Abstract: Here, we have shown the reaction of [Cr(ArN(CH2)3NAr)2Cl2] (1) where (Ar = 2,6-Pri
2C6H3) and in presence of NaCp (2) (Cp= C5H5 = cyclopentadien), with a center
coordination η5 interaction between Cp as co-ligand and chromium
metal center, for optimization we used density functional theory
(DFT), under methods, explicitly including electrons correlations, for
the final calculations as MB3LYP (Becke) (Lee–Yang–Parr) level of
theory we used to obtain more exact results. This complex was
calculated as electronic energy for molecular system, because the
calculation accounting all electrons correlations interactions. The
optimised of [Cr(ArN(CH2)3NAr)2(η5-Cp)] (Ar = 2,6-Pri2C6H3 and Cp = C5H5) was found to be thermally stable. By using Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, as a basis of the molecular orbital (MO) analysis
and showed the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and
lowest occupied molecular orbital LUMO.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to compare behavioral and
EEG reactions in Turkic-speaking inhabitants of Siberia (Tuvinians
and Yakuts) and Russians during the recognition of syntax errors in
native and foreign languages. Sixty-three healthy aboriginals of the
Tyva Republic, 29 inhabitants of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, and
55 Russians from Novosibirsk participated in the study. EEG were
recorded during execution of error-recognition task in Russian and
English language (in all participants) and in native languages
(Tuvinian or Yakut Turkic-speaking inhabitants). Reaction time (RT)
and quality of task execution were chosen as behavioral measures.
Amplitude and cortical distribution of P300 and P600 peaks of ERP
were used as a measure of speech-related brain activity. In Tuvinians,
there were no differences in the P300 and P600 amplitudes as well as
in cortical topology for Russian and Tuvinian languages, but there
was a difference for English. In Yakuts, the P300 and P600
amplitudes and topology of ERP for Russian language were the same
as Russians had for native language. In Yakuts, brain reactions during
Yakut and English language comprehension had no difference, while
the Russian language comprehension was differed from both Yakut
and English. We found out that the Tuvinians recognized both Russian and
Tuvinian as native languages, and English as a foreign language. The
Yakuts recognized both English and Yakut as foreign languages, but
Russian as a native language. According to the inquirer, both
Tuvinians and Yakuts use the national language as a spoken
language, whereas they do not use it for writing. It can well be a
reason that Yakuts perceive the Yakut writing language as a foreign
language while writing Russian as their native.
Abstract: A numerical study is made in a parallel-plate porous
channel subjected to an oscillating flow and an exothermic chemical
reaction on its walls. The flow field in the porous region is modeled
by the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model and the finite volume
method is used to solve the governing equations. The effects of the
modified Frank-Kamenetskii (FKm) and Damköhler (Dm) numbers,
the amplitude of oscillation (A), and the Strouhal number (St) are
examined. The main results show an increase of heat and mass
transfer rates with A and St, and their decrease with FKm and Dm.
Abstract: Parboiled rice was developed to produce rice, which
has a low glycemic index for diabetics. However, diabetics also have
a chromium (Cr) deficiency. Thus, it is important to fortify rice with
Cr to increase the Cr content. Moreover, parboiled rice becomes
rancid easily and has a musty odor, rendering the rice unfavorable.
Natural herbs such as pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius
Roxb.), bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum [Wigh] Walp) and
cinnamon bark powder (Cinnamomon cassia) are commonly added to
food as aroma enhancers. Previous research has shown that these
herbs could improve insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study
was to evaluate the effect of herbal extract coatings on the cooking
quality and the preference level of chromium fortified - parboiled rice
(CFPR). The rice grain variety used for this experiment was Ciherang
and the fortificant was CrCl3. The three herbal extracts used for
coating the CFPR were cinnamon, pandan and bay leaf, with
concentration variations of 3%, 6%, and 9% (w/w) for each of the
extracts. The samples were analyzed for their alkali spreading value,
cooking time, elongation, water uptake ratio, solid loss, colour and
lightness; and their sensory properties were determined by means of
an organoleptic test. The research showed that coating the CFPR with
pandan and cinnamon extracts at a concentration of 3% each
produced a preferred CFPR. When coated with those herbal extracts
the CFPR had the following cooking quality properties: alkali
spreading value 5 (intermediate gelatinization temperature), cooking
time, 26-27 min, color value, 14.95-15.00, lightness, 42.30 – 44.06,
elongation, 1.53 – 1.54, water uptake ratio , 4.05-4.06, and solid loss,
0.09/100 g – 0.13 g/100 g.
Abstract: Software testing has become a mandatory process in
assuring the software product quality. Hence, test management is
needed in order to manage the test activities conducted in the
software test life cycle. This paper discusses on the challenges faced
in the software test life cycle, and how the test processes and test
activities, mainly on test cases creation, test execution, and test
reporting is being managed and automated using several test
automation tools, i.e. Jira, Robot Framework, and Jenkins.
Abstract: This paper expands on the role of the professor by detailing the origins of the profession, adding some of the unique contributions of North American universities as well as some of the best practice recommendations to the unique tripartite role of the professor. It describes current challenges to the profession including the ever-controversial student rating of professors. It continues with the significance of empowerment to the role of the professor. It concludes with a predictive prescription for the future of the professoriate and the role of the university-level educational administrator toward that end.
Abstract: The critical concern of satellite operations is to ensure
the health and safety of satellites. The worst case in this perspective
is probably the loss of a mission, but the more common interruption
of satellite functionality can result in compromised mission
objectives. All the data acquiring from the spacecraft are known as
Telemetry (TM), which contains the wealth information related to the
health of all its subsystems. Each single item of information is
contained in a telemetry parameter, which represents a time-variant
property (i.e. a status or a measurement) to be checked. As a
consequence, there is a continuous improvement of TM monitoring
systems to reduce the time required to respond to changes in a
satellite's state of health. A fast conception of the current state of the
satellite is thus very important to respond to occurring failures.
Statistical multivariate latent techniques are one of the vital learning
tools that are used to tackle the problem above coherently.
Information extraction from such rich data sources using advanced
statistical methodologies is a challenging task due to the massive
volume of data. To solve this problem, in this paper, we present a
proposed unsupervised learning algorithm based on Principle
Component Analysis (PCA) technique. The algorithm is particularly
applied on an actual remote sensing spacecraft. Data from the
Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) was acquired
under two operation conditions: normal and faulty states. The models
were built and tested under these conditions, and the results show that
the algorithm could successfully differentiate between these
operations conditions. Furthermore, the algorithm provides
competent information in prediction as well as adding more insight
and physical interpretation to the ADCS operation.
Abstract: In this study, the commercial finite element software
ABAQUS was used to develop a three-dimensional nonlinear finite
element model capable of simulating the pull-out test of reinforcing
bars from underwater concrete. The results of thirty-two pull-out tests
that have different parameters were implemented in the software to
study the effect of the concrete cover, the bar size, the use of stirrups,
and the compressive strength of concrete. The interaction properties used in the model provided accurate
results in comparison with the experimental bond-slip results, thus
the model has successfully simulated the pull-out test. The results of
the finite element model are used to better understand and visualize
the distribution of stresses in each component of the model, and to
study the effect of the various parameters used in this study including
the role of the stirrups in preventing the stress from reaching to the
sides of the specimens.
Abstract: During machining process, chatter is an unavoidable
phenomenon. Boring bars possess the cantilever shape and due to
this, it is subjected to chatter. The adverse effect of chatter includes
the increase in temperature which will leads to excess tool wear. To
overcome these problems, in this investigation, Cartridge brass (Cu –
70% and Zn – 30%) is passively fixed on the boring bar and also
clearance is provided in order to reduce the displacement, tool wear
and cutting temperature. A conventional all geared lathe is attached
with vibrometer and pyrometer is used to measure the displacement
and temperature. The influence of input parameters such as cutting
speed, depth of cut and clearance on temperature, tool wear and
displacement are investigated for various cutting conditions. From
the result, the optimum conditions to obtain better damping in boring
process for chatter reduction is identified.
Abstract: The noise is one of the negative elements which
affects the human health. This article presents the measurement of
emitted noise by road vehicle and its parts during the operation.
Measurement was done in the interior of common passenger cars
with a digital sound meter. The results compare the noise value in
different cars with different body shape, which influences the driver’s
health. Transport has considerable ecological effects; many of them
are detrimental to environmental sustainability. Roads and traffic
exert a variety of direct and mostly detrimental effects on nature.
Abstract: The last two decades witnessed a movement towards
harmonization of international financial reporting standards (IFRS)
throughout the global economy. This investigation seeks to identify
the factors that could explain the adoption of IFRS by poor
jurisdictions. While there has been a considerable amount of
literature published on the effects and key drivers of IFRS adoption
in both developed and developing countries, little attention has been
paid to jurisdictions with less developed capital markets and low
income levels exclusively. Drawing upon the Institutional Isomorphism theory and analyzing
a sample of 45 poor jurisdictions between 2008 and 2013, the study
empirically shows that poor jurisdictions are driven by legitimacy
concerns rather than by economic reasoning to adopt an international
accounting perspective. This in turn has implications for the IASB, as
it should seek to influence institutional pressures within a particular
jurisdiction in order to promote IFRS adoption.
Abstract: Revenue leakages are one of the major challenges
manufacturers face in production processes, as most of the input
materials that should emanate as products from the lines are lost as
waste. Rather than generating income from material input which is
meant to end-up as products, losses are further incurred as costs in
order to manage waste generated. In addition, due to the lack of a
clear view of the flow of resources on the lines from input to output
stage, acquiring information on the true cost of waste generated have
become a challenge. This has therefore given birth to the
conceptualization and implementation of waste minimization
strategies by several manufacturing industries. This paper reviews the
principles and applications of three environmental management
accounting tools namely Activity-based Costing (ABC), Life-Cycle
Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) in
the manufacturing industry and their effectiveness in curbing revenue
leakages. The paper unveils the strengths and limitations of each of
the tools; beaming a searchlight on the tool that could allow for
optimal resource utilization, transparency in production process as
well as improved cost efficiency. Findings from this review reveal
that MFCA may offer superior advantages with regards to the
provision of more detailed information (both in physical and
monetary terms) on the flow of material inputs throughout the
production process compared to the other environmental accounting
tools. This paper therefore makes a case for the adoption of MFCA as
a viable technique for the identification and reduction of waste in
production processes, and also for effective decision making by
production managers, financial advisors and other relevant
stakeholders.
Abstract: In this paper, the results of Kano from one dimensional
cosine and sine series are extended to two dimensional cosine and sine
series. To extend these results, some classes of coefficient sequences
such as class of semi convexity and class R are extended from
one dimension to two dimensions. Further, the function f(x, y) is
two dimensional Fourier Cosine and Sine series or equivalently it
represents an integrable function or not, has been studied. Moreover,
some results are obtained which are generalization of Moricz’s
results.
Abstract: This paper evaluates the accrual based scheduling for
cloud in single and multi-resource system. Numerous organizations
benefit from Cloud computing by hosting their applications. The
cloud model provides needed access to computing with potentially
unlimited resources. Scheduling is tasks and resources mapping to a
certain optimal goal principle. Scheduling, schedules tasks to virtual
machines in accordance with adaptable time, in sequence under
transaction logic constraints. A good scheduling algorithm improves
CPU use, turnaround time, and throughput. In this paper, three realtime
cloud services scheduling algorithm for single resources and
multiple resources are investigated. Experimental results show
Resource matching algorithm performance to be superior for both
single and multi-resource scheduling when compared to benefit first
scheduling, Migration, Checkpoint algorithms.
Abstract: The health care must be a right for people around the
world, but in order to guarantee the access to all, it is necessary to
overcome geographical barriers. Telemedicine take advantage of
Information Communication Technologies to deploy health care
services around the world. To achieve those goals, it is necessary to
use existing last mile solution to create access for home users, which
is why is necessary to establish the channel characteristics for those
kinds of services. This paper presents an analysis of network
performance of last mile solution for the use of IPTV broadcasting
with the application of streaming for telemedicine apps.
Abstract: The UK is leading in online retail and mobile
adoption. However, there is a dearth of information relating to mobile
apparel retail, and developing an understanding about consumer
browsing and purchase behaviour in m-retail channel would provide
apparel marketers, mobile website and app developers with the
necessary understanding of consumers’ needs. Despite the rapid
growth of mobile retail businesses, no published study has examined
shopping behaviour on fashion mobile apps and websites. A mixed method approach helped to understand why fashion
consumers prefer websites on smartphones, when diverse mobile
apps are also available. The following research methods were
employed: survey, eye-tracking experiments, observation, and
interview with retrospective think aloud. The mobile gaze tracking
device by SensoMotoric Instruments was used to understand
frustrations in navigation and other issues facing consumers in
mobile channel. This method helped to validate and compliment
other traditional user-testing approaches in order to optimize user
experience and enhance the development of mobile retail channel.
The study involved eight participants - females aged 18 to 35 years
old, who are existing mobile shoppers. The participants used the
Topshop mobile app and website on a smart phone to complete a task
according to a specified scenario leading to a purchase. The
comparative study was based on: duration and time spent at different
stages of the shopping journey, number of steps involved and product
pages visited, search approaches used, layout and visual clues, as
well as consumer perceptions and expectations. The results from the data analysis show significant differences in
consumer behaviour when using a mobile app or website on a smart
phone. Moreover, two types of problems were identified, namely
technical issues and human errors. Having a mobile app does not
guarantee success in satisfying mobile fashion consumers. The
differences in the layout and visual clues seem to influence the
overall shopping experience on a smart phone. The layout of search
results on the website was different from the mobile app. Therefore,
participants, in most cases, behaved differently on different
platforms. The number of product pages visited on the mobile app
was triple the number visited on the website due to a limited visibility
of products in the search results. Although, the data on traffic trends
held by retailers to date, including retail sector breakdowns for visits
and views, data on device splits and duration, might seem a valuable
source of information, it cannot explain why consumers visit many
product pages, stay longer on the website or mobile app, or abandon
the basket. A comprehensive list of pros and cons was developed by
highlighting issues for website and mobile app, and recommendations
provided. The findings suggest that fashion retailers need to be aware of
actual consumers’ behaviour on the mobile channel and their expectations in order to offer a seamless shopping experience. Added
to which is the challenge of retaining existing and acquiring new
customers. There seem to be differences in the way fashion
consumers search and shop on mobile, which need to be explored in
further studies.
Abstract: In this study, students’ learning has been investigated
and satisfaction in one of the course offered at Qatar University
Foundation Program. Innovative teaching has been implied
methodology that emphasizes on enhancing students’ thinking skills,
decision making, and problem solving skills. Some interesting results
were found which could be used to further improvement of the
teaching methodology. In Fall 2012 in Foundation Program Math
department at Qatar University has started implementing new ways
of teaching Math by introducing MyMathLab (MML) as an
innovative interactive tool in addition of the use Blackboard to
support standard teaching such as Discussion board in Virtual class to
engage students outside of classroom and to enhance independent,
active learning that promote students’ critical thinking skills, decision
making, and problem solving skills through the learning process.
Abstract: This research presents the design and analysis of solar
air-conditioning systems particularly solar chimney which is a
passive strategy for natural ventilation, and demonstrates the
structures of these systems’ using Computational Fluid Dynamic
(CFD) and finally compares the results with several examples, which
have been studied experimentally and carried out previously. In order
to improve the performance of solar chimney system, highly efficient
sub-system components are considered for the design. The general
purpose of the research is to understand how efficiently solar
chimney systems generate cooling, and is to improve the efficient of
such systems for integration with existing and future domestic
buildings.
Abstract: Government reports and published research have
flagged and brought to public attention the deteriorating condition of
a large percentage of bridges in Canada and the United States. With
the increasing number of deteriorated bridges in the US, Canada, and
around the globe, condition assessment techniques of concrete
bridges are evolving. Investigation for bridges’ defects such as
cracks, spalls, and delamination and their level of severity are the
main objectives of condition assessment. Inspection and
rehabilitation programs are being implemented to monitor and
maintain deteriorated bridge infrastructure. This paper highlights the
state-of-the art of current practices being performed for concrete
bridge inspection. The information is gathered from the literature and
through a distributed questionnaire. The current practices in concrete
bridge inspection rely on the use of hummer sounding and chain
dragging tests. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques are not
being utilized fully in the process. Nonetheless, they are being
partially utilized by the recommendation of the bridge inspector after
conducting visual inspection. Lanes are usually closed during the
performance of visual inspection and bridge inspection in general.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify the suitability of
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in welding simulator
application towards Computer-Based Training (CBT) in developing
skills upon new students at the Advanced Technology Training
Center (ADTEC) Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia and GIATMARA,
Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. The significance of the study is to create
a computer-based skills development approach in welding technology
among new students in ADTEC and GIATMARA as well as to
cultivate the elements of general skills among them. This study is
also important in elevating the number of individual knowledge
workers (K-workers) working in manufacturing industry in order to
achieve a national vision which is to be an industrial nation in the
year of 2020. The design of the study is a survey type of research
which using questionnaires as the instruments and some 136 students
from ADTEC and GIATMARA were interviewed. Descriptive
analysis is used to identify the frequency and mean values. The
findings of the study show that the welding technology has developed
skills in the students because of the application of VLE simulated at a
high level and the respondents agreed that the skills could be
embedded through the application of the VLE simulator. In summary,
the VLE simulator is suitable in welding skills development training
in terms of exposing new students with the relevant characteristics of
welding skills and at the same time spurring the students’ interest
towards learning more about the skills.