Abstract: When acid is pumped into damaged reservoirs for
damage removal/stimulation, distorted inflow of acid into the
formation occurs caused by acid preferentially traveling into highly
permeable regions over low permeable regions, or (in general) into
the path of least resistance. This can lead to poor zonal coverage and
hence warrants diversion to carry out an effective placement of acid.
Diversion is desirably a reversible technique of temporarily reducing
the permeability of high perm zones, thereby forcing the acid into
lower perm zones.
The uniqueness of each reservoir can pose several challenges to
engineers attempting to devise optimum and effective diversion
strategies. Diversion techniques include mechanical placement and/or
chemical diversion of treatment fluids, further sub-classified into ball
sealers, bridge plugs, packers, particulate diverters, viscous gels,
crosslinked gels, relative permeability modifiers (RPMs), foams,
and/or the use of placement techniques, such as coiled tubing (CT)
and the maximum pressure difference and injection rate (MAPDIR)
methodology.
It is not always realized that the effectiveness of diverters greatly
depends on reservoir properties, such as formation type, temperature,
reservoir permeability, heterogeneity, and physical well
characteristics (e.g., completion type, well deviation, length of
treatment interval, multiple intervals, etc.). This paper reviews the
mechanisms by which each variety of diverter functions and
discusses the effect of various reservoir properties on the efficiency
of diversion techniques. Guidelines are recommended to help
enhance productivity from zones of interest by choosing the best
methods of diversion while pumping an optimized amount of
treatment fluid. The success of an overall acid treatment often
depends on the effectiveness of the diverting agents.
Abstract: The objectives of this research paper were to study the
influencing factors that contributed to the success of electronic
commerce (e-commerce) and to study the approach to enhance the
standard of e-commerce for small and medium enterprises (SME).
The research paper focused the study on only sole proprietorship
SMEs in Bangkok, Thailand. The factors contributed to the success
of SME included business management, learning in the organization,
business collaboration, and the quality of website. A quantitative and
qualitative mixed research methodology was used. In terms of
quantitative method, a questionnaire was used to collect data from
251 sole proprietorships. The System Equation Model (SEM) was
utilized as the tool for data analysis. In terms of qualitative method,
an in-depth interview, a dialogue with experts in the field of ecommerce
for SMEs, and content analysis were used.
By using the adjusted causal relationship structure model, it was
revealed that the factors affecting the success of e-commerce for
SMEs were found to be congruent with the empirical data. The
hypothesis testing indicated that business management influenced the
learning in the organization, the learning in the organization
influenced business collaboration and the quality of the website, and
these factors, in turn, influenced the success of SMEs. Moreover, the
approach to enhance the standard of SMEs revealed that the majority
of respondents wanted to enhance the standard of SMEs to a high
level in the category of safety of e-commerce system, basic structure
of e-commerce, development of staff potentials, assistance of budget
and tax reduction, and law improvement regarding the e-commerce
respectively.
Abstract: This paper presents a new STAKCERT KDD
processes for worm detection. The enhancement introduced in the
data-preprocessing resulted in the formation of a new STAKCERT
model for worm detection. In this paper we explained in detail how
all the processes involved in the STAKCERT KDD processes are
applied within the STAKCERT model for worm detection. Based on
the experiment conducted, the STAKCERT model yielded a 98.13%
accuracy rate for worm detection by integrating the STAKCERT
KDD processes.
Abstract: This research paper deals with the implementation of face recognition using neural network (recognition classifier) on low-resolution images. The proposed system contains two parts, preprocessing and face classification. The preprocessing part converts original images into blurry image using average filter and equalizes the histogram of those image (lighting normalization). The bi-cubic interpolation function is applied onto equalized image to get resized image. The resized image is actually low-resolution image providing faster processing for training and testing. The preprocessed image becomes the input to neural network classifier, which uses back-propagation algorithm to recognize the familiar faces. The crux of proposed algorithm is its beauty to use single neural network as classifier, which produces straightforward approach towards face recognition. The single neural network consists of three layers with Log sigmoid, Hyperbolic tangent sigmoid and Linear transfer function respectively. The training function, which is incorporated in our work, is Gradient descent with momentum (adaptive learning rate) back propagation. The proposed algorithm was trained on ORL (Olivetti Research Laboratory) database with 5 training images. The empirical results provide the accuracy of 94.50%, 93.00% and 90.25% for 20, 30 and 40 subjects respectively, with time delay of 0.0934 sec per image.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to show innovative techniques that describe the effectiveness of individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders (ASPD). The author presents information about hate schemas regarding persons with ASPD and their understanding of the role of hate. The data of 60 prisoners with ASPD, 40 prisoners without ASPD, and 60 men without antisocial tendencies, has been analyzed. The participants were asked to describe their hate inspired by a photograph. The narrative discourse was analyzed, the three groups were compared. The results show the differences between the inmates with ASPD, those without ASPD, and the controls. The antisocial individuals describe hate as an ambivalent feeling with low emotional intensity, i.e., actors (in stories) are presented more as positives than as partners. They use different mechanisms to keep them from understanding the meaning of the emotional situation. The schema's characteristics were expressed in narratives attributed to high Psychopathy.
Abstract: With the explosive growth of information sources available on the World Wide Web, it has become increasingly difficult to identify the relevant pieces of information, since web pages are often cluttered with irrelevant content like advertisements, navigation-panels, copyright notices etc., surrounding the main content of the web page. Hence, tools for the mining of data regions, data records and data items need to be developed in order to provide value-added services. Currently available automatic techniques to mine data regions from web pages are still unsatisfactory because of their poor performance and tag-dependence. In this paper a novel method to extract data items from the web pages automatically is proposed. It comprises of two steps: (1) Identification and Extraction of the data regions based on visual clues information. (2) Identification of data records and extraction of data items from a data region. For step1, a novel and more effective method is proposed based on visual clues, which finds the data regions formed by all types of tags using visual clues. For step2 a more effective method namely, Extraction of Data Items from web Pages (EDIP), is adopted to mine data items. The EDIP technique is a list-based approach in which the list is a linear data structure. The proposed technique is able to mine the non-contiguous data records and can correctly identify data regions, irrespective of the type of tag in which it is bound. Our experimental results show that the proposed technique performs better than the existing techniques.
Abstract: A new fuzzy filter is presented for noise reduction of
images corrupted with additive noise. The filter consists of two
stages. In the first stage, all the pixels of image are processed for
determining noisy pixels. For this, a fuzzy rule based system
associates a degree to each pixel. The degree of a pixel is a real
number in the range [0,1], which denotes a probability that the pixel
is not considered as a noisy pixel. In the second stage, another fuzzy
rule based system is employed. It uses the output of the previous
fuzzy system to perform fuzzy smoothing by weighting the
contributions of neighboring pixel values. Experimental results are
obtained to show the feasibility of the proposed filter. These results
are also compared to other filters by numerical measure and visual
inspection.
Abstract: Over the years, many implementations have been
proposed for solving IA networks. These implementations are
concerned with finding a solution efficiently. The primary goal of
our implementation is simplicity and ease of use.
We present an IA network implementation based on finite domain
non-binary CSPs, and constraint logic programming. The
implementation has a GUI which permits the drawing of arbitrary IA
networks. We then show how the implementation can be extended to
find all the solutions to an IA network. One application of finding all
the solutions, is solving probabilistic IA networks.
Abstract: Interactions among proteins are the basis of various
life events. So, it is important to recognize and research protein
interaction sites. A control set that contains 149 protein molecules
were used here. Then 10 features were extracted and 4 sample sets
that contained 9 sliding windows were made according to features.
These 4 sample sets were calculated by Radial Basis Functional neutral
networks which were optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization
respectively. Then 4 groups of results were obtained. Finally, these 4
groups of results were integrated by decision fusion (DF) and Genetic
Algorithm based Selected Ensemble (GASEN). A better accuracy was
got by DF and GASEN. So, the integrated methods were proved to
be effective.
Abstract: Self-efficacy, self-reliance, and motivation were
examined in a quasi-experimental study with 178 sophomore
university students. Participants used an interactive cardiovascular
anatomy and physiology CD-ROM, and completed a 15-item
questionnaire. Reliability of the questionnaire was established using
Cronbach-s alpha. Post-tests and course grades were examined using
a t-test, demonstrating no significance. Results of an item-to-item
analysis of the questionnaire showed overall satisfaction with the
teaching methodology and varied results for self-efficacy, selfreliance,
and motivation. Kendall-s Tau was calculated for all items
in the questionnaire.
Abstract: To understand complex living system an effort has
made by mechanical engineers and dentists to deliver prompt
products and services to patients concerned about their aesthetic look.
Since two decades various bracket systems have designed involving
techniques like milling, injection molding which are technically not
flexible for the customized dental product development. The aim of
this paper to design, develop a customized system which is
economical and mainly emphasizes the expertise design and
integration of engineering and dental fields. A custom made selfadjustable
lingual bracket and customized implants are designed and
developed using computer aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping
technology (RPT) to improve the smiles and to overcome the
difficulties associated with conventional ones. Lengthy orthodontic
treatment usually not accepted by the patients because the patient
compliance is lost. Patient-s compliance can be improved by
facilitating faster tooth movements by designing a localized dental
vibrator using advanced engineering principles.
Abstract: The improvement of a filer case utilized to purify the
let-out smoke and smell in the production of Benjarong Ceramic is
studied through Participatory Action Research (PAR). This research
is aimed to protect smell, dirty smoke, and air pollution which are
effects of incomplete combustion in the production of Benjarong
ceramic. This research was conducted at Jongjint Benjarong Ceramic
Factory in Plai Bang, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi Province,Thailand,
also 12 employees were interviewed for data collection. All collected
data were analyzed to develop and create solution to protect smoke
and smell pollution from Benjarong ceramic production.
The results revealed that the employees who have used the
developed filer cases are moderately satisfied. In addition to the
efficiency of developed smoke-and-smell filer cases, it was found
that Overall, the respondents were satisfied moderately with
efficiency of modified smoke and smell filter cases.
Abstract: With respect to the dissipation of energy through
plastic deformation of joints of prefabricated wall units, the paper
points out the principal importance of efficient reinforcement of the
prefabricated system at its joints. The method, quality and amount of
reinforcement are essential for reaching the necessary degree of joint
ductility. The paper presents partial results of experimental research
of vertical joints of prefabricated units exposed to monotonously
rising loading and repetitive shear force and formulates a conclusion
that the limit state of the structure as a whole is preceded by the
disintegration of joints, or that the structure tends to pass from
linearly elastic behaviour to non-linearly elastic to plastic behaviour
by exceeding the proportional elastic limit in joints.Experimental
verification on a model of a 7-storey prefabricated structure revealed
weak points in its load-bearing systems, mainly at places of critical
points around openings situated in close proximity to vertical joints
of mutually perpendicularly oriented walls.
Abstract: An experimental and simulation flight test has been carried out to evaluate the longitudinal gliding characteristics of a lifting body with blunted half-cone geometry. The novelty here is the lifting body's pitch control mechanism, which consists of a pair of leading-edge rotating cylinders. Flight simulation uses aerodynamic data from computational fluid dynamics supported by wind-tunnel test. Flight test consists of releasing an aluminum lifting body model from a moving vehicle at the appropriate wind speed while measuring the lifting body's variation of altitude against time of flight. Results show that leading-edge rotating cylinder is able to give small amounts of improvement to the longitudinal stability and pitch control to the lifting body.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to briefly review the opportunities that social media present to counselors and psychologists. Particular attention was given to understanding some of the more important common risks inherent in social media and the potential ethical dilemmas which may arise for counselors and psychologists who embrace them in their practice. Key considerations of issues pertinent to an online presence such as multiple relationships, visibility and privacy, maintaining ethical principles and professional boundaries are being discussed.
Abstract: With the globalized production and logistics
environment, the need for reducing the product development interval
and lead time, having a faster response to orders, conforming to quality
standards, fair tracking, and boosting information exchanging
activities with customers and partners, and coping with changes in the
management environment, manufacturers are in dire need of an
information management system in their manufacturing environments.
There are lots of information systems that have been designed to
manage the condition or operation of equipment in the field but
existing systems have a decentralized architecture, which is not
unified. Also, these systems cannot effectively handle the status data
extraction process upon encountering a problem related to protocols or
changes in the equipment or the setting. In this regard, this paper will
introduce a system for processing and saving the status info of
production equipment, which uses standard representation formats, to
enable flexible responses to and support for variables in the field
equipment. This system can be used for a variety of manufacturing and
equipment settings and is capable of interacting with higher-tier
systems such as MES.
Abstract: Three sulphonic acid-doped polyanilines were
synthesized through chemical oxidation at low temperature (0-5 oC)
and potential of these polymers as sensing agent for O2 gas detection
in terms of fluorescence quenching was studied. Sulphuric acid,
dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (DBSA) and camphor sulphonic acid
(CSA) were used as doping agents. All polymers obtained were dark
green powder. Polymers obtained were characterized by Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible absorption
spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, elemental analysis,
differential scanning calorimeter and gel permeation
chromatography. Characterizations carried out showed that polymers
were successfully synthesized with mass recovery for sulphuric aciddoped
polyaniline (SPAN), DBSA-doped polyaniline (DBSA-doped
PANI) and CSA-doped polyaniline (CSA-doped PANI) of 71.40%,
75.00% and 39.96%, respectively. Doping level of SPAN, DBSAdoped
PANI and CSA-doped PANI were 32.86%, 33.13% and
53.96%, respectively as determined based on elemental analysis.
Sensing test was carried out on polymer sample in the form of
solution and film by using fluorescence spectrophotometer. Samples
of polymer solution and polymer film showed positive response
towards O2 exposure. All polymer solutions and films were fully
regenerated by using N2 gas within 1 hour period. Photostability
study showed that all samples of polymer solutions and films were
stable towards light when continuously exposed to xenon lamp for 9
hours. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values for SPAN
solution, DBSA-doped PANI solution and CSA-doped PANI
solution for repeatability were 0.23%, 0.64% and 0.76%,
respectively. Meanwhile RSD values for reproducibility were 2.36%,
6.98% and 1.27%, respectively. Results for SPAN film, DBSAdoped
PANI film and CSA-doped PANI film showed the same
pattern with RSD values for repeatability of 0.52%, 4.05% and
0.90%, respectively. Meanwhile RSD values for reproducibility were
2.91%, 10.05% and 7.42%, respectively. The study on effect of the
flow rate on response time was carried out using 3 different rates
which were 0.25 mL/s, 1.00 mL/s and 2.00 mL/s. Results obtained
showed that the higher the flow rate, the shorter the response time.
Abstract: Total liquid ventilation can support gas exchange in animal models of lung injury. Clinical application awaits further technical improvements and performance verification. Our aim was to develop a liquid ventilator, able to deliver accurate tidal volumes, and a computerized system for measuring lung mechanics. The computer-assisted, piston-driven respirator controlled ventilatory parameters that were displayed and modified on a real-time basis. Pressure and temperature transducers along with a lineal displacement controller provided the necessary signals to calculate lung mechanics. Ten newborn lambs (
Abstract: Water, soil and sediment contaminated with
metolachlor poses a threat to the environment and human health.
We determined the effectiveness of nano-zerovalent iron (NZVI) to
dechlorinate metolachlor [2-chloro-n-(2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenyl)-n-
(1-methoxypropan-2-yl)acetamide] in pH solution and the presence
of aluminium salt. The optimum dosage of degradation of 100 mlL-1
metolachlor was 1% (w/v) NZVI. The degradation kinetic rate (kobs)
was 0.218×10-3 min-1 and specific first-order rates (kSA) was
8.72×10-7 L m-2min-1. By treating aqueous solutions of metolachlor
with NZVI, metolachlor destruction rate were increased as the pH
decrease from 10 to 4. Lowering solution pH removes Fe (III)
passivating layers from the NZVI and makes it free for reductive
transformations. Destruction kinetic rates were 20.8×10-3 min-1 for
pH4, 18.9×10-3 min-1 for pH7, 13.8×10-3 min-1 for pH10. In addition,
destruction kinetic of metolachlor by NZVI was enhanced when
aluminium sulfate was added. The destruction kinetic rate were
20.4×10-3 min-1 for 0.05% Al(SO4)3 and 60×10-3 min-1 for 0.1%
Al(SO4)3.
Abstract: This paper addresses the problem of blind source separation
(BSS). To recover original signals, from linear instantaneous
mixtures, we propose a new contrast function based on the use of a
double referenced system. Our approach assumes statistical independence
sources. The reference vectors will be incrusted in the cumulant
to evaluate the independence. The estimation of the separating matrix
will be performed in two steps: whitening observations and joint
diagonalization of a set of referenced cumulant matrices. Computer
simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the
suggested approach.