Abstract: This paper presents a simplified version of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) - a conventional approach to evaluating the performance and ranking of competitive objects characterized by two groups of factors acting in opposite directions: inputs and outputs. DEA with a Perfect Object (DEA PO) augments the group of actual objects with a virtual Perfect Object - the one having greatest outputs and smallest inputs. It allows for obtaining an explicit analytical solution and making a step to an absolute efficiency. This paper develops this approach further and introduces a DEA model with Partially Perfect Objects. DEA PPO consecutively eliminates the smallest relative inputs or greatest relative outputs, and applies DEA PO to the reduced collections of indicators. The partial efficiency scores are combined to get the weighted efficiency score. The computational scheme remains simple, like that of DEA PO, but the advantage of the DEA PPO is taking into account all of the inputs and outputs for each actual object. Firm evaluation is considered as an example.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to estimate realistic
principal extrusion process parameters by means of artificial neural
network. Conventionally, finite element analysis is used to derive
process parameters. However, the finite element analysis of the
extrusion model does not consider the manufacturing process
constraints in its modeling. Therefore, the process parameters
obtained through such an analysis remains highly theoretical.
Alternatively, process development in industrial extrusion is to a
great extent based on trial and error and often involves full-size
experiments, which are both expensive and time-consuming. The
artificial neural network-based estimation of the extrusion process
parameters prior to plant execution helps to make the actual extrusion
operation more efficient because more realistic parameters may be
obtained. And so, it bridges the gap between simulation and real
manufacturing execution system. In this work, a suitable neural
network is designed which is trained using an appropriate learning
algorithm. The network so trained is used to predict the
manufacturing process parameters.
Abstract: Software Development Risks Identification (SDRI),
using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), is a proposed technique to identify
not only the risk factors but also the causes of the appearance of the
risk factors in software development life cycle. The method is based
on analyzing the probable causes of software development failures
before they become problems and adversely affect a project. It uses
Fault tree analysis (FTA) to determine the probability of a particular
system level failures that are defined by A Taxonomy for Sources of
Software Development Risk to deduce failure analysis in which an
undesired state of a system by using Boolean logic to combine a
series of lower-level events. The major purpose of this paper is to use
the probabilistic calculations of Fault Tree Analysis approach to
determine all possible causes that lead to software development risk
occurrence
Abstract: Software estimation accuracy is among the greatest
challenges for software developers. This study aimed at building and
evaluating a neuro-fuzzy model to estimate software projects
development time. The forty-one modules developed from ten
programs were used as dataset. Our proposed approach is compared
with fuzzy logic and neural network model and Results show that the
value of MMRE (Mean of Magnitude of Relative Error) applying
neuro-fuzzy was substantially lower than MMRE applying fuzzy
logic and neural network.
Abstract: Conventionally the selection of parameters depends
intensely on the operator-s experience or conservative technological
data provided by the EDM equipment manufacturers that assign
inconsistent machining performance. The parameter settings given by
the manufacturers are only relevant with common steel grades. A
single parameter change influences the process in a complex way.
Hence, the present research proposes artificial neural network (ANN)
models for the prediction of surface roughness on first commenced
Ti-15-3 alloy in electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The
proposed models use peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time and
servo voltage as input parameters. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) with
three hidden layer feedforward networks are applied. An assessment
is carried out with the models of distinct hidden layer. Training of the
models is performed with data from an extensive series of
experiments utilizing copper electrode as positive polarity. The
predictions based on the above developed models have been verified
with another set of experiments and are found to be in good
agreement with the experimental results. Beside this they can be
exercised as precious tools for the process planning for EDM.
Abstract: Through the time, the higher education has changed
the learning system since mother tongue to bilingual, and in this new
century has been coming develop a multilingual education. All as
part of globalization process of the countries and the education.
Nevertheless, this change only has been effectively in countries of the
first world, the rest have been lagging. Therefore, these countries
require strengthen their higher education systems through models that
give way to multilingual and bilingual education. In this way, shows
a new model adapted from a systemic form to allow a higher
bilingual and multilingual education in Latin America. This
systematization aims to increase the skills and competencies
student’s, decrease the time learning of a second tongue, add to
multilingualism in the American Latin Universities, also, contribute
to position the region´s countries in a better global status, and
stimulate the development of new research in this area.
Abstract: The inherent iterative nature of product design and development poses significant challenge to reduce the product design and development time (PD). In order to shorten the time to market, organizations have adopted concurrent development where multiple specialized tasks and design activities are carried out in parallel. Iterative nature of work coupled with the overlap of activities can result in unpredictable time to completion and significant rework. Many of the products have missed the time to market window due to unanticipated or rather unplanned iteration and rework. The iterative and often overlapped processes introduce greater amounts of ambiguity in design and development, where the traditional methods and tools of project management provide less value. In this context, identifying critical metrics to understand the iteration probability is an open research area where significant contribution can be made given that iteration has been the key driver of cost and schedule risk in PD projects. Two important questions that the proposed study attempts to address are: Can we predict and identify the number of iterations in a product development flow? Can we provide managerial insights for a better control over iteration? The proposal introduces the concept of decision points and using this concept intends to develop metrics that can provide managerial insights into iteration predictability. By characterizing the product development flow as a network of decision points, the proposed research intends to delve further into iteration probability and attempts to provide more clarity.
Abstract: research goal was to determine the expression levels cDNA of brain embrio at gestation days 10 (GD-10). The Electroforesis DNA results showed that GAPDH, Fibronectin1, Ncam1, Tenascin, Vimentin, Neurofilament heavy, Neurofilament medium and Neurofilament low were 447 bp, 462 bp, 293 bp. 416 bp, 327 bp, 301 bp, 398 bp and 289 bp. Result of real-time RT-PCR on brain Embryo at gestation days 10 showed that the expression of copy gen Fibronectin 36 copies, Ncam 21,708 copies; Tenascin 24,505 copies; Vimentin 538,554 copies; Neurofilament heavy 2,419 copies; Neurofilament medium 92,928 copies; Neurofilament low 125,809 copies. Vimentin expressed gene copies is very high compared with other gene copies. This condition are caused by Vimentin, that contribute to proliferate of brain development. The vimentin role to cell proliferation of brain.
Abstract: Limited competition has been a serious concern in infrastructure procurement. Importantly, however, there are normally a number of potential bidders initially showing interest in proposed projects. This paper focuses on tackling the question why these initially interested bidders fade out. An empirical problem is that no bids of fading-out firms are observable. They could decide not to enter the process at the beginning of the tendering or may be technically disqualified at any point in the selection process. The paper applies the double selection model to procurement data from road development projects in developing countries and shows that competition ends up restricted, because bidders are self-selective and auctioneers also tend to limit participation depending on the size of contracts.Limited competition would likely lead to high infrastructure procurement costs, threatening fiscal sustainability and economic growth.
Abstract: In our current political climate of assessment and
accountability initiatives we are failing to prepare our children for a
participatory role in the creative economy. The field of education is
increasingly falling prey to didactic methodologies which train a
nation of competent test takers, foregoing the opportunity to educate
students to find problems and develop multiple solutions. No where is
this more evident than in the area of art education. Due to a myriad of
issues including budgetary shortfalls, time constraints and a general
misconception that anyone who enjoys the arts is capable of teaching
the arts, our students are not developing the skills they require to
become fully literate in critical thinking and creative processing.
Although art integrated curriculum is increasingly being viewed as a
reform strategy for motivating students by offering alternative
presentation of concepts and representation of knowledge acquisition,
misinformed administrators are often excluding the art teacher from
the integration equation. The paper to follow addresses the problem
of the need for divergent thinking and conceptualization in our
schools. Furthermore, this paper explores the role of education, and
specifically, art education in the development of a creatively literate
citizenry.
Abstract: Rapid economic development and population growth
in Malaysia had accelerated the generation of solid waste. This issue
gives pressure for effective management of municipal solid waste
(MSW) to take place in Malaysia due to the increased cost of landfill.
This paper discusses optimal planning of waste-to-energy (WTE)
using a combinatorial simulation and optimization model through
mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach. The proposed
multi-period model is tested in Iskandar Malaysia (IM) as case study
for a period of 12 years (2011 -2025) to illustrate the economic
potential and tradeoffs involved in this study. In this paper, 3
scenarios have been used to demonstrate the applicability of the
model: (1) Incineration scenario (2) Landfill scenario (3) Optimal
scenario. The model revealed that the minimum cost of electricity
generation from 9,995,855 tonnes of MSW is estimated as USD
387million with a total electricity generation of 50MW /yr in the
optimal scenario.
Abstract: The present study aims to explore the role of parents'
ethnic socialization practices contributes to the ethnic identity
development, self-esteem and psychological adjustment of multi
ethnic children in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 342 multi ethnic
children (age range = 10 years old to 14 years old; mean age = 12.65
years, SD = 0.88) and their parents participated in the present study.
The modified version of Multi group Ethnic Identity Measure
(MEIM), The Familial Ethnic Socialization Measure (FESM). The
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and Behavioral and Emotional
Rating Scale Edition 2 (BERS-2) were used in this study. The results
showed that: i) parents' ethnic socialization practice was a strong
predictor of ethnic identity development of multi ethnic children; ii)
parents' ethnic socialization practice also was a significant predictor
of self-esteem of multi ethnic children; iii) parents' ethnic
socialization practice was not a significant predictor of psychological
adjustment of multi ethnic children. The results of this study showed
the implications parents' ethnic socialization practices and ethnic
identity development in successful multi ethnic families.
Abstract: Acid rain occurs when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and
nitrogen oxides (Nox) gases react in the atmosphere with water,
oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. The
result is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Soil has a
greater buffering capacity than aquatic systems. However excessive
amount of acids introduced by acid rains may disturb the entire soil
chemistry. Acidity and harmful action of toxic elements damage
vegetation while susceptible microbial species are eliminated. In
present study, the effects of simulated sulphuric acid and nitric acid
rains were investigated on crop Glycine max. The effect of acid rain
on change in soil fertility was detected in which pH of control sample
was 6.5 and pH of 1%H2SO4 and 1%HNO3 were 3.5. Nitrogen nitrate
in soil was high in 1% HNO3 treated soil & Control sample.
Ammonium nitrogen in soil was low in 1% HNO3 & H2SO4 treated
soil. Ammonium nitrogen was medium in control and other samples.
The effect of acid rain on seed germination on 3rd day of germination
control sample growth was 7 cm, 0.1% HNO3 was 8cm, and 0.001%
HNO3 & 0.001% H2SO4 was 6cm each. On 10th day fungal growth
was observed in 1% and 0.1%H2SO4 concentrations, when all plants
were dead. The effect of acid rain on crop productivity was
investigated on 3rd day roots were developed in plants. On12th day
Glycine max showed more growth in 0.1% HNO3, 0.001% HNO3 and
0.001% H2SO4 treated plants growth were same as compare to control
plants. On 20th day development of discoloration of plant pigments
were observed on acid treated plants leaves. On 38th day, 0.1, 0.001%
HNO3 and 0.1, 0.001% H2SO4 treated plants and control plants were
showing flower growth. On 42th day, acid treated Glycine max variety
and control plants were showed seeds on plants. In Glycine max
variety 0.1, 0.001% H2SO4, 0.1, 0.001% HNO3 treated plants were
dead on 46th day and fungal growth was observed. The toxicological
study was carried out on Glycine max plants exposed to 1% HNO3
cells were damaged more than 1% H2SO4. Leaf sections exposed to
0.001% HNO3 & H2SO4 showed less damaged of cells and
pigmentation observed in entire slide when compare with control
plant. The soil analysis was done to find microorganisms in HNO3 &
H2SO4 treated Glycine max and control plants. No microorganism
growth was observed in 1% HNO3 & H2SO4 but control plant showed
microbial growth.
Abstract: The development of Web has affected different aspects of our lives, such as communication, sharing knowledge, searching for jobs, social activities, etc. The web portal as a gateway in the World Wide Web is a starting point for people who are connecting to the Internet. The web portal as the type of knowledge management system provides a rich space to share and search information as well as communication services like free email or content provision for the users. This research aims to discover the university needs to the web portal as a necessary tool for students in the universities to help them in getting the required information. A survey was conducted to gather students' requirements which can be incorporated in to portal to be developed.
Abstract: Prior to 1975, women in Laos suffered from having
reduced levels of power over decision-making in their families and in
their communities. This has had a negative impact on their ability to
develop their own identities. Their roles were identified as being
responsible for household activities and making preparations for their
marriage. Many women lost opportunities to get educated and access
the outdoor work that might have empowered them to improve their
situations. So far, no accurate figures of either emigrants or return
migrants have been compiled but it appears that most of them were
women, and it was women who most and more frequently remitted
money home. However, very few recent studies have addressed the
relationship between remittances and the roles of women in Laos.
This study, therefore, aims at redressing to some extent the
deficiencies in knowledge. Qualitative techniques were used to gather
data, including individual in-depth interviews and direct observation
in combination with the content analysis method. Forty women in
Vientiane Municipality and Savannakhet province were individually
interviewed. It was found that the monetary remittance was typically
used for family security and well-being; on fungible activities; on
economic and business activities; and on community development,
especially concerning hospitality and providing daily household
necessities. Remittances played important roles in improving many
respondents- livelihoods and positively changed their identities in
families and communities. Women became empowered as they were
able to start commercial businesses, rather than taking care of (just)
housework, children and elders. Interviews indicated that 92.5% of
the respondents their quality of lives improved, 90% felt happier in
their families and 82.5% felt conflicts in their families were reduced.
Abstract: Heat pipes are used to control the thermal problem for
electronic cooling. It is especially difficult to dissipate heat to a heat
sink in an environment in space compared to earth. For solving this
problem, in this study, the Poiseuille (Po) number, which is the main
measure of the performance of a heat pipe, is studied by CFD; then, the
heat pipe performance is verified with experimental results. A heat
pipe is then fabricated for a spatial environment, and an in-house code
is developed. Further, a heat pipe subsystem, which consists of a heat
pipe, MLI (Multi Layer Insulator), SSM (Second Surface Mirror), and
radiator, is tested and correlated with the TMM (Thermal
Mathematical Model) through a commercial code. The correlation
results satisfy the 3K requirement, and the generated thermal model is
verified for application to a spatial environment.
Abstract: Bendability is constrained by maximum top roller
load imparting capacity of the machine. Maximum load is
encountered during the edge pre-bending stage of roller bending.
Capacity of 3-roller plate bending machine is specified by
maximum thickness and minimum shell diameter combinations that
can be pre-bend for given plate material of maximum width.
Commercially available plate width or width of the plate that can be
accommodated on machine decides the maximum rolling width.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) provide the machine
capacity chart based on reference material considering perfectly
plastic material model. Reported work shows the bendability analysis
of heavy duty 3-roller plate bending machine. The input variables for
the industry are plate thickness, shell diameter and material property
parameters, as it is fixed by the design. Analytical models of
equivalent thickness, equivalent width and maximum width based on
power law material model were derived to study the bendability.
Equation of maximum width provides bendability for designed
configuration i.e. material property, shell diameter and thickness
combinations within the machine limitations. Equivalent thicknesses
based on perfectly plastic and power law material model were
compared for four different materials grades of C-Mn steel in order
to predict the bend-ability. Effect of top roller offset on the
bendability at maximum top roller load imparting capacity is
reported.
Abstract: Route bus system is one of fundamental transportation device for aged people and students, and has an important role in every province. However, passengers decrease year by year, therefore the authors have developed the system called "Bus-Net" as a web application to sustain the public transport. But there are two problems in Bus-Net. One is the user interface that does not consider the variety of the device, and the other is the path planning system that dose not correspond to the on-demand bus. Then, Bus-Net was improved to be able to utilize the variety of the device, and a new function corresponding to the on-demand bus was developed.
Abstract: Kish Islands in South of Iran is located in coastal
water near Hormozgan Province. Based on the wind 3-hour statistics
in Kish station, the mean annual windspeed in this Island is 8.6 knot
(4.3 m/s). The maximum windspeed recorded in this stations 47 knot
(23.5 m/s). In 45.7 percent of recorded times, windspeed has been
Zero or less than 8 knot which is not suitable to use the wind energy.
But in 54.3 percent of recorded times, windspeed has been more than
8 knot and suitable to use wind energy to run turbines. In 40.2
percent of recorded times, windspeed has been between 8 to 16 knot,
in 13 percent of times between 16 to 24 knot and in 1 percent of
times it has been higher than 24 knot. In this station, the direction of
winds higher than 8 is west and wind direction in Kish station is
stable in most times of the year.With regard to high – speed and
stable direction winds during the year and also shallow coasts near
this is land, it is possible to build offshore wind farms near Kish
Island and utilize wind energy produce the electricity required in this
Island during most of the year.
Abstract: This work represents the first review paper to explore the relationship between perfectionistic personality and borderline personality organization. The developmental origins, identity diffusion, interpersonal difficulties, and defense mechanisms that are common to both borderline personality and the interpersonal components of perfectionism are explored, and existing research on perfectionism and borderline personality is reviewed. The importance of the link between perfectionism and borderline features is discussed in terms of its contribution to the conceptual understanding of personality pathology as well as to applied clinical practices.