Abstract: Air conditioning systems of houses consume large
quantity of electricity. To reducing energy consumption for air
conditioning purposes it is becoming attractive the use of evaporative
cooling air conditioning which is less energy consuming compared to
air chillers. But, it is obvious that higher energy efficiency of
evaporative cooling is not enough to judge whether evaporative
cooling economically is competitive with other types of cooling
systems. To proving the higher energy efficiency and cost
effectiveness of the evaporative cooling competitive analysis of
various types of cooling system should be accomplished. For noted
purpose optimization mathematical model for each system should be
composed based on system approach analysis. In this paper different
types of evaporative cooling-heating systems are discussed and
methods for increasing their energy efficiency and as well as
determining of their design parameters are developed. The
optimization mathematical models for each of them are composed
with help of which least specific costs for each of them are reviled.
The comparison of specific costs proved that the most efficient and
cost effective is considered the “direct evaporating" system if it is
applicable for given climatic conditions. Next more universal and
applicable for many climatic conditions system providing least cost
of heating and cooling is considered the “direct evaporating" system.
Abstract: Globalization and therefore increasing tight competition among companies, have resulted to increase the importance of making well-timed decision. Devising and employing effective strategies, that are flexible and adaptive to changing market, stand a greater chance of being effective in the long-term. In other side, a clear focus on managing the entire product lifecycle has emerged as critical areas for investment. Therefore, applying wellorganized tools to employ past experience in new case, helps to make proper and managerial decisions. Case based reasoning (CBR) is based on a means of solving a new problem by using or adapting solutions to old problems. In this paper, an adapted CBR model with k-nearest neighbor (K-NN) is employed to provide suggestions for better decision making which are adopted for a given product in the middle of life phase. The set of solutions are weighted by CBR in the principle of group decision making. Wrapper approach of genetic algorithm is employed to generate optimal feature subsets. The dataset of the department store, including various products which are collected among two years, have been used. K-fold approach is used to evaluate the classification accuracy rate. Empirical results are compared with classical case based reasoning algorithm which has no special process for feature selection, CBR-PCA algorithm based on filter approach feature selection, and Artificial Neural Network. The results indicate that the predictive performance of the model, compare with two CBR algorithms, in specific case is more effective.
Abstract: The success of IT-projects concerning the
implementation of business application Software is strongly
depending upon the application of an efficient requirements
management, to understand the business requirements and to realize
them in the IT. But in fact, the Potentials of the requirements
management are not fully exhausted by small and medium sized
enterprises (SME) of the IT sector. To work out recommendations for
action and furthermore a possible solution, allowing a better exhaust
of potentials, it shall be examined in a scientific research project,
which problems occur out of which causes. In the same place, the
storage of knowledge from the requirements management, and its
later reuse are important, to achieve sustainable improvements of the
competitive of the IT-SMEs. Requirements Engineering is one of the
most important topics in Product Management for Software to
achieve the goal of optimizing the success of the software product.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to determine how preservice Turkish teachers perceive themselves in terms of problem solving skills. Students attending Department of Turkish Language Teaching of Gazi University Education Faculty in 2005-2006 academic year constitute the study group (n= 270) of this research in which survey model was utilized. Data were obtained by Problem Solving Inventory developed by Heppner & Peterson and Personal Information Form. Within the settings of this research, Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was found as .87. Besides, reliability coefficient obtained by split-half technique which splits odd and even numbered items of the scale was found as r=.81 (Split- Half Reliability). The findings of the research revealed that preservice Turkish teachers were sufficiently qualified on the subject of problem solving skills and statistical significance was found in favor of male candidates in terms of “gender" variable. According to the “grade" variable, statistical significance was found in favor of 4th graders.
Abstract: The equilibrium chemical reactions taken place in a converter reactor of the Khorasan Petrochemical Ammonia plant was studied using the minimization of Gibbs free energy method. In the minimization of the Gibbs free energy function the Davidon– Fletcher–Powell (DFP) optimization procedure using the penalty terms in the well-defined objective function was used. It should be noted that in the DFP procedure along with the corresponding penalty terms the Hessian matrices for the composition of constituents in the Converter reactor can be excluded. This, in fact, can be considered as the main advantage of the DFP optimization procedure. Also the effect of temperature and pressure on the equilibrium composition of the constituents was investigated. The results obtained in this work were compared with the data collected from the converter reactor of the Khorasan Petrochemical Ammonia plant. It was concluded that the results obtained from the method used in this work are in good agreement with the industrial data. Notably, the algorithm developed in this work, in spite of its simplicity, takes the advantage of short computation and convergence time.
Abstract: One major difficulty that faces developers of
concurrent and distributed software is analysis for concurrency based
faults like deadlocks. Petri nets are used extensively in the
verification of correctness of concurrent programs. ECATNets [2] are
a category of algebraic Petri nets based on a sound combination of
algebraic abstract types and high-level Petri nets. ECATNets have
'sound' and 'complete' semantics because of their integration in
rewriting logic [12] and its programming language Maude [13].
Rewriting logic is considered as one of very powerful logics in terms
of description, verification and programming of concurrent systems.
We proposed in [4] a method for translating Ada-95 tasking
programs to ECATNets formalism (Ada-ECATNet). In this paper,
we show that ECATNets formalism provides a more compact
translation for Ada programs compared to the other approaches based
on simple Petri nets or Colored Petri nets (CPNs). Such translation
doesn-t reduce only the size of program, but reduces also the number
of program states. We show also, how this compact Ada-ECATNet
may be reduced again by applying reduction rules on it. This double
reduction of Ada-ECATNet permits a considerable minimization of
the memory space and run time of corresponding Maude program.
Abstract: Forecasting the values of the indicators, which
characterize the effectiveness of performance of organizations is of
great importance for their successful development. Such forecasting
is necessary in order to assess the current state and to foresee future
developments, so that measures to improve the organization-s
activity could be undertaken in time. The article presents an
overview of the applied mathematical and statistical methods for
developing forecasts. Special attention is paid to artificial neural
networks as a forecasting tool. Their strengths and weaknesses are
analyzed and a synopsis is made of the application of artificial neural
networks in the field of forecasting of the values of different
education efficiency indicators. A method of evaluation of the
activity of universities using the Balanced Scorecard is proposed and
Key Performance Indicators for assessment of e-learning are
selected. Resulting indicators for the evaluation of efficiency of the
activity are proposed. An artificial neural network is constructed and
applied in the forecasting of the values of indicators for e-learning
efficiency on the basis of the KPI values.
Abstract: The objective of the research was to evaluate the
quality of milk pomade sweet – sherbet packed in different packaging
materials (Multibarrier 60, met.BOPET/PE, Aluthen), by several
packaging technologies – active and modified atmosphere (MAP)
(consisting of 100% CO2), and control – in air ambiance.
Experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Food Technology of
Latvia University of Agriculture. Samples were stored at the room
temperature +21±1 °C. The physiochemical properties – weight
losses, moisture, hardening, colour and changes in headspace
atmosphere concentration (CO2 and O2) of packs were analysed
before packaging and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 storage weeks.
Abstract: In order to study the effect of plant density and
competition of wheat with field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) on
yield and agronomical properties of wheat(Triticum Sativum) in
irrigated conditions, a factorial experiment as the base of complete
randomize block design in three replication was conducted at the
field of Kamalvand in khoramabad (Lorestan) region of Iran during
2008-2009. Three plant density (Factor A=200, 230 and 260kg/ha)
three cultivar (Factor B=Bahar,Pishtaz and Alvand) and weed control
(Factor C= control and no control of weeds)were assigned in
experiment. Results show that: Plant density had significant effect
(statistically) on seed yield, 1000 seed weight, weed density and dry
weight of weeds, seed yield and harvest index had been meaningful
effect for cultivars. The interaction between plant density and
cultivars for weed density, seed yield, thousand seed weight and
harvest index were significant. 260 kg/ha (plant density) of wheat had
more effect on increasing of seed yield in Bahar cultivar wheat in
khoramabad region of Iran.
Abstract: In this work we investigated the behavior of methane
hydrates dispersed in crude oils from different fields at temperatures
below 0°C. In case of crude oil emulsion the size of water droplets is
in the range of 50e100"m. The size of hydrate particles formed from
droplets is the same. The self-preservation is not expected in this
field. However, the self-preservation of hydrates with the size of
particles 24±18"m (electron microscopy data) in suspensions is
observed. Similar results were obtained for four different kinds of
crude oil and model system such as asphaltenes, resins and wax in ndecane.
This result can allow developing effective methods to prevent
the formation and elimination of gas-hydrate plugs in pipelines under
low temperature conditions (e. g. in Eastern Siberia). There is a
prospective to use experiment results for working out the technology
of associated petroleum gas recovery.
Abstract: Nowadays companies strive to survive in a
competitive global environment. To speed up product
development/modifications, it is suggested to adopt a collaborative
product development approach. However, despite the advantages of
new IT improvements still many CAx systems work separately and
locally. Collaborative design and manufacture requires a product
information model that supports related CAx product data models. To
solve this problem many solutions are proposed, which the most
successful one is adopting the STEP standard as a product data model
to develop a collaborative CAx platform. However, the improvement
of the STEP-s Application Protocols (APs) over the time, huge
number of STEP AP-s and cc-s, the high costs of implementation,
costly process for conversion of older CAx software files to the STEP
neutral file format; and lack of STEP knowledge, that usually slows
down the implementation of the STEP standard in collaborative data
exchange, management and integration should be considered. In this
paper the requirements for a successful collaborative CAx system is
discussed. The STEP standard capability for product data integration
and its shortcomings as well as the dominant platforms for supporting
CAx collaboration management and product data integration are
reviewed. Finally a platform named LAYMOD to fulfil the
requirements of CAx collaborative environment and integrating the
product data is proposed. The platform is a layered platform to enable
global collaboration among different CAx software
packages/developers. It also adopts the STEP modular architecture
and the XML data structures to enable collaboration between CAx
software packages as well as overcoming the STEP standard
limitations. The architecture and procedures of LAYMOD platform
to manage collaboration and avoid contradicts in product data
integration are introduced.
Abstract: In the gas refineries of Iran-s South Pars Gas
Complex, Sulfrex demercaptanization process is used to remove
volatile and corrosive mercaptans from liquefied petroleum gases by
caustic solution. This process consists of two steps. Removing low
molecular weight mercaptans and regeneration exhaust caustic. Some
parameters such as LPG feed temperature, caustic concentration and
feed-s mercaptan in extraction step and sodium mercaptide content in
caustic, catalyst concentration, caustic temperature, air injection rate
in regeneration step are effective factors. In this paper was focused on
temperature factor that play key role in mercaptans extraction and
caustic regeneration. The experimental results demonstrated by
optimization of temperature, sodium mercaptide content in caustic
because of good oxidation minimized and sulfur impurities in
product reduced.
Abstract: Mobile robots are used in a large field of scenarios,
like exploring contaminated areas, repairing oil rigs under water,
finding survivors in collapsed buildings, etc. Currently, there is no
unified intuitive user interface (UI) to control such complex mobile
robots. As a consequence, some scenarios are done without the
exploitation of experience and intuition of human teleoperators.
A novel framework has been developed to embed a flexible and
modular UI into a complete 3-D virtual reality simulation system.
This new approach wants to access maximum benefits of human
operators. Sensor information received from the robot is prepared for
an intuitive visualization. Virtual reality metaphors support the
operator in his decisions. These metaphors are integrated into a real
time stereo video stream. This approach is not restricted to any
specific type of mobile robot and allows for the operation of different
robot types with a consistent concept and user interface.
Abstract: The present project was conducted with the
circumferential-fuel-jets inverse diffusion flame (CIDF) burner
burning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) enriched with 50% of
hydrogen fuel (H2). The range of stable operation of the CIDF burner
in terms of Reynolds number (from laminar to turbulent flow regions),
equivalence ratio and fuel jet velocity of LPG of the 50% H2-LPG
mixed fuel was identified. Experiments were also carried out to
investigate the flame structures of the LPG flame and LPG enriched H2
flame. Experimental results obtained from these two flames were
compared to fully explore the influence of hydrogen addition on flame
stability. Flame heights obtained by burning these two kinds of fuels at
various equivalence ratios were compared and correlated with the
Global Momentum Ratio (GMR).
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to establish Professional Competency Contents for International Marketer in Taiwan. To establish these contents a set of interviews with international marketing managers and three rounds of Delphi Technique surveys were employed. Five international marketing managers were interviewed for discussions on definitions, framework, and items of international marketing competency. A questionnaire for the " Delphi Technique Survey " was developed based on the results acquired from the interviews. The resulting questionnaire was distributed to another group of 30 international marketer of trading companies in Taiwan. After three rounds of Delphi Technique Survey with these participants, the "Contents of Professional Competency for International Marketer " was established. Five dimensions and thirty indicators were identified. It is hoped that the proposed contents could be served as a self-evaluation tool for international marketer as well as the basis for staffing and training programs for international marketer in Taiwan.
Abstract: International competitiveness receives much attention
nowadays, but up to now its assessment has been heavily based on
manufacturing industry statistics. This paper addresses the need for
competitiveness indicators that cover the service sector and sets out a
multilevel framework for measuring international services trade
competitiveness. The approach undertaken here aims at
comparatively examining the international competitiveness of the
EU-25 (the twenty-five European Union member states before the 1st
of January 2007), Romanian and Bulgarian services trade, as well as
the last two countries- structure of specialization on the EU-25
services market. The primary changes in the international
competitiveness of three major services sectors – transportation,
travel and other services - are analyzed. This research attempts to
determine the ability of the two recent European Union (EU) member
states to contend with the challenges that might arise from the hard
competition within the enlarged EU, in the field of services trade.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study the factors
that influenced the success of mobile phone entrepreneurs at Central
Plaza. The sample group included 187 entrepreneurs at Central Plaza.
A questionnaire was utilized as a tool to collect data. Statistics used
in this research included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard
deviation. Independent- sample t- test, one way ANOVA, and
multiple regression analysis. Data were analyzed by using Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences.The findings disclosed that the
majority of respondents were male between 25-40 years old, and held
an undergraduate degree. The average income of respondents was
between 15,001-25,000 baht. The majority of respondents had less
than 5 years of working experience.
In terms of personality, the findings revealed that expression and
agreement were ranked at the highest level. Whereas, emotion
stability, consciousness, open to new experience were ranked at high.
From the hypotheses testing, the findings revealed that different
genders had different success in their mobile phone business with
different income from the last 6 months. However, difference in age,
income, level of education, and experience affected the success in
terms of income, number of customers, and overall success of
business. Moreover, the factors of personalities included expression,
agreement, emotion stability, consciousness, open to new experience,
and competitive strategy. From the findings, these factors were able
to predict mobile phone business success at 66.9 percent.
Abstract: Application of Expert System in the area of agriculture would take the form of Integrated Crop Management decision aids and would encompass water management, fertilizer management, crop protection systems and identification of implements. In order to remain competitive, the modern farmer often relies on agricultural specialists and advisors to provide information for decision-making. An expert system normally composed of a knowledge base (information, heuristics, etc.), inference engine (analyzes knowledge base), and end user interface (accepting inputs, generating outputs). Software named 'CROP-9-DSS' incorporating all modern features like, graphics, photos, video clippings etc. has been developed. This package will aid as a decision support system for identification of pest and diseases with control measures, fertilizer recommendation system, water management system and identification of farm implements for leading crops of Kerala (India) namely Coconut, Rice, Cashew, Pepper, Banana, four vegetables like Amaranthus, Bhindi, Brinjal and Cucurbits. 'CROP-9-DSS' will act as an expert system to agricultural officers, scientists in the field of agriculture and extension workers for decision-making and help them in suggesting suitable recommendations.
Abstract: The objectives of the study are to examine the
determinants of ERP implementation success factors of ERP
implementation. The result indicates that large scale ERP
implementation success consist of eight factors: project management
competence, knowledge sharing, ERP system quality , understanding,
user involvement, business process re-engineering, top management
support, organization readiness.
Abstract: Severe symptoms, such as dissociation, depersonalization, self-mutilation, suicidal ideations and gestures, are the main reasons for a person to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and admitted to an inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. However, these symptoms are also indicators of a severe traumatic history as indicated by the extensive research on the topic. Unfortunately patients with such clinical presentation often are treated repeatedly only for their symptomatic behavior, while the main cause for their suffering, the trauma itself, is usually left unaddressed therapeutically. All of the highly structured, replicable, and manualized treatments lack the recognition of the uniqueness of the person and fail to respect his/her rights to experience and react in an idiosyncratic manner. Thus the communicative and adaptive meaning of such symptomatic behavior is missed. Only its pathological side is recognized and subjected to correction and stigmatization, and the message that the person is damaged goods that needs fixing is conveyed once again. However, this time the message would be even more convincing for the victim, because it is sent by mental health providers, who have the credibility to make such a judgment. The result is a revolving door of very expensive hospitalizations for only a temporary and patchy fix. In this way the patients, once victims of abuse and hardship are left invalidated and thus their re-victimization is perpetuated in their search for understanding and help. Keywordsborderline personality disorder (BPD), complex PTSD, integrative treatment of trauma, re-victimization of trauma victims.