Abstract: Academics and researchers are interested in the effects of social media on college students, with a specific focus on the most popular social media website; Facebook. Previous studied have found contradictory result on the relationship between Facebook usage and the student engagement with positive, detrimental and no significant relationships. However, these studies were limited to western higher education system. This paper fills a gap in the literature by using a sample (300) of Sri Lankan management undergraduates to examine the relationship between Facebook usage and student engagement. Student engagement was measured 35 item scale based on the National Survey of Student Engagement and Facebook usage by Facebook intensity scale. Descriptive statistics, path analysis and structural equation modeling were applied as statistical tools and techniques. Results indicate that student engagement scale was significantly negatively related with the Facebook usage with the influence from student engagement on Facebook usage.
Abstract: Nowadays, precipitation prediction is required for proper planning and management of water resources. Prediction with neural network models has received increasing interest in various research and application domains. However, it is difficult to determine the best neural network architecture for prediction since it is not immediately obvious how many input or hidden nodes are used in the model. In this paper, neural network model is used as a forecasting tool. The major aim is to evaluate a suitable neural network model for monthly precipitation mapping of Myanmar. Using 3-layerd neural network models, 100 cases are tested by changing the number of input and hidden nodes from 1 to 10 nodes, respectively, and only one outputnode used. The optimum model with the suitable number of nodes is selected in accordance with the minimum forecast error. In measuring network performance using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), experimental results significantly show that 3 inputs-10 hiddens-1 output architecture model gives the best prediction result for monthly precipitation in Myanmar.
Abstract: This paper presents a narrative management system
for organizations to capture organization's tacit knowledge
through stories. The intention of capturing tacit knowledge is to
address the problem that comes with the mobility of workforce in
organisation. Storytelling in knowledge management context is
seen as a powerful management tool to communicate tacit
knowledge in organization. This narrative management system is
developed firstly to enable uploading of many types of knowledge
sharing stories, from general to work related-specific stories and
secondly, each video has comment functionality where knowledge
users can post comments to other knowledge users. The narrative
management system allows the stories to browse, search and view
by the users. In the system, stories are stored in a video repository.
Stories that were produced from this framework will improve
learning, knowledge transfer facilitation and tacit knowledge
quality in an organization.
Abstract: Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of sire
breed, type of protein supplement, level of supplementation and sex
on wool spinning fineness (SF), its correlations with other wool
characteristics and prediction accuracy in F1 Merino crossbred lambs.
Texel, Coopworth, White Suffolk, East Friesian and Dorset rams
were mated with 500 purebred Merino dams at a ratio of 1:100 in
separate paddocks within a single management system. The F1
progeny were raised on ryegrass pasture until weaning, before forty
lambs were randomly allocated to treatments in a 5 x 2 x 2 x 2
factorial experimental design representing 5 sire breeds, 2
supplementary feeds (canola or lupins), 2 levels of supplementation
(1% or 2% of liveweight) and sex (wethers or ewes). Lambs were
supplemented for six weeks after an initial three weeks of adjustment,
wool sampled at the commencement and conclusion of the feeding
trial and analyzed for SF, mean fibre diameter (FD), coefficient of
variation (CV), standard deviation, comfort factor (CF), fibre
curvature (CURV), and clean fleece yield. Data were analyzed using
mixed linear model procedures with sire fitted as a random effect,
and sire breed, sex, supplementary feed type, level of
supplementation and their second-order interactions as fixed effects.
Sire breed (P
Abstract: Analysis and visualization of microarraydata is veryassistantfor biologists and clinicians in the field of diagnosis and treatment of patients. It allows Clinicians to better understand the structure of microarray and facilitates understanding gene expression in cells. However, microarray dataset is a complex data set and has thousands of features and a very small number of observations. This very high dimensional data set often contains some noise, non-useful information and a small number of relevant features for disease or genotype. This paper proposes a non-linear dimensionality reduction algorithm Local Principal Component (LPC) which aims to maps high dimensional data to a lower dimensional space. The reduced data represents the most important variables underlying the original data. Experimental results and comparisons are presented to show the quality of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, experiments also show how this algorithm reduces high dimensional data whilst preserving the neighbourhoods of the points in the low dimensional space as in the high dimensional space.
Abstract: Pretreatment is an essential step in the conversion of
lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugar that used for biobutanol
production. Among pretreatment processes, microwave is considered
to improve pretreatment efficiency due to its high heating efficiency,
easy operation, and easily to combine with chemical reaction. The
main objectives of this work are to investigate the feasibility of
microwave pretreatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of
corncobs and to determine the optimal conditions using response
surface methodology. Corncobs were pretreated via two-stage
pretreatment in dilute sodium hydroxide (2 %) followed by dilute
sulfuric acid 1 %. Pretreated corncobs were subjected to enzymatic
hydrolysis to produce reducing sugar. Statistical experimental design
was used to optimize pretreatment parameters including temperature,
residence time and solid-to-liquid ratio to achieve the highest amount
of glucose. The results revealed that solid-to-liquid ratio and
temperature had a significant effect on the amount of glucose.
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel approach to the question of lithofacies classification based on an assessment of the uncertainty in the classification results. The proposed approach has multiple neural networks (NN), and interval neutrosophic sets (INS) are used to classify the input well log data into outputs of multiple classes of lithofacies. A pair of n-class neural networks are used to predict n-degree of truth memberships and n-degree of false memberships. Indeterminacy memberships or uncertainties in the predictions are estimated using a multidimensional interpolation method. These three memberships form the INS used to support the confidence in results of multiclass classification. Based on the experimental data, our approach improves the classification performance as compared to an existing technique applied only to the truth membership. In addition, our approach has the capability to provide a measure of uncertainty in the problem of multiclass classification.
Abstract: The passive electrical properties of a tissue depends
on the intrinsic constituents and its structure, therefore by measuring
the complex electrical impedance of the tissue it might be possible to
obtain indicators of the tissue state or physiological activity [1].
Complete bio-impedance information relative to physiology and
pathology of a human body and functional states of the body tissue or
organs can be extracted by using a technique containing a fourelectrode
measurement setup. This work presents the estimation
measurement setup based on the four-electrode technique. First, the
complex impedance is estimated by three different estimation
techniques: Fourier, Sine Correlation and Digital De-convolution and
then estimation errors for the magnitude, phase, reactance and
resistance are calculated and analyzed for different levels of
disturbances in the observations. The absolute values of relative
errors are plotted and the graphical performance of each technique is
compared.
Abstract: Among the technologies available to reduce methane
emitted from the pig industry, biofiltration seems to be an effective
and inexpensive solution. In methane (CH4) biofiltration, nitrogen is
an important macronutrient for the microorganisms growth. The
objective of this research project was to study the effect of
ammonium (NH4
+) on the performance, the biomass production and
the nitrogen conversion of a biofilter treating methane. For NH4
+
concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 gN-NH4
+/L, the CH4 removal
efficiency and the dioxide carbon production rate decreased linearly
from 68 to 11.8 % and from 7.1 to 0.5 g/(m3-h), respectively. The dry
biomass content varied from 4.1 to 5.8 kg/(m3 filter bed). For the
same range of concentrations, the ammonium conversion decreased
while the specific nitrate production rate increased. The specific
nitrate production rate presented negative values indicating
denitrification in the biofilter.
Abstract: Sedimentation in reservoirs lowers the quality of
consumed water, reduce the volume of reservoir, lowers the
controllable amount of flood, increases the risk of water overflow
during possible floods and the risk of reversal and reduction of dam's
useful life. So in all stages of dam establishment such as cognitive
studies, phase-1 studies of design, control, construction and
maintenance, the problem of sedimentation in reservoir should be
considered. What engineers need to do is examine and develop the
methods to keep effective capacity of a reservoir, however engineers
should also consider the influences of the methods on the flood
disaster, functions of water use facilities and environmental
issues.This article first examines the sedimentation in reservoirs and
shows how to control it and then discusses the studies about the
sedimens in Siazakh Dam.
Abstract: This study evaluated the microbiological quality
and the sensory characteristics of carp fillets processed by the
sousvide method when stored at 2 and 10 °C. Four different
combinations of sauced–storage were studied then stored at 2 or 10
°C was evaluate periodically sensory, microbiological and
chemical quality. Batches stored at 2 °C had lower growth rates of
mesophiles and psychrotrophs. Moreover, these counts decreased
by increasing the heating temperature and time. Staphylococcus
aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria
monocytogenes were not found in any of the samples. The heat
treatment of 90 °C for 15 min and sauced was the most effective to
ensure the safety and extend the shelf-life of sousvide carp
preserving its sensory characteristics. This study establishes the
microbiological quality of sous vide carp and emphasizes the
relevance of the raw materials, heat treatment and storage
temperature to ensure the safety of the product.
Abstract: One of the most important secrets of succesful companies is the fact that cooperation with NGOs will create a good reputation for them so that they can be immunized to economic crisis. The performance of the most admired companies in the world based on the ratings of Forbes and Fortune show us that most of these firms also have close relationships with their NGOs. Today, if companies do something wrong this information spreads very quickly to do the society. If people do not like the activities of a company, it can find itself in public relations nightmare that can threaten its repuation. Since the cost of communication has dropped dramatically due to the vast use of internet, the increase in communication among stakeholders via internet makes companies more visible. These multiple and interdependent interactions among the network of stakeholders is called as the network relationships. NGOs play the role of catalyst among the stakeholders of a firm to enhance the awareness. Succesful firms are aware of this fact that NGOs have a central role in today-s business world. Firms are also aware of the fact that they can enhance their corporate reputation via cooperation with the NGOs. This fact will be illustrated in this paper by examining some of the actions of the most succesful companies in terms of their cooperations with the NGOs.
Abstract: The ability to predict an accurate temperature
distribution requires the knowledge of the losses, the thermal
characteristics of the materials, and the cooling conditions, all of
which are very difficult to quantify. In this paper, the impact of the
effects of iron and copper losses are investigated separately and
their effects on the heating in various points of the stator of an
induction motor, is highlighted by using two simple tests. In addition,
the effect of a defect, such as an open circuit in a phase of the stator,
on the heating is also obtained by a no-load test.
The squirrel cage induction motor is rated at 2.2 kW; 380 V; 5.2
A; Δ connected; 50 Hz; 1420 rpm and the class of insulation F, has
been thermally tested under several load conditions. Several
thermocouples were placed in strategic points of the stator.
Abstract: A higher order spline interpolated contour obtained
with up-sampling of homogenously distributed coordinates for
segmentation of kidney region in different classes of ultrasound
kidney images has been developed and presented in this paper. The
performance of the proposed method is measured and compared with
modified snake model contour, Markov random field contour and
expert outlined contour. The validation of the method is made in
correspondence with expert outlined contour using maximum coordinate
distance, Hausdorff distance and mean radial distance
metrics. The results obtained reveal that proposed scheme provides
optimum contour that agrees well with expert outlined contour.
Moreover this technique helps to preserve the pixels-of-interest
which in specific defines the functional characteristic of kidney. This
explores various possibilities in implementing computer-aided
diagnosis system exclusively for US kidney images.
Abstract: In this study the integration of an absorption heat
pump (AHP) with the concentration section of an industrial pulp and
paper process is investigated using pinch technology. The optimum
design of the proposed water-lithium bromide AHP is then achieved
by minimizing the total annual cost. A comprehensive optimization is
carried out by relaxation of all stream pressure drops as well as heat
exchanger areas involving in AHP structure. It is shown that by
applying genetic algorithm optimizer, the total annual cost of the
proposed AHP is decreased by 18% compared to one resulted from
simulation.
Abstract: Taxation as a potent fiscal policy instrument through which infrastructures and social services that drive the development process of any society has been ineffective in Nigeria. The adoption of appropriate measures is, however, a requirement for the generation of adequate tax revenue. This study set out to investigates efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of tax in Nigeria, using Cross River State as a case-study. The methodology to achieve this objective is a qualitative technique using structured questionnaires to survey the three senatorial districts in the state; the central limit theory is adopted as our analytical technique. Result showed a significant degree of inefficiency in the administration of taxes. It is recommended that periodic review and update of tax policy will bring innovation and effectiveness in the administration of taxes. Also proper appropriation of tax revenue will drive development in needed infrastructural and social services.
Abstract: A local municipality has decided to build a sewage pit
to receive residential sewage waste arriving by tank trucks. Daily
accumulated waste are to be pumped to a nearby waste water
treatment facility to be re-consumed for agricultural and construction
projects. A discrete-event simulation model using Arena Software
was constructed to assist in defining the capacity of the system in
cubic meters, number of tank trucks to use the system, number of
unload docks required, number of standby areas needed and
manpower required for data collection at entrance checkpoint and
truck tank load toxicity testing. The results of the model are
statistically validated. Simulation turned out to be an excellent tool
in the facility planning effort for the pit project, as it insured smooth
flow lines of tank trucks load discharge and best utilization of
facilities on site.
Abstract: Lateral expansion is a factor defining the level of
confinement in reinforced concrete columns. Therefore, predicting
the lateral strain relationship with axial strain becomes an important
issue. Measuring lateral strains in experiments is difficult and only
few report experimental lateral strains. Among the existing analytical
formulations, two recent models are compared with available test
results in this paper with shortcomings highlighted. A new analytical
model is proposed here for lateral strain axial strain relationship and
is based on the supposition that the concrete behaves linear elastic in
the early stages of loading and then nonlinear hardening up to the
peak stress and then volumetric expansion. The proposal for the
lateral strain axial strain relationship after the peak stress is mainly
based on the hypothesis that the plastic lateral strain varies linearly
with the plastic axial strain and it is shown that this is related to the
lateral confinement level.
Abstract: Laminar natural-convective heat transfer from a
horizontal cylinder is studied by solving the Navier-Stokes and
energy equations using higher order compact scheme in cylindrical
polar coordinates. Results are obtained for Rayleigh numbers of 1,
10, 100 and 1000 for a Prandtl number of 0.7. The local Nusselt
number and mean Nusselt number are calculated and compared with
available experimental and theoretical results. Streamlines, vorticity -
lines and isotherms are plotted.
Abstract: Magnetic carbon nanotubes composites were obtained
by filling carbon nanotubes with paramagnetic iron oxide particles.
Detailed investigation of magnetic behaviour of resulting composites
was done at different temperatures. Measurements indicate that these
functionalized nanotubes are superparamagnetic at room temperature;
however, no superparamagnetism was observed at 125 K and 80 K.
The blocking temperature TB was estimated at 145 K. These magnetic
carbon nanotubes have the potential of being used in a wide range of
applications, in particular, the production of nanofluids, which can be
controlled and steered by appropriate magnetic fields.