Abstract: This paper aims to explain the project carried out at
the University of Cordoba, specifically at the High Polytechnic
School in collaboration with two other organizations belonging to the
Andalusian Ministry of Innovation, Science and Business:
Andalusian Innovation and Development Agency (IDEA agency) [1]
and the Territorial Net of Entrepreneurship Support (in Spanish Red
Territorial de Apoyo al Emprendedor) [11].
The project is being developed in several stages of which only the
first one has already been completed. However, several important
preliminary results derive from it, based mainly in the description of
the nature of entrepreneurship in the field of university education and
its impact on student-s competency as recommended by the European
Higher Education Area. Some problems holding back the correct
future development will also be shown as derived from the specific
context of application of the project.
Abstract: Roundabout work on the principle of circulation and
entry flows, where the maximum entry flow rates depend largely on
circulating flow bearing in mind that entry flows must give away to
circulating flows. Where an existing roundabout has a road hump
installed at the entry arm, it can be hypothesized that the kinematics
of vehicles may prevent the entry arm from achieving optimum
performance. Road humps are traffic calming devices placed across
road width solely as speed reduction mechanism. They are the
preferred traffic calming option in Malaysia and often used on single
and dual carriageway local routes. The speed limit on local routes is
30mph (50 km/hr). Road humps in their various forms achieved the
biggest mean speed reduction (based on a mean speed before traffic
calming of 30mph) of up to 10mph or 16 km/hr according to the UK
Department of Transport. The underlying aim of reduced speed
should be to achieve a 'safe' distribution of speeds which reflects the
function of the road and the impacts on the local community.
Constraining safe distribution of speeds may lead to poor drivers
timing and delayed reflex reaction that can probably cause accident.
Previous studies on road hump impact have focused mainly on speed
reduction, traffic volume, noise and vibrations, discomfort and delay
from the use of road humps. The paper is aimed at optimal entry and
circulating flow induced by road humps. Results show that
roundabout entry and circulating flow perform better in
circumstances where there is no road hump at entrance.
Abstract: Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is an expounded, multi-step planning method for delivering commodity, services, and processes to customers, both external and internal to an organization. It is a way to convert between the diverse customer languages expressing demands (Voice of the Customer), and the organization-s languages expressing results that sate those demands. The policy is to establish one or more matrices that inter-relate producer and consumer reciprocal expectations. Due to its visual presence is called the “House of Quality" (HOQ). In this paper, we assumed HOQ in multi attribute decision making (MADM) pattern and through a proposed MADM method, rank technical specifications. Thereafter compute satisfaction degree of customer requirements and for it, we apply vagueness and uncertainty conditions in decision making by fuzzy set theory. This approach would propound supervised neural network (perceptron) for MADM problem solving.
Abstract: Gene, principal unit of inheritance, is an ordered
sequence of nucleotides. The genes of eukaryotic organisms include
alternating segments of exons and introns. The region of
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within a gene containing instructions
for coding a protein is called exon. On the other hand, non-coding
regions called introns are another part of DNA that regulates gene
expression by removing from the messenger Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
in a splicing process. This paper proposes to determine splice
junctions that are exon-intron boundaries by analyzing DNA
sequences. A splice junction can be either exon-intron (EI) or intron
exon (IE). Because of the popularity and compatibility of the
artificial neural network (ANN) in genetic fields; various ANN
models are applied in this research. Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP),
Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Generalized Regression Neural
Networks (GRNN) are used to analyze and detect the splice junctions
of gene sequences. 10-fold cross validation is used to demonstrate
the accuracy of networks. The real performances of these networks
are found by applying Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)
analysis.
Abstract: The aim of present experiment was to evaluate the
influence of cultivar to quality parameters of dried potato chips and
sticks produced in microwave-vacuum drier. The potatoes before
drying were blanched in oil and water at 180ºC and at 85ºC
respectively. The moisture content, crispiness, the colour (CIE
L*a*b*), the content of ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total fat
content of dried potato chips and sticks was determined The highest
ascorbic acid content, high content of carotenoids, low total fat
content, low acrylamide content and good crispiness (low breaking
force) especially for sticks was determined in the samples of Gundega
cultivar.
Abstract: The three-time-scale plant model of a wind power
generator, including a wind turbine, a flexible vertical shaft, a Variable
Inertia Flywheel (VIF) module, an Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB)
unit and the applied wind sequence, is constructed. In order to make
the wind power generator be still able to operate as the spindle speed
exceeds its rated speed, the VIF is equipped so that the spindle speed
can be appropriately slowed down once any stronger wind field is
exerted. To prevent any potential damage due to collision by shaft
against conventional bearings, the AMB unit is proposed to regulate
the shaft position deviation. By singular perturbation order-reduction
technique, a lower-order plant model can be established for the
synthesis of feedback controller. Two major system parameter
uncertainties, an additive uncertainty and a multiplicative uncertainty,
are constituted by the wind turbine and the VIF respectively.
Frequency Shaping Sliding Mode Control (FSSMC) loop is proposed
to account for these uncertainties and suppress the unmodeled
higher-order plant dynamics. At last, the efficacy of the FSSMC is
verified by intensive computer and experimental simulations for
regulation on position deviation of the shaft and counter-balance of
unpredictable wind disturbance.
Abstract: The aim of this study is evaluating the antinociceptive
and anti-inflamatory activity of Geum kokanicum. After
determination total extract LD50, different doses of extract were
chosen for intrapritoneal injections. In inflammation test, male NMRI
mice were divided into 6 groups: control (normal saline), positive
control (Dexamethasone 15mg/kg), and total extract (0.025, 0.05,
0.1, and 0.2 gr/kg). The inflammation was produced by xyleneinduced
edema. In order to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of total
extract, formalin test was used. Mice were divided into 6 groups:
control, positive control (morphine 10mg/kg), and 4 groups which
received total extract. Then they received Formalin. The animals
were observed for the reaction to pain. Data were analyzed using
One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison
test. LD50 was 1 gr/kg. Data indicated that 0.5,0.1 and 0.2 gr/kg
doses of total extract have particular antinociceptive and antiinflammatory
effects in a comparison with control (P
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the almost periodic solutions of a discrete cooperation system with feedback controls. Assuming that the coefficients in the system are almost periodic sequences, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of the almost periodic solution which is uniformly asymptotically stable.
Abstract: Twist drills are geometrical complex tools and thus various researchers have adopted different mathematical and experimental approaches for their simulation. The present paper acknowledges the increasing use of modern CAD systems and using the API (Application Programming Interface) of a CAD system, drilling simulations are carried out. The developed DRILL3D software routine, creates parametrically controlled tool geometries and using different cutting conditions, achieves the generation of solid models for all the relevant data involved (drilling tool, cut workpiece, undeformed chip). The final data derived, consist a platform for further direct simulations regarding the determination of cutting forces, tool wear, drilling optimizations etc.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to study postpartum breastfeeding mothers to determine the impact their psychosocial and spiritual dimensions play in promoting full-term (6 month duration) breastfeeding of their infants. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to identify and recruit the study's participants. A total of 23 postpartum mothers, who were breastfeeding within 6 weeks after giving birth, participated in this study. In-depth interviews combined with observations, participant focus groups, and ethnographic records were used for data collection. The Data were then analyzed using content analysis and typology. The results of this study illustrated that postpartum mothers experienced fear and worry that they would lack support from their spouse, family and peers, and that their infant would not get enough milk It was found that the main barrier mothers faced in breastfeeding to full-term was the difficulty of continuing to breastfeed when returning to work. 81.82% of the primiparous mothers and 91.67% of the non-primiparous mothers were able to breastfeed for the desired full-term of 6 months. Factors found to be related to breastfeeding for six months included 1) belief and faith in breastfeeding, 2) support from spouse and family members, 3) counseling from public health nurses and friends. The sample also provided evidence that religious principles such as tolerance, effort, love, and compassion to their infant, and positive thinking, were used in solving their physical, mental and spiritual problems.
Abstract: In designing of condensers, the prediction of pressure
drop is as important as the prediction of heat transfer coefficient.
Modeling of two phase flow, particularly liquid – vapor flow under
diabatic conditions inside a horizontal tube using CFD analysis is
difficult with the available two phase models in FLUENT due to
continuously changing flow patterns. In the present analysis, CFD
analysis of two phase flow of refrigerants inside a horizontal tube of
inner diameter, 0.0085 m and 1.2 m length is carried out using
homogeneous model under adiabatic conditions. The refrigerants
considered are R22, R134a and R407C. The analysis is performed at
different saturation temperatures and at different flow rates to
evaluate the local frictional pressure drop. Using Homogeneous
model, average properties are obtained for each of the refrigerants
that is considered as single phase pseudo fluid. The so obtained
pressure drop data is compared with the separated flow models
available in literature.
Abstract: This paper describes the results and implications of a correlational study of learning styles and learner satisfaction. The relationship of these empirical concepts was examined in the context of traditional versus e-blended modes of course delivery in an introductory graduate research course. Significant results indicated that the visual side of the visual-verbal dimension of students- learning style(s) was positively correlated to satisfaction with themselves as learners in an e-blended course delivery mode and negatively correlated to satisfaction with the classroom environment in the context of a traditional classroom course delivery mode.
Abstract: Microcirculation is essential for the proper supply of
oxygen and nutritive substances to the biological tissue and the
removal of waste products of metabolism. The determination of
blood flow in the capillaries is therefore of great interest to clinicians.
A comparison has been carried out using the developed non-invasive,
non-contact and whole field laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI)
based technique and as well as a commercially available laser
Doppler blood flowmeter (LDF) to evaluate blood flow at the finger
tip and elbow and is presented here. The LSCI technique gives more
quantitative information on the velocity of blood when compared to
the perfusion values obtained using the LDF. Measurement of blood
flow in capillaries can be of great interest to clinicians in the
diagnosis of vascular diseases of the upper extremities.
Abstract: Logistics outsourcing is a growing trend and measuring its performance, a challenge. It must be consistent with the objectives set for logistics outsourcing, but we have found no objective-based performance measurement system. We have conducted a comprehensive review of the specialist literature to cover this gap, which has led us to identify and define these objectives. The outcome is that we have obtained a list of the most relevant objectives and their descriptions. This will enable us to analyse in a future study whether the indicators used for measuring logistics outsourcing performance are consistent with the objectives pursued with the outsourcing. If this is not the case, a proposal will be made for a set of financial and operational indicators to measure performance in logistics outsourcing that take the goals being pursued into account.
Abstract: A active inductor in CMOS techonology with a supply voltage of 1.8V is presented. The value of the inductance L can be in the range from 0.12nH to 0.25nH in high frequency(HF). The proposed active inductor is designed in TSMC 0.18-um CMOS technology. The power dissipation of this inductor can retain constant at all operating frequency bands and consume around 20mW from 1.8V power supply. Inductors designed by integrated circuit occupy much smaller area, for this reason,attracted researchers attention for more than decade. In this design we used Advanced Designed System (ADS) for simulating cicuit.
Abstract: This paper demonstrates the results when either
Shiftrows stage or Mixcolumns stage and when both the stages are
omitted in the well known block cipher Advanced Encryption
Standard(AES) and its modified version AES with Key Dependent
S-box(AES-KDS), using avalanche criterion and other tests namely
encryption quality, correlation coefficient, histogram analysis and
key sensitivity tests.
Abstract: PARADIGMA (PARticipative Approach to DIsease
Global Management) is a pilot project which aims to develop and
demonstrate an Internet based reference framework to share scientific
resources and findings in the treatment of major diseases.
PARADIGMA defines and disseminates a common methodology and
optimised protocols (Clinical Pathways) to support service functions
directed to patients and individuals on matters like prevention, posthospitalisation
support and awareness. PARADIGMA will provide a
platform of information services - user oriented and optimised
against social, cultural and technological constraints - supporting the
Health Care Global System of the Euro-Mediterranean Community
in a continuous improvement process.
Abstract: In Algeria, liberalization reforms undertaken since the 1990s have resulted in negative effects on the development and management of irrigation schemes, as well as on the conditions of farmers. Reforms have been undertaken to improve the performance of irrigation schemes, such as the national plan of agricultural development (PNDA) in 2000 and the water pricing policy of 2005. However, after implementation of these policies, questions have arisen with regard to irrigation performance and its suitability for agricultural development. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide insight into the profitability of irrigation during the transition period under current irrigation agricultural policies in Algeria. By using the method of farm crop budget analysis in the East Mitidja irrigation scheme, the returns from using surface water resources based on farm typology were found to vary among crops and farmers- groups within the scheme. Irrigation under the current situation is profitable for all farmers, including both those who benefit from subsidies and those who do not. However, the returns to water were found to be very sensitive to crop price fluctuations, particularly for non-subsidized groups and less so for those whose farming is based on orchards. Moreover, the socio-economic environment of the farmers contributed to less significant impacts of the PNDA policy. In fact, the limiting factor is not only the water, but also the lack of land ownership title. Market access constraints led to less agricultural investment and therefore to low intensification and low water productivity. It is financially feasible to recover the annual O&M costs in the irrigation scheme. By comparing the irrigation water price, returns to water, and O&M costs of water delivery, it is clear that irrigation can be profitable in the future. However, water productivity must be improved by enhancing farmers- income through farming investment, improving assets access, and the allocation of activities and crops which bring high returns to water; this could allow the farmers to pay more for water and allow cost recovery for water systems.
Abstract: In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) for CO2 capturing in typical absorption/stripper process are considered. The use of ionic liquids is considered to be cost-effective because it requires less energy for solvent recovery compared to other conventional processes. A mathematical model is developed for the process based on Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) which is validated with experimental data for various solutions involving CO2. The model is utilized to study the sorbent and energy demand for three types of ILs at specific CO2 capturing rates. The energy demand is manifested by the vapor-liquid equilibrium temperature necessary to remove the captured CO2 from the used solvent in the regeneration step. It is found that higher recovery temperature is required for solvents with higher solubility coefficient. For all ILs, the temperature requirement is less than that required by the typical monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent. The effect of the CO2 loading in the sorbent stream on the process performance is also examined.
Abstract: Recently, wireless sensor networks have been paid
more interest, are widely used in a lot of commercial and military
applications, and may be deployed in critical scenarios (e.g. when a
malfunctioning network results in danger to human life or great
financial loss). Such networks must be protected against human
intrusion by using the secret keys to encrypt the exchange messages
between communicating nodes. Both the symmetric and asymmetric
methods have their own drawbacks for use in key management. Thus,
we avoid the weakness of these two cryptosystems and make use of
their advantages to establish a secure environment by developing the
new method for encryption depending on the idea of code
conversion. The code conversion-s equations are used as the key for
designing the proposed system based on the basics of logic gate-s
principals. Using our security architecture, we show how to reduce
significant attacks on wireless sensor networks.