Abstract: The worldwide prevalence of H3N2 influenza virus
and its increasing resistance to the existing drugs necessitates for the
development of an improved/better targeting anti-influenza drug.
H3N2 influenza neuraminidase is one of the two membrane-bound
proteins belonging to group-2 neuraminidases. It acts as key player
involved in viral pathogenicity and hence, is an important target of
anti-influenza drugs. Oseltamivir is one of the potent drugs targeting
this neuraminidase. In the present work, we have taken subtype N2
neuraminidase as the receptor and probable analogs of oseltamivir as
drug molecules to study the protein-drug interaction in anticipation of
finding efficient modified candidate compound. Oseltamivir analogs
were made by modifying the functional groups using Marvin Sketch
software and were docked using Schrodinger-s Glide. Oseltamivir
analog 10 was detected to have significant energy value (16% less
compared to Oseltamivir) and could be the probable lead molecule. It
infers that some of the modified compounds can interact in a novel
manner with increased hydrogen bonding at the active site of
neuraminidase and it might be better than the original drug. Further
work can be carried out such as enzymatic inhibition studies;
synthesis and crystallizing the drug-target complex to analyze the
interactions biologically.
Abstract: Scarcity of resources for biodiversity conservation gives rise to the need of strategic investment with priorities given to the cost of conservation. While the literature provides abundant methodological options for biodiversity conservation; estimating true cost of conservation remains abstract and simplistic, without recognising dynamic nature of the cost. Some recent works demonstrate the prominence of economic theory to inform biodiversity decisions, particularly on the costs and benefits of biodiversity however, the integration of the concept of true cost into biodiversity actions and planning are very slow to come by, and specially on a farm level. Conservation planning studies often use area as a proxy for costs neglecting different land values as well as protected areas. These literature consider only heterogeneous benefits while land costs are considered homogenous. Analysis with the assumption of cost homogeneity results in biased estimation; since not only it doesn’t address the true total cost of biodiversity actions and plans, but also it fails to screen out lands that are more (or less) expensive and/or difficult (or more suitable) for biodiversity conservation purposes, hindering validity and comparability of the results. Economies of scope” is one of the other most neglected aspects in conservation literature. The concept of economies of scope introduces the existence of cost complementarities within a multiple output production system and it suggests a lower cost during the concurrent production of multiple outputs by a given farm. If there are, indeed, economies of scope then simplistic representation of costs will tend to overestimate the true cost of conservation leading to suboptimal outcomes. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide first road review of the various theoretical ways in which economies of scope are likely to occur of how they might occur in conservation. Consequently, the paper addresses gaps that have to be filled in future analysis.
Abstract: In this study, structural, mechanical, thermal and
electrical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with
low-loaded (0-1.5 wt%) untreated, heat and nitric acid treated multiwalled
carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied. Among the
composites, untreated 0.5 wt % MWCNTs and acid-treated 1.0 wt%
MWCNTs reinforced PLA show the tensile strength and modulus
values higher than the others. These two samples along with pure
PLA exhibit the stable orthorhombic α-form, whilst other samples
reveal the less stable orthorhombic β-form, as demonstrated by X-ray
diffraction study. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals the
evolution of the mentioned different phases by controlled cooling and
discloses an enhancement of PLA crystallization by nanotubes
incorporation. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the MWCNTs
loaded sample degraded faster than PLA. Surface resistivity of the
nanocomposites is found to be dropped drastically by a factor of 1013
with a low loading of MWCNTs (1.5 wt%).
Abstract: Two-dimensional heat conduction within a composed solid material with a constant internal heat generation has been investigated numerically in a sector of the rotor a generator. The heat transfer between two adjacent materials is assumed to be purely conduction. Boundary conditions are assumed to be forced convection on the fluid side and adiabatic on symmetry lines. The control volume method is applied for the diffusion energy equation. Physical coordinates are transformed to the general curvilinear coordinates. Then by using a line-by-line method, the temperature distribution in a sector of the rotor has been determined. Finally, the results are normalized and the effect of cooling fluid on the maximum temperature of insulation is investigated.
Abstract: This study attempts to clarify major perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Greek market related to companies that have sufficient CSR. An empirical analysis was undertaken, based on literature review and previous observations and surveys, in order to provide a general analysis of the CSR concept in Greece. The results of Accountability Rating institution were used in order to identify companies that adopt an integrated social responsibility approach. Companies that responded to the survey are both regional and international and belong to different industrial fields. Some of the main survey results reveal: multiple aspects for the CSR concept, weak consensus as regards the importance of stakeholders and benefits from the CSR implementation, the important role of CSR in the decision procedure and CSR practices concerning social issues that affect mostly company-s competitiveness. Sharing companies- experience could address common social issues through CSR best practices and develop new knowledge.
Abstract: One of the main limitations for the resolution of
optical instruments is the size of the sensor-s pixels. In this paper we
introduce a new sub pixel resolution algorithm to enhance the
resolution of images. This method is based on the analysis of multiimages
which are fast recorded during the fine relative motion of
image and pixel arrays of CCDs. It is shown that by applying this
method for a sample noise free image one will enhance the resolution
with 10-14 order of error.
Abstract: This paper introduces an adaptive control scheme to synchronize two identical Chua's systems. Introductory part of the paper is presented in the first part of the paper and then in the second part, a new theorem is proposed based on which an adaptive control scheme is developed to synchronize two identical modified Chua's circuit. Finally, numerical simulations are included to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Abstract: This paper shows the advantages of the material failure process simulation by improve finite elements with embedded discontinuities, using a new definition of traction vector, dependent on the discontinuity length and the angle. Particularly, two families of this kind of elements are compared: kinematically optimal symmetric and statically and kinematically optimal non-symmetric. The constitutive model to describe the behavior of the material in the symmetric formulation is a traction-displacement jump relationship equipped with softening after reaching the failure surface.
To show the validity of this symmetric formulation, representative numerical examples illustrating the performance of the proposed formulation are presented. It is shown that the non-symmetric family may over or underestimate the energy required to create a discontinuity, as this effect is related with the total length of the discontinuity, fact that is not noticed when the discontinuity path is a straight line.
Abstract: Oxide scale thickness measurements are used in assessing the life of different components operating at high temperature environment. Such measurements provide an approximation for the temperature inside components such as reheater and superheater tubes. A number of failures were encountered in one of the boilers in one of Kuwaiti power plants. These failure were mainly in the first row of the primary super heater tubes, therefore, the specialized engineer decide to replace them during the annual shutdown. As a tool for failure analysis, oxide scale thickness measurement were used to investigate the temperature distribution in these tubes. In this paper, the oxide scale thickness of these tubes were measured and used for analysis. The measurements provide an illustration of the distribution of heat transfer of the primary superheater tubes in the boiler system. Remarks and analysis about the design of the boiler are also provided.
Abstract: In this work we propose a novel Steganographic
method for hiding information within the spatial domain of the gray
scale image. The proposed approach works by dividing the cover into
blocks of equal sizes and then embeds the message in the edge of the
block depending on the number of ones in left four bits of the pixel.
The proposed approach is tested on a database consists of 100
different images. Experimental results, compared with other
methods, showed that the proposed approach hide more large
information and gave a good visual quality stego-image that can be
seen by human eyes.
Abstract: In this paper, encrypted audio communications based on synchronization of coupled unified chaotic systems in master-slave configuration is numerically studied. We transmit the encrypted audio messages by using two unsecure channels. Encoding, transmission, and decoding audio messages in chaotic communication is presented.
Abstract: Oil debris signal generated from the inductive oil
debris monitor (ODM) is useful information for machine condition
monitoring but is often spoiled by background noise. To improve the
reliability in machine condition monitoring, the high-fidelity signal
has to be recovered from the noisy raw data. Considering that the noise
components with large amplitude often have higher frequency than
that of the oil debris signal, the integral transform is proposed to
enhance the detectability of the oil debris signal. To cancel out the
baseline wander resulting from the integral transform, the empirical
mode decomposition (EMD) method is employed to identify the trend
components. An optimal reconstruction strategy including both
de-trending and de-noising is presented to detect the oil debris signal
with less distortion. The proposed approach is applied to detect the oil
debris signal in the raw data collected from an experimental setup. The
result demonstrates that this approach is able to detect the weak oil
debris signal with acceptable distortion from noisy raw data.
Abstract: Waterlogging reduces shoot and root growth and final
yield of wheat. Waterlogged sites have a combination of low slope,
high rainfall, heavy texture and low permeability. This study was
aimed the importance of waterlogging on root growth and wheat
yield. In order to study the effects of different waterlogging duration
(0, 10, 20 and 30 days) at growth stages (1-leaf stage, tillering stage
and stem elongation stage) on root growth of wheat cultivars
(Chamran, Vee/Nac and Yavaroos), one pot experiment was carried
out. The experiment was a factorial according to a RCBD with three
replications. Results showed that root dry weight and total root
length in the anthesis and grain ripening stages and biological and
grain yields were significantly different between cultivars, growth
stages and waterlogging durations. Vee/Nac was found superior with
respect to other cultivars. Susceptibility to waterlogging at different
growth stages for cultivars was 1-leaf stage > tillering stage > stem
elongation stage. Under waterlogging treatments, grain and
biological yields, were decreased 44.5 and 39.8%, respectively. Root
length and root dry weight were reduced 55.1 and 45.2%,
respectively, too. In this experiment, decrease at root growth because
of waterlogging reduced grain and biological yields. Based on the
results, even short period (10 days) of waterlogging had
unrecoverable effects on the root growth and grain yield of wheat.
Abstract: This paper explores the features of political economy in the dynamics of representative politics in India. Politics is seen as enhancing economic benefits through acquiring and maintenance of power in the realm of democratic set up. The system of representation is riddled with competitive populism. Emerging leaders and parties are forced to accommodate their ideologies in coping with competitive politics. Electoral politics and voting behaviour reflect series of influences mooted by the politicians. Voters are accustomed to expect benefits outs of state exchequer. The electoral competitors show a changing phase of investment and return policy. Every elector has to spend and realize his costs in his tenure. In the case of defeated electors, even the cost recovery is not possible directly; there are indirect means to recover their costs. The series of case studies show the method of party funding, campaign financing, electoral expenditure, and cost recovery. Regulations could not restrict the level of spending. Several cases of disproportionate accumulation of wealth by the politicians reveal that money played a major part in electoral process. The political economy of representative politics hitherto ignores how a politician spends and recovers his cost and multiples his wealth. To be sure, the acquiring and maintenance of power is to enhance the wealth of the electors.
Abstract: The Principal component regression (PCR) is a
combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR). The objective of this paper is to revise the
use of PCR in shortwave near infrared (SWNIR) (750-1000nm) spectral analysis. The idea of PCR was explained mathematically and
implemented in the non-destructive assessment of the soluble solid
content (SSC) of pineapple based on SWNIR spectral data. PCR achieved satisfactory results in this application with root mean
squared error of calibration (RMSEC) of 0.7611 Brix°, coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.5865 and root mean squared error of crossvalidation
(RMSECV) of 0.8323 Brix° with principal components
(PCs) of 14.
Abstract: This paper examines the factors, which determine
R&D outsourcing behaviour at Japanese firms, from the viewpoints of
transaction cost and strategic management, since the latter half of the
1990s. This study uses empirical analysis, which involves the
application of large-sample data. The principal findings of this paper
are listed below. Firms that belong to a wider corporate group are more
active in executing R&D outsourcing activities. Diversification
strategies such as the expansion of product and sales markets have a
positive effect on the R&D outsourcing behaviour of firms. Moreover,
while quantitative R&D resources have positive influences on R&D
outsourcing, qualitative indices have no effect. These facts suggest
that R&D outsourcing behaviour of Japanese firms are consistent with
the two perspectives of transaction cost and strategic management.
Specifically, a conventional corporate group network plays an
important role in R&D outsourcing behaviour. Firms that execute
R&D outsourcing leverage 'old' networks to construct 'new' networks
and use both networks properly.
Abstract: In this study three commercial semiconductor devices
were characterized in the laboratory for computed tomography
dosimetry: one photodiode and two phototransistors. It was evaluated
four responses to the irradiation: dose linearity, energy dependence,
angular dependence and loss of sensitivity after X ray exposure. The
results showed that the three devices have proportional response with
the air kerma; the energy dependence displayed for each device
suggests that some calibration factors would be applied for each one;
the angular dependence showed a similar pattern among the three
electronic components. In respect to the fourth parameter analyzed,
one phototransistor has the highest sensitivity however it also showed
the greatest loss of sensitivity with the accumulated dose. The
photodiode was the device with the smaller sensitivity to radiation,
on the other hand, the loss of sensitivity after irradiation is negligible.
Since high accuracy is a desired feature for a dosimeter, the
photodiode can be the most suitable of the three devices for
dosimetry in tomography. The phototransistors can also be used for
CT dosimetry, however it would be necessary a correction factor due
to loss of sensitivity with accumulated dose.
Abstract: An ontology is a data model that represents a set of
concepts in a given field and the relationships among those concepts.
As the emphasis on achieving a semantic web continues to escalate,
ontologies for all types of domains increasingly will be developed.
These ontologies may become large and complex, and as their size
and complexity grows, so will the need for multi-user interfaces for
ontology curation. Herein a functionally comprehensive, generic
approach to maintaining an ontology as a relational database is
presented. Unlike many other ontology editors that utilize a database,
this approach is entirely domain-generic and fully supports Webbased,
collaborative editing including the designation of different
levels of authorization for users.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to investigate twodimensional unsteady flow of a viscous incompressible fluid about stagnation point on permeable stretching sheet in presence of time dependent free stream velocity. Fluid is considered in the influence of transverse magnetic field in the presence of radiation effect. Rosseland approximation is use to model the radiative heat transfer. Using time-dependent stream function, partial differential equations corresponding to the momentum and energy equations are converted into non-linear ordinary differential equations. Numerical solutions of these equations are obtained by using Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method with the help of Newton-Raphson shooting technique. In the present work the effect of unsteadiness parameter, magnetic field parameter, radiation parameter, stretching parameter and the Prandtl number on flow and heat transfer characteristics have been discussed. Skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt number at the sheet are computed and discussed. The results reported in the paper are in good agreement with published work in literature by other researchers.
Abstract: Tailor-welded Blanks (TWBs) are tailor made for
different complex component designs by welding multiple metal
sheets with different thicknesses, shapes, coatings or strengths prior
to forming. In this study the Hemispherical Die Stretching (HDS) test
(out-of-plane stretching) of TWBs were simulated via
ABAQUS/Explicit to obtain the Forming Limit Diagrams (FLDs) of
Stainless steel (AISI 304) laser welded blanks with different
thicknesses. Two criteria were used to detect the start of necking to
determine the FLD for TWBs and parent sheet metals. These two
criteria are the second derivatives of the major and thickness strains
that are given from the strain history of simulation. In the other word,
in these criteria necking starts when the second derivative of
thickness or major strain reaches its maximum. With having the time
of onset necking, one can measure the major and minor strains at the
critical area and determine the forming limit curve.