Abstract: Renewable and non-renewable resource constraints have been vast studied in theoretical fields of project scheduling problems. However, although cumulative resources are widespread in practical cases, the literature on project scheduling problems subject to these resources is scant. So in order to study this type of resources more, in this paper we use the framework of a resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) with finish-start precedence relations between activities and subject to the cumulative resources in addition to the renewable resources. We develop a branch and bound algorithm for this problem customizing precedence tree algorithm of RCPSP. We perform extensive experimental analysis on the algorithm to check its effectiveness and performance for solving different instances of the problem in question.
Abstract: A new nonlinear PID controller and its stability
analysis are presented in this paper. A nonlinear function is deduced
from the similarities between the control effort and the electric-field
effect of a capacitor. The conventional linear PID controller can be
modified into a nonlinear one by this function. To analyze the stability
of the nonlinear PID controlled system, an idea of energy equivalence
is adapted to avoid the conservativeness which is usually arisen from
some traditional theorems and Criterions. The energy equivalence is
naturally related with the conceptions of Passivity and T-Passivity. As
a result, an engineering guideline for the parameter design of the
nonlinear PID controller is obtained. An inverted pendulum system is
tested to verify the nonlinear PID control scheme.
Abstract: Controlled modification of appropriate sharpness for
nanotips is of paramount importance to develop novel materials and
functional devices at a nanometer resolution. Herein, we present a
reliable and unique strategy of laser irradiation enhanced
physicochemical etching to manufacture super sharp tungsten tips
with reproducible shape and dimension as well as high yields
(~80%). The corresponding morphology structure evolution of
tungsten tips and laser-tip interaction mechanisms were
systematically investigated and discussed using field emission
scanning electron microscope (SEM) and physical optics statistics
method with different fluences under 532 nm laser irradiation. This
work paves the way for exploring more accessible metallic tips
applications with tunable apex diameter and aspect ratio, and,
furthermore, facilitates the potential sharpening enhancement
technique for other materials used in a variety of nanoscale devices.
Abstract: There are many issues that affect modeling and designing real-time databases. One of those issues is maintaining consistency between the actual state of the real-time object of the external environment and its images as reflected by all its replicas distributed over multiple nodes. The need to improve the scalability is another important issue. In this paper, we present a general framework to design a replicated real-time database for small to medium scale systems and maintain all timing constrains. In order to extend the idea for modeling a large scale database, we present a general outline that consider improving the scalability by using an existing static segmentation algorithm applied on the whole database, with the intent to lower the degree of replication, enables segments to have individual degrees of replication with the purpose of avoiding excessive resource usage, which all together contribute in solving the scalability problem for DRTDBS.
Abstract: Emerging adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 25, as a new developmental stage extending from adolescence to young adulthood. According to Arnett [2004], there are experiments related to identity in three basic fields which are love, work and view of the world in emerging adulthood. When the literature related to identity is examined, it is seen that identity has been studied more with adolescent, and studies were concentrated on the relationship of identity with many demographic variables neglecting important variables such as marital status, parental status and SES. Thus, the main aim of this study is to determine whether identity statuses differenciate with marital status, parental status and SES. A total of 700 emerging adults participated in this study, and the mean age was 22,45 years [SD = 3.76]. The sample was made up of 347 female and 353 male. All participants in the study were students from colleges. Student responses to the Extended Version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status [EOM-EIS-2] used to classify students into one of the four identity statuses. SPSS 15.00 program wasa used to analyse data. Percentage, frequency and X2 analysis were used in the analysis of data. When the findings of the study is viewed as a whole, the most frequently observed identity status in the group is found to be moratorium. Also, identity statuses differenciate with marital status, parental status and SES. Findings were discussed in the context of emerging adulthood.
Abstract: This paper presents the cepstral and trispectral
analysis of a speech signal produced by normal men, men with
defective audition (deaf, deep deaf) and others affected by
tracheotomy, the trispectral analysis based on parametric methods
(Autoregressive AR) using the fourth order cumulant. These
analyses are used to detect and compare the pitches and the formants
of corresponding voiced sounds (vowel \a\, \i\ and \u\). The first
results appear promising, since- it seems after several experimentsthere
is no deformation of the spectrum as one could have supposed
it at the beginning, however these pathologies influenced the two
characteristics:
The defective audition influences to the formants contrary to the
tracheotomy, which influences the fundamental frequency (pitch).
Abstract: In this paper, a vision based system has been used for
controlling an industrial 3P Cartesian robot. The vision system will
recognize the target and control the robot by obtaining images from
environment and processing them. At the first stage, images from
environment are changed to a grayscale mode then it can diverse and
identify objects and noises by using a threshold objects which are
stored in different frames and then the main object will be
recognized. This will control the robot to achieve the target. A vision
system can be an appropriate tool for measuring errors of a robot in a
situation where the experimental test is conducted for a 3P robot.
Finally, the international standard ANSI/RIA R15.05-2 is used for
evaluating the path-related characteristics of the robot. To evaluate
the performance of the proposed method experimental test is carried
out.
Abstract: Road rage is an increasingly prevalent expression of
aggression in our society. Its dangers are apparent and understanding
its causes may shed light on preventative measures. This study
involved a fifteen-minute survey administered to 147 undergraduate
students at a North Eastern suburban university. The survey
consisted of a demographics section, questions regarding financial
investment in respondents- vehicles, experience driving, habits of
driving, experiences witnessing role models driving, and an
evaluation of road rage behavior using the Driving Vengeance
Questionnaire. The study found no significant differences in driving
aggression between respondents who were financially invested in
their vehicle compared to those who were not, or between
respondents who drove in heavy traffic hours compared to those who
did not, suggesting internal factors correlate with aggressive driving
habits. The study also found significant differences in driving
aggression between males versus females, those with more points on
their license versus fewer points, and those who witnessed parents
driving aggressively very often versus rarely or never. Additional
studies can investigate how witnessing parents driving aggressively
is related to future driving behaviors.
Abstract: Martingale model diagnostic for assessing the fit of logistic regression model to recurrent events data are studied. One way of assessing the fit is by plotting the empirical standard deviation of the standardized martingale residual processes. Here we used another diagnostic plot based on martingale residual covariance. We investigated the plot performance under several types of model misspecification. Clearly the method has correctly picked up the wrong model. Also we present a test statistic that supplement the inspection of the two diagnostic. The test statistic power agrees with what we have seen in the plots of the estimated martingale covariance.
Abstract: In order to enhance the knowledge of certain
phytochemical Algerian plants that are widely used in traditional
medicine and to exploit their therapeutic potential in modern
medicine, we have done a specific extraction of terpenes and
alkaloids from the leaves of Euphorbia granulata to evaluate the
antioxidant and antibacterial activity of this extracts. After the
extraction it was found that the terpene extract gave the highest yield
59.72% compared with alkaloids extracts.
The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial
activity against different bacterial strains: Escherichia coli
(ATCC25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) and
Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923). All extracts have shown
inhibition of growth bacteria. The different zones of inhibition have
varied from (7 -10 mm) according to the concentrations of extract
used.
Testing the antiradical activity on DPPH-TLC plates indicated the
presence of substances that have potent anti-free radical. As against,
the BC-TLC revealed that only terpenes extract which was reacted
positively. These results can validate the importance of Euphorbia
granulata in traditional medicine.
Abstract: This study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior
model in predicting dietary behavior among Type 2 diabetics in a
Kenyan environment. The study was conducted for three months
within the diabetic clinic at Kisii Hospital in Nyanza Province in
Kenya and adopted sequential mixed methods design combing both
qualitative and quantitative phases. Qualitative data was analyzed
using grounded theory analysis method. Structural equation modeling
using maximum likelihood was used to analyze quantitative data.
The results based on the common fit indices revealed that the theory
of planned behavior fitted the data acceptably well among the Type 2
diabetes and within dietary behavior {χ2 = 223.3, df = 77, p = .02,
χ2/df = 2.9, n=237; TLI = .93; CFI =.91; RMSEA (90CI) = .090(.039,
.146)}. This implies that the Theory of Planned Behavior holds and
forms a framework for promoting dietary practice among Type 2
diabetics.
Abstract: This study assesses the vulnerability of Bulgarian
agriculture to drought using the WINISAREG model and seasonal
standard precipitation index SPI(2) for the period 1951-2004. This
model was previously validated for maize on soils of different water
holding capacity (TAW) in various locations. Simulations are
performed for Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Sofia. Results relative to
Plovdiv show that in soils of large TAW (180 mm m-1) net irrigation
requirements (NIRs) range 0-40 mm in wet years and 350-380 mm in
dry years. In soils of small TAW (116 mm m-1), NIRs reach 440 mm
in the very dry year. NIRs in Sofia are about 80 mm smaller. Rainfed
maize is associated with great yield variability (29%
Abstract: A new distance-adjusted approach is proposed in
which static square contours are defined around an estimated
symbol in a QAM constellation, which create regions that
correspond to fixed step sizes and weighting factors. As a
result, the equalizer tap adjustment consists of a linearly
weighted sum of adaptation criteria that is scaled by a variable
step size. This approach is the basis of two new algorithms: the
Variable step size Square Contour Algorithm (VSCA) and the
Variable step size Square Contour Decision-Directed
Algorithm (VSDA). The proposed schemes are compared with
existing blind equalization algorithms in the SCA family in
terms of convergence speed, constellation eye opening and
residual ISI suppression. Simulation results for 64-QAM
signaling over empirically derived microwave radio channels
confirm the efficacy of the proposed algorithms. An RTL
implementation of the blind adaptive equalizer based on the
proposed schemes is presented and the system is configured to
operate in VSCA error signal mode, for square QAM signals
up to 64-QAM.
Abstract: Owing to the stringent environmental legislations,
CO2 capture and sequestration is one of the viable solutions to reduce
the CO2 emissions from various sources. In this context, Ionic liquids
(ILs) are being investigated as suitable absorption media for CO2
capture. Due to their non-evaporative, non-toxic, and non-corrosive
nature, these ILs have the potential to replace the existing solvents
like aqueous amine solutions for CO2 separation technologies. Thus,
the present work aims at studying the important aspects such as the
interactions of CO2 molecule with different anions (F-, Br-, Cl-, NO3
-,
BF4
-, PF6
-, Tf2N-, and CF3SO3
-) that are commonly used in ILs
through molecular modeling. In this, the minimum energy structures
have been obtained using Ab initio based calculations at MP2
(Moller-Plesset perturbation) level. Results revealed various degrees
of distortion of CO2 molecule (from its linearity) with the anions
studied, most likely due to the Lewis acid-base interactions between
CO2 and anion. Furthermore, binding energies for the anion-CO2
complexes were also calculated. The implication of anion-CO2
interactions to the solubility of CO2 in ionic liquids is also discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, using the Gaines and Mawhin,s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory on time scales, the existence of periodic solutions for a two-prey one-predator system is studied. Some sufficient conditions for the existence of positive periodic solutions are obtained. The results provide unified existence theorems of periodic solution for the continuous differential equations and discrete difference equations.
Abstract: There has been gradual progress of late in construction projects, particularly in big-scale megaprojects. Due to the long-term construction period, however, with large-scale budget investment, lack of construction management technologies, and increase in the incomplete elements of project schedule management, a plan to conduct efficient operations and to ensure business safety is required. In particular, as the project management information system (PMIS) is meant for managing a single project centering on the construction phase, there is a limitation in the management of program-scale businesses like megaprojects. Thus, a program management information system (PgMIS) that includes program-level management technologies is needed to manage multiple projects. In this study, a support tool was developed for managing the cost and schedule information occurring in the construction phase, at the program level. In addition, a case study on the developed support tool was conducted to verify the usability of the system. With the use of the developed support tool program, construction managers can monitor the progress of the entire project and of the individual subprojects in real time.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel approach for image
segmentation via fuzzification of Rènyi Entropy of Generalized
Distributions (REGD). The fuzzy REGD is used to precisely measure
the structural information of image and to locate the optimal
threshold desired by segmentation. The proposed approach draws
upon the postulation that the optimal threshold concurs with
maximum information content of the distribution. The contributions
in the paper are as follow: Initially, the fuzzy REGD as a measure of
the spatial structure of image is introduced. Then, we propose an
efficient entropic segmentation approach using fuzzy REGD.
However the proposed approach belongs to entropic segmentation
approaches (i.e. these approaches are commonly applied to grayscale
images), it is adapted to be viable for segmenting color images.
Lastly, diverse experiments on real images that show the superior
performance of the proposed method are carried out.
Abstract: South Africa is facing a crisis with not being able to produce enough graduates in the scarce skills areas to sustain economic growth. The crisis is fuelled by a school system that does not produce enough potential students with Mathematics, Accounting and Science. Since the introduction of the new school curriculum in 2008, there is no longer an option to take pure maths on a standard grade level. Instead, only two mathematical subjects are offered: pure maths (which is on par with higher grade maths) and mathematical literacy. It is compulsory to take one or the other. As a result, lees student finishes Grade 12 with pure mathematics every year. This national problem needs urgent attention if South Africa is to make any headway in critical skills development as mathematics is a gateway to scarce skills professions. Higher education institutions initiated several initiatives in an attempt to address the above, including preparatory courses, bridging programmes and extended curricula with foundation provisions. In view of the above, and government policy directives to broaden access in the scarce skills areas to increase student throughput, foundation provision was introduced for Commerce and Information Technology programmes at the Vaal Triangle Campus (VTC) of North-West University (NWU) in 2010. Students enrolling for extended programmes do not comply with the minimum prerequisites for the normal programmes. The question then arises as to whether these programmes have the intended impact? This paper reports the results of a two year longitudinal study, tracking the first year academic achievement of the two cohorts of enrolments since 2010. The results provide valuable insight into the structuring of an extended programme and its potential impact.
Abstract: Attachment theory focuses on the bond that develops between child and caretaker and the consequences that this bond has on the childs future relationships. Adolescents attempt to define their identity by experiencing various risky behaviors. The first aim of the study was whether risk taking behavior differs according to attachment styles. The second was to examine risk taking behavior differences according to gender. The third aim of this study was to examine attachment X gender interaction effect for risk taking behavior. And final was to investigate attachment styles differences according to gender. Data were collected from 218 participants (114 female and 104 male) who are university students. The results of this study showed that attachment styles differentiated by risk taking behavior and males had higher risk taking score than females. It was also found out that there was significant attachment X gender interaction effect for risk taking behavior. And finally, the results showed that attachment styles differentiated according to gender.KeywordsAttachment style, risk taking
Abstract: The study was carried out to gather and identify
medicinal plants their curative effects and the part of them which is
used from the reservation area of Miankaleh. The region under study
has an area of 68800 hectares situated 12 kilometers north of the city
of Behshahr and northwest of the city of Gorgan. Results obtained
showed that out of a total of 43 families, 125 genera, and 155 species
found in the region, 33 families, 52 genera and 61 species (39% of all
the species) belonged to medicinal plants, among which the class
Asteraceae with 6 species and the class Chenopodiaceae with 5
species had the most medicinal species. The most used parts of the
plants were the leaves with 31%, the whole plants with 19%, and the
roots with 15%.