Abstract: The phased-array ultrasound transducer types are
utilities for medical ultrasonography as well as optical imaging.
However, their discontinuity characteristic limits the applications due
to the artifacts contaminated into the reconstructed images. Because
of the effects of the ultrasound pressure field pattern to the echo
ultrasonic waves as well as the optical modulated signal, the side
lobes of the focused ultrasound beam induced by discontinuity of the
phased-array ultrasound transducer might the reason of the artifacts.
In this paper, a simple method in approach of numerical simulation
was used to investigate the limitation of discontinuity of the elements
in phased-array ultrasound transducer and their effects to the
ultrasound pressure field. Take into account the change of ultrasound
pressure field patterns in the conditions of variation of the pitches
between elements of the phased-array ultrasound transducer, the
appropriated parameters for phased-array ultrasound transducer
design were asserted quantitatively.
Abstract: Multispectral screening systems are becoming more
popular because of their very interesting properties and applications.
One of the most significant applications of multispectral screening
systems is prevention of terrorist attacks. There are many kinds of
threats and many methods of detection. Visual detection of objects
hidden under clothing of a person is one of the most challenging
problems of threats detection. There are various solutions of the
problem; however, the most effective utilize multispectral
surveillance imagers. The development of imaging devices and
exploration of new spectral bands is a chance to introduce new
equipment for assuring public safety. We investigate the possibility
of long lasting detection of potentially dangerous objects covered
with various types of clothing. In the article we present the results of
comparative studies of passive imaging in three spectrums – visible,
infrared and terahertz.
Abstract: The objectives of this study is to investigate the
existence of the sticky cost behavior of firms listed in the Indonesia
Stock Exchange (IDX) and to find evidence on the effects of sticky
operating expenses (SG&A expenses) on profitability of firms. For
the first objective, this study finds that the sticky cost behavior does
exist. For the second objective, this study finds that the stickier the
operating expenses the lesser future profitability of the firms. This
study concludes that sticky cost affects negatively to the performance
and, therefore, firms should include flexibility in designing the cost
structure of their firms.
Abstract: Kuosheng nuclear power plant (NPP) is a BWR/6 type
NPP and located on the northern coast of Taiwan. First, Kuosheng
NPP TRACE model were developed in this research. In order to assess
the system response of Kuosheng NPP TRACE model, startup tests
data were used to evaluate Kuosheng NPP TRACE model. Second, the
overpressurization transient analysis of Kuosheng NPP TRACE model
was performed. Besides, in order to confirm the mechanical property
and integrity of fuel rods, FRAPTRAN analysis was also performed in
this study.
Abstract: Bone properties and response behavior after static or
dynamic activation (loading) are still interesting topics in many fields
of the science especially in the biomechanical problems such as bone
loss of astronauts in space, osteoporosis, bone remodeling after
fracture or remodeling after surgery (endoprosthesis and implants)
and in osteointegration. This contribution deals with the relation
between physiological, demineralized and deproteinized state of the
turkey long bone – tibia. Three methods for comparison were used: 1)
densitometry, 2) three point bending and 3) frequency analysis. The
main goal of this work was to describe the decrease of the protein
(collagen) or mineral of the bone with relation to the fracture in three
point bending. The comparison is linked to the problem of different
bone mechanical behavior in physiological and osteoporotic state.
Abstract: Stochastic User Equilibrium (SUE) model is a widely
used traffic assignment model in transportation planning, which is
regarded more advanced than Deterministic User Equilibrium (DUE)
model. However, a problem exists that the performance of the SUE
model depends on its error term parameter. The objective of this
paper is to propose a systematic method of determining the
appropriate error term parameter value for the SUE model. First, the
significance of the parameter is explored through a numerical
example. Second, the parameter calibration method is developed
based on the Logit-based route choice model. The calibration process
is realized through multiple nonlinear regression, using sequential
quadratic programming combined with least square method. Finally,
case analysis is conducted to demonstrate the application of the
calibration process and validate the better performance of the SUE
model calibrated by the proposed method compared to the SUE
models under other parameter values and the DUE model.
Abstract: The North-eastern part of India, which receives
heavier rainfall than other parts of the subcontinent, is of great
concern now-a-days with regard to climate change. High intensity
rainfall for short duration and longer dry spell, occurring due to
impact of climate change, affects river morphology too. In the present
study, an attempt is made to delineate the North-eastern region of
India into some homogeneous clusters based on the Fuzzy Clustering
concept and to compare the resulting clusters obtained by using
conventional methods and nonconventional methods of clustering.
The concept of clustering is adapted in view of the fact that, impact
of climate change can be studied in a homogeneous region without
much variation, which can be helpful in studies related to water
resources planning and management. 10 IMD (Indian Meteorological
Department) stations, situated in various regions of the North-east,
have been selected for making the clusters. The results of the Fuzzy
C-Means (FCM) analysis show different clustering patterns for
different conditions. From the analysis and comparison it can be
concluded that nonconventional method of using GCM data is
somehow giving better results than the others. However, further
analysis can be done by taking daily data instead of monthly means to
reduce the effect of standardization.
Abstract: The Port of Townsville conducts regular annual
maintenance dredging to maintain depths of its harbor basin and
approach channels for the navigational safety of the vessels against
the natural accumulation of marine sediments. In addition to the
regular maintenance dredging, the port undertakes emergency
dredging in cases where large quantities of sediments are mobilized
and deposited in port waters by cyclone or major flood events. The
maintenance dredging material derived from the port may be
disposed at sea or on land in accordance with relevant state and
commonwealth regulations. For the land disposal, the dredged mud
slurry is hydraulically placed into containment ponds and left to
undergo sedimentation and self-weight consolidation to form fill
material for land reclamation. This paper provides an overview of the
maintenance dredging at the Port of Townsville and emphasis on
maintenance dredging requirements, sediment quality, bathymetry,
dredging methods used, and dredged material disposal options.
Abstract: The purpose of the present work is to review some
data for the management challenges that the aquaculture industry in
Greece is currently facing. The results indicate that Greek
aquaculture fish farms apply Human Resources Management (HRM)
practices which can increase motivation, commitment and job
satisfaction of their personnel. In turn, these practices can increase
the productivity of the business. The Greek fish farms appear to
invest in research and technological innovation with a good record in
research activities and the generation of patents. Interestingly, the
results of the present work were carried out during the period of the
recent economic crisis in Greece. Several sectors of the Greek
economy were severely affected by the financial problems of the
Greek government and the Greek banks. Under the adverse
economical conditions created by the Greek economic crisis, even the
Greek aquaculture industry, which historically is considered as a
thriving national exporting business sector, experienced harsh
economic and market conditions. As a result of the global, European
and national economic crisis, consumption of fish dropped while
companies had to hold most of their stocked fish in order to regulated
the flow to the market and the price. This occurred at a time where
Banks in Greece had their own financial crisis – banking crisis -
which resulted in limited access to lending for the all business sectors
of the national economy including the Greek aquaculture industry. In
spite of these economic conditions, the Greek aquaculture industry,
after a series of mergers and acquisitions, has now stabilized
production and exhibits very good prospects for future growth.
Evidently, the firms had to cut salaries and on some occasions even
pay their staff in arrears. Nevertheless, the results presented in this
paper indicate that during the economic crisis, the surveyed fish
farms maintained their HRM practices, investing in their human
capital and technological input. In fact, human capital and
technological input are the ticket for future success of companies in
any business sector.
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the diversity and
abundance of shorebird species habituating the mudflat area of Jeram
Beach and Remis Beach, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Direct
observation technique (using binoculars and video camera) was
applied to record the presence of bird species in the sampling sites
from August 2013 until July 2014. A total of 32 species of shorebird
were recorded during both migratory and non-migratory seasons. Of
these, eleven species (48%) are migrants, six species (26%) have both
migrant and resident populations, four species (17%) are vagrants and
two species (9%) are residents. The compositions of the birds
differed significantly in all months (χ2 = 84.35, p < 0.001). There is a
significant difference in avian abundance between migratory and
non-migratory seasons (Mann-Whitney, t = 2.39, p = 0.036). The
avian abundance were differed significantly in Jeram and Remis
Beaches during migratory periods (t = 4.39, p = 0.001) but not during
non-migratory periods (t = 0.78, p = 0.456). Shorebird diversity was
also affected by tidal cycle. There is a significance difference
between high tide and low tide (Mann-Whitney, t = 78.0, p < 0.005).
Frequency of disturbance also affected the shorebird distribution
(Mann-Whitney, t = 57.0, p = 0.0134). Therefore, this study
concluded that tides and disturbances are two factors that affecting
temporal distribution of shorebird in mudflats area.
Abstract: This research aims to investigate callus induction,
somatic embryogenesis and indirect plant regeneration of Crassula
ovata (Mill.) Druce – the famous ornamental plant. Experiment no.1:
Callus induction was obtained from leaf and stem explants on
Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various plant
growth regulators (PGRs). Effects of different PGRs, plant
regeneration and subsequent plantlet conversion were also assessed.
Indirect plant regeneration was achieved from the callus of stem
explants by the addition of 1.5 mg/L Kinetin (KN) alone. Best shoot
induction was achieved (6.5 shoots/per explant) after 60 days. For
successful rooting, regenerated plantlets were sub-cultured on the
same MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg/L KN alone. The rooted
plantlets were acclimatized and the survival rate was 90%.
Experiment no.2: Results revealed that 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D alone and in
combination with 1.0 mg/L 6-Benzyladenine (BA) gave 89.8% callus
from the stem explants as compared to leaf explants. Callus
proliferation and somatic embryo formation were also evaluated by
‘Double Staining Method’ and different stages of somatic
embryogenesis were revealed by scanning electron microscope. Full
Strength MS medium produced the highest number (49.6%) of
cotyledonary stage somatic embryos (SEs). Mature cotyledonary
stage SEs developed into plantlets after 12 weeks of culture. Wellrooted
plantlets were successfully acclimatized at the survival rate of
85%. Indirectly regenerated plants did not show any detectable
variation in morphological and growth characteristics when
compared with the donor plant.
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of
Garlic and Chili combination solution on control of insect pests in
cabbage crop. The solution was sprayed at different intervals after
transplanting. The efficiency of Garlic and chili combination solution
on cabbage insect pests was measured. Results revealed that Garlic
and chili combination solution was the effectively reduced cabbage
insect pests. On other hand, the spray solution not only reduced the
number of days required for the cabbage growth but also greatly
enhanced the leaf number, head diameter, head weight, and quality of
cabbage. Garlic and chili combination solution have positive effects
on pests reduction and improve growth, yield and quality of cabbage
vegetable.
Abstract: This paper considers the characterization of a complex
electromagnetic environment due to multiple sources of
electromagnetic radiation as a five-dimensional surface which can be
described by a set of several surface sections including: instant EM
field intensity distribution maps at a given frequency and altitude,
instantaneous spectrum at a given location in space and the time
evolution of the electromagnetic field spectrum at a given point in
space. This characterization if done over time can enable the
exposure levels of Radio Frequency Radiation at every point in the
analysis area to be determined and results interpreted based on
comparison of the determined RFR exposure level with the safe
guidelines for general public exposure given by recognized body
such as the International commission on non-ionizing radiation
protection (ICNIRP), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
(IEEE), the National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA).
Abstract: In this paper the effect of wall waviness of side walls
in a two-dimensional wavy enclosure is numerically investigated.
Two vertical wavy walls and straight top wall are kept isothermal and
the bottom wall temperature is higher and spatially varying with
cosinusoidal temperature distribution. A computational code based on
Finite-volume approach is used to solve governing equations and
SIMPLE method is used for pressure velocity coupling. Test is
performed for several different numbers of undulations. The Prandtl
number was kept constant and the Ra number denotes that the flow is
laminar. Temperature and velocity fields are determined. Therefore,
according to the obtained results a correlation is proposed for average
Nusselt number as a function of number of side wall waves. The
results indicate that the Nusselt number is highly affected by number
of waves and increasing it decreases the wavy walls Nusselt number;
although the Nusselt number is not highly affected by surface
waviness when the number of undulations is below one.
Abstract: Age ratings are very helpful in providing parents with
relevant information for the purchase and use of digital technologies
by the children; this is why the non-definition of age ratings for the
use of ICTs by children in schools is a major concern; and this
problem serves as a motivation for this study whose aim is to
examine the factors affecting the perceptions of educators on the
learners’ youngest age for the introduction of ICTs in schools. This
aim is achieved through two types of research objectives: the
identification and design of theories and models on age ratings, and
the empirical testing of such theories and models in a survey of
educators from the Camperdown district of the South African
KwaZulu-Natal province. A questionnaire is used for the collection
of the data of this survey whose validity and reliability is checked in
SPSS prior to its descriptive and correlative quantitative analysis. The
main hypothesis supporting this research is the association between
the demographics of educators, their personality, and their
perceptions on the learners’ youngest age for the introduction of ICTs
in schools; as claimed by existing research; except that the present
study looks at personality from three dimensions: self-actualized
personalities, fully functioning personalities, and healthy
personalities. This hypothesis was fully confirmed by the empirical
study conducted by this research except for the demographic factor
where only the educators’ grade or class was found to be associated
with the personality of educators.
Abstract: reliability-based methodology for the assessment
and evaluation of reinforced concrete (R/C) structural elements of
concrete structures is presented herein. The results of the reliability
analysis and assessment for R/C structural elements were verified by
the results obtained through deterministic methods. The outcomes of
the reliability-based analysis were compared against currently
adopted safety limits that are incorporated in the reliability indices
β’s, according to international standards and codes. The methodology
is based on probabilistic analysis using reliability concepts and
statistics of the main random variables that are relevant to the subject
matter, and for which they are to be used in the performance-function
equation(s) associated with the structural elements under study.
These methodology techniques can result in reliability index β, which
is commonly known as the reliability index or reliability measure
value that can be utilized to assess and evaluate the safety, human
risk, and functionality of the structural component. Also, these
methods can result in revised partial safety factor values for certain
target reliability indices that can be used for the purpose of
redesigning the R/C elements of the building and in which they could
assist in considering some other remedial actions to improve the
safety and functionality of the member.
Abstract: In this study, we develop a performance evaluation
model based on a multi-attribute utility approach aiming at reaching
the sustainable banking (SB) status. This model is built accounting
for various banks’ stakeholders in a win-win paradigm. In addition, it
offers the opportunity for adopting a global measure of performance
as an indication of a bank’s sustainability degree. This measure is
referred to as banking sustainability performance index (BSPI). This
index may constitute a basis for ranking banks. Moreover, it may
constitute a bridge between the assessment types of financial and
extra-financial rating agencies. A real application is performed on
three French banks.
Abstract: Urban greenery remains the bastion of urban
landscape and a key to sustainable development due to its integral
connections to the general health and wellbeing of urban residents.
However, in an era of rapid urbanisation, recent studies indicate that
urban greenery, especially ecologically sensitive areas, in many
African cities is becoming increasingly depleted. Given the scale and
rate of natural and anthropogenic change, effective management of
urban greenery as the ultimate goal of restoring depleting urban
landscapes is urgent. This review advocates for an urban resilience
model to managing urban greenery.
Abstract: Different strategies and tools are available at the oil
and gas industry for detecting and analyzing tension and possible
fractures in borehole walls. Most of these techniques are based on
manual observation of the captured borehole images. While this
strategy may be possible and convenient with small images and few
data, it may become difficult and suitable to errors when big
databases of images must be treated. While the patterns may differ
among the image area, depending on many characteristics (drilling
strategy, rock components, rock strength, etc.). In this work we
propose the inclusion of data-mining classification strategies in order
to create a knowledge database of the segmented curves. These
classifiers allow that, after some time using and manually pointing
parts of borehole images that correspond to tension regions and
breakout areas, the system will indicate and suggest automatically
new candidate regions, with higher accuracy. We suggest the use of
different classifiers methods, in order to achieve different knowledge
dataset configurations.
Abstract: The main aim of this research was to investigate the
perspectives of English language teachers and learners on the effect
of test techniques on reading comprehension, test performance and
assessment. The research has also aimed at finding the differences
between teacher and learner perspectives, specifying the test
techniques which have the highest effect, investigating the other
factors affecting reading comprehension, and comparing the results
with the similar studies. In order to achieve these objectives,
perspectives and findings of different researchers were reviewed, two
different questionnaires were prepared to collect data for the
perspectives of teachers and learners, the questionnaires were applied
to 26 learners and 8 teachers from the University of Batna (Algeria),
and quantitative and qualitative data analysis of the results were
done. The results and analysis of the results show that different test
techniques affect reading comprehension, test performance and
assessment at different percentages rates.