Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study the behavior
trend factors of consumers to roasted coffee at the petrol station on
the route of Rangsit to Nakhon Nayok. The research drew upon data
collected from the regular consumers of roasted coffee stands. The
majority of respondents was male, 33-39 years old, and holding a
bachelor degree. The majority of respondents considered themselves
private business proprietors or entrepreneurs and had a monthly
income of between 10,000-16,000 baht. The regular coffee
consumers spent a minimum coffee expense of between 45 and 300
baht per day. These consumers also displayed good attitude and good
motivation which can be ranked as very high. From the hypothesis
testing of the behavior trend for the roasted coffee consumers in
repurchasing coffee and recommended the coffee to others, the
findings revealed that it had a significant correlation. Moreover, the
overall attitude towards the marketing mix factors also had a
significant correlation with the behavior trend consumers.
Abstract: Essential hypertension (HTN) usually clusters with other cardiovascular risk factors such as age, overweight, diabetes, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The target organ damage (TOD) such as left ventricular hypertrophy, microalbuminuria (MA), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and cognitive dysfunction takes place early in course of hypertension. Though the prevalence of hypertension is high in India, the relationship between microalbuminuria and target organ damage in hypertension is not well studied. This study aim at detecting MA in essential hypertension and its relation to severity of HTN, duration of HTN, body mass index (BMI), age and TOD such as HTN retinopathy and acute coronary syndrome The present study was done in 100 patients of essential hypertension non diabetics admitted to B.L.D.E.University-s Sri B.M.Patil Medical College, Bijapur, from October 2008 to April 2011. The patients underwent detailed history and clinical examination. Early morning 5 ml of urine sample was collected & MA was estimated by immunoturbidometry method. The relationship of MA with the duration & severity of HTN, BMI, age, sex and TOD's like hypertensive retinopathy, ACS was assessed by univariate analysis. The prevalence of MA in this study was found to be 63 %. In that 42% were male & 21% were female. In this study a significant association between MA and the duration of hypertension (p = 0.036) & (OR =0.438). Longer the duration of hypertension, more possibility of microalbumin in urine. Also there was a significant association between severity of hypertension and MA (p=0.045) and (OR=0.093). MA was positive in 50 (79.4%) patients out of 63, whose blood pressure was >160/100 mm Hg. In this study a significant association between MA and the grades of hypertensive retinopathy (p =0.011) and acute coronary syndrome (p = 0.041) (OR =2.805). Gender and BMI did not pose high risk for MA in this study.The prevalence of MA in essential hypertension is high in this part of the community and MA will increase the risk of developing target organ damage.Early screening of patients with essential hypertension for MA and aggressive management of positive cases might reduce the burden of chronic kidney diseases and cardiovascular diseases in the community.
Abstract: Numerical studies on race car aerodynamics at wing
in ground effect have been carried out using a steady 3d, double
precision, pressure-based, and standard k-epsilon turbulence model.
Through various parametric analytical studies we have observed that
at a particular speed and ground clearance of the wings a favorable
negative lift was found high at a particular angle of attack for all the
physical models considered in this paper. The fact is that if the
ground clearance height to chord length (h/c) is too small, the
developing boundary layers from either side (the ground and the
lower surface of the wing) can interact, leading to an altered variation
of the aerodynamic characteristics at wing in ground effect. Therefore
a suitable ground clearance must be predicted throughout the racing
for a better performance of the race car, which obviously depends
upon the coupled effects of the topography, wing orientation with
respect to the ground, the incoming flow features and/or the race car
speed. We have concluded that for the design of high performance
and high speed race cars the adjustable wings capable to alter the
ground clearance and the angles of attack is the best design option for
any race car for racing safely with variable speeds.
Abstract: High-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying
uses a combustion process to heat the gas flow and coating material.
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to
predict gas dynamic behavior in a HVOF thermal spray gun in which
premixed oxygen and propane are burnt in a combustion chamber
linked to a parallel-sided nozzle. The CFD analysis is applied to
investigate axisymmetric, steady-state, turbulent, compressible,
chemically reacting, subsonic and supersonic flow inside and outside
the gun. The gas velocity, temperature, pressure and Mach number
distributions are presented for various locations inside and outside
the gun. The calculated results show that the most sensitive
parameters affecting the process are fuel-to-oxygen gas ratio and
total gas flow rate. Gas dynamic behavior along the centerline of the
gun depends on both total gas flow rate and fuel-to-oxygen gas ratio.
The numerical simulations show that the axial gas velocity and Mach
number distribution depend on both flow rate and ratio; the highest
velocity is achieved at the higher flow rate and most fuel-rich ratio.
In addition, the results reported in this paper illustrate that the
numerical simulation can be one of the most powerful and beneficial
tools for the HVOF system design, optimization and performance
analysis.
Abstract: A numerical prediction of flow in a tube bank is reported. The flow regimes considered cover a wide range of Reynolds numbers, which range from 380 to 99000 and which are equivalent to a range of inlet velocities from very low (0.072 m/s) to very high (60 m/s). In this study, calculations were made using the standard k-e model with standard wall function. The drag coefficient, skin friction drag, pressure drag, and pressure distribution around a tube were investigated. As the velocity increased, the drag coefficient decreased until the velocity exceeded 45 m/s, after which it increased. Furthermore, the pressure drag and skin friction drag depend on the velocity.
Abstract: Students with high level skills are in demand, especially in scare skill environments. If universities wish to be successful and competitive, its students need to be adequately equipped with the necessary tools. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an essential component of the education of a student. The relevance of higher education should be assessed in terms of how it meets the needs of society and the world of work in a global economy. This paper demonstrates how to use Habermas's theory of communicative action to reflect on students- perceptions on their integration in the work environment to achieve social integration and financial justification. Interpretive questionnaires are used to determine the students- view of how they are integrated into society, and contributing to the economy. This paper explores the use of Habermas-s theory of communicative action to give theoretical and methodological guidance for the practice of social findings obtained in this inquiry.
Abstract: The research on two-wheels balancing robot has
gained momentum due to their functionality and reliability when
completing certain tasks. This paper presents investigations into the
performance comparison of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and
PID-PID controllers for a highly nonlinear 2–wheels balancing robot.
The mathematical model of 2-wheels balancing robot that is highly
nonlinear is derived. The final model is then represented in statespace
form and the system suffers from mismatched condition. Two
system responses namely the robot position and robot angular
position are obtained. The performances of the LQR and PID-PID
controllers are examined in terms of input tracking and disturbances
rejection capability. Simulation results of the responses of the
nonlinear 2–wheels balancing robot are presented in time domain. A
comparative assessment of both control schemes to the system
performance is presented and discussed.
Abstract: Pomegranate and pomegranate juices (PJs) have taken
great attention for their health benefits in the last years. As there is an
increasing concern about potential health benefits of ellagic acid, it is
of great interest to evaluate alterations in ellagic acid concentration of
commercial PJs. The purpose of this study is to analyze total
phenolic, free and total ellagic acid content of six commercial PJs
sold in Turkish markets using HPLC.
The results showed that some commercial PJs had markedly high
total phenolic and ellagic acid content. Total phenolic substances of
commercial PJs range from 796.71 to 4608.91 mg GAE/l. Free
amount of ellagic acid in commercial PJs range from 27.64 to 111.78
mg/l. Samples are hydrolyzed with concentrated HCl at 93oC for 2
and 24 hour and influences of temperature and time parameters on
hydrolization were investigated. Thermal processing for
pasteurization increased ellagic acid via ellagitannins hydrolysis.
Abstract: The New Basel Capital Accord (Basel II) influences how financial institutions around the world, and especially European Union institutions, determine the amount of capital to reserve. However, as the recent global crisis has shown, the revision of Basel II is needed to reflect current trends, such as increased volatility and correlation, in the world financial markets. The overall objective of Basel II is to increase the safety and soundness of the international financial system. Basel II builds on three main pillars: Pillar I deals with the minimum capital requirements for credit, market and operational risk, Pillar II focuses on the supervisory review process and finally Pillar III promotes market discipline through enhanced disclosure requirements for banks. The aim of this paper is to provide the historical background, key features and impact of Basel II on financial markets. Moreover, we discuss new proposals for international bank regulation (sometimes referred to as Basel III) which include requirements for higher quality, constituency and transparency of banks' capital and risk management, regulation of OTC markets and introduction of new liquidity standards for internationally active banks.
Abstract: Excessive ductility demand on shorter piers is a
common problem for irregular bridges subjected to strong ground
motion. Various techniques have been developed to reduce the
likelihood of collapse of bridge due to failure of shorter piers. This
paper presents the new approach to improve the seismic behavior of
such bridges using Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs).
Superelastic SMAs have the ability to remain elastic under very large
deformation due to martensitic transformation. This unique property
leads to enhanced performance of controlled bridge compared with
the performance of the reference bridge. To evaluate the effectiveness
of the devices, nonlinear time history analysis is performed on a RC
single column bent highway bridge using a suite of representative
ground motions. The results show that this method is very effective in
limiting the ductility demand of shorter pier.
Abstract: The basic objective of this paper is to measure and
compare the profitability of investments made by the small and
marginal farmers of the state of West Bengal in floriculture shifting
from the traditional cultivation of paddy. A comparison of IRR is
made to establish the fact that cultivation of flowers yield higher
returns farmers whose land size is so small that viability of paddy
cultivation is raising a question mark. A detailed study of the price
behavior of the flower crop has been carried out in which the factors
leading to the volatility of the price and the dispersion of the range
have also been discussed. Finally the incremental incomes of the
farmers have been calculated with the help of imputed income from
paddy cultivation and the reported income from the selected flowers.
The study shows that the farmers stand gainers if they opt for flower
cultivation.
Abstract: According to the majority and to stereotypes in a simple everyman religious processes in the world in general, and Kazakhstan in particular, have only negative trends. The main reason for the author's opinion is seen in the fact that the media in the pursuit of ratings and sensation, more inclined to highlight the negative aspects of events in the country and the world of processes forgetting or casually mentioning the positive initiatives and achievements. That is why the article is mainly revealed positive trends in mind that the problems of fanaticism, terrorism and the confrontation of society on various issues, a lot has been written and detailed. This article describes the stages in the development of relations between religion and state, as well as institutionalization, networking and assistance in the correct orientation of religious activities in the country.
Abstract: Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a
practical non-invasive optical technique to detect characteristic of
hemoglobin density dynamics response during functional activation of
the cerebral cortex. In this paper, fNIRS measurements were made in
the area of motor cortex from C4 position according to international
10-20 system. Three subjects, aged 23 - 30 years, were participated in
the experiment.
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of different motor
activation tasks of the hemoglobin density dynamics of fNIRS signal.
The chaotic concept based on deterministic dynamics is an important
feature in biological signal analysis. This paper employs the chaotic
properties which is a novel method of nonlinear analysis, to analyze
and to quantify the chaotic property in the time series of the
hemoglobin dynamics of the various motor imagery tasks of fNIRS
signal. Usually, hemoglobin density in the human brain cortex is
found to change slowly in time. An inevitable noise caused by various
factors is to be included in a signal. So, principle component analysis
method (PCA) is utilized to remove high frequency component. The
phase pace is reconstructed and evaluated the Lyapunov spectrum, and
Lyapunov dimensions. From the experimental results, it can be
conclude that the signals measured by fNIRS are chaotic.
Abstract: The waves of eGovernment are rising very fast
through almost all public administration, or at least most of the
public administrations around the world, and not only the public
administration, but also the entire government and all of their
organization as a whole. The government uses information
technology, and above all the internet or web network, to facilitate
the exchange of services between government agencies and citizens,
businesses, employees and other non-governmental agencies. With
efficient and transparent information exchange, the information
becomes accessible to the society (citizens, business, employees etc.),
and as a result of these processes the society itself becomes the
information society or knowledge society. This paper discusses the
knowledge management for eGovernment development in
significance and role. Also, the paper reviews the role of virtual
communities as a knowledge management mechanism to support
eGovernment in Montenegro. It explores the need for knowledge
management in eGovernment, identifies knowledge management
technologies, and highlights the challenges for developing countries,
such as Montenegro in the implementation of eGovernment. The
paper suggests that knowledge management is needed to facilitate
information exchange and transaction processing with citizens, as
well as to enable creation of knowledge society.
Abstract: Power transformers are among the most important and
expensive equipments in the electric power systems. Consequently
the transformer protection is an essential part of the system
protection. This paper presents a new method for locating
transformer winding faults such as turn-to-turn, turn-to-core, turn-totransformer
body, turn-to-earth, and high voltage winding to low
voltage winding. In this study the current and voltage signals of input
and output terminals of the transformer are measured, which the
Fourier transform of measured signals and harmonic analysis
determine the fault's location.
Abstract: This research aims to study consumer acceptance of Tempeh from various raw materials (type of bean) and determine protein contents for comparison. Tempeh made from soybean, peanut, white kidney bean and sesame in the ratio: - soybean:sesame =1:0.1, soybean:white kidney:sesame =1:1:0.1, soybean:peanut:sesame =1:1:0.1 and peanut:white kidney bean: sesame =1:1:0.1. The study found that consumer is most satisfied with appearances on soybean mixed with white kidney and black sesame tempeh (3.98). The most satisfied tempeh with textures is soybean mixed with peanut and black sesame tempeh (4.00). The most satisfied tempeh with odor is peanut mixed with white kidney bean and black sesame tempeh (4.04). And the most satisfied tempeh with flavor is peanut mixed with white kidney bean and black sesame tempeh (4.2). The amount of protein in production, soybean tempeh has the highest protein. When we add sesame seeds, it made the protein content slightly decreased (1.86 and 0.6 %). When we use peanut as raw material, the protein content decreased 15.3%. And when we use
white kidney bean as raw material, the protein content decreased (22.77- 26.11%).
Abstract: This paper reported an experimental research of
steady-state heat transfer behaviour of a gas flowing through a fixed
bed under the different operating conditions. Studies had been carried
out in a fixed-bed packed methanol synthesis catalyst percolated by air
at appropriate flow rate. Both radial and axial direction temperature
distribution had been investigated under the different operating
conditions. The effects of operating conditions including the reactor
inlet air temperature, the heating pipe temperature and the air flow rate
on temperature distribution was investigated and the experimental
results showed that a higher inlet air temperature was conducive to
uniform temperature distribution in the fixed bed. A large temperature
drop existed at the radial direction, and the temperature drop increased
with the heating pipe temperature increasing under the experimental
conditions; the temperature profile of the vicinity of the heating pipe
was strongly affected by the heating pipe temperature. A higher air
flow rate can improve the heat transfer in the fixed bed. Based on the
thermal distribution, heat transfer models of the fixed bed could be
established, and the characteristics of the temperature distribution in
the fixed bed could be finely described, that had an important practical
significance.
Abstract: Iron in groundwater is one of the problems that render the water unsuitable for drinking. The concentration above 0.3 mg/L is common in groundwater. The conventional method of removal is by precipitation under oxic condition. In this study, iron removal under anaerobic conditions was examined by batch experiment as a main purpose. The process involved by purging of groundwater samples with H2S to form iron sulfide. Removal up to 83% for 1 mg/L iron solution was achieved. The removal efficiency dropped to 82% and 75% for the higher initial iron concentrations 3.55 and 5.01 mg/L, respectively. The average residual sulfide concentration in water after the process was 25*g/L. The Eh level during the process was -272 mV. The removal process was found to follow the first order reaction with average rate constant of 4.52 x 10-3. The half-life for the concentrations to reduce from initial values was 157 minutes.
Abstract: This paper features the modeling and design of a
Robust Decentralized Fast Output Sampling (RDFOS) Feedback
control technique for the active vibration control of a smart flexible
multimodel Euler-Bernoulli cantilever beams for a multivariable
(MIMO) case by retaining the first 6 vibratory modes. The beam
structure is modeled in state space form using the concept of
piezoelectric theory, the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the Finite
Element Method (FEM) technique by dividing the beam into 4 finite
elements and placing the piezoelectric sensor / actuator at two finite
element locations (positions 2 and 4) as collocated pairs, i.e., as
surface mounted sensor / actuator, thus giving rise to a multivariable
model of the smart structure plant with two inputs and two outputs.
Five such multivariable models are obtained by varying the
dimensions (aspect ratios) of the aluminium beam. Using model
order reduction technique, the reduced order model of the higher
order system is obtained based on dominant Eigen value retention
and the Davison technique. RDFOS feedback controllers are
designed for the above 5 multivariable-multimodel plant. The closed
loop responses with the RDFOS feedback gain and the magnitudes of
the control input are obtained and the performance of the proposed
multimodel smart structure system is evaluated for vibration control.
Abstract: Because of the great advance in multimedia
technology, digital multimedia is vulnerable to malicious
manipulations. In this paper, a public key self-recovery block-based
video authentication technique is proposed which can not only
precisely localize the alteration detection but also recover the missing
data with high reliability. In the proposed block-based technique,
multiple description coding MDC is used to generate two codes (two
descriptions) for each block. Although one block code (one
description) is enough to rebuild the altered block, the altered block
is rebuilt with better quality by the two block descriptions. So using
MDC increases the ratability of recovering data. A block signature is
computed using a cryptographic hash function and a doubly linked
chain is utilized to embed the block signature copies and the block
descriptions into the LSBs of distant blocks and the block itself. The
doubly linked chain scheme gives the proposed technique the
capability to thwart vector quantization attacks. In our proposed
technique , anyone can check the authenticity of a given video using
the public key. The experimental results show that the proposed
technique is reliable for detecting, localizing and recovering the
alterations.