Abstract: The distribution networks are often exposed to harmful
incidents which can halt the electricity supply of the customer. In this
context, we studied a real case of a critical zone of the Tunisian
network which is currently characterized by the dysfunction of its
plan of protection. In this paper, we were interested in the
harmonization of the protection plan settings in order to ensure a
perfect selectivity and a better continuity of service on the whole of
the network.
Abstract: Currently, there is excessively growing information
about places on Facebook, which is the largest social network but
such information is not explicitly organized and ranked. Therefore
users cannot exploit such data to recommend places conveniently and
quickly. This paper proposes a Facebook application and an Android
application that recommend places based on the number of check-ins
of those places, the distance of those places from the current location,
the number of people who like Facebook page of those places, and
the number of talking about of those places. Related Facebook data is
gathered via Facebook API requests. The experimental results of the
developed applications show that the applications can recommend
places and rank interesting places from the most to the least. We have
found that the average satisfied score of the proposed Facebook
application is 4.8 out of 5. The users’ satisfaction can increase by
adding the app features that support personalization in terms of
interests and preferences.
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: This research focused on comparing the critical
thinking of the teacher students before and after using Miller’s Model
learning activities and investigating their opinions. The sampling
groups were (1) fourth year 33 student teachers majoring in Early
Childhood Education and enrolling in semester 1 of academic year
2013 (2) third year 28 student teachers majoring in English and
enrolling in semester 2 of academic year 2013 and (3) third year 22
student teachers majoring in Thai and enrolling in semester 2 of
academic year 2013. The research instruments were (1) lesson plans
where the learning activities were settled based on Miller’s Model (2)
critical thinking assessment criteria and (3) a questionnaire on
opinions towards Miller’s Model based learning activities. The
statistical treatment was mean, deviation, different scores and T-test.
The result unfolded that (1) the critical thinking of the students after
the assigned activities was better than before and (2) the students’
opinions towards the critical thinking improvement activities based
on Miller’s Model ranged from the level of high to highest.
Abstract: The use OF adhesive anchors for wooden constructions is an efficient technology to connect and design timber members in new timber structures and to rehabilitate the damaged structural members of historical buildings. Due to the lack of standard regulation in this specific area of structural design, designers’ choices are still supported by test analysis that enables knowledge, and the prediction, of the structural behaviour of glued in rod joints. The paper outlines an experimental research activity aimed at identifying the tensile resistance capacity of several new adhesive joint prototypes made of epoxy resin, steel bar and timber, Oak and Douglas Fir species. The development of new adhesive connectors has been carried out by using epoxy to glue stainless steel bars into pre-drilled holes, characterised by smooth and rough internal surfaces, in timber samples. The realization of a threaded contact surface using a specific drill bit has led to an improved bond between wood and epoxy. The applied changes have also reduced the cost of the joints’ production. The paper presents the results of this parametric analysis and a Finite Element analysis that enables identification and study of the internal stress distribution in the proposed adhesive anchors.
Abstract: Interaction between human, location and activity
defines space. In the framework of these relations, space is a
container for current specifications in relations of the 3 mentioned
elements. The change of land utility considered with average
performance range, urban regulations, society requirements etc. will
provide welfare and comfort for citizens. From an engineering view it
is fundamental that choosing a proper location for a specific civil
activity requires evaluation of locations from different perspectives.
The debate of desirable establishment of municipal service elements
in urban regions is one of the most important issues related to urban
planning. In this paper, the research type is applicable based on goal,
and is descriptive and analytical based on nature. Initially existing
terminals in Esfahan are surveyed and then new locations are
presented based on evaluated criteria. In order to evaluate terminals
based on the considered factors, an AHP model is used at first to
estimate weight of different factors and then existing and suggested
locations are evaluated using Arc GIS software and AHP model
results. The results show that existing bus terminals are located in
fairly proper locations. Further results of this study suggest new
locations to establish terminals based on urban criteria.
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: Numeracy, like Literacy is considered to be a core
value of modern societies. Most higher education institutions in
South Africa include being numerate as an important graduate
attribute. It is argued that a suitability numerate society contributes to
social justice, empowerment, financial and environmental
sustainability and a lack of numeracy practices can contribute to
disempowerment.
Numeracy is commonly misconstrued as a basic and simple
practice, similar in nature to basic arithmetic. This study highlights
the complexities of higher education numeracy practices by analyzing
a programme in a higher education institution in South Africa using
the New Literacies Studies perspective.
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: Physical properties of uranium dinitride (UN2) were
investigated in detail using first principle calculations based on
density functional theory (DFT). To study the strong correlation
effects due to 5f uranium valence electrons, the on-site coulomb
interaction correction U via the Hubbard-like term (DFT+U) was
employed. The UN2 structural, mechanical and thermodynamic
properties were calculated within DFT and Various U of DFT+U
approach.
The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE.5.2) version of the
generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is used to describe the
exchange-correlation with the projector-augmented wave (PAW)
pseudo potentials.
A comparative study shows that results are improved by using the
Hubbard formalism for a certain U value correction like the structural
parameter. For some physical properties the variation versus
Hubbard-U is strong like Young modulus but for others it is weakly
noticeable such as bulk modulus.
We noticed also that from U=7.5 eV, elastic results don’t agree
with the cubic cell because of the C44 values which turn out to be
negative.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to forecast the influences
of information and communication technology (ICT) on the structural
changes of Japanese economies. In this study, input-output (IO) and
statistical approaches are used as analysis instruments. More
specifically, this study employs Leontief IO coefficients and
constrained multivariate regression (CMR) model in order to achieve
the purpose. The periods of initial and forecast in this study are 2005
and 2015, respectively. In this study, ICT is represented by ICT capital
stocks. This study conducts two levels of analysis, namely macro and
micro. The results of macro level analysis show that the dynamics of
Japanese economies on the forecast period, relative to the initial period,
are not so high. We focus on (1) commerce, (2) business services and
office supplies, and (3) personal services sectors when conducting the
analysis of the micro level. Further, we analyze its specific IO
coefficients when doing this analysis. The results of the analysis
explain that ICT gives a strong influence on the changes of these
coefficients from initial to forecast periods.
Abstract: The present paper summarizes the analysis of the
request for consultation of information and data on industrial
emissions made publicly available on the web site of the Ministry of
Environment, Land and Sea on integrated pollution prevention and
control from large industrial installations, the so called “AIA Portal”.
As a matter of fact, a huge amount of information on national
industrial plants is already available on internet, although it is usually
proposed as textual documentation or images.
Thus, it is not possible to access all the relevant information
through interoperability systems and also to retrieval relevant
information for decision making purposes as well as rising of
awareness on environmental issue.
Moreover, since in Italy the number of institutional and private
subjects involved in the management of the public information on
industrial emissions is substantial, the access to the information is
provided on internet web sites according to different criteria; thus, at
present it is not structurally homogeneous and comparable.
To overcome the mentioned difficulties in the case of the
Coordinating Committee for the implementation of the Agreement
for the industrial area in Taranto and Statte, operating before the
IPPC permit granting procedures of the relevant installation located
in the area, a big effort was devoted to elaborate and to validate data
and information on characterization of soil, ground water aquifer and
coastal sea at disposal of different subjects to derive a global
perspective for decision making purposes. Thus, the present paper
also focuses on main outcomes matured during such experience.
Abstract: The progress of industry integrated circuits in recent
years has been pushed by continuous miniaturization of transistors.
With the reduction of dimensions of components at 0.1 micron and
below, new physical effects come into play as the standard simulators
of two dimensions (2D) do not consider. In fact the third dimension
comes into play because the transverse and longitudinal dimensions
of the components are of the same order of magnitude. To describe
the operation of such components with greater fidelity, we must
refine simulation tools and adapted to take into account these
phenomena. After an analytical study of the static characteristics of
the component, according to the different operating modes, a
numerical simulation is performed of field-effect transistor with
submicron gate MESFET GaInP. The influence of the dimensions of
the gate length is studied. The results are used to determine the
optimal geometric and physical parameters of the component for their
specific applications and uses.
Abstract: Polysulfone (PSU) is a specialty engineering polymer
having various industrial applications. PSU is especially used in
waste water treatment membranes due to its good mechanical
properties, structural and chemical stability. But it is a hydrophobic
material and therefore its surface aim to pollute easily. In order to
resolve this problem and extend the properties of membrane, PSU
surface is rendered hydrophilic by addition of the sepiolite
nanofibers. Sepiolite is one of the natural clays, which is a hydrate
magnesium silicate fiber, also one of the well known layered clays of
the montmorillonites where has several unique channels and pores
within. It has also moisture durability, strength and low price.
Sepiolite channels give great capacity of absorption and good surface
properties. In this study, nanocomposites of commercial PSU and
Sepiolite were prepared by solvent mixing method. Different organic
solvents and their mixtures were used. Rheological characteristics of
PSU-Sepiolite solvent mixtures were analyzed, the solubility of
nanocomposite content in those mixtures were studied.
Abstract: The emerging Cognitive Radio is combo of both the
technologies i.e. Radio dynamics and software technology. It involve
wireless system with efficient coding, designing, and making them
artificial intelligent to take the decision according to the surrounding
environment and adopt themselves accordingly, so as to deliver the
best QoS. This is the breakthrough from fixed hardware and fixed
utilization of the spectrum. This software-defined approach of
research is centralized at user-definition and application driven
model, various software method are used for the optimization of the
wireless communication. This paper focused on the Spectrum
allocation technique using genetic algorithm GA to evolve radio,
represented by chromosomes. The chromosomes gene represents the
adjustable parameters in given radio and by using GA, evolving over
the generations, the optimized set of parameters are evolved, as per
the requirement of user and availability of the spectrum, in our
prototype the gene consist of 6 different parameters, and the best set
of parameters are evolved according to the application need and
availability of the spectrum holes and thus maintaining best QoS for
user, simultaneously maintaining licensed user rights. The analyzing
tool Matlab is used for the performance of the prototype.
Abstract: Different tools and technologies were implemented
for Crisis Response and Management (CRM) which is generally
using available network infrastructure for information exchange.
Depending on type of disaster or crisis, network infrastructure could
be affected and it could not be able to provide reliable connectivity.
Thus any tool or technology that depends on the connectivity could
not be able to fulfill its functionalities. As a solution, a new message
exchange framework has been developed. Framework provides
offline/online information exchange platform for CRM Information
Systems (CRMIS) and it uses XML compression and packet
prioritization algorithms and is based on open source web
technologies. By introducing offline capabilities to the web
technologies, framework will be able to perform message exchange
on unreliable networks. The experiments done on the simulation
environment provide promising results on low bandwidth networks
(56kbps and 28.8 kbps) with up to 50% packet loss and the solution is
to successfully transfer all the information on these low quality
networks where the traditional 2 and 3 tier applications failed.
Abstract: The research presented in this paper has been focused
on analysing the impact of traffic on the sustainable development of
tourism in Croatia's Dubrovacko-Neretvanska County by the year
2020, based on the figures and trends reported in 2014 and using the
relevant variables that characterise the synergy of traffic and tourism
in, speaking from the geographic viewpoint, the most problematic
county in the Republic of Croatia. The basic hypothesis has been
confirmed through scientifically obtained research results, through
the quantification of the model's variables and the direct growth rates
of the designed model. On the basis of scientific insights into the
sustainable development of traffic and tourism in Dubrovacko-
Neretvanska County, it is possible to propose a new information
model for traffic at the service of the sustainable development of
tourism in the County for the period 2014-2020.
Abstract: This research study aimed to survey and analyze the
attitudes of pre-service teachers’ the analytical thinking development
based on Miller’s Model. The informants of this study were 22 third
year teacher students majoring in Thai. The course where the
instruction was conducted was English for Academic Purposes in
Thai Language 2. The instrument of this research was an open-ended
questionnaire with two dimensions of questions: academic and
satisfaction dimensions. The investigation revealed the positive
attitudes. In the academic dimension, the majority of 12 (54.54%),
the highest percentage, reflected that the method of teaching
analytical thinking and language simultaneously was their new
knowledge and the similar percentage also belonged to text cohesion
in writing. For the satisfaction, the highest frequency count was from
17 of them (77.27%) and this majority favored the openness or
friendliness of the teacher.
Abstract: Clustering involves the partitioning of n objects into k
clusters. Many clustering algorithms use hard-partitioning techniques
where each object is assigned to one cluster. In this paper we propose
an overlapping algorithm MCOKE which allows objects to belong to
one or more clusters. The algorithm is different from fuzzy clustering
techniques because objects that overlap are assigned a membership
value of 1 (one) as opposed to a fuzzy membership degree. The
algorithm is also different from other overlapping algorithms that
require a similarity threshold be defined a priori which can be
difficult to determine by novice users.
Abstract: Water contamination by toxic compound is one of the serious environmental problems today. These toxic compounds mostly originated from industrial effluents, agriculture, natural sources and human waste. These studies focus on modification of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) with nanoparticle of calixarene and explore the possibility of using this modification for the remediation of cadmium in water. The nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving calixarene in chloroform solution as solvent, followed by additional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) then sonication process for 3 hour and fabricated the nanocomposites on substrate by spin coating method. Finally, the nanocomposites were tested on cadmium ion (10 mg/ml). The morphology of nanocomposites was investigated by FESEM showing the formation of calixarene on the outer walls of carbon nanotube and cadmium ion also clearly seen from the micrograph. This formation was supported by using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The presence of cadmium ions in the films, leads to some changes in the surface potential and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The nanocomposites MWCNTs-calixarene have potential for development of sensor for pollutant monitoring and nanoelectronics devices applications.