Abstract: The paper discusses the problem of load transport
using farm tractors and road tractor units. This type of carriage of
goods is often done with farm vehicles. The tests were performed
with the PEMS equipment (Portable Emission Measurement System)
under actual traffic conditions. The vehicles carried a load of 20000
kg. This research method is one of the most desired because it
provides reliable information on the actual vehicle emissions and fuel
consumption (carbon balance method). For the tests, a route was
selected that simulated a trip from a small town to a food-processing
facility located in a city. The analysis of the obtained results gave a
clear answer as to what vehicles need to be used for carriage of this
type of cargo in terms of exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.
Abstract: Cooperative groups through much research have been
recognized to churn remarkable achievements instead of solitary or
individualistic efforts. Based on Johnson and Johnson’s model of
cooperative learning, the five key components of cooperation are
positive interdependence, face-to-face promotive interaction,
individual accountability, social skills, and group processing. In
2011, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
introduced the Holistic Student Development policy with the aim to
develop morally sound individuals equipped with lifelong learning
skills. The Community Service project was included in the
improvement initiative. The purpose of this study is to assess the
relationship of team-based learning in facilitating particularly
students’ positive interdependence and face-to-face promotive
interaction. The research methods involve in-depth interviews with
the team leaders and selected team members, and a content analysis
of the undergraduate students’ reflective journals. A significant
positive relationship was found between students’ progressive
outlook towards teamwork and the highlighted two components. The
key findings show that students have gained in their individual
learning and work results through teamwork and interaction with
other students. The inclusion of Community Service as a MOHE
subject resonates with cooperative learning methods that enhances
supportive relationships and develops students’ social skills together
with their professional skills.
Abstract: Broiler slaughter waste has become a major source of
pollution throughout the world. Utilization of broiler slaughter waste
by dry rendering process produced Rendered Chicken Oil (RCO), a
cheap raw material for biodiesel production and Carcass Meal a feed
ingredient for pets and fishes. Conversion of RCO into biodiesel may
open new vistas for generating wealth from waste besides controlling
the major havoc of environmental pollution. A two-step process to
convert RCO to good quality Biodiesel was invented. Acid catalysed
esterification of FFA followed by base catalysed transesterification of
triglycerides was carried out after meticulously standardizing the
methanol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature,
and reaction time to obtain the maximum biodiesel yield of 97.62%
and lowest glycerol yield of 6.96%. RCO biodiesel blend was tested
in a CRDI diesel engine. The results revealed that the blending of
commercial diesel with 20% RCO biodiesel (B20) lead to less engine
wear, a quieter engine and better fuel economy. The better lubricating
qualities of RCO B20 prevented over heating of engine, which
prolongs the engine life. RCO B20 can reduce the import of crude oil
and substantially reduce the engine emissions as proved by
significantly lower smoke levels, thus mitigating climatic changes.
Abstract: According to IR, 13C and 1H NMR, APT, 1D NOE,
2D heteronuclear 1H/13C HSQC and 2D DOSY experiments the main
chemical constituent of high-molecular preparations from Symphytum
asperum, S. caucasicum, S. officinale and Anchusa italica
(Boraginaceae) was found to be caffeic acid-derived polyether,
namely poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDPGA) or
poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene]. Most
carboxylic groups of this polymer of A. italica are methylated.
Abstract: Noninvasive diagnostics of diseases via breath
analysis has attracted considerable scientific and clinical interest for
many years and become more and more promising with the rapid
advancements in nanotechnology and biotechnology. The volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, which are mainly
blood borne, particularly provide highly valuable information about
individuals’ physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Additionally, breath analysis is noninvasive, real-time, painless, and
agreeable to patients. We have developed a wireless sensor array
based on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-functionalized single-walled
carbon nanotubes (SWNT) for the detection of a number of
physiological indicators in breath. Seven DNA sequences were used
to functionalize SWNT sensors to detect trace amount of methanol,
benzene, dimethyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, acetone, and ethanol,
which are indicators of heavy smoking, excessive drinking, and
diseases such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and diabetes. Our test
results indicated that DNA functionalized SWNT sensors exhibit
great selectivity, sensitivity, and repeatability; and different
molecules can be distinguished through pattern recognition enabled
by this sensor array. Furthermore, the experimental sensing results
are consistent with the Molecular Dynamics simulated ssDNAmolecular
target interaction rankings. Thus, the DNA-SWNT sensor
array has great potential to be applied in chemical or biomolecular
detection for the noninvasive diagnostics of diseases and personal
health monitoring.
Abstract: Effective internal control system in the bursary unit of
tertiary educational institutions is geared toward achieving quality
teaching, learning and research environment and as well assist the
management of the institutions, particularly when decisions are to be
made. While internal control system exists in all institutions, the
outlined objectives above are far from being achieved. The paper
therefore assesses the effectiveness of internal control system in
tertiary educational institutions in Nasarawa State, Nigeria with
specific focus on the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia. The study is
survey, hence a simple closed ended questionnaire was developed
and administered to a sample of twenty seven (27) member staff from
the Bursary and the Internal audit unit of the Nasarawa State
Polytechnic, Lafia so as to obtain data for analysis purposes and to
test the study hypothesis. Responses from the questionnaire were
analysed using a simple percentage and chi square. Findings shows
that the right people are not assigned to the right job in the
department, budget, and management accounting were never used in
the institution’s operations and checking of subordinate by their
superior officers is not regular. This renders the current internal
control structure of the Polytechnic as ineffective and weak. The
paper therefore recommends that: transparency should be seen as
significant, as the institution work toward meeting its objectives, it
therefore means that the right staff be assigned the right job and
regular checking of the subordinates by their superiors be ensued.
Abstract: Experience is what makes a man perfect. Though we
tend to learn many a different things in life through practice still we
need to go an extra mile to gain experience which would be profitable
only when it is integrated with regular practice. A clear phenomenal
idea is that every teacher is a learner. The centralized idea of this paper would focus on the integrated
practices carried out among the students of Jizan University which
enhances learning through experiences. Integrated practices like
student-directed activities, balanced curriculum, phonological based
activities and use of consistent language would enlarge the vision and
mission of students to earn experience through learning. Students
who receive explicit instruction and guidance could practice the skills
and strategies through student-directed activities such as peer tutoring
and cooperative learning. The second effective practice is to use
consistent language. Consistent language provides students a model
for talking about the new concepts which also enables them to
communicate without hindrances. Phonological awareness is an
important early reading skill for all students. Students generally have
phonemic awareness in their home language can often transfer that
knowledge to a second language. And also a balanced curriculum
requires instruction in all the elements of reading. Reading is the
most effective skill when both basic and higher-order skills are
included on a daily basis. Computer based reading and listening skills
will empower students to understand language in a better way.
English language learners can benefit from sound reading instruction
even before they are fully proficient in English as long as the
instruction is comprehensible. Thus, if students have to be well
equipped in learning they should foreground themselves in various
integrated practices through multifarious experience for which
teachers are moderators and trainers. This type of learning prepares
the students for a constantly changing society which helps them to
meet the competitive world around them for better employability
fulfilling the vision and mission of the institution.
Abstract: At a global level, water stewardship, water stress and
water security are crucial factors in tourism planning and
development considerations. Challenges associated with water is of
particular concern to the Maldives as there is limited availability of
freshwater, high dependency on desalinated water, and high unit cost
associated with desalinating water. While the Maldives is promoted
as an example of sustainable tourism, a key sustainability challenge
facing tourism dependent communities is the efficient use and
management of available water resources. A water crisis event in the
capital island of Maldives highlighted how precarious water related
issues are in this tourism dependent destination. Applying
netnography, the focus of this working paper is to present community
perceptions of how government policies addressed Malé Water and
Sewerage Company (MWSC) water crisis event.
Abstract: The education sector is constantly faced with rapid
changes in technologies in terms of ensuring that the curriculum is up
to date and in terms of making sure that students are aware of these
technological changes. This challenge can be seen as the motivation
for this study, which is to examine the factors affecting computing
students’ awareness of the latest Information Technologies (ICTs).
The aim of this study is divided into two sub-objectives which are:
the selection of relevant theories and the design of a conceptual
model to support it as well as the empirical testing of the designed
model. The first objective is achieved by a review of existing
literature on technology adoption theories and models. The second
objective is achieved using a survey of computing students in the four
universities of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Data
collected from this survey is analyzed using Statistical package for
the Social Science (SPSS) using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and
Pearson correlations. The main hypothesis of this study is that there is
a relationship between the demographics and the prior conditions of
the computing students and their awareness of general ICT trends and
of Digital Switch Over (DSO) a new technology which involves the
change from analog to digital television broadcasting in order to
achieve improved spectrum efficiency. The prior conditions of the
computing students that were considered in this study are students’
perceived exposure to career guidance and students’ perceived
curriculum currency. The results of this study confirm that gender,
ethnicity, and high school computing course affect students’
perceived curriculum currency while high school location affects
students’ awareness of DSO. The results of this study also confirm
that there is a relationship between students prior conditions and their
awareness of general ICT trends and DSO in particular.
Abstract: Excessive fretting wear at the taper-trunnion junction
(trunnionosis) apparently contributes to the high failure rates of hip
implants. Implant wear and corrosion lead to the release of metal
particulate debris and subsequent release of metal ions at the tapertrunnion
surface. This results in a type of metal poisoning referred to
as metallosis. The consequences of metal poisoning include;
osteolysis (bone loss), osteoarthritis (pain), aseptic loosening of the
prosthesis and revision surgery. Follow up after revision surgery,
metal debris particles are commonly found in numerous locations. Background: A stable connection between the femoral ball head
(taper) and stem (trunnion) is necessary to prevent relative motions
and corrosion at the taper junction. Hence, the importance of
component assembly cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, the aim
of this study is to determine the influence of head-stem junction
assembly by press fitting and the subsequent
disengagement/disassembly on the connection strength between the
taper ball head and stem. Methods: CoCr femoral heads were assembled with High stainless
hydrogen steel stem (trunnion) by Push-in i.e. press fit; and
disengaged by pull-out test. The strength and stability of the two
connections were evaluated by measuring the head pull-out forces
according to ISO 7206-10 standards. Findings: The head-stem junction strength linearly increases with
assembly forces.
Abstract: Non-linear dynamic time history analysis is
considered as the most advanced and comprehensive analytical
method for evaluating the seismic response and performance of
multi-degree-of-freedom building structures under the influence of
earthquake ground motions. However, effective and accurate
application of the method requires the implementation of advanced
hysteretic constitutive models of the various structural components
including masonry infill panels. Sophisticated computational research
tools that incorporate realistic hysteresis models for non-linear
dynamic time-history analysis are not popular among the professional
engineers as they are not only difficult to access but also complex and
time-consuming to use. In addition, commercial computer programs
for structural analysis and design that are acceptable to practicing
engineers do not generally integrate advanced hysteretic models
which can accurately simulate the hysteresis behavior of structural
elements with a realistic representation of strength degradation,
stiffness deterioration, energy dissipation and ‘pinching’ under cyclic
load reversals in the inelastic range of behavior. In this scenario,
push-over or non-linear static analysis methods have gained
significant popularity, as they can be employed to assess the seismic
performance of building structures while avoiding the complexities
and difficulties associated with non-linear dynamic time-history
analysis. “Push-over” or non-linear static analysis offers a practical
and efficient alternative to non-linear dynamic time-history analysis
for rationally evaluating the seismic demands. The present paper is
based on the analytical investigation of the effect of distribution of
masonry infill panels over the elevation of planar masonry infilled
reinforced concrete [R/C] frames on the seismic demands using the
capacity spectrum procedures implementing nonlinear static analysis
[pushover analysis] in conjunction with the response spectrum
concept. An important objective of the present study is to numerically
evaluate the adequacy of the capacity spectrum method using
pushover analysis for performance based design of masonry infilled
R/C frames for near-field earthquake ground motions.
Abstract: The article includes the results and conclusions from
empirical researches that had been done. The research focuses on the
impact of investments made in small and medium-sized enterprises
financed from EU funds on the competitiveness of these companies.
The researches includes financial results in sales revenue and net
income, expenses, and many other new products/services on offer,
higher quality products and services, more modern methods of
production, innovation in management processes, increase in the
number of customers, increase in market share, increase in
profitability of production and provision of services. The main
conclusions are that, companies with direct investments under this
measure shall apply the modern methods of production. The
consequence of this is to increase the quality of our products and
services. Furthermore, both small and medium-sized enterprises have
introduced new products and services. Investments were carried out,
thus enabling better work organization in enterprises. Entrepreneurs
would guarantee higher quality of service, which would result in
better relationships with their customers, what is more, noting the rise
in number of clients. More than half of the companies indicated that
the investments contributed to the increase in market share. Same
thing as for market reach and brand recognition of particular
company. An interesting finding is that, investments in small
enterprises were more effective than medium-sized enterprises.
Abstract: The importance of agribusiness development is
proved in accordance with the trends in the agricultural sector of
Georgia. Agribusiness environment and the consequences of the
agricultural reforms are evaluated. The factors hindering the
development of agribusiness are revealed and the ways for
overcoming these problems are suggested. SWOT analysis is done in
order to identify the needs of agribusiness. The needs of agribusiness
development in Georgia are evaluated by priorities: prevention of
diseases and reduction of the harm caused by these diseases,
accessibility of long-term agricultural loans with low interest rates,
improving qualification of farmers, the level of education and usage
of modern technologies, changes in legislation, accessibility to high
quality agricultural machinery, and the development of infrastructure.
Based on the outcomes of the research, agribusiness development
strategies in Georgia are suggested and appropriate priorities of
economic policy are determined. Conclusions are made and based on
these conclusions, some recommendations are suggested.
Abstract: Many herbal medicinal products are considered
potential anti-hypercholesterolemic agents with encouraging safety
profiles, however only a limited amount of clinical research exists to
support their efficacy. The present study was designed to compare the
antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant activities of the crude
ethanolic extracts of Citrus reticulata fruit peel, Zingiber officinale
rhizome and Sesamum indicum seeds. Forty-five rats were used throughout the experiment which are
extended for four weeks. These were divided into nine groups, five
rats per each group as follows; group 1 was the normal control group
(rats only fed standard normal rat diet), group 2 was the
hypercholesterolemic control group (rats fed only
hypercholesterolemic diet which contained 1% cholesterol plus 10%
saturated animal fat added to the normal rat diet), groups 3 and 4
were fed hypercholesterolemic diet in addition to Citrus reticulata
ethanolic extract at doses of (250mg/kg (group 3) and 500mg/kg
(group 4)) administered daily via oral route, groups 5 and 6 were
given hypercholesterolemic diet in addition to Zingiber officinale
ethanolic extract at doses of (250mg/kg (group 5) and 500mg/kg
(group 6)) daily through oral route, groups 7 and 8 fed on
hypercholesterolemic diet in addition to Sesamum indicum ethanolic
extract at doses of (250mg/kg (group 7) and 500mg/kg (group 8))
daily orally; and group 9 rats were given hypercholesterolemic diet in
addition to atorvastatin (0.18mg/kg) daily via oral route as a standard
reference antihypercholesterolemic drug. Blood samples from all
groups were drawn from the retro-orbital venous plexus four weeks
following treatment after overnight fasting and the lipid profile (total
cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low
density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride levels) were
measured and the risk ratio (TC/HDL-C) was assessed. The
antioxidant activity of the three plants extracts was determined using
DPPH free-radical antioxidant assay. Results of in vivo and in vitro
antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant assay respectively, revealed
that the three extracts possess comparable antioxidant and
antihypercholesterolemic activities.
Abstract: In turbulent modern economy, the companies need to
properly manage their business processes. Well-defined and stable
business processes ensure security of crucial data and applications,
and provide a quality product or service to the end customer. On the
other side, constant changes on the market, new regulatory
provisions, and emerging new technologies require the need of
issuing prompt and effective changes of business process. In this
article, we explore the use of agile principles in working with
business process management (BPM) solutions. We deal with
difficulties in BPM development cycle, review the benefits of using
agility, and choose the basic agile principles that ensure the success
of a BPM project.
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the
psychological variables motivating sport participation and
involvement among student-athletes of tertiary institutions in southwest
Nigeria. One thousand three hundred and fifty (N-1350) studentathletes
were randomly selected in all sports from nine tertiary
institutions in south-west Nigeria. These tertiary institutions include
University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo
University, Osun State University, University of Ibadan, University
of Agriculture Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology
Akungba, University of Ilorin, and Kwara State University. The
descriptive survey research method was adopted while a self
developed validated Likert type questionnaire named Sport
Participation Scale (SPS) was used to elicit opinion from
respondents. The test-retest reliability value obtained for the
instrument, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient
was 0.96. Out of the one thousand three hundred and fifty (N-1350)
questionnaire administered, only one thousand two hundred and five
(N-1286) were correctly filled, coded and analysed using inferential
statistics of Chi-Square (X2) while all the tested hypotheses were set
at. 05 alpha level. Based on the findings of this study, the result
revealed that several psychological factors influence student athletes
to continue participation in sport one which includes love for the
game, famous athletes as role model and family support. However,
the analysis further revealed that the stipends the student-athletes get
from their universities have no influence on their participation and
involvement in sport.
Abstract: NiFe2O4 (nickel ferrite), ZnFe2O4 (zinc ferrite) and
Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (nickel-zinc ferrite) were prepared by
mechanochemical route in a planetary ball mill starting from mixture
of the appropriate quantities of the Ni(OH)2/Fe(OH)3,
Zn(OH)2/Fe(OH)3 and Ni(OH)2/Zn(OH)2/Fe(OH)3 hydroxide
powders. In order to monitor the progress of chemical reaction and
confirm phase formation, powder samples obtained after 25 h, 18 h
and 10 h of milling were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IR, Raman and Mössbauer
spectroscopy. It is shown that the soft mechanochemical method, i.e.
mechanochemical activation of hydroxides, produces high quality
single phase ferrite samples in much more efficient way. From the IR
spectroscopy of single phase samples it is obvious that energy of
modes depends on the ratio of cations. It is obvious that all samples
have more than 5 Raman active modes predicted by group theory in
the normal spinel structure. Deconvolution of measured spectra
allows one to conclude that all complex bands in the spectra are made
of individual peaks with the intensities that vary from spectrum to
spectrum. The deconvolution of Raman spectra allows to separate
contributions of different cations to a particular type of vibration and
to estimate the degree of inversion.
Abstract: The ultimate purpose of this investigation was to
determine the teachers’ opinions as well as students’ opinions
towards the Adapted English Lessons. The subjects of the study were
5 Thai teachers, who teach English, and 85 Grade 10 mixed-ability
students at Triamudom Suksa Pattanakarn Ratchada School,
Bangkok, Thailand. The research instruments included questionnaires
and the informal interview. The data from the research instruments
was collected and analyzed concerning linguistic principles of
minimal pair and articulatory phonetics as well as teaching
techniques of mimicry-memorization; vocabulary substitution drills,
language pattern drills, reading comprehension exercise, practicing
listening, speaking and writing skill and communicative activities;
informal talk and free writing. The data was statistically compiled
according to an arithmetic percentage. The results showed that the
teachers and students have very highly positive opinions towards
adapting linguistic principles for teaching and learning phonological
accuracy. Teaching techniques provided in the Adapted English
Lessons can be used efficiently in the classroom. The teachers and
students have positive opinions towards them too.
Abstract: Fires is one of the main types of disturbances that
shape ecosystems in the Mediterranean region. However nowadays,
climate alterations towards higher temperatures result on increased
levels of fire intensity, frequency and spread as well as difficulties for
natural regeneration to occur. Thasos Island is one of the Greek
islands that has experienced those problems. Since 1984, a series of
wildfires led to the reduction of forest cover from 61.6% to almost
20%. The negative impacts were devastating in many different
aspects for the island. The absence of plant cover, post-wildfire
precipitation and steep slopes were the major factors that induced
severe soil erosion and intense floods. That also resulted to serious
economic problems to the local communities and the inability of the
burnt areas to regenerate naturally. Despite the substantial amount of
published work regarding Thasos wildfires, there is no information
related to post-wildfire effects on factors such as soil erosion. More
research related to post-fire effects should help to an overall
assessment of the negative impacts of wildfires on land degradation
through processes such as soil erosion and flooding.
Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation
details of a complete unmanned aerial system (UAS) based
on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, focusing on
safety, security, search and rescue scenarios in GPS-denied
environments. In particular, The aerial platform is capable
of semi-autonomously navigating through extremely low-light,
GPS-denied indoor environments based on onboard sensors only,
including a downward-facing optical flow camera. Besides, an
additional low-cost payload camera system is developed to stream
both infra-red video and visible light video to a ground station in
real-time, for the purpose of detecting sign of life and hidden humans.
The total cost of the complete system is estimated to be $1150,
and the effectiveness of the system has been tested and validated
in practical scenarios.