Abstract: Healthcare safety has been perceived important. It is
essential to prevent troubles in healthcare processes for healthcare
safety. Trouble prevention is based on trouble prediction using
accumulated knowledge on processes, troubles, and countermeasures.
However, information on troubles has not been accumulated in
hospitals in the appropriate structure, and it has not been utilized
effectively to prevent troubles. In the previous study, however a
detailed knowledge acquisition process for trouble prediction was
proposed, the knowledgebase for countermeasures was not involved.
In this paper, we aim to propose the structure of the knowledgebase for
countermeasures, in the knowledge acquisition process for trouble
prediction in healthcare process. We first design the structure of
countermeasures and propose the knowledge representation form on
countermeasures. Then, we evaluate the validity of the proposal, by
applying it into an actual hospital.
Abstract: Drought is one of the most serious problems posing a
grave threat to cereals production including maize. Maize
improvement in drought-stress tolerance poses a great challenge as
the global need for food and bio-energy increases. Thus, the current
study was planned to explore the variations and determine the
performance of target traits of maize hybrids at grain growth stage
under drought conditions during 2014 under Adana, Mediterranean
climate conditions, Turkey. Maize hybrids (Sancia, Indaco,
71May69, Aaccel, Calgary, 70May82, 72May80) were evaluated
under (irrigated and water stress). Results revealed that, grain yield
and yield traits had a negative effects because of water stress
conditions compared with the normal irrigation. As well as, based on
the result under normal irrigation, the maximum biological yield and
harvest index were recorded. According to the differences among
hybrids were found that, significant differences were observed among
hybrids with respect to yield and yield traits under current research. Based on the results, grain weight had more effect on grain yield
than grain number during grain filling growth stage under water
stress conditions. In this concern, according to low drought
susceptibility index (less grain yield losses), the hybrid (Indaco) was
more stable in grain number and grain weight. Consequently, it may
be concluded that this hybrid would be recommended for use in the
future breeding programs for production of drought tolerant hybrids.
Abstract: Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UV-PCO)
technology has been recommended as a green approach to health
indoor environment when it is integrated into mechanical ventilation
systems for inorganic and organic compounds removal as well as
energy saving due to less outdoor air intakes. Although much research
has been devoted to UV-PCO, limited information is available on the
UV-PCO behavior tested by the mixtures in literature. This project
investigated UV-PCO performance and by-product generation using a
single and a mixture of acetone and MEK at 100 ppb each in a
single-pass duct system in an effort to obtain knowledge associated
with competitive photochemical reactions involved in. The
experiments were performed at 20 % RH, 22 °C, and a gas flow rate of
128 m3/h (75 cfm). Results show that acetone and MEK mutually
reduced each other’s PCO removal efficiency, particularly negative
removal efficiency for acetone. These findings were different from
previous observation of facilitatory effects on the adsorption of
acetone and MEK on photocatalyst surfaces.
Abstract: Damaturu is the capital of Yobe State in northeastern
Nigeria where civic amenities and facilities are not adequate even
after 24 years of its existence. The volatile security and political
situations are most significant causes for the same. The basic facility
for the citizens in terms of drinking water and electricity are not
available. For the drinking water, they have to rely on personal
boreholes or the filtered borehole waters available in packaged
sachets in market. The present study is concerned with environmental
impact of indiscriminate disposal of drinking synthetic polythene
water sachets in Damaturu. The sachet water is popularly called as
“pure water”, but its purity is questionable. Increased production and
consumption of sachet water has led to indiscriminate dumping and
disposal of empty sachets leading to serious environmental threat.
The evidence of this is seen for sachets littering the streets and the
drainages blocked by ‘blocks’ of water sachet waste. Sachet water
gained much popularity in Nigeria because the product is convenient
for use, affordable and economically viable. The present study aims
to find out the solution to this environmental problem. The fieldbased
study has found some significant factors that cause
environmental and socio economic effect due to this. Some
recommendations have been made based on research findings
regarding sustainable waste management, recycling and re-use of the
non-biodegradable products in society.
Abstract: This research will give the introductory ideas for
cultural adaption of B2C E-Service design in Germany. By the
intense competition of E-Service development, many companies have
realized the importance of understanding the emotional and cultural
characteristics of their customers. Ignoring customers’ needs and
requirements throughout the E-Service design can lead to faults,
mistakes, and gaps. The term of E-Service usability now is changed
not only to develop high quality E-Services, but also to be extended
to include customer satisfaction and provide for them to feel local.
Abstract: Two normal populations with different means and same
variance are considered, where the variance is known. The population
with the smaller sample mean is selected. Various estimators are
constructed for the mean of the selected normal population. Finally,
they are compared with respect to the bias and MSE risks by
the mehod of Monte-Carlo simulation and their performances are
analysed with the help of graphs.
Abstract: The web services applications for digital reference
service (WSDRS) of LIS model is an informal model that claims to
reduce the problems of digital reference services in libraries. It uses
web services technology to provide efficient way of satisfying users’
needs in the reference section of libraries. The formal WSDRS model
consists of the Z specifications of all the informal specifications of
the model. This paper discusses the formal validation of the Z
specifications of WSDRS model. The authors formally verify and
thus validate the properties of the model using Z/EVES theorem
prover.
Abstract: The application of cold Radio-Frequency (RF) plasma
in the conservation of cultural heritage became important in the last
decades due to the positive results obtained in decontamination
treatments. This paper presents an equipment especially designed for cold RF
plasma application on paper documents, developed within a research
project. The equipment consists in two modules: the first one is
designed for decontamination and cleaning treatments of any type of
paper supports, while the second one can be used for coating friable
papers with adequate polymers, for protection purposes. All these
operations are carried out in cold radio-frequency plasma, working in
gaseous nitrogen, at low pressure. In order to optimize the equipment parameters ancient paper
samples infested with microorganisms have been treated in nitrogen
plasma and the decontamination effects, as well as changes in surface
properties (color, pH) were assessed. The microbiological analysis
revealed complete decontamination at 6 minutes treatment duration;
only minor modifications of the surface pH were found and the
colorimetric analysis showed a slight yellowing of the support.
Abstract: The present study is a functional analysis of the
relationship between castes which indicates the dynamics of the caste
structure in the rural setting. The researcher has tried to show both
the cooperation and competition on important ceremonial and social
occasions. The real India exists in the villages, so we need to know
about their solidarity and also what the village life is and has been
shaping into. We need to emphasize a microcosmic study of Indian
rural life. Furthermore, caste integration is an acute problem country
faces today. To resolve this we are required to know the dynamics of
behavior of the people of different castes and for the study of the
caste dynamics a study of caste relations are needed. The present
study is an attempt in this direction.
Abstract: The aim of the current work was to employ the finite
element method to model a slab, with a small hole across its width,
undergoing plastic plane strain deformation. The computational
model had, however, to be validated by comparing its results with
those obtained experimentally. Since they were in good agreement,
the finite element method can therefore be considered a reliable tool
that can help gain better understanding of the mechanism of ductile
failure in structural members having stress raisers. The finite element
software used was ANSYS, and the PLANE183 element was utilized.
It is a higher order 2-D, 8-node or 6-node element with quadratic
displacement behavior. A bilinear stress-strain relationship was used
to define the material properties, with constants similar to those of the
material used in the experimental study. The model was run for
several tensile loads in order to observe the progression of the plastic
deformation region, and the stress concentration factor was
determined in each case. The experimental study involved employing the visioplasticity
technique, where a circular mesh (each circle was 0.5 mm in
diameter, with 0.05 mm line thickness) was initially printed on the
side of an aluminum slab having a small hole across its width.
Tensile loading was then applied to produce a small increment of
plastic deformation. Circles in the plastic region became ellipses,
where the directions of the principal strains and stresses coincided
with the major and minor axes of the ellipses. Next, we were able to
determine the directions of the maximum and minimum shear
stresses at the center of each ellipse, and the slip-line field was then
constructed. We were then able to determine the stress at any point in
the plastic deformation zone, and hence the stress concentration
factor. The experimental results were found to be in good agreement
with the analytical ones.
Abstract: The right to basic sanitation, was elevated to the
category of fundamental right by the Constitution of 1988 to protect
the ecologically balanced environment, ensuring social rights to
health and adequate housing and put the dignity of the human person
as the foundation of the Brazilian Democratic State. Before their
essentiality to humans, this article seeks to understand why universal
access to basic sanitation is a goal so difficult to achieve in Brazil.
Therefore, this research uses the deductive and analytical method.
Given the nature of the research literature, research techniques were
centered in specialized books on the subject, journals, theses and
dissertations, laws, relevant law case and raising social indicators
relating to the theme. The relevance of the topic stems, among other
things, the fact that sanitation services are essential for a dignified
life, i.e., everyone is entitled to the maintenance of the necessary
existence conditions are satisfied. However, the effectiveness of this
right is undermined in society, since Brazil has huge deficit in
sanitation services, denying thus a worthy life to most of the
population. Thus, it can be seen that the provision of water and
sewage services in Brazil is still characterized by a large imbalance,
since the municipalities with lower population index have greater
disability in the sanitation service. The truth is that the precariousness
of water and sewage services in Brazil is still very concentrated in the
North and Northeast regions, limiting the effective implementation of
the Law 11.445/2007 in the country. Therefore, there is urgent need
for a positive service by the State in the provision of sanitation
services in order to prevent and control disease, improve quality of
life and productivity of individuals, besides preventing contamination
of water resources. More than just social and economic necessity,
there is a government duty to implement such services. In this sense,
given the current scenario, to achieve universal access to basic
sanitation imposes many hurdles. These are mainly in the field of
properly formulated and implemented public policies, i.e., it requires
an excellent institutional organization, management services,
strategic planning, social control, in order to provide answers to
complex challenges.
Abstract: Below-knee amputees commonly experience
asymmetrical gait patterns. It is generally believed that ischemia is
related to the formation of pressure sores due to uneven distribution
of forces. Micro-vascular responses can reveal local malnutrition.
Changes in local skin blood supply under various external loading
conditions have been studied for a number of years. Radionuclide
clearance, photo-plethysmography, trans-cutaneous oxygen tension
along with other studies showed that the blood supply would be
influenced by the epidermal forces, and the rate and the amount of
blood supply would decrease with increased epidermal loads being
shear forces or normal forces. Several cases of socket designs were
investigated using Finite Element Model (FEM) and Design of
Experiment (DOE) to increase flexibility and minimize the pressure
at the limb/socket interface using ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) or Duraform. The
pressure reliefs at designated areas where reducing thickness is
involved are seen to be critical in determination of amputees’ comfort
and are very important to clinical applications. Implementing a hole
between the Patellar Tendon (PT) and Distal Tibia (DT) would
decrease stiffness and increase prosthesis range of motion where
flexibility is needed. In addition, displacement and prosthetic energy
storage increased without compromising mechanical efficiency and
prosthetic design integrity.
Abstract: Computer aided diagnosis systems provide vital
opinion to radiologists in the detection of early signs of breast cancer
from mammogram images. Architectural distortions, masses and
microcalcifications are the major abnormalities. In this paper, a
computer aided diagnosis system has been proposed for
distinguishing abnormal mammograms with architectural distortion
from normal mammogram. Four types of texture features GLCM
texture, GLRLM texture, fractal texture and spectral texture features
for the regions of suspicion are extracted. Support vector machine
has been used as classifier in this study. The proposed system yielded
an overall sensitivity of 96.47% and an accuracy of 96% for
mammogram images collected from digital database for screening
mammography database.
Abstract: This study integrates a larger research empirical
project that examines second language (SL) learners’ profiles and
valid procedures to perform complete and diagnostic assessment in
schools. 102 learners of Portuguese as a SL aged 7 and 17 years
speakers of distinct home languages were assessed in several
linguistic tasks. In this article, we focused on writing performance in
the specific task of narrative essay composition. The written outputs
were measured using the score in six components adapted from an
English SL assessment context (Alberta Education): linguistic
vocabulary, grammar, syntax, strategy, socio-linguistic, and
discourse. The writing processes and strategies in Portuguese
language used by different immigrant students were analysed to
determine features and diversity of deficits on authentic texts
performed by SL writers. Differentiated performance was based on
the diversity of the following variables: grades, previous schooling,
home language, instruction in first language, and exposure to
Portuguese as Second Language. Indo-Aryan languages speakers
showed low writing scores compared to their peers and the type of
language and respective cognitive mapping (such as Mandarin and
Arabic) was the predictor, not linguistic distance. Home language
instruction should also be prominently considered in further research
to understand specificities of cognitive academic profile in a
Romance languages learning context. Additionally, this study also
examined the teachers’ representations that will be here addressed to
understand educational implications of second language teaching in
psychological distress of different minorities in schools of specific
host countries.
Abstract: This paper deals with nonlinear vibration analysis
using finite element method for frame structures consisting of elastic
and viscoelastic damping layers supported by multiple nonlinear
concentrated springs with hysteresis damping. The frame is supported
by four nonlinear concentrated springs near the four corners. The
restoring forces of the springs have cubic non-linearity and linear
component of the nonlinear springs has complex quantity to represent
linear hysteresis damping. The damping layer of the frame structures
has complex modulus of elasticity. Further, the discretized equations in
physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary
coupled differential equations using normal coordinate corresponding
to linear natural modes. Comparing shares of strain energy of the
elastic frame, the damping layer and the springs, we evaluate the
influences of the damping couplings on the linear and nonlinear impact
responses. We also investigate influences of damping changed by
stiffness of the elastic frame on the nonlinear coupling in the damped
impact responses.
Abstract: Discursive practices enacted by educators in
kindergarten create a blueprint for how the educational trajectories of
students with disabilities are constructed. This two-year ethnographic
case study critically examines educators’ relationships with students
considered to present challenging behaviors in one kindergarten
classroom located in a predominantly White middle class school
district in the Northeast of the United States. Focusing on the
language and practices used by one special education teacher and
three teaching assistants, this paper analyzes how teacher responses
to students’ behaviors constructs and positions students over one year
of kindergarten education. Using a critical discourse analysis it shows
that educators understand students’ behaviors as deficit and needing
consequences. This study highlights how educators’ responses reflect
students' individual characteristics including family background,
socioeconomics and ability status. This paper offers in depth analysis
of two students’ stories, which evidenced that the language used by
educators amplifies the social positioning of students within the
classroom and creates a foundation for who they are constructed to
be. Through exploring routine language and practices, this paper
demonstrates that educators outlined a blueprint of kindergartners,
which positioned students as learners in ways that became the ground
for either a limited or a promising educational pathway for them.
Abstract: Determination of genetic variation is useful for plant
breeding and hence production of more efficient plant species under
different conditions, like drought stress. In this study a sample of 28
recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat developed from the cross of
Norstar and Zagross varieties, together with their parents, were
evaluated for two years (2010-2012) under normal and water stress
conditions using split plot design with three replications. Main plots
included two irrigation treatments of 70 and 140 mm evaporation
from Class A pan and sub-plots consisted of 30 genotypes. The effect
of genotypes and interaction of genotypes with years and water
regimes were significant for all characters. Significant genotypic
effect implies the existence of genetic variation among the lines
under study. Heritability estimates were high for 1000 grain weight
(0.87). Biomass and grain yield showed the lowest heritability values
(0.42 and 0.50, respectively). Highest genotypic and phenotypic
coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) belonged to harvest index.
Moderate genetic advance for most of the traits suggested the
feasibility of selection among the RILs under investigation. Some
RILs were higher yielding than either parent at both environments.
Abstract: This research presents the main ideas to implement an
intelligent system composed by communicating wireless sensors
measuring environmental data linked to drought indicators (such as
air temperature, soil moisture , etc...). On the other hand, the setting
up of a spatio temporal database communicating with a Web mapping
application for a monitoring in real time in activity 24:00 /day, 7
days/week is proposed to allow the screening of the drought
parameters time evolution and their extraction. Thus this system
helps detecting surfaces touched by the phenomenon of drought.
Spatio-temporal conceptual models seek to answer the users who
need to manage soil water content for irrigating or fertilizing or other
activities pursuing crop yield augmentation. Effectively, spatiotemporal
conceptual models enable users to obtain a diagram of
readable and easy data to apprehend. Based on socio-economic
information, it helps identifying people impacted by the phenomena
with the corresponding severity especially that this information is
accessible by farmers and stakeholders themselves. The study will be
applied in Siliana watershed Northern Tunisia.
Abstract: Localization of nodes is one of the key issues of
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) that gained a wide attention in
recent years. The existing localization techniques can be generally
categorized into two types: range-based and range-free. Compared
with rang-based schemes, the range-free schemes are more costeffective,
because no additional ranging devices are needed. As a
result, we focus our research on the range-free schemes. In this paper
we study three types of range-free location algorithms to compare the
localization error and energy consumption of each one. Centroid
algorithm requires a normal node has at least three neighbor anchors,
while DV-hop algorithm doesn’t have this requirement. The third
studied algorithm is the amorphous algorithm similar to DV-Hop
algorithm, and the idea is to calculate the hop distance between two
nodes instead of the linear distance between them. The simulation
results show that the localization accuracy of the amorphous
algorithm is higher than that of other algorithms and the energy
consumption does not increase too much.
Abstract: The Northeast China (NEC) was the most important
agriculture areas and known as the Golden-Maize-Belt. Based on
observed crop data and crop model, we design four simulating
experiments and separate relative impacts and contribution under
climate change, planting date shift, and varieties change as well
change of varieties and planting date. Without planting date and
varieties change, maize yields had no significant change trend at
Hailun station located in the north of NEC, and presented significant
decrease by 0.2 - 0.4 t/10a at two stations, which located in the middle
and the south of NEC. With planting date change, yields showed a
significant increase by 0.09 - 0.47 t/10a. With varieties change, maize
yields had significant increase by 1.8~ 1.9 t/10a at Hailun and Huadian
stations, but a non-significant and low increase by 0.2t /10a at Benxi
located in the south of NEC. With change of varieties and planting
date, yields presented a significant increasing by 0.53- 2.0 t/10a. Their
contribution to yields was -25% ~ -55% for climate change, 15% ~
35% for planting date change, and 20% ~110% for varieties change as
well 30% ~135% for varieties with planting date shift. It found that
change in varieties and planting date were highest yields and were
responsible for significant increases in maize yields, varieties was
secondly, and planting date was thirdly. It found that adaptation in
varieties and planting date greatly improved maize yields, and
increased yields annual variability. The increase of contribution with
planting date and varieties change in 2000s was lower than in 1990s.
Yields with the varieties change and yields with planting date and
varieties change all showed a decreasing trend at Huadian and Benxi
since 2002 or so. It indicated that maize yields increasing trend
stagnated in the middle and south of NEC, and continued in the north
of NEC.