sensor thus constructed resulted in a fluorescence color change from red to green, identified visually, corresponding to the absence and presence of copper. The wavelength-ratiometric sensor was transferred to a microfluidic format made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and assembled using polycaprolactone (PCL). Red and green intensity values from the RGB colorspace were used as analytical signals to generate a calibration curve. A Stern-Volmer plot in the range of 1-30 mg/L was used to quantify copper in water samples. For serum samples, absolute intensity values of green and red were plotted to mitigate non-linearity in the Stern-Volmer plot arising from the formation of copper-protein complexes. The research continued with the development of a quantum dot assay performed in a paper-based well plate format for cyanide detection. Chitosan modified CdTe quantum dots (CS-QDs) were synthesized and used as a fluorophore. The CS-QDs were quenched with copper and deposited onto a glass microfiber filter (GF/B). The paper-based well plate resembled a conventional plastic well plate in its x and y dimensions, to facilitate detection in a plate reader, and was designed to contain three layers: an opaque floor, a middle layer containing the reagents in a GF/B matrix, and an upper layer that retained the reagent pads while providing direct access to the individual wells for sample application and optical interrogation. The dried assay of quenched CS-QDs on GF/B was assembled on a paper-based well plate using PCL as a hydrophobic barrier and adhesive for each individual assay. The introduction of cyanide triggered recovery of a fluorescent signal from the CS-QDs in proportion to cyanide concentration, arising from copper-cyanide complex formation and depletion of copper from the QD surface. Linear calibration was measured in the range of 0-200 µM within 30 min. A paper-based well plate using CS-QDs made rapid, high sample throughput, low-cost testing feasible and convenient for cyanide detection. The color change was visually perceptible (making field use feasible) and the fluorescence output change was readily and sensitively measured, with greater accuracy and precision, using an automated plate reader. In the final component of the research effort described here, a novel method of constructing dsDNA, aimed at total gene synthesis on a shortened timescale and with a reduced error rate, was developed. Short (28-mer) oligo fragments from a library were assembled through successive annealing and ligation processes, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. First, two oligo fragments annealed to form a double-stranded DNA molecule (dsDNA). The dsDNA was immobilized onto magnetic beads as solid support via streptavidin-biotin binding. Next, singlestranded oligo fragments were successively added through ligation to form the complete DNA molecule. More than 97% of the nucleotides matched the expected sequence. Coupled with an automated dispensing system and libraries of short oligo fragments, this novel dsDNA synthesis method offers an efficient and cost-effective method for dsDNA production. The longer-term aim of the project is to utilize inkjet deposition technology to fully automate the assembly process

Empowerment and Knowledge Sharing in Health Infomediary: Empirical Evidence from Reconstructive Surgery Patients

Health infomediaries have become an important avenue for patients to seek health-related information. Despite the importance of health infomediaries, only a few can sustain in the long run and the rest are still struggling to gain more engagement from patients. This study provides an approach for health infomediaries to gain more engagement and boost knowledge contribution through patient empowerment and provides important evidence that may refute the belief that self-efficacy alone can lead to higher knowledge contribution on health infomediaries, at least for reconstructive surgery patients. The study investigates the archival data from reconstructive surgery patients to gain insight on knowledge sharing behavior on health infomediaries. The results suggest that self-efficacy can influence knowledge sharing on health infomediaries through the mediation of patient empowerment, and that self-efficacy alone does not lead to knowledge sharing on health infomediaries

Bioaugmentation of latex rubber sheet wastewater treatment with stimulated indigenous purple nonsulfur bacteria by fermented pineapple extract

AbstractBackgroundTreating latex rubber sheet wastewater often leads to the generation of a rotten-egg odor from toxic H2S. To increase the treatment efficiency and eliminate H2S, purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB), prepared by supplementing non-sterile rubber sheet wastewater (RAW) with fermented pineapple extract (FPE), were used to treat this wastewater under microaerobic light conditions. The following 3 independent variables: chemical oxygen demand (COD), initial pH and FPE dose were investigated using the Box–Behnken design to find optimal conditions for stimulating the growth of indigenous PNSB (PNSBsi).ResultsThe addition of 2.0% FPE into RAW, which had a COD of 2000mgL-1 and an initial pH of 7.0, significantly decreased oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value and stimulated PNSBsi to reach a maximum of 7.8logcfumL-1 within 2d. Consequently, these PNSBsi, used as inoculants, were investigated for their ability to treat the wastewater under microaerobic light conditions. A central composite design was used to determine the optimal conditions for the wastewater treatment. These proved to be 7% PNSBsi, 0.8% FPE and 4d retention time and this combination resulted in a reduction of 91% for COD, 75% for suspended solids, 61% for total sulfide while H2S was not detected. Results of abiotic control and treatment sets indicated that H2S was produced by heterotrophic bacteria and it was then effectively deactivated by PNSBsi.ConclusionsThe stimulation of PNSB growth by FPE under light condition was to lower ORP, and PNSBsi proved to be effective for treating the wastewater

How can the Thai Foundation Garment Industry compete successfully in International Supply Networks?

The apparel industry is a significant income source for developing countries. Thailand is one of the largest textile and garment industries in South East Asia (Lotharukpong, nd) and it is the second most important industrial segment regarding to employment (SourceAsean.com, 2010). From the interviewing with TGMA, Thai Foundation garment industry is one of world-class industries in Asia and has potentially grown in the future. After the quota liberation in 2005, Thai foundation garment industry has been facing many challenges recently, which including the hyper competition from other developing countries, the EU and the US economic downturn, the rise in labour minimum wage in April 2012, the devastated floods in 2011 and many other external factors. It is important to aware of the upcoming AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) in 2015 and also the Wear American Act of 2012. This research aims to answer the main research question, which is “How can the Thai foundation garment industry compete successfully in international supply networks” by exploring and analysing the current situation of the industry using various frameworks in the professional literatures. Additionally, the four case studies of representative companies and the interviewing with Thai Garment Manufacturers Association are also conducted to gain more insights information. The information collecting from both primary and secondary data are examined and the most important findings are highlighted. With regard to the analyses and findings, the direction for Thai foundation garment industry should be initiated by recognising the success of Italy fashion in world market. Therefore, Thai foundation garment companies should aim to be “the Italy of the East”. To be able to successfully achieve that goal, seven recommended strategies should be implemented as an answer the main research question and also to be able to success in AEC 2015. Those strategies are as below: 1. Upgrading their value chain in order to differentiate themselves from other neighbourhood competitors, 2. Upgrading their products from low-cost commodities to higher value-added fashion products 3. Upgrading their processes to improve efficiencies and flexibilities along their supply network 4. Creating their own product developing team 5. Creating their own brand identity 6. Developing skills of workers along the stage of value chain 7. Promoting specific local cluster for the foundation garment industry. These recommendations can help Thai foundation garment industry to success in global supply network. This research may be of interest to managers in the apparel business organisations, especially in foundation garment industrial leaders, who intend to understand the current situation of this industry in Thailand and the appropriate direction for this business in order to success in global supply network. However, it is also important to note that this research is still too broad for readers to penetrate into the details of each focus area. Therefore, the future research should aim to focus on more specific details in several key areas, such as how can Thai foundation garment industry be able to upgrade from OEMs to ODMs and OBMs? , The future of Thai foundation garment industry in the post AEC, The relocation of Thai OEM foundation garment industry to neighbourhood countries and also the potential of Thai foundation garment clusters

Effect of Silicon Carbide on the Properties of Natural Rubber Blends with EPDM Rubber

Blends of natural rubber/ ethylene propylene diene monomer were prepared in an internal mixer. The semi-EV of sulphur was used. The effect of the silicon carbide (SiC) level (5, 10, 15, and 20 phr) on the cure characteristic, mechanical, thermal and morphology properties of silicon carbide ï¬lled 30:70 NR/EPDM were studied. The curing properties show that the tc90 and tS2 of NR/EPDM blends increased with the increasing SiC loading. The effect of SiC loading on the tensile strength of NR/EPDM blends showed that tensile of vulcanizates increased with the increasing SiC up until 10 phr, extra addition of SiC would deteriorate the tensile properties. The thermal oxidative property of SiC filled NR/EPDM were satisfactory at all SiC loadings

In Vitro

Phikud Navakot (PN), Thai herbal remedy in National List of Essential Medicines, has been claimed to reduce many cardiovascular symptoms especially dizziness and fainting. Apart from blood supply, erythrocyte morphology, in both shape and size, is one of the main consideration factors in cardiovascular diseases and may be affected by vascular oxidative stress. However, little is known about antioxidative property of PN on erythrocyte to preserve red blood cell integrity. In this study, 1,000 μM hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was conducted on sheep erythrocyte. Three doses of PN (1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL) and 10 μM of ascorbic acid were compared. The released hemoglobin absorbance was measured to demonstrate hemolysis. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical studies were also performed to characterize dysmorphic erythrocyte and osmotic ability in relation to aquaporin- (AQP-) 1 expression, respectively. The results revealed that all doses of PN and ascorbic acid decreased the severity of dysmorphic erythrocyte, particularly echinocyte, acanthocyte, knizocyte, codocyte, clumping, and other malformations. However, the most effective was 0.5 mg/mL PN dosage. In addition, hydrostatic pressure may be increased in dysmorphic erythrocyte in association with AQP-1 upregulation. Our results demonstrated that PN composes antioxidative effect to maintain the integrity and osmotic ability on sheep erythrocyte

Use of wood vinegar to enhance 5-aminolevulinic acid production by selected Rhodopseudomonas palustris in rubber sheet wastewater for agricultural use

AbstractThis study aimed to produce inexpensive 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in a non-sterile latex rubber sheet wastewater (RSW) by Rhodopseudomonas palustris TN114 and PP803 for the possibility to use in agricultural purposes by investigating the optimum conditions, and applying of wood vinegar (WV) as an economical source of levulinic acid to enhance ALA content. The Box–Behnken Design experiment was conducted under microaerobic-light conditions for 96h with TN114, PP803 and their mixed culture (1:1) by varying initial pH, inoculum size (% v/v) and initial chemical oxygen demand (COD, mg/L). Results showed that the optimal condition (pH, % inoculum size, COD) of each set to produce extracellular ALA was found at 7.50, 6.00, 2000 for TN114; 7.50, 7.00, 3000 for PP803; and 7.50, 6.00, 4000 for a mixed culture; and each set achieved COD reduction as high as 63%, 71% and 75%, respectively. Addition of the optimal concentration of WV at mid log phase at 0.63% for TN114, and 1.25% for PP803 and the mixed culture significantly increased the ALA content by 3.7–4.2times (128, 90 and 131μM, respectively) compared to their controls. ALA production cost could be reduced approximately 31times with WV on the basis of the amount of levulinic acid used. Effluent containing ALA for using in agriculture could be achieved by treating the RSW with the selected ALA producer R. palustris strains under the optimized condition with a little WV additive

The Problems of Renewable Power Plant Construction Affecting the Energy Security of Thailand

The objectives of this research were to study the process of submitting an application for every license that affects the success of renewable power plant construction and the energy security of Thailand in accordance with the Energy Industry Act 2007, the engineering factors used in the selection of all types of renewable power plant construction, and the Key Performance Indicators of all types of renewable power plant construction. The data analysis was divided into two sections. For the first section, the quantitative data was collected from the questionnaire conducted by the purposive sampling that included those related to renewable power plant projects, which asked the questions about the rules and regulations and power purchase agreement under the Energy Industry Act 2007. As for the factors influencing the project success, the private sector, combined in the sample group, included the design engineers, consulting and control engineers, and contractors. The 400 engineers were randomly selected from the registration of the Council of Engineers, including senior professional engineers, professional engineers, associate engineers, and adjunct engineers. In the second section, the qualitative data came from the in-depth interviews with five specialists and experts in the renewable power plant industry and in legal knowledge about the rules and regulations and power purchase agreements according to the Energy Industry Act 2007, who work in the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, a renewable power plant construction company, a renewable energy consulting company, in the field of renewable power plant investment, and as a renewable power plant specialist (Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission). The data was analyzed by using the following statistics: percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, and the Enter method of multiple regression. According to the results, the overall success of using the engineering factors in selecting a renewable power plant establishment has the mean at a high level. With regard to the types of power plants, the solar power plant is ranked at the top, followed by the second, the biomass power plant; then, the waste-to-energy power plant, the biogas power plant, and the wind power plant, respectively. The type of power plant with a moderately high mean is the hydroelectric power plant. The findings show the engineering factors related to the success of all types of renewable power plants. Moreover, regarding the problem of energy policy, deciding which type of energy to use is highly complicated because there are many dimensional reasons and no form of energy is the best or the worst option. However, it is not too difficult for specialists to make a decision