Abstract: The reproductive aging of women is a biological process which is expressed by the loss of ovarian function and therefore the loss of the possibility of procreation. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of menopause on sexual health of rural women and to examine the determinants of female sexuality after menopause. A survey was conducted among 527 women in the rural area of Marrakech. The average age of women was 51.92 ± 7.24 years. It appears from this study that sexual activity in menopausal women decreases with age, 20% of women had no sexual activity after menopause. 72% of respondents reported having sex by obligation, 71% of women say they are not satisfied with their sexuality, while 29 % are very satisfied. The most common sexual complaints are represented by the decreased libido (81%), vaginal dryness (54%), and pain (22,7%). Of the 511 women with sexual dysfunction, only 34 (6, 4%) consulted for this disorder. Many factors may influence sex include menopause and all the biological changes but also the roles of culture, social constructions and perception of sexuality after menopause are complicated.
Abstract: This work aims to generalize the integer order Sallen-Key filters into the fractional-order domain. The analysis in the case of two different fractional-order elements introduced where the general transfer function becomes four terms which is unusual in the conventional case. In addition, the effect of the transfer function parameters on the filter poles and hence the stability is introduced and closed forms for the filter critical frequencies are driven. Finally, different examples for the fractional order Sallen-Key filter design are presented with circuit simulations using ADS where a great matching between the numerical and simulation results is obtained.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic
properties of ethanolic extract of two plants commonly used in folk
medicine, Mormodica charantia (bitter melon) and Trigonella
foenum-graecum (fenugreek). The study was performed on STZinduced
diabetic rats (DM type-I). Plant extracts of these two plants
were given to STZ diabetic rats at the concentration of 500 mg/kg
body weight ,50 mg/kg body weight respectively. Cidophage®
(metformin HCl) were administered to another group to support the
results at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, the ethanolic extracts and
Cidophage administered orally once a day for four weeks using a
stomach tube and; serum samples were obtained for biochemical
analysis. The extracts caused significant decreases in glucose levels
compared with diabetic control rats. Insulin secretions were increased
after 4 weeks of treatment with Cidophage® compared with the
control non-diabetic rats. Levels of AST and ALT liver enzymes were
normalized by all treatments. Decreases in liver cholesterol,
triglycerides, and LDL in diabetic rats were observed with all
treatments. HDL levels were increased by the treatments in the
following order: bitter melon, Cidophage®, and fenugreek. Creatinine
levels were reduced by all treatments. Serum nitric oxide and
malonaldehyde levels were reduced by all extracts. GSH levels were
increased by all extracts. Extravasation as measured by the Evans
Blue test increased significantly in STZ-induced diabetic animals.
This effect was reversed by ethanolic extracts of bitter melon or
fenugreek.
Abstract: Absorption spectra of infra-red (IR) radiation of the
disperse water medium absorbing the most important greenhouse
gases: CO2 , N2O , CH4 , C2H2 , C2H6 have been calculated by
the molecular dynamics method. Loss of the absorbing ability at the
formation of clusters due to a reduction of the number of centers
interacting with IR radiation, results in an anti-greenhouse effect.
Absorption of O3 molecules by the (H2O)50 cluster is investigated
at its interaction with Cl- ions. The splitting of ozone molecule on
atoms near to cluster surface was observed. Interaction of water
cluster with Cl- ions causes the increase of integrated intensity of
emission spectra of IR radiation, and also essential reduction of the
similar characteristic of Raman spectrum. Relative integrated
intensity of absorption of IR radiation for small water clusters was
designed. Dependences of the quantity of weight on altitude for
vapor of monomers, clusters, droplets, crystals and mass of all
moisture were determined. The anti-greenhouse effect of clusters was
defined as the difference of increases of average global temperature
of the Earth, caused by absorption of IR radiation by free water
molecules forming clusters, and absorption of clusters themselves.
The greenhouse effect caused by clusters makes 0.53 K, and the antigreenhouse
one is equal to 1.14 K. The increase of concentration of
CO2 in the atmosphere does not always correlate with the
amplification of greenhouse effect.
Abstract: Themain goal of this article is to find efficient
methods for elemental and molecular analysis of living
microorganisms (algae) under defined environmental conditions and
cultivation processes. The overall knowledge of chemical
composition is obtained utilizing laser-based techniques, Laser-
Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for acquiring information
about elemental composition and Raman Spectroscopy for gaining
molecular information, respectively. Algal cells were suspended in
liquid media and characterized using their spectra. Results obtained
employing LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy techniques will help to
elucidate algae biology (nutrition dynamics depending on cultivation
conditions) and to identify algal strains, which have the potential for
applications in metal-ion absorption (bioremediation) and biofuel
industry. Moreover, bioremediation can be readily combined with
production of 3rd generation biofuels. In order to use algae for
efficient fuel production, the optimal cultivation parameters have to
be determinedleading to high production of oil in selected
cellswithout significant inhibition of the photosynthetic activity and
the culture growth rate, e.g. it is necessary to distinguish conditions
for algal strain containing high amount of higher unsaturated fatty
acids. Measurements employing LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy were
utilized in order to give information about alga Trachydiscusminutus
with emphasis on the amount of the lipid content inside the algal cell
and the ability of algae to withdraw nutrients from its environment
and bioremediation (elemental composition), respectively. This
article can serve as the reference for further efforts in describing
complete chemical composition of algal samples employing laserablation
techniques.
Abstract: In order to Study the efficacy application of green
manure as chickpea pre plant, field experiments were carried out in
2007 and 2008 growing seasons. In this research the effects of
different strategies for soil fertilization were investigated on grain
yield and yield component, minerals, organic compounds and
cooking time of chickpea. Experimental units were arranged in splitsplit
plots based on randomized complete blocks with three
replications. Main plots consisted of (G1): establishing a mixed
vegetation of Vicia panunica and Hordeum vulgare and (G2):
control, as green manure levels. Also, five strategies for obtaining the
base fertilizer requirement including (N1): 20 t.ha-1 farmyard manure;
(N2): 10 t.ha-1 compost; (N3): 75 kg.ha-1 triple super phosphate;
(N4): 10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost and (N5): 10 t.ha-1
farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost + 50 kg.ha-1 triple super
phosphate were considered in sub plots. Furthermoree four levels of
biofertilizers consisted of (B1): Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas
putida; (B2): Trichoderma harzianum; (B3): Bacillus lentus +
Pseudomonas putida + Trichoderma harzianum; and (B4): control
(without biofertilizers) were arranged in sub-sub plots. Results
showed that integrating biofertilizers (B3) and green manure (G1)
produced the highest grain yield. The highest amounts of yield were
obtained in G1×N5 interaction. Comparison of all 2-way and 3-way
interactions showed that G1N5B3 was determined as the superior
treatment. Significant increasing of N, P2O5, K2O, Fe and Mg content
in leaves and grains emphasized on superiority of mentioned
treatment because each one of these nutrients has an approved role in
chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis abilities of the crops. The
combined application of compost, farmyard manure and chemical
phosphorus (N5) in addition to having the highest yield, had the best
grain quality due to high protein, starch and total sugar contents, low
crude fiber and reduced cooking time.
Abstract: This paper describes fast and efficient method for page segmentation of document containing nonrectangular block. The segmentation is based on edge following algorithm using small window of 16 by 32 pixels. This segmentation is very fast since only border pixels of paragraph are used without scanning the whole page. Still, the segmentation may contain error if the space between them is smaller than the window used in edge following. Consequently, this paper reduce this error by first identify the missed segmentation point using direction information in edge following then, using X-Y cut at the missed segmentation point to separate the connected columns. The advantage of the proposed method is the fast identification of missed segmentation point. This methodology is faster with fewer overheads than other algorithms that need to access much more pixel of a document.
Abstract: The impacts of near-campus student housing, or offcampus
students accommodation cannot be ignored by the
universities and as well as the community officials. Numerous
scholarly studies, have highlighted the substantial economic impacts
either; direct, indirect or induced, and cumulatively the roles of the
universities have significantly contributed to the local economies.
The issue of the impacts of off-campus student rental housing on
neighbourhoods is one that has been of long-standing but increasing
concern in Malaysia. Statistically, in Malaysia, there was
approximately a total of 1.2 - 1.5 million students in 2009. By the
year 2015, it is expected that 50 per cent of 18 to 30 year olds active
population should gain access to university education, amounting to
120,000 yearly. The objectives of the research are to assess the
impacts off-campus students on the local neighbourhood and
specifically to obtain information on the living and learning
conditions of off-campus students of Universiti Teknologi MARA
Shah Alam, Malaysia. It is also to isolate those factors that may
impede the successful learning so that priority can be given to them
in subsequent policy implementations and actions by government and
the higher education institutions.
Abstract: There are many classical algorithms for finding
routing in FPGA. But Using DNA computing we can solve the routes
efficiently and fast. The run time complexity of DNA algorithms is
much less than other classical algorithms which are used for solving
routing in FPGA. The research in DNA computing is in a primary
level. High information density of DNA molecules and massive
parallelism involved in the DNA reactions make DNA computing a
powerful tool. It has been proved by many research accomplishments
that any procedure that can be programmed in a silicon computer can
be realized as a DNA computing procedure. In this paper we have
proposed two tier approaches for the FPGA routing solution. First,
geometric FPGA detailed routing task is solved by transforming it
into a Boolean satisfiability equation with the property that any
assignment of input variables that satisfies the equation specifies a
valid routing. Satisfying assignment for particular route will result in
a valid routing and absence of a satisfying assignment implies that
the layout is un-routable. In second step, DNA search algorithm is
applied on this Boolean equation for solving routing alternatives
utilizing the properties of DNA computation. The simulated results
are satisfactory and give the indication of applicability of DNA
computing for solving the FPGA Routing problem.
Abstract: This paper analyses the structural changes in
education sector since the introduction of liberalization policy in
India. This paper explains how the so-called non-profit trusts and
societies appropriated the liberalization policy and enhanced
themselves as new capitalist class in higher education sector. Over
the decades, the policy witnessed the role of private sector in terms
of maintaining market equilibrium. The state also witnessed the
incompatibility of the private sector in inculcating the values of
social justice. The most important consequence of the policy is to
witness the rise of new capitalist class and academic capitalism.
When the state came to realize that it no longer cope up with
market demands, it opens the entry of private sector in higher
education. Concessions and tax exemptions were provided to the
trusts and societies to establish higher education institutions. There
is a basic difference between western countries and India in
providing higher education by the trusts and societies. In western
countries the big business houses contributed their surplus
revenues to promote higher education and research as a
complementary service to society and nation. In India, several
entrepreneurs came up with business motive using education
sector. Over the period, they accumulated wealth at the cost of
students and concessions from the government. Four major results
can now be identified: production of manpower in view of market
demands; reduction of standards in higher education; bypassing the
values of social justice; and the rise of new capitalist class from the
business of education. This paper tries to substantiate these issues
with the inputs from case studies.
Abstract: This paper presents an evolutionary method for designing
electronic circuits and numerical methods associated with
monitoring systems. The instruments described here have been used
in studies of weather and climate changes due to global warming, and
also in medical patient supervision. Genetic Programming systems
have been used both for designing circuits and sensors, and also for
determining sensor parameters. The authors advance the thesis that
the software side of such a system should be written in computer
languages with a strong mathematical and logic background in order
to prevent software obsolescence, and achieve program correctness.
Abstract: Short-Term Load Forecasting (STLF) plays an important role for the economic and secure operation of power systems. In this paper, Continuous Genetic Algorithm (CGA) is employed to evolve the optimum large neural networks structure and connecting weights for one-day ahead electric load forecasting problem. This study describes the process of developing three layer feed-forward large neural networks for load forecasting and then presents a heuristic search algorithm for performing an important task of this process, i.e. optimal networks structure design. The proposed method is applied to STLF of the local utility. Data are clustered due to the differences in their characteristics. Special days are extracted from the normal training sets and handled separately. In this way, a solution is provided for all load types, including working days and weekends and special days. We find good performance for the large neural networks. The proposed methodology gives lower percent errors all the time. Thus, it can be applied to automatically design an optimal load forecaster based on historical data.
Abstract: Over the early years of the 21st century, cities
throughout the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region have
expanded more rapidly than ever before. Given the presence of a
large volume of high-rise buildings allover the region, the local
authority aims to set a new standard for sustainable development;
with an integrated approach to maintain a balance between economy,
quality, environmental protection and safety of life. In the very near
future, as mandatory requirements, sustainability will be the criteria
that should be included in all building projects. It is well known in
the building sustainability topics that structural design engineers do
not have a key role in this matter. In addition, the LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) has looked almost exclusively
on the environmental components and materials specifications. The
objective of this paper is to focus and establish groundwork for
sustainability techniques and applications related to the RC high-rise
buildings design, from the structural point of view. A set of
recommendations related to local conditions, structural modeling and
analysis is given, and some helpful suggestions for structural design
team work are addressed. This paper attempts to help structural
engineers in identifying the building sustainability design, in order to
meet local needs and achieve alternative solutions at an early stage of
project design.
Abstract: Malaysia has successfully applied economic planning
to guide the development of the country from an economy of
agriculture and mining to a largely industrialised one. Now, with its
sights set on attaining the economic level of a fully developed nation
by 2020, the planning system must be made even more efficient and
focused.
It must ensure that every investment made in the country, contribute
towards creating the desirable objective of a strong, modern,
internationally competitive, technologically advanced, post-industrial
economy. Cities in Malaysia must also be fully aware of the enormous
competition it faces in a region with rapidly expanding and
modernising economies, all contending for the same pool of potential
international investments.
Efficiency of urban governance is also fundamental issue in
development characterized by sustainability, subsidiarity, equity,
transparency and accountability, civic engagement and citizenship, and
security. As described above, city competitiveness is harnessed
through 'city marketing and city management'.
High technology and high skilled industries, together with finance,
transportation, tourism, business, information and professional
services shopping and other commercial activities, are the principal
components of the nation-s economy, which must be developed to a
level well beyond where it is now. In this respect, Kuala Lumpur being
the premier city must play the leading role.
Abstract: In this article, we are dealing with a model consisting of a classical Van der Pol oscillator coupled gyroscopically to a linear oscillator. The major problem is analyzed. The regular dynamics of the system is considered using analytical methods. In this case, we provide an approximate solution for this system using parameter-expansion method. Also, we find approximate values for frequencies of the system. In parameter-expansion method the solution and unknown frequency of oscillation are expanded in a series by a bookkeeping parameter. By imposing the non-secularity condition at each order in the expansion the method provides different approximations to both the solution and the frequency of oscillation. One iteration step provides an approximate solution which is valid for the whole solution domain.
Abstract: Brushless DC motor with high torque density and slim
topology for easy loading for robot system is proposed and
manufactured. Electromagnetic design is executed by equivalent
magnetic circuit model and numerical analysis. Manufactured motor is
tested and verified characteristics comparing with conventional BLDC
motor.
Abstract: Ascorbic acid (AA), commonly known as vitamin C, is essential for normal functioning of the body and maintenance of metabolic integrity. Among its various roles are as an antioxidant, a cofactor in collagen formation and other reactions, as well as reducing physical stress and maintenance of the immune system. Recent collaborative research between the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in Scottsdale, Tasmania and RMIT University has sought to overcome the problems arising from the inherent instability of ascorbic acid during processing and storage of foods. The recent work has demonstrated the potential of microencapsulation by spray drying as a means to enhance retention. The purpose of this current study has been focused upon the influence of spray drying conditions on the properties of encapsulated ascorbic acid. The process was carried out according to a central composite design. Independent variables were: inlet temperature (80-120° C) and feed flow rate (7-14 mL/minute). Process yield, ascorbic acid loss, moisture content, water activity and particle size distribution were analysed as responses. The results have demonstrated the potential of microencapsulation by spray drying as a means to enhance retention. Vitamin retention, moisture content, water activity and process yield were influenced positively by inlet air temperature and negatively by feed flow rate.
Abstract: Recent environmental turbulence including financial
crisis, intensified competitive forces, rapid technological change and
high market turbulence have dramatically changed the current
business climate. The managers firms have to plan and decide what
the best approaches that best fit their firms in order to pursue superior
performance. This research aims to examine the influence of strategic
reasoning and top level managers- individual characteristics on the
effectiveness of organizational improvisation and firm performance.
Given the lack of studies on these relationships in the previous
literature, there is significant contribution to the body of knowledge
as well as for managerial practices. 128 responses from top
management of technology-based companies in Malaysia were used
as a sample. Three hypotheses were examined and the findings
confirm that (a) there is no relationship between intuitive reasoning
and organizational improvisation but there is a link between rational
reasoning and organizational improvisation, (b) top level managers-
individual characteristics as a whole affect organizational
improvisation; and (c) organizational improvisation positively affects
firm performance. The theoretical and managerial implications were
discussed in the conclusions.
Abstract: Fault detection determines faultexistence and detecting
time. This paper discusses two layered fault detection methods to
enhance the reliability and safety. Two layered fault detection methods
consist of fault detection methods of component level controllers and
system level controllers. Component level controllers detect faults by
using limit checking, model-based detection, and data-driven
detection and system level controllers execute detection by stability
analysis which can detect unknown changes. System level controllers
compare detection results via stability with fault signals from lower
level controllers. This paper addresses fault detection methods via
stability and suggests fault detection criteria in nonlinear systems. The
fault detection method applies tothe hybrid control unit of a military
hybrid electric vehicleso that the hybrid control unit can detect faults
of the traction motor.
Abstract: This paper presents a new Quality-Controlled, wavelet based, compression method for electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Initially, an ECG signal is decomposed using the wavelet transform. Then, the resulting coefficients are iteratively thresholded to guarantee that a predefined goal percent root mean square difference (GPRD) is matched within tolerable boundaries. The quantization strategy of extracted non-zero wavelet coefficients (NZWC), according to the combination of RLE, HUFFMAN and arithmetic encoding of the NZWC and a resulting look up table, allow the accomplishment of high compression ratios with good quality reconstructed signals.