Abstract: Since its independence in 1962, Algeria has struggled
to establish an educational system tailored to the needs of the
population it may address. Considering the historical connection with
France, Algeria has always looked at the French language as a
cultural imperative until late in the seventies. After the Arabization
policy of 1971 and the socioeconomic changes taking place
worldwide, the use of English as a communicating vehicle started to
gain more space within globalized Algeria. Consequently, disparities
in the use of French started to fade away at the cross-roads leaving
more space to the teaching of English as a second foreign language.
Moreover, the introduction of the Bologna Process and the
European Credit Transfer System in Higher Education has
necessitated some innovations in the design and development of new
curricula adapted to the socioeconomic market. In this paper, I will
try to highlight the important historical dimensions Algeria has taken
towards the implementation of an English language methodology and
to the status it acquired from second foreign language, to first foreign
language to “the language of knowledge and sciences". I will also
propose new pedagogical perspectives for a better treatment of the
English language in order to encourage independent and autonomous
learning.
Abstract: Background, measuring an individual-s Health
Literacy is gaining attention, yet no appropriate instrument is available
in Taiwan. Measurement tools that were developed and used in
western countries may not be appropriate for use in Taiwan due to a
different language system. Purpose of this research was to develop a
Health Literacy measurement instrument specific for Taiwan adults.
Methods, several experts of clinic physicians; healthcare
administrators and scholars identified 125 common used health related
Chinese phrases from major medical knowledge sources that easy
accessible to the public. A five-point Likert scale is used to measure
the understanding level of the target population. Such measurement is
then used to compare with the correctness of their answers to a health
knowledge test for validation. Samples, samples under study were
purposefully taken from four groups of people in the northern
Pingtung, OPD patients, university students, community residents,
and casual visitors to the central park. A set of health knowledge index
with 10 questions is used to screen those false responses. A sample
size of 686 valid cases out of 776 was then included to construct this
scale. An independent t-test was used to examine each individual
phrase. The phrases with the highest significance are then identified
and retained to compose this scale. Result, a Taiwan Health Literacy
Scale (THLS) was finalized with 66 health-related phrases under nine
divisions. Cronbach-s alpha of each division is at a satisfactory level
of 89% and above. Conclusions, factors significantly differentiate the
levels of health literacy are education, female gender, age, family
members of stroke victims, experience with patient care, and
healthcare professionals in the initial application in this study..
Abstract: The worldwide prevalence of H3N2 influenza virus
and its increasing resistance to the existing drugs necessitates for the
development of an improved/better targeting anti-influenza drug.
H3N2 influenza neuraminidase is one of the two membrane-bound
proteins belonging to group-2 neuraminidases. It acts as key player
involved in viral pathogenicity and hence, is an important target of
anti-influenza drugs. Oseltamivir is one of the potent drugs targeting
this neuraminidase. In the present work, we have taken subtype N2
neuraminidase as the receptor and probable analogs of oseltamivir as
drug molecules to study the protein-drug interaction in anticipation of
finding efficient modified candidate compound. Oseltamivir analogs
were made by modifying the functional groups using Marvin Sketch
software and were docked using Schrodinger-s Glide. Oseltamivir
analog 10 was detected to have significant energy value (16% less
compared to Oseltamivir) and could be the probable lead molecule. It
infers that some of the modified compounds can interact in a novel
manner with increased hydrogen bonding at the active site of
neuraminidase and it might be better than the original drug. Further
work can be carried out such as enzymatic inhibition studies;
synthesis and crystallizing the drug-target complex to analyze the
interactions biologically.
Abstract: Investigating language acquisition is one of the most
challenging problems in the area of studying language. Syllable
learning as a level of language acquisition has a considerable
significance since it plays an important role in language acquisition.
Because of impossibility of studying language acquisition directly
with children, especially in its developmental phases, computer
models will be useful in examining language acquisition. In this
paper a computer model of early language learning for syllable
learning is proposed. It is guided by a conceptual model of syllable
learning which is named Directions Into Velocities of Articulators
model (DIVA). The computer model uses simple associational and
reinforcement learning rules within neural network architecture
which are inspired by neuroscience. Our simulation results verify the
ability of the proposed computer model in producing phonemes
during babbling and early speech. Also, it provides a framework for
examining the neural basis of language learning and communication
disorders.
Abstract: An application framework provides a reusable
design and implementation for a family of software systems.
Frameworks are introduced to reduce the cost of a product line
(i.e., family of products that share the common features). Software
testing is a time consuming and costly ongoing activity during the
application software development process. Generating reusable test
cases for the framework applications at the framework
development stage, and providing and using the test cases to test
part of the framework application whenever the framework is used
reduces the application development time and cost considerably.
Framework Interface Classes (FICs) are classes introduced by
the framework hooks to be implemented at the application
development stage. They can have reusable test cases generated at
the framework development stage and provided with the
framework to test the implementations of the FICs at the
application development stage. In this paper, we conduct a case
study using thirteen applications developed using three
frameworks; one domain oriented and two application oriented.
The results show that, in general, the percentage of the number of
FICs in the applications developed using domain frameworks is, on
average, greater than the percentage of the number of FICs in the
applications developed using application frameworks.
Consequently, the reduction of the application unit testing time
using the reusable test cases generated for domain frameworks is,
in general, greater than the reduction of the application unit testing
time using the reusable test cases generated for application
frameworks.
Abstract: After Apple's first introduction its smart phone, iPhone
in the end of 2009 in Korea, the number of Korean smarphone users
had been rapidly increasing so that the half of Korean population
became smart phone users as of February, 2012. Currently, smart
phones are positioned as a major digital media with powerful
influences in Korea. And, now, Koreans are leaning new information,
enjoying games and communicating other people every time and
everywhere. As smart phone devices' performances increased, the
number of usable services became more while adequate GUI
developments are required to implement various functions with smart
phones. The strategy to provide similar experiences on smart phones
through familiar features based on employment of existing media's
functions mostly contributed to smart phones' popularization in
connection with smart phone devices' iconic GUIs.
The spread of Smart phone increased mobile web accesses.
Therefore, the attempts to implement PC's web in the smart phone's
web are continuously made. The mobile web GUI provides familiar
experiences to users through designs adequately utilizing the smart
phone's GUIs. As the number of users familiarized to smart phones
and mobile web GUIs, opposite to reversed remediation from many
parts of PCs, PCs are starting to adapt smart phone GUIs.
This study defines this phenomenon as the reversed remediation,
and reviews the reversed remediation cases of Smart phone GUI'
characteristics of PCs. For this purpose, the established study issues
are as under:
· what is the reversed remediation?
· what are the smart phone GUI's characteristics?
· what kind of interrelationship exist s between the smart phone and
PC's web site?
It is meaningful in the forecast of the future GUI's change by
understanding of characteristics in the paradigm changes of PC and
smart phone's GUI designs. This also will be helpful to establish
strategies for digital devices' development and design.
Abstract: The study attempted to identify the dominant
intelligences of athletes by comparing the developmental differences
of multiple intelligences between athletes and non-athletes. The
weekly specialized training hours and years of specialized training
was examined to see how it can predict the dominant intelligence with
the age factor controlled. There were 355 participants in the research
(202 athletes and 153 non-athletes). Collected data were analyzed with
one-way MANOVA and multiple hierarchical regression. The results
suggested the dominant intelligences of athletes were Interpersonal
Intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, and Intrapersonal
Intelligence. The weekly specialized training hours and years of
specialized training could effectively predict the Interpersonal
Intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, and Intrapersonal
Intelligence of athletes. The author suggested the future studies could
focus on the theory construction of weekly specialized training and
years of specialized training. Also, the studies on using “Bridge
strategy" by the athletes to guide disadvantage intelligences with
dominant intelligences are highly valued.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of an active
vibration control using direct adaptive controller to suppress the
vibration of a flexible beam system. The controller is realized based
on linear parametric form. Differential evolution optimisation
algorithm is used to optimize the controller using single objective
function by minimizing the mean square error of the observed
vibration signal. Furthermore, an alternative approach is developed to
systematically search for the best controller model structure together
with it parameter values. The performance of the control scheme is
presented and analysed in both time and frequency domain.
Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is able to
suppress the unwanted vibration effectively.
Abstract: In this paper we introduce a new unit test technique
called déjà-vu object. Déjà-vu objects replace real objects used by
classes under test, allowing the execution of isolated unit tests. A
déjà-vu object is able to observe and record the behaviour of a real
object during real sessions, and to replace it during unit tests,
returning previously recorded results. Consequently déjà-vu object
technique can be useful when a bottom-up development and testing
strategy is adopted. In this case déjà-vu objects can increase test
portability and test source code readability. At the same time they
can reduce the time spent by programmers to develop test code and
the risk of incompatibility during the switching between déjà-vu and
production code.
Abstract: The electric power industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented reform. One of the most exciting and potentially profitable recent developments is increasing usage of artificial intelligence techniques. The intention of this paper is to give an overview of using neural network (NN) techniques in power systems. According to the growth rate of NNs application in some power system subjects, this paper introduce a brief overview in fault diagnosis, security assessment, load forecasting, economic dispatch and harmonic analyzing. Advantages and disadvantages of using NNs in above mentioned subjects and the main challenges in these fields have been explained, too.
Abstract: Nowadays due to globalization of economy and
competition environment, innovation and technology plays key role
at creation of wealth and economic growth of countries. In fact
prompt growth of practical and technologic knowledge may results in
social benefits for countries when changes into effective innovation.
Considering the importance of innovation for the development of
countries, this study addresses the radical technological innovation
introduced by nanopapers at different stages of producing paper
including stock preparation, using authorized additives, fillers and
pigments, using retention, calender, stages of producing conductive
paper, porous nanopaper and Layer by layer self-assembly. Research
results show that in coming years the jungle related products will lose
considerable portion of their market share, unless embracing radical
innovation. Although incremental innovations can make this industry
still competitive in mid-term, but to have economic growth and
competitive advantage in long term, radical innovations are
necessary. Radical innovations can lead to new products and
materials which their applications in packaging industry can produce
value added. However application of nanotechnology in this industry
can be costly, it can be done in cooperation with other industries to
make the maximum use of nanotechnology possible. Therefore this
technology can be used in all the production process resulting in the
mass production of simple and flexible papers with low cost and
special properties such as facility at shape, form, easy transportation,
light weight, recovery and recycle marketing abilities, and sealing.
Improving the resistance of the packaging materials without reducing
the performance of packaging materials enhances the quality and the
value added of packaging. Improving the cellulose at nano scale can
have considerable electron optical and magnetic effects leading to
improvement in packaging and value added. Comparing to the
specifications of thermoplastic products and ordinary papers,
nanopapers show much better performance in terms of effective
mechanical indexes such as the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength,
and strain-stress. In densities lower than 640 kgm -3, due to the
network structure of nanofibers and the balanced and randomized
distribution of NFC in flat space, these specifications will even
improve more. For nanopapers, strains are 1,4Gpa, 84Mpa and 17%,
13,3 Gpa, 214Mpa and 10% respectively. In layer by layer self
assembly method (LbL) the tensile strength of nanopaper with Tio3
particles and Sio2 and halloysite clay nanotube are 30,4 ±7.6Nm/g
and 13,6 ±0.8Nm/g and 14±0.3,3Nm/g respectively that fall within
acceptable range of similar samples with virgin fiber. The usage of
improved brightness and porosity index in nanopapers can create
more competitive advantages at packaging industry.
Abstract: Overhead conveyor systems are in use in many installations around the world, meeting the widest range of applications possible. Overhead conveyor systems are particularly preferred in automotive industry but also at post offices. Overhead conveyor systems must always be integrated with a logistical process by finding the best way for a cheaper material flow in order to guarantee precise and fast workflows. With their help, any transport can take place without wasting ground and space, without excessive company capacity, lost or damaged products, erroneous delivery, endless travels and without wasting time. Ultra-light overhead conveyor systems are rope-based conveying systems with individually driven vehicles. The vehicles can move automatically on the rope and this can be realized by energy and signals. Crossings are realized by switches. Ultra-light overhead conveyor systems provide optimal material flow, which produces profit and saves time. This article introduces two new ultra-light overhead conveyor designs in logistics and explains their components. According to the explanation of the components, scenarios are created by means of their technical characteristics. The scenarios are visualized with the help of CAD software. After that, assumptions are made for application area. According to these assumptions scenarios are visualized. These scenarios help logistics companies achieve lower development costs as well as quicker market maturity.
Abstract: This paper is part of an ongoing research on the
development of systemic maintenance management model Malaysian
university buildings. In order to achieve this aim, there is a need to
develop a performance model against which services are measure.
Measuring performance is a significant part of maintenance
management service delivery. Maintenance organization needs to
know where they are in order to provide user-driven services and to
enhance productivity. The aim of this paper is to formulate a
template or model for university maintenance organization in
Malaysia. The model is based on literature review and survey
questionnaire and has been validated. Through grounded theory, this
paper developed a 8 points matrix for the university maintenance
organizations for measuring and improving their service delivery.
The potential of the model is guide and assists towards providing
value added service delivery through initiating maintenance
according to user value system rather than on the condition of the
building.
Abstract: The transition to sustainable development requires
considerable investments from stakeholders, both financial and
immaterial. However, accounting for such investments often poses a
challenge, as ventures with intangible or non-financial returns remain
oblivious to conventional accounting techniques and risk assessment.
That such investments may significantly contribute to the welfare of
those affected may act as a driving force behind attempting to bridge
this gap. This gains crucial importance as investments must be also
backed by governments and administrations; entities whose budget
depends on taxpayers- contributions and whose tasks are based on
securing the welfare of their citizens. Besides economic welfare,
citizens also require social and environmental wellbeing too.
However, administrations must also safeguard that welfare is
guaranteed not only to present, but to future generations too. With
already strained budgets and the requirement of sustainable
development, governments on all levels face the double challenge of
making both of these ends meet.
Abstract: Software security testing is an important means to ensure software security and trustiness. This paper first mainly discusses the definition and classification of software security testing, and investigates methods and tools of software security testing widely. Then it analyzes and concludes the advantages and disadvantages of various methods and the scope of application, presents a taxonomy of security testing tools. Finally, the paper points out future focus and development directions of software security testing technology.
Abstract: The development of information and communication
technology, the increased use of the internet, as well as the effects of
the recession within the last years, have lead to the increased use of
cloud computing based solutions, also called on-demand solutions.
These solutions offer a large number of benefits to organizations as
well as challenges and risks, mainly determined by data visualization
in different geographic locations on the internet. As far as the specific
risks of cloud environment are concerned, data security is still
considered a peak barrier in adopting cloud computing. The present
study offers an approach upon ensuring the security of cloud data,
oriented towards the whole data life cycle. The final part of the study
focuses on the assessment of data security in the cloud, this
representing the bases in determining the potential losses and the
premise for subsequent improvements and continuous learning.
Abstract: In this paper, the effect of addition the dune sand powder (DSP) on development of compressive strength and hydration of cement pastes was investigated as a function of water/binder ratio, was varied, on the one hand, the percentage of DSP and on the other, the fineness of DSP. In order to understand better the pozzolanic effect of dune sand powder in cement pastes, we followed the mixtures hydration (50% Pure Lime + 50% DSP) by X-ray diffraction. These mixtures the pastes present a hydraulic setting which is due to the formation of a C-S-H phase (calcium silicate hydrate). The latter is semi-crystallized. This study is a simplified approach to that of the mixtures (80% ordinary Portland cement + 20% DSP), in which the main reaction is the fixing of the lime coming from the cement hydration in the presence of DSP, to form calcium silicate hydrate semi-crystallized of second generation. The results proved that up to (20% DSP) as Portland cement replacement could be used with a fineness of 4000 cm²/g without affecting adversely the compressive strength. After 28 days, the compressive strength at 5, 10 and 15% DSP is superior to Portland cement, with an optimum effect for a percentage of the order of 5% to 10% irrespective of the w/b ratio and fineness of DSP.
Abstract: This article is dedicated to development of
mathematical models for determining the dynamics of
concentration of hazardous substances in urban turbulent
atmosphere. Development of the mathematical models implied
taking into account the time-space variability of the fields of
meteorological items and such turbulent atmosphere data as vortex
nature, nonlinear nature, dissipativity and diffusivity. Knowing the
turbulent airflow velocity is not assumed when developing the
model. However, a simplified model implies that the turbulent and
molecular diffusion ratio is a piecewise constant function that
changes depending on vertical distance from the earth surface.
Thereby an important assumption of vertical stratification of urban
air due to atmospheric accumulation of hazardous substances
emitted by motor vehicles is introduced into the mathematical
model. The suggested simplified non-linear mathematical model of
determining the sought exhaust concentration at a priori unknown
turbulent flow velocity through non-degenerate transformation is
reduced to the model which is subsequently solved analytically.
Abstract: Hyperglycemia-mediated accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a pivotal role in the development of diabetic complications by inducing inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the possible effects of water/ethanol (1/1, v/v) extracts (WEE) and its fractions from Canarium album Raeusch. (Chinese olive) which is a fruit used on AGEs-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation in monocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Co-incubation of EA.hy926 endothelial cells with WEE and its fractions for 24h resulted in a significant decrease of monocyte–endothelial cell adhesion, the expression of ICAM-1, generation of intracellular ROS and depletion of GSH induced by AGEs. Chinese olive fruit extracts also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediates, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in THP-1 cells. These findings suggested that Chinese olive fruit was able to protect vascular endothelium from dysfunction induced by AGEs.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to propose a Measurement
Scale for Patient Satisfaction (MSPS) in the context of Tunisian
private clinics. This scale is developed using value management
methods and is validated by statistic tools with SPSS.