Abstract: This paper presents an anthropometric study
conducted to 300 employees in a maquiladora industry that belongs
to the cluster of medical products as part of a research project to
pretend simulate workplace conditions under which operators
conduct their activities. This project is relevant because traditionally
performed a study to design ergonomic workspaces according to
anthropometric profile of users, however, this paper demonstrates the
importance of making decisions when the infrastructure cannot be
adapted for economic whichever put emphasis on user activity.
Abstract: Economic Dispatch (ED) is one of the most
challenging problems of power system since it is difficult to determine
the optimum generation scheduling to meet the particular load demand
with the minimum fuel costs while all constraints are satisfied. The
objective of the Economic Dispatch Problems (EDPs) of electric
power generation is to schedule the committed generating units
outputs so as to meet the required load demand at minimum operating
cost while satisfying all units and system equality and inequality
constraints. In this paper, an efficient and practical steady-state genetic
algorithm (SSGAs) has been proposed for solving the economic
dispatch problem. The objective is to minimize the total generation
fuel cost and keep the power flows within the security limits. To
achieve that, the present work is developed to determine the optimal
location and size of capacitors in transmission power system where,
the Participation Factor Algorithm and the Steady State Genetic
Algorithm are proposed to select the best locations for the capacitors
and determine the optimal size for them.
Abstract: Historical and ancestral bonds of the countries in the
Middle East have led to similarities in culture and context of their
societies. In addition, economical resources, such as the oil industry,
have generally been an integrative point in the region. Higher
education of a country is influenced by different national and
international factors and, regarding the mentioned bonds, it is inviting
to study the development of the countries of the Middle East in
higher education and draw some practical implications which can be
used in the educational policymaking of the region. This review
includes a data analysis on the population of international students in
the countries of the Middle East. As its second objective, a review
study on the successful countries, that is, those which host the highest
number of international students, and the strategies they have
developed to reach this state among the countries of the region, has
been conducted. Suggestions are made as to the strategies in higher
education systems of these countries which could prove useful and
practical in the development of internationalization of higher
education in the region, specifically with regard to the recruitment of
international students.
Abstract: Ficus deltoidea from the Moraceae family is a popular
medicinal herb in Malaysia. It possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory
properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory
effects of F. deltoidea extract on UVB-irradiated HaCaT
Keratinocytes were investigated. HaCaT Keratinocytes were UVBirradiated
(12.5 mJ/cm3) and were treated with 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% of
F. deltoidea extract. Cell viability following UVB irradiation was
significantly higher in the groups treated with the F. deltoidea extract
at doses of 0.05, 0.08 or 0.1% than in control group with UVB
irradiation only. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α
(IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) play
primary roles in the inflammation process upon UV irradiation and
are known to be stimulated by UVB irradiation. Treatment with the
F. deltoidea extract dramatically inhibited the UV-induced TNF-α,
IL-1α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the F.
deltoidea extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and may be an effective protective agent for the treatment
of skin diseases.
Abstract: This entry concerned with dense silica bricks
microstructure was produced as a part of a project within the
Technology Agency of the Czech Republic which is being
implemented in cooperation of the biggest producer of refractories
the P-D Refractories CZ company with the research organisation
Brno University of Technology. The paper is focused on the
influence of mixture homogenisation and the influence of grain size
of the mineraliser on the resulting utility properties of the material as
well as its microstructure. It has a decisive influence on the durability
of the material in a building structure. This paper is a continuation of
a previously published study dealing with the suitability of various
types of mineralising agents in terms of density, strength and mineral
composition of silica brick.
The entry describes the influence of the method of mixture
homogenisation and the influence of granulometry of the applied Femineralising
agent on the resulting silica microstructure. Porosity,
density, phase composition and microstructure of the experimentally
prepared silica bricks samples were examined and the results were
discussed in context with the technology of homogenisation and
firing temperature used. The properties of silica bricks samples were
compared to the sample without any Fe-mineraliser.
Abstract: A circularly polarized fractal boundary microstrip
antenna is presented. The sides of a square patch along x- axis, yaxis
are replaced with Minkowski and Koch curves correspondingly.
By using the fractal curves as edges, asymmetry in the structure is
created to excite two orthogonal modes for circular polarization (CP)
operation. The indentation factors of the fractal curves are optimized
for pure CP. The simulated results of the novel polyfractal antenna
are demonstrated.
Abstract: Rice straw pellets are a promising fuel as a renewable
energy source. Financial analysis is needed to make a utilization
system using rise straw pellets financially feasible, considering all
regional conditions including stakeholders related to the collection and
storage, production, transportation and heat utilization. We conducted
the financial analysis of feasibility for a heat utilization system using
rice straw pellets which has been developed for the first time in
Nanporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Especially, we attempted to clarify the
effect of factors required for the system to be financial feasibility, such
as the heating energy demand and collection and storage method of
rice straw. The financial feasibility was found to improve when
increasing the heating energy demand and collecting wheat straw in
August separately from collection of rice straw in November because
the costs of storing rice straw and producing pellets were reduced.
However, the system remained financially unfeasible. This study
proposed a contractor program funded by a subsidy from Nanporo
local government where a contracted company, instead of farmers,
collects and transports rice straw in order to ensure the financial
feasibility of the system, contributing to job creation in the region.
Abstract: Cognitive Radio is a turning out technology that
empowers viable usage of the spectrum. Energy Detector-based
Sensing is the most broadly utilized spectrum sensing strategy.
Besides, it's a lot of generic as receivers doesn't would like any
information on the primary user's signals, channel data, of even the
sort of modulation. This paper puts forth the execution of energy
detection sensing for AM (Amplitude Modulated) signal at 710 KHz,
FM (Frequency Modulated) signal at 103.45 MHz (local station
frequency), Wi-Fi signal at 2.4 GHz and WiMAX signals at 6 GHz.
The OFDM/OFDMA based WiMAX physical layer with
convolutional channel coding is actualized utilizing USRP N210
(Universal Software Radio Peripheral) and GNU Radio based
Software Defined Radio (SDR). Test outcomes demonstrated the
BER (Bit Error Rate) augmentation with channel noise and BER
execution is dissected for different Eb/N0 (the energy per bit to noise
power spectral density ratio) values.
Abstract: In order to efficiently solve the problems created by the deepening energy crisis affecting Europe and the world,
governments cannot neglect the opportunities of using the energy
produced by sun collectors. In many of the EU countries there are sun
collectors producing heat energy, e.g. in 2011 in the area of EU27
(countries which belong to European Union) + Switzerland altogether
37519126 m2 were operated, which are capable of producing 26.3
GWh heat energy. The energy produced by these sun collectors is
utilized at the place of production. In the near future governments
will have to focus more on spreading and using sun collectors.
Among the complex problems of operating sun collectors, this article
deals with determining the optimal tilt angle, directions of sun
collectors. We evaluate the contamination of glass surface of sun
collector to the produced energy. Our theoretically results are confirmed by laboratory measurements. The purpose of our work is to help users and engineers in determination of optimal operation
parameters of sun collectors.
Abstract: Access control is one of the most challenging issues
facing information security. Access control is defined as, the ability to
permit or deny access to a particular computational resource or digital
information by an unauthorized user or subject. The concept of usage
control (UCON) has been introduced as a unified approach to capture a
number of extensions for access control models and systems. In
UCON, an access decision is determined by three factors:
authorizations, obligations and conditions. Attribute mutability and
decision continuity are two distinct characteristics introduced by
UCON for the first time. An observation of UCON components
indicates that, the components are predefined and static. In this paper,
we propose a new and flexible model of usage control for the creation
and elimination of some of these components; for example new
objects, subjects, attributes and integrate these with the original
UCON model. We also propose a model for concurrent usage
scenarios in UCON.
Abstract: The article demonstrates on a case study how it is
possible to identify MSD risk. It is based on a dissertation Risk
identification model of occupational diseases formation in relation to
the work activity that determines what risk can endanger workers who
are exposed to the specific risk factors. It is evaluated based on
statistical calculations. These risk factors are main cause of upperextremities
musculoskeletal disorders.
Abstract: This research is aimed to develop the online-class
scheduling management system and improve as a complex problem
solution, this must take into consideration in various conditions and
factors. In addition to the number of courses, the number of students
and a timetable to study, the physical characteristics of each class
room and regulations used in the class scheduling must also be taken
into consideration. This system is developed to assist management in
the class scheduling for convenience and efficiency. It can provide
several instructors to schedule simultaneously. Both lecturers and
students can check and publish a timetable and other documents
associated with the system online immediately. It is developed in a
web-based application. PHP is used as a developing tool. The
database management system was MySQL. The tool that is used for
efficiency testing of the system is questionnaire. The system was
evaluated by using a Black-Box testing. The sample was composed
of 2 groups: 5 experts and 100 general users. The average and the
standard deviation of results from the experts were 3.50 and 0.67.
The average and the standard deviation of results from the general
users were 3.54 and 0.54. In summary, the results from the research
indicated that the satisfaction of users were in a good level.
Therefore, this system could be implemented in an actual workplace
and satisfy the users’ requirement effectively.
Abstract: A simple, accurate and precise direct spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of cefixime in tablets and capsules. The method is based on the reaction of cefixime with a mixture of potassium iodide and potassium iodate to form yellow coloured product in ethanol-distilled water medium at room temperature which absorbed maximally at 352 nm. The factors affecting the reaction product were carefully studied and optimized. The validation parameters based on International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH, USA) guidelines were followed. The effect of common excipients used as additives has been tested and the tolerance limit was calculated for the determination of cefixime. Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 4 – 24 ug mL-1 with apparent molar absorptivity of 1.52 × 104 L mol-1cm-1 and Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.033 ug/cm2/ 0.001 absorbance unit. The limits of detection and quantitation for the proposed method are 0.32 and 1.06 ug mL-1, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations. The results obtained by the proposed method were statistically compared with the reference method using t- and F- values and found no significant difference between the two methods. The proposed method can be used as an alternate method for routine quality control analysis of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations.
Abstract: This paper explores competencies that managers of
small firms in Ghana use to enhance operational flexibility towards
the attainment of higher productivity. This is because the requisite
competence required of such managers to be effective performers
continues to be a challenge. Data was collected from managers of
three hundred small firms using a standardized self-completion
questionnaire and analyzed using the Amos-based structural equation
model approach. Findings from factor and confirmatory factor
analyses showed that the only competence exhibited by managers
toward effective performance is realistic practices evident at the
workplace. It is concluded that a manager’s self-confidence and
involvement in areas that he/she is good at, and his/her possession of
skills that enables performance at high capacity are indications of the
manger’s effectiveness. The study outcome provides a knowledge
base helpful to policy-makers, especially in Ghana, in determining
the requisite managerial competences required by small firm
managers for effective performance.
Abstract: Nowadays, the amounts of companies which tend to
have an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application are
increasing. Although ERP projects are expensive, time consuming,
and complex, there are some successful experiences. These days,
developing countries are striving to implement ERP projects
successfully; however, there are many obstacles. Therefore, these
projects would be failed or partially failed. This paper concerns the
implementation of a successful ERP implementation, IFS, in Iran at
Dana Geophysics Company (DGC). After a short review of ERP and
ERP market in Iran, we propose a three phases deployment
methodology (phase 1: Preparation and Business Process
Management (BPM) phase 2: implementation and phase 3: testing,
golive-1 (pilot) and golive-2 (final)). Then, we present five guidelines
(Project Management, Change Management, Business Process
Management (BPM), Training& Knowledge Management, and
Technical Management), which were chose as work streams. In this
case study we present lessons learned in Project management and
Business process Management.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to identify
factors and conditions that motivated and encouraged students
towards the math class and the factors that made this class an
attractive and lovely one. To do this end, questionnaires consisting of
15 questions were distributed among 85 math teachers working in
schools of Zahedan. Having collected and reviewed these
questionnaires, it was shown that doing activity in math class
(activity of students while teaching) and previous math teachers'
behaviors have had much impact on encouraging the students
towards mathematics. Separation of educational classroom of
mathematics from the main classroom (which is decorated with crafts
created by students themselves with regard to math book including
article, wall newspaper, figures and formulas), peers, size and
appearance of math book, first grade teachers in each educational
level, among whom the Elementary first grade teachers had more
importance and impact, were among the most influential and
important factors in this regard. Then, school environment, family,
conducting research related to mathematics, its application in daily
life and other courses and studying the history of mathematics were
categorized as important factors that would increase the students’
interest in mathematics.
Abstract: The reduction of greenhouse gases emissions is highly
discussed ecological theme at present. In addition to power industry
also main production sectors of binders, i.e. cement, air and hydraulic
lime are very sensitive to these questions. One of the possibilities
how CO2 emissions can be reduced directly at clinker burnout is
represented by partial substitution of lime with a material containing
limy ions at absence of carbonate group. Fluidised fly ash is one of
such potential raw materials where CaO can be found free and also
bound in anhydrite, CaSO4. At application of FBC (fluidized bed
combustion) fly ash with approximate 20% CaO content and its
dosing ratio to high percent lime 1:2, corresponding stechiometrically
to the preparation of raw material powder, approximately 0,37 t CO2
per 1 ton of one-component cement would be released at clinker
burnout compared to 0,46 t CO2 when orthodox raw materials are
used. The reduction of CO2 emissions thus could reach even 20%.
Abstract: Kinematic data wisely correlate vector quantities in
space to scalar parameters in time to assess the degree of symmetry
between the intact limb and the amputated limb with respect to a
normal model derived from the gait of control group participants.
Furthermore, these particular data allow a doctor to preliminarily
evaluate the usefulness of a certain rehabilitation therapy.
Kinetic curves allow the analysis of ground reaction forces (GRFs)
to assess the appropriateness of human motion.
Electromyography (EMG) allows the analysis of the fundamental
lower limb force contributions to quantify the level of gait
asymmetry. However, the use of this technological tool is expensive
and requires patient’s hospitalization. This research work suggests
overcoming the above limitations by applying artificial neural
networks.
Abstract: With demand for primary energy continuously
growing, search for renewable and efficient energy sources has been
high on agenda of our society. One of the most promising energy
sources is biogas technology. Residues coming from dairy industry
and milk processing could be used in biogas production; however,
low efficiency and high cost impede wide application of such
technology. One of the main problems is management and conversion
of organic residues through the anaerobic digestion process which is
characterized by acidic environment due to the low whey pH (
Abstract: In development of floating photovoltaic generation
system, finding a suitable place of installation is as important as
development of economically feasible and stable structure. Especially
since floating photovoltaic system has its facility floating on water
surface, it is extremely important to review the effects of weather
conditions such as wind, water flow and floating matters, various
factors (such as fogs) that can reduce generation efficiency, possibility
of connection with power system, and legal restrictions. The method of
investigating suitable area and resource for development of
tracking-type floating photovoltaic generation system was proposed in
this paper, which can be used for development of floating and ocean
photovoltaic system in the future.