Abstract: Public sector corruption has long-term and damaging
effects that are deep and broad. Addressing corruption relies on
understanding the drivers that precipitate acts of corruption and
developing educational programs that target areas of vulnerability.
This paper provides an innovative approach to explore the nature of
corruption by drawing on the perceptions and ideas of a group of
public servants who have been part of a corruption investigation. The
paper examines these reflections through the ideas of Pierre Bourdieu
and Alfred Schutz to point to some of the steps that can lead to
corrupt activity. The paper demonstrates that phenomenological
inquiry is useful in the exploration of corruption and, as a theoretical
framework, it highlights that corruption emerges through a
combination of conflict, doubt and uncertainty. The paper calls for
anti-corruption education programs to be attentive to way in which
these conditions can influence the steps into corruption.
Abstract: Magnetic and semiconductor nanomaterials exhibit
novel magnetic and optical properties owing to their unique size and
shape-dependent effects. With shrinking the size down to nanoscale
region, various anomalous properties that normally not present in bulk
start to dominate. Ability in harnessing of these anomalous properties
for the design of various advance electronic devices is strictly
dependent on synthetic strategies. Hence, current research has focused
on developing a rational synthetic control to produce high quality
nanocrystals by using organometallic approach to tune both size and
shape of the nanomaterials. In order to elucidate the growth
mechanism, transmission electron microscopy was employed as a
powerful tool in performing real time-resolved morphologies and
structural characterization of magnetic (Fe3O4) and semiconductor
(ZnO) nanocrystals. The current synthetic approach is found able to
produce nanostructures with well-defined shapes. We have found that
oleic acid is an effective capping ligand in preparing oxide-based
nanostructures without any agglomerations, even at high temperature.
The oleate-based precursors and capping ligands are fatty acid
compounds, which are respectively originated from natural palm oil
with low toxicity. In comparison with other synthetic approaches in
producing nanostructures, current synthetic method offers an effective
route to produce oxide-based nanomaterials with well-defined shapes
and good monodispersity. The nanocystals are well-separated with
each other without any stacking effect. In addition, the as-synthesized
nanopellets are stable in terms of chemically and physically if
compared to those nanomaterials that are previous reported. Further
development and extension of current synthetic strategy are being
pursued to combine both of these materials into nanocomposite form
that will be used as “smart magnetic nanophotocatalyst" for industry
waste water treatment.
Abstract: Salient points are frequently used to represent local
properties of the image in content-based image retrieval. In this paper,
we present a reduction algorithm that extracts the local most salient
points such that they not only give a satisfying representation of an
image, but also make the image retrieval process efficiently. This
algorithm recursively reduces the continuous point set by their
corresponding saliency values under a top-down approach. The
resulting salient points are evaluated with an image retrieval system
using Hausdoff distance. In this experiment, it shows that our method
is robust and the extracted salient points provide better retrieval
performance comparing with other point detectors.
Abstract: The White Kwao (Pueraria mirifica), a potent phytoestrogenic medicinal plant, has long been use in Thailand as a traditional folkmedicine. However, no scientific information of the direct effect of White Kwao on the development of mammalian embryo was available. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of White Kwao extract on the in vitro development and implantation rate of mouse embryos. This study was designed into two experiments. In the first experiment, the two-cell stage mouse embryos were collected from the oviduct of superovulated mature female mice, and randomly cultured in three different media, the M16, M16 supplemented with 0.52μg esthinylestradiol-17β, and M16 supplemented with 10 mg/ml White Kwao extract. The culture was incubated in CO2 incubator at 37 oC . After the embryos were cultivated, the developments of embryos were observed every 24 hours for 5 days. The development rate of embryos from the two-cell stage to blastocyst stage in the media was with White Kwao was significantly higher (p
Abstract: Coriander is an annual and herbaceous plant, belong to
the apiaceae family. This plant is cultivated world widely. It is well
known for having medicinal properties. The aim of this experiment
was to study seed quality of species grown in Kermanshah
conditions. The experiment was carried out in research farm, Campus
of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah,
Iran. Coriander (local type) was grown in late spring May (5th and
20th) and Jun (4th and 19th), and plant density (10, 30, 50 and 70
plants m-2) in 2009. The experimental plots were laid out in a
factorial according to a randomized complete block design with three
replications. The fruits were harvest between 83.5 – 106.5 days after
sowing. The essential oil and oil content was extracted by Clevenger
and Soxhlet apparatuses, respectively. Results showed that delay at
planting date increased the oil content. Also, with the increase at
plant density was decreased oil content and essential oil.
Abstract: With high speed vessels getting ever more sophisti-cated, travelling at higher and higher speeds and operating in With high speed vessels getting ever more sophisticated,
travelling at higher and higher speeds and operating in areas of
high maritime traffic density, training becomes of the highest priority
to ensure that safety levels are maintained, and risks are adequately
mitigated. Training onboard the actual craft on the actual route still
remains the most effective way for crews to gain experience. However,
operational experience and incidents during the last 10 years
demonstrate the need for supplementary training whether in the area
of simulation or man to man, man/ machine interaction. Training and
familiarisation of the crew is the most important aspect in preventing
incidents. The use of simulator, computer and web based training
systems in conjunction with onboard training focusing on critical
situations will improve the man machine interaction and thereby
reduce the risk of accidents. Today, both ship simulator and bridge
teamwork courses are now becoming the norm in order to improve
further emergency response and crisis management skills. One of the
main causes of accidents is the human factor. An efficient way to
reduce human errors is to provide high-quality training to the personnel
and to select the navigators carefully.areas of high maritime traffic density, training becomes of the highest priority to ensure that safety levels are maintained, and risks are adequately mitigated. Training onboard the actual craft on the actual route still remains the most effective way for crews to gain experience. How-ever, operational experience and incidents during the last 10 years demonstrate the need for supplementary training whether in the area of simulation or man to man, man/ machine interaction. Training and familiarisation of the crew is the most important aspect in preventing incidents. The use of simulator, computer and web based training systems in conjunction with onboard training focusing on critical situations will improve the man machine interaction and thereby reduce the risk of accidents. Today, both ship simulator and bridge teamwork courses are now becoming the norm in order to improve further emergency response and crisis management skills. One of the main causes of accidents is the human factor. An efficient way to reduce human errors is to provide high-quality training to the person-nel and to select the navigators carefully. KeywordsCBT - WBT systems, Human factors.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with studying the forgetting factor of the recursive least square (RLS). A new dynamic forgetting factor (DFF) for RLS algorithm is presented. The proposed DFF-RLS is compared to other methods. Better performance at convergence and tracking of noisy chirp sinusoid is achieved. The control of the forgetting factor at DFF-RLS is based on the gradient of inverse correlation matrix. Compared with the gradient of mean square error algorithm, the proposed approach provides faster tracking and smaller mean square error. In low signal-to-noise ratios, the performance of the proposed method is superior to other approaches.
Abstract: commercially produced in Malaysia granular
palm shell activated carbon (PSAC) was biomodified with
bacterial biomass (Bacillus subtilis) to produce a hybrid
biosorbent of higher efficiency. The obtained biosorbent was
evaluated in terms of adsorption capacity to remove copper
and zinc metal ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption
capacity was evaluated in batch adsorption experiments where
concentrations of metal ions varied from 20 to 350 mg/L. A
range of pH from 3 to 6 of aqueous solutions containing metal
ions was tested. Langmuir adsorption model was used to
interpret the experimental data. Comparison of the adsorption
data of the biomodified and original palm shell activated
carbon showed higher uptake of metal ions by the hybrid
biosorbent. A trend in metal ions uptake increase with the
increase in the solution-s pH was observed. The surface
characterization data indicated a decrease in the total surface
area for the hybrid biosorbent; however the uptake of copper
and zinc by it was at least equal to the original PSAC at pH 4
and 5. The highest capacity of the hybrid biosorbent was
observed at pH 5 and comprised 22 mg/g and 19 mg/g for
copper and zinc, respectively. The adsorption capacity at the
lowest pH of 3 was significantly low. The experimental results
facilitated identification of potential factors influencing the
adsorption of copper and zinc onto biomodified and original
palm shell activated carbon.
Abstract: This paper proposes an Interactive Chinese Character
Learning System (ICCLS) based on pictorial evolution as an
edutainment concept in computer-based learning of language. The
advantage of the language origination itself is taken as a learning
platform due to the complexity in Chinese language as compared to
other types of languages. Users especially children enjoy more by
utilize this learning system because they are able to memories the
Chinese Character easily and understand more of the origin of the
Chinese character under pleasurable learning environment, compares
to traditional approach which children need to rote learning Chinese
Character under un-pleasurable environment. Skeletonization is used
as the representation of Chinese character and object with an animated
pictograph evolution to facilitate the learning of the language. Shortest
skeleton path matching technique is employed for fast and accurate
matching in our implementation. User is required to either write a
word or draw a simple 2D object in the input panel and the matched
word and object will be displayed as well as the pictograph evolution
to instill learning. The target of computer-based learning system is for
pre-school children between 4 to 6 years old to learn Chinese
characters in a flexible and entertaining manner besides utilizing
visual and mind mapping strategy as learning methodology.
Abstract: Emerging adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 25, as a distinct developmental stage extending from adolescence to young adulthood. The proportions composing the five-factor model are neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. In the literature, there is any study which includes the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits. Therefore, the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits have to be investigated. This study examines the association between the Big Five personality traits, and loneliness among Turkish emerging adults. A total of 220 emerging adults completed the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the The UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS). Correlation analysis showed that three Big Five personality dimensions which are Neuroticism (positively), and Extraversion and Aggreableness (negatively) are moderately correlated with emerging adults loneliness. Regression analysis shows that Extraversion, Aggreableness and Neuroticism are the most important predictors of emerging adults loneliness. Results can be discussed in the context of emerging adulthood theory.
Abstract: The analytical prediction of the decay heat results
from the fast neutron fission of actinides was initiated under a project, 10-MAT1134-3, funded by king Abdulaziz City of Science
and Technology (KASCT), Long-Term Comprehensive National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovations, managed by a team
from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia, and
supervised by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has collaborated
with KAU's team to assist in the computational analysis. In this paper, the numerical solution of coupled linear differential equations
that describe the decays and buildups of minor fission product MFA, has been used to predict the total decay heat and its components from the fast neutron fission of 235U and 239Pu. The reliability of the present approach is illustrated via systematic
comparisons with the measurements reported by the University of
Tokyo, in YAYOI reactor.
Abstract: The scalar wave equation for a potential in a curved space time, i.e., the Laplace-Beltrami equation has been studied in this work. An action principle is used to derive a finite element algorithm for determining the modes of propagation inside a waveguide of arbitrary shape. Generalizing this idea, the Maxwell theory in a curved space time determines a set of linear partial differential equations for the four electromagnetic potentials given by the metric of space-time. Similar to the Einstein-s formulation of the field equations of gravitation, these equations are also derived from an action principle. In this paper, the expressions for the action functional of the electromagnetic field have been derived in the presence of gravitational field.
Abstract: Sweet potato products are necessary for the provision
of essential nutrients in every household, regardless of their poverty
status. Their consumption appears to be highly influenced by socioeconomic
factors, such as malnutrition, food insecurity and
unemployment. Therefore, market availability is crucial for these
cultivars to resolve some of the socio-economic factors. The aim of
the study was to investigate market availability of sweet potato
cultivars in the North West Province. In this study, both qualitative
and quantitative research methodologies were used. Qualitative
methodology was used to explain the quantitative outcomes of the
variables. On the other hand, quantitative results were used to test the
hypothesis. The study used SPSS software to analyse the data. Crosstabulation
and Chi-square statistics were used to obtain the
descriptive and inferential analyses, respectively. The study found
that the Blesbok cultivar is dominating the markets of the North West
Province, with the Monate cultivar dominating in the Bojanala
Platinum (75%) and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (25%) districts. It
is also found that a unit increase in the supply of sweet potato
cultivars in both local and district municipal markets is accompanied
by a reduced demand of 28% and 33% at district and local markets,
respectively. All these results were found to be significant at p
Abstract: this scientific article considers the peculiarities of
ecology of culture and ecological outlook from cultural and
anthropological aspect of Turkic languages speaking peoples in the
Central Asia. The ecology of culture of Turkic languages speaking
peoples in the Central Asia, formed under the influence of climatic,
geographical, economic, religious, ethno cultural and political factors
and defining the originality of traditions which have laid down in its
basis and functioned, as its components, causes an interest and
urgency simultaneously, representing the sample of life of the Person
in the World by which it is necessary to be guided today.
Abstract: A healthcare monitoring system is presented in this
paper. This system is based on ultra-low power sensor nodes and a
personal server, which is based on hardware and software extensions
to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)/Smartphone. The sensor node
collects data from the body of a patient and sends it to the personal
server where the data is processed, displayed and made ready to be
sent to a healthcare network, if necessary. The personal server
consists of a compact low power receiver module and equipped with
a Smartphone software. The receiver module takes less than 30 × 30
mm board size and consumes approximately 25 mA in active mode.
Abstract: Processes of plant breeding, testing and licensing of new varieties, patent protection in seed production, relations in trade and protection of copyright are dependent on identification, differentiation and characterization of plant genotypes. Therefore, we focused our research on utilization of wheat storage proteins as genetic markers suitable not only for differentiation of individual genotypes, but also for identification and characterization of their considerable properties. We analyzed a collection of 102 genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 41 genotypes of spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.), and 35 genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), in this study. Our results show, that genotypes of bread wheat and durum wheat were homogenous and single line, but spelt wheat genotypes were heterogenous. We observed variability of HMW-GS composition according to environmental factors and level of breeding and predict technological quality on the basis of Glu-score calculation.
Abstract: Genetic Folding (GF) a new class of EA named as is
introduced for the first time. It is based on chromosomes composed
of floating genes structurally organized in a parent form and
separated by dots. Although, the genotype/phenotype system of GF
generates a kernel expression, which is the objective function of
superior classifier. In this work the question of the satisfying
mapping-s rules in evolving populations is addressed by analyzing
populations undergoing either Mercer-s or none Mercer-s rule. The
results presented here show that populations undergoing Mercer-s
rules improve practically models selection of Support Vector
Machine (SVM). The experiment is trained multi-classification
problem and tested on nonlinear Ionosphere dataset. The target of this
paper is to answer the question of evolving Mercer-s rule in SVM
addressed using either genetic folding satisfied kernel-s rules or not
applied to complicated domains and problems.
Abstract: Nowadays, power systems, energy generation by wind
has been very important. Noting that the production of electrical
energy by wind turbines on site to several factors (such as wind speed
and profile site for the turbines, especially off the wind input speed,
wind rated speed and wind output speed disconnect) is dependent. On
the other hand, several different types of turbines in the market there.
Therefore, selecting a turbine that its capacity could also answer the
need for electric consumers the efficiency is high something is
important and necessary. In this context, calculating the amount of
wind power to help optimize overall network, system operation, in
determining the parameters of wind power is very important.
In this article, to help calculate the amount of wind power plant,
connected to the national network in the region Manjil wind,
selecting the best type of turbine and power delivery profile
appropriate to the network using Monte Carlo method has been.
In this paper, wind speed data from the wind site in Manjil, as minute
and during the year has been. Necessary simulations based on
Random Numbers Simulation method and repeat, using the software
MATLAB and Excel has been done.
Abstract: The objective of this research is to study the people’s level of participation in activities of the community, their satisfaction towards the community, the attachment they have to the community, factors that influence the attachment, as well as the characteristics of the relationships of military families’ of the Royal Guards community of Dusit District. The method used was non-probability sampling by quota sampling according to people’s age. The determined age group was 18 years or older.
One set of a sample group was done per family. The questionnaires were conducted by 287 people. Snowball sampling was also used by interviewing people of the community, starting from the Royal Guards Community’s leader, then by 20 of the community’s well-respected persons. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, such as arithmetic mean and standard deviation, as well as by inferential statistics, such as Independent - Samples T test (T-test), One-Way ANOVA (F-test), Chi-Square. Descriptive analysis according to the structure of the interview content was also used. The results of the research is that the participation of the population in the Royal Guards Community in various activities is at a medium level, with the average participation level during Mother’s and Father’s Days. The people’s general level of satisfaction towards the premises of the Royal Guards Community is at the highest level.
The people were most satisfied with the transportation within the community and in contacting with people from outside the premises. The access to the community is convenient and there are various entrances. The attachment of the people to the Royal Guards Community in general and by each category is at a high level. The feeling that the community is their home rated the highest average. Factors that influence the attachment of the people of the Royal Guards Community are age, status, profession, income, length of stay in the community, membership of social groups, having neighbors they feel close and familiar with, and as well as the benefits they receive from the community. In addition, it was found that people that participate in activities have a high level of positive relationship towards the attachment of the people to the Royal Guards Community. The satisfaction of the community has a very high level of positive relationship with the attachment of the people to the Royal Guards Community.
The characteristics of the attachment of military families’ is that they live in big houses that everyone has to protect and care for, starting from the leader of the family as well as all members. Therefore, they all love the community they live in. The characteristics that show the participation of activities within the community and the high level of satisfaction towards the premises of the community will enable the people to be more attached to the community. The people feel that everyone is close neighbors within the community, as if they are one big family.
Abstract: Smoke from domestic wood burning has been
identified as a major contributor to air pollution, motivating detailed
emission measurements under controlled conditions. A series of
experiments was performed to characterise the emissions from wood
combustion in a fireplace and in a woodstove of two common species
of trees grown in Spain: Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) and
black poplar (Populus nigra). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
the exhaust emissions were collected in Tedlar bags, re-sampled in
sorbent tubes and analysed by thermal desorption-gas
chromatography-flame ionisation detection. Pyrenean oak presented
substantially higher emissions in the woodstove than in the fireplace,
for the majority of compounds. The opposite was observed for
poplar. Among the 45 identified species, benzene and benzenerelated
compounds represent the most abundant group, followed by
oxygenated VOCs and aliphatics. Emission factors obtained in this
study are generally of the same order than those reported for
residential experiments in the USA.