Abstract: Reverse engineering of full-genomic interaction networks based on compendia of expression data has been successfully applied for a number of model organisms. This study adapts these approaches for an important non-model organism: The major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. During the infection process, the pathogen can adapt to a wide range of environmental niches and reversibly changes its growth form. Given the importance of these processes, it is important to know how they are regulated. This study presents a reverse engineering strategy able to infer fullgenomic interaction networks for C. albicans based on a linear regression, utilizing the sparseness criterion (LASSO). To overcome the limited amount of expression data and small number of known interactions, we utilize different prior-knowledge sources guiding the network inference to a knowledge driven solution. Since, no database of known interactions for C. albicans exists, we use a textmining system which utilizes full-text research papers to identify known regulatory interactions. By comparing with these known regulatory interactions, we find an optimal value for global modelling parameters weighting the influence of the sparseness criterion and the prior-knowledge. Furthermore, we show that soft integration of prior-knowledge additionally improves the performance. Finally, we compare the performance of our approach to state of the art network inference approaches.
Abstract: The response of growth and yield of rainfed-chickpea
to population density should be evaluated based on long-term
experiments to include the climate variability. This is achievable just
by simulation. In this simulation study, this evaluation was done by
running the CYRUS model for long-term daily weather data of five
locations in Iran. The tested population densities were 7 to 59 (with
interval of 2) stands per square meter. Various functions, including
quadratic, segmented, beta, broken linear, and dent-like functions,
were tested. Considering root mean square of deviations and linear
regression statistics [intercept (a), slope (b), and correlation
coefficient (r)] for predicted versus observed variables, the quadratic
and broken linear functions appeared to be appropriate for describing
the changes in biomass and grain yield, and in harvest index,
respectively. Results indicated that in all locations, grain yield tends
to show increasing trend with crowding the population, but
subsequently decreases. This was also true for biomass in five
locations. The harvest index appeared to have plateau state across
low population densities, but decreasing trend with more increasing
density. The turning point (optimum population density) for grain
yield was 30.68 stands per square meter in Isfahan, 30.54 in Shiraz,
31.47 in Kermanshah, 34.85 in Tabriz, and 32.00 in Mashhad. The
optimum population density for biomass ranged from 24.6 (in
Tabriz) to 35.3 stands per square meter (Mashhad). For harvest index
it varied between 35.87 and 40.12 stands per square meter.
Abstract: The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), which belongs to the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC), has a low granularity, which is convenient for describing general medical practice. However, its lack of specificity makes it useful to be used along with an interface terminology. An international survey has been performed, using a questionnaire sent by email to experts from 25 countries, in order to describe the terminologies interfacing with ICPC. Eleven interface terminologies have been identified, developed in Argentina, Australia, Belgium (2), Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, South Africa, and The Netherlands. Globally, these systems have been poorly assessed until now.
Abstract: One of the determinants of a firm-s prosperity is the
customers- perceived service quality and satisfaction. While service
quality is wide in scope, and consists of various dimensions, there
may be differences in the relative importance of these dimensions in
affecting customers- overall satisfaction of service quality.
Identifying the relative rank of different dimensions of service quality
is very important in that it can help managers to find out which
service dimensions have a greater effect on customers- overall
satisfaction. Such an insight will consequently lead to more effective
resource allocation which will finally end in higher levels of
customer satisfaction. This issue – despite its criticality- has not
received enough attention so far. Therefore, using a sample of 240
bank customers in Iran, an artificial neural network is developed to
address this gap in the literature. As customers- evaluation of service
quality is a subjective process, artificial neural networks –as a brain
metaphor- may appear to have a potentiality to model such a
complicated process. Proposing a neural network which is able to
predict the customers- overall satisfaction of service quality with a
promising level of accuracy is the first contribution of this study. In
addition, prioritizing the service quality dimensions in affecting
customers- overall satisfaction –by using sensitivity analysis of
neural network- is the second important finding of this paper.
Abstract: A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of installing small wind turbines on offshore oil and gas extraction platforms is presented. Some aerodynamic considerations are developed in order to determine the best rotor architecture to exploit the wind potential on such installations, assuming that wind conditions over the platforms are similar to those registered on the roofs of urban buildings. Economical considerations about both advantages and disadvantages of the exploitation of wind energy on offshore extraction platforms with respect to conventional offshore wind plants, is also presented. Finally, wind charts of European offshore winds are presented together with a map of the major offshore installations.
Abstract: Marketing is an essential issue to the survival of any
real estate company in Turkey. There are some factors which are
constraining the achievements of the marketing and sales strategies in
the Turkey real estate industry. This study aims to identify and
prioritise the most significant constraints to marketing in real estate
sector and new strategies based on those constraints. This study is
based on survey method, where the respondents such as credit
counsellors, real estate investors, consultants, academicians and
marketing representatives in Turkey were asked to rank forty seven
sub-factors according to their levels of impact. The results of Multiattribute
analytical technique indicated that the main subcomponents
having impact on marketing in real estate sector are interest rates, real
estate credit availability, accessibility, company image and consumer
real income, respectively. The identified constraints are expected to
guide the marketing team in a sales-effective way.
Abstract: A multi-agent system is developed here to predict
monthly details of the upcoming peak of the 24th solar magnetic
cycle. While studies typically predict the timing and magnitude of
cycle peaks using annual data, this one utilizes the unsmoothed
monthly sunspot number instead. Monthly numbers display more
pronounced fluctuations during periods of strong solar magnetic
activity than the annual sunspot numbers. Because strong magnetic
activities may cause significant economic damages, predicting
monthly variations should provide different and perhaps helpful
information for decision-making purposes. The multi-agent system
developed here operates in two stages. In the first, it produces twelve
predictions of the monthly numbers. In the second, it uses those
predictions to deliver a final forecast. Acting as expert agents, genetic
programming and neural networks produce the twelve fits and
forecasts as well as the final forecast. According to the results
obtained, the next peak is predicted to be 156 and is expected to
occur in October 2011- with an average of 136 for that year.
Abstract: The Brazilian legislation has only established
diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in terms of Multiple Scan
Average Dose (MSAD) as a quality control parameter for computed
tomography (CT) scanners. Compliance with DRLs can be verified
by measuring the Computed Tomography Kerma Index (Ca,100) with
a pencil ionization chamber or by obtaining the kerma distribution in
CT scans with radiochromic films or rod shape lithium fluoride
termoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100). TL dosimeters were used
to record kerma profiles and to determine MSAD values of a Bright
Speed model GE CT scanner. Measurements were done with
radiochromic films and TL dosimeters distributed in cylinders
positioned in the center and in four peripheral bores of a standard
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) body CT dosimetry phantom.
Irradiations were done using a protocol for adult chest. The
maximum values were found at the midpoint of the longitudinal axis.
The MSAD values obtained with three dosimetric techniques were
compared.
Abstract: In the current economy of increasing global
competition, many organizations are attempting to use knowledge as
one of the means to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Besides
large organizations, the success of SMEs can be linked to how well
they manage their knowledge. Despite the profusion of research
about knowledge management within large organizations, fewer
studies tried to analyze KM in SMEs.
This research proposes a new framework showing the determinant
role of organizational dimensions onto KM approaches. The paper
and its propositions are based on a literature review and analysis.
In this research, personalization versus codification,
individualization versus institutionalization and IT-based versus non
IT-based are highlighted as three distinct dimensions of knowledge
management approaches.
The study contributes to research by providing a more nuanced
classification of KM approaches and provides guidance to managers
about the types of KM approaches that should be adopted based on
the size, geographical dispersion and task nature of SMEs.
To the author-s knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind to
examine if there are suitable configurations of KM approaches for
SMEs with different dimensions. It gives valuable information, which
hopefully will help SME sector to accomplish KM.
Abstract: Interventional cardiologists are at greater risk from
radiation exposure as a result of the procedures they undertake than
most other medical specialists. A study was performed to evaluate
operator dose during interventional cardiology procedures and to
establish methods of operator dose reduction with a radiation
protective device. Different procedure technique and use of
protective tools can explain big difference in the annual equivalent
dose received by the professionals. Strategies to prevent and
monitor radiation exposure, advanced protective shielding and
effective radiation monitoring methods should be applied.
Abstract: This work presents a low-cost and eco-friendly
building material named Agrostone panel. Africa-s urban population
is growing at an annual rate of 2.8% and 62% of its population will
live in urban areas by 2050. As a consequence, many of the least
urbanized and least developed African countries- will face serious
challenges in providing affordable housing to the urban dwellers.
Since the cost of building materials accounts for the largest
proportion of the overall construction cost, innovating low-cost
building material is vital. Agrostone panel is used in housing projects
in Ethiopia. It uses raw materials of agricultural/industrial wastes
and/or natural minerals as a filler, magnesium-based chemicals as a
binder and fiberglass as reinforcement. Agrostone panel reduces the
cost of wall construction by 50% compared with the conventional
building materials. The pros and cons of Agrostone panel as well as
the use of other waste materials as a raw material to make the panel
more sustainable, low-cost and better properties are discussed.
Abstract: Amazing development of the information technology,
communications and internet expansion as well as the requirements
of the city managers to new ideas to run the city and higher
participation of the citizens encourage us to complete the electronic
city as soon as possible. The foundations of this electronic city are in
information technology. People-s participation in metropolitan
management is a crucial topic. Information technology does not
impede this matter. It can ameliorate populace-s participation and
better interactions between the citizens and the city managers.
Citizens can proffer their ideas, beliefs and votes through digital
mass media based upon the internet and computerization plexuses on
the topical matters to receive appropriate replies and services. They
can participate in urban projects by becoming cognizant of the city
views. The most significant challenges are as follows: information
and communicative management, altering citizens- views, as well as
legal and office documents
Electronic city obstacles have been identified in this research. The
required data were forgathered through questionnaires to identify the
barriers from a statistical community comprising specialists and
practitioners of the ministry of information technology and
communication, the municipality information technology
organization.
The conclusions demonstrate that the prioritized electronic city
application barriers in Iran are as follows:
The support quandaries (non-financial ones), behavioral, cultural
and educational plights, the security, legal and license predicaments,
the hardware, orismological and infrastructural curbs, the software
and fiscal problems.
Abstract: This article proposes a new methodology to be used by SMEs (Small and Medium enterprises) to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and area for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the principal causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a self-assessment methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. The methodology is organized in six different steps which includes gathering information about predetermined processes and subprocesses of quality management, defined based on the well-known Juran-s trilogy for quality management (Quality planning, quality control and quality improvement) and, predetermined results categories, defined based on quality concept. A set of tools for data collecting and analysis, such as interviews, flowcharts, process analysis diagrams and Failure Mode and effects Analysis (FMEA) are used. The article also presents the conclusions obtained in the application of the methodology in two cases studies.
Abstract: An optical fault monitoring in FTTH-PON using ACS
is demonstrated. This device can achieve real-time fault monitoring
for protection feeder fiber. In addition, the ACS can distinguish
optical fiber fault from the transmission services to other customers
in the FTTH-PON. It is essential to use a wavelength different from
the triple-play services operating wavelengths for failure detection.
ACS is using the operating wavelength 1625 nm for monitoring and
failure detection control. Our solution works on a standard local area
network (LAN) using a specially designed hardware interfaced with a
microcontroller integrated Ethernet.
Abstract: Since the pioneering work of Zadeh, fuzzy set theory has been applied to a myriad of areas. Song and Chissom introduced the concept of fuzzy time series and applied some methods to the enrollments of the University of Alabama. In recent years, a number of techniques have been proposed for forecasting based on fuzzy set theory methods. These methods have either used enrollment numbers or differences of enrollments as the universe of discourse. We propose using the year to year percentage change as the universe of discourse. In this communication, the approach of Jilani, Burney, and Ardil is modified by using the year to year percentage change as the universe of discourse. We use enrollment figures for the University of Alabama to illustrate our proposed method. The proposed method results in better forecasting accuracy than existing models.
Abstract: This paper proposes a power-controlled scheduling scheme for devices using a directional antenna in smart home. In the case of the home network using directional antenna, devices can concurrently transmit data in the same frequency band. Accordingly, the throughput increases compared to that of devices using omni-directional antenna in proportional to the number of concurrent transmissions. Also, the number of concurrent transmissions depends on the beamwidth of antenna, the number of devices operating in the network , transmission power, interference and so on. In particular, the less transmission power is used, the more concurrent transmissions occur due to small transmission range. In this paper, we considered sub-optimal scheduling scheme for throughput maximization and power consumption minimization. In the scheme, each device is equipped with a directional antenna. Various beamwidths, path loss components, and antenna radiation efficiencies are considered. Numerical results show that the proposed schemes outperform the scheduling scheme using directional antennas without power control.
Abstract: Austenite and Martensite indicate the phases of solids undergoing phase transformation which we usually associate with materials and not with living organisms. This article provides an overview of bacterial proteins and structures that are undergoing phase transformation and suggests its probable effect on mechanical behavior. The context is mainly within the role of phase transformations occurring in the flagellum of bacteria. The current knowledge of molecular mechanism leading to phase variation in living organisms is reviewed. Since in bacteria, each flagellum is driven by a separate motor, similarity to a Differential drive in case of four-wheeled vehicles is suggested. It also suggests the application of the mechanism in which bacteria changes its direction of movement to facilitate single point turning of a multi-wheeled vehicle. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate that the motion due to phase transformation of flagella in bacteria can start a whole new research on motion mechanisms.
Abstract: The paper which is dedicated to describing the effect
made by the “significant other", presents the new model of
interrelation between self-reflection, the “significant other"
phenomenon and aggression. Tendencies of direction and type
frustration response developments in detail are discussed. New
results have been received through designing of the original
experiment. It is based on modifications of the “Picture – Frustration
Study" test by S. Rosenzweig.
Abstract: Characteristics of ad hoc networks and even their existence depend on the nodes forming them. Thus, services and applications designed for ad hoc networks should adapt to this dynamic and distributed environment. In particular, multicast algorithms having reliability and scalability requirements should abstain from centralized approaches. We aspire to define a reliable and scalable multicast protocol for ad hoc networks. Our target is to utilize epidemic techniques for this purpose. In this paper, we present a brief survey of epidemic algorithms for reliable multicasting in ad hoc networks, and describe formulations and analytical results for simple epidemics. Then, P2P anti-entropy algorithm for content distribution and our prototype simulation model are described together with our initial results demonstrating the behavior of the algorithm.
Abstract: Growing world population has fundamental impacts
and often catastrophic on natural habitat. The immethodical
consumption of energy, destruction of the forests and extinction of
plant and animal species are the consequence of this experience.
Urban sustainability and sustainable urban development, that is so
spoken these days, should be considered as a strategy, goal and
policy, beyond just considering environmental issues and protection.
The desert-s climate has made a bunch of problems for its residents.
Very hot and dry climate in summers of the Iranian desert areas,
when there was no access to modern energy source and mechanical
cooling systems in the past, made Iranian architects to design a
natural ventilation system in their buildings. The structure, like a
tower going upward the roof, besides its ornamental application and
giving a beautiful view to the building, was used as a spontaneous
ventilation system. In this paper, it has been tried to name the
problems of the area and it-s inconvenience, then some answers has
pointed out in order to solve the problems and as an alternative
solution BADGIR (wind-catcher) has been introduced as a solution
knowing that it has been playing a major role in dealing with the
problems.