Abstract: Iris codes contain bits with different entropy. This
work investigates different strategies to reduce the size of iris
code templates with the aim of reducing storage requirements and
computational demand in the matching process. Besides simple subsampling
schemes, also a binary multi-resolution representation as
used in the JBIG hierarchical coding mode is assessed. We find that
iris code template size can be reduced significantly while maintaining
recognition accuracy. Besides, we propose a two-stage identification
approach, using small-sized iris code templates in a pre-selection
stage, and full resolution templates for final identification, which
shows promising recognition behaviour.
Abstract: The paper deals with the usage of speech acts and
politeness strategies in an EFL classroom in Georgia (Rep of). It
explores the students’ and the teachers’ practice of the politeness
strategies and the speech acts of apology, thanking, request,
compliment / encouragement, command, agreeing / disagreeing,
addressing and code switching. The research method includes
observation as well as a questionnaire. The target group involves the
students from Georgian public schools and two certified, experienced
local English teachers. The analysis is based on Searle’s Speech Act
Theory and Brown and Levinson’s politeness strategies. The findings
show that the students have certain knowledge regarding politeness
yet they fail to apply them in English communication. In addition,
most of the speech acts from the classroom interaction are used by
the teachers and not the students. Thereby, it is suggested that
teachers should cultivate the students’ communicative competence
and attempt to give them opportunities to practise more English
speech acts than they do today.
Abstract: This article is to review and understand the new
generation of students to understand their expectations and attitudes.
There are a group of students on school projects, creative work,
educational software and digital signal source, the use of social
networking tools to communicate with friends and a part in the
competition. Today's students have been described as the new
millennium students. They use information and communication
technology in a more creative and innovative at home than at school,
because the information and communication technologies for
different purposes, in the home, usually occur in school. They
collaborate and communicate more effectively when they are at
home. Most children enter school, they will bring about how to use
information and communication technologies, some basic skills and
some tips on how to use information and communication technology
will provide a more advanced than most of the school's expectations.
Many teachers can help students, however, still a lot of work,
"tradition", without a computer, and did not see the "new social
computing networks describe young people to learn and new ways of
working life in the future", in the education system of the benefits of
using a computer.
Abstract: Kazakhstan is currently one of the dynamically
developing states in its region. The stable growth in all sectors of the
economy leads to a corresponding increase in energy consumption.
Thus country consumes significant amount of energy due to the high
level of industrialisation and the presence of energy-intensive
manufacturing such as mining and metallurgy which in turn leads to
low energy efficiency. With allowance for this the Government has
set several priorities to adopt a transition of Republic of Kazakhstan
to a “green economy”. This article provides an overview of
Kazakhstan’s energy efficiency situation in for the period of 1991-
2014. First, the dynamics of production and consumption of
conventional energy resources are given. Second, the potential of
renewable energy sources is summarised followed by the description
of GHG emissions trends in the country. Third, Kazakhstan’ national
initiatives, policies and locally implemented projects in the field of
energy efficiency are described.
Abstract: Recent research in neural networks science and
neuroscience for modeling complex time series data and statistical
learning has focused mostly on learning from high input space and
signals. Local linear models are a strong choice for modeling local
nonlinearity in data series. Locally weighted projection regression is
a flexible and powerful algorithm for nonlinear approximation in
high dimensional signal spaces. In this paper, different learning
scenario of one and two dimensional data series with different
distributions are investigated for simulation and further noise is
inputted to data distribution for making different disordered
distribution in time series data and for evaluation of algorithm in
locality prediction of nonlinearity. Then, the performance of this
algorithm is simulated and also when the distribution of data is high
or when the number of data is less the sensitivity of this approach to
data distribution and influence of important parameter of local
validity in this algorithm with different data distribution is explained.
Abstract: In this study, composites were fabricated from oil
palm empty fruit bunch fiber and poly(lactic) acid by extrusion
followed by injection moulding. Surface of the fiber was pre-treated
by ultrasound in an alkali medium and treatment efficiency was
investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and
Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Effect of fiber
treatment on composite was characterized by tensile strength (TS),
tensile modulus (TM) and impact strength (IS). Furthermore,
biostrong impact modifier was incorporated into the treated fiber
composite to improve its impact properties. Mechanical testing
showed an improvement of up to 23.5% and 33.6% respectively for
TS and TM of treated fiber composite above untreated fiber
composite. On the other hand incorporation of impact modifier led to
enhancement of about 20% above the initial IS of the treated fiber
composite.
Abstract: The current study investigated the influence of milling
time and ball-to-powder (BPR) weight ratio on the microstructural
constituents and mechanical properties of bulk nanocrystalline Al;
Al-10%Cu; and Al-10%Cu-5%Ti alloys. Powder consolidation was
carried out using a high frequency induction heat sintering where the
processed metal powders were sintered into a dense and strong bulk
material. The powders and the bulk samples were characterized using
XRD and FEGSEM techniques. The mechanical properties were
evaluated at various temperatures of 25°C, 100°C, 200°C, 300°C and
400°C to study the thermal stability of the processed alloys. The
processed bulk nanocrystalline alloys displayed extremely high
hardness values even at elevated temperatures. The Al-10%Cu-5%Ti
alloy displayed the highest hardness values at room and elevated
temperatures which are related to the presence of Ti-containing
phases such as Al3Ti and AlCu2Ti. These phases are thermally stable
and retain the high hardness values at elevated temperatures up to
400ºC.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the
effect of pre-aging and aging parameters (time and temperature) on
the mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Zn (7075) alloys. Ultimate
tensile strength, 0.5% offset yield strength and % elongation
measurements were carried out on specimens prepared from cast and
heat treated 7075 alloys. Aging treatments were carried out for the as
solution treated (SHT) specimens (after quenching in warm water).
The specimens were aged at different conditions; Natural aging was
carried out at room temperature for different periods of time. Double
aging was performed for SHT conditions (pre-aged at different time
and temperature followed by high temperature aging). Ultimate
tensile strength, yield strength and % elongation as a function of
different pre-aging and aging parameters are analyzed to acquire an
understanding of the effects of these variables and their interactions
on the mechanical properties of Be-treated 7075 alloys.
Abstract: In this article is reported a construction and some
properties of the 5iD viewer, the system recording simultaneously
5 views of a given experimental object. Properties of the system
are demonstrated on the analysis of fish schooling behaviour. It
is demonstrated the method of instrument calibration which allows
inclusion of image distortion and it is proposed and partly tested
also the method of distance assessment in the case that only two
opposite cameras are available. Finally, we demonstrate how the state
trajectory of the behaviour of the fish school may be constructed from
the entropy of the system.
Abstract: Universal modeling method well proven for industrial
compressors was applied for design of the high flow rate supersonic
stage. Results were checked by ANSYS CFX and NUMECA Fine
Turbo calculations. The impeller appeared to be very effective at
transonic flow velocities. Stator elements efficiency is acceptable at
design Mach numbers too. Their loss coefficient versus inlet flow
angle performances correlates well with Universal modeling
prediction. The impeller demonstrates ability of satisfactory operation
at design flow rate. Supersonic flow behavior in the impeller inducer
at the shroud blade to blade surface Φ des deserves additional study.
Abstract: The continuous decline of petroleum and natural gas
reserves and non linear rise of oil price has brought about a
realisation of the need for a change in our perpetual dependence on
the fossil fuel. A day to day increased consumption of crude and
petroleum products has made a considerable impact on our foreign
exchange reserves. Hence, an alternate resource for the conversion of
energy (both liquid and gas) is essential for the substitution of
conventional fuels. Biomass is the alternate solution for the present
scenario. Biomass can be converted into both liquid as well as
gaseous fuels and other feedstocks for the industries.
Abstract: Vancron 40, a nitrided powder metallurgical tool
Steel, is used in cold work applications where the predominant failure
mechanisms are adhesive wear or galling. Typical applications of
Vancron 40 are among others fine blanking, cold extrusion, deep
drawing and cold work rolls for cluster mills. Vancron 40 positive
results for cold work rolls for cluster mills and as a tool for some
severe metal forming process makes it competitive compared to other
type of work rolls that require higher precision, among others in cold
rolling of thin stainless steel, which required high surface finish
quality. In this project, three roll materials for cold rolling of stainless
steel strip was examined, Vancron 40, Narva 12B (a high-carbon,
high-chromium tool steel alloyed with tungsten) and Supra 3 (a
Chromium-molybdenum tungsten-vanadium alloyed high speed
steel). The purpose of this project was to study the depth profiles of
the ironed stainless steel strips, emergence of galling and to study the
lubrication performance used by steel industries. Laboratory
experiments were conducted to examine scratch of the strip, galling
and surface roughness of the roll materials under severe tribological
conditions. The critical sliding length for onset of galling was
estimated for stainless steel with four different lubricants. Laboratory
experiments result of performance evaluation of resistance capability
of rolls toward adhesive wear under severe conditions for low and
high reductions. Vancron 40 in combination with cold rolling
lubricant gave good surface quality, prevents galling of
metal surfaces and good bearing capacity.
Abstract: Many issues about the relationship between auditors in
auditing practices with its stakeholders often heard. It appears in
perspectives of bringing out the variety of phenomena affecting from
the audit practice of greed and not appreciating from the
independency of the audit profession and professional code of ethics.
It becomes a logical consequence in practicing of capitalism in
accounting. The main purpose of this article would like to uncover
the existing auditing practices in Indonesia, especially in Java that
associated with a strong influence of Javanese culture with reluctant
/”shy", politely, "legowo (gratefully accepted)", "ngemong"
(friendly), "not mentholo" (lenient), "tepo seliro" (tolerance),
"ngajeni" (respectful), "acquiescent" and also reveals its relationships
with Non Javanese culture in facing the conflict of interest in
practical of auditing world. The method used by interpretive
approach that emphasizes the role of language, interpret and
understand and see social reality as something other than a label,
name or concept. Global practices in auditing of each country have
particular cultures that affect the standard set by those regulatory
standards results the adaptation of IAS. The majority of parties in
Indonesia is dominated by Javanese racial regulators, so Java culture
is embedded in every audit practices and those conditions in Java
leads auditors in having similar behaviour, sometimes interfere with
standard Java code of conduct must be executed by an auditor.
Auditors who live in Java have the characters of Javanese culture that
is hard to avoid in the audit practice. However, practically, the
auditors still are relevant in their profession.
Abstract: Building loss estimation methodologies which have
been advanced considerably in recent decades are usually used to
estimate socio and economic impacts resulting from seismic structural
damage. In accordance with these methods, this paper presents the
evaluation of an annual loss probability of a reinforced concrete
moment resisting frame designed according to Korean Building Code.
The annual loss probability is defined by (1) a fragility curve obtained
from a capacity spectrum method which is similar to a method adopted
from HAZUS, and (2) a seismic hazard curve derived from annual
frequencies of exceedance per peak ground acceleration. Seismic
fragilities are computed to calculate the annual loss probability of a
certain structure using functions depending on structural capacity,
seismic demand, structural response and the probability of exceeding
damage state thresholds. This study carried out a nonlinear static
analysis to obtain the capacity of a RC moment resisting frame
selected as a prototype building. The analysis results show that the
probability of being extensive structural damage in the prototype
building is expected to 0.01% in a year.
Abstract: It has experimentally been proved that the
performance of compression ignition (C.I.) engine is spray
characteristics related. In modern diesel engine the spray formation
and the eventual combustion process are the vital processes that offer
more challenges towards enhancing the engine performance. In the
present work the numerical simulation has been carried out for
evaporating diesel sprays using Fluent software. For computational
fluid dynamics simulation “Meshing” is done using Gambit software
before transmitting it into Fluent. The simulation is carried out using
hot bomb conditions under varying chamber conditions such as gas
pressure, nozzle diameter and fuel injection pressure. For comparison
purpose, the numerical simulations the chamber conditions were kept
the same as that of the experimental data. At varying chamber
conditions the spray penetration rates are compared with the existing
experimental results.
Abstract: Company managers are always looking for more and
more opportunities to succeed in today's fiercely competitive market.
To maintain your place among the successful companies on the
market today or to come up with a revolutionary business idea is
much more difficult than before. Each new or improved method, tool,
or approach that can improve the functioning of business processes or
even of the entire system is worth checking and verification. The use
of simulation in the design of manufacturing systems and their
management in practice is one of the ways without increased risk,
which makes it possible to find the optimal parameters of
manufacturing processes and systems. The paper presents an example
of use of simulation for solution of the bottleneck problem in the
concrete company.
Abstract: Job Scheduling plays an important role for efficient
utilization of grid resources available across different domains and
geographical zones. Scheduling of jobs is challenging and NPcomplete.
Evolutionary / Swarm Intelligence algorithms have been
extensively used to address the NP problem in grid scheduling.
Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) has been proposed for optimization
problems based on foraging behaviour of bees. This work proposes a
modified ABC algorithm, Cluster Heterogeneous Earliest First Min-
Min Artificial Bee Colony (CHMM-ABC), to optimally schedule
jobs for the available resources. The proposed model utilizes a novel
Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) Heuristic Algorithm
along with Min-Min algorithm to identify the initial food source.
Simulation results show the performance improvement of the
proposed algorithm over other swarm intelligence techniques.
Abstract: In this paper, the electromagnetic shielding
characteristics of an up-to-date typical carbon filler material, carbon
fiber used with a metal mesh were investigated. Carbon fiber
12k-prepregs, where carbon fibers were impregnated with epoxy, were
laminated with wire meshes, vacuum bag-molded and hardened to
manufacture hybrid-type specimens, with which an electromagnetic
shield test was performed in accordance with ASTM D4935-10,
through which was known as the most excellent reproducibility is
obtainable among electromagnetic shield tests. In addition, glass fiber
prepregs whose electromagnetic shielding effect were known as
insignificant were laminated and formed with wire meshes to verify
the validity of the electromagnetic shield effect of wire meshes in
order to confirm the electromagnetic shielding effect of metal meshes
corresponding existing carbon fiber 12k-prepregs. By grafting carbon
fibers, on which studies are being actively underway in the
environmental aspects and electromagnetic shielding effect, with
hybrid-type wire meshes that were analysed through the tests, in this
study, the applicability and possibility are proposed.
Abstract: Bacterial strains capable of degradation of malathion
from the domestic sewage were isolated by an enrichment culture
technique. Three bacterial strains were screened and identified as
Acinetobacter baumannii (AFA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS1),
and Pseudomonas mendocina (PS2) based on morphological,
biochemical identification and 16S rRNA sequence analysis.
Acinetobacter baumannii AFA was the most efficient malathion
degrading bacterium, so used for further biodegradation study. AFA
was able to grow in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with
malathion (100 mg/l) as a sole carbon source, and within 14 days,
84% of the initial dose was degraded by the isolate measured by high
performance liquid chromatography. Strain AFA could also degrade
other organophosphorus compounds including diazinon, chlorpyrifos
and fenitrothion. The effect of different culture conditions on the
degradation of malathion like inoculum density, other carbon or
nitrogen sources, temperature and shaking were examined.
Degradation of malathion and bacterial cell growth were accelerated
when culture media were supplemented with yeast extract, glucose
and citrate. The optimum conditions for malathion degradation by
strain AFA were; an inoculum density of 1.5x 10^12CFU/ml at 30°C
with shaking. A specific polymerase chain reaction primers were
designed manually using multiple sequence alignment of the
corresponding carboxylesterase enzymes of Acinetobacter species.
Sequencing result of amplified PCR product and phylogenetic
analysis showed low degree of homology with the other
carboxylesterase enzymes of Acinetobacter strains, so we suggested
that this enzyme is a novel esterase enzyme. Isolated bacterial strains
may have potential role for use in bioremediation of malathion
contaminated.
Abstract: The development, operation and maintenance of
Integrated Waste Management Systems (IWMS) affects essentially
the sustainable concern of every region. The features of such systems
have great influence on all of the components of sustainability. In
order to reach the optimal way of processes, a comprehensive
mapping of the variables affecting the future efficiency of the system
is needed such as analysis of the interconnections among the
components and modeling of their interactions. The planning of a
IWMS is based fundamentally on technical and economical
opportunities and the legal framework. Modeling the sustainability
and operation effectiveness of a certain IWMS is not in the scope of
the present research. The complexity of the systems and the large
number of the variables require the utilization of a complex approach
to model the outcomes and future risks. This complex method should
be able to evaluate the logical framework of the factors composing
the system and the interconnections between them. The authors of
this paper studied the usability of the Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM)
approach modeling the future operation of IWMS’s. The approach
requires two input data set. One is the connection matrix containing
all the factors affecting the system in focus with all the
interconnections. The other input data set is the time series, a
retrospective reconstruction of the weights and roles of the factors.
This paper introduces a novel method to develop time series by
content analysis.