Abstract: While service quality is acceptably most valued in the tourism industry, the issue of safety and security plays a key role in sustaining the industry success. Such an issue has been part of Thailand-s tourism development and promotion for several years. Evidently, the Tourist Police Department was set up for this purpose. Its main responsibility is to deal with international tourists- safety and confidence in travelling within Thai territory. However, to strengthen the tourism safety of the country, it is important to better understand international tourists- safety concerns about Thailand. This article seeks to compare international tourists- safety needs and Thai tourist polices- perception towards the tourists- safety concern to determine what measure should be taken to assure the tourist of Thailand-s secure environment. Through the employment of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches, the tourism safety need of international tourists from Europe, North America and Asia was excavated, how Thai tourist polices and local polices perceived the international tourist-s safety concern was investigated, and opinion and experiences about how the police deal with international tourists- problems in eight touristic areas were also explored. A comparative result reveals a certain degrees of differences in international tourists- safety needs and Thai polices- perception towards their needs. The tourism safety prevention and protection measure and practice are also suggested.
Abstract: Hardness of the widely used structural steel is of vital
importance since it may help in the determination of many
mechanical properties of a material under loading situations. In order
to obtain reliable information for design, properties homogeneity
should be validated. In the current study the hardness variation over
the different diameters of the same AISI 4140 bar is investigated.
Measurements were taken on the two faces of the stock at equally
spaced eight sectors and fifteen layers. Statistical and graphical
analysis are performed to asses the distribution of hardness
measurements over the specified area. Hardness measurements
showed some degree of dispersion with about ± 10% of its nominal
value provided by manufacturer. Hardness value is found to have a
slight decrease trend as the diameter is reduced. However, an
opposite behavior is noticed regarding the sequence of the sector
indicating a nonuniform distribution over the same area either on the
same face or considering the corresponding sector on the other face
(cross section) of the same material bar.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects
of an altitude training camp on heart rate variability and
performance in elite triathletes. Ten athletes completed 20 days of live-high, train-low training at 1650m. Athletes
underwent pre and post 800-m swim time trials at sea-level, and two heart rate variability tests at 1650m on the first and
last day of the training camp. Based on their time trial results,
athletes were divided into responders and non-responders. Relative to the non-responders, the responders sympathetic-toparasympathetic
ratio decreased substantially after 20 days of altitude training (-0.68 ± 1.08 and -1.2 ± 0.96, mean ± 90%
confidence interval for supine and standing respectively). In
addition, sympathetic activity while standing was also
substantially lower post-altitude in the responders compared to the non-responders (-1869 ± 4764 ms2). Results indicate that
responders demonstrated a change to more vagal
predominance compared to non-responders.
Abstract: Biclustering aims at identifying several biclusters that
reveal potential local patterns from a microarray matrix. A bicluster is
a sub-matrix of the microarray consisting of only a subset of genes
co-regulates in a subset of conditions. In this study, we extend the
motif of subspace clustering to present a K-biclusters clustering (KBC)
algorithm for the microarray biclustering issue. Besides minimizing
the dissimilarities between genes and bicluster centers within all
biclusters, the objective function of the KBC algorithm additionally
takes into account how to minimize the residues within all biclusters
based on the mean square residue model. In addition, the objective
function also maximizes the entropy of conditions to stimulate more
conditions to contribute the identification of biclusters. The KBC
algorithm adopts the K-means type clustering process to efficiently
make the partition of K biclusters be optimized. A set of experiments
on a practical microarray dataset are demonstrated to show the
performance of the proposed KBC algorithm.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a dual version of the first
threshold ring signature scheme based on error-correcting code proposed
by Aguilar et. al in [1]. Our scheme uses an improvement of
Véron zero-knowledge identification scheme, which provide smaller
public and private key sizes and better computation complexity than
the Stern one. This scheme is secure in the random oracle model.
Abstract: The evaluation of unit cell neutronic parameters and
lifetime for some innovant reactors without on sit-refuling will be
held in this work. the behavior of some small and medium reactors
without on site refueling with triso and cermet fuel. For the FBNR
long life except we propose to change the enrichment of the Cermet
MFE to 9%. For the AFPR reactor we can see that the use of the
Cermet MFE can extend the life of this reactor but to maintain the
same life period for AFPR-SC we most use burnup poison to have the
same slope for Kinf (Burnup). PFPWR50 cell behaves almost in
same way using both fuels Cermet and TRISO. So we can conclude
that PFPWR50 reactor, with CERMET Fuel, is kept among the long
cycle reactors and with the new configuration we avoid subcriticality
at the beginning of cycle. The evaluation of unit cell neutronic
parameters reveals a good agreement with the goal of BWR-PB
concept. It is found out that the Triso fuel assembly lifetime can be
extended for a reasonably long period without being refueled,
approximately up to 48GWd/t burnup. Using coated particles fuels
with the Cermet composition can be more extended the fuel assembly
life time, approximately 52 GWd/t.
Abstract: The application of stability theory has led to detailed studies of different types of vessels; however, the shortage of information relating to multihull vessels demanded further investigation. This study shows that the position of the hulls has a very influential effect on both the transverse and longitudinal stability of the tricore. HSC stability code is applied for the optimisation of the hull configurations. Such optimization criteria would undoubtedly aid the performance of the vessel for both commercial or leisure purposes
Abstract: Interaction Model plays an important role in Modelbased
Intelligent Interface Agent Architecture for developing
Intelligent User Interface. In this paper we are presenting some
improvements in the algorithms for development interaction model of
interface agent including: the action segmentation algorithm, the
action pair selection algorithm, the final action pair selection
algorithm, the interaction graph construction algorithm and the
probability calculation algorithm. The analysis of the algorithms also
presented. At the end of this paper, we introduce an experimental
program called “Personal Transfer System".
Abstract: In this study, shaking table tests are performed to investigate the behavior of excess pore water pressure in different soft soil-foundations of soil-structure interaction (SSI) system. The variation of the behaviors under cycled minor shock is observed. Moreover, The generation and variation mechanism of excess pore water pressure under earthquake excitation in different soft soilfoundations are analyzed and discussed.
Abstract: Mobile Picture Puzzle is a mobile game application where the player use existing images stored in the mobile phone to create a puzzle to be played. This traditional picture puzzle is not so challenging once the player is familiar with the game. The objective of the developed mobile game application is to have a similar mobile game application that can provide the player with more challenging gaming experience. The developed mobile game application is also a mobile picture puzzle game application to create a puzzle to be played but instead of just using existing images that are stored, the personalised capability allows the player to use the built-in camera phone to capture an image and use the newly captured image to create the puzzle. The development of the mobile game application uses Symbian Operating System (OS), Mobile Media API (Application Programming Interface), Record Management System (RMS) storage and TiledLayer class from Game API.
Abstract: Many digital signal processing, techniques have been used to automatically distinguish protein coding regions (exons) from non-coding regions (introns) in DNA sequences. In this work, we have characterized these sequences according to their nonlinear dynamical features such as moment invariants, correlation dimension, and largest Lyapunov exponent estimates. We have applied our model to a number of real sequences encoded into a time series using EIIP sequence indicators. In order to discriminate between coding and non coding DNA regions, the phase space trajectory was first reconstructed for coding and non-coding regions. Nonlinear dynamical features are extracted from those regions and used to investigate a difference between them. Our results indicate that the nonlinear dynamical characteristics have yielded significant differences between coding (CR) and non-coding regions (NCR) in DNA sequences. Finally, the classifier is tested on real genes where coding and non-coding regions are well known.
Abstract: Saturated two-phase fluid flows are often subject to
pressure induced oscillations. Due to compressibility the vapor
bubbles act as a spring with an asymmetric non-linear characteristic.
The volume of the vapor bubbles increases or decreases differently if
the pressure fluctuations are compressing or expanding;
consequently, compressing pressure fluctuations in a two-phase pipe
flow cause less displacement in the direction of the pipe flow than
expanding pressure fluctuations. The displacement depends on the
ratio of liquid to vapor, the ratio of pressure fluctuations over average
pressure and on the exciting frequency of the pressure fluctuations.
In addition, pressure fluctuations in saturated vapor bubbles cause
condensation and evaporation within the bubbles and change
periodically the ratio between liquid to vapor, and influence the
dynamical parameters for the oscillation. The oscillations are
conforming to an isenthalpic process at constant enthalpy with no
heat transfer and no exchange of work.
The paper describes the governing non-linear equation for twophase
fluid oscillations with condensation and evaporation, and
presents steady state approximate solutions for free and for pressure
induced oscillations. Resonance criteria and stability are discussed.
Abstract: Project selection problems on management
information system (MIS) are often considered a multi-criteria
decision-making (MCDM) for a solving method. These problems
contain two aspects, such as interdependencies among criteria and
candidate projects and qualitative and quantitative factors of projects.
However, most existing methods reported in literature consider these
aspects separately even though these two aspects are simultaneously
incorporated. For this reason, we proposed a hybrid method using
analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy logic in order to represent
both aspects. We then propose a goal programming model to conduct
an optimization for the project selection problems interpreted by a
hybrid concept. Finally, a numerical example is conducted as
verification purposes.
Abstract: Technology of thin film deposition is of interest in
many engineering fields, from electronic manufacturing to corrosion
protective coating. A typical deposition process, like that developed
at the University of Eindhoven, considers the deposition of a thin,
amorphous film of C:H or of Si:H on the substrate, using the
Expanding Thermal arc Plasma technique. In this paper a computing
procedure is proposed to simulate the flow field in a deposition
chamber similar to that at the University of Eindhoven and a
sensitivity analysis is carried out in terms of: precursor mass flow
rate, electrical power, supplied to the torch and fluid-dynamic
characteristics of the plasma jet, using different nozzles. To this
purpose a deposition chamber similar in shape, dimensions and
operating parameters to the above mentioned chamber is considered.
Furthermore, a method is proposed for a very preliminary evaluation
of the film thickness distribution on the substrate. The computing
procedure relies on two codes working in tandem; the output from
the first code is the input to the second one. The first code simulates
the flow field in the torch, where Argon is ionized according to the
Saha-s equation, and in the nozzle. The second code simulates the
flow field in the chamber. Due to high rarefaction level, this is a
(commercial) Direct Simulation Monte Carlo code. Gas is a mixture
of 21 chemical species and 24 chemical reactions from Argon plasma
and Acetylene are implemented in both codes. The effects of the
above mentioned operating parameters are evaluated and discussed
by 2-D maps and profiles of some important thermo-fluid-dynamic
parameters, as per Mach number, velocity and temperature. Intensity,
position and extension of the shock wave are evaluated and the
influence of the above mentioned test conditions on the film
thickness and uniformity of distribution are also evaluated.
Abstract: We propose an enhanced collaborative filtering
method using Hofstede-s cultural dimensions, calculated for 111
countries. We employ 4 of these dimensions, which are correlated to
the costumers- buying behavior, in order to detect users- preferences
for items. In addition, several advantages of this method
demonstrated for data sparseness and cold-start users, which are
important challenges in collaborative filtering. We present
experiments using a real dataset, Book Crossing Dataset.
Experimental results shows that the proposed algorithm provide
significant advantages in terms of improving recommendation
quality.
Abstract: The accelerated growth in aircraft industries desire
effectual schemes, programs, innovative designs of advanced systems
to accomplishing the augmenting need for home-free air
transportation. In this paper, a contemporary conceptual design of an
airplane has been proposed without landing gear systems in order to
reducing accidents, time consumption, and to eliminating drawbacks
by using superconducting levitation phenomenon. This invention of
an airplane with superconductive material coating, on the solar plexus
region assist to reduce weight by approximately 4% of the total takeoff
weight, and cost effective. Moreover, we conjectured that
superconductor landing system reduces ground friction, mission fuel,
total drag, take-off and landing distance.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop models that would enable predicting student success. These models could improve allocation of students among colleges and optimize the newly introduced model of government subsidies for higher education. For the purpose of collecting data, an anonymous survey was carried out in the last year of undergraduate degree student population using random sampling method. Decision trees were created of which two have been chosen that were most successful in predicting student success based on two criteria: Grade Point Average (GPA) and time that a student needs to finish the undergraduate program (time-to-degree). Decision trees have been shown as a good method of classification student success and they could be even more improved by increasing survey sample and developing specialized decision trees for each type of college. These types of methods have a big potential for use in decision support systems.
Abstract: In today-s information age, numbers of organizations
are still arguing on capitalizing the values of Information Technology
(IT) and Knowledge Management (KM) to which individuals can
benefit from and effective communication among the individuals can
be established. IT exists in enabling positive improvement for
communication among knowledge workers (k-workers) with a
number of social network technology domains at workplace. The
acceptance of digital discourse in sharing of knowledge and
facilitating the knowledge and information flows at most of the
organizations indeed impose the culture of knowledge sharing in
Digital Social Networks (DSN). Therefore, this study examines
whether the k-workers with IT background would confer an effect on
the three knowledge characteristics -- conceptual, contextual, and
operational. Derived from these three knowledge characteristics, five
potential factors will be examined on the effects of knowledge
exchange via e-mail domain as the chosen query. It is expected, that
the results could provide such a parameter in exploring how DSN
contributes in supporting the k-workers- virtues, performance and
qualities as well as revealing the mutual point between IT and KM.
Abstract: Over last two decades, due to hostilities of environment
over the internet the concerns about confidentiality of information
have increased at phenomenal rate. Therefore to safeguard the information
from attacks, number of data/information hiding methods have
evolved mostly in spatial and transformation domain.In spatial domain
data hiding techniques,the information is embedded directly on
the image plane itself. In transform domain data hiding techniques the
image is first changed from spatial domain to some other domain and
then the secret information is embedded so that the secret information
remains more secure from any attack. Information hiding algorithms
in time domain or spatial domain have high capacity and relatively
lower robustness. In contrast, the algorithms in transform domain,
such as DCT, DWT have certain robustness against some multimedia
processing.In this work the authors propose a novel steganographic
method for hiding information in the transform domain of the gray
scale image.The proposed approach works by converting the gray
level image in transform domain using discrete integer wavelet
technique through lifting scheme.This approach performs a 2-D
lifting wavelet decomposition through Haar lifted wavelet of the cover
image and computes the approximation coefficients matrix CA and
detail coefficients matrices CH, CV, and CD.Next step is to apply the
PMM technique in those coefficients to form the stego image. The
aim of this paper is to propose a high-capacity image steganography
technique that uses pixel mapping method in integer wavelet domain
with acceptable levels of imperceptibility and distortion in the cover
image and high level of overall security. This solution is independent
of the nature of the data to be hidden and produces a stego image
with minimum degradation.
Abstract: Roadways in Amman city face many problems consequent upon poor drainage systems. Evaluation tools are necessary to identify those roads needing improvement in their drainage system, and those needing regular maintenance. This work aims at evaluating drainage conditions in selected roadways in Amman city with the intent of identifying the problems encountered in their drainage systems. Three sites in the vicinity of Amman city have been selected and then inspected via several field visits to determine the state of their existing drainage systems and define the major problems encountered in these systems. The evaluation tool used in this study is based on visual inspection supported by photographs that depicted the defined problems. Following the field assessment, the drainage system in each road was rated as excellent, fair, good, or poor. The study reveals that more than 60% of the roadways in the selected sites were in poor drainage conditions, which lead to tremendous environmental problems. This assessment serves as a guide for local decision makers to help plan for the maintenance of Amman city roadways drainage systems, and propose ways of managing the associated problems.