Abstract: This paper presents the research agenda that has been proposed to develop an integrated model to explain technology adoption of SMEs in Malaysia. SMEs form over 90% of all business entities in Malaysia and they have been contributing to the development of the nation. Technology adoption has been a thorn issue among SMEs as they require big outlay which might not be available to the SMEs. Although resource has been an issue among SMEs they cannot lie low and ignore the technological advancements that are taking place at a rapid pace. With that in mind this paper proposes a model to explain the technology adoption issue among SMEs.
Abstract: In this study, the ability of Aspergillus niger and
Penicillium simplicissimum to extract heavy metals from a spent
refinery catalyst was investigated. For the first step, a spent
processing catalyst from one of the oil refineries in Iran was
physically and chemically characterized. Aspergillus niger and
Penicillium simplicissimum were used to mobilize Al/Co/Mo/Ni from
hazardous spent catalysts. The fungi were adapted to the mixture of
metals at 100-800 mg L-1 with increments in concentration of 100 mg
L-1. Bioleaching experiments were carried out in batch cultures. To
investigate the production of organic acids in sucrose medium,
analyses of the culture medium by HPLC were performed at specific
time intervals after inoculation. The results obtained from Inductive
coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) showed
that after the one-step bioleaching process using Aspergillus niger,
maximum removal efficiencies of 27%, 66%, 62% and 38% were
achieved for Al, Co, Mo and Ni, respectively. However, the highest
removal efficiencies using Penicillium simplicissimum were of 32%,
67%, 65% and 38% for Al, Co, Mo and Ni, respectively
Abstract: Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS) were successfully synthesized by the pulsed plasma in liquid method, using two copper rod electrodes submerged in molten sulfur. Low electrical energy and no high temperature were applied for synthesis. Obtained CuS nanoparticles were then analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, Low and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Electron Diffraction, X-ray Photoelectron, Raman Spectroscopies and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. XRD analysis revealed peaks for CuS with hexagonal phase composition. TEM and HRTEM studies showed that sizes of CuS nanoparticles ranged between 10-60 nm, with the average size of about 20 nm. Copper sulfide nanoparticles have short nanorod-like structure. Raman spectroscopy found peak for CuS at 474.2cm-1of Raman region.
Abstract: The area of knowledge management has been in the
highlight for enterprises over the past three decades. Many
enterprises would like to have knowledge management and work hard
to achieve it, however they are often confused about which direction
to take to be successful and this point is especially true for Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. Many large
companies have realized that knowledge is one of the richest
resources which an organization possesses and knowledge
management is a part of the foundation for a sustainable competitive
advantage. Much work has been done in the area of knowledge
management, but most of it has served large enterprises. This
research provides a Model of knowledge management strategy for
SMEs. It is based on analysis, insights and recommendations and it is
presented so that SMEs in developing countries can easily understand
and implement this model.
Abstract: Organic Flash Cycle (OFC) has potential of improving
efficiency for recovery of low temperature heat sources mainly due to
reducing temperature mismatch in the heat exchanger. In this work
exergetical performance analysis of ORC is conducted for recovery of
low grade heat source. Effects of system parameters such as flash
evaporation temperature or heating temperature are theoretically
investigated on the exergy destructions (anergies) at various
components of the system as well as exergy efficiency. Results show
that exergy efficiency has a peak with respect to the flash temperature,
and the optimum flash temperature increases with the heating
temperature. The component where the largest exergy destruction
occurs varies with the flash temperature or heating temperature.
Abstract: CT assessment of postoperative spine is challenging in the presence of metal streak artifacts that could deteriorate the
quality of CT images. In this paper, we studied the influence of different acquisition parameters on the magnitude of metal streaking.
A water-bath phantom was constructed with metal insertion similar with postoperative spine assessment. The phantom was scanned with
different acquisition settings and acquired data were reconstructed
using various reconstruction settings. Standardized ROIs were defined within streaking region for image analysis. The result shows
increased kVp and mAs enhanced SNR values by reducing image
noise. Sharper kernel enhanced image quality compared to smooth
kernel, but produced more noise in the images with higher CT fluctuation. The noise between both kernels were significantly
different (P
Abstract: Sensory nerves in the foot play an important part in the diagnosis of various neuropathydisorders, especially in diabetes mellitus.However, a detailed description of the anatomical distribution of the nerves is currently lacking. A computationalmodel of the afferent nerves inthe foot may bea useful tool for the study of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, we present the development of an anatomically-based model of various major sensory nerves of the sole and dorsal sidesof the foot. In addition, we presentan algorithm for generating synthetic somatosensory nerve networks in the big-toe region of a right foot model. The algorithm was based on a modified version of the Monte Carlo algorithm, with the capability of being able to vary the intra-epidermal nerve fiber density in differentregionsof the foot model. Preliminary results from the combinedmodel show the realistic anatomical structure of the major nerves as well as the smaller somatosensory nerves of the foot. The model may now be developed to investigate the functional outcomes of structural neuropathyindiabetic patients.
Abstract: In present work the problem of the ITER fusion
plasma neutron source parameter reconstruction using only the
Vertical Neutron Camera data was solved. The possibility of neutron
source parameter reconstruction was estimated by the numerical
simulations and the analysis of adequateness of mathematic model
was performed. The neutron source was specified in a parametric
form. The numerical analysis of solution stability with respect to data
distortion was done. The influence of the data errors on the
reconstructed parameters is shown:
• is reconstructed with errors less than 4% at all examined values
of δ (until 60%);
• is determined with errors less than 10% when δ do not overcome
5%;
• is reconstructed with relative error more than 10 %;
• integral intensity of the neutron source is determined with error
10% while δ error is less than 15%;
where -error of signal measurements, (R0,Z0), the plasma center
position,- /parameter of neutron source profile.
Abstract: Earlier studies in kinship networks have primarily
focused on observing the social relationships existing between family
relatives. In this study, we pre-identified hubs in the network to
investigate if they could play a catalyst role in the transfer of physical
information. We conducted a case study of a ceremony performed in
one of the families of a small Hindu community – the Uttar Rarhi
Kayasthas. Individuals (n = 168) who resided in 11 geographically
dispersed regions were contacted through our hub-based
representation. We found that using this representation, over 98% of
the individuals were successfully contacted within the stipulated
period. The network also demonstrated a small-world property, with
an average geodesic distance of 3.56.
Abstract: A two dimensional three segments coupled pendulum system that mathematically models human arm configuration was developed along with constructing and solving the equations of motions for this model using the energy (work) based approach of Lagrange. The equations of motion of the model were solved iteratively both as an initial value problem and as a two point boundary value problem. In the initial value problem solutions, both the initial system configuration (segment angles) and initial system velocity (segment angular velocities) were used as inputs, whereas, in the two point boundary value problem solutions initial and final configurations and time were used as inputs to solve for the trajectory of motion. The results suggest that the model solutions are sensitive to small changes in the dynamic forces applied to the system as well as to the initial and boundary conditions used. To overcome the system sensitivity a new approach is suggested.
Abstract: This research aimed to study the competency of health
and wellness hotels and resorts in developing use the local natural
resources and wisdom to conform to the national health and wellness
tourism (HWT) strategy by comparing two independent samples,
from Aumpur Muang, Ranong province and Aumpur Muang,
Chiangmai province. And also study in the suggestive direct path to
lead the organization to the sustainable successful.
This research was conduct by using mix methodology; both
quantitative and qualitative data were used. The data of competency
of health and wellness hotels and resorts (HWHR) in developing use
the local natural resources for HWT promoting were collected via
300 set of questionnaires, from 6 hotels and resorts in 2 areas, 3
places from Aumpur Muang, Ranong province and another 3 from
Aumpur Muang, Chiangmai province.
Thestudy of HWHR’s competency in developing use the local
natural resources and wisdom to conform to the national HWT
strategycan be divided into fourmain areas, food and beverages
service, tourism activity, environmental service, and value adding.
The total competency of the Chiangmai sample is importantly
scoredp. value 0.01 higher than the Ranong one while the area of
safety, Chiangmai’s competency is importantly scored 0.05 higher
than the Ranong’scompetency. Others were rated not differently.
Since Chiangmai perform better, then it can be a role model in
developing HTHR or HWT destination.
From the part of qualitative research, content analysis of business
contents and its environments were analyzed. The four stages of
strategic development and plans, from the smallest scale to the largest
scale such a national base were discussed. The HWT: Evolution
model and strategy for lodging Business were suggested. All those
stages must work harmoniously together. The distinctive result
illustrates the need of human resource development as the key point
to create the identity of Thainess on Health and wellness service
providing. This will add-on the value of services and differentiates
ourselves from other competitors. The creative of Thailand’s health
and wellness brand possibly increase loyalty customers which agreed
to be a path of sustainable development.
Abstract: Grid computing is a high performance computing
environment to solve larger scale computational applications. Grid
computing contains resource management, job scheduling, security
problems, information management and so on. Job scheduling is a
fundamental and important issue in achieving high performance in
grid computing systems. However, it is a big challenge to design an
efficient scheduler and its implementation. In Grid Computing, there
is a need of further improvement in Job Scheduling algorithm to
schedule the light-weight or small jobs into a coarse-grained or
group of jobs, which will reduce the communication time,
processing time and enhance resource utilization. This Grouping
strategy considers the processing power, memory-size and
bandwidth requirements of each job to realize the real grid system.
The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheduling
algorithm efficiently reduces the processing time of jobs in
comparison to others.
Abstract: In switch mode power inverters, small sized inverters
can be obtained by increasing the switching frequency. Switching
frequency increment causes high driver losses. Also, high dt
di
and
dt
dv
produced by the switching action creates high Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). In this
paper, a series half bridge series resonant inverter circuit is simulated
and evaluated practically to demonstrate the turn-on and turn-off
conditions during zero or close to zero voltage switching. Also, the
reverse recovery current effects of the body diode of the MOSFETs
were investigated by operating above and below resonant frequency.
Abstract: In order to define a new model of Tunisian foot
sizes and for building the most comfortable shoes, Tunisian
industrialists must be able to offer for their customers products able
to put on and adjust the majority of the target population concerned.
Moreover, the use of models of shoes, mainly from others
country, causes a mismatch between the foot and comfort of the
Tunisian shoes.
But every foot is unique; these models become uncomfortable for
the Tunisian foot. We have a set of measures produced from a
3D scan of the feet of a diverse population (women, men ...) and we
try to analyze this data to define a model of foot specific to the
Tunisian footwear design.
In this paper we propose tow new approaches to modeling a new
foot sizes model. We used, indeed, the neural networks, and specially
the Kohonen network.
Next, we combine neural networks with the concept of half-foot
size to improve the models already found. Finally, it was necessary to
compare the results obtained by applying each approach and we
decide what-s the best approach that give us the most model of foot
improving more comfortable shoes.
Abstract: Decision making preferences to certain criteria
usually focus on positive degrees without considering the negative
degrees. However, in real life situation, evaluation becomes more
comprehensive if negative degrees are considered concurrently.
Preference is expected to be more effective when considering both
positive and negative degrees of preference to evaluate the best
selection. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose the
conflicting bifuzzy preference relations in group decision making by
utilization of a novel score function. The conflicting bifuzzy
preference relation is obtained by introducing some modifications on
intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations. Releasing the intuitionistic
condition by taking into account positive and negative degrees
simultaneously and utilizing the novel score function are the main
modifications to establish the proposed preference model. The
proposed model is tested with a numerical example and proved to be
simple and practical. The four-step decision model shows the
efficiency of obtaining preference in group decision making.
Abstract: Film, as an art form playing a vital role and is a powerful tool in documenting, influencing and shaping the society. Films are the collective creation of a large number of separate individuals, each contributing with creative input, unique talents, and technical expertise to the project. Recently, the Malaysian Independent (or “Indie") filmmakers have made their presence felt by winning awards at various international film festivals. Working in the digital video (DV) format, a number of independent filmmakers really hit their stride with a range of remarkably strong titles and international recognition has been quick in coming and their works are now regularly in exhibition or in competition, winning many top prizes at prestigious festivals around the world. The interaction factors among crewmembers are emphasized as imperative for group success. An in-depth interview is conducted to analyze the social interactions and exchanges between filmmakers through Social Exchanges Theory (SET). Certainly the new millennium that was marked as the digital technology revolution has changed the face of filmmaking in Malaysia. There is a clear need to study the Malaysian independent cinema especially from the perspective of understanding what causes the independent filmmakers to work so well given all of the difficulties and constraints.
Abstract: This paper contributes to the field of Environmental
Awareness Training (EAT) evaluation in terms of military activities.
Environmental management of military activities is a growing concern
for defence forces worldwide and the importance of EAT is becoming
widely recognized. As one of Australia-s largest landowners, the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) is extremely mindful of its duty as a
joint environmental manager. It has an integrated Environmental
Management System (EMS) to assist environmental management and
EAT is an essential part of the ADF EMS model. This paper examines
how EAT was conducted during the exercise Talisman Saber in 2009
(TS09) and evaluates its effectiveness, using Shoalwater Bay Training
Area (SWBTA), one of the most significant military training areas and
a significant protected area in Australia, as a case study. A
questionnaire survey conducted showed, overall, that EAT was
effective from the perspective of a sample of participants.
Recommendations are made for the ADF to refine EAT for future
exercises.
Abstract: The H.264/AVC standard uses an intra prediction, 9
directional modes for 4x4 luma blocks and 8x8 luma blocks, 4
directional modes for 16x16 macroblock and 8x8 chroma blocks,
respectively. It means that, for a macroblock, it has to perform 736
different RDO calculation before a best RDO modes is determined.
With this Multiple intra-mode prediction, intra coding of H.264/AVC
offers a considerably higher improvement in coding efficiency
compared to other compression standards, but computational
complexity is increased significantly. This paper presents a fast intra
prediction algorithm for H.264/AVC intra prediction based a
characteristic of homogeneity information. In this study, the gradient
prediction method used to predict the homogeneous area and the
quadratic prediction function used to predict the nonhomogeneous
area. Based on the correlation between the homogeneity and block
size, the smaller block is predicted by gradient prediction and
quadratic prediction, so the bigger block is predicted by gradient
prediction. Experimental results are presented to show that the
proposed method reduce the complexity by up to 76.07%
maintaining the similar PSNR quality with about 1.94%bit rate
increase in average.
Abstract: A self-evolution algorithm for optimizing neural networks using a combination of PSO and JPSO is proposed. The algorithm optimizes both the network topology and parameters simultaneously with the aim of achieving desired accuracy with less complicated networks. The performance of the proposed approach is compared with conventional back-propagation networks using several synthetic functions, with better results in the case of the former. The proposed algorithm is also implemented on slope stability problem to estimate the critical factor of safety. Based on the results obtained, the proposed self evolving network produced a better estimate of critical safety factor in comparison to conventional BPN network.
Abstract: The human body has a complex system of innate and adaptive mechanisms for combating infection. This article discusses the role and relative effectiveness of these mechanisms in relation to small pox and AIDS.