Abstract: Oxidative stress makes up common incidents in
eukaryotic metabolism. The presence of diverse components
disturbing the equilibrium during oxygen metabolism increases
oxidative damage unspecifically in living cells. Body´s own
ubiquinone (Q10) seems to be a promising drug in defending the
heightened appearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though, its
lipophilic properties require a new strategy in drug formulation to
overcome their low bioavailability. Consequently, the manufacture of
heterogeneous nanodispersions is in focus for medical applications.
The composition of conventional nanodispersions is made up of a
drug-consisting core and a surfactive agent, also named as surfactant.
Long-termed encapsulation of the surfactive components into tissues
might be the consequence of the use during medical therapeutics. The
potential of provoking side-effects is given by their nonbiodegradable
properties. Further improvements during fabrication
process use the incorporation of biodegradable components such as
modified γ-polyglutamic acid which decreases the potential of
prospective side-effects.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of the authors in designing, experimenting, assessing and transferring an innovative approach to energy education in secondary schools, aimed to enhance the quality of learning in terms of didactic curricula and pedagogic methods. The training is online delivered to youngsters via e-Books and portals specially designed for this purpose or by learning by doing via interactive games. An online educational methodology is available teachers.
Abstract: Using spatial models as a shared common basis of
information about the environment for different kinds of contextaware
systems has been a heavily researched topic in the last years.
Thereby the research focused on how to create, to update, and to
merge spatial models so as to enable highly dynamic, consistent and
coherent spatial models at large scale. In this paper however, we
want to concentrate on how context-aware applications could use this
information so as to adapt their behavior according to the situation
they are in. The main idea is to provide the spatial model
infrastructure with a situation recognition component based on
generic situation templates. A situation template is – as part of a
much larger situation template library – an abstract, machinereadable
description of a certain basic situation type, which could be
used by different applications to evaluate their situation. In this
paper, different theoretical and practical issues – technical, ethical
and philosophical ones – are discussed important for understanding
and developing situation dependent systems based on situation
templates. A basic system design is presented which allows for the
reasoning with uncertain data using an improved version of a
learning algorithm for the automatic adaption of situation templates.
Finally, for supporting the development of adaptive applications, we
present a new situation-aware adaptation concept based on
workflows.
Abstract: Many companies have switched their processes to project-oriented in the last years. This brings new possibilities and effectiveness not only in the field of external processes connected with the product delivery but also the internal processes as well. However centralized project organization which is based on the role of project manager in the team has proved insufficient in some cases. Agile methods of project organization are trying to solve this problem by bringing new view on the project organization, roles, processes and competences. Scrum is one of these methods which builds on the principles of knowledge management to drive the project to effectiveness from all view angles. Using this method to organize internal and delivery projects helps the organization to create and share knowledge throughout the company. It also supports forming unique competences of individuals and project teams and drives innovations in the company.
Abstract: Total liquid ventilation can support gas exchange in animal models of lung injury. Clinical application awaits further technical improvements and performance verification. Our aim was to develop a liquid ventilator, able to deliver accurate tidal volumes, and a computerized system for measuring lung mechanics. The computer-assisted, piston-driven respirator controlled ventilatory parameters that were displayed and modified on a real-time basis. Pressure and temperature transducers along with a lineal displacement controller provided the necessary signals to calculate lung mechanics. Ten newborn lambs (
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to examine the
dose-response relationships between antioxidant parameters and liver
contaminant levels of Kazakhstan light crude oil (KLCO) in albino
rats. The animals were repeatedly exposed, by intraperitoneal
injection, to low dosages (0.5–1.5 ml/kg) of KLCO. Rats exposed to
these doses levels did not show any apparent symptoms of
intoxication. Serum aminotransferases increased significantly
(p
Abstract: The growing importance of sustainability in corporate
policies represents a great opportunity for workers to gain more
consideration, with great benefits to their well being. Sustainable
work is believed to be one which improves the organization-s
performance and fosters professional development as well as
workers- health. In a multiple case study based on document
research, information was sought about work activities and their
sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, as
disseminated by corporations. All the companies devoted attention to
work activities and delivered a good amount of information about
them. Nevertheless, the information presented was generic; all the
actions developed were top-down and there was no information about
the impact of changes aimed at sustainability on the workers-
activities. It was found that the companies seemed to be at an early
stage. In the future, they need to show more commitment through
concrete goals: they must be aware that workers contribute directly to
the corporations- sustainability. This would allow room for
Ergonomics and Work Psychodynamics to be incorporated and to be
useful for both companies and society, so as to promote and ensure
work sustainability.
Abstract: Enterprise Wide Information Systems (EWIS)
implementation involves the entire business and will require changes
throughout the firm. Because of the scope, complexity and
continuous nature of ERP, the project-based approach to managing
the implementation process resulted in failure rates of between 60%
and 80%. In recent years ERP systems have received much attention.
The organizational relevance and risk of ERP projects make it
important for organizations to focus on ways to make ERP
implementation successful. Once these systems are in place,
however, their performance depends on the identified macro
variables viz. 'Business Process', 'Decision Making' and 'Individual
/ Group working'. The questionnaire was designed and administered.
The responses from 92 organizations were compiled. The
relationship of these variables with EWIS performance is analyzed
using inferential statistical measurements. The study helps to
understand the performance of model presented. The study suggested
in keeping away from the calamities and thereby giving the
necessary competitive edge. Whenever some discrepancy is
identified during the process of performance appraisal care has to be
taken to draft necessary preventive measures. If all these measures
are taken care off then the EWIS performance will definitely deliver
the results.
Abstract: Extracellular ubiquitin in vivo effect on regenerative liver cells and liver histoarchitectonics has been studied. Experiments were performed on mature female white rats. Partial hepatectomy was made using the modified method of Higgins and Anderson. Standard histopathological assessment of liver tissue was used. Proliferative activity of hepatocytes was analyzed by colchicine mitotic index and immunohistochemical staining on ki67. We have found that regardless of number of injections and dose of extracellular ubiquitin liver histology has not been changed, so at tissue level no effect was observed. In vivo double injection of ubiquitin significantly decreases the mitotic activity at 32 hour point after partial hepatectomy. Thus, we can conclude that in vivo injected extracellular ubiquitin inhibits proliferative activity of hepatocytes in partially hepatectomyzed rats.
Abstract: The client server systems using mobile
communications networks for data transmission became very
attractive for many economic agents, in the purpose of promoting and
offering electronic services to their clients. E-services are suitable for
business developing and financial benefits increasing. The products
or services can be efficiently delivered to a large number of clients,
using mobile Internet access technologies. The clients can have
access to e-services, anywhere and anytime, with the support of 3G,
GPRS, WLAN, etc., channels bandwidth, data services and protocols.
Based on the mobile communications networks evolution and
development, a convergence of technological and financial interests
of mobile operators, software developers, mobile terminals producers
and e-content providers is established. These will lead to a high level
of integration of IT&C resources and will facilitate the value added
services delivery through the mobile communications networks. In
this paper it is presented a client server system, for e-services access,
with Smartphones and PDA-s mobile software applications, installed
on Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems.
Abstract: Loop detectors report traffic characteristics in real
time. They are at the core of traffic control process. Intuitively,
one would expect that as density of detection increases, so would
the quality of estimates derived from detector data. However, as
detector deployment increases, the associated operating and
maintenance cost increases. Thus, traffic agencies often need to
decide where to add new detectors and which detectors should
continue receiving maintenance, given their resource constraints.
This paper evaluates the effect of detector spacing on freeway
travel time estimation. A freeway section (Interstate-15) in Salt
Lake City metropolitan region is examined. The research reveals
that travel time accuracy does not necessarily deteriorate with
increased detector spacing. Rather, the actual location of detectors
has far greater influence on the quality of travel time estimates.
The study presents an innovative computational approach that
delivers optimal detector locations through a process that relies on
Genetic Algorithm formulation.
Abstract: Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are sparse, wireless
networks where disconnections are common due to host mobility and
low node density. The Message Ferrying (MF) scheme is a mobilityassisted
paradigm to improve connectivity in DTN-like networks. A
ferry or message ferry is a special node in the network which has
a per-determined route in the deployed area and relays messages
between mobile hosts (MHs) which are intermittently connected.
Increased contact opportunities among mobile hosts and the ferry
improve the performance of the network, both in terms of message
delivery ratio and average end-end delay. However, due to the inherent
mobility of mobile hosts and pre-determined periodicity of the
message ferry, mobile hosts may often -miss- contact opportunities
with a ferry. In this paper, we propose the combination of stationary
ferry access points (FAPs) with MF routing to increase contact
opportunities between mobile hosts and the MF and consequently
improve the performance of the DTN. We also propose several
placement models for deploying FAPs on MF routes. We evaluate the
performance of the FAP placement models through comprehensive
simulation. Our findings show that FAPs do improve the performance
of MF-assisted DTNs and symmetric placement of FAPs outperforms
other placement strategies.
Abstract: This article is an extension and a practical application
approach of Wheeler-s NEBIC theory (Net Enabled Business
Innovation Cycle). NEBIC theory is a new approach in IS research
and can be used for dynamic environment related to new technology.
Firms can follow the market changes rapidly with support of the IT
resources. Flexible firms adapt their market strategies, and respond
more quickly to customers changing behaviors. When every leading
firm in an industry has access to the same IT resources, the way that
these IT resources are managed will determine the competitive
advantages or disadvantages of firm. From Dynamic Capabilities
Perspective and from newly introduced NEBIC theory by Wheeler,
we know that only IT resources cannot deliver customer value but
good configuration of those resources can guarantee customer value
by choosing the right emerging technology, grasping the economic
opportunities through business innovation and growth. We found
evidences in literature that SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) is a
promising emerging technology which can deliver the desired
economic opportunity through modularity, flexibility and loosecoupling.
SOA can also help firms to connect in network which can
open a new window of opportunity to collaborate in innovation and
right kind of outsourcing
Abstract: The paper proposes a new concept in developing
collaborative design system. The concept framework involves
applying simulation of supply chain management to collaborative
design called – 'SCM–Based Design Tool'. The system is developed
particularly to support design activities and to integrate all facilities
together. The system is aimed to increase design productivity and
creativity. Therefore, designers and customers can collaborate by the
system since conceptual design. JAG: Jewelry Art Generator based
on artificial intelligence techniques is integrated into the system.
Moreover, the proposed system can support users as decision tool
and data propagation. The system covers since raw material supply
until product delivery. Data management and sharing information are
visually supported to designers and customers via user interface. The
system is developed on Web–assisted product development
environment. The prototype system is presented for Thai jewelry
industry as a system prototype demonstration, but applicable for
other industry.
Abstract: Today, transport and logistic systems are often tightly
integrated in the production. Lean production and just-in-time delivering create multiple constraints that have to be fulfilled. As transport networks often have evolved over time they are very
expensive to change. This paper describes a discrete-event-simulation
system which simulates transportation models using real time
resource routing and collision avoidance. It allows for the
specification of own control algorithms and validation of new
strategies. The simulation is integrated into a virtual reality (VR)
environment and can be displayed in 3-D to show the progress.
Simulation elements can be selected through VR metaphors. All data
gathered during the simulation can be presented as a detailed summary afterwards. The included cost-benefit calculation can help to optimize the financial outcome. The operation of this approach is shown by the example of a timber harvest simulation.
Abstract: Heterogeneity has to be taken into account when
integrating a set of existing information sources into a distributed
information system that are nowadays often based on Service-
Oriented Architectures (SOA). This is also particularly applicable to
distributed services such as event monitoring, which are useful in the
context of Event Driven Architectures (EDA) and Complex Event
Processing (CEP). Web services deal with this heterogeneity at a
technical level, also providing little support for event processing. Our
central thesis is that such a fully generic solution cannot provide
complete support for event monitoring; instead, source specific
semantics such as certain event types or support for certain event
monitoring techniques have to be taken into account. Our core result
is the design of a configurable event monitoring (Web) service that
allows us to trade genericity for the exploitation of source specific
characteristics. It thus delivers results for the areas of SOA, Web
services, CEP and EDA.
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: Lean, which was initially developed by Toyota, is
widely implemented in other companies to improve competitiveness.
This research is an attempt to identify the adoption of lean in the
production system of Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton using case
study approach. To gain the in-depth information regarding lean
implementation, an activity on the assembly line called Set Parts
Supply (SPS) was studied. The result indicates that by using lean
principles, tools and techniques in the implementation of SPS enabled
to achieve the goals on safety, quality, cost, delivery and morale. The
implementation increased the size of the workspace, improved the
quality of assembly and the delivery of parts supply, reduced the
manpower, achieved cost savings on electricity and also increased the
motivation of manpower in respect of attendance at work. A
framework of SPS implementation is suggested as a contribution for
lean practices in production system.
Abstract: Infrastructure investments are important in developing
countries, it will not only help to foster the economic growth of a
nation, but it will also act as a platform in which new forms of
partnership and collaboration can be developed mainly in East Asian
countries. Since the last two decades, many infrastructure projects
had been completed through build-operate-transfer (BOT) type of
procurement. The developments of BOT have attracted participation
of local and foreign private sector investor to secure funding and to
deliver projects on time, within the budget and to the required
specifications. Private sectors are preferred by the government in
East Asia to participate in BOT projects due to lack of public
funding. The finding has resulted that the private sector or promoter
of the BOT projects is exposed to multiple risks which have been
discussed in this paper. Effective risk management methods and
good managerial skills are required in ensuring the success of the
project. The review indicated that mitigation measures should be
employed by the promoter throughout the concession period and
support from the host government is also required in ensuring the
success of the BOT project.
Abstract: Oxyleotris marmorata is considered as
undomesticated fish, and its culture occasionally faces a problem of
food deprivation. The present study aims to evaluate alteration of
hematological indices, blood chemical associated with liver function
during 4 weeks of fasting. A non-linear relationships between fasting
days and hematological parameters (red blood cell number; y = -
0.002x2 + 0.041x + 1.249; R2=0.915, P0.05), mean corpuscular
volume; y = -0.180x2 + 2.183x + 149.61; R2=0.732, P>0.05, mean
corpuscular hemoglobin; y = -0.041x2 + 0.862x + 29.864; R2=0.818,
P>0.05 and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; y = -
0.044x2 + 0.711x + 21.580; R2=0.730, P>0.05) were demonstrated.
Significant change in hematocrit (Ht) during fasting period was
observed. Ht elevated sharply increase at the first weeks of fasting
period. Higher Ht also was detected during week 2-4 of fasting time.
The significant reduction of hepatosomatic index was observed (y = -
0.007x2 - 0.096x + 1.414; R2=0.968, P0.05, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase;
y = 0.005x2 – 0.201x2 + 1.297x + 33.256; R2=1, P0.05). Taken together, prolonged fasting has
deleterious effects on hematological indices, liver mass and enzyme
associated in liver function. The marked adverse effects occurred
after the first week of fasting state.