Abstract: Dengue virus is transmitted from person to person
through the biting of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. DEN-1,
DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4 are four serotypes of this virus. Infection
with one of these four serotypes apparently produces permanent
immunity to it, but only temporary cross immunity to the others. The
length of time during incubation of dengue virus in human and
mosquito are considered in this study. The dengue patients are
classified into infected and infectious classes. The infectious human
can transmit dengue virus to susceptible mosquitoes but infected
human can not. The transmission model of this disease is formulated.
The human population is divided into susceptible, infected, infectious
and recovered classes. The mosquito population is separated into
susceptible, infected and infectious classes. Only infectious
mosquitoes can transmit dengue virus to the susceptible human. We
analyze this model by using dynamical analysis method. The
threshold condition is discussed to reduce the outbreak of this
disease.
Abstract: Losses reduction initiatives in distribution systems
have been activated due to the increasing cost of supplying
electricity, the shortage in fuel with ever-increasing cost to produce
more power, and the global warming concerns. These initiatives have
been introduced to the utilities in shape of incentives and penalties.
Recently, the electricity distribution companies in Oman have been
incentivized to reduce the distribution technical and non-technical
losses with an equal annual reduction rate for 6 years. In this paper,
different techniques for losses reduction in Mazoon Electricity
Company (MZEC) are addressed. In this company, high numbers of
substation and feeders were found to be non-compliant with the
Distribution System Security Standard (DSSS). Therefore, 33
projects have been suggested to bring non-complying 29 substations
and 28 feeders to meet the planed criteria and to comply with the
DSSS. The largest part of MZEC-s network (South Batinah region)
was modeled by ETAP software package. The model has been
extended to implement the proposed projects and to examine their
effects on losses reduction. Simulation results have shown that the
implementation of these projects leads to a significant improvement
in voltage profile, and reduction in the active and the reactive power
losses. Finally, the economical analysis has revealed that the
implementation of the proposed projects in MZEC leads to an annual
saving of about US$ 5 million.
Abstract: This paper mainly studies the analyses of parameters
in the intersection collision avoidance (ICA) system based on the radar
sensors. The parameters include the positioning errors, the repeat
period of the radar sensor, the conditions of potential collisions of two
cross-path vehicles, etc. The analyses of the parameters can provide
the requirements, limitations, or specifications of this ICA system. In
these analyses, the positioning errors will be increased as the measured
vehicle approach the intersection. In addition, it is not necessary to
implement the radar sensor in higher position since the positioning
sensitivities become serious as the height of the radar sensor increases.
A concept of the safety buffer distances for front and rear of the
measured vehicle is also proposed. The conditions for potential
collisions of two cross-path vehicles are also presented to facilitate the
computation algorithm.
Abstract: In this study, a fuzzy-logic based control system was
designed to ensure that time and energy is saved during the operation
of load elevators which are used during the construction of tall
buildings. In the control system that was devised, for the load
elevators to work more efficiently, the energy interval where the
motor worked was taken as the output variable whereas the amount
of load and the building height were taken as input variables. The
most appropriate working intervals depending on the characteristics
of these variables were defined by the help of an expert. Fuzzy expert
system software was formed using Delphi programming language. In
this design, mamdani max-min inference mechanism was used and
the centroid method was employed in the clarification procedure. In
conclusion, it is observed that the system that was designed is
feasible and this is supported by statistical analyses..
Abstract: Modern information and communication technologies
offer a variety of support options for the efficient handling of
customer relationships. CRM systems have been developed, which
are designed to support the processes in the areas of marketing, sales
and service. Along with technological progress, CRM systems are
constantly changing, i.e. the systems are continually enhanced by
new functions. However, not all functions are suitable for every
company because of different frameworks and business processes. In
this context the question arises whether or not CRM systems are
widely used in Austrian companies and which business processes are
most frequently supported by CRM systems. This paper aims to shed
light on the popularity of CRM systems in Austrian companies in
general and the use of different functions to support their daily
business. First of all, the paper provides a theoretical overview of the
structure of modern CRM systems and proposes a categorization of
currently available software functionality for collaborative,
operational and analytical CRM processes, which provides the
theoretical background for the empirical study. Apart from these
theoretical considerations, the paper presents the empirical results of
a field survey on the use of CRM systems in Austrian companies and
analyzes its findings.
Abstract: Hydrogen is an important chemical in many industries
and it is expected to become one of the major fuels for energy
generation in the future. Unfortunately, hydrogen does not exist in its
elemental form in nature and therefore has to be produced from
hydrocarbons, hydrogen-containing compounds or water.
Above its critical point (374.8oC and 22.1MPa), water has lower
density and viscosity, and a higher heat capacity than those of
ambient water. Mass transfer in supercritical water (SCW) is
enhanced due to its increased diffusivity and transport ability. The
reduced dielectric constant makes supercritical water a better solvent
for organic compounds and gases. Hence, due to the aforementioned
desirable properties, there is a growing interest toward studies
regarding the gasification of organic matter containing biomass or
model biomass solutions in supercritical water.
In this study, hydrogen and biofuel production by the catalytic
gasification of 2-Propanol in supercritical conditions of water was
investigated. Pt/Al2O3and Ni/Al2O3were the catalysts used in the
gasification reactions. All of the experiments were performed under a
constant pressure of 25MPa. The effects of five reaction temperatures
(400, 450, 500, 550 and 600°C) and five reaction times (10, 15, 20,
25 and 30 s) on the gasification yield and flammable component
content were investigated.
Abstract: When cars are released from the factory, strut noises are very small and therefore it is difficult to perceive them. As the use time and travel distance increase, however, strut noises get larger so as to cause users much uneasiness. The noises generated at the field include engine noises and flow noises and therefore it is difficult to clearly discern the noises generated from struts. This study developed a test method which can reproduce field strut noises in the lab. Using the newly developed noise evaluation test, this study analyzed the effects that insulator performance degradation and failure can have on car noises. The study also confirmed that the insulator durability test by the simple back-and-forth motion cannot completely reflect the state of the parts failure in the field. Based on this, the study also confirmed that field noises can be reproduced through a durability test that considers heat aging.
Abstract: As the Internet continues to grow at a rapid pace as
the primary medium for communications and commerce and as
telecommunication networks and systems continue to expand their
global reach, digital information has become the most popular and
important information resource and our dependence upon the
underlying cyber infrastructure has been increasing significantly.
Unfortunately, as our dependency has grown, so has the threat to the
cyber infrastructure from spammers, attackers and criminal
enterprises. In this paper, we propose a new machine learning based
network intrusion detection framework for cyber security. The
detection process of the framework consists of two stages: model
construction and intrusion detection. In the model construction stage,
a semi-supervised machine learning algorithm is applied to a
collected set of network audit data to generate a profile of normal
network behavior and in the intrusion detection stage, input network
events are analyzed and compared with the patterns gathered in the
profile, and some of them are then flagged as anomalies should these
events are sufficiently far from the expected normal behavior. The
proposed framework is particularly applicable to the situations where
there is only a small amount of labeled network training data
available, which is very typical in real world network environments.
Abstract: In this paper, a delayed prototype model is studied. Regarding the delay as a bifurcation parameter, we prove that a sequence of Hopf bifurcations will occur at the positive equilibrium when the delay increases. Using the normal form method and center manifold theory, some explicit formulae are worked out for determining the stability and the direction of the bifurcated periodic solutions. Finally, Computer simulations are carried out to explain some mathematical conclusions.
Abstract: Compliance requires an effective communication
within an enterprise as well as towards a company-s external
environment. This requirement commences with the
implementation of compliance within large scale compliance
projects and still persists in the compliance reporting within
standard operations. On the one hand the understanding of
compliance necessities within the organization is promoted.
On the other hand reduction of asymmetric information with
compliance stakeholders is achieved. To reach this goal, a
central reporting must provide a consolidated view of different
compliance efforts- statuses. A concept which could be
adapted for this purpose is the balanced scorecard by Kaplan /
Norton. This concept has not been analyzed in detail
concerning its adequacy for a holistic compliance reporting
starting in compliance projects until later usage in regularly
compliance operations.
At first, this paper evaluates if a holistic compliance
reporting can be designed by using the balanced scorecard
concept. The current status of compliance reporting clearly
shows that scorecards are generally accepted as a compliance
reporting tool and are already used for corporate governance
reporting. Additional specialized compliance IT - solutions
exist in the market. After the scorecard-s adequacy is
thoroughly examined and proofed, an example strategy map as
the basis to derive a compliance balanced scorecard is defined.
This definition answers the question on proceeding in
designing a compliance reporting tool.
Abstract: This paper analyses the torsional efforts in gas turbine-generator shafts caused by high speed automatic reclosing of transmission lines. This issue is especially important for cases of three phase short circuit and unsuccessful reclosure of lines in the vicinity of the thermal plant. The analysis was carried out for the thermal plant TERMOPERNAMBUCO located on Northeast region of Brazil. It is shown that stress level caused by lines unsuccessful reclosing can be several times higher than terminal three-phase short circuit. Simulations were carried out with detailed shaft torsional model provided by machine manufacturer and with the “Alternative Transient Program – ATP" program [1]. Unsuccessful three phase reclosing for selected lines in the area closed to the plant indicated most critical cases. Also, reclosing first the terminal next to the gas turbine gererator will lead also to the most critical condition. Considering that the values of transient torques are very sensible to the instant of reclosing, simulation of unsuccessful reclosing with statistics ATP switch were carried out for determination of most critical transient torques for each section of the generator turbine shaft.
Abstract: This paper describes dynamic analysis using proposed
fast finite element method for a shock absorbing structure including a
sponge. The structure is supported by nonlinear concentrated springs.
The restoring force of the spring has cubic nonlinearity and linear
hysteresis damping. To calculate damping properties for the structures
including elastic body and porous body, displacement vectors as
common unknown variable are solved under coupled condition. Under
small amplitude, we apply asymptotic method to complex eigenvalue
problem of this system to obtain modal parameters. And then
expressions of modal loss factor are derived approximately. This
approach was proposed by one of the authors previously. We call this
method as Modal Strain and Kinetic Energy Method (MSKE method).
Further, using the modal loss factors, the discretized equations in
physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary
coupled equations using normal coordinate corresponding to linear
natural modes. This transformation yields computation efficiency. As
a numerical example of a shock absorbing structures, we adopt double
skins with a sponge. The double skins are supported by nonlinear
concentrated springs. We clarify influences of amplitude of the input
force on nonlinear and chaotic responses.
Abstract: Successful intelligence (SI) is the integrated set of the
ability needed to attain success in life, within individual-s sociocultural
context. People are successfully intelligent by recognizing
their strengths and weaknesses. They will find ways to strengthen
their weakness and maintain their strength or even improve it. SI
people can shape, select, and adapt to the environments by using
balance of higher-ordered thinking abilities including; critical,
creative, and applicative. Aims: The purposes of this study were to;
1) develop curriculum that promotes SI for nursing students, and 2)
study the effectiveness of the curriculum development. Method:
Research and Development was a method used for this study. The
design was divided into two phases; 1) the curriculum development
which composed of three steps (needs assessment, curriculum
development and curriculum field trail), and 2) the curriculum
implementation. In this phase, a pre-experimental research design
(one group pretest-posttest design) was conducted. The sample
composed of 49 sophomore nursing students of Boromarajonani
College of Nursing, Surin, Thailand who enrolled in Nursing care of
Health problem course I in 2011 academic year. Data were carefully
collected using 4 instruments; 1) Modified essay questions test
(MEQ) 2) Nursing Care Plan evaluation form 3) Group processing
observation form (α = 0.74) and 4) Satisfied evaluation form of
learning (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and content analysis. Results: The results revealed that the sample
had post-test average score of SI higher than pre-test average score
(mean difference was 5.03, S.D. = 2.84). Fifty seven percentages of
the sample passed the MEQ posttest at the criteria of 60 percentages.
Students demonstrated the strategies of how to develop nursing care
plan. Overall, students- satisfaction on teaching performance was at
high level (mean = 4.35, S.D. = 0.46). Conclusion: This curriculum
can promote the attribute of characteristic of SI person and was
highly required to be continued.
Abstract: Optimal selection of electrical insulations in electrical
machinery insures reliability during operation. From the insulation
studies of view for electrical machines, stator is the most important
part. This fact reveals the requirement for inspection of the electrical
machine insulation along with the electro-thermal stresses. In the
first step of the study, a part of the whole structure of machine in
which covers the general characteristics of the machine is chosen,
then based on the electromagnetic analysis (finite element method),
the machine operation is simulated. In the simulation results, the
temperature distribution of the total structure is presented
simultaneously by using electro-thermal analysis. The results of
electro-thermal analysis can be used for designing an optimal cooling
system. In order to design, review and comparing the cooling
systems, four wiring structures in the slots of Stator are presented.
The structures are compared to each other in terms of electrical,
thermal distribution and remaining life of insulation by using Finite
Element analysis. According to the steps of the study, an optimization
algorithm has been presented for selection of appropriate structure.
Abstract: In this paper the authors propose a flexible electronic solution, to improve the energetic efficiency of a thermo plant. This is achieved by replacing the mechanical gear box, placed traditionally between a gas turbine and a synchronous generator; by a power electronic converter. After reminding problematic of gear boxes and interest of a proposed electronic solution in high power plants, the authors describe a new control strategy for an indirect frequency converter, which is characterized by its high efficiency due to the use of SWM: Square Wave Modulation. The main advantage of this mode is the quasi absence of switching losses. A control method is also proposed to resolve some problems incurred by using square wave modulation, in particular to reduce the harmonics distortion of the output inverter voltage and current. Simulation examples as well as experimental results are included.
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: 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: To measure the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose
tissue layer, a non-invasive optical measurement system (λ=1300 nm)
is introduced. Animal and human subjects are used for the
experiments. The results of human subjects are compared with the data
of ultrasound device measurements, and a high correlation (r=0.94 for
n=11) is observed. There are two modes in the corresponding signals
measured by the optical system, which can be explained by
two-layered and three-layered tissue models. If the target tissue is
thinner than the critical thickness, detected data using diffuse
reflectance method follow the three-layered tissue model, so the data
increase as the thickness increases. On the other hand, if the target
tissue is thicker than the critical thickness, the data follow the
two-layered tissue model, so they decrease as the thickness increases.
Abstract: Transition theory has been used to derive the elasticplastic
and transitional stresses. Results obtained have been discussed
numerically and depicted graphically. It is observed that the rotating
disk made of incompressible material with inclusion require higher
angular speed to yield at the internal surface as compared to disk
made of compressible material. It is seen that the radial and
circumferential stresses are maximum at the internal surface with and
without edge load (for flat disk). With the increase in thickness
parameter (k = 2, 4), the circumferential stress is maximum at the
external surface while the radial stress is maximum at the internal
surface. From the figures drawn the disk with exponentially varying
thickness (k = 2), high angular speed is required for initial yielding at
internal surface as compared to flat disk and exponentially varying
thickness for k = 4 onwards. It is concluded that the disk made of
isotropic compressible material is on the safer side of the design as
compared to disk made of isotropic incompressible material as it
requires higher percentage increase in an angular speed to become
fully plastic from its initial yielding.
Abstract: The presence of cold air with the convergent
topography of the Lut valley over the valley-s sloping terrain can
generate Low Level Jets (LLJ). Moreover, the valley-parallel
pressure gradients and northerly LLJ are produced as a result of the
large-scale processes. In the numerical study the regional MM5
model was run leading to achieve an appropriate dynamical analysis
of flows in the region for summer and winter. The results of this
study show the presence of summer synoptical systems cause the
formation of north-south pressure gradients in the valley which could
be led to the blowing of winds with the velocity more than 14 ms-1
and vulnerable dust and wind storms lasting more than 120 days.
Whereas the presence of cold air masses in the region in winter,
cause the average speed of LLJs decrease. In this time downslope
flows are noticeable in creating the night LLJs.