Abstract: Normally business changes are made in order to
change a level of activity in some way, whether it is sales, cash flow,
productivity, or product portfolio. When attempts are made to make
such changes, too often the business reverts to the old levels of
activity as soon as management attention is diverted. Risk
management is a field of growing interest to project managers as well
as in general business and organizational management. There are
several approaches used to manage risk in projects and this paper is a
brief outline of some that you might encounter, with an indication of
their strengths and weaknesses.
Abstract: There is wide range of scientific workflow systems
today, each one designed to resolve problems at a specific level. In
large collaborative projects, it is often necessary to recognize the
heterogeneous workflow systems already in use by various partners
and any potential collaboration between these systems requires
workflow interoperability. Publish/Subscribe Scientific Workflow
Interoperability Framework (PS-SWIF) approach was proposed to
achieve workflow interoperability among workflow systems. This
paper evaluates the PS-SWIF approach and its system to achieve
workflow interoperability using Web Services with asynchronous
notification messages represented by WS-Eventing standard. This
experiment covers different types of communication models provided
by Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC). These models are:
Chained processes, Nested synchronous sub-processes, Event
synchronous sub-processes, and Nested sub-processes
(Polling/Deferred Synchronous). Also, this experiment shows the
flexibility and simplicity of the PS-SWIF approach when applied to a
variety of workflow systems (Triana, Taverna, Kepler) in local and
remote environments.
Abstract: This paper has introduced a slope photogrammetric mapping using unmanned aerial vehicle. There are two units of UAV has been used in this study; namely; fixed wing and multi-rotor. Both UAVs were used to capture images at the study area. A consumer digital camera was mounted vertically at the bottom of UAV and captured the images at an altitude. The objectives of this study are to obtain three dimensional coordinates of slope area and to determine the accuracy of photogrammetric product produced from both UAVs. Several control points and checkpoints were established Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS) in the study area. All acquired images from both UAVs went through all photogrammetric processes such as interior orientation, exterior orientation, aerial triangulation and bundle adjustment using photogrammetric software. Two primary results were produced in this study; namely; digital elevation model and digital orthophoto. Based on results, UAV system can be used to mapping slope area especially for limited budget and time constraints project.
Abstract: In this study, a double-sided linear switched reluctance
motor (LSRM) drive was investigated as an alternative actuator for
vertical linear transportation applications such as a linear elevator
door, hospital and subway doors which move linearly and where
accurate position control and rapid response is requested. A prototype
sliding elevator door that is focused on a home elevator with LSRMs
is designed. The motor has 6/4 poles, 3 phases, 8A, 24V, 250 W and
250 N pull forces. Air gap between rotor and translator poles of the
designed motor and phase coil-s ideal inductance profile are obtained
in compliance with the geometric dimensions. Operation and
switching sections as motor and generator has been determined from
the inductance profile.
Abstract: The supply chains (SCs) have to appeal to new management paradigms to improve their ability to respond rapidly and cost effectively to unpredictable changes in markets and increasing levels of environmental turbulence, both in terms of volume and variety. In this highly demanded context, the Agile paradigm provides the capabilities to SC quickly adapt to changes in the market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an Agile Index to assess the agility of the automotive companies and corresponding SCs. The proposed integrated assessment model incorporates Agile practices weighted according to their importance to the automotive SC competitiveness and obtained from the Delphi technique.
Abstract: Periphyton development and composition were
studied in three different treatments: (i) two fishpond units of
wetland-type wastewater treatment pond systems, (ii) two fishponds
in combined intensive-extensive fish farming systems and (iii) three
traditional polyculture fishponds. Results showed that amounts of
periphyton developed in traditional polyculture fishponds (iii) were
different compared to the other treatments (i and ii), where the main
function of ponds was stated wastewater treatment. Negative
correlation was also observable between water quality parameters
and periphyton production. The lower trophity, halobity and
saprobity level of ponds indicated higher amount of periphyton. The
dry matter content of periphyton was significantly higher in the
samples, which were developed in traditional polyculture fishponds
(2.84±3.02 g m-2 day-1, whereby the ash content in dry matter 74%),
than samples taken from (i) (1.60±2.32 g m-2 day-1, 61%) and (ii)
fishponds (0.65±0.45 g m-2 day-1, 81%).
Abstract: Scaffolds play a key role in tissue engineering and can be produced in many different ways depending on the applications and the materials used. Most researchers used an experimental trialand- error approach into new biomaterials but computer simulation applied to tissue engineering can offer a more exhaustive approach to test and screen out biomaterials. This paper develops the model of scaffolds and Computational Fluid Dynamics that show the value of computer simulations in determining the influence of the geometrical scaffold parameter porosity, pore size and shape on the permeability of scaffolds, magnitude of velocity, drop pressure, shear stress distribution and level and the proper design of the geometry of the scaffold. This creates a need for more advanced studies that include aspects of dynamic conditions of a micro fluid passing through the scaffold were characterized for tissue engineering applications and differentiation of tissues within scaffolds.
Abstract: Quantitative researching on the degree of incidence between the logistics industry and relevant macroscopic system elements is the basis of reasonable and scientific policy on industrial development. In the light of the macro-level, the logistics industry system is consisted of multiple macroscopic agents such as macro-economic, infrastructure, social environment, market demanding, the traditional industry, industry life cycle, policy , system and so on. This paper studies the grey incidence among the macroscopic agents in the logistics industry system. It is demonstrated that the releasing of the logistics services from the logistics outsourcing enterprises determines the growth of the logistics size. Although the information and communication technology is able to promote the formation of the modern logistics industry to some extent, the development of the modern logistics industry depends more on the development of national economy and the investment in the capital assets of the logistics industry.
Abstract: The events of October 2010, where terrorists managed to get explosive devices onboard of three passenger aircrafts and two air freighters, demonstrated weaknesses of the international air cargo and airmail security. Ever since, postal security has gained interest among policymakers and authorities. This study augments the limited body of academic literature on the topic bydemarcating areas of postal security, identifying relevant stakeholders in each area, and investigating why these stakeholders engage in postal security. Research is based on a case study on Swiss Post’s mail service.
Abstract: In order to develop any strategy, it is essential to first
identify opportunities, threats, weak and strong points. Assessment of
technology level provides the possibility of concentrating on weak
and strong points. The results of technology assessment have a direct
effect on decision making process in the field of technology transfer
or expansion of internal research capabilities so it has a critical role
in technology management. This paper presents a conceptual model
to analyze the technology capability of a company as a whole and in
four main aspects of technology. This model was tested on 10
automotive parts manufacturers in IRAN. Using this model,
capability level of manufacturers was investigated in four fields of
managing aspects, hard aspects, human aspects, and information and
knowledge aspects. Results show that these firms concentrate on hard
aspect of technology while others aspects are poor and need to be
supported more. So this industry should develop other aspects of
technology as well as hard aspect to have effective and efficient use
of its technology. These paper findings are useful for the technology
planning and management in automotive part manufactures in IRAN
and other Industries which are technology followers and transport
their needed technologies.
Abstract: Thepurpose of the research is to characterize the levels
of satisfaction of the students in e-learning post-graduate courses,
taking into account specific dimensions of the course which were
considered as benchmarks for the quality of this type of online
learning initiative, as well as the levels of satisfaction towards each
specific indicator identified in each dimension. It was also an aim of
this study to understand how thesedimensions relate to one another.
Using a quantitative research approach in the collection and analysis
of the data, the study involves the participation of the students who
attended on e-learning course in 2010/2011. The conclusions of this
study suggest that online students present relatively high levels of
satisfaction, which points towards a positive experience during the
course. It is possible to note that there is a correlation between the
different dimensions studied, consequently leading to different
improvement strategies. Ultimately, this investigation aims to
contribute to the promotion of quality and the success of e-learning
initiatives in Higher Education.
Abstract: Protective effect of ethanolic extract of polyherbal formulation (PHF) was studied on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage. Treatment of rats with 250mg /kg body weight of ethanolic extract of PHF protected rats against carbon tetrachloride liver injury by significant lowerering 5’ nucleotidase (5’NT), Gamma Glutamyl transferase (GGT), Glutamate dehdyrogenasse (GDH) and Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) levels compared to control. Normalization in these enzyme levels indicates strong hepatoprotective property of PHF extract.
Abstract: Mutations of the telomeric copy of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene cause spinal muscular atrophy. A deletion of the Eef1a2 gene leads to lower motor neuron degeneration in wasted mice. Indirect evidences have been shown that the eEF1A protein family may interact with SMN, and our previous study showed that abnormalities of neuromuscular junctions in wasted mice were similar to those of Smn mutant mice. To determine potential colocalization between SMN and tissue-specific translation elongation factor 1A2 (eEF1A2), an immunochemical analysis of HeLa cells transfected with the plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)C-hEEF1A2- myc and a new quantitative test of colocalization by intensity correlation analysis (ICA) was used to explore the association of SMN and eEF1A2. Here the results showed that eEF1A2 redistributed from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to serum and epidermal growth factor. In the cytoplasm, compelling evidence showed that staining for myc-tagged eEF1A2 varied in synchrony with that for SMN, consistent with the formation of a SMN-eEF1A2 complex in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells. These findings suggest that eEF1A2 may colocalize with SMN in the cytoplasm and may be a component of the SMN complex. However, the limitation of the ICA method is an inability to resolve colocalization in components of small organelles such as the nucleus.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study five vital
factors related to employees’ job performance. A total of 250
respondents were sampled from employees who worked at a public
warehouse organization, Bangkok, Thailand. Samples were divided
into two groups according to their work experience. The average
working experience was about 9 years for group one and 28 years for
group two. A questionnaire was utilized as a tool to collect data.
Statistics utilized in this research included frequency, percentage,
mean, standard deviation, t-test analysis, one way ANOVA, and
Pearson Product-moment correlation coefficient. Data were analyzed
by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The findings
disclosed that the majority of respondents were female between 23-
31 years old, single, and hold an undergraduate degree. The average
income of respondents was less than 30,900 baht. The findings also
revealed that the factors of organization chart awareness, job process
and technology, internal environment, employee loyalty, and policy
and management were ranked as medium level. The hypotheses
testing revealed that difference in gender, age, and position had
differences in terms of the awareness of organization chart, job
process and technology, internal environment, employee loyalty, and
policy and management in the same direction with low level.
Abstract: Fishbone of Nile Tilapia (Tilapia nilotica), waste from the frozen Nile Tilapia fillet factory, is one of calcium sources. In order to increase fish bone powder value, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Tilapia bone flour (TBF) addition (5, 10, 15% by flour weight) on cooking quality, texture and sensory attributes of noodles. The results indicated that tensile strength, color value (a*) and water absorption of noodles significantly decreased (p£0.05) as the levels of TBF increased from 0-15%. While cooking loss, cooking time and color values (L* and b*) of noodles significantly increased (p£0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that noodles with 5% TBF received the highest overall acceptability score.
Abstract: Group key management is an important functional
building block for any secure multicast architecture.
Thereby, it has been extensively studied in the literature.
In this paper we present relevant group key management
protocols. Then, we compare them against some pertinent
performance criteria.
Abstract: Relevant agricultural information disseminator
(extension agent) ratio of 1:3500 farm families which become a
menace to agricultural production capacity in developing countries
necessitate this study. Out of 4 zones in the state, 24 extension agents
in each zone, 4 extension agents using cell phones and 120 farmers
using cell phone and 120 other farmers not using cell phone were
purposively selected to give 240 farmers that participated in the
research. Data were collected using interview guide and analysized
using frequency, percentage and t-test.. Frequency of contact with
agricultural information centers revealed that cell phone user farmers
had greater means score of X 41.43 contact as against the low mean
X19.32 contact recorded by farmers receiving agricultural
information from extension agents not using cell phone and their
production was statistically significant at P < 0.05. Usage of cell
phone increase extension agent contact and increase farmers-
production capacity.
Abstract: Optimal design of structure has a main role in reduction of material usage which leads to deduction in the final cost of construction projects. Evolutionary approaches are found to be more successful techniques for solving size and shape structural optimization problem since it uses a stochastic random search instead of a gradient search. By reviewing the recent literature works the problem found was the optimization of weight. A new meta-heuristic algorithm called as Cuckoo Search (CS) Algorithm has used for the optimization of the total weight of the truss structures. This paper has used set of 10 bars and 25 bars trusses for the testing purpose. The main objective of this work is to reduce the number of iterations, weight and the total time consumption. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method, minimum weight design of truss structures is performed and the results of the CS are compared with other algorithms.
Abstract: The IFRS for Small and Medium-sized Entities
(SMEs) was issued in July 2009 and currently regulators are
considering various implementation strategies of this standard.
Romania is a member of the European Union since 2007, thus
accounting regulations were issued in order to ensure compliance
with the European Accounting Directives. As the European
Commission rejected recently the mandatory use of IFRS for SMEs,
regulatory bodies from the Member States have to decide if the
standard will affect or not the accounting practices of SMEs from
their countries. Recently IASB invited stakeholders to discuss the
revision of IFRS for SMEs. Empirical studies on the differences and
similarities between national standards and IFRS for SMEs could
inform decision makers on the actual level of convergence in
different countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical
evidences on the convergence of the Romanian regulations with IFRS
for SMEs analyzing the results in the context of the last revisions
proposed to the EU Accounting Directives.
Abstract: The paper shows some ability to manage two-phase
flows arising from the use of unsteady effects. In one case, we
consider the condition of fragmentation of the interface between the
two components leads to the intensification of mixing. The problem
is solved when the temporal and linear scale are small for the
appearance of the developed mixing layer. Showing that exist such
conditions for unsteady flow velocity at the surface of the channel,
which will lead to the creation and fragmentation of vortices at Re
numbers of order unity. Also showing that the Re is not a criterion of
similarity for this type of flows, but we can introduce a criterion that
depends on both the Re, and the frequency splitting of the vortices. It
turned out that feature of this situation is that streamlines behave
stable, and if we analyze the behavior of the interface between the
components it satisfies all the properties of unstable flows. The other
problem we consider the behavior of solid impurities in the extensive
system of channels. Simulated unsteady periodic flow modeled
breaths. Consider the behavior of the particles along the trajectories.
It is shown that, depending on the mass and diameter of the particles,
they can be collected in a caustic on the channel walls, stop in a
certain place or fly back. Of interest is the distribution of particle
velocity in frequency. It turned out that by choosing a behavior of the
velocity field of the carrier gas can affect the trajectory of individual
particles including force them to fly back.