Abstract: This article deals with geographical conditions in
terrain and their effect on the movement of vehicles, their effect on
speed and safety of movement of people and vehicles. Finding of the
optimal routes outside the communication is studied in the Army
environment, but it occur in civilian as well, primarily in crisis
situation, or by the provision of assistance when natural disasters
such as floods, fires, storms etc., have happened. These movements
require the optimization of routes when effects of geographical
factors should be included. The most important factor is the surface
of a terrain. It is based on several geographical factors as are slopes,
soil conditions, micro-relief, a type of surface and meteorological
conditions. Their mutual impact has been given by coefficient of
deceleration. This coefficient can be used for the commander`s
decision. New approaches and methods of terrain testing,
mathematical computing, mathematical statistics or cartometric
investigation are necessary parts of this evaluation.
Abstract: In this study, we compare the profiles of transitory
hybrid entrepreneurs and persistent hybrid entrepreneurs to determine
how they differ. Hybrid entrepreneurs (HEs) represent a significant
share of entrepreneurial activity yet little is known about them. We
define HEs as individuals who are active as entrepreneurs but do no
support themselves primarily by their enterprise. Persistent HEs
(PHEs) are not planning to transition to fulltime entrepreneurship
whereas transitory HEs (THEs) consider it probable. Our results
show that THEs and PHEs are quite similar in background. THEs are
more interested in increasing their turnover than PHEs, as expected,
but also emphasize self-fulfillment as a motive for entrepreneurship
more than PHEs. The clearest differences between THEs and PHEs
are found in their views on how well their immediate circle supports
full-time entrepreneurship, and their views of their own
entrepreneurial abilities and the market potential of their firm. Our
results support earlier arguments that hybrids should be considered
separately in research on entrepreneurial entry and self-employment.
Abstract: Over the past few years, the online multimedia
collection has grown at a fast pace. Several companies showed
interest to study the different ways to organise the amount of audio
information without the need of human intervention to generate
metadata. In the past few years, many applications have emerged on
the market which are capable of identifying a piece of music in a
short time. Different audio effects and degradation make it much
harder to identify the unknown piece. In this paper, an audio
fingerprinting system which makes use of a non-parametric based
algorithm is presented. Parametric analysis is also performed using
Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs). The feature extraction methods
employed are the Mel Spectrum Coefficients and the MPEG-7 basic
descriptors. Bin numbers replaced the extracted feature coefficients
during the non-parametric modelling. The results show that nonparametric
analysis offer potential results as the ones mentioned in
the literature.
Abstract: Natural hydrocarbon seepage has helped petroleum
exploration as a direct indicator of gas and/or oil subsurface
accumulations. Surface macro-seeps are generally an indication of a
fault in an active Petroleum Seepage System belonging to a Total
Petroleum System. This paper describes a case study in which
multiple analytical techniques were used to identify and characterize
trace petroleum-related hydrocarbons and other volatile organic
compounds in groundwater samples collected from Sousse aquifer
(Central Tunisia). The analytical techniques used for analyses of
water samples included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS),
capillary GC with flame-ionization detection, Compound
Specific Isotope Analysis, Rock Eval Pyrolysis. The objective of the
study was to confirm the presence of gasoline and other petroleum
products or other volatile organic pollutants in those samples in order
to assess the respective implication of each of the potentially
responsible parties to the contamination of the aquifer. In addition,
the degree of contamination at different depths in the aquifer was also
of interest. The oil and gas seeps have been investigated using
biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses to perform oil-oil and
oil-source rock correlations. The seepage gases are characterized by
high CH4 content, very low δ13CCH4 values (-71,9 ‰) and high
C1/C1–5 ratios (0.95–1.0), light deuterium–hydrogen isotope ratios (-
198 ‰) and light δ13CC2 and δ13CCO2 values (-23,8‰ and-23,8‰
respectively) indicating a thermogenic origin with the contribution of
the biogenic gas. An organic geochemistry study was carried out on
the more ten oil seep samples. This study includes light hydrocarbon
and biomarkers analyses (hopanes, steranes, n-alkanes, acyclic
isoprenoids, and aromatic steroids) using GC and GC-MS. The
studied samples show at least two distinct families, suggesting two
different types of crude oil origins: the first oil seeps appears to be
highly mature, showing evidence of chemical and/or biological
degradation and was derived from a clay-rich source rock deposited
in suboxic conditions. It has been sourced mainly by the lower
Fahdene (Albian) source rocks. The second oil seeps was derived
from a carbonate-rich source rock deposited in anoxic conditions,
well correlated with the Bahloul (Cenomanian-Turonian) source rock.
Abstract: Today, the pollution due to non-degradable material
such as plastics, has led to studies about the development of
environmental-friendly material. Because of biodegradability
obtained from natural sources, polylactid acid (PLA) and ijuk fiber
are interesting to modify into a composite. This material is also
expected to reduce the impact of environmental pollution. Surface
modification of ijuk fiber through alkalinization with 0.25 M NaOH
solution for 30 minutes was aimed to enhance its compatibility to
PLA, in order to improve properties of the composite such as the
mechanical properties. Alkalinization of the ijuk fibers annihilates
some surface components such as lignin, wax and hemicelloluse, so
the pore on the surface clearly appeared, decreasing of the density
and diameter of the ijuk fibers. The change of the ijuk fiber properties
leads to increase the mechanical properties of PLA composites
reinforced the ijuk fibers through strengthening of the mechanical
interlocking with the PLA matrix. An addition to enhance the
distribution of the fibers in the PLA matrix, the stirring during DCM
solvent evaporation from the mixture of the ijuk fibers and the
dissolved-PLA can reduce amount of the trapped-voids and fibers
pull-out phenomena, which can decrease the mechanical properties of
the composite.
Abstract: The paper deals with behaviour of the segment 50+ in
the financial market in the Czech Republic. This segment could be
said as the strong market power and it can be a crucial business
potential for financial business units. The main defined objective of
this paper is analysis of the customers´ behaviour of the segment 50-
60 years in the financial market in the Czech Republic and proposal
making of the suitable marketing approach to satisfy their demands in
the area of product, price, distribution and marketing communication
policy. This paper is based on data from one part of primary
marketing research. Paper determinates the basic problem areas as
well as definition of financial services marketing, defining the
primary research problem, hypothesis and primary research
methodology. Finally suitable marketing approach to selected sub
segment at age of 50-60 years is proposed according to marketing
research findings.
Abstract: This paper examines international marketing in
business practice of Czech exporting small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) with regard to the strategic perspectives.
Research was focused on Czech exporting SMEs from Moravian-
Silesia region and their behavior on international markets. For
purpose of collecting data, a questionnaire was given to 262 SMEs
involved in international business. Statistics utilized in this research
included frequency, mean, percentage, and chi-square test. Data were
analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The
research analysis disclosed that there is certain space for
improvement in strategic marketing especially in a marketing
research, perception of cultural and social differences, product
adaptation and usage of marketing communication tools.
Abstract: Part and parcel of building green homes (GHs) with
favorable thermal comfort (TC) is to design and build with reduced
carbon footprint (CF) from embodied energy in the building envelope
and reduced operational CF overall. Together, the environmental
impact of GHs can be reduced significantly. Nevertheless, there is
still a need to identify the base CF value for Malaysian GHs and this
can be done by assessing existing ones which can then be compared
to conventional and vernacular houses which are built differently
with different building materials. This paper underlines the research
design and introduces the case studies. For now, the operational CF
of the case studies is beyond the scope of this study. Findings from
this research could identify the best building material and
construction technique combination to build GHs depending on the
available skills, financial constraints and the condition of the
immediate environment.
Abstract: The composite pavement system considered in this
paper is composed of a functional surface layer, a fiber reinforced
asphalt middle layer and a fiber reinforced lean concrete base layer.
The mix design of the fiber reinforced lean concrete corresponds to the
mix composition of conventional lean concrete but reinforced by
fibers. The quasi-absence of research on the durability or long-term
performances (fatigue, creep, etc.) of such mix design stresses the
necessity to evaluate experimentally the long-term characteristics of
this layer composition. This study tests the creep characteristics as one
of the long-term characteristics of the fiber reinforced lean concrete
layer for composite pavement using a new creep device. The test
results reveal that the lean concrete mixed with fiber reinforcement
and fly ash develops smaller creep than the conventional lean
concrete. The results of the application of the CEB-FIP prediction
equation indicate that a modified creep prediction equation should be
developed to fit with the new mix design of the layer.
Abstract: The present work analyses different parameters of end
milling to minimize the surface roughness for AISI D2 steel. D2 Steel
is generally used for stamping or forming dies, punches, forming
rolls, knives, slitters, shear blades, tools, scrap choppers, tyre
shredders etc. Surface roughness is one of the main indices that
determines the quality of machined products and is influenced by
various cutting parameters. In machining operations, achieving
desired surface quality by optimization of machining parameters, is a
challenging job. In case of mating components the surface roughness
become more essential and is influenced by the cutting parameters,
because, these quality structures are highly correlated and are
expected to be influenced directly or indirectly by the direct effect of
process parameters or their interactive effects (i.e. on process
environment). In this work, the effects of selected process parameters
on surface roughness and subsequent setting of parameters with the
levels have been accomplished by Taguchi’s parameter design
approach. The experiments have been performed as per the
combination of levels of different process parameters suggested by
L9 orthogonal array. Experimental investigation of the end milling of
AISI D2 steel with carbide tool by varying feed, speed and depth of
cut and the surface roughness has been measured using surface
roughness tester. Analyses of variance have been performed for mean
and signal-to-noise ratio to estimate the contribution of the different
process parameters on the process.
Abstract: This study estimates the seismic demands of tall
buildings with central symmetric setbacks by using nonlinear time
history analysis. Three setback structures, all 60-story high with
setback in three levels, are used for evaluation. The effects of
irregularities occurred by setback are evaluated by determination of
global-drift, story-displacement and story drift. Story-displacement is
modified by roof displacement and first story displacement and story
drift is modified by global drift. All results are calculated at the
center of mass and in x and y direction. Also the absolute values of
these quantities are determined. The results show that increasing of
vertical irregularities increases the global drift of the structure and
enlarges the deformations in the height of the structure. It is also
observed that the effects of geometry irregularity in the seismic
deformations of setback structures are higher than those of mass
irregularity.
Abstract: This research aimed to study the characteristics of a
community in the social, economic and cultural context. This
research used interviews and surveys of the members in the Patthana
Soi Ranongklang community, Dusit District, Bangkok. The results
are as follows: In terms of overall conditions and characteristics, the
Patthana Soi Ranongklang community is located on the property of
the Treasury Department. 50 years ago, the location of this
community consisted of paddy fields with limited convenience in
terms of transportation. Rama V Road was only a small narrow road
accessed only by three-wheelers there were no buses. The majority of
community members moved in from Mak Khawan Rangsan Bridge.
Thus, most community members were either workers or government
officials as they were routers not the owners of the land. Therefore,
there were no primary occupations within the 7 acres of this
community. The development of the community started in 1981. At
present, the community is continuously being developed and
modernization is rapidly flowing in. One of the reasons was because
the main roads were widened, especially Rama V Road that allows
more convenient transportation, leading to heightened citizens’
convenience. In terms of the economy and society, Rama V Road
causes the research to find out the development and expansion of
change in the conditions of the area and buildings. Some buildings
were improved and changed along the time, as well as the
development of new facilities that caused the community members to
continually become more materialistic. In the community, it has well
organized and managed jobs to each part of community members,
and areas were improved to allow the new buildings and apartments.
The trend of jobs became more varied, in terms of both jobs at home,
such as workers, merchandizing and small own businesses, and the
community jobs outside, which became much more convenient to car
drivers as they got used to the narrow roads inside the community.
The location of the community next to Rama V Road also allows
assistance from government agencies to reach the community with
ease. Moreover, the welfare of the community was well taken care of
by the community committee. In terms of education, the research
found that there are two schools: Wat Pracharabuedham School and
Wat Noi Noppakun School that are providing education within the
community. The majority in the community have received Bachelor
degrees. In areas of culture, the research found that the culture,
traditions and beliefs of people in the community were mainly
transferred from the old community: the majorities are Buddhists, so
especially beliefs in Buddhism; the main reason for this is because
the old community was situated near Wat Makut Kasattriyaram.
Therefore, the community members have always had Buddhist
temples as the centre of the community. Later years, more citizens
moved along culture in and bring traditions and beliefs with them.
The community members also took part in building a Dharma hall
named Wat Duang Jai which is 72 year old.
Abstract: Evaluated nuclear decay data for the 217Po nuclide is
presented in the present work. These data include recommended
values for the half-life T1/2, α-, β-- and γ-ray emission energies and
probabilities. Decay data from 221Rn α and 217Bi β—decays are
presented. Q(α) has been updated based on the recent published work
of the Atomic Mass Evaluation AME2012. In addition, the logft
values were calculated using the Logft program from the ENSDF
evaluation package. Moreover, the total internal conversion electrons
and the K-shell to L-shell and L-shell to M-shell and to N-shell
conversion electrons ratios K/L, L/M and L/N have been calculated
using Bricc program. Meanwhile, recommendation values or the
multi-polarities have been assigned based on recently measurement
yield a better intensity balance at the 254 keV and 264 keV gamma
transitions.
Abstract: Housing loans play an important role in CEE
countries’ economies. This fact is based on their share in total loans
to households and their importance for economic activity and growth
in CEE countries. Therefore, it is important to find out key
determinants of housing loans demand in these countries. The aim of
this study is to research and analyze the determinants of the demand
for housing loans in Croatia. In this regard, the effect of economic
activity, loan terms and real estate prices were analyzed. Also, the
aim of this study is to find out what motivates people to take housing
loans. Therefore, primarily empirical study was conducted among the
Croatian residents. The results show that demand for housing loans is
positively affected by economic growth, higher personal income and
flexible loan terms, while it is negatively affected by interest rate rise.
Abstract: Due to the rapid increase of Internet, web opinion
sources dynamically emerge which is useful for both potential
customers and product manufacturers for prediction and decision
purposes. These are the user generated contents written in natural
languages and are unstructured-free-texts scheme. Therefore, opinion
mining techniques become popular to automatically process customer
reviews for extracting product features and user opinions expressed
over them. Since customer reviews may contain both opinionated and
factual sentences, a supervised machine learning technique applies
for subjectivity classification to improve the mining performance. In
this paper, we dedicate our work is the task of opinion
summarization. Therefore, product feature and opinion extraction is
critical to opinion summarization, because its effectiveness
significantly affects the identification of semantic relationships. The
polarity and numeric score of all the features are determined by
Senti-WordNet Lexicon. The problem of opinion summarization
refers how to relate the opinion words with respect to a certain
feature. Probabilistic based model of supervised learning will
improve the result that is more flexible and effective.
Abstract: Quantification of cardiac function is performed by
calculating blood volume and ejection fraction in routine clinical
practice. However, these works have been performed by manual
contouring, which requires computational costs and varies on the
observer. In this paper, an automatic left ventricle segmentation
algorithm on cardiac magnetic resonance images (MRI) is presented.
Using knowledge on cardiac MRI, a K-mean clustering technique is
applied to segment blood region on a coil-sensitivity corrected image.
Then, a graph searching technique is used to correct segmentation
errors from coil distortion and noises. Finally, blood volume and
ejection fraction are calculated. Using cardiac MRI from 15 subjects,
the presented algorithm is tested and compared with manual
contouring by experts to show outstanding performance.
Abstract: In this research paper were investigated the main
regularities of a radical bromination reaction of decalin. There had
been studied the temperature effect, durations of reaction, frequency
rate of process, a ratio of initial components, type and number of the
initiator on decalin bromination degree.
There were specified optimum conditions of synthesis of a
perbromodecalin by the method of a decalin bromination. There are
developed the technological flowchart of receiving a
perbromodecalin and the mass balance of process on the first and the
subsequent loadings of components.
The results of research of antibacterial and antifungal activity of
synthesized bromoderivatives have been represented.
Abstract: Internet financial reporting and corporate governance
issues are in the focus of academic and professional studies due to
their attributed importance by stakeholders of corporations. Major
aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between internet
financial reporting which is held as dependent variable and some
indicators of corporate governance such as the ratio of managerial
ownership, blockholder ownership, number of independent members
in the board of directors, frequency of meetings by audit committee
and education level of audit committee members which are held as
independent variables. Main purpose is to reveal the effect of
corporate governance on the voluntary efforts of Internet Financial
reporting. The scope of the research is limited to the Turkish
Corporations listed in Borsa Istanbul (Istanbul Stock Exchange) and
findings which are generated by means of SPSS software are revealed
in results section and interpreted in conclusions.
Abstract: Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the light emitting materials in ultraviolet (UV) region. In addition, ZnO nanostructures are also attracting increasing research interest as buildingblocks for UV optoelectronic applications. We have succeeded in synthesizing vertically-aligned ZnO nanostructures by laser interference patterning, which is catalyst-free and non-contact technique. In this study, vertically-aligned ZnO nanowall arrays were synthesized using two-beam interference. The maximum height and average thickness of the ZnO nanowalls were about 4.5µm and 200 nm, respectively.UV lasing from a piece of the ZnO nanowall was obtained under the third harmonic of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser excitation, and the estimated threshold power density for lasing was about 150 kW/cm2. Furthermore, UV lasing from the vertically-aligned ZnO nanowall was also achieved. The results indicate that ZnO nanowalls can be applied to random laser.
Abstract: Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are playing
increasingly prominent roles in defense programs and defense
strategies around the world. Technology advancements have
enabled the development of it to do many excellent jobs as
reconnaissance, surveillance, battle fighters, and communications
relays. Simulating a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV)
dynamics and analyzing its behavior at the preflight stage is too
important and more efficient. The first step in the UAV design is
the mathematical modeling of the nonlinear equations of motion. .
In this paper, a survey with a standard method to obtain the full
non-linear equations of motion is utilized, and then the
linearization of the equations according to a steady state flight
condition (trimming) is derived. This modeling technique is
applied to an Ultrastick-25e fixed wing UAV to obtain the valued
linear longitudinal and lateral models. At the end the model is
checked by matching between the behavior of the states of the nonlinear
UAV and the resulted linear model with doublet at the
control surfaces.