Abstract: This study was conducted to determine sex
differentiation of laboratory reared Elm nymphalid (Nymphalis
polychloros Linnaeus, 1758) by examining the morphological
structure of pupal stage. Laboratory colony of elm nymphalid, reared
on pear leaves, was used to set up experiments. It was performed
with 5 replications having 8 pupae for each replication. Dorsal,
ventral and lateral parts of external morphological structures of pupae
were examined by Olympus SZX9 stereozoom microscope and
photographed. When fully grown, mature larvae wander the highest
part of the rearing cage and pupae were formed hanging by
cremaster. After completing prepupa stage about 1.5±0.3 days, they
all pupated. Pupal stage was completed at 24±1°C about 4.38±1.20
days. Pupal weights were 0.483±0.05 g in females and 0.392±0.08 g
(n=40) in males respectively. Pupal emergence rate was 95%, with
22 females and 16 males. Examinations of ventral parts of 8th, 9th,
and 10th abdominal segments revealed that anal opening were found
at 10th abdominal segment in both sexes, 3 lumps were determined at
9th abdominal segments then the specific opening structure at 8th
segment was only found on female pupae.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a new segmentation approach
for liver lesions in regions of interest within MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging). This approach, based on a two-cluster Fuzzy CMeans
methodology, considers the parameter variable compactness
to handle uncertainty. Fine boundaries are detected by a local
recursive merging of ambiguous pixels with a sequential forward
floating selection with Zernike moments. The method has been tested
on both synthetic and real images. When applied on synthetic images,
the proposed approach provides good performance, segmentations
obtained are accurate, their shape is consistent with the ground truth,
and the extracted information is reliable. The results obtained on MR
images confirm such observations. Our approach allows, even for
difficult cases of MR images, to extract a segmentation with good
performance in terms of accuracy and shape, which implies that the
geometry of the tumor is preserved for further clinical activities (such
as automatic extraction of pharmaco-kinetics properties, lesion
characterization, etc.).
Abstract: Distillery spentwash contains high chemical oxygen
demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), color, total
dissolved solids (TDS) and other contaminants even after biological
treatment. The effluent can’t be discharged as such in the surface
water bodies or land without further treatment. Reverse osmosis (RO)
treatment plants have been installed in many of the distilleries at
tertiary level in many of the distilleries in India, but are not properly
working due to fouling problem which is caused by the presence of
high concentration of organic matter and other contaminants in
biologically treated spentwash. In order to make the membrane
treatment a proven and reliable technology, proper pre-treatment is
mandatory. In the present study, ultra-filtration (UF) for pretreatment
of RO at tertiary stage has been performed. Operating
parameters namely initial pH (pHo: 2–10), trans-membrane pressure
(TMP: 4-20 bars) and temperature (T: 15-43°C) were used for
conducting experiments with UF system. Experiments were
optimized at different operating parameters in terms of COD, color,
TDS and TOC removal by using response surface methodology
(RSM) with central composite design. The results showed that
removal of COD, color and TDS was 62%, 93.5% and 75.5%
respectively, with UF, at optimized conditions with increased
permeate flux from 17.5 l/m2/h (RO) to 38 l/m2/h (UF-RO). The
performance of the RO system was greatly improved both in term of
pollutant removal as well as water recovery.
Abstract: In the cooperative transmission scheme, both the
cellular system and broadcasting system are composed. Two cellular
base stations (CBSs) communicating with a user in the cell edge use
cooperative transmission scheme in the conventional scheme. In the
case that the distance between two CBSs and the user is distant, the
conventional scheme does not guarantee the quality of the
communication because the channel condition is bad. Therefore, if the
distance between CBSs and a user is distant, the performance of the
conventional scheme is decreased. Also, the bad channel condition has
bad effects on the performance. The proposed scheme uses two relays
to communicate well with CBSs when the channel condition between
CBSs and the user is poor. Using the relay in the high attenuation
environment can obtain both advantages of the high bit error rate
(BER) and throughput performance.
Abstract: Steepest descent method is a simple gradient method
for optimization. This method has a slow convergence in heading to
the optimal solution, which occurs because of the zigzag form of the
steps. Barzilai and Borwein modified this algorithm so that it
performs well for problems with large dimensions. Barzilai and
Borwein method results have sparked a lot of research on the method
of steepest descent, including alternate minimization gradient method
and Yuan method. Inspired by previous works, we modified the step
size of the steepest descent method. We then compare the
modification results against the Barzilai and Borwein method,
alternate minimization gradient method and Yuan method for
quadratic function cases in terms of the iterations number and the
running time. The average results indicate that the steepest descent
method with the new step sizes provide good results for small
dimensions and able to compete with the results of Barzilai and
Borwein method and the alternate minimization gradient method for
large dimensions. The new step sizes have faster convergence
compared to the other methods, especially for cases with large
dimensions.
Abstract: Artificial neural networks have gained a lot of interest
as empirical models for their powerful representational capacity,
multi input and output mapping characteristics. In fact, most feedforward
networks with nonlinear nodal functions have been proved to
be universal approximates. In this paper, we propose a new
supervised method for color image classification based on selforganizing
feature maps (SOFM). This algorithm is based on
competitive learning. The method partitions the input space using
self-organizing feature maps to introduce the concept of local
neighborhoods. Our image classification system entered into RGB
image. Experiments with simulated data showed that separability of
classes increased when increasing training time. In additional, the
result shows proposed algorithms are effective for color image
classification.
Abstract: Aurèsregion is one of the arid and semi-arid areas that
have suffered climate crises and overexploitation of natural resources
they have led to significant land degradation. The use of remote sensing data allowed us to analyze the land and
its spatiotemporal changes in the Aurès between 1987 and 2013, for
this work, we adopted a method of analysis based on the exploitation
of the images satellite Landsat TM 1987 and Landsat OLI 2013, from
the supervised classification likelihood coupled with field surveys of
the mission of May and September of 2013. Using ENVI EX software by the superposition of the ground cover
maps from 1987 and 2013, one can extract a spatial map change of
different land cover units. The results show that between 1987 and
2013 vegetation has suffered negative changes are the significant
degradation of forests and steppe rangelands, and sandy soils and
bare land recorded a considerable increase. The spatial change map land cover units between 1987 and 2013
allows us to understand the extensive or regressive orientation of
vegetation and soil, this map shows that dense forests give his place
to clear forests and steppe vegetation develops from a degraded forest
vegetation and bare, sandy soils earn big steppe surfaces that explain
its remarkable extension.
The analysis of remote sensing data highlights the profound
changes in our environment over time and quantitative monitoring of
the risk of desertification.
Abstract: In this paper, influence of harmonics on medium
voltage distribution system of Bogazici Electricity Distribution Inc.
(BEDAS) which takes place at Istanbul/Turkey is investigated. A ring
network consisting of residential loads is taken into account for this
study. Real system parameters and measurement results are used for
simulations. Also, probable working conditions of the system are
analyzed for 50%, 75%, and 100% loading of transformers with
similar harmonic contents. Results of the study are exhibited the
influence of nonlinear loads on %THDV, P.F. and technical losses of
the medium voltage distribution system.
Abstract: Lead time is a critical measure of a supply chain's
performance. It impacts both the customer satisfactions as well as the
total cost of inventory. This paper presents the result of a study on the
analysis of the customer order lead-time for a multinational company.
In the study, the lead time was divided into three stages respectively:
order entry, order fulfillment, and order delivery. A sample of size 2,425 order lines was extracted from the
company's records to use for this study. The sample data entails
information regarding customer orders from the time of order entry
until order delivery. Data regarding the lead time of each stage for
different orders were also provided. Summary statistics on lead time
data reveals that about 30% of the orders were delivered later than the
scheduled due date. The result of the multiple linear regression
analysis technique revealed that component type, logistics parameter,
order size and the customer type have significant impacts on lead
time. Data analysis on the stages of lead time indicates that stage 2
consumed over 50% of the lead time. Pareto analysis was made to
study the reasons for the customer order delay in each stage.
Recommendation was given to resolve the problem.
Abstract: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power
transmission is employed to move large amounts of electric power.
There are several possibilities to enhance the transient stability in a
power system. One adequate option is by using the high
controllability of the HVDC if HVDC is available in the system. This
paper presents a control technique for HVDC to enhance the transient
stability. The strategy controls the power through the HVDC to help
make the system more transient stable during disturbances. Loss of
synchronism is prevented by quickly producing sufficient
decelerating energy to counteract accelerating energy gained during.
In this study, the power flow in the HVDC link is modulated with the
addition of an auxiliary signal to the current reference of the rectifier
firing angle controller. This modulation control signal is derived from
speed deviation signal of the generator utilizing a PD controller; the
utilization of a PD controller is suitable because it has the property of
fast response. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is
demonstrated with a SMIB test system.
Abstract: Optic disk segmentation plays a key role in the mass
screening of individuals with diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma
ailments. An efficient hardware-based algorithm for optic disk
localization and segmentation would aid for developing an automated
retinal image analysis system for real time applications. Herein,
TMS320C6416DSK DSP board pixel intensity based fractal analysis
algorithm for an automatic localization and segmentation of the optic
disk is reported. The experiment has been performed on color and
fluorescent angiography retinal fundus images. Initially, the images
were pre-processed to reduce the noise and enhance the quality. The
retinal vascular tree of the image was then extracted using canny
edge detection technique. Finally, a pixel intensity based fractal
analysis is performed to segment the optic disk by tracing the origin
of the vascular tree. The proposed method is examined on three
publicly available data sets of the retinal image and also with the data
set obtained from an eye clinic. The average accuracy achieved is
96.2%. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first work reporting
the use of TMS320C6416DSK DSP board and pixel intensity based
fractal analysis algorithm for an automatic localization and
segmentation of the optic disk. This will pave the way for developing
devices for detection of retinal diseases in the future.
Abstract: Background: The change in foot posture can possibly
generate changes in the pelvic alignment. There is still a lack of
evidence about the effects of bilateral and unilateral flatfoot on
possible changes in pelvic alignment. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the effect of flatfoot on the sagittal and frontal planes of
pelvic postures. Materials and Methods: 56 subjects, aged 18–40
years, were assigned into three groups: 20 healthy subjects, 19
subjects with bilateral flexible second-degree flat foot, and 17
subjects with unilateral flexible second-degree flat foot. 3D
assessment of the pelvis using the formetric-II device was used to
evaluate pelvic alignment in the frontal and sagittal planes by
measuring pelvic inclination and pelvic tilt angles. Results: ANOVA
test with LSD test were used for statistical analysis. Both Unilateral
and bilateral second degree flatfoot produced significant (P
Abstract: In this paper, we present a four-step ortho-rectification
procedure for real-time geo-referencing of video data from a low-cost
UAV equipped with a multi-sensor system. The basic procedures for
the real-time ortho-rectification are: (1) decompilation of the video
stream into individual frames; (2) establishing the interior camera
orientation parameters; (3) determining the relative orientation
parameters for each video frame with respect to each other; (4)
finding the absolute orientation parameters, using a self-calibration
bundle and adjustment with the aid of a mathematical model. Each
ortho-rectified video frame is then mosaicked together to produce a
mosaic image of the test area, which is then merged with a well
referenced existing digital map for the purpose of geo-referencing
and aerial surveillance. A test field located in Abuja, Nigeria was
used to evaluate our method. Video and telemetry data were collected
for about fifteen minutes, and they were processed using the four-step
ortho-rectification procedure. The results demonstrated that the
geometric measurement of the control field from ortho-images is
more accurate when compared with those from original perspective
images when used to pin point the exact location of targets on the
video imagery acquired by the UAV. The 2-D planimetric accuracy
when compared with the 6 control points measured by a GPS receiver
is between 3 to 5 metres.
Abstract: Research Objectives: The roles and activities of
Human Resource Management (HRM) have changed a lot in the past
years. Driven by a changing environment and therefore new business
requirements, the scope of human resource (HR) activities has
widened. The extent to which these activities should focus on
strategic issues to support the long term success of a company has
been discussed in science for many years. As many economies of
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) experienced a phase of transition
after the socialist era and are now recovering from the 2008 global
crisis it is needed to examine the current state of HR positioning.
Furthermore a trend in HR work developing from rather
administrative units to being strategic partners of management can be
noticed. This leads to the question of better understanding the
underlying competencies which are necessary to support
organisations. This topic was addressed by the international study
“HR Competencies in international comparison”. The quantitative
survey was conducted by the Institute for Human Resources &
Organisation of FHWien University of Applied Science of WKW (A)
in cooperation with partner universities in the countries Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. Methodology: Using the
questionnaire developed by Dave Ulrich we tested whether the HR
Competency model can be used for Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. After performing confirmatory and
exploratory factor analysis for the whole data set containing all five
countries we could clearly distinguish between four competencies. In
a further step our analysis focused on median and average
comparisons between the HR competency dimensions. Conclusion:
Our literature review, in alignment with other studies, shows a
relatively rapid pace of development of HR Roles and HR
Competencies in BCSS in the past decades. Comparing data from
BCSS and Austria we still can notice that regards strategic orientation
there is a lack in BCSS countries, thus competencies are not as
developed as in Austria. This leads us to the tentative conclusion that
HR has undergone a rapid change but is still in a State of Transition
from being a rather administrative unit to performing the role of a
strategic partner.
Abstract: This study examined whether big five personality traits
affect game addiction with control of psychological, social, and
demographic factors. Specifically, using data from a survey of 789
game users in Korea, we conducted a regression analysis to see the
associations of psychological (loneliness/depression), social (activities
with family/friends), self-efficacy (game/general), gaming (daily
gaming time/perception), demographic (age/gender), and personality
traits (extraversion, neuroticism conscientiousness, agreeableness, &
openness) with the degree of game addiction. Results showed that
neuroticism increase game addiction with no effect of extraversion on
the addiction. General self-efficacy negatively affected game
addiction, whereas game self-efficacy increased the degree of game
addiction. Loneliness enhanced game addiction while depression
showed a negative effect on the addiction. Results and implications are
discussed.
Abstract: In present global scenario, aluminum alloys are
coining the attention of many innovators as competing structural
materials for automotive and space applications. Comparing to other
challenging alloys, especially, 7xxx series aluminum alloys have
been studied seriously because of benefits such as moderate strength;
better deforming characteristics and affordable cost. It is expected
that substitution of aluminum alloys for steels will result in great
improvements in energy economy, durability and recyclability.
However, it is necessary to improve the strength and the formability
levels at low temperatures in aluminum alloys for still better
applications. Aluminum–Zinc–Magnesium with or without other
wetting agent denoted as 7XXX series alloys are medium strength
heat treatable alloys. In addition to Zn, Mg as major alloying
additions, Cu, Mn and Si are the other solute elements which
contribute for the improvement in mechanical properties by suitable
heat treatment process. Subjecting to suitable treatments like age
hardening or cold deformation assisted heat treatments; known as low
temperature thermomechanical treatments (LTMT) the challenging
properties might be incorporated. T6 is the age hardening or
precipitation hardening process with artificial aging cycle whereas T8
comprises of LTMT treatment aged artificially with X% cold
deformation. When the cold deformation is provided after solution
treatment, there is increase in hardness related properties such as
wear resistance, yield and ultimate strength, toughness with the
expense of ductility. During precipitation hardening both hardness
and strength of the samples are increasing. The hardness value may
further improve when room temperature deformation is positively
supported with age hardening known as thermomechanical treatment.
It is intended to perform heat treatment and evaluate hardness, tensile
strength, wear resistance and distribution pattern of reinforcement in
the matrix. 2 to 2.5 and 3 to 3.5 times increase in hardness is reported
in age hardening and LTMT treatments respectively as compared to
as-cast composite. There was better distribution of reinforcements in
the matrix, nearly two fold increase in strength levels and up to 5
times increase in wear resistance are also observed in the present
study.
Abstract: In Electric Power Steering (EPS), spoke type
Brushless AC (BLAC) motors offer distinct advantages over other
electric motor types in terms torque smoothness, reliability and
efficiency. This paper deals with the shape optimization of spoke
type BLAC motor, in order to reduce cogging torque. This paper
examines 3 steps skewing rotor angle, optimizing rotor core edge and
rotor overlap length for reducing cogging torque in spoke type BLAC
motor. The methods were applied to existing machine designs and
their performance was calculated using finite- element analysis
(FEA). Prototypes of the machine designs were constructed and
experimental results obtained. It is shown that the FEA predicted the
cogging torque to be nearly reduce using those methods.
Abstract: Cyber exercises used to assess the preparedness of a
community against cyber crises, technology failures and Critical
Information Infrastructure (CII) incidents. The cyber exercises also
called cyber crisis exercise or cyber drill, involved partnerships or
collaboration of public and private agencies from several sectors.
This study investigates Organisation Cyber Resilience (OCR) of
participation sectors in cyber exercise called X Maya in Malaysia.
This study used a principal based cyber resilience survey called CSuite
Executive checklist developed by World Economic Forum in
2012. To ensure suitability of the survey to investigate the OCR, the
reliability test was conducted on C-Suite Executive checklist items.
The research further investigates the differences of OCR in ten
Critical National Infrastructure Information (CNII) sectors
participated in the cyber exercise. The One Way ANOVA test result
showed a statistically significant difference of OCR among ten CNII
sectors participated in the cyber exercise.
Abstract: Despite the advances made in various new
technologies, application of these technologies for agriculture still
remains a formidable task, as it involves integration of diverse
domains for monitoring the different process involved in agricultural
management. Advances in ambient intelligence technology represents
one of the most powerful technology for increasing the yield of
agricultural crops and to mitigate the impact of water scarcity,
climatic change and methods for managing pests, weeds and diseases.
This paper proposes a GPS-assisted, machine to machine solutions
that combine information collected by multiple sensors for the
automated management of paddy crops. To maintain the economic
viability of paddy cultivation, the various techniques used in
agriculture are discussed and a novel system which uses ambient
intelligence technique is proposed in this paper. The ambient
intelligence based agricultural system gives a great scope.
Abstract: The environmental, cultural, social, and technological
changes have led higher education institutes to question their
traditional roles. Many declarations and frameworks highlight the
importance of fulfilling social responsibility of higher education
institutes. The study aims at developing a framework of university
social responsibility and sustainability (USR&S) with focus on South
Valley University (SVU) as a case study of Egyptian Universities.
The study used meetings with 12 vice deans of community services
and environmental affairs on social responsibility and environmental
issues. The proposed framework integrates social responsibility with
strategic management through the establishment and maintenance of
the vision, mission, values, goals and management systems;
elaboration of policies; provision of actions; evaluation of services
and development of social collaboration with stakeholders to meet
current and future needs of the community and environment. The
framework links between different stakeholders internally and
externally using communication and reporting tools. The results show
that SVU integrates social responsibility and sustainability in its
strategic plans. It has policies and actions however fragmented and
lack of appropriate structure and budgeting. The proposed framework
could be valuable for researchers and decision makers of the
Egyptian Universities. The study proposed recommendations and
highlighted building on the results and conducting future research.