Abstract: From the start, the importance of having a plan to
sustain tourism was acknowledged. The correct methods to monitor
that type of tourism have been researched. Thus, we propose in this
work to analyze the applicability of a monitoring and assistance
method on the understanding of the tourism sustainability in a small
size destiny or getaway. In this study, the subject is Lagoa da
Confusão, in the state of Tocantins and the analysis was carried out
through the efficiency of the local indicators, according to the WOT
approach. We concluded that the sustainable tourism key points that
were analyzed demonstrated to be important evaluation and
quantification tools for the proposed tasks to be developed in the
mentioned destiny. This is a study of an interdisciplinary character
and the deductive method was chosen as the guiding line.
Abstract: Exact solution of an unsteady MHD flow of elasticoviscous
fluid through a porous media in a tube of elliptic cross
section under the influence of magnetic field and constant pressure
gradient has been obtained in this paper. Initially, the flow is
generated by a constant pressure gradient. After attaining the steady
state, the pressure gradient is suddenly withdrawn and the resulting
fluid motion in a tube of elliptical cross section by taking into
account of the porosity factor and magnetic parameter of the
bounding surface is investigated. The problem is solved in two-stages
the first stage is a steady motion in tube under the influence of a
constant pressure gradient, the second stage concern with an unsteady
motion. The problem is solved employing separation of variables
technique. The results are expressed in terms of a non-dimensional
porosity parameter, magnetic parameter and elastico-viscosity
parameter, which depends on the Non-Newtonian coefficient. The
flow parameters are found to be identical with that of Newtonian case
as elastic-viscosity parameter, magnetic parameter tends to zero, and
porosity tends to infinity. The numerical results were simulated in
MATLAB software to analyze the effect of Elastico-viscous
parameter, porosity parameter, and magnetic parameter on velocity
profile. Boundary conditions were satisfied. It is seen that the effect
of elastico-viscosity parameter, porosity parameter and magnetic
parameter of the bounding surface has significant effect on the
velocity parameter.
Abstract: In this article, the radial displacement error correction
capability of a high precision spindle grinding caused by unbalance
force was investigated. The spindle shaft is considered as a flexible
rotor mounted on two sets of angular contact ball bearing. Finite
element methods (FEM) have been adopted for obtaining the
equation of motion of the spindle. In this paper, firstly, natural
frequencies, critical frequencies, and amplitude of the unbalance
response caused by residual unbalance are determined in order to
investigate the spindle behaviors. Furthermore, an optimization
design algorithm is employed to minimize radial displacement of the
spindle which considers dimension of the spindle shaft, the dynamic
characteristics of the bearings, critical frequencies and amplitude of
the unbalance response, and computes optimum spindle diameters
and stiffness and damping of the bearings. Numerical simulation
results show that by optimizing the spindle diameters, and stiffness
and damping in the bearings, radial displacement of the spindle can
be reduced. A spindle about 4 μm radial displacement error can be
compensated with 2 μm accuracy. This certainly can improve the
accuracy of the product of machining.
Abstract: In this paper, a comparative performance analysis of
mostly used four nonlinearity cancellation techniques used to realize
the passive resistor by MOS transistors, is presented. The comparison
is done by using an integrator circuit which is employing sequentially
Op-amp, OTRA and ICCII as active element. All of the circuits are
implemented by MOS-C realization and simulated by PSPICE
program using 0.35μm process TSMC MOSIS model parameters.
With MOS-C realization, the circuits became electronically tunable
and fully integrable which is very important in IC design. The output
waveforms, frequency responses, THD analysis results and features
of the nonlinearity cancellation techniques are also given.
Abstract: The measurement of organ radiation exposure dose is
one of the most important steps to be taken initially, for developing a
new radiopharmaceutical. In this study, the dosimetric studies of a
novel agent for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis, 111In-
1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10 tetraethylene phosphonic
acid (111In-DOTMP) complex, have been carried out to estimate the
dose in human organs based on the data derived from rats. The
radiolabeled complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity in
the optimal conditions. Biodistribution studies of the complex was
investigated in the male Syrian rats at selected times after injection
(2, 4, 24 and 48 h). The human absorbed dose estimation of the
complex was made based on data derived from the rats by the
radiation absorbed dose assessment resource (RADAR) method.
111In-DOTMP complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity
of >99% (ITLC). Total body effective absorbed dose for 111In-
DOTMP was 0.061 mSv/MBq. This value is comparable to the other
111In clinically used complexes. The results show that the dose with
respect to the critical organs is satisfactory within the acceptable
range for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures. Generally, 111In-
DOTMP has interesting characteristics and can be considered as a
viable agent for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis in the near
future.
Abstract: Here, we have shown the reaction of [Cr(ArN(CH2)3NAr)2Cl2] (1) where (Ar = 2,6-Pri
2C6H3) and in presence of NaCp (2) (Cp= C5H5 = cyclopentadien), with a center
coordination η5 interaction between Cp as co-ligand and chromium
metal center, for optimization we used density functional theory
(DFT), under methods, explicitly including electrons correlations, for
the final calculations as MB3LYP (Becke) (Lee–Yang–Parr) level of
theory we used to obtain more exact results. This complex was
calculated as electronic energy for molecular system, because the
calculation accounting all electrons correlations interactions. The
optimised of [Cr(ArN(CH2)3NAr)2(η5-Cp)] (Ar = 2,6-Pri2C6H3 and Cp = C5H5) was found to be thermally stable. By using Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, as a basis of the molecular orbital (MO) analysis
and showed the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and
lowest occupied molecular orbital LUMO.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to compare behavioral and
EEG reactions in Turkic-speaking inhabitants of Siberia (Tuvinians
and Yakuts) and Russians during the recognition of syntax errors in
native and foreign languages. Sixty-three healthy aboriginals of the
Tyva Republic, 29 inhabitants of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, and
55 Russians from Novosibirsk participated in the study. EEG were
recorded during execution of error-recognition task in Russian and
English language (in all participants) and in native languages
(Tuvinian or Yakut Turkic-speaking inhabitants). Reaction time (RT)
and quality of task execution were chosen as behavioral measures.
Amplitude and cortical distribution of P300 and P600 peaks of ERP
were used as a measure of speech-related brain activity. In Tuvinians,
there were no differences in the P300 and P600 amplitudes as well as
in cortical topology for Russian and Tuvinian languages, but there
was a difference for English. In Yakuts, the P300 and P600
amplitudes and topology of ERP for Russian language were the same
as Russians had for native language. In Yakuts, brain reactions during
Yakut and English language comprehension had no difference, while
the Russian language comprehension was differed from both Yakut
and English. We found out that the Tuvinians recognized both Russian and
Tuvinian as native languages, and English as a foreign language. The
Yakuts recognized both English and Yakut as foreign languages, but
Russian as a native language. According to the inquirer, both
Tuvinians and Yakuts use the national language as a spoken
language, whereas they do not use it for writing. It can well be a
reason that Yakuts perceive the Yakut writing language as a foreign
language while writing Russian as their native.
Abstract: Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) have been used
widely through evolution theory to discover acceptable solutions that
corresponds to challenges such as natural resources management.
EAs are also used to solve varied problems in the real world. EAs
have been rapidly identified for its ease in handling multiple
objective problems. Reservoir operations is a vital and researchable
area which has been studied in the last few decades due to the limited
nature of water resources that is found mostly in the semi-arid
regions of the world. The state of some developing economy that
depends on electricity for overall development through hydropower
production, a renewable form of energy, is appalling due to water
scarcity. This paper presents a review of the applications of
evolutionary algorithms to reservoir operation for hydropower
production. This review includes the discussion on areas such as
genetic algorithm, differential evolution, and reservoir operation. It
also identified the research gaps discovered in these areas. The results
of this study will be an eye opener for researchers and decision
makers to think deeply of the adverse effect of water scarcity and
drought towards economic development of a nation. Hence, it
becomes imperative to identify evolutionary algorithms that can
address this issue which can hamper effective hydropower
generation.
Abstract: Parboiled rice was developed to produce rice, which
has a low glycemic index for diabetics. However, diabetics also have
a chromium (Cr) deficiency. Thus, it is important to fortify rice with
Cr to increase the Cr content. Moreover, parboiled rice becomes
rancid easily and has a musty odor, rendering the rice unfavorable.
Natural herbs such as pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius
Roxb.), bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum [Wigh] Walp) and
cinnamon bark powder (Cinnamomon cassia) are commonly added to
food as aroma enhancers. Previous research has shown that these
herbs could improve insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study
was to evaluate the effect of herbal extract coatings on the cooking
quality and the preference level of chromium fortified - parboiled rice
(CFPR). The rice grain variety used for this experiment was Ciherang
and the fortificant was CrCl3. The three herbal extracts used for
coating the CFPR were cinnamon, pandan and bay leaf, with
concentration variations of 3%, 6%, and 9% (w/w) for each of the
extracts. The samples were analyzed for their alkali spreading value,
cooking time, elongation, water uptake ratio, solid loss, colour and
lightness; and their sensory properties were determined by means of
an organoleptic test. The research showed that coating the CFPR with
pandan and cinnamon extracts at a concentration of 3% each
produced a preferred CFPR. When coated with those herbal extracts
the CFPR had the following cooking quality properties: alkali
spreading value 5 (intermediate gelatinization temperature), cooking
time, 26-27 min, color value, 14.95-15.00, lightness, 42.30 – 44.06,
elongation, 1.53 – 1.54, water uptake ratio , 4.05-4.06, and solid loss,
0.09/100 g – 0.13 g/100 g.
Abstract: This paper expands on the role of the professor by detailing the origins of the profession, adding some of the unique contributions of North American universities as well as some of the best practice recommendations to the unique tripartite role of the professor. It describes current challenges to the profession including the ever-controversial student rating of professors. It continues with the significance of empowerment to the role of the professor. It concludes with a predictive prescription for the future of the professoriate and the role of the university-level educational administrator toward that end.
Abstract: The critical concern of satellite operations is to ensure
the health and safety of satellites. The worst case in this perspective
is probably the loss of a mission, but the more common interruption
of satellite functionality can result in compromised mission
objectives. All the data acquiring from the spacecraft are known as
Telemetry (TM), which contains the wealth information related to the
health of all its subsystems. Each single item of information is
contained in a telemetry parameter, which represents a time-variant
property (i.e. a status or a measurement) to be checked. As a
consequence, there is a continuous improvement of TM monitoring
systems to reduce the time required to respond to changes in a
satellite's state of health. A fast conception of the current state of the
satellite is thus very important to respond to occurring failures.
Statistical multivariate latent techniques are one of the vital learning
tools that are used to tackle the problem above coherently.
Information extraction from such rich data sources using advanced
statistical methodologies is a challenging task due to the massive
volume of data. To solve this problem, in this paper, we present a
proposed unsupervised learning algorithm based on Principle
Component Analysis (PCA) technique. The algorithm is particularly
applied on an actual remote sensing spacecraft. Data from the
Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) was acquired
under two operation conditions: normal and faulty states. The models
were built and tested under these conditions, and the results show that
the algorithm could successfully differentiate between these
operations conditions. Furthermore, the algorithm provides
competent information in prediction as well as adding more insight
and physical interpretation to the ADCS operation.
Abstract: Electronic mediums such as websites, feeds, blogs and
social media sites are on a daily basis influencing our decision
making, are improving our productivity and are shaping futures of
many consumers and service/product providers. This research
identifies that both customers and business providers heavily rely on
smart phone applications. Based on this, mobile applications
available on iTunes store were studied. It was identified that fruit and
vegetable related applications used by consumers can broadly be
categorized into purchase applications, diaries, tracking health
applications, trip farm location and cooking applications. On the
other hand, applications used by farmers can broadly be classified as:
weather tracking, pests / fertilizer applications and general social
media applications such as Facebook. To blur this farmer-consumer
application divide, our research utilizes Context Specific
eTransformation Framework and based on it identifies characteristic
future consumer-farmer applications will need to have so that the
current divide can be narrowed and consequently better farmerconsumer
supply chain link established.
Abstract: During machining process, chatter is an unavoidable
phenomenon. Boring bars possess the cantilever shape and due to
this, it is subjected to chatter. The adverse effect of chatter includes
the increase in temperature which will leads to excess tool wear. To
overcome these problems, in this investigation, Cartridge brass (Cu –
70% and Zn – 30%) is passively fixed on the boring bar and also
clearance is provided in order to reduce the displacement, tool wear
and cutting temperature. A conventional all geared lathe is attached
with vibrometer and pyrometer is used to measure the displacement
and temperature. The influence of input parameters such as cutting
speed, depth of cut and clearance on temperature, tool wear and
displacement are investigated for various cutting conditions. From
the result, the optimum conditions to obtain better damping in boring
process for chatter reduction is identified.
Abstract: The noise is one of the negative elements which
affects the human health. This article presents the measurement of
emitted noise by road vehicle and its parts during the operation.
Measurement was done in the interior of common passenger cars
with a digital sound meter. The results compare the noise value in
different cars with different body shape, which influences the driver’s
health. Transport has considerable ecological effects; many of them
are detrimental to environmental sustainability. Roads and traffic
exert a variety of direct and mostly detrimental effects on nature.
Abstract: Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic,
polymeric networks composed of homopolymers or copolymers and
are insoluble in water due to the presence of chemical or physical
cross-links. When hydrogels come in contact with aqueous solutions,
they can effectively sorb and retain the dissolved substances,
depending on the nature of the monomeric units comprising the
hydrogel. For this reason, hydrogels have been proposed in several
studies as water purification agents. At the present work anionic
hydrogels bearing negatively charged –COO- groups were prepared
and investigated. These gels are based on sodium acrylate (ANa),
either homopolymerized (poly(sodiumacrylate), PANa) or
copolymerized (P(DMAM-co-ANa)) with N,N Dimethylacrylamide
(DMAM). The hydrogels were used to extract some model organic
dyes from water. It is found that cationic dyes are strongly sorbed and
retained by the hydrogels, while sorption of anionic dyes was
negligible. In all cases it was found that both maximum sorption
capacity and equilibrium binding constant varied from one dye to the
other depending on the chemical structure of the dye, the presence of
functional chemical groups and the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance.
Finally, the nonionic hydrogel of the homopolymer poly(N,Ndimethylacrylamide),
PDMAM, was also used for reasons of
comparison.
Abstract: This paper presents the advantages of fuzzy control use in technological processes control. The paper presents a real application of the Linguistic Fuzzy-Logic Control, developed at the University of Ostrava for the control of physical models in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory. The paper presents an example of a sensitive non-linear model, such as a magnetic levitation model and obtained results which show how modern information technologies can help to solve actual technical problems. A special method based on the LFLC controller with partial components is presented in this paper followed by the method of automatic context change, which is very helpful to achieve more accurate control results. The main advantage of the used system is its robustness in changing conditions demonstrated by comparing with conventional PID controller. This technology and real models are also used as a background for problem-oriented teaching, realized at the department for master students and their collaborative as well as individual final projects.
Abstract: The energy need is growing rapidly due to the
population growth and the large new usage of power. Several works
put considerable efforts to make the electricity grid more intelligent
to reduce essentially energy consumption and provide efficiency and
reliability of power systems. The Smart Grid is a complex
architecture that covers critical devices and systems vulnerable to
significant attacks. Hence, security is a crucial factor for the success
and the wide deployment of Smart Grids. In this paper, we present
security issues of the Smart Grid architecture and we highlight open
issues that will make the Smart Grid security a challenging research
area in the future.
Abstract: The UK is leading in online retail and mobile
adoption. However, there is a dearth of information relating to mobile
apparel retail, and developing an understanding about consumer
browsing and purchase behaviour in m-retail channel would provide
apparel marketers, mobile website and app developers with the
necessary understanding of consumers’ needs. Despite the rapid
growth of mobile retail businesses, no published study has examined
shopping behaviour on fashion mobile apps and websites. A mixed method approach helped to understand why fashion
consumers prefer websites on smartphones, when diverse mobile
apps are also available. The following research methods were
employed: survey, eye-tracking experiments, observation, and
interview with retrospective think aloud. The mobile gaze tracking
device by SensoMotoric Instruments was used to understand
frustrations in navigation and other issues facing consumers in
mobile channel. This method helped to validate and compliment
other traditional user-testing approaches in order to optimize user
experience and enhance the development of mobile retail channel.
The study involved eight participants - females aged 18 to 35 years
old, who are existing mobile shoppers. The participants used the
Topshop mobile app and website on a smart phone to complete a task
according to a specified scenario leading to a purchase. The
comparative study was based on: duration and time spent at different
stages of the shopping journey, number of steps involved and product
pages visited, search approaches used, layout and visual clues, as
well as consumer perceptions and expectations. The results from the data analysis show significant differences in
consumer behaviour when using a mobile app or website on a smart
phone. Moreover, two types of problems were identified, namely
technical issues and human errors. Having a mobile app does not
guarantee success in satisfying mobile fashion consumers. The
differences in the layout and visual clues seem to influence the
overall shopping experience on a smart phone. The layout of search
results on the website was different from the mobile app. Therefore,
participants, in most cases, behaved differently on different
platforms. The number of product pages visited on the mobile app
was triple the number visited on the website due to a limited visibility
of products in the search results. Although, the data on traffic trends
held by retailers to date, including retail sector breakdowns for visits
and views, data on device splits and duration, might seem a valuable
source of information, it cannot explain why consumers visit many
product pages, stay longer on the website or mobile app, or abandon
the basket. A comprehensive list of pros and cons was developed by
highlighting issues for website and mobile app, and recommendations
provided. The findings suggest that fashion retailers need to be aware of
actual consumers’ behaviour on the mobile channel and their expectations in order to offer a seamless shopping experience. Added
to which is the challenge of retaining existing and acquiring new
customers. There seem to be differences in the way fashion
consumers search and shop on mobile, which need to be explored in
further studies.
Abstract: Spectrum handover is a significant topic in the
cognitive radio networks to assure an efficient data transmission in
the cognitive radio user’s communications. This paper proposes a
comparison between three spectrum handover models: VIKOR, SAW
and MEW. Four evaluation metrics are used. These metrics are,
accumulative average of failed handover, accumulative average of
handover performed, accumulative average of transmission
bandwidth and, accumulative average of the transmission delay. As a difference with related work, the performance of the three
spectrum handover models was validated with captured data of
spectrum occupancy in experiments performed at the GSM frequency
band (824 MHz - 849 MHz). These data represent the actual behavior
of the licensed users for this wireless frequency band. The results of the comparison show that VIKOR Algorithm
provides a 15.8% performance improvement compared to SAW
Algorithm and, it is 12.1% better than the MEW Algorithm.
Abstract: Government reports and published research have
flagged and brought to public attention the deteriorating condition of
a large percentage of bridges in Canada and the United States. With
the increasing number of deteriorated bridges in the US, Canada, and
around the globe, condition assessment techniques of concrete
bridges are evolving. Investigation for bridges’ defects such as
cracks, spalls, and delamination and their level of severity are the
main objectives of condition assessment. Inspection and
rehabilitation programs are being implemented to monitor and
maintain deteriorated bridge infrastructure. This paper highlights the
state-of-the art of current practices being performed for concrete
bridge inspection. The information is gathered from the literature and
through a distributed questionnaire. The current practices in concrete
bridge inspection rely on the use of hummer sounding and chain
dragging tests. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques are not
being utilized fully in the process. Nonetheless, they are being
partially utilized by the recommendation of the bridge inspector after
conducting visual inspection. Lanes are usually closed during the
performance of visual inspection and bridge inspection in general.