Abstract: Availability of raw materials is important for
Indonesia as a furniture exporting country. Teak log as raw materials
is supplied to the furniture industry by Perum Perhutani (PP). PP
needs to involve carbon trading for nature conservation. PP also has
an obligation in the Corporate Social Responsibility program. PP and
furniture industry also must prosecute the regulations related to
ecological issues and labor rights. This study has the objective to
create the relationship model between supplier and manufacturer to
fulfill teak log demand that involving teak forest carbon
sequestration. A model is formulated as Goal Programming to get the
favorable solution for teak log procurement and support carbon
sequestration that considering economical, ecological, and social
aspects of both supplier and manufacturer. The results show that the
proposed model can be used to determine the teak log quantity
involving carbon trading to achieve the seven goals to be satisfied the
sustainability considerations.
Abstract: The 15-a-side Fiji rugby team trains well in preparations for any rugby competition but rarely performs to expectations. In order to help the Fiji local based rugby players to identify some key basic areas in improving their performance, a series of workshops were conducted to assess their nutritional status and dietary habits in relation to energy demand during rugby matches. The nutrition workshop included the administration of questionnaires to 19 local based rugby players, requesting the following information: usual food intakes, training camp food intakes, carbohydrate loading, pre-game meals and post-game meals. The study revealed that poor eating habits of the players resulted in the low carbohydrate intake, which may have contributed to increase levels of fatigue leading to loss of stamina even before the second half of the game. It appears that the diet of most 15-a-side players does not provide enough energy to enable them to last the full eightyminutes of the game.
Abstract: The effect of variable chemical reaction on heat and mass transfer characteristics over unsteady stretching surface embedded in a porus medium is studied. The governing time dependent boundary layer equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations containing chemical reaction parameter, unsteadiness parameter, Prandtl number and Schmidt number. These equations have been transformed into a system of first order differential equations. MATHEMATICA has been used to solve this system after obtaining the missed initial conditions. The velocity gradient, temperature, and concentration profiles are computed and discussed in details for various values of the different parameters.
Abstract: In this paper the behavior of the decision feedback
equalizers (DFEs) adapted by the decision-directed or the constant
modulus blind algorithms is presented. An analysis of the error
surface of the corresponding criterion cost functions is first
developed. With the intention of avoiding the ill-convergence of the
algorithm, the paper proposes to modify the shape of the cost
function error surface by using a soft decision instead of the hard
one. This was shown to reduce the influence of false decisions and to
smooth the undesirable minima. Modified algorithms using the soft
decision during a pseudo-training phase with an automatic switch to
the properly tracking phase are then derived. Computer simulations
show that these modified algorithms present better ability to avoid
local minima than conventional ones.
Abstract: Metropolitan areas have suffered from traffic problems, which have steadily increased in many monocentric cities. Urban expansion, population growth, and road network development have resulted in a structural shift toward urban sprawl, increasing commuters’ dependence on private modes of transport. This paper aims to model the influence of socioeconomic and land-use factors on mode choice using a multinomial and nested logit model. Land-use patterns—such as residential, commercial, retail, educational and employment related—affect the choice of mode and destination in the short and medium term. Socioeconomic factors—such as age, gender, income, household size, and house type—also affect choice, while residential location is affected in the long term. Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Melbourne in Australia were chosen as case studies. Riyadh is a car-dependent city with limited public transport, whereas Melbourne has good public transport but an increase in car dependence. Aggregate level land-use data and disaggregate level individual, household, and journey-to-work data are used to determine the effects of land use and socioeconomic factors on mode choice. The model results determined that urban sprawl is the main factor that affects mode choice, income, and house type.
Abstract: Rapid steps made in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has facilitated the development of teaching and learning methods and prepared them to serve the needs of an assorted educational institution. In other words, the information age has redefined the fundamentals and transformed the institutions and method of services delivery forever. The vision is the articulation of a desire to transform the method of teaching and learning could proceed through e-learning. E-learning is commonly deliberated to use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning practice. This paper deals the general aspects of the e-leaning with its issues, developments, opportunities and challenges, which can the higher institutions own.
Abstract: In today-s modern world, the number of vehicles is
increasing on the road. This causes more people to choose walking
instead of traveling using vehicles. Thus, proper planning of
pedestrians- paths is important to ensure the safety of pedestrians in a
walking area. Crowd dynamics study the pedestrians- behavior and
modeling pedestrians- movement to ensure safety in their walking paths.
To date, many models have been designed to ease pedestrians-
movement. The Social Force Model is widely used among researchers
as it is simpler and provides better simulation results. We will discuss
the problem regarding the ritual of circumambulating the Ka-aba
(Tawaf) where the entrances to this area are usually congested which
worsens during the Hajj season. We will use the computer simulation
model SimWalk which is based on the Social Force Model to simulate
the movement of pilgrims in the Tawaf area. We will first discuss the
effect of uni and bi-directional flows at the gates. We will then restrict
certain gates to the area as the entrances only and others as exits only.
From the simulations, we will study the effect of the distance of other
entrances from the beginning line and their effects on the duration of
pilgrims circumambulate Ka-aba. We will distribute the pilgrims at the
different entrances evenly so that the congestion at the entrances can be
reduced. We would also discuss the various locations and designs of
barriers at the exits and its effect on the time taken for the pilgrims to
exit the Tawaf area.
Abstract: The main purpose of this research aimed to create tactile texture designed media for the blind used for extra learning outside classrooms in order to enhance imagination of the blind about Himmapan creatures, furthermore, the main objective of the research focused on improving the visual disabled perception to be equal to normal people. The target group of the research is blinded students studying in The Bangkok school for the blind between grade 4-6 in the second semester of 2011 who are able to read the braille language. The research methodology consisted of the field study and the documentary study related to the blind, tactile texture designed media and Himmapan creatures. 10 pictures of tactile texture designed media were created in the designing process which began after the analysis had conducted based the primary and secondary data. The works had presented to experts in the visual disabled field who evaluated the works. After approval, the works used as prototype to teach the blind. KeywordsBlind, Himmapan Creatures, Tactile Texture.
Abstract: This paper is proposed the dynamic simulation of
small power induction motor based on Mathematical modeling. The
dynamic simulation is one of the key steps in the validation of the
design process of the motor drive systems and it is needed for
eliminating inadvertent design mistakes and the resulting error in the
prototype construction and testing. This paper demonstrates the
simulation of steady-state performance of induction motor by
MATLAB Program Three phase 3 hp induction motor is modeled
and simulated with SIMULINK model.
Abstract: In this article has been analyzed Kazakhstani
experience in organizing the system after the institute of higher education, legislative-regulative assurance of master preparation, and
statistic data in the republic. Have been the features of projecting the master programs, a condition of realization of studying credit system, have been analyzed the technologies of research teaching masters. In
conclusion have been given some recommendation on creating personal-oriented environment of research teaching masters.
Abstract: This paper presents a hybrid algorithm for solving a timetabling problem, which is commonly encountered in many universities. The problem combines both teacher assignment and course scheduling problems simultaneously, and is presented as a mathematical programming model. However, this problem becomes intractable and it is unlikely that a proven optimal solution can be obtained by an integer programming approach, especially for large problem instances. A hybrid algorithm that combines an integer programming approach, a greedy heuristic and a modified simulated annealing algorithm collaboratively is proposed to solve the problem. Several randomly generated data sets of sizes comparable to that of an institution in Indonesia are solved using the proposed algorithm. Computational results indicate that the algorithm can overcome difficulties of large problem sizes encountered in previous related works.
Abstract: A cross sectional study design and standard
microbiological procedures were used to determine the prevalence
and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli,
Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae O1
isolated from water and two fish species Rastrineobola argentea and
Oreochromis niloticus collected from fish landing beaches and
markets in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya. Out of 162
samples analyzed, 133 (82.1%) were contaminated, with S.
typhimurium as the most prevalent (49.6%), followed by E. coli
(46.6%), and lastly V. cholerae (2.8%). All the bacteria isolates were
sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin,
tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenical and gentamicin while
S. typhimurium isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin,
tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole. The V. cholerae O1 isolates were
resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. The high prevalence of drug
resistant enteric bacteria in water and fish from the study region
needs public health intervention from the local government.
Abstract: The given work is devoted to the description of
Information Technologies NAS of Azerbaijan created and
successfully maintained in Institute. On the basis of the decision of
board of the Supreme Certifying commission at the President of the
Azerbaijan Republic and Presidium of National Academy of
Sciences of the Azerbaijan Republic, the organization of training
courses on Computer Sciences for all post-graduate students and
dissertators of the republic, taking of examinations of candidate
minima, it was on-line entrusted to Institute of Information
Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.
Therefore, teaching the computer sciences to post-graduate
students and dissertators a scientific - methodological manual on
effective application of new information technologies for research
works by post-graduate students and dissertators and taking of
candidate minima is carried out in the Educational Center.
Information and communication technologies offer new
opportunities and prospects of their application for teaching and
training. The new level of literacy demands creation of essentially
new technology of obtaining of scientific knowledge. Methods of
training and development, social and professional requirements,
globalization of the communicative economic and political projects
connected with construction of a new society, depends on a level of
application of information and communication technologies in the
educational process. Computer technologies develop ideas of
programmed training, open completely new, not investigated
technological ways of training connected to unique opportunities of
modern computers and telecommunications. Computer technologies
of training are processes of preparation and transfer of the
information to the trainee by means of computer. Scientific and
technical progress as well as global spread of the technologies
created in the most developed countries of the world is the main
proof of the leading role of education in XXI century. Information
society needs individuals having modern knowledge. In practice, all
technologies, using special technical information means (computer,
audio, video) are called information technologies of education.
Abstract: Construction project control attempts to obtain real-time information and effectively enhance dynamic control and management via information sharing and analysis among project participants to eliminate construction conflicts and project delays. However, survey results for Taiwan indicate that construction commercial project management software is not widely accepted for subcontractors and suppliers. To solve the project communications problems among participants, this study presents a novel system called the Construction Dynamic Teams Communication Management (Con-DTCM) system for small-to-medium sized subcontractors and suppliers in Taiwanese Construction industry, and demonstrates that the Con-DTCM system responds to the most recent project information efficiently and enhances management of project teams (general contractor, suppliers and subcontractors) through web-based environment. Web-based technology effectively enhances information sharing during construction project management, and generates cost savings via the Internet. The main unique characteristic of the proposed Con-DTCM system is extremely user friendly and easily design compared with current commercial project management applications. The Con-DTCM system is applied to a case study of construction of a building project in Taiwan to confirm the proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of information sharing during the construction phase. The advantages of the Con-DTCM system are in improving project control and management efficiency for general contractors, and in providing dynamic project tracking and management, which enables subcontractors and suppliers to acquire the most recent project-related information. Furthermore, this study presents and implements a generic system architecture.
Abstract: With the proliferation of the mobile device
technologies, mobile learning can be used to complement and
improve traditional learning problems. Both students and teachers
need a proper and handy system to monitor and keep track the
performance of the students. This paper presents an implementation
of M-learning for primary school in Malaysia by using an open
source technology. It focuses on learning mathematics using
handheld devices for primary schools- students aged 11 and 12 years
old. Main users for this system include students, teachers and the
administrator. This application suggests a new mobile learning
environment with mobile graph for tracking the students- progress
and performance. The purpose of this system is not to replace
traditional classroom but to complement the learning process. In a
testing conducted, students who used this system performed better in
their examination.
Abstract: This paper challenges the relevance of knowledgebased
management research by arguing that the majority of the
literature emphasizes information and knowledge provision instead of
their business usage. For this reason the related processes are
considered valuable and eligible as such, which has led to
overlapping nature of knowledge-based management disciplines. As
a solution, this paper turns the focus on the information usage. Value
of knowledge and respective management tasks are then defined by
the business need and the knowledge-user becomes the main actor.
The paper analyses the prevailing literature streams and recognizes
the need for a more focused and robust understanding of knowledgebased
value creation. The paper contributes by synthetizing the
existing literature and pinpointing the essence of knowledge-based
management disciplines.
Abstract: In this paper, based on steady-state models of Flexible
AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices, the sizing of static
synchronous series compensator (SSSC) controllers in transmission
network is formed as an optimization problem. The objective of this
problem is to reduce the transmission losses in the network. The
optimization problem is solved using particle swarm optimization
(PSO) technique. The Newton-Raphson load flow algorithm is
modified to consider the insertion of the SSSC devices in the
network. A numerical example, illustrating the effectiveness of the
proposed algorithm, is introduced. In addition, a novel model of a 3-
phase voltage source converter (VSC) that is suitable for series
connected FACTS a controller is introduced. The model is verified
by simulation using Power System Blockset (PSB) and Simulink
software.
Abstract: Ecological ponds can be a good teaching tool for
science teachers, but they must be built and maintained properly to
provide students with a safe and suitable learning environment.
Hence, many schools do not have the ability to build an ecological
pond. This study used virtual reality technology to develop a webbased
virtual ecological pond. Supported by situated learning theory
and the instructional design of “Aquatic Life" learning unit,
elementary school students can actively explore in the virtual
ecological pond to observe aquatic animals and plants and learn
about the concept of ecological conservation. A teaching experiment
was conducted to investigate the learning effectiveness and
practicability of this instructional design, and the results showed that
students improved a great deal in learning about aquatic life. They
found the virtual ecological pond interesting, easy to operate and
helpful to understanding the aquatic ecological system. Therefore, it
is useful in elementary science education.
Abstract: In a pilot plant scale of a fluidized bed reactor, a
reduction reaction of sodium sulfate by natural gas has been
investigated. Natural gas is applied in this study as a reductant. Feed
density, feed mass flow rate, natural gas and air flow rate
(independent parameters)and temperature of bed and CO
concentration in inlet and outlet of reactor (dependent parameters)
were monitored and recorded at steady state. The residence time was
adjusted close to value of traditional reaction [1]. An artificial neural
network (ANN) was established to study dependency of yield and
carbon gradient on operating parameters. Resultant 97% accuracy of
applied ANN is a good prove that natural gas can be used as a
reducing agent. Predicted ANN model for relation between other
sources carbon gradient (accuracy 74%) indicates there is not a
meaningful relation between other sources carbon variation and
reduction process which means carbon in granule does not have
significant effect on the reaction yield.
Abstract: A rare phenomenon of SDS-induced activation of a latent protease activity associated with the purified silkworm excretory red fluorescent protein (SE-RFP) was noticed. SE-RFP aliquots incubated with SDS for different time intervals indicated that the protein undergoes an obligatory breakdown into a number of subunits which exhibit autoproteolytic (acting upon themselves) and/or heteroproteolytic (acting on other proteins) activities. A strong serine protease activity of SE-RFP subunits on Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) polyhedral protein was detected by zymography technique. A complete inhibition of BmNPV infection to silkworms was observed by the oral administration assay of the SE-RFP. Here, it is proposed that the SE-RFP prevents the initial infection of BmNPV to silkworms by obliterating the polyhedral protein. This is the first report on a silkworm red fluorescent protein that exhibits a protease activity on exposure to SDS. The present studies would help in understanding the antiviral mechanism of silkworm red fluorescent proteins.