Abstract: Amarindra-vinitchai-mahaisuraya Bhiman throne hall
is one of the most significant throne halls in the grand palace in the
Ratthanakosin city situated in Bangkok, Thailand. This is the first
group of throne halls built in order to serve as a place for meetings,
performing state affairs and royal duties until the present time. The
structure and pattern of architectural design including the decoration
and interior design of the throne hall obviously exhibits and convey
the status of the king under the context of Thai society in the early
period of Ratthanakosin era. According to the tradition of ruling the
kingdom in absolute monarchy which had been in place since
Ayutthaya era (A.D.1350-1767), the king was deemed as Deva Raja,
the highest power and authority over the kingdom and as the greatest
emperor of the universe (Chakkravatin). The architectural design
adopted the concept of “Prasada" or Viman which served as the
dwelling place of the gods and was presented in the form of “Thai
traditional architecture" For the interior design of the throne hall, it
had been adopted to be the heaven and the centre of the Universe in
line with the cosmological beliefs of ancient people described in
scripture Tribhumikatha (Tri Bhumi) written by Phra Maha Thamma
Raja (Phraya Lithai) of the Sukhothai era (A.D.1347-1368).
According to this belief, the throne hall had been designed to represent
mount Meru, the central of the universe. On the top end of Mount
Meru is situated the Viman and dwelling place of Indra who is the king
of gods according to the idea of Deva Raja (the king god Avatar). At
the same time, Indra also existed as the king of the universe
simultaneously.
Abstract: The paper presented a transient population dynamics of phase singularities in 2D Beeler-Reuter model. Two stochastic modelings are examined: (i) the Master equation approach with the transition rate (i.e., λ(n, t) = λ(t)n and μ(n, t) = μ(t)n) and (ii) the nonlinear Langevin equation approach with a multiplicative noise. The exact general solution of the Master equation with arbitrary time-dependent transition rate is given. Then, the exact solution of the mean field equation for the nonlinear Langevin equation is also given. It is demonstrated that transient population dynamics is successfully identified by the generalized Logistic equation with fractional higher order nonlinear term. It is also demonstrated the necessity of introducing time-dependent transition rate in the master equation approach to incorporate the effect of nonlinearity.
Abstract: This paper proposes an innovative methodology for
Acceptance Sampling by Variables, which is a particular category of
Statistical Quality Control dealing with the assurance of products
quality. Our contribution lies in the exploitation of machine learning
techniques to address the complexity and remedy the drawbacks of
existing approaches. More specifically, the proposed methodology
exploits Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to aid decision making
about the acceptance or rejection of an inspected sample. For any
type of inspection, ANNs are trained by data from corresponding
tables of a standard-s sampling plan schemes. Once trained, ANNs
can give closed-form solutions for any acceptance quality level and
sample size, thus leading to an automation of the reading of the
sampling plan tables, without any need of compromise with the
values of the specific standard chosen each time. The proposed
methodology provides enough flexibility to quality control engineers
during the inspection of their samples, allowing the consideration of
specific needs, while it also reduces the time and the cost required for
these inspections. Its applicability and advantages are demonstrated
through two numerical examples.
Abstract: In this paper, a direct method based on variable step
size Block Backward Differentiation Formula which is referred as
BBDF2 for solving second order Ordinary Differential Equations
(ODEs) is developed. The advantages of the BBDF2 method over the
corresponding sequential variable step variable order Backward
Differentiation Formula (BDFVS) when used to solve the same
problem as a first order system are pointed out. Numerical results are
given to validate the method.
Abstract: Antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of Ardisia
japonica Blume., Ageartum conyzoides Linn., and Cocculus hirsutus
Linn Diels. leaves was determined qualitatively and quantitatively in
this research. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical
solution was used to investigate free radical scavenging activity of
these leaves extracts. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was used as the
standard. In the present investigation, it is found that all of these
extracts have remarkable antioxidant activities. The EC50 values of
these ethanolic extracts were 12.72 μg/ml for A. japonica, 15.19
μg/ml for A. conyzoides, 10.68 μg/ml for C. hirsutus respectively.
Among these Myanmar medicinal plants, C. hirsutus showed higher
antioxidant activities as well as free radical scavenging activity than
black tea (Camellia sinensis), the famous antioxidant, and A.
japonica and A. conyzoides showed a rather lower antioxidant
activity than tea extracts. According to results from bioassay with
carrot discs infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, all extracts
showed anti-tumor activity after 3 weeks of incubation. No gall was
detected in carrot disks treated with C. hirsutus and A. japonica
extracts in the dose of 100ppm and in carrot discs treated with A.
conyzoides extract in the dose of 1000 ppm. Therefore, the research
clearly indicates that these weedy plants of dry farm land are
exceptionally advantageous for human health.
Abstract: Covering approximation spaces is a class of important
generalization of approximation spaces. For a subset X of a covering
approximation space (U, C), is X definable or rough? The
answer of this question is uncertain, which depends on covering
approximation operators endowed on (U, C). Note that there are many
various covering approximation operators, which can be endowed
on covering approximation spaces. This paper investigates covering
approximation spaces endowed ten covering approximation operators
respectively, and establishes some relations among definable subsets,
inner definable subsets and outer definable subsets in covering approximation
spaces, which deepens some results on definable subsets
in approximation spaces.
Abstract: Lignocellulosic materials are new targeted source to
produce second generation biofuels like biobutanol. However, this
process is significantly resisted by the native structure of biomass.
Therefore, pretreatment process is always essential to remove
hemicelluloses and lignin prior to the enzymatic hydrolysis.
The goals of pretreatment are removing hemicelluloses and
lignin, increasing biomass porosity, and increasing the enzyme
accessibility. The main goal of this research is to study the important
variables such as pretreatment temperature and time, which can give
the highest total sugar yield in pretreatment step by using dilute
phosphoric acid. After pretreatment, the highest total sugar yield of
13.61 g/L was obtained under an optimal condition at 140°C for 10
min of pretreatment time by using 1.75% (w/w) H3PO4 and at 15:1
liquid to solid ratio. The total sugar yield of two-stage process
(pretreatment+enzymatic hydrolysis) of 27.38 g/L was obtained.
Abstract: This paper deals with the thermo-mechanical deformation behavior of shear deformable functionally graded ceramicmetal (FGM) plates. Theoretical formulations are based on higher order shear deformation theory with a considerable amendment in the transverse displacement using finite element method (FEM). The mechanical properties of the plate are assumed to be temperaturedependent and graded in the thickness direction according to a powerlaw distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The temperature field is supposed to be a uniform distribution over the plate surface (XY plane) and varied in the thickness direction only. The fundamental equations for the FGM plates are obtained using variational approach by considering traction free boundary conditions on the top and bottom faces of the plate. A C0 continuous isoparametric Lagrangian finite element with thirteen degrees of freedom per node have been employed to accomplish the results. Convergence and comparison studies have been performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the present model. The numerical results are obtained for different thickness ratios, aspect ratios, volume fraction index and temperature rise with different loading and boundary conditions. Numerical results for the FGM plates are provided in dimensionless tabular and graphical forms. The results proclaim that the temperature field and the gradient in the material properties have significant role on the thermo-mechanical deformation behavior of the FGM plates.
Abstract: Resource-constrained project scheduling is an NPhard
optimisation problem. There are many different heuristic
strategies how to shift activities in time when resource requirements
exceed their available amounts. These strategies are frequently based
on priorities of activities. In this paper, we assume that a suitable
heuristic has been chosen to decide which activities should be
performed immediately and which should be postponed and
investigate the resource-constrained project scheduling problem
(RCPSP) from the implementation point of view. We propose an
efficient routine that, instead of shifting the activities, extends their
duration. It makes it possible to break down their duration into active
and sleeping subintervals. Then we can apply the classical Critical
Path Method that needs only polynomial running time. This
algorithm can simply be adapted for multiproject scheduling with
limited resources.
Abstract: The need to increase the efficiency of health care
systems is becoming an obligation, and one of area of improvement
is the discharge process. The objective of this work is to minimize
the patients discharge time (for insured patients) to be less than 50
minutes by using six sigma approach, this improvement will also:
lead to an increase in customer satisfaction, increase the number of
admissions and turnover on the rooms, increase hospital
profitability.Three different departments were considered in this
study: Female, Male, and Paediatrics. Six Sigma approach coupled
with simulation has been applied to reduce the patients discharge
time for pediatrics, female, and male departments at hospital. Upon
applying these recommendations at hospital: 60%, 80%, and 22% of
insured female, male, and pediatrics patients respectively will have
discharge time less than the upper specification time i.e. 50 min.
Abstract: In this paper we study the transformation of Euler equations 1 , u u u Pf t (ρ ∂) + ⋅∇ = − ∇ + ∂ G G G G ∇⋅ = u 0, G where (ux, t) G G is the velocity of a fluid, P(x, t) G is the pressure of a fluid andρ (x, t) G is density. First of all, we rewrite the Euler equations in terms of new unknown functions. Then, we introduce new independent variables and transform it to a new curvilinear coordinate system. We obtain the Euler equations in the new dependent and independent variables. The governing equations into two subsystems, one is hyperbolic and another is elliptic.
Abstract: As every system conceptions the concept of crisis is
based on the system of interdependent elements. These dialectic
elements occur in a majority of definitions even though called
differently. For further theoretical searching but also for practical
utilization it is necessary to understand these elements. The paper
stresses that the concept of crisis is ambiguous. There are identified
and explained the elements that are generally found in most crises
(disruption, precondition, triggers etc).
Abstract: Ontologies are broadly used in the context of networked home environments. With ontologies it is possible to define and store context information, as well as to model different kinds of physical environments. Ontologies are central to networked home environments as they carry the meaning. However, ontologies and the OWL language is complex. Several ontology visualization approaches have been developed to enhance the understanding of ontologies. The domain of networked home environments sets some special requirements for the ontology visualization approach. The visualization tool presented here, visualizes ontologies in a domain-specific way. It represents effectively the physical structures and spatial relationships of networked home environments. In addition, it provides extensive interaction possibilities for editing and manipulating the visualization. The tool shortens the gap from beginner to intermediate OWL ontology reader by visualizing instances in their actual locations and making OWL ontologies more interesting and concrete, and above all easier to comprehend.
Abstract: The use of magnetic and magnetic/gold core/shell
nanoparticles in biotechnology or medicine has shown good promise
due to their hybrid nature which possesses superior magnetic and
optical properties. Some of these potential applications include
hyperthermia treatment, bio-separations, diagnostics, drug delivery
and toxin removal. Synthesis refinement to control geometric and
magnetic/optical properties, and finding functional surfactants for
biomolecular attachment, are requirements to meet application
specifics.
Various high-temperature preparative methods were used for the
synthesis of iron oxide and gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles.
Different surface functionalities, such as 11-aminoundecanoic and
11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, were introduced on the surface of the
particles to facilitate further attachment of biomolecular functionality
and drug-like molecules. Nanoparticle thermal stability, composition,
state of aggregation, size and morphology were investigated and the
results from techniques such as Fourier Transform-Infra Red
spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis),
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and thermal analysis are
discussed.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to develop a model to
integrate “pricing" and “advertisement" for short life cycle products,
such as branded fashion clothing products. To achieve this goal, we
apply the concept of “Dynamic Pricing". There are two classes of
advertisements, for the brand (regardless of product) and for a
particular product. Advertising the brand affects the demand and
price of all the products. Thus, the model considers all these products
in relation with each other. We develop two different methods to
integrate both types of advertisement and pricing. The first model is
developed within the framework of dynamic programming. However,
due to the complexity of the model, this method cannot be applicable
for large size problems. Therefore, we develop another method,
called hieratical approach, which is capable of handling the real
world problems. Finally, we show the accuracy of this method, both
theoretically and also by simulation.
Abstract: As a company competitiveness depends more and more on the relationship with its stakeholders, the topic of companystakeholder fit is becoming increasingly important. This fit affects the extent to which a stakeholder perceives CSR company commitment, values and behaviors and, therefore, stakeholder identification in a company and his/her loyalty to it. Consequently, it is important to measure the alignment or the gap between stakeholder CSR demands, values, preferences and perceptions, and the company CSR disclosed commitment, values and policies. In this paper, in order to assess the company-stakeholder fit about corporate responsibility, an innovative CSR fit positioning matrix is proposed. This matrix is based on the measurement of a company CSR disclosed commitment and stakeholder perceived and required commitment. The matrix is part of a more complex methodology based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators, content analysis and stakeholder questionnaires. This methodology provides appropriate indications for helping companies to achieve CSR company-stakeholder fit, by leveraging both CSR commitment and communication. Moreover, it could be used by top management for comparing different companies and stakeholders, and for planning specific CSR strategies, policies and activities.
Abstract: The incidences of dengue hemorrhagic disease (DHF)
over the long term exhibit a seasonal behavior. It has been
hypothesized that these behaviors are due to the seasonal climate
changes which in turn induce a seasonal variation in the incubation
period of the virus while it is developing the mosquito. The standard
dynamic analysis is applied for analysis the Susceptible-Exposed-
Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model which includes an annual
variation in the length of the extrinsic incubation period (EIP). The
presence of both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections is
allowed in the present model. We found that dynamic behavior of the
endemic state changes as the influence of the seasonal variation of
the EIP becomes stronger. As the influence is further increased, the
trajectory exhibits sustained oscillations when it leaves the chaotic
region.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the
importance of the concept of competitiveness in the supply chain and
to present a conceptual framework for Supply Chain Competitiveness
(SCC). The framework is based on supply chain activities, which are
inputs, necessary for SCC and the benefits which are the outputs of
SCC. A literature review is conducted on key supply chain
competitiveness issues, its determinants, its various dimensions
followed by exploration for SCC. Based on the insights gained, a
conceptual framework for SCC is presented based on activities for
SCC, SCC environment and outcomes of SCC. The information flow
in the conceptual framework is bi-directional at all levels and the
activities are interrelated in a global competitive environment. The
activities include the activities of suppliers, manufacturers and
distributors, giving more emphasis on manufacturers- activities.
Further, implications of various factors such as economic, politicolegal,
technical, socio-cultural, competition, demographic etc. are
also highlighted. The SCC framework is an attempt to cover the
relatively less explored area of supply chain competitiveness. It is
expected that this work will further motivate researchers,
academicians and practitioners to work in this area and offers
conceptual help in providing a directions for supply chain
competitiveness which leads to improvement in the supply chain and
supply chain performance.
Abstract: Five vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, and onion) were freshly harvested from the Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas for the determination of some organochlorine pesticide residues (o, p-DDE, p,p’-DDD, o,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDT, α-BHC, γ-BHC, metoxichlor, lindane, endosulfan dieldrin, and aldrin.) Soil samples were also collected at different depths for the determination of the above pesticides. Samples collection and preparation were conducted using standard procedures. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil and vegetable samples were determined using GC/MS SHIMADZU (GC-17A) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The highest concentration was that of p,p’-DDD (132.4±13.45µg/g) which was observed in the leaf of cabbage, while the lowest concentration was that of p,p’-DDT (2.34µg/g) was observed in the root of spinach. Similar trends were observed at the Gongulong agricultural area, with p,p’-DDD having the highest concentration of 153.23µg/g in the leaf of cabbage, while the lowest concentration was that of p,p’-DDT (12.45µg/g) which was observed in the root of spinach. α-BHC, γ-BHC, Methoxychlor, and lindane were detected in all the vegetable samples studied. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil samples were observed to be higher at a depth of 21-30cm, while the lowest concentrations were observed at a depth of 0-10cm. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples from the two agricultural sites were observed to be at alarming levels, much higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) and acceptable daily intake values (ADIs) .The levels of the pesticides observed in the vegetables and soil samples investigated, are of such a magnitude that calls for special attention and laws to regulate the use and circulation of such chemicals. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in these study areas is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution, so as to minimize health risks.