Abstract: This study examines the effect of Islamic Corporate
Social Responsibility disclosure and on corporate reputation as well
as performance. These relationships are examined based on content
analysis of of annual reports of 17 Islamic banks in Malaysia for
2008, 2009 and 2010. Results of this study provide evidence that
CSR activities communicated in corporate annual reports are
significantly positively related with corporate reputation as well as
firm performance. These results indicate that CSR activities and
disclosure from Islamic perspectives are equally important business
strategies in creating continuous superior performance for
organisations. In addition, it also highlights that organisations need to
develop a stakeholder orientation particularly in an environment of
increasing pressure from jurisdictions dominated by Islamic
stakeholders on organisations engaging in Islamic products to
increase their social responsibilities from the Islamic perspectives.
Abstract: With the development of ubiquitous computing,
current user interaction approaches with keyboard, mouse and pen
are not sufficient. Due to the limitation of these devices the useable
command set is also limited. Direct use of hands as an input device is
an attractive method for providing natural Human Computer
Interaction which has evolved from text-based interfaces through 2D
graphical-based interfaces, multimedia-supported interfaces, to fully
fledged multi-participant Virtual Environment (VE) systems.
Imagine the human-computer interaction of the future: A 3Dapplication
where you can move and rotate objects simply by moving
and rotating your hand - all without touching any input device. In this
paper a review of vision based hand gesture recognition is presented.
The existing approaches are categorized into 3D model based
approaches and appearance based approaches, highlighting their
advantages and shortcomings and identifying the open issues.
Abstract: The work presented in this paper focus on Knowledge Management services enabling CSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work) applications to provide an appropriate adaptation to the user and the situation in which the user is working. In this paper, we explain how a knowledge management system can be designed to support users in different situations exploiting contextual data, users' preferences, and profiles of involved artifacts (e.g., documents, multimedia files, mockups...). The presented work roots in the experience we had in the MILK project and early steps made in the MAIS project.
Abstract: this paper aims to provide an approach to predict the
performance of the product produced after multi-stages of
manufacturing processes, as well as the assembly. Such approach
aims to control and subsequently identify the relationship between
the process inputs and outputs so that a process engineer can more
accurately predict how the process output shall perform based on the
system inputs. The approach is guided by a six-sigma methodology to
obtain improved performance.
In this paper a case study of the manufacture of a hermetic
reciprocating compressor is presented. The application of artificial
neural networks (ANNs) technique is introduced to improve
performance prediction within this manufacturing environment. The
results demonstrate that the approach predicts accurately and
effectively.
Abstract: Today, Genetic Algorithm has been used to solve
wide range of optimization problems. Some researches conduct on
applying Genetic Algorithm to text classification, summarization
and information retrieval system in text mining process. This
researches show a better performance due to the nature of Genetic
Algorithm. In this paper a new algorithm for using Genetic
Algorithm in concept weighting and topic identification, based on
concept standard deviation will be explored.
Abstract: The study of proteomics reached unexpected levels of
interest, as a direct consequence of its discovered influence over some
complex biological phenomena, such as problematic diseases like
cancer. This paper presents the latest authors- achievements regarding
the analysis of the networks of proteins (interactome networks), by
computing more efficiently the betweenness centrality measure. The
paper introduces the concept of betweenness centrality, and then
describes how betweenness computation can help the interactome net-
work analysis. Current sequential implementations for the between-
ness computation do not perform satisfactory in terms of execution
times. The paper-s main contribution is centered towards introducing
a speedup technique for the betweenness computation, based on
modified shortest path algorithms for sparse graphs. Three optimized
generic algorithms for betweenness computation are described and
implemented, and their performance tested against real biological
data, which is part of the IntAct dataset.
Abstract: The Emergency Department of a medical center in
Taiwan cooperated to conduct the research. A predictive model of
triage system is contracted from the contract procedure, selection of
parameters to sample screening. 2,000 pieces of data needed for the
patients is chosen randomly by the computer. After three
categorizations of data mining (Multi-group Discriminant Analysis,
Multinomial Logistic Regression, Back-propagation Neural
Networks), it is found that Back-propagation Neural Networks can
best distinguish the patients- extent of emergency, and the accuracy
rate can reach to as high as 95.1%. The Back-propagation Neural
Networks that has the highest accuracy rate is simulated into the triage
acuity expert system in this research. Data mining applied to the
predictive model of the triage acuity expert system can be updated
regularly for both the improvement of the system and for education
training, and will not be affected by subjective factors.
Abstract: This paper presents strategies for dynamically creating, managing and removing mesh cells during computations in the context of the Material Point Method (MPM). The dynamic meshing approach has been developed to help address problems involving motion of a finite size body in unbounded domains in which the extent of material travel and deformation is unknown a priori, such as in the case of landslides and debris flows. The key idea is to efficiently instantiate and search only cells that contain material points, thereby avoiding unneeded storage and computation. Mechanisms for doing this efficiently are presented, and example problems are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of dynamic mesh management relative to alternative approaches.
Abstract: Two-interconnected fluidized bed systems are widely used in various processes such as Fisher-Tropsch, hot gas desulfurization, CO2 capture-regeneration with dry sorbent, chemical-looping combustion, sorption enhanced steam methane reforming, chemical-looping hydrogen generation system, and so on. However, most of two-interconnected fluidized beds systems require riser and/or pneumatic transport line for solid conveying and loopseals or seal-pots for gas sealing, recirculation of solids to the riser, and maintaining of pressure balance. The riser (transport bed) is operated at the high velocity fluidization condition and residence times of gas and solid in the riser are very short. If the reaction rate of catalyst or sorbent is slow, the riser can not ensure sufficient contact time between gas and solid and we have to use two bubbling beds for each reaction to ensure sufficient contact time. In this case, additional riser must be installed for solid circulation. Consequently, conventional two-interconnected fluidized bed systems are very complex, large, and difficult to operate. To solve these problems, a novel two-interconnected fluidized bed system has been developed. This system has two bubbling beds, solid injection nozzles, solid conveying lines, and downcomers. In this study, effects of operating variables on solid circulation rate, gas leakage between two beds have been investigated in a cold mode two-interconnected fluidized bed system. Moreover, long-term operation of continuous solid circulation up to 60 hours has been performed to check feasibility of stable operation.
Abstract: Nowadays, without the awareness of consumer
behavior and correct understanding of it, it is not possible for organizations to take appropriate measures to meet the consumer
needs and demands. The aim of this paper is the identification and
prioritization of the factors affecting the consumer behavior based on
the product value. The population of the study includes all the
consumers of furniture producing firms in East Azarbaijan province,
Iran. The research sample includes 93 people selected by the sampling formula in unlimited population. The data collection
instrument was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed
through face validity and the reliability of which was determined,
using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Kolmogorov-Smironov test
was used to test data normality, the t-test for identification of factors
affecting the product value, and Friedman test for prioritizing the
factors. The results show that quality, satisfaction, styling, price, finishing operation, performance, safety, worth, shape, use, and
excellence are placed from 1 to 11 priorities, respectively.
Abstract: This work presents the experimental results obtained
at a pilot plant which works with a slow, wet and catalytic pyrolysis
process of dry fowl manure. This kind of process mainly consists in
the cracking of the organic matrix and in the following reaction of
carbon with water, which is either already contained in the organic
feed or added, to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Reactions
are conducted in a rotating reactor maintained at a temperature of
500°C; the required amount of water is about 30% of the dry organic
feed. This operation yields a gas containing about 59% (on a volume
basis) of hydrogen, 17% of carbon monoxide and other products such
as light hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane) and carbon
monoxide in lesser amounts. The gas coming from the reactor can be
used to produce not only electricity, through internal combustion
engines, but also heat, through direct combustion in industrial
boilers. Furthermore, as the produced gas is devoid of both solid
particles and pollutant species (such as dioxins and furans), the
process (in this case applied to fowl manure) can be considered as an
optimal way for the disposal and the contemporary energetic
valorization of organic materials, in such a way that is not damaging
to the environment.
Abstract: Universities have an important role in social education in many aspects. In terms of creating awareness and convincing public about social issues, universities take a leading position for public. The best way to provide public support for social education is to develop public communication campaigns. The aim of this study is to present a public communication model which will be guided in social education practices. The study titled “Importance of public communication campaigns and art activities in Social Education “is based on the following topics: Effects of public communication campaigns on social education, Public relations techniques for education, communication strategies, Steps of public relations campaigns in social education, making persuasive messages for public communication campaigns, developing artistic messages and organizing art activities in social education. In addition to these topics, media planning for social education, forming a team as campaign managers, dialogues with opinion leaders in education and preparing creative communication models for social education will be taken into consideration. This study also aims to criticize social education Case studies in Turkey. At the same time, some communicative methods and principles will be given in the light of communication campaigns within the context of this notice.
Abstract: In metal cutting industries, mathematical/statistical
models are typically used to predict tool replacement time. These
off-line methods usually result in less than optimum replacement
time thereby either wasting resources or causing quality problems.
The few online real-time methods proposed use indirect measurement
techniques and are prone to similar errors. Our idea is based on
identifying the optimal replacement time using an electronic nose to
detect the airborne compounds released when the tool wear reaches
to a chemical substrate doped into tool material during the
fabrication. The study investigates the feasibility of the idea, possible
doping materials and methods along with data stream mining
techniques for detection and monitoring different phases of tool
wear.
Abstract: Nowadays, new home appliances and office appliances
have been developed that communicate with users through the
Internet, for remote monitor and remote control. However, developments
and sales of these new appliances are just started, then,
many products in our houses and offices do not have these useful
functions. In few years, we add these new functions to the outlet,
it means multifunctional electrical power socket plug adapter. The
outlet measure power consumption of connecting appliances, and it
can switch power supply to connecting appliances, too. Using this
outlet, power supply of old appliances can be control and monitor.
And we developed the interface system using web browser to operate
it from users[1]. But, this system need to set up LAN cables between
outlets and so on. It is not convenience that cables around rooms. In
this paper, we develop the system that use wireless mobile ad hoc
network instead of wired LAN to communicate with the outlets.
Abstract: The composite materials were prepared by sawdust, cassava starch and natural rubber latex (NR). The mixtures of 15%w/v gelatinized cassava starch and 15%w/v PVOH were used as the binder of these composite materials. The concentrated rubber latex was added to the mixtures. They were mixed rigorously to the treated sawdust in the ratio of 70:30 until achive uniform dispersion. The batters were subjected to the hot compression moulding at the temperature of 160°C and 3,000 psi pressure for 5 min. The experimental results showed that the mechanical properties of composite materials, which contained the gelatinized cassava starch and PVOH in the ratio of 2:1, 20% NR latex by weight of the dry starch and treated sawdust with 5%NaOH or 1% BPO, were the best. It contributed the maximal compression strength (341.10 + 26.11 N), puncture resistance (8.79 + 0.98 N/mm2) and flexural strength (3.99 + 0.72N/mm2). It is also found that the physicochemical and mechanical properties of composites strongly depends on the interface quality of sawdust, cassava starch and NR latex.
Abstract: This paper describes part of a project about Learningby-
Modeling (LbM). Studying complex systems is increasingly
important in teaching and learning many science domains. Many
features of complex systems make it difficult for students to develop
deep understanding. Previous research indicates that involvement
with modeling scientific phenomena and complex systems can play a
powerful role in science learning. Some researchers argue with this
view indicating that models and modeling do not contribute to
understanding complexity concepts, since these increases the
cognitive load on students. This study will investigate the effect of
different modes of involvement in exploring scientific phenomena
using computer simulation tools, on students- mental model from the
perspective of structure, behavior and function. Quantitative and
qualitative methods are used to report about 121 freshmen students
that engaged in participatory simulations about complex phenomena,
showing emergent, self-organized and decentralized patterns. Results
show that LbM plays a major role in students' concept formation
about complexity concepts.
Abstract: Optimization of cutting parameters important in precision machining in regards to efficiency and surface integrity of the machined part. Usually productivity and precision in machining is limited by the forces emanating from the cutting process. Due to the inherent varying nature of the workpiece in terms of geometry and material composition, the peak cutting forces vary from point to point during machining process. In order to increase productivity without compromising on machining accuracy, it is important to control these cutting forces. In this paper a fuzzy logic control algorithm is developed that can be applied in the control of peak cutting forces in milling of spherical surfaces using ball end mills. The controller can adaptively vary the feedrate to maintain allowable cutting force on the tool. This control algorithm is implemented in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. It has been demonstrated that the controller can provide stable machining and improve the performance of the CNC milling process by varying feedrate.
Abstract: The main objective of the paper has been represented
by the identification of the changes that occurred in the competitive
environment and their impact on the strategic marketing management
of companies in B2B market. At Romania-s level there has not yet
been done a similar research that studies change management in
crises on business to business field. In order to answer to the paper-s
objectives, a qualitative marketing research (in-depth structured
interview) was conducted, within the top management of 27
companies in Romanian business to business field. The main results
of the research highlight the necessity of a management of change, as
a result of the crises, as follows: changes in the corporate objectives
(from development objectives to maintaining objectives), changes
market segmentation and in competitive advantages, changes at the
level of market strategies and of the marketing mix.
Abstract: The Yasuj city stream named the Beshar supply
water for different usages such as aquaculture farms , drinking,
agricultural and industrial usages. Fish processing plants
,Agricultural farms, waste water of industrial zones and hospitals
waste water which they are generate by human activity produce a
considerable volume of effluent and when they are released in to the
stream they can effect on the water quality and down stream aquatic
systems. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of outflow
effluent from different human activity and point and non point
pollution sources on the water quality and health of the Beshar
river next to Yasuj. Yasuj is the biggest and most important city in
the Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad province . The Beshar River is one
of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the upstream of the
Karun watershed in south of Iran which is affected by point and non
point pollutant sources . This study was done in order to evaluate the
effects of human activities on the water quality and health of the
Beshar river. This river is approximately 190 km in length and
situated at the geographical positions of 51° 20' to 51° 48' E and 30°
18' to 30° 52' N it is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of
Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad province in south-west Iran. In this
research project, five study stations were selected to examine water
pollution in the Beshar River systems. Human activity is now one of
the most important factors affecting on hydrology and water quality
of the Beshar river. Humans use large amounts of resources to sustain
various standards of living, although measures of sustainability are
highly variable depending on how sustainability is defined. The
Beshar river ecosystems are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to
human activities. The water samples were analyzed, then some
important water quality parameters such as pH, dissolve oxygen
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TDS),Turbidity,
Temperature, Nitrates (NO3) and Phosphates (PO4) were estimated
at the two stations. The results show a downward trend in the water
quality at the down stream of the city. The amounts of
BOD5,COD,TSS,T,Turbidity, NO3 and PO4 in the down stream
stations were considerably more than the station 1. By contrast the
amounts of DO in the down stream stations were less than to the
station 1. However when effluent discharge consequence of human
activities are released into the Beshar river near the city, the quality
of river are decreases and the environmental problems of the river
during the next years are predicted to rise.
Abstract: The primary objective of this paper was to construct a
“kinematic parameter-independent modeling of three-axis machine
tools for geometric error measurement" technique. Improving the
accuracy of the geometric error for three-axis machine tools is one of
the machine tools- core techniques. This paper first applied the
traditional method of HTM to deduce the geometric error model for
three-axis machine tools. This geometric error model was related to the
three-axis kinematic parameters where the overall errors was relative
to the machine reference coordinate system. Given that the
measurement of the linear axis in this model should be on the ideal
motion axis, there were practical difficulties. Through a measurement
method consolidating translational errors and rotational errors in the
geometric error model, we simplified the three-axis geometric error
model to a kinematic parameter-independent model. Finally, based on
the new measurement method corresponding to this error model, we
established a truly practical and more accurate error measuring
technique for three-axis machine tools.