Abstract: Virtual environments are a hot topic in academia and more importantly in courses offered via distance education. Today-s gaming generation view virtual worlds as strong social and interactive mediums for communicating and socializing. And while institutions of higher education are challenged with increasing enrollment while balancing budget cuts, offering effective courses via distance education become a valid option. Educators can utilize virtual worlds to offer students an enhanced learning environment which has the power to alleviate feelings of isolation through the promotion of communication, interaction, collaboration, teamwork, feedback, engagement and constructivists learning activities. This paper focuses on the use of virtual environments to facilitate interaction in distance education courses so as to produce positive learning outcomes for students. Furthermore, the instructional strategies were reviewed and discussed for use in virtual worlds to enhance learning within a social context.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the financing
practices of SMEs in Libya in two different phases of business life
cycle: start-up and matured stages. Moreover, SMEs- accessing bank
loan issues is also identified. The study was conducted by taking into
account the aspect of demand. The findings are based on a sample of
76 SMEs in Libya through the adoption of questionnaires. The results
have pinpointed several things- evidently, SMEs use informal
financing sources which prefer personal savings; SME owners are
willing to apply for bank loan, that the most pressing problem has
been identified, not to apply bank loan is loan with interest (religion
factor).
Abstract: Although electrical motors are still the main devices
used in vehicular exhaust comprises more than 95 percent of the air
pollution in Taiwan's largest city, Taipei. On average, all commuters in Taipei travel 13.6 km daily, while motorcycle commuters travel 12.2 km. The convenience and mobility of motorcycles makes them
irreplaceable in Taiwan city traffic but they add significantly to air pollution problems. In order to improve air pollution conditions, some
new types of vehicles have been proposed, such as fuel cell driven and
hybrid energy vehicles. In this study, we develop a model pneumatic hybrid motorcycle system and simulate its acceleration and mileage
(km/L) performance. The results show that the pneumatic hybrid
motorcycle can improve efficiency.
Abstract: Exposure to ambient air pollution has been linked to a
number of health outcomes, starting from modest transient changes in
the respiratory tract and impaired pulmonary function, continuing to
restrict activity/reduce performance and to the increase emergency
rooms visits, hospital admissions or mortality. The increase of
allergenic symptoms has been associated with air contaminants such
as ozone, particulate matter, fungal spores and pollen.
Considering the potential relevance of crossed effects of nonbiological
pollutants and airborne pollens and fungal spores on
allergy worsening, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence
of non-biological pollutants (O3 and PM10) and meteorological
parameters on the concentrations of pollen and fungal spores using
multiple linear regressions.
The data considered in this study were collected in Oporto which
is the second largest Portuguese city, located in the North. Daily
mean of O3, PM10, pollen and fungal spore concentrations,
temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind velocity, pollen
and fungal spore concentrations, for 2003, 2004 and 2005 were
considered. Results showed that the 90th percentile of the adjusted
coefficient of determination, P90 (R2aj), of the multiple regressions
varied from 0.613 to 0.916 for pollen and from 0.275 to 0.512 for
fungal spores. O3 and PM10 showed to have some influence on the
biological pollutants. Among the meteorological parameters
analysed, temperature was the one that most influenced the pollen
and fungal spores airborne concentrations. Relative humidity also
showed to have some influence on the fungal spore dispersion.
Nevertheless, the models for each pollen and fungal spore were
different depending on the analysed period, which means that the
correlations identified as statistically significant can not be, even so,
consistent enough.
Abstract: When the shock front (SF) hits the central electrode
axis of plasma focus device, a reflected shock wave moves radially
outwards. The current sheath (CS) results from ionization of filled
gas between two electrodes continues to compress inwards until it
hits the out-going reflected shock front. In this paper the Lagrangian
equations are solved for a parabolic shock trajectory yielding a first
and second approximation for the CS path. To determine the
accuracy of the approximation, the same problem is solved for a
straight shock.
Abstract: This research was to study on background and social
and cultural context of Kamchanoad community for sustainable
tourism management. All data was collected through in-depth
interview with village headmen, community committees, teacher,
monks, Kamchanoad forest field officers and respected senior citizen
above 60 years old in the community who have lived there for more
than 40 years. Altogether there were 30 participants for this research.
After analyzing the data, content from interview and discussion,
Kamchanoad has both high land and low land in the region as well as
swamps that are very capable of freshwater animals’ conservation.
Kamchanoad is also good for agriculture and animal farming. 80% of
Kamchanoad’s land are forest, freshwater and rice farms.
Kamchanoad was officially set up as community in 1994 as “Baan
Nonmuang”. Inhabitants in Kamchanoad make a living by farming
based on sufficiency economy. They have rice farm, eucalyptus farm,
cassava farm and rubber tree farm. Local people in Kamchanoad still
believe in the myth of Srisutto Naga. They are still religious and love
to preserve their traditional way of life. In order to understand how to
create successful tourism business in Kamchanoad, we have to study
closely on local culture and traditions. Outstanding event in
Kamchanoad is the worship of Grand Srisutto, which is on the fullmoon
day of 6th month or Visakhabucha Day. Other big events are
also celebration at the end of Buddhist lent, Naga firework, New
Year celebration, Boon Mahachart, Songkran, Buddhist Lent, Boon
Katin and Loy Kratong. Buddhism is the main religion in
Kamchanoad. The promotion of tourism in Kamchanoad is expected
to help spreading more income for this region. More infrastructures
will be provided for local people as well as funding for youth support
and people activities.
Abstract: Since Software testing becomes an important part of
Software development in order to improve the quality of software,
many automation tools are created to help testing functionality of
software. There are a few issues about usability of these tools, one is
that the result log which is generated from tools contains useless
information that the tester cannot use result log to communicate
efficiently, or the result log needs to use a specific application to open.
This paper introduces a new method, SBTAR that improves usability
of automated test tools in a part of a result log. The practice will use
the capability of tools named as IBM Rational Robot to create a
customized function, the function would generate new format of a
result log which contains useful information faster and easier to
understand than using the original result log which was generated
from the tools. This result log also increases flexibility by Microsoft
Word or WordPad to make them readable.
Abstract: In analyzing large scale nonlinear dynamical systems,
it is often desirable to treat the overall system as a collection of
interconnected subsystems. Solutions properties of the large scale
system are then deduced from the solution properties of the
individual subsystems and the nature of the interconnections. In this
paper a new approach is proposed for the stability analysis of large
scale systems, which is based upon the concept of vector Lyapunov
functions and the decomposition methods. The present results make
use of graph theoretic decomposition techniques in which the overall
system is partitioned into a hierarchy of strongly connected
components. We show then, that under very reasonable assumptions,
the overall system is stable once the strongly connected subsystems
are stables. Finally an example is given to illustrate the constructive
methodology proposed.
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed an invention of an
accessory into a communication device that will help humans to be
connected universally. Generally, this device will be made up of
crystal and will combine many technologies that will enable the user
to run various applications and software anywhere and everywhere.
Bringing up the concept of from being user friendly, we had used the
crystal as the main material of the device that will trap the
surrounding lights to produce projection of its screen. This leads to a
lesser energy consumption and allows smaller sized battery to be
used, making the device less bulky. Additionally, we proposed the
usage of micro batteries as our energy source. Thus, researches
regarding crystal were made along with explanations in details of
specification and function of the technology used in the device.
Finally, we had also drawn several views of the invention from
different sides to be visualized.
Abstract: Accurate modeling of high speed RLC interconnects
has become a necessity to address signal integrity issues in current
VLSI design. To accurately model a dispersive system of interconnects
at higher frequencies; a full-wave analysis is required.
However, conventional circuit simulation of interconnects with full
wave models is extremely CPU expensive. We present an algorithm
for reducing large VLSI circuits to much smaller ones with similar
input-output behavior. A key feature of our method, called Frequency
Shift Technique, is that it is capable of reducing linear time-varying
systems. This enables it to capture frequency-translation and sampling
behavior, important in communication subsystems such as mixers,
RF components and switched-capacitor filters. Reduction is obtained
by projecting the original system described by linear differential
equations into a lower dimension. Experiments have been carried out
using Cadence Design Simulator cwhich indicates that the proposed
technique achieves more % reduction with less CPU time than the
other model order reduction techniques existing in literature. We
also present applications to RF circuit subsystems, obtaining size
reductions and evaluation speedups of orders of magnitude with
insignificant loss of accuracy.
Abstract: Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a
relatively green and sustainable soil improvement technique. It
utilizes biochemical process that exists naturally in soil to improve
engineering properties of soils. The calcite precipitation process is
uplifted by the mean of injecting higher concentration of urease
positive bacteria and reagents into the soil. The main objective of this
paper is to provide an overview of the factors affecting the MICP in
soil. Several factors were identified including nutrients, bacteria type,
geometric compatibility of bacteria, bacteria cell concentration,
fixation and distribution of bacteria in soil, temperature, reagents
concentration, pH, and injection method. These factors were found to
be essential for promoting successful MICP soil treatment.
Furthermore, a preliminary laboratory test was carried out to
investigate the potential application of the technique in improving the
shear strength and impermeability of a residual soil specimen. The
results showed that both shear strength and impermeability of
residual soil improved significantly upon MICP treatment. The
improvement increased with increasing soil density.
Abstract: Strategic alliances generally mean the cooperation or
collaboration between firms which pursue for a synergy that each
member hopes the benefits from the alliances would be much more
than those from individual efforts. Past researches provide us
sufficient theories and considerations for alliance forming in liner
shipping market. This research reviews important academic journals
for the past decade regarding to the most important reasons to form the
alliances. We would explain the motive of alliances and details of
shipping cooperation in literature review.
The paper also empirically investigates the key service quality
requirements improved through alliances by using quality function
deployment (QFD). Moreover, the research investigates famous
shipping reports, shipping consultant websites and most recent
shipping publications to find out the executive-s viewpoint of several
leading carriers among top 20 to assess current shipping strategic
alliance on Asia/Europe route. These comments provide meaningful
managerial reasons to consider alliance formations and search if there
is any gap between the theories and industrial practice. Analysis of the
empirical investigation and top management-s perspective on current
market situation will contribute us some meaningful managerial
suggestions to evaluate these theories applied to current strategic
alliances.
Abstract: Adaptive e-learning today gives the student a central
role in his own learning process. It allows learners to try things out,
participate in courses like never before, and get more out of learning
than before. In this paper, an adaptive e-learning model for logic
design, simplification of Boolean functions and related fields is
presented. Such model presents suitable courses for each student in a
dynamic and adaptive manner using existing database and workflow
technologies. The main objective of this research work is to provide
an adaptive e-learning model based learners' personality using
explicit and implicit feedback. To recognize the learner-s, we develop
dimensions to decide each individual learning style in order to
accommodate different abilities of the users and to develop vital
skills. Thus, the proposed model becomes more powerful, user
friendly and easy to use and interpret. Finally, it suggests a learning
strategy and appropriate electronic media that match the learner-s
preference.
Abstract: Statistics Canada stated that the wastewater treatment
facilities in most provinces are aging and passes 63% of their useful
life in 2007 the highest ratio among public infrastructure assets.
Currently, there is no standard condition rating system for wastewater
treatment plants that give a specific rating index that describe the
physical integrity of different infrastructure elements in the treatment
plant and its environmental performance. The main objective of this
study is to develop a condition-rating index for wastewater treatment
plants mainly activated sludge systems. The proposed WWTP CRI, is
based on dividing the treatment plant into its three treatment phases;
primary phase, secondary phase and the tertiary phase. The
condition-rating index will reflect the infrastructures state for each
phase, mainly tanks, pipes, blowers and pumps.
Abstract: How to maintain the service speeds for the business
to make the biggest profit is a problem worthy of study, which is
discussed in this paper with the use of queuing theory. An M/M/1/N
queuing model with variable input rates, variable service rates and
impatient customers is established, and the following conclusions
are drawn: the stationary distribution of the model, the relationship
between the stationary distribution and the probability that there are n
customers left in the system when a customer leaves (not including
the customer who leaves himself), the busy period of the system,
the average operating cycle, the loss probability for the customers
not entering the system while they arriving at the system, the mean
of the customers who leaves the system being for impatient, the
loss probability for the customers not joining the queue due to the
limited capacity of the system and many other indicators. This paper
also indicates that the following conclusion is not correct: the more
customers the business serve, the more profit they will get. At last,
this paper points out the appropriate service speeds the business
should keep to make the biggest profit.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider a discrete Gompertz model with time delay. Firstly, the stability of the equilibrium of the system is investigated by analyzing the characteristic equation. By choosing the time delay as a bifurcation parameter, we prove that Neimark- Sacker bifurcations occur when the delay passes a sequence of critical values. The direction and stability of the Neimark-Sacker are determined by using normal forms and centre manifold theory. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Abstract: Headphones and earphones have many extremely small
holes or narrow slits; they use sound-absorbing or porous material (i.e.,
dampers) to suppress vibratory system resonance. The air viscosity in
these acoustic paths greatly affects the acoustic properties. Simulation
analyses such as the finite element method (FEM) therefore require
knowledge of the material properties of sound-absorbing or porous
materials, such as the characteristic impedance and propagation
constant. The transfer function method using acoustic tubes is a widely
known measuring method, but there is no literature on taking
measurements up to the audible range. To measure the acoustic
properties at high-range frequencies, the acoustic tubes that form the
measuring device need to be narrowed, and the distance between the
two microphones needs to be reduced. However, when the tubes are
narrowed, the characteristic impedance drops below the air impedance.
In this study, we considered the effect of air viscosity in an acoustical
tube, introduced a theoretical formula for this effect in the form of
complex density and complex sonic velocity, and verified the
theoretical formula. We also conducted an experiment and observed
the effect from air viscosity in the actual measurements.
Abstract: Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are
widely in use to improve quality, reliability of wireless transmission
and increase the spectral efficiency. However in MIMO systems,
multiple copies of data are received after experiencing various
channel effects. The limitations on account of complexity due to
number of antennas in case of conventional decoding techniques have
been looked into. Accordingly we propose a modified sphere decoder
(MSD-1) algorithm with lower complexity and give rise to system
with high spectral efficiency. With the aim to increase signal
diversity we apply rotated quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
constellation in multi dimensional space. Finally, we propose a new
architecture involving space time trellis code (STTC) concatenated
with space time block code (STBC) using MSD-1 at the receiver for
improving system performance. The system gains have been verified
with channel state information (CSI) errors.
Abstract: Supplement use is common in athletes. Besides their cost, they may have side effects on health and performance. 250 questionnaires were distributed among female athletes (mean age 27.08 years). The questionnaire aimed to explore the frequency, type, believes, attitudes and knowledge regarding dietary supplements. Knowledge was good in 30.3%, fair in 60.2%, and poor in 9.1% of respondents. 65.3% of athletes did not use supplements regularly. The most widely used supplements were vitamins (48.4%), minerals (42.9%), energy supplements (21.3%), and herbals (20.9%). 68.9% of athletes believed in their efficacy. 34.4% experienced performance enhancement and 6.8% of reported side effects. 68.2% reported little knowledge and 60.9% were eager to learn more. In conclusion, many of the female athletes believe in the efficacy of supplements and think they are an unavoidable part of competitive sports. However, their information is not sufficient. We have to stress on education, consulting sessions, and rational prescription.
Abstract: Machine tools are improved capacity remarkably during the 20th century. Improving the precision of machine tools are related with precision of products and accurate processing is always associated with the subject of interest. There are a lot of the elements that determine the precision of the machine, as guides, motors, structure, control, etc. In this paper we focused on the phenomenon that vertical movement system has worse precision than horizontal movement system even they were made up with same components. The vertical movement system needs to be studied differently from the horizontal movement system to develop its precision. The vertical movement system has load on its transfer direction and it makes the movement system weak in precision than the horizontal one. Some machines have mechanical counter balance, hydraulic or pneumatic counter balance to compensate the weight of the machine head. And there is several type of compensating the weight. It can push the machine head and also can use chain or wire lope to transfer the compensating force from counter balance to machine head. According to the type of compensating, there could be error from friction, pressure error of hydraulic or pressure control error. Also according to what to use for transferring the compensating force, transfer error of compensating force could be occur.