Abstract: As the latest advancement and trend in IT field, Green
& Smart IT has attracted more and more attentions from researchers.
This study focuses on the development of assessing tools which can be
used for evaluating Green & Smart IT level within an organization. In
order to achieve meaningful results, a comprehensive review of
relevant literature was performed in advance, then, Delphi survey and
other processes were also employed to develop the assessment tools
for Green & Smart IT level. Two rounds of Delphi questionnaire
survey were conducted with 20 IT experts in public sector. The results
reveal that the top five weighted KPIs to evaluate maturity of Green &
Smart IT were: (1) electronic execution of business process; (2)
shutdown of unused IT devices; (3) virtualization of severs; (4)
automation of constant temperature and humidity; and (5) introduction
of smart-work system. Finally, these tools were applied to case study
of a public research institute in Korea. The findings presented in this
study provide organizations with useful implications for the
introduction and promotion of Green & Smart IT in the future
Abstract: Indian telecom services industry has been witnessing
a stupendous growth since 1990s. Over the years, subscriber base has
grown steadily and it crossed 950 million marks in March 2012.
India with second largest subscriber base also offers one of the
lowest call tariffs in the world. But in the euphoria of high growth in
services, the equipment manufacturing received least priority. India
mainly depends on imported components from China. Of late, it is
realized that lack of domestic manufacturing may pose a serious
challenge to India-s continued success in the telecom sector.
Therefore, the National Telecom Policy 2012 aims at developing a
strong equipment manufacturing base within India. This paper
realistically assesses India-s true potential in equipment
manufacturing and seeks to identify the emerging issues and
challenges before the Indian telecom equipment manufacturing sector
while it tries to make a transition from an import-dependent industry
to a global manufacturing hub.
Abstract: Overall, the findings of the present study suggest that
teachers have low to moderate levels of professionalisation, high
level of career identity and moderate levels of career resilience, and
career planning. From the T-tests and F-tests conducted, it was found
that gender has a significant impact on career identity whereas age
and marital status have significant impact on career planning and also
on career identity. The results indicate that there is a higher
possibility of male teachers to leave the teaching profession than the
female teachers. The result of the T-test on career identity in relation
to gender supports this deduction in which female teachers have
significantly higher career identity than their male counterparts.
Marital status was also found to have a significant impact on career
identity.
Abstract: Accumulation of dust from the outdoor environment
on the panels of solar photovoltaic (PV) system is natural. There
were studies that showed that the accumulated dust can reduce the
performance of solar panels, but the results were not clearly
quantified. The objective of this research was to study the effects of
dust accumulation on the performance of solar PV panels.
Experiments were conducted using dust particles on solar panels with
a constant-power light source, to determine the resulting electrical
power generated and efficiency. It was found from the study that the
accumulated dust on the surface of photovoltaic solar panel can
reduce the system-s efficiency by up to 50%.
Abstract: This study reports the preparation of soft magnetic
ribbons of Fe-based amorphous alloys using the single-roller melt-spinning technique. Ribbon width varied from 142 mm to 213
mm and, with a thickness of approximately 22 μm ± 2 μm. The microstructure and magnetic properties of the ribbons were
characterized by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and electrical resistivity measurements (ERM). The amorphous material
properties dependence of the cooling rate and nozzle pressure have uneven surface in ribbon thicknesses are investigated. Magnetic
measurement results indicate that some region of the ribbon exhibits good magnetic properties, higher saturation induction and lower coercivity. However, due to the uneven surface of 213 mm wide
ribbon, the magnetic responses are not uniformly distributed. To
understand the transformer magnetic performances, this study analyzes the measurements of a three-phase 2 MVA amorphous-cored transformer. Experimental results confirm that the transformer with a
ribbon width of 142 mm has better magnetic properties in terms of lower core loss, exciting power, and audible noise.
Abstract: In two studies we challenged the well consolidated
position in regret literature according to which the necessary
condition for the emergence of regret is a bad outcome ensuing from
free decisions. Without free choice, and, consequently, personal
responsibility, other emotions, such as disappointment, but not regret,
are supposed to be elicited. In our opinion, a main source of regret is
being obliged by circumstance out of our control to chose an
undesired option. We tested the hypothesis that regret resulting from
a forced choice is more intense than regret derived from a free choice
and that the outcome affects the latter, not the former. Besides, we
investigated whether two other variables – the perception of the level
of freedom of the choice and the choice justifiability – mediated the
relationships between choice and regret, as well as the other four
emotions we examined: satisfaction, anger toward oneself,
disappointment, anger towards circumstances. The two studies were
based on the scenario methodology and implied a 2 x 2 (choice x
outcome) between design. In the first study the foreseen short-term
effects of the choice were assessed; in the second study the
experienced long-term effects of the choice were assessed. In each
study 160 students of the Second University of Naples participated.
Results largely corroborated our hypotheses. They were discussed in
the light of the main theories on regret and decision making.
Abstract: In this paper we compare the accuracy of data mining
methods to classifying students in order to predicting student-s class
grade. These predictions are more useful for identifying weak
students and assisting management to take remedial measures at early
stages to produce excellent graduate that will graduate at least with
second class upper. Firstly we examine single classifiers accuracy on
our data set and choose the best one and then ensembles it with a
weak classifier to produce simple voting method. We present results
show that combining different classifiers outperformed other single
classifiers for predicting student performance.
Abstract: A method is presented for obtaining the error probability for block codes. The method is based on the eigenvalueeigenvector properties of the code correlation matrix. It is found that under a unary transformation and for an additive white Gaussian noise environment, the performance evaluation of a block code becomes a one-dimensional problem in which only one eigenvalue and its corresponding eigenvector are needed in the computation. The obtained error rate results show remarkable agreement between simulations and analysis.
Abstract: An evolutionary method whose selection and recombination
operations are based on generalization error-bounds of
support vector machine (SVM) can select a subset of potentially
informative genes for SVM classifier very efficiently [7]. In this
paper, we will use the derivative of error-bound (first-order criteria)
to select and recombine gene features in the evolutionary process,
and compare the performance of the derivative of error-bound with
the error-bound itself (zero-order) in the evolutionary process. We
also investigate several error-bounds and their derivatives to compare
the performance, and find the best criteria for gene selection
and classification. We use 7 cancer-related human gene expression
datasets to evaluate the performance of the zero-order and first-order
criteria of error-bounds. Though both criteria have the same strategy
in theoretically, experimental results demonstrate the best criterion
for microarray gene expression data.
Abstract: To compress, improve bit error performance and also enhance 2D images, a new scheme, called Iterative Cellular-Turbo System (IC-TS) is introduced. In IC-TS, the original image is partitioned into 2N quantization levels, where N is denoted as bit planes. Then each of the N-bit-plane is coded by Turbo encoder and transmitted over Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. At the receiver side, bit-planes are re-assembled taking into consideration of neighborhood relationship of pixels in 2-D images. Each of the noisy bit-plane values of the image is evaluated iteratively using IC-TS structure, which is composed of equalization block; Iterative Cellular Image Processing Algorithm (ICIPA) and Turbo decoder. In IC-TS, there is an iterative feedback link between ICIPA and Turbo decoder. ICIPA uses mean and standard deviation of estimated values of each pixel neighborhood. It has extra-ordinary satisfactory results of both Bit Error Rate (BER) and image enhancement performance for less than -1 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) values, compared to traditional turbo coding scheme and 2-D filtering, applied separately. Also, compression can be achieved by using IC-TS systems. In compression, less memory storage is used and data rate is increased up to N-1 times by simply choosing any number of bit slices, sacrificing resolution. Hence, it is concluded that IC-TS system will be a compromising approach in 2-D image transmission, recovery of noisy signals and image compression.
Abstract: In this study, the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) C
needles (i.e. the current-year-needles) were used as bioindicators in
determining the aerial distribution pattern of sulphur emissions
around industrial point sources at Kemi, Northern Finland. The
average sulphur concentration in the C needles was 897 mg/kg
(d.w.), with a standard deviation of 118 mg/kg (d.w.) and range 740 –
1350 mg/kg (d.w.). According to results in this study, Scots pine
needles (Pinus sylvestris L.) appear to be an ideal bioindicators for
identifying atmospheric sulphur pollution derived from industrial
plants and can complement the information provided by plant
mapping studies around industrial plants.
Abstract: Multicarrier transmission system such as Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique
for high bit rate transmission in wireless communication system.
OFDM is a spectrally efficient modulation technique that can achieve
high speed data transmission over multipath fading channels without
the need for powerful equalization techniques. However the price
paid for this high spectral efficiency and less intensive equalization
is low power efficiency. OFDM signals are very sensitive to nonlinear
effects due to the high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR),
which leads to the power inefficiency in the RF section of the
transmitter. This paper investigates the effect of PAPR reduction on
the performance parameter of multicarrier communication system.
Performance parameters considered are power consumption of Power
Amplifier (PA) and Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), power amplifier
efficiency, SNR of DAC and BER performance of the system.
From our analysis it is found that irrespective of PAPR reduction
technique being employed, the power consumption of PA and DAC
reduces and power amplifier efficiency increases due to reduction in
PAPR. Moreover, it has been shown that for a given BER performance
the requirement of Input-Backoff (IBO) reduces with reduction in
PAPR.
Abstract: In this paper, the construction of a detailed spine
model is presented using the LifeMOD Biomechanics Modeler. The
detailed spine model is obtained by refining spine segments in
cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions into individual vertebra
segments, using bushing elements representing the intervertebral
discs, and building various ligamentous soft tissues between
vertebrae. In the sagittal plane of the spine, constant force will be
applied from the posterior to anterior during simulation to determine
dynamic characteristics of the spine. The force magnitude is
gradually increased in subsequent simulations. Based on these
recorded dynamic properties, graphs of displacement-force
relationships will be established in terms of polynomial functions by
using the least-squares method and imported into a haptic integrated
graphic environment. A thoracolumbar spine model with complex
geometry of vertebrae, which is digitized from a resin spine
prototype, will be utilized in this environment. By using the haptic
technique, surgeons can touch as well as apply forces to the spine
model through haptic devices to observe the locomotion of the spine
which is computed from the displacement-force relationship graphs.
This current study provides a preliminary picture of our ongoing
work towards building and simulating bio-fidelity scoliotic spine
models in a haptic integrated graphic environment whose dynamic
properties are obtained from LifeMOD. These models can be helpful
for surgeons to examine kinematic behaviors of scoliotic spines and
to propose possible surgical plans before spine correction operations.
Abstract: With the development of ubiquitous computing,
current user interaction approaches with keyboard, mouse and pen
are not sufficient. Due to the limitation of these devices the useable
command set is also limited. Direct use of hands as an input device is
an attractive method for providing natural Human Computer
Interaction which has evolved from text-based interfaces through 2D
graphical-based interfaces, multimedia-supported interfaces, to fully
fledged multi-participant Virtual Environment (VE) systems.
Imagine the human-computer interaction of the future: A 3Dapplication
where you can move and rotate objects simply by moving
and rotating your hand - all without touching any input device. In this
paper a review of vision based hand gesture recognition is presented.
The existing approaches are categorized into 3D model based
approaches and appearance based approaches, highlighting their
advantages and shortcomings and identifying the open issues.
Abstract: Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) is considered the most complex combining technique as it requires channel coefficients estimation. It results in the lowest bit error rate (BER) compared to all other combining techniques. However the BER starts to deteriorate as errors are introduced in the channel coefficients estimation. A novel combining technique, termed Generalized Maximal Ratio Combining (GMRC) with a polynomial kernel, yields an identical BER as MRC with perfect channel estimation and a lower BER in the presence of channel estimation errors. We show that GMRC outperforms the optimal MRC scheme in general and we hereinafter introduce it to the scientific community as a new “supraoptimal" algorithm. Since diversity combining is especially effective in small femto- and pico-cells, internet-associated wireless peripheral systems are to benefit most from GMRC. As a result, many spinoff applications can be made to IP-based 4th generation networks.
Abstract: The study of proteomics reached unexpected levels of
interest, as a direct consequence of its discovered influence over some
complex biological phenomena, such as problematic diseases like
cancer. This paper presents the latest authors- achievements regarding
the analysis of the networks of proteins (interactome networks), by
computing more efficiently the betweenness centrality measure. The
paper introduces the concept of betweenness centrality, and then
describes how betweenness computation can help the interactome net-
work analysis. Current sequential implementations for the between-
ness computation do not perform satisfactory in terms of execution
times. The paper-s main contribution is centered towards introducing
a speedup technique for the betweenness computation, based on
modified shortest path algorithms for sparse graphs. Three optimized
generic algorithms for betweenness computation are described and
implemented, and their performance tested against real biological
data, which is part of the IntAct dataset.
Abstract: Nowadays, without the awareness of consumer
behavior and correct understanding of it, it is not possible for organizations to take appropriate measures to meet the consumer
needs and demands. The aim of this paper is the identification and
prioritization of the factors affecting the consumer behavior based on
the product value. The population of the study includes all the
consumers of furniture producing firms in East Azarbaijan province,
Iran. The research sample includes 93 people selected by the sampling formula in unlimited population. The data collection
instrument was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed
through face validity and the reliability of which was determined,
using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Kolmogorov-Smironov test
was used to test data normality, the t-test for identification of factors
affecting the product value, and Friedman test for prioritizing the
factors. The results show that quality, satisfaction, styling, price, finishing operation, performance, safety, worth, shape, use, and
excellence are placed from 1 to 11 priorities, respectively.
Abstract: Pressures for urban redevelopment are intensifying in
all large cities. A new logic for urban development is required –
green urbanism – that provides a spatial framework for directing
population and investment inwards to brownfields and greyfields
precincts, rather than outwards to the greenfields. This represents
both a major opportunity and a major challenge for city planners in
pluralist liberal democracies. However, plans for more compact
forms of urban redevelopment are stalling in the face of community
resistance. A new paradigm and spatial planning platform is required
that will support timely multi-level and multi-actor stakeholder
engagement, resulting in the emergence of consensus plans for
precinct-level urban regeneration capable of more rapid
implementation. Using Melbourne, Australia as a case study, this
paper addresses two of the urban intervention challenges – where and
how – via the application of a 21st century planning tool ENVISION
created for this purpose.
Abstract: In this paper the Analytic Network Process (ANP) is
applied to the selection of photovoltaic (PV) solar power projects.
These projects follow a long management and execution process
from plant site selection to plant start-up. As a consequence, there are
many risks of time delays and even of project stoppage.
In the case study presented in this paper a top manager of an
important Spanish company that operates in the power market has to
decide on the best PV project (from four alternative projects) to
invest based on risk minimization. The manager identified 50 project
execution delay and/or stoppage risks.
The influences among elements of the network (groups of risks
and alternatives) were identified and analyzed using the ANP
multicriteria decision analysis method. After analyzing the results the
main conclusion is that the network model can manage all the
information of the real-world problem and thus it is a decision
analysis model recommended by the authors. The strengths and
weaknesses ANP as a multicriteria decision analysis tool are also
described in the paper.
Abstract: MRAM technology provides a combination of fast
access time, non-volatility, data retention and endurance. While a
growing interest is given to two-terminal Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
(MTJ) based on Spin-Transfer Torque (STT) switching as the
potential candidate for a universal memory, its reliability is
dramatically decreased because of the common writing/reading path.
Three-terminal MTJ based on Spin-Orbit Torque (SOT) approach
revitalizes the hope of an ideal MRAM. It can overcome the
reliability barrier encountered in current two-terminal MTJs by
separating the reading and the writing path. In this paper, we study
two possible writing schemes for the SOT-MTJ device based on
recently fabricated samples. While the first is based on precessional
switching, the second requires the presence of permanent magnetic
field. Based on an accurate Verilog-A model, we simulate the two
writing techniques and we highlight advantages and drawbacks of
each one. Using the second technique, pioneering logic circuits based
on the three-terminal architecture of the SOT-MTJ described in this
work are under development with preliminary attractive results.