Abstract: Because blueberries are worldwide recognized as a
good source of beneficial components, their consumption has
increased in the past decades, and so have the scientific works about
their properties. Hence, this work was undertaken to evaluate the
effect of some production and conservation factors on the properties
of blueberries from cultivar Bluecrop. The physical and chemical
analyses were done according to established methodologies and then
all data was treated using software SPSS for assessment of the
possible differences among the factors investigated and/or the
correlations between the variables at study. The results showed that
location of production influenced some of the berries properties
(caliber, sugars, antioxidant activity, color and texture) and that the
age of the bushes was correlated with moisture, sugars and acidity, as
well as lightness. On the other hand, altitude of the farm only was
correlated to sugar content. With regards to conservation, it
influenced only anthocyanins content and DPPH antioxidant activity.
Finally, the type of extract and the order of extraction had a
pronounced influence on all the phenolic properties evaluated.
Abstract: Students' academic achievement, along with the
effects of different variables, has been a serious concern of educators
since long ago. This study was an attempt to investigate the interplay
of Locus of Control (LOC), academic achievement and biological
variables among Iranian online EFL Learners. The participants of the
study included 100 students of different age groups and genders
studying English online at Iran Language Institute (ILI), Isfahan,
Iran. The instrument used was Trice Academic LOC questionnaire
which identifies orientations of internality or externality. The
participants' Grade Point Averages (GPAs) were used as the measure
of their academic achievement. A series of independent samples ttests
were performed on the data. The results of the study showed that
(a) there were no significant differences between male and female
participants in LOC orientation, (b) there was no relationship
between LOC and academic achievement among internal males and
females, (c) external females were better achievers than external
males, (d) and the age had no significant relationship with LOC and
academic achievement. It can be concluded that the social, cultural
patterns of genders have changed. This study might help sociologists
and psychologists as well as applied linguists in that they reflect the
recent social changes and their effects on the LOC and their
consequent implications in teaching languages.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present the process of
change in management accounting in Romania, a former communist
country from Eastern Europe. In order to explain this process, we used
the contingency and institutional theories. We focused on the
following directions: the presentation of the scientific context and
motivation of this research and the case study. We presented the state
of the art in the process of change in the management accounting from
the international and national perspective. We also described the
evolution of management accounting in Romania in the context of
economic and political changes. An important moment was the fall of
communism in 1989. This represents a starting point for a new
economic environment and for new management accounting.
Accordingly, we developed a case study which presented this
evolution. The conclusion of our research was that the changes in the
management accounting system of the company analysed occurred in
the same time with the institutionalisation of some elements (e.g.
degree of competition, training and competencies in management
accounting). The management accounting system was modelled by the
contingencies specific to this company (e.g. environment, industry,
strategy).
Abstract: Image segmentation and edge detection is a fundamental section in image processing. In case of noisy images Edge Detection is very less effective if we use conventional Spatial Filters like Sobel, Prewitt, LOG, Laplacian etc. To overcome this problem we have proposed the use of Stochastic Gradient Mask instead of Spatial Filters for generating gradient images. The present study has shown that the resultant images obtained by applying Stochastic Gradient Masks appear to be much clearer and sharper as per Edge detection is considered.
Abstract: Due to rapid advancement of powerful image
processing software, digital images are easy to manipulate and
modify by ordinary people. Lots of digital images are edited for a
specific purpose and more difficult to distinguish form their original
ones. We propose a clustering method to detect a copy-move image
forgery of JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and PNG. The process starts with
reducing the color of the photos. Then, we use the clustering
technique to divide information of measuring data by Hausdorff
Distance. The result shows that the purposed methods is capable of
inspecting the image file and correctly identify the forgery.
Abstract: The Trustworthy link failure recovery algorithm is
introduced in this paper, to provide the forwarding continuity even
with compound link failures. The ephemeral failures are common in
IP networks and it also has some proposals based on local rerouting.
To ensure forwarding continuity, we are introducing the compound
link failure recovery algorithm, even with compound link failures.
For forwarding the information, each packet carries a blacklist, which
is a min set of failed links encountered along its path, and the next
hop is chosen by excluding the blacklisted links. Our proposed
method describes how it can be applied to ensure forwarding to all
reachable destinations in case of any two or more link or node
failures in the network. After simulating with NS2 contains lot of
samples proved that the proposed protocol achieves exceptional
concert even under elevated node mobility using Trustworthy link
Failure Recovery Algorithm.
Abstract: This paper pioneers Care Robot Impact Assessment
(CRIA), a methodology used to identify, analyze, mitigate and
eliminate the risks posed by the insertion of non-medical personal
care robots (PCR) in medical care facilities. Its precedent instruments
[Privacy and Surveillance Impact Assessment (PIA and SIA)] fall
behind in coping with robots. Indeed, personal care robots change
dramatically how care is delivered. The paper presents a specific
risk-sector methodology, identifies which robots are under its scope
and presents some of the challenges introduced by these robots.
Abstract: Paranoid ideation is a common thought process that
constitutes a defense against perceived social threats. The current
study aimed at the characterization of paranoid ideation in youths and
to explore the possible predictors involved in the development of
paranoid ideations. Paranoid ideation, shame, submission, early
childhood memories and current depressive, anxious and stress
symptomatology were assessed in a sample of 1516 Portuguese
youths. Higher frequencies of paranoid ideation were observed,
particularly in females and youths from lower socioeconomic status.
The main predictors identified relates to submissive behaviors and
adverse childhood experiences, and especially to shame feelings. The
current study emphasizes that the these predictors are similar to
findings in adults and clinical populations, and future implications to
research and clinical practice aiming at paranoid ideations are
discussed, as well as the pertinence of the study of mediating factors
that allow a wider understanding of this thought process in younger
populations and the prevention of psychopathology in adulthood.
Abstract: For the music composer Myriam Marbe the musical
time and memory represent 2 (complementary) phenomena with
conclusive impact on the settlement of new musical ontologies.
Summarizing the most important achievements of the contemporary
techniques of composition, her vision on the microform presented in
The Concert for Daniel Kientzy, saxophone and orchestra transcends
the linear and unidirectional time in favour of a flexible, multivectorial
speech with spiral developments, where the sound substance
is auto(re)generated by analogy with the fundamental processes of
the memory. The conceptual model is of an archetypal essence, the
music composer being concerned with identifying the mechanisms of
the creation process, especially of those specific to the collective
creation (of oral tradition). Hence the spontaneity of expression,
improvisation tint, free rhythm, micro-interval intonation, coloristictimbral
universe dominated by multiphonics and unique sound
effects, hence the atmosphere of ritual, however purged by the
primary connotations and reprojected into a wonderful spectacular
space. The Concert is a work of artistic maturity and enforces respect,
among others, by the timbral diversity of the three species of
saxophone required by the music composer (baritone, sopranino and
alt), in Part III Daniel Kientzy shows the performance of playing two
saxophones concomitantly. The score of the music composer Myriam
Marbe contains a deeply spiritualized music, full or archetypal
symbols, a music whose drama suggests a real cinematographic
movement.
Abstract: The paper presents a novel screening method to
indicate congenital heart diseases (CHD), which otherwise could
remain undetected because of their low level. Therefore, not
belonging to the high-risk population, the pregnancies are not subject
to the regular fetal monitoring with ultrasound echocardiography.
Based on the fact that CHD is a morphological defect of the heart
causing turbulent blood flow, the turbulence appears as a murmur,
which can be detected by fetal phonocardiography (fPCG). The
proposed method applies measurements on the maternal abdomen
and from the recorded sound signal a sophisticated processing
determines the fetal heart murmur. The paper describes the problems
and the additional advantages of the fPCG method including the
possibility of measurements at home and its combination with the
prescribed regular cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring. The
proposed screening process implemented on a telemedicine system
provides an enhanced safety against hidden cardiac diseases.
Abstract: The substantial development of the construction
industry has forced the cement industry, its major support, to focus
on achieving maximum productivity to meet the growing demand for
this material. This means that the reliability of a cement production
system needs to be at the highest level that can be achieved by good
maintenance. This paper studies the extent to which the
implementation of RCM is needed as a strategy for increasing the
reliability of the production systems component can be increased,
thus ensuring continuous productivity. In a case study of four Libyan
cement factories, 80 employees were surveyed and 12 top and middle
managers interviewed. It is evident that these factories usually
breakdown more often than once per month which has led to a
decline in productivity. In many times they cannot achieve the
minimum level of production amount. This has resulted from the
poor reliability of their production systems as a result of poor or
insufficient maintenance. It has been found that most of the factories’
employees misunderstand maintenance and its importance. The main
cause of this problem is the lack of qualified and trained staff, but in
addition it has been found that most employees are not found to be
motivated as a result of a lack of management support and interest. In
response to these findings, it has been suggested that the RCM
strategy should be implemented in the four factories. The results
show the importance of the development of maintenance strategies
through the implementation of RCM in these factories. The purpose
of it would be to overcome the problems that could secure the
reliability of the production systems. This study could be a useful
source of information for academic researchers and the industrial
organizations which are still experiencing problems in maintenance
practices.
Abstract: Toddy sediment (TS) was cultured in a PDA medium
to determine initial yeast load, and also it was undergone sun, shade,
solar, dehumidified cold air (DCA) and hot air oven (at 400, 500 and
60oC) drying with a view to preserve viability of yeast. Thereafter,
this study was conducted according to two factor factorial design in
order to determine best preservation method. Therein the dried TS
from the best drying method was taken and divided into two portions.
One portion was mixed with 3: 7 ratio of TS: rice flour and the
mixture was divided in to two again. While one portion was kept
under in house condition the other was in a refrigerator. Same
procedure was followed to the rest portion of TS too but it was at the
same ratio of corn flour. All treatments were vacuum packed in triple
laminate pouches and the best preservation method was determined
in terms of leavening index (LI). The TS obtained from the best
preservation method was used to make foods (bread and hopper) and
organoleptic properties of it were evaluated against same of ordinary
foods using sensory panel with a five point hedonic scale.
Results revealed that yeast load or fresh TS was 58×106 CFU/g.
The best drying method in preserving viability of yeast was DCA
because LI of this treatment (96%) is higher than that of other three
treatments. Organoleptic properties of foods prepared from best
preservation method are as same as ordinary foods according to Duo
trio test.
Abstract: New design of three dimensional (3D) flywheel system
based on gimbal and gyro mechanics is proposed. The 3D flywheel
device utilizes the rotational motion of three spherical shells and the
conservation of angular momentum to achieve planar locomotion.
Actuators mounted to the ring-shape frames are installed within the
system to drive the spherical shells to rotate, for the purpose of steering
and stabilization. Similar to the design of 2D flywheel system, it is
expected that the spherical shells may function like a “flyball” to store
and supply mechanical energy; additionally, in comparison with
typical single-wheel and spherical robots, the 3D flywheel can be used
for developing omnidirectional robotic systems with better mobility.
The Lagrangian method is applied to derive the equation of motion of
the 3D flywheel system, and simulation studies are presented to verify
the proposed design.
Abstract: Potassium borates, which are widely used in welding
and metal refining industry, as a lubricating oil additive, cement
additive, fiberglass additive and insulation compound, are one of the
important groups of borate minerals. In this study the production of a
potassium borate mineral via hydrothermal method is aimed. The
potassium source of potassium nitrate (KNO3) was used along with a
sodium source of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and boron source of
boric acid (H3BO3). The constant parameters of reaction temperature
and reaction time were determined as 80°C and 1 h, respectively. The
molar ratios of 1:1:3 (as KNO3:NaOH:H3BO3), 1:1:4, 1:1:5, 1:1:6
and 1:1:7 were used. Following the synthesis the identifications of
the produced products were conducted by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD),
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman
Spectroscopy. The results of the experiments and analysis showed in
the ratio of 1:1:6, the Santite mineral with powder diffraction file
number (pdf no.) of 01-072-1688, which is known as potassium
pentaborate (KB5O8·4H2O) was synthesized as best.
Abstract: This paper examines the system protection for cyber-physical
systems (CPS). CPS are particularly characterized by their
networking system components. This means they are able to adapt to
the needs of their users and its environment. With this ability, CPS
have new, specific requirements on the protection against anti-counterfeiting,
know-how loss and manipulation. They increase the
requirements on system protection because piracy attacks can be
more diverse, for example because of an increasing number of
interfaces or through the networking abilities. The new requirements
were identified and in a next step matched with existing protective
measures. Due to the found gap the development of new protection
measures has to be forced to close this gap. Moreover a comparison
of the effectiveness between selected measures was realized and the
first results are presented in this paper.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental
study undertaken to evaluate the local bond stress-slip response of
short embedment of reinforcing bars in normal concrete (NC) and
high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)
blocks. Long embedment was investigated as well to gain insights on
the distribution of strain, slip, bar stress and bond stress along the bar
especially in post-yield range. A total of 12 specimens were tested,
by means of pull-out of the reinforcing bars from concrete blocks. It
was found that the enhancement of local bond strength can be
reached up to 50% and ductility of the bond behavior was improved
significantly if HPFRCC is used. Also, under a constant strain at
loaded end, HPFRCC has delayed yielding of bars at other location
from the loaded end. Hence, the reduction of bond stress was slower
for HPFRCC in comparison with NC. Due to the same reason, the
total slips at loaded end for HPFRCC was smaller than NC as
expected. Test results indicated that HPFRCC has better bond slip
behavior which makes it a suitable material to be employed in
anchorage zone such as beam-column joints.
Abstract: Some plants of genus Schinus have been used in the
folk medicine as topical antiseptic, digestive, purgative, diuretic,
analgesic or antidepressant, and also for respiratory and urinary
infections. Chemical composition of essential oils of S. molle and S.
terebinthifolius had been evaluated and presented high variability
according with the part of the plant studied and with the geographic
and climatic regions. The pharmacological properties, namely
antimicrobial, anti-tumoural and anti-inflammatory activities are
conditioned by chemical composition of essential oils. Taking into
account the difficulty to infer the pharmacological properties of
Schinus essential oils without hard experimental approach, this work
will focus on the development of a decision support system, in terms
of its knowledge representation and reasoning procedures, under a
formal framework based on Logic Programming, complemented with
an approach to computing centered on Artificial Neural Networks
and the respective Degree-of-Confidence that one has on such an
occurrence.
Abstract: Authenticity in advertising is the cornerstone of
modern marketing. Despite research advances related to the role of
authenticity in marketing, it remains unclear why customers respond to
authentic brand stories. The results show that different personality
traits will moderate the influence of different authenticity on the levels
of emotion. Whether indexically authentic or iconically authentic
advertisements were shown to extroverts, open people and agreeable
people, they will evoke more positive emotions. When neurotic people
and conscientious people see the iconically authentic advertising
rather than the indexically authentic advertising, they will produce
more negative emotions. In addition, the emotion evoked by
advertising had significant positive impact on brand attitude evoked by
advertising had significant negative impact on brand attitude. These
findings provide some managerial implications and directions for
further research.
Abstract: The comprehensive CFD models have been used to
represent and study the heterogeneous combustion of biomass. In the
present work, the operation of a global flue gas circuit in the sugarcane
bagasse combustion, from wind boxes below primary air grate
supply, passing by bagasse insertion in swirl burners and boiler
furnace, to boiler bank outlet is simulated. It uses five different
meshes representing each part of this system located in sequence:
wind boxes and grate, boiler furnace, swirl burners, superheaters and
boiler bank. The model considers turbulence using standard k-ε,
combustion using EDM, radiation heat transfer using DTM with 16
ray directions and bagasse particle tracking represented by Schiller-
Naumann model. The results showed good agreement with expected
behavior found in literature and equipment design. The more detailed
results view in separated parts of flue gas system allows observing
some flow behaviors that cannot be represented by usual
simplifications like bagasse supply under homogeneous axial and
rotational vectors and others that can be represented using new
considerations like the representation of 26 thousand grate orifices by
144 rectangular inlets.
Abstract: The fatigue life of tubular joints commonly found in
offshore industry is not only dependent on the value of hot-spot stress
(HSS), but is also significantly influenced by the through-thethickness
stress distribution characterized by the degree of bending
(DoB). The determination of DoB values in a tubular joint is essential
for improving the accuracy of fatigue life estimation using the stresslife
(S–N) method and particularly for predicting the fatigue crack
growth based on the fracture mechanics (FM) approach. In the
present paper, data extracted from finite element (FE) analyses of
tubular KT-joints, verified against experimental data and parametric
equations, was used to investigate the effects of geometrical
parameters on DoB values at the crown 0°, saddle, and crown 180°
positions along the weld toe of central brace in tubular KT-joints
subjected to axial loading. Parametric study was followed by a set of
nonlinear regression analyses to derive DoB parametric formulas for
the fatigue analysis of KT-joints under axial loads. The tubular KTjoint
is a quite common joint type found in steel offshore structures.
However, despite the crucial role of the DoB in evaluating the fatigue
performance of tubular joints, this paper is the first attempt to study
and formulate the DoB values in KT-joints.