Abstract: New ways of working- refers to non-traditional work practices, settings and locations with information and communication technologies (ICT) to supplement or replace traditional ways of working. It questions the contemporary work practices and settings still very much used in knowledge-intensive organizations today. In this study new ways of working is seen to consist of two elements: work environment (incl. physical, virtual and social) and work practices. This study aims to gather the scattered information together and deepen the understanding on new ways of working. Moreover, the objective is to provide some evidence of the unclear productivity impacts of new ways of working using case study approach.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of laser
radiation on the skin wound healing using infrared thermography as
non-invasive method for the monitoring of the skin temperature
changes during laser treatment. Thirty Wistar rats were used in this
study. A skin lesion was performed at the leg on all rats. The animals
were exposed to laser radiation (λ = 670 nm, P = 15 mW, DP = 16.31
mW/cm2) for 600 s. Thermal images of wound were acquired before
and after laser irradiation. The results have demonstrated that the
tissue temperature decreases from 35.5±0.50°C in the first treatment
day to 31.3±0.42°C after the third treatment day. This value is close
to the normal value of the skin temperature and indicates the end of
the skin repair process. In conclusion, the improvements in the
wound healing following exposure to laser radiation have been
revealed by infrared thermography.
Abstract: Short-Term Load Forecasting (STLF) plays an important role for the economic and secure operation of power systems. In this paper, Continuous Genetic Algorithm (CGA) is employed to evolve the optimum large neural networks structure and connecting weights for one-day ahead electric load forecasting problem. This study describes the process of developing three layer feed-forward large neural networks for load forecasting and then presents a heuristic search algorithm for performing an important task of this process, i.e. optimal networks structure design. The proposed method is applied to STLF of the local utility. Data are clustered due to the differences in their characteristics. Special days are extracted from the normal training sets and handled separately. In this way, a solution is provided for all load types, including working days and weekends and special days. We find good performance for the large neural networks. The proposed methodology gives lower percent errors all the time. Thus, it can be applied to automatically design an optimal load forecaster based on historical data.
Abstract: The benefits of eco-roofs is quite well known, however there remains very little research conducted for the implementation of eco-roofs in subtropical climates such as Australia. There are many challenges facing Australia as it moves into the future, climate change is proving to be one of the leading challenges. In order to move forward with the mitigation of climate change, the impacts of rapid urbanization need to be offset. Eco-roofs are one way to achieve this; this study presents the energy savings and environmental benefits of the implementation of eco-roofs in subtropical climates. An experimental set-up was installed at Rockhampton campus of Central Queensland University, where two shipping containers were converted into small offices, one with an eco-roof and one without. These were used for temperature, humidity and energy consumption data collection. In addition, a computational model was developed using Design Builder software (state-of-the-art building energy simulation software) for simulating energy consumption of shipping containers and environmental parameters, this was done to allow comparison between simulated and real world data. This study found that eco-roofs are very effective in subtropical climates and provide energy saving of about 13% which agrees well with simulated results.
Abstract: This study was an investigation on the suitability of Lahar/HDPE composite as a primary material for low-cost smallscale biogas digesters. While sources of raw materials for biogas are abundant in the Philippines, cost of the technology has made the widespread utilization of this resource an indefinite proposition. Aside from capital economics, another problem arises with space requirements of current digester designs. These problems may be simultaneously addressed by fabricating digesters on a smaller, household scale to reach a wider market, and to use materials that may accommodate optimization of overall design and fabrication cost without sacrificing operational efficiency. This study involved actual fabrication of the Lahar/HDPE composite at varying composition and geometry, subsequent mechanical and thermal characterization, and implementation of Statistical Analysis to find intrinsic relationships between variables. From the results, Lahar/HDPE composite was found to be feasible for use as digester material from both mechanical and economic standpoints.
Abstract: Mostly, pedestrian-car accidents occurred at a
signalized interaction is because pedestrians cannot across the
intersection safely within the green light. From the viewpoint of
pedestrian, there might have two reasons. The first one is pedestrians
cannot speed up to across the intersection, such as the elders. The other
reason is pedestrians do not sense that the signal phase is going to
change and their right-of-way is going to lose. Developing signal logic
to protect pedestrian, who is crossing an intersection is the first
purpose of this study. Another purpose of this study is improving the
reliability and reduce delay of public transportation service. Therefore,
bus preemption is also considered in the designed signal logic. In this
study, the traffic data of the intersection of Chong-Qing North Road
and Min-Zu West Road, Taipei, Taiwan, is employed to calibrate and
validate the signal logic by simulation. VISSIM 5.20, which is a
microscopic traffic simulation software, is employed to simulate the
signal logic. From the simulated results, the signal logic presented in
this study can protect pedestrians crossing the intersection
successfully. The design of bus preemption can reduce the average
delay. However, the pedestrian safety and bus preemptive signal will
influence the average delay of cars largely. Thus, whether applying the
pedestrian safety and bus preemption signal logic to an isolated
intersection or not should be evaluated carefully.
Abstract: The objective of this project is to study the corrosion
behaviour and hardness based on the presence of martensite in dual
phase steel. This study was conducted on six samples of dual phase
steel which have different percentage of martensite. A total of 9
specimens were prepared by intercritical annealing process to study
the effect of temperature to the formation of martensite. The low
carbon steels specimens were heated for 25 minutes in a specified
temperature ranging from 7250C to 8250C followed by rapid cooling
in water. The measurement of corrosion rate was done by using
extrapolation tafel method, while potentiostat was used to control and
measured the current produced. This measurement is performed
through a system named CMS105. The result shows that a specimen
with higher percentage of martensite is likely to corrode faster.
Hardness test for each specimen was conducted to compare its
hardness with low carbon steel. The results obtained indicate that the
specimen hardness is proportional to the amount of martensite in dual
phase steel.
Abstract: According to the increasing utilization in power system, the transmission lines and power plants often operate in stability boundary and system probably lose its stable condition by over loading or occurring disturbance. According to the reasons that are mentioned, the prediction and recognition of voltage instability in power system has particular importance and it makes the network security stronger.This paper, by considering of power system contingencies based on the effects of them on Mega Watt Margin (MWM) and maximum loading point is focused in order to analyse the static voltage stability using continuation power flow method. The study has been carried out on IEEE 14-Bus Test System using Matlab and Psat softwares and results are presented.
Abstract: Uniqueness and distinctiveness of localities (referred to as genius loci or sense of place) are important to ensure people-s identification with their locality. Existing frameworks reveals that the affective dimension of environments is rarely mentioned or explored and limited public participation was used in constructing the frameworks. This research argues that the complexity of sense of place would be recognised and appropriate planning guidelines formulated by exploring and integrating the affective dimension of a site. Aims of the research therefore are to (i) explore relational dimensions between people and a natural rural landscape, (ii) to implement a participatory approach to obtain insight into different relational dimensions, and (ii) to concretise socio-affective relational dimensions into site planning guidelines. A qualitative, interdisciplinary research approach was followed and conducted on the farm Kromdraai, Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. In essence the first phase of the study reveals various affective responses and projections of personal meanings. The findings in phase 1 informed the second phase, to involve people from various disciplines and different involvement with the area to make visual presentations of appropriate planning and design of the site in order to capture meanings of the interactions between people and their environment. Final site planning and design guidelines were formulated, based on these. This research contributed to provide planners with new possibilities of exploring the dimensions between people and places as well as to develop appropriate methods for participation to obtain insight into the underlying meanings of sites.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a new classification method for automatic sleep scoring using an artificial neural network based decision tree. It attempts to treat sleep scoring progress as a series of two-class problems and solves them with a decision tree made up of a group of neural network classifiers, each of which uses a special feature set and is aimed at only one specific sleep stage in order to maximize the classification effect. A single electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is used for our analysis rather than depending on multiple biological signals, which makes greatly simplifies the data acquisition process. Experimental results demonstrate that the average epoch by epoch agreement between the visual and the proposed method in separating 30s wakefulness+S1, REM, S2 and SWS epochs was 88.83%. This study shows that the proposed method performed well in all the four stages, and can effectively limit error propagation at the same time. It could, therefore, be an efficient method for automatic sleep scoring. Additionally, since it requires only a small volume of data it could be suited to pervasive applications.
Abstract: Heterogeneous repolarization causes dispersion of the T-wave and has been linked to arrhythmogenesis. Such heterogeneities appear due to differential expression of ionic currents in different regions of the heart, both in healthy and diseased animals and humans. Mice are important animals for the study of heart diseases because of the ability to create transgenic animals. We used our previously reported model of mouse ventricular myocytes to develop 2D mouse ventricular tissue model consisting of 14,000 cells (apical or septal ventricular myocytes) and to study the stability of action potential propagation and Ca2+ dynamics. The 2D tissue model was implemented as a FORTRAN program code for highperformance multiprocessor computers that runs on 36 processors. Our tissue model is able to simulate heterogeneities not only in action potential repolarization, but also heterogeneities in intracellular Ca2+ transients. The multicellular model reproduced experimentally observed velocities of action potential propagation and demonstrated the importance of incorporation of realistic Ca2+ dynamics for action potential propagation. The simulations show that relatively sharp gradients of repolarization are predicted to exist in 2D mouse tissue models, and they are primarily determined by the cellular properties of ventricular myocytes. Abrupt local gradients of channel expression can cause alternans at longer pacing basic cycle lengths than gradual changes, and development of alternans depends on the site of stimulation.
Abstract: One of the major features of hypermedia learning is its non-linear structure, allowing learners, the opportunity of flexible navigation to accommodate their own needs. Nevertheless, such flexibility can also cause problems such as insufficient navigation and disorientation for some learners, especially those with Field Dependent cognitive styles. As a result students learning performance can be deteriorated and in turn, they can have negative attitudes with hypermedia learning systems. It was suggested that visual elements can be used to compensate dilemmas. However, it is unclear whether these visual elements improve their learning or whether problems still exist. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of students cognitive styles and visual elements on students learning performance and attitudes in hypermedia learning environment. Cognitive Style Analysis (CSA), Learning outcome in terms of pre and post-test, practical task, and Attitude Questionnaire (AQ) were administered to a sample of 60 university students. The findings revealed that FD students preformed equally to those of FI. Also, FD students experienced more disorientation in the hypermedia learning system where they depend a lot on the visual elements for navigation and orientation purposes. Furthermore, they had more positive attitudes towards the visual elements which escape them from experiencing navigation and disorientation dilemmas. In contrast, FI students were more comfortable, did not get disturbed or did not need some of the visual elements in the hypermedia learning system.
Abstract: Research on the boron (B) toxicity problems had recently considerable relation, especially in the dry regions of the world. Development of resistant varieties to B toxicity is a high priority on these regions, where the soils have high levels of B. Thus, this study aimed to assessment the resistance of wheat genotypes to B toxicity using the agronomic and physiologic parameters. For this aim, a pot experiment, based on a completely randomized design with three replications, was conducted using the soil of calcareous usthochrepts. In the study, twenty different wheat genotypes of T. aestivum and T. Durum were used. Boron fertilizer at the levels of 0 (-B), 30 mg B kg-1 (+B) as H3BO3 was applied to the pots. After harvest, plant dry matter yield was recorded, and total B concentrations in tops of wheat plants were determined. The results have revealed the existence of a large genotypic variation among wheat genotypes to their physiologic and agronomic susceptibility to B toxicity.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze the visual
preference of patterns in pedestrian roads. In this study, animation was
applied for the estimation of dynamic streetscape. Six patterns of
pedestrian were selected in order to analyze the visual preference. The
shapes are straight, s-curve, and zigzag. The ratio of building's height
and road's width are 2:1 and 1:1. Twelve adjective pairs used in the
field investigation were selected from adjectives which are used
usually in the estimation of streetscape. They are interesting-boring,
simple-complex, calm-noisy, open-enclosed, active-inactive,
lightly-depressing, regular-irregular, unique-usual, rhythmic-not
rhythmic, united-not united, stable-unstable, tidy-untidy.
Dynamic streetscape must be considered important in pedestrian
shopping mall and park because it will be an attraction. So, s-curve
pedestrian road, which is the most beautiful as a result of this study,
should be designed in this area. Also, the ratio of building's height and
road's width along pedestrian road should be reduced.
Abstract: Petroglyphs, stone sculptures, burial mounds, and
other memorial religious structures are ancient artifacts which find
reflection in contemporary world culture, including the culture of
Kazakhstan. In this article, the problem of the influence of ancient
artifacts on contemporary culture is researched, using as an example
Kazakhstan-s sculpture and painting. The practice of creating
petroglyphs, stone sculptures, and memorial religious structures was
closely connected to all fields of human existence, which fostered the
formation of and became an inseparable part of a traditional
worldview. The ancient roots of Saka-Sythian and Turkic nomadic
culture have been studied, and integrated into the foundations of the
contemporary art of Kazakhstan. The study of the ancient cultural
heritage of Kazakhstan by contemporary artists, sculptors and
architects, as well as the influence of European art and cultures on the
art of Kazakhstan are furthering the development of a new national
art.
Abstract: Chromite is one of the principal ore of chromium in which the metal exists as a complex oxide (FeO.Cr2O3).The prepared chromite can be widely used as refractory in high temperature applications. This study describes the use of local chromite ore as refractory material. To study the feasibility of local chromite, chemical analysis and refractoriness are firstly measured. To produce chromite refractory brick, it is pressed under a press of 400 tons, dried and fired at 1580°C for fifty two hours. Then, the standard properties such as cold crushing strength, apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, bulk density and water absorption that the chromite brick should possess were measured. According to the results obtained, the brick made by local chromite ore was suitable for use as refractory brick.
Abstract: Knowledge of food resource of the houbara which an
endangered species would be a important step toward the
preservation of this bird. Adequate study has not been done in this
field and therefore the food sources of the houbara during the
brooding season was studied in the central steppe of Iran. In order to
determine the density of insect in plant communities the pitfall trap
was used , positioned in five linear transects divided between plant
communities and in two repetitions. The results showed that the
among communities there was a significant difference in term of the
number beetles and ants ( p= 0.01, F2, 29= 4.66) collectively. Also
bush steppe habitat had a higher arthropoda density in comparison
with the shrub steppe habitat. Considering that most houbara nests
were found in the bush steppe habitat .It seems this habitat provides
the most available food supply for the houbara chicks.
Abstract: Jatropha curcas stem was analyzed for chemical
compositions: 19.11% pentosan, 42.99% alphacellulose and 24.11%
lignin based on dry weight of 100-g raw material. The condition to
fractionate cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in J. curcas stem using
steam explosion was optimized. The procedure started from cutting J.
curcas stem into small pieces and soaked in water for overnight.
After that, they were steam exploded at 214 °C and 21 kg/cm2 for 5
min. The obtained hydrolysate contained 1.55 g/L ferulic acid which
after that was used as substrate for vanillin production by Aspergillus
niger and Pycnoporus cinnabarinus in one-step process. The
maximum 0.65 g/L of vanillin were obtained with the conversion rate
of 45.2% based on the initial ferulic acid.
Abstract: A numerical study on the effect of side-dump angle on
fuel droplets sizing and effective mass fraction have been
investigated in present paper. The mass of fuel vapor inside the
flammability limit is named as the effective mass fraction. In the first
step we have considered a side-dump combustor with dump angle of
0o (acrossthe cylinder) and by increasing the entrance airflow velocity
from 20 to 30, 40 and 50 (m/s) respectively, the mean diameter of
fuel droplets sizing and effective mass fraction have been studied.
After this step, we have changed the dump angle from 0o to 30o,45o
and finally 60o in direction of cylinderand also we have increased the
entrance airflow velocity from 20 up to 50 (m/s) with the amount of
growth of 10(m/s) in each step, to examine its effects on fuel droplets
sizing as well as effective mass fraction. With rise of entrance airflow
velocity, these calculations are repeated in each step too. The results
show, with growth of dump-angle the effective mass fraction has
been decreased and the mean diameter of droplets sizing has been
increased. To fulfill the calculations a modified version of KIVA-3V
code which is a transient, three-dimensional, multiphase,
multicomponent code for the analysis of chemically reacting flows
with sprays, is used.
Abstract: People at workplace always face with stress and feel it in their lives. There are many factors that create stress and mobbing is one of them. Mobbing is a psychological terror, conducted systematically toward an individual by others at the same workplace. Mobbing started to become a famous subject last years in U.S and Europe. In Turkey, it is a new concept not because it does not occur, because of human nature that does not allow confessing it. Mobbing is being ignored by people, organizations and also government in our country. The focus of this study will be mobbing in Turkey by examining the workplace mobbing among Turkish academicians. There are other studies about mobbing in Turkey but none of them studied academy. Because mobbing methods change according to sectors and occupations, it is important to analyze each sector to understand the methods used in mobbing and the reactions of victims to these actions. The concept is analyzed in detail before focusing on mobbing at universities. This paper will be unique because there is no information about this specific subject in Turkish literature. In this paper, both qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to describe the mobbing at Turkish academic environment.