Abstract: In this paper, numerical solution of system of
Fredholm and Volterra integral equations by means of the Spline
collocation method is considered. This approximation reduces the
system of integral equations to an explicit system of algebraic
equations. The solution is collocated by cubic B-spline and the
integrand is approximated by the Newton-Cotes formula. The error
analysis of proposed numerical method is studied theoretically. The
results are compared with the results obtained by other methods to
illustrate the accuracy and the implementation of our method.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyze the
prophylactic usage of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) along
pregnancy and the correlation between their usage and month/week
of pregnancy, in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, at
Clinical Hospital in Tetovo. A retrospective study was undertaken
during 01 January – 31 December 2012. Over of one year, the total
number of patients was 4636. Among the 1447 (32.21%) pregnant
women, 298 (20.59%) of them were prescribed LMWH. The majority
of patients given LMWH, 119 (39.93%) were diagnosed
hypercoagulable. The age group with the highest attendance was 25-
35, 141 patients (47.32%). For 195 (65.44%) patients, this was their
first pregnancy. Earliest stage of using LMWH was the second month
of pregnancy 4 (1.34%) cases. The most common patients were 70
women along the seventh month (23.49%), followed by 68 in the
ninth month of pregnancy (22.81%). Women in the 28th gestational
week, were found to be the most affected, a total of 55 (78.57%) were
in that week. Clexane 2000 and Fraxiparine 0.3 were the most
common for which low molecular weight heparin was prescribed.
The number of patients which received Clexane 2000 was 84
(28.19%), followed by those with Fraxiparine 0.3 81 (27.18%). The
administration of LMWH is associated with long hospitalization
(median 14,6 days).
Abstract: A finite difference/front tracking method is used to
study the motion of three-dimensional deformable drops suspended in
plane Poiseuille flow at non-zero Reynolds numbers. A parallel
version of the code was used to study the behavior of suspension on a
reasonable grid resolution (grids). The viscosity and density of drops
are assumed to be equal to that of the suspending medium. The effect
of the Reynolds number is studied in detail. It is found that drops
with small deformation behave like rigid particles and migrate to an
equilibrium position about half way between the wall and the
centerline (the Segre-Silberberg effect). However, for highly
deformable drops there is a tendency for drops to migrate to the
middle of the channel, and the maximum concentration occurs at the
centerline. The effective viscosity of suspension and the fluctuation
energy of the flow across the channel increases with the Reynolds
number of the flow.
Abstract: In this paper family of multilevel inverter topology
with reduced number of power switches is presented. The proposed
inverter can generate both even and odd level. The proposed topology
is suitable for symmetric structure. The proposed symmetric inverter
results in reduction of power switches, power diode and gate driver
circuits and also it may further minimize the installation area and
cost. To prove the superiority of proposed topology is compared with
conventional topologies. The performance of this symmetric
multilevel inverter has been tested by computer based simulation and
prototype based experimental setup for nine-level inverter is
developed and results are verified.
Abstract: Students’ achievement and motivation in learning
English in Malaysia is a worrying trend as it is lagging behind several
other countries in Asia. Thus, necessary actions have to be taken by
the parties concerned to overcome this problem. The purpose of this
research was to study the effects of drill and practice courseware on
students’ achievement and motivation in learning English language.
A multimedia courseware was developed for this purpose. The
independent variable was the drill and practice courseware while the
dependent variables were the students’ achievement and motivation.
Their achievement was measured using pre-test and post-test scores,
while motivation was measured using a questionnaire. A total of 60
students from three vernacular primary schools in a northern state in
Malaysia were randomly selected in this study. The findings indicate:
(1) a significant difference between the students’ pre-test and posttest
scores after using the courseware, (2) no significant difference in
the achievement score between male and female students after using
the courseware, (3) a significant difference in motivation score
between the female and the male students, and (4) while the female
students scored significantly higher than the male students in the
aspects of relevance, confidence and satisfaction, no significant
difference in terms of attention was observed between them. Overall,
the findings clearly indicate that although the female students are
significantly more motivated than their male students, they are
equally good in terms of achievement after learning from the
courseware. Through this study, the drill and practice courseware is
proven to influence the students’ learning and motivation.
Abstract: This paper presents the design analysis of saddle
support of a horizontal pressure vessel. Since saddle have the vital
role to support the pressure vessel and to maintain its stability, it
should be designed in such a way that it can afford the vessel load
and internal pressure of the vessel due to liquid contained in the
vessel. A model of horizontal pressure vessel and saddle support is
created in ANSYS. Stresses are calculated using mathematical
approach and ANSYS software. The analysis reveals the zone of high
localized stress at the junction part of the pressure vessel and saddle
support due to operating conditions. The results obtained by both the
methods are compared with allowable stress value for safe designing.
Abstract: In our paper we describe the security capabilities of
data collection. Data are collected with probes located in the near and
distant surroundings of the company. Considering the numerous
obstacles e.g. forests, hills, urban areas, the data collection is realized
in several ways. The collection of data uses connection via wireless
communication, LAN network, GSM network and in certain areas
data are collected by using vehicles. In order to ensure the connection
to the server most of the probes have ability to communicate in
several ways. Collected data are archived and subsequently used in
supervisory applications.
To ensure the collection of the required data, it is necessary to
propose algorithms that will allow the probes to select suitable
communication channel.
Abstract: The paper deals with communication standards for
control and production system. The authors formulate the
requirements for communication security protection. The paper is
focused on application protocols of the industrial networks and their
basic classification. The typical attacks are analysed and the safety
protection, based on requirements for specific industrial network is
suggested and defined in this paper.
Abstract: In the present study, we have synthesized Cr and Fe
doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures (Zn1-δCraFebO; where δ = a +
b = 20%, a = 5, 6, 8 & 10% and b = 15, 14, 12 & 10%) via sol-gel
method at different doping concentrations. The synthesized samples
were characterized for structural properties by X-ray diffractrometer
and field emission scanning electron microscope and the optical
properties were carried out through photoluminescence and UVvisible
spectroscopy. The particle size calculated through field
emission scanning electron microscope varies from 41 to 96 nm for
the samples synthesized at different doping concentrations. The
optical band gaps calculated through UV-visible spectroscopy are
found to be decreasing from 3.27 to 3.02 eV as the doping
concentration of Cr increases and Fe decreases.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to propose a novel technique
to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) in a highly dynamic
environment. The MANET changes its topology dynamically as the
nodes are moved frequently. This will cause link failure between
mobile nodes. MANET cannot ensure reliability without delay. The
relay node is selected based on achieving QoS in previous
transmission. It considers one more factor Connection Existence
Period (CEP) to ensure reliability. CEP is to find out the period
during that connection exists between the nodes. The node with
highest CEP becomes a next relay node. The relay node is selected
dynamically to avoid frequent failure. The bandwidth of each link
changed dynamically based on service rate and request rate. This
paper proposes Active bandwidth setting up algorithm to guarantee
the QoS. The series of results obtained by using the Network
Simulator (NS-2) demonstrate the viability of our proposed
techniques.
Abstract: The phased-array ultrasound transducer types are
utilities for medical ultrasonography as well as optical imaging.
However, their discontinuity characteristic limits the applications due
to the artifacts contaminated into the reconstructed images. Because
of the effects of the ultrasound pressure field pattern to the echo
ultrasonic waves as well as the optical modulated signal, the side
lobes of the focused ultrasound beam induced by discontinuity of the
phased-array ultrasound transducer might the reason of the artifacts.
In this paper, a simple method in approach of numerical simulation
was used to investigate the limitation of discontinuity of the elements
in phased-array ultrasound transducer and their effects to the
ultrasound pressure field. Take into account the change of ultrasound
pressure field patterns in the conditions of variation of the pitches
between elements of the phased-array ultrasound transducer, the
appropriated parameters for phased-array ultrasound transducer
design were asserted quantitatively.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to carry out an analysis
and determine the profile of actual lean manufacturing processes in
the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga. Through the analysis of
qualitative and quantitative variables it was possible to establish how
these manufacturers develop production practices that ensure their
competitiveness and productivity in the market.
In this study, a random sample of metallurgic and wrought iron
companies was applied, following which a quantitative focus and
analysis was used to formulate a qualitative methodology for
measuring the level of lean manufacturing procedures in the industry.
A qualitative evaluation was also carried out through a multivariate
analysis using the Numerical Taxonomy System (NTSYS) program
which should allow for the determination of Lean Manufacturing
profiles.
Through the results it was possible to observe how the companies
in the sector are doing with respect to Lean Manufacturing Practices,
as well as identify the level of management that these companies
practice with respect to this topic. In addition, it was possible to
ascertain that there is no one dominant profile in the sector when it
comes to Lean Manufacturing.
It was established that the companies in the metallurgic and
wrought iron industry show low levels of Lean Manufacturing
implementation. Each one carries out diverse actions that are
insufficient to consolidate a sectoral strategy for developing a
competitive advantage which enables them to tie together a
production strategy.
Abstract: The aim of present study was to monitor the presence
of Trichodina sp. in Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss collected
from various fish farms in the western provinces of Iran during
January, 2013- January, 2014. Out of 675 sampled fish 335, (49.16%)
were infested with Trichodina. The highest prevalence was observed
in the spring and winter followed by autumn and summer. In general,
the intensity of infection was low except in cases where outbreaks of
Trichodiniasis endangered the survival of fish in some ponds. In light
infestation Trichodina is usually present on gills, fins and skin of
apparently healthy fish. Clinical signs of Trichodiniasis only appear
on fish with heavy infections and cases of moderate ones that are
usually exposed to one or more stress factors including, rough
handling during transportation from ponds, overcrowdness,
malnutrition, high of free ammonia and low of oxygen concentration.
Clinical signs of Trichodiniasis in sampled fish were sluggish
movement, loss of appetite, black coloration, necrosis and ulcer on
different parts of the body, detached scales and excessive
accumulation of mucous in gill pouches. The most obvious
histopathological changes in diseased fish were sloughing of the
epidermal layer, aggregation of leucocytes and melanine-carrying
cells (between the dermis and hypodermis) and proliferative changes
including hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the epithelial lining cells of
gill filaments which resulted in fusion of secondary lamellae. Control
of Trichodiniasis, has been achieved by formalin bath treatment at a
concentration of 250 ppm for one hour.
Abstract: Multispectral screening systems are becoming more
popular because of their very interesting properties and applications.
One of the most significant applications of multispectral screening
systems is prevention of terrorist attacks. There are many kinds of
threats and many methods of detection. Visual detection of objects
hidden under clothing of a person is one of the most challenging
problems of threats detection. There are various solutions of the
problem; however, the most effective utilize multispectral
surveillance imagers. The development of imaging devices and
exploration of new spectral bands is a chance to introduce new
equipment for assuring public safety. We investigate the possibility
of long lasting detection of potentially dangerous objects covered
with various types of clothing. In the article we present the results of
comparative studies of passive imaging in three spectrums – visible,
infrared and terahertz.
Abstract: Stress Corrosion Crack (SCC) in pipeline is a type of
environmentally assisted cracking (EAC), since its discovery in 1965
as a possible cause of failure in pipeline, SCC has caused, on
average, one of two failures per year in the U.S, According to the
NACE SCC DA a pipe line segment is considered susceptible to SCC
if all of the following factors are met: The operating stress exceeds
60% of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS), the operating
temperature exceeds 38°C, the segment is less than 32 km
downstream from a compressor station, the age of the pipeline is
greater than 10 years and the coating type is other than Fusion
Bonded Epoxy(FBE). In this paper as a practical experience in
NISOC, Direct Assessment (DA) Method is used for identification
SCC defect in unpiggable pipeline located downstream of
compressor station.
Abstract: The global solved problem is the calculation of the
parameters of ceramic material from a set of destruction tests of
ceramic heads of total hip joint endoprosthesis. The standard way of
calculation of the material parameters consists in carrying out a set of
3 or 4 point bending tests of specimens cut out from parts of the
ceramic material to be analysed. In case of ceramic heads, it is not
possible to cut out specimens of required dimensions because the
heads are too small (if the cut out specimens were smaller than the
normalised ones, the material parameters derived from them would
exhibit higher strength values than those which the given ceramic
material really has). A special destruction device for heads
destruction was designed and the solved local problem is the
modification of this destructive device based on the analysis of
tensile stress in the head for two different values of the depth of the
conical hole in the head. The goal of device modification is a shift of
the location with extreme value of σ1max from the region of head’s
hole bottom to its opening. This modification will increase the
credibility of the obtained material properties of bioceramics, which
will be determined from a set of head destructions using the Weibull
weakest link theory.
Abstract: Folic acid (FA) is known to be an important
supplement to prevent neural tube defect (NTD) in pregnant women.
Similar to some commercial formulations, sodium bicarbonate
solution is used as a solvent for FA. This work uses the antisolvent
vapour precipitation (AVP), incorporating ethanol vapour as the
convective drying medium in place of air to produce branch-like
micro-structure FA particles. Interestingly, the dissolution rate of the
resultant particle is 2-3 times better than the particle produce from
conventional air drying due to the higher surface area of particles
produced. The higher dissolution rate could possibly improve the
delivery and absorption of FA in human body. This application could
potentially be extended to other commercial products, particularly in
less soluble drugs to improve its solubility.
Abstract: The Port of Townsville conducts regular annual
maintenance dredging to maintain depths of its harbor basin and
approach channels for the navigational safety of the vessels against
the natural accumulation of marine sediments. In addition to the
regular maintenance dredging, the port undertakes emergency
dredging in cases where large quantities of sediments are mobilized
and deposited in port waters by cyclone or major flood events. The
maintenance dredging material derived from the port may be
disposed at sea or on land in accordance with relevant state and
commonwealth regulations. For the land disposal, the dredged mud
slurry is hydraulically placed into containment ponds and left to
undergo sedimentation and self-weight consolidation to form fill
material for land reclamation. This paper provides an overview of the
maintenance dredging at the Port of Townsville and emphasis on
maintenance dredging requirements, sediment quality, bathymetry,
dredging methods used, and dredged material disposal options.
Abstract: Human movement in the real world provides
important information for developing human behaviour models and
simulations. However, it is difficult to assess ‘real’ human behaviour
since there is no established method available. As part of the AUNTSUE
(Accessibility and User Needs in Transport – Sustainable Urban
Environments) project, this research aimed to propose a method to
assess human movement and behaviour in crowded areas. The
method is based on the three major steps of video recording,
conceptual behavior modelling and video analysis. The focus is on
individual human movement and behaviour in normal situations
(panic situations are not considered) and the interactions between
individuals in localized areas. Emphasis is placed on gaining
knowledge of characteristics of human movement and behaviour in
the real world that can be modelled in the virtual environment.
Abstract: The purpose of the present work is to review some
data for the management challenges that the aquaculture industry in
Greece is currently facing. The results indicate that Greek
aquaculture fish farms apply Human Resources Management (HRM)
practices which can increase motivation, commitment and job
satisfaction of their personnel. In turn, these practices can increase
the productivity of the business. The Greek fish farms appear to
invest in research and technological innovation with a good record in
research activities and the generation of patents. Interestingly, the
results of the present work were carried out during the period of the
recent economic crisis in Greece. Several sectors of the Greek
economy were severely affected by the financial problems of the
Greek government and the Greek banks. Under the adverse
economical conditions created by the Greek economic crisis, even the
Greek aquaculture industry, which historically is considered as a
thriving national exporting business sector, experienced harsh
economic and market conditions. As a result of the global, European
and national economic crisis, consumption of fish dropped while
companies had to hold most of their stocked fish in order to regulated
the flow to the market and the price. This occurred at a time where
Banks in Greece had their own financial crisis – banking crisis -
which resulted in limited access to lending for the all business sectors
of the national economy including the Greek aquaculture industry. In
spite of these economic conditions, the Greek aquaculture industry,
after a series of mergers and acquisitions, has now stabilized
production and exhibits very good prospects for future growth.
Evidently, the firms had to cut salaries and on some occasions even
pay their staff in arrears. Nevertheless, the results presented in this
paper indicate that during the economic crisis, the surveyed fish
farms maintained their HRM practices, investing in their human
capital and technological input. In fact, human capital and
technological input are the ticket for future success of companies in
any business sector.