Abstract: Due to reduced stiffness, research on second
generation titanium alloys for implant applications, like the
metastable β-titanium alloy Ti-15Mo, become more and more
important in the recent years. The machinability of these alloys is
generally poor leading to problems during implant production and
comparably large production costs. Therefore, in the present study,
Ti-15Mo was alloyed with 0.8 wt.-% of the rare earth metals
lanthanum (Ti-15Mo+0.8La) and neodymium (Ti-15Mo+0.8Nd) to
improve its machinability. Their microstructure consisted of a
titanium matrix and micrometer-size particles of the rare earth metals
and two of their oxides. The particles stabilized the microstructure as
grain growth was minimized. As especially the ductility might be
affected by the precipitates, the behavior of Ti-15Mo+0.8La and Ti-
15Mo+0.8Nd was investigated during static and dynamic
deformation at elevated temperature to develop a processing route.
The resulting mechanical properties (static strength and ductility)
were similar in all investigated alloys.
Abstract: The aim of the paper was to elaborate a novel calculator BasWilCalc, that allows to estimate the actual amount of biomass on the basket willow plantations. The proposed method is based on the results of field experiment conducted during years 2011-2013 on basket willow plantation in the south-western part of Poland. As input data the results of destructive measurements of the diameter, length and weight of willow stems and non-destructive biometric measurements of diameter in the middle of stems and their length during the growing season performed at weekly intervals were used. Performed analysis enabled to develop the algorithm which, due to the fact that energy plantations are of known and constant planting structure, allows to estimate the actual amount of willow basket biomass on the plantation with a given probability and accuracy specified by the model, based on the number of stems measured and the age of the plantation.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparison of reference
management software between RefWorks and Zotero. The results
were drawn by comparing two software and the novelty of this paper
is the comparative analysis of software and it has shown that
ReftWorks can import more information from the Google Scholar for
the researchers. This finding could help to know researchers to use
the reference management software.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to study of consumer
perception and understanding consumer buying behavior that related
between satisfied and factors affecting the purchasing. Methodology
can be classified between qualitative and quantitative approaches for
the qualitative research were interviews from middlemen who bought
organic vegetables, and middlemen related to production and
marketing system. A questionnaire was utilized as a tool to collect
data. Statistics utilized in this research included frequency,
percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression
analysis. The result show the reason to decision buying motives is
Fresh products of organic vegetables is the most significant factor on
individuals’ income, with a b of –.143, t = –2.470, the price of
organic vegetables is the most significant factor on individuals’
income, with a b of .176, t = 2.561, p value = .011. The results show
that most people with higher income think about the organic products
are expensive and have negative attitudes towards organic vegetable
as individuals with low and medium income level. Therefore,
household income had a significant influence on the purchasing
decision.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to identify factors
that influenced the success of e-commerce implementation within
SMEs businesses. In order to achieve the objectives of this research,
the researcher collected data from random firms in Thailand, both the
users and those who are not using the e-commerce. The data was
comprised of the results of 310 questionnaires, as well as 10
interviews with owner/managers of businesses who are currently
using e-commerce successfully. The data were analyzed by using
descriptive statistics, which included frequency, percentages, mean,
and the standard deviation of pertinent factors. Independent t-test and
one-way ANOVA test were also used. The findings of this research
revealed that 50% of all the firms surveyed had e-commerce website,
whereas, over 20% of all firms surveyed had developing an ecommerce
strategy. The result findings also indicate that
organizational factors, technological factors and environment factors
as significant factors effecting success of e-commerce
implementation in SMEs. From the hypotheses testing, the findings
revealed that the different level of support use ecommerce by
owner/manager had different success in e-commerce implementation.
Moreover, the difference in e-commerce management approach
affected the success in terms of higher total sales for the business or
higher number of retained or returning customers.
Abstract: An anthropometric study applied to 1,115 students of
the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering of the
Autonomous University of California. Thirteen individual
measurements were taken in a sitting position. The results obtained
allow forming a reliable anthropometric database for statistical
studies and analysis and inferences of specific distributions, so the
opinion of experts in occupational medicine recommendations may
emit to reduce risks resulting in an alteration of the vital signs during
the execution of their school activities. Another use of these analyses
is to use them as a reliable reference for future deeper research, to the
design of spaces, tools, utensils, workstations, with anthropometric
dimensions and ergonomic characteristics suitable to use.
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: 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: 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: 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: This paper deals with a simulation programs and
technologies using in the educational process for members of the crisis
management. Risk analysis, simulation, preparation and planning are
among the main activities of workers of crisis management. Made
correctly simulation of emergency defines the extent of the danger. On
this basis, it is possible to effectively prepare and plan measures to
minimize damage. The paper is focused on simulation programs that
are trained at the University of Defence. Implementation of the outputs
from simulation programs in decision-making processes of crisis staffs
is one of the main tasks of the research project.
Abstract: This paper deals with a protection of the national and
European infrastructure. It is issue nowadays. The paper deals with
the perspectives and possibilities of "smart solutions" to critical
infrastructure protection. The research project deals with computers
aided technologies are used from the perspective of new, better
protection of selected infrastructure objects. Protection is focused on
communication and information channels. These communication and
information channels are very important for the functioning of the
system of protection of critical infrastructure elements.
Abstract: In addition to the production, which is already
frequently optimized, improving the distribution logistics also opens
up tremendous potential for increasing an enterprise’s
competitiveness. Here too though, numerous interactions need to be
taken into account, enterprises thus need to be able to identify and
weigh between different potentials for economically efficient
optimizations. In order to be able to assess potentials, enterprises
require a suitable method. This paper first briefly presents the need
for this research before introducing the procedure that will be used to
develop an appropriate method that not only considers interactions
but is also quickly and easily implemented.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparison of the reference
management software between Zotero and Mendeley and the results
were drawn by comparing the two software’s. The novelty of this
paper is the comparative analysis of the software and it has shown
that Mendeley can import more information from the Google Scholar
for the researchers. This finding can help to know researchers to use
the reference management software.
Abstract: A method which allows a diabetic quadriplegic patient
that has had four limb amputations (above the knee and elbow) to
self-administer injections of insulin has been designed. The aim of
this research project is to improve a quadriplegic patient’s selfmanagement,
affected by diabetes, by designing a suitable device for
self-administering insulin.
The quadriplegic patient affected by diabetes has to be able to selfadminister
insulin safely and independently to guarantee stable
healthy conditions. The device also should be designed to adapt to a
number of different varying personal characteristics such as height
and body weight.
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: In this research work, neural networks were applied to
classify two types of hip joint implants based on the relative hip joint
implant side speed and three components of each ground reaction
force. The condition of walking gait at normal velocity was used and
carried out with each of the two hip joint implants assessed. Ground
reaction forces’ kinetic temporal changes were considered in the first
approach followed but discarded in the second one. Ground reaction
force components were obtained from eighteen patients under such
gait condition, half of which had a hip implant type I-II, whilst the
other half had the hip implant, defined as type III by Orthoload®.
After pre-processing raw gait kinetic data and selecting the time
frames needed for the analysis, the ground reaction force components
were used to train a MLP neural network, which learnt to distinguish
the two hip joint implants in the abovementioned condition. Further
to training, unknown hip implant side and ground reaction force
components were presented to the neural networks, which assigned
those features into the right class with a reasonably high accuracy for
the hip implant type I-II and the type III. The results suggest that
neural networks could be successfully applied in the performance
assessment of hip joint implants.
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 (