Abstract: Purpose: To compare attitudes and perceptions of
Israeli native born mothers versus former Soviet Union (FSU)
immigrant mothers regarding the physical health of their infant.
Methodology: cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 50
participants was recruited by face to face and snowball technique. A
questionnaire was constructed according to the instructions of the
Ministry of Health for the care and treatment of infants. The main
areas explored were: sources of knowledge that the young mother
acquired regarding the care of her infant, ways of caring for the
infant, hygiene and sanitary habits, and the pattern of referral to
health professionals. The last topic relates to emotions mothers might
experience towards their infant.
Results: Mothers from both cultural groups present some similar
caring behaviors, which may express a universal aspect of mothers'
behavior towards their infants. However, immigrant mothers differ
significantly from native born by relying less on their mothers' and
grandmothers' experience, they wean their infants from diapers
earlier, they are stricter about hygiene and sanitary habits and they
tend to consult a physician when their infant has low fever. Native
born and immigrant mothers differ in their expressions of pride and
wonder. Immigrant mothers report of a lesser degree of these
emotions towards their infants than native born mothers.
Conclusion: The theoretical model of socialization and
acculturation of immigrant mothers is employed as an explanatory
model for the current findings Young immigrant mothers undergo a
complex acculturation process and adapt behavioral patterns in
various areas to comply with Israeli norms and values, demonstrating
assimilation. In other areas they adhere to the norms of their original
culture.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic
properties of ethanolic extract of two plants commonly used in folk
medicine, Mormodica charantia (bitter melon) and Trigonella
foenum-graecum (fenugreek). The study was performed on STZinduced
diabetic rats (DM type-I). Plant extracts of these two plants
were given to STZ diabetic rats at the concentration of 500 mg/kg
body weight ,50 mg/kg body weight respectively. Cidophage®
(metformin HCl) were administered to another group to support the
results at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, the ethanolic extracts and
Cidophage administered orally once a day for four weeks using a
stomach tube and; serum samples were obtained for biochemical
analysis. The extracts caused significant decreases in glucose levels
compared with diabetic control rats. Insulin secretions were increased
after 4 weeks of treatment with Cidophage® compared with the
control non-diabetic rats. Levels of AST and ALT liver enzymes were
normalized by all treatments. Decreases in liver cholesterol,
triglycerides, and LDL in diabetic rats were observed with all
treatments. HDL levels were increased by the treatments in the
following order: bitter melon, Cidophage®, and fenugreek. Creatinine
levels were reduced by all treatments. Serum nitric oxide and
malonaldehyde levels were reduced by all extracts. GSH levels were
increased by all extracts. Extravasation as measured by the Evans
Blue test increased significantly in STZ-induced diabetic animals.
This effect was reversed by ethanolic extracts of bitter melon or
fenugreek.
Abstract: Building a service-centric business model requires
new knowledge and capabilities in companies. This paper enlightens
the challenges small and medium sized firms (SMEs) face when
developing their service-centric business models. This paper
examines the premise for knowledge transfer and capability
development required. The objective of this paper is to increase
knowledge about SME-s transformation to service-centric business
models.This paper reports an action research based case study. The
paper provides empirical evidence from three case companies. The
empirical data was collected through multiple methods. The findings
of the paper are: First, the developed model to analyze the current
state in companies. Second, the process of building the service –
centric business models. Third, the selection of suitable service
development methods. The lack of a holistic understanding on
service logic suggests that SMEs need practical and easy to use
methods to improve their business
Abstract: Papaya and banana bars were developed incorporating
inulin (IN) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (Liquid and Powder
form) in various proportions. The control bars were standardized
using 70% fruit pulp, 30% sugar, 0.3% citric acid while the treated
bars were standardized with 70% fruit pulp, 15% sugar, 15% of IN
and FOS and 0.3% citric acid. Among the various proportions tested,
papaya bars with 90% FOS (Powder) + 10% IN and banana bars with
90% FOS (liquid) + 10% IN were sensorially best accepted. The
study revealed that addition of IN and FOS improved the sensory
scores. The Physico-chemical and proximatecomposition analysis
revealed slight changes in brix°, total sugars, reducing sugars, nonreducing
sugars, moisture, protein, fat, vitamin C, ash, iron,
zinc, calcium and crude fibre between control and treated fruit bars.
Further the glycemic index of papaya bar was reduced from 65 to 54
when treated with FOS and IN.
Abstract: A new Meta heuristic approach called "Randomized gravitational emulation search algorithm (RGES)" for solving large size set covering problems has been designed. This algorithm is found upon introducing randomization concept along with the two of the four primary parameters -velocity- and -gravity- in physics. A new heuristic operator is introduced in the domain of RGES to maintain feasibility specifically for the set covering problem to yield best solutions. The performance of this algorithm has been evaluated on a large set of benchmark problems from OR-library. Computational results showed that the randomized gravitational emulation search algorithm - based heuristic is capable of producing high quality solutions. The performance of this heuristic when compared with other existing heuristic algorithms is found to be excellent in terms of solution quality.
Abstract: In this paper, backstepping method (BM) is proposed for a single-link flexible mechanical manipulator. In each step of this method a positive value is obtained. Selections of the gain factor values are very important because controller will have different behavior for each different set of values. Improper selection of these gains can lead to instability of the system. In order to choose proper values for gains BELBIC method has been used in this work. Finally, to prove the efficiency of this method, the obtained results of proposed model are compared with robust controller one. Results show that the combination of backstepping and BELBIC that is presented here, can stabilized the system with higher speed, shorter settling time and lower overshoot in than robust controller.
Abstract: A reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is an
advanced system designed at the outset for rapid changes in its hardware
and software components in order to quickly adjust its production
capacity and functionally. Among various operational decisions, this
study considers the scheduling problem that determines the input
sequence and schedule at the same time for a given set of parts. In
particular, we consider the practical constraints that the numbers of
pallets/fixtures are limited and hence a part can be released into the
system only when the fixture required for the part is available. To
solve the integrated input sequencing and scheduling problems, we
suggest a priority rule based approach in which the two sub-problems
are solved using a combination of priority rules. To show the effectiveness
of various rule combinations, a simulation experiment was
done on the data for a real RMS, and the test results are reported.
Abstract: This paper focuses on a critical component of the situational awareness (SA), the control of autonomous vertical flight for vectored thrust aerial vehicle (VTAV). With the SA strategy, we proposed a flight control procedure to address the dynamics variation and performance requirement difference of flight trajectory for an unmanned helicopter model with vectored thrust configuration. This control strategy for chosen model of VTAV has been verified by simulation of take-off and forward maneuvers using software package Simulink and demonstrated good performance for fast stabilization of motors, consequently, fast SA with economy in energy can be asserted during search-and-rescue operations.
Abstract: MOSCAPs of various combinations of Hafnium
oxide and Titanium oxide of varying thickness with Aluminum as gate electrode have been fabricated and electrically characterized.
The effects of voltage stress on the I-V characteristics for prolonged time durations have been studied and compared. Results showed
hard breakdown and negligible degradation of reliability under stress.
Abstract: In this study, the static behavior of super elliptical Winkler plate is analyzed by applying the double side approach method. The lack of information about super elliptical Winkler plates is the motivation of this study and we use the double side approach method to solve this problem because of its superior ability on efficiently treating problems with complex boundary shape. The double side approach method has the advantages of high accuracy, easy calculation procedure and less calculation load required. Most important of all, it can give the error bound of the approximate solution. The numerical results not only show that the double side approach method works well on this problem but also provide us the knowledge of static behavior of super elliptical Winkler plate in practical use.
Abstract: In order to integrate knowledge in heterogeneous
case-based reasoning (CBR) systems, ontology-based CBR system
has become a hot topic. To solve the facing problems of
ontology-based CBR system, for example, its architecture is
nonstandard, reusing knowledge in legacy CBR is deficient, ontology
construction is difficult, etc, we propose a novel approach for
semi-automatically construct ontology-based CBR system whose
architecture is based on two-layer ontology. Domain knowledge
implied in legacy case bases can be mapped from relational database
schema and knowledge items to relevant OWL local ontology
automatically by a mapping algorithm with low time-complexity. By
concept clustering based on formal concept analysis, computing
concept equation measure and concept inclusion measure, some
suggestions about enriching or amending concept hierarchy of OWL
local ontologies are made automatically that can aid designers to
achieve semi-automatic construction of OWL domain ontology.
Validation of the approach is done by an application example.
Abstract: This paper presents a customized deformable model
for the segmentation of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms in
CTA datasets. An important challenge in reliably detecting aortic
aneurysm is the need to overcome problems associated with intensity
inhomogeneities and image noise. Level sets are part of an important
class of methods that utilize partial differential equations (PDEs) and
have been extensively applied in image segmentation. A Gaussian
kernel function in the level set formulation, which extracts the local
intensity information, aids the suppression of noise in the extracted
regions of interest and then guides the motion of the evolving contour
for the detection of weak boundaries. The speed of curve evolution
has been significantly improved with a resulting decrease in
segmentation time compared with previous implementations of level
sets. The results indicate the method is more effective than other
approaches in coping with intensity inhomogeneities.
Abstract: Thermite welding is mainly used in world. The
reasons why the thermite welding method is widely used are
that the equipment has good mobility and total working time
of that is shorter than that of the enclosed arc welding method
on site. Moreover, the operating skill, which required for
thermite welding, is less than that of for enclosed arc welding.
In the present research work, heat treatment and combined
'expulsion and heat treatment' techniques were used improve
the mechanical properties and weldment structure. The
specimens were cut in the transverse direction from expulsion
with Heat treated and heat treated Thermite Welded rails.
Specimens were prepared according to AWS standard and
subjected to tensile test, Impact test and hardness and their
results were tabulated. Microstructural analysis was carried
out with the help of SEM. Then analyze to effect of heat
treated and 'expulsion with heat treated' with the properties of
their thermite welded rails. Compare the mechanical and
microstructural properties of thermite welded rails between
heat expulsion with heat treated and heat treated. Mechanical
and microstructural response expulsion with heat treated
thermite welded rail is higher value as compared to heat
treatment.
Abstract: Absorption spectra of infra-red (IR) radiation of the
disperse water medium absorbing the most important greenhouse
gases: CO2 , N2O , CH4 , C2H2 , C2H6 have been calculated by
the molecular dynamics method. Loss of the absorbing ability at the
formation of clusters due to a reduction of the number of centers
interacting with IR radiation, results in an anti-greenhouse effect.
Absorption of O3 molecules by the (H2O)50 cluster is investigated
at its interaction with Cl- ions. The splitting of ozone molecule on
atoms near to cluster surface was observed. Interaction of water
cluster with Cl- ions causes the increase of integrated intensity of
emission spectra of IR radiation, and also essential reduction of the
similar characteristic of Raman spectrum. Relative integrated
intensity of absorption of IR radiation for small water clusters was
designed. Dependences of the quantity of weight on altitude for
vapor of monomers, clusters, droplets, crystals and mass of all
moisture were determined. The anti-greenhouse effect of clusters was
defined as the difference of increases of average global temperature
of the Earth, caused by absorption of IR radiation by free water
molecules forming clusters, and absorption of clusters themselves.
The greenhouse effect caused by clusters makes 0.53 K, and the antigreenhouse
one is equal to 1.14 K. The increase of concentration of
CO2 in the atmosphere does not always correlate with the
amplification of greenhouse effect.
Abstract: the research was accomplished on fresh in Latvia wild
growing cranberries and cranberry cultivars. The aim of the study
was to evaluate effect of pretreatment method and drying conditions
on the volatile compounds composition in cranberries. Berries
pre-treatment methods were: perforation, halving and
steam-blanching. The berries before drying in a cabinet drier were
pre-treated using all three methods, in microwave vacuum
drier – using a steam-blanching and halving. Volatile compounds in
cranberries were analysed using GC-MS of extracts obtained by
SPME. During present research 21 various volatile compounds were
detected in fresh cranberries: the cultivar 'Steven' - 15, 'Bergman'
and 'Early black' – 13, 'Ben Lear' and 'Pilgrim' – 11 and wild
cranberries – 14 volatile compounds. In dried cranberries 20 volatile
compounds were detected. Mathematical data processing allows
drawing a conclusion that there exists the significant influence of
cranberry cultivar, pre-treatment method and drying condition on
volatile compounds in berries and new volatile compound formation.
Abstract: Pore water pressure is normally because of
consolidation, compaction and water level fluctuation on reservoir.
Measuring, controlling and analyzing of pore water pressure have
significant importance in both of construction and operation period.
Since end of 2002, (dam start up) nature of KARKHEH dam has
been analyzed by using the gathered information from
instrumentation system of dam. In this lecture dam condition after
start up have been analyzed by using the gathered data from located
piezometers in core of dam. According to TERZAGHI equation and
records of piezometers, consolidation lasted around five years during
early years of construction stage, and current pore water pressure in
core of dam is caused by water level fluctuation in reservoir.
Although there is time lag between water level fluctuation and results
of piezometers. These time lags have been checked and the results
clearly show that one of the most important causes of it is distance
between piezometer and reservoir.
Abstract: In this paper a comprehensive algorithm is presented to alleviate the undesired simultaneous effects of target maneuvering, observed glint noise distribution, and colored noise spectrum using online colored glint noise parameter estimation. The simulation results illustrate a significant reduction in the root mean square error (RMSE) produced by the proposed algorithm compared to the algorithms that do not compensate all the above effects simultaneously.
Abstract: Different approaches for heating\cooling of stirred tanks, coils and jackets, are investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).A time-dependant sliding mesh approach is applied to simulate the flow in both conditions. The investigations are carried out under the turbulent flow conditions for a Rushton impeller and heating elements are considered isothermal. The flow behavior and temperature distribution are studied for each case and heat transfer coefficient is calculated. Results show different velocity profiles for each case. Unsteady temperature distribution is not similar for different cases .In the case of the coiled stirred vessel more uniform temperature and higher heat transfer coefficient is resulted.
Abstract: Steganography is the process of hiding one file inside another such that others can neither identify the meaning of the embedded object, nor even recognize its existence. Current trends favor using digital image files as the cover file to hide another digital file that contains the secret message or information. One of the most common methods of implementation is Least Significant Bit Insertion, in which the least significant bit of every byte is altered to form the bit-string representing the embedded file. Altering the LSB will only cause minor changes in color, and thus is usually not noticeable to the human eye. While this technique works well for 24-bit color image files, steganography has not been as successful when using an 8-bit color image file, due to limitations in color variations and the use of a colormap. This paper presents the results of research investigating the combination of image compression and steganography. The technique developed starts with a 24-bit color bitmap file, then compresses the file by organizing and optimizing an 8-bit colormap. After the process of compression, a text message is hidden in the final, compressed image. Results indicate that the final technique has potential of being useful in the steganographic world.
Abstract: Digital libraries become more and more necessary in
order to support users with powerful and easy-to-use tools for
searching, browsing and retrieving media information. The starting
point for these tasks is the segmentation of video content into shots.
To segment MPEG video streams into shots, a fully automatic
procedure to detect both abrupt and gradual transitions (dissolve and
fade-groups) with minimal decoding in real time is developed in this
study. Each was explored through two phases: macro-block type's
analysis in B-frames, and on-demand intensity information analysis.
The experimental results show remarkable performance in
detecting gradual transitions of some kinds of input data and
comparable results of the rest of the examined video streams. Almost
all abrupt transitions could be detected with very few false positive
alarms.