Abstract: Micro droplet formation is considered as a growing
emerging area of research due to its wide-range application in
chemistry as well as biology. The mechanism of micro droplet
formation using two immiscible liquids running through a T-junction
has been widely studied.
We believe that the flow of these two immiscible phases can be of
greater important factor that could have an impact on out-flow
hydrodynamic behavior, the droplets generated and the size of the
droplets. In this study, the type of the capillary tubes used also
represents another important factor that can have an impact on the
generation of micro droplets.
The tygon capillary tubing with hydrophilic inner surface doesn't
allow regular out-flows due to the fact that the continuous phase
doesn't adhere to the wall of the capillary inner surface.
Teflon capillary tubing, presents better wettability than tygon
tubing, and allows to obtain steady and regular regimes of out-flow,
and the micro droplets are homogeneoussize.
The size of the droplets is directly dependent on the flows of the
continuous and dispersed phases. Thus, as increasing the flow of the
continuous phase, to flow of the dispersed phase stationary, the size
of the drops decreases. Inversely, while increasing the flow of the
dispersed phase, to flow of the continuous phase stationary, the size
of the droplet increases.
Abstract: As communications systems and technology become more advanced and complex, it will be increasingly important to focus on users- individual needs. Personalization and effective user profile management will be necessary to ensure the uptake and success of new services and devices and it is therefore important to focus on the users- requirements in this area and define solutions that meet these requirements. The work on personalization and user profiles emerged from earlier ETSI work on a Universal Communications Identifier (UCI) which is a unique identifier of the user rather than a range of identifiers of the many of communication devices or services (e.g. numbers of fixed phone at home/work, mobile phones, fax and email addresses). This paper describes work on personalization including standardized information and preferences and an architectural framework providing a description of how personalization can be integrated in Next Generation Networks, together with the UCI concept.
Abstract: Existing experiences indicate that one of the most
prominent reasons that some ERP implementations fail is related to
selecting an improper ERP package. Among those important factors
resulting in inappropriate ERP selections, one is to ignore preliminary
activities that should be done before the evaluation of ERP packages.
Another factor yielding these unsuitable selections is that usually
organizations employ prolonged and costly selection processes in
such extent that sometimes the process would never be finalized
or sometimes the evaluation team might perform many key final
activities in an incomplete or inaccurate way due to exhaustion, lack
of interest or out-of-date data. In this paper, a systematic approach
that recommends some activities to be done before and after the
main selection phase is introduced for choosing an ERP package. On
the other hand, the proposed approach has utilized some ideas that
accelerates the selection process at the same time that reduces the
probability of an erroneous final selection.
Abstract: A new method for low complexity image coding is presented, that permits different settings and great scalability in the generation of the final bit stream. This coding presents a continuoustone still image compression system that groups loss and lossless compression making use of finite arithmetic reversible transforms. Both transformation in the space of color and wavelet transformation are reversible. The transformed coefficients are coded by means of a coding system in depending on a subdivision into smaller components (CFDS) similar to the bit importance codification. The subcomponents so obtained are reordered by means of a highly configure alignment system depending on the application that makes possible the re-configure of the elements of the image and obtaining different levels of importance from which the bit stream will be generated. The subcomponents of each level of importance are coded using a variable length entropy coding system (VBLm) that permits the generation of an embedded bit stream. This bit stream supposes itself a bit stream that codes a compressed still image. However, the use of a packing system on the bit stream after the VBLm allows the realization of a final highly scalable bit stream from a basic image level and one or several enhance levels.
Abstract: During the last few decades in the academic field, the
debate has increased on the effects of social geography on the
opportunities of socioeconomic integration. On one hand, it has been
discussed how the contents of the urban structure and social
geography affect not only the way people interact, but also their
chances of social and economic integration. On the other hand, it has
also been discussed how the urban structure is also constrained and
transformed by the action of social actors. Without questioning the
powerful influence of structural factors, related to the logic of the
production system, labor markets, education and training, the
research has shown the role played by place of residence in shaping
individual outcomes such as unemployment. In the context of this
debate the importance of territory of residence with respect to the
problem of unemployment has been highlighted.
Although statistics of unemployment have already demonstrated
the unequal incidence of the phenomenon in social groups, the issue
of uneven territorial impact on the phenomenon at intra-urban level
remains relatively unknown.
The purpose of this article is to show and to interpret the spatial
patterns of unemployment in the city of Porto using GIS (Geographic
Information System - GIS) technology. Under this analysis the
overlap of the spatial patterns of unemployment with the spatial
distribution of social housing, allows the discussion of the
relationship that occurs between these patterns and the reasons that
might explain the relative immutability of socioeconomic problems in
some neighborhoods.
Abstract: This paper presents a large scale, quantitative investigation of the impact of discipline differences on the student experience of using an online learning environment (OLE). Based on a representative sample of 2526 respondents, a number of significant differences in the mean rating by broad discipline area of the importance of, and satisfaction with, a range of elements of an OLE were found. Broadly speaking, the Arts and Science and Technology discipline areas reported the lowest importance and satisfaction ratings for the OLE, while the Health and Behavioural Sciences area was the most satisfied with the OLE. A number of specific, systematic discipline differences are reported and discussed. Compared to the observed significant differences in mean importance ratings, there were fewer significant differences in mean satisfaction ratings, and those that were observed were less systematic than for importance ratings.
Abstract: In the competitive environment of aircraft industries it becomes absolutely necessary to improve the efficiency, performance of the aircrafts to reduce the development and operating costs considerably, in order to capitalize the market. An important contribution to improve the efficiency and performance can be
achieved by decreasing the aircraft weight through considerable
usage of composite materials in primary aircraft structures. In this study, a type of composite material called Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Plastic (CFRP) is explored for the usage is aircraft skin panels. Even
though there were plenty of studies and research has been already
carried out, here a practical example of an aircraft skin panel is taken
and substantiated the benefits of composites material usage over the
metallic skin panel. A crown skin panel of a commercial aircraft is
designed using both metal and composite materials. Stress analysis
has been carried out for both and margin of safety is estimated for the
critical load cases. The skin panels are compared for manufacturing,
tooling, assembly and cost parameters. Detail step by step comparison between metal and composite constructions are studied
and results are tabulated for better understanding.
Abstract: The huge development of new technologies and the
apparition of open communication system more and more
sophisticated create a new challenge to protect digital content from
piracy. Digital watermarking is a recent research axis and a new
technique suggested as a solution to these problems. This technique
consists in inserting identification information (watermark) into
digital data (audio, video, image, databases...) in an invisible and
indelible manner and in such a way not to degrade original medium-s
quality. Moreover, we must be able to correctly extract the
watermark despite the deterioration of the watermarked medium (i.e
attacks). In this paper we propose a system for watermarking satellite
images. We chose to embed the watermark into frequency domain,
precisely the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). We applied our
algorithm on satellite images of Tunisian center. The experiments
show satisfying results. In addition, our algorithm showed an
important resistance facing different attacks, notably the compression
(JEPG, JPEG2000), the filtering, the histogram-s manipulation and
geometric distortions such as rotation, cropping, scaling.
Abstract: In recent years, we see an increase of interest for efficient tracking systems in surveillance applications. Many of the proposed techniques are designed for static cameras environments. When the camera is moving, tracking moving objects become more difficult and many techniques fail to detect and track the desired targets. The problem becomes more complex when we want to track a specific object in real-time using a moving Pan and Tilt camera system to keep the target within the image. This type of tracking is of high importance in surveillance applications. When a target is detected at a certain zone, the possibility of automatically tracking it continuously and keeping it within the image until action is taken is very important for security personnel working in very sensitive sites. This work presents a real-time tracking system permitting the detection and continuous tracking of targets using a Pan and Tilt camera platform. A novel and efficient approach for dealing with occlusions is presented. Also a new intelligent forget factor is introduced in order to take into account target shape variations and avoid learning non desired objects. Tests conducted in outdoor operational scenarios show the efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach.
Abstract: Phase locked loops (PLL) and delay locked loops (DLL) play an important role in establishing coherent references (phase of carrier and symbol timing) in digital communication systems. Fully digital receiver including digital carrier synchronizer and symbol timing synchronizer fulfils the conditions for universal multi-mode communication receiver with option of symbol rate setting over several digit places and long-term stability of requirement parameters. Afterwards it is necessary to realize PLL and DLL in synchronizer in digital form and to approach to these subsystems as a discrete representation of analog template. Analysis of discrete phase locked loop (DPLL) or discrete delay locked loop (DDLL) and technique to determine their characteristics based on analog (continuous-time) template is performed in this posed paper. There are derived transmission response and error function for 1st order discrete locked loop and resulting equations and graphical representations for 2nd order one. It is shown that the spectrum translation due to sampling takes effect at frequency characteristics computing for specific values of loop parameters.
Abstract: The importance of nurturing, accumulating, and efficiently deploying knowledge resources through formal structures and organisational mechanisms is well understood. Recent trends in knowledge management (KM) highlight that the effective creation and transfer of knowledge can also rely upon extra-organisational channels, such as, informal networks. The perception exists that the role of informal networks in knowledge creation and performance has been underestimated in the organisational context. Literature indicates that many managers fail to comprehend and successfully exploit the potential role of informal networks to create value for their organisations. This paper investigates: 1) whether managers share work-specific knowledge with informal contacts within and outside organisational boundaries; and 2) what do they think is the importance of this knowledge collaboration in their learning and work outcomes.
Abstract: The restoration of extinct ponds is considered as one
of ways to gain new retention capacities for water which is getting
much more important issue with respect to expected impacts of a
climate change. However, there are also other pressures on the
landscape which must be all taken into consideration when making a
decision on the possible restoration of extinct ponds. The research
presented here focuses besides others on the restoration of former
ponds which could be important for both the flood protection and
drought impacts prevention. The first step of the methodology
development for the assessment of such areas is the assessment of
their present state. In this paper, the results of land use types
assessment for 22 localities are presented. These results confirm the
assumption that the most present land use type in such areas is the
permanent grassland. However, the spectra of land use types present
in extinct pond areas is very diverse and include besides others also
airport areas and industry.
Abstract: Image data holds a large amount of different context
information. However, as of today, these resources remain largely
untouched. It is thus the aim of this paper to present a basic technical
framework which allows for a quick and easy exploitation of context
information from image data especially by non-expert users.
Furthermore, the proposed framework is discussed in detail
concerning important social and ethical issues which demand special
requirements in system design. Finally, a first sensor prototype is
presented which meets the identified requirements. Additionally,
necessary implications for the software and hardware design of the
system are discussed, rendering a sensor system which could be
regarded as a good, acceptable and justifiable technical and thereby
enabling the extraction of context information from image data.
Abstract: This paper presents preliminary results of a
technology assessment analysis for the use of high pressure treatment
(HPT) on Halloumi cheese. In particular, it presents the importance
of this traditional Cyprus cheese to the island-s economy, explains its
production process, and gives a brief introduction to HPT and its
application on cheese. More importantly, it offers preliminary results
of HPT of Halloumi samples and a preliminary economic feasibility
study on the financial implications of the introduction of such
technology.
Abstract: One of the main environmental problems which affect extensive areas in the world is soil salinity. Traditional data collection methods are neither enough for considering this important environmental problem nor accurate for soil studies. Remote sensing data could overcome most of these problems. Although satellite images are commonly used for these studies, however there are still needs to find the best calibration between the data and real situations in each specified area. Neyshaboor area, North East of Iran was selected as a field study of this research. Landsat satellite images for this area were used in order to prepare suitable learning samples for processing and classifying the images. 300 locations were selected randomly in the area to collect soil samples and finally 273 locations were reselected for further laboratory works and image processing analysis. Electrical conductivity of all samples was measured. Six reflective bands of ETM+ satellite images taken from the study area in 2002 were used for soil salinity classification. The classification was carried out using common algorithms based on the best composition bands. The results showed that the reflective bands 7, 3, 4 and 1 are the best band composition for preparing the color composite images. We also found out, that hybrid classification is a suitable method for identifying and delineation of different salinity classes in the area.
Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be defined as the management of social, environmental, economical and ethical concepts and firms sensivities to the expectations of the social stakeholders. CSR is seen as an important competitive advantage in the textile sector because this sector has an important impact on the environment and it is labor extensive. Textile sector has a strong advantage when compared with other sectors in Turkey due to its low labor costs and abundancy of raw materials. Turkey was a producer and an exporter of cotton, and an importer of fiber, clothes and dresses until 1950s. After 1950s, Turkey has begun to export fiber, ready-made clothes and become one of the most important textile producers in the world recently. CSR practices of the textile firms that are quoted in Istanbul Stock Exchange and these firms sensivities to their internal and external stakeholders and environment will be presented in this study.
Abstract: The development and extension of large cities induced
a need for shallow tunnel in soft ground of building areas. Estimation
of ground settlement caused by the tunnel excavation is important
engineering point. In this paper, prediction of surface subsidence
caused by tunneling in one section of seventh line of Tehran subway
is considered. On the basis of studied geotechnical conditions of the
region, tunnel with the length of 26.9km has been excavated applying
a mechanized method using an EPB-TBM with a diameter of 9.14m.
In this regard, settlement is estimated utilizing both analytical and
numerical finite element method. The numerical method shows that
the value of settlement in this section is 5cm. Besides, the analytical
consequences (Bobet and Loganathan-Polous) are 5.29 and 12.36cm,
respectively. According to results of this study, due tosaturation of
this section, there are good agreement between Bobet and numerical
methods. Therefore, tunneling processes in this section needs a
special consolidation measurement and support system before the
passage of tunnel boring machine.
Abstract: Coated tool inserts can be considered as the backbone
of machining processes due to their wear and heat resistance.
However, defects of coating can degrade the integrity of these inserts
and the number of these defects should be minimized or eliminated if
possible. Recently, the advancement of coating processes and
analytical tools open a new era for optimizing the coating tools.
First, an overview is given regarding coating technology for cutting
tool inserts. Testing techniques for coating layers properties, as well
as the various coating defects and their assessment are also surveyed.
Second, it is introduced an experimental approach to examine the
possible coating defects and flaws of worn multicoated carbide
inserts using two important techniques namely scanning electron
microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Finally, it is
recommended a simple procedure for investigating manufacturing
defects and flaws of worn inserts.
Abstract: Speed estimation is one of the important and practical tasks in machine vision, Robotic and Mechatronic. the availability of high quality and inexpensive video cameras, and the increasing need for automated video analysis has generated a great deal of interest in machine vision algorithms. Numerous approaches for speed estimation have been proposed. So classification and survey of the proposed methods can be very useful. The goal of this paper is first to review and verify these methods. Then we will propose a novel algorithm to estimate the speed of moving object by using fuzzy concept. There is a direct relation between motion blur parameters and object speed. In our new approach we will use Radon transform to find direction of blurred image, and Fuzzy sets to estimate motion blur length. The most benefit of this algorithm is its robustness and precision in noisy images. Our method was tested on many images with different range of SNR and is satisfiable.
Abstract: The need to evaluate and understand the natural
drainage pattern in a flood prone, and fast developing environment is
of paramount importance. This information will go a long way to
help the town planners to determine the drainage pattern, road
networks and areas where prominent structures are to be located. This
research work was carried out with the aim of studying the Bayelsa
landscape topography using digitized topographic information, and to
model the natural drainage flow pattern that will aid the
understanding and constructions of workable drainages. To achieve
this, digitize information of elevation and coordinate points were
extracted from a global imagery map. The extracted information was
modeled into 3D surfaces. The result revealed that the average
elevation for Bayelsa State is 12 m above sea level. The highest
elevation is 28 m, and the lowest elevation 0 m, along the coastline.
In Yenagoa the capital city of Bayelsa were a detail survey was
carried out showed that average elevation is 15 m, the highest
elevation is 25 m and lowest is 3 m above the mean sea level. The
regional elevation in Bayelsa, showed a gradation decrease from the
North Eastern zone to the South Western Zone. Yenagoa showed an
observed elevation lineament, were low depression is flanked by high
elevation that runs from the North East to the South west. Hence,
future drainages in Yenagoa should be directed from the high
elevation, from South East toward the North West and from the
North West toward South East, to the point of convergence which is
at the center that flows from South East toward the North West.
Bayelsa when considered on a regional Scale, the flow pattern is from
the North East to the South West, and also North South. It is
recommended that in the event of any large drainage construction at
municipal scale, it should be directed from North East to the South
West or from North to South. Secondly, detail survey should be
carried out to ascertain the local topography and the drainage pattern
before the design and construction of any drainage system in any part
of Bayelsa.