Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the most satisfying and frustrating aspects of ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) teaching in Turkish schools. Another aim was to compare these aspects based-on ICT teachers- selfefficacy. Participants were 119 ICT teachers from different geographical areas of Turkey. Participants were asked to list salient satisfying and frustrating aspects of ICT teaching, and to fill out the Self-Efficacy Scale for ICT Teachers. Results showed that the high self-efficacy teachers listed more positive and negative aspects of ICT teaching then did the low self-efficacy teachers. The satisfying aspects of ICT teaching were the dynamic nature of ICT subject, higher student interest, having opportunity to help other subject teachers, and lecturing in well-equipped labs, whereas the most frequently cited frustrating aspects of ICT teaching were ICT-related extra works of schools and colleagues, shortages of hardware and technical problems, indifferent students, insufficient teaching time, and the status of ICT subject in school curriculum. This information could be useful in redesigning ICT teachers- roles and responsibilities as well as job environment in schools.
Abstract: In this research, the main aim is to investigate the
antimicrobial effectiveness of ammonyx solutions finishing on
Sweatshirt Sport with immersion method. 60 Male healthy subjects
(football player) participated in this study. They were dressed in a
Sweatshirt for 14 days and some microbes found on them were
investigated. The antimicrobial effect of different ammonyx
solutions(1/100, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 v/v solutions of Ammonyx)
on the identified microbes was studied by the zone inhabitation
method in vitro. In the next step the Sweatshirt Sports were treated
with the same different solutions of ammonyx and the antimicrobial
effectiveness was assessed by colony count method in different times
and the results were compared whit untreated ones. Some mechanical
properties of treated cotton/polyester yarn that used in Sweatshirt
Sport were measured after 30 days and were compared with
untreated one. Finally after finishing, scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) was used to compare the surfaces of the finished and
unfinished specimens. The results showed the presence of five
pathogenic microbes on Sweatshirt Sports such as Escherichia coli,
Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus, Mucor and Candida. The
inhalation time for treated on Sweatshirt Sports improved. The
amount of colony growth on treated clothes reduced considerably
and moreover the mechanical tests results showed no significant
deterioration effect of studies properties in comparison to the
untreated yarn. The visual examination of the SEM indicated that the
antimicrobial treatments were applied usefully to fabrics.
Abstract: During the process of compaction in Hot-Mix Asphalt
(HMA) mixtures, the distance between aggregate particles decreases
as they come together and eliminate air-voids. By measuring the
inter-particle distances in a cut-section of a HMA sample the degree
of compaction can be estimated. For this, a calibration curve is
generated by computer simulation technique when the gradation and
asphalt content of the HMA mixture are known. A two-dimensional
cross section of HMA specimen was simulated using the mixture
design information (gradation, asphalt content and air-void content).
Nearest neighbor distance methods such as Delaunay triangulation
were used to study the changes in inter-particle distance and area
distribution during the process of compaction in HMA. Such
computer simulations would enable making several hundreds of
repetitions in a short period of time without the necessity to compact
and analyze laboratory specimens in order to obtain good statistics on
the parameters defined. The distributions for the statistical
parameters based on computer simulations showed similar trends as
those of laboratory specimens.
Abstract: WiMAX is defined as Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access by the WiMAX Forum, formed in June 2001 to
promote conformance and interoperability of the IEEE 802.16
standard, officially known as WirelessMAN. The attractive features
of WiMAX technology are very high throughput and Broadband
Wireless Access over a long distance. A detailed simulation
environment is demonstrated with the UGS, nrtPS and ertPS service
classes for throughput, delay and packet delivery ratio for a mixed
environment of fixed and mobile WiMAX. A simple mobility aspect
is considered for the mobile WiMAX and the PMP mode of
transmission is considered in TDD mode. The Network Simulator 2
(NS-2) is the tool which is used to simulate the WiMAX network
scenario. A simple Priority Scheduler and Weighted Round Robin
Schedulers are the WiMAX schedulers used in the research work
Abstract: Detection of player identity is challenging task in sport video content analysis. In case of soccer video player number recognition is effective and precise solution. Jersey numbers can be considered as scene text and difficulties in localization and recognition appear due to variations in orientation, size, illumination, motion etc. This paper proposed new method for player number localization and recognition. By observing hue, saturation and value for 50 different jersey examples we noticed that most often combination of low and high saturated pixels is used to separate number and jersey region. Image segmentation method based on this observation is introduced. Then, novel method for player number localization based on internal contours is proposed. False number candidates are filtered using area and aspect ratio. Before OCR processing extracted numbers are enhanced using image smoothing and rotation normalization.
Abstract: In this article, biomechanical aspects of hen-s eggshell as a natural ceramic structure are studied. The images, taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), are used to investigate the microscopic aspects of the egg. It is observed that eggshell has a three-layered microstructure with different morphological and structural characteristics. Studies on the eggshell membrane (ESM) as a prosperous tissue suggest that it is placed to prevent the penetration of microorganisms into the egg. Finally, numerical models of the egg are presented to study the stress distribution and its deformation under different loading conditions. The effects of two different types of loading (hydrostatic and point loadings) on two different shell models (with constant and variable thicknesses) are investigated in detail.
Abstract: Scarcity of resources for biodiversity conservation gives rise to the need of strategic investment with priorities given to the cost of conservation. While the literature provides abundant methodological options for biodiversity conservation; estimating true cost of conservation remains abstract and simplistic, without recognising dynamic nature of the cost. Some recent works demonstrate the prominence of economic theory to inform biodiversity decisions, particularly on the costs and benefits of biodiversity however, the integration of the concept of true cost into biodiversity actions and planning are very slow to come by, and specially on a farm level. Conservation planning studies often use area as a proxy for costs neglecting different land values as well as protected areas. These literature consider only heterogeneous benefits while land costs are considered homogenous. Analysis with the assumption of cost homogeneity results in biased estimation; since not only it doesn’t address the true total cost of biodiversity actions and plans, but also it fails to screen out lands that are more (or less) expensive and/or difficult (or more suitable) for biodiversity conservation purposes, hindering validity and comparability of the results. Economies of scope” is one of the other most neglected aspects in conservation literature. The concept of economies of scope introduces the existence of cost complementarities within a multiple output production system and it suggests a lower cost during the concurrent production of multiple outputs by a given farm. If there are, indeed, economies of scope then simplistic representation of costs will tend to overestimate the true cost of conservation leading to suboptimal outcomes. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide first road review of the various theoretical ways in which economies of scope are likely to occur of how they might occur in conservation. Consequently, the paper addresses gaps that have to be filled in future analysis.
Abstract: This study attempts to clarify major perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Greek market related to companies that have sufficient CSR. An empirical analysis was undertaken, based on literature review and previous observations and surveys, in order to provide a general analysis of the CSR concept in Greece. The results of Accountability Rating institution were used in order to identify companies that adopt an integrated social responsibility approach. Companies that responded to the survey are both regional and international and belong to different industrial fields. Some of the main survey results reveal: multiple aspects for the CSR concept, weak consensus as regards the importance of stakeholders and benefits from the CSR implementation, the important role of CSR in the decision procedure and CSR practices concerning social issues that affect mostly company-s competitiveness. Sharing companies- experience could address common social issues through CSR best practices and develop new knowledge.
Abstract: Research in e-Business has been growing
tremendously covering all related aspects such as adoption issues, e-
Business models, strategies, etc. This research aims to explore the
potential of adopting e-Business for a micro size business operating
from home called home-based businesses (HBBs). In Malaysia, the
HBB industry started many years ago and were mostly monopolized
by women or housewives managed as a part-time job to support their
family economy. Today, things have changed. The availability of the
Internet technology and the emergence of e-Business concept
promote the evolution of HBBs, which have been adopted as another
alternative as a professional career for women without neglecting
their family needs especially the children. Although this study is
confined to a limited sample size and within geographical biasness,
the findings show that it concurs with previous large scale studies. In
this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used and
data were gathered using triangulation methods via interview, direct
observation, document analysis and survey questionnaires. This paper
discusses the literature review, research methods and findings
pertaining to e-Business adoption factors that influence the HBBs in
Malaysia.
Abstract: This paper focuses attention on specific aspects of
entrepreneurial decisions relating to investment, both in the total
fixed investments and plant & machinery (separately). Demand and
financial factors, internal and external, are considered in the
investment analysis. Finally the influence of determinants of fixed
investment and investment plans are examined in Electric Power
industry in India.
Abstract: Bringing change to the housing industry requires
multiple efforts from various angles especially to overcome any
resistances in the form of technology, human aspects, financial and
resources. The transition from conventional to sustainable approach
consumes time as it requires changes from different facets in the
industry ranging from individual, organisational to industry level. In
Malaysia, there are various efforts to bring green into the industry but
the progress is low-moderate. Will the current efforts bear larger
fruits in the near future? This study examines the perceptions of the
developers in Malaysia on the future of the green housing sector for
the next 5 years. The introduction of GBI rating system, improvement
of awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders, support from
the government and local industry and the effect of competitive
advantage would support brighter future. Meanwhile, the status quo
in rules and regulation, lack of public interest and demand,
organization disinterest, local authority enforcement and project cost
escalation would hinder a faster progress.
Abstract: In this study, lipase production has been investigated
using submerge fermentation by Aspergillus niger in Kilka fish oil as
main substrate. The Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array
design was used to investigate the effect of parameters and their
levels on lipase productivity. The optimum conditions for Kilka fish
oil concentration, incubation temperature and pH were obtained 3
gr./ml 35°C and 7, respectively. The amount of lipase activity in
optimum condition was obtained 4.59IU/ml. By comparing this
amount with the amount of productivity in the olive oil medium
based on the cost of each medium, it was that using Kilka fish oil is
84% economical. Therefore Kilka fish oil can be used as an
economical and suitable substrate in the lipase production and
industrial usages.
Abstract: The traditional public relations manager is usually responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the organization among key publics. While the principal focus of this effort is on support publics, it is quite clearly recognized that an organization's image has important effects on its own employees, its donors and volunteers, and its clients. The aim of paper is to define application`s aspects of public relations media and tools by nonprofit organizations in Albanian reality. Actually does used public relations media and tools, like written material, audiovisual material, organizational identity media, news, interviews and speeches, events, web sites by nonprofit organizations to attract donors? If, public relations media and tools are used, does exists a relation between public relation media and fundraising?
Abstract: A feasibility study for the design and construction of a
pilot plant for the extraction of castor oil in South Africa was
conducted. The study emphasized the four critical aspects of project
feasibility analysis, namely technical, financial, market and
managerial aspects. The technical aspect involved research on
existing oil extraction technologies, namely: mechanical pressing and
solvent extraction, as well as assessment of the proposed production
site for both short and long term viability of the project. The site is
on the outskirts of Nkomazi village in the Mpumalanga province,
where connections for water and electricity are currently underway,
potential raw material supply proves to be reliable since the province
is known for its commercial farming. The managerial aspect was
evaluated based on the fact that the current producer of castor oil will
be fully involved in the project while receiving training and technical
assistance from Sasol Technology, the TSC and SEDA. Market and
financial aspects were evaluated and the project was considered
financially viable with a Net Present Value (NPV) of R2 731 687 and
an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18% at an annual interest rate of
10.5%. The payback time is 6years for analysis over the first 10
years with a net income of R1 971 000 in the first year. The project
was thus found to be feasible with high chance of success while
contributing to socio-economic development. It was recommended
for lab tests to be conducted to establish process kinetics that would
be used in the initial design of the plant.
Abstract: This paper explores the issues that influence online retailing in Saudi Arabia. Retailers in Saudi Arabia have been reserved in their adoption of electronically delivered aspects of their business. Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has the largest and fastest growth of ICT marketplaces in the Arab region, e-commerce activities are not progressing at the same speed. Only very few Saudi companies, mostly medium and large companies from the manufacturing sector, are involved in e-commerce implementation. Based on qualitative data collected by conducting interviews with 16 retailers and 16 potential customers in Saudi Arabia, several factors influencing online retailing diffusion in Saudi Arabia are identified. However, government support comes the highest and most influencing factor for online retailing growth as identified by both parties; retailers and potential customers in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: In this research a mathematical model for direct
oxidization of hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur in a fluidized
bed reactor with external circulation was developed. As the catalyst
is deactivated in the fluidized bed, it might be placed in a reduction
tank in order to remove sulfur through heating above its dew point.
The reactor model demonstrated via MATLAB software. It was
shown that variations of H2S conversion as well as; products formed
were reasonable in comparison with corresponding results of a fixed
bed reactor. Through analyzing results of this model, it became
possible to propose the main optimized operating conditions for the
process considered. These conditions included; the temperature range
of 100-130ºC and utilizing the catalyst as much as possible providing
the highest bed density respect to dimensions of bed, economical
aspects that the bed ever remained in fluidized mode. A high active
and stable catalyst under the optimum conditions exhibited 100%
conversion in a fluidized bed reactor.
Abstract: This paper is a review on the aspects and approaches of design an image cryptosystem. First a general introduction given for cryptography and images encryption and followed by different techniques in image encryption and related works for each technique surveyed. Finally, general security analysis methods for encrypted images are mentioned.
Abstract: The construction of a civil structure inside a urban
area inevitably modifies the outdoor microclimate at the building
site. Wind speed, wind direction, air pollution, driving rain, radiation
and daylight are some of the main physical aspects that are subjected
to the major changes. The quantitative amount of these modifications
depends on the shape, size and orientation of the building and on its
interaction with the surrounding environment.The flow field over a
flat roof model building has been numerically investigated in order to
determine two-dimensional CFD guidelines for the calculation of the
turbulent flow over a structure immersed in an atmospheric boundary
layer. To this purpose, a complete validation campaign has been
performed through a systematic comparison of numerical simulations
with wind tunnel experimental data.Several turbulence models and
spatial node distributions have been tested for five different vertical
positions, respectively from the upstream leading edge to the
downstream bottom edge of the analyzed model. Flow field
characteristics in the neighborhood of the building model have been
numerically investigated, allowing a quantification of the capabilities
of the CFD code to predict the flow separation and the extension of
the recirculation regions.The proposed calculations have allowed the
development of a preliminary procedure to be used as a guidance in
selecting the appropriate grid configuration and corresponding
turbulence model for the prediction of the flow field over a twodimensional
roof architecture dominated by flow separation.
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks have been used in wide
areas of application and become an attractive area for researchers in
recent years. Because of the limited energy storage capability of
sensor nodes, Energy consumption is one of the most challenging
aspects of these networks and different strategies and protocols deals
with this area. This paper presents general methods for designing low
power wireless sensor network. Different sources of energy
consumptions in these networks are discussed here and techniques for
alleviating the consumption of energy are presented.
Abstract: Phytases are acid phosphatase enzymes, which
efficiently cleave phosphate moieties from phytic acid, thereby
generating myo-inositol and inorganic phosphate. Thirty four
isolates of endophytic fungi to produce of phytases were isolated
from leaf, stem and root fragments of soybean. Screening of 34
isolates of endophytic fungi identified the phytases produced by
Rhizoctonia sp. and Fusarium verticillioides . The phytase
production were the best induced by phytic acid and rice bran
compared the others inducer in submerged fermentation medium
used. The phytase produced by both Rhizoctonia sp. and F.
verticillioides have pH optimum at 4.0 and 5.0 respectively. The
characterization of phytase from Fusarium verticillioides showed that
temperature optimum was 500C and stability until 600C, the pH
optimum 5.0 and pH stability was 2.5 – 6.0, and substrate specificity
were rice bran>soybean meal>corn> coconut cake, respectively.