Abstract: The article is aimed at bringing information on the scope and the level of use of talent management by organizations in one of the Czech Republic regions, in the Moravian-Silesian Region. On the basis of data acquired by a questionnaire survey it has been found out that organizations in the above-mentioned region are implementing the system of talent management on a small scale: this approach is used by 3.8 % of organizations only that is 9 from 237 (100 %) of the approached respondents. The main reasons why this approach is not used is either that organizations have no knowledge of it or there is lack of financial and personnel resources. In the article recommendations suggested by the author can be found for a wider application of talent management in the Czech practice.
Abstract: The number of electronic participation (eParticipation) projects introduced by different governments and international organisations is considerably high and increasing. In order to have an overview of the development of these projects, various evaluation frameworks have been proposed. In this paper, a five-level participation model, which takes into account the advantages of the Social Web or Web 2.0, together with a quantitative approach for the evaluation of eParticipation projects is presented. Each participation level is evaluated independently, taking into account three main components: Web evolution, media richness, and communication channels. This paper presents the evaluation of a number of existing Voting Advice Applications (VAAs). The results provide an overview of the main features implemented by each project, their strengths and weaknesses, and the participation levels reached.
Abstract: In this paper, a decision aid method for preoptimization
is presented. The method is called “negotiation", and it
is based on the identification, formulation, modeling and use of
indicators defined as “negotiation indicators". These negotiation
indicators are used to explore the solution space by means of a classbased
approach. The classes are subdomains for the negotiation
indicators domain. They represent equivalent cognitive solutions in
terms of the negotiation indictors being used. By this method, we
reduced the size of the solution space and the criteria, thus aiding the
optimization methods. We present an example to show the method.
Abstract: The purposes of this study were as follows to evaluate
the economic value of Phu Kradueng National Park by the travel cost
method (TCM) and the contingent valuation method (CVM) and to
estimate the demand for traveling and the willingness to pay. The
data for this study were collected by conducting two large scale
surveys on users and non-users. A total of 1,016 users and 1,034
non-users were interviewed. The data were analyzed using multiple
linear regression analysis, logistic regression model and the
consumer surplus (CS) was the integral of demand function for trips.
The survey found, were as follows:
1)Using the travel cost method which provides an estimate of direct
benefits to park users, we found that visitors- total willingness to pay
per visit was 2,284.57 bath, of which 958.29 bath was travel cost,
1,129.82 bath was expenditure for accommodation, food, and
services, and 166.66 bath was consumer surplus or the visitors -net
gain or satisfaction from the visit (the integral of demand function for
trips).
2) Thai visitors to Phu Kradueng National Park were further willing
to pay an average of 646.84 bath per head per year to ensure the
continued existence of Phu Kradueng National Park and to preserve
their option to use it in the future.
3) Thai non-visitors, on the other hand, are willing to pay an average
of 212.61 bath per head per year for the option and existence value
provided by the Park.
4) The total economic value of Phu Kradueng National Park to Thai
visitors and non-visitors taken together stands today at 9,249.55
million bath per year.
5) The users- average willingness to pay for access to Phu Kradueng
National Park rises
from 40 bath to 84.66 bath per head per trip for improved services
such as road improvement, increased cleanliness, and upgraded
information.
This paper was needed to investigate of the potential market
demand for bio prospecting in Phu Kradueng national Park and to
investigate how a larger share of the economic benefits of tourism
could be distributed income to the local residents.
Abstract: In this paper, multilayered coreless printed circuit
board (PCB) step-down power transformers for DC-DC converter
applications have been designed, manufactured and evaluated. A set
of two different circular spiral step-down transformers were
fabricated in the four layered PCB. These transformers have been
modelled with the assistance of high frequency equivalent circuit and
characterized with both sinusoidal and square wave excitation. This
paper provides the comparative results of these two different
transformers in terms of their resistances, self, leakage, mutual
inductances, coupling coefficient and also their energy efficiencies.
The operating regions for optimal performance of these transformers
for power transfer applications are determined. These transformers
were tested for the output power levels of about 30 Watts within the
input voltage range of 12-50 Vrms. The energy efficiency for these
step down transformers is observed to be in the range of 90%-97% in
MHz frequency region.
Abstract: This study comprehensively simulate the use of k-ε
model for predicting flow and heat transfer with measured flow field
data in a stationary duct with elucidates on the detailed physics
encountered in the fully developed flow region, and the sharp 180°
bend region. Among the major flow features predicted with accuracy
are flow transition at the entrance of the duct, the distribution of
mean and turbulent quantities in the developing, fully developed, and
sharp 180° bend, the development of secondary flows in the duct
cross-section and the sharp 180° bend, and heat transfer
augmentation. Turbulence intensities in the sharp 180° bend are
found to reach high values and local heat transfer comparisons show
that the heat transfer augmentation shifts towards the wall and along
the duct. Therefore, understanding of the unsteady heat transfer in
sharp 180° bends is important. The design and simulation are related
to concept of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Simulation study has been conducted on the response of turbulent
flow in a rectangular duct in order to evaluate the heat transfer rate
along the small scale multiple rectangular duct
Abstract: Aroma forming volatiles are important components of
fermented beverages. The aim of current research is to evaluate the
volatile compounds and phenolic compounds of commercial ciders.
Volatile aroma compounds and TPC of seven commercial ciders
were determined. Extraction of aroma compounds was performed
using solid phase microextraction (DVB/Car/PDMS fibre). Analysis
of volatile aroma compounds was made using a Perkin Elmer Clarus
500 GC/MS. Total phenol content (TPC) was determined according
to the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method and results were
expressed as gallic acid equivalents. The highest volatile compounds
were in apple ciders with pear flavor. The highest TPC and lower
content of volatile compounds were detected in French ciders.
Abstract: A closed-loop controlled wireless power transmission circuit block for implantable biomedical applications is described in this paper. The circuit consists of one front-end rectifier, power management sub-block including bandgap reference and low drop-out regulators (LDOs) as well as transmission power detection / feedback circuits. Simulation result shows that the front-end rectifier achieves 80% power efficiency with 750-mV single-end peak-to-peak input voltage and 1.28-V output voltage under load current of 4 mA. The power management block can supply 1.8mA average load current under 1V consuming only 12μW power, which is equivalent to 99.3% power efficiency. The wireless power transmission block described in this paper achieves a maximum power efficiency of 80%. The wireless power transmission circuit block is designed and implemented using UMC 65-nm CMOS/RF process. It occupies 1 mm × 1.2 mm silicon area.
Abstract: Application of projective geometry to the theory of two-ports and cascade circuits with a load change is considered. The equations linking the input and output of a two-port are interpreted as projective transformations which have the invariant as a cross-ratio of four points. This invariant has place for all regime parameters in all parts of a cascade circuit. This approach allows justifying the definition of a regime and its change, to calculate a circuit without explicitly finding the aparameters, to transmit accurately an analogue signal through the unstable two-port.
Abstract: Lake Nasser is one of the largest reservoirs in the
world. Over 120 million metric tons of sediments are deposited in its
dead storage zone every year. The main objective of the present work
was to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of Lake
Nasser sediments. The sample had a relatively low surface area of 2.9
m2/g which increased more than 3-fold upon chemical activation. The
main chemical elements of the raw sediments were C, O and Si with
some traces of Al, Fe and Ca. The organic functional groups for the
tested sample included O-H, C=C, C-H and C-O, with indications of
Si-O and other metal-C and/or metal-O bonds normally associated
with clayey materials. Potentiometric titration of the sample in
different ionic strength backgrounds revealed an alkaline material with
very strong positive surface charge at pH values just a little less than
the pH of zero charge which is ~9. Surface interactions of the
sediments with the background electrolyte were significant. An
advanced surface complexation model was able to capture these
effects, employing a single-site approach to represent protolysis
reactions in aqueous solution, and to determine the significant surface
species in the pH range of environmental interest.
Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent and far common debilitating form of arthritis which can be defined as a degenerative condition affecting synovial joint. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis often complain of dull ache pain on movement.
Physical agents can fight the painful process when correctly indicated and used such as heat or cold therapy Aim. This study was carried out to: Compare the effect of cold, warm and contrast therapy on controlling knee osteoarthritis associated problems. Setting: The study was carried out in orthopedic outpatient clinics of Menoufia University and teaching Hospitals, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of 60 adult patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. Tools: three tools were utilized to collect the data. Tool I : An interviewing questionnaire. It comprised of three parts covering sociodemographic data, medical data and adverse effects of the treatment protocol. Tool II : Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) It consists of five main parts. Tool II1 : 0-10 Numeric pain rating scale. Results: reveled that the total knee symptoms score was decreased from moderate symptoms pre intervention to mild symptoms after warm and contrast method of therapy, but the contrast therapy had significant effect in reducing the knee symptoms and pain than the other symptoms. Conclusions: all of the three
methods of therapy resulted in improvement in all knee symptoms and pain but the most appropriate protocol of treatment to relive symptoms and pain was contrast therapy.
Abstract: Three-dimensional reconstruction of small objects has
been one of the most challenging problems over the last decade.
Computer graphics researchers and photography professionals have
been working on improving 3D reconstruction algorithms to fit the
high demands of various real life applications. Medical sciences,
animation industry, virtual reality, pattern recognition, tourism
industry, and reverse engineering are common fields where 3D
reconstruction of objects plays a vital role. Both lack of accuracy and
high computational cost are the major challenges facing successful
3D reconstruction. Fringe projection has emerged as a promising 3D
reconstruction direction that combines low computational cost to both
high precision and high resolution. It employs digital projection,
structured light systems and phase analysis on fringed pictures.
Research studies have shown that the system has acceptable
performance, and moreover it is insensitive to ambient light.
This paper presents an overview of fringe projection approaches. It
also presents an experimental study and implementation of a simple
fringe projection system. We tested our system using two objects
with different materials and levels of details. Experimental results
have shown that, while our system is simple, it produces acceptable
results.
Abstract: Sustainable development is highly dependent on the
implementation of environmental education programs, which has as
its ultimate goal to produce environmentally literate citizens that
undertake environmentally friendly actions. Efforts on environmental
education along past years are now perceived on the increase of
citizens awareness on European countries and, particularly, in
Portugal. However, we still have a lack of information on the
prevalence of specific behaviors that contributes to sustainability,
influenced by a new attitude toward the environment. The
determination of pro-environmental behaviors prevalence in higher
education students is an important approach to understand to which
extend the next leading generation is, in practice, committed with the
goals of sustainable development. Therefore, present study evaluates
the prevalence of a specific set of behaviors (water savings, energy
savings, environmental criteria on shopping, and mobility) on the
University of Madeira students and discusses their commitment with
sustainable development.
Abstract: Biological, psychological and social experiences and
perceptions of healthcare services in patients medically diagnosed of
coronary heart disease were investigated using a sample of 10
participants whose responses to the in-depth interview questions
were analyzed based on inter-and-intra-case analyses. The results
obtained revealed that advancing age, single status, divorce and/or
death of spouse and the issue of single parenting negatively impacted
patients- biopsychosocial experiences. The patients- experiences of
physical signs and symptoms, anxiety and depression, past serious
medical conditions, use of self-prescribed medications, family
history of poor mental/medical or physical health, nutritional
problems and insufficient physical activities heightened their risk of
coronary attack. Collectivist culture served as a big source of relieve
to the patients. Patients- temperament, experience of different
chronic life stresses/challenges, mood alteration, regular drinking,
smoking/gambling, and family/social impairments compounded their
health situation. Patients were satisfied with the biomedical services
rendered by the healthcare personnel, whereas their psychological
and social needs were not attended to. Effective procedural treatment
model, a holistic and multidimensional approach to the treatment of
heart disease patients was proposed.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop and compare alternative prediction equations of lean meat proportion (LMP) of lamb carcasses. Forty (40) male lambs, 22 of Churra Galega Bragançana Portuguese local breed and 18 of Suffolk breed were used. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcasses weighed approximately 30 min later in order to obtain hot carcass weight (HCW). After cooling at 4º C for 24-h a set of seventeen carcass measurements was recorded. The left side of carcasses was dissected into muscle, subcutaneous fat, inter-muscular fat, bone, and remainder (major blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and thick connective tissue sheets associated with muscles), and the LMP was evaluated as the dissected muscle percentage. Prediction equations of LMP were developed, and fitting quality was evaluated through the coefficient of determination of estimation (R2 e) and standard error of estimate (SEE). Models validation was performed by k-fold crossvalidation and the coefficient of determination of prediction (R2 p) and standard error of prediction (SEP) were computed. The BT2 measurement was the best single predictor and accounted for 37.8% of the LMP variation with a SEP of 2.30%. The prediction of LMP of lamb carcasses can be based simple models, using as predictors the HCW and one fat thickness measurement.
Abstract: The performance of a sucrose-based H2 production in
a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was modeled by neural
network back-propagation (BP) algorithm. The H2 production was
monitored over a period of 450 days at 35±1 ºC. The proposed model
predicts H2 production rates based on hydraulic retention time
(HRT), recycle ratio, sucrose concentration and degradation, biomass
concentrations, pH, alkalinity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP),
acids and alcohols concentrations. Artificial neural networks (ANNs)
have an ability to capture non-linear information very efficiently. In
this study, a predictive controller was proposed for management and
operation of large scale H2-fermenting systems. The relevant control
strategies can be activated by this method. BP based ANNs modeling
results was very successful and an excellent match was obtained
between the measured and the predicted rates. The efficient H2
production and system control can be provided by predictive control
method combined with the robust BP based ANN modeling tool.
Abstract: Characterization and evaluation of the activity of Vespa basalis DPP-IV, which expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda 21 cells. The expression of rDPP-IV was confirmed by SDS–PAGE, Western blot analyses, LC-MS/MS and measurement of its peptidase specificity. One-step purification by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and the total amount of rDPP-IV recovered was approximately 6.4mg per liter from infected culture medium; an equivalent amount would be produced by 1x109 infected Sf21 insect cells. Through the affinity purification led to highly stable rDPP-IV enzyme was recovered and with significant peptidase activity. The rDPP-IV exhibited classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics, with kcat/Km in the range of 10-500 mM-1×S-1 for the five synthetic substrates and optimum substrate is Ala-Pro-pNA. As expected in inhibition assay, the enzymatic activity of rDPP-IV was significantly reduced by 80 or 60% in the presence of sitagliptin (a DPP-IV inhibitor) or PMSF (a serine protease inhibitor), but was not apparently affected by iodoacetamide (a cysteine protease inhibitor).
Abstract: This research attempts to study the feasibility of
augmenting an augmented reality (AR) image card on a Quick
Response (QR) code. The authors have developed a new visual tag,
which contains a QR code and an augmented AR image card. The new
visual tag has features of reading both of the revealed data of the QR
code and the instant data from the AR image card. Furthermore, a
handheld communicating device is used to read and decode the new
visual tag, and then the concealed data of the new visual tag can be
revealed and read through its visual display. In general, the QR code is
designed to store the corresponding data or, as a key, to access the
corresponding data from the server through internet. Those reveled
data from the QR code are represented in text. Normally, the AR
image card is designed to store the corresponding data in
3-Dimensional or animation/video forms. By using QR code's
property of high fault tolerant rate, the new visual tag can access those
two different types of data by using a handheld communicating device.
The new visual tag has an advantage of carrying much more data than
independent QR code or AR image card. The major findings of this
research are: 1) the most efficient area for the designed augmented AR
card augmenting on the QR code is 9% coverage area out of the total
new visual tag-s area, and 2) the best location for the augmented AR
image card augmenting on the QR code is located in the bottom-right
corner of the new visual tag.
Abstract: The aerodynamics characteristics of a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft were obtained in Universiti Teknologi MARA low speed wind tunnel. The scaled-down of BWB model consisted of a canard as its horizontal stabilizer. There were four canards with different aspect ratio used in the experiments. Canard setting angles were varied from -20q to 20q. All tests were conducted at velocity of 35 m/s, with Mach number 0.1. At low angles of attacks, the increment of lift slope for various canards aspect ratio is small and almost constant. Higher canard aspect ratio will cause higher drag. However, canard has a high effect to the moment at zero lift, CM,0.The visualization using mini tuff was performed to observe the airflow at the upper surface of canard. KeywordsAerodynamics,blended-wing body, canard, wind tunnel.
Abstract: Double-diffusive steady convection in a partially
porous cavity with partially permeable walls and under the combined
buoyancy effects of thermal and mass diffusion was analysed
numerically using finite volume method.
The top wall is well insulated and impermeable while the bottom
surface is partially well insulated and impermeable and partially
submitted to constant temperature T1 and concentration C1. Constant
equal temperature T2 and concentration C2 are imposed along the
vertical surfaces of the enclosure. Mass suction/injection and
injection/suction are respectively considered at the bottom of the
porous centred partition and at one of the vertical walls.
Heat and mass transfer characteristics as streamlines and average
Nusselt numbers and Sherwood numbers were discussed for different
values of buoyancy ratio, Rayleigh number, and injection/suction
coefficient.
It is especially noted that increasing the injection factor
disadvantages the exchanges in the case of the injection while the
transfer is augmented in case of suction. On the other hand, a critical
value of the buoyancy ratio was highlighted for which heat and mass
transfers are minimized.