Abstract: MATCH project [1] entitle the development of an
automatic diagnosis system that aims to support treatment of colon
cancer diseases by discovering mutations that occurs to tumour
suppressor genes (TSGs) and contributes to the development of
cancerous tumours. The constitution of the system is based on a)
colon cancer clinical data and b) biological information that will be
derived by data mining techniques from genomic and proteomic
sources The core mining module will consist of the popular, well
tested hybrid feature extraction methods, and new combined
algorithms, designed especially for the project. Elements of rough
sets, evolutionary computing, cluster analysis, self-organization maps
and association rules will be used to discover the annotations
between genes, and their influence on tumours [2]-[11].
The methods used to process the data have to address their high
complexity, potential inconsistency and problems of dealing with the
missing values. They must integrate all the useful information
necessary to solve the expert's question. For this purpose, the system
has to learn from data, or be able to interactively specify by a domain
specialist, the part of the knowledge structure it needs to answer a
given query. The program should also take into account the
importance/rank of the particular parts of data it analyses, and adjusts
the used algorithms accordingly.
Abstract: In today's day and age, one of the important topics in
information security is authentication. There are several alternatives
to text-based authentication of which includes Graphical Password
(GP) or Graphical User Authentication (GUA). These methods stems
from the fact that humans recognized and remembers images better
than alphanumerical text characters. This paper will focus on the
security aspect of GP algorithms and what most researchers have
been working on trying to define these security features and
attributes. The goal of this study is to develop a fuzzy decision model
that allows automatic selection of available GP algorithms by taking
into considerations the subjective judgments of the decision makers
who are more than 50 postgraduate students of computer science. The
approach that is being proposed is based on the Fuzzy Analytic
Hierarchy Process (FAHP) which determines the criteria weight as a
linear formula.
Abstract: Perturbed-Chain Statistical Association Fluid Theory (PC-SAFT) equation of state (EOS) is a modified SAFT EOS with three pure component specific parameters: segment number (m), diameter (σ) and energy (ε). These PC-SAFT parameters need to be determined for each component under the conditions of interest by fitting experimental data, such as vapor pressure, density or heat capacity. PC-SAFT parameters for propane, ethylene and hydrogen in supercritical region were successfully estimated by fitting experimental density data available in literature. The regressed PCSAFT parameters were compared with the literature values by means of estimating pure component density and calculating average absolute deviation between the estimated and experimental density values. PC-SAFT parameters available in literature especially for ethylene and hydrogen estimated density in supercritical region reasonably well. However, the regressed PC-SAFT parameters performed better in supercritical region than the PC-SAFT parameters from literature.
Abstract: A basic conceptual study of TCSC device on Simulink is a teaching aid and helps in understanding the rudiments of the topic. This paper thus stems out from basics of TCSC device and analyzes the impedance characteristics and associated single & multi resonance conditions. The Impedance characteristics curve is drawn for different values of inductance in MATLAB using M-files. The study is also helpful in estimating the appropriate inductance and capacitance values which have influence on multi resonance point in TCSC device. The capacitor voltage, line current, thyristor current and capacitor current waveforms are discussed briefly as simulation results. Simulink model of TCSC device is given and corresponding waveforms are analyzed. The subsidiary topics e.g. power oscillation damping, SSR mitigation and transient stability is also brought out.
Abstract: This paper presents an exact analytical model for
optimizing stability of thin-walled, composite, functionally graded
pipes conveying fluid. The critical flow velocity at which divergence
occurs is maximized for a specified total structural mass in order to
ensure the economic feasibility of the attained optimum designs. The
composition of the material of construction is optimized by defining
the spatial distribution of volume fractions of the material
constituents using piecewise variations along the pipe length. The
major aim is to tailor the material distribution in the axial direction so
as to avoid the occurrence of divergence instability without the
penalty of increasing structural mass. Three types of boundary
conditions have been examined; namely, Hinged-Hinged, Clamped-
Hinged and Clamped-Clamped pipelines. The resulting optimization
problem has been formulated as a nonlinear mathematical
programming problem solved by invoking the MatLab optimization
toolbox routines, which implement constrained function
minimization routine named “fmincon" interacting with the
associated eigenvalue problem routines. In fact, the proposed
mathematical models have succeeded in maximizing the critical flow
velocity without mass penalty and producing efficient and economic
designs having enhanced stability characteristics as compared with
the baseline designs.
Abstract: The potential, opportunities and drawbacks of biogas
technology use in Turkey are evaluated in this paper. Turkey is
dependent on foreign sources of energy. Therefore, use of biogas
technology would provide a safe way of waste disposal and recovery
of renewable energy, particularly from a sustainable domestic source,
which is less unlikely to be influenced by international price or
political fluctuations. Use of biogas technology would especially
meet the cooking, heating and electricity demand in rural areas and
protect the environment, additionally creating new job opportunities
and improving social-economical conditions.
Abstract: Kepsut-Dursunbey volcanic field (KDVF) is located
in NW Turkey and contains various products of the post-collisional
Neogene magmatic activity. Two distinct volcanic suites have been
recognized; the Kepsut volcanic suite (KVS) and the Dursunbey
volcanic suite (DVS). The KVS includes basaltic trachyandesitebasaltic
andesite-andesite lavas and associated pyroclastic rocks. The
DVS consists of dacite-rhyodacite lavas and extensive pumice-ash
fall and flow deposits. Petrographical features (i.e. existence of
xenocrysts, glomerocrysts, and mixing-compatible textures) and
mineral chemistry of phenocryst assemblages of both suites provide
evidence for magma mixing/AFC. Calculated crystallization
pressures and temperatures give values of 5.7–7.0 kbar and 927–982
°C for the KVS and 3.7–5.3 kbar and 783-787°C for the DVS,
indicating separate magma reservoirs and crystallization in magma
chambers at deep and mid crustal levels, respectively. These
observations support the establishment and evolution of KDVF
magma system promoted by episodic basaltic inputs which may
generate and mix with crustal melts.
Abstract: The p53 tumor suppressor gene plays two important
roles in genomic stability: blocking cell proliferation after DNA
damage until it has been repaired, and starting apoptosis if the
damage is too critical. Codon 72 exon4 polymorphism (Arg72Pro) of
the P53 gene has been implicated in cancer risk. Various studies have
been done to investigate the status of p53 at codon 72 for arginine
(Arg) and proline (Pro) alleles in different populations and also the
association of this codon 72 polymorphism with various tumors. Our
objective was to investigate the possible association between P53
Arg72Pro polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer
among Isfahan and Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari (a part of south west
of Iran) population. We investigated the status of p53 at codon 72 for
Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro allele polymorphisms in blood
samples from 145 colorectal cancer patients and 140 controls by
Nested-PCR of p53 exon 4 and digestion with BstUI restriction
enzyme and the DNA fragments were then resolved by
electrophoresis in 2% agarose gel. The Pro allele was 279 bp, while
the Arg allele was restricted into two fragments of 160 and 119 bp.
Among the 145 colorectal cancer cases 49 cases (33.79%) were
homozygous for the Arg72 allele (Arg/Arg), 18 cases (12.41%) were
homozygous for the Pro72 allele (Pro/Pro) and 78 cases (53.8%)
found in heterozygous (Arg/Pro).
In conclusion, it can be said that p53Arg/Arg genotype may be
correlated with possible increased risk of this kind of cancers in south
west of Iran.
Abstract: In recent years, scanning probe atomic force
microscopy SPM AFM has gained acceptance over a wide spectrum
of research and science applications. Most fields focuses on physical,
chemical, biological while less attention is devoted to manufacturing
and machining aspects. The purpose of the current study is to assess
the possible implementation of the SPM AFM features and its
NanoScope software in general machining applications with special
attention to the tribological aspects of cutting tool. The surface
morphology of coated and uncoated as-received carbide inserts is
examined, analyzed, and characterized through the determination of
the appropriate scanning setting, the suitable data type imaging
techniques and the most representative data analysis parameters
using the MultiMode SPM AFM in contact mode. The NanoScope
operating software is used to capture realtime three data types
images: “Height", “Deflection" and “Friction". Three scan sizes are
independently performed: 2, 6, and 12 μm with a 2.5 μm vertical
range (Z). Offline mode analysis includes the determination of three
functional topographical parameters: surface “Roughness", power
spectral density “PSD" and “Section". The 12 μm scan size in
association with “Height" imaging is found efficient to capture every
tiny features and tribological aspects of the examined surface. Also,
“Friction" analysis is found to produce a comprehensive explanation
about the lateral characteristics of the scanned surface. Configuration
of many surface defects and drawbacks has been precisely detected
and analyzed.
Abstract: Trust management and Reputation models are
becoming integral part of Internet based applications such as CSCW,
E-commerce and Grid Computing. Also the trust dimension is a
significant social structure and key to social relations within a
collaborative community. Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) is
a difficult task in the context of distributed environment (information
across different geographical locations) and multidisciplinary
decisions are involved such as Virtual Organization (VO). To aid
team decision making in VO, Decision Support System and social
network analysis approaches are integrated. In such situations social
learning helps an organization in terms of relationship, team
formation, partner selection etc. In this paper we focus on trust
learning. Trust learning is an important activity in terms of
information exchange, negotiation, collaboration and trust
assessment for cooperation among virtual team members. In this
paper we have proposed a reinforcement learning which enhances the
trust decision making capability of interacting agents during
collaboration in problem solving activity. Trust computational model
with learning that we present is adapted for best alternate selection of
new project in the organization. We verify our model in a multi-agent
simulation where the agents in the community learn to identify
trustworthy members, inconsistent behavior and conflicting behavior
of agents.
Abstract: This paper describes the Multilingual Virtual Simulated Patient framework. It has been created to train the social skills and testing the knowledge of primary health care medical students. The framework generates conversational agents which perform in serveral languages as virtual simulated patients that help to improve the communication and diagnosis skills of the students complementing their training process.
Abstract: This study examines the possibility to apply the theory of multidimensional accounting (momentum accounting) in a Brazilian Navy-s Services Provider Military Organization (Organização Militar Prestadora de Serviços - OMPS). In general, the core of the said theory is the fact that Accounting does not recognize the inertia of transactions occurring in an entity, and that occur repeatedly in some cases, regardless of the implementation of new actions by its managers. The study evaluates the possibility of greater use of information recorded in the financial statements of the unit of analysis, within the strategic decisions of the organization. As a research strategy, we adopted the case study. The results infer that it is possible to use the theory in the context of a multidimensional OMPS, promoting useful information for decision-making and thereby contributing to the strengthening of the necessary alignment of its administration with the current desires of the Brazilian society.
Abstract: Groundwater has become the most dependable source
of fresh water for agriculture, domestic and industrial uses in the past
few decades. This wide use of groundwater if left uncontrolled and
unseen will lead to overexploitation causing sea water intrusion in the
coastal areas and illegal water marketing. Several Policies and Acts
have been enacted to regulate and manage the use of this valuable
resource. In spite of this the over extraction of groundwater beyond
the recharging capacity of aquifers and depletion in the quality of
groundwater is continuing. The current study aims at reviewing the
Acts and Policies existing in the State of Tamil Nadu and in the
National level regarding groundwater regulation and management.
Further an analysis is made on the rights associated with the usage of
groundwater resources and the gaps in these policies have been
analyzed. Some suggestions are made to reform the existing
groundwater policies for better management and regulation of the
resource.
Abstract: Several studies have shown the association between
ambient particulate matter (PM) and adverse health effects and
climate change, thus highlighting the need to limit the anthropogenic
sources of PM. PM Exposure is commonly monitored as mass
concentration of PM10 (particle aerodynamic diameter < 10μm) or
PM2.5 (particle aerodynamic diameter < 2.5μm), although increasing
toxicity with decreasing aerodynamic diameter has been reported due
to increased surface area and enhanced chemical reactivity with other
species. Additionally, the light scattering properties of PM increases
with decreasing size. Hence, it is important to study the chemical
characterization of finer fraction of the particulate matter and to
identify their sources so that they can be controlled appropriately to a
large extent at the sources before reaching to the receptors.
Abstract: Chronic diseases prevailed along with economic
growth as well as life style changed in recent years in Taiwan.
According to the governmental statistics, hypertension related disease
is the tenth of death causes with 1,816 died directly from hypertension
in 2010. There were more death causes amongst the top ten had been
proofed that having strong association with the hypertension, such as
heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Hypertension or
High blood pressure is one of the major indicators for chronic diseases,
and was generally perceived as the major causes of mortality. The
literature generally suggested that regular physical exercise was
helpful to prevent the occurrence or to ease the progress of a
hypertension. This paper reported the process and outcomes in
detailed of an improvement project of physical exercise intervention
specific for hypertension patients. Physical information were
measured before and after the project to obtain information such as
weight, waistline, cholesterol (HD & LD), blood examination, as well
as self-perceived health status. The intervention project involved a
six-week exercise program, of which contained three times a week, 30
minutes of tutored physical exercise intervention. The project had
achieved several gains in changing the subjects- behavior in terms of
many important biophysical indexes. Around 20% of the participants
had significantly improved their cholesterols, BMI, and changed
unhealthy behaviors. Results from the project were encouraging, and
would be good reference for other samples.
Abstract: Buildings and associated construction methods have a significant impact on the environment. As construction activity increases in Kuwait, there is a need to create design and construction strategies which will minimize the environmental impact of new buildings. Green construction is a design philosophy intended to improve the sustainability of construction by the minimization of resource depletion and CO2 emissions throughout the life cycle of buildings. This paper presents and discusses the results of a survey that was conducted in Kuwait, with the objective of investigating the awareness of developers and other stakeholders regarding their understanding and use of green construction strategies. The results of the survey demonstrate that whilst there seems to be a reasonable level of awareness amongst the stakeholders, this awareness is not currently well reflected in the design and construction practices actually being applied. It is therefore concluded is there is a pressing need for intervention from Government in order that the use of sustainable green design and construction strategies becomes the norm in Kuwait.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation
between Facebook involvement and internet addiction. We sampled
577 university students in Taiwan and administered a survey of
Facebook usage, Facebook involvement scale (FIS), and internet
addiction scale. The FIS comprises three factors (salience, emotional
support, and amusement). Results showed that the Facebook
involvement scale had good reliability and validity. The correlation
between Facebook involvement and internet addiction was measured
at .395. This means that a higher degree of Facebook involvement
indicates a greater degree of psychological dependency on the internet,
and a greater propensity towards social withdrawal and other negative
psychological consequences associated with internet addiction.
Besides, the correlations between three factors of FIS (salience,
emotional support, and amusement) and internet addiction ranged
from .313-372, indicating that these neither of these factors (salience,
emotional support, and amusement) is more effective than the others in
predicting internet dependency.
Abstract: For any country the project management has been a
vital part for its development. The highly competitive business world
has created tremendous pressure on the project managers to achieve
success. The pressure is derived from survival and profit building in
business organizations which compels the project managers to pursue
unethical practices. As a result unethical activities in business
projects can be found easily where situations or issues arise due to
dubious business practice, high corruption, or absolute violation of
the law. The recent spur on Commonwealth games to be organized in
New Delhi indicates towards the same. It has been seen that the
project managers mainly focus on cost, time, and quality rather than
social impact and long term effects of the project. Surprisingly the
literature as well as the practitioner-s perspective also does not
identify the role of ethics in project success. This paper identifies
ethics as the fourth most important dimension in the project based
organizations. The paper predicts that the approach of considering
ethics will result in sustainability of the project. It will increase
satisfaction and loyalty of the customers as well as create harmony,
trust, brotherhood, values and morality among the team members.
This paper is conceptual in nature as inadequate literature exists
linking the project success with an ethical approach.
Abstract: The current education system in India is adept in
equipping and assessing the scholastic development of children.
However, there is an immediate need to strengthen co-scholastic
areas like life-skills, values and attitudes to equip students to face real
life challenges. Audio-visual technology and their respective media
can make a significant contribution to a value based learning
curriculum. Thus, co-scholastic skills need to be effectively nurtured
by a medium that is entertaining and impactful. Films in general have
a tremendous impact in our society. Films with a positive message
make a formidable learning experience that can influence and inspire
generations of learners. Leveraging on this powerful medium,
EduMedia India Pvt. Ltd. has introduced School Cinema a well
researched film-based learning module supported by a fun and
exciting workbook, designed to introduce and reaffirm life-skills and
values to children, thereby having a positive influence on their
attitudes.
Abstract: The city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, provides a number of examples of how a growing city can integrate urban planning and water planning to achieve sustainable urban development, environmental protection, liveability and integrated water management outcomes, and move towards becoming a “Water Sensitive City". Three examples are provided - the development at Botanic Ridge, where a 318 hectare residential development is being planned and where integrated water management options are being implemented using a “triple bottom line" sustainability investment approach; the Toolern development, which will capture and reuse stormwater and recycled water to greatly reduce the suburb-s demand for potable water, and the development at Kalkallo where a 1,200 hectare industrial precinct development is planned which will merge design of the development's water supply, sewerage services and stormwater system. The Paper argues that an integrated urban planning and water planning approach is fundamental to creating liveable, vibrant communities which meet social and financial needs while being in harmony with the local environment. Further work is required on developing investment frameworks and risk analysis frameworks to ensure that all possible solutions can be assessed equally.