Abstract: This article is an extension and a practical application
approach of Wheeler-s NEBIC theory (Net Enabled Business
Innovation Cycle). NEBIC theory is a new approach in IS research
and can be used for dynamic environment related to new technology.
Firms can follow the market changes rapidly with support of the IT
resources. Flexible firms adapt their market strategies, and respond
more quickly to customers changing behaviors. When every leading
firm in an industry has access to the same IT resources, the way that
these IT resources are managed will determine the competitive
advantages or disadvantages of firm. From Dynamic Capabilities
Perspective and from newly introduced NEBIC theory by Wheeler,
we know that only IT resources cannot deliver customer value but
good configuration of those resources can guarantee customer value
by choosing the right emerging technology, grasping the economic
opportunities through business innovation and growth. We found
evidences in literature that SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) is a
promising emerging technology which can deliver the desired
economic opportunity through modularity, flexibility and loosecoupling.
SOA can also help firms to connect in network which can
open a new window of opportunity to collaborate in innovation and
right kind of outsourcing
Abstract: The article deals with dividends and their distribution from investors from a theoretical point of view. Some studies try to analyzed the reaction of the market on the dividend announcement and found out the change of dividend policy is associated with abnormal returns around the dividend announcement date. Another researches directly questioned the investors about their dividend preference and beliefs. Investors want the dividend from many reasons (e.g. some of them explain the dividend preference by the existence of transaction cost; investors prefer the dividend today, because there is less risky; the managers have private information about the firm). The most controversial theory of dividend policy was developed by Modigliani and Miller (1961) who demonstrated that in the perfect and complete capital markets the dividend policy is irrelevant and the value of the company is independent of its payout policy. Nevertheless, in the real world the capital markets are imperfect, because of asymmetric information, transaction costs, incomplete contracting possibilities and taxes.
Abstract: This article presents a resistorless current-mode firstorder allpass filter based on second generation current controlled current conveyors (CCCIIs). The features of the circuit are that: the pole frequency can be electronically controlled via the input bias current: the circuit description is very simple, consisting of 2 CCCIIs and single grounded capacitor, without any external resistors and component matching requirements. Consequently, the proposed circuit is very appropriate to further develop into an integrated circuit. Low input and high output impedances of the proposed configuration enable the circuit to be cascaded in current-mode without additional current buffers. The PSpice simulation results are depicted. The given results agree well with the theoretical anticipation. The application example as a current-mode quadrature oscillator is included.
Abstract: The term interactive education indicates the meaning
related with multidisciplinary aspects of distance education following
contemporary means around a common basis with different
functional requirements. The aim of this paper is to reflect the new
techniques in education with the new methods and inventions. These
methods are better supplied by interactivity. The integration of
interactive facilities in the discipline of education with distance
learning is not a new concept but in addition the usage of these
methods on design issue is newly being adapted to design education.
In this paper the general approach of this method and after the
analysis of different samples, the advantages and disadvantages of
these approaches are being identified. The method of this paper is to
evaluate the related samples and then analyzing the main hypothesis.
The main focus is to mention the formation processes of this
education. Technological developments in education should be
filtered around the necessities of the design education and the
structure of the system could then be formed or renewed. The
conclusion indicates that interactive methods of education in design
issue is a meaning capturing not only technical and computational
intelligence aspects but also aesthetical and artistic approaches
coming together around the same purpose.
Abstract: Global competition is tightening and companies have
to think how to remain competitive. The main aim of this paper is to
discuss how Finnish foundries will remain competitive. To fulfil the
aim, we conducted interviews in nine companies using castings and
analysed buyer–supplier relationships, current competitive
advantages of Finnish foundries and customer perspectives on how
Finnish foundries remain competitive. We found that the customerfoundry
relationship is still closer to traditional subcontracting than
partnering and general image of foundries is negative. Current
competitive advantages of Finnish foundries include designing
cooperation, proximity and flexibility. Casting users state that
Finnish foundries should sell their know-how and services instead of
their capacity, concentrate on prototype, single and short series
castings and supply ready-to-install cast components directly to
customers- assembly lines.
Abstract: Disparity in India has been persisting since independence causing many socioeconomic problems and its removal has become the most prime objective of the planned development in India. Hence the paper attempts to study the disparity at State and Regional level and gives inclusive planning guidelines to achieve balanced regional development. At State level, the relative socioeconomic backwardness of Vidarbha Region based on Interregional analysis using selected indicators like Foreign Direct Investment, Human Development Index, Per Capita District Domestic Product has been assessed and broad guidelines have been proposed. In the later part at Regional level, the relative backwardness of districts based on Intraregional analysis using socioeconomic indicators has been assessed within Nagpur sub region and factors responsible for backwardness & disparity have been indicated. The policy guidelines for Identified sub region have been proposed based on the most significant factor and their extent of relationship explaining backwardness Nagpur sub region.
Abstract: Double heterogeneity of randomly located pebbles in
the core and Coated Fuel Particles (CFPs) in the pebbles are specific
features in pebble bed reactors and usually, because of difficulty to
model with MCNP code capabilities, are neglected. In this study,
characteristics of HTR-10, Tsinghua University research reactor, are
used and not only double heterogeneous but also truncated CFPs and
Pebbles are considered.Firstly, 8335 CFPs are distributed randomly
in a pebble and then the core of reactor is filled with those pebbles
and graphite pebbles as moderator such that 57:43 ratio of fuel and
moderator pebbles is established.Finally, four different core
configurations are modeled. They are Simple Cubic (SC) structure
with truncated pebbles,SC structure without truncated pebble, and
Simple Hexagonal(SH) structure without truncated pebbles and SH
structure with truncated pebbles. Results like effective multiplication
factor (Keff), critical height,etc. are compared with available data.
Abstract: Active Power Filters (APFs) are today the most
widely used systems to eliminate harmonics compensate power
factor and correct unbalanced problems in industrial power plants.
We propose to improve the performances of conventional APFs by
using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for harmonics estimation.
This new method combines both the strategies for extracting the
three-phase reference currents for active power filters and DC link
voltage control method. The ANNs learning capabilities to
adaptively choose the power system parameters for both to compute
the reference currents and to recharge the capacitor value requested
by VDC voltage in order to ensure suitable transit of powers to
supply the inverter. To investigate the performance of this
identification method, the study has been accomplished using
simulation with the MATLAB Simulink Power System Toolbox. The
simulation study results of the new (SAPF) identification technique
compared to other similar methods are found quite satisfactory by
assuring good filtering characteristics and high system stability.
Abstract: This paper focuses on a novel method for semantic
searching and retrieval of information about learning materials.
Metametadata encapsulate metadata instances by using the properties
and attributes provided by ontologies rather than describing learning
objects. A novel metametadata taxonomy has been developed which
provides the basis for a semantic search engine to extract, match and
map queries to retrieve relevant results. The use of ontological views
is a foundation for viewing the pedagogical content of metadata
extracted from learning objects by using the pedagogical attributes
from the metametadata taxonomy. Using the ontological approach
and metametadata (based on the metametadata taxonomy) we present
a novel semantic searching mechanism.These three strands – the
taxonomy, the ontological views, and the search algorithm – are
incorporated into a novel architecture (OMESCOD) which has been
implemented.
Abstract: The friction between two metal surfaces results in a
high frequency noise (squealing) which also occurs during the
braking of wagons with rail brakes in the process of shunting at a
marshalling yard with a hump. At that point the noise level may
exceed 130dB, which is extremely unpleasant for workers and
inhabitants. In our research we developed a new composite material
which does not change braking properties, is capable of taking
extremely high pressure loads, reduces noise and is environmentally
friendly. The noise reduction results had been very good and had
shown a decrease of the high frequency noise almost completely (by
99%) at its source. With our technology we had also reduced general
noise by more than 30dBA.
Abstract: In this work, we used the single Langmuir probe to
measure the plasma density distribution in an geometrically
asymmetric capacitive coupled plasma discharge system. Because of
the frame structure of powered electrode, the plasma density was not
homogeneous in the discharge volume. It was higher under the frame,
but lower in the centre. Finite element simulation results showed a
good agreement with the experiment results. To increase the electron
density in the central volume and improve the homogeneity of the
plasma, we added an auxiliary electrode, powered by DC voltage, in
the simulation geometry. The simulation results showed that the
auxiliary electrode could alter the potential distribution and improve
the density homogeneity effectively.
Abstract: Present study focuses on studying the oscillatory
behavior of jet diffusion flames. At a particular jet exit velocity, the
flames are seen to exhibit natural flickering. Initially the flickering
process is not continuous. In this transition region as well as in the
continuous flickering regime, the flickering displays multiple
frequency oscillations. The response of the flame to the exit velocity
profile of the burner is also studied using three types of burners. The
entire range of natural flickering is investigated by capturing high
speed digital images and processing them using a MATLAB code.
Abstract: Magnetic and semiconductor nanomaterials exhibit
novel magnetic and optical properties owing to their unique size and
shape-dependent effects. With shrinking the size down to nanoscale
region, various anomalous properties that normally not present in bulk
start to dominate. Ability in harnessing of these anomalous properties
for the design of various advance electronic devices is strictly
dependent on synthetic strategies. Hence, current research has focused
on developing a rational synthetic control to produce high quality
nanocrystals by using organometallic approach to tune both size and
shape of the nanomaterials. In order to elucidate the growth
mechanism, transmission electron microscopy was employed as a
powerful tool in performing real time-resolved morphologies and
structural characterization of magnetic (Fe3O4) and semiconductor
(ZnO) nanocrystals. The current synthetic approach is found able to
produce nanostructures with well-defined shapes. We have found that
oleic acid is an effective capping ligand in preparing oxide-based
nanostructures without any agglomerations, even at high temperature.
The oleate-based precursors and capping ligands are fatty acid
compounds, which are respectively originated from natural palm oil
with low toxicity. In comparison with other synthetic approaches in
producing nanostructures, current synthetic method offers an effective
route to produce oxide-based nanomaterials with well-defined shapes
and good monodispersity. The nanocystals are well-separated with
each other without any stacking effect. In addition, the as-synthesized
nanopellets are stable in terms of chemically and physically if
compared to those nanomaterials that are previous reported. Further
development and extension of current synthetic strategy are being
pursued to combine both of these materials into nanocomposite form
that will be used as “smart magnetic nanophotocatalyst" for industry
waste water treatment.
Abstract: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were
performed to compute nitrogen-14 and boron-11 nuclear quadrupole
resonance (NQR) spectroscopy parameters in the representative
model of armchair boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) for the first time.
The considered model consisting of 1 nm length of H-capped (5, 5)
single-wall BNNT were first allowed to fully relax and then the NQR
calculations were carried out on the geometrically optimized model.
The evaluated nuclear quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry
parameters for the mentioned nuclei reveal that the model can be
divided into seven layers of nuclei with an equivalent electrostatic
environment where those nuclei at the ends of tubes have a very
strong electrostatic environment compared to the other nuclei along
the length of tubes. The calculations were performed via Gaussian 98
package of program.
Abstract: commercially produced in Malaysia granular
palm shell activated carbon (PSAC) was biomodified with
bacterial biomass (Bacillus subtilis) to produce a hybrid
biosorbent of higher efficiency. The obtained biosorbent was
evaluated in terms of adsorption capacity to remove copper
and zinc metal ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption
capacity was evaluated in batch adsorption experiments where
concentrations of metal ions varied from 20 to 350 mg/L. A
range of pH from 3 to 6 of aqueous solutions containing metal
ions was tested. Langmuir adsorption model was used to
interpret the experimental data. Comparison of the adsorption
data of the biomodified and original palm shell activated
carbon showed higher uptake of metal ions by the hybrid
biosorbent. A trend in metal ions uptake increase with the
increase in the solution-s pH was observed. The surface
characterization data indicated a decrease in the total surface
area for the hybrid biosorbent; however the uptake of copper
and zinc by it was at least equal to the original PSAC at pH 4
and 5. The highest capacity of the hybrid biosorbent was
observed at pH 5 and comprised 22 mg/g and 19 mg/g for
copper and zinc, respectively. The adsorption capacity at the
lowest pH of 3 was significantly low. The experimental results
facilitated identification of potential factors influencing the
adsorption of copper and zinc onto biomodified and original
palm shell activated carbon.
Abstract: Voltage collapse is instability of heavily loaded electric
power systems that cause to declining voltages and blackout. Power
systems are predicated to become more heavily loaded in the future
decade as the demand for electric power rises while economic and
environmental concerns limit the construction of new transmission
and generation capacity. Heavily loaded power systems are closer to
their stability limits and voltage collapse blackouts will occur if
suitable monitoring and control measures are not taken. To control
transmission lines, it can be used from FACTS devices.
In this paper Harmony search algorithm (HSA) and Genetic
Algorithm (GA) have applied to determine optimal location of
FACTS devices in a power system to improve power system stability.
Three types of FACTS devices (TCPAT, UPFS, and SVC) have been
introduced. Bus under voltage has been solved by controlling reactive
power of shunt compensator. Also a combined series-shunt
compensators has been also used to control transmission power flow
and bus voltage simultaneously.
Different scenarios have been considered. First TCPAT, UPFS, and
SVC are placed solely in transmission lines and indices have been
calculated. Then two types of above controller try to improve
parameters randomly. The last scenario tries to make better voltage
stability index and losses by implementation of three types controller
simultaneously. These scenarios are executed on typical 34-bus test
system and yields efficiency in improvement of voltage profile and
reduction of power losses; it also may permit an increase in power
transfer capacity, maximum loading, and voltage stability margin.
Abstract: New generation mobile communication networks have
the ability of supporting triple play. In order that, Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) access techniques have
been chosen to enlarge the system ability for high data rates
networks. Many of cross-layer modeling and optimization schemes
for Quality of Service (QoS) and capacity of downlink multiuser
OFDM system were proposed. In this paper, the Maximum Weighted
Capacity (MWC) based resource allocation at the Physical (PHY)
layer is used. This resource allocation scheme provides a much better
QoS than the previous resource allocation schemes, while
maintaining the highest or nearly highest capacity and costing similar
complexity. In addition, the Delay Satisfaction (DS) scheduling at the
Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, which allows more than one
connection to be served in each slot is used. This scheduling
technique is more efficient than conventional scheduling to
investigate both of the number of users as well as the number of
subcarriers against system capacity. The system will be optimized for
different operational environments: the outdoor deployment scenarios
as well as the indoor deployment scenarios are investigated and also
for different channel models. In addition, effective capacity approach
[1] is used not only for providing QoS for different mobile users, but
also to increase the total wireless network's throughput.
Abstract: In this work, a Modified Functional Link Artificial
Neural Network (M-FLANN) is proposed which is simpler than a
Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and improves upon the universal
approximation capability of Functional Link Artificial Neural
Network (FLANN). MLP and its variants: Direct Linear Feedthrough
Artificial Neural Network (DLFANN), FLANN and
M-FLANN have been implemented to model a simulated Water Bath
System and a Continually Stirred Tank Heater (CSTH). Their
convergence speed and generalization ability have been compared.
The networks have been tested for their interpolation and
extrapolation capability using noise-free and noisy data. The results
show that M-FLANN which is computationally cheap, performs
better and has greater generalization ability than other networks
considered in the work.
Abstract: The institutions seek to improve their performance
and quality of service, so that their patients are satisfied. This
research project aims, conduct a time study program in the area of
gynecological surgery, to determine the current level of capacity and
optimize the programming time in order to adequately respond to
demand. The system is analyzed by waiting lines and uses the
simulation using ARENA to evaluate proposals for improvement and
optimization programming time each of the surgeries.
Abstract: Nowadays, power systems, energy generation by wind
has been very important. Noting that the production of electrical
energy by wind turbines on site to several factors (such as wind speed
and profile site for the turbines, especially off the wind input speed,
wind rated speed and wind output speed disconnect) is dependent. On
the other hand, several different types of turbines in the market there.
Therefore, selecting a turbine that its capacity could also answer the
need for electric consumers the efficiency is high something is
important and necessary. In this context, calculating the amount of
wind power to help optimize overall network, system operation, in
determining the parameters of wind power is very important.
In this article, to help calculate the amount of wind power plant,
connected to the national network in the region Manjil wind,
selecting the best type of turbine and power delivery profile
appropriate to the network using Monte Carlo method has been.
In this paper, wind speed data from the wind site in Manjil, as minute
and during the year has been. Necessary simulations based on
Random Numbers Simulation method and repeat, using the software
MATLAB and Excel has been done.