Abstract: Thanks to VR technology advanced, there are many
researches had used VR technology to develop a training system.
Using VR characteristics can simulate many kinds of situations to
reach our training-s goal. However, a good training system not only
considers real simulation but also considers learner-s learning
motivation. So, there are many researches started to conduct game-s
features into VR training system. We typically called this is a serious
game. It is using game-s features to engage learner-s learning
motivation. However, VR or Serious game has another important
advantage. That is simulating feature. Using this feature can create
any kinds of pressured environments. Because in the real
environment may happen any emergent situations. So, increasing the
trainees- pressure is more important when they are training. Most
pervious researches are investigated serious game-s applications and
learning performance. Seldom researches investigated how to
increase the learner-s mental workload when they are training. So, in
our study, we will introduce a real case study and create two types
training environments. Comparing the learner-s mental workload
between VR training and serious game.
Abstract: Nosocomial (i.e., hospital-acquired) infections
(NI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. NI
rate is higher in intensive care units (ICU) than in the general
ward due to patients with severe symptoms, poor immunity,
and accepted many invasive therapies. Contact behaviors
between health caregivers and patients is one of the infect
factors. It is difficult to obtain complete contact records by
traditional method of retrospective analysis of medical records.
This paper establishes a contact history inferential model
(CHIM) intended to extend the use of Proximity Sensing of
rapid frequency identification (RFID) technology to
transferring all proximity events between health caregivers and
patients into clinical events (close-in events, contact events and
invasive events).The results of the study indicated that the
CHIM can infer proximity care activities into close-in events
and contact events.
The infection control team could redesign and build optimal
workflow in the ICU according to the patient-specific contact
history which provided by our automatic tracing system.
Abstract: Wikis are promoted as collaborative writing tools that
allow students to transform a text into a collective document by
information sharing and group reflection. However, despite the
promising collaborative capabilities of wikis, their pedagogical value
regarding collaborative writing is still questionable. Wiki alone
cannot make collaborative writing happen, and students do not
automatically become more active, participate, and collaborate with
others when they use wikis. To foster collaborative writing and active
involvement in wiki development there is a need for a systematic
approach to wikis. Themain goal of this paper is to propose and
evaluate a co-writing approach to the development of wikis, along
with the study of three wiki applications to report on pedagogical
implications of collaborative writing in higher education.
Abstract: The issue of leadership has been investigated from
several perspectives; however, very less from ethical perspective.
With the growing number of corporate scandals and unethical roles
played by business leaders in several parts of the world, the need to
examine leadership from ethical perspective cannot be over
emphasized. The importance of leadership credibility has been
discussed in the authentic model of leadership. Authentic leaders
display high degree of integrity, have deep sense of purpose, and
committed to their core values. As a result they promote a more
trusting relationship in their work groups that translates into several
positive outcomes. The present study examined how authentic
leadership contribute to subordinates- trust in leadership and how this
trust, in turn, predicts subordinates- work engagement. A sample of
395 employees was randomly selected from several local banks
operating in Malaysia. Standardized tools such as ALQ, OTI, and
EEQ were employed. Results indicated that authentic leadership
promoted subordinates- trust in leader, and contributed to work
engagement. Also, interpersonal trust predicted employees- work
engagement as well as mediated the relationship between this style of
leadership and employees- work engagement.
Abstract: The influence of physical (external added weight) and
neurophysiological (fatigue) factors on static and dynamic balance in
sport related activities was typified statically by the Romberg test
(one foot flat, eyes open) and dynamically by jumping and hopping
in both horizontal and vertical directions. Twenty healthy males were
participated in this study. In Static condition, added weight increased
body-s inertia and therefore decreased body sway in AP direction
though not significantly. Dynamically, added weight significantly
increased body sway in both ML and AP directions, indicating
instability, and the use of the counter rotating segments mechanism to
maintain balance was demonstrated. Fatigue on the other hand
significantly increased body sway during static balance as a
neurophysiological adaptation primarily to the inverted pendulum
mechanism. Dynamically, fatigue significantly increased body sway
in both ML and AP directions again indicating instability but with a
greater use of counter rotating segments mechanism. Differential
adaptations for each of the two balance mechanisms (inverted
pendulum and counter rotating segments) were found between one
foot flat and two feet flat dynamic conditions, as participants relied
more heavily on the first in the one foot flat conditions and relied
more on the second in the two feet flat conditions.
Abstract: In this article, our objective is the analysis of the resolution of non-linear differential systems by combining Newton and Continuation (N-C) method. The iterative numerical methods converge where the initial condition is chosen close to the exact solution. The question of choosing the initial condition is answered by N-C method.
Abstract: In this paper we present a statistical analysis of Voice
over IP (VoIP) packet streams produced by the G.711 voice coder
with voice activity detection (VAD). During telephone conversation,
depending whether the interlocutor speaks (ON) or remains silent
(OFF), packets are produced or not by a voice coder. As index of
dispersion for both ON and OFF times distribution was greater than
one, we used hyperexponential distribution for approximation of
streams duration. For each stage of the hyperexponential distribution,
we tested goodness of our fits using graphical methods, we calculated
estimation errors, and performed Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Obtained results showed that the precise VoIP source model can be
based on the five-state Markov process.
Abstract: This paper presents a speed sensorless direct torque
control scheme using space vector modulation (DTC-SVM) for
permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive based a Model
Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) algorithm and stator resistance
estimator. The MRAS is utilized to estimate speed and stator
resistance and compensate the effects of parameter variation on stator
resistance, which makes flux and torque estimation more accurate
and insensitive to parameter variation. In other hand the use of SVM
method reduces the torque ripple while achieving a good dynamic
response. Simulation results are presented and show the effectiveness
of the proposed method.
Abstract: An experimental study is realized in order to verify the
Mini Heat Pipe (MHP) concept for cooling high power dissipation
electronic components and determines the potential advantages of
constructing mini channels as an integrated part of a flat heat pipe. A
Flat Mini Heat Pipe (FMHP) prototype including a capillary structure
composed of parallel rectangular microchannels is manufactured and
a filling apparatus is developed in order to charge the FMHP. The
heat transfer improvement obtained by comparing the heat pipe
thermal resistance to the heat conduction thermal resistance of a
copper plate having the same dimensions as the tested FMHP is
demonstrated for different heat input flux rates. Moreover, the heat
transfer in the evaporator and condenser sections are analyzed, and
heat transfer laws are proposed. In the theoretical part of this work, a
detailed mathematical model of a FMHP with axial microchannels is
developed in which the fluid flow is considered along with the heat
and mass transfer processes during evaporation and condensation.
The model is based on the equations for the mass, momentum and
energy conservation, which are written for the evaporator, adiabatic,
and condenser zones. The model, which permits to simulate several
shapes of microchannels, can predict the maximum heat transfer
capacity of FMHP, the optimal fluid mass, and the flow and thermal
parameters along the FMHP. The comparison between experimental
and model results shows the good ability of the numerical model to
predict the axial temperature distribution along the FMHP.
Abstract: This study investigated the use of modified
atmosphere packaging (MAP) and different packaging to extend the
shelf life of Barbari flat bread. Three atmospheres including 70%CO2
and 30%N2, 50% CO2 and 50%N2 and a normal air as control were
used. The bread samples were packaged in three type pouches. The
shelf life was determined by appearance of mold and yeast (M +Y) in
Barbari bread samples stored at 25 ± 1°C and 38 ± 2% relative
humidity. The results showed that it is possible to prolong the shelf
life of Barbari bread from four days to about 21 days by using
modified atmosphere packaging with high carbon dioxide
concentration and high-barrier laminated and vacuum bags packages.
However, the hardness of samples kept in MAP increase significantly
by increase of carbon dioxide concentration. The correlation
coefficient (r) between headspace CO2 concentration and hardness
was 0.997, 0.997 and 0.599 for A, B and C packaging respectively.
High negative correlation coefficients were found between the crumb
moisture and the hardness values in various packaging. There were
significant negative correlation coefficients between sensory
parameters and hardness of texture.
Abstract: Regarding previous research studies it was concluded
that thin-walled fiber-cement composites are able to conduct electric
current under specific conditions. This property is ensured by using
of various kinds of carbon materials. Though carbon fibers are less
conductive than metal fibers, composites with carbon fibers were
evaluated as better current conductors than the composites with metal
fibers. The level of electric conductivity is monitored by the means of
impedance measurement of designed samples. These composites
could be used for a range of applications such as heating of
trafficable surfaces or shielding of electro-magnetic fields.
The aim of the present research was to design an element with the
ability to monitor internal processes in building structures and
prevent them from collapsing. As a typical element for laboratory
testing there was chosen a concrete column, which was repeatedly
subjected to load by simple pressure with continual monitoring of
changes in electrical properties.
Abstract: This paper presents a review on vision aided systems
and proposes an approach for visual rehabilitation using stereo vision
technology. The proposed system utilizes stereo vision, image
processing methodology and a sonification procedure to support
blind navigation. The developed system includes a wearable
computer, stereo cameras as vision sensor and stereo earphones, all
moulded in a helmet. The image of the scene infront of visually
handicapped is captured by the vision sensors. The captured images
are processed to enhance the important features in the scene in front,
for navigation assistance. The image processing is designed as model
of human vision by identifying the obstacles and their depth
information. The processed image is mapped on to musical stereo
sound for the blind-s understanding of the scene infront. The
developed method has been tested in the indoor and outdoor
environments and the proposed image processing methodology is
found to be effective for object identification.
Abstract: In this study, we illustrated the performance and
microbial community of single- and two-phase systems anaerobically
co-digesting cassava pulp and pig manure. The results showed that
the volatile solid reduction and biogas productivity of two-phase
CSTR were 66 ± 4% and 2000 ± 210 ml l-1 d-1, while those of singlephase
CSTR were 59 ± 1% and 1670 ± 60 ml l-1 d-1, respectively. Codigestion
in two-phase CSTR gave higher 12% solid degradation and
25% methane production than single-phase CSTR. Phylogenetic
analysis of 16S rDNA clone library revealed that the Bacteroidetes
were the most abundant group, followed by the Clostridia in singlephase
CSTR. In hydrolysis/acidification reactor of two-phase system,
the bacteria within the phylum Firmicutes, especially Clostridium,
Eubacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were the dominant phylogenetic
groups. Among the Archaea, Methanosaeta sp. was the exclusive
predominant in both digesters while the relative abundance of
Methanosaeta sp. and Methanospirillum hungatei differed between
the two systems.
Abstract: The Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a metaheuristic inspired by the behavior of real ants in their search for the shortest paths to food sources. It has recently attracted a lot of attention and has been successfully applied to a number of different optimization problems. Due to the importance of the feature selection problem and the potential of ACO, this paper presents a novel method that utilizes the ACO algorithm to implement a feature subset search procedure. Initial results obtained using the classification of speech segments are very promising.
Abstract: Political transition of agricultural properties in Poland and the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) after 1989 had
to include not only Reprivatization but also the issue of returning the
properties in kind to their former owners. Restitution in kind applied
in GDR to all forms of ownership which were subject to
expropriation between 1933 and 1989 except for properties taken
over during Soviet occupation in 1945-49. This issue was one of the flashpoints during the process of ownership changes. Privatization,
limited as it was, took place in unequal legal environment where only
one group of owners was privileged. Executing restitution in kind
created a feeling of uncertainty among potential real estate buyers.
Abstract: Cities denote instantaneously a challenge and an
opportunity for climate change policy. Cities are the place where
most energy services are needed because urbanization is closely
linked to high population densities and concentration of economic
activities and production (Urban energy demand). Consequently, it is
critical to explain about the role of cities within the world-s energy
systems and its correlation with the climate change issue. With more
than half of the world-s population already living in urban areas, and
that percentage expected to rise to 75 per cent by 2050, it is clear that
the path to sustainable development must pass through cities. Cities
expanding in size and population pose increased challenges to the
environment, of which energy is part as a natural resource, and to the
quality of life. Nowadays, most cities have already understood the
importance of sustainability, both at their local scale as in terms of
their contribution to sustainability at higher geographical scales. It
requires the perception of a city as a complex and dynamic
ecosystem, an open system, or cluster of systems, where the energy
as well as the other natural resources is transformed to satisfy the
needs of the different urban activities. In fact, buildings and
transportation generally represent most of cities direct energy
demand, i.e., between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of the overall
consumption. Buildings, both residential and services are usually
influenced by the local physical and social conditions. In terms of
transport, the energy demand is also strongly linked with the specific
characteristics of a city (urban mobility).The concept of a “smart
city" builds on statistics as seven key axes of a city-s success in
moving towards common platform (brain nerve)of sustainable urban
energy systems.
With the aforesaid knowledge, the authors have suggested a frame
work to role of cities, as energy actors for smart city management.
The authors have discusses the potential elements needed for energy
in smart cities and also identified potential energy actions and
relevant barriers. Furthermore, three levels of city smartness in cities
actions to overcome market /institutional failures with a local
approach are distinguished. The authors have made an attempt to
conceive and implement concepts of city smartness by adopting the
city or local government as nerve center through an integrated
planning approach. Finally, concluding with recommendations for
the organization of the Smart Sustainable Cities for positive changes
of urban India.
Abstract: Optical 1x12 fused-taper-twisted polymer optical fiber (POF) couplers has been fabricated by a perform technique. Characterization of the coupler which proposed to be used in passive night vision application to tracking a blind sport area was reported. During the development process of fused-taper-twisted POF couplers was carried out, red LED fully utilized to be injected into the couplers to test the quality of fabricated couplers. Some characterization parameters, such as optical output power, POFs attenuation characteristics and power losses on the network were observed. The maximum output power efficiency of the coupler is about 40%, but it can be improved gradually through experience and practice.
Abstract: Information on weed distribution within the field is
necessary to implement spatially variable herbicide application.
Since hand labor is costly, an automated weed control system could be
feasible. This paper deals with the development of an algorithm for
real time specific weed recognition system based on Histogram
Analysis of an image that is used for the weed classification. This
algorithm is specifically developed to classify images into broad and
narrow class for real-time selective herbicide application. The
developed system has been tested on weeds in the lab, which have
shown that the system to be very effectiveness in weed identification.
Further the results show a very reliable performance on images of
weeds taken under varying field conditions. The analysis of the results
shows over 95 percent classification accuracy over 140 sample images
(broad and narrow) with 70 samples from each category of weeds.
Abstract: With the turn of this century, many researchers
started showing interest in Embedded Firewall (EF) implementations.
These are not the usual firewalls that are used as checkpoints at network gateways. They are, rather, applied near those hosts that need protection. Hence by using them, individual or grouped network
components can be protected from the inside as well as from external attacks.
This paper presents a study of EF-s, looking at their architecture and problems. A comparative study assesses how practical each kind is. It particularly focuses on the architecture, weak points, and
portability of each kind. A look at their use by different categories of users is also presented.
Abstract: Current air conditioning system is using refrigerant as
the cooling medium. The main purpose of this study is to develop an
air conditioning system using chill water as the cooling medium. In
this system, chill water used to replace refrigerant as the cooling
medium. This study is focus on the split type unit air conditioning
system only. It will be involving some renovation on the indoor unit
and freezer. The cooling capability of this system was validate by few
series of testing, which conducted at standard 36m3 office room.
Result of the testing found that 0.1 m3 of chill water is able to
maintain the room temperature within standard up to 4 ~ 8 hours. It
expected able to maintain room temperature up to 10 hour with some
improvement.