Abstract: Oases are complex and fragile agro-ecosystems. They
have always existed in environments characterized by an arid climate,
scarcity of rainfall, high temperatures and high evaporation. These
palms have grown up despite the severity of the physical
characteristics thanks to the water's existence and irrigation practice.
The oases are generally spread along non-perennial rivers (wadis),
shallow water table or deep artesian groundwater. However, the
sustainability of oasis system is threatened by water scarcity and
declining of water table levels particularly in arid areas. Located in
the southern east area of Morocco, Tafilalet plain encompasses one of
the largest palm groves in the kingdom. In recent years, this area has
become increasingly threatened by water shortage and has seen a
sharp deterioration under the effect of several combined
anthropogenic and climatic factors. The Bayoud disease, successive
years of drought, Hassan Addakhil dam construction etc are all
factors that have affected both water and phoenicicole heritage of the
area. The objective of this study is to understand the interaction
between qualitative and quantitative degradation of groundwater
resources, and the palm grove dynamics, while reviewing the
assumption that groundwater resources contribute in a direct way to
the conservation of this oasis agroecosystem. A historical analysis
tracing both the oasis dynamics and the groundwater evolution has
been established. Data were collected from satellite images, surveys
with different actors (farmers, Regional Office for Agricultural
Development, Basin agency...). They were complemented by a
synthesis of numerous technical reports in the area. The results
showed that within 40 years, the thickness of the groundwater table
has dropped in 50 %. Along with this, there has been a downsizing of
date palm by 50 %. Areas with higher groundwater level were the
least affected by the downsizing. So we can say that the shallow
groundwater contribute significantly and directly to the water supply
of date palm through its root system, and largely ensures the oasis
ecosystem sustainability.
Abstract: Particles are the most common and cheapest
reinforcement producing discontinuous reinforced composites with
isotropic properties. Conventional fabrication methods can be used to
produce a wide range of product forms, making them relatively
inexpensive. Optimising composite development must include
consideration of all the fundamental aspect of particles including
their size, shape, volume fraction, distribution and mechanical
properties. Research has shown that the challenges of low fracture
toughness, poor crack growth resistance and low thermal stability can
be overcome by reinforcement with particles. The unique properties
exhibited by micro particles reinforced ceramic composites have
made them to be highly attractive in a vast array of applications.
Abstract: Enterprise Architecture (EA) Implementation
Methodologies have become an important part of EA projects.
Several implementation methodologies have been proposed, as a
theoretical and practical approach, to facilitate and support the
development of EA within an enterprise. A significant question when
facing the starting of EA implementation is deciding which
methodology to utilize. In order to answer this question, a framework
with several criteria is applied in this paper for the comparative
analysis of existing EA implementation methodologies. Five EA
implementation methodologies including: EAP, TOGAF, DODAF,
Gartner, and FEA are selected in order to compare with proposed
framework. The results of the comparison indicate that those
methodologies have not reached a sufficient maturity as whole due to
lack of consideration on requirement management, maintenance,
continuum, and complexities in their process. The framework has
also ability for the evaluation of any kind of EA implementation
methodologies.
Abstract: Augmented Reality is a technology that involves the
overlay of virtual content, which is context or environment sensitive,
on images of the physical world in real time. This paper presents the
development of a catalog system that facilitates and allows the
creation, publishing, management and exploitation of augmented
multimedia contents and Augmented Reality applications, creating an
own space for anyone that wants to provide information to real
objects in order to edit and share it then online with others. These
spaces would be built for different domains without the initial need of
expert users. Its operation focuses on the context of Web 2.0 or
Social Web, with its various applications, developing contents to
enrich the real context in which human beings act permitting the
evolution of catalog’s contents in an emerging way.
Abstract: This paper illustrates the effect of nano Magnesium
Hydroxide (MH) loading on the thermal properties of Low Density
Polyethylene (LDPE)/Poly (ethylene-co vinyl acetate) (EVA) nano
composite. Thermal studies were conducted, as it understanding is
vital for preliminary development of new polymeric systems.
Thermal analysis of nanocomposite was conducted using thermo
gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC). Major finding of TGA indicated two main stages of
degradation process found at (350 ± 25oC) and (480 ± 25oC)
respectively. Nano metal filler expressed better fire resistance as it
stand over high degree of temperature. Furthermore, DSC analysis
provided a stable glass temperature around 51 (±1oC) and captured
double melting point at 84 (±2oC) and 108 (±2oC). This binary
melting point reflects the modification of nano filler to the polymer
matrix forming melting crystals of folded and extended chain. The
percent crystallinity of the samples grew vividly with increasing filler
content. Overall, increasing the filler loading improved the
degradation temperature and weight loss evidently and a better
process and phase stability was captured in DSC.
Abstract: Guided by the theory of learning styles, this study is
based on the development of a multimedia learning application for
students with mastery learning style. The learning material was
developed by applying a graduated difficulty learning strategy.
Algebra was chosen as the learning topic for this application. The
effectiveness of this application in helping students learn is measured
by giving a pre- and post-test. The result shows that students who
learn using the learning material that matches their preferred learning
style perform better than the students with a non-personalized
learning material.
Abstract: Maturity models, used descriptively to explain
changes in reality or normatively to guide managers to make
interventions to make organizations more effective and efficient, are
based on the principles of statistical quality control and PDCA
continuous improvement (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Some frameworks
developed over the concept of maturity models include COBIT,
CMM, and ITIL.
This paper presents some limitations of traditional maturity
models, most of them related to the mechanistic and reductionist
principles over which those models are built. As systems theory helps
the understanding of the dynamics of organizations and
organizational change, the development of a systemic maturity model
can help to overcome some of those limitations.
This document proposes a systemic maturity model, based on a
systemic conceptualization of organizations, focused on the study of
the functioning of the parties, the relationships among them, and their
behavior as a whole. The concept of maturity from the system theory
perspective is conceptually defined as an emergent property of the
organization, which arises as a result of the degree of alignment and
integration of their processes. This concept is operationalized through
a systemic function that measures the maturity of organizations, and
finally validated by the measuring of maturity in some organizations.
For its operationalization and validation, the model was applied to
measure the maturity of organizational Governance, Risk and
Compliance (GRC) processes.
Abstract: The Lean Environmental Management Integration
System (LEMIS) framework development is integration between lean
core element and ISO 14001. The curiosity on the relationship
between continuous improvement and sustainability of lean
implementation has influenced this study toward LEMIS.
Characteristic of ISO 14001 standard clauses and core elements of
lean principles are explored from past studies and literature reviews.
Survey was carried out on ISO 14001 certified companies to examine
continual improvement by implementing the ISO 14001 standard.
The study found that there is a significant and positive relationship
between Lean Principles: value, value stream, flow, pull and
perfection with the ISO 14001 requirements. LEMIS is significant to
support the continuous improvement and sustainability. The
integration system can be implemented to any manufacturing
company. It gives awareness on the importance on why organizations
need to sustain its environmental management system. In the
meantime, the lean principle can be adapted in order to streamline
daily activities of the company. Throughout the study, it had proven
that there is no sacrifice or trade-off between lean principles with ISO
14001 requirements. The framework developed in the study can be
further simplified in the future, especially the method of crossing
each sub requirements of ISO 14001 standard with the core elements
of Lean principles in this study.
Abstract: City shrinkage is one of the thorny problems that many
European cities have to face with nowadays. It is mainly expressed as
the decrease of population in these cities. Eastern Germany is one of
the pioneers of European shrinking cities with long shrinking history.
The paper selects one representative shrinking city Halle (Saale) in
eastern Germany as research objective, collecting and investigating
nearly 20 years (1993-2010) municipal data after the reunification of
Germany. These data based on five dimensions, which are
demographic, economic, social, spatial and environmental and total 16
eligible variables. Factor Analysis is used to deal with these variables
in order to assess the most important factors affecting shrinking Halle.
The results show that there are three main factors determine the
shrinkage of Halle, respectively named “demographical and
economical factor”, “social stability factor”, and “city vitality factor”.
The three factors act at different time period of Halle’s shrinkage: from
1993 to 1997 the demographical and economical factor played an
important role; from 1997 to 2004 the social stability factor is
significant to city shrinkage; since 2005 city vitality factor determines
the shrinkage of Halle. In recent years, the shrinkage in Halle mitigates
that shows the sign of growing population. Thus the city Halle should
focus on attaching more importance on the city vitality factor to
prevent the city from shrinkage. Meanwhile, the city should possess a
positive perspective to shift the growth-oriented development to tap
the potential of shrinking cities. This method is expected to apply to
further research and other shrinking cities
Abstract: From a perspective of moral education, this study has
examined the experiences of a group of college students who
volunteered in disaster areas after the magnitude 9.0 Earthquake,
which struck the Northeastern region of Japan in March, 2011. The
research, utilizing the method of grounded theory, has uncovered that
most of the students have gone through positive changes in their
development of moral and social characters, such as attaining deeper
sense of empathy and caring personalities. The study expresses, in
identifying the nature of those transformations, that the importance of
volunteer work should strongly be recognized by the colleges and
universities in Japan, in fulfilling their public responsibility of creating
and building learning communities that are responsible and caring.
Abstract: Many studies have revealed the fact of the complexity
of ontology building process. Therefore there is a need for a new
approach which one of that addresses the socio-technical aspects in the
collaboration to reach a consensus. Meta-design approach is
considered applicable as a method in the methodological model of
socio-technical ontology engineering. Principles in the meta-design
framework are applied in the construction phases of the ontology. A
web portal is developed to support the meta-design principles
requirements. To validate the methodological model semantic web
applications were developed and integrated in the portal and also used
as a way to show the usefulness of the ontology. The knowledge based
system will be filled with data of Indonesian medicinal plants. By
showing the usefulness of the developed ontology in a semantic web
application, we motivate all stakeholders to participate in the
development of knowledge based system of medicinal plants in
Indonesia.
Abstract: This review summarizes the potential of starch
agroindustrial residues as substrate for biohydrogen production.
Types of potential starch agroindustrial residues, recent developments
and bio-processing conditions for biohydrogen production will be
discussed. Biohydrogen is a clean energy source with great potential
to be an alternative fuel, because it releases energy explosively in
heat engines or generates electricity in fuel cells producing water as
only by-product. Anaerobic hydrogen fermentation or dark
fermentation seems to be more favorable, since hydrogen is yielded
at high rates and various organic waste enriched with carbohydrates
as substrate result in low cost for hydrogen production. Abundant
biomass from various industries could be source for biohydrogen
production where combination of waste treatment and energy
production would be an advantage. Carbohydrate-rich nitrogendeficient
solid wastes such as starch residues can be used for
hydrogen production by using suitable bioprocess technologies.
Alternatively, converting biomass into gaseous fuels, such as
biohydrogen is possibly the most efficient way to use these
agroindustrial residues.
Abstract: In recent decades with the development of technology
and lack of food sources, sewage sludge in production of human
foods is inevitable. Various sources of municipal and industrial
sewage sludge that is produced can provide the requirement of plant
nutrients. Soils in arid, semi-arid climate of central Iran that most
affected by water drainage, iron and zinc deficiencies, using of
sewage sludge is helpful. Therefore, the aim of this study is
investigation of sewage sludge and manure application on Ni, Pb and
Cd uptake by Savory. An experiment in a randomized complete block
design with three replications was performed. Sewage sludge
treatments consisted of four levels, control, 15, 30, 80 tons per
hectares; the manure was used in four levels of control, 20, 40 and 80
tons per hectare. Results showed that the wet and dry weights was not
affected by sewage sludge using, while, manure has significant effect
on them. The effect of sewage sludge on the cadmium and lead
concentrations were significant. Interactions of sewage sludge and
manure on dry weight values were not significant. Compare mean
analysis showed that increasing the amount of sewage sludge had no
significant effect on cadmium concentration and it reduced when
sewage sludge usage increased. This is probably due to increased
plant growth and reduced concentrations of these elements in the
plant.
Abstract: Two tragic tsunamis that devastated the west coast of
Sumatra Island, Indonesia in 2004 and North East Japan in 2011 had
damaged bridges to various extents. Tsunamis have resulted in the
catastrophic deterioration of infrastructures i.e. coastal structures,
utilities and transportation facilities. A bridge structure performs vital
roles to enable people to perform activities related to their daily needs
and for development. A damaged bridge needs to be repaired
expeditiously. In order to understand the effects of tsunami forces on
bridges, experimental tests are carried out to measure the
characteristics of hydrodynamic force at various wave heights.
Coastal bridge models designed at a 1:40 scale are used in a 24.0 m
long hydraulic flume with a cross section of 1.5 m by 2.0 m. The
horizontal forces and uplift forces in all cases show that forces
increase nonlinearly with increasing wave amplitude.
Abstract: Marine Protected Areas can benefit from nature based
tourism, monitoring environmental impacts and also become target
for human presence. From more than 3 million tourists visiting
Cozumel Island every year, an average of 2,8 million arrive by cruise
ship, and 41% are estimated to have motivation for water activities.
The destination is relying so much on the tourism activity, that scuba
diving and snorkeling in the National Park Reef of Cozumel sustain
the major economic activity. In order to achieve the sustainable
development indicator designed for regional environmental
development, the PNAC offers a training course to tourism providers
to access the protected area. This way, the update of the last 5 years
of such training is directed to diving staff, boat crew and
professionals, making them able to assist in managing the natural
resource. Moreover, the case study is an example to be used for
raising awareness among tourists visiting protected areas.
Abstract: Weed suppression and weeding are necessary measures
for rice cultivation. Weed suppression precedes the process of
weeding. It means suppressing the growth of young weeds and
creating a weed-less environment. If we suppress the growth of weeds,
we can reduce the number of weeds in a paddy field. This would result
in a reduction of the weeding work load.
In this paper, we will show how we developed a weed suppression
robot for the purpose of reducing the weeding work load. The robot
has a laser range finder for autonomous mobility and a robot arm for
weed suppression. It travels along the rice rows without stepping on
and injuring the rice plants in a paddy field. The robot arm applies
force to the weed seedlings and thereby suppresses the growth of
weeds. This paper will explain the methodology of the autonomous
mobile, the experiment in weed suppression, and the method of
controlling the robot’s posture on uneven ground.
Abstract: Inland Waterway Transportation (IWT) is playing an
important role in national transport systems, water transportation is
considered to be safe, energy efficient and environmentally friendly
mode of transport, all benefits of IWT cause national awareness
increase, for instance the Colombian government is planning to
restore the navigability of the most important river of the country, the
Magdalena’s River navigability, embrace waterway transportation in
Colombia could strength competitiveness while reduce most of the
transport externalities. However, the current situation of the
Magdalena is deplorable, the most important river of Colombia has
been abandoned for decades and the solution is beyond of a single
administrative entity. This paper analyzes the outcomes of the
Navigation And Inland Waterway Action and Development in
Europe program (NAIADES) as a prospective to develop a similar
program in Colombia with similar objectives and guidelines,
considering sustainability, guarantying the long-term future results
and adaptability of the program. Identifying stakeholders and policy
experts, a set of individual interviews were carried out; findings
support the idea of lack of integration within governmental
institutions and lack of importance in marketing promotion as
possible drawbacks on the implementation of IWT projects.
Abstract: The liver is the strongest regenerating organ of the
organism, and even with 2/3 surgically removed, it can regenerate
completely. Hence liver cirrhosis may only develop when the
regenerating system is off.
We present the results of a comparative study of structural and
functional characteristics of rat liver tissue under the conditions of
toxic liver cirrhosis development, induced by carbon tetrachloride,
and its prevention/treatment by natural compounds with antioxidant
and immune stimulating action. Studies were made on Wister rats,
weighing 120~140 g. Grape seeds extracts, separately and in
combination with well-known anticirrhotic drug ursodeoxycholic
acid (Urdoxa), have demonstrated effectiveness in prevention of liver
cirrhosis development and its treatment.
Abstract: This study offers a comprehensive review of the
research papers published in the field of cooling towers and gives an
insight into the latest developments of the natural draught cooling
towers. Different modeling, analysis and design techniques are
summarized and the challenges are discussed. The 118 references
included in this paper are mostly concentrated on the review of the
published papers after 2005. The present paper represents a complete
collection of the studies done for cooling towers and would give an
updated material for the researchers and design engineers in the field
of hyperbolic cooling towers.
Abstract: The effective development of a geoscience education
and training program takes account of the rapidly changing
environment in the geoscience market, includes information about
resource-rich countries which have international education demands.
In this paper, we introduce the geoscience program run by the
International School for Geoscience Resources at the Korea Institute
of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (IS-Geo of KIGAM), and show
its remarkable performance. To further effective geoscience program
planning and operation, we present recommendations for strategic
management for customer-oriented operation with a more favorable
program format and advanced training aids. Above all, the IS-Geo of
KIGAM should continue improve through ‘plan-do-see-feedback’
activities based on the recommendations.