Abstract: Since “Hello Kitty” was manufactured in the market in
1974, the manufacturer, Sanrio Co., Ltd. gains high profits not only
Kitty’s products but also Kitty license, which gives us a picture of
Sanrio’s sales strategy in the global market. Kitty’s history, its
products, and Sanrio’s sales strategy are researched in this paper.
Comparing it to American Girl, and focusing on KITTYLAB, a type of
attraction where you can enjoy games with Kitty, and choose its parts
to build your own Kitty, the image of the cultural icon can be altered.
Abstract: The research on “The Way of Life of the Civil Servant
Community under the Bureau of the Royal Household” aims to study
1) the way of life of the people who live in the civil servant
community in Tha Wasukri, and 2) the model of community
administration of civil servants under the Bureau of the Royal
Household. This research is conducted qualitatively and
quantitatively by collecting data from interviews, focus group
discussion, participant and non-participant observation along with the
data from questionnaire based on age groups which include elder
group, working age group and youth group.
The result of the research shows that the origin of this community
is related to the history during the Rama V’s reign. It has been a
harbor for the king to boat in any royal ceremonies; this custom is
still maintained until today. The status or position of person who
serves the king in terms of working is often inherited from the bureau
of the Royal Household based on his/her consanguinity and, hence,
further receives the rights to live in the Tha Wasukri area. Therefore,
this community has some special characteristics demonstrating the
way of living influenced by the regulation of the Bureau of the Royal
Household such as respecting elders and interdependence in which
there is internal social organization with the practice of bureaucracy
in going in and out the community. The person who has rights to live
here must be friendly to everybody so that this community will be a
safe place for lives and property. The administration based on the
model of Bangkok for local administration was used as an external
structure only, but the way of living still follows the practice of the
Bureau of the Royal Household.
Abstract: This study examines analytically the effect of tsunami loads on reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The impact of tsunami wave loads and waterborne objects are analyzed using a typical substandard full-scale two-story RC frame building tested as part of the EU-funded Ecoleader project. The building was subjected to shake table tests in bare condition, and subsequently strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) composites and retested. Numerical models of the building in both bare and CFRP-strengthened conditions are calibrated in DRAIN-3DX software to match the test results. To investigate the response of wave loads and impact forces, the numerical models are subjected to nonlinear dynamic analyses using force time-history input records. The analytical results are compared in terms of displacements at the floors and at the “impact point” of a boat. The results show that the roof displacement of the CFRP-strengthened building reduced by 63% when compared to the bare building. The results also indicate that strengthening only the mid-height of the impact column using CFRP is more effective at reducing damage when compared to strengthening other parts of the column. Alternative solutions to mitigate damage due to tsunami loads are suggested.
Abstract: Qatar, a Gulf country highly dependent on its oil and
gas revenues – is looking to innovate, diversify, and ultimately reach
its aim of creating a knowledge economy to prepare for its post-oil
era. One area that the country is investing in is Contemporary Art,
and world renowned artists such as Damien Hirst and Richard Serra –
have been commissioned to design site-specific art for the public
spaces of the city of Doha as well as in more remote desert locations.
This research discusses the changing presence, role and context of
public art in Doha, both from a historical and cultural overview, and
the different forms and media as well as the typologies of urban and
public spaces in which the art is installed. It examines the process of
implementing site-specific artworks, looking at questions of scale,
history, social meaning and formal aesthetics. The methodologies
combine theoretical research on the understanding of public art and
its role and placement in public space, as well as empirical research
on contemporary public art projects in Doha, based on documentation
and interviews and as well as site and context analysis of the urban or
architectural spaces within which the art is situated. Surveys and
interviews – using social media - in different segments of the
contemporary Qatari society, including all nationalities and social
groups, are used to measure and qualify the impacts and effects on
the population.
Abstract: The practice of freeing monuments from subsequent
additions crosses the entire history of conservation and it is
traditionally connected to the aim of valorisation, both for cultural
and educational purpose and recently even for touristic exploitation.
Defence heritage has been widely interested by these cultural and
technical moods from philological restoration to critic innovations. A
renovated critical analysis of Italian episodes and in particular the
Sardinian case of the area of San Pancrazio in Cagliari, constitute an
important lesson about the limits of this practice and the uncertainty
in terms of results, towards the definition of a sustainable good
practice in the restoration of military architectures.
Abstract: Logistics processes of perishable food in the supply
chain include the distribution activities and the real time temperature
monitoring to fulfil the cold chain requirements. The paper presents
the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology as an
identification tool of receiving and shipping activities in the cold
store. At the same time, the use of RFID data loggers with
temperature sensors is presented to observe and store the
temperatures for the purpose of analyzing the processes and having
the history data available for traceability purposes and efficient recall
management.
Abstract: Early detection of breast cancer saves many thousands
of lives each year via application of mammography and genetic
screening and many more lives could be saved if nurses are involved
in breast care screening practices. So, the aim of the study was to
identify nurse's role in early detection of breast cancer through
mammography and genetic screening and its impact on patient's
outcome. In order to achieve this aim, 400 women above 40 years,
asymptomatic were recruited for mammography and genetic
screening. In addition, 50 nurses and 6 technologists were involved in
the study. A descriptive analytical design was used. Five tools were
utilized: sociodemographic, mammographic examination and risk
factors, women's before, during and after mammography, items
relaying to technologists, and items related to nurses were also
obtained. The study finding revealed that 3% of women detected for
malignancy and 7.25% for fibroadenoma. Statistically significant
differences were found between mammography results and age,
family history, genetic screening, exposure to smoke, and using
contraceptive pills. Nurses have insufficient knowledge about
screening tests. Based on these findings the present study
recommended involvement of nurses in breast care which is very
important to in force population about screening practices.
Abstract: The tombolo of Giens is located in the town of Hyères
(France). We recall the history of coastal erosion, and prominent
factors affecting the evolution of the western tombolo. We then
discuss the possibility of stabilizing the western tombolo. Our
argumentation relies on a coupled model integrating swells, currents,
water levels and sediment transport. We present the conclusions of
the simulations of various scenarios, including pre-existing
propositions from coastal engineering offices. We conclude that
beach replenishment seems to be necessary but not sufficient for the
stabilization of the beach. Breakwaters reveal effective particularly in
the most exposed northern area. Some solutions fulfill conditions so
as to be elected as satisfactory. We give a comparative analysis of the
efficiency of 14 alternatives for the protection of the tombolo.
Abstract: The use of technology in the classroom is an issue that
is constantly evolving. Digital age students learn differently than their
teachers did, so now the teacher should be constantly evolving their
methods and teaching techniques to be more in touch with the
student. In this paper a case study presents how were used some of
these technologies by accompanying a classroom course, this in order
to provide students with a different and innovative experience as their
teacher usually presented the activities to develop. As students
worked in the various activities, they increased their digital skills by
employing unknown tools that helped them in their professional
training. The twenty-first century teacher should consider the use of
Information and Communication Technologies in the classroom
thinking in skills that students of the digital age should possess. It
also takes a brief look at the history of distance education and it is
also highlighted the importance of integrating technology as part of
the student's training.
Abstract: VACTERL association is a rare disorder with various
congenital malformations. The aetiology remains unknown.
Combination of at least three congenital anomalies of the following
criteria is required for diagnosis: vertebral defects, anal atresia,
cardiac anomalies, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and
limb defects. The first case was 1-day old male neonate with multiple
congenital anomalies was bore from 28 years old mother. The mother
had history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. His anomalies
included: defects in thoracic and lumbar vertebral, anal atresia,
bilateral hydronephrosis, atrial septal defect, and lower limb
abnormality. Other anomalies were cryptorchidism and nasal canal
narrowing. The second case was born with 32 weeks gestational age
from mother with history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. He
had thoracic vertebral defect, cardiac anomalies and renal defect.
diagnosis based on clinical finding is VACTERL association. Early
diagnosis is very important to investigation and treatment of other
coexistence anomalies. VACTERL association in mothers with
history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy has suggested possibly
of relationship between VACTERL association and this method of
pregnancy.
Abstract: This article is to review and understand the new
generation of students to understand their expectations and attitudes.
There are a group of students on school projects, creative work,
educational software and digital signal source, the use of social
networking tools to communicate with friends and a part in the
competition. Today's students have been described as the new
millennium students. They use information and communication
technology in a more creative and innovative at home than at school,
because the information and communication technologies for
different purposes, in the home, usually occur in school. They
collaborate and communicate more effectively when they are at
home. Most children enter school, they will bring about how to use
information and communication technologies, some basic skills and
some tips on how to use information and communication technology
will provide a more advanced than most of the school's expectations.
Many teachers can help students, however, still a lot of work,
"tradition", without a computer, and did not see the "new social
computing networks describe young people to learn and new ways of
working life in the future", in the education system of the benefits of
using a computer.
Abstract: Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) is a White Matter
Injury (WMI) of preterm neonatal brain. Objectives of the study were
to assess the neuro-developmental outcome at one year of age and to
determine a good protocol of cranial ultrasonography to detect PVL.
Two hundred and sixty four preterm neonates were included in the
study. Series of cranial ultrasound scans were done by using a
dedicated neonatal head probe 4-10 MHz of Logic e portable
ultrasound scanner. Clinical history of seizures, abnormal head
growth (hydrocephalus or microcephaly) and developmental
milestones were assessed and neurological examinations were done
until one year of age. Among live neonates, 57% who had cystic PVL
(Grades 2 and 3) manifested as cerebral palsy. In conclusion cystic
PVL has permanent neurological disabilities like cerebral palsy.
Good protocol of real time cranial ultrasonography to detect PVL is
to perform scans at least once a week until one month and at term (40
weeks of gestation).
Abstract: With a long history, dual-task has become one of the
most intriguing research fields regarding human brain functioning
and cognition. However, findings considering effects of taskinterrelations
are limited (especially, in combined motor and
cognitive tasks). Therefore, we aimed at developing a measurement
system in order to analyse interrelation effects of cognitive and motor
tasks. On the one hand, the present study demonstrates the
applicability of the measurement system and on the other hand first
results regarding a systematisation of different task combinations are
shown. Future investigations should combine imagine technologies
and this developed measurement system.
Abstract: A key issue in seismic risk analysis within the context
of Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering is the evaluation of
the expected seismic damage of structures under a specific
earthquake ground motion. The assessment of the seismic
performance strongly depends on the choice of the seismic Intensity
Measure (IM), which quantifies the characteristics of a ground
motion that are important to the nonlinear structural response. Several
conventional IMs of ground motion have been used to estimate their
damage potential to structures. Yet, none of them has been proved to
be able to predict adequately the seismic damage. Therefore,
alternative, scalar intensity measures, which take into account not
only ground motion characteristics but also structural information
have been proposed. Some of these IMs are based on integration of
spectral values over a range of periods, in an attempt to account for
the information that the shape of the acceleration, velocity or
displacement spectrum provides. The adequacy of a number of these
IMs in predicting the structural damage of 3D R/C buildings is
investigated in the present paper. The investigated IMs, some of
which are structure specific and some are non structure-specific, are
defined via integration of spectral values. To achieve this purpose
three symmetric in plan R/C buildings are studied. The buildings are
subjected to 59 bidirectional earthquake ground motions. The two
horizontal accelerograms of each ground motion are applied along
the structural axes. The response is determined by nonlinear time
history analysis. The structural damage is expressed in terms of the
maximum interstory drift as well as the overall structural damage
index. The values of the aforementioned seismic damage measures
are correlated with seven scalar ground motion IMs. The comparative
assessment of the results revealed that the structure-specific IMs
present higher correlation with the seismic damage of the three
buildings. However, the adequacy of the IMs for estimation of the
structural damage depends on the response parameter adopted.
Furthermore, it was confirmed that the widely used spectral
acceleration at the fundamental period of the structure is a good
indicator of the expected earthquake damage level.
Abstract: To evaluate the factors which predetermine the
coronary artery disease in patients having positive Exercise Tolerance
Test (ETT) that is treadmill results and coronary artery findings. This
descriptive study was conducted at Department of Cardiology,
Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
from 1st January, 2014 to 31st August, 2014. All patients who had
done ETT (treadmill) for chest pain diagnosis were studied. One
hundred and four patients underwent coronary angiogram after
positive treadmill result. Patients were divided into two groups
depending upon the angiographic findings, i.e. true positive and false
positive. Positive treadmill test patients who have coronary artery
involvement these are called true positive and who have no
involvement they are called false positive group. Both groups were
compared with each other. Out of 104 patients, 81 (77.9%) patients
had true positive ETT and 23 (22.1%) patients had false positive
ETT. The mean age of patients in positive ETT was 53.46± 8.06
years and male mean age was 53.63±8.36 years and female was
52.87±7.0 years. Sixty nine (85.19%) male patients and twelve
(14.81%) female patients had true positive ETT, whereas 15
(65.21%) males and 8 (34.79%) females had false positive ETT, this
was statistically significant (p
Abstract: Predicting earthquakes is an important issue in the
study of geography. Accurate prediction of earthquakes can help
people to take effective measures to minimize the loss of personal
and economic damage, such as large casualties, destruction of
buildings and broken of traffic, occurred within a few seconds.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) science organization
provides reliable scientific information about Earthquake Existed
throughout history & the Preliminary database from the National
Center Earthquake Information (NEIC) show some useful factors to
predict an earthquake in a seismic area like Aleutian Arc in the U.S.
state of Alaska. The main advantage of this prediction method that it
does not require any assumption, it makes prediction according to the
future evolution of the object's time series. The article compares
between simulation data result from trained BP and RBF neural
network versus actual output result from the system calculations.
Therefore, this article focuses on analysis of data relating to real
earthquakes. Evaluation results show better accuracy and higher
speed by using radial basis functions (RBF) neural network.
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: In this research article a comprehensive investigation
has been carried out to determine the effect of thermal cycle on
temperature dependent process parameters developed during gas
tungsten arc (GTA) welding of high carbon (AISI 1090) steel butt
joints. An experiment based thermal analysis has been performed to
obtain the thermal history. We have focused on different
thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, heat transfer
coefficient and cooling rate. Angular torch model has been utilized to
find out the surface heat flux and its variation along the fusion zone as
well as along the longitudinal direction from fusion boundary. After
welding and formation of weld pool, heat transfer coefficient varies
rapidly in the vicinity of molten weld bead and heat affected zone. To
evaluate the heat transfer coefficient near the fusion line and near the
rear end of the plate (low temperature region), established correlation
has been implemented and has been compared with empirical
correlation which is noted as coupled convective and radiation heat
transfer coefficient. Change in thermal conductivity has been
visualized by analytical model of moving point heat source. Rate of
cooling has been estimated by using 2-dimensional mathematical
expression of cooling rate and it has shown good agreement with
experimental temperature cycle. Thermophysical properties have been
varied randomly within 0 -10s time span.
Abstract: This paper discusses the potential benefits of an
interactive multimedia information representation in enhancing
students’ critical thinking aligned with history reasoning in learning
history amongst Secondary School students in Malaysia. Two modes
of multimedia information representation were implemented;
chronologic and thematic information representations. A qualitative
study of an unstructured interview was conducted among two history
teachers, one history education lecturer, two i-think experts, and five
students from Form Four secondary school. The interview was to
elicit their opinions on the implementation of thinking maps and
interactive multimedia information representation in history learning.
The key elements of the interactive multimedia (e.g. multiple media,
user control, interactivity and use of timelines and concept maps)
were then considered to improve the learning process. Findings of the
preliminary investigation reveal that the interactive multimedia
information representations have the potential benefits to be
implemented as an instructional resource in enhancing students’
higher order thinking skills (HOTs). This paper concludes by giving
suggestions for future work.
Abstract: Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known
as turmeric, has a long history of traditional uses for culinary
purposes as a spice and a food colorant. The present study aimed to
document the ethnobotanical knowledge about Curcuma longa, and
to assess the variation in the herbalists’ experience in Northeastern
Algeria. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires
and direct interviews with 30 herbalists. Ethnobotanical indices,
including the fidelity level (FL%), the relative frequency citation
(RFC), and use value (UV) were determined by quantitative methods.
Diversity in the level of knowledge was analyzed using univariate,
non-parametric, and multivariate statistical methods. Three main
categories of uses were recorded for C. longa: for food, for medicine,
and for cosmetic purposes. As a medicine, turmeric was used for the
treatment of gastrointestinal, dermatological, and hepatic diseases.
Medicinal and food uses were correlated with both forms of
preparation (rhizome and powder). The age group did not influence
the use. Multivariate analyses showed a significant variation in
traditional knowledge, associated with the use value, origin, quality,
and efficacy of the drug. The findings suggested that the geographical
origin of C. longa affected the use in Algeria.