Abstract: In order to meet environmental norms, Indian fuel
policy aims at producing ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) in near
future. A catalyst for meeting such requirements has been developed
and kinetics of this catalytic process is being looked into. In the
present investigations, effect of mass transfer on kinetics of ultra deep
hydrodesulphurization (UDHDS) to produce ULSD has been studied
to determine intrinsic kinetics over a pre-sulphided catalyst.
Experiments have been carried out in a continuous flow micro reactor
operated in the temperature range of 330 to 3600C, whsv of 1 hr-1 at a
pressure of 35 bar, and its parameters estimated. Based on the derived
rate expression and estimated parameters optimum operation range
has been determined for this UDHDS catalyst to obtain ULSD
product.
Abstract: A new technique of topological multi-scale analysis is
introduced. By performing a clustering recursively to build a
hierarchy, and analyzing the co-scale and intra-scale similarities, an
Iterated Function System can be extracted from any data set. The study
of fractals shows that this method is efficient to extract
self-similarities, and can find elegant solutions the inverse problem of
building fractals. The theoretical aspects and practical
implementations are discussed, together with examples of analyses of
simple fractals.
Abstract: A clustering is process to identify a homogeneous
groups of object called as cluster. Clustering is one interesting topic
on data mining. A group or class behaves similarly characteristics.
This paper discusses a robust clustering process for data images with
two reduction dimension approaches; i.e. the two dimensional
principal component analysis (2DPCA) and principal component
analysis (PCA). A standard approach to overcome this problem is
dimension reduction, which transforms a high-dimensional data into
a lower-dimensional space with limited loss of information. One of
the most common forms of dimensionality reduction is the principal
components analysis (PCA). The 2DPCA is often called a variant of
principal component (PCA), the image matrices were directly treated
as 2D matrices; they do not need to be transformed into a vector so
that the covariance matrix of image can be constructed directly using
the original image matrices. The decomposed classical covariance
matrix is very sensitive to outlying observations. The objective of
paper is to compare the performance of robust minimizing vector
variance (MVV) in the two dimensional projection PCA (2DPCA)
and the PCA for clustering on an arbitrary data image when outliers
are hiden in the data set. The simulation aspects of robustness and
the illustration of clustering images are discussed in the end of
paper
Abstract: This work deals with aspects of support vector learning for large-scale data mining tasks. Based on a decomposition algorithm that can be run in serial and parallel mode we introduce a data transformation that allows for the usage of an expensive generalized kernel without additional costs. In order to speed up the decomposition algorithm we analyze the problem of working set selection for large data sets and analyze the influence of the working set sizes onto the scalability of the parallel decomposition scheme. Our modifications and settings lead to improvement of support vector learning performance and thus allow using extensive parameter search methods to optimize classification accuracy.
Abstract: Bologna process has influenced enhancing studentcentered
learning in Estonian higher education since 2009, but there
is no information about what helps or hinders students to achieve
learning outcomes and how quality of student-centered learning
might be improved. The purpose of this study is to analyze two
questions from outcome-based course evaluation questionnaire which
is used in Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences.
In this qualitative research, 384 students from 22 different courses
described what helped and hindered them to achieve learning
outcomes. The analysis showed that the aspects that hinder students
to achieve learning outcomes are mostly personal: time management,
family and personal matters, motivation and non-academic activities.
The results indicate that students- learning is commonly supported by
school, where teacher, teaching and characteristics of teaching
methods help mostly to achieve learning outcomes, also learning
material, practical assignments and independent study was brought
up as one of the key elements.
Abstract: This paper presents an assessment study conducted
among the distance learners in India. Open and distance learning
systems have traveled a long way since its inception and its journey
has witnessed the evolution and adoption of different generations of
technology. This study focuses on the distant learners in India.
Sampling for this study has been derived from the mass enrollment
from Tamil Nadu area, a southern state of India. Learners were
chosen from dual mode universities, private universities, Tamil Nadu
Open University and IGNOU. The main focus of the study is to
examine the coverage and appropriation of students support services
and learning aids. It explores two aspects: the facilities available and
the awareness and use of such services. It includes, self-learning
materials, face-to-face counseling, multimedia learning materials,
website, e-learning, radio and television services etc. While exploring
the student-s perspective on these learning aspects, it is important to
understand the perspectives of the teachers. Two different interests
are visible among the teachers. Majority of the teachers support faceto-
face counseling. However, the young teachers are in favour of
online learning and multimedia supports in teaching. Through the
awareness is somewhat high, the actual participation in online is very
low. This is due to the inadequate infrastructure as well as the
traditional attitudes of the teachers. Still the face-to-face sessions
remain popular than online.
Abstract: Environmental decision making, particularly about
hazardous waste management, is inherently exposed to a high
potential conflict, principally because of the trade-off between sociopolitical,
environmental, health and economic factors. The need to
plan complex contexts has led to an increasing request for decision
analytic techniques as support for the decision process. In this work,
alternative systems of asbestos-containing waste management
(ACW) in Puglia (Southern Italy) were explored by a multi-criteria
decision analysis. In particular, through Analytic Hierarchy Process
five alternatives management have been compared and ranked
according to their performance and efficiency, taking into account
environmental, health and socio-economic aspects. A separated
valuation has been performed for different temporal scale. For short
period results showed a narrow deviation between the disposal
alternatives “mono-material landfill in public quarry" and “dedicate
cells in existing landfill", with the best performance of the first one.
While for long period “treatment plant to eliminate hazard from
asbestos-containing waste" was prevalent, although high energy
demand required to achieve the change of crystalline structure. A
comparison with results from a participative approach in valuation
process might be considered as future development of method
application to ACW management.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the most satisfying and frustrating aspects of ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) teaching in Turkish schools. Another aim was to compare these aspects based-on ICT teachers- selfefficacy. Participants were 119 ICT teachers from different geographical areas of Turkey. Participants were asked to list salient satisfying and frustrating aspects of ICT teaching, and to fill out the Self-Efficacy Scale for ICT Teachers. Results showed that the high self-efficacy teachers listed more positive and negative aspects of ICT teaching then did the low self-efficacy teachers. The satisfying aspects of ICT teaching were the dynamic nature of ICT subject, higher student interest, having opportunity to help other subject teachers, and lecturing in well-equipped labs, whereas the most frequently cited frustrating aspects of ICT teaching were ICT-related extra works of schools and colleagues, shortages of hardware and technical problems, indifferent students, insufficient teaching time, and the status of ICT subject in school curriculum. This information could be useful in redesigning ICT teachers- roles and responsibilities as well as job environment in schools.
Abstract: In this article, biomechanical aspects of hen-s eggshell as a natural ceramic structure are studied. The images, taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), are used to investigate the microscopic aspects of the egg. It is observed that eggshell has a three-layered microstructure with different morphological and structural characteristics. Studies on the eggshell membrane (ESM) as a prosperous tissue suggest that it is placed to prevent the penetration of microorganisms into the egg. Finally, numerical models of the egg are presented to study the stress distribution and its deformation under different loading conditions. The effects of two different types of loading (hydrostatic and point loadings) on two different shell models (with constant and variable thicknesses) are investigated in detail.
Abstract: Scarcity of resources for biodiversity conservation gives rise to the need of strategic investment with priorities given to the cost of conservation. While the literature provides abundant methodological options for biodiversity conservation; estimating true cost of conservation remains abstract and simplistic, without recognising dynamic nature of the cost. Some recent works demonstrate the prominence of economic theory to inform biodiversity decisions, particularly on the costs and benefits of biodiversity however, the integration of the concept of true cost into biodiversity actions and planning are very slow to come by, and specially on a farm level. Conservation planning studies often use area as a proxy for costs neglecting different land values as well as protected areas. These literature consider only heterogeneous benefits while land costs are considered homogenous. Analysis with the assumption of cost homogeneity results in biased estimation; since not only it doesn’t address the true total cost of biodiversity actions and plans, but also it fails to screen out lands that are more (or less) expensive and/or difficult (or more suitable) for biodiversity conservation purposes, hindering validity and comparability of the results. Economies of scope” is one of the other most neglected aspects in conservation literature. The concept of economies of scope introduces the existence of cost complementarities within a multiple output production system and it suggests a lower cost during the concurrent production of multiple outputs by a given farm. If there are, indeed, economies of scope then simplistic representation of costs will tend to overestimate the true cost of conservation leading to suboptimal outcomes. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide first road review of the various theoretical ways in which economies of scope are likely to occur of how they might occur in conservation. Consequently, the paper addresses gaps that have to be filled in future analysis.
Abstract: This study attempts to clarify major perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Greek market related to companies that have sufficient CSR. An empirical analysis was undertaken, based on literature review and previous observations and surveys, in order to provide a general analysis of the CSR concept in Greece. The results of Accountability Rating institution were used in order to identify companies that adopt an integrated social responsibility approach. Companies that responded to the survey are both regional and international and belong to different industrial fields. Some of the main survey results reveal: multiple aspects for the CSR concept, weak consensus as regards the importance of stakeholders and benefits from the CSR implementation, the important role of CSR in the decision procedure and CSR practices concerning social issues that affect mostly company-s competitiveness. Sharing companies- experience could address common social issues through CSR best practices and develop new knowledge.
Abstract: Research in e-Business has been growing
tremendously covering all related aspects such as adoption issues, e-
Business models, strategies, etc. This research aims to explore the
potential of adopting e-Business for a micro size business operating
from home called home-based businesses (HBBs). In Malaysia, the
HBB industry started many years ago and were mostly monopolized
by women or housewives managed as a part-time job to support their
family economy. Today, things have changed. The availability of the
Internet technology and the emergence of e-Business concept
promote the evolution of HBBs, which have been adopted as another
alternative as a professional career for women without neglecting
their family needs especially the children. Although this study is
confined to a limited sample size and within geographical biasness,
the findings show that it concurs with previous large scale studies. In
this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used and
data were gathered using triangulation methods via interview, direct
observation, document analysis and survey questionnaires. This paper
discusses the literature review, research methods and findings
pertaining to e-Business adoption factors that influence the HBBs in
Malaysia.
Abstract: This paper focuses attention on specific aspects of
entrepreneurial decisions relating to investment, both in the total
fixed investments and plant & machinery (separately). Demand and
financial factors, internal and external, are considered in the
investment analysis. Finally the influence of determinants of fixed
investment and investment plans are examined in Electric Power
industry in India.
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: The traditional public relations manager is usually responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the organization among key publics. While the principal focus of this effort is on support publics, it is quite clearly recognized that an organization's image has important effects on its own employees, its donors and volunteers, and its clients. The aim of paper is to define application`s aspects of public relations media and tools by nonprofit organizations in Albanian reality. Actually does used public relations media and tools, like written material, audiovisual material, organizational identity media, news, interviews and speeches, events, web sites by nonprofit organizations to attract donors? If, public relations media and tools are used, does exists a relation between public relation media and fundraising?
Abstract: A feasibility study for the design and construction of a
pilot plant for the extraction of castor oil in South Africa was
conducted. The study emphasized the four critical aspects of project
feasibility analysis, namely technical, financial, market and
managerial aspects. The technical aspect involved research on
existing oil extraction technologies, namely: mechanical pressing and
solvent extraction, as well as assessment of the proposed production
site for both short and long term viability of the project. The site is
on the outskirts of Nkomazi village in the Mpumalanga province,
where connections for water and electricity are currently underway,
potential raw material supply proves to be reliable since the province
is known for its commercial farming. The managerial aspect was
evaluated based on the fact that the current producer of castor oil will
be fully involved in the project while receiving training and technical
assistance from Sasol Technology, the TSC and SEDA. Market and
financial aspects were evaluated and the project was considered
financially viable with a Net Present Value (NPV) of R2 731 687 and
an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18% at an annual interest rate of
10.5%. The payback time is 6years for analysis over the first 10
years with a net income of R1 971 000 in the first year. The project
was thus found to be feasible with high chance of success while
contributing to socio-economic development. It was recommended
for lab tests to be conducted to establish process kinetics that would
be used in the initial design of the plant.
Abstract: This paper explores the issues that influence online retailing in Saudi Arabia. Retailers in Saudi Arabia have been reserved in their adoption of electronically delivered aspects of their business. Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has the largest and fastest growth of ICT marketplaces in the Arab region, e-commerce activities are not progressing at the same speed. Only very few Saudi companies, mostly medium and large companies from the manufacturing sector, are involved in e-commerce implementation. Based on qualitative data collected by conducting interviews with 16 retailers and 16 potential customers in Saudi Arabia, several factors influencing online retailing diffusion in Saudi Arabia are identified. However, government support comes the highest and most influencing factor for online retailing growth as identified by both parties; retailers and potential customers in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: In this research a mathematical model for direct
oxidization of hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur in a fluidized
bed reactor with external circulation was developed. As the catalyst
is deactivated in the fluidized bed, it might be placed in a reduction
tank in order to remove sulfur through heating above its dew point.
The reactor model demonstrated via MATLAB software. It was
shown that variations of H2S conversion as well as; products formed
were reasonable in comparison with corresponding results of a fixed
bed reactor. Through analyzing results of this model, it became
possible to propose the main optimized operating conditions for the
process considered. These conditions included; the temperature range
of 100-130ºC and utilizing the catalyst as much as possible providing
the highest bed density respect to dimensions of bed, economical
aspects that the bed ever remained in fluidized mode. A high active
and stable catalyst under the optimum conditions exhibited 100%
conversion in a fluidized bed reactor.
Abstract: This paper is a review on the aspects and approaches of design an image cryptosystem. First a general introduction given for cryptography and images encryption and followed by different techniques in image encryption and related works for each technique surveyed. Finally, general security analysis methods for encrypted images are mentioned.
Abstract: The construction of a civil structure inside a urban
area inevitably modifies the outdoor microclimate at the building
site. Wind speed, wind direction, air pollution, driving rain, radiation
and daylight are some of the main physical aspects that are subjected
to the major changes. The quantitative amount of these modifications
depends on the shape, size and orientation of the building and on its
interaction with the surrounding environment.The flow field over a
flat roof model building has been numerically investigated in order to
determine two-dimensional CFD guidelines for the calculation of the
turbulent flow over a structure immersed in an atmospheric boundary
layer. To this purpose, a complete validation campaign has been
performed through a systematic comparison of numerical simulations
with wind tunnel experimental data.Several turbulence models and
spatial node distributions have been tested for five different vertical
positions, respectively from the upstream leading edge to the
downstream bottom edge of the analyzed model. Flow field
characteristics in the neighborhood of the building model have been
numerically investigated, allowing a quantification of the capabilities
of the CFD code to predict the flow separation and the extension of
the recirculation regions.The proposed calculations have allowed the
development of a preliminary procedure to be used as a guidance in
selecting the appropriate grid configuration and corresponding
turbulence model for the prediction of the flow field over a twodimensional
roof architecture dominated by flow separation.