Abstract: Water suspensions of in-organic (metals and oxides)
and organic nano-objects (chitozan and collagen) were subjected to
the treatment of direct and alternative electrical fields. In addition to
quasi-periodical spatial patterning resonance-like performance of
spatial distributions of these suspensions has been found at low
frequencies of alternating electrical field. These resonances are
explained as the result of creation of equilibrium states of groups of
charged nano-objects with opposite signs of charges at the interparticle
distances where the forces of Coulomb attraction are
compensated by the repulsion forces induced by relatively negative
polarization of hydrated regions surrounding the nanoparticles with
respect to pure water. The low frequencies of these resonances are
explained by comparatively big distances between the particles and
their big masses with t\respect to masses of atoms constituting
molecules with high resonance frequencies. These new resonances
open a new approach to detailed modeling and understanding of
mechanisms of the influence of electrical fields on the functioning of
internal organs of living organisms at the level of cells and neurons.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an analytical method for
analysis of nano-scale spherical shell subjected to thermo-mechanical
shocks based on nonlocal elasticity theory. Thermo-mechanical
properties of nano shpere is assumed to be temperature dependent.
Governing partial differential equation of motion is solved
analytically by using Laplace transform for time domain and power
series for spacial domain. The results in Laplace domain is
transferred to time domain by employing the fast inverse Laplace
transform (FLIT) method. Accuracy of present approach is assessed
by comparing the the numerical results with the results of published
work in literature. Furtheremore, the effects of non-local parameter
and wall thickness on the dynamic characteristics of the nano-sphere
are studied.
Abstract: Pipelines are extensively used engineering structures
which convey fluid from one place to another. Most of the time,
pipelines are placed underground and are encumbered by soil weight
and traffic loads. Corrosion of pipe material is the most common
form of pipeline deterioration and should be considered in both the
strength and serviceability analysis of pipes.
The study in this research focuses on concrete pipes in sewage
systems (concrete sewers). This research firstly investigates how to
involve the effect of corrosion as a time dependent process of
deterioration in the structural and failure analysis of this type of pipe.
Then three probabilistic time dependent reliability analysis methods
including the first passage probability theory, the gamma distributed
degradation model and the Monte Carlo simulation technique are
discussed and developed. Sensitivity analysis indexes which can be
used to identify the most important parameters that affect pipe failure
are also discussed.
The reliability analysis methods developed in this paper contribute
as rational tools for decision makers with regard to the strengthening
and rehabilitation of existing pipelines. The results can be used to
obtain a cost-effective strategy for the management of the sewer
system.
Abstract: This paper has focused on the most important parameters in the LSC uptake; inlet Re number and Sc number in the presence of non-uniform magnetic field. The magnetic field is arising from the thin wire with electric current placed vertically to the arterial blood vessel. According to the results of this study, applying magnetic field can be a treatment for atherosclerosis by reducing LSC along the vessel wall. Homogeneous porous layer as a arterial wall has been regarded. Blood flow has been considered laminar and incompressible containing Ferro fluid (blood and 4 % vol. Fe3O4) under steady state conditions. Numerical solution of governing equations was obtained by using the single-phase model and control volume technique for flow field.
Abstract: Problem of food preservation is extremely important
for mankind. Viscous damage ("illness") of bread results from
development of Bacillus spp. bacteria. High temperature resistant
spores of this microorganism are steady against 120°C) and remain in
bread during pastries, potentially causing spoilage of the final
product. Scientists are interested in further characterization of bread
spoiling Bacillus spp. species. Our aim was to find weather yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that are able to produce natural
antimicrobial killer factor can preserve bread illness. By diffusion
method, we showed yeast antagonistic activity against spore-forming
bacteria. Experimental technological parameters were the same as for
bakers' yeasts production on the industrial scale. Risograph test
during dough fermentation demonstrated gas production. The major
finding of the study was a clear indication of the presence of killer
yeast strain antagonistic activity against rope in bread causing
bacteria. After demonstrating antagonistic effect of S. cerevisiae on
bacteria using solid nutrient medium, we tested baked bread under
provocative conditions. We also measured formation of carbon
dioxide in the dough, dough-making duration and quality of the final
products, when using different strains of S. cerevisiae. It is
determined that the use of yeast S. cerevisiae RCAM 01730 killer
strain inhibits appearance of rope in bread. Thus, natural yeast
antimicrobial killer toxin, produced by some S. cerevisiae strains is
an anti-rope in bread protector.
Abstract: Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of roughness on the reattachment and redevelopment regions over a 12 mm forward facing step (FFS) in an open channel flow. The experiments were performed over an upstream smooth wall and a smooth FFS, an upstream wall coated with sandpaper 36 grit and a smooth FFS and an upstream rough wall produced from sandpaper 36 grit and a FFS coated with sandpaper 36 grit. To investigate only the wall roughness effects, Reynolds number, Froude number, aspect ratio and blockage ratio were kept constant. Upstream profiles showed reduced streamwise mean velocities close to the rough wall compared to the smooth wall, but the turbulence level was increased by upstream wall roughness. The reattachment length for the smooth-smooth wall experiment was 1.78h; however, when it is replaced with rough-smooth wall the reattachment length decreased to 1.53h. It was observed that the upstream roughness increased the physical size of contours of maximum turbulence level; however, the downstream roughness decreased both the size and magnitude of contours in the vicinity of the leading edge of the step. Quadrant analysis was performed to investigate the dominant Reynolds shear stress contribution in the recirculation region. The Reynolds shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy profiles after the reattachment showed slower recovery compared to the streamwise mean velocity, however all the profiles fairly collapse on their corresponding upstream profiles at x/h = 60. It was concluded that to obtain a complete collapse several more streamwise distances would be required.
Abstract: Knowledge transfer between personnel could benefit an organization’s improved competitive advantage in the marketplace from a strategic approach to knowledge management. The lack of information sharing between personnel could create knowledge transfer gaps while restricting the decision-making processes. Knowledge transfer between personnel can potentially improve information sharing based on an implemented knowledge management strategy. An organization’s capacity to gain more knowledge is aligned with the organization’s prior or existing captured knowledge. This case study attempted to understand the overall influence of a KMS within the corporate environment and knowledge exchange between personnel. The significance of this study was to help understand how organizations can improve the Return on Investment (ROI) of a knowledge management strategy within a knowledge-centric organization. A qualitative descriptive case study was the research design selected for this study. The lack of information sharing between personnel may create knowledge transfer gaps while restricting the decision-making processes. Developing a knowledge management strategy acceptable at all levels of the organization requires cooperation in support of a common organizational goal. Working with management and executive members to develop a protocol where knowledge transfer becomes a standard practice in multiple tiers of the organization. The knowledge transfer process could be measurable when focusing on specific elements of the organizational process, including personnel transition to help reduce time required understanding the job. The organization studied in this research acknowledged the need for improved knowledge management activities within the organization to help organize, retain, and distribute information throughout the workforce. Data produced from the study indicate three main themes including information management, organizational culture, and knowledge sharing within the workforce by the participants. These themes indicate a possible connection between an organizations KMS, the organizations culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge transfer.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the solution-focused brief therapy on improving the psychological wellbeing of family supervisor woman. This study has been carried out by semi-experimental method and in the form of pre-test, post-test performance on two groups (experimental and control), so that one sample group of 30 individuals was randomly achieved and were randomly divided in two groups of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). To collect data, Ryff scale psychological wellbeing was used. After conducting pre-test (RSPWB) for two experimental and control groups, Solution-focused brief therapy interference was conducted on the experimental group during five two-hour sessions. Finally, Ryff scale psychological wellbeing was reused for the two groups as post-test and achieved outcomes that were analyzed using covariance. The results indicated that the significant increase of average marks of the experimental group in psychological wellbeing had better function than that of the control group. Finally, solution-focused brief therapy for improving psychological well-being of family supervisor women has a suitable capability and could be used in this way.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of solution-focused group therapy on improving the depressed mothers of child abuser families. This study was carried out in the form of a semi-pilot, pre-test and post-test on two groups (experimental and control). Subjects include all mothers and their children that are the members of Shush and Naser Khosro child home. Beck Depression Inventory and Child Trauma Questionnaire were used to collect data. First, child abuse questionnaire was completed by children, Then Beck Depression Inventory was completed by their mothers that 22 of them were recognized as depressed and randomly divided in two groups of experimental and control. After applying pre-test for both of these groups, the intervention of solution- focused group therapy was performed in five sessions on experimental group. Finally, post-test was applied on both groups and subsequently in a month, follow-up test was performed. T-test, multivariate variance, and repeated measurement analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, it can be concluded that this therapy leads to the improvement of depressed mother's mood. As a result, the intervention of solution-focused group therapy is useful in order to improve the depressing mood of mothers of child abuser families.
Abstract: Feedback is a vital element for improving student
learning in a simulation-based training as it guides and refines
learning through scaffolding. A number of studies in literature have
shown that students’ learning is enhanced when feedback is provided
with personalized tutoring that offers specific guidance and adapts
feedback to the learner in a one-to-one environment. Thus, emulating
these adaptive aspects of human tutoring in simulation provides an
effective methodology to train individuals. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the
effectiveness of automating different types of feedback techniques
such as Knowledge-of-Correct-Response (KCR) and Answer-Until-
Correct (AUC) in software simulation for learning basic information
technology concepts. For the purpose of comparison, techniques like
simulation with zero or no-feedback (NFB) and traditional hands-on
(HON) learning environments are also examined. The paper presents the summary of findings based on quantitative
analyses which reveal that the simulation based instructional
strategies are at least as effective as hands-on teaching methodologies
for the purpose of learning of IT concepts. The paper also compares
the results of the study with the earlier studies and recommends
strategies for using feedback mechanism to improve students’
learning in designing and simulation-based IT training.
Abstract: AmI proposes a new way of thinking about computers, which follows the ideas of the Ubiquitous Computing vision of Mark Weiser. In these, there is what is known as a Disappearing Computer Initiative, with users immersed in intelligent environments. Hence, technologies need to be adapted so that they are capable of replacing the traditional inputs to the system by embedding these in every-day artifacts. In this work, we present an approach, which uses Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies. In the latter, a new form of interaction appears by contact. We compare both technologies by analyzing their requirements and advantages. In addition, we propose using a combination of RFID and NFC.
Abstract: We investigate the performance of an integrated cascade (IC) refrigeration system which uses environment friendly zeotropic mixtures. Computational calculation has been carried out by varying pressure level at the evaporator and the condenser of the system. Effects of mass flow rate of the refrigerant on the coefficient of performance (COP) are presented. We show that the integrated cascade system produces ultra-low temperatures in the evaporator by using environment friendly zeotropic mixture.
Abstract: This paper presents results of numerical and experimental studies on a two-dimensional (2D) flapping elliptic airfoil in a forward flight condition at Reynolds number of 5000. The study is motivated from an earlier investigation which shows that the deterioration in thrust performance of a sinusoidal heaving and pitching 2D (NACA0012) airfoil at high flapping frequency can be recovered by changing the effective angle of attack profile to square wave, sawtooth, or cosine wave shape. To better understand why such modifications lead to superior thrust performance, we take a closer look at the transient aerodynamic force behavior of an airfoil when the effective angle of attack profile changes gradually from a generic smooth trapezoidal profile to a sinusoid shape by modifying the base length of the trapezoid. The choice of using a smooth trapezoidal profile is to avoid the infinite acceleration condition encountered in the square wave profile. Our results show that the enhancement in the time-averaged thrust performance at high flapping frequency can be attributed to the delay and reduction in the drag producing valley region in the transient thrust force coefficient when the effective angle of attack profile changes from sinusoidal to trapezoidal.
Abstract: Among other traditional and non-traditional
additives, polymers have shown an efficient performance in the field
and improved sustainability. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is one such
additive that has demonstrated many advantages including a
reduction in permeability, an increase in durability and the provision
of strength characteristics. However, information about its effect on
the improved geotechnical characteristics is very limited to the field
performance monitoring. Therefore, a laboratory investigation was
carried out to examine the basic and engineering behaviors of three
types of soils treated with a PAM additive. The results showed an
increase in dry density and unconfined compressive strength for all
the soils. The results further demonstrated an increase in unsoaked
CBR and a reduction in permeability for all stabilized samples.
Abstract: To focus on the vibration mode of a cone loudspeaker,
which acts as an electroacoustic transducer, excitation experiments
were performed using two types of loudspeaker units: one employing
an impulse hammer and the other a sweep signal. The on-axis sound
pressure frequency properties of the loudspeaker were evaluated, and
the characteristic properties of the loudspeakers were successfully
determined in both excitation experiments. Moreover, under
conditions identical to the experiment conditions, a coupled analysis of
the vibration-acoustics of the cone loudspeaker was performed using
an acoustic analysis software program that considers the impact of
damping caused by air viscosity. The result of sound pressure
frequency properties with the numerical analysis are the most closely
match that measured in the excitation experiments over a wide range
of frequency bands.
Abstract: Healthcare waste management continues to present an
array of challenges for developing countries, and Liberia is of no
exception. There is insufficient information available regarding the
generation, handling, and disposal of health care waste. This face
serves as an impediment to healthcare management schemes. The
specific objective of this study is to present an evaluation of the
current health care management practices in Liberia. It also presented
procedures, techniques used, methods of handling, transportation, and
disposal methods of wastes as well as the quantity and composition
of health care waste. This study was conducted as an investigative
case study, covering three different health care facilities; a hospital, a
health center, and a clinic in Monrovia, Montserrado County. The
average waste generation was found to be 0-7kg per day at the clinic
and health center and 8-15kg per/day at the hospital. The composition
of the waste includes hazardous and non-hazardous waste i.e. plastic,
papers, sharps, and pathological elements etc. Nevertheless, the
investigation showed that the healthcare waste generated by the
surveyed healthcare facilities were not properly handled because of
insufficient guidelines for separate collection, and classification, and
adequate methods for storage and proper disposal of generated
wastes. This therefore indicates that there is a need for improvement
within the healthcare waste management system to improve the
existing situation.
Abstract: This paper is a qualitative research report. A group of
students form a public university in a small town in Colombia
participated in this study which aimed at describing to what extend
the use of social ads, published on the internet, helped to develop
their critical thinking skills. Students’ productions, field notes, video
recordings and direct observation were the instruments and
techniques used by the researches in order to gather the data which
was analyzed under the principles of grounded theory and
triangulation. The implementation of social ads into the classroom
evidenced a noticeable improvement in students’ ability to interpret
and argue social issues, as well as, their self-improvement in oral and
written production in English, as a foreign language.
Abstract: Copreneurship is a term used to describe the business
pattern of operations run by married couples who share commitment,
goals, and responsibilities in handling a business. Research conducted
overseas showed that copreneurship business activities grew quickly
and played a role in elevating families’ and nations’ socio-economic
standards. In Malaysia, copreneurship has long been cultivated by
spouses. Thus, this study aimed to explore the factors that motivate
married partners to start a copreneurship business, and who is the
dominant partner in the management of this business. The study
participants are four entrepreneurial couples who are SME business
operators selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews
and direct observation were used as methods of measurement for
triangulation of qualitative data in this study. The findings of the
interviews were administered using NVivo 8.0 software. The result
shows that freedom is a key factor that drives entrepreneurs to set up
copreneurship businesses, and that the husband dominates the
management aspects of the business. The study gives an overview of
the parties involved in entrepreneurship to provide understanding of
the copreneurship concept as it is practiced. This study provides
academic value by creating understanding of the importance of a
harmonious family institution specifically for forming entrepreneurs
in the familial environment in Malaysia.
Abstract: This project aims at building an efficient and
automatic power monitoring SCADA system, which is capable of
monitoring the electrical parameters of high voltage powered devices
in real time for example RMS voltage and current, frequency, energy
consumed, power factor etc. The system uses RS-485 serial
communication interface to transfer data over longer distances.
Embedded C programming is the platform used to develop two
hardware modules namely: RTU and Master Station modules, which
both use the CC2540 BLE 4.0 microcontroller configured in slave /
master mode. The Si8900 galvanic ally isolated microchip is used to
perform ADC externally. The hardware communicates via UART
port and sends data to the user PC using the USB port. Labview
software is used to design a user interface to display current state of
the power loads being monitored as well as logs data to excel
spreadsheet file. An understanding of the Si8900’s auto baud rate
process is key to successful implementation of this project.
Abstract: The importance of culture and tourism in the attractiveness and competitiveness of the countries is central, and many regions are evidencing their cultural assets, tangible and intangible, as a means to create comparative advantages in tourism and produce a distinctive place in response to the pressures of globalization. Culture and tourism are interlinked because of their obvious combination and growth potential. Cultural tourism is a crucial global tourism market with fast growing. Regions can develop significant relations between culture and tourism to increase their attractiveness as places to visit, live and invest, increasing their competitiveness. Accordingly, having new and creative approach to historical areas as cultural value-based destinations can improve their conditions to promote tourism. Furthermore, in 21st century, media become the most important factor affecting the development of urban cities, including public places. As a result of the digital revolution, re-imaging and re-linkage public places by media are essential to create more interactions between public spaces and users, interaction media display, and urban screens, one of the most important defined media. This interaction can transform the urban space from being neglected to be more interactive space with users, especially the pedestrians. The paper focuses on The Walled City of Famagusta. As many other historic quarters elsewhere in the world, is in a process, of decay and deterioration, and its functionally distinctive areas are severely threatened by physical, functional, locational, and image obsolescence at varying degrees. So the focus on the future development of this area through tourism promotion can be an appropriate decision for the monument enhancement of the spatial quality in Walled City of Famagusta. In this paper, it is aimed to identify the effects of these new digital factors to transform public spaces especially in historic urban areas to promote creative tourism. Accordingly, two different analysis methods are used as well as a theoretical review. The first is case study on site and the second is Close ended questionnaire, test many concepts raised in this paper. The physical analysis on site carried out in order to evaluate the walled city restoration for touristic purpose. Besides, theoretical review is done in order to provide background to the subject and cleared Factors to attract tourists.