Abstract: This study was initiated with a three prong objective.
One, to identify the relationship between Technological
Competencies factors (Technical Capability, Firm Innovativeness
and E-Business Practices and professional service firms- business
performance. To investigate the predictors of professional service
firms business performance and finally to evaluate the predictors of
business performance according to the type of professional service
firms, a survey questionnaire was deployed to collect empirical data.
The questionnaire was distributed to the owners of the professional
small medium size enterprises services in the Accounting, Legal,
Engineering and Architecture sectors. Analysis showed that all three
Technology Competency factors have moderate effect on business
performance. In addition, the regression models indicate that
technical capability is the most highly influential that could
determine business performance, followed by e-business practices
and firm innovativeness. Subsequently, the main predictor of
business performance for all types of firms is Technical capability.
Abstract: Group contribution methods such as the UNIFAC are
very useful to researchers and engineers involved in synthesis,
feasibility studies, design and optimization of separation processes.
They can be applied successfully to predict phase equilibrium and
excess properties in the development of chemical and separation
processes. The main focus of this work was to investigate the
possibility of absorbing selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using three selected UNIFAC
group contribution methods. Absorption followed by subsequent
stripping is the predominant available abatement technology of
VOCs from flue gases prior to their release into the atmosphere. The
original, modified and effective UNIFAC models were used in this
work. The thirteen selected VOCs that have been considered in this
research are: pentane, hexane, heptanes, trimethylamine, toluene,
xylene, cyclohexane, butyl acetate, diethyl acetate, chloroform,
acetone, ethyl methyl ketone and isobutyl methyl ketone. The
computation was done for solute VOC concentration of 8.55x10-8
which is well in the infinite dilution region. The results obtained in
this study compare very well with those published in literature
obtained through both measurements and predictions. The phase
equilibrium obtained in this study show that PDMS is a good
absorbent for the removal of VOCs from contaminated air streams
through physical absorption.
Abstract: Human heart valves diseased by congenital heart
defects, rheumatic fever, bacterial infection, cancer may cause stenosis
or insufficiency in the valves. Treatment may be with medication but
often involves valve repair or replacement (insertion of an artificial
heart valve). Bileaflet mechanical heart valves (BMHVs) are widely
implanted to replace the diseased heart valves, but still suffer from
complications such as hemolysis, platelet activation, tissue
overgrowth and device failure. These complications are closely related
to both flow characteristics through the valves and leaflet dynamics. In
this study, the physiological flow interacting with the moving leaflets
in a bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV) is simulated with a
strongly coupled implicit fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method
which is newly organized based on the Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian
(ALE) approach and the dynamic mesh method (remeshing) of
FLUENT. The simulated results are in good agreement with previous
experimental studies. This study shows the applicability of the present
FSI model to the complicated physics interacting between fluid flow
and moving boundary.
Abstract: This work presents the Risk Threshold RED (RTRED)
congestion control strategy for TCP networks. In addition to the
maximum and minimum thresholds in existing RED-based strategies,
we add a third dropping level. This new dropping level is the risk
threshold which works with the actual and average queue sizes to
detect the immediate congestion in gateways. Congestion reaction
by RTRED is on time. The reaction to congestion is neither too
early, to avoid unfair packet losses, nor too late to avoid packet
dropping from time-outs. We compared our novel strategy with RED
and ARED strategies for TCP congestion handling using a NS-2
simulation script. We found that the RTRED strategy outperformed
RED and ARED.
Abstract: It is well known that the channel capacity of Multiple-
Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) system increases as the number of
antenna pairs between transmitter and receiver increases but it suffers
from multiple expensive RF chains. To reduce the cost of RF chains,
Antenna Selection (AS) method can offer a good tradeoff between
expense and performance. In a transmitting AS system, Channel
State Information (CSI) feedback is necessarily required to choose
the best subset of antennas in which the effects of delays and errors
occurred in feedback channels are the most dominant factors
degrading the performance of the AS method. This paper presents the
concept of AS method using CSI from channel reciprocity instead of
feedback method. Reciprocity technique can easily archive CSI by
utilizing a reverse channel where the forward and reverse channels
are symmetrically considered in time, frequency and location. In this
work, the capacity performance of MIMO system when using AS
method at transmitter with reciprocity channels is investigated by
own developing Testbed. The obtained results show that reciprocity
technique offers capacity close to a system with a perfect CSI and
gains a higher capacity than a system without AS method from 0.9 to
2.2 bps/Hz at SNR 10 dB.
Abstract: This paper aimed to study the factors that relate to
working behavior of employees at Pakkred Municipality, Nonthaburi
Province. A questionnaire was utilized as the tool in collecting
information. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage,
mean and standard deviation. Independent- sample t- test, analysis of
variance and Pearson Correlation were also used. The findings of this
research revealed that the majority of the respondents were female,
between 25- 35 years old, married, with a Bachelor degree. The
average monthly salary of respondents was between 8,001- 12,000
Baht, and having about 4-7 years of working experience. Regarding
the overall working motivation factors, the findings showed that
interrelationship, respect, and acceptance were ranked as highly
important factors, whereas motivation, remunerations & welfare,
career growth, and working conditions were ranked as moderately
important factors. Also, overall working behavior was ranked as high.
The hypotheses testing revealed that different genders had a
different working behavior and had a different way of working as a
team, which was significant at the 0.05 confidence level, Moreover,
there was a difference among employees with different monthly
salary in working behavior, problem- solving and decision making,
which all were significant at the 0.05 confidence level. Employees
with different years of working experience were found to have work
working behavior both individual and as a team at the statistical
significance level of 0.01 and 0.05. The result of testing the
relationship between motivation in overall working revealed that
interrelationship, respect and acceptance from others, career growth,
and working conditions related to working behavior at a moderate
level, while motivation in performing duties and remunerations and
welfares related to working behavior towards the same direction at a
low level, with a statistical significance of 0.01.
Abstract: Careful design and selection of daylighting systems can greatly help in reducing not only artificial lighting use, but also decrease cooling energy consumption and, therefore, potential for downsizing air-conditioning systems. This paper aims to evaluate the energy performance of two types of top-light daylighting systems due to the integration of daylight together with artificial lighting in an existing examinaton hall in University Kebangsaan Malaysia, based on a hot and humid climate. Computer simulation models have been created for building case study (base case) and the two types of toplight daylighting designs for building energy performance evaluation using the VisualDOE 4.0 building energy simulation program. The finding revealed that daylighting through top-light systems is a very beneficial design strategy in reducing annual lighting energy consumption and the overall total annual energy consumption.
Abstract: Researches show that probability-statistical methods application, especially at the early stage of the aviation Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) technical condition diagnosing, when the flight information has property of the fuzzy, limitation and uncertainty is unfounded. Hence the efficiency of application of new technology Soft Computing at these diagnosing stages with the using of the Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks methods is considered. According to the purpose of this problem training with high accuracy of fuzzy multiple linear and non-linear models (fuzzy regression equations) which received on the statistical fuzzy data basis is made. For GTE technical condition more adequate model making dynamics of skewness and kurtosis coefficients- changes are analysed. Researches of skewness and kurtosis coefficients values- changes show that, distributions of GTE work parameters have fuzzy character. Hence consideration of fuzzy skewness and kurtosis coefficients is expedient. Investigation of the basic characteristics changes- dynamics of GTE work parameters allows drawing conclusion on necessity of the Fuzzy Statistical Analysis at preliminary identification of the engines' technical condition. Researches of correlation coefficients values- changes shows also on their fuzzy character. Therefore for models choice the application of the Fuzzy Correlation Analysis results is offered. At the information sufficiency is offered to use recurrent algorithm of aviation GTE technical condition identification (Hard Computing technology is used) on measurements of input and output parameters of the multiple linear and non-linear generalised models at presence of noise measured (the new recursive Least Squares Method (LSM)). The developed GTE condition monitoring system provides stageby- stage estimation of engine technical conditions. As application of the given technique the estimation of the new operating aviation engine technical condition was made.
Abstract: Recently in the field of bridges that are newly built or
repaired, fast construction is required more than ever. For these
reasons, precast prefabricated bridge that enables rapid construction is
actively discussed and studied today. In South Korea, it is called
modular bridge. Cross beam is an integral component of modular
bridge. It functions for load distribution, reduction of bending
moment, resistance of horizontal strength on lateral upper structure. In
this study, the structural characteristics of domestic and foreign cross
beam types were compared. Based on this, alternative cross beam
connection types suitable for modular bridge were selected. And
bulb-T girder specimens were fabricated with each type of connection.
The behavior of each specimen was analyzed under static loading, and
cross beam connection type which is expected to be best suited to
modular bridge proposed.
Abstract: In this paper, SFQ (Start Time Fair Queuing)
algorithm is analyzed when this is applied in computer networks to
know what kind of behavior the traffic in the net has when different
data sources are managed by the scheduler. Using the NS2 software
the computer networks were simulated to be able to get the graphs
showing the performance of the scheduler. Different traffic sources
were introduced in the scripts, trying to establish the real scenario.
Finally the results were that depending on the data source, the traffic
can be affected in different levels, when Constant Bite Rate is
applied, the scheduler ensures a constant level of data sent and
received, but the truth is that in the real life it is impossible to ensure
a level that resists the changes in work load.
Abstract: The objective of current study is to investigate the
differences of winning and losing teams in terms of goal scoring and
passing sequences. Total of 31 matches from UEFA-EURO 2012
were analyzed and 5 matches were excluded from analysis due to
matches end up drawn. There are two groups of variable used in the
study which is; i. the goal scoring variable and: ii. passing sequences
variable. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon matched pair rank test
with significant value set at p < 0.05. Current study found the timing
of goal scored was significantly higher for winning team at 1st half
(Z=-3.416, p=.001) and 2nd half (Z=-3.252, p=.001). The scoring
frequency was also found to be increase as time progressed and the
last 15 minutes of the game was the time interval the most goals
scored. The indicators that were significantly differences between
winning and losing team were the goal scored (Z=-4.578, p=.000),
the head (Z=-2.500, p=.012), the right foot (Z=-3.788,p=.000),
corner (Z=-.2.126,p=.033), open play (Z=-3.744,p=.000), inside the
penalty box (Z=-4.174, p=.000) , attackers (Z=-2.976, p=.003) and
also the midfielders (Z=-3.400, p=.001). Regarding the passing
sequences, there are significance difference between both teams in
short passing sequences (Z=-.4.141, p=.000). While for the long
passing, there were no significance difference (Z=-.1.795, p=.073).
The data gathered in present study can be used by the coaches to
construct detailed training program based on their objectives.
Abstract: Mobile ad hoc network is a collection of mobile
nodes communicating through wireless channels without any existing
network infrastructure or centralized administration. Because of the
limited transmission range of wireless network interfaces, multiple
"hops" may be needed to exchange data across the network. In order
to facilitate communication within the network, a routing protocol is
used to discover routes between nodes. The primary goal of such an
ad hoc network routing protocol is correct and efficient route
establishment between a pair of nodes so that messages may be
delivered in a timely manner. Route construction should be done
with a minimum of overhead and bandwidth consumption. This paper
examines two routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks– the
Destination Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV), the table- driven
protocol and the Ad hoc On- Demand Distance Vector routing
(AODV), an On –Demand protocol and evaluates both protocols
based on packet delivery fraction, normalized routing load, average
delay and throughput while varying number of nodes, speed and
pause time.
Abstract: This research explores visitor-s expectations of service
quality in intelligent living space showroom – Living 3.0 in Taiwan.
Based on the five dimensions of PZB service quality, a specialist
questionnaire is utilized to establish a complete service quality
evaluation framework for Living 3.0. In this research, analysis
hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to find the relative weights among
the criteria. Finally, the service quality evaluation framework and
evaluation results can be used as a guide for Living 3.0 proprietors to
review, improve, and enhance service planning and service qualities in
the future.
Abstract: In the course of the present work, plain (nonencapsulated)
and microencapsulated polyphenols were produced
using olive mill wastewater (OMW) as raw material, in order to be
used for enrichment of yogurt and dairy products. The OMW was
first clarified by using membrane technology and subsequently the
contained poly-phenols were isolated by adsorption-desorption
technique using selective macro-porous resins and finally recovered
in dry form after been processed by RO membrane technique
followed by freeze drying. Moreover, the polyphenols were
encapsulated in modified starch by freeze drying in order to mask the
color and bitterness effect and improve their functionality. The two
products were used successfully as additives in yogurt preparations
and the produced products were acceptable by the consumers and
presented with certain advantage to the plain yogurt. For the herein
proposed production scheme a patent application was already
submitted.
Abstract: Nowadays pharmaceutical care departments located in
hospitals are amongst the important pillars of the healthcare system.
The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of hospital drugstores
affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.
In this cross-sectional study a validated questionnaire was used.
The questionnaire was filled in by the one of the researchers in all
seventeen hospital drugstores located in the teaching and nonteaching
hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences. The results shows that in observed hospitals,24% of
pharmacy environments, 25% of pharmacy store and storage
conditions, 49% of storage procedure, 25% of ordering drugs and
supplies, 73% of receiving supplies (proper procedure are fallowed
for receiving supplies), 35% of receiving supplies (prompt action
taken if deterioration of drugs received is suspected), 23.35% of
drugs delivery to patients and finally 0% of stock cards are used for
proper inventory control have full compliance with standards.
Abstract: This paper aims at numerically analysing the effect
of an active flow control (AFC) by a vortex generator jet (VGJ)
submerged in a boundary layer via Chimera Grids and Detached-
Eddy Simulation (DES). The performance of DES results are
judged against Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and
compared with the experiments that showed an unsteady vortex
motion downstream of VGJ. Experimental results showed that
the mechanism of embedding logitudinal vortex structure in the
main stream flow is quite effective in increasing the near wall
momentum of separated aircraft wing. In order to simulate such
a flow configuration together with the VGJ, an efficient numerical
approach is required. This requirement is fulfilled by performing
the DES simulation over the flat plate using the DLR TAU Code.
The DES predictions identify the vortex region via smooth hybrid
length scale and predict the unsteady vortex motion observed in
the experiments. The DES results also showed that the sufficient
grid refinement in the vortex region resolves the turbulent scales
downstream of the VGJ, the spatial vortex core postion and nondimensional
momentum coefficient RVx .
Abstract: The aerodynamic stall control of a baseline 13-percent
thick NASA GA(W)-2 airfoil using a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) is
presented in this paper. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes
equations are solved on a hybrid grid using a commercial software to
simulate the effects of a synthetic jet actuator located at 13% of the
chord from the leading edge at a Reynolds number Re = 2.1x106 and
incidence angles from 16 to 22 degrees. The experimental data for the
pressure distribution at Re = 3x106 and aerodynamic coefficients at
Re = 2.1x106 (angle of attack varied from -16 to 22 degrees) without
SJA is compared with the computational fluid dynamic (CFD)
simulation as a baseline validation. A good agreement of the CFD
simulations is obtained for aerodynamic coefficients and pressure
distribution.
A working SJA has been integrated with the baseline airfoil and
initial focus is on the aerodynamic stall control at angles of attack
from 16 to 22 degrees. The results show a noticeable improvement in
the aerodynamic performance with increase in lift and decrease in
drag at these post stall regimes.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to test whether the Attention
Networks Test (ANT) showed temporal decrements in performance.
Vigilance tasks typically show such decrements, which may reflect
impairments in executive control resulting from cognitive fatigue.
The ANT assesses executive control, as well as alerting and
orienting. Thus, it was hypothesized that ANT executive control
would deteriorate over time. Manipulations including task condition
(trial composition) and masking were included in the experimental
design in an attempt to increase performance decrements. However,
results showed that there is no temporal decrement on the ANT. The
roles of task demands, cognitive fatigue and participant motivation in
producing this result are discussed. The ANT may not be an effective
tool for investigating temporal decrement in attention.
Abstract: The OTOP Entrepreneurship that used to create
substantial source of income for local Thai communities are now in a
stage of exigent matters that required assistances from public sectors
due to over Entrepreneurship of duplicative ideas, unable to adjust
costs and prices, lack of innovation, and inadequate of quality
control. Moreover, there is a repetitive problem of middlemen who
constantly corner the OTOP market. Local OTOP producers become
easy preys since they do not know how to add more values, how to
create and maintain their own brand name, and how to create proper
packaging and labeling. The suggested solutions to local OTOP
producers are to adopt modern management techniques, to find
knowhow to add more values to products and to unravel other
marketing problems. The objectives of this research are to study the
prevalent OTOP products management and to discover direction to
manage OTOP products to enhance the effectiveness of OTOP
Entrepreneurship in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. There were 113
participants in this study. The research tools can be divided into two
parts: First part is done by questionnaire to find responses of the
prevalent OTOP Entrepreneurship management. Second part is the
use of focus group which is conducted to encapsulate ideas and local
wisdom. Data analysis is performed by using frequency, percentage,
mean, and standard deviation as well as the synthesis of several small
group discussions. The findings reveal that 1) Business Resources:
the quality of product is most important and the marketing of product
is least important. 2) Business Management: Leadership is most
important and raw material planning is least important. 3) Business
Readiness: Communication is most important and packaging is least
important. 4) Support from public sector: Certified from the
government is most important and source of raw material is the least
important.
Abstract: Cooling with sound is a physical phenomenon allowed by Thermo-Acoustics in which acoustic energy is transformed into a negative heat transfer, in other words: into cooling! Without needing any harmful gas, the transformation is environmentally friendly and can respond to many needs in terms of air conditioning, food refrigeration for domestic use, and cooling medical samples for example. To explore the possibilities of this cooling solution on a small scale, the TACS prototype has been designed, consisting of a low cost thermoacoustic refrigerant “pipe” able to lower the temperature by a few degrees. The obtained results are providing an interesting element for possible future of thermo-acoustic refrigeration.