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: The stem cells have ability to differentiated
themselves through mitotic cell division and various range of
specialized cell types. Cellular differentiation is a way by which few
specialized cell develops into more specialized.This paper studies the
fundamental problem of computational schema for an artificial neural
network based on chemical, physical and biological variables of
state. By doing this type of study system could be model for a viable
propagation of various economically important stem cells
differentiation. This paper proposes various differentiation outcomes
of artificial neural network into variety of potential specialized cells
on implementing MATLAB version 2009. A feed-forward back
propagation kind of network was created to input vector (five input
elements) with single hidden layer and one output unit in output
layer. The efficiency of neural network was done by the assessment
of results achieved from this study with that of experimental data
input and chosen target data. The propose solution for the efficiency
of artificial neural network assessed by the comparatative analysis of
“Mean Square Error" at zero epochs. There are different variables of
data in order to test the targeted results.
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: Different agricultural waste peels were assessed for
their suitability to be used as primary substrates for the
bioremediation of free cyanide (CN-) by a cyanide-degrading fungus
Aspergillus awamori isolated from cyanide containing wastewater.
The bioremediated CN- concentration were in the range of 36 to 110
mg CN-/L, with Orange (C. sinensis) > Carrot (D. carota) > Onion
(A. cepa) > Apple (M. pumila), being chosen as suitable substrates
for large scale CN- degradation processes due to: 1) the high
concentration of bioremediated CN-, 2) total reduced sugars released
into solution to sustain the biocatalyst, and 3) minimal residual NH4-
N concentration after fermentation. The bioremediation rate constants
(k) were 0.017h-1 (0h < t < 24h), with improved bioremediation rates
(0.02189h-1) observed after 24h. The averaged nitrilase activity was
~10 U/L.
Abstract: This study has investigated a vehicle Lumped
Parameter Model (LPM) in frontal crash. There are several ways for
determining spring and damper characteristics and type of problem
shall be considered as system identification. This study use Genetic
Algorithm (GA) procedure, being an effective procedure in case of
optimization issues, for optimizing errors, between target data
(experimental data) and calculated results (being obtained by
analytical solving). In this study analyzed model in 5-DOF then
compared our results with 5-DOF serial model. Finally, the response
of model due to external excitement is investigated.
Abstract: Reverse engineering of full-genomic interaction networks based on compendia of expression data has been successfully applied for a number of model organisms. This study adapts these approaches for an important non-model organism: The major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. During the infection process, the pathogen can adapt to a wide range of environmental niches and reversibly changes its growth form. Given the importance of these processes, it is important to know how they are regulated. This study presents a reverse engineering strategy able to infer fullgenomic interaction networks for C. albicans based on a linear regression, utilizing the sparseness criterion (LASSO). To overcome the limited amount of expression data and small number of known interactions, we utilize different prior-knowledge sources guiding the network inference to a knowledge driven solution. Since, no database of known interactions for C. albicans exists, we use a textmining system which utilizes full-text research papers to identify known regulatory interactions. By comparing with these known regulatory interactions, we find an optimal value for global modelling parameters weighting the influence of the sparseness criterion and the prior-knowledge. Furthermore, we show that soft integration of prior-knowledge additionally improves the performance. Finally, we compare the performance of our approach to state of the art network inference approaches.
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: A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of installing small wind turbines on offshore oil and gas extraction platforms is presented. Some aerodynamic considerations are developed in order to determine the best rotor architecture to exploit the wind potential on such installations, assuming that wind conditions over the platforms are similar to those registered on the roofs of urban buildings. Economical considerations about both advantages and disadvantages of the exploitation of wind energy on offshore extraction platforms with respect to conventional offshore wind plants, is also presented. Finally, wind charts of European offshore winds are presented together with a map of the major offshore installations.
Abstract: Marketing is an essential issue to the survival of any
real estate company in Turkey. There are some factors which are
constraining the achievements of the marketing and sales strategies in
the Turkey real estate industry. This study aims to identify and
prioritise the most significant constraints to marketing in real estate
sector and new strategies based on those constraints. This study is
based on survey method, where the respondents such as credit
counsellors, real estate investors, consultants, academicians and
marketing representatives in Turkey were asked to rank forty seven
sub-factors according to their levels of impact. The results of Multiattribute
analytical technique indicated that the main subcomponents
having impact on marketing in real estate sector are interest rates, real
estate credit availability, accessibility, company image and consumer
real income, respectively. The identified constraints are expected to
guide the marketing team in a sales-effective way.
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: A multi-agent system is developed here to predict
monthly details of the upcoming peak of the 24th solar magnetic
cycle. While studies typically predict the timing and magnitude of
cycle peaks using annual data, this one utilizes the unsmoothed
monthly sunspot number instead. Monthly numbers display more
pronounced fluctuations during periods of strong solar magnetic
activity than the annual sunspot numbers. Because strong magnetic
activities may cause significant economic damages, predicting
monthly variations should provide different and perhaps helpful
information for decision-making purposes. The multi-agent system
developed here operates in two stages. In the first, it produces twelve
predictions of the monthly numbers. In the second, it uses those
predictions to deliver a final forecast. Acting as expert agents, genetic
programming and neural networks produce the twelve fits and
forecasts as well as the final forecast. According to the results
obtained, the next peak is predicted to be 156 and is expected to
occur in October 2011- with an average of 136 for that year.
Abstract: Polyurethane foams (PUF) were formed by a chemical
reaction of polyol and isocyanate. The polyol was manufactured by
ring-opening hydrolysis of epoxidized soybean oil in the presence of
phosphoric acid under varying experimental conditions. Other
factors in the foam formulation such as water content and surfactant
were kept constant. The effect of the amount of solvents, phosphoric
acid, and their derivates in the foam formulation on the properties of
polyurethane foams were studied. The properties of the material were
measured via a number of parameters, which are water content of
prepared polyol, polymer density and cellular structures.
Abstract: The Brazilian legislation has only established
diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in terms of Multiple Scan
Average Dose (MSAD) as a quality control parameter for computed
tomography (CT) scanners. Compliance with DRLs can be verified
by measuring the Computed Tomography Kerma Index (Ca,100) with
a pencil ionization chamber or by obtaining the kerma distribution in
CT scans with radiochromic films or rod shape lithium fluoride
termoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100). TL dosimeters were used
to record kerma profiles and to determine MSAD values of a Bright
Speed model GE CT scanner. Measurements were done with
radiochromic films and TL dosimeters distributed in cylinders
positioned in the center and in four peripheral bores of a standard
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) body CT dosimetry phantom.
Irradiations were done using a protocol for adult chest. The
maximum values were found at the midpoint of the longitudinal axis.
The MSAD values obtained with three dosimetric techniques were
compared.
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: An autonomous environmental monitoring system
(Smart Landfill) has been constructed for the quantitative
measurement of the components of landfill gas found at borehole
wells at the perimeter of landfill sites. The main components of
landfill gas are the greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide
and have been monitored in the range 0-5 % volume. This monitoring
system has not only been tested in the laboratory but has been
deployed in multiple field trials and the data collected successfully
compared with on-site monitors. This success shows the potential of
this system for application in environments where reliable gas
monitoring is crucial.
Abstract: Amazing development of the information technology,
communications and internet expansion as well as the requirements
of the city managers to new ideas to run the city and higher
participation of the citizens encourage us to complete the electronic
city as soon as possible. The foundations of this electronic city are in
information technology. People-s participation in metropolitan
management is a crucial topic. Information technology does not
impede this matter. It can ameliorate populace-s participation and
better interactions between the citizens and the city managers.
Citizens can proffer their ideas, beliefs and votes through digital
mass media based upon the internet and computerization plexuses on
the topical matters to receive appropriate replies and services. They
can participate in urban projects by becoming cognizant of the city
views. The most significant challenges are as follows: information
and communicative management, altering citizens- views, as well as
legal and office documents
Electronic city obstacles have been identified in this research. The
required data were forgathered through questionnaires to identify the
barriers from a statistical community comprising specialists and
practitioners of the ministry of information technology and
communication, the municipality information technology
organization.
The conclusions demonstrate that the prioritized electronic city
application barriers in Iran are as follows:
The support quandaries (non-financial ones), behavioral, cultural
and educational plights, the security, legal and license predicaments,
the hardware, orismological and infrastructural curbs, the software
and fiscal problems.
Abstract: Since the pioneering work of Zadeh, fuzzy set theory has been applied to a myriad of areas. Song and Chissom introduced the concept of fuzzy time series and applied some methods to the enrollments of the University of Alabama. In recent years, a number of techniques have been proposed for forecasting based on fuzzy set theory methods. These methods have either used enrollment numbers or differences of enrollments as the universe of discourse. We propose using the year to year percentage change as the universe of discourse. In this communication, the approach of Jilani, Burney, and Ardil is modified by using the year to year percentage change as the universe of discourse. We use enrollment figures for the University of Alabama to illustrate our proposed method. The proposed method results in better forecasting accuracy than existing models.
Abstract: This paper proposes a power-controlled scheduling scheme for devices using a directional antenna in smart home. In the case of the home network using directional antenna, devices can concurrently transmit data in the same frequency band. Accordingly, the throughput increases compared to that of devices using omni-directional antenna in proportional to the number of concurrent transmissions. Also, the number of concurrent transmissions depends on the beamwidth of antenna, the number of devices operating in the network , transmission power, interference and so on. In particular, the less transmission power is used, the more concurrent transmissions occur due to small transmission range. In this paper, we considered sub-optimal scheduling scheme for throughput maximization and power consumption minimization. In the scheme, each device is equipped with a directional antenna. Various beamwidths, path loss components, and antenna radiation efficiencies are considered. Numerical results show that the proposed schemes outperform the scheduling scheme using directional antennas without power control.