Abstract: During the process of compaction in Hot-Mix Asphalt
(HMA) mixtures, the distance between aggregate particles decreases
as they come together and eliminate air-voids. By measuring the
inter-particle distances in a cut-section of a HMA sample the degree
of compaction can be estimated. For this, a calibration curve is
generated by computer simulation technique when the gradation and
asphalt content of the HMA mixture are known. A two-dimensional
cross section of HMA specimen was simulated using the mixture
design information (gradation, asphalt content and air-void content).
Nearest neighbor distance methods such as Delaunay triangulation
were used to study the changes in inter-particle distance and area
distribution during the process of compaction in HMA. Such
computer simulations would enable making several hundreds of
repetitions in a short period of time without the necessity to compact
and analyze laboratory specimens in order to obtain good statistics on
the parameters defined. The distributions for the statistical
parameters based on computer simulations showed similar trends as
those of laboratory specimens.
Abstract: In this paper an alternative analysis in the time
domain is described and the results of the interpolation process are
presented by means of functions that are based on the rule of
conditional mathematical expectation and the covariance function. A
comparison between the interpolation error caused by low order
filters and the classic sinc(t) truncated function is also presented.
When fewer samples are used, low-order filters have less error. If the
number of samples increases, the sinc(t) type functions are a better
alternative. Generally speaking there is an optimal filter for each
input signal which depends on the filter length and covariance
function of the signal. A novel scheme of work for adaptive
interpolation filters is also presented.
Abstract: In this work we study the effect of several covariates X on a censored response variable T with unknown probability distribution. In this context, most of the studies in the literature can be located in two possible general classes of regression models: models that study the effect the covariates have on the hazard function; and models that study the effect the covariates have on the censored response variable. Proposals in this paper are in the second class of models and, more specifically, on least squares based model approach. Thus, using the bootstrap estimate of the bias, we try to improve the estimation of the regression parameters by reducing their bias, for small sample sizes. Simulation results presented in the paper show that, for reasonable sample sizes and censoring levels, the bias is always smaller for the new proposals.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to observe the effect
of Plantago psyllium on blood glucose and cholesterol levels in
normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. To investigate the effect of
Plantago psyllium 40 rats were included in this study divided into
four groups of ten rats in each group. One group A was normal,
second group B was diabetic, third group C was non diabetic and
hypercholesterolemic and fourth group D was diabetic and
hypercholesterolemic. Two groups B and D were made diabetic by
intraperitonial injection of alloxan dissolved in 1mL distilled water at
a dose of 125mg/Kg of body weight. Two groups C and D were
made hypercholesterolemic by oral administration of powder
cholesterol (1g/Kg of body weight). The blood samples from all the
rats were collected from coccygial vein on 1st day, then on 21st and
42nd day respectively. All the samples were analyzed for blood
glucose and cholesterol level by using enzymatic kits. The blood
glucose and cholesterol levels of treated groups of rats showed
significant reduction after 7 weeks of treatment with Plantago
psyllium. By statistical analysis of results it was found that Plantago
psyllium has anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic activity in
diabetic and hypercholesterolemic albino rats.
Abstract: The following study aims to outline, whether the
perceptions of entrepreneurs about their entrepreneurial activities and
the underlying meanings of their activities are universal or whether
they vary systematically across cultures. In contrast to previous
studies, the phenomenographical approach and the resulting findings
of this study provide new insights into what constitutes
entrepreneurship by drawing an inference from the perceptions of
entrepreneurs in the United States and in Germany. Culture is shown
to have an important impact on entrepreneurship, since the
underlying meanings of entrepreneurship vary significantly among
the two sample groups. Furthermore, the study sheds more light on
the culturally contingent 'why' of entrepreneurship by looking at the
internal motivations of individuals instead of exclusively focusing on
character traits or external influences of the respective economic
environments.
Abstract: The use of Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) implemented in the form of Inverse Fourier Transform (IFFT) is one of the standard method of reconstructing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) from uniformly sampled K-space data. In this tutorial, three of the major problems associated with the use of IFFT in MRI reconstruction are highlighted. The tutorial also gives brief introduction to MRI physics; MRI system from instrumentation point of view; K-space signal and the process of IDFT and IFFT for One and two dimensional (1D and 2D) data.
Abstract: One very interesting field of research in Pattern Recognition that has gained much attention in recent times is Gesture Recognition. In this paper, we consider a form of dynamic hand gestures that are characterized by total movement of the hand (arm) in space. For these types of gestures, the shape of the hand (palm) during gesturing does not bear any significance. In our work, we propose a model-based method for tracking hand motion in space, thereby estimating the hand motion trajectory. We employ the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm for time alignment and normalization of spatio-temporal variations that exist among samples belonging to the same gesture class. During training, one template trajectory and one prototype feature vector are generated for every gesture class. Features used in our work include some static and dynamic motion trajectory features. Recognition is accomplished in two stages. In the first stage, all unlikely gesture classes are eliminated by comparing the input gesture trajectory to all the template trajectories. In the next stage, feature vector extracted from the input gesture is compared to all the class prototype feature vectors using a distance classifier. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed trajectory estimator and classifier is suitable for Human Computer Interaction (HCI) platform.
Abstract: Background, measuring an individual-s Health
Literacy is gaining attention, yet no appropriate instrument is available
in Taiwan. Measurement tools that were developed and used in
western countries may not be appropriate for use in Taiwan due to a
different language system. Purpose of this research was to develop a
Health Literacy measurement instrument specific for Taiwan adults.
Methods, several experts of clinic physicians; healthcare
administrators and scholars identified 125 common used health related
Chinese phrases from major medical knowledge sources that easy
accessible to the public. A five-point Likert scale is used to measure
the understanding level of the target population. Such measurement is
then used to compare with the correctness of their answers to a health
knowledge test for validation. Samples, samples under study were
purposefully taken from four groups of people in the northern
Pingtung, OPD patients, university students, community residents,
and casual visitors to the central park. A set of health knowledge index
with 10 questions is used to screen those false responses. A sample
size of 686 valid cases out of 776 was then included to construct this
scale. An independent t-test was used to examine each individual
phrase. The phrases with the highest significance are then identified
and retained to compose this scale. Result, a Taiwan Health Literacy
Scale (THLS) was finalized with 66 health-related phrases under nine
divisions. Cronbach-s alpha of each division is at a satisfactory level
of 89% and above. Conclusions, factors significantly differentiate the
levels of health literacy are education, female gender, age, family
members of stroke victims, experience with patient care, and
healthcare professionals in the initial application in this study..
Abstract: The present study was performed in Musa bay (northern part of the Persian Gulf) around the coastal area of Bandare-Imam Khomeini and Razi Petrochemical Companies. Sediment samples and effluent samples were collected from the selected stations, from June 2009 to June 2010. The samples were analyzed to determine the degree of hydrocarbon contamination. The average level of TPH concentration in the study area was more than the natural background value at all of the stations, especially at station BI1 which was the main effluent outlet of Bandar-e- Imam Khomeini petrochemical company. Also the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbon was monitored in the effluents of aforementioned petrochemical companies and the results showed that the concentration of TPH in the effluents of Bandar-e- Imam Khomeini petrochemical company was greater than Razi petrochemical company which is may be related to the products of Bandar-e- Imam Khomeini petrochemical company (aromatics, polymers, chemicals, fuel).
Abstract: In this study, structural, mechanical, thermal and
electrical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with
low-loaded (0-1.5 wt%) untreated, heat and nitric acid treated multiwalled
carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied. Among the
composites, untreated 0.5 wt % MWCNTs and acid-treated 1.0 wt%
MWCNTs reinforced PLA show the tensile strength and modulus
values higher than the others. These two samples along with pure
PLA exhibit the stable orthorhombic α-form, whilst other samples
reveal the less stable orthorhombic β-form, as demonstrated by X-ray
diffraction study. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals the
evolution of the mentioned different phases by controlled cooling and
discloses an enhancement of PLA crystallization by nanotubes
incorporation. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the MWCNTs
loaded sample degraded faster than PLA. Surface resistivity of the
nanocomposites is found to be dropped drastically by a factor of 1013
with a low loading of MWCNTs (1.5 wt%).
Abstract: One of the main limitations for the resolution of
optical instruments is the size of the sensor-s pixels. In this paper we
introduce a new sub pixel resolution algorithm to enhance the
resolution of images. This method is based on the analysis of multiimages
which are fast recorded during the fine relative motion of
image and pixel arrays of CCDs. It is shown that by applying this
method for a sample noise free image one will enhance the resolution
with 10-14 order of error.
Abstract: This paper examines the factors, which determine
R&D outsourcing behaviour at Japanese firms, from the viewpoints of
transaction cost and strategic management, since the latter half of the
1990s. This study uses empirical analysis, which involves the
application of large-sample data. The principal findings of this paper
are listed below. Firms that belong to a wider corporate group are more
active in executing R&D outsourcing activities. Diversification
strategies such as the expansion of product and sales markets have a
positive effect on the R&D outsourcing behaviour of firms. Moreover,
while quantitative R&D resources have positive influences on R&D
outsourcing, qualitative indices have no effect. These facts suggest
that R&D outsourcing behaviour of Japanese firms are consistent with
the two perspectives of transaction cost and strategic management.
Specifically, a conventional corporate group network plays an
important role in R&D outsourcing behaviour. Firms that execute
R&D outsourcing leverage 'old' networks to construct 'new' networks
and use both networks properly.
Abstract: Four different colors of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)
(black, white, red and black/white speckled) and red kidney bean
(Phaseolus vulgaris) were used to evaluate proximate compositions,
starch content, and pasting properties. There were no significant
differences of moisture, protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate contents
of all bean types. The kidney bean had significantly lower amounts of
total starch and solubilized starch compared to those of other
cowpeas (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the red cowpea and red kidney bean had
highest content of resistant starch (9-10%). Decortication indicated
no significant effect on the proximate compositions of all samples,
but it significantly decreased the resistant starch content in cowpeas
and increased the solubilized starch and total starch content in all
types of cowpeas. The highest values of pasting properties, generally
observed in flours obtained from black and black/white speckled
cowpea.
Abstract: The operating control parameters of injection
flushing type of electrical discharge machining process on stainless
steel 304 workpiece with copper tools are being optimized
according to its individual machining characteristic i.e. material
removal rate (MRR). Lower MRR during EDM machining process
may decrease its- machining productivity. Hence, the quality
characteristic for MRR is set to higher-the-better to achieve the
optimum machining productivity. Taguchi method has been used
for the construction, layout and analysis of the experiment for each
of the machining characteristic for the MRR. The use of Taguchi
method in the experiment saves a lot of time and cost of preparing
and machining the experiment samples. Therefore, an L18
Orthogonal array which was the fundamental component in the
statistical design of experiments has been used to plan the
experiments and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is used to
determine the optimum machining parameters for this machining
characteristic. The control parameters selected for this
optimization experiments are polarity, pulse on duration, discharge
current, discharge voltage, machining depth, machining diameter
and dielectric liquid pressure. The result had shown that the higher
the discharge voltage, the higher will be the MRR.
Abstract: Research in e-Business has been growing
tremendously covering all related aspects such as adoption issues, e-
Business models, strategies, etc. This research aims to explore the
potential of adopting e-Business for a micro size business operating
from home called home-based businesses (HBBs). In Malaysia, the
HBB industry started many years ago and were mostly monopolized
by women or housewives managed as a part-time job to support their
family economy. Today, things have changed. The availability of the
Internet technology and the emergence of e-Business concept
promote the evolution of HBBs, which have been adopted as another
alternative as a professional career for women without neglecting
their family needs especially the children. Although this study is
confined to a limited sample size and within geographical biasness,
the findings show that it concurs with previous large scale studies. In
this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used and
data were gathered using triangulation methods via interview, direct
observation, document analysis and survey questionnaires. This paper
discusses the literature review, research methods and findings
pertaining to e-Business adoption factors that influence the HBBs in
Malaysia.
Abstract: Liveable city is referred to as the quality of life in an
area that contributes towards a safe, healthy and enjoyable place. This
paper discusses the role of the streets- activities in making Kuala
Lumpur a liveable city and the happiness level of the residents
towards the city-s street activities. The study was conducted using the
residents of Kuala Lumpur. A mixed method technique is used with
the quantitative data as a main data and supported by the qualitative
data. Data were collected using questionnaires, observation and also
an interview session with a sample of residents of Kuala Lumpur.
The sampling technique is based on multistage cluster data sampling.
The findings revealed that, there is still no significant relationship
between the length of stay of the resident in Kuala Lumpur with the
happiness level towards the street activities that occurred in the city.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a Dynamic
Time Warping technique which reduces significantly the data
processing time and memory size of multi-dimensional time series
sampled by the biometric smart pen device BiSP. The acquisition
device is a novel ballpoint pen equipped with a diversity of sensors
for monitoring the kinematics and dynamics of handwriting
movement. The DTW algorithm has been applied for time series
analysis of five different sensor channels providing pressure,
acceleration and tilt data of the pen generated during handwriting on
a paper pad. But the standard DTW has processing time and memory
space problems which limit its practical use for online handwriting
recognition. To face with this problem the DTW has been applied to
the sum of the five sensor signals after an adequate down-sampling
of the data. Preliminary results have shown that processing time and
memory size could significantly be reduced without deterioration of
performance in single character and word recognition. Further
excellent accuracy in recognition was achieved which is mainly due
to the reduced dynamic time warping RDTW technique and a novel
pen device BiSP.
Abstract: Nowadays due to globalization of economy and
competition environment, innovation and technology plays key role
at creation of wealth and economic growth of countries. In fact
prompt growth of practical and technologic knowledge may results in
social benefits for countries when changes into effective innovation.
Considering the importance of innovation for the development of
countries, this study addresses the radical technological innovation
introduced by nanopapers at different stages of producing paper
including stock preparation, using authorized additives, fillers and
pigments, using retention, calender, stages of producing conductive
paper, porous nanopaper and Layer by layer self-assembly. Research
results show that in coming years the jungle related products will lose
considerable portion of their market share, unless embracing radical
innovation. Although incremental innovations can make this industry
still competitive in mid-term, but to have economic growth and
competitive advantage in long term, radical innovations are
necessary. Radical innovations can lead to new products and
materials which their applications in packaging industry can produce
value added. However application of nanotechnology in this industry
can be costly, it can be done in cooperation with other industries to
make the maximum use of nanotechnology possible. Therefore this
technology can be used in all the production process resulting in the
mass production of simple and flexible papers with low cost and
special properties such as facility at shape, form, easy transportation,
light weight, recovery and recycle marketing abilities, and sealing.
Improving the resistance of the packaging materials without reducing
the performance of packaging materials enhances the quality and the
value added of packaging. Improving the cellulose at nano scale can
have considerable electron optical and magnetic effects leading to
improvement in packaging and value added. Comparing to the
specifications of thermoplastic products and ordinary papers,
nanopapers show much better performance in terms of effective
mechanical indexes such as the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength,
and strain-stress. In densities lower than 640 kgm -3, due to the
network structure of nanofibers and the balanced and randomized
distribution of NFC in flat space, these specifications will even
improve more. For nanopapers, strains are 1,4Gpa, 84Mpa and 17%,
13,3 Gpa, 214Mpa and 10% respectively. In layer by layer self
assembly method (LbL) the tensile strength of nanopaper with Tio3
particles and Sio2 and halloysite clay nanotube are 30,4 ±7.6Nm/g
and 13,6 ±0.8Nm/g and 14±0.3,3Nm/g respectively that fall within
acceptable range of similar samples with virgin fiber. The usage of
improved brightness and porosity index in nanopapers can create
more competitive advantages at packaging industry.
Abstract: The research study was based on an evaluation of the
ability of glued test samples to pass the criterion of sufficient
bondline adhesion under the exposure conditions defined in EN 302-
1. Additionally, an infrared spectroscopic analysis of the evaluated
adhesives (phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde PRF and melamine-ureaformaldehyde
MUF) with different mix ratios was carried out to
evaluate the possible effects of a faulty technological process.
Abstract: The effect of chemical treatment in CdCl2 on the
compositional changes and defect structures of potentially useful ZnS
solar cell thin films prepared by vacuum deposition method was
studied using the complementary Rutherford backscattering (RBS)
and Thermoluminesence (TL) techniques. A series of electron and
hole traps are found in the various as deposited samples studied.
After treatment, perturbation on the intensity is noted; mobile defect
states and charge conversion and/or transfer between defect states are
found.