Abstract: The world is entering a new path of development which is becoming the driving force of globalization. It is seen as an irreversible process of the present reality and has a significant impact on the transformation of economic, social and cultural rights. This also applies to changes in the rural environment which while emphasizing the global development should also maintain its identity and locality, and a rural community should do more to recognize the globalization of an opportunity than a threat to the Polish countryside. The paper discusses theoretical problems of rural development and the importance of diversification in rural areas and preserving the countryside life and there werepresente the opinions of residents of the Polish countryside on the impact of globalization on the development.
Abstract: Nowadays, a passenger car suspension must has high
performance criteria with light weight, low cost, and low energy
consumption. Pilot controlled proportional valve is designed and
analyzed to get small pressure change rate after blow-off, and to get a
fast response of the damper, a reverse damping mechanism is adapted.
The reverse continuous variable damper is designed as a HS-SH
damper which offers good body control with reduced transferred input
force from the tire, compared with any other type of suspension
system. The damper structure is designed, so that rebound and
compression damping forces can be tuned independently, of which the
variable valve is placed externally. The rate of pressure change with
respect to the flow rate after blow-off becomes smooth when the fixed
orifice size increases, which means that the blow-off slope is
controllable using the fixed orifice size. Damping forces are measured
with the change of the solenoid current at the different piston
velocities to confirm the maximum hysteresis of 20 N, linearity, and
variance of damping force. The damping force variance is wide and
continuous, and is controlled by the spool opening, of which scheme is
usually adapted in proportional valves. The reverse continuous
variable damper developed in this study is expected to be utilized in
the semi-active suspension systems in passenger cars after its
performance and simplicity of the design is confirmed through a real
car test.
Abstract: In the last few years, several steps were taken in order
to improve the quality of corporate governance for Romanian listed
companies. Higher standards of corporate governance is documented
in the literature to lead to a better information environment, and,
consequently, to increase analysts forecast accuracy. Accordingly, the
purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which corporate
governance policies affect analysts forecasts for companies listed on
Bucharest Stock Exchange. The results showed that there is indeed a
negative correlation between a corporate governance index – used as
a proxy for the quality of corporate governance practices - and
analysts forecast errors.
Abstract: Fecal sterol has been proposed as a chemical indicator
of human fecal pollution even when fecal coliform populations have
diminished due to water chlorination or toxic effects of industrial
effluents. This paper describes an improved derivatization procedure
for simultaneous determination of four fecal sterols including
coprostanol, epicholestanol, cholesterol and cholestanol using gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), via optimization study
on silylation procedures using N-O-bis
(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA), and
N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide
(MTBSTFA), which lead to the formation of trimethylsilyl (TMS) and
tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) derivatives, respectively. Two
derivatization processes of injection-port derivatization and water bath
derivatization (60 oC, 1h) were inspected and compared. Furthermore,
the methylation procedure at 25 oC for 2h with
trimethylsilydiazomethane (TMSD) for fecal sterols analysis was also
studied. It was found that most of TMS derivatives demonstrated the
highest sensitivities, followed by methylated derivatives. For BSTFA
or MTBSTFA derivatization processes, the simple injection-port
derivatization process could achieve the same efficiency as that in the
tedious water bath derivatization procedure.
Abstract: Three similar negative differential resistance (NDR)
profiles with both high peak to valley current density ratio (PVCDR)
value and high peak current density (PCD) value in unity resonant
tunneling electronic circuit (RTEC) element is developed in this paper.
The PCD values and valley current density (VCD) values of the three
NDR curves are all about 3.5 A and 0.8 A, respectively. All PV values
of NDR curves are 0.40 V, 0.82 V, and 1.35 V, respectively. The VV
values are 0.61 V, 1.07 V, and 1.69 V, respectively. All PVCDR
values reach about 4.4 in three NDR curves. The PCD value of 3.5 A
in triple PVCDR RTEC element is better than other resonant
tunneling devices (RTD) elements. The high PVCDR value is
concluded the lower VCD value about 0.8 A. The low VCD value is
achieved by suitable selection of resistors in triple PVCDR RTEC
element. The low PV value less than 1.35 V possesses low power
dispersion in triple PVCDR RTEC element. The designed multiple
value logical level (MVLL) system using triple PVCDR RTEC
element provides equidistant logical level. The logical levels of
MVLL system are about 0.2 V, 0.8 V, 1.5 V, and 2.2 V from low
voltage to high voltage and then 2.2 V, 1.3 V, 0.8 V, and 0.2 V from
high voltage back to low voltage in half cycle of sinusoid wave. The
output level of four levels MVLL system is represented in 0.3 V, 1.1 V,
1.7 V, and 2.6 V, which satisfies the NMP condition of traditional
two-bit system. The remarkable logical characteristic of improved
MVLL system with paralleled capacitor are with four significant
stable logical levels about 220 mV, 223 mV, 228 mV, and 230 mV.
The stability and articulation of logical levels of improved MVLL
system are outstanding. The average holding time of improved MVLL
system is approximately 0.14 μs. The holding time of improved
MVLL system is fourfold than of basic MVLL system. The function of
additional capacitor in the improved MVLL system is successfully
discovered.
Abstract: This paper presents a new approach for the protection
of Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) line using
Support Vector Machine (SVM). One SVM is trained for fault
classification and another for section identification. This method use
three phase current measurement that results in better speed and
accuracy than other SVM based methods which used single phase
current measurement. This makes it suitable for real-time protection.
The method was tested on 10,000 data instances with a very wide
variation in system conditions such as compensation level, source
impedance, location of fault, fault inception angle, load angle at
source bus and fault resistance. The proposed method requires only
local current measurement.
Abstract: Ethanol has become more attractive in fuel industry
either as fuel itself or an additive that helps enhancing the octane
number and combustibility of gasoline. This research studied a
pressure swing adsorption using cassava-based adsorbent prepared
from mixture of cassava starch and cassava pulp for dehydration of
ethanol vapor. The apparatus used in the experiments consisted of
double adsorption columns, an evaporator, and a vacuum pump. The
feed solution contained 90-92 %wt of ethanol. Three process
variables: adsorption temperatures (110, 120 and 130°C), adsorption
pressures (1 and 2 bar gauge) and feed vapor flow rate (25, 50 and 75
% valve opening of the evaporator) were investigated. According to
the experimental results, the optimal operating condition for this
system was found to be at 2 bar gauge for adsorption pressure, 120°C
for adsorption temperature and 25% valve opening of the evaporator.
Production of 1.48 grams of ethanol with concentration higher than
99.5 wt% per gram of adsorbent was obtained. PSA with cassavabased
adsorbent reported in this study could be an alternative method
for production of nearly anhydrous ethanol. Dehydration of ethanol
vapor achieved in this study is due to an interaction between free
hydroxyl group on the glucose units of the starch and the water
molecules.
Abstract: Ontology-based modelling of multi-formatted
software application content is a challenging area in content
management. When the number of software content unit is huge and
in continuous process of change, content change management is
important. The management of content in this context requires
targeted access and manipulation methods. We present a novel
approach to deal with model-driven content-centric information
systems and access to their content. At the core of our approach is an
ontology-based semantic annotation technique for diversely
formatted content that can improve the accuracy of access and
systems evolution. Domain ontologies represent domain-specific
concepts and conform to metamodels. Different ontologies - from
application domain ontologies to software ontologies - capture and
model the different properties and perspectives on a software content
unit. Interdependencies between domain ontologies, the artifacts and
the content are captured through a trace model. The annotation traces
are formalised and a graph-based system is selected for the
representation of the annotation traces.
Abstract: It is the living conditions in the cities that determine the future of our livelihood. “To change life, we must first change space"- Henri Lefebvre. Sustainable development is a utopian aspiration for South African cities (especially the case study of the Gauteng City Region), which are currently characterized by unplanned growth and increasing urban sprawl. While the reasons for poor environmental quality and living conditions are undoubtedly diverse and complex, having political, economical and social dimensions, it is argued that the prevailing approach to layout planning in South Africa is part of the problem. This article seeks a solution to the problem of sustainability, from a spatial planning perspective. The spatial planning tool, the urban development boundary, is introduced as the concept that will ensure empty talk being translated into a sustainable vision. The urban development boundary is a spatial planning tool that can be used and implemented to direct urban growth towards a more sustainable form. The urban development boundary aims to ensure planned urban areas, in contrast to the current unplanned areas characterized by urban sprawl and insufficient infrastructure. However, the success of the urban development boundary concept is subject to effective implementation measures, as well as adequate and efficient management. The concept of sustainable development can function as a driving force underlying societal change and transformation, but the interface between spatial planning and environmental management needs to be established (as this is the core aspects underlying sustainable development), and authorities needs to understand and implement this interface consecutively. This interface can, however, realize in terms of the objectives of the planning tool – the urban development boundary. The case study, the Gauteng City Region, is depicted as a site of economic growth and innovation, but there is a lack of good urban and regional governance, impacting on the design (layout) and function of urban areas and land use, as current authorities make uninformed decisions in terms of development applications, leading to unsustainable urban forms and unsustainable nodes. Place and space concepts are thus critical matters applicable to planning of the Gauteng City Region. The urban development boundary are thus explored as a planning tool to guide decision-making, and create a sustainable urban form, leading to better environmental and living conditions, and continuous sustainability.
Abstract: In most cases, it is considerably difficult to directly measure structural vibration with a lot of sensors because of complex
geometry, time and equipment cost. For this reason, this paper deals
with the problem of locating sensors on a plate model by four advanced sensor placement optimization (S.P.O) techniques. It also
suggests the evaluation index representing the characteristic of orthogonal between each of natural modes. The index value provides the assistance to selecting of proper S.P.O technique and optimal
positions for monitoring of dynamic systems without the experiment.
Abstract: This paper attempts to explore a new method to
improve the teaching of algorithmic for beginners. It is well known
that algorithmic is a difficult field to teach for teacher and complex to
assimilate for learner. These difficulties are due to intrinsic
characteristics of this field and to the manner that teachers (the
majority) apprehend its bases. However, in a Technology Enhanced
Learning environment (TEL), assessment, which is important and
indispensable, is the most delicate phase to implement, for all
problems that generate (noise...). Our objective registers in the
confluence of these two axes. For this purpose, EASEL focused
essentially to elaborate an assessment approach of algorithmic
competences in a TEL environment. This approach consists in
modeling an algorithmic solution according to basic and elementary
operations which let learner draw his/her own step with all autonomy
and independently to any programming language. This approach
assures a trilateral assessment: summative, formative and diagnostic
assessment.
Abstract: Assessment for image quality traditionally needs its
original image as a reference. The conventional method for assessment
like Mean Square Error (MSE) or Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR)
is invalid when there is no reference. In this paper, we present a new
No-Reference (NR) assessment of image quality using blur and noise.
The recent camera applications provide high quality images by help of
digital Image Signal Processor (ISP). Since the images taken by the
high performance of digital camera have few blocking and ringing
artifacts, we only focus on the blur and noise for predicting the
objective image quality. The experimental results show that the
proposed assessment method gives high correlation with subjective
Difference Mean Opinion Score (DMOS). Furthermore, the proposed
method provides very low computational load in spatial domain and
similar extraction of characteristics to human perceptional assessment.
Abstract: Today, canines are still used effectively in acceleration detection situation. However, this method is becoming impractical in modern age and a new automated replacement to the canine is required. This paper reports the design of an innovative accelerant detector. Designing an accelerant detector is a long process as is any design process; therefore, a solution to the need for a mobile, effective accelerant detector is hereby presented. The device is simple and efficient to ensure that any accelerant detection can be conducted quickly and easily. The design utilizes Ultra Violet (UV) light to detect the accelerant. When the UV light shines on an accelerant, the hydrocarbons in the accelerant emit florescence. The advantages of using the UV light to detect accelerant are also outlined in this paper. The mobility of the device is achieved by using a Direct Current (DC) motor to run tank tracks. Tank tracks were chosen as to ensure that the device will be mobile in the rough terrain of a fire site. The materials selected for the various parts are also presented. A Solid Works Simulation was also conducted on the stresses in the shafts and the results are presented. This design is an innovative solution which offers a user friendly interface. The design is also environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and safe to use.
Abstract: Supplier appraisal fosters energy in Supply Chain
Management and helps in best optimization of viable business
partners for a company. Many Decision Making techniques have
already been proposed by researchers for supplier-s appraisal.
However, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is assumed to be the
most structured technique to attain near-best solution of the problem.
This paper focuses at implementation of AHP in the procurement
processes. It also suggests that on what factors a Public Sector
Enterprises must focus while dealing with their suppliers and what
should the suppliers do to synchronize their activities with the
strategic objectives of Organization. It also highlights the weak areas
in supplier appraisal process with a view to suggest viable
recommendations.
Abstract: Image watermarking has become an important tool for
intellectual property protection and authentication. In this paper a
watermarking technique is suggested that incorporates two
watermarks in a host image for improved protection and robustness.
A watermark, in form of a PN sequence (will be called the secondary
watermark), is embedded in the wavelet domain of a primary
watermark before being embedded in the host image. The technique
has been tested using Lena image as a host and the camera man as
the primary watermark. The embedded PN sequence was detectable
through correlation among other five sequences where a PSNR of
44.1065 dB was measured. Furthermore, to test the robustness of the
technique, the watermarked image was exposed to four types of
attacks, namely compression, low pass filtering, salt and pepper noise
and luminance change. In all cases the secondary watermark was
easy to detect even when the primary one is severely distorted.
Abstract: In this article the authors investigate the main
tendencies of development of the management in the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan: problems, solutions and
development of the education system of Kazakhstan in the realities of globalization.
Abstract: This paper compares the recent transformerless ACDC
power converter architectures and provides an assessment of
each. A prototype of one of the transformerless AC-DC converter
architecture is also presented depicting the feasibility of a small form
factor, power supply design. In this paper component selection
guidelines to achieve high efficiency AC-DC power conversion are
also discussed.
Abstract: Neoclassical and functionalist explanations of self
organization in multiagent systems have been criticized on several accounts including unrealistic explication of overadapted agents and
failure to resolve problems of externality. The paper outlines a more
elaborate and dynamic model that is capable of resolving these dilemmas. An illustrative example where behavioral diversity is
cobred in a repeated nonzero sum task via evolutionary computing is
presented.
Abstract: A study of the H-beam's nanosize structure phase
states after thermomechanical strengthening was carried out by TEM.
The following processes were analyzed. 1. The dispersing of the
cementite plates by cutting them by moving dislocations. 2. The
dissolution of cementite plates and repeated precipitation of the
cementite particles on the dislocations, the boundaries, subgrains and
grains. 3. The decay of solid solution of carbon in the α-iron after
"self-tempering" of martensite. 4. The final transformation of the
retained austenite in beinite with α-iron particles and cementite
formation. 5. The implementation of the diffusion mechanism of γ ⇒
α transformation.
Abstract: This research focuses on micro-enterprise of
Malaysian Malays that are involved in very small-scaled business
activities. Among them include food stall and burger stall operators,
night market hawkers, grocery store operators as well as construction
and small service activities works. The study seeks to explore why
some micro-entrepreneurs still lag in entrepreneurship and what
needs to be rectified. This quantitative study is conducted on 173
Malay micro-enterprise owners (MEOs) and 58 Malay failed microenterprise
owners (FMEOs) involved in all range of businesses
throughout the state of Perak, Malaysia. The main aims are to
identify the gaps between the failed micro-enterprise owners
(FMEOs) and existing micro-enterprise owners (MEOs) and the
problems faced among FMEOs. The results reveal that the MEOs had
strong motivations and better marketing approaches as compared to
FMEOs. Furthermore, the FMEOs failed in the business ventures
mainly due to lack of management, sales and marketing skills and
poor competitive abilities to keep up with rivals.