Abstract: We investigated the response of testosterone (T),
growth hormone (GH), cortisol (C), steroid hormone binding
globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), insulin-like
growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and some anaboliccatabolic
indexes, i.e.: T/C, T/SHBG, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 to
maximal exercise in endurance-trained athletes (TREN) and
untrained subjects (CG). The baseline concentration of IGF-1 was
higher in athletes (TREN) when compared to the CG (p
Abstract: In this paper, a new dependable algorithm based on an adaptation of the standard variational iteration method (VIM) is used for analyzing the transition from steady convection to chaos for lowto-intermediate Rayleigh numbers convection in porous media. The solution trajectories show the transition from steady convection to chaos that occurs at a slightly subcritical value of Rayleigh number, the critical value being associated with the loss of linear stability of the steady convection solution. The VIM is treated as an algorithm in a sequence of intervals for finding accurate approximate solutions to the considered model and other dynamical systems. We shall call this technique as the piecewise VIM. Numerical comparisons between the piecewise VIM and the classical fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) numerical solutions reveal that the proposed technique is a promising tool for the nonlinear chaotic and nonchaotic systems.
Abstract: Cassava is one of the top five crops in Cameroon. Its
evolution has remained constant since the independence period and
the production has more than tripled. It is a crop with multiple
industrial capacities but the sector-s business opportunities are
underexploited. Using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats analysis method, this paper examines the cassava actual state.
It appraises the sector-s strengths (S), considers suitable measures to
strengthen weaknesses (W), evaluates strategies to fully benefit from
the sector numerous business opportunities (O) and explore means to
convert threats (T) into opportunities. Data were collected from the
ministry of agriculture and rural development and different actors.
The results show that cassava sector embodies many business
opportunities and stands as a raw material provider for many
industries but ultimately requires challenges to be tackled
appropriately.
Abstract: From the beginning of creation, human being has ever
fought against the ecosystem by changes has made in environment.
The most environmental changes on the nature have been done after
starting the concentrated life in the same region. Dams are one of the
most important buildings in water resources and transferring. These
buildings have been made from old times without access to
hydrological, hydraulically, hydro mechanical information. Dams
have positive and negative effects on environment. Constructing a
dam relatively causes equal ecological consequences. According to
different criteria, environmental effects of dams can lead short term
and long term damages. These effects may influence on the situation
and treatment of meteorology, biology, culture, ancient works, etc
and severely causes to change and complicate it. So considering
importance of positive effects of dam construction, it is necessary to
minimize negative environmental effects of dams to achieve a stable
development. In this article the considered effects and their solutions
in influencing on assessment of destructive environmental effects of
dams construction have been surveyed and presented.
Abstract: The use of e-business in small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) has been recently received an enormous attention
in information systems research by both academic and practitioners.
With the adoption of new and efficient technologies to enhance
businesses, Thai SMEs should be able to compete worldwide.
Unfortunately, most of the owners are not used to new technologies.
It is clear that most Thai SMEs prefer to work manually rather than
electronically. This paper aims to provide a fundamental conceptual
framework for E-business adoption by Thai SMEs. Rooted in
Knowledge transfer model, several factors are identified, which drive
and enable e-business adoption. By overlooking the benefits
associated with implementing new technologies, it is difficult for
Thai SMEs to perform well enough to compete globally. The paper
also helps Thai SMEs to understand factors related to E-business
adoption.
Abstract: Any decision-making is based on certain theory. Taking
the public rental housing in Chongqing municipality as an example,
this essay states that the stakeholder theory can provide innovative
criteria and evaluation methods for Public Private Partnership (PPP)
projects. It gives an analysis of how to choose decision-making criteria
for different stakeholders in the PPP model and what measures to take
to meet the criteria to form “symbiotic" decision-making mode
through contracts and to boost the application of PPP model in
large-scale public programs in China.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of tracking
multiple maneuvering targets using switching multiple target motion
models. With this paper, we aim to contribute in solving the problem
of model-based body motion estimation by using data coming from
visual sensors. The Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm is
specially designed to track accurately targets whose state and/or
measurement (assumed to be linear) models changes during motion
transition. However, when these models are nonlinear, the IMM
algorithm must be modified in order to guarantee an accurate track.
In this paper we propose to avoid the Extended Kalman filter because
of its limitations and substitute it with the Unscented Kalman filter
which seems to be more efficient especially according to the
simulation results obtained with the nonlinear IMM algorithm (IMMUKF).
To resolve the problem of data association, the JPDA
approach is combined with the IMM-UKF algorithm, the derived
algorithm is noted JPDA-IMM-UKF.
Abstract: This paper proposes an alternative control mechanism
for an interactive Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) camera control system.
Instead of using a mouse or a joystick, the proposed mechanism
utilizes a Nintendo Wii remote and infrared (IR) sensor bar. The Wii
remote has buttons that allows the user to control the movement of a
PTZ camera through Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the Wii
remote has a built-in motion sensor that allows the user to give
control signals to the PTZ camera through pitch and roll movement.
A stationary IR sensor bar, placed at some distance away opposite the
Wii remote, enables the detection of yaw movement. In addition, the
Wii remote-s built-in IR camera has the ability to detect its spatial
position, and thus generates a control signal when the user moves the
Wii remote. Some experiments are carried out and their performances
are compared with an industry-standard PTZ joystick.
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate a class of fuzzy Cohen- Grossberg neural networks with time delays and impulsive effects. By virtue of stochastic analysis, Halanay inequality for stochastic differential equations, we find sufficient conditions for the global exponential square-mean synchronization of the FCGNNs under noise perturbation. In particular, the traditional assumption on the differentiability of the time-varying delays is no longer needed. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the results in this paper.
Abstract: Object: Review recent publications of patient safety
culture to investigate the relationship between leadership behavior,
safety culture, and safety performance in the healthcare industry.
Method: This study is a cross-sectional study, 350 questionnaires were
mailed to hospital workers with 195 valid responses obtained, and a
55.7% valid response rate. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was
carried out to test the factor structure and determine if the composite
reliability was significant with a factor loading of >0.5, resulting in an
acceptable model fit. Results: Through the analysis of One-way
ANOVA, the results showed that physicians significantly have more
negative patient safety culture perceptions and safety performance
perceptions than non- physicians. Conclusions: The path analysis
results show that leadership behavior affects safety culture and safety
performance in the health care industry. Safety performance was
affected and improved with contingency leadership and a positive
patient safety organization culture. The study suggests improving
safety performance by providing a well-managed system that
includes: consideration of leadership, hospital worker training
courses, and a solid safety reporting system.
Abstract: This paper deals with a power-conscious ANDEXOR- Inverter type logic implementation for a complex class of Boolean functions, namely Achilles- heel functions. Different variants of the above function class have been considered viz. positive, negative and pure horn for analysis and simulation purposes. The proposed realization is compared with the decomposed implementation corresponding to an existing standard AND-EXOR logic minimizer; both result in Boolean networks with good testability attribute. It could be noted that an AND-OR-EXOR type logic network does not exist for the positive phase of this unique class of logic function. Experimental results report significant savings in all the power consumption components for designs based on standard cells pertaining to a 130nm UMC CMOS process The simulations have been extended to validate the savings across all three library corners (typical, best and worst case specifications).
Abstract: The problem of manipulator control is a highly
complex problem of controlling a system which is multi-input, multioutput,
non-linear and time variant. In this paper some adaptive
fuzzy, and a new hybrid fuzzy control algorithm have been
comparatively evaluated through simulations, for manipulator
control. The adaptive fuzzy controllers consist of self-organizing,
self-tuning, and coarse/fine adaptive fuzzy schemes. These
controllers are tested for different trajectories and for varying
manipulator parameters through simulations. Various performance
indices like the RMS error, steady state error and maximum error are
used for comparison. It is observed that the self-organizing fuzzy
controller gives the best performance. The proposed hybrid fuzzy
plus integral error controller also performs remarkably well, given its
simple structure.
Abstract: In production of medicinal plants, seed germination is
very important problem. The treated seeds (control, hydro priming
and ZnSO4) of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) were evaluated at
germination and seedling growth for tolerance to salt (NaCl and
Na2SO4) conditions at the same water potentials of 0.0, -0.3, -0.6, -
0.9 and -1.2MPa. Electrical conductivity (EC) values of the NaCl
solutions were 0.0, 6.5, 12.7, 18.4 and 23.5 dSm-1, respectively. The
objective of the study was to determine factors responsible for
germination and early seedling growth due to salt toxicity or osmotic
effect and to optimize the best priming treatment for these stress
conditions. Results revealed that germination delayed in both
solutions, having variable germination with different priming
treatments. Germination, shoot and weight, root and shoot length
were higher but mean germination time and abnormal germination
percentage were lower in NaCl than Na2SO4 at the same water
potential. The root / shoot weight and R/S length increased with
increase in osmotic potential in both NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions.
NaCl had less inhibitor effect on seedling growth than the
germination. It was concluded that inhibition of germination at the
same water potential of NaCl and Na2SO4 resulted from salt toxicity
rather than osmotic effect. Hydro priming increased germination and
seedling growth under salt stress. This protocol has practical
importance and could be recommended to farmers to achieve higher
germination and uniform emergence under field conditions.
Abstract: The purpose is to study the model and characteristic of
participation of the suitable community to lead to develop permanent
water marketing in Bang Noi Floating Market, Bangkonti District,
Samutsongkhram Province. A total of 342 survey questionnaire was
administered to potential respondents. The researchers interviewed
the leader of the community. Appreciation Influence Control (AIC)
was used to talk with 20 villagers on arena. The findings revealed
that overall, most people had the middle level of the participation in
developing the durable Bang Noi Floating Market, Bangkonti,
Samutsongkhram Province and in aspects of gaining benefits from
developing it with atmosphere and a beautiful view for tourism. For
example, the landscape is beautiful with public utilities. The
participation in preserving and developing Bang Noi Floating Market
remains in the former way of life. The basic factor of person affects
to the participation of people such as age, level of education, career,
and income per month. Most participants are the original hosts that
have houses and shops located in the marketing and neighbor. These
people involve with the benefits and have the power to make a water
marketing strategy, the major role to set the information database. It
also found that the leader and the villagers play the important role in
setting a five-physical database. Data include level of information
such as position of village, territory of village, road, river, and
premises. Information of culture consists of a two-level of
information, interesting point, and Itinerary. The information occurs
from presenting and practicing by the leader and villagers in the
community.All of phases are presented for listening and investigating
database together in both the leader and villagers in the process of
participation.
Abstract: This paper addresses modeling and optimization of process parameters in powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM). The process output characteristics include metal removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear rate (EWR). Grain size of Aluminum powder (S), concentration of the powder (C), discharge current (I) pulse on time (T) are chosen as control variables to study the process performance. The experimental results are used to develop the regression models based on second order polynomial equations for the different process characteristics. Then, a genetic algorithm (GA) has been employed to determine optimal process parameters for any desired output values of machining characteristics.
Abstract: Utilization of bagasse ash for silica sources is one of
the most common application for agricultural wastes and valuable
biomass byproducts in sugar milling. The high percentage silica
content from bagasse ash was used as silica source for sodium
silicate solution. Different heating temperature, time and acid
treatment were studies for silica extraction. The silica was
characterized using various techniques including X-ray fluorescence,
X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy method,. The synthesis conditions
were optimized to obtain the bagasse ash with the maximum silica
content. The silica content of 91.57 percent was achieved from
heating of bagasse ash at 600°C for 3 hours under oxygen feeding
and HCl treatment. The result can be used as value added for bagasse
ash utilization and minimize the environmental impact of disposal
problems.
Abstract: The article examines the methods of protection of
citizens' personal data on the Internet using biometric identity
authentication technology. It`s celebrated their potential danger due
to the threat of loss of base biometric templates. To eliminate the
threat of compromised biometric templates is proposed to use neural
networks large and extra-large sizes, which will on the one hand
securely (Highly reliable) to authenticate a person by his biometrics,
and on the other hand make biometrics a person is not available for
observation and understanding. This article also describes in detail
the transformation of personal biometric data access code. It`s formed
the requirements for biometrics converter code for his work with the
images of "Insider," "Stranger", all the "Strangers". It`s analyzed the
effect of the dimension of neural networks on the quality of
converters mystery of biometrics in access code.
Abstract: The hydrodynamic and thermal lattice Boltzmann
methods are applied to investigate the turbulent convective heat
transfer in the wavy channel flows. In this study, the turbulent
phenomena are modeling by large-eddy simulations with the
Smagorinsky model. As a benchmark, the laminar and turbulent
backward-facing step flows are simulated first. The results give good
agreement with other numerical and experimental data. For wavy
channel flows, the distribution of Nusselt number and the skin-friction
coefficients are calculated to evaluate the heat transfer effect and the
drag force. It indicates that the vortices at the trough would affect the
magnitude of drag and weaken the heat convection effects on the wavy
surface. In turbulent cases, if the amplitude of the wavy boundary is
large enough, the secondary vortices would be generated at troughs
and contribute to the heat convection. Finally, the effects of different
Re on the turbulent transport phenomena are discussed.
Abstract: The PRAF family of proteins is a plant specific family of proteins with distinct domain architecture and various unique sequence/structure traits. We have carried out an extensive search of the Arabidopsis genome using an automated pipeline and manual methods to verify previously known and identify unknown instances of PRAF proteins, characterize their sequence and build 3D structures of their individual domains. Integrating the sequence, structure and whatever little known experimental details for each of these proteins and their domains, we present a comprehensive characterization of the different domains in these proteins and their variant properties.
Abstract: The stab resistance performance of newly developed
fabric composites composed of hexagonal paper honeycombs, filled
with shear thickening fluid (STF), and woven Kevlar® fabric or
UHMPE was investigated in this study. The STF was prepared by
dispersing submicron SiO2 particles into polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Our results indicate that the STF-Kevlar composite possessed lower
penetration depth than that of neat Kevlar. In other words, the
STF-Kevlar composite can attain the same energy level in
stab-resistance test with fewer layers of Kevlar fabrics than that of the
neat Kevlar fabrics. It also indicates that STF can be used for the
fabrication of flexible body armors and can provide improved
protection against stab threats. We found that the stab resistance of the
STF-Kevlar composite increases with the increase of SiO2
concentration in STF. Moreover, the silica particles functionalized
with silane coupling agent can further improve the stab resistance.