Abstract: Knowledge capabilities are increasingly important for
the innovative technology enterprises to enhance the business
performance in terms of product competitiveness, innovation and
sales. Recognition of the company capability by auditing allows them
to further pursue advancement, strategic planning and hence gain
competitive advantages. This paper attempts to develop an
Organizations- Knowledge Capabilities Assessment (OKCA) method
to assess the knowledge capabilities of technology companies. The
OKCA is a questionnaire-based assessment tool which has been
developed to uncover the impact of various knowledge capabilities on
different organizational performance. The collected data is then
analyzed to find out the crucial elements for different technological
companies. Based on the results, innovative technology enterprises are
able to recognize the direction for further improvement on business
performance and future development plan. External environmental
factors affecting organization performance can be found through the
further analysis of some selected reference companies.
Abstract: 20 years of dentistry was a period of transition from
communist to market economy but Romanian doctors have
insufficient management knowledge. Recently, the need for modern
management has increased due to technologies and superior materials
appearance, as patient-s demands.
Research goal is to increase efficiency by evaluating dental
medical office cost categories in real pricing procedures.
Empirical research is based on guided study that includes
information about the association between categories of cost
perception and therapeutic procedures commonly used in dental
offices.
Due to the obtained results to identify all the labours that make up
a settled procedure costs were determined for each procedure.
Financial evaluation software was created with the main functions:
introducing and maintaining patient records, treatment and
appointments made, procedures cost and monitoring office
productivity.
We believe that the study results can significantly improve the
financial management of dental offices, increasing the effectiveness
and quality of services.
Abstract: This paper investigates the aerodynamic characters of a model ducted fan system, analyses the basic principle of the effect of thrust promotion and torque reduction, discovers the relationship between the revolutions per minute(RPM) of the fan and the characters of thrust, as well as system torque. Firstly a model ducted fan has been designed and manufactured according to the specific structure of flow field, then CFD simulation has been carried out to analyze such aerodynamics, finally bench tests have been used to validate the simulation results and system configuration.
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed the effects of Mo thickness
on the properties of AZO/Mo/AZO multilayer thin films for
opto-electronics applications. The structural, optical and electrical
properties of AZO/Mo/AZO thin films were investigated.
Optimization of the thin films coatings resulted with low resistivity of
9.98 × 10-5 )-cm, mobility of 12.75 cm2/V-s, carrier concentration of
1.05 × 1022 cm-3, maximum transmittance of 79.13% over visible
spectrum of 380 – 780 nm and Haacke figure of merit (FOM) are 5.95
× 10-2 )-1 under Mo layer thickness of 15 nm. These results indicate an
alternative candidate for use as a transparent electrode in solar cells
and various displays applications.
Abstract: The innovative intelligent fuzzy weighted input
estimation method (FWIEM) can be applied to the inverse heat
transfer conduction problem (IHCP) to estimate the unknown
time-varying heat flux of the multilayer materials as presented in this
paper. The feasibility of this method can be verified by adopting the
temperature measurement experiment. The experiment modular may
be designed by using the copper sample which is stacked up 4
aluminum samples with different thicknesses. Furthermore, the
bottoms of copper samples are heated by applying the standard heat
source, and the temperatures on the tops of aluminum are measured by
using the thermocouples. The temperature measurements are then
regarded as the inputs into the presented method to estimate the heat
flux in the bottoms of copper samples. The influence on the estimation
caused by the temperature measurement of the sample with different
thickness, the processing noise covariance Q, the weighting factor γ ,
the sampling time interval Δt , and the space discrete interval Δx ,
will be investigated by utilizing the experiment verification. The
results show that this method is efficient and robust to estimate the
unknown time-varying heat input of the multilayer materials.
Abstract: Several approaches such as linear programming, network
modeling, greedy heuristic and decision support system are well-known
approaches in solving irregular airline operation problem. This paper
presents an alternative approach based on Multi Objective Micro Genetic
Algorithm. The aim of this research is to introduce the concept of Multi
Objective Micro Genetic Algorithm as a tool to solve irregular airline
operation, combine and reroute problem. The experiment result indicated
that the model could obtain optimal solutions within a few second.
Abstract: The implementation of electronic government started since the initiation of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) by the Malaysia government. The introduction of ICT in the public sector especially e-Government initiatives opens up a new book in the government administration throughout the world. The aim or this paper is to discuss the implementation of e-government in Malaysia, covering the result of public user self assessment on Malaysia's electronic government applications. E-services, e-procurement, Generic Office Environment (GOE), Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS), Project Monitoring System (PMS), Electronic Labor Exchange (ELX) and e-syariah(religion) were the seven flagship application assessed. The study adopted a crosssectional survey research approach and information system literature were used. The analysis was done for 35 responden in pilot test and there was evidence from public user's perspective to suggest that the e-government applications were generally successful.
Abstract: The high temperature degree and uniform
Temperature Distribution (TD) on surface of cookware which contact
with food are effective factors for improving cookware application.
Additionally, the ability of pan material in retaining the heat and nonreactivity
with foods are other significant properties. It is difficult for
single material to meet a wide variety of demands such as superior
thermal and chemical properties. Multi-Layer Plate (MLP) makes
more regular TD. In this study the main objectives are to find the best
structure (single or multi-layer) and materials to provide maximum
temperature degree and uniform TD up side surface of pan. And also
heat retaining of used metals with goal of improving the thermal
quality of pan to economize the energy. To achieve this aim were
employed Finite Element Method (FEM) for analyzing transient
thermal behavior of applied materials. The analysis has been
extended for different metals, we achieved the best temperature
profile and heat retaining in Copper/ Stainless Steel MLP.
Abstract: In this paper, a class of predator-prey-chain model with harvesting terms are studied. By using Mawhin-s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and some skills of inequalities, some sufficient conditions are established for the existence of eight positive periodic solutions. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the results.
Abstract: A new generation of manufacturing machines
so-called MIMCA (modular and integrated machine control
architecture) capable of handling much increased complexity in
manufacturing control-systems is presented. Requirement for more
flexible and effective control systems for manufacturing machine
systems is investigated and dimensioned-which highlights a need for
improved means of coordinating and monitoring production
machinery and equipment used to- transport material. The MIMCA
supports simulation based on machine modeling, was conceived by
the authors to address the issues. Essentially MIMCA comprises an
organized unification of selected architectural frameworks and
modeling methods, which include: NISTRCS, UMC and Colored
Timed Petri nets (CTPN). The unification has been achieved; to
support the design and construction of hierarchical and distributed
machine control which realized the concurrent operation of reusable
and distributed machine control components; ability to handle
growing complexity; and support requirements for real- time control
systems. Thus MIMCA enables mapping between 'what a machine
should do' and 'how the machine does it' in a well-defined but
flexible way designed to facilitate reconfiguration of machine
systems.
Abstract: This research investigates the design of a low-cost 3D
spatial interaction approach using the Wii Remote for immersive
Head-Mounted Display (HMD) virtual reality. Current virtual reality
applications that incorporate the Wii Remote are either desktop
virtual reality applications or systems that use large screen displays.
However, the requirements for an HMD virtual reality system differ
from such systems. This is mainly because in HMD virtual reality,
the display screen does not remain at a fixed location. The user views
the virtual environment through display screens that are in front of
the user-s eyes and when the user moves his/her head, these screens
move as well. This means that the display has to be updated in realtime
based on where the user is currently looking. Normal usage of
the Wii Remote requires the controller to be pointed in a certain
direction, typically towards the display. This is too restrictive for
HMD virtual reality systems that ideally require the user to be able to
turn around in the virtual environment. Previous work proposed a
design to achieve this, however it suffered from a number of
drawbacks. The aim of this study is to look into a suitable method of
using the Wii Remote for 3D interaction in a space around the user
for HMD virtual reality. This paper presents an overview of issues
that had to be considered, the system design as well as experimental
results.
Abstract: High strength concrete has been used in situations
where it may be exposed to elevated temperatures. Numerous authors
have shown the significant contribution of polypropylene fiber to the
spalling resistance of high strength concrete.
When cement-based composite that reinforced by polypropylene
fibers heated up to 170 °C, polypropylene fibers readily melt and
volatilize, creating additional porosity and small channels in to the
matrix that cause the poor structure and low strength.
This investigation develops on the mechanical properties of mortar
incorporating polypropylene fibers exposed to high temperature.
Also effects of different pozzolans on strength behaviour of samples
at elevated temperature have been studied.
To reach this purpose, the specimens were produced by partial
replacement of cement with finely ground glass, silica fume and rice
husk ash as high reactive pozzolans. The amount of this replacement
was 10% by weight of cement to find the effects of pozzolans as a
partial replacement of cement on the mechanical properties of
mortars. In this way, lots of mixtures with 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of
polypropylene fibers were cast and tested for compressive and
flexural strength, accordance to ASTM standard. After that
specimens being heated to temperatures of 300, 600 °C, respectively,
the mechanical properties of heated samples were tested.
Mechanical tests showed significant reduction in compressive
strength which could be due to polypropylene fiber melting. Also
pozzolans improve the mechanical properties of sampels.
Abstract: Calcium is a vital second messenger used in signal transduction. Calcium controls secretion, cell movement, muscular contraction, cell differentiation, ciliary beating and so on. Two theories have been used to simplify the system of reaction-diffusion equations of calcium into a single equation. One is excess buffer approximation (EBA) which assumes that mobile buffer is present in excess and cannot be saturated. The other is rapid buffer approximation (RBA), which assumes that calcium binding to buffer is rapid compared to calcium diffusion rate. In the present work, attempt has been made to develop a model for calcium diffusion under excess buffer approximation in neuron cells. This model incorporates the effect of [Na+] influx on [Ca2+] diffusion,variable calcium and sodium sources, sodium-calcium exchange protein, Sarcolemmal Calcium ATPase pump, sodium and calcium channels. The proposed mathematical model leads to a system of partial differential equations which have been solved numerically using Forward Time Centered Space (FTCS) approach. The numerical results have been used to study the relationships among different types of parameters such as buffer concentration, association rate, calcium permeability.
Abstract: Use of fly ash as a supplementary cementing material
in large volumes can bring both technological and economic benefits
for concrete industry. In this investigation mix proportions for high
volume fly ash concrete were determined at cement replacement
levels of 50%, 55%, 60% and 65% with low calcium fly ash. Flexural
and compressive strengths of different mixes were measured at ages
of 7, 28 and 90 days. Flexural strength of composite section prepared
from pavement quality and lean high volume fly ash concrete was
determined at the age of 28 days. High volume fly ash concrete mixes
exhibited higher rate of strength gain and age factors than
corresponding reference concrete mixes. The optimum cement
replacement level for pavement quality concrete was found to be
60%. The consideration of bond between pavement quality and lean
of high volume fly ash concrete will be beneficial in design of rigid
pavements.
Abstract: Ultrastructure of duodenum mucosa of irradiated rat
was studied versus dose rate of irradiation following exposure to
gamma rays from 60-Cobalt source. The animals were whole body
irradiated at two dose rates (1 Gy.mn-1 and 1 Gy.h-1) and three total
doses (1, 2 or 4 Gy) for each dose rate. 24 or 48 h after irradiation,
their small intestine was removed and samples of duodenum were
processed for observations under a transmission electron microscopy.
Samples of duodenum mucosa of control rats were processed in the
same way. For the lower dose rate of 1 Gy.h-1, main lesions
characteristic of apoptosis were detected within irradiated enterocytes
at a total dose of 2 Gy and 24 h after exposure. Necrosis was noted in
the samples, 48 h after exposition. For the higher dose rate of 1
Gy.mn-1, fewer changes were detected at all total doses 24 or 48 h
irradiation. Thus, it was shown that the appearance of radiationinduced
alterations varies not only with increasing total dose and
post-irradiation time but especially with decreasing dose rate.
Abstract: Rooted in the study of social functioning of space in architecture, Space Syntax (SS) and the more recent Network Pattern (NP) researches demonstrate the 'spatial structures' of city, i.e. the hierarchical patterns of streets, junctions and alley ends. Applying SS and NP models, planners can conceptualize the real city-s patterns. Although, both models yield the optimal path of the city their underpinning displays of the city-s spatial configuration differ. The Axial Map analyzes the topological non-distance-based connectivity structure, whereas, the Central-Node Map and the Shortcut-Path Map, in contrast, analyze the metrical distance-based structures. This research contrasts and combines them to understand various forms of city-s structures. It concludes that, while they reveal different spatial structures, Space Syntax and Network Pattern urban models support each the other. Combining together they simulate the global access and the locally compact structures namely the central nodes and the shortcuts for the city.
Abstract: Early detection of dementia by testing the spatial
memory can be applied using a virtual environment. This paper
presents guidelines on how to design a virtual environment
specifically for elderly in early detection of dementia. The specific
design needs to be considered because the effectiveness of the
technology relies on the ability of the end user to use it. The primary
goal of these guidelines is to promote accessibility. Based on these
guidelines, a virtual simulation was developed and evaluated. The
results on usability of acceptance and satisfaction that are tested on
young (control group) and elderly participants indicate that these
guidelines are reliable and useful for use with elderly people.
Abstract: A behavioral model of a second order switchedcapacitor Sigma-Delta modulator is presented. The purpose of this work is the presentation of a behavioral model of a second order switched capacitor ΣΔ modulator considering (Error due to Clock Jitter, Thermal noise Amplifier Noise, Amplifier Slew-Rate, Non linearity of amplifiers, Gain error, Charge Injection, Clock Feedthrough, and Nonlinear on-resistance). A comparison between the use of MOS switches and the use transmission gate switches use is analyzed.
Abstract: Sunflower stalks were analysed for chemical
compositions: pentosan 15.84%, holocellulose 70.69%,
alphacellulose 45.74%, glucose 27.10% and xylose 7.69% based on
dry weight of 100-g raw material. The most optimum condition for
steam explosion pretreatment was as follows. Sunflower stalks were
cut into small pieces and soaked in 0.02 M H2SO4 for overnight.
After that, they were steam exploded at 207 C and 21 kg/cm2 for 3
minutes to fractionate cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The
resulting hydrolysate, containing hemicellulose, and cellulose pulp
contained xylose sugar at 2.53% and 7.00%, respectively.The pulp
was further subjected to enzymatic saccharification at 50 C, pH 4.8 citrate buffer) with pulp/buffer 6% (w/w)and Celluclast 1.5L/pulp
2.67% (w/w) to obtain single glucose with maximum yield 11.97%.
After fixed-bed fermentation under optimum condition using
conventional yeast mixtures to produce bioethanol, it indicated
maximum ethanol yield of 0.028 g/100 g sunflower stalk.
Abstract: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (natural sweetener) belongs
to Asteraceae family and can be used as substitute of artificial
sweeteners for diabetic patients. Conventionally, it is cultivated by
seeds or stem cutting, but seed viability rate is poor. A protocol for
callus induction and multiplication was developed to produce large
no. of calli in short period. Surface sterilized nodal, leaf and root
explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with
different concentrations of plant hormone like, IBA, kinetin, NAA,
2,4-D, and NAA in combination with 2,4-D. 100% callusing was
observed from leaf explants cultured on combination of NAA and
2,4-D after three weeks while with 2,4-D, only 10% callusing was
observed. Calli obtained from leaf and root explants were shiny green
while with nodal explants it was hard and brown. The present
findings deal with induction of callusing in Stevia to achieve the
rapid callus multiplication for study of steviol glycosides in callus
culture.