Abstract: The chemical and physical characteristics of rainwater
harvested from a typical rooftop were progressively studied. The
samples of rainwater collected were analyzed for pH, major ion
concentrations, TDS, turbidity, conductivity. All the Physicochemical
constituents fell within the WHO guideline limits at some points as
rainfall progresses except the pH. All the components of rainwater
quality measured during the study showed higher concentrations
during the early stages of rainfall and reduce as time progresses.
There was a downward trend in terms of pH as rain progressed, with
18% of the samples recording pH below the WHO limit of 6.5-8.0. It
was observed that iron concentration was above the WHO threshold
value of 0.3 mg/l on occasions of heavy rains. The results revealed
that most of physicochemical characteristics of rainwater samples
were generally below the WHO threshold, as such, the rainwater
characteristics showed satisfactory conditions in terms of
physicochemical constituents.
Abstract: In this research, TRACE model of Chinshan BWR/4
nuclear power plant (NPP) has been developed for the simulation and
analysis of ultimate response guideline (URG).The main actions of
URG are the depressurization and low pressure water injection of
reactor and containment venting. This research focuses to verify the
URG efficiency under Fukushima-like conditions. TRACE analysis
results show that the URG can keep the PCT below the criteria
1088.7 K under Fukushima-like conditions. It indicated that Chinshan
NPP was safe.
Abstract: Software fault prediction models are created by using
the source code, processed metrics from the same or previous version
of code and related fault data. Some company do not store and keep
track of all artifacts which are required for software fault prediction.
To construct fault prediction model for such company, the training
data from the other projects can be one potential solution. Earlier we
predicted the fault the less cost it requires to correct. The training
data consists of metrics data and related fault data at function/module
level. This paper investigates fault predictions at early stage using the
cross-project data focusing on the design metrics. In this study,
empirical analysis is carried out to validate design metrics for cross
project fault prediction. The machine learning techniques used for
evaluation is Naïve Bayes. The design phase metrics of other projects
can be used as initial guideline for the projects where no previous
fault data is available. We analyze seven datasets from NASA
Metrics Data Program which offer design as well as code metrics.
Overall, the results of cross project is comparable to the within
company data learning.
Abstract: The Speexx results revealed four main factors
affecting the success of 190 Thai sophomores as follows: 1) Future
English training should be pursued in applied Speexx development.
2) Thai students didn’t see the benefit of having an Online Language
Training Program. 3) There is a great need to educate the next
generation of learners on the benefits of Speexx within the
community. 4) A great majority of Thai Sophomores didn't know
what Speexx was.
A guideline for self-reliance planning consisted of four aspects: 1)
Development planning: by arranging groups to further improve
English abilities with the Speexx Language Training program and
encourage using Speexx into every day practice. Local communities
need to develop awareness of the usefulness of Speexx and share the
value of using the program among family and friends. 2) Humanities
and Social Science staff should develop skills using this Online
Language Training Program to expand on the benefits of Speexx
within their departments. 3) Further research should be pursued on
the Thai Students progression with Speexx and how it helps them
improve their language skills with Business English. 4) University’s
and Language centers should focus on using Speexx to encourage
learning for any language, not just English.
Abstract: In this research article of modeling Underwater
Wireless Sensor Network Simulators, we provide a comprehensive
overview of the various currently available simulators used in UWSN
modeling. In this work, we compare their working environment,
software platform, simulation language, key features, limitations and
corresponding applications. Based on extensive experimentation and
performance analysis, we provide their efficiency for specific
applications. We have also provided guidelines for developing
protocols in different layers of the protocol stack, and finally these
parameters are also compared and tabulated. This analysis is
significant for researchers and designers to find the right simulator
for their research activities.
Abstract: An unconventional composite inorganic ceramic
membrane capable of enhancing carbon dioxide emission decline was
fabricated and tested at laboratory scale in conformism to various
environmental guidelines and also to mitigate the effect of global
warming. A review of the existing membrane technologies for carbon
capture including the relevant gas transport mechanisms is presented.
Single gas permeation experiments using silica modified ceramic
membrane with internal diameter 20mm, outside diameter 25mm and
length of 368mm deposited on a macro porous support was carried
out to investigate individual gas permeation behaviours at different
pressures at room temperature. Membrane fabrication was achieved
using after a dip coating method. Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Argon,
Oxygen and Methane pure gases were used to investigate their
individual permeation rates at various pressures. Results show that
the gas flow rate increases with pressure drop. However above a
pressure of 3bar, CO2 permeability ratio to that of the other gases
indicated control of a more selective surface adsorptive transport
mechanism.
Abstract: Availability of different genetic tests after completion
of Human Genome Project increases the physicians’ responsibility to
keep themselves update on the potential implementation of these
genetic tests in their daily practice. However, due to numbers of
barriers, still many of physicians are not either aware of these tests or
are not willing to offer or refer their patients for genetic tests. This
study was conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, mailed-based
survey to develop a primary data of Malaysian physicians’ level of
knowledge and perception of gene profiling. Questionnaire had 29
questions. Total scores on selected questions were used to assess the
level of knowledge. The highest possible score was 11. Descriptive
statistics, one way ANOVA and chi-squared test was used for
statistical analysis. Sixty three completed questionnaires were
returned by 27 general practitioners (GPs) and 36 medical specialists.
Responders’ age ranges from 24 to 55 years old (mean 30.2 ± 6.4).
About 40% of the participants rated themselves as having poor level
of knowledge in genetics in general whilst 60% believed that they
have fair level of knowledge; however, almost half (46%) of the
respondents felt that they were not knowledgeable about available
genetic tests. A majority (94%) of the responders were not aware of
any lab or company which is offering gene profiling services in
Malaysia. Only 4% of participants were aware of using gene profiling
for detection of dosage of some drugs. Respondents perceived greater
utility of gene profiling for breast cancer (38%) compared to the
colorectal familial cancer (3%). The score of knowledge ranged from
2 to 8 (mean 4.38 ± 1.67). Non- significant differences between score
of knowledge of GPs and specialists were observed, with score of
4.19 and 4.58 respectively. There was no significant association
between any demographic factors and level of knowledge. However,
those who graduated between years 2001 to 2005 had higher level of
knowledge. Overall, 83% of participants showed relatively high level
of perception on value of gene profiling to detect patient’s risk of
disease. However, low perception was observed for both statements
of using gene profiling for general population in order to alter their
lifestyle (25%) as well as having the full sequence of a patient
genome for the purpose of determining a patient’s best match for
treatment (18%). The lack of clinical guidelines, limited provider
knowledge and awareness, lack of time and resources to educate
patients, lack of evidence-based clinical information and cost of tests
were the most barriers of ordering gene profiling mentioned by
physicians. In conclusion Malaysian physicians who participate in
this study had mediocre level of knowledge and awareness in gene
profiling. The low exposure to the genetic questions and problems
might be a key predictor of lack of awareness and knowledge on
available genetic tests. Educational and training workshop might be useful in helping Malaysian physicians incorporate genetic profiling
into practice for eligible patients.
Abstract: The safety and health performances aspects of a building are the most challenging aspect of facility management. It requires a deep understanding by the building managers on the factors that contribute to health and safety performances. This study attempted to develop an explanatory architectural safety performance model for stratified low-cost housing in Malaysia. The proposed Building Safety and Health Performance (BSHP) model was tested empirically through a survey on 308 construction practitioners using partial least squares (PLS) and structural equation modelling (SEM) tool. Statistical analysis results supports the conclusion that architecture, building services, external environment, management approaches and maintenance management have positive influence on safety and health performance of stratified low-cost housing in Malaysia. The findings provide valuable insights for construction industry to introduce BSHP model in the future where the model could be used as a guideline for training purposes of managers and better planning and implementation of building management.
Abstract: In general, codes and regulations consider seismic
loads only for completed structures of the bridges while, evaluation
of incomplete structure of bridges, especially those constructed by
free cantilever method, under these loads is also of great importance.
Hence, this research tried to study the behavior of incomplete
structure of common bridge type (box girder bridge), in construction
phase under vertical seismic loads. Subsequently, the paper provided
suitable guidelines and solutions to resist this destructive
phenomenon. Research results proved that use of preventive methods
can significantly reduce the stresses resulted from vertical seismic
loads in box cross sections to an acceptable range recommended by
design codes.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the management and
development of forest tourism Kamchanoad. Ban Dung, Udon Thani
sustainability. Data were collected by means of qualitative research
including in-depth interviews, semi- structured, and then the data
were summarized and discussed in accordance with the objectives.
And make a presentation in the form of lectures. The target
population for the study consisted of 16 people, including
representatives from government agencies, community leaders and
the community. The results showed that Guidelines for the
Management and Development of Forest Tourism Kamchanoad
include management of buildings and infrastructure such as roads,
water, electricity, toilets. Other developments are the establishment
of a service center that provides information and resources to
facilitate tourists.; nature trails and informative signage to educate
visitors on the path to the jungle Kamchanoad; forest activities for
tourists who are interested only in occasional educational activities
such as vegetation, etc.; disseminating information on various aspects
of tourism through various channels in both Thailand and English, as
well as a web site to encourage community involvement in the
planning and management of tourism together with the care and
preservation of natural resources and preserving the local cultural
tourist area of Kamchanoad.
Abstract: In its efforts to utilize the information and
communication technology to enhance the quality of public service
delivery, national and local governments around the world are
competing to introduce more ICT applications as tools to automate
processes related to law enforcement or policy execution, increase
citizen orientation, trust, and satisfaction, and create one-stop-shops
for public services. In its implementation, e-Government ICTs need
to maintain transparency, participation, and collaboration. Due to this
diverse of mixed goals and requirements, e-Government systems
need to be designed based on special design considerations in order
to eliminate the risks of failure to compliance to government
regulations, citizen dissatisfaction, or market repulsion.
In this article we suggest a framework with guidelines for
designing government information systems that takes into
consideration the special requirements of the public sector. Then we
introduce two case studies and show how applying those guidelines
would result in a more solid system design.
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: There has been a significant decline in active travel
and a massive increase in the use of car dependent travel in many
countries during the past two decades. Evidential risks for people’s
physical and mental health problems are correlated with this
increased use of motorized travel. These health related problems
range from overweight and obesity to increased air pollution. In
response to these rising concerns health professionals, traffic planers,
local authorities and others have introduced a variety of initiatives to
counterbalance the dominance of cars for daily journeys.
However, the nature of travel behavior change interventions,
which aim to reduce car use, are very complex and challenging
regarding their interactions with human behavior. To change travel
behavior at least two aspects have to be taken into consideration.
First, how to alter attitudes and perceptions toward the sustainable
and healthy modes of travel, in competition with experiences of
private car use. And second, how to make these behavior change
processes irreversible and sustainable. There are no comprehensive
models available to guide policy interventions to increase the level of
success of travel behavior change interventions across both these
dimensions.
A comprehensive theoretical framework is required in the effort to
optimize how to facilitate and guide the processes of data collection
and analysis to achieve the best possible guidelines for policy
makers. Regarding the gaps in the travel behavior change research
literature, this paper attempted to identify and suggest a
multidimensional framework in order to facilitate planning the
implemented travel behavior change interventions. A structured
mixed-method model is suggested to improve the analytic power of
the results according to the complexity of human behavior.
In order to recognize people’s attitudes towards a specific travel
mode, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was operationalized.
But in order to capture decision making processes the Transtheoretical
model of Behavior Change (TTM) was also used.
Consequently, the combination of these two theories (TTM and TPB)
has resulted in a synthesis with appropriate concepts to identify and
design an implemented travel behavior change interventions.
Abstract: This paper outlines the basic installation and operation of magnetic inductive flow velocity sensors on large underground cooling water pipelines. Research on the effects of cathodic protection as well as into other factors that might influence the overall performance of the meter is presented in this paper. The experiments were carried out on an immersion type magnetic meter specially used for flow measurement of cooling water pipeline. An attempt has been made in this paper to outline guidelines that can ensure accurate measurement related to immersion type magnetic meters on underground pipelines.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the possibility of crime
prevention through CCTV by analyzing the appropriateness of the
CCTV location, whether it is installed in the hotspot of crime-prone
areas, and exploring the crime prevention effect and transition effect.
The real crime and CCTV locations of case city were converted into
the spatial data by using GIS. The data was analyzed by hotspot
analysis and weighted displacement quotient (WDQ). As study
methods, it analyzed existing relevant studies for identifying the trends
of CCTV and crime studies based on big data from 1800 to 2014 and
understanding the relation between CCTV and crime. Second, it
investigated the current situation of nationwide CCTVs and analyzed
the guidelines of CCTV installation and operation to draw attention to
the problems and indicating points of CCTV use. Third, it investigated
the crime occurrence in case areas and the current situation of CCTV
installation in the spatial aspects, and analyzed the appropriateness and
effectiveness of CCTV installation to suggest a rational installation of
CCTV and the strategic direction of crime prevention. The results
demonstrate that there was no significant effect in the installation of
CCTV on crime prevention in the case area. This indicates that CCTV
should be installed and managed in a more scientific way reflecting
local crime situations. In terms of CCTV, the methods of spatial
analysis such as GIS, which can evaluate the installation effect, and the
methods of economic analysis like cost-benefit analysis should be
developed. In addition, these methods should be distributed to local
governments across the nation for the appropriate installation of
CCTV and operation. This study intended to find a design guideline of
the optimum CCTV installation. In this regard, this study is
meaningful in that it will contribute to the creation of a safe city.
Abstract: Precise capture of plantar 3D surface of the foot at the
loading gait phases on rigid substrates was found to be valuable for
the assessment of the physiology, health and problems of the feet.
Photogrammetry, a precision 3D spatial data capture technique is
suitable for this type of dynamic application. In this research, the
technique is utilised to study the plantar deformation as a result of
having a strip of kinesiology tape on the plantar surface during the
loading phase of gait. For this pilot study, one healthy adult male
subject was recruited under the University’s human research ethics
guidelines for this preliminary study. The 3D plantar deformation
data with and without applying the tape were analysed. The results
and analyses are presented together with detailed findings.
Abstract: Proof of controlling crack width is a basic condition
for securing suitable performance in serviceability limit state. The
cracking in concrete can occur at any time from the casting of time to
the years after the concrete has been set in place. Most codes struggle
with offering procedure for crack width calculation. There is lack in
availability of design charts for designers to compute crack width
with ease. The focus of the study is to utilize design charts and
parametric equations in calculating crack width with minimum error.
The paper contains a simplified procedure to calculate crack width
for reinforced concrete (RC) sections subjected to bending with axial
tensile force following the guidelines of Euro code [DS EN-1992-1-1
& DS EN-1992-1-2]. Numerical examples demonstrate the
application of the suggested procedure. Comparison with parallel
analytical tools supports the validity of result and show the
percentage deviation of crack width in both the procedures. The
technique is simple, user friendly and ready to evolve for a greater
spectrum of section sizes and materials.
Abstract: Nowadays, the successful implementation of ICTs is
vital for almost any kind of organization. Good governance and ICT
management are essential for delivering value, managing
technological risks, managing resources and performance
measurement. In addition, outsourcing is a strategic IT service
solution which complements IT services provided internally in
organizations. This paper proposes the measurement tools of a new
holistic maturity model based on standards ISO/IEC 20000 and
ISO/IEC 38500, and the frameworks and best practices of ITIL and
COBIT, with a specific focus on IT outsourcing. These measurement
tools allow independent validation and practical application in the
field of higher education, using a questionnaire, metrics tables, and
continuous improvement plan tables as part of the measurement
process. Guidelines and standards are proposed in the model for
facilitating adaptation to universities and achieving excellence in the
outsourcing of IT services.
Abstract: The levels of maximum power density of GSM
signals in the cities of Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja were studied.
Measurements were made with a calibrated hand held spectrum
analyzer 200m away from 271 base stations, at 1.2m to the ground
level. The maximum GSM 900 signal power density was
139.63μW/m2 in Lagos, 162.49μW/m2 in Ibadan and 5411.26μW/m2
in Abuja. Also, the maximum GSM 1800 signal power density was
296.82μW/m2 in Lagos, 116.82μW/m2 in Ibadan and 1263.00μW/m2
in Abuja. The level of power density of GSM 900 and GSM 1800
signals in the cities of Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja are far less than the
recommended value of 4.5W/m2 for GSM 900 and 9.0 W/m2 for
GSM 1800 by the ICNRP guideline. It can be concluded that
exposure to GSM signals in these cities cannot contribute to the
health detriments caused by thermal effects of radiofrequency
radiation.
Abstract: The extermination and proper disposal of
pharmaceutical wastes from expired and unused medications remains
a disputable issue due to their specific nature and characteristics.
Even though the hazards from these wastes are already well known in
terms of environment and human health, people still treat them as
usual wastes. At a national level, in many countries the management
of pharmaceutical and medical wastes has been one of the main
objectives in order to protect people’s health and the environment.
Even though many legal regulations exist in this respect, there has not
been a single law that would clearly explain the procedures of
returning medicines, ways of selection, treatment and extermination
of pharmaceutical wastes. This paper aims at analyzing the practices
of pharmaceutical waste management and treatment in some
European countries as well as a review of the legislation and official
guidelines in managing these kinds of wastes and protecting the
environment and human health. A suitable treatment and
management of expired medications and other similar wastes would
be in the interest of public health in the first place, as well as in the
interest of healthcare institutions and other bodies engaged in
environment protection.