Abstract: The empirical studies on High Performance Work Systems (HPWSs) and their impacts on firm performance have remarkably little in the developing countries. This paper reviews literatures on the HPWSs practices in different work settings, Western and Asian countries. A review on the empirical research leads to a conclusion that, country differences influence the Human Resource Management (HRM) practices. It is anticipated that there are similarities and differences in the extent of implementation of HPWSs practices by the Malaysian manufacturing firms due to the organizational contextual factors and, the HPWSs have a significant impact on firms- better performance amongst MNCs and local firms.
Abstract: In this paper, subtractive clustering based fuzzy inference system approach is used for early detection of faults in the function oriented software systems. This approach has been tested with real time defect datasets of NASA software projects named as PC1 and CM1. Both the code based model and joined model (combination of the requirement and code based metrics) of the datasets are used for training and testing of the proposed approach. The performance of the models is recorded in terms of Accuracy, MAE and RMSE values. The performance of the proposed approach is better in case of Joined Model. As evidenced from the results obtained it can be concluded that Clustering and fuzzy logic together provide a simple yet powerful means to model the earlier detection of faults in the function oriented software systems.
Abstract: An experimental study of anaerobic treatment was performed by hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (HUASB) reactor to treat produced water (PW) of an onshore crude oil terminal (COD: 1597 mg/L, NH3-N: 14.7 mg/L, phenol: 13.8 mg/L, BOD5: 862 mg/L, sodium: 6240 mg/L and chloride 9530 mg/L). The produced water with high salinity and other toxic substances will inhibit the methanogens performance if there is no adaptation on biomass before anaerobic digestion. COD removal from produced water was investigated at five different dilutions of produced water and tap water (TW) without any nutrient addition and pre-treatment. The dilution ratios were 1PW:4TW, 2PW:3TW, 3PW:2TW, 4PW:1TW and 5PW:0TW. The reactor was evaluated at mesophilic operating condition (35 ± 2 °C) at 5 days of HRT for 250 days continuous feed. The average COD removals for 1PW:4TW, 2PW:3TW, 3PW:2TW, 4PW:1TW and 5PW:0TW were found to be approximately 76.1%, 73.8%, 70.3%, 46.3% and 61.82% respectively, with final average effluent COD of 123.7 mg/L, 240 mg/L, 294 mg/L, 589 mg/L and 738 mg/L, respectively.
Abstract: In this paper a new approach is proposed for the
adaptation of the simulated annealing search in the field of the
Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO). This new approach is called
Multi-Case Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing (MC-MOSA). It
uses some basics of a well-known recent Multi-Objective Simulated
Annealing proposed by Ulungu et al., which is referred in the
literature as U-MOSA. However, some drawbacks of this algorithm
have been found, and are substituted by other ones, especially in
the acceptance decision criterion. The MC-MOSA has shown better
performance than the U-MOSA in the numerical experiments. This
performance is further improved by some other subvariants of the
MC-MOSA, such as Fast-annealing MC-MOSA, Re-annealing MCMOSA
and the Two-Stage annealing MC-MOSA.
Abstract: The γ-turns play important roles in protein folding and
molecular recognition. The prediction and analysis of γ-turn types are
important for both protein structure predictions and better
understanding the characteristics of different γ-turn types. This study
proposed a physicochemical property-based decision tree (PPDT)
method to interpretably predict γ-turn types. In addition to the good
prediction performance of PPDT, three simple and human
interpretable IF-THEN rules are extracted from the decision tree
constructed by PPDT. The identified informative physicochemical
properties and concise rules provide a simple way for discriminating
and understanding γ-turn types.
Abstract: The increasing usage of antibiotics in the animal
farming industry is an emerging worldwide problem contributing to
the development of antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this work was
to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of
bacterial isolates collected from aquatic environments and meats in a
peri-urban community in Daejeon, Korea. In an antibacterial
susceptibility test, the bacterial isolates showed a high incidence of
resistance (~ 26.04 %) to cefazolin, tetracycline, gentamycin,
norfloxacin, erythromycin and vancomycin. The results from a test for
multiple antibiotic resistance indicated that the isolates were
displaying an approximately 5-fold increase in the incidence of
multiple antibiotic resistance to combinations of two different
antibiotics compared to combinations of three or more antibiotics.
Most of the isolates showed multi-antibiotic resistance, and the
resistance patterns were similar among the sampling groups.
Sequencing data analysis of 16S rRNA showed that most of the
resistant isolates appeared to be dominated by the classes
Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria in the phylum
Proteobacteria.
Abstract: This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework to examine competitive disadvantage of banks that suffer from poor performance. Banks generate revenues mainly from the interest rate spread on taking deposits and making loans while collecting fees in the process. To maximize firm value, banks seek loan growth and expense control while managing risk associated with loans with respect to non-performing borrowers or narrowing interest spread between assets and liabilities. Competitive disadvantage refers to the failure to access imitable resources and to build managing capabilities to gain sustainable return given appropriate risk management. This paper proposes a four-quadrant framework of organizational typology is subsequently proposed to examine the features of competitive disadvantage in the banking sector. A resource configuration model, which is extracted from CAMEL indicators to examine the underlying features of bank failures.
Abstract: This paper aims at developing a multilevel fuzzy
decision support model for urban rail transit planning schemes in
China under the background that China is presently experiencing an
unprecedented construction of urban rail transit. In this study, an
appropriate model using multilevel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
method is developed. In the decision process, the followings are
considered as the influential objectives: traveler attraction,
environment protection, project feasibility and operation. In addition,
consistent matrix analysis method is used to determine the weights
between objectives and the weights between the objectives-
sub-indictors, which reduces the work caused by repeated
establishment of the decision matrix on the basis of ensuring the
consistency of decision matrix. The application results show that
multilevel fuzzy decision model can perfectly deal with the
multivariable and multilevel decision process, which is particularly
useful in the resolution of multilevel decision-making problem of
urban rail transit planning schemes.
Abstract: The network traffic data provided for the design of
intrusion detection always are large with ineffective information and
enclose limited and ambiguous information about users- activities.
We study the problems and propose a two phases approach in our
intrusion detection design. In the first phase, we develop a
correlation-based feature selection algorithm to remove the worthless
information from the original high dimensional database. Next, we
design an intrusion detection method to solve the problems of
uncertainty caused by limited and ambiguous information. In the
experiments, we choose six UCI databases and DARPA KDD99
intrusion detection data set as our evaluation tools. Empirical studies
indicate that our feature selection algorithm is capable of reducing the
size of data set. Our intrusion detection method achieves a better
performance than those of participating intrusion detectors.
Abstract: Nowadays, there is little information, concerning the
heat shield systems, and this information is not completely reliable to
use in so many cases. for example, the precise calculation cannot be
done for various materials. In addition, the real scale test has two
disadvantages: high cost and low flexibility, and for each case we
must perform a new test. Hence, using numerical modeling program
that calculates the surface recession rate and interior temperature
distribution is necessary. Also, numerical solution of governing
equation for non-charring material ablation is presented in order to
anticipate the recession rate and the heat response of non-charring
heat shields. the governing equation is nonlinear and the Newton-
Rafson method along with TDMA algorithm is used to solve this
nonlinear equation system. Using Newton- Rafson method for
solving the governing equation is one of the advantages of the
solving method because this method is simple and it can be easily
generalized to more difficult problems. The obtained results
compared with reliable sources in order to examine the accuracy of
compiling code.
Abstract: ELS is an important ground based hardware in the
loop simulator used for aerodynamics torque loading experiments
of the actuators under test. This work focuses on improvement of the
transient response of torque controller with parameters uncertainty
of Electrical Load Simulator (ELS).The parameters of load simulator
are estimated online and the model is updated, eliminating the model
error and improving the steady state torque tracking response of
torque controller. To improve the Transient control performance the
gain of robust term of SMC is updated online using fuzzy logic
system based on the amount of uncertainty in parameters of load
simulator. The states of load simulator which cannot be measured
directly are estimated using luenberger observer with update of new
estimated parameters. The stability of the control scheme is verified
using Lyapunov theorem. The validity of proposed control scheme is
verified using simulations.
Abstract: Recently, a lot of attention has been devoted to
advanced techniques of system modeling. PNN(polynomial neural
network) is a GMDH-type algorithm (Group Method of Data
Handling) which is one of the useful method for modeling nonlinear
systems but PNN performance depends strongly on the number of
input variables and the order of polynomial which are determined by
trial and error. In this paper, we introduce GPNN (genetic
polynomial neural network) to improve the performance of PNN.
GPNN determines the number of input variables and the order of all
neurons with GA (genetic algorithm). We use GA to search between
all possible values for the number of input variables and the order of
polynomial. GPNN performance is obtained by two nonlinear
systems. the quadratic equation and the time series Dow Jones stock
index are two case studies for obtaining the GPNN performance.
Abstract: Chest pain is one of the most prevalent complaints
among adults that cause the people to attend to medical centers. The
aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of chest pain
among over 30 years old people in Tehran. In this cross-sectional
study, 787 adults took part from Apr 2005 until Apr 2006. The
sampling method was random cluster sampling and there were 25
clusters. In each cluster, interviews were performed with 32 over 30
years old, people lived in those houses. In cases with chest pain, extra
questions asked. The prevalence of CP was 9% (71 cases). Of them
21 cases (6.5%) were in 41-60 year age ranges and the remainders
were over 61 year old. 19 cases (26.8%) mentioned CP in resting
state and all of the cases had exertion onset CP. The CP duration was
10 minutes or less in all of the cases and in most of them (84.5%), the
location of pain mentioned left anterior part of chest, left anterior part
of sternum and or left arm. There was positive history of myocardial
infarction in 12 cases (17%). There was significant relation between
CP and age, sex and between history of myocardial infarction and
marital state of study people. Our results are similar to other studies-
results in most parts, however it is necessary to perform
supplementary tests and follow up studies to differentiate between
cardiac and non-cardiac CP exactly.
Abstract: Medical image data hiding has strict constrains such
as high imperceptibility, high capacity and high robustness.
Achieving these three requirements simultaneously is highly
cumbersome. Some works have been reported in the literature on
data hiding, watermarking and stegnography which are suitable for
telemedicine applications. None is reliable in all aspects. Electronic
Patient Report (EPR) data hiding for telemedicine demand it blind
and reversible. This paper proposes a novel approach to blind
reversible data hiding based on integer wavelet transform.
Experimental results shows that this scheme outperforms the prior
arts in terms of zero BER (Bit Error Rate), higher PSNR (Peak Signal
to Noise Ratio), and large EPR data embedding capacity with
WPSNR (Weighted Peak Signal to Noise Ratio) around 53 dB,
compared with the existing reversible data hiding schemes.
Abstract: Most scientific programs have large input and output
data sets that require out-of-core programming or use virtual memory
management (VMM). Out-of-core programming is very error-prone
and tedious; as a result, it is generally avoided. However, in many
instance, VMM is not an effective approach because it often results
in substantial performance reduction. In contrast, compiler driven I/O
management will allow a program-s data sets to be retrieved in parts,
called blocks or tiles. Comanche (COmpiler MANaged caCHE) is a
compiler combined with a user level runtime system that can be used
to replace standard VMM for out-of-core programs. We describe
Comanche and demonstrate on a number of representative problems
that it substantially out-performs VMM. Significantly our system
does not require any special services from the operating system and
does not require modification of the operating system kernel.
Abstract: The paper presents the brief information on particular results of experimental study focused to the problems of behavior of structural plated components made of fiber-cement-based materials and used in building constructions, exposed to atmospheric physical effects given by the weather changes in the summer period. Weather changes represented namely by temperature and rain cause also the changes of the temperature and moisture of the investigated structural components. This can affect their static behavior that means stresses and deformations, which have been monitored as the main outputs of tests performed. Experimental verification is based on the simulation of the influence of temperature and rain using the defined procedure of warming and water sprinkling with respect to the corresponding weather conditions during summer period in the South Moravian region at the Czech Republic, for which the application of these structural components is mainly planned. Two types of components have been tested: (i) glass-fiber-concrete panels used for building façades and (ii) fiber-cement slabs used mainly for claddings, but also as a part of floor structures or lost shuttering, and so on.
Abstract: This paper describes the study of cryptographic hash functions, one of the most important classes of primitives used in recent techniques in cryptography. The main aim is the development of recent crypt analysis hash function. We present different approaches to defining security properties more formally and present basic attack on hash function. We recall Merkle-Damgard security properties of iterated hash function. The Main aim of this paper is the development of recent techniques applicable to crypt Analysis hash function, mainly from SHA family. Recent proposed attacks an MD5 & SHA motivate a new hash function design. It is designed not only to have higher security but also to be faster than SHA-256. The performance of the new hash function is at least 30% better than that of SHA-256 in software. And it is secure against any known cryptographic attacks on hash functions.
Abstract: This paper demonstrates design and construction of
microcontroller-based telephone exchange system and the aims of
this paper is to study telecommunication, connection with
PIC16F877A and DTMF MT8870D. In microcontroller system, PIC
16F877 microcontroller is used to control the call processing. Dial
tone, busy tone and ring tone are provided during call progress.
Instead of using ready made tone generator IC, oscillator based tone
generator is used. The results of this telephone exchange system are
perfect for homes and small businesses needing the extensions. It
requires the phone operation control system, the analog interface
circuit and the switching circuit. This exchange design will contain
eight channels.
It is the best low cost, good quality telephone exchange for today-s
telecommunication needs. It offers the features available in much
more expensive PBX units without using high-priced phones. It is for
long distance telephone services.
Abstract: Public awareness towards green energy are on the rise and this can be prove by many product being manufactured or prerequired to be made as energy saving devices mainly to save consumer from spending more on utility billing. These schemes are popular nowadays and many homemade appliances are turned into energy saving gadget which attracts the attention of consumers. Knowing the public demands and pattern towards purchasing home appliances thus the idea of “energy saving suction hood (ESSH)" is proposed. The ESSH can be used in many places that require smoke ventilation or even to reduce the room temperature as many conventional suction hoods (CSH) do, but this device works automatically by the usage of sensors that detects the smoke/temperature and automatically spins the exhaust fan. As it turns, the mechanical rotation rotates the AC generator which is coupled together with the fan and then charges the battery. The innovation of this product is, it does not rely on the utility supply as it is also hook up with a solar panel which also charges the battery, Secondly, it generates energy as the exhaust fan mechanically rotates. Thirdly, an energy loop back feature is introduced to this system which will supply for the ventilator fan. Another major innovation is towards interfacing this device with an in house production of generator. This generator is produced by proper design on stator as well as rotor to reduce the losses. A comparison is made between the ESSH and the CSH and result shows that the ESSH saves 172.8kWh/year of utility supply which is used by CSH. This amount of energy can save RM 3.14 from monthly utility bill and a total of RM 37.67 per year. In fact this product can generate 175 Watt of power from generator(75W) and solar panel(100W) that can be used either to supply other household appliances and/or to loop back to supply the fans motor. The innovation of this system is essential for future production of other equipment by using the loopback power method and turning most equipment into a standalone system.
Abstract: When architecting an application, key nonfunctional requirements such as performance, scalability, availability and security, which influence the architecture of the system, are some times not adequately addressed. Performance of the application may not be looked at until there is a concern. There are several problems with this reactive approach. If the system does not meet its performance objectives, the application is unlikely to be accepted by the stakeholders. This paper suggests an approach for performance modeling for web based J2EE and .Net applications to address performance issues early in the development life cycle. It also includes a Performance Modeling Case Study, with Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and implementation details for .NET and J2EE platforms.