Abstract: Background: To improve the delivery of paediatric
healthcare in low resource settings, Community Health Workers
(CHW) have been provided with a paper-based set of protocols
known as Community Case Management (CCM). Yet research has
shown that CHW adherence to CCM guidelines is poor, ultimately
impacting health service delivery. Digitising the CCM guidelines via
mobile technology is argued in extant literature to improve CHW
adherence. However, little research exist which outlines how (a) this
process can be digitised and (b) adherence could be improved as a
result. Aim: To explore how an electronic mobile version of CCM
(eCCM) can overcome issues associated with the paper-based CCM
protocol (inadequate adherence to guidelines) vis-à-vis service
blueprinting. This service blueprint will outline how (a) the CCM
process can be digitised using mobile Clinical Decision Support
Systems software to support clinical decision-making and (b)
adherence can be improved as a result. Method: Development of a
single service blueprint for a standalone application which visually
depicts the service processes (eCCM) when supporting the CHWs,
using an application known as Supporting LIFE (SL eCCM app) as
an exemplar. Results: A service blueprint is developed which
illustrates how the SL eCCM app can be utilised by CHWs to assist
with the delivery of healthcare services to children. Leveraging
smartphone technologies can (a) provide CHWs with just-in-time
data to assist with their decision making at the point-of-care and (b)
improve CHW adherence to CCM guidelines. Conclusions: The
development of the eCCM opens up opportunities for the CHWs to
leverage the inherent benefit of mobile devices to assist them with
health service delivery in rural settings. To ensure that benefits are
achieved, it is imperative to comprehend the functionality and form
of the eCCM service process. By creating such a service blueprint for
an eCCM approach, CHWs are provided with a clear picture
regarding the role of the eCCM solution, often resulting in buy-in
from the end-users.
Abstract: Lateral torsional buckling is a global buckling mode
which should be considered in design of slender structural members
under flexure about their strong axis. It is possible to compute the
load which causes lateral torsional buckling of a beam by finite
element analysis, however, closed form equations are needed in
engineering practice for calculation ease which can be obtained by
using energy method. In lateral torsional buckling applications of
energy method, a proper function for the critical lateral torsional
buckling mode should be chosen which can be thought as the
variation of twisting angle along the buckled beam. Accuracy of the
results depends on how close is the chosen function to the exact
mode. Since critical lateral torsional buckling mode of the cantilever
I-beams varies due to material properties, section properties and
loading case, the hardest step is to determine a proper mode function
in application of energy method. This paper presents an approximate function for critical lateral
torsional buckling mode of doubly symmetric cantilever I-beams.
Coefficient matrices are calculated for concentrated load at free end,
uniformly distributed load and constant moment along the beam
cases. Critical lateral torsional buckling modes obtained by presented
function and exact solutions are compared. It is found that the modes
obtained by presented function coincide with differential equation
solutions for considered loading cases.
Abstract: In this study, a general approach to the reliability
based limit analysis of laterally loaded piles is presented. In
engineering practice the uncertainties play a very important role. The
aim of this study is to evaluate the lateral load capacity of free-head
and fixed-head long pile when plastic limit analysis is considered. In
addition to the plastic limit analysis to control the plastic behaviour
of the structure, uncertain bound on the complementary strain energy
of the residual forces is also applied. This bound has significant effect
for the load parameter. The solution to reliability-based problems is
obtained by a computer program which is governed by the reliability
index calculation.
Abstract: A growing demand is felt today for realistic 3D
models enabling the cognition and popularization of historical-artistic
heritage. Evaluation and preservation of Cultural Heritage is
inextricably connected with the innovative processes of gaining,
managing, and using knowledge. The development and perfecting of
techniques for acquiring and elaborating photorealistic 3D models,
made them pivotal elements for popularizing information of objects
on the scale of architectonic structures.
Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation
details of a complete unmanned aerial system (UAS) based
on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, focusing on
safety, security, search and rescue scenarios in GPS-denied
environments. In particular, The aerial platform is capable
of semi-autonomously navigating through extremely low-light,
GPS-denied indoor environments based on onboard sensors only,
including a downward-facing optical flow camera. Besides, an
additional low-cost payload camera system is developed to stream
both infra-red video and visible light video to a ground station in
real-time, for the purpose of detecting sign of life and hidden humans.
The total cost of the complete system is estimated to be $1150,
and the effectiveness of the system has been tested and validated
in practical scenarios.
Abstract: In this paper a very simple and effective user
administration view of computing clusters systems is implemented in
order of friendly provide the configuration and monitoring of
distributed application executions. The user view, the administrator
view, and an internal control module create an illusionary
management environment for better system usability. The
architecture, properties, performance, and the comparison with others
software for cluster management are briefly commented.
Abstract: The garment manufacturing industry involves
sequential processes that are subjected to uncontrollable variations.
The industry depends on the skill of labour in handling the varieties
of fabrics and accessories, machines, as well as complicated sewing
operation. Due to these reasons, garment manufacturers have created
systems to monitor and to control the quality of the products on a
regular basis by conducting quality approaches to minimize variation.
With that, the aim of this research has been to ascertain the quality
approaches deployed by Malaysian garment manufacturers in three
key areas - quality systems and tools; quality control and types of
inspection; as well as sampling procedures chosen for garment
inspection. Besides, the focus of this research was to distinguish the
quality approaches adopted by companies that supplied finished
garments to both domestic and international markets. Feedback from
each company representative has been obtained via online survey,
which comprised of five sections and 44 questions on the
organizational profile and the quality approaches employed in the
garment industry. As a result, the response rate was 31%. The results
revealed that almost all companies have established their own
mechanism of process control by conducting a series of quality
inspections for daily production, either it was formally set up or
otherwise. In addition, quality inspection has been the predominant
quality control activity in the garment manufacturing, while the level
of complexity of these activities was substantially dictated by the
customers. Moreover, AQL-based sampling was utilized by
companies dealing with exports, whilst almost all the companies that
only concentrated on the domestic market were comfortable using
their own sampling procedures for garment inspection. Hence, this
research has provided insights into the implementation of a number
of quality approaches that were perceived as important and useful in
the garment manufacturing sector, which is truly labour-intensive.
Abstract: South Africa is in its post-industrial era moving from
the primary and secondary sector to the tertiary sector. The study
investigated the impact of the disaggregated energy consumption
(coal, oil, and electricity) on the primary, secondary and tertiary
sectors of the economy between 1980 and 2012 in South Africa.
Using vector error correction model, it was established that South
Africa is an energy dependent economy, and that energy (especially
electricity and oil) is a limiting factor of growth. This implies that
implementation of energy conservation policies may hamper
economic growth. Output growth is significantly outpacing energy
supply, which has necessitated load shedding. To meet up the excess
energy demand, there is a need to increase the generating capacity
which will necessitate increased investment in the electricity sector as
well as strategic steps to increase oil production. There is also need to
explore more renewable energy sources, in order to meet the growing
energy demand without compromising growth and environmental
sustainability. Policy makers should also pursue energy efficiency
policies especially at sectoral level of the economy.
Abstract: Hypertension is a common condition causing cardio
and cerebrovascular complications. Portugal has one of the highest
mortality rates from stroke and a high prevalence of hypertension.
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) is an important risk factor for
cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke) and
premature mortality, particularly in the elderly population. The
present study aims to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a
Portuguese population living in a coastal city and to identify some of
its determinants (namely gender, age, the body mass index and
physical activity frequency). A total of 91 adults who attended three pharmacies of a coastal
city in the center of Portugal, between May and August of 2013 were
evaluated. Attendants who reported to have diabetes or taking
antihypertensive drugs in the 2 previous weeks were excluded from
the study. Sociodemographic factors, BMI, habits of exercise and BP
were assessed. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90
mmHg. The majority of the studied population was constituted by women
(75.8%), with a mean age of 54.2±1.6 years old, married or living in
civil union and that had completed secondary school or had higher
education (40%). They presented a mean BMI of 26.2±4.76 Kg/m2.,
and were sedentary. The mean BP was 127.0±17.77mmHg- 74.69 ±
9.53. In this population we found 4.3% of people with hypertension
and 16.1% with normal high blood pressure. Men exhibit a tendency to present higher systolic blood pressure
values than women. Of all the factors considered, SBP values also
tended to be higher with age and higher BMI values.
Despite the fact that the mean values of SBP did not present values
higher than 140 mmHg we must be concerned because the studied
population is undiagnosed for hypertension. Although this is a preliminary study, it might be a prelude to the
upcoming research about the underlying factors responsible for the
occurrence of SBP.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the
mediating impact of export performance (EP) between technological
advancement capabilities and business performance (BP) of
Malaysian manufacturing micro, small and medium sized enterprises
(MSME’s). Firm’s technological advancement resources are
hypothesized as a platform to enhance both exports and BP of
manufacturing MSMEs in Malaysia. This study is twofold, primary it
has investigated that technological advancement capabilities helps to
appreciates main performance measures noted in terms of EP and
Secondly, it investigates that how efficiently and effectively
technological advancement capabilities can contribute in overall
Malaysian MSME’s BP. Smart PLS-3 statistical software is used to
know the association between technological advancement
capabilities, MSME’s EP and BP. In this study, the data was
composed from Malaysian manufacturing MSME’s in east coast
industrial zones known as the manufacturing hub of MSMEs. Seven
hundred and fifty (750) questionnaires were distributed, but only 148
usable questionnaires are returned. The finding of this study indicated
that technological advancement capabilities helps to strengthen the
export in term of time and cost efficient and it plays a significant role
in appreciating their BP. This study is helpful for small and medium
enterprise owners who intend to expand their business overseas and
though smart technological advancement resources they can achieve
their business competitiveness and excellence both at local and
international markets.
Abstract: The steady flow of a second order fluid through
constricted tube with slip velocity at wall is modeled and analyzed
theoretically. The governing equations are simplified by implying no
slip in radial direction. Based on Karman Pohlhausen procedure
polynomial solution for axial velocity profile is presented.
Expressions for pressure gradient, shear stress, separation and
reattachment points, and radial velocity are also calculated. The
effect of slip and no slip velocity on magnitude velocity, shear stress,
and pressure gradient are discussed and depicted graphically. It is
noted that when Reynolds number increases magnitude velocity of
the fluid decreases in both slip and no slip conditions. It is also found
that the wall shear stress, separation, and reattachment points are
strongly affected by Reynolds number.
Abstract: In this work, repaired crack in 6061- T6 aluminum
plate with composite patches presented, firstly we determine the
displacement, strain and stress, also the first six mode shape of the
plate, secondly we took the same model adding central crack
initiation, which is located in the center of the plate, its seize vary
from 20 mm to 60 mm and we compare the first results with second.
Thirdly we repair various cracks with composite patch (carbon/
epoxy) and for (2 layers, 4 layers). Finally the comparison of stress,
strain, displacement and six first natural frequencies between un-cracked
specimen, crack propagation and composite patch repair.
Abstract: Obturator Foramen is a specific structure in Pelvic
bone images and recognition of it is a new concept in medical image
processing. Moreover, segmentation of bone structures such as
Obturator Foramen plays an essential role for clinical research in
orthopedics. In this paper, we present a novel method to analyze the
similarity between the substructures of the imaged region and a hand
drawn template as a preprocessing step for computation of Pelvic
bone rotation on hip radiographs. This method consists of integrated
usage of Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation and Zernike
moment feature descriptor and it is used to detect Obturator Foramen
accurately. Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation is applied to
separate Obturator Foramen from the background effectively. Then,
Zernike moment feature descriptor is used to provide matching
between binary template image and the segmented binary image for
final extraction of Obturator Foramens. Finally, Pelvic bone rotation
rate calculation for each hip radiograph is performed automatically to
select and eliminate hip radiographs for further studies which depend
on Pelvic bone angle measurements. The proposed method is tested
on randomly selected 100 hip radiographs. The experimental results
demonstrated that the proposed method is able to segment Obturator
Foramen with 96% accuracy.
Abstract: Mixed-use development is one of the most important
trends in new island house transformation along southeast coastal area
in China. Unique island geographical environment and profound
fishing village culture coexist for a long time in this. With artistic
creation for the purpose of the "live-work" houses are in a large
number of emergence, however, still lack of systematic strategy.
Based on space effect from marine resources to regional human
settlements, this article teases out the evolution regularity of island
settlement context and architectural form, then, puts forward the
formation mechanism and construction model of art island houses.
Thereby, to further explore space design method and site creation
strategy of mixed-use development.
Abstract: An early diagnosis of bone metastasis is very
important for making a right decision on a subsequent therapy. One
of the most important steps to be taken initially, for developing a new
radiopharmaceutical is the measurement of organ radiation exposure
dose. In this study, the dosimetric studies of a novel agent for
SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis, 111In-(4-
{[(bis(phosphonomethyl))carbamoyl]methyl}7,10bis(carboxymethyl)
-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododec-1-yl) acetic acid (111In-BPAMD)
complex, have been carried out to estimate the dose in human organs
based on the data derived from mice. The radiolabeled complex was
prepared with high radiochemical purity in the optimal conditions.
Biodistribution studies of the complex was investigated in the male
Syrian mice at the selected times after injection (2, 4, 24 and 48 h).
The human absorbed dose estimation of the complex was made based
on data derived from the mice by the radiation absorbed dose
assessment resource (RADAR) method. 111In-BPAMD complex was prepared with high radiochemical
purity >95% (ITLC) and specific activities of 2.85 TBq/mmol. Total
body effective absorbed dose for 111In-BPAMD was 0.205
mSv/MBq. This value is comparable to the other 111In clinically used
complexes. The results show that the dose with respect to the critical
organs is satisfactory within the acceptable range for diagnostic
nuclear medicine procedures. Generally, 111In-BPAMD has
interesting characteristics and it can be considered as a viable agent
for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis in the near future.
Abstract: Cesium molybdates with general formula
CsMIII(MoO4)2, where MIII = Bi, Dy, Pr, Er, exhibit rich
polymorphism, and crystallize in a layered structure. These properties
cause intensive studies on cesium molybdates. CsBi(MoO4)2 was synthesized by microwave method by using
cerium sulphate, bismuth oxide and molybdenum (VI) oxide in an
appropriate molar ratio. Characterizations were done by x-ray
diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy,
scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analyze (SEM/EDS),
thermo gravimetric/differantial thermal analysis (TG/DTA).
Abstract: The paper aims at investigating the effect of number
of story on different structural components of reinforced concrete
building due to gravity and lateral loading. For the study, three
building models having same building plan of three, six and nine
stories are analyzed and designed using software package. All the
buildings are residential and are located in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.
Lateral load including wind and earthquake loading are applied to the
building along both longitudinal and transverse direction as per
Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 2006). Equivalent static
force method is followed for the applied seismic loading. The present
study investigates as well as compares mainly total steel requirement
in different structural components for those buildings. It has been
found that total longitudinal steel requirement for beams at each floor
is 48.57% for three storied building, 61.36% for six storied building
when the total percentage is taken as 100% in case of nine storied
building. For an exterior column, the steel ratio is 2.1%, 3.06%,
4.55% for three, six and nine storied building respectively for the first
three floors. In addition, it has been noted that total weight of
longitudinal reinforcement of an interior column is 14.02 % for threestoried
building and 43.12% for six storied building when the total
reinforcement is considered 100% for nine storied building for the
first three floors.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of
continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) control based on adaptive
control and optimal tuning of PID control based on particle swarm
optimization. In the design of adaptive control, Model reference
adaptive control (MRAC) scheme is used, in which the adaptation
law have been developed by MIT rule & Lyapunov’s rule. In PSO
control parameters of PID controller is tuned by using the concept of
particle swarm optimization to get optimized operating point for
minimum integral square error (ISE) condition. The results show the
adjustment of PID parameters converting into the optimal operating
point and the good control response can be obtained by the PSO
technique.
Abstract: The current study focuses on the seismic design of
offshore pipelines against active faults. After an extensive literature
review of the provisions of the seismic norms worldwide and of the
available analytical methods, the study simulates numerically
(through finite-element modeling and strain-based criteria) the
distress of offshore pipelines subjected to PGDs induced by active
normal and reverse seismic faults at the seabed. Factors, such as the
geometrical properties of the fault, the mechanical properties of the
ruptured soil formations, and the pipeline characteristics, are
examined. After some interesting conclusions regarding the seismic
vulnerability of offshore pipelines, potential cost-effective mitigation
measures are proposed taking into account constructability issues.
Abstract: In this article, we used the residual correction method
to deal with transient thermoelastic problems with a hollow spherical
region when the continuum medium possesses spherically isotropic
thermoelastic properties. Based on linear thermoelastic theory, the
equations of hyperbolic heat conduction and thermoelastic motion
were combined to establish the thermoelastic dynamic model with
consideration of the deformation acceleration effect and non-Fourier
effect under the condition of transient thermal shock. The approximate
solutions of temperature and displacement distributions are obtained
using the residual correction method based on the maximum principle
in combination with the finite difference method, making it easier and
faster to obtain upper and lower approximations of exact solutions.
The proposed method is found to be an effective numerical method
with satisfactory accuracy. Moreover, the result shows that the effect
of transient thermal shock induced by deformation acceleration is
enhanced by non-Fourier heat conduction with increased peak stress.
The influence on the stress increases with the thermal relaxation time.