Abstract: The paper tackles the topic of determining the cost of
innovation in software development projects. Innovation can be
achieved either in a planned or unplanned manner. The paper
approaches the scenarios were innovation is planned for. As a starting
point an innovative software development project is analyzed. The
project is depicted step by step as it was implemented, from inception
to delivery. Costs that are proprietary to innovation in software
development are isolated based on the author’s personal experience
in managing the above mentioned project. Innovation costs
components identified by the author are then validated using open
discussions with software development professionals and projects
managers on LinkedIn groups. In order to receive relevant feedback
only groups that focus on software development and innovation
management are targeted. Additional innovation cost components
suggested by software development professionals and projects
managers are also considered. Based on the identified cost
components an indicator is built. The indicator is meant to formalize
the process of determining the cost of innovation in a software
development project. The indicator aggregates all the innovation cost
components that are identified in the research process. The process of
calculating each cost component is also described. Conclusions are
formulated and new related research topics are submitted for debate.
Abstract: This paper reports the numerical simulation of doublediffusive
natural convection flows within a horizontal annular filled
with a saturated porous medium. The analysis concerns the influence
of the different parameters governing the problem, namely, the
Rayleigh number Ra, the Lewis number Le and the buoyancy ratio N,
on the heat and mass transfer and on the flow structure, in the case of
a fixed radius ratio R = 2. The numerical model used for the
discretization of the dimensionless equations governing the problem
is based on the finite difference method, using the ADI scheme. The
study is focused on steady-state solutions in the cooperation situation.
Abstract: The Algeria by its location offers a rich and diverse
vegetation. A large number of aromatic and medicinal plants grow
spontaneously. The interest in these plants has continued to grow in
recent years. Their particular properties due to the essential oil
fraction can be utilized to treat microbial infections. To this end, and
in the context of the valuation of the Algerian flora, we became
interested in the species of the family Lamiaceae which is one of the
most used as a global source of spices. The plant on which we have
based our choice is a species of sage "Salvia officinalis" from the
Isser localized region within the province of Boumerdes. This work
focuses on the study of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil
extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis. The extraction is
carried out by essential oil hydrodistillation and reveals a yield of
1.06℅. The study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by
the method of at aromatogramme shown that Gram positive bacteria
are most susceptible (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis)
with a strong inhibition of growth. The yeast Candida albicans
fungus Aspergillus niger and have shown moderately sensitive.
Abstract: To determine the potential of a low cost Irish
engineered timber product to replace high cost solid timber for use in
bending active structures such as gridshells a single Irish engineered
timber product in the form of orientated strand board (OSB) was
selected. A comparative study of OSB and solid timber was carried
out to determine the optimum properties that make a material suitable
for use in gridshells. Three parameters were identified to be relevant
in the selection of a material for gridshells. These three parameters
are the strength to stiffness ratio, the flexural stiffness of
commercially available sections, and the variability of material and
section properties. It is shown that when comparing OSB against
solid timber, OSB is a more suitable material for use in gridshells that
are at the smaller end of the scale and that have tight radii of
curvature. Typically, for solid timber materials, stiffness is used as an
indicator for strength and engineered timber is no different. Thus, low
flexural stiffness would mean low flexural strength. However, when
it comes to bending active gridshells, OSB offers a significant
advantage. By the addition of multiple layers, an increased section
size is created, thus endowing the structure with higher stiffness and
higher strength from initial low stiffness and low strength materials
while still maintaining tight radii of curvature. This allows OSB to
compete with solid timber on large scale gridshells. Additionally, a
preliminary sustainability study using a set of sustainability indicators
was carried out to determine the relative sustainability of building a
large-scale gridshell in Ireland with a primary focus on economic
viability but a mention is also given to social and environmental
aspects. For this, the Savill garden gridshell in the UK was used as
the functional unit with the sustainability of the structural roof
skeleton constructed from UK larch solid timber being compared
with the same structure using Irish OSB. Albeit that the advantages of
using commercially available OSB in a bending active gridshell are
marginal and limited to specific gridshell applications, further study
into an optimised engineered timber product is merited.
Abstract: Most people today are aware that global climate
change is not just a scientific theory but also a fact with worldwide
consequences. Global climate change is due to rapid urbanization,
industrialization, high population growth and current vulnerability of
the climatic condition. Water is becoming scarce as a result of global
climate change. To mitigate the problem arising due to global climate
change and its drought effect, harvesting rainwater from green roofs,
an environmentally-friendly and versatile technology, is becoming
one of the best assessment criteria and gaining attention in Malaysia.
This paper addresses the sustainability of green roofs and examines
the quality of water harvested from green roofs in comparison to
rainwater. The factors that affect the quality of such water, taking
into account, for example, roofing materials, climatic conditions, the
frequency of rainfall frequency and the first flush. A green roof was
installed on the Humid Tropic Centre (HTC) is a place of the study
on monitoring program for urban Stormwater Management Manual
for Malaysia (MSMA), Eco-Hydrological Project in Kuala Lumpur,
and the rainwater was harvested and evaluated on the basis of four
parameters i.e., conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and
temperature. These parameters were found to fall between Class I and
Class III of the Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS)
and the Water Quality Index (WQI). Some preliminary treatment
such as disinfection and filtration could likely to improve the value of
these parameters to class I. This review paper clearly indicates that
there is a need for more research to address other microbiological and
chemical quality parameters to ensure that the harvested water is
suitable for use potable water for domestic purposes. The change in
all physical, chemical and microbiological parameters with respect to
storage time will be a major focus of future studies in this field.
Abstract: Advances in the use of health care technology have
resulted in increased adverse events (AEs) related to the use of
medical devices. The study focused on the existing reporting systems.
This study was conducted in a tertiary care public sector hospital.
Devices included Syringe infusion pumps, Cardiac monitors, Pulse
oximeters, Ventilators and Defibrillators. A total of 211 respondents
were recruited. Interviews were held with 30 key informants. Medical
records were scrutinized. Relevant statistical tests were used.
Resident doctors reported maximum frequency of AEs, followed
by nurses; and least by consultants. A significant association was
found between the cadre of health care personnel and awareness that
the patients and bystanders have a risk of sustaining AE. Awareness
regarding reporting of AEs was low, and it was generally done
verbally. Other critical findings are discussed in the light of the
barriers to reporting, reasons for non-compliance, recording system,
and so on.
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the alignment of
understanding and assessment practices among secondary school
teachers. The study was carried out using quantitative descriptive
study. The sample consisted of 164 teachers who taught Form 1 and 2
from 11 secondary schools in the district of North Kinta, Perak,
Malaysia. Data were obtained from 164 respondents who answered
Expectation Alignment Understanding and Practices of School
Assessment (PEKDAPS) questionnaire. The data were analysed
using SPSS 17.0+. The Cronbach’s alpha value obtained through
PEKDAPS questionnaire pilot study was 0.86. The results showed
that teachers' performance in PEKDAPS based on the mean value
was less than 3, which means that perfect alignment does not occur
between the understanding and practices of school assessment. Two
major PEKDAPS sub-constructs of articulation across grade and age
and usability of the system were higher than the moderate alignment
of the understanding and practices of school assessment (Min=2.0).
The content focused of PEKDAPs sub-constructs which showed
lower than the moderate alignment of the understanding and practices
of school assessment (Min=2.0). Another two PEKDAPS subconstructs
of transparency and fairness and the pedagogical
implications showed moderate alignment (2.0). The implications of
the study is that teachers need to fully understand the importance of
alignment among components of assessment, learning and teaching
and learning objectives as strategies to achieve quality assessment
process.
Abstract: Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is a functional
capability that has been developed to allow the United Kingdom Fire
and Rescue Service to deal with ‘major incidents’ primarily involving
structural collapse. The nature of the work undertaken by USAR
means that staying out of a damaged or collapsed building structure is
not usually an option for search and rescue personnel. As a result
there is always a risk that they themselves could become victims. For
this paper, a systematic and investigative review using desk research
was undertaken to explore the role which structural engineering can
play in assisting search and rescue personnel to conduct structural
assessments when in the field. The focus is on how search and rescue
personnel can assess damaged and collapsed building structures, not
just in terms of structural damage that may been countered, but also
in relation to structural stability. Natural disasters, accidental
emergencies, acts of terrorism and other extreme events can vary
significantly in nature and ferocity, and can cause a wide variety of
damage to building structures. It is not possible or, even realistic, to
provide search and rescue personnel with definitive guidelines and
procedures to assess damaged and collapsed building structures as
there are too many variables to consider. However, understanding
what implications damage may have upon the structural stability of a
building structure will enable search and rescue personnel to better judge
and quantify risk from a life-safety standpoint. It is intended that this
will allow search and rescue personnel to make informed decisions
and ensure every effort is made to mitigate risk, so that they
themselves do not become victims.
Abstract: Comparing other methods of waste water treatment,
constructed wetlands are one of the most fascinating practices
because being a natural process they are eco-friendly have low
construction and maintenance cost and have considerable capability
of wastewater treatment. The current research was focused mainly on
comparison of Ranunculus muricatus and Typha latifolia as wetland
plants for domestic wastewater treatment by designing and
constructing efficient pilot scale horizontal subsurface flow
mesocosms. Parameters like chemical oxygen demand, biological
oxygen demand, phosphates, sulphates, nitrites, nitrates, and
pathogenic indicator microbes were studied continuously with
successive treatments. Treatment efficiency of the system increases
with passage of time and with increase in temperature. Efficiency of
T. latifolia planted setups in open environment was fairly good for
parameters like COD and BOD5 which was showing reduction up to
82.5% for COD and 82.6% for BOD5 while DO was increased up to
125%. Efficiency of R. muricatus vegetated setup was also good but
lowers than that of T. latifolia planted showing 80.95% removal of
COD and BOD5. Ranunculus muricatus was found effective in
reducing bacterial count in wastewater. Both macrophytes were
found promising in wastewater treatment.
Abstract: Nowadays, huge amount of multimedia repositories
make the browsing, retrieval and delivery of video contents very slow
and even difficult tasks. Video summarization has been proposed to
improve faster browsing of large video collections and more efficient
content indexing and access. In this paper, we focus on approaches to
video summarization. The video summaries can be generated in many
different forms. However, two fundamentals ways to generate
summaries are static and dynamic. We present different techniques
for each mode in the literature and describe some features used for
generating video summaries. We conclude with perspective for
further research.
Abstract: This article focuses on the issue of airport emergency
plans, which are documents describing reactions to events with
impact on aviation safety or aviation security. The article specifically
focuses on the use and creation of emergency plans, where could be
found a number of disagreements between different stakeholders, for
which the airport emergency plan applies. Those are the friction
surfaces of interfaces, which is necessary to identify and ensure them
smooth process to avoid dangerous situations or delay.
Abstract: Offering a Product-Service System (PSS) is a
well-accepted strategy that companies may adopt to provide a set of
systemic solutions to customers. PSSs were initially provided in a
simple form but now take diversified and complex forms involving
multiple services, products and technologies. With the growing
interest in the PSS, frameworks for the PSS development have been
introduced by many researchers. However, most of the existing
frameworks fail to examine various relations existing in a complex
PSS. Since designing a complex PSS involves full integration of
multiple products and services, it is essential to identify not only
product-service relations but also product-product/ service-service
relations. It is also equally important to specify how they are related
for better understanding of the system. Moreover, as customers tend to
view their purchase from a more holistic perspective, a PSS should be
developed based on the whole system’s requirements, rather than
focusing only on the product requirements or service requirements.
Thus, we propose a framework to develop a complex PSS that is
coordinated fully with the requirements of both worlds. Specifically,
our approach adopts a multi-domain matrix (MDM). A MDM
identifies not only inter-domain relations but also intra-domain
relations so that it helps to design a PSS that includes highly desired
and closely related core functions/ features. Also, various dependency
types and rating schemes proposed in our approach would help the
integration process.
Abstract: In the framework of the modernization of the city of
Constantine and in order to restore its status as a regional metropolis
introducing it into the network of cities international metropolises,
has major urban project was launched: project of modernization and
of metropolitanization of the city of Constantine.
Our research project focuses on the management of the project for
the modernization of the city of Constantine (PMMC) focusing on
the management of some aspects of the urban project whose
participation, with the objective assessment of the managerial
approach business.
In this contribution, we focus on two cases revealing taken into
account in our research work on the question of participation of
actors and their organizations. It is "the urban project of
modernization of Constantine" and the operation relating to "the
urban improvement in the city of the Brothers FERRAD in the
district of Zouaghi". This project and this operation with the objective
of improving the living conditions of citizens have faced several
challenges and obstacles that have been in major part the factors of its
failures.
Through this study, we examined the management process and the
mode of organization of the actors of the project as well as the level
of participation of the citizen to finally proposed managerial solutions
toconflict situations observed.
Abstract: Hurling a successful Construction and Demolition
Waste (C&DW) recycling operation around the globe is a challenge
today, predominantly because secondary materials markets are yet to
be integrated. Reducing, Reusing and recycling of (C&DW) have
been employed over the years, and various techniques have been
investigated. However, the economic and environmental viability of
its application seems limited. This paper discusses the costs and
benefits in using secondary materials and focus on investigating reuse
and recycling process for five major types of construction materials:
concrete, metal, wood, cardboard/paper and plasterboard. Data
obtained from demolition specialists and contractors are considered
and evaluated. The research paper found that construction material
recovery process fully incorporate a 3R’s principle contributing to
saving energy and natural resources. This scrutiny leads to the
empathy of grand challenges in construction material recovery
process. Recommendations to deepen material recovery process are
also discussed.
Abstract: The detection of moving objects from a video image
sequences is very important for object tracking, activity recognition,
and behavior understanding in video surveillance.
The most used approach for moving objects detection / tracking is
background subtraction algorithms. Many approaches have been
suggested for background subtraction. But, these are illumination
change sensitive and the solutions proposed to bypass this problem
are time consuming.
In this paper, we propose a robust yet computationally efficient
background subtraction approach and, mainly, focus on the ability to
detect moving objects on dynamic scenes, for possible applications in
complex and restricted access areas monitoring, where moving and
motionless persons must be reliably detected. It consists of three
main phases, establishing illumination changes invariance,
background/foreground modeling and morphological analysis for
noise removing.
We handle illumination changes using Contrast Limited Histogram
Equalization (CLAHE), which limits the intensity of each pixel to
user determined maximum. Thus, it mitigates the degradation due to
scene illumination changes and improves the visibility of the video
signal. Initially, the background and foreground images are extracted
from the video sequence. Then, the background and foreground
images are separately enhanced by applying CLAHE.
In order to form multi-modal backgrounds we model each channel
of a pixel as a mixture of K Gaussians (K=5) using Gaussian Mixture
Model (GMM). Finally, we post process the resulting binary
foreground mask using morphological erosion and dilation
transformations to remove possible noise.
For experimental test, we used a standard dataset to challenge the
efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method on a diverse set of
dynamic scenes.
Abstract: A well designed and executed Production Planning
and Control (PPC) system is one of the key levers for superior
performance in the current manufacturing set-up. Hence, measuring
the PPC system performance has become a necessity for long term
success. The present study examined PPC related issues which
impact the production capacity and productivity of leather companies
with special focus on Kombolcha Tannery Share Company (KTSC),
Ethiopia. Physical observation, interview, and questionnaire were
used to generate necessary information from the respondents and
reach valid conclusions. Company annual reports were referred and
analyzed to triangulate primary data. Consequently, the study
revealed that KTSC runs below its capacity due to its inefficient PPC
system being in use for which the root causes were identified. The
study thereby conceptualizes a PPC system improvement framework
comprising three pillars viz., management culture, internal capability
and performance measurement together with key considerations in
each case. The study findings enable the company to recognize the
importance of efficient PPC system as a source of competitive
advantage. It also aid managers in evaluating various PPC execution
schemes to enhance productivity.
Abstract: Activated carbons (M4P0, M4P2, and M5P2) used in
this research were produced from palm shell and polyetherether
ketone (PEEK) via carbonization, impregnation and microwave
activation. The adsorption/desorption process was carried out using
static volumetric adsorption. Regeneration is important in the overall
economy of the process and waste minimization. This work focuses
on the thermal regeneration of the CO2 exhausted microwave
activated carbons. The regeneration strategy adopted was thermal
with nitrogen purge desorption with N2 feed flow rate of 20 ml/min
for 1 h at atmospheric pressure followed by drying at 150oC.Seven
successive adsorption/regeneration processes were carried out on the
material. It was found that after seven adsorption regeneration cycles;
the regeneration efficiency (RE) for CO2 activated carbon from palm
shell only (M4P0) was more than 90% while that of hybrid palm
shell-PEEK (M4P2, M5P2) was above 95%. The cyclic adsorption
and regeneration shows the stability of the adsorbent materials.
Abstract: Poly vinyl acetate (PVA)-based titania (TiO2)–carbon
nanotube composite nanofibers (PVA-TCCNs) with various
PVA-to-solvent ratios and PVA-based TiO2 composite nanofibers
(PVA-TN) were synthesized using an electrospinning process,
followed by thermal treatment. The photocatalytic activities of these
nanofibers in the degradation of airborne monocyclic aromatics under
visible-light irradiation were examined. This study focuses on the
application of these photocatalysts to the degradation of the target
compounds at sub-part-per-million indoor air concentrations. The
characteristics of the photocatalysts were examined using scanning
electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For all the
target compounds, the PVA-TCCNs showed photocatalytic
degradation efficiencies superior to those of the reference PVA-TN.
Specifically, the average photocatalytic degradation efficiencies for
benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) obtained using
the PVA-TCCNs with a PVA-to-solvent ratio of 0.3 (PVA-TCCN-0.3)
were 11%, 59%, 89%, and 92%, respectively, whereas those observed
using PVA-TNs were 5%, 9%, 28%, and 32%, respectively.
PVA-TCCN-0.3 displayed the highest photocatalytic degradation
efficiency for BTEX, suggesting the presence of an optimal
PVA-to-solvent ratio for the synthesis of PVA-TCCNs. The average
photocatalytic efficiencies for BTEX decreased from 11% to 4%, 59%
to 18%, 89% to 37%, and 92% to 53%, respectively, when the flow
rate was increased from 1.0 to 4.0 L min1. In addition, the average
photocatalytic efficiencies for BTEX increased 11% to ~0%, 59% to
3%, 89% to 7%, and 92% to 13%, respectively, when the input
concentration increased from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm. The prepared
PVA-TCCNs were effective for the purification of airborne aromatics
at indoor concentration levels, particularly when the operating
conditions were optimized.
Abstract: The article discusses the legal framework of the
government’s environmental function and analyzes the role of the
national policy in protection of wetlands. The problem is of interest
for it deals with the most important branch of economy – utilization
of Kazakhstan’s natural resources, protection of health and
environmental wellbeing of the population. Development of a longterm
environmental program addressing the protection of wetlands
represents the final stage of the government’s environmental policy,
and is a relatively new function for the public administration system.
It appeared due to the environmental measures that require immediate
decisions to be taken. It is an integral part of the effort in the field of
management of state-owned natural resource, as well as of the
measures aimed at efficient management of natural resources to avoid
their early depletion or contamination.
Abstract: This paper examines international marketing in
business practice of Czech exporting small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) with regard to the strategic perspectives.
Research was focused on Czech exporting SMEs from Moravian-
Silesia region and their behavior on international markets. For
purpose of collecting data, a questionnaire was given to 262 SMEs
involved in international business. Statistics utilized in this research
included frequency, mean, percentage, and chi-square test. Data were
analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The
research analysis disclosed that there is certain space for
improvement in strategic marketing especially in a marketing
research, perception of cultural and social differences, product
adaptation and usage of marketing communication tools.