Abstract: During the past decade, pond aeration systems have
been developed which will sustain large quantities of fish and
invertebrate biomass. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is considered to be
among the most important water quality parameters in fish culture.
Fishponds in aquaculture farms are usually located in remote areas
where grid lines are at far distance. Aeration of ponds is required to
prevent mortality and to intensify production, especially when
feeding is practical, and in warm regions. To increase pond
production it is necessary to control dissolved oxygen. Artificial
intelligence (AI) techniques are becoming useful as alternate
approaches to conventional techniques or as components of
integrated systems. They have been used to solve complicated
practical problems in various areas and are becoming more and more
popular nowadays. This paper presents a new design of diffused
aeration system using fuel cell as a power source. Also fuzzy logic
control Technique (FLC) is used for controlling the speed of air flow
rate from the blower to air piping connected to the pond by adjusting
blower speed. MATLAB SIMULINK results show high performance
of fuzzy logic control (FLC).
Abstract: This article is investigating Boria which is a kind of common performance in Malaysia. Boria has been known as Boria and Borea and both are correct, but Boria is more common. Boria is a folk performance unique to Penang. This theatre style reached Penang in the mid-19th century and is believed to be derived from the Shia Islamic Passion play performed during the Muslim month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrs of Kerbela. These days in Malaysia (especially Penang) Boria mentions to a choral street performance performed annually by a number of groups composed mostly of Sunni Malaysian. Boria are performed for entertainment and often include an annual singing competition. The size, membership, themes and movements of each Boria troupe may vary from year to year. Similarly, the themes and contents of the Boria performed by the different troupes also changes each year and can have a comical, political or satirical notion. It is common to most groups during the first ten days of Muharram Boria generally is done.
Abstract: Emotion in speech is an issue that has been attracting
the interest of the speech community for many years, both in the
context of speech synthesis as well as in automatic speech
recognition (ASR). In spite of the remarkable recent progress in
Large Vocabulary Recognition (LVR), it is still far behind the
ultimate goal of recognising free conversational speech uttered by
any speaker in any environment. Current experimental tests prove
that using state of the art large vocabulary recognition systems the
error rate increases substantially when applied to
spontaneous/emotional speech. This paper shows that recognition
rate for emotionally coloured speech can be improved by using a
language model based on increased representation of emotional
utterances.
Abstract: This study carried out to determine the effect of plant
densities on some agronomic characteristics of four safflower cultivars in spring planting. The experiment was conducted at Yazd,
Iran- using a factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Cultivars were including Arak, IL, Asteria and Local and plant densities were 10, 13.3, 20 and 40 plant/m2. Number
of seeds/head, number of heads/plant, HI, 1000-seed weight and seed yield significantly decreased as planting density increased. With increasing planting density, LAI, plant height, first branch height and
biological yield increased. The highest seed yield was obtained in 13.3 plant/m2 (2167 kg/ha). There were significant differences
between cultivars. Local cv. had higher seed yield than the other cultivars mainly due to higher heads/plant and seeds/head.
Abstract: The functional response of an infective is the relationship
between an infected individual-s infection rate and the abundance
of the number of susceptibles that one can potentially be infected.
In this paper, we consider defensive attitudes for HIV prevention
(primary prevention) while at the same time emphasizing on offensive
attitudes that reduce infection for those infected (secondary prevention).
We look at how defenses can protect an uninfected individual
in the case where high risk groups such as commercial sex workers
and those who deliberately go out to look for partners. We propose
an infection cycle that begins with a search, then an encounter,
a proposal and contact. The infection cycle illustrates the various
steps an infected individual goes through to successfully infect a
susceptible. For heterogeneous transmission of HIV, there will be no
infection unless there is contact. The ability to avoid an encounter,
detection, proposal and contact constitute defense.
Abstract: Groundwater is one of the most important water
resources in Fars province. Based on this study, 95 percent of the
total annual water consumption in Fars is used for agriculture,
whereas the percentages for domestic and industrial uses are 4 and 1
percent, respectively. Population growth, urban and industrial
growth, and agricultural development in Fars have created a
condition of water stress. In this province, farmers and other users are
pumping groundwater faster than its natural replenishment rate,
causing a continuous drop in groundwater tables and depletion of this
resource. In this research variation of groundwater level, their effects
and ways to help control groundwater levels in aquifer of the Niriz
plains in Fars plain were evaluated .Excessive exploitation of
groundwater in this aquifer caused the groundwater levels fall too
fast or to unacceptable levels. The average drawdown of the
groundwater level in this plain were 9.1 meters during 1997 to
2004. The purpose of this study is to evaluate water level changes in
the Niriz Aquifer in the Fars province in order to determine the areas
of greatest depletion, the cause of depletion, and predict the
remaining life of the aquifer.
Abstract: Climate change is a phenomenon has been based on
the available evidence from a very long time ago and now its
existence is very probable. The speed and nature of climate
parameters changes at the middle of twentieth century has been
different and its quickness more than the before and its trend changed
to some extent comparing to the past. Climate change issue now
regarded as not only one of the most common scientific topic but also
a social political one, is not a new issue. Climate change is a
complicated atmospheric oceanic phenomenon on a global scale and
long-term. Precipitation pattern change, fast decrease of snowcovered
resources and its rapid melting, increased evaporation, the
occurrence of destroying floods, water shortage crisis, severe
reduction at the rate of harvesting agricultural products and, so on are
all the significant of climate change. To cope with this phenomenon,
its consequences and events in which public instruction is the most
important but it may be climate that no significant cant and effective
action has been done so far. The present article is included a part of
one surrey about climate change in Fars. The study area having
annually mean temperature 14 and precipitation 320 mm .23 stations
inside the basin with a common 37 year statistical period have been
applied to the meteorology data (1974-2010). Man-kendal and
change factor methods are two statistical methods, applying them, the
trend of changes and the annual mean average temperature and the
annual minimum mean temperature were studied by using them.
Based on time series for each parameter, the annual mean average
temperature and the mean of annual maximum temperature have a
rising trend so that this trend is clearer to the mean of annual
maximum temperature.
Abstract: Automated material handling is given prime
importance in the semi automated and automated facilities since it
provides solution to the gigantic problems related to inventory and
also support the latest philosophies like just in time production JIT
and lean production. Automated storage and retrieval system is an
antidote (if designed properly) to the facility sufferings like getting
the right material , materials getting perished, long cycle times or
many other similar kind of problems. A working model of automated
storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is designed and developed
under the design parameters specified by Material Handling Industry
of America (MHIA). Later on analysis was carried out to calculate
the throughput and size of the machine. The possible implementation
of this technology in local scenario is also discussed in this paper.
Abstract: Milk from differently fed cows (supplemented with carotenoids from carrots or palm oil product Carotino CAF 100) was obtained in a conventional dairy farm to assess the carotenoid potential to protect milk fat against oxidation. The extracted anhydrous milk fat (AMF) was tested by peroxide value, and Rancimat tests. Temperature, and light stimulation for reaction acceleration was used. The oxidative stability enhancement by carotenoids was detected in peroxide value test – the strongest effect was observed in palm oil, following by carrot supplemented group, compared to control group, whose feed was unchanged. Rancimat accelerated oxidation test results did not show any superiority of the oxidative stability of the AMF samples from milk of the carotenoidsupplemented cow groups. The average oxidation stability of AMF dark-stored samples was 12.59 ± 0.294 h, and it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of AMF light-affected samples, i.e. 2.60 ± 0.191 h.
Abstract: The ubiquitous payment problems within construction
industry of China are notoriously hard to be resolved, thus lead to a
series of impacts to the industry chain. Among of them, the most direct
result is affecting the normal operation of contractors negatively. A
wealth of research has already discussed reasons of the payment
problems by introducing a number of possible improvement strategies.
But the causalities of these problems are still far from harsh reality. In
this paper, the authors propose a model for cash flow system of
construction projects by introducing System Dynamics techniques to
explore causal facets of the payment problem. The effects of payment
arrears on both cash flow and profitability of project are simulated into
four scenarios by using data from real projects. Simulating results
show visible clues to help contractors quantitatively determining the
consequences for the construction project that arise from payment
delay.
Abstract: Realistic 3D face model is desired in various
applications such as face recognition, games, avatars, animations, and
etc. Construction of 3D face model is composed of 1) building a face
shape model and 2) rendering the face shape model. Thus, building a
realistic 3D face shape model is an essential step for realistic 3D face
model. Recently, 3D morphable model is successfully introduced to
deal with the various human face shapes. 3D dense correspondence
problem should be precedently resolved for constructing a realistic 3D
dense morphable face shape model. Several approaches to 3D dense
correspondence problem in 3D face modeling have been proposed
previously, and among them optical flow based algorithms and TPS
(Thin Plate Spline) based algorithms are representative. Optical flow
based algorithms require texture information of faces, which is
sensitive to variation of illumination. In TPS based algorithms
proposed so far, TPS process is performed on the 2D projection
representation in cylindrical coordinates of the 3D face data, not
directly on the 3D face data and thus errors due to distortion in data
during 2D TPS process may be inevitable.
In this paper, we propose a new 3D dense correspondence algorithm
for 3D dense morphable face shape modeling. The proposed algorithm
does not need texture information and applies TPS directly on 3D face
data. Through construction procedures, it is observed that the proposed
algorithm constructs realistic 3D face morphable model reliably and
fast.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a critical component of
competitive success in service organizations. Knowledge
management centers on creating new knowledge and utilizing
existing knowledge. While utilizing existing knowledge relates to
input and control and can lead to a reduction in costs; creating new
knowledge relates to output and growth and can lead to an increase in
revenue. Therefore managers must ensure that they can successfully
optimize the knowledge and talent in their organizations. To do this
they and must try to develop an environment that promotes the
generation, acquisition, transfer and use of valuable knowledge in
creative ways. However knowledge management is complex and
diverse. Research suggests that organizations in general and SMEs in
particular are finding it difficult to implement successful knowledge
management initiatives. Our research attempts to understand whether
organizations are adopting best practice initiatives in their
organizations. This paper presents findings from an exploratory study
of 139 SMEs operating in the tourism sector across Europe. The
goals of the survey is to assess the level of awareness of knowledge
and talent management strategies and methodologies and to
determine whether the responding companies implement best practice
knowledge management initiatives in their organizations Analysis of
the findings from the study are presented and discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a new learning algorithm for
anomaly based network intrusion detection using improved self
adaptive naïve Bayesian tree (NBTree), which induces a hybrid of
decision tree and naïve Bayesian classifier. The proposed approach
scales up the balance detections for different attack types and keeps
the false positives at acceptable level in intrusion detection. In
complex and dynamic large intrusion detection dataset, the detection
accuracy of naïve Bayesian classifier does not scale up as well as
decision tree. It has been successfully tested in other problem
domains that naïve Bayesian tree improves the classification rates in
large dataset. In naïve Bayesian tree nodes contain and split as
regular decision-trees, but the leaves contain naïve Bayesian
classifiers. The experimental results on KDD99 benchmark network
intrusion detection dataset demonstrate that this new approach scales
up the detection rates for different attack types and reduces false
positives in network intrusion detection.
Abstract: In this paper, an attempt has been made to obtain nonsensitive
solutions in the multi-objective optimization of a
photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) air collector. The selected objective
functions are overall energy efficiency and exergy efficiency.
Improved thermal, electrical and exergy models are used to calculate
the thermal and electrical parameters, overall energy efficiency,
exergy components and exergy efficiency of a typical PV/T air
collector. A computer simulation program is also developed. The
results of numerical simulation are in good agreement with the
experimental measurements noted in the previous literature. Finally,
multi-objective optimization has been carried out under given
climatic, operating and design parameters. The optimized ranges of
inlet air velocity, duct depth and the objective functions in optimal
Pareto front have been obtained. Furthermore, non-sensitive solutions
from energy or exergy point of view in the results of multi-objective
optimization have been shown.
Abstract: Hot tear cracking and residual stress are two different consequences of thermal stress both of which can be considered as casting problem. The purpose of the present study is simulation of the effect of casting shape characteristic on hot tearing and residual stress. This study shows that the temperature range for simulation of hot tearing and residual stress are different. In this study, in order to study the development of thermal stress and to predict the hot tearing and residual stress of shaped casting, MAGMASOFT simulation program was used. The strategy of this research was the prediction of hot tear location using pinpointing hot spot and thermal stress concentration zones. The results shows that existing of stress concentration zone increases the hot tearing probability and consequently reduces the amount of remaining residual stress in casting parts.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the existence and unique¬ness of pseudo-almost periodic solutions to the chaotic delayed neural networks (t)= —Dx(t) ± A f (x (t)) B f (x (t — r)) C f (x(p))dp J (t) . t-o Under some suitable assumptions on A, B, C, D, J and f, the existence and uniqueness of a pseudo-almost periodic solution to equation above is obtained. The results of this paper are new and they complement previously known results.
Abstract: The Malaysian government is promoting
entrepreneurship development skills amongst farmers through informal
courses. These courses will concentrate on teaching managerial skills as
inevitable means for small farms to succeed by making farmers more
creative and innovative. Therefore it is important to assess the effect of
informal agri-entrepreneurial training in developing entrepreneurship
among the farmers in Malaysia. Seven hundred and ninety six farmers
(796) farmers were interviewed via structured questionnaire to define
their opinion on whether the current informal educational and training
establishments are sufficient to teach and develop entrepreneurial
skills. Factor analysis and logic regression analysis were used to
determine the motivating factors and predict their impact on the
development of entrepreneurial skills. The result from the factor analysis
led us to investigate the association between these factors and farmers-
opinions about the development of entrepreneurial skills and traits
through participating in informal entrepreneurship training or education.
The outcome has shown us that the importance of informal training to
promote entrepreneurship among farmers is crucial. The training should
be intensified to encourage farmers to not only focus on the modern
technologies but also on the fundamental changes in their attitude towards
agriculture as a business.
DOA:
KMO: Kaiser- Meyer- Olkin Test
MOA: Ministry of Agriculture
NMP: Ninth Malaysia Plan
NAP: Third National Agricultural Policy (2000-2010)
Abstract: This study assessed the productivity and performance of the barangays in the Heritage City of Vigan in terms of the barangays- resource requirements, management of resources, produced goods and services, and outcomes of service delivery. The descriptive research design was used in the study employing the input-process-output-outcomes model. Findings of this study showed that the barangays were strong in terms of resource requirements which enabled them to produce goods and services. The barangays were also strong in terms of management of resources in development planning. They also showed great potential along fiscal administration, and had a moderately high capability in organization and management. However, the barangays appeared to be most wanting in the area of barangay legislation, but they were strong in community mobilization and they had strong linkages with POs, NGOs and educational institutions. In the delivery of social services, the barangays favored the maintenance of day care centers. However, the barangays seem to be weak in the delivery of economic services. They fared well along providing protective services such as in establishing a Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council and organizing a group of Barangay Tanod. In terms of environmental services, the barangays performed garbage collection and disposal; however, garbage still found their way in the streets in some barangays. The services delivered had effected an improved status of the barangays. However, the barangays are still facing some problems.
Abstract: Analytically the effect of polarization dependent loss on a high speed fiber optic communication link has been investigated. PDL and the signal's incoming state of polarization (SOP) have a significant co-relation between them and their various combinations produces different effects on the system behavior which has been inspected. Pauli's spin operator and PDL parameters are combined together to observe the attenuation effect induced by PDL in a link containing multiple PDL elements. It is found that in the presence of PDL the Q-factor and BER at the receiver undergoes fluctuation causing the system to be unstable and results show that it is mainly due to optical-signal-to-parallel-noise ratio (OSNItpar) that these parameters fluctuate. Generally the Q-factor, BER deteriorates as the value of average PDL in the link increases except for depolarized light for which the system parameters improves when PDL increases.
Abstract: Biodiesel production results in glycerol production as
the main by-product in biodiesel industry.One of the utilizations of
glycerol obtained from biodiesel production is as a cement grinding
aid (CGA). Results showed that crude glycerol content was 40.19%
whereas pure glycerol content was 82.15%. BSS value of the cement
with CGA supplementation was higher than that of nonsupplemented
cement (blank) indicating that CGA-supplemented
cement had higher fineness than the non-supplemented one. It was
also found that pure glycerol 95% and TEA 5% at 80ºC was the
optimum CGA used to result in finest cement with BSS value of
4.836 cm2/g. Residue test showed that the smallest percent residue
value (0.11%) was obtained in cement with supplementation of pure
glycerol 95% and TEA 5%. Results of residue test confirmed those of
BSS test showing that cement with supplementation of pure glycerol
95% and TEA 5% had the finest particle size.