Systematics study through scanning electron microscopy; a tool for the authentication of herbal drug Mentha suaveolens Ehrh

In all over the world, herbal drugs are usually adulterated with similar species or varieties due to incorrect identification. Most of herbal products devoid purity and quality, therefore an attempt was carried out to identify plant species and authenticate its herbal drug products from Mentha suaveolens. Microscopy tools provide an excellent platform to identify plants at species level. In this study, microscopic and pharmacokinetic parameters of M. suaveolens were observed. Plant species were collected from high diverse areas of Northern Pakistan. Macro and micro‐morphology including palynology and anatomical features were analyzed to study M. suaveolens. Species characteristics were studied, while implementing microscopic techniques for the delimitation and identification of the species. Traditionally Mentha species are used to cure several diseases that is, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders. Micromorphology (stem, leaves, flowers structure, length etc.), palynology (shape, size of pollen etc.), and anatomical characters (types of stomata, epidermal cell shape, and trichomes) were studied. Micromorphology and anatomical characters were of great interest and significance to discuss the taxonomy of the species. Taxonomic characters were studied to characterize and authenticate the species. The aim of the present study is to observe in detail the taxonomic identification of the species in term of morphology, palynology, and foliar epidermal anatomy for the correct identification along with their medicinal uses in the area.     

浅谈运用水表节水的措施

从合理设置水表位置、水表选型、提高计量准确性的技术措施等方面,阐述了民用建筑节水的有效技术措施,指出合理设置和使用水表对节水工作的重要性。     

Effect of process parameters and raw material characteristics on physical and mechanical properties of wood pellets made from sugar maple particles

The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of process parameters and raw material characteristics on physical and mechanical properties of wood pellets made from particles of sugar maple trees of different vigor. Pellets were made in a single pelletizer while controlling temperature (75, 100 and 125 °C), moisture content (8.1, 11.2 and 17.2%), compression force (1500, 2000 and 2500 N) and particle size (<0.25, 0.25–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 mm). Particle size was the most important factor influencing friction in the die, followed by moisture content, compression force and temperature. Moisture content was the most important factor affecting pellet density, followed by temperature, compression force and raw material particle size. Temperature was the most important factor for pellet compression strength, followed by compression force, particle size and moisture content. Friction in the die decreased with increasing particle size and moisture content of the material and increased with increasing compression force. It decreased initially with increasing temperature from 75 °C to 100 °C, and then increased with temperature. Density and strength of pellets increased with temperature and compression force, decreased with increasing particle size, and decreased with increasing moisture content. Pelletizing should be performed at 100 °C to minimize friction and a moisture content of 11.2% to maximize density and compression strength of the pellets. Wood particles from sugar maple trees of low vigor were more suitable for making wood pellets in terms of friction in the pelletizer and compression strength than those from vigorous trees.     

Exploring the Impact of Social Networking on Communication in Organizations

ABSTRACT

Social networking technology has the potential to transform how organizations communicate, cooperate, and connect with key stakeholders. Our research explores how social networking technologies are deployed within organizations and how the use of these technologies is related to effectiveness in organizational communication and promotion. We also identify the facilitating factors and constraints around the use of social networking tools for communication. To examine these questions, we conducted interviews with 131 senior level executives across a broad range of organizations and employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. The executives were asked to rate numerically and then discuss in narrative form a series of questions about IT strategy and issues affecting social networking in their organization. We find important differences both in the types of tools used as well as how they are used and discuss the implications of our findings for companies seeking to more effectively harness social networking technologies.     

浅谈技术研发过程中专利的管理与利用

从专利的含义和特性入手,简述了专利的申请决策事项,探讨企业在技术研发过程中如何进行专利的管理和利用,并为企业在专利技术开发和保护方面提供相应的建议。     

3SNS往复式注浆泵的改进与研究

3SNS注浆泵属往复式单作用三柱塞泵,是输送水泥浆或砂浆的注浆工程配套设备。该泵具有流量可调、泵压较高、单位时间排量稳定及装拆方便等优点,广泛应用于各类基础灌浆及替代泥浆泵用于地质钻探工程。但在运用过程中也存在水泥浆(尤其是水泥砂浆)容易堵塞进排道腔体,堵塞频率较高,增加了工程成本和劳动强度。结合生产实践,并与生产厂家共同探讨,对3SNS泵的泵头进行了改进,增大了球阀罩腔内尺寸,改进内腔结构,同时将进排道的原中间进浆改为两侧进浆,基本解决了水泥浆或水泥砂浆的堵塞,降低了机械故障率,减轻了劳动强度,取得了一定的经济效益。     

三相并网逆变器脱网运行电压控制技术

IEEE Std.1547规定并网逆变器需要具备孤岛运行的能力以维持负载电压稳定。分析了比例积分控制、比例谐振控制和比例复数积分控制3种线性电压控制策略从系统跟随特性、抗扰特性以及系统主导极点分布对3种电压控制方案的稳态特性和动态特性进行了对比,并在Matlab/Simulink中进行了仿真研究。最后在TMS320F2812数字信号处理器数字化控制平台上验证了理论分析的正确性。     

High-temperature oxidation behavior of multi-phase Mo-containing γ-TiAl-based alloys

Intermetallic titanium aluminides are potential materials for a number of high-temperature components used in aero and automotive engines. In particular, alloys solidifying via the β-phase are of great interest because they possess a significant volume fraction of the disordered body-centered cubic β_o-phase at elevated temperatures ensuring good processing characteristics during hot-working. Nevertheless, the practical use of such alloys at a temperature as high as 800 °C requires improvement of their oxidation resistance. Various attempts have been made including alloying with additional elements such as Nb, Cr, Mo etc. or applying the so-called fluorine effect. However alloying could not provide a sufficient oxidation resistance above 850 °C whereas the fluorine effect protects the base material against environmental degradation up to over 1000 °C. This paper aims to investigate the influence of the phase composition on the oxide scale morphology without and with fluorine effect. The results refer to the oxidation behavior of three β-solidifying γ-TiAl-based alloys in the cast and hot-isostatically pressed condition at 800 °C in air. The behavior of the TNM alloy (Ti–43.5Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.1B, in at.%) was compared with that of two Nb-free TiAl alloys which contain different amounts of Mo (3 and 7 at.%, respectively) and hence a different microstructure (α₂/β_o/γ vs. β_o/γ). During testing in dry synthetic air at 800 °C a mixed oxide scale develops on all three alloys. This behavior was changed via the fluorine effect, as demonstrated for previously investigated TiAl alloys with an Al-content higher than 40 at.% based on α₂/γ and α₂/β_o/γ phases. The oxidation resistance of the fluorine treated samples was significantly improved compared to the untreated samples. The reason for this is the change in the oxidation mechanism triggered by the small additions of fluorine in the subsurface zone of the investigated alloys. The results of isothermal oxidation tests at 800 °C in air are presented and discussed in view of chemical composition and microstructure, along with the impact of the phase composition on the efficiency of the fluorine effect. From a microstructural perspective the fluorine effect leads to the formation of an even thinner oxide scale on the β-phase compared to the γ-phase.     

Demand function estimate for residential water in Oman

Current subsidies to residential water users in Oman are estimated at USD 314 million/y. This study estimates the demand function for residential water in Muscat, Oman, for households living in villas. A two-stage least squares econometric model with lagged average water price was used with socio-economic variables. Price elasticity for residential water in Muscat was estimated as –2.10. This high price elasticity is explained by the large proportion of water used for outdoor purposes. This study indicates that it may be possible to manage water demand in Muscat through modifying the price of water and reforming subsidies for residential water.     

Emu Meat: New Source of Healthier Meat Towards Niche Market

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second largest avian species in the world and is native to Australia. Emus are classified as ratites along with South African ostriches and South American rheas and are becoming popular as a source of low-fat, low-cholesterol, iron-rich red meat alternative. Emu meat has also been touted as a good source of protein, B vitamins, and creatine. In addition to its meat, emu oil has received attention for its possible therapeutic use, notably anti-inflamatory, and cosmetic benefits. However, the emu industry is very young, with already standardized hatching, feeding, rearing, and other management practices leading to the availability of a large number of grown-up birds. Hence, the emu industry is looking for science-based information in order to successfully produce and market emu meat, fat, skin, and feathers. The present review was prepared to provide information regarding emu slaughter, meat quality, composition, nutritional benefits, sensory attributes, comparison of emu meat over existing traditional meats, and emu fat and its potential therapeutic applications.