Abstract: In this paper, we will try to demonstrate the
importance of the project approach in the urban to deal with
uncertainty, the importance of the involvement of all stakeholders in
the urban project process and that the absence of an actor can lead to
project failure but also the importance of the urban project
management. These points are handled through the following questions: Does
the urban adhere to the theory of complexity? Does the project
approach bring hope and solution to make urban planning
"sustainable"? How converging visions of actors for the same
project? Is the management of urban project the solution to support
the urban project approach?
Abstract: This paper integrates Octagon and Square Search
pattern (OCTSS) motion estimation algorithm into H.264/AVC
(Advanced Video Coding) video codec in Adaptive Group of Pictures
(AGOP) mode. AGOP structure is computed based on scene change
in the video sequence. Octagon and square search pattern block-based
motion estimation method is implemented in inter-prediction process
of H.264/AVC. Both these methods reduce bit rate and computational
complexity while maintaining the quality of the video sequence
respectively. Experiments are conducted for different types of video
sequence. The results substantially proved that the bit rate,
computation time and PSNR gain achieved by the proposed method
is better than the existing H.264/AVC with fixed GOP and AGOP.
With a marginal gain in quality of 0.28dB and average gain in bitrate
of 132.87kbps, the proposed method reduces the average computation
time by 27.31 minutes when compared to the existing state-of-art
H.264/AVC video codec.
Abstract: The present study seeks to investigate the application
of expansion strategy in Persian subtitles of English crime movies.
More precisely, this study aims at classifying the different types of
expansion used in subtitles as well as investigating the
appropriateness or inappropriateness of the application of each type.
To achieve this end, three movies; namely, The Net (1995), Contact
(1997) and Mission Impossible 2 (2000), available with Persian
subtitles, were selected for the study. To collect the data, the above
mentioned movies were watched and those parts of the Persian
subtitles in which expansion had been used were identified and
extracted along with their English dialogs. Then, the extracted
Persian subtitles were classified based on the reason that led to
expansion in each case. Next, the appropriateness or
inappropriateness of using expansion in the extracted Persian
subtitles was descriptively investigated. Finally, an equivalent not
containing any expansion was proposed for those cases in which the
meaning could be fully transferred without this strategy. The findings
of the study indicated that the reasons range from explicitation
(explicitation of visual, co-textual and contextual information),
mistranslation and paraphrasing to the preferences of subtitlers.
Furthermore, it was found that the employment of expansion strategy
was inappropriate in all cases except for those caused by explicitation
of contextual information since correct and shorter equivalents which
were equally capable of conveying the intended meaning could be
posited for the original dialogs.
Abstract: The present study examined how translation teachers
develop final tests as measures for checking on the quality of
students’ academic translation in Iranian context. To achieve this
goal, thirty experienced male and female translation teachers from the
four types of the universities offering the program were invited to an
in-depth 30-minute one-session semi-structured interview. The
responses provided showed how much discrepancy exists among the
Iranian translation teachers (as developers of final translation tests),
who are least informed with the current translation evaluation
methods. It was also revealed that the criteria they use for developing
such tests and scoring student translations are not theory-driven but
are highly subjective, mainly based on their personal experience and
intuition. Hence, the quality and accountability of such tests are under
serious question. The results also confirmed that the dominant
method commonly and currently practiced is the purely essay-type
format. To remedy the situation, some suggestions are in order. As
part of the solution, to improve the reliability and validity of such
tests, the present summative, product-oriented evaluation should be
accompanied with some formative, process-oriented methods of
evaluation. Training the teachers and helping them get acquainted
with modern principles of translation evaluation as well as the
existing models, and rating scales does improve the quality of
academic translation evaluation.
Abstract: We consider the problem of stabilization of an unstable
heat equation in a 2-D, 3-D and generally n-D domain by deriving a
generalized backstepping boundary control design methodology. To
stabilize the systems, we design boundary backstepping controllers
inspired by the 1-D unstable heat equation stabilization procedure.
We assume that one side of the boundary is hinged and the other
side is controlled for each direction of the domain. Thus, controllers
act on two boundaries for 2-D domain, three boundaries for 3-D
domain and ”n” boundaries for n-D domain. The main idea of the
design is to derive ”n” controllers for each of the dimensions by
using ”n” kernel functions. Thus, we obtain ”n” controllers for the
”n” dimensional case. We use a transformation to change the system
into an exponentially stable ”n” dimensional heat equation. The
transformation used in this paper is a generalized Volterra/Fredholm
type with ”n” kernel functions for n-D domain instead of the one
kernel function of 1-D design.
Abstract: In this study, we have collected cases with adipocere
formation, which were from the South Delhi region (average room
temperature 27-390C) and autopsied at our centre. Details of the
circumstances of the death, cause and time of death, surrounding
environment and demographic profile of the deceased were taken into
account. Total 16 cases were included in this study. Adipocere
formation was predominantly present over cheeks, shoulder, breast,
flanks, buttocks, and thighs. Out of 16, 11 cases were found in a dry
atmosphere, 5 cases were brought from the water. There were 5 cases
in which adipocere formation was seen in less than 2 days, and
among them, in 1 case, as early as one day. This study showed that
adipocere formation can be seen as early as 1 day in a hot and humid
environment.
Abstract: This study identified the hypothesised relationship
between creative experience, and revisit intention of handmade
oriental parasol umbrella in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A face-to-face
questionnaire survey was administered in Meinong town, Kaohsiung.
The components of creative experience were found as “sense of
achievement”, “unique learning” and “interaction with instructors” in
creative tourism. The result also revealed significant positive
relationships between creative experience and revisit intention in
handmade activities. This paper provides additional suggestions for
enhancing revisit intention and guidance regarding creative tourism.
Abstract: The use of information technology in education have
changed not only the learners learning style but also the way they
taught, where nowadays learners are connected with diversity of
information sources with means of knowledge available everywhere.
The advantage of network wireless technologies and mobility
technologies used in the education and learning processes lead to
mobile learning as a new model of learning technology. Currently,
most of mobile learning applications are developed for the formal
education and learning environment. Despite the long history and
large amount of research on mobile learning and instruction design
model still there is a need of well-defined process in designing
mobile learning applications. Based on this situation, this paper
emphasizes on identifying instruction design phase’s considerations
and influencing factors in developing mobile learning application.
This set of instruction design steps includes analysis, design,
development, implementation, evaluation and continuous has been
built from a literature study, with focus on standards for learning,
mobile application software quality and guidelines. The effort is part
of an Omani-funded research project investigating the development,
adoption and dissemination of mobile learning in Oman.
Abstract: The need to save time and cost of soil testing at the
planning stage of road work has necessitated developing predictive
models. This study proposes a model for predicting the dry density of
lateritic soils stabilized with corn cob ash (CCA) and blended cement
- CCA. Lateritic soil was first stabilized with CCA at 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and
6% of the weight of soil and then stabilized with the same
proportions as replacement for cement. Dry density, specific gravity,
maximum degree of saturation and moisture content were determined
for each stabilized soil specimen, following standard procedure.
Polynomial equations containing alpha and beta parameters for CCA
and blended CCA-cement were developed. Experimental values were
correlated with the values predicted from the Matlab curve fitting
tool, and the Solver function of Microsoft Excel 2010. The correlation
coefficient (R2) of 0.86 was obtained indicating that the model could
be accepted in predicting the maximum dry density of CCA stabilized
soils to facilitate quick decision making in roadworks.
Abstract: The advancements in technology allow the
development of a new system that can continuously measure surface
soil erosion. Continuous soil erosion measurements are required in
order to comprehend the erosional processes and propose effective
and efficient conservation measures to mitigate surface erosion.
Mitigating soil erosion, especially in Mediterranean countries such as
Greece, is essential in order to maintain environmental and
agricultural sustainability. In this paper, we present the Automated
Soil Erosion Monitoring System (ASEMS) that measures surface soil
erosion along with other factors that impact erosional process.
Specifically, this system measures ground level changes (surface soil
erosion), rainfall, air temperature, soil temperature, and soil moisture.
Another important innovation is that the data will be collected by
remote communication. In addition, stakeholder’s awareness is a key
factor to help reduce any environmental problem. The different
dissemination activities that were utilized are described. The overall
outcomes were the development of a new innovative system that can
measure erosion very accurately. These data from the system help
study the process of erosion and find the best possible methods to
reduce erosion. The dissemination activities enhance the stakeholders
and public's awareness on surface soil erosion problems and will lead
to the adoption of more effective soil erosion conservation practices
in Greece.
Abstract: It is well-known that, using principal weak flatness
property, some important monoids are characterized, such as regular
monoids, left almost regular monoids, and so on. In this article, we
define a generalization of principal weak flatness called GP-Flatness,
and will characterize monoids by this property of their right (Rees
factor) acts. Also we investigate new classes of monoids called
generally regular monoids and generally left almost regular monoids.
Abstract: Extreme formation is a theoretical concept of selfsustain
flight when a big airliner is followed by a small UAV glider
flying in the airliner wake vortex. The paper presents results of a
climb analysis with the goal to lift the gliding UAV to airliners cruise
altitude. Wake vortex models, the UAV drag polar and basic
parameters and airliner’s climb profile are introduced at first.
Afterwards, flight performance of the UAV in a wake vortex is
evaluated by analytical methods. Time history of optimal distance
between an airliner and the UAV during a climb is determined. The
results are encouraging. Therefore available UAV drag margin for
electricity generation is figured out for different vortex models.
Abstract: The development of composite materials and the
related design and manufacturing technologies is one of the most
important advances in the history of materials. Composites are
multifunctional materials having unprecedented mechanical and
physical properties that can be tailored to meet the requirements of a
particular application. Some composites also exhibit great resistance
to high-temperature corrosion, oxidation, and wear. Polymers are
widely used indoors and outdoors, therefore they are exposed to a
chemical environment which may include atmospheric oxygen, acidic
fumes, acidic rain, moisture heat and thermal shock, ultra-violet light,
high energy radiation, etc. Different polymers are affected differently
by these factors even though the amorphous polymers are more
sensitive. Ageing is also important and it is defined as the process of
deterioration of engineering materials resulting from the combined
effects of atmospheric radiation, heat, oxygen, water, microorganisms
and other atmospheric factors.
Abstract: Analytical techniques for measuring and planning
railway capacity expansion activities have been considered in this
article. A preliminary mathematical framework involving track
duplication and section sub divisions is proposed for this task. In
railways, these features have a great effect on network performance
and for this reason they have been considered. Additional motivations
have also arisen from the limitations of prior models that have not
included them.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an optimization technique or
a learning algorithm using the hybrid architecture by combining the
most popular sequence recognition models such as Recurrent Neural
Networks (RNNs) and Hidden Markov models (HMMs). In order to
improve the sequence/pattern recognition/classification performance
by applying a hybrid/neural symbolic approach, a gradient descent
learning algorithm is developed using the Real Time Recurrent
Learning of Recurrent Neural Network for processing the knowledge
represented in trained Hidden Markov Models. The developed hybrid
algorithm is implemented on automata theory as a sample test beds
and the performance of the designed algorithm is demonstrated and
evaluated on learning the deterministic finite state automata.
Abstract: This article presents the main results of a numerical
investigation on the uncertainty of dynamic response of structures
with statistically correlated random damping Gamma distributed. A
computational method based on a Linear Statistical Model (LSM) is
implemented to predict second order statistics for the response of a
typical industrial building structure. The significance of random
damping with correlated parameters and its implications on the
sensitivity of structural peak response in the neighborhood of a
resonant frequency are discussed in light of considerable ranges of
damping uncertainties and correlation coefficients. The results are
compared to those generated using Monte Carlo simulation
techniques. The numerical results obtained show the importance of
damping uncertainty and statistical correlation of damping
coefficients when obtaining accurate probabilistic estimates of
dynamic response of structures. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the
LSM model to efficiently predict uncertainty propagation for
structural dynamic problems with correlated damping parameters is
demonstrated.
Abstract: In the last decade the emergence of new social needs
as an effect of the economic crisis has stimulated the flourishing of
business endeavours characterised by explicit social goals. Social
start-ups, social enterprises or Corporate Social Responsibility
operations carried out by traditional companies are quintessential
examples in this regard. This paper analyses these kinds of initiatives
in order to discover the main characteristics of social business models
and to provide insights to social entrepreneurs for developing or
improving their strategies. The research is conducted through the
integration of literature review and case study analysis and, thanks to
the recognition of the importance of both profits and social impacts
as the key success factors for a social business model, proposes a
framework for identifying indicators suitable for measuring the social
impacts generated.
Abstract: The Green Urban Lab took the form of public
installations that were placed at various locations in four cities in
Cyprus. These installations - through which a series of events,
activities, workshops and research took place - were the main tools in
regenerating a series of urban public spaces in Cyprus. The purpose
of this project was to identify issues and opportunities related to
public space and to offer guidelines on how design and participatory
democracy improvements could strengthen civil society, while
raising the quality of the urban public scene. Giant inflatable
structures were injected in important urban fragments in order to
accommodate series of events. The design and playful installation
generated a wide community engagement. The fluid presence of the
installations acted as a catalyst for social interaction. They were
accessed and viewed effortlessly and surprisingly, creating
opportunities to rediscover public spaces.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the factor
structure and psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and convergent
validity) of the Employee Trust Scale, a newly created instrument by
the researchers. The Employee Trust Scale initially contained 82
items to measure employees’ trust toward their supervisors. A sample
of 818 (343 females, 449 males) employees were selected randomly
from public and private organization sectors in Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia. Their ages ranged from 19 to 67 years old with a
mean of 34.55 years old. Their average tenure with their current
employer was 11.2 years (s.d. = 7.5 years). The respondents were
asked to complete the Employee Trust Scale, as well as a managerial
trust questionnaire from Mishra. The exploratory factor analysis on
employees’ trust toward their supervisor’s extracted three factors,
labeled ‘trustworthiness’ (32 items), ‘position status’ (11 items) and
‘relationship’ (6 items) which accounted for 62.49% of the total
variance. Trustworthiness factors were re-categorized into three sub
factors: competency (11 items), benevolence (8 items) and integrity
(13 items). All factors and sub factors of the scales demonstrated
clear reliability with internal consistency of Cronbach’s Alpha above
.85. The convergent validity of the Scale was supported by an
expected pattern of correlations (positive and significant correlation)
between the score of all factors and sub factors of the scale and the
score on the managerial trust questionnaire, which measured the same
construct. The convergent validity of Employee Trust Scale was
further supported by the significant and positive inter-correlation
between the factors and sub factors of the scale. The results suggest
that the Employee Trust Scale is a reliable and valid measure.
However, further studies need to be carried out in other groups of
sample as to further validate the Scale.
Abstract: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) are widely
used for advanced applications, in particular in aerospace, automotive
and wind energy industries. Once cured to near net shape, CFRP
parts need several finishing operations such as trimming, milling or
drilling in order to accommodate fastening hardware and meeting the
final dimensions. The present research aims to study the effect of the
cutting temperature in trimming on the mechanical strength of high
performance CFRP laminates used for aeronautics applications. The
cutting temperature is of great importance when dealing with
trimming of CFRP. Temperatures higher than the glass-transition
temperature (Tg) of the resin matrix are highly undesirable: they
cause degradation of the matrix in the trimmed edges area, which can
severely affect the mechanical performance of the entire component.
In this study, a 9.50mm diameter CVD diamond coated carbide tool
with six flutes was used to trim 24-plies CFRP laminates. A
300m/min cutting speed and 1140mm/min feed rate were used in the
experiments. The tool was heated prior to trimming using a
blowtorch, for temperatures ranging from 20°C to 300°C. The
temperature at the cutting edge was measured using embedded KType
thermocouples. Samples trimmed for different cutting
temperatures, below and above Tg, were mechanically tested using
three-points bending short-beam loading configurations. New cutting
tools as well as worn cutting tools were utilized for the experiments.
The experiments with the new tools could not prove any correlation
between the length of cut, the cutting temperature and the mechanical
performance. Thus mechanical strength was constant, regardless of
the cutting temperature. However, for worn tools, producing a cutting
temperature rising up to 450°C, thermal damage of the resin was
observed. The mechanical tests showed a reduced mean resistance in
short beam configuration, while the resistance in three point bending
decreases with increase of the cutting temperature.