Abstract: This article introduces the actual problem that is а
study of proposed by the authors Hydrocele ointment in amino acids’
metabolism of cows’ blood in inflammation of traumatic origin.
Hydrocele ointment has shown a positive effect on inflammatory
process and amino acids’ metabolism of animals treated with the
drug. Amino acid levels reached physiological parameters on the 10th
day after treatment; in the control group this parameter was higher
than normal.
Abstract: Main goal of preventive healthcare problems are at
decreasing the likelihood and severity of potentially life-threatening
illnesses by protection and early detection. The levels of
establishment and staffing costs along with summation of the travel
and waiting time that clients spent are considered as objectives
functions of the proposed nonlinear integer programming model. In
this paper, we have proposed a bi-objective mathematical model for
designing a network of preventive healthcare facilities so as to
minimize aforementioned objectives, simultaneously. Moreover, each
facility acts as M/M/1 queuing system. The number of facilities to be
established, the location of each facility, and the level of technology
for each facility to be chosen are provided as the main determinants
of a healthcare facility network. Finally, to demonstrate performance
of the proposed model, four multi-objective decision making
techniques are presented to solve the model.
Abstract: Tolerance is a tool for achieving a social cohesion, particularly, among individuals and groups with different values. The aim is to study the characteristics of the ethnic tolerance, the inhabitants of Latvia. The ethnic tolerance is taught as a set of conscious and unconscious orientations of the individual in social interaction and inter-ethnic communication. It uses the tools of empirical studies of the ethnic tolerance which allows to identify the explicitly and implicitly levels of the emotional component of Latvia's residents. Explicit measurements were made using the techniques of self-report which revealed the index of the ethnic tolerance and the ethnic identity of the participants. The implicit component was studied using methods based on the effect of the emotional priming. During the processing of the results, there were calculated indicators of the positive and negative implicit attitudes towards members of their own and other ethnicity as well as the explicit parameters of the ethnic tolerance and the ethnic identity of Latvia-s residents. The implicit measurements of the ratio of neighboring ethnic groups against each other showed a mutual negative attitude whereas the explicit measurements indicate a neutral attitude. The data obtained contribute to a further study of the ethnic tolerance of Latvia's residents.
Abstract: The recognition of handwritten numeral is an
important area of research for its applications in post office, banks
and other organizations. This paper presents automatic recognition of
handwritten Kannada numerals based on structural features. Five
different types of features, namely, profile based 10-segment string,
water reservoir; vertical and horizontal strokes, end points and
average boundary length from the minimal bounding box are used in
the recognition of numeral. The effect of each feature and their
combination in the numeral classification is analyzed using nearest
neighbor classifiers. It is common to combine multiple categories of
features into a single feature vector for the classification. Instead,
separate classifiers can be used to classify based on each visual
feature individually and the final classification can be obtained based
on the combination of separate base classification results. One
popular approach is to combine the classifier results into a feature
vector and leaving the decision to next level classifier. This method
is extended to extract a better information, possibility distribution,
from the base classifiers in resolving the conflicts among the
classification results. Here, we use fuzzy k Nearest Neighbor (fuzzy
k-NN) as base classifier for individual feature sets, the results of
which together forms the feature vector for the final k Nearest
Neighbor (k-NN) classifier. Testing is done, using different features,
individually and in combination, on a database containing 1600
samples of different numerals and the results are compared with the
results of different existing methods.
Abstract: Groundwater is one of the most important water
resources in Fars province. Based on this study, 95 percent of the
total annual water consumption in Fars is used for agriculture,
whereas the percentages for domestic and industrial uses are 4 and 1
percent, respectively. Population growth, urban and industrial
growth, and agricultural development in Fars have created a
condition of water stress. In this province, farmers and other users are
pumping groundwater faster than its natural replenishment rate,
causing a continuous drop in groundwater tables and depletion of this
resource. In this research variation of groundwater level, their effects
and ways to help control groundwater levels in aquifer of the Niriz
plains in Fars plain were evaluated .Excessive exploitation of
groundwater in this aquifer caused the groundwater levels fall too
fast or to unacceptable levels. The average drawdown of the
groundwater level in this plain were 9.1 meters during 1997 to
2004. The purpose of this study is to evaluate water level changes in
the Niriz Aquifer in the Fars province in order to determine the areas
of greatest depletion, the cause of depletion, and predict the
remaining life of the aquifer.
Abstract: Custom power is a technology driven product and
service solution which embraces a family devices such as Dynamic
Voltage Restorer (DVR), Distributed Shunt Compensator
(DSTATCOM), Solid State Breaker (SSB) etc which will provide
power quality functions at distribution voltages. The rapid response
of these devices enables them to operate in real time, providing
continuous and dynamic control of the supply including voltage and
reactive power regulation, harmonic reduction and elimination of
voltage dips. This paper presents the benefits of multilevel inverters
when they are used for DPC based custom power devices. Power
flow control mechanism, salient features, advantages and
disadvantages of direct power control (DPC) using lookup table,
SVM, predictive voltage vector and hybrid DPC strategies are
discussed in this paper. Simulation results of three level inverter
based STATCOM, harmonic analysis of multi level inverters are
presented at the end.
Abstract: The cardiovascular system has become the most
important subject of clinical research, particularly measurement of
arterial blood flow. Therefore correct determination of arterial
diameter is crucial. We propose a novel, semi-automatic method for
artery lumen detection. The method is based on Gaussian probability
function. Usability of our proposed method was assessed by
analyzing ultrasound B-mode CFA video sequences acquired from
eleven healthy volunteers. The correlation coefficient between the
manual and semi-automatic measurement of arterial diameter was
0.996. Our proposed method for detecting artery boundary is novel
and accurate enough for the measurement of artery diameter.
Abstract: Field experiment was conducted to investigate the combine use of animal manure and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield performance of vegetable cowpea. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments. Poultry manure, cattle manure and goat manure were evaluated with recommended level of inorganic fertilizer for vegetable cowpea. The highest crop yield was obtained by the application of poultry manure combined with the recommended level of inorganic fertilizer. The lowest yield was obtained by the application of goat manure only. In addition, the results revealed that the goat manure and cattle manure were inferior to poultry manure as a source of organic manure for vegetable cowpea cultivation. The animal manure combine with chemical fertilizer gave a higher yield when compared to the sole application of animal manure. The soil analysis showed that the nitrogen content and phosphorus content of poultry manure treated plots were higher than other treatments tested. But potassium content was higher in goat manure treated plots. The results further revealed that the poultry manure has a beneficial effect on crop growth and yield compared with other treatments. Therefore, the combined use of poultry manure with inorganic fertilizer application has been recognized as the most suitable way of ensuring high crop yield.
Abstract: This paper analyses the torsional efforts in gas turbine-generator shafts caused by high speed automatic reclosing of transmission lines. This issue is especially important for cases of three phase short circuit and unsuccessful reclosure of lines in the vicinity of the thermal plant. The analysis was carried out for the thermal plant TERMOPERNAMBUCO located on Northeast region of Brazil. It is shown that stress level caused by lines unsuccessful reclosing can be several times higher than terminal three-phase short circuit. Simulations were carried out with detailed shaft torsional model provided by machine manufacturer and with the “Alternative Transient Program – ATP" program [1]. Unsuccessful three phase reclosing for selected lines in the area closed to the plant indicated most critical cases. Also, reclosing first the terminal next to the gas turbine gererator will lead also to the most critical condition. Considering that the values of transient torques are very sensible to the instant of reclosing, simulation of unsuccessful reclosing with statistics ATP switch were carried out for determination of most critical transient torques for each section of the generator turbine shaft.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine noise level of
six different types of machines in printing companies in Novi Sad.
The A-weighted levels on Leq, Lmax and Lmin Sound Pressure Level
(SPL) in dBA were measured. It was found that the folders, offset
printing presses and binding machines are the predominant noise
sources. The noise levels produced by 12 of 38 machines exceed the
limiting threshold level of 85 dBA, tolerated by law. Since it was
determined that the average noise level for folders (87.7 dB) exceeds
the permitted value the octave analysis of noise was performed.
Abstract: Tablet computers and Multifunctional Hardcopy Devices (MHDs) are common devices in daily life. Though, many scientific studies have not been published. The tablet computers are straightforward to use whereas the MHDs are comparatively difficult to use. Thus, to assist different levels of users, we propose combining these two devices to achieve straightforward intelligent user interface (UI) and versatile What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) document management and production. Our approach to this issue is to design an intelligent user dependent UI for a MHD applying a tablet computer. Furthermore, we propose hardware interconnection and versatile intelligent software between these two devices. In this study, we first provide a state-of-the-art survey on MHDs and tablet computers, and their interconnections. Secondly we provide a comparative UI survey on two state-of-the-art MHDs with a proposal of a novel UI for the MHDs using Jakob Nielsen-s Ten Usability Heuristics Evaluation.
Abstract: The adoption of building information modeling (BIM)
is increasing in the construction industry. However, quantity
surveyors are slow in adoption compared to other professions due to
lack of awareness of the BIM’s potential in their profession. It is still
unclear on how BIM application can enhance quantity surveyors’
work performance and project performance. The aim of this research
is to identify the capabilities of BIM in quantity surveying practices
and examine the relationship between BIM capabilities and project
performance. Questionnaire survey and interviews were adopted for
data collection. Literature reviews identified there are eleven BIM
capabilities in quantity surveying practice. Questionnaire results
showed that there are several BIM capabilities significantly
correlated with project performance in time, cost and quality aspects
and the results were validated through interviews. These findings
show that BIM has the capabilities to enhance quantity surveyors’
performances and subsequently improved project performance.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a critical component of
competitive success in service organizations. Knowledge
management centers on creating new knowledge and utilizing
existing knowledge. While utilizing existing knowledge relates to
input and control and can lead to a reduction in costs; creating new
knowledge relates to output and growth and can lead to an increase in
revenue. Therefore managers must ensure that they can successfully
optimize the knowledge and talent in their organizations. To do this
they and must try to develop an environment that promotes the
generation, acquisition, transfer and use of valuable knowledge in
creative ways. However knowledge management is complex and
diverse. Research suggests that organizations in general and SMEs in
particular are finding it difficult to implement successful knowledge
management initiatives. Our research attempts to understand whether
organizations are adopting best practice initiatives in their
organizations. This paper presents findings from an exploratory study
of 139 SMEs operating in the tourism sector across Europe. The
goals of the survey is to assess the level of awareness of knowledge
and talent management strategies and methodologies and to
determine whether the responding companies implement best practice
knowledge management initiatives in their organizations Analysis of
the findings from the study are presented and discussed.
Abstract: Extraction of lactic acid by emulsion liquid membrane technology (ELM) using n-trioctyl amine (TOA) in n-heptane as carrier within the organic membrane along with sodium carbonate as acceptor phase was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM). A three level Box-Behnken design was employed for experimental design, analysis of the results and to depict the combined effect of five independent variables, vizlactic acid concentration in aqueous phase (cl), sodium carbonate concentration in stripping phase (cs), carrier concentration in membrane phase (ψ), treat ratio, and batch extraction time (τ)
with equal volume of organic and external aqueous phase on lactic acid extraction efficiency. The maximum lactic acid extraction efficiency (ηext) of 98.21%from aqueous phase in a batch reactor using ELM was found at the optimized values for test variables, cl, cs, ψ, and τ as 0.06 [M], 0.18 [M], 4.72 (%,v/v), 1.98 (v/v) and 13.36 min respectively.
Abstract: Sign language is used by the deaf and hard of hearing people for communication. Automatic sign language recognition is a challenging research area since sign language often is the only way of communication for the deaf people. Sign language includes different components of visual actions made by the signer using the hands, the face, and the torso, to convey his/her meaning. To use different aspects of signs, we combine the different groups of features which have been extracted from the image frames recorded directly by a stationary camera. We combine the features in two levels by employing three techniques. At the feature level, an early feature combination can be performed by concatenating and weighting different feature groups, or by concatenating feature groups over time and using LDA to choose the most discriminant elements. At the model level, a late fusion of differently trained models can be carried out by a log-linear model combination. In this paper, we investigate these three combination techniques in an automatic sign language recognition system and show that the recognition rate can be significantly improved.
Abstract: The usual method of river flow diversion involves construction of tunnels and cofferdams. Given the fact that the cost of diversion works could be as high as 10-20% of the total dam construction cost, due attention should be paid to optimum design of the diversion works. The cost of diversion works depends, on factors, such as: the tunnel dimensions and the intended tunneling support measures during and after excavation; quality and characterizes of the rock through which the tunnel should be excavated; the dimensions of the upstream (and downstream) cofferdams; and the magnitude of river flood the system is designed to divert. In this paper by use of the cost of unit prices for tunnel excavation, tunnel lining, tunnel support (rock bolt + shotcrete) and cofferdam fill the cost function was determined. The function is then minimized by the aid of PSO Algorithm (particle swarm optimization). It is found that the optimum diameter and the total diversion cost are directly related to the river flood discharge (Q). It has also shown that in addition to optimum diameter design discharge (Q), river length, tunnel length, is mainly a function of the ratios (not the absolute values) of the unit prices and does not depend on the overall price levels in the respective country. The results of optimization use in some of the case study lead us to significant changes in the cost.
Abstract: The report focuses on such an important indicator of the nature and direction of development of ethnic and cultural processes in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as ethno linguistic situation. It is shown that, in essence, on the one hand, expresses the degree of the actual propagation and the level of use of the languages of the various ethnic communities. On the other hand, reflects the important patterns, trends and prospects of ethno-cultural and ethnodemographic processes in the Republic. It is important to note that the ethno linguistic situation in different regions of Kazakhstan, due to its more dynamic and much more difficult to demonstrate a much greater variety of options when compared with the ethnic situation in the country. For the two major ethnic groups of the republic – Kazakh and Russian language ethno differentiating retains its value, while for the other ethnic groups observed decline in the importance of this indicator. As you know, the language of international communication in the country is Russian. As the censuses of population, the Russian language in many areas of Northern, Central and Eastern Kazakhstan becomes a means of ethno linguistic development for most of the non-Russian population. This is most clearly illustrated by the Germans, and the Slavic ethnic groups. In this case, the Russian language is not just a means of international communication for a number of ethnic groups, and ethnic groups, it becomes a factor of ethnic self-expression. The value of the Kazakh language as their mother tongue for the other groups of the population is small. More clearly it can be traced only to the Turkic-speaking population of the republic – Uzbeks, Uighurs, Tatars, Turks, etc. The state Kazakh language is a means of international communication in the Western and Southern Kazakhstan, with a predominance of the Kazakh population. The report shows that the most important factor in the development of ethno-linguistic and ethno-cultural processes is bilingualism. Comparative analysis of materials census shows, first, on the increase of the proportion of bilingual population among Kazakhs and Russian, and second, to reduce the proportion of bilingual population of other ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan, and third, a higher proportion bilingual population among residents than rural residents, regardless of their ethnicity. Bilingualism is mainly of a "national Kazakh", "national Russian" or "Kazakh-national" or "Russian-national" character. The President N.A. Nazarbayev said that the Kazakh language is the most important factor in the consolidation of the people of Kazakhstan. He therefore called on government and other state and local representative bodies fully develop the state language, to create all the necessary organizational, material and technical conditions for free and open learning the state language by all citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a new learning algorithm for
anomaly based network intrusion detection using improved self
adaptive naïve Bayesian tree (NBTree), which induces a hybrid of
decision tree and naïve Bayesian classifier. The proposed approach
scales up the balance detections for different attack types and keeps
the false positives at acceptable level in intrusion detection. In
complex and dynamic large intrusion detection dataset, the detection
accuracy of naïve Bayesian classifier does not scale up as well as
decision tree. It has been successfully tested in other problem
domains that naïve Bayesian tree improves the classification rates in
large dataset. In naïve Bayesian tree nodes contain and split as
regular decision-trees, but the leaves contain naïve Bayesian
classifiers. The experimental results on KDD99 benchmark network
intrusion detection dataset demonstrate that this new approach scales
up the detection rates for different attack types and reduces false
positives in network intrusion detection.
Abstract: This study examines regional convergence in per capita personal income in the US and Canada. We find that the disparity in real per capita income levels across US states (Canadian provinces) has declined, but income levels are not identical. Income levels become more aligned once costs of living are accounted for in relative per capita income series. US states (Canadian provinces) converge at an annual rate of between 1.3% and 2.04% (between 2.15% and 2.37%). A pattern of σ and β-convergence in per capita personal income across regions evident over the entire sample period, is reversed over 1979-1989 (1976-1990) period. The reversal may be due to sectoral or region-specific shocks that have highly persistent effects. The latter explanation might be true for half of the US and most of Canada.
Abstract: In this paper an open agent-based modular framework
for personalized and adaptive curriculum generation in e-learning
environment is proposed. Agent-based approaches offer several
potential advantages over alternative approaches. Agent-based
systems exhibit high levels of flexibility and robustness in dynamic
or unpredictable environments by virtue of their intrinsic autonomy.
The presented framework enables integration of different types of
expert agents, various kinds of learning objects and user modeling
techniques. It creates possibilities for adaptive e-learning process.
The KM e-learning system is in a process of implementation in
Varna Free University and will be used for supporting the
educational process at the University.