Abstract: Water contamination by toxic compound is one of the serious environmental problems today. These toxic compounds mostly originated from industrial effluents, agriculture, natural sources and human waste. These studies focus on modification of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) with nanoparticle of calixarene and explore the possibility of using this modification for the remediation of cadmium in water. The nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving calixarene in chloroform solution as solvent, followed by additional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) then sonication process for 3 hour and fabricated the nanocomposites on substrate by spin coating method. Finally, the nanocomposites were tested on cadmium ion (10 mg/ml). The morphology of nanocomposites was investigated by FESEM showing the formation of calixarene on the outer walls of carbon nanotube and cadmium ion also clearly seen from the micrograph. This formation was supported by using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The presence of cadmium ions in the films, leads to some changes in the surface potential and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The nanocomposites MWCNTs-calixarene have potential for development of sensor for pollutant monitoring and nanoelectronics devices applications.
Abstract: Vancron 40, a nitrided powder metallurgical tool
Steel, is used in cold work applications where the predominant failure
mechanisms are adhesive wear or galling. Typical applications of
Vancron 40 are among others fine blanking, cold extrusion, deep
drawing and cold work rolls for cluster mills. Vancron 40 positive
results for cold work rolls for cluster mills and as a tool for some
severe metal forming process makes it competitive compared to other
type of work rolls that require higher precision, among others in cold
rolling of thin stainless steel, which required high surface finish
quality. In this project, three roll materials for cold rolling of stainless
steel strip was examined, Vancron 40, Narva 12B (a high-carbon,
high-chromium tool steel alloyed with tungsten) and Supra 3 (a
Chromium-molybdenum tungsten-vanadium alloyed high speed
steel). The purpose of this project was to study the depth profiles of
the ironed stainless steel strips, emergence of galling and to study the
lubrication performance used by steel industries. Laboratory
experiments were conducted to examine scratch of the strip, galling
and surface roughness of the roll materials under severe tribological
conditions. The critical sliding length for onset of galling was
estimated for stainless steel with four different lubricants. Laboratory
experiments result of performance evaluation of resistance capability
of rolls toward adhesive wear under severe conditions for low and
high reductions. Vancron 40 in combination with cold rolling
lubricant gave good surface quality, prevents galling of
metal surfaces and good bearing capacity.
Abstract: Many issues about the relationship between auditors in
auditing practices with its stakeholders often heard. It appears in
perspectives of bringing out the variety of phenomena affecting from
the audit practice of greed and not appreciating from the
independency of the audit profession and professional code of ethics.
It becomes a logical consequence in practicing of capitalism in
accounting. The main purpose of this article would like to uncover
the existing auditing practices in Indonesia, especially in Java that
associated with a strong influence of Javanese culture with reluctant
/”shy", politely, "legowo (gratefully accepted)", "ngemong"
(friendly), "not mentholo" (lenient), "tepo seliro" (tolerance),
"ngajeni" (respectful), "acquiescent" and also reveals its relationships
with Non Javanese culture in facing the conflict of interest in
practical of auditing world. The method used by interpretive
approach that emphasizes the role of language, interpret and
understand and see social reality as something other than a label,
name or concept. Global practices in auditing of each country have
particular cultures that affect the standard set by those regulatory
standards results the adaptation of IAS. The majority of parties in
Indonesia is dominated by Javanese racial regulators, so Java culture
is embedded in every audit practices and those conditions in Java
leads auditors in having similar behaviour, sometimes interfere with
standard Java code of conduct must be executed by an auditor.
Auditors who live in Java have the characters of Javanese culture that
is hard to avoid in the audit practice. However, practically, the
auditors still are relevant in their profession.
Abstract: Conventional educational practices, do not offer all
the required skills for teachers to successfully survive in today’s
workplace. Due to poor professional training, a big gap exists across
the curriculum plan and the teacher practices in the classroom. As
such, raising the quality of teaching through ICT-enabled training and
professional development of teachers should be an urgent priority.
‘Mobile Learning’, in that vein, is an increasingly growing field of
educational research and practice across schools and work places. In
this paper, we propose a novel Mobile learning system that allows the
users to learn through an intelligent mobile learning in cooperatively
every-time and every-where. The system will reduce the training cost
and increase consistency, efficiency, and data reliability. To establish
that our system will display neither functional nor performance
failure, the evaluation strategy is based on formal observation of
users interacting with system followed by questionnaires and
structured interviews.
Abstract: This research study is an exploration of the selfdirected
professional development of teachers who teach in public
schools in an era of democracy and educational change in South
Africa. Amidst an ever-changing educational system, the teachers in
this study position themselves as self-directed teacher-learners where
they adopt particular learning practices which enable change within
the broader discourses of public schooling. Life-story interviews
were used to enter into the private and public spaces of five teachers
which offer glimpses of how particular systems shaped their
identities, and how the meanings of self-directed teacher-learner
shaped their learning practices. Through the Multidimensional
Framework of Analysis and Interpretation the teachers’ stories were
analysed through three lenses: restorying the field texts - the self
through story; the teacher-learner in relation to social contexts, and
practices of self-directed learning. This study shows that as teacherlearners
learn for change through self-directed learning practices,
they develop their agency as transformative intellectuals, which is
necessary for the reworking of South African public schools.
Abstract: Some regularities of formation of a new structural
state of the thermoplastic polymers - gradually oriented (stretched)
state (GOS) are discussed. Transition into GOS is realized by the
graded oriented stretching - by action of inhomogeneous mechanical
field on the isotropic linear polymers or by zone stretching that is
implemented on a standard tensile-testing machine with using a
specially designed zone stretching device (ZSD). Both technical
approaches (especially zone stretching method) allows to manage the
such quantitative parameters of gradually oriented polymers as a
range of change in relative elongation/orientation degree, length of
this change and profile (linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, logarithmic,
etc.). The possibility of obtaining functionally graded materials
(FGMs) by graded orientation method is briefly discussed. Uniaxial
graded stretching method should be considered as an effective
technological solution to create polymer materials with a
predetermined gradient of physical properties.
Abstract: Risperidone (RISP) is an antipsychotic agent and has
low water solubility and nontargeted delivery results in numerous
side effects. Hence, an attempt was made to develop SLNs hydrogel
for intranasal delivery of RISP to achieve maximum bioavailability
and reduction of side effects. RISP loaded SLNs composed of 1.65%
(w/v) lipid mass were produced by high shear homogenization (HSH)
coupled ultrasound (US) method using glycerylmonostearate (GMS)
or Imwitor 900K (solid lipid). The particles were loaded with 0.2%
(w/v) of the RISP & surface-tailored with a 2.02% (w/v) non-ionic
surfactant Tween® 80. Optimization was done using 32 factorial
design using Design Expert® software. The prepared SLNs
dispersion incorporated into Polycarbophil AA1 hydrogel (0.5%
w/v). The final gel formulation was evaluated for entrapment
efficiency, particle size, rheological properties, X ray diffraction, in
vitro diffusion, ex vivo permeation using sheep nasal mucosa and
histopathological studies for nasocilliary toxicity. The entrapment
efficiency of optimized SLNs was found to be 76 ± 2%,
polydispersity index
Abstract: The problem of psychologist training remains a key
priority in Armenia. During the Soviet period, the notion of a
psychologist was obscure not only in Armenia but also in other
Soviet republics. The breakup of the Soviet Union triggered a gradual
change in this area activating the cooperation with specialists from
other countries. The need for recovery from the psychological trauma
caused by the 1988 earthquake pushed forward the development of
practical psychology in Armenia. This phenomenon led to positive
changes in perception of and interest to a psychologist
profession.Armenian universities started designing special programs
for psychologists’ preparation. Armenian psychologists combined
their efforts in the field of training relevant specialists.
During the recent years, the Bologna educational system was
introduced in Armenia which led to implementation of education
quality improvement programs. Nevertheless, even today the issue of
psychologists’ training is not yet settled in Armenian universities. So
far graduate psychologists haven’t got a clear idea of personal and
professional qualities of a psychologist. Recently, as a result of
educational reforms, the psychology curricula underwent changes,
but so far they have not led to a desired outcome. Almost all curricula
in certain specialties are aimed to form professional competencies
and strengthen practical skills.
A survey conducted in Armenia aimed to identify what are the
ideas of young psychology specialists on the image of a psychologist.
The survey respondents were 45 specialists holding bachelor’s degree
as well as 30 master degree graduates, who have not been working
yet. The research reveals that we need to change the approach of
preparing psychology practitioners in the universities of Armenia.
Such an approach to psychologist training will make it possible to
train qualified specialists for enhancement of modern psychology
theory and practice.
Abstract: The present study was done to evaluate the presence
of tetracycline resistance genes in Lactococcus garvieae isolated
from cultured rainbow trout, West Iran. The isolates were examined
for antimicrobial resistance using disc diffusion method. Of the 49
strains tested, 19 were resistant to tetracycline (38.7%), 32 to
enrofloxacin (65.3%), 21 to erythromycin (42.8%), 20 to
chloramphenicol and trimetoprim-sulfamethoxazole (40.8%). The
strains were then characterized for their genotypic resistance profiles.
The results revealed that all 49 isolates contained at least one of the
tetracycline resistance genes. Tet (A) was found in 89.4% of
tetracycline resistant isolates and the frequency of other gene were as
follows: tet (E) 42.1%, tet (B) 47.3%, tet (D) 15.7%, tet (L) 26.3%,
tet (K) 52.6%, tet (G) 36.8%, tet (34) 21%, tet (S) 63.1%, tet (C)
57.8%, tet (M) 73.6%, tet (O) 42.1%. The results revealed high levels
of antibiotic resistance in L. garvieae strains which is a potential
danger for trout culture as well as for public health.
Abstract: Wireless mesh networking is rapidly gaining in
popularity with a variety of users: from municipalities to enterprises,
from telecom service providers to public safety and military
organizations. This increasing popularity is based on two basic facts:
ease of deployment and increase in network capacity expressed in
bandwidth per footage; WMNs do not rely on any fixed
infrastructure. Many efforts have been used to maximizing
throughput of the network in a multi-channel multi-radio wireless
mesh network. Current approaches are purely based on either static or
dynamic channel allocation approaches. In this paper, we use a
hybrid multichannel multi radio wireless mesh networking
architecture, where static and dynamic interfaces are built in the
nodes. Dynamic Adaptive Channel Allocation protocol (DACA), it
considers optimization for both throughput and delay in the channel
allocation. The assignment of the channel has been allocated to be codependent
with the routing problem in the wireless mesh network and
that should be based on passage flow on every link. Temporal and
spatial relationship rises to re compute the channel assignment every
time when the pattern changes in mesh network, channel assignment
algorithms assign channels in network. In this paper a computing
path which captures the available path bandwidth is the proposed
information and the proficient routing protocol based on the new path
which provides both static and dynamic links. The consistency
property guarantees that each node makes an appropriate packet
forwarding decision and balancing the control usage of the network,
so that a data packet will traverse through the right path.
Abstract: Validity, integrity, and impacts of the IT systems of
the US federal courts have been studied as part of the Human Rights
Alert-NGO (HRA) submission for the 2015 Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) of human rights in the United States by the Human
Rights Council (HRC) of the United Nations (UN). The current
report includes overview of IT system analysis, data-mining and case
studies. System analysis and data-mining show: Development and
implementation with no lawful authority, servers of unverified
identity, invalidity in implementation of electronic signatures,
authentication instruments and procedures, authorities and
permissions; discrimination in access against the public and
unrepresented (pro se) parties and in favor of attorneys; widespread
publication of invalid judicial records and dockets, leading to their
false representation and false enforcement. A series of case studies
documents the impacts on individuals' human rights, on banking
regulation, and on international matters. Significance is discussed in
the context of various media and expert reports, which opine
unprecedented corruption of the US justice system today, and which
question, whether the US Constitution was in fact suspended. Similar
findings were previously reported in IT systems of the State of
California and the State of Israel, which were incorporated, subject to
professional HRC staff review, into the UN UPR reports (2010 and
2013). Solutions are proposed, based on the principles of publicity of
the law and the separation of power: Reliance on US IT and legal
experts under accountability to the legislative branch, enhancing
transparency, ongoing vigilance by human rights and internet
activists. IT experts should assume more prominent civic duties in the
safeguard of civil society in our era.
Abstract: This paper describes a novel application of Fiber
Braggs Grating (FBG) sensors in the assessment of human postural
stability and balance on an unstable platform. In this work, FBG
sensor Stability Analyzing Device (FBGSAD) is developed for
measurement of plantar strain to assess the postural stability of
subjects on unstable platforms during different stances in eyes open
and eyes closed conditions on a rocker board. The studies are
validated by comparing the Centre of Gravity (CG) variations
measured on the lumbar vertebra of subjects using a commercial
accelerometer. The results obtained from the developed FBGSAD
depict qualitative similarities with the data recorded by commercial
accelerometer. The advantage of the FBGSAD is that it measures
simultaneously plantar strain distribution and postural stability of the
subject along with its inherent benefits like non-requirement of
energizing voltage to the sensor, electromagnetic immunity and
simple design which suits its applicability in biomechanical
applications. The developed FBGSAD can serve as a tool/yardstick to
mitigate space motion sickness, identify individuals who are
susceptible to falls and to qualify subjects for balance and stability,
which are important factors in the selection of certain unique
professionals such as aircraft pilots, astronauts, cosmonauts etc.
Abstract: We have developed a new computer program in
Fortran 90, in order to obtain numerical solutions of a system
of Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics partial differential equations
with predetermined gravitation (GRMHD), capable of simulating
the formation of relativistic jets from the accretion disk of matter
up to his ejection. Initially we carried out a study on numerical
methods of unidimensional Finite Volume, namely Lax-Friedrichs,
Lax-Wendroff, Nessyahu-Tadmor method and Godunov methods
dependent on Riemann problems, applied to equations Euler in
order to verify their main features and make comparisons among
those methods. It was then implemented the method of Finite
Volume Centered of Nessyahu-Tadmor, a numerical schemes that
has a formulation free and without dimensional separation of
Riemann problem solvers, even in two or more spatial dimensions,
at this point, already applied in equations GRMHD. Finally, the
Nessyahu-Tadmor method was possible to obtain stable numerical
solutions - without spurious oscillations or excessive dissipation -
from the magnetized accretion disk process in rotation with respect
to a central black hole (BH) Schwarzschild and immersed in a
magnetosphere, for the ejection of matter in the form of jet over a
distance of fourteen times the radius of the BH, a record in terms
of astrophysical simulation of this kind. Also in our simulations,
we managed to get substructures jets. A great advantage obtained
was that, with the our code, we got simulate GRMHD equations in
a simple personal computer.
Abstract: Factors affecting construction unit cost vary
depending on a country’s political, economic, social and
technological inclinations. Factors affecting construction costs have
been studied from various perspectives. Analysis of cost factors
requires an appreciation of a country’s practices. Identified cost
factors provide an indication of a country’s construction economic
strata. The purpose of this paper is to identify the essential factors
that affect unit cost estimation and their breakdown using artificial
neural networks. Twenty five (25) identified cost factors in road
construction were subjected to a questionnaire survey and employing
SPSS factor analysis the factors were reduced to eight. The 8 factors
were analysed using neural network (NN) to determine the
proportionate breakdown of the cost factors in a given construction
unit rate. NN predicted that political environment accounted 44% of
the unit rate followed by contractor capacity at 22% and financial
delays, project feasibility and overhead & profit each at 11%. Project
location, material availability and corruption perception index had
minimal impact on the unit cost from the training data provided.
Quantified cost factors can be incorporated in unit cost estimation
models (UCEM) to produce more accurate estimates. This can create
improvements in the cost estimation of infrastructure projects and
establish a benchmark standard to assist the process of alignment of
work practises and training of new staff, permitting the on-going
development of best practises in cost estimation to become more
effective.
Abstract: In this paper, effect of marginal quality groundwater
on yield of cotton crop and soil salinity was studied. In this
connection, three irrigation treatments each with four replications
were applied. These treatments were i) use of canal water (T1), ii) use
of marginal quality groundwater from tubewell (T2), and iii)
conjunctive use by mixing with the ratio of 1:1 of canal water and
marginal quality tubewell water (T3).
Water was applied to the crop cultivated in Kharif season 2011; its
quantity has been measured using cut-throat flume. Total 11 watering
each of 50 mm depth have been applied from 20th April to 20th July,
2011. Further, irrigations were stopped due to monsoon rainfall up to
crop harvesting.
Maximum crop yield (seed cotton) was observed under T1 which
was 1,517 kg/ha followed by T3 (mixed canal and tubewell water)
having 1009 kg/ha and T2 i.e. marginal quality groundwater having
709 kg/ha. This concludes that crop yield in T2 and T3 in comparison
to T1was reduced by about 53 and 30% respectively.
It has been observed that yield of cotton crop is below potential
limit for three treatments due to unexpected rainfall at the time of full
flowering season; thus the yield was adversely affected.
However, salt deposition in soil profiles was not observed that is
due to leaching effect of heavy rainfall occurred during monsoon
season.
Abstract: e-Service has moved from the usual manual and
traditional way of rendering services to electronic service provision
for the public and there are several reasons for implementing these
services, Airline ticketing have gone from its manual traditional way
to an intelligent web-driven service of purchasing. Many companies
have seen their profits doubled through the use of online services in
their operation and a typical example is Hewlett Packard (HP) which
is rapidly transforming their after sales business into a profit
generating e-service business unit.
This paper will examine the various challenges confronting e-
Service adoption and implementation in Nigeria and also analyse
lessons learnt from e-Service adoption and implementation in Asia to
see how it could be useful in Nigeria which is a lower middle income
country. From the analysis of the online survey data, it has been
identified that the public in Nigeria are much aware of e-Services but
successful adoption and implementation have been the problems
faced.
Abstract: The globalization of markets, the need to develop
competitive advantages and core competencies, among other things,
lead organizations to increasingly cross borders to operate in other
countries. The expatriation of professionals who go to work in
another country besides their own becomes increasingly common. In
order to generate data about this issue, research was conducted
concerning the perception of expatriate employees concerning
expatriation success. The research method used was case study
through a qualitative approach. This research was done through
interviews with five India expatriates and five China expatriates,
interview with expatriate department heads and analysis of company
documents. It was found that there are differences between the
organizational perception and perception of expatriates of what
constitutes mission success. The paper also provides suggestions for
further research and suggestions for future expatriates.
Abstract: At present, the evaluation of voltage stability
assessment experiences sizeable anxiety in the safe operation of
power systems. This is due to the complications of a strain power
system. With the snowballing of power demand by the consumers
and also the restricted amount of power sources, therefore, the system
has to perform at its maximum proficiency. Consequently, the
noteworthy to discover the maximum ability boundary prior to
voltage collapse should be undertaken. A preliminary warning can be
perceived to evade the interruption of power system’s capacity. The
effectiveness of line voltage stability indices (LVSI) is differentiated
in this paper. The main purpose of the indices used is to predict the
proximity of voltage instability of the electric power system. On the
other hand, the indices are also able to decide the weakest load buses
which are close to voltage collapse in the power system. The line
stability indices are assessed using the IEEE 14 bus test system to
validate its practicability. Results demonstrated that the implemented
indices are practically relevant in predicting the manifestation of
voltage collapse in the system. Therefore, essential actions can be
taken to dodge the incident from arising.
Abstract: Cloud computing has provided the impetus for change
in the demand, sourcing, and consumption of IT-enabled services.
The technology developed from an emerging trend towards a ‘musthave’.
Many organizations harnessed on the quick-wins of cloud
computing within the last five years but nowadays reach a plateau
when it comes to sustainable savings and performance. This study
aims to investigate what is needed from an organizational perspective
to make cloud computing a sustainable success. The study was
carried out in Germany among senior IT professionals, both in
management and delivery positions. Our research shows that IT
executives must be prepared to realign their IT workforce to sustain
the advantage of cloud computing for today and the near future.
While new roles will undoubtedly emerge, roles alone cannot ensure
the success of cloud deployments. What is needed is a change in the
IT workforce’s business behaviour, or put more simply, the ways in
which the IT personnel works. It gives clear guidance on which
dimensions of an employees’ working behaviour need to be adapted.
The practical implications are drawn from a series of semi-structured
interviews, resulting in a high-level workforce enablement plan.
Lastly, it elaborates on tools and gives clear guidance on which
pitfalls might arise along the proposed workforce enablement
process.
Abstract: The paper describes a Chinese shadow play animation
system based on Kinect. Users, without any professional training, can
personally manipulate the shadow characters to finish a shadow play
performance by their body actions and get a shadow play video
through giving the record command to our system if they want. In our
system, Kinect is responsible for capturing human movement and
voice commands data. Gesture recognition module is used to control
the change of the shadow play scenes. After packaging the data from
Kinect and the recognition result from gesture recognition module,
VRPN transmits them to the server-side. At last, the server-side uses
the information to control the motion of shadow characters and video
recording. This system not only achieves human-computer interaction,
but also realizes the interaction between people. It brings an
entertaining experience to users and easy to operate for all ages. Even
more important is that the application background of Chinese shadow
play embodies the protection of the art of shadow play animation.