Abstract: Recently, to cope with the rapidly changing
construction trend with aging infrastructures, modular bridge
technology has been studied actively. Modular bridge is easily
constructed by assembling standardized precast structure members in
the field. It will be possible to construct rapidly and reduce
construction cost efficiently. However, the shape of the transverse
connection of T-type girder newly developed between the segmented
modules is not verified. Therefore, the verification of the connection
shape is needed. In this study, shape of the modular T-girder bridge
transverse connection was analyzed by finite element model that was
verified in study which was verified model of transverse connection
using Abaqus. Connection angle was chosen as the parameter. The
result of analyses showed that optimal value of angle is 130 degree.
Abstract: In this paper, an edge-strength guided multiscale
retinex (EGMSR) approach will be proposed for color image contrast
enhancement. In EGMSR, the pixel-dependent weight associated with
each pixel in the single scale retinex output image is computed
according to the edge strength around this pixel in order to prevent
from over-enhancing the noises contained in the smooth dark/bright
regions. Further, by fusing together the enhanced results of EGMSR
and adaptive multiscale retinex (AMSR), we can get a natural fused
image having high contrast and proper tonal rendition. Experimental
results on several low-contrast images have shown that our proposed
approach can produce natural and appealing enhanced images.
Abstract: Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) E-commerce has been
growing at a very high speed in recent years. Since identical or
nearly-same kinds of products compete one another by relying on
keyword search in C2C E-commerce, some sellers describe their
products with spam keywords that are popular but are not related to
their products. Though such products get more chances to be retrieved
and selected by consumers than those without spam keywords,
the spam keywords mislead the consumers and waste their time.
This problem has been reported in many commercial services like
ebay and taobao, but there have been little research to solve this
problem. As a solution to this problem, this paper proposes a method
to classify whether keywords of a product are spam or not. The
proposed method assumes that a keyword for a given product is
more reliable if the keyword is observed commonly in specifications
of products which are the same or the same kind as the given
product. This is because that a hierarchical category of a product
in general determined precisely by a seller of the product and so is
the specification of the product. Since higher layers of the hierarchical
category represent more general kinds of products, a reliable degree
is differently determined according to the layers. Hence, reliable
degrees from different layers of a hierarchical category become
features for keywords and they are used together with features only
from specifications for classification of the keywords. Support Vector
Machines are adopted as a basic classifier using the features, since
it is powerful, and widely used in many classification tasks. In
the experiments, the proposed method is evaluated with a golden
standard dataset from Yi-han-wang, a Chinese C2C E-commerce,
and is compared with a baseline method that does not consider
the hierarchical category. The experimental results show that the
proposed method outperforms the baseline in F1-measure, which
proves that spam keywords are effectively identified by a hierarchical
category in C2C E-commerce.
Abstract: Azadirachta excelsa or locally known as sentang are
frequently used as a traditional medicine by diabetes patients in
Malaysia. However, less attention has been given to their toxicity
effect. Thus, the study is an attempt to examine the protective effect
of A. excelsa on the pancreas and to determine possible toxicity
mediated by the extract. Diabetes was induced experimentally in rats
by high-fat-diet for 16 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of
streptozotocin at dosage of 35 mg/kg of body weight. Declination of
the fasting blood glucose level was observed after continuous
administration of A. excelsa for 14 days twice daily. This is due to the
refining structure of the pancreas. However, surprisingly, the plant
extract reduced the leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCHC and
lymphocytes. In addition, the rat treated with the plant extract
exhibited increment in AST and eosinocytes level. Overall, the
finding shows that A. excelsa possesses antidiabetic activity by
improving the structure of pancreatic islet of Langerhans but
involved in ameliorating of hematology and biochemical parameters.
Abstract: In this study, six bacterial isolates of a slightly
thermophilic organism from the Sg. Klah hot spring, Malaysia were
successfully isolated and designated as M7T55D1, M7T55D2,
M7T55D3, M7T53D1, M7T53D2 and M7T53D3 respectively. The
bacterial isolates were screened for their cellulose hydrolytic ability
on Carboxymethlycellulose agar medium. The isolated bacterial
strains were identified morphologically, biochemically and
molecularly with the aid of 16S rDNA sequencing. All of the bacteria
showed their optimum growth at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5 with a
temperature of 55°C. All strains were Gram-negative, non-spore
forming type, strictly aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive
with the ability to produce thermostable cellulase. Based on BLASTn
results, bacterial isolates of M7T55D2 and M7T53D1 gave the
highest homology (97%) with similarity to Tepidimonas ignava while
isolates M7T55D1, M7T55D3, M7T53D2 and M7T53D3 showed
their closest homology (97%-98%) with Tepidimonas thermarum.
These cellulolytic thermophiles might have a commercial potential to
produce valuable thermostable cellulase.
Abstract: This study aims to examine the role of career
advancement and job security as predictors of employee commitment
to their organization. Data was collected from 580 frontline
employees attached to two departments of 29 luxury hotels in
Peninsular Malaysia. Statistical results using Partial Least Squares
technique provided support for the proposed hypotheses. In view of
the findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Abstract: This paper analyzes innovation trends in South Korea
by means of the number of patent applications filed by residents and
nonresidents during the period 1965 to 2012. Making use of patent
data released by the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO), we search for the presence of multiple structural changes in
patent application series in this country. These changes may suggest
that firms’ innovative activity has been modified as a result of
implementing some science, technology and innovation (STI)
policies. Accordingly, the new regulations implemented in this
country in the last decades have influenced its innovative activity.
The question conducting this research is thus how STI policies in
South Korea have influenced its innovation activity. The results
confirm the existence of multiple structural changes in the series of
patent applications resulting from alternative STI policies
implemented during these years.
Abstract: Enzyme activity was evaluated in the intestine of
juvenile dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fed with diets containing 0,
10 or 20% of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) inclusion for either
30 or 60 days. The intestinal enzymes acid and alkaline phosphatase
(ACP and ALP, respectively), non-specific esterase (NSE), lipase
(LIP), dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) and leucine
aminopeptidase (LAP) were studied using histochemistry in four
intestinal segments (S1, S2, S3 and posterior intestine). Weak
proteolitic activity was observed in all intestinal segments for DAP
IV and LAP. The activity of NSE and LIP was also weak in all
intestines, except for the moderate activity of NSE in the S2 of 20%
LBC group after 30 days and in the S1 of 0% LBC group after 60
days. The ACP was detected only in the S2 and S3 of the 10% LBC
group after 30 days. Moderate and strong staining was observed in
the first three intestinal segments for ALP and weak activity in the
posterior intestine. The activity of DAP IV, LAP and ALP were also
present in the cytoplasm of the enterocytes. In the present results,
bovine colostrum feeding did not cause alterations in activity of
intestinal enzymes.
Abstract: This paper presents the application of finite dynamic
programming, specifically the "Markov Chain" model, as part of the
decision making process of a company in the cosmetics sector located
in the vicinity of Bogota DC. The objective of this process was to
decide whether the company should completely reconstruct its
wastewater treatment plant or instead optimize the plant through the
addition of equipment. The goal of both of these options was to make
the required improvements in order to comply with parameters
established by national legislation regarding the treatment of waste
before it is released into the environment. This technique will allow
the company to select the best option and implement a solution for
the processing of waste to minimize environmental damage and the
acquisition and implementation costs.
Abstract: Fibrin degradation is an important part in prevention
or treatment of intravascular thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Plasmin like fibrinolytic enzymes has given new hope to patient with
cardiovascular diseases by treating fibrin aggregation related diseases
with traditional plasminogen activator which have many side effects.
Various researches involving wide range of sources for production of
fibrinolytic proteases, from bacteria, fungi, insects and fermented
foods. But few have looked into endophytic fungi as a potential
source. Sixteen (16) endophytic fungi were isolated from Hibiscus sp.
leaves from six different locations in Shah Alam, Selangor. Only two
endophytic fungi, FH3 and S13 showed positive fibrinolytic protease
activities. FH3 produced 5.78cm and S13 produced 4.48cm on Skim
Milk Agar after 4 days of incubation at 27°C. Fibrinolytic activity
was observed; 3.87cm and 1.82cm diameter clear zone on fibrin plate
of FH3 and S13 respectively. 18srRNA was done for identification of
the isolated fungi with positive fibrinolytic protease. S13 had the
highest similarity (100%) to that of Penicillium citrinum strain TG2
and FH3 had the highest similarity (99%) to that of Fusarium sp.
FW2PhC1, Fusarium sp. 13002, Fusarium sp. 08006, Fusarium
equiseti strain Salicorn 8 and Fungal sp. FCASAn-2. Media
composition variation showed the effects of carbon nitrogen on
protein concentration, where the decrement of 50% of media
composition caused drastic decrease in protease of FH3 from 1.081 to
0.056 and also S13 from 2.946 to 0.198.
Abstract: This paper presents circular polar coordinates
transformation of periodic fuzzy membership function. The purpose
is identification of domain of periodic membership functions in
consequent part of IF-THEN rules. Proposed methods in this paper
remove complicatedness concerning domain of periodic membership
function from defuzzification in fuzzy approximate reasoning.
Defuzzification on circular polar coordinates is also proposed.
Abstract: The need to extract R&D keywords from issues and use
them to retrieve R&D information is increasing rapidly. However, it is
difficult to identify related issues or distinguish them. Although the
similarity between issues cannot be identified, with an R&D lexicon,
issues that always share the same R&D keywords can be determined.
In detail, the R&D keywords that are associated with a particular issue
imply the key technology elements that are needed to solve a particular
issue.
Furthermore, the relationship among issues that share the same
R&D keywords can be shown in a more systematic way by clustering
them according to keywords. Thus, sharing R&D results and reusing
R&D technology can be facilitated. Indirectly, redundant investment
in R&D can be reduced as the relevant R&D information can be shared
among corresponding issues and the reusability of related R&D can be
improved. Therefore, a methodology to cluster issues from the
perspective of common R&D keywords is proposed to satisfy these
demands.
Abstract: There is an essential need for obtaining the mathematical representation of fish body undulations, which can be used for designing and building new innovative types of marine propulsion systems with less environmental impact. This research work presents a case study to derive the mathematical model for fish body movement. Observation and capturing image methods were used in this study in order to obtain a mathematical representation of Clariasbatrachus fish (catfish). An experiment was conducted by using an aquarium with dimension 0.609 m x 0.304 m x 0.304 m, and a 0.5 m ruler was attached at the base of the aquarium. Progressive Scan Monochrome Camera was positioned at 1.8 m above the base of the aquarium to provide swimming sequences. Seven points were marked on the fish body using white marker to indicate the fish movement and measuring the amplitude of undulation. Images from video recordings (20 frames/s) were analyzed frame by frame using local coordinate system, with time interval 0.05 s. The amplitudes of undulations were obtained for image analysis from each point that has been marked on fish body. A graph of amplitude of undulations versus time was plotted by using computer to derive a mathematical fit. The function for the graph is polynomial with nine orders.
Abstract: Fluid rheology may have essential impact on sound propagation in a liquid-filled pipe, especially, in a low frequency range. Rheological parameters of liquid are temperature-sensitive, which ultimately results in a temperature dependence of the wave speed and attenuation in the waveguide. The study is devoted to modeling of this effect at sound propagation in an elastic pipe with polymeric liquid, described by generalized Maxwell model with non-zero high-frequency viscosity. It is assumed that relaxation spectrum is distributed according to the Spriggs law; temperature impact on the liquid rheology is described on the basis of the temperature-superposition principle and activation theory. The dispersion equation for the waveguide, considered as a thin-walled tube with polymeric solution, is obtained within a quasi-one-dimensional formulation. Results of the study illustrate the influence of temperature on sound propagation in the system.
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to optimize a Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) for an automotive application, specifically for a fully electric car. A new optimization approach is proposed. This unique approach transforms automotive customer requirements into an optimization problem, based on sound knowledge of a SRM theory. The approach combines an analytical and a finite element analysis of the motor to quantify static nonlinear and dynamic performance parameters, as phase currents and motor torque maps, an output power and power losses in order to find the optimal motor as close to the reality as possible, within reasonable time. The new approach yields the optimal motor which is competitive with other types of already proposed motors for automotive applications. This distinctive approach can also be used to optimize other types of electrical motors, when parts specifically related to the SRM are adjusted accordingly.
Abstract: A theoretical study has been presented to describe the boundary layer flow and heat transfer on an exponentially shrinking sheet with a variable wall temperature and suction, in the presence of magnetic field. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations by similarity transformation, which are then solved numerically using the shooting method. Results for the skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, velocity profiles as well as temperature profiles are presented through graphs and tables for several sets of values of the parameters. The effects of the governing parameters on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are thoroughly examined.
Abstract: The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Czech Republic has evolved notably during the last few years and an issue that started as an interest- and motive-based activity for businesses is becoming more commonplace. Governments have a role to play in ensuring that corporations behave according to the rules and norms of society and can legislate, foster, collaborate with businesses and endorse good practice in order to facilitate the development of CSR. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities and options of CSR in government policy and research its relevance to a business sector. An increasing number of companies is engaging in responsible activities, the public awareness of CSR is rising, and customers are giving higher importance to CSR of companies in their choice. By drawing on existing CSR approach in Czech and understanding of CSR are demonstrated. The paper provides an overview, more detailed government approach of CSR.
Abstract: The mixed convection stagnation point flow toward a vertical plate is investigated. The external flow impinges normal to the heated plate and the surface temperature is assumed to vary linearly with the distance from the stagnation point. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations, which are then solved numerically using MATLAB routine boundary value problem solver bvp4c. Numerical results show that dual solutions are possible for a certain range of the mixed convection parameter. A stability analysis is performed to determine which solution is linearly stable and physically realizable.
Abstract: In the present study we evaluated the nutritional status of 214 institutionalized elderly residents of both genders, aged 65 years and older of 11 care homes located in the district of Viseu (center of Portugal). The evaluation was based on anthropometric measurements and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score.
The mean age of the subjects was 82.3 ± 6.1 years-old. Most of the elderly residents were female (72.0%). The majority had 4 years of formal education (51.9%) and was widowed (74.3%) or married (14.0%).
Men presented a mean age of 81.2±8.5 years-old, weight 69.3±14.5 kg and BMI 25.33±6.5 kg/m2. In women, the mean age was 84.5±8.2 years-old, weight 61.2±14.7 kg and BMI 27.43±5.6 kg/m2.
The evaluation of the nutritional status using the MNA score showed that 24.0% of the residents show a risk of undernutrition and 76.0% of them were well nourished.
There was a high prevalence of obese (24.8%) and overweight residents (33.2%) according to the BMI. 7.5% were considered underweight.
We also found that according to their waist circumference measurements 88.3% of the residents were at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 64.0% of them presented very high risk for CVD (WC≥88 cm for women and WC ≥102 cm for men).
The present study revealed the coexistence of a dual form of malnutrition (undernourished and overweight) among the institutionalized Portuguese concomitantly with an excess of abdominal adiposity. The high prevalence of residents at high risk for CVD should not be overlooked.
Given the vulnerability of the group of institutionalized elderly, our study highlights the importance of the classification of nutritional status based on both instruments: the BMI and the MNA.
Abstract: The classroom of the 21st century is an ever changing forum for new and innovative thoughts and ideas. With increasing technology and opportunity, students have rapid access to information that only decades ago would have taken weeks to obtain. Unfortunately, new techniques and technology is not a cure for the fundamental problems that have plagued the classroom ever since education was established. Class size has been an issue long debated in academia. While it is difficult to pin point an exact number, it is clear that in this case more does not mean better. By looking into the success and pitfalls of classroom size the true advantages of smaller classes will become clear. Previously, one class was comprised of 50 students. Being seventeen and eighteen-year-old students, sometimes it was quite difficult for them to stay focused. To help them understand and gain much knowledge, a researcher introduced “The Theory of Multiple Intelligence” and this, in fact, enabled students to learn according to their own learning preferences no matter how they were being taught. In this lesson, the researcher designed a cycle of learning activities involving all intelligences so that everyone had equal opportunities to learn.