Abstract: In this paper, we present a new segmentation approach
for liver lesions in regions of interest within MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging). This approach, based on a two-cluster Fuzzy CMeans
methodology, considers the parameter variable compactness
to handle uncertainty. Fine boundaries are detected by a local
recursive merging of ambiguous pixels with a sequential forward
floating selection with Zernike moments. The method has been tested
on both synthetic and real images. When applied on synthetic images,
the proposed approach provides good performance, segmentations
obtained are accurate, their shape is consistent with the ground truth,
and the extracted information is reliable. The results obtained on MR
images confirm such observations. Our approach allows, even for
difficult cases of MR images, to extract a segmentation with good
performance in terms of accuracy and shape, which implies that the
geometry of the tumor is preserved for further clinical activities (such
as automatic extraction of pharmaco-kinetics properties, lesion
characterization, etc.).
Abstract: These Monolayer and multilayer coatings of CrN and
AlCrN deposited on 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) substrate by PVD
magnetron sputtering system. The microstructures of the coatings
were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM
analysis revealed the presence of domes and craters that are
uniformly distributed over all surfaces of the various layers.
Nanoindentation measurement of CrN coating showed maximum
hardness (H) and modulus (E) of 14 GPa and 190 GPa, respectively.
The measured H and E values of AlCrN coatings were found to be 30
GPa and 382 GPa, respectively. The improved hardness in both the
coatings was attributed mainly to a reduction in crystallite size and
decrease in surface roughness. The incorporation of Al into the CrN
coatings has improved both hardness and Young’s modulus.
Abstract: This paper is based on a large questionnaire study. The
paper presents how all participants and subgroups (upper- and
lower-level white-collar workers) answered the question, “Have you
had an ache, pain, or numbness, which you associate with desktop
computer use, in the different body parts during the last 12 months?’
14.6% of participants (19.4% of women and 8.2% of men) reported
that they had often or very often physical symptoms in the neck. Even
if our results cannot prove a causal relation of symptoms with
computer use, show that workers believe that computer use can
influence their wellbeing: this is important when devising treatment
modalities to decrease these physical symptoms.
Abstract: This study utilizes a frequency domain approach over
the period of 1996 to 2013 to examine the causal relationship between
governance and economic growth in ten Asian countries, which have
different levels of democracy; classified as “Free”, “Partly Free”, and
“Not Free” countries. The empirical results show that there is no
Granger causality running from governance to economic growth in
“Not Free” countries and “Partly Free” countries with the exception of
Singapore. As for “Free” countries such as South Korea and Taiwan,
there is a one-way causality running from governance to economic
growth. The findings of this study indicate that policy makers in South
Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore could use governance index to improve
their predictions of the future economic growth.
Abstract: Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) is a measure for
evaluating street conditions for cyclists. Currently, various methods
are proposed for BLOS. These analytical methods however have
some drawbacks: they usually assume cyclists as users that can share
street facilities with motorized vehicles, it is not easy to link them to
design process and they are not easy to follow. In addition, they only
support a narrow range of cycling facilities and may not be applicable
for all situations. Along this, the current paper introduces various
effective design factors for bicycle-friendly streets. This study
considers cyclists as users of streets who have special needs and
facilities. Therefore, the key factors that influence BLOS based on
different cycling facilities that are proposed by developed guidelines
and literature are identified. The combination of these factors
presents a complete set of effective design factors for bicycle-friendly
streets. In addition, the weight of each factor in existing BLOS
models is estimated and these effective factors are ranked based on
these weights. These factors and their weights can be used in further
studies to propose special bicycle-friendly street design model.
Abstract: The main parameters affecting the workability are the
water content, particle size, and the total surface of the grains, as long
as the mixing water begins by wetting the surface of the grains and
then fills the voids between the grains to form entrapped water, the
quantity of water remaining is called free water. The aim of this study is to undertake a fractal approach through
the relationship between the concrete formulation parameters and
workability. To develop this approach a series of concrete taken from
the literature was investigated by varying formulation parameters
such as G/S, the quantity of cement C and the quantity of water W. We also call another model as the model of water layer thickness
and model of paste layer thickness to judge their relevance, hence the
following results: the relevance of the water layer thickness model is
considered as a relevant when there is a variation in the water
quantity. The model of the paste layer thickness is only applicable if
we considered that the paste is made with the grain value Dmax =
2.85: value from which we see a stability of the model.
Abstract: We apply the non-parametric, unconditional,
hyperbolic order-α quantile estimator to appraise the relative
efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Africa in terms of outreach.
Our purpose is to verify if these institutions, which must constantly
try to strike a compromise between their social role and financial
sustainability are operationally efficient.
Using data on African MFIs extracted from the Microfinance
Information eXchange (MIX) database and covering the 2004 to
2006 periods, we find that more efficient MFIs are also the most
profitable. This result is in line with the view that social performance
is not in contradiction with the pursuit of excellent financial
performance. Our results also show that large MFIs in terms of asset
and those charging the highest fees are not necessarily the most
efficient.
Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers received much attention and
are used in many fields because of their superior characters to
traditional absorbents, e.g., sponge and cotton. So, it is very
important but challenging to prepare highly and fast-swelling
superabsorbents. A reliable, efficient and low-cost technique for
removing heavy metal ions from wastewater is the adsorption using
bio-adsorbents obtained from biological materials, such as
polysaccharides-based hydrogels superabsorbents. In this study, novel multi-functional superabsorbent composites
type semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (Semi-IPNs) were
prepared via graft polymerization of acrylamide onto chitosan
backbone in presence of gelatin, CTS-g-PAAm/Ge, using potassium
persulfate and N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide as initiator and
crosslinker, respectively. These hydrogels were also partially
hydrolyzed to achieve superabsorbents with ampholytic properties
and uppermost swelling capacity. The formation of the grafted
network was evidenced by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
(ATR-FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The porous
structures were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
From TGA analysis, it was concluded that the incorporation of the Ge
in the CTS-g-PAAm network has marginally affected its thermal
stability. The effect of gelatin content on the swelling capacities of
these superabsorbent composites was examined in various media
(distilled water, saline and pH-solutions). The water absorbency was
enhanced by adding Ge in the network, where the optimum value was
reached at 2 wt. % of Ge. Their hydrolysis has not only greatly
optimized their absorption capacity but also improved the swelling
kinetic.These materials have also showed reswelling ability. We
believe that these super-absorbing materials would be very effective
for the adsorption of harmful metal ions from wastewater.
Abstract: Artificial neural networks have gained a lot of interest
as empirical models for their powerful representational capacity,
multi input and output mapping characteristics. In fact, most feedforward
networks with nonlinear nodal functions have been proved to
be universal approximates. In this paper, we propose a new
supervised method for color image classification based on selforganizing
feature maps (SOFM). This algorithm is based on
competitive learning. The method partitions the input space using
self-organizing feature maps to introduce the concept of local
neighborhoods. Our image classification system entered into RGB
image. Experiments with simulated data showed that separability of
classes increased when increasing training time. In additional, the
result shows proposed algorithms are effective for color image
classification.
Abstract: In Electric Power Steering (EPS), spoke type
Brushless AC (BLAC) motors offer distinct advantages over other
electric motor types in terms torque smoothness, reliability and
efficiency. This paper deals with the shape optimization of spoke
type BLAC motor, in order to reduce cogging torque. This paper
examines 3 steps skewing rotor angle, optimizing rotor core edge and
rotor overlap length for reducing cogging torque in spoke type BLAC
motor. The methods were applied to existing machine designs and
their performance was calculated using finite- element analysis
(FEA). Prototypes of the machine designs were constructed and
experimental results obtained. It is shown that the FEA predicted the
cogging torque to be nearly reduce using those methods.
Abstract: Single angle connections, which are bolted to the beam
web and the column flange, are studied to investigate their
moment-rotation behavior. Elastic–perfectly plastic material behavior
is assumed. ABAQUS software is used to analyze the nonlinear
behavior of a single angle connection. The identical geometric and
material conditions with Lipson’s test are used for verifying finite
element models. Since Kishi and Chen’s Power model and Lee and
Moon’s Log model are accurate only for a limited range of mechanism,
simpler and more accurate hyperbolic function models are proposed.
Abstract: The environmental, cultural, social, and technological
changes have led higher education institutes to question their
traditional roles. Many declarations and frameworks highlight the
importance of fulfilling social responsibility of higher education
institutes. The study aims at developing a framework of university
social responsibility and sustainability (USR&S) with focus on South
Valley University (SVU) as a case study of Egyptian Universities.
The study used meetings with 12 vice deans of community services
and environmental affairs on social responsibility and environmental
issues. The proposed framework integrates social responsibility with
strategic management through the establishment and maintenance of
the vision, mission, values, goals and management systems;
elaboration of policies; provision of actions; evaluation of services
and development of social collaboration with stakeholders to meet
current and future needs of the community and environment. The
framework links between different stakeholders internally and
externally using communication and reporting tools. The results show
that SVU integrates social responsibility and sustainability in its
strategic plans. It has policies and actions however fragmented and
lack of appropriate structure and budgeting. The proposed framework
could be valuable for researchers and decision makers of the
Egyptian Universities. The study proposed recommendations and
highlighted building on the results and conducting future research.
Abstract: Acoustic properties of polymeric liquids are high
sensitive to free gas traces in the form of fine bubbles. Their presence
is typical for such liquids because of chemical reactions, small
wettability of solid boundaries, trapping of air in technological
operations, etc. Liquid temperature influences essentially its
rheological properties, which may have an impact on the bubble
pulsations and sound propagation in the system. The target of the
paper is modeling of the liquid temperature effect on single bubble
dynamics and sound dispersion and attenuation in polymeric solution
with spherical gas bubbles. The basic sources of attenuation (heat
exchange between gas in microbubbles and surrounding liquid,
rheological and acoustic losses) are taken into account. It is supposed
that in the studied temperature range the interface mass transfer has a
minor effect on bubble dynamics. The results of the study indicate
that temperature raise yields enhancement of bubble pulsations and
increase in sound attenuation in the near-resonance range and may
have a strong impact on sound dispersion in the liquid-bubble
mixture at frequencies close to the resonance frequency of bubbles.
Abstract: In recent research copper and manganese systems
were found to be the most active in CO and organic compounds
oxidation among the base catalysts. The mixed copper manganese
oxide has been widely studied in oxidation reactions because of their
higher activity at low temperatures in comparison with single oxide
catalysts. The results showed that the formation of spinel
CuxMn3−xO4 in the oxidized catalyst is responsible for the activity
even at room temperature. That is why the most of the investigations
are focused on the hopcalite catalyst (CuMn2O4) as the best coppermanganese
catalyst. Now it’s known that this is true only for CO
oxidation, but not for mixture of CO and VOCs. The purpose of this
study is to investigate the alumina supported copper-manganese
catalysts with different Cu/Mn molar ratio in terms of oxidation of
CO, methanol and dimethyl ether. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of γ-Al2O3 with
copper and manganese nitrates and the catalytic activity
measurements were carried out in two stage continuous flow
equipment with an adiabatic reactor for simultaneous oxidation of all
compounds under the conditions closest possible to the industrial. Gas
mixtures on the input and output of the reactor were analyzed with a
gas chromatograph, equipped with FID and TCD detectors. The
texture characteristics were determined by low-temperature (- 196oС)
nitrogen adsorption in a Quantachrome Instruments NOVA 1200e
(USA) specific surface area & pore analyzer. Thermal, XRD and
TPR analyses were performed. It was established that the active component of the mixed Cu-
Mn/γ–alumina catalysts strongly depends on the Cu/Mn molar ratio.
Highly active alumina supported Cu-Mn catalysts for CO, methanol
and DME oxidation were synthesized. While the hopcalite is the best
catalyst for CO oxidation, the best compromise for simultaneous
oxidation of all components is the catalyst with Cu/Mn molar ratio
1:5.
Abstract: Studying stress and strain trends in the femur and
recognizing femur failure mechanism is very important for
preventing hip fracture in the elderly. The aim of this study was to
identify high stress and strain regions in the femur during normal
walking and falling to find the mechanical behavior and failure
mechanism of the femur. We developed a finite element model of the
femur from the subject’s quantitative computed tomography (QCT)
image and used it to identify potentially high stress and strain regions
during the single-leg stance and the sideways fall. It was found that
fracture may initiate from the superior region of femoral neck and
propagate to the inferior region during a high impact force such as
sideways fall. The results of this study showed that the femur bone is
more sensitive to strain than stress which indicates the effect of
strain, in addition to effect of stress, should be considered for failure
analysis.
Abstract: This paper aims to project the construction of a
prototype azimuthal thruster, mounted with materials of low cost and
easy access, testing in a controlled environment to measure their
performance, characteristics and feasibility of future projects. The
construction of the simulation of dynamic positioning software,
responsible for simulating a vessel and reposition it when necessary.
Validation tests were performed in the form of partial or complete
system. These tests validate the system manually or automatically.
The system provides an interface to the user and simulates the
conditions unfavorable positioning of a vessel, accurately calculates
the azimuth angle, the direction of rotation of the helix and the time
that this should be turned on so that the vessel back to position
original. A serial communication connects the Simulation Dynamic
Positioning System with Embedded System causing the usergenerated
data to simulate the DP system arrives in the form of
control signals to the motors of the propellant. This article addresses
issues in the marine industry employees.
Abstract: This paper presents the design, development and
evaluation of an application prototype developed to support
tuberculosis (TB) patients’ treatment adherence. The system makes
use of graphics and voice reminders as opposed to text messaging to
encourage patients to follow their medication routine. To evaluate the
effect of the prototype applications, participants were given mobile
phones on which the reminder system was installed. Thirty-eight
people, including TB health workers and patients from Zanzibar,
Tanzania, participated in the evaluation exercises. The results
indicate that the participants found the mobile image-based
application is useful to support TB treatment. All participants
understood and interpreted the intended meaning of every image
correctly. The study findings revealed that the use of a mobile visualbased
application may have potential benefit to support TB patients
(both literate and illiterate) in their treatment processes.
Abstract: The growth of organic farming practices in the last
few decades is continuing to stimulate the international debate about
this alternative food market. As a part of a PhD project research
about embeddedness in Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), this
paper focuses on the promotional aspects of organic farms websites
from the Madrid region. As a theoretical tool, some knowledge
categories drawn on the geographic studies literature are used to
classify the many ideas expressed in the web pages. By analysing
texts and pictures of 30 websites, the study aims to question how and
to what extent actors from organic world communicate to the
potential customers their personal beliefs about farming practices,
products qualities, and ecological and social benefits. Moreover, the
paper raises the question of whether organic farming laws and
regulations lack of completeness about the social and cultural aspects
of food.
Abstract: Greenhouses offer us suitable conditions which can
be controlled easily for the growth of the plant and they are made by
using a covering material that allows the sun light entering into the
system. Covering material can be glass, fiber glass, plastic or another
transparent element. This study investigates the solar energy usability
rates and solar energy benefitting rates of a semi-spherical (modified
arch) type greenhouse system according to different orientations and
positions which exists under climatic conditions of Bayburt. In the
concept of this study it is tried to determine the best direction and
best sizes of a semi-spherical greenhouse to get best solar benefit
from the sun. To achieve this aim a modeling study is made by using
MATLAB. However, this modeling study is run for some determined
shapes and greenhouses it can be used for different shaped
greenhouses or buildings. The basic parameters are determined as
greenhouse azimuth angle, the rate of size of long edge to short and
seasonal solar energy gaining of greenhouse. The optimum azimuth
angles of 400, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50 m2 modified arch
greenhouse are 90o, 90o, 35o, 35o, 34o, 33o and 22o while their
optimum k values (ratio of length to width) are 10, 10, 10, 10, 6, 4
and 4 respectively. Positioning the buildings in order to get more
solar heat energy in winter and less in summer brings out energy and
money savings and increases the comfort.
Abstract: A knowledge base stores facts and rules about the
world that applications can use for the purpose of reasoning. By
applying the concept of granular computing to a knowledge base,
several advantages emerge. These can be harnessed by applications
to improve their capabilities and performance. In this paper, the
concept behind such a construct, called a granular knowledge cube,
is defined, and its intended use as an instrument that manages to
cope with different data types and detect knowledge domains is
elaborated. Furthermore, the underlying architecture, consisting of the
three layers of the storing, representing, and structuring of knowledge,
is described. Finally, benefits as well as challenges of deploying it
are listed alongside application types that could profit from having
such an enhanced knowledge base.