Abstract: The use of magnetic and magnetic/gold core/shell
nanoparticles in biotechnology or medicine has shown good promise
due to their hybrid nature which possesses superior magnetic and
optical properties. Some of these potential applications include
hyperthermia treatment, bio-separations, diagnostics, drug delivery
and toxin removal. Synthesis refinement to control geometric and
magnetic/optical properties, and finding functional surfactants for
biomolecular attachment, are requirements to meet application
specifics.
Various high-temperature preparative methods were used for the
synthesis of iron oxide and gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles.
Different surface functionalities, such as 11-aminoundecanoic and
11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, were introduced on the surface of the
particles to facilitate further attachment of biomolecular functionality
and drug-like molecules. Nanoparticle thermal stability, composition,
state of aggregation, size and morphology were investigated and the
results from techniques such as Fourier Transform-Infra Red
spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis),
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and thermal analysis are
discussed.
Abstract: This paper presents the DC voltage control design of D-STATCOM when the D-STATCOM is used for load voltage regulation. Although, the DC voltage can be controlled by active current of the D-STATCOM, reactive current still affects the DC voltage. To eliminate this effect, the control strategy with elimination effect of the reactive current is proposed and the results of the control with and without the elimination the effect of the reactive current are compared. For obtaining the proportional and integral gains of the PI controllers, the symmetrical optimum and genetic algorithms methods are applied. The stability margin of these methods are obtained and discussed in detail. In addition, the performance of the DC voltage control based on symmetrical optimum and genetic algorithms methods are compared. Effectiveness of the controllers designed was verified through computer simulation performed by using Power System Tool Block (PSB) in SIMULINK/MATLAB. The simulation results demonstrated that the DC voltage control proposed is effective in regulating DC voltage when the DSTATCOM is used for load voltage regulation.
Abstract: High Pressure Raman scattering measurements of KDP:Mn were performed at room temperatures. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns taken at room temperature by Rietveld refinement showed that doped samples of KDP-Mn have the same tetragonal structure of a pure KDP crystal, but with a contraction of the crystalline cell. The behavior of the Raman spectra, in particular the emergence of a new modes at 330 cm-1, indicates that KDP:Mn undergoes a structural phase transition with onset at around 4 GP. First principle density-functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that tetrahedral rotation with pressure is predominantly around the c crystalline direction. Theoretical results indicates that pressure induced tetrahedral rotations leads to change tetrahedral neighborhood, activating librations/bending modes observed for high pressure phase of KDP:Mn with stronger Raman activity.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to develop a model to
integrate “pricing" and “advertisement" for short life cycle products,
such as branded fashion clothing products. To achieve this goal, we
apply the concept of “Dynamic Pricing". There are two classes of
advertisements, for the brand (regardless of product) and for a
particular product. Advertising the brand affects the demand and
price of all the products. Thus, the model considers all these products
in relation with each other. We develop two different methods to
integrate both types of advertisement and pricing. The first model is
developed within the framework of dynamic programming. However,
due to the complexity of the model, this method cannot be applicable
for large size problems. Therefore, we develop another method,
called hieratical approach, which is capable of handling the real
world problems. Finally, we show the accuracy of this method, both
theoretically and also by simulation.
Abstract: Quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) from
atmospheric model as input to hydrological model in an integrated
hydro-meteorological flood forecasting system has been operational
in many countries worldwide. High-resolution numerical weather
prediction (NWP) models with grid cell sizes between 2 and 14 km
have great potential in contributing towards reasonably accurate QPF.
In this study the potential of two NWP models to forecast
precipitation for a flood-prone area in a tropical region is examined.
The precipitation forecasts produced from the Fifth Generation Penn
State/NCAR Mesoscale (MM5) and Weather Research and
Forecasting (WRF) models are statistically verified with the observed
rain in Kelantan River Basin, Malaysia. The statistical verification
indicates that the models have performed quite satisfactorily for low
and moderate rainfall but not very satisfactory for heavy rainfall.
Abstract: As a company competitiveness depends more and more on the relationship with its stakeholders, the topic of companystakeholder fit is becoming increasingly important. This fit affects the extent to which a stakeholder perceives CSR company commitment, values and behaviors and, therefore, stakeholder identification in a company and his/her loyalty to it. Consequently, it is important to measure the alignment or the gap between stakeholder CSR demands, values, preferences and perceptions, and the company CSR disclosed commitment, values and policies. In this paper, in order to assess the company-stakeholder fit about corporate responsibility, an innovative CSR fit positioning matrix is proposed. This matrix is based on the measurement of a company CSR disclosed commitment and stakeholder perceived and required commitment. The matrix is part of a more complex methodology based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators, content analysis and stakeholder questionnaires. This methodology provides appropriate indications for helping companies to achieve CSR company-stakeholder fit, by leveraging both CSR commitment and communication. Moreover, it could be used by top management for comparing different companies and stakeholders, and for planning specific CSR strategies, policies and activities.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the
importance of the concept of competitiveness in the supply chain and
to present a conceptual framework for Supply Chain Competitiveness
(SCC). The framework is based on supply chain activities, which are
inputs, necessary for SCC and the benefits which are the outputs of
SCC. A literature review is conducted on key supply chain
competitiveness issues, its determinants, its various dimensions
followed by exploration for SCC. Based on the insights gained, a
conceptual framework for SCC is presented based on activities for
SCC, SCC environment and outcomes of SCC. The information flow
in the conceptual framework is bi-directional at all levels and the
activities are interrelated in a global competitive environment. The
activities include the activities of suppliers, manufacturers and
distributors, giving more emphasis on manufacturers- activities.
Further, implications of various factors such as economic, politicolegal,
technical, socio-cultural, competition, demographic etc. are
also highlighted. The SCC framework is an attempt to cover the
relatively less explored area of supply chain competitiveness. It is
expected that this work will further motivate researchers,
academicians and practitioners to work in this area and offers
conceptual help in providing a directions for supply chain
competitiveness which leads to improvement in the supply chain and
supply chain performance.
Abstract: This paper investigates the nature of the development
of two-dimensional laminar flow of an incompressible fluid at the
reversed stagnation-point. ". In this study, we revisit the problem
of reversed stagnation-point flow over a flat plate. Proudman and
Johnson (1962) first studied the flow and obtained an asymptotic
solution by neglecting the viscous terms. This is no true in neglecting
the viscous terms within the total flow field. In particular it is pointed
out that for a plate impulsively accelerated from rest to a constant
velocity V0 that a similarity solution to the self-similar ODE is
obtained which is noteworthy completely analytical.
Abstract: Five vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, and onion) were freshly harvested from the Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas for the determination of some organochlorine pesticide residues (o, p-DDE, p,p’-DDD, o,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDT, α-BHC, γ-BHC, metoxichlor, lindane, endosulfan dieldrin, and aldrin.) Soil samples were also collected at different depths for the determination of the above pesticides. Samples collection and preparation were conducted using standard procedures. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil and vegetable samples were determined using GC/MS SHIMADZU (GC-17A) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The highest concentration was that of p,p’-DDD (132.4±13.45µg/g) which was observed in the leaf of cabbage, while the lowest concentration was that of p,p’-DDT (2.34µg/g) was observed in the root of spinach. Similar trends were observed at the Gongulong agricultural area, with p,p’-DDD having the highest concentration of 153.23µg/g in the leaf of cabbage, while the lowest concentration was that of p,p’-DDT (12.45µg/g) which was observed in the root of spinach. α-BHC, γ-BHC, Methoxychlor, and lindane were detected in all the vegetable samples studied. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil samples were observed to be higher at a depth of 21-30cm, while the lowest concentrations were observed at a depth of 0-10cm. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples from the two agricultural sites were observed to be at alarming levels, much higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) and acceptable daily intake values (ADIs) .The levels of the pesticides observed in the vegetables and soil samples investigated, are of such a magnitude that calls for special attention and laws to regulate the use and circulation of such chemicals. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in these study areas is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution, so as to minimize health risks.
Abstract: Although there are many theories and discussion of leadership, the necessity of having a new leadership paradigm was emphasized. The existing leadership characteristic of instruction and control revealed its limitations. Market competition becomes fierce and economic recession never ends worldwide. Of the leadership theories, servant leadership was introduced recently and is in line with the environmental changes of the organization. Servant leadership is a combination of two words, 'servant' and 'leader' and can be defined as the role of the leader who focuses on doing voluntary work for others with altruistic ethics, makes members, customers, and local communities a priority, and makes a commitment to satisfying their needs. This leadership received attention as one field of leadership in the late 1990s and secured its legitimacy. This study discusses the existing research trends of leadership, the concept, behavior characteristics, and lower dimensions of servant leadership, compares servant leadership with the existing leadership researches and diagnoses if servant leadership is a useful concept for further leadership researches. Finally, this study criticizes the limitations in the existing researches on servant leadership.
Abstract: The subject of the paper is comparative analysis of the hotel guest-s contractual liability for breaching the obligation for non-payment of hotel services in the hotel-keeper-s contract. The paper is methodologically conceived of six chapters (1. introduction, 2. comparative law sources of the hotel-keeper-s contract, 3. the guest-s obligation for payment of hotel services, 4. hotel guest's liability for non-payment, 5. the hotel-keeper-s rights due to nonpayment and 6. conclusion), which analyzes the guest-s liability for non-payment of hotel services through the international law, European law, euro-continental national laws (France, Germany, Italy, Croatia) and Anglo-American national laws (UK, USA). The paper-s results are the synthesis of answers to the set hypothesis and comparative review of hotel guest-s contractual liability for nonpayment of hotel services provided. In conclusion, it is necessary to adopt an international convention on the hotel-keeper-s contract, which would unify the institute of the hotel guest-s contractual liability for non-payment of hotel services at the international level.
Abstract: In this paper we are interested in Moufang-Klingenberg
planesM(A) defined over a local alternative ring A of dual numbers.
We show that a collineation of M(A) preserve cross-ratio. Also, we
obtain some results about harmonic points.
Abstract: The technique of inducing micro ecosystem
restoration is one of aquatic ecology engineering methods used to
retrieve the polluted water. Batch scale study, pilot plant study, and
field study were carried out to observe the eutrophication using the
Inducing Ecology Restorative Symbiosis Agent (IERSA) consisting
mainly degraded products by using lactobacillus, saccharomycete,
and phycomycete. The results obtained from the experiments of the
batch scale and pilot plant study allowed us to development the
parameters for the field study. A pond, 5 m to the outlet of a lake,
with an area of 500 m2 and depth of 0.6-1.2 m containing about 500
tons of water was selected as a model. After the treatment with 10
mg IERSA/L water twice a week for 70 days, the micro restoration
mechanisms consisted of three stages (i.e., restoration, impact
maintenance, and ecology recovery experiment after impact). The
COD, TN, TKN, and chlorophyll a were reduced significantly in the
first week. Although the unexpected heavy rain and contaminate
from sewage system might slow the ecology restoration. However,
the self-cleaning function continued and the chlorophyll a reduced
for 50% in one month. In the 4th week, amoeba, paramecium, rotifer,
and red wriggle worm reappeared, and the number of fish flies
appeared up to1000 fish fries/m3. Those results proved that inducing
restorative mechanism can be applied to improve the eutrophication
and to control the growth of algae in the lakes by gaining the selfcleaning
through inducing and competition of microbes. The
situation for growth of fishes also can reach an excellent result due to
the improvement of water quality.
Abstract: In this paper a novel scheme for watermarking digital
audio during its compression to MPEG-1 Layer III format is
proposed. For this purpose we slightly modify some of the selected
MDCT coefficients, which are used during MPEG audio
compression procedure. Due to the possibility of modifying different
MDCT coefficients, there will be different choices for embedding the
watermark into audio data, considering robustness and transparency
factors. Our proposed method uses a genetic algorithm to select the
best coefficients to embed the watermark. This genetic selection is
done according to the parameters that are extracted from the
perceptual content of the audio to optimize the robustness and
transparency of the watermark. On the other hand the watermark
security is increased due to the random nature of the genetic
selection. The information of the selected MDCT coefficients that
carry the watermark bits, are saves in a database for future extraction
of the watermark. The proposed method is suitable for online MP3
stores to pursue illegal copies of musical artworks. Experimental
results show that the detection ratio of the watermarks at the bitrate
of 128kbps remains above 90% while the inaudibility of the
watermark is preserved.
Abstract: This paper discusses the performance modeling and availability analysis of Yarn Dyeing System of a Textile Industry. The Textile Industry is a complex and repairable engineering system. Yarn Dyeing System of Textile Industry consists of five subsystems arranged in series configuration. For performance modeling and analysis of availability, a performance evaluating model has been developed with the help of mathematical formulation based on Markov-Birth-Death Process. The differential equations have been developed on the basis of Probabilistic Approach using a Transition Diagram. These equations have further been solved using normalizing condition in order to develop the steady state availability, a performance measure of the system concerned. The system performance has been further analyzed with the help of decision matrices. These matrices provide various availability levels for different combinations of failure and repair rates for various subsystems. The findings of this paper are therefore, considered to be useful for the analysis of availability and determination of the best possible maintenance strategies which can be implemented in future to enhance the system performance.
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel game theoretical
technique to address the problem of data object replication in largescale
distributed computing systems. The proposed technique draws
inspiration from computational economic theory and employs the
extended Vickrey auction. Specifically, players in a non-cooperative
environment compete for server-side scarce memory space to
replicate data objects so as to minimize the total network object
transfer cost, while maintaining object concurrency. Optimization of
such a cost in turn leads to load balancing, fault-tolerance and
reduced user access time. The method is experimentally evaluated
against four well-known techniques from the literature: branch and
bound, greedy, bin-packing and genetic algorithms. The experimental
results reveal that the proposed approach outperforms the four
techniques in both the execution time and solution quality.
Abstract: Nano sized zirconium dioxide in monoclinic phase (m-ZrO2) has been synthesized in pure form through co-precipitation processing at different calcination temperatures and has been characterized by several techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy and SEM. The dielectric and capacitance values of the pelletized samples have been examined at room temperature as the functions of frequency. The higher dielectric constant value of the sample having larger grain size proves the strong influence of grain size on the dielectric constant.
Abstract: One of research issues in social network analysis is to
evaluate the position/importance of users in social networks. As the
information diffusion in social network is evolving, it seems difficult
to evaluate the importance of users using traditional approaches. In
this paper, we propose an evaluation approach for user importance
with fractal view in social networks. In this approach, the global importance
(Fractal Importance) and the local importance (Topological
Importance) of nodes are considered. The basic idea is that the bigger
the product of fractal importance and topological importance of a
node is, the more important of the node is. We devise the algorithm
called TFRank corresponding to the proposed approach. Finally, we
evaluate TFRank by experiments. Experimental results demonstrate
our TFRank has the high correlations with PageRank algorithm
and potential ranking algorithm, and it shows the effectiveness and
advantages of our approach.
Abstract: The catalytic dehydroxylation of glycerol to propylene
glycol was investigated over Cu-ZnO/Al2O3 prepared by incipient
wetness impregnation (IWI) method with different purity feedstocks -
refined glycerol and technical grade glycerol. The main purpose is to
investigate the effects of feed impurities that cause the catalyst
deactivation. The prepared catalyst were tested for its catalytic
activity and selectivity in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor at 523
K, 500 psig, H2/feed molar ratio of 4 and WHSV of 3 h-1. The results
showed that conversion of refined glycerol and technical grade
glycerol at time on stream 6 hour are 99% and 71% and selectivity to
propylene glycol are 87% and 56% respectively. The ICP-EOS and
TPO results indicated that the cause of catalyst deactivation was the
amount of impurities in the feedstock. The higher amount of
impurities (especially Na and K) the lower catalytic activity.
Abstract: In hydrocyclones, the particle separation efficiency is
limited by the suspended fine particles, which are discharged with the
coarse product in the underflow. It is well known that injecting water
in the conical part of the cyclone reduces the fine particle fraction in
the underflow. This paper presents a mathematical model that
simulates the water injection in the conical component. The model
accounts for the fluid flow and the particle motion. Particle
interaction, due to hindered settling caused by increased density and
viscosity of the suspension, and fine particle entrainment by settling
coarse particles are included in the model. Water injection in the
conical part of the hydrocyclone is performed to reduce fine particle
discharge in the underflow. The model demonstrates the impact of
the injection rate, injection velocity, and injection location on the
shape of the partition curve. The simulations are compared with
experimental data of a 50-mm cyclone.