Abstract: Despite all the wide research and literature on the
subject, changing and challenging times often present themselves
with new objectives, fluid politics, and everlasting point of views.
Much is said about the subject and the trend nowadays is watching
every European Union (EU) intervention as a form of neo
colonialism or a form of establishing new markets. The paper will try to establish a perspective on EU influences,
policies and impacts analyzed from multidimensional point of view,
not limiting itself on a narrow external dimension, focusing on a
broader understanding of it diverse contribution to global governance
and peace keeping. Tending to be critical, this paper tends to fall out of extremes,
nether holding a Eurocentric position, nor falling for cheap critic to
the whole failures and impact of EU policies. The ambition is to
show EU as a contributing factor while keeping in mind its nature as
a multi layered actor and with not necessarily coinciding interests
among its member states.
Abstract: In the Solid-State-Drive (SSD) performance, whether
the data has been well parallelized is an important factor. SSD
parallelization is affected by allocation scheme and it is directly
connected to SSD performance. There are dynamic allocation and
static allocation in representative allocation schemes. Dynamic
allocation is more adaptive in exploiting write operation parallelism,
while static allocation is better in read operation parallelism.
Therefore, it is hard to select the appropriate allocation scheme when
the workload is mixed read and write operations. We simulated
conditions on a few mixed data patterns and analyzed the results to
help the right choice for better performance. As the results, if data
arrival interval is long enough prior operations to be finished and
continuous read intensive data environment static allocation is more
suitable. Dynamic allocation performs the best on write performance
and random data patterns.
Abstract: To maintain a healthy balanced loyalty, whether to art
or society, posits a debatable issue. The artist is always on the look
out for the potential tension between those two realms. Therefore,
one of the most painful dilemmas the artist finds is how to function in
a society without sacrificing the aesthetic values of his/her work. In
other words, the life-long awareness of failure which derives from the
concept of the artist as caught between unflattering social realities
and the need to invent genuine art forms becomes a fertilizing soil for
the artists to be tackled. Thus, within the framework of this dilemma,
the question of the responsibility of the artist and the relationship of
the art to politics will be illuminating. To a larger extent, however, in
drama, this dilemma is represented by the fictional characters of the
play. The present paper tackles the idea of the amorality of the artist in
selected plays by Tom Stoppard. However, Stoppard’s awareness of
his situation as a refugee has led him to keep at a distance from
politics. He tried hard to avoid any intervention into the realms of
political debate, especially in his earliest work. On the one hand, it is
not meant that he did not interest in politics as such, but rather he
preferred to question it than to create a fixed ideological position. On
the other hand, Stoppard’s refusal to intervene in politics is ascribed
to his feeling of gratitude to Britain where he settled. As a result,
Stoppard has frequently been criticized for a lack of political
engagement and also for not leaning too much for the left when he
does engage. His reaction to these public criticisms finds expression
in his self-conscious statements which defensively stressed the
artifice of his work. He, like Oscar Wilde thinks that the
responsibility of the artist is devoted to the realm of his/her art.
Consequently, his consciousness for the role of the artist is truly
reflected in his two plays, Artist Descending a Staircase (1972) and
Travesties (1974).
Abstract: The floor beams of steel buildings, cold-formed steel
floor joists in particular, often require large web openings, which may
affect their shear capacities. A cost effective way to mitigate the
detrimental effects of such openings is to weld/fasten reinforcements.
A difficulty associated with an experimental investigation to establish
suitable reinforcement schemes for openings in shear zone is that
moment always coexists with the shear, and thus, it is impossible to
create pure shear state in experiments, resulting in moment
influenced results. However, Finite Element Method (FEM) based
analysis can be conveniently used to investigate the pure shear
behaviour of webs including webs with reinforced openings. This
paper presents the details associated with the finite element analysis
of thick/thin-plates (representing the web of hot-rolled steel beam,
and the web of a cold-formed steel member) having a large
reinforced opening. The study considered simply-supported
rectangular plates subjected to in-plane shear loadings until failure
(including post-buckling behaviour). The plate was modelled using
geometrically non-linear quadrilateral shell elements, and non-linear
stress-strain relationship based on experiments. Total Langrangian
with large displacement/small strain formulation was used for such
analyses. The model also considered the initial geometric
imperfections. This study considered three reinforcement schemes,
namely, flat, lip, and angle reinforcements. This paper discusses the
modelling considerations and presents the results associated with the
various reinforcement schemes under consideration.
Abstract: The rapid development technology and widespread
Internet make business environment changing a lot. In order to stand in
the global market and to keep subsistence, “changing” is unspoken
rule for the company’s survival. The purpose of this paper is building
up change model by using SWOT, strategy map, KPI and change
management theory. The research findings indicate that the company
needs to deal with employee’s resistance emotion firstly before
building up change model. The ways of providing performance
appraisal reward, consulting and counseling mechanisms that will
great help to achieve reducing staff negative emotions and motivate
staff’s efficiencies also. To revise strategy map, modify corporate
culture, and improve internal operational processes which is based on
change model. Through the change model, the increasing growth rate
of net income helps company to achieve the goals and be a leading
brand of precision machinery industry.
Abstract: Within this paper, latest results on processing of energetic nanomaterials by means of the Spray Flash Evaporation technique are presented. This technology constitutes a highly effective and continuous way to prepare fascinating materials on the nano- and micro-scale. Within the process, a solution is set under high pressure and sprayed into an evacuated atomization chamber. Subsequent ultrafast evaporation of the solvent leads to an aerosol stream, which is separated by cyclones or filters. No drying gas is required, so the present technique should not be confused with spray dying. Resulting nanothermites, insensitive explosives or propellants and compositions are foreseen to replace toxic (according to REACH) and very sensitive matter in military and civil applications. Diverse examples are given in detail: nano-RDX (n-Cyclotrimethylentrinitramin) and nano-aluminum based systems, mixtures (n-RDX/n-TNT - trinitrotoluene) or even cocrystalline matter like n-CL-20/HMX (Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane/ Cyclotetra-methylentetranitramin). These nanomaterials show reduced sensitivity by trend without losing effectiveness and performance. An analytical study for material characterization was performed by using Atomic Force Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and combined techniques as well as spectroscopic methods. As a matter of course, sensitivity tests regarding electrostatic discharge, impact, and friction are provided.
Abstract: For the last decade, researchers have started to focus
their interest on Multicast Group Key Management Framework. The
central research challenge is secure and efficient group key
distribution. The present paper is based on the Bit model based
Secure Multicast Group key distribution scheme using the most
popular absolute encoder output type code named Gray Code. The
focus is of two folds. The first fold deals with the reduction of
computation complexity which is achieved in our scheme by
performing fewer multiplication operations during the key updating
process. To optimize the number of multiplication operations, an
O(1) time algorithm to multiply two N-bit binary numbers which
could be used in an N x N bit-model of reconfigurable mesh is used
in this proposed work. The second fold aims at reducing the amount
of information stored in the Group Center and group members while
performing the update operation in the key content. Comparative
analysis to illustrate the performance of various key distribution
schemes is shown in this paper and it has been observed that this
proposed algorithm reduces the computation and storage complexity
significantly. Our proposed algorithm is suitable for high
performance computing environment.
Abstract: Liver segmentation from medical images poses more
challenges than analogous segmentations of other organs. This
contribution introduces a liver segmentation method from a series of
computer tomography images. Overall, we present a novel method for
segmenting liver by coupling density matching with shape priors.
Density matching signifies a tracking method which operates via
maximizing the Bhattacharyya similarity measure between the
photometric distribution from an estimated image region and a model
photometric distribution. Density matching controls the direction of
the evolution process and slows down the evolving contour in regions
with weak edges. The shape prior improves the robustness of density
matching and discourages the evolving contour from exceeding liver’s
boundaries at regions with weak boundaries. The model is
implemented using a modified distance regularized level set (DRLS)
model. The experimental results show that the method achieves a
satisfactory result. By comparing with the original DRLS model, it is
evident that the proposed model herein is more effective in addressing
the over segmentation problem. Finally, we gauge our performance of
our model against matrices comprising of accuracy, sensitivity, and
specificity.
Abstract: Machine visualization is an area of interest with fast
and progressive development. We present a method of machine
visualization which will be applicable in real industrial conditions
according to current needs and demands. Real factory data were
obtained in a newly built research plant. Methods described in this
paper were validated on a case study. Input data were processed and
the virtual environment was created. The environment contains
information about dimensions, structure, disposition, and function.
Hardware was enhanced by modular machines, prototypes, and
accessories. We added functionalities and machines into the virtual
environment. The user is able to interact with objects such as testing
and cutting machines, he/she can operate and move them. Proposed
design consists of an environment with two degrees of freedom of
movement. Users are in touch with items in the virtual world which
are embedded into the real surroundings. This paper describes development of the virtual environment. We
compared and tested various options of factory layout virtualization
and visualization. We analyzed possibilities of using a 3D scanner in
the layout obtaining process and we also analyzed various virtual
reality hardware visualization methods such as: Stereoscopic (CAVE)
projection, Head Mounted Display (HMD) and augmented reality
(AR) projection provided by see-through glasses.
Abstract: The research on thermoelectric has been a blooming field of research for the latest decade, owing to large amount of heat source available to be harvested, being eco-friendly and static in operation. This paper provides the performance of thermoelectric generator (TEG) with bulk material of bismuth telluride, Bi2Te3. Later, the performance of the TEGs is evaluated by considering attaching the TEGs on a plastic (polyethylene sheet) in contrast to the common method of attaching the TEGs on the metal surface.
Abstract: As a result of the ambiguity and complexity
surrounding anaerobic digester foaming, efforts have been made by
various researchers to understand the process of anaerobic digester
foaming so as to proffer a solution that can be universally applied
rather than site specific. All attempts ranging from experimental
analysis to comparative review of other process has not fully
explained the conditions and process of foaming in anaerobic
digester. Studying the current available knowledge on foam
formation and relating it to anaerobic digester process and operating
condition, this piece of work presents a succinct and enhanced
understanding of foaming in anaerobic digesters as well as
introducing a simple method to identify the onset of anaerobic
digester foaming based on analysis of historical data from a field
scale system.
Abstract: In this article was evaluated the protective effect of
the alternative concrete obtained from the binary mixture of fly ash,
and iron and steel slag. After mixing the cement with aggregates,
structural steel was inserted in the matrix cementitious. The study
was conducted comparatively with specimens exposed to natural
conditions free of chloride ion. The chloride ion effect on the
specimens accelerated under controlled conditions (3.5% NaCl and
25°C temperature). The impedance data were acquired in a range of 1
mHz to 100 kHz.
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural
Research Station, at El-Ghoraieb, Assiut to study dry seed yield
performance of two locally adapted cultivars (‘Azmerly’ and ‘Cream
7’) and two line introductions (IT81D-1032 and IT82D-812) of
common cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) grown at three
different within-row spaces (20, 30 and 40 cm) and two planting
dates in the summer (April 15th and 30th) and in the fall season (Aug.
12th and 27th) of two successive seasons. The data showed that total
dry-seed yield produced by plants grown at 20 cm was greater than at
30 cm in all cvs/lines in both years. Increases in 1000-seed weight
were detected in cv ‘Azmerly’ and line IT82D-812 when they were
grown at 30 cm as compared with 20 cm in the summer season.
However, in the fall season such increases were found in all cvs/lines.
Planting at 40 cm produced seeds of greater weight than planting at
30 cm for all cvs/lines in the fall season and also in cv. Cream 7 and
line IT82D-812 in the summer season, while all cvs/lines in the fall
Planting on April 15th in the summer and also planting on Aug. 12th
in the fall had plants which showed increases in 1000-seed weight
and total dry-seed yield. The greatest 1000-seed weight was found in
the line IT81D-1032 in the summer season and in the line IT82D-812
in the fall season. The sum up results revealed that ‘Azmerly’
produced greater dry-seed yield than ‘Cream 7’ and both of them
were superior to the line IT82D-812 and IT81D-1032 in the summer
season. In the fall, however, the line IT82D-812 produced greater
dry-seed yield than the other cultivars/lines.
Abstract: Although it is fully impossible to ensure that a software system is quite secure, developing an acceptable secure software system in a convenient platform is not unreachable. In this paper, we attempt to analyze software development life cycle (SDLC) models from the hardware systems and circuits point of view. To date, the SDLC models pay merely attention to the software security from the software perspectives. In this paper, we present new features for SDLC stages to emphasize the role of systems and circuits in developing secure software system through the software development stages, the point that has not been considered previously in the SDLC models.
Abstract: The post-rain puddles problem that occurs in the first
yard of Prambanan Temple are often disturbing visitor activity. A
poodle layer and a drainage system had ever built to avoid such a
problem, but puddles still did not stop appearing after rain.
Permeability parameter needs to be determined by using a simpler
procedure to find exact method of solution. The instrument modelling
was proposed according to the development of field permeability
testing instrument. This experiment used a proposed Constant
Discharge method. Constant Discharge method used a tube poured
with constant water flow from unsaturated until saturated soil
condition. Volumetric water content (θ) were monitored by soil
moisture measurement device. The results were correlations between
k and θ which were drawn by numerical approach from Van
Genutchen model. Parameters θr optimum value obtained from the
test was at very dry soil. Coefficient of permeability with a density of
19.8 kN/m3 for unsaturated conditions was in range of 3 x 10-6
cm/sec (Sr=68%) until 9.98 x 10-4 cm/sec (Sr=82%). The equipment
and testing procedure developed in this research was quite effective,
simple and easy to be implemented on determining field soil
permeability coefficient value of sandy soil. Using constant discharge
method in proposed permeability test, value of permeability
coefficient under unsaturated condition can be obtained without
establish soil water characteristic curve.
Abstract: Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) is the relay center
in the visual pathway as it receives most of the input information
from retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and sends to visual cortex. Low
threshold calcium currents (IT) at the membrane are the unique
indicator to characterize this firing functionality of the LGN neurons
gained by the RGC input. According to the LGN functional
requirements such as functional mapping of RGC to LGN, the
morphologies of the LGN neurons were developed. During the
neurological disorders like glaucoma, the mapping between RGC and
LGN is disconnected and hence stimulating LGN electrically using
deep brain electrodes can restore the functionalities of LGN. A
computational model was developed for simulating the LGN neurons
with three predominant morphologies each representing different
functional mapping of RGC to LGN. The firings of action potentials
at LGN neuron due to IT were characterized by varying the
stimulation parameters, morphological parameters and orientation. A
wide range of stimulation parameters (stimulus amplitude, duration
and frequency) represents the various strengths of the electrical
stimulation with different morphological parameters (soma size,
dendrites size and structure). The orientation (0-1800) of LGN
neuron with respect to the stimulating electrode represents the angle
at which the extracellular deep brain stimulation towards LGN
neuron is performed. A reduced dendrite structure was used in the
model using Bush–Sejnowski algorithm to decrease the
computational time while conserving its input resistance and total
surface area. The major finding is that an input potential of 0.4 V is
required to produce the action potential in the LGN neuron which is
placed at 100 μm distance from the electrode. From this study, it can
be concluded that the neuroprostheses under design would need to
consider the capability of inducing at least 0.4V to produce action
potentials in LGN.
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a DNA-based
nanobiosensor to detect the dengue virus in mosquito using
electrically active magnetic (EAM) nanoparticles as concentrator and
electrochemical transducer. The biosensor detection encompasses
two sets of oligonucleotide probes that are specific to the dengue
virus: the detector probe labeled with the EAM nanoparticles and the
biotinylated capture probe. The DNA targets are double hybridized to
the detector and the capture probes and concentrated from
nonspecific DNA fragments by applying a magnetic field.
Subsequently, the DNA sandwiched targets (EAM-detector probe–
DNA target–capture probe-biotin) are captured on streptavidin
modified screen printed carbon electrodes through the biotinylated
capture probes. Detection is achieved electrochemically by measuring
the oxidation–reduction signal of the EAM nanoparticles. Results
indicate that the biosensor is able to detect the redox signal of the
EAM nanoparticles at dengue DNA concentrations as low as 10
ng/μl.
Abstract: Diets high in processed foods have been found to lack
essential micro-nutrients for optimum human development and
overall health. Some micro-nutrients such as copper (Cu) have been
found to enhance the inflammatory response through its oxidative
functions, thereby having a role in cardiovascular disease, metabolic
syndrome, diabetes and related complications. This research study
was designed to determine if food crops could be bio-fortified with
micro-nutrients by growing sprouts on mineral fortified fiber mats. In
the feasibility study described in this contribution, recycled cellulose
fibers and clay, saturated with either micro-nutrient copper ions or
copper nanoparticles, were converted to a novel mineral-cellulose
fiber carrier of essential micro-nutrient and of antimicrobial
properties. Seeds of Medicago sativa (alfalfa), purchased from a
commercial, organic supplier were germinated on engineered
cellulose fiber mats. After the appearance of the first leaves, the
sprouts were dehydrated and analyzed for Cu content. Nutrient
analysis showed ~2 increase in Cu of the sprouts grown on the fiber
mats with copper particles, and ~4 increase on mats with ionic copper
as compared to the control samples. This study illustrates the
potential for the use of engineered mats as a viable way to increase
the micro-nutrient composition of locally-grown food crops and the
need for additional research to determine the uptake, nutritional
implications and risks of micro-nutrient bio-fortification.
Abstract: Nature constantly changes as a result of human
necessities. This change mostly feels in natural water sources which
are reconstructed with an effect of dams and motorways. In other
respects, visual quality of the landscape gets a new and different
character during and after the construction of dams and motorways.
Changing and specialization new landscapes will be very important
to protection-usage balance to explore sustainable usage facilities.
The main cause of the selection of Artvin city is that it has very
important geographical location and one of the most attraction points
in the World with its biodiversity, conservation areas and natural
landscape characteristics. Many hydroelectric station and 7 dams are
situated, 3 of them have already been built on the Çoruh River in the
province of Artvin. As a result of dams, motorways route were reshaped
and the ways which have already changed because of
elevation is directly affected several of natural destruction. In
contrast, many different reservoirs in Coruh Basin provide new vista
point that has high visual quality. In this study, we would like to
evaluate with sustainable landscape design in 76 km river corridor,
which is mainly based on Deriner, Borçka and Muratlı Dams and
determination of their basin-lakes recreational potential and
opportunities. Lastly, we are going to give some suggestion about the
potential of the corridor.
Abstract: Iranian architects had creative ways for constructing
the buildings in each climate. Some of these architectural elements
were made under the ground. Shovadan is one of these underground
spaces in hot-humid regions in Dezfoul and Shoushtar city that had
special functions and characteristics. In this paper some subjects such
as the history of Shovadan, its elements and effective factors in the
formation of Shovadan in Dezfool city are discussed.