Abstract: The intermittent connectivity modifies the “always
on" network assumption made by all the distributed query processing
systems. In modern- day systems, the absence of network
connectivity is considered as a fault. Since the last upload, it might
not be feasible to transmit all the data accumulated right away over
the available connection. It is possible that vital information may be
delayed excessively when the less important information takes place
of the vital information. Owing to the restricted and uneven
bandwidth, it is vital that the mobile nodes make the most
advantageous use of the connectivity when it arrives. Hence, in order
to select the data that needs to be transmitted first, some sort of data
prioritization is essential. A continuous query processing system for
intermittently connected mobile networks that comprises of a delaytolerant
continuous query processor distributed across the mobile
hosts has been proposed in this paper. In addition, a mechanism for
prioritizing query results has been designed that guarantees enhanced
accuracy and reduced delay. It is illustrated that our architecture
reduces the client power consumption, increases query efficiency by
the extensive simulation results.
Abstract: Optical network uses a tool for routing which is called
Latin router. These routers use particular algorithms for routing. In this paper, we present algorithm for configuration of optical network that is optimized regarding previous algorithm. We show that by decreasing the number of hops for source-destination in lightpath number of satisfied request is less. Also we had shown that more than
single-hop lightpath relating single-hop lightpath is better.
Abstract: The study will search the level of existence of the
sweethearting in Saudi Arabia's Supermarkets in Riyadh.
Sweethearting occurs when frontline workers give unauthorized free
or uncounted goods and services to customer-s conspirators. The
store managers and /or security managers were asked about the
sweethearting that occurs in the supermarkets. The characteristics of
sweethearting in Riyadh stores were investigated. Two independent
variables were related to the report of sweethearting. These
independent variables are: The effect of store environment on
sweethearting and the security techniques and loss prevention
electronics techniques used. This study expected to shed the light
about the level of sweethearting in Saudi Arabia and the factors
behind it. This study will serve as an exploratory study for such
phenomenon in Saudi Arabia as well as both descriptive for the
characteristics of sweethearting and explanatory study to link
between the environmental and security systems factors to
sweethearting.
Abstract: Milk is a very important nutrient. Low productivity is
a problem of Turkish dairy farming. During recent years, Turkish government has supported cooperatives that assist milk producers and
encouraged farmers to become cooperative members. Turkish
government established several ways to support specially smallholders. For example Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
(MARA) provided two to four cows to villagers on a grant or loan basis with a long repayment period at low interest rates by
cooperatives. Social Support Project in Rural Areas (SSPRA) is
another support program targeting only disadvantaged people,
especially poor villager. Both programs have a very strong social
support component and similar objectives. But there are minor
differences between them in terms of target people, terms and conditions of the credit supplied Isparta province in Mediterranean region of Turkey is one of the
supported regions. MARA distributed dairy cows to 1072 farmers through 16 agricultural cooperatives in Isparta province in the context
of SSPRA. In this study, economic-social impacts on dairy cattle project
implemented through cooperatives were examined in Isparta. Primary data were collected from 12 cooperatives- president. The
data were obtained by personal interview through a questionnaire and
to cooperatives and given to farms benefiting from the project in
order to reveal the economic and social developments.
Finding of the study revealed that project provided new job
opportunities and improved quality of livestock. It was found that producers who benefited from the project were more willing to
participate in cooperative or other producer organizations.
Abstract: Steel made pipelines with different diameters are used
for transmitting oil and gas which in many cases are buried in soil
under the sea bed or immersed in sea water. External corrosion of
pipes is an important form of deterioration due to the aggressive
environment of sea water. Corrosion normally results in pits. Hence,
using the finite element method, namely ABAQUS software, this
paper estimates the amount of pressure capacity reduction of a pipecontaining
a semi-elliptical pitting corrosion and the rate of corrosion
during the pipeline life of 25 years.
Abstract: This study aims at providing empirical evidence on a
comparison of two equity valuation models: (1) the dividend discount
model (DDM) and (2) the residual income model (RIM), in
estimating equity values of Thai firms during 1995-2004. Results
suggest that DDM and RIM underestimate equity values of Thai
firms and that RIM outperforms DDM in predicting cross-sectional
stock prices. Results on regression of cross-sectional stock prices on
the decomposed DDM and RIM equity values indicate that book
value of equity provides the greatest incremental explanatory power,
relative to other components in DDM and RIM terminal values,
suggesting that book value distortions resulting from accounting
procedures and choices are less severe than forecast and
measurement errors in discount rates and growth rates.
We also document that the incremental explanatory power of book
value of equity during 1998-2004, representing the information
environment under Thai Accounting Standards reformed after the
1997 economic crisis to conform to International Accounting
Standards, is significantly greater than that during 1995-1996,
representing the information environment under the pre-reformed
Thai Accounting Standards. This implies that the book value
distortions are less severe under the 1997 Reformed Thai Accounting
Standards than the pre-reformed Thai Accounting Standards.
Abstract: In this research work, a novel parallel manipulator
with high positioning and orienting rate is introduced. This
mechanism has two rotational and one translational degree of
freedom. Kinematics and Jacobian analysis are investigated.
Moreover, workspace analysis and optimization has been performed
by using genetic algorithm toolbox in Matlab software. Because of
decreasing moving elements, it is expected much more better
dynamic performance with respect to other counterpart mechanisms
with the same degrees of freedom. In addition, using couple of
cylindrical and revolute joints increased mechanism ability to have
more extended workspace.
Abstract: Sport is one of the sectors in which the largest
technical projections regarding the functions of textiles can be found.
He is a large consumer of high performance composite materials and
new fibers. It is one of the sectors where the innovation is the most
important when the greatest numbers of spectacular developments are
aimed at increasing performance. In medicine, textile innovation is
used and contributes in the amelioration of different materials such as
dressing, orthosis, bandages, etc. The hygienic textiles in non-woven
materials record a strong growth. The objective of this study is to
show the different advances of development we obtained in the both
ways (sport and medicine). Polyamide fibers where developed
tacking into account the specification of the high level athlete’s
performance like swimming and triathlon (Olympic Games, Brazil
2016). The first textile utilization was for skiing (Olympic Games,
Sotchi 2014). The different textiles technologies where adapted for
medicine.
Abstract: In the present work, an attempt is made to understand
electromagnetic field confinement in a subwavelength waveguide
structure using concepts of quantum mechanics. Evanescent field in
the waveguide is looked as inability of the photon to get confined in
the waveguide core and uncertainty of position is assigned to it. The
momentum uncertainty is calculated from position uncertainty.
Schrödinger wave equation for the photon is written by incorporating
position-momentum uncertainty. The equation is solved and field
distribution in the waveguide is obtained. The field distribution and
power confinement is compared with conventional waveguide theory.
They were found in good agreement with each other.
Abstract: The present work represents an investigation of the
hydrolysis of hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo L.) oil cake protein
isolate (PuOC PI) by pepsin. To examine the effectiveness and
suitability of pepsin towards PuOC PI the kinetic parameters for
pepsin on PuOC PI were determined and then, the hydrolysis process
was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The
hydrolysis was carried out at temperature of 30°C and pH 3.00. Time
and initial enzyme/substrate ratio (E/S) at three levels were selected
as the independent parameters. The degree of hydrolysis, DH, was
mesuared after 20, 30 and 40 minutes, at initial E/S of 0.7, 1 and 1.3
mA/mg proteins. Since the proposed second-order polynomial model
showed good fit with the experimental data (R2 = 0.9822), the
obtained mathematical model could be used for monitoring the
hydrolysis of PuOC PI by pepsin, under studied experimental
conditions, varying the time and initial E/S. To achieve the highest
value of DH (39.13 %), the obtained optimum conditions for time
and initial E/S were 30 min and 1.024 mA/mg proteins.
Abstract: e-mail has become an important means of electronic
communication but the viability of its usage is marred by Unsolicited
Bulk e-mail (UBE) messages. UBE consists of many types
like pornographic, virus infected and 'cry-for-help' messages as well
as fake and fraudulent offers for jobs, winnings and medicines. UBE
poses technical and socio-economic challenges to usage of e-mails.
To meet this challenge and combat this menace, we need to
understand UBE. Towards this end, the current paper presents a
content-based textual analysis of nearly 3000 winnings-announcing
UBE. Technically, this is an application of Text Parsing and
Tokenization for an un-structured textual document and we approach
it using Bag Of Words (BOW) and Vector Space Document Model
techniques. We have attempted to identify the most frequently
occurring lexis in the winnings-announcing UBE documents. The
analysis of such top 100 lexis is also presented. We exhibit the
relationship between occurrence of a word from the identified lexisset
in the given UBE and the probability that the given UBE will be
the one announcing fake winnings. To the best of our knowledge and
survey of related literature, this is the first formal attempt for
identification of most frequently occurring lexis in winningsannouncing
UBE by its textual analysis. Finally, this is a sincere
attempt to bring about alertness against and mitigate the threat of
such luring but fake UBE.
Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for remote
performance monitoring of retail refrigeration systems. The proposed
framework starts with monitoring of the whole refrigeration circuit
which allows detecting deviations from expected behavior caused by
various faults and degradations. The subsequent diagnostics methods
drill down deeper in the equipment hierarchy to more specifically
determine root causes. An important feature of the proposed concept
is that it does not require any additional sensors, and thus, the
performance monitoring solution can be deployed at a low
installation cost. Moreover only a minimum of contextual
information is required, which also substantially reduces time and
cost of the deployment process.
Abstract: A time-domain numerical model within the
framework of transmission line modeling (TLM) is developed to
simulate electromagnetic pulse propagation inside multiple
microcavities forming photonic crystal (PhC) structures. The model
developed is quite general and is capable of simulating complex
electromagnetic problems accurately. The field quantities can be
mapped onto a passive electrical circuit equivalent what ensures that
TLM is provably stable and conservative at a local level.
Furthermore, the circuit representation allows a high level of
hybridization of TLM with other techniques and lumped circuit
models of components and devices. A photonic crystal structure
formed by rods (or blocks) of high-permittivity dieletric material
embedded in a low-dielectric background medium is simulated as an
example. The model developed gives vital spatio-temporal
information about the signal, and also gives spectral information over
a wide frequency range in a single run. The model has wide
applications in microwave communication systems, optical
waveguides and electromagnetic materials simulations.
Abstract: Estimation time and cost of work completion in a
project and follow up them during execution are contributors to
success or fail of a project, and is very important for project
management team. Delivering on time and within budgeted cost
needs to well managing and controlling the projects. To dealing with
complex task of controlling and modifying the baseline project
schedule during execution, earned value management systems have
been set up and widely used to measure and communicate the real
physical progress of a project. But it often fails to predict the total
duration of the project. In this paper data mining techniques is used
predicting the total project duration in term of Time Estimate At
Completion-EAC (t). For this purpose, we have used a project with
90 activities, it has updated day by day. Then, it is used regular
indexes in literature and applied Earned Duration Method to
calculate time estimate at completion and set these as input data for
prediction and specifying the major parameters among them using
Clem software. By using data mining, the effective parameters on
EAC and the relationship between them could be extracted and it is
very useful to manage a project with minimum delay risks. As we
state, this could be a simple, safe and applicable method in prediction
the completion time of a project during execution.
Abstract: In this paper, we study the oscillation of a class of second-order nonlinear neutral damped variable delay dynamic equations on time scales. By using a generalized Riccati transformation technique, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the oscillation of the equations. The results of this paper improve and extend some known results. We also illustrate our main results with some examples.
Abstract: High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) generally give rise to positive impacts on employees by increasing their commitments in workplaces. While some argued this actually have considerable negative impacts on employees with increasing possibilities of imposing strains caused by stress and intensity of such work places. Do stressful workplaces hamper employee commitment? The author has tried to find the answer by exploring linkages between HPWS practices and its impact on employees in Japanese organizations. How negative outcomes like job intensity and workplaces and job stressors can influence different forms of employees- commitments which can be a hindrance to their performance. Design: A close ended questionnaire survey was conducted amongst 16 large, medium and small sized Japanese companies from diverse industries around Chiba, Saitama, and Ibaraki Prefectures and in Tokyo from the month of October 2008 to February 2009. Questionnaires were aimed to the non managerial employees- perceptions of HPWS practices, their behavior, working life experiences in their work places. A total of 227 samples are used for analysis in the study. Methods: Correlations, MANCOVA, SEM Path analysis using AMOS software are used for data analysis in this study. Findings: Average non-managerial perception of HPWS adoption is significantly but negatively correlated to both work place Stressors and Continuous commitment, but positively correlated to job Intensity, Affective, Occupational and Normative commitments in different workplaces at Japan. The path analysis by SEM shows significant indirect relationship between Stressors and employee Affective organizational commitment and Normative organizational commitments. Intensity also has a significant indirect effect on Occupational commitments. HPWS has an additive effect on all the outcomes variables. Limitations: The sample size in this study cannot be a representative to the entire population of non-managerial employees in Japan. There were no respondents from automobile, pharmaceuticals, finance industries. The duration of the survey coincided in a period when Japan as most of the other countries is under going recession. Biases could not be ruled out completely. We must take cautions in interpreting the results of studies as they cannot be generalized. And the path analysis cannot provide the complete causality of the inter linkages between the variables used in the study. Originality: There have been limited studies on linkages in HPWS adoptions and their impacts on employees- behaviors and commitments in Japanese workplaces. This study may provide some ingredients for further research in the fields of HRM policies and practices and their linkages on different forms of employees- commitments.
Abstract: Sustainable development is one of the most debated
issues, recently. In terms of providing more livable Earth continuity,
while Production activities are going on, on the other hand protecting
the environment has importance. As a strategy for sustainable
development, eco-innovation is the application of innovations to
reduce environmental burdens. Endeavors to understand ecoinnovation
processes have been affected from environmental
economics and innovation economics from neoclassical economics,
and evolutionary economics other than neoclassical economics. In
the light of case study analyses, this study aims to display activities
in this field through case studies after explaining the theoretical
framework of eco-innovations. This study consists of five sections
including introduction and conclusion. In the second part of the study
identifications of the concepts related with eco-innovation are
described and eco-innovations are classified. Third section considers
neoclassical and evolutionary approaches from neoclassical
economics and evolutionary economics, respectively. Fourth section
gives the case studies of successful eco-innovations. Last section is
the conclusion part and offers suggestions for future eco-innovation
research according to the theoretical framework and the case studies.
Abstract: This paper presents optimal based damping controllers of Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) for improving the damping power system oscillations. The design problem of UPFC damping controller and system configurations is formulated as an optimization with time domain-based objective function by means of Adaptive Tabu Search (ATS) technique. The UPFC is installed in Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) for the performance analysis of the power system and simulated using MATLAB-s simulink. The simulation results of these studies showed that designed controller has an tremendous capability in damping power system oscillations.
Abstract: For stricter drinking water regulations in the future, reducing the humic acid and disinfection byproducts in raw water, namely, trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) is worthy for research. To investigate the removal of waterborne organic material using a lab-scale of bio-activated carbon filter under different EBCT, the concentrations of humic acid prepared were 0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.17, 0.23, and 0.29 mg/L. Then we conducted experiments using a pilot plant with in-field of the serially connected bio-activated carbon filters and hollow fiber membrane processes employed in traditional water purification plants. Results showed under low TOC conditions of humic acid in influent (0.69 to 1.03 mg TOC/L) with an EBCT of 30 min, 40 min, and 50 min, TOC removal rates increases with greater EBCT, attaining about 39 % removal rate. The removal rate of THMs and HAAs by BACF was 54.8 % and 89.0 %, respectively.
Abstract: Earth reinforcing techniques have become useful and economical to solve problems related to difficult grounds and provide satisfactory foundation performance. In this context, this paper uses radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for predicting the bearing pressure of strip footing on reinforced granular bed overlying weak soil. The inputs for the neural network models included plate width, thickness of granular bed and number of layers of reinforcements, settlement ratio, water content, dry density, cohesion and angle of friction. The results indicated that RBFNN model exhibited more than 84 % prediction accuracy, thereby demonstrating its application in a geotechnical problem.