Abstract: In this paper, we introduce an NLG application for the automatic creation of ready-to-publish texts from big data. The resulting fully automatic generated news stories have a high resemblance to the style in which the human writer would draw up such a story. Topics include soccer games, stock exchange market reports, and weather forecasts. Each generated text is unique. Readyto-publish stories written by a computer application can help humans to quickly grasp the outcomes of big data analyses, save timeconsuming pre-formulations for journalists and cater to rather small audiences by offering stories that would otherwise not exist.
Abstract: Given the limited research on Small and Mediumsized
Enterprises’ (SMEs) contribution to Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) and even scarcer research on Swiss SMEs, this
paper helps to fill these gaps by enabling the identification of supranational
SME parameters. Thus, the paper investigates the current
state of SME practices in Switzerland and across 15 other countries.
Combining the degree to which SMEs demonstrate an explicit (or
business case) approach or see CSR as an implicit moral activity with
the assessment of their attributes for “variety of capitalism” defines
the framework of this comparative analysis. To outline Swiss small
business CSR patterns in particular, 40 SME owner-managers were
interviewed. A secondary data analysis of studies from different
countries laid groundwork for this comparative overview of small
business CSR. The paper identifies Swiss small business CSR as
driven by norms, values, and by the aspiration to contribute to
society, thus, as an implicit part of the day-to-day business. Similar to
most Central European, Mediterranean, Nordic, and Asian countries,
explicit CSR is still very rare in Swiss SMEs. Astonishingly, also
British and American SMEs follow this pattern in spite of their strong
and distinctly liberal market economies. Though other findings show
that nationality matters this research concludes that SME culture and
an informal CSR agenda are strongly formative and superseding even
forces of market economies, nationally cultural patterns, and
language. Hence, classifications of countries by their market system,
as found in the comparative capitalism literature, do not match the
CSR practices in SMEs as they do not mirror the peculiarities of their
business. This raises questions on the universality and
generalisability of unmediated, explicit management concepts,
especially in the context of small firms.
Abstract: Using the quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model the
nonlinear properties of ion-acoustic waves in are lativistically
degenerate quantum plasma is investigated by deriving a nonlinear
Spherical Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (SKP) equation using the
standard reductive perturbation method equation. It was found that
the electron degeneracy parameter significantly affects the linear
and nonlinear properties of ion-acoustic waves in quantum plasma.
Abstract: The main function of Medium Access Control (MAC) is to share the channel efficiently between all nodes. In the real-time scenario, there will be certain amount of wastage in bandwidth due to back-off periods. More bandwidth will be wasted in idle state if the back-off period is very high and collision may occur if the back-off period is small. So, an optimization is needed for this problem. The main objective of the work is to reduce delay due to back-off period thereby reducing collision and increasing throughput. Here a method, called the virtual back-off algorithm (VBA) is used to optimize the back-off period and thereby it increases throughput and reduces collisions. The main idea is to optimize the number of transmission for every node. A counter is introduced at each node to implement this idea. Here counter value represents the sequence number. VBA is classified into two types VBA with counter sharing (VBA-CS) and VBA with no counter sharing (VBA-NCS). These two classifications of VBA are compared for various parameters. Simulation is done in NS-2 environment. The results obtained are found to be promising.
Abstract: The venture capital becomes more and more advanced
and effective source of the innovation project financing, connected
with a high-risk level. In the developed countries, it plays a key role
in transforming innovation projects into successful businesses and
creating the prosperity of the modern economy. In Russia, there are
many necessary preconditions for creation of the effective venture
investment system: the network of the public institutes for innovation
financing operates; there is a significant number of the small and
medium-sized enterprises, capable to sell production with good
market potential. However, the current system does not confirm the
necessary level of efficiency in practice that can be substantially
explained by the absence of the accurate plan of action to form the
national venture model and by the lack of experience of successful
venture deals with profitable exits in Russian economy. This paper
studies the influence of various factors on the venture industry
development by the example of the IT-sector in Russia. The choice of
the sector is based on the fact, that this segment is the main driver of
the venture capital market growth in Russia, and the necessary set of
data exists. The size of investment of the second round is used as the
dependent variable. To analyse the influence of the previous round,
such determinant as the volume of the previous (first) round
investments is used. There is also used a dummy variable in
regression to examine that the participation of an investor with high
reputation and experience in the previous round can influence the size
of the next investment round. The regression analysis of short-term
interrelations between studied variables reveals prevailing influence
of the volume of the first round investments on the venture
investments volume of the second round. The most important
determinant of the value of the second-round investment is the value
of first–round investment, so it means that the most competitive on
the Russian market are the start-up teams that can attract more money
on the start, and the target market growth is not the factor of crucial
importance. This supports the point of view that VC in Russia is
driven by endogenous factors and not by exogenous ones that are
based on global market growth.
Abstract: Surf is an increasingly popular sport and its performance evaluation is often qualitative. This work aims at using a smartphone to collect and analyze the GPS and inertial sensors data in order to obtain quantitative metrics of the surfing performance. Two approaches are compared for detection of wave rides, computing the number of waves rode in a surfing session, the starting time of each wave and its duration. The first approach is based on computing the velocity from the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal and finding the velocity thresholds that allow identifying the start and end of each wave ride. The second approach adds information from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) of the smartphone, to the velocity thresholds obtained from the GPS unit, to determine the start and end of each wave ride. The two methods were evaluated using GPS and IMU data from two surfing sessions and validated with similar metrics extracted from video data collected from the beach. The second method, combining GPS and IMU data, was found to be more accurate in determining the number of waves, start time and duration. This paper shows that it is feasible to use smartphones for quantification of performance metrics during surfing. In particular, detection of the waves rode and their duration can be accurately determined using the smartphone GPS and IMU.
Abstract: To explore how the brain may recognise objects in its
general,accurate and energy-efficient manner, this paper proposes the
use of a neuromorphic hardware system formed from a Dynamic
Video Sensor (DVS) silicon retina in concert with the SpiNNaker
real-time Spiking Neural Network (SNN) simulator. As a first step
in the exploration on this platform a recognition system for dynamic
hand postures is developed, enabling the study of the methods used
in the visual pathways of the brain. Inspired by the behaviours of
the primary visual cortex, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
are modelled using both linear perceptrons and spiking Leaky
Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons.
In this study’s largest configuration using these approaches, a
network of 74,210 neurons and 15,216,512 synapses is created and
operated in real-time using 290 SpiNNaker processor cores in parallel
and with 93.0% accuracy. A smaller network using only 1/10th of the
resources is also created, again operating in real-time, and it is able
to recognise the postures with an accuracy of around 86.4% - only
6.6% lower than the much larger system. The recognition rate of the
smaller network developed on this neuromorphic system is sufficient
for a successful hand posture recognition system, and demonstrates
a much improved cost to performance trade-off in its approach.
Abstract: In the present research work we present the optical
emission studies of the Indium (In) – Tin (Sn) plasma produced by
the first (1064 nm) harmonic of an Nd: YAG nanosecond pulsed
laser. The experimentally observed line profiles of neutral Indium (In
I) and Tin (SnI) are used to extract the electron temperature (Te)
using the Boltzmann plot method. Whereas, the electron number
density (Ne) has been determined from the Stark broadening line
profile method. The Te is calculated by varying the distance from the
target surface along the line of propagation of plasma plume and also
by varying the laser irradiance. Beside we have studied the variation
of Ne as a function of laser irradiance as well as its variation with
distance from the target surface.
Abstract: This article presents our prototype MASET (Multi
Agents System for E-Tutoring Learners engaged in online
collaborative work). MASET that we propose is a system which
basically aims to help tutors in monitoring the collaborative work of
students and their various interactions. The evaluation of such
interactions by the tutor is based on the results provided by the
automatic analysis of the interaction indicators. This system is
predicated upon the middleware JADE (Java Agent Development
Framework) and e-learning Moodle platform. The MASET
environment is modeled by AUML which allows structuring the
different interactions between agents for the fulfillment and
performance of online collaborative work. This multi-agent system
has been the subject of a practical experimentation based on the
interactions data between Master Computer Engineering and System
students.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental
study undertaken to evaluate the local bond stress-slip response of
short embedment of reinforcing bars in normal concrete (NC) and
high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)
blocks. Long embedment was investigated as well to gain insights on
the distribution of strain, slip, bar stress and bond stress along the bar
especially in post-yield range. A total of 12 specimens were tested,
by means of pull-out of the reinforcing bars from concrete blocks. It
was found that the enhancement of local bond strength can be
reached up to 50% and ductility of the bond behavior was improved
significantly if HPFRCC is used. Also, under a constant strain at
loaded end, HPFRCC has delayed yielding of bars at other location
from the loaded end. Hence, the reduction of bond stress was slower
for HPFRCC in comparison with NC. Due to the same reason, the
total slips at loaded end for HPFRCC was smaller than NC as
expected. Test results indicated that HPFRCC has better bond slip
behavior which makes it a suitable material to be employed in
anchorage zone such as beam-column joints.
Abstract: Any variation in environmental characteristics of
geomorphosites would lead to destabilisation of their geotouristic
values all around the planet. The Urmia lake, with an area of
approximately 5,500 km2 and a catchment area of 51,876 km2, and to
which various reasons over time, especially in the last fifty years
have seen a sharp decline and have decreased by about 93 % in two
recent decades. These variations are not only driving significant
changes in the morphology and ecology of the present lake
landscape, but at the same time are shaping newly formed
morphologies, which vanished some valuable geomorphosites or
develop into smaller geomorphosites with significant value from a
scientific and cultural point of view. This paper analyses and
discusses features and evolution in several representative coastal and
island geomorphosites. For this purpose, a total of 23 geomorphosites
were studied in two data series (1963 and 2015) and the respective
data were compared and analysed. The results showed, the total loss
in geomorphosites area in a half century amounted to a loss of more
than 90% of the valuable geomorphosites. Moreover, the comparison
between the mean yearly value of coastal area lost over the entire
period and the yearly average calculated for the shorter period (1998-
2014) clearly indicates a pattern of acceleration. This acceleration in
the rate of reduction in lake area was seen in most of the southern
half of the lake. In the region as well, the general water-level falling
is not only causing the loss of a significant water resource, which is
followed by major impact on regional ecosystems, but is also driving
the most marked recent (last century) changes in the geotouristic
landscapes. In fact, the disappearance of geomorphosites means the
loss of tourism phenomenon. In this context attention must be paid to
the question of conservation. The action needed to safeguard
geomorphosites includes: 1) Preventive action, 2) Corrective action,
and 3) Sharing knowledge.
Abstract: On the basis of the theory of nonlinear elasticity, the
effect of homogeneous stress on the propagation of Lamb waves in
an initially isotropic hyperelastic plate is analysed. The equations
governing the propagation of small amplitude waves in the prestressed
plate are derived using the theory of small deformations
superimposed on large deformations. By enforcing traction free
boundary conditions at the upper and lower surfaces of the plate,
acoustoelastic dispersion equations for Lamb wave propagation are
obtained, which are solved numerically. Results are given for an
aluminum plate subjected to a range of applied stresses.
Abstract: An important problem for the CaSO4/CaSO4･1/2H2O
Chemical heat pump (CHP) is that the material is deactivated through
repetitive reaction between hydration and dehydration in which the
crystal phase of the material is transformed from III-CaSO4 to
II-CaSO4. We investigated suppression on the phase change by adding
a sulfated compound. The most effective material was MgSO4. MgSO4
doping increased the durability of CaSO4 in the actual CHP repetitive
cycle of hydration/dehydration to 3.6 times that of undoped CaSO4.
The MgSO4-doped CaSO4 showed a higher phase transition
temperature and activation energy for crystal transformation from
III-CaSO4 to II-CaSO4. MgSO4 doping decreased the crystal lattice
size of CaSO4･1/2H2O and II-CaSO4 to smaller than that of undoped
CaSO4. Modification of the crystal structure is considered to be related
to the durability change in CaSO4 resulting from MgSO4 doping.
Abstract: Microstructural and electrical properties of
Cu-chromium alloy (Cu-Cr) dispersed with vapor-grown carbon fiber
(VGCF) prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) process have been
investigated. Cu-0.7 mass% Cr pre-alloyed powder (Cu-Cr) made by
water atomization process was used as raw materials, which contained
solid solute Cr elements in Cu matrix. The alloy powder coated with
un-bundled VGCF by using oil coating process was consolidated at
1223 K in vacuum by spark plasma sintering, and then extruded at
1073 K. The extruded Cu-Cr alloy (monolithic alloy) had 209.3 MPa
YS and 80.4 IACS% conductivity. The extruded Cu-Cr with 0.1
mass% VGCF composites revealed a small decrease of YS compared
to the monolithic Cu-Cr alloy. On the other hand, the composite had a
higher electrical conductivity than that of the monolithic alloy. For
example, Cu-Cr with 0.1 mass% VGCF composite sintered for 5 h
showed 182.7 MPa YS and 89.7 IACS% conductivity. In the case of
Cu-Cr with VGCFs composites, the Cr concentration was observed
around VGCF by SEM-EDS analysis, where Cr23C6 compounds were
detected by TEM observation. The amount of Cr solid solution in the
matrix of the Cu-Cr composites alloy was about 50% compared to the
monolithic Cu-Cr sintered alloy, and resulted in the remarkable
increment of the electrical conductivity.
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to estimate the US small
wind turbines market potential and forecast the small wind turbines
sales in the US. The forecasting method is based on the application of
the Bass model and the generalized Bass model of innovations
diffusion under replacement purchases. In the work an exponential
distribution is used for modeling of replacement purchases. Only one
parameter of such distribution is determined by average lifetime of
small wind turbines. The identification of the model parameters is
based on nonlinear regression analysis on the basis of the annual
sales statistics which has been published by the American Wind
Energy Association (AWEA) since 2001 up to 2012. The estimation
of the US average market potential of small wind turbines (for
adoption purchases) without account of price changes is 57080
(confidence interval from 49294 to 64866 at P = 0.95) under average
lifetime of wind turbines 15 years, and 62402 (confidence interval
from 54154 to 70648 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind
turbines 20 years. In the first case the explained variance is 90,7%,
while in the second - 91,8%. The effect of the wind turbines price
changes on their sales was estimated using generalized Bass model.
This required a price forecast. To do this, the polynomial regression
function, which is based on the Berkeley Lab statistics, was used. The
estimation of the US average market potential of small wind turbines
(for adoption purchases) in that case is 42542 (confidence interval
from 32863 to 52221 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind
turbines 15 years, and 47426 (confidence interval from 36092 to
58760 at P = 0.95) under average lifetime of wind turbines 20 years.
In the first case the explained variance is 95,3%, while in the second
– 95,3%.
Abstract: Sol-enhanced Zn-Ni-Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings
were electroplated on mild steel by our newly developed solenhanced
electroplating method. In this method, transparent Al2O3 sol
was added into the acidic Zn-Ni bath to produced Zn-Ni-Al2O3nanocomposite
coatings. The chemical composition, microstructure and
mechanical properties of the composite and alloy coatings deposited
at two different agitation speed were investigated. The structure of all
coatings was single γ-Ni5Zn21 phase. The composite coatings possess
refined crystals with higher microhardness compared to Zn-Ni alloy
coatings. The wear resistance of Zn-Ni coatings was improved
significantly by incorporation of alumina nano particles into the
coatings. Higher agitation speed provided more uniform coatings
with smaller grain sized and slightly higher microhardness.
Considering composite coatings, high agitation speeds may facilitate
co-deposition of alumina in the coatings.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical investigation of two
horizontally mounted four-lobed swirl pipes in terms of swirl
induction effectiveness into flows passing through them. The swirl
flows induced by the two swirl pipes have the potential to improve
the efficiency of Clean-In-Place procedures in a closed processing
system by local intensification of hydrodynamic impact on the
internal pipe surface. Pressure losses, swirl development within the
two swirl pipe, swirl induction effectiveness, swirl decay and wall
shear stress variation downstream of two swirl pipes are analyzed and
compared. It was found that a shorter length of swirl inducing pipe
used in joint with transition pipes is more effective in swirl induction
than when a longer one is used, in that it has a less constraint to the
induced swirl and results in slightly higher swirl intensity just
downstream of it with the expense of a smaller pressure loss. The
wall shear stress downstream of the shorter swirl pipe is also slightly
larger than that downstream of the longer swirl pipe due to the
slightly higher swirl intensity induced by the shorter swirl pipe. The
advantage of the shorter swirl pipe in terms of swirl induction is more
significant in flows with a larger Reynolds Number.
Abstract: Aim of this work is to determine the theoretical and
experimental properties of filament wound glass fiber/epoxy resin
composite pipes with different winding design subjected under
bending. For determination of bending strength of composite samples
three point bending tests were conducted. Good correlation between
theoretical and experimental results has been obtained, where sample
No4 has shown the highest value of bending strength. All samples
have demonstrated matrix cracking and fiber failure followed by
layers delamination during testing. Also, it was found that smaller
winding angles lead to an increase in bending stress. From presented
results good merger between glass fibers and epoxy resin was
confirmed by SEM analysis.
Abstract: The US Consumer Price Indices (CPIs) measures
hundreds of items in the US economy. Many social programs
and government benefits index to the CPIs. The purpose of
this project is to modernize an existing process. This paper will
show the development of a small, visual, software product that
documents the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) for longterm
contracts. The existing workbook does not provide the
flexibility to calculate EPAs where the base-month and the
option-month are different. Nor does the workbook provide
automated error checking. The small, visual, software product
provides the additional flexibility and error checking. This
paper presents the feedback to project.
Abstract: Al6061 alloy base matrix, reinforced with particles of
silicon carbide (10 wt %) and Graphite powder (1wt%), known as
hybrid composites have been fabricated by liquid metallurgy route
(stir casting technique) and optimized at different parameters like
applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance by taguchi method. A
plan of experiment generated through taguchi technique was used to
perform experiments based on L27 orthogonal array. The developed
ANOVA and regression equations are used to find the optimum
coefficient of friction and wear under the influence of applied load,
sliding speed and sliding distance. On the basis of “smaller the best”
the dry sliding wear resistance was analysed and finally confirmation
tests were carried out to verify the experimental results.