Abstract: The main goal of this article is to describe the online
flood monitoring and prediction system Floreon+ primarily developed
for the Moravian-Silesian region in the Czech Republic and the basic
process it uses for running automatic rainfall-runoff and
hydrodynamic simulations along with their calibration and
uncertainty modeling. It takes a long time to execute such process
sequentially, which is not acceptable in the online scenario, so the use
of a high performance computing environment is proposed for all
parts of the process to shorten their duration. Finally, a case study on
the Ostravice River catchment is presented that shows actual
durations and their gain from the parallel implementation.
Abstract: Recently, the competition between websites becomes
intense. How to make users “adopt” their websites is an issue of urgent
importance for online communities companies. Social procedures
(such as social influence) can possibly explain how and why users’
technologies usage behaviors affect other people to use the
technologies. This study proposes two types of social influences on the
initial usage of Facebook Check In-friends and group members.
Besides, this study combines social influences theory and social
network theory to explore the factors influencing initial usage of
Facebook Check In. This study indicates that Facebook friends’
previous usage of Facebook Check In and Facebook group members’
previous usage of Facebook Check In will positively influence focal
actors’ Facebook Check In adoption intention, and network centrality
will moderate the relationships among Facebook friends’ previous
usage of Facebook Check In, Facebook group members’ previous
usage of Facebook Check In and focal actors’ Facebook Check In
adoption intention. The article concludes with contributions to
academic research and practice.
Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the influence of quality
of education and quality of research, provided by local educational
institutions, on the adoption of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in managing business operations for companies in
Saudi market. A model was developed and tested using data collected
from 138 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of foreign companies in
diverse business sectors. The data is analyzed and managed using
multivariate approaches through standard statistical packages. The
results showed that educational quality has little contribution to the
ICT adoption while research quality seems to play a more prominent
role. These results are analyzed in terms of business environment and
market constraints and further extended to the perceived effectiveness
of applied pedagogical approaches in schools and universities.
Abstract: We have been grouping and developing various kinds
of practical, promising sensing applied systems concerning
agricultural advancement and technical tradition (guidance). These
include advanced devices to secure real-time data related to worker
motion, and we analyze by methods of various advanced statistics and
human dynamics (e.g. primary component analysis, Ward system
based cluster analysis, and mapping). What is more, we have been
considering worker daily health and safety issues. Targeted fields are
mainly common farms, meadows, and gardens. After then, we
observed and discussed time-line style, changing data. And, we made
some suggestions. The entire plan makes it possible to improve both
the aforementioned applied systems and farms.
Abstract: This paper shortly describes various types of biomass
and a growing number of facilities utilizing the biomass in the Czech
Republic. The considerable part of this paper deals with energy
parameters of the most frequently used types of biomass and results
of their gasification testing. Sixteen most used "Czech" woody plants
and grasses were selected; raw, element and biochemical analyses
were performed and basic calorimetric values, ash composition, and
ash characteristic temperatures were identified. Later, each biofuel
was tested in a fluidized bed gasifier. The essential part of this paper
provides results of the gasification of selected biomass types.
Operating conditions are described in detail with a focus on
individual fuels properties. Gas composition and impurities content
are also identified. In terms of operating conditions and gas quality,
the essential difference occurred mainly between woody plants and
grasses. The woody plants were evaluated as more suitable fuels for
fluidized bed gasifiers. Testing results significantly help with a
decision-making process regarding suitability of energy plants for
growing and with a selection of optimal biomass-treatment
technology.
Abstract: In a multi-cultural learning context, where ties are
weak and dynamic, combining qualitative with quantitative research
methods may be more effective. Such a combination may also allow
us to answer different types of question, such as about people’s
perception of the network. In this study the use of observation,
interviews and photos were explored as ways of enhancing data from
social network questionnaires. Integrating all of these methods was
found to enhance the quality of data collected and its accuracy, also
providing a richer story of the network dynamics and the factors that
shaped these changes over time.
Abstract: Soil quality monitoring is a science-based soil
management tool that assesses soil ecosystem health.
A soil monitoring program in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest
city extends from 1995 to the present. The objective of this study was
to firstly determine changes in soil parameters (basic soil properties
and heavy metals) that were assessed from rural land in 1995-2000
and repeated in 2008-2012. The second objective was to determine
differences in soil parameters across various land uses including
native bush, rural (horticulture, pasture and plantation forestry) and
urban land uses using soil data collected in more recent years (2009-
2013).
Across rural land, mean concentrations of Olsen P had
significantly increased in the second sampling period and was
identified as the indicator of most concern, followed by soil
macroporosity, particularly for horticultural and pastoral land. Mean
concentrations of Cd were also greatest for pastoral and horticultural
land and a positive correlation existed between these two parameters,
which highlights the importance of analysing basic soil parameters in
conjunction with heavy metals. In contrast, mean concentrations of
As, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn were greatest for urban sites. Native bush sites
had the lowest concentrations of heavy metals and were used to
calculate a ‘pollution index’ (PI). The mean PI was classified as high
(PI > 3) for Cd and Ni and moderate for Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, As and Hg,
indicating high levels of heavy metal pollution across both rural and
urban soils. From a land use perspective, the mean ‘integrated
pollution index’ was highest for urban sites at 2.9 followed by
pasture, horticulture and plantation forests at 2.7, 2.6 and 0.9,
respectively.
It is recommended that soil sampling continues over time because
a longer spanning record will allow further identification of where
soil problems exist and where resources need to be targeted in the
future. Findings from this study will also inform policy and science
direction in regional councils.
Abstract: Morphological interaction of porcine cumulus-oocyte
complexes (pCOCs) was investigated on in vitro condition using
electron microscope (SEM and TEM). The totals of 1,923 oocytes
were round in shape, surrounded by Zona pellucida with layer of
cumulus cells ranging between 59.29-202.14 μm in size. They were
classified into intact-, multi-, partial cumulus cell layer oocyte, and
completely denuded oocyte, at the percentage composition of 22.80%
32.70%, 18.60%, and 25.90 % respectively. The pCOCs classified as
intact- and multi cumulus cell layer oocytes were further culturing at
37°C with 5% CO2, 95% air atmosphere and high humidity for 44 h
in M199 with Earle’s salts supplemented with 10% HTFCS, 2.2
mg/mL NaHCO3, 1 M Hepes, 0.25 mM pyruvate, 15 μg/mL porcine
follicle-stimulating hormone, 1 μg/mL LH, 1μg/mL estradiol with
ethanol, and 50 μg/mL gentamycin sulfate. On electron microscope
study, cumulus cells were found to stick their processes to secrete
substance from the sac-shape end into Zona pellucida of the oocyte
and also communicated with the neighboring cells through their
microvilli on the beginning of incubation period. It is believed that
the cumulus cells communicate with the oocyte by inserting the
microvilli through this gap and embedded in the oocyte cytoplasm
before secreting substance, through the sac-shape end of the
microvilli, to inhibit primary oocyte development at the prophase I.
Morphological changes of the complexes were observed after
culturing for 24-44 h. One hundred percentages of the cumulus layers
were expanded and cumulus cells were peeling off from the oocyte
surface. In addition, the round-shape cumulus cells transformed
themselves into either an elongate shape or a columnar shape, and no
communication between cumulus neighboring cells. After 44 h of
incubation time, diameter of oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells
was larger than 0 h incubation. The effect of hormones in culture
medium is exerted by their receptors present in porcine oocyte. It is
likely that all morphological changes of the complexes after hormone
treatment were to allow maturation of the oocyte. This study
demonstrated that the association of hormones in M199 could
promote porcine follicle activation in 44 h in vitro condition. This
culture system should be useful for studying the regulation of early
follicular growth and development, especially because these follicles represent a large source of oocytes that could be used in vitro for cell
technology.
Abstract: Teaching art by digital means is a big challenge for
the majority of teachers of art and design in primary schools, yet it
allows relationships between art, technology and creativity to be
clearly identified. The aim of this article is to present a modern way
of teaching art, using digital tools in the art classroom to improve
creative ability in pupils aged between nine and eleven years. It also
presents a conceptual model for creativity based on digital art. The
model could be useful for pupils interested in learning to draw by
using an e-drawing package, and for teachers who are interested in
teaching modern digital art in order to improve children’s creativity.
By illustrating the strategy of teaching art through technology, this
model may also help education providers to make suitable choices
about which technological approaches are most effective in
enhancing students’ creative ability, and which digital art tools can
benefit children by developing their technical skills. It is also
expected that use of this model will help to develop skills of social
interaction, which may in turn improve intellectual ability.
Abstract: Machining of hard materials is a recent technology for
direct production of work-pieces. The primary challenge in
machining these materials is selection of cutting tool inserts which
facilitates an extended tool life and high-precision machining of the
component. These materials are widely for making precision parts for
the aerospace industry. Nickel-based alloys are typically used in
extreme environment applications where a combination of strength,
corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance material characteristics
are required. The present paper reports the theoretical and
experimental investigations carried out to understand the influence of
machining parameters on the response parameters. Considering the
basic machining parameters (speed, feed and depth of cut) a study has
been conducted to observe their influence on material removal rate,
surface roughness, cutting forces and corresponding tool wear.
Experiments are designed and conducted with the help of Central
Composite Rotatable Design technique. The results reveals that for a
given range of process parameters, material removal rate is favorable
for higher depths of cut and low feed rate for cutting forces. Low feed
rates and high values of rotational speeds are suitable for better finish
and higher tool life.
Abstract: This technical contribution treats of a novel approach
to condition-oriented maintenance as elaborated by Collaborative
Research Centre 653 at the Leibniz University in Hanover. The
objective resides in the targeted analysis of information about a
component's lifecycle for maintenance purposes. The information in
question is collected by means of the Collaborative Research Centre's
innovative technologies. This enables preventive maintenance of
components on the basis of their condition. This contribution initially
explains condition-oriented maintenance, before introducing the
Collaborative Research Centre and finally presenting the
methodology for analyzing the information. The current state of
development is described and an outlook provided for expanding the
methodology.
Abstract: Neuroplasticity or the flexibility of the neural system
is the ability of the brain to adapt to the lack or deterioration of sense
and the capability of the neural system to modify itself through
changing shape and function. Not only have studies revealed that
neuroplasticity does not end in childhood, but also they have proven
that it continues till the end of life and is not limited to the neural
system and covers the cognitive system as well. In the field of
cognition, neuroplasticity is defined as the ability to change old
thoughts according to new conditions and the individuals' differences
in using various styles of cognitive regulation inducing several social,
emotional and cognitive outcomes. This paper attempts to discuss and
define major theories and principles of neuroplasticity and elaborate
on nature or nurture.
Abstract: Peace education supports a holistic appreciation for
the value of life and the interdependence of all living systems. Peace
education aims to build a culture of peace. One way of building a
culture of peace is through environmental stewardship. This study
sought to find out the environmental stewardship practices in selected
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and how
these environmental stewardship practices lead to building a culture
of peace. The findings revealed that there is still room for
improvement in implementing environmental stewardship in schools
through academic service learning. In addition, the following
manifestations are implemented very satisfactorily in schools: 1)
waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, 2) community service, and 3)
clean and green surroundings. Administrators of schools in the study
lead their staff and students in implementing environmental
stewardship. It could be concluded that those involved in
environmental stewardship display an acceptable culture of peace,
particularly solidarity, respect for persons, and inner peace.
Abstract: Paraffinic oils were submitted to microbial action. The
microorganisms consisted of bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas sp.
and Bacillus lincheniforms. The alterations in interfacial tension were
determined using a tensometer and applying the hanging drop
technique at room temperature (299 K ±275 K). The alteration in the
constitution of the paraffins was evaluated by means of gas
chromatography. The microbial activity was observed to reduce
interfacial tension by 54 to 78%, as well as consuming the paraffins
C19 to C29 and producing paraffins C36 to C44. The LIFirr technique
made it possible to determine the microbial action quickly.
Abstract: This paper argues nation-building theories that
prioritize democratic governance best explain the successful postindependence
development of Botswana. Three main competing
schools of thought exist regarding the sequencing of policies that
should occur to re-build weakened or failed states. The first posits
that economic development should receive foremost attention, while
democratization and a binding sense of nationalism can wait. A
second group of experts identified constructing a sense of nationalism
among a populace is necessary first, so that the state receives popular
legitimacy and obedience that are prerequisites for development.
Botswana, though, transitioned into a multi-party democracy and
prosperous open economy due to the utilization of traditional
democratic structures, enlightened and accountable leadership, and an
educated technocratic civil service. With these political foundations
already in place when the discovery of diamonds occurred, the
resulting revenues were spent wisely on projects that grew the
economy, improved basic living standards, and attracted foreign
investment. Thus democratization preceded, and therefore provided
an accountable basis for, economic development that might otherwise
have been squandered by greedy and isolated elites to the detriment
of the greater population. Botswana was one of the poorest nations in
the world at the time of its independence in 1966, with little
infrastructure, a dependence on apartheid South Africa for trade, and
a largely subsistence economy. Over the next thirty years, though, its
economy grew the fastest of any nation in the world. The transparent
and judicious use of diamond returns is only a partial explanation, as
the government also pursued economic diversification, mass
education, and rural development in response to public needs.
As nation-building has become a project undertaken by nations
and multilateral agencies such as the United Nations and the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization, Botswana may provide best practices
that others should follow in attempting to reconstruct economically
and politically unstable states.
Abstract: The key role in phenomenological modelling of cyclic
plasticity is good understanding of stress-strain behaviour of given
material. There are many models describing behaviour of materials
using numerous parameters and constants. Combination of individual
parameters in those material models significantly determines whether
observed and predicted results are in compliance. Parameter
identification techniques such as random gradient, genetic algorithm
and sensitivity analysis are used for identification of parameters using
numerical modelling and simulation. In this paper genetic algorithm
and sensitivity analysis are used to study effect of 4 parameters of
modified AbdelKarim-Ohno cyclic plasticity model. Results
predicted by Finite Element (FE) simulation are compared with
experimental data from biaxial ratcheting test with semi-elliptical
loading path.
Abstract: This paper reports the numerical simulation of doublediffusive
natural convection flows within a horizontal annular filled
with a saturated porous medium. The analysis concerns the influence
of the different parameters governing the problem, namely, the
Rayleigh number Ra, the Lewis number Le and the buoyancy ratio N,
on the heat and mass transfer and on the flow structure, in the case of
a fixed radius ratio R = 2. The numerical model used for the
discretization of the dimensionless equations governing the problem
is based on the finite difference method, using the ADI scheme. The
study is focused on steady-state solutions in the cooperation situation.
Abstract: The objective of countercyclical capital buffer is to
encourage banks to build up buffers in good times that can be drawn
down in bad times. The aim of the report is to assess such decisions
by banks derived from three approaches. The approaches are the
aggregate credit-to-GDP ratio, credit growth as well as banking
sector profits. The approaches are implemented for Estonia, Latvia
and Lithuania for the time period 2000-2012. The report compares
three approaches and analyses their relevance to the Baltic States by
testing the correlation between a growth in studied variables and a
growth of corresponding gaps. Methods used in the empirical part of
the report are econometric analysis as well as economic analysis,
development indicators, relative and absolute indicators and other
methods. The research outcome is a cross-Baltic comparison of two
alternative approaches to establish or release a countercyclical capital
buffer by banks and their implications for each Baltic country.
Abstract: A Smart Building Controller (SBC) is a server
software that offers secured access to a pool of building specific
resources, executes monitoring tasks and performs automatic
administration of a building, thus optimizing the exploitation cost and
maximizing comfort. This paper brings to discussion the issues that
arise with the secure exploitation of the SBC administered resources
and proposes a technical solution to implement a robust secure access
system based on roles, individual rights and privileges (special
rights).
Abstract: The effects of hypertension are often lethal thus its
early detection and prevention is very important for everybody. In
this paper, a neural network (NN) model was developed and trained
based on a dataset of hypertension causative parameters in order to
forecast the likelihood of occurrence of hypertension in patients. Our
research goal was to analyze the potential of the presented NN to
predict, for a period of time, the risk of hypertension or the risk of
developing this disease for patients that are or not currently
hypertensive. The results of the analysis for a given patient can
support doctors in taking pro-active measures for averting the
occurrence of hypertension such as recommendations regarding the
patient behavior in order to lower his hypertension risk. Moreover,
the paper envisages a set of three example scenarios in order to
determine the age when the patient becomes hypertensive, i.e.
determine the threshold for hypertensive age, to analyze what
happens if the threshold hypertensive age is set to a certain age and
the weight of the patient if being varied, and, to set the ideal weight
for the patient and analyze what happens with the threshold of
hypertensive age.