Abstract: Transnational corporations (TNCs) are playing a major role in global R&D, not only through activities in their home countries but also increasingly abroad. However, the process of R&D offshoring is not yet discussed thoroughly. Based on in-depth case study on Agilent China Communications Operation, this paper presents a stage model for theorizing the R&D offshoring process. This stage model outlines 5 maturity levels of organization and the offshoring process: Subsidiary team, Mirror team, Independent team, Mirror sector and the Independent sector (from software engineering point of view, it is similar to the local team's capability level of maturity model). Moreover, the paper gives a detailed discussion on the relevant characteristics, as well as the ability/responsibility of transfer, priorities and the corresponding organization structure. It also gives the characteristics and key points of different level-s R&D offshoring implementation using actual team practice.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a Dynamic
Time Warping technique which reduces significantly the data
processing time and memory size of multi-dimensional time series
sampled by the biometric smart pen device BiSP. The acquisition
device is a novel ballpoint pen equipped with a diversity of sensors
for monitoring the kinematics and dynamics of handwriting
movement. The DTW algorithm has been applied for time series
analysis of five different sensor channels providing pressure,
acceleration and tilt data of the pen generated during handwriting on
a paper pad. But the standard DTW has processing time and memory
space problems which limit its practical use for online handwriting
recognition. To face with this problem the DTW has been applied to
the sum of the five sensor signals after an adequate down-sampling
of the data. Preliminary results have shown that processing time and
memory size could significantly be reduced without deterioration of
performance in single character and word recognition. Further
excellent accuracy in recognition was achieved which is mainly due
to the reduced dynamic time warping RDTW technique and a novel
pen device BiSP.
Abstract: Nowadays due to globalization of economy and
competition environment, innovation and technology plays key role
at creation of wealth and economic growth of countries. In fact
prompt growth of practical and technologic knowledge may results in
social benefits for countries when changes into effective innovation.
Considering the importance of innovation for the development of
countries, this study addresses the radical technological innovation
introduced by nanopapers at different stages of producing paper
including stock preparation, using authorized additives, fillers and
pigments, using retention, calender, stages of producing conductive
paper, porous nanopaper and Layer by layer self-assembly. Research
results show that in coming years the jungle related products will lose
considerable portion of their market share, unless embracing radical
innovation. Although incremental innovations can make this industry
still competitive in mid-term, but to have economic growth and
competitive advantage in long term, radical innovations are
necessary. Radical innovations can lead to new products and
materials which their applications in packaging industry can produce
value added. However application of nanotechnology in this industry
can be costly, it can be done in cooperation with other industries to
make the maximum use of nanotechnology possible. Therefore this
technology can be used in all the production process resulting in the
mass production of simple and flexible papers with low cost and
special properties such as facility at shape, form, easy transportation,
light weight, recovery and recycle marketing abilities, and sealing.
Improving the resistance of the packaging materials without reducing
the performance of packaging materials enhances the quality and the
value added of packaging. Improving the cellulose at nano scale can
have considerable electron optical and magnetic effects leading to
improvement in packaging and value added. Comparing to the
specifications of thermoplastic products and ordinary papers,
nanopapers show much better performance in terms of effective
mechanical indexes such as the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength,
and strain-stress. In densities lower than 640 kgm -3, due to the
network structure of nanofibers and the balanced and randomized
distribution of NFC in flat space, these specifications will even
improve more. For nanopapers, strains are 1,4Gpa, 84Mpa and 17%,
13,3 Gpa, 214Mpa and 10% respectively. In layer by layer self
assembly method (LbL) the tensile strength of nanopaper with Tio3
particles and Sio2 and halloysite clay nanotube are 30,4 ±7.6Nm/g
and 13,6 ±0.8Nm/g and 14±0.3,3Nm/g respectively that fall within
acceptable range of similar samples with virgin fiber. The usage of
improved brightness and porosity index in nanopapers can create
more competitive advantages at packaging industry.
Abstract: We describe a new filtering approach in the wavelet domain for image denoising and compression, based on the projections of details subbands coefficients (resultants of the splitting procedure, typical in wavelet domain) onto the approximation subband coefficients (much less noisy). The new algorithm is called Projection Onto Approximation Coefficients (POAC). As a result of this approach, only the approximation subband coefficients and three scalars are stored and/or transmitted to the channel. Besides, with the elimination of the details subbands coefficients, we obtain a bigger compression rate. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach compares favorably to more typical methods of denoising and compression in wavelet domain.
Abstract: In electronegative-electropositive gas mixtures plasma, at a total pressure varying in the range of ten to hundred Torr, the appearance of a quasi-mochromatization effect of the emitted radiation was reported. This radiation could be the result of the generating mechanisms at molecular level, which is the case of the excimer radiation but also at atomic level. Thus, in the last case, in (Ne+1%Ar/Xe+H2) gas mixtures plasma in a dielectric barrier discharge, this effect, called M-effect, consists in the reduction of the discharge emission spectrum practice at one single, strong spectral line with λ = 585.3 nm. The present paper is concerned with the characteristics comparative investigation of the principal reaction mechanisms involved in the quasi-monochromatization effect existence in the case of the excimer radiation, respectively of the Meffect. Also, the paper points out the role of the metastable electronegative atoms in the appearance of the monochromatization – effect at atomic level.
Abstract: The forced convection heat transfer in high porosity metal-foam filled tube heat exchangers are studied in this paper. The Brinkman Darcy momentum model and two energy equations for both solid and fluid phases in porous media are employed .The study shows that using metal-foams can significantly improve the heat transfer in heat exchangers.
Abstract: E-services have significantly changed the way of
doing business in recent years. We can, however, observe poor use of
these services. There is a large gap between supply and actual eservices
usage. This is why we started a project to provide an
environment that will encourage the use of e-services. We believe
that only providing e-service does not automatically mean consumers
would use them. This paper shows the origins of our project and its
current position. We discuss the decision of using semantic web
technologies and their potential to improve e-services usage. We also
present current knowledge base and its real-world classification. In the paper, we discuss further work to be done in the project. Current
state of the project is promising.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to find out the
effectiveness of neurological impress method and repeated reading
technique on reading fluency of children with learning disabilities.
Thirty primary four pupils in three public primary schools
participated in the study. There were two experimental groups and a
control. This research employed a 3 by 2 factorial matrix and the
participants were taught for one session. Two hypotheses were
formulated to guide the research. T-test was used to analyse the data
gathered, and data analysis revealed that pupils exposed to the two
treatment strategies had improvement in their reading fluency. It was
recommended that the two strategies used in the study can be used to
intervene in reading fluency problems in children with learning
disabilities.
Abstract: In this paper 2D Simulation of catalytic Fixed Bed Reactor in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis of GTL technology has been performed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) has been used as feedstock. The reactor was modeled and the model equations were solved employing finite volume method. The model was validated against the experimental data reported in literature. The comparison showed a good agreement between simulation results and the experimental data. In addition, the model was applied to predict the concentration contours of the reactants and products along the length of reactor.
Abstract: In this content analysis research note the aim was to explore to how sustainability and especially environmental issues are conveyed into environmental items in annual reports and disclosures. As The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a globally wide multistakeholder process, the enterprises using voluntarily GRI framework are considered to be aware of sustainability and environmental concerns. The findings were that although these enterprises included in an environmentally sensitive industry sector and had special capabilities to consider environmental issues there were few GRIreporting enterprises presented substantially detailed environmental items in audited financial statements. There were only slight differences between publishing years 2008 and 2009 - the beginning years of economic turmoil. The environmental issues seemed not to be considered substantial enough for financial reporting as a basis for concerning investment or voting decisions.
Abstract: As there are also graph methods of circuit analysis in
addition to algebraic methods, it is, in theory, clearly possible to
carry out an analysis of a whole switched circuit in two-phase
switching exclusively by the graph method as well. This article deals
with two methods of full-graph solving of switched circuits: by
transformation graphs and by two-graphs. It deals with the circuit
switched capacitors and the switched current, too. All methods are
presented in an equally detailed steps to be able to compare.
Abstract: This paper describes a concept of stereotype student
model in adaptive knowledge acquisition e-learning system. Defined
knowledge stereotypes are based on student's proficiency level and
on Bloom's knowledge taxonomy. The teacher module is responsible
for the whole adaptivity process: the automatic generation of
courseware elements, their dynamic selection and sorting, as well as
their adaptive presentation using templates for statements and
questions. The adaptation of courseware is realized according to
student-s knowledge stereotype.
Abstract: Bringing change to the housing industry requires
multiple efforts from various angles especially to overcome any
resistances in the form of technology, human aspects, financial and
resources. The transition from conventional to sustainable approach
consumes time as it requires changes from different facets in the
industry ranging from individual, organisational to industry level. In
Malaysia, there are various efforts to bring green into the industry but
the progress is low-moderate. Will the current efforts bear larger
fruits in the near future? This study examines the perceptions of the
developers in Malaysia on the future of the green housing sector for
the next 5 years. The introduction of GBI rating system, improvement
of awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders, support from
the government and local industry and the effect of competitive
advantage would support brighter future. Meanwhile, the status quo
in rules and regulation, lack of public interest and demand,
organization disinterest, local authority enforcement and project cost
escalation would hinder a faster progress.
Abstract: In order to achieve better road utilization and traffic
efficiency, there is an urgent need for a travel information delivery
mechanism to assist the drivers in making better decisions in the
emerging intelligent transportation system applications. In this paper,
we propose a relayed multicast scheme under heterogeneous networks
for this purpose. In the proposed system, travel information consisting
of summarized traffic conditions, important events, real-time traffic
videos, and local information service contents is formed into layers
and multicasted through an integration of WiMAX infrastructure and
Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANET). By the support of adaptive
modulation and coding in WiMAX, the radio resources can be
optimally allocated when performing multicast so as to dynamically
adjust the number of data layers received by the users. In addition to
multicast supported by WiMAX, a knowledge propagation and
information relay scheme by VANET is designed. The experimental
results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed
scheme.
Abstract: The human knee joint has a three dimensional
geometry with multiple body articulations that produce complex
mechanical responses under loads that occur in everyday life and
sports activities. To produce the necessary joint compliance and
stability for optimal daily function various menisci and ligaments are
present while muscle forces are used to this effect. Therefore,
knowledge of the complex mechanical interactions of these load
bearing structures is necessary when treatment of relevant diseases is
evaluated and assisting devices are designed.
Numerical tools such as finite element analysis are suitable for
modeling such joints in order to understand their physics. They have
been used in the current study to develop an accurate human knee
joint and model its mechanical behavior. To evaluate the efficacy of
this articulated model, static load cases were used for comparison
purposes with previous experimentally verified modeling works
drawn from literature.
Abstract: The present study is concerned with the free
convective two dimensional flow and heat transfer, within the
framework of Boussinesq approximation, in anisotropic fluid filled
porous rectangular enclosure subjected to end-to-end temperature
difference have been investigated using Lattice Boltzmann method
fornon-Darcy flow model. Effects of the moving lid direction (top,
bottom, left, and right wall moving in the negative and positive x&ydirections),
number of moving walls (one or two opposite walls), the
sliding wall velocity, and four different constant temperatures
opposite walls cases (two surfaces are being insulated and the
twoother surfaces areimposed to be at constant hot and cold
temperature)have been conducted. The results obtained are discussed
in terms of the Nusselt number, vectors, contours, and isotherms.
Abstract: The development of information and communication
technology, the increased use of the internet, as well as the effects of
the recession within the last years, have lead to the increased use of
cloud computing based solutions, also called on-demand solutions.
These solutions offer a large number of benefits to organizations as
well as challenges and risks, mainly determined by data visualization
in different geographic locations on the internet. As far as the specific
risks of cloud environment are concerned, data security is still
considered a peak barrier in adopting cloud computing. The present
study offers an approach upon ensuring the security of cloud data,
oriented towards the whole data life cycle. The final part of the study
focuses on the assessment of data security in the cloud, this
representing the bases in determining the potential losses and the
premise for subsequent improvements and continuous learning.
Abstract: In this research, a 2-D computational analysis of
steady state free convection in a rectangular enclosure filled with an
electrically conducting fluid under Effect of Magnetic Field has been
performed. The governing equations (mass, momentum, and energy)
are formulated and solved by a finite volume method (FVM)
subjected to different boundary conditions. A parametric study has
been conducted to consider the influence of Grashof number (Gr),
Prantdl number (Pr) and the orientation of magnetic field on the flow
and heat transfer characteristics. It is observed that Nusselt number
(Nu) and heat flux will increase with increasing Grashof and Prandtl
numbers and decreasing the slope of the orientation of magnetic field.
Abstract: This paper present a new way to find the aerodynamic characteristic equation of missile for the numerical trajectories prediction more accurate. The goal is to obtain the polynomial equation based on two missile characteristic parameters, angle of attack (α ) and flight speed (╬¢ ). First, the understudied missile is modeled and used for flow computational model to compute aerodynamic force and moment. Assume that performance range of understudied missile where range -10< α
Abstract: The textile industry produces highly coloured
effluents containing polar and non-polar compounds. The textile mill
run by the Assam Polyester Co-operative Society Limited (APOL) is
situated at Rangia, about 55 km from Guwahati (26011' N, 91047' E)
in the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra, Assam (India). This
unit was commissioned in June 1988 and started commercial
production in November 1988. The installed capacity of the weaving
unit was 8000 m/day and that of the processing unit was 20,000
m/day. The mill has its own dyeing unit with a capacity of 1500-2000
kg/day. The western side of the mill consists of vast agricultural land
and the far northern and southern side of the mill has scattered human
population. The eastern side of the mill has a major road for
thoroughfare. The mill releases its effluents into the agricultural land
in the western side of the mill. The present study was undertaken to
assess the impact of the textile mill on surface soil quality in and
around the mill with particular reference to Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn.
Surface soil samples, collected along different directions at 200, 500
and 1000 m were digested and the metals were estimated with
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The metals were found in the
range of: Cr 50.9 – 105.0 mg kg-1, Mn 19.2- 78.6 mg kg-1, Ni 41.9 –
50.6 mg kg-1 and Zn 187.8 – 1095.8 mg kg-1. The study reveals
enrichment of Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn in the soil near the textile mill.