Abstract: Relevant agricultural information disseminator
(extension agent) ratio of 1:3500 farm families which become a
menace to agricultural production capacity in developing countries
necessitate this study. Out of 4 zones in the state, 24 extension agents
in each zone, 4 extension agents using cell phones and 120 farmers
using cell phone and 120 other farmers not using cell phone were
purposively selected to give 240 farmers that participated in the
research. Data were collected using interview guide and analysized
using frequency, percentage and t-test.. Frequency of contact with
agricultural information centers revealed that cell phone user farmers
had greater means score of X 41.43 contact as against the low mean
X19.32 contact recorded by farmers receiving agricultural
information from extension agents not using cell phone and their
production was statistically significant at P < 0.05. Usage of cell
phone increase extension agent contact and increase farmers-
production capacity.
Abstract: The paper shows some ability to manage two-phase
flows arising from the use of unsteady effects. In one case, we
consider the condition of fragmentation of the interface between the
two components leads to the intensification of mixing. The problem
is solved when the temporal and linear scale are small for the
appearance of the developed mixing layer. Showing that exist such
conditions for unsteady flow velocity at the surface of the channel,
which will lead to the creation and fragmentation of vortices at Re
numbers of order unity. Also showing that the Re is not a criterion of
similarity for this type of flows, but we can introduce a criterion that
depends on both the Re, and the frequency splitting of the vortices. It
turned out that feature of this situation is that streamlines behave
stable, and if we analyze the behavior of the interface between the
components it satisfies all the properties of unstable flows. The other
problem we consider the behavior of solid impurities in the extensive
system of channels. Simulated unsteady periodic flow modeled
breaths. Consider the behavior of the particles along the trajectories.
It is shown that, depending on the mass and diameter of the particles,
they can be collected in a caustic on the channel walls, stop in a
certain place or fly back. Of interest is the distribution of particle
velocity in frequency. It turned out that by choosing a behavior of the
velocity field of the carrier gas can affect the trajectory of individual
particles including force them to fly back.
Abstract: The human friendly interaction is the key function of a human-centered system. Over the years, it has received much attention to develop the convenient interaction through intention recognition. Intention recognition processes multimodal inputs including speech, face images, and body gestures. In this paper, we suggest a novel approach of intention recognition using a graph representation called Intention Graph. A concept of valid intention is proposed, as a target of intention recognition. Our approach has two phases: goal recognition phase and intention recognition phase. In the goal recognition phase, we generate an action graph based on the observed actions, and then the candidate goals and their plans are recognized. In the intention recognition phase, the intention is recognized with relevant goals and user profile. We show that the algorithm has polynomial time complexity. The intention graph is applied to a simple briefcase domain to test our model.
Abstract: The paper presents an analytical solution for dispersion
of a solute in the peristaltic motion of a couple stress fluid
through a porous medium with slip condition in the presence of both
homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions. The average
effective dispersion coefficient has been found using Taylor-s limiting
condition and long wavelength approximation. The effects of various
relevant parameters on the average coefficient of dispersion have been
studied. The average effective dispersion coefficient tends to increase
with permeability parameter but tends to decrease with homogeneous
chemical reaction rate parameter, couple stress parameter, slip parameter
and heterogeneous reaction rate parameter.
Abstract: The availability of water in adequate quantity and
quality is imperative for sustainable development. Worldwide,
significant imbalance exists with regards to sustainable development
particularly from a water and sanitation perspective. Water is a
critical component of public health, and failure to supply safe water
will place a heavy burden on the entire population. Although the 21st
century has witnessed wealth and advanced development, it has not
been realized everywhere. Billions of people are still striving to
access the most basic human needs which are food, shelter, safe
drinking water and adequate sanitation. The global picture conceals
various inequalities particularly with regards to sanitation coverage in
rural and urban areas. Currently, water scarcity and in particular
water governance is the main challenge which will cause a threat to
sustainable development goals. Within the context of water,
sanitation and health, sustainable development is a confusing concept
primarily when examined from the viewpoint of policy options for
developing countries. This perspective paper aims to summarize and
critically evaluate evidence of published studies in relation to water,
sanitation and health and to identify relevant solutions to reduce
public health impacts. Evidently, improving water and sanitation
services will result in significant and lasting gains in health and
economic development.
Abstract: The relevance of the study of everyday life in Almaty
and Kyzylorda are associated with the emergence of the modern
trends in historiography and socializing areas of government reform.
The relevance is due to the fact that in the early twentieth century
Kyzylorda and Almaty began to develop as a city and this period has
a special place in the life of the state. An interesting aspect of the
everyday life of the inhabitants of the new city, which was built in the
era of Stalin's Five-Year Plans, can be examined through the eyes of
the Soviet people living in a specific environment, reflecting the life
of the citizens. The study of industrialization of the Soviet Union and
the attention paid to new developments in the first five years of
everyday aspects as the impact of the modernization of the 1930s was
one of the decisive factors in the lives of residents. Among these
factors, we would like to highlight the medical field, which is the
basis of all human life, specifically focusing on the state of medicine
in Alma-Ata in the first 20-30-years of the twentieth century, and
analyze the different aspects of human life, determining the quality of
medical care to the population during this period.
Abstract: This research paper is based upon the simulation of
gradient of mathematical functions and scalar fields using MATLAB.
Scalar fields, their gradient, contours and mesh/surfaces are
simulated using different related MATLAB tools and commands for
convenient presentation and understanding. Different mathematical
functions and scalar fields are examined here by taking their
gradient, visualizing results in 3D with different color shadings and
using other necessary relevant commands. In this way the outputs of
required functions help us to analyze and understand in a better way
as compared to just theoretical study of gradient.
Abstract: Consumer behaviour analysis represents an important
field of study in marketing. Particularly strategy development for
marketing and communications will be more focused and effective
when marketers have an understanding of the motivations, behaviour
and psychology of consumers. While materialism has been found to
be one of the important elements in consumer behaviour, compulsive
consumption represents another aspect that has recently attracted
more attention. This is because of the growing prevalence of
dysfunctional buying that has raised concern in consumer societies.
Present studies and analyses on origins and motivations of
compulsive buying have mainly focused on either individual factors
or groups of related factors and hence a need for a holistic view
exists. This paper provides a comprehensive perspective on
compulsive consumption and establishes relevant propositions
keeping the family life cycle stages as a reference for the incidence of
chronic consumer states and their influence on compulsive
consumption.
Abstract: This paper attempts to discuss the spam issue from the Malaysian e-mail users- perspective. The purpose is to discover how Malaysian users handle the spam e-mail problem. From the experiences we hope to discover the necessary effort needed to be undertaken to face this problem in the context of Malaysia. A survey was conducted to understand how Malaysian individual perceived spam and what they actually do with the spam e-mail they received in their daily life. The findings indicate that the level of awareness on spam issue in action is still low and need some extra effort by government and relevant agencies to increase their level of awareness.
Abstract: Biochemical and molecular analysis of some
antioxidant enzyme genes revealed different level of gene expression
on oilseed (Brassica napus). For molecular and biochemical
analysis, leaf tissues were harvested from plants at eight different
developmental stages, from young to senescence. The levels of total
protein and chlorophyll were increased during maturity stages of
plant, while these were decreased during the last stages of plant
growth. Structural analysis (nucleotide and deduced amino acid
sequence, and phylogenic tree) of a complementary DNA revealed a
high level of similarity for a family of Catalase genes. The
expression of the gene encoded by different Catalase isoforms was
assessed during different plant growth phase. No significant
difference between samples was observed, when Catalase activity
was statistically analyzed at different developmental stages. EST
analysis exhibited different transcripts levels for a number of other
relevant antioxidant genes (different isoforms of SOD and
glutathione). The high level of transcription of these genes at
senescence stages was indicated that these genes are senescenceinduced
genes.
Abstract: This research tries to analyze the role that knowledge
about foreign markets has in increasing firms- exports in clustered
spaces. We consider two interrelated sources of knowledge: firms-
direct experience and indirect experience from other clustered firms –
export externalities. In particular, it is proposed that firms would
improve their export performance by accessing to export externalities
if they have some previous direct experience that allows them to
identify, understand and exploit them. Also, we propose that this
positive influence of previous direct experience on export
externalities keeps only up to a point, where it becomes negative,
creating an inverted “U" shape. Empirical evidence gathered among
wine producers located in La Rioja tends to confirm that firms enjoy
of export externalities if they have export experience along several
years and countries increase their export performance. While this
relationship becomes less relevant as they develop a higher
experience, we could not confirm the existence of a curvilinear
relationship in their influence on export externalities and export
performance.
Abstract: Technology transfer of renewable energy technologies is very often unsuccessful in the developing world. Aside from challenges that have social, economic, financial, institutional and environmental dimensions, technology transfer has generally been misunderstood, and largely seen as mere delivery of high tech equipment from developed to developing countries or within the developing world from R&D institutions to society. Technology transfer entails much more, including, but not limited to: entire systems and their component parts, know-how, goods and services, equipment, and organisational and managerial procedures. Means to facilitate the successful transfer of energy technologies, including the sharing of lessons are subsequently extremely important for developing countries as they grapple with increasing energy needs to sustain adequate economic growth and development. Improving the success of technology transfer is an ongoing process as more projects are implemented, new problems are encountered and new lessons are learnt. Renewable energy is also critical to improve the quality of lives of the majority of people in developing countries. In rural areas energy is primarily traditional biomass. The consumption activities typically occur in an inefficient manner, thus working against the notion of sustainable development. This paper explores the implementation of technology transfer in the developing world (sub-Saharan Africa). The focus is necessarily on RETs since most rural energy initiatives are RETs-based. Additionally, it aims to highlight some lessons drawn from the cited RE projects and identifies notable differences where energy technology transfer was judged to be successful. This is done through a literature review based on a selection of documented case studies which are judged against the definition provided for technology transfer. This paper also puts forth research recommendations that might contribute to improved technology transfer in the developing world. Key findings of this paper include: Technology transfer cannot be complete without satisfying pre-conditions such as: affordability, maintenance (and associated plans), knowledge and skills transfer, appropriate know how, ownership and commitment, ability to adapt technology, sound business principles such as financial viability and sustainability, project management, relevance and many others. It is also shown that lessons are learnt in both successful and unsuccessful projects.
Abstract: Manufacturing components of fiber-reinforced
thermoplastics requires three steps: heating the matrix, forming and
consolidation of the composite and terminal cooling the matrix. For
the heating process a pre-determined temperature distribution through
the layers and the thickness of the pre-consolidated sheets is
recommended to enable forming mechanism. Thus, a design for the
heating process for forming composites with thermoplastic matrices
is necessary. To obtain a constant temperature through thickness and
width of the sheet, the heating process was analyzed by the help of
the finite element method. The simulation models were validated by
experiments with resistance thermometers as well as with an infrared
camera. Based on the finite element simulation, heating methods for
infrared radiators have been developed. Using the numeric
simulation many iteration loops are required to determine the process
parameters. Hence, the initiation of a model for calculating relevant
process parameters started applying regression functions.
Abstract: In this paper we discuss on the security module for the
car appliances to prevent stealing and illegal use on other cars. We
proposed an open structure including authentication and encryption by
embed a security module in each to protect car appliances. Illegal
moving and use a car appliance with the security module without
permission will lead the appliance to useless. This paper also presents
the component identification and deal with relevant procedures. It is at
low cost to recover from destroys by the burglar. Expect this paper to
offer the new business opportunity to the automotive and technology
industry.
Abstract: The only relevant basis for the design of an educational application are objectives of learning for the content area. This study analyses the process in which the real – not only the formal – objectives could work as the starting point for the construction of an educational game. The application context is the education of perioperative nursing. The process is based on the panel discussions of nursing teachers. In the panels, the teachers elaborated the objectives. The transcribed discussions were analysed in terms of the conceptions of learning and teaching of perioperative nursing. The outcome of the study is first the elaborated objectives, which will be used in the implementation of an educational game for the needs of pre-, intra and post-operative nursing skills learning. Second, the study shows that different views of learning are necessary to be understood in order to design an appropriate educational application.
Abstract: An ethical mandate of the social work profession in the
United States is that BSW and MSW graduates are sufficiently
prepared to both understand diverse cultural values and beliefs and
offer services that are culturally sensitive and relevant to clients. This
skill set is particularly important for social workers in the 21st Century,
given the increasing globalization of the U.S. and world. The purpose
of this paper is to outline a pedagogical model for teaching cultural
competency that resulted in a significant increase in cultural
competency for MSW graduates at Western Kentucky University
(WKU). More specifically, this model is predicated on five specific
culturally sensitive principles and activities that were found to be
highly effective in conveying culturally relevant knowledge and skills
to MSW students at WKU. Future studies can assess the effectiveness
of these principles in other MSW programs across the U.S. and abroad.
Abstract: In this paper we present the deep study about the Bio-
Medical Images and tag it with some basic extracting features (e.g.
color, pixel value etc). The classification is done by using a nearest
neighbor classifier with various distance measures as well as the
automatic combination of classifier results. This process selects a
subset of relevant features from a group of features of the image. It
also helps to acquire better understanding about the image by
describing which the important features are. The accuracy can be
improved by increasing the number of features selected. Various
types of classifications were evolved for the medical images like
Support Vector Machine (SVM) which is used for classifying the
Bacterial types. Ant Colony Optimization method is used for optimal
results. It has high approximation capability and much faster
convergence, Texture feature extraction method based on Gabor
wavelets etc..
Abstract: To motivate users to adopt and use information
systems effectively, the nature of motivation should be carefully
investigated. People are usually motivated within ongoing processes
which include a chain of states such as perception, stimulation,
motivation, actions and reactions and finally, satisfaction. This study
assumes that the relevant motivation processes should be executed in
a proper and continuous manner to be able to persistently motivate
and re-motivate people in organizational settings and towards
information systems. On this basis, the study attempts to propose
possible relationships between this process-nature view of
motivation in terms of the common chain of states and the nearly
unique properties of information systems as is perceived by users in
the sense of a knowledgeable and authoritative entity. In the
conclusion section, some guidelines for practitioners are suggested to
ease their tasks for motivating people to adopt and use information
systems.
Abstract: This paper challenges the relevance of knowledgebased
management research by arguing that the majority of the
literature emphasizes information and knowledge provision instead of
their business usage. For this reason the related processes are
considered valuable and eligible as such, which has led to
overlapping nature of knowledge-based management disciplines. As
a solution, this paper turns the focus on the information usage. Value
of knowledge and respective management tasks are then defined by
the business need and the knowledge-user becomes the main actor.
The paper analyses the prevailing literature streams and recognizes
the need for a more focused and robust understanding of knowledgebased
value creation. The paper contributes by synthetizing the
existing literature and pinpointing the essence of knowledge-based
management disciplines.
Abstract: This study was to search for the desirable direction of
the sidewalk planning in Korea by establishing the concepts of
walking and pedestrian space, and analyzing the advanced precedents
in and out of country. Also, based on the precedent studies and
relevant laws, regulations, and systems, it aimed for the following
sequential process: firstly, to derive design elements from the
functions and characteristics of sidewalk and cluster the similar
elements by each characteristics, sampling representative
characteristics and making them hierarchical; then, to analyze their
significances via the first questionnaire survey, and the relative
weights and priorities of each elements via the Analytic Hierarchy
Process(AHP); finally, based on the analysis result, to establish the
frame of suggesting the direction of policy to improve the pedestrian
environment of sidewalk in urban commercial district for the future
planning and design of pedestrian space.