Abstract: In turbulent modern economy, the companies need to
properly manage their business processes. Well-defined and stable
business processes ensure security of crucial data and applications,
and provide a quality product or service to the end customer. On the
other side, constant changes on the market, new regulatory
provisions, and emerging new technologies require the need of
issuing prompt and effective changes of business process. In this
article, we explore the use of agile principles in working with
business process management (BPM) solutions. We deal with
difficulties in BPM development cycle, review the benefits of using
agility, and choose the basic agile principles that ensure the success
of a BPM project.
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the
psychological variables motivating sport participation and
involvement among student-athletes of tertiary institutions in southwest
Nigeria. One thousand three hundred and fifty (N-1350) studentathletes
were randomly selected in all sports from nine tertiary
institutions in south-west Nigeria. These tertiary institutions include
University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo
University, Osun State University, University of Ibadan, University
of Agriculture Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology
Akungba, University of Ilorin, and Kwara State University. The
descriptive survey research method was adopted while a self
developed validated Likert type questionnaire named Sport
Participation Scale (SPS) was used to elicit opinion from
respondents. The test-retest reliability value obtained for the
instrument, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient
was 0.96. Out of the one thousand three hundred and fifty (N-1350)
questionnaire administered, only one thousand two hundred and five
(N-1286) were correctly filled, coded and analysed using inferential
statistics of Chi-Square (X2) while all the tested hypotheses were set
at. 05 alpha level. Based on the findings of this study, the result
revealed that several psychological factors influence student athletes
to continue participation in sport one which includes love for the
game, famous athletes as role model and family support. However,
the analysis further revealed that the stipends the student-athletes get
from their universities have no influence on their participation and
involvement in sport.
Abstract: NiFe2O4 (nickel ferrite), ZnFe2O4 (zinc ferrite) and
Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (nickel-zinc ferrite) were prepared by
mechanochemical route in a planetary ball mill starting from mixture
of the appropriate quantities of the Ni(OH)2/Fe(OH)3,
Zn(OH)2/Fe(OH)3 and Ni(OH)2/Zn(OH)2/Fe(OH)3 hydroxide
powders. In order to monitor the progress of chemical reaction and
confirm phase formation, powder samples obtained after 25 h, 18 h
and 10 h of milling were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IR, Raman and Mössbauer
spectroscopy. It is shown that the soft mechanochemical method, i.e.
mechanochemical activation of hydroxides, produces high quality
single phase ferrite samples in much more efficient way. From the IR
spectroscopy of single phase samples it is obvious that energy of
modes depends on the ratio of cations. It is obvious that all samples
have more than 5 Raman active modes predicted by group theory in
the normal spinel structure. Deconvolution of measured spectra
allows one to conclude that all complex bands in the spectra are made
of individual peaks with the intensities that vary from spectrum to
spectrum. The deconvolution of Raman spectra allows to separate
contributions of different cations to a particular type of vibration and
to estimate the degree of inversion.
Abstract: Recent investigations have demonstrated the global
sea level rise due to climate change impacts. In this study, climate
changes study the effects of increasing water level in the strait of
Hormuz. The probable changes of sea level rise should be
investigated to employ the adaption strategies. The climatic output
data of a GCM (General Circulation Model) named CGCM3 under
climate change scenario of A1b and A2 were used. Among different
variables simulated by this model, those of maximum correlation
with sea level changes in the study region and least redundancy
among themselves were selected for sea level rise prediction by using
stepwise regression. One of models (Discrete Wavelet artificial
Neural Network) was developed to explore the relationship between
climatic variables and sea level changes. In these models, wavelet
was used to disaggregate the time series of input and output data into
different components and then ANN was used to relate the
disaggregated components of predictors and input parameters to each
other. The results showed in the Shahid Rajae Station for scenario
A1B sea level rise is among 64 to 75 cm and for the A2 Scenario sea
level rise is among 90 t0 105 cm. Furthermore, the result showed a
significant increase of sea level at the study region under climate
change impacts, which should be incorporated in coastal areas
management.
Abstract: The ultimate purpose of this investigation was to
determine the teachers’ opinions as well as students’ opinions
towards the Adapted English Lessons. The subjects of the study were
5 Thai teachers, who teach English, and 85 Grade 10 mixed-ability
students at Triamudom Suksa Pattanakarn Ratchada School,
Bangkok, Thailand. The research instruments included questionnaires
and the informal interview. The data from the research instruments
was collected and analyzed concerning linguistic principles of
minimal pair and articulatory phonetics as well as teaching
techniques of mimicry-memorization; vocabulary substitution drills,
language pattern drills, reading comprehension exercise, practicing
listening, speaking and writing skill and communicative activities;
informal talk and free writing. The data was statistically compiled
according to an arithmetic percentage. The results showed that the
teachers and students have very highly positive opinions towards
adapting linguistic principles for teaching and learning phonological
accuracy. Teaching techniques provided in the Adapted English
Lessons can be used efficiently in the classroom. The teachers and
students have positive opinions towards them too.
Abstract: Targeted drug delivery is a method of delivering
medication to a patient in a manner that increases the concentration
of the medication in some parts of the body relative to others.
Targeted drug delivery seeks to concentrate the medication in the
tissues of interest while reducing the relative concentration of the
medication in the remaining tissues. This improves efficacy of the
while reducing side effects. In the present work, we investigate the
effect of magnetic field, flow rate and particle concentration on the
capturing of magnetic particles transported in a stent implanted
fluidic channel. Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4)
nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method. The
synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were added in the de-ionized (DI)
water to prepare the Fe3O4 magnetic particle suspended fluid. This
fluid is transported in a cylindrical tube of diameter 8 mm with help
of a peristaltic pump at different flow rate (25-40 ml/min). A
ferromagnetic coil of SS 430 has been implanted inside the
cylindrical tube to enhance the capturing of magnetic nanoparticles
under magnetic field. The capturing of magnetic nanoparticles was
observed at different magnetic magnetic field, flow rate and particle
concentration. It is observed that capture efficiency increases from
47-67% at magnetic field 2-5kG, respectively at particle
concentration 0.6mg/ml and at flow rate 30 ml/min. However, the
capture efficiency decreases from 65 to 44% by increasing the flow
rate from 25 to 40 ml/min, respectively. Furthermore, it is observed
that capture efficiency increases from 51 to 67% by increasing the
particle concentration from 0.3 to 0.6 mg/ml, respectively.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the orbit avoidance strategy of
the optical remote sensing satellite. The optical remote sensing
satellite, moving along the Sun-synchronous orbit, is equipped with
laser warning equipment to alert CCD camera from laser attacks. This
paper explores the strategy of satellite avoidance to protect the CCD
camera and also the satellite. The satellite could evasive to several
target points in the orbital coordinates of virtual satellite. The so-called
virtual satellite is a passive vehicle which superposes the satellite at the
initial stage of avoidance. The target points share the consistent cycle
time and the same semi-major axis with the virtual satellite, which
ensures the properties of the satellite’s Sun-synchronous orbit remain
unchanged. Moreover, to further strengthen the avoidance capability
of satellite, it can perform multi-target-points avoid maneuvers. On
occasions of fulfilling the satellite orbit tasks, the orbit can be restored
back to virtual satellite through orbit maneuvers. There into, the avoid
maneuvers adopts pulse guidance. In addition, the fuel consumption is
optimized. The avoidance strategy discussed in this article is
applicable to optical remote sensing satellite when it is encountered
with hostile attack of space-based laser anti-satellite.
Abstract: In present study, a large deposit of oolitic iron ore of
Late Carboniferous-Permotriassic-Lower Jurassic age was discovered
in Wadi Halfa and Argein areas, North Sudan. It seems that the iron
ore mineralization exists in the west and east bank of the River Nile
of the study area that are found on the Egyptian-Sudanese border.
The Carboniferous-Lower Jurassic age strata were covered by 67
sections and each section has been examined and carefully described.
The iron-ore in Wadi Halfa occurs as oolitic ironstone and contained
two horizons: (A) horizon and (B) horizon. Only horizon (A) was
observed in southern Argein area. The texture of the ore is variable
depending on the volume of the component. In thin sections, the
average of the ooids was ranged between 90%-80%. The matrix
varies between 10%-20% by volume and detritus quartz in other
component my reach up to 30% by volume in sandy massive ore.
Ooids size ranges from 0.2mm-1.00 mm on average in very coarse
ooids may attend up to 1 mm in size. The matrix around the ooids is
dominated by iron hydroxide, carbonate, fine, and amorphous silica.
The probable ore reserve estimate of 1.234 billion at a head grade of
41.29% Fe for the Wadi Halfa Oolitic Ironstone Formation. The iron
ore shows higher content of phosphorus ranges from 6.15% to 0.16%,
with mean 1.45%. The new technology Hatch–Ironstone Chloride
Segregation (HICS) can be used to produce commercial-quality of
iron and reduce phosphorus and silica to acceptable levels for steel
industry. The presence of infrastructures in addition to the presence
of massive quantities of iron ore would make exploitation
economically.
Abstract: Introduction: The process to build a better safety
culture, methods of error analysis, and preventive measures, starts
with an understanding of the effects when human factors engineering
refer to remote microscopic diagnosis in surgery and specially in
organ transplantation for the remote evaluation of the grafts. It has
been estimated that even in well-organized transplant systems an
average of 8% to 14% of the grafts (G) that arrive at the recipient
hospitals may be considered as diseased, injured, damaged or
improper for transplantation. Digital microscopy adds information on
a microscopic level about the grafts in Organ Transplant (OT), and
may lead to a change in their management. Such a method will
reduce the possibility that a diseased G, will arrive at the recipient
hospital for implantation. Aim: Ergonomics of Digital Microscopy
(DM) based on virtual slides, on Telemedicine Systems (TS) for
Tele-Pathological (TPE) evaluation of the grafts (G) in organ
transplantation (OT). Material and Methods: By experimental
simulation, the ergonomics of DM for microscopic TPE of Renal
Graft (RG), Liver Graft (LG) and Pancreatic Graft (PG) tissues is
analyzed. In fact, this corresponded to the ergonomics of digital
microscopy for TPE in OT by applying Virtual Slide (VS) system for
graft tissue image capture, for remote diagnoses of possible
microscopic inflammatory and/or neoplastic lesions. Experimentation
included: a. Development of an OTE-TS similar Experimental
Telemedicine System (Exp.-TS), b. Simulation of the integration of
TS with the VS based microscopic TPE of RG, LG and PG applying
DM. Simulation of the DM based TPE was performed by 2
specialists on a total of 238 human Renal Graft (RG), 172 Liver Graft
(LG) and 108 Pancreatic Graft (PG) tissues digital microscopic
images for inflammatory and neoplastic lesions on four electronic
spaces of the four used TS. Results: Statistical analysis of specialist‘s
answers about the ability to diagnose accurately the diseased RG, LG
and PG tissues on the electronic space among four TS (A,B,C,D)
showed that DM on TS for TPE in OT is elaborated perfectly on the
ES of a Desktop, followed by the ES of the applied Exp.-TS. Tablet
and Mobile-Phone ES seem significantly risky for the application of
DM in OT (p
Abstract: Background: To improve the delivery of paediatric
healthcare in low resource settings, Community Health Workers
(CHW) have been provided with a paper-based set of protocols
known as Community Case Management (CCM). Yet research has
shown that CHW adherence to CCM guidelines is poor, ultimately
impacting health service delivery. Digitising the CCM guidelines via
mobile technology is argued in extant literature to improve CHW
adherence. However, little research exist which outlines how (a) this
process can be digitised and (b) adherence could be improved as a
result. Aim: To explore how an electronic mobile version of CCM
(eCCM) can overcome issues associated with the paper-based CCM
protocol (inadequate adherence to guidelines) vis-à-vis service
blueprinting. This service blueprint will outline how (a) the CCM
process can be digitised using mobile Clinical Decision Support
Systems software to support clinical decision-making and (b)
adherence can be improved as a result. Method: Development of a
single service blueprint for a standalone application which visually
depicts the service processes (eCCM) when supporting the CHWs,
using an application known as Supporting LIFE (SL eCCM app) as
an exemplar. Results: A service blueprint is developed which
illustrates how the SL eCCM app can be utilised by CHWs to assist
with the delivery of healthcare services to children. Leveraging
smartphone technologies can (a) provide CHWs with just-in-time
data to assist with their decision making at the point-of-care and (b)
improve CHW adherence to CCM guidelines. Conclusions: The
development of the eCCM opens up opportunities for the CHWs to
leverage the inherent benefit of mobile devices to assist them with
health service delivery in rural settings. To ensure that benefits are
achieved, it is imperative to comprehend the functionality and form
of the eCCM service process. By creating such a service blueprint for
an eCCM approach, CHWs are provided with a clear picture
regarding the role of the eCCM solution, often resulting in buy-in
from the end-users.
Abstract: Temperature regulating system by gaseous nitrogen is
of importance to the space environment simulator, which keeps the
shrouds in the temperature range from -150°C to +150°C. Liquid
nitrogen spray equipment is one of the most critical parts in the
temperature regulating system by gaseous nitrogen. Y type jet
atomizer and internal mixing atomizer of the liquid nitrogen spray
equipment are studied in this paper, 2D/3D atomizer model was
established and grid division was conducted respectively by the
software of Catia and ICEM. Based on the above preparation,
numerical simulation on the spraying process of the atomizer by
FLUENT is performed. Using air and water as the medium,
comparison between the tests and numerical simulation was conducted
and the results of two ways match well. Hence, it can be conclude that
this atomizer model can be applied in the numerical simulation of
liquid nitrogen spray equipment.
Abstract: A growing demand is felt today for realistic 3D
models enabling the cognition and popularization of historical-artistic
heritage. Evaluation and preservation of Cultural Heritage is
inextricably connected with the innovative processes of gaining,
managing, and using knowledge. The development and perfecting of
techniques for acquiring and elaborating photorealistic 3D models,
made them pivotal elements for popularizing information of objects
on the scale of architectonic structures.
Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation
details of a complete unmanned aerial system (UAS) based
on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, focusing on
safety, security, search and rescue scenarios in GPS-denied
environments. In particular, The aerial platform is capable
of semi-autonomously navigating through extremely low-light,
GPS-denied indoor environments based on onboard sensors only,
including a downward-facing optical flow camera. Besides, an
additional low-cost payload camera system is developed to stream
both infra-red video and visible light video to a ground station in
real-time, for the purpose of detecting sign of life and hidden humans.
The total cost of the complete system is estimated to be $1150,
and the effectiveness of the system has been tested and validated
in practical scenarios.
Abstract: Hypertension is a common condition causing cardio
and cerebrovascular complications. Portugal has one of the highest
mortality rates from stroke and a high prevalence of hypertension.
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) is an important risk factor for
cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke) and
premature mortality, particularly in the elderly population. The
present study aims to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a
Portuguese population living in a coastal city and to identify some of
its determinants (namely gender, age, the body mass index and
physical activity frequency). A total of 91 adults who attended three pharmacies of a coastal
city in the center of Portugal, between May and August of 2013 were
evaluated. Attendants who reported to have diabetes or taking
antihypertensive drugs in the 2 previous weeks were excluded from
the study. Sociodemographic factors, BMI, habits of exercise and BP
were assessed. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90
mmHg. The majority of the studied population was constituted by women
(75.8%), with a mean age of 54.2±1.6 years old, married or living in
civil union and that had completed secondary school or had higher
education (40%). They presented a mean BMI of 26.2±4.76 Kg/m2.,
and were sedentary. The mean BP was 127.0±17.77mmHg- 74.69 ±
9.53. In this population we found 4.3% of people with hypertension
and 16.1% with normal high blood pressure. Men exhibit a tendency to present higher systolic blood pressure
values than women. Of all the factors considered, SBP values also
tended to be higher with age and higher BMI values.
Despite the fact that the mean values of SBP did not present values
higher than 140 mmHg we must be concerned because the studied
population is undiagnosed for hypertension. Although this is a preliminary study, it might be a prelude to the
upcoming research about the underlying factors responsible for the
occurrence of SBP.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the
mediating impact of export performance (EP) between technological
advancement capabilities and business performance (BP) of
Malaysian manufacturing micro, small and medium sized enterprises
(MSME’s). Firm’s technological advancement resources are
hypothesized as a platform to enhance both exports and BP of
manufacturing MSMEs in Malaysia. This study is twofold, primary it
has investigated that technological advancement capabilities helps to
appreciates main performance measures noted in terms of EP and
Secondly, it investigates that how efficiently and effectively
technological advancement capabilities can contribute in overall
Malaysian MSME’s BP. Smart PLS-3 statistical software is used to
know the association between technological advancement
capabilities, MSME’s EP and BP. In this study, the data was
composed from Malaysian manufacturing MSME’s in east coast
industrial zones known as the manufacturing hub of MSMEs. Seven
hundred and fifty (750) questionnaires were distributed, but only 148
usable questionnaires are returned. The finding of this study indicated
that technological advancement capabilities helps to strengthen the
export in term of time and cost efficient and it plays a significant role
in appreciating their BP. This study is helpful for small and medium
enterprise owners who intend to expand their business overseas and
though smart technological advancement resources they can achieve
their business competitiveness and excellence both at local and
international markets.
Abstract: Mixed-use development is one of the most important
trends in new island house transformation along southeast coastal area
in China. Unique island geographical environment and profound
fishing village culture coexist for a long time in this. With artistic
creation for the purpose of the "live-work" houses are in a large
number of emergence, however, still lack of systematic strategy.
Based on space effect from marine resources to regional human
settlements, this article teases out the evolution regularity of island
settlement context and architectural form, then, puts forward the
formation mechanism and construction model of art island houses.
Thereby, to further explore space design method and site creation
strategy of mixed-use development.
Abstract: Detecting changes in multiple images of the same
scene has recently seen increased interest due to the many
contemporary applications including smart security systems, smart
homes, remote sensing, surveillance, medical diagnosis, weather
forecasting, speed and distance measurement, post-disaster forensics
and much more. These applications differ in the scale, nature, and
speed of change. This paper presents an application of image
processing techniques to implement a real-time change detection
system. Change is identified by comparing the RGB representation of
two consecutive frames captured in real-time. The detection threshold
can be controlled to account for various luminance levels. The
comparison result is passed through a filter before decision making to
reduce false positives, especially at lower luminance conditions. The
system is implemented with a MATLAB Graphical User interface
with several controls to manage its operation and performance.
Abstract: Cesium molybdates with general formula
CsMIII(MoO4)2, where MIII = Bi, Dy, Pr, Er, exhibit rich
polymorphism, and crystallize in a layered structure. These properties
cause intensive studies on cesium molybdates. CsBi(MoO4)2 was synthesized by microwave method by using
cerium sulphate, bismuth oxide and molybdenum (VI) oxide in an
appropriate molar ratio. Characterizations were done by x-ray
diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy,
scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analyze (SEM/EDS),
thermo gravimetric/differantial thermal analysis (TG/DTA).
Abstract: The paper aims at investigating the effect of number
of story on different structural components of reinforced concrete
building due to gravity and lateral loading. For the study, three
building models having same building plan of three, six and nine
stories are analyzed and designed using software package. All the
buildings are residential and are located in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.
Lateral load including wind and earthquake loading are applied to the
building along both longitudinal and transverse direction as per
Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 2006). Equivalent static
force method is followed for the applied seismic loading. The present
study investigates as well as compares mainly total steel requirement
in different structural components for those buildings. It has been
found that total longitudinal steel requirement for beams at each floor
is 48.57% for three storied building, 61.36% for six storied building
when the total percentage is taken as 100% in case of nine storied
building. For an exterior column, the steel ratio is 2.1%, 3.06%,
4.55% for three, six and nine storied building respectively for the first
three floors. In addition, it has been noted that total weight of
longitudinal reinforcement of an interior column is 14.02 % for threestoried
building and 43.12% for six storied building when the total
reinforcement is considered 100% for nine storied building for the
first three floors.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of
continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) control based on adaptive
control and optimal tuning of PID control based on particle swarm
optimization. In the design of adaptive control, Model reference
adaptive control (MRAC) scheme is used, in which the adaptation
law have been developed by MIT rule & Lyapunov’s rule. In PSO
control parameters of PID controller is tuned by using the concept of
particle swarm optimization to get optimized operating point for
minimum integral square error (ISE) condition. The results show the
adjustment of PID parameters converting into the optimal operating
point and the good control response can be obtained by the PSO
technique.