Abstract: We proposed a Hyperbolic Gompertz Growth Model
(HGGM), which was developed by introducing a shape parameter
(allometric). This was achieved by convoluting hyperbolic sine
function on the intrinsic rate of growth in the classical gompertz
growth equation. The resulting integral solution obtained
deterministically was reprogrammed into a statistical model and used
in modeling the height and diameter of Pines (Pinus caribaea). Its
ability in model prediction was compared with the classical gompertz
growth model, an approach which mimicked the natural variability of
height/diameter increment with respect to age and therefore provides
a more realistic height/diameter predictions using goodness of fit
tests and model selection criteria. The Kolmogorov Smirnov test and
Shapiro-Wilk test was also used to test the compliance of the error
term to normality assumptions while the independence of the error
term was confirmed using the runs test. The mean function of top
height/Dbh over age using the two models under study predicted
closely the observed values of top height/Dbh in the hyperbolic
gompertz growth models better than the source model (classical
gompertz growth model) while the results of R2, Adj. R2, MSE and
AIC confirmed the predictive power of the Hyperbolic Gompertz
growth models over its source model.
Abstract: Transmission shafts are affected by various forces, for
example, during acceleration or sudden breaks, bending during
transportation, vertical forces that lead to cuts. One of the main
failures in combines is breaking shaft which repairmen refer it.
Structural resistance of canal against torque is very important in the
beginning of the movement. For analyzing stress, a typical sample
from a type of combine was selected, called JD955 combine. Long
shaft in this combine was analyzed with finite element method by
Ansys13 generic package under static load. Conducted analysis
showed that there is a maximum stress in contact surfaces of
indentations and also in place of changing diameter. Safety factor
value is low in parts of the shaft and this increases the probability of
failure at these points. To improve the conditions with the least cost
and an approach of product improvement, using alternative alloy is
important.
Abstract: The aims of this study were to determine the factor
structure and psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and convergent
validity) of the Malaysian Multi-Ethnic Discrimination Scale
(MMEDS). It consists of 71-items measure experience, strategies
used and consequences of ethnic discrimination. A sample of 649
university students from one of the higher education institution in
Malaysia was asked to complete MMEDS, as well as Perceived
Ethnic and Racial Discrimination. The exploratory factor analysis on
ethnic discrimination experience extracted two factors labeled ‘unfair
treatment’ (15 items) and ‘Denial of the ethnic right’ (12 items)
which accounted for 60.92% of the total variance. The two sub scales
demonstrated clear reliability with internal consistency above .70.
The convergent validity of the Scale was supported by an expected
pattern of correlations (positive and significant correlation) between
the score of unfair treatment and denial of the ethnic right and the
score of Perceived Ethnic and Racial Discrimination by Peers Scale.
The results suggest that the MMEDS is a reliable and valid measure.
However, further studies need to be carried out in other groups of
sample as to validate the Scale.
Abstract: PhilSHORE is a multi-site, multi-device and multicriteria
decision support tool designed to support the development of
tidal current energy in the Philippines. Its platform is based on
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which allows for the
collection, storage, processing, analyses and display of geospatial
data. Combining GIS tools with open source web development
applications, PhilSHORE becomes a webGIS-based marine spatial
planning tool. To date, PhilSHORE displays output maps and graphs
of power and energy density, site suitability and site-device analysis.
It enables stakeholders and the public easy access to the results of
tidal current energy resource assessments and site suitability
analyses. Results of the initial development show that PhilSHORE is
a promising decision support tool for ORE project developments.
Abstract: Coal is an important non-renewable energy source of
and can be associated with radioactive elements. In Figueira city,
Paraná state, Brazil, it was recorded high uranium activity near the
coal mine that supplies a local thermoelectric power plant. In this
context, the radon activity (Rn-222, produced by the Ra-226 decay in
the U-238 natural series) was evaluated in groundwater, river water
and effluents produced from the acid mine drainage in the coal reject
dumps. The samples were collected in August 2013 and in February
2014 and analyzed at LABIDRO (Laboratory of Isotope and
Hydrochemistry), UNESP, Rio Claro city, Brazil, using an alpha
spectrometer (AlphaGuard) adjusted to evaluate the mean radon
activity concentration in five cycles of 10 minutes. No radon activity
concentration above 100 Bq.L-1, which was a previous critic value
established by the World Health Organization. The average radon
activity concentration in groundwater was higher than in surface
water and in effluent samples, possibly due to the accumulation of
uranium and radium in the aquifer layers that favors the radon
trapping. The lower value in the river waters can indicate dilution and
the intermediate value in the effluents may indicate radon absorption
in the coal particles of the reject dumps. The results also indicate that
the radon activities in the effluents increase with the sample
acidification, possibly due to the higher radium leaching and the
subsequent radon transport to the drainage flow. The water samples
of Laranjinha River and Ribeirão das Pedras stream, which,
respectively, supply Figueira city and receive the mining effluent,
exhibited higher pH values upstream the mine, reflecting the acid
mine drainage discharge. The radionuclides transport indicates the
importance of monitoring their activity concentration in natural
waters due to the risks that the radioactivity can represent to human
health.
Abstract: Fly ash (FA) thanks to the significant presence of SiO2
and Al2O3 as the main components is a potential raw material for
geopolymers production. Mechanical activation is a method for
improving FA reactivity and also the porosity of final mixture; those
parameters can be analysed through sorption properties. They have
direct impact on the durability of fly ash based geopolymer mortars.
In the paper, effect of FA fineness on sorption properties of
geopolymers based on sodium silicate, as well as relationship
between fly ash fineness and apparent density, compressive and
flexural strength of geopolymers are presented. The best results in the
evaluated area reached the sample H1, which contents the highest
portion of particle under 20μm (100% of GFA). The interdependence
of individual tested properties was confirmed for geopolymer
mixtures corresponding to those in the cement based mixtures: higher
is portion of fine particles < 20μm, higher is strength, density and
lower are sorption properties. The compressive strength as well as
sorption parameters of the geopolymer can be reasonably controlled
by grinding process and also ensured by the higher share of fine
particle (to 20μm) in total mass of the material.
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to examine the most
critical and important factor which will affect the implementation of
Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction industry in the
United Arab Emirates. It also examines the most effected Project
outcome from implementing TQM. A framework was also proposed
depending on the literature studies. The method used in this paper is a
quantitative study. A survey with a sample of 60 respondents was
created and distributed in a construction company in Abu Dhabi,
which includes 15 questions to examine the most critical factor that
will affect the implementation of TQM in addition to the most
effected project outcome from implementing TQM. The survey
showed that management commitment is the most important factor in
implementing TQM in a construction company. Also it showed that
Project cost is most effected outcome from the implementation of
TQM.
Management commitment is very important for implementing
TQM in any company. If the management loose interest in quality
then everyone in the organization will do so. The success of TQM
will depend mostly on the top of the pyramid. Also cost is reduced
and money is saved when the project team implement TQM. While if
no quality measures are present within the team, the project will
suffer a commercial failure.
Based on literature, more factors can be examined and added to
the model. In addition, more construction companies could be
surveyed in order to obtain more accurate results. Also this study
could be conducted outside the United Arab Emirates for further
enchantment.
Abstract: This study is about the structural transformations of
aluminium examining with the Dynamic Mechanical Thermal
Analyzer (DMTA). It is a faster and simpler measuring method to
make consequence about the metal’s structural transformations. The
device measures the changing of the mechanical characteristics
depending on the heating rate, and concludes certain transformations.
This measuring method fast and shows clean-cut results comparing
the conventional ways.
Applying polymer measuring devices for metal investigations is
not widespread method. One of the adaptable ways is shown in this
study. The article compares the results of the small specimen test and
the DMTA method, considering the temperature and the forming
dependence of recrystallization temperature.
Abstract: Grid is an environment with millions of resources
which are dynamic and heterogeneous in nature. A computational
grid is one in which the resources are computing nodes and is meant
for applications that involves larger computations. A scheduling
algorithm is said to be efficient if and only if it performs better
resource allocation even in case of resource failure. Resource
allocation is a tedious issue since it has to consider several
requirements such as system load, processing cost and time, user’s
deadline and resource failure. This work attempts in designing a
resource allocation algorithm which is cost-effective and also targets
at load balancing, fault tolerance and user satisfaction by considering
the above requirements. The proposed Budget Constrained Load
Balancing Fault Tolerant algorithm with user satisfaction (BLBFT)
reduces the schedule makespan, schedule cost and task failure rate
and improves resource utilization. Evaluation of the proposed
BLBFT algorithm is done using Gridsim toolkit and the results are
compared with the algorithms which separately concentrates on all
these factors. The comparison results ensure that the proposed
algorithm works better than its counterparts.
Abstract: We report the microstructural and magnetic properties
of Ni50Mn39Sn11 and Ni50Mn36Sn14 ribbon Heusler alloys.
Experimental results were obtained by differential scanning
calorymetry, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry
techniques. The Ni-Mn-Sn system undergoes a martensitic structural
transformation in a wide temperature range. For example, for
Ni50Mn39Sn11 the start and finish temperatures of the martensitic and
austenite phase transformation for ribbon alloy were Ms=336K,
Mf=328K, As=335K and Af=343K whereas no structural
transformation is observed for Ni50Mn36Sn14 alloys. Magnetic
measurements show the typical ferromagnetic behavior with Curie
temperature 207 K at low applied field of 50 Oe. The complex
behavior exhibited by these Heusler alloys should be ascribed to the
strong coupling between magnetism and structure, being their
magnetic behavior determined by the distance between Mn atoms.
Abstract: An Australian manufacturer has fabricated an
innovative GFRP sandwich panel made from E-glass fiber skin and a
modified phenolic core for structural applications. Debonding, which
refers to separation of skin from the core material in composite
sandwiches, is one of the most common types of damage in
composites. The presence of debonding is of great concern because it
not only severely affects the stiffness but also modifies the dynamic
behaviour of the structure. Generally it is seen that the majority of
research carried out has been concerned about the delamination of
laminated structures whereas skin-core debonding has received
relatively minor attention. Furthermore it is observed that research
done on composite slabs having multiple skin-core debonding is very
limited. To address this gap, a comprehensive research investigating
dynamic behaviour of composite panels with single and multiple
debonding is presented. The study uses finite-element modelling and
analyses for investigating the influence of debonding on free
vibration behaviour of single and multilayer composite sandwich
panels. A broad parametric investigation has been carried out by
varying debonding locations, debonding sizes and support conditions
of the panels in view of both single and multiple debonding.
Numerical models were developed with Strand7 finite element
package by innovatively selecting the suitable elements to diligently
represent their actual behavior. Three-dimensional finite element
models were employed to simulate the physically real situation as
close as possible, with the use of an experimentally and numerically
validated finite element model. Comparative results and conclusions
based on the analyses are presented. For similar extents and locations
of debonding, the effect of debonding on natural frequencies appears
greatly dependent on the end conditions of the panel, giving greater
decrease in natural frequency when the panels are more restrained.
Some modes are more sensitive to debonding and this sensitivity
seems to be related to their vibration mode shapes. The fundamental
mode seems generally the least sensitive mode to debonding with
respect to the variation in free vibration characteristics. The results
indicate the effectiveness of the developed three dimensional finite
element models in assessing debonding damage in composite
sandwich panels.
Abstract: Availability of different genetic tests after completion
of Human Genome Project increases the physicians’ responsibility to
keep themselves update on the potential implementation of these
genetic tests in their daily practice. However, due to numbers of
barriers, still many of physicians are not either aware of these tests or
are not willing to offer or refer their patients for genetic tests. This
study was conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, mailed-based
survey to develop a primary data of Malaysian physicians’ level of
knowledge and perception of gene profiling. Questionnaire had 29
questions. Total scores on selected questions were used to assess the
level of knowledge. The highest possible score was 11. Descriptive
statistics, one way ANOVA and chi-squared test was used for
statistical analysis. Sixty three completed questionnaires were
returned by 27 general practitioners (GPs) and 36 medical specialists.
Responders’ age ranges from 24 to 55 years old (mean 30.2 ± 6.4).
About 40% of the participants rated themselves as having poor level
of knowledge in genetics in general whilst 60% believed that they
have fair level of knowledge; however, almost half (46%) of the
respondents felt that they were not knowledgeable about available
genetic tests. A majority (94%) of the responders were not aware of
any lab or company which is offering gene profiling services in
Malaysia. Only 4% of participants were aware of using gene profiling
for detection of dosage of some drugs. Respondents perceived greater
utility of gene profiling for breast cancer (38%) compared to the
colorectal familial cancer (3%). The score of knowledge ranged from
2 to 8 (mean 4.38 ± 1.67). Non- significant differences between score
of knowledge of GPs and specialists were observed, with score of
4.19 and 4.58 respectively. There was no significant association
between any demographic factors and level of knowledge. However,
those who graduated between years 2001 to 2005 had higher level of
knowledge. Overall, 83% of participants showed relatively high level
of perception on value of gene profiling to detect patient’s risk of
disease. However, low perception was observed for both statements
of using gene profiling for general population in order to alter their
lifestyle (25%) as well as having the full sequence of a patient
genome for the purpose of determining a patient’s best match for
treatment (18%). The lack of clinical guidelines, limited provider
knowledge and awareness, lack of time and resources to educate
patients, lack of evidence-based clinical information and cost of tests
were the most barriers of ordering gene profiling mentioned by
physicians. In conclusion Malaysian physicians who participate in
this study had mediocre level of knowledge and awareness in gene
profiling. The low exposure to the genetic questions and problems
might be a key predictor of lack of awareness and knowledge on
available genetic tests. Educational and training workshop might be useful in helping Malaysian physicians incorporate genetic profiling
into practice for eligible patients.
Abstract: Coal fly ash is formed as a solid waste product from
the combustion of coal in coal fired power stations. Huge amounts of
fly ash are produced globally every year and are predicted to
increase. Nowadays, less than half of the fly ash is used as a raw
material for cement manufacturing, construction and the rest of it is
disposed as a waste causing yet another environmental concern. For
this reason, the recycling of this kind of slurries into useful materials
is quite important in terms of economical and environmental aspects.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Orhaneli and
Tuncbilek coal fly ashes for utilization in some industrial
applications. Therefore the mineralogical and chemical compositions
of these fly ashes were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy,
ourier-transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The
silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) in the fly ashes were activated by
alkali fusion technique with sodium hydroxide. The obtained extracts
were analyzed for Si and Al content by inductively coupled plasma
optical emission spectrometry.
Abstract: In this study, out-of-plane free vibrations of a circular
rods is investigated theoretically. The governing equations for
naturally twisted and curved spatial rods are obtained using
Timoshenko beam theory and rewritten for circular rods. Effects of
the axial and shear deformations are considered in the formulations.
Ordinary differential equations in scalar form are solved analytically
by using transfer matrix method. The circular rods of the mass matrix
are obtained by using straight rod of consistent mass matrix. Free
vibrations frequencies obtained by solving eigenvalue problem. A
computer program coded in MATHEMATICA language is prepared.
Circular beams are analyzed through various examples for free
vibrations analysis. Results are compared with ANSYS results based
on finite element method and available in the literature.
Abstract: The present research work investigates the seismic
response of reinforced concrete (RC) frame building considering the
effect of modeling masonry infill (MI) walls. The seismic behavior of
a residential 6-storey RC frame building, considering and ignoring
the effect of masonry, is numerically investigated using response
spectrum (RS) analysis. The considered herein building is designed
as a moment resisting frame (MRF) system following the Egyptian
code (EC) requirements. Two developed models in terms of bare
frame and infill walls frame are used in the study. Equivalent
diagonal strut methodology is used to represent the behavior of infill
walls, whilst the well-known software package ETABS is used for
implementing all frame models and performing the analysis. The
results of the numerical simulations such as base shear,
displacements, and internal forces for the bare frame as well as the
infill wall frame are presented in a comparative way. The results of
the study indicate that the interaction between infill walls and frames
significantly change the responses of buildings during earthquakes
compared to the results of bare frame building model. Specifically,
the seismic analysis of RC bare frame structure leads to
underestimation of base shear and consequently damage or even
collapse of buildings may occur under strong shakings. On the other
hand, considering infill walls significantly decrease the peak floor
displacements and drifts in both X and Y-directions.
Abstract: The following paper presents the results of a study
aimed at achieving a better understanding of the psychological
readiness for mobile learning (m-learning) among Saudi students,
while also evaluating m-learning readiness as a whole in Saudi
Arabia - a topic that has not yet received adequate attention from
researchers. Data was acquired via a questionnaire administered to
131 Saudi students at UK universities, in July 2013. The study
confirmed that students are confident about using mobile devices in
their daily lives, and that they would welcome more opportunities for
mobile learning. The findings also indicated that Saudi higher
education students are very familiar with, and psychologically ready
for, m-learning.
Abstract: Pipa is one of the most important Chinese traditional
plucked instruments, but its directivity has never been measured
systematically. In western, directivity of loudness for western
instruments is deeply researched through analysis of sound pressure
level, whereas the directivity of timbre is seldom studied. In this paper,
a new method for directivity of timbre was proposed, and horizontal
directivity patterns of loudness and timbre of Pipa were measured.
Directivity of Pipa radiation was measured in an anechoic room. The
sound of Pipa played by a musician was recorded simultaneously by
32 microphones with Pipa in the center. The measuring results were
examined through listening test. According to the measurement of
Pipa directivity radiation, we put forward the best localization of Pipa
in the Chinese traditional orchestra and the optimal recording region.
Abstract: The Aptima® HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay is a fully
automated assay on the Panther system. It is based on Transcription-
Mediated Amplification and real time detection technologies. This
assay is intended for monitoring HIV-1 viral load in plasma
specimens and for the detection of HIV-1 in plasma and serum
specimens.
Nine-hundred and seventy nine specimens selected at random
from routine testing at St Thomas’ Hospital, London were
anonymised and used to compare the performance of the Aptima
HIV-1 Quant Dx assay and Roche COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS®
TaqMan® HIV-1 Test, v2.0. Two-hundred and thirty four specimens
gave quantitative HIV-1 viral load results in both assays. The
quantitative results reported by the Aptima Assay were comparable to
those reported by the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan
HIV-1 Test, v2.0 with a linear regression slope of 1.04 and an
intercept on -0.097.
The Aptima assay detected HIV-1 in more samples than the
COBAS assay. This was not due to lack of specificity of the Aptima
assay because this assay gave 99.83% specificity on testing plasma
specimens from 600 HIV-1 negative individuals. To understand the
reason for this higher detection rate a side-by-side comparison of low
level panels made from the HIV-1 3rd international standard
(NIBSC10/152) and clinical samples of various subtypes were tested
in both assays. The Aptima assay was more sensitive than the
COBAS assay.
The good sensitivity, specificity and agreement with other
commercial assays make the HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay appropriate for
both viral load monitoring and detection of HIV-1 infections.
Abstract: Technology, multimedia in Open Educational
Resources, can contribute positively to student performance in an
online instructional environment. Student performance data of past
four years were obtained from an online course entitled Applied
Calculus (MA139). This paper examined the data to determine
whether multimedia (independent variable) had any impact on
student performance (dependent variable) in online math learning,
and how students felt about the value of the technology. Two groups
of student data were analyzed, group 1 (control) from the online
applied calculus course that did not use multimedia instructional
materials, and group 2 (treatment) of the same online applied calculus
course that used multimedia instructional materials. For the MA139
class, results indicate a statistically significant difference (p = .001)
between the two groups, where group 1 had a final score mean of
56.36 (out of 100), group 2 of 70.68. Additionally, student
testimonials were discussed in which students shared their experience
in learning applied calculus online with multimedia instructional
materials.
Abstract: In this paper, we will analyze the relationship between the neo-liberal concept of property rights and redistribution policy. This issue is back in the focus of interest due to the crisis 2008. The crisis has reaffirmed the influence of the state on the free-market processes. The interference of the state with property relations reopened a classical question: is it legitimate to redistribute resources of a man in favor of another man with taxes? The dominant view is that the neoliberal philosophy of natural rights is incompatible with redistributive measures. In principle, this view can be accepted. However, when we look into the details of the theory of natural rights proposed by some coryphaei of neoliberal philosophy, such as Hayek, Nozick, Buchanan and Rothbard, we can see that it is not such an unequivocal view.