Abstract: This communication is intended to provide some issues for thought on the importance of implementation of Blended Learning in traditional universities, particularly in the Spanish university system. In this respect, we believe that virtual environments are likely to meet some of the needs raised by the Bologna agreement, trying to maintain the quality of teaching and at the same time taking advantage of the functionalities that virtual learning platforms offer. We are aware that an approach of learning from an open and constructivist nature in universities is a complex process that faces significant technological, administrative and human barriers. Therefore, in order to put plans in our universities, it is necessary to analyze the state of the art of some indicators relating to the use of ICT, with special attention to virtual teaching and learning, so that we can identify the main obstacles and design adaptive strategies for their full integration in the education system. Finally, we present major initiatives launched in the European and state framework for the effective implementation of new virtual environments in the area of higher education.
Abstract: Accurate demand forecasting is one of the most key
issues in inventory management of spare parts. The problem of
modeling future consumption becomes especially difficult for lumpy
patterns, which characterized by intervals in which there is no
demand and, periods with actual demand occurrences with large
variation in demand levels. However, many of the forecasting
methods may perform poorly when demand for an item is lumpy.
In this study based on the characteristic of lumpy demand patterns
of spare parts a hybrid forecasting approach has been developed,
which use a multi-layered perceptron neural network and a
traditional recursive method for forecasting future demands. In the
described approach the multi-layered perceptron are adapted to
forecast occurrences of non-zero demands, and then a conventional
recursive method is used to estimate the quantity of non-zero
demands. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed
approach, their forecasts were compared to those obtained by using
Syntetos & Boylan approximation, recently employed multi-layered
perceptron neural network, generalized regression neural network
and elman recurrent neural network in this area. The models were
applied to forecast future demand of spare parts of Arak
Petrochemical Company in Iran, using 30 types of real data sets. The
results indicate that the forecasts obtained by using our proposed
mode are superior to those obtained by using other methods.
Abstract: This paper presents an approach for the determination of the optimal cutting parameters (spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut and engagement) leading to minimum surface roughness in face milling of high silicon stainless steel by coupling neural network (NN) and Electromagnetism-like Algorithm (EM). In this regard, the advantages of statistical experimental design technique, experimental measurements, artificial neural network, and Electromagnetism-like optimization method are exploited in an integrated manner. To this end, numerous experiments on this stainless steel were conducted to obtain surface roughness values. A predictive model for surface roughness is created by using a back propogation neural network, then the optimization problem was solved by using EM optimization. Additional experiments were performed to validate optimum surface roughness value predicted by EM algorithm. It is clearly seen that a good agreement is observed between the predicted values by EM coupled with feed forward neural network and experimental measurements. The obtained results show that the EM algorithm coupled with back propogation neural network is an efficient and accurate method in approaching the global minimum of surface roughness in face milling.
Abstract: We present an Electronic Nose (ENose), which is
aimed at identifying the presence of one out of two gases, possibly
detecting the presence of a mixture of the two. Estimation of the
concentrations of the components is also performed for a volatile
organic compound (VOC) constituted by methanol and acetone, for
the ranges 40-400 and 22-220 ppm (parts-per-million), respectively.
Our system contains 8 sensors, 5 of them being gas sensors (of the
class TGS from FIGARO USA, INC., whose sensing element is a tin
dioxide (SnO2) semiconductor), the remaining being a temperature
sensor (LM35 from National Semiconductor Corporation), a
humidity sensor (HIH–3610 from Honeywell), and a pressure sensor
(XFAM from Fujikura Ltd.).
Our integrated hardware–software system uses some machine
learning principles and least square regression principle to identify at
first a new gas sample, or a mixture, and then to estimate the
concentrations. In particular we adopt a training model using the
Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach with linear kernel to teach
the system how discriminate among different gases. Then we apply
another training model using the least square regression, to predict
the concentrations.
The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed
multiclassification and regression scheme is effective in the
identification of the tested VOCs of methanol and acetone with
96.61% correctness. The concentration prediction is obtained with
0.979 and 0.964 correlation coefficient for the predicted versus real
concentrations of methanol and acetone, respectively.
Abstract: The demands of taller structures are becoming imperative almost everywhere in the world in addition to the challenges of material and labor cost, project time line etc. This paper conducted a study keeping in view the challenging nature of high-rise construction with no generic rules for deflection minimizations and frequency control. The effects of cyclonic wind and provision of outriggers on 28-storey, 42-storey and 57-storey are examined in this paper and certain conclusions are made which would pave way for researchers to conduct further study in this particular area of civil engineering. The results show that plan dimensions have vital impacts on structural heights. Increase of height while keeping the plan dimensions same, leads to the reduction in the lateral rigidity. To achieve required stiffness increase of bracings sizes as well as introduction of additional lateral resisting system such as belt truss and outriggers is required.
Abstract: In the present analysis an unsteady laminar
forced convection water boundary layer flow is considered.
The fluid properties such as viscosity and Prandtl number are
taken as variables such that those are inversely proportional to
temperature. By using quasi-linearization technique the nonlinear
coupled partial differential equations are linearized and
the numerical solutions are obtained by using implicit finite
difference scheme with the appropriate selection of step sizes.
Non-similar solutions have been obtained from the starting
point of the stream-wise coordinate to the point where skin
friction value vanishes. The effect non-uniform mass transfer
along the surface of the cylinder through slot is studied on the
skin friction and heat transfer coefficients.
Abstract: In this article, models based on quantitative analysis,
physical geometry and regression analysis are established, by using
analytic hierarchy process analysis, fuzzy cluster analysis, fuzzy
photographic and data fitting. The reasons of various leaf shapes
among different species and the differences between the leaf shapes on
same tree have been solved by using software, such as Eviews, VB and
Matlab. We also successfully estimate the leaf mass of a tree and the
correlation with the tree profile.
Abstract: The development of distributed systems has been affected by the need to accommodate an increasing degree of flexibility, adaptability, and autonomy. The Mobile Agent technology is emerging as an alternative to build a smart generation of highly distributed systems. In this work, we investigate the performance aspect of agent-based technologies for information retrieval. We present a comparative performance evaluation model of Mobile Agents versus Remote Method Invocation by means of an analytical approach. We demonstrate the effectiveness of mobile agents for dynamic code deployment and remote data processing by reducing total latency and at the same time producing minimum network traffic. We argue that exploiting agent-based technologies significantly enhances the performance of distributed systems in the domain of information retrieval.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is the introduction to a
unified optimization framework for research and education. The
OPTILIB framework implements different general purpose algorithms
for combinatorial optimization and minimum search on standard continuous
test functions. The preferences of this library are the straightforward
integration of new optimization algorithms and problems
as well as the visualization of the optimization process of different
methods exploring the search space exclusively or for the real time
visualization of different methods in parallel. Further the usage of
several implemented methods is presented on the basis of two use
cases, where the focus is especially on the algorithm visualization.
First it is demonstrated how different methods can be compared
conveniently using OPTILIB on the example of different iterative
improvement schemes for the TRAVELING SALESMAN PROBLEM.
A second study emphasizes how the framework can be used to find
global minima in the continuous domain.
Abstract: Creative drama which interconnects with the concepts of play, theatre, animation and role playing is a field which can only be learnt and expressed through experiencing. This study about assessment of the drama teaching in preschools by children was conducted in 3 preschools in Ankara with participation of 12 children of 6 ages who had taken drama learning courses. Qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviewing technique were employed. The results of the study indicated that all of 12 children defined drama as a game and entertainment.
Abstract: In medical therapy, laser has been widely used to conduct cosmetic, tumor and other treatments. During the process of laser irradiation, there may be thermal damage caused by excessive laser exposure. Thus, the establishment of a complete thermal analysis model is clinically helpful to physicians in reference data. In this study, porcine liver in place of tissue was subjected to laser irradiation to set up the experimental data considering the explored impact on surface thermal field and thermal damage region under different conditions of power, laser irradiation time, and distance between laser and porcine liver. In the experimental process, the surface temperature distribution of the porcine lever was measured by the infrared thermal imager. In the part of simulation, the bio heat transfer Pennes-s equation was solved by software SYSWELD applying in welding process. The double ellipsoid function as a laser source term is firstly considered in the prediction for surface thermal field and internal tissue damage. The simulation results are compared with the experimental data to validate the mathematical model established here in.
Abstract: This article addresses the procedures to validate the Arabic version of Multiple Intelligence Development Assessment Scale (MIDAS). The content validity was examined based on the experts- judgments on the MIDAS-s items in the Arabic version. The content of eleven items in the Arabic version of MIDAS was modified to match the Arabic context. Then a translation from original English version of MIDAS into Arabic language was performed. The reliability of the Arabic MIDAS was calculated based on test and retest method and found to be 0.85 for the overall MIDAS and for the different subscales ranging between 0.78 - 0.87. The examination of construct validity for the overall Arabic MIDAS and its subscales was established by using Winsteps program version 6 based on Rasch model in order to fit the items into the Arabic context. The findings indicated that, the eight subscales in Arabic version of MIDAS scale have a unidimensionality, and the total number of kept items in the overall scale is 108 items.
Abstract: In recent years, strategic alliances have taken
increasing importance as a means to control competitive forces and to
enter into new markets. Joint ventures are one of the most frequently
used contractual forms in strategic alliances. There are various
motivations for cooperation between two or more firms e.g.,
accessing to technical know-how, accessing to financial resources
and managing risks. The firms must know about these motivations to
encourage for establishing joint venture. So, it is important for
managers to understand about these motives. On the other hand, the
cooperation section is one of the most effective parts in each country.
In this way, our study identifies goals of joint venture between
cooperative manufacturing firms, and prioritizes those using
TOPSIS1. The results show that the most important of joint venture
goals are: accessing to managerial know-how, sharing total capital
investment.
Abstract: This article deals with the numerical simulation of the
floor heating convector in 3D. Presented convector can operate in
two modes – cooling mode and heating mode. This initial numerical
simulation is focused on cooling mode of the convector. Models with
different temperature of the fins are compared and three various
shapes of the fins are examined as well. The objective of the work is
to predict air flow and heat transfer inside convector for further
optimalization of these devices. For the numerical simulation was
used commercial software Ansys Fluent.
Abstract: This study include the effect of strain and storage
period and their interaction on some quantitative and qualitative traits
and percentages of the egg components in the eggs collected at the
start of production (at age 24 weeks). Eggs were divided into three
storage periods (1, 7 and 14) days under refrigerator temperature (5-
7)0C. Fifty seven eggs obtained randomly from each strain including
Isa Brown and Lohman White. General Linear Model within
SAS programme was used to analyze the collected data
and correlations between the studied traits were calculated for each
strain.Average egg weight (EW), Haugh Unit (HU), yolk index (YI),
yolk % (HP), albumin % (AP) and yolk to albumin ratio (YAR) was
56.629 gm, 87.968 %, 0.493, 22.13%, 67.74% and 32.76
respectively. Egg produced from ISA Brown surpassed those
produced by Lohman White significantly (P
Abstract: In this paper the effects of top management commitment on knowledge management activities has been analyzed. This research has been conducted as a case study in an academic environment. The data collection was carried out in the form of semi-structured interview with an interview guide. This study shows the effects of knowledge management strategic plan developing in academia strategic plan on knowledge management success. This paper shows the importance top management commitment factors including strategic plan, communication, and training on knowledge management success in academia. In particular the most important role of Strategic planning in knowledge management success is clarified. This study explores one of the necessary organizational infrastructures of successful implementation of knowledge management. The idea of this research could be applied in the other context especially in the industrial organizations.
Abstract: The advent of modern technology shadows its impetus repercussions on successful Legacy systems making them obsolete with time. These systems have evolved the large organizations in major problems in terms of new business requirements, response time, financial depreciation and maintenance. Major difficulty is due to constant system evolution and incomplete, inconsistent and obsolete documents which a legacy system tends to have. The myriad dimensions of these systems can only be explored by incorporating reverse engineering, in this context, is the best method to extract useful artifacts and by exploring these artifacts for reengineering existing legacy systems to meet new requirements of organizations. A case study is conducted on six different type of software systems having source code in different programming languages using the architectural recovery framework.
Abstract: Counting people from a video stream in a noisy environment is a challenging task. This project aims at developing a counting system for transport vehicles, integrated in a video surveillance product. This article presents a method for the detection and tracking of multiple faces in a video by using a model of first and second order local moments. An iterative process is used to estimate the position and shape of multiple faces in images, and to track them. the trajectories are then processed to count people entering and leaving the vehicle.
Abstract: Aggression is a behavior that cannot be approved by
the society. Vandalism which is aggression towards objects is an
action that tends to damage public or personal property. The
behaviors that are described as vandalism can often be observed in
the schools as well. According to Zwier and Vaughan (1)
previous research about the reasons of and precautionary measures
for vandalism in schools can be grouped in three tendency categories:
conservative, liberal and radical. In this context, the main aim of this
study is to discover which ideological tendency of the reasons of
school vandalism is adopted by the teachers and what are their
physical, environmental, school system and societal solutions for
vandalism. A total of 200 teachers participated in this study, and the
mean age was 34.20 years (SD = 6.54). The sample was made up of
109 females and 91 males. For the analysis of the data, SPSS 15.00,
frequency, percentage, and t-test were used. The research showed
that the teachers have tendencies in the order of conservative, liberal
and radical for the reasons of vandalism. The research also showed
that the teachers do not have any tendency for eliminating vandalism
physically and general solutions on the level of society; on the other
hand they mostly adopt a conservative tendency in terms of
precautions against vandalism in the school system. Second most,
they adopt the liberal tendency in terms of precautions against
vandalism in the school system. . It is observed that the findings of
this study are comparable to the existing literature on the subject.
Future studies should be conducted with multiple variants and
bigger sampling.
Abstract: Implemented 5-bit 125-MS/s successive
approximation register (SAR) analog to digital converter (ADC) on
FPGA is presented in this paper.The design and modeling of a high
performance SAR analog to digital converter are based on monotonic
capacitor switching procedure algorithm .Spartan 3 FPGA is chosen
for implementing SAR analog to digital converter algorithm. SAR
VHDL program writes in Xilinx and modelsim uses for showing
results.