Abstract: Creating3D environments, including characters and
cities, is a significantly time consuming process due to a large amount
of workinvolved in designing and modelling.There have been a
number of attempts to automatically generate 3D objects employing
shape grammars. However it is still too early to apply the mechanism
to real problems such as real-time computer games.The purpose of this
research is to introduce a time efficient and cost effective method to
automatically generatevarious 3D objects for real-time 3D games.
This Shape grammar-based real-time City Generation (RCG) model is
a conceptual model for generating 3Denvironments in real-time and
can be applied to 3D gamesoranimations. The RCG system can
generate even a large cityby applying fundamental principles of shape
grammars to building elementsin various levels of detailin real-time.
Abstract: Canola is a specific edible type of rapeseed, developed
in the 1970s, which contains about 40 percent oil. This research was
carried out to determine the yield and some quality characteristics of
some winter canola cultivars during the 2010-2011 vegetation period
in Central Anatolia of Turkey. In this research; Oase, Dante,
Californium, Excalibur, Elvis, ES Hydromel, Licord, Orkan, Vectra,
Nelson, Champlain and NK Petrol winter canola varieties were used
as material. The field experiment was set up in a “Randomized
Complete Block Design” with three replications on 21 September
2010. In this research; seed yield, oil content, protein content, oil
yield and protein yield were examined.
As a result of this research; seed yield, oil content, oil yield and
protein yield (except protein content) were significant differences
between the cultivars. The highest seed yield (6348 kg ha-1) was
obtained from the NK Petrol, while the lowest seed yield (3949 kg
ha-1) was determined from the Champlain cultivar was obtained. The
highest oil content (46.73%) was observed from Oase and the lowest
value was obtained from Vectra (41.87%) cultivar. The highest oil
yield (2950 kg ha-1) was determined from NK Petrol while the least
value (1681 kg ha-1) was determined from Champlain cultivar. The
highest protein yield (1539.3 kg ha-1) was obtained from NK Petrol
and the lowest protein yield (976.5 kg ha-1) was obtained from
Champlain cultivar.
The main purpose of the cultivation of oil crops, to increase the
yield of oil per unit area. According the result of this research, NK
Petrol cultivar which ranks first with regard to both seed yield and oil
yield between cultivars as the most suitable winter canola cultivar of
local conditions.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the
influence of physical activity and dietary fat intake on Body Mass
Index (BMI) of lecturers within a higher learning institutionalized
setting. The study adopted a Cross-sectional Correlational Design
and included 120 lecturers selected proportionately by simple
random sampling techniques from a population of 600 lecturers. Data
was collected using questionnaires, which had sections including
physical activity checklist adopted from the international physical
activity questionnaire (IPAQ), 24-hour food recall, anthropometric
measurements mainly weight and height. Analysis involved the use
of bivariate correlations and linear regression. A significant inverse
association was registered between BMI and duration (in minutes)
spent doing moderate intense physical activity per day (r=-0.322,
p
Abstract: Induction machine models used for steady-state and
transient analysis require machine parameters that are usually
considered design parameters or data. The knowledge of induction
machine parameters is very important for Indirect Field Oriented
Control (IFOC). A mismatched set of parameters will degrade the
response of speed and torque control. This paper presents an
improvement approach on rotor time constant adaptation in IFOC for
Induction Machines (IM). Our approach tends to improve the
estimation accuracy of the fundamental model for flux estimation.
Based on the reduced order of the IM model, the rotor fluxes and
rotor time constant are estimated using only the stator currents and
voltages. This reduced order model offers many advantages for real
time identification parameters of the IM.
Abstract: Historic preservation areas are extremely vulnerable to disasters because they are home to many vulnerable people and contain many closely spaced wooden houses. However, the narrow streets in these regions have historic meaning, which means that they cannot be widened and can become blocked easily during large disasters. Here, we describe our efforts to establish a methodology for the planning of evacuation route sin such historic preservation areas. In particular, this study aims to clarify the effectiveness of measures intended to secure two-way evacuation routes for vulnerable people during large disasters in a historic area preserved under the Cultural Properties Protection Law, Japan.
Abstract: This paper proposes the requirements and design of
RFID based system for SFC (Shop Floor Control) in order to achieve
the factory real time controllability, Allowing to develop EManufacturing
System. The detailed logical specifications of the core
functions and the design diagrams of RFID based system are
developed. Then RFID deployment in E-Manufacturing systems is
investigated..
Abstract: Optical Bursts Switching (OBS) is a relatively new
optical switching paradigm. Contention and burst loss in OBS
networks are major concerns. To resolve contentions, an interesting
alternative to discarding the entire data burst is to partially drop the
burst. Partial burst dropping is based on burst segmentation concept
that its implementation is constrained by some technical challenges,
besides the complexity added to the algorithms and protocols on both
edge and core nodes. In this paper, the burst segmentation concept is
investigated, and an implementation scheme is proposed and
evaluated. An appropriate dropping policy that effectively manages
the size of the segmented data bursts is presented. The dropping
policy is further supported by a new control packet format that
provides constant transmission overhead.
Abstract: The Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming increasingly
important for business, education, and entertainment, therefore VR
technology have been applied for training purposes in the areas of
military, safety training and flying simulators. In particular, the
superior and high reliability VR training system is very important in
immersion. Manipulation training in immersive virtual environments
is difficult partly because users must do without the hap contact with
real objects they rely on in the real world to orient themselves and
their manipulated.
In this paper, we create a convincing questionnaire of immersion
and an experiment to assess the influence of immersion on
performance in VR training system. The Immersion Questionnaire
(IQ) included spatial immersion, Psychological immersion, and
Sensory immersion. We show that users with a training system
complete visual attention and detection of signals. Twenty subjects
were allocated to a factorial design consisting of two different VR
systems (Desktop VR and Projector VR). The results indicated that
different VR representation methods significantly affected the
participants- Immersion dimensions.
Abstract: The response of growth and yield of rainfed-chickpea
to population density should be evaluated based on long-term
experiments to include the climate variability. This is achievable just
by simulation. In this simulation study, this evaluation was done by
running the CYRUS model for long-term daily weather data of five
locations in Iran. The tested population densities were 7 to 59 (with
interval of 2) stands per square meter. Various functions, including
quadratic, segmented, beta, broken linear, and dent-like functions,
were tested. Considering root mean square of deviations and linear
regression statistics [intercept (a), slope (b), and correlation
coefficient (r)] for predicted versus observed variables, the quadratic
and broken linear functions appeared to be appropriate for describing
the changes in biomass and grain yield, and in harvest index,
respectively. Results indicated that in all locations, grain yield tends
to show increasing trend with crowding the population, but
subsequently decreases. This was also true for biomass in five
locations. The harvest index appeared to have plateau state across
low population densities, but decreasing trend with more increasing
density. The turning point (optimum population density) for grain
yield was 30.68 stands per square meter in Isfahan, 30.54 in Shiraz,
31.47 in Kermanshah, 34.85 in Tabriz, and 32.00 in Mashhad. The
optimum population density for biomass ranged from 24.6 (in
Tabriz) to 35.3 stands per square meter (Mashhad). For harvest index
it varied between 35.87 and 40.12 stands per square meter.
Abstract: The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), which belongs to the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC), has a low granularity, which is convenient for describing general medical practice. However, its lack of specificity makes it useful to be used along with an interface terminology. An international survey has been performed, using a questionnaire sent by email to experts from 25 countries, in order to describe the terminologies interfacing with ICPC. Eleven interface terminologies have been identified, developed in Argentina, Australia, Belgium (2), Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, South Africa, and The Netherlands. Globally, these systems have been poorly assessed until now.
Abstract: One of the determinants of a firm-s prosperity is the
customers- perceived service quality and satisfaction. While service
quality is wide in scope, and consists of various dimensions, there
may be differences in the relative importance of these dimensions in
affecting customers- overall satisfaction of service quality.
Identifying the relative rank of different dimensions of service quality
is very important in that it can help managers to find out which
service dimensions have a greater effect on customers- overall
satisfaction. Such an insight will consequently lead to more effective
resource allocation which will finally end in higher levels of
customer satisfaction. This issue – despite its criticality- has not
received enough attention so far. Therefore, using a sample of 240
bank customers in Iran, an artificial neural network is developed to
address this gap in the literature. As customers- evaluation of service
quality is a subjective process, artificial neural networks –as a brain
metaphor- may appear to have a potentiality to model such a
complicated process. Proposing a neural network which is able to
predict the customers- overall satisfaction of service quality with a
promising level of accuracy is the first contribution of this study. In
addition, prioritizing the service quality dimensions in affecting
customers- overall satisfaction –by using sensitivity analysis of
neural network- is the second important finding of this paper.
Abstract: Manganese steel (Hadfield) is one of the important
alloys in industry due to its special properties. High work hardening
ability with appropriate toughness and ductility are the properties that
caused this alloy to be used in wear resistance parts and in high
strength condition. Heat treatment is the main process through which
the desired mechanical properties and microstructures are obtained in
Hadfield steel. In this study various heat treatment cycles, differing in
austenising temperature, time and quenching solution are applied. For
this purpose, the same samples of manganese steel was heat treated in
9 different cycles, and then the mechanical properties and
microstructures were investigated. Based on the results of the study,
the optimum heat treatment cycle was obtained.
Abstract: In the current economy of increasing global
competition, many organizations are attempting to use knowledge as
one of the means to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Besides
large organizations, the success of SMEs can be linked to how well
they manage their knowledge. Despite the profusion of research
about knowledge management within large organizations, fewer
studies tried to analyze KM in SMEs.
This research proposes a new framework showing the determinant
role of organizational dimensions onto KM approaches. The paper
and its propositions are based on a literature review and analysis.
In this research, personalization versus codification,
individualization versus institutionalization and IT-based versus non
IT-based are highlighted as three distinct dimensions of knowledge
management approaches.
The study contributes to research by providing a more nuanced
classification of KM approaches and provides guidance to managers
about the types of KM approaches that should be adopted based on
the size, geographical dispersion and task nature of SMEs.
To the author-s knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind to
examine if there are suitable configurations of KM approaches for
SMEs with different dimensions. It gives valuable information, which
hopefully will help SME sector to accomplish KM.
Abstract: This article proposes a new methodology to be used by SMEs (Small and Medium enterprises) to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and area for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the principal causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a self-assessment methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. The methodology is organized in six different steps which includes gathering information about predetermined processes and subprocesses of quality management, defined based on the well-known Juran-s trilogy for quality management (Quality planning, quality control and quality improvement) and, predetermined results categories, defined based on quality concept. A set of tools for data collecting and analysis, such as interviews, flowcharts, process analysis diagrams and Failure Mode and effects Analysis (FMEA) are used. The article also presents the conclusions obtained in the application of the methodology in two cases studies.
Abstract: An optical fault monitoring in FTTH-PON using ACS
is demonstrated. This device can achieve real-time fault monitoring
for protection feeder fiber. In addition, the ACS can distinguish
optical fiber fault from the transmission services to other customers
in the FTTH-PON. It is essential to use a wavelength different from
the triple-play services operating wavelengths for failure detection.
ACS is using the operating wavelength 1625 nm for monitoring and
failure detection control. Our solution works on a standard local area
network (LAN) using a specially designed hardware interfaced with a
microcontroller integrated Ethernet.
Abstract: Austenite and Martensite indicate the phases of solids undergoing phase transformation which we usually associate with materials and not with living organisms. This article provides an overview of bacterial proteins and structures that are undergoing phase transformation and suggests its probable effect on mechanical behavior. The context is mainly within the role of phase transformations occurring in the flagellum of bacteria. The current knowledge of molecular mechanism leading to phase variation in living organisms is reviewed. Since in bacteria, each flagellum is driven by a separate motor, similarity to a Differential drive in case of four-wheeled vehicles is suggested. It also suggests the application of the mechanism in which bacteria changes its direction of movement to facilitate single point turning of a multi-wheeled vehicle. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate that the motion due to phase transformation of flagella in bacteria can start a whole new research on motion mechanisms.
Abstract: The paper which is dedicated to describing the effect
made by the “significant other", presents the new model of
interrelation between self-reflection, the “significant other"
phenomenon and aggression. Tendencies of direction and type
frustration response developments in detail are discussed. New
results have been received through designing of the original
experiment. It is based on modifications of the “Picture – Frustration
Study" test by S. Rosenzweig.
Abstract: Characteristics of ad hoc networks and even their existence depend on the nodes forming them. Thus, services and applications designed for ad hoc networks should adapt to this dynamic and distributed environment. In particular, multicast algorithms having reliability and scalability requirements should abstain from centralized approaches. We aspire to define a reliable and scalable multicast protocol for ad hoc networks. Our target is to utilize epidemic techniques for this purpose. In this paper, we present a brief survey of epidemic algorithms for reliable multicasting in ad hoc networks, and describe formulations and analytical results for simple epidemics. Then, P2P anti-entropy algorithm for content distribution and our prototype simulation model are described together with our initial results demonstrating the behavior of the algorithm.
Abstract: Growing world population has fundamental impacts
and often catastrophic on natural habitat. The immethodical
consumption of energy, destruction of the forests and extinction of
plant and animal species are the consequence of this experience.
Urban sustainability and sustainable urban development, that is so
spoken these days, should be considered as a strategy, goal and
policy, beyond just considering environmental issues and protection.
The desert-s climate has made a bunch of problems for its residents.
Very hot and dry climate in summers of the Iranian desert areas,
when there was no access to modern energy source and mechanical
cooling systems in the past, made Iranian architects to design a
natural ventilation system in their buildings. The structure, like a
tower going upward the roof, besides its ornamental application and
giving a beautiful view to the building, was used as a spontaneous
ventilation system. In this paper, it has been tried to name the
problems of the area and it-s inconvenience, then some answers has
pointed out in order to solve the problems and as an alternative
solution BADGIR (wind-catcher) has been introduced as a solution
knowing that it has been playing a major role in dealing with the
problems.
Abstract: It is essential to have a uniform and calm flow field
for a settling tank to have high performance. In general, the
recirculation zones always occurred in sedimentation tanks. The
presence of these regions may have different effects. The nonuniformity
of the velocity field, the short-circuiting at the surface and
the motion of the jet at the bed of the tank that occurs because of the
recirculation in the sedimentation layer, are affected by the geometry
of the tank. There are some ways to decrease the size of these dead
zones, which would increase the performance. One of the ways is to
use a suitable baffle configuration. In this study, the presence of
baffle with different position has been investigated by a finite volume
method, with VOF (Volume of Fluid) model. Besides, the k-ε
turbulence model is used in the numerical calculations. The results
indicate that the best position of the baffle is obtained when the
volume of the recirculation region is minimized or is divided to
smaller part and the flow field trend to be uniform in the settling
zone.