Abstract: Si-Ge solid solutions (bulk poly- and mono-crystalline
samples, thin films) are characterized by high perspectives for
application in semiconductor devices, in particular, optoelectronics
and microelectronics. From this point of view, complex studying of
structural state of the defects and structural-sensitive physical
properties of Si-Ge solid solutions depending on the contents of Si
and Ge components is very important. Present work deals with the
investigations of microstructure, microhardness, internal friction and
shear modulus of Si1-xGex(x≤0,02) bulk monocrystals conducted at
room temperature. Si-Ge bulk crystals were obtained by Czochralski
method in [111] crystallographic direction. Investigated
monocrystalline Si-Ge samples are characterized by p-type
conductivity and carriers’ concentration 5.1014-1.1015cm-3.
Microhardness was studied on Dynamic Ultra Micro hardness Tester
DUH-201S with Berkovich indenter. Investigate samples are characterized with 0,5x0,5x(10-15)mm3
sizes, oriented along [111] direction at torsion oscillations ≈1Hz,
multistage changing of internal friction and shear modulus has been
revealed in an interval of strain amplitude of 10-5-5.10-3. Critical
values of strain amplitude have been determined at which hysteretic
changes of inelastic characteristics and microplasticity are observed. The critical strain amplitude and elasticity limit values are also
determined. Dynamic mechanical characteristics decreasing trend is
shown with increasing Ge content in Si-Ge solid solutions. Observed
changes are discussed from the point of view of interaction of various
dislocations with point defects and their complexes in a real structure
of Si-Ge solid solutions.
Abstract: This paper aims to determine Fundamental Natural
Frequency (FNF) of a structural composite floor system known as
Chromite. To achieve this purpose, FNFs of studied panels are
determined by development of Finite Element Models (FEMs) in
ABAQUS program. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
code in Steel Design Guide Series 11 presents a fundamental formula
to calculate FNF of a steel framed floor system. This formula has
been used to verify results of the FEMs. The variability in the FNF of
the studied system under various parameters such as dimensions of
floor, boundary conditions, rigidity of main and secondary beams
around the floor, thickness of concrete slab, height of composite
joists, distance between composite joists, thickness of top and bottom
flanges of the open web steel joists, and adding tie beam
perpendicular on the composite joists, is determined. The results
show that changing in dimensions of the system, its boundary
conditions, rigidity of main beam, and also adding tie beam,
significant changes the FNF of the system up to 452.9%, 50.8%, -
52.2%, %52.6%, respectively. In addition, increasing thickness of
concrete slab increases the FNF of the system up to 10.8%.
Furthermore, the results demonstrate that variation in rigidity of
secondary beam, height of composite joist, and distance between
composite joists, and thickness of top and bottom flanges of open
web steel joists insignificant changes the FNF of the studied system
up to -0.02%, -3%, -6.1%, and 0.96%, respectively. Finally, the
results of this study help designer predict occurrence of resonance,
comfortableness, and design criteria of the studied system.
Abstract: Three purified diets were formulated using fish meal,
soya bean, wheat flour, palm oil, minerals and maltose. The
carbohydrate in the diets was increased from 5 to 15% by changing
the cellulose content to study the effect of dietary carbohydrate level
on the growth parameters of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The
protein and the lipid contents were kept constant in all the diets. The
results showed that, weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, net protein
utilisation and hepatosomatic index of fish fed the diet containing
15% cellulose were the lowest among all groups. Addition, the fish
fed the diet containing 5% cellulose had the best specific growth rate,
and food conversion ratio. While, there was no effect of the dietary
cellulose levels on condition factor and survival rate. These results
indicate that Nile tilapia fingerlings are able to utilize dietary
cellulose does not exceed 10% in their feed for optimum growth.
Abstract: In this study, we demonstrate a high-resolution
refractive index sensor based on a Magnetic Photonic Crystal (MPC)
composed of a triangular lattice array of air holes embedded in Si
matrix. A microcavity is created by changing the radius of an air hole
in the middle of the photonic crystal. The cavity filled with gyrotropic
materials can serve as a refractive index sensor. The shift of the
resonant frequency of the sensor is obtained numerically using finite
difference time domain method under different ambient conditions
having refractive index from n = 1.0 to n = 1.1. The numerical results
show that a tiny change in refractive index of Δn = 0.0001 is
distinguishable. In addition, the spectral response of the MPC sensor is
studied while an external magnetic field is present. The results show
that the MPC sensor exhibits a dramatic improvement in resolution.
Abstract: A repairable mechanical system (as agricultural
tractor) is subject to deterioration or repeated failure and needs a
repair shops and also operator’s capability for the repair and
maintenance operations. Data are based on field visits and interviews
with 48MF 285 tractor operators from 14 villages collected in north
of Khouzestan province. The results showed that most operators were
lack the technical skill to service and repair tractors due to
insufficient training, specific education and work experience.
Inadequate repair and maintenance facilities, such as workshops,
mechanics and spare parts depots cause delays in repair work in the
survey areas. Farmers do not keep accurate service records and most
of them disregard proper maintenance and service of their tractors,
such as changing engine oil without following the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Since, Repair and maintenance facilities should be
established in village areas to guarantee timely repair in case of
breakdowns and to make spare parts available at low price. The
operators should keep service records accurately and adhere to
maintenance and service schedules according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. They should also be encouraged to do the service and
maintain their tractors properly.
Abstract: This paper explores and provides substantiated
evidence on the usage patterns of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) by female users at Vhembe District in Limpopo-
Province, South Africa. The study presents a comprehensive picture
on the usage of ICTs from female users’ perspective. The
significance of this study stems from the need to assess the role,
relevance and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones,
computers, laptops, and iPods, the internet and social networking
sites among females following the developments of new media
technologies in society. The objective of the study is to investigate
the usability and accessibility of ICTs to empower female users in
South Africa. The study used quantitative and qualitative research
methods to determine the major ideas, perceptions and usage patterns
of ICTs by users. Data collection involved the use of structured selfadministered
questionnaire from two groups of respondents who
participated in this study. Thus, (n=50) female students at the
University of Venda provided their ideas and perceptions about the
usefulness and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones, the
Internet and computers at the university level, whereas, the second
group were (n=50) learners from Makhado Comprehensive School
who provided their perceptions and ideas about the use of ICTs at the
high school level. The researcher also noted that the findings of the
study were useful as a guideline and model for ICT intervention that
could work as an empowerment to women in South Africa. It was
observed that the central purpose of ICTs among female users was to
search for information regarding assignment writing, conducting
research, dating, exchanging ideas and networking with friends and
relatives. This was demonstrated by a high number of females who
used ICTs for e-learning (62%) and social purposes (85%).
Therefore, the study revealed that most females used ICTs for social
purposes and accessing the internet rather than for entertainment, a
gesture that provides an opportune space to empower rural women in
South Africa.
Abstract: We report the design and characterization of ultra high
quality factor filter based on one-dimensional photonic-crystal Thue-
Morse sequence structure. The behavior of aperiodic array of
photonic crystal structure is numerically investigated and we show
that by changing the angle of incident wave, desired wavelengths
could be tuned and a tunable filter is realized. Also it is shown that
high quality factor filter be achieved in the telecommunication
window around 1550 nm, with a device based on Thue-Morse
structure. Simulation results show that the proposed structure has a
quality factor more than 100000 and it is suitable for DWDM
communication applications.
Abstract: One of the fundamental characteristics of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) has been the ever-changing
nature of continuous release and models of ICTs with its impact on
the academic, social, and psychological benefits of its introduction in
schools. However, there seems to be a growing concern about its
negative impact on students when introduced early in schools for
teaching and learning. This study aims to design a model of child
development factors affecting the early introduction of ICTs in
schools in an attempt to improve the understanding of child
development and introduction of ICTs in schools. The proposed
model is based on a sound theoretical framework. It was designed
following a literature review of child development theories and child
development factors. The child development theoretical framework
that fitted to the best of all child development factors was then chosen
as the basis for the proposed model. This study hence found that the
Jean Piaget cognitive developmental theory is the most adequate
theoretical frameworks for modeling child development factors for
ICT introduction in schools.
Abstract: This study analyzed the effect of area variables and
economic variables on the length of each period of the project in order
to analyze the effect of agreement rate on project implementation in
housing renewal projects. In conclusion, as can be seen from these
results, a low agreement rate may not translate into project promotion,
and a higher agreement rate may not translate into project delay. The
expectation of the policy is that the lower the agreement rate, the more
projects would be promoted, but that is not the actual effect. From a
policy consistency viewpoint, changing the agreement rate frequently,
depending on the decision of the public, is not reasonable. The policy
of using agreement rate as a necessary condition for project
implementation should be reconsidered.
Abstract: The goal of the modern education system is to prepare
students to be able to adapt to ever-changing life situations. They
must be able to acquire required knowledge independently; apply
such knowledge in practice to solve various problems by using
modern technologies; think critically and creatively; competently use
information; be communicative, work in a team; and develop their
own moral values, intellect and cultural awareness. As a result, the
status of education significantly increases; new requirements to its
quality have been formed. In recent years the competency-based
approach in education has become of significant interest. This
approach is a strengthening of applied and practical characteristics of
a school education and leads to the forming of the key students’
competencies which define their success in future life. In this article,
the authors’ attention focuses on a range of key competencies,
educational, informational and communicative and on the possibility
to develop such competencies via STEM education. This research
shows the change in students’ attitude towards scientific disciplines
such as mathematics, general science, technology and engineering as
a result of STEM education. Two staged analyzed questionnaires
completed by students of forms II to IV in the republic of Trinidad
and Tobago allowed the authors to categorize students between two
levels that represent students’ attitude to various disciplines. The
significance of differences between selected levels was confirmed
with the use of Pearson’s chi-squared test. In summary, the analysis
of obtained data makes it possible to conclude that STEM education
has a great potential for development of core students’ competencies
and encourage the development of positive student attitude towards
the above mentioned above scientific disciplines.
Abstract: The use of Flexible AC Transmission System
(FACTS) devices in a power system can potentially overcome
limitations of the present mechanically controlled transmission
system. Also, the advance of technology makes possible to include
new energy storage devices in the electrical power system. The
integration of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)
into Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) can lead to
increase their flexibility in improvement of power system dynamic
behaviour by exchanging both active and reactive powers with power
grids. This paper describes structure and behaviour of SMES,
specifications and performance principles of the STATCOM/SMES
compensator. Moreover, the benefits and effectiveness of integrated
SMES with STATCOM in power systems is presented. Also, the
performance of the STATCOM/SMES compensator is evaluated
using an IEEE 3-bus system through the dynamic simulation by
PSCAD/EMTDC software.
Abstract: Mobile Ad hoc Network is a set of self-governing
nodes which communicate through wireless links. Dynamic topology
MANETs makes routing a challenging task. Various routing
protocols are there, but due to various fundamental characteristic
open medium, changing topology, distributed collaboration and
constrained capability, these protocols are tend to various types of
security attacks. Black hole is one among them. In this attack,
malicious node represents itself as having the shortest path to the
destination but that path not even exists. In this paper, we aim to
develop a routing protocol for detection and prevention of black hole
attack by modifying AODV routing protocol. This protocol is able to
detect and prevent the black hole attack. Simulation is done using
NS-2, which shows the improvement in network performance.
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine sex
differentiation of laboratory reared Elm nymphalid (Nymphalis
polychloros Linnaeus, 1758) by examining the morphological
structure of pupal stage. Laboratory colony of elm nymphalid, reared
on pear leaves, was used to set up experiments. It was performed
with 5 replications having 8 pupae for each replication. Dorsal,
ventral and lateral parts of external morphological structures of pupae
were examined by Olympus SZX9 stereozoom microscope and
photographed. When fully grown, mature larvae wander the highest
part of the rearing cage and pupae were formed hanging by
cremaster. After completing prepupa stage about 1.5±0.3 days, they
all pupated. Pupal stage was completed at 24±1°C about 4.38±1.20
days. Pupal weights were 0.483±0.05 g in females and 0.392±0.08 g
(n=40) in males respectively. Pupal emergence rate was 95%, with
22 females and 16 males. Examinations of ventral parts of 8th, 9th,
and 10th abdominal segments revealed that anal opening were found
at 10th abdominal segment in both sexes, 3 lumps were determined at
9th abdominal segments then the specific opening structure at 8th
segment was only found on female pupae.
Abstract: Research Objectives: The roles and activities of
Human Resource Management (HRM) have changed a lot in the past
years. Driven by a changing environment and therefore new business
requirements, the scope of human resource (HR) activities has
widened. The extent to which these activities should focus on
strategic issues to support the long term success of a company has
been discussed in science for many years. As many economies of
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) experienced a phase of transition
after the socialist era and are now recovering from the 2008 global
crisis it is needed to examine the current state of HR positioning.
Furthermore a trend in HR work developing from rather
administrative units to being strategic partners of management can be
noticed. This leads to the question of better understanding the
underlying competencies which are necessary to support
organisations. This topic was addressed by the international study
“HR Competencies in international comparison”. The quantitative
survey was conducted by the Institute for Human Resources &
Organisation of FHWien University of Applied Science of WKW (A)
in cooperation with partner universities in the countries Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. Methodology: Using the
questionnaire developed by Dave Ulrich we tested whether the HR
Competency model can be used for Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. After performing confirmatory and
exploratory factor analysis for the whole data set containing all five
countries we could clearly distinguish between four competencies. In
a further step our analysis focused on median and average
comparisons between the HR competency dimensions. Conclusion:
Our literature review, in alignment with other studies, shows a
relatively rapid pace of development of HR Roles and HR
Competencies in BCSS in the past decades. Comparing data from
BCSS and Austria we still can notice that regards strategic orientation
there is a lack in BCSS countries, thus competencies are not as
developed as in Austria. This leads us to the tentative conclusion that
HR has undergone a rapid change but is still in a State of Transition
from being a rather administrative unit to performing the role of a
strategic partner.
Abstract: In the years followed independence, an economic
crisis and some conflicts led to the displacement of many people
inside Georgia. The growing poverty, unemployment, low income
and its unequal distribution limited access to basic social service have
had a clear direct impact on Georgian population dynamics and its
age-sex structure. Factors influencing the changing population age
structure and urbanization include mortality, fertility, migration and
expansion of urban. In this paper presents the main factors of
changing the distribution by urban and rural areas. How different are
the urban and rural age and sex structures? Does Georgia have the
same age-sex structure among their urban and rural populations since
1950s?
Abstract: Model transformation, as a pivotal aspect of Modeldriven
engineering, attracts more and more attentions both from
researchers and practitioners. Many domains (enterprise engineering,
software engineering, knowledge engineering, etc.) use model
transformation principles and practices to serve to their domain
specific problems; furthermore, model transformation could also be
used to fulfill the gap between different domains: by sharing and
exchanging knowledge. Since model transformation has been widely
used, there comes new requirement on it: effectively and efficiently
define the transformation process and reduce manual effort that
involved in. This paper presents an automatic model transformation
methodology based on semantic and syntactic comparisons, and
focuses particularly on granularity issue that existed in transformation
process. Comparing to the traditional model transformation
methodologies, this methodology serves to a general purpose: crossdomain
methodology. Semantic and syntactic checking
measurements are combined into a refined transformation process,
which solves the granularity issue. Moreover, semantic and syntactic
comparisons are supported by software tool; manual effort is replaced
in this way.
Abstract: Rapidly changing factors that affect daily life also affect operational environment and the way military leaders fulfill their missions. With the help of technological developments, traditional linearity of conflict and war has started to fade away. Furthermore, mission domain has broadened to include traditional threats, hybrid threats and new challenges of cyber and space. Considering the future operational environment, future military leaders need to adapt themselves to the new challenges of the future battlefield. But how to decide what kind of features of leadership are required to operate and accomplish mission in the new complex battlefield? In this article, the main aim is to provide answers to this question. To be able to find right answers, first leadership and leadership components are defined, and then characteristics of future operational environment are analyzed. Finally, leadership features that are required to be successful in redefined battlefield are explained.
Abstract: Any variation in environmental characteristics of
geomorphosites would lead to destabilisation of their geotouristic
values all around the planet. The Urmia lake, with an area of
approximately 5,500 km2 and a catchment area of 51,876 km2, and to
which various reasons over time, especially in the last fifty years
have seen a sharp decline and have decreased by about 93 % in two
recent decades. These variations are not only driving significant
changes in the morphology and ecology of the present lake
landscape, but at the same time are shaping newly formed
morphologies, which vanished some valuable geomorphosites or
develop into smaller geomorphosites with significant value from a
scientific and cultural point of view. This paper analyses and
discusses features and evolution in several representative coastal and
island geomorphosites. For this purpose, a total of 23 geomorphosites
were studied in two data series (1963 and 2015) and the respective
data were compared and analysed. The results showed, the total loss
in geomorphosites area in a half century amounted to a loss of more
than 90% of the valuable geomorphosites. Moreover, the comparison
between the mean yearly value of coastal area lost over the entire
period and the yearly average calculated for the shorter period (1998-
2014) clearly indicates a pattern of acceleration. This acceleration in
the rate of reduction in lake area was seen in most of the southern
half of the lake. In the region as well, the general water-level falling
is not only causing the loss of a significant water resource, which is
followed by major impact on regional ecosystems, but is also driving
the most marked recent (last century) changes in the geotouristic
landscapes. In fact, the disappearance of geomorphosites means the
loss of tourism phenomenon. In this context attention must be paid to
the question of conservation. The action needed to safeguard
geomorphosites includes: 1) Preventive action, 2) Corrective action,
and 3) Sharing knowledge.
Abstract: This article is to introduce the meaning and form of
social quality moving process as indicated by members of two suburb
communities with different social and cultural contexts. The form of
social quality moving process is very significant for the community
and social development, because it will make the people living
together with sustainable happiness.
This is a qualitative study involving 30 key-informants from two
suburb communities. Data were collected though key-informant
interviews, and analyzed using logical content description and
descriptive statistics.
This research found that on the social quality component, the
people in both communities stressed the procedure for social qualitymaking.
This includes the generousness, sharing and assisting among
people in the communities. These practices helped making people to
live together with sustainable happiness. Living as a family or appear
to be a family is the major social characteristic of these two
communities.
This research also found that form of social quality’s moving
process of both communities stress relation of human and nature;
“nature overpower humans” paradigm and influence of religious
doctrine that emphasizes relations among humans. Both criteria make
the form of social’s moving process simple, adaptive to nature and
caring for opinion sharing and understanding among each other
before action. This form of social quality’s moving process is
composed of 4 steps; (1) awareness building, (2) motivation to
change, (3) participation from every party which is concerned (4)
self-reliance.
Abstract: The article proposed intends to analyze the possibility
(and conditions) of a media regulation law in a democratic rule of law
in the twenty-first century. To do so, will be presented initially the
idea of the public sphere (by Jürgen Habermas), showing how it is
presented as an interface between the citizen and the state (or the
private and public) and how important is it in a deliberative
democracy. Based on this paradigm, the traditional perception of the
role of public information (such as system functional element) and on
the possibility of media regulation will be exposed, due to the public
nature of their activity. A critical argument will then be displayed
from two different perspectives: a) the formal function of the current
media information, considering that the digital age has fragmented
the information access; b) the concept of a constructive democracy,
which reduces the need for representation, changing the strategic
importance of the public sphere. The question to be addressed (based
on the comparative law) is if the regulation is justified in a
polycentric democracy, especially when it operates under the digital
age (with immediate and virtual communication). The proposal is to
be presented in the sense that even in a twenty-first century the media
in a democratic rule of law still has an extremely important role and
may be subject to regulation, but this should be on terms very
different (and narrower) from those usually defended.