Abstract: This paper proposes a method to automatic transformation of CIM level to PIM level respecting the MDA approach. Our proposal is based on creating a good CIM level through well-defined rules allowing as achieving rich models that contain relevant information to facilitate the task of the transformation to the PIM level. We define, thereafter, an appropriate PIM level through various UML diagram. Next, we propose set rules to move from CIM to PIM. Our method follows the MDA approach by considering the business dimension in the CIM level through the use BPMN, standard modeling business of OMG, and the use of UML in PIM advocated by MDA in this level.
Abstract: The study investigated the implementation of the
Neural Network (NN) techniques for prediction of the loading of Cu
ions onto clinoptilolite. The experimental design using analysis of
variance (ANOVA) was chosen for testing the adequacy of the
Neural Network and for optimizing of the effective input parameters
(pH, temperature and initial concentration). Feed forward, multi-layer
perceptron (MLP) NN successfully tracked the non-linear behavior of
the adsorption process versus the input parameters with mean squared
error (MSE), correlation coefficient (R) and minimum squared error
(MSRE) of 0.102, 0.998 and 0.004 respectively. The results showed
that NN modeling techniques could effectively predict and simulate
the highly complex system and non-linear process such as ionexchange.
Abstract: Ion exchange is one of the methods used to remove heavy metal such as copper and cobalt from wastewaters. Parameters affecting the ion-exchange of copper and cobalt aqueous solutions using clinoptilolite are the objectives of this study. Synthetic solutions were prepared with the concentration of 0.02M, 0.06M and 0.1M. The cobalt solution was maintained to 0.02M while varying the copper solution to the above stated concentrations. The clinoptilolite was activated with HCl and H2SO4 for removal efficiency. The pHs of the solutions were found to be acidic hence enhancing the copper and cobalt removal. The natural clinoptilolite performance was also found to be lower compared to the HCl and H2SO4 activated one for the copper removal ranging from 68% to 78% of Cu2+ uptake with the natural clinoptilolite to 66% to 51% with HCl and H2SO4 respectively. It was found that the activated clinoptilolite removed more copper and cobalt than the natural one and found that the electronegativity of the metal plays a role in the metal removal and the clinoptilolite selectivity.
Abstract: Decision making is a vital part of the business world
and any other field of human endeavor. Which way a business
organization will take, and where that way will lead it, depends on
broad range of decisions made by managers in the managerial
structure. Strategic decisions are of the greatest importance for
organizational success. Although much empirical research has been
done trying to describe and explain its nature and effectiveness,
knowledge about strategic decision making is still incomplete. This
paper explores the nature of strategic decision making in particular
setting - in Croatian companies. The main focus of this research is on
the style that decision makers on strategic management level are
following when making decisions of life importance for their
companies. Two main decision making style that explain the way
decision maker collects and processes available information and
performs all the activities in strategic decision making process were
empirical tested: rational and intuitive one. Besides analyzing their
existence on strategic management level in Croatian companies, their
effectiveness is analyzed as well. Results showed that decision
makers at strategic management level are following both styles
somewhat equally in order to function effectively, and that intuitive
style is more effective when considering decisions outcomes.
Abstract: Soy protein is a common ingredient added to processed meats to enhance its functional characteristics. In our study, soybean products (fermented soy Natto and protein hydrolysate) containing hydrolyzed peptides and amino acids, with or without ascorbic acid were added to burger in order to improve its quality characteristics. Results showed that soy additives significantly increased moisture and protein content and reduced (P < 0.05) fat values. Ash content did not affect with Natto additive. Color tools, lightness and yellowness were higher (P
Abstract: The research about Formal Thai National Costume in the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is an applied research that aimed to study the accurate knowledge concerning to Thai national costume in the reign of King Rama IX, also to study origin of all costumes in the reign of King Rama IX and to study the style, material used, and using accasion. This research methodology which are collect quanlitative data through observation, document, and photograph from key informant of costume in the reign of King Rama IX and from another who related to this field.
The formal Thai national costume of the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej originated from the visit of His Majesty the King to Europe and America in 1960. Since Thailand had no traditional national costume; Her Majesty the Queen initiated the idea to create formal Thai national costumes. In 1964, Her Majesty the Queen selected 8 styles of formal Thai national costume. Later, Her Majesty the Queen confered another 3 formal Thai national costume for men. There are 8 styles of formal Thai national costume for women: Thai Ruean Ton, Thai Chit Lada, Thai Amarin, Thai Borom Phiman, Thai Siwalia, Thai Chakkri, Thai Dusit, and Thai Chakkraphat. There are 3 styles of formal Thai national costume for men: short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, and long-sleeve shirt with breechcloth. The costume is widely used in formal ceremony such as greeting ceremony for official foreign visitors, wedding ceremony, or other auspicious ceremonies. Now a day, they are always used as a bridal gown as well. The formal Thai national costume is valuable art that shows Thai identity and, should be preserved for the next generation.
Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer
which has good mechanical properties, however, its brittleness limits
its usage especially in packaging materials. Therefore, in this work,
PLA based polyurethane films were prepared by synthesizing with
different types of isocyanates; methylene diisocyanate (MDI) and
hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI). For this purpose, PLA based
polyurethane must have good strength and flexibility. Therefore,
polycaprolactone which has better flexibility were prepared with
PLA. An effective way to endow polylactic acid with toughness is
through chain-extension reaction of the polylactic acid pre-polymer
with polycaprolactone used as chain extender. Polyurethane prepared
from MDI showed brittle behaviour, while, polyurethane prepared
from HDI showed flexibility at same concentrations.
Abstract: Biometallic materials are the most important materials for use in biomedical applications especially in manufacturing a variety of biological artificial replacements in a modern worlds, e.g. hip, knee or shoulder joints, due to their advanced characteristics. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are used extensively in biomedical applications based on their high specific strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Beta-Ti alloys containing completely biocompatible elements are exceptionally prospective materials for manufacturing of bioimplants. They have superior mechanical, chemical and electrochemical properties for use as biomaterials. These biomaterials have the ability to introduce the most important property of biochemical compatibility which is low elastic modulus. This review examines current information on the recent developments in alloying elements leading to improvements of beta Ti alloys for use as biomaterials. Moreover, this paper focuses mainly on the evolution, evaluation and development of the modulus of elasticity as an effective factor on the performance of beta alloys.
Abstract: Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) allows modeling of dynamic interaction between incongruous providers, which enables governing the development of complex applications. However, implementation of SOA comes with some challenges, including its adaptability and robustness. Dynamism is inherent to the nature of service based applications and of their running environment. These factors lead to necessity for dynamic adaptation. In this paper we try to describe basics and main structure of SOA adaptation process with a conceptual view to this issue. In this survey we will review the relevant adaptation approaches. This paper allows studying how different approaches deal with service oriented architecture adaptation life-cycle and provides basic guidelines for their analysis, evaluation and comparison.
Abstract: When it comes to last, it is regarded as the critical foundation of shoe design and development. Not only the last relates to the comfort of shoes wearing but also it aids the production of shoe styling and manufacturing. In order to enhance the efficiency and application of last development, a computer aided methodology for customized last form designs is proposed in this study. The reverse engineering is mainly applied to the process of scanning for the last form. Then the minimum energy is used for the revision of surface continuity, the surface of the last is reconstructed with the feature curves of the scanned last. When the surface of a last is reconstructed, based on the foundation of the proposed last form reconstruction module, the weighted arithmetic mean method is applied to the calculation on the shape morphing which differs from the grading for the control mesh of last, and the algorithm of subdivision is used to create the surface of last mesh, thus the feet-fitting 3D last form of different sizes is generated from its original form feature with functions remained. Finally, the practicability of the proposed methodology is verified through later case studies.
Abstract: In recent years, in addition to face the external threats such as energy shortages and climate change, traffic congestion and environmental pollution have become anxious problems for many cities. Considering private automobile-oriented urban development had produced many negative environmental and social impacts, the transit-oriented development (TOD) has been considered as a sustainable urban model. TOD encourages public transport combined with friendly walking and cycling environment designs, however, non-motorized modes help improving human health, energy saving, and reducing carbon emissions. Due to environmental changes often affect the planners’ decision-making; this research applies dynamic network process (DNP) which includes the time dependent concept to promoting friendly walking and cycling environmental designs as an advanced planning support system for environment improvements.
This research aims to discuss what kinds of design strategies can improve a friendly walking and cycling environment under TOD. First of all, we collate and analyze environment designing factors by reviewing the relevant literatures as well as divide into three aspects of “safety”, “convenience”, and “amenity” from fifteen environment designing factors. Furthermore, we utilize fuzzy Delphi Technique (FDT) expert questionnaire to filter out the more important designing criteria for the study case. Finally, we utilized DNP expert questionnaire to obtain the weights changes at different time points for each design criterion. Based on the changing trends of each criterion weight, we are able to develop appropriate designing strategies as the reference for planners to allocate resources in a dynamic environment. In order to illustrate the approach we propose in this research, Taipei city as one example has been used as an empirical study, and the results are in depth analyzed to explain the application of our proposed approach.
Abstract: Assistive robotics are playing a vital role in advancing the quality of life for disable people. There exist wide range of systems that can control and guide autonomous mobile robots. The objective of the control system is to guide an autonomous mobile robot using the movement of eyes by means of EOG signal. The EOG signal is acquired using Ag/AgCl electrodes and this signal is processed by a microcontroller unit to calculate the eye gaze direction. Then according to the guidance control strategy, the control commands of the wheelchair are sent. The classification of different eye movements allows us to generate simple code for controlling the wheelchair. This work was aimed towards developing a usable and low-cost assistive robotic wheel chair system for disabled people. To live more independent life, the system can be used by the handicapped people especially those with only eye-motor coordination.
Abstract: The most important problem occurs on oil spills in sea
water is to reduce the oil spills size. This study deals with the
development of high pressurized nozzle using dispersion method for
oil leakage in offshore. 3D numerical simulation results were
obtained using ANSYS Fluent 13.0 code and correlate with the
experimental data for validation. This paper studies the contribution
of the process on flow speed and pressure of the flow from two
different geometrical designs of nozzles and to generate a spray
pattern suitable for dispersant application. Factor of size distribution
of droplets generated by the nozzle is calculated using pressures
ranging from 2 to 6 bars. Results obtain from both analyses shows a
significant spray pattern and flow distribution as well as distance.
Results also show a significant contribution on the effect of oil
leakage in terms of the diameter of the oil spills break up.
Abstract: This research analyzes factors affecting the success of Bitcoin Value within Thailand and develops a guideline for self-reliance for effective business implementation. Samples in this study included 121 people through surveys. The results revealed four main factors affecting the success as follows: 1) A great majority didn't know what Bitcoin was. 2) Didn't grasp the concept of a digital currency or see the benefit of a digital currency. 3) There is a great need to educate the next generation of learners on the benefits of Bitcoin within the community. 4) Future Career training should be pursued in applied Bitcoin development.
The guideline for self-reliance planning consisted of 4 aspects: 1) Local communities need to develop awareness of the usefulness of Bitcoin and share the value of Bitcoin among friends and family. 2) Computer Science and Business Management staff should develop skills to expand on the benefits of Bitcoin within their departments. 3) Further research should be pursued on how Bitcoin Value can improve business and tourism within Thailand. Local communities should focus on developing Bitcoin awareness by encouraging street vendors to accept Bitcoin as another form of payment for services rendered. 4) Development planning: by arranging meet up groups to conduct further education on Bitcoin and share solutions on adoption into every day usage.
Abstract: Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have gained a
considerable interest in the last three decades. Conventional powder
metallurgy production route often involves the addition of reinforcing
phases into the metal matrix directly, which leads to poor wetting
behavior between ceramic phase and metal matrix and the
segregation of reinforcements. The commonly used elements for
ceramic phase formation in iron based MMCs are Ti, Nb, Mo, W, V
and C, B. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the effect of
sintering temperature and V-B addition on densification, phase
development, microstructure, and hardness of Fe–V-B composites
(Fe-(5-10) wt. %B – 25 wt. %V alloys) prepared by powder
metallurgy process. Metal powder mixes were pressed uniaxial and
sintered at different temperatures (ranging from 1300 to 1400ºC) for
1h. The microstructure of the (V, B) Fe composites was studied with
the help of high magnification optical microscope and XRD.
Experimental results show that (V, B) Fe composites can be produced
by conventional powder metallurgy route.
Abstract: Analysis of EEG brainwave provides information on mental or emotional states. One of the particular states that can have various applications in human machine interface (HMI) is concentration. 8-channel EEG signals were measured and analyzed. The concentration index was compared during resting and concentrating periods. Among eight channels, locations the frontal lobe (Fp1 and Fp2) showed a clear increase of the concentration index during concentration regardless of subjects. The rest six channels produced conflicting observations depending on subjects. At this time, it is not clear whether individual difference or how to concentrate made these results for the rest six channels. Nevertheless, it is expected that Fp1 and Fp2 are promising locations for extracting control signal for HMI applications.
Abstract: Mostly of public financing programs at national and regional level are funded from European Union sources. EU can participate directly to a national and regional program (example LEADER initiative, URBAN…) or indirectly by funding regional or national funds.Funds from European Union are provided from EU multiannual financial framework form which the annual budget is programmed. The adjusted program 2007-2013 of the EU considered commitments of almost 1 trillion Euros for the EU-28 countries. Provisions of the new program 2014-2020 consider commitments of more than 1 trillion Euros. Sustainable growth, divided to Cohesion and Competitiveness for Growth an Employment, is one of the two principal categories; the other is the preservation and management of natural resources.Through this financing process SMEs benefited of EU and public sources by receiving grants for their investments. Most of the financial instruments are available indirectly through the national financial intermediaries. Part of them is managed by the European Investment Fund.The paper focuses on the public financing to SMEs by examining case studies on divers forms of public help. It tries to distinguish the efficiency of the examined good practices and therefore try to have some conclusions on the possibility of application to other regions.
Abstract: The effect of tillage technology of maize on intensity of weed infestation and weed species composition was observed at experimental field. Maize is grown consecutively since 2001. The experimental site is situated at an altitude of 230 m above sea level in the Czech Republic. Variants of tillage technology are CT: plowing – conventional tillage 0.22 m, MT: loosening – disc tillage on the depth of 0.1 – 0.12 m, NT: direct sowing – without tillage. The evaluation of weed infestation was carried out by numerical method in years 2012 and 2013. Within the monitoring were found 20 various species of weeds. Conventional tillage (CT) primarily supports the occurrence of perennial weeds (Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis). Late spring species (Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli) were more frequently noticed on variants of loosening (MT) and direct sowing (NT). Different tillage causes a significant change of weed species spectrum in maize.
Abstract: Chaotic analysis has been performed on the river flow time series before and after applying the wavelet based de-noising techniques in order to investigate the noise content effects on chaotic nature of flow series. In this study, 38 years of monthly runoff data of three gauging stations were used. Gauging stations were located in Ghar-e-Aghaj river basin, Fars province, Iran. Noise level of time series was estimated with the aid of Gaussian kernel algorithm. This step was found to be crucial in preventing removal of the vital data such as memory, correlation and trend from the time series in addition to the noise during de-noising process.
Abstract: Vertical slotted walls can be used as permeable
breakwaters to provide economical and environmental protection
from undesirable waves and currents inside the port. The permeable
breakwaters are partially protection and have been suggested to
overcome the environmental disadvantages of fully protection
breakwaters. For regular waves a semi-analytical model is based on
an eigenfunction expansion method and utilizes a boundary condition
at the surface of each wall are developed to detect the energy
dissipation through the slots. Extensive laboratory tests are carried
out to validate the semi-analytic models. The structure of the physical
model contains two walls and it consists of impermeable upper and
lower part, where the draft is based a decimal multiple of the total
depth. The middle part is permeable with a porosity of 50%. The
second barrier is located at a distant of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 times of the
water depth from the first one. A comparison of the theoretical results
with previous studies and experimental measurements of the present
study show a good agreement and that, the semi-analytical model is
able to adequately reproduce most the important features of the
experiment.