Abstract: Nowadays, ontologies are used for achieving a
common understanding within a user community and for sharing
domain knowledge. However, the de-centralized nature of the web
makes indeed inevitable that small communities will use their own
ontologies to describe their data and to index their own resources.
Certainly, accessing to resources from various ontologies created
independently is an important challenge for answering end user
queries. Ontology mapping is thus required for combining ontologies.
However, mapping complete ontologies at run time is a
computationally expensive task. This paper proposes a system in
which mappings between concepts may be generated dynamically as
the concepts are encountered during user queries. In this way, the
interaction itself defines the context in which small and relevant
portions of ontologies are mapped. We illustrate application of the
proposed system in the context of Technology Enhanced Learning
(TEL) where learners need to access to learning resources covering
specific concepts.
Abstract: The Institutional Sustainability Performance (ISP) of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines reveals the level of compliance and fidelity of the latter to the mandates of the state. This performance evaluation procedure aims to perpetually monitor and sustain the quality of services provided by the state institutions in the country. Importantly, the SUC level rating is one of the key indicators of the merit system adopted by the state to give incentives to government institutions. With the crucial role of the ISP and SUC level in the performance of an institution and in sustaining quality assurance, this study theorized that the top managers’ capacity to influence is the critical factor in meeting the expectations of the state. This study assessed the top managers’ capacity to influence. The hypothesis in this study proved that leadership style of top managers has significant relationship to the managers’ capacity to influence for institutional sustainability performance. Thus, the subjects of this study were restricted only to the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) that qualified in the top 20 Institutional Sustainability Performance; the digital governance performance, and the SUC leveling status nationwide. The top managers and their subordinates with doctorate of Bulacan State University and Bataan Peninsula State University whose programs have been consistently submitted to accreditation and were ranked Levels III and IV were subjected and participated to the study. This study assessed the top managers’ capacity to influence. The hypothesis in this study proved that leadership style of top managers has significant relationship to the managers’ capacity to influence for institutional sustainability performance. Thus, the subjects of this study were restricted only to the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) that qualified in the top 20 Institutional Sustainability Performance; the digital governance performance, and the SUC leveling status nationwide. The top managers and their subordinates with doctorate of Bulacan State University and Bataan Peninsula State University whose programs have been consistently submitted to accreditation and were ranked Levels III and IV were subjected and participated to the study.
Abstract: Critical success factors (CSFs) and the criteria to measure project success have received much attention over the decades and are among the most widely researched topics in the context of project management. However, although there have been extensive studies on the subject by different researchers, to date, there has been little agreement on the CSFs. The aim of this study is to identify the CSFs that influence the performance of construction projects, and determine their relative importance for different objectives across five stages in the project life cycle. A considerable literature review was conducted that resulted in the identification of 179 individual factors. These factors were then grouped into nine major categories. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from three groups of respondents: client representatives, consultants, and contractors. Out of 164 questionnaires distributed, 93 were returned, yielding a response rate of 56.7%. Using the mean score, relative importance index, and weighted average method, the top 10 critical factors for each category were identified. The agreement of survey respondents on those categorised factors were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation. A one-way analysis of variance was then performed to determine whether the mean scores among the various groups of respondents were statistically significant. The findings indicate the most CSFs in each category in procurement phase are: proper procurement programming of materials (time), stability in the price of materials (cost), and determining quality in the construction (quality). They are then followed by safety equipment acquisition and maintenance (health and safety), budgeting allowed in a contractual arrangement for implementing environmental management activities (environment), completeness of drawing documents (productivity), accurate measurement and pricing of bill of quantities (risk management), adequate communication among the project team (human resource), and adequate cost control measures (client satisfaction). An understanding of CSFs would help all interested parties in the construction industry to improve project performance. Furthermore, the results of this study would help construction professionals and practitioners take proactive measures for effective project management.
Abstract: The ductility is an important parameter in the nonlinear behavior of portal structures reinforced concrete. It may be explained by the ability of the structure to deform in the plastic range, or the geometric characteristics in the map may influence the overall ductility. Our study is based on the influence of geometric slenderness (Lx / Ly) on the overall ductility of these structures, a study is made on a structure has 05 floors with varying the column section of 900 cm², 1600 cm² and 1225 cm². A slight variation in global ductility is noticed as (Lx/Ly) varies; however, column sections can control satisfactorily the plastic behavior of buildings.
Abstract: Pipelines are extensively used engineering structures
which convey fluid from one place to another. Most of the time,
pipelines are placed underground and are encumbered by soil weight
and traffic loads. Corrosion of pipe material is the most common
form of pipeline deterioration and should be considered in both the
strength and serviceability analysis of pipes.
The study in this research focuses on concrete pipes in sewage
systems (concrete sewers). This research firstly investigates how to
involve the effect of corrosion as a time dependent process of
deterioration in the structural and failure analysis of this type of pipe.
Then three probabilistic time dependent reliability analysis methods
including the first passage probability theory, the gamma distributed
degradation model and the Monte Carlo simulation technique are
discussed and developed. Sensitivity analysis indexes which can be
used to identify the most important parameters that affect pipe failure
are also discussed.
The reliability analysis methods developed in this paper contribute
as rational tools for decision makers with regard to the strengthening
and rehabilitation of existing pipelines. The results can be used to
obtain a cost-effective strategy for the management of the sewer
system.
Abstract: This paper has focused on the most important parameters in the LSC uptake; inlet Re number and Sc number in the presence of non-uniform magnetic field. The magnetic field is arising from the thin wire with electric current placed vertically to the arterial blood vessel. According to the results of this study, applying magnetic field can be a treatment for atherosclerosis by reducing LSC along the vessel wall. Homogeneous porous layer as a arterial wall has been regarded. Blood flow has been considered laminar and incompressible containing Ferro fluid (blood and 4 % vol. Fe3O4) under steady state conditions. Numerical solution of governing equations was obtained by using the single-phase model and control volume technique for flow field.
Abstract: Problem of food preservation is extremely important
for mankind. Viscous damage ("illness") of bread results from
development of Bacillus spp. bacteria. High temperature resistant
spores of this microorganism are steady against 120°C) and remain in
bread during pastries, potentially causing spoilage of the final
product. Scientists are interested in further characterization of bread
spoiling Bacillus spp. species. Our aim was to find weather yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that are able to produce natural
antimicrobial killer factor can preserve bread illness. By diffusion
method, we showed yeast antagonistic activity against spore-forming
bacteria. Experimental technological parameters were the same as for
bakers' yeasts production on the industrial scale. Risograph test
during dough fermentation demonstrated gas production. The major
finding of the study was a clear indication of the presence of killer
yeast strain antagonistic activity against rope in bread causing
bacteria. After demonstrating antagonistic effect of S. cerevisiae on
bacteria using solid nutrient medium, we tested baked bread under
provocative conditions. We also measured formation of carbon
dioxide in the dough, dough-making duration and quality of the final
products, when using different strains of S. cerevisiae. It is
determined that the use of yeast S. cerevisiae RCAM 01730 killer
strain inhibits appearance of rope in bread. Thus, natural yeast
antimicrobial killer toxin, produced by some S. cerevisiae strains is
an anti-rope in bread protector.
Abstract: The main objective of this paper is to establish the relationship between models of state organization and the various types of collective identity expressed by the Spanish. The question of nationalism and identity ascription in Spain has always been a topic of special importance due to the presence in that country of territories where the population emits very different opinions of nationalist sentiment than the rest of Spain. The current situation of sovereignty challenge of Catalonia to the central government exemplifies the importance of the subject matter. In order to analyze this process of interrelation, we use a secondary data mining by applying the multiple correspondence analysis technique (MCA). As a main result a typology of four types of expression of collective identity based on models of State organization are shown, which are connected with the party position on this issue.
Abstract: Copreneurship is a term used to describe the business
pattern of operations run by married couples who share commitment,
goals, and responsibilities in handling a business. Research conducted
overseas showed that copreneurship business activities grew quickly
and played a role in elevating families’ and nations’ socio-economic
standards. In Malaysia, copreneurship has long been cultivated by
spouses. Thus, this study aimed to explore the factors that motivate
married partners to start a copreneurship business, and who is the
dominant partner in the management of this business. The study
participants are four entrepreneurial couples who are SME business
operators selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews
and direct observation were used as methods of measurement for
triangulation of qualitative data in this study. The findings of the
interviews were administered using NVivo 8.0 software. The result
shows that freedom is a key factor that drives entrepreneurs to set up
copreneurship businesses, and that the husband dominates the
management aspects of the business. The study gives an overview of
the parties involved in entrepreneurship to provide understanding of
the copreneurship concept as it is practiced. This study provides
academic value by creating understanding of the importance of a
harmonious family institution specifically for forming entrepreneurs
in the familial environment in Malaysia.
Abstract: The importance of culture and tourism in the attractiveness and competitiveness of the countries is central, and many regions are evidencing their cultural assets, tangible and intangible, as a means to create comparative advantages in tourism and produce a distinctive place in response to the pressures of globalization. Culture and tourism are interlinked because of their obvious combination and growth potential. Cultural tourism is a crucial global tourism market with fast growing. Regions can develop significant relations between culture and tourism to increase their attractiveness as places to visit, live and invest, increasing their competitiveness. Accordingly, having new and creative approach to historical areas as cultural value-based destinations can improve their conditions to promote tourism. Furthermore, in 21st century, media become the most important factor affecting the development of urban cities, including public places. As a result of the digital revolution, re-imaging and re-linkage public places by media are essential to create more interactions between public spaces and users, interaction media display, and urban screens, one of the most important defined media. This interaction can transform the urban space from being neglected to be more interactive space with users, especially the pedestrians. The paper focuses on The Walled City of Famagusta. As many other historic quarters elsewhere in the world, is in a process, of decay and deterioration, and its functionally distinctive areas are severely threatened by physical, functional, locational, and image obsolescence at varying degrees. So the focus on the future development of this area through tourism promotion can be an appropriate decision for the monument enhancement of the spatial quality in Walled City of Famagusta. In this paper, it is aimed to identify the effects of these new digital factors to transform public spaces especially in historic urban areas to promote creative tourism. Accordingly, two different analysis methods are used as well as a theoretical review. The first is case study on site and the second is Close ended questionnaire, test many concepts raised in this paper. The physical analysis on site carried out in order to evaluate the walled city restoration for touristic purpose. Besides, theoretical review is done in order to provide background to the subject and cleared Factors to attract tourists.
Abstract: Electric field is an important fundamental concept in
electrostatics. In high-school, generally Thai students have already
learned about definition of electric field, electric field due to a point
charge, and superposition of electric fields due to multiple-point
charges. Those are the prerequisite basic knowledge students holding
before entrancing universities. In the first-year university level,
students will be quickly revised those basic knowledge and will be
then introduced to a more complicated topic—electric field due to
continuous charged distributions. We initially found that our
freshman students, who were from the Faculty of Science and
enrolled in the introductory physic course (SCPY 158), often
seriously struggled with the basic physics concepts—superposition of
electric fields and inverse square law and mathematics being relevant
to this topic. These also then resulted on students’ understanding of
advanced topics within the course such as Gauss's law, electric
potential difference, and capacitance. Therefore, it is very important
to determine students' understanding of electric field due to
continuous charged distributions. The open-ended question about
sketching net electric field vectors from a uniformly charged
insulating rod was administered to 260 freshman science students as
pre- and post-tests. All of their responses were analyzed and
classified into five levels of understandings. To get deep
understanding of each level, 30 students were interviewed toward
their individual responses. The pre-test result found was that about
90% of students had incorrect understanding. Even after completing
the lectures, there were only 26.5% of them could provide correct
responses. Up to 50% had confusions and irrelevant ideas. The result
implies that teaching methods in Thai high schools may be
problematic. In addition for our benefit, these students’ alternative
conceptions identified could be used as a guideline for developing the
instructional method currently used in the course especially for
teaching electrostatics.
Abstract: The effectiveness of microchannels in enhancing heat
transfer has been demonstrated in the semiconductor industry. In
order to tap the microscale heat transfer effects into macro
geometries, overcoming the cost and technological constraints,
microscale passages were created in macro geometries machined
using conventional fabrication methods. A cylindrical insert was
placed within a pipe, and geometrical profiles were created on the
outer surface of the insert to enhance heat transfer under steady-state
single-phase liquid flow conditions. However, while heat transfer
coefficient values of above 10 kW/m2·K were achieved, the heat
transfer enhancement was accompanied by undesirable pressure drop
increment. Therefore, this study aims to address the high pressure
drop issue using Constructal theory, a universal design law for both
animate and inanimate systems. Two designs based on Constructal theory were developed to study
the effectiveness of Constructal features in reducing the pressure drop
increment as compared to parallel channels, which are commonly
found in microchannel fabrication. The hydrodynamic and heat
transfer performance for the Tree insert and Constructal fin (Cfin)
insert were studied using experimental methods, and the underlying
mechanisms were substantiated by numerical results. In technical
terms, the objective is to achieve at least comparable increment in
both heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, if not higher
increment in the former parameter. Results show that the Tree insert improved the heat transfer
performance by more than 16 percent at low flow rates, as compared
to the Tree-parallel insert. However, the heat transfer enhancement
reduced to less than 5 percent at high Reynolds numbers. On the
other hand, the pressure drop increment stayed almost constant at 20
percent. This suggests that the Tree insert has better heat transfer
performance in the low Reynolds number region. More importantly,
the Cfin insert displayed improved heat transfer performance along
with favourable hydrodynamic performance, as compared to Cfinparallel
insert, at all flow rates in this study. At 2 L/min, the
enhancement of heat transfer was more than 30 percent, with 20
percent pressure drop increment, as compared to Cfin-parallel insert.
Furthermore, comparable increment in both heat transfer coefficient
and pressure drop was observed at 8 L/min. In other words, the Cfin
insert successfully achieved the objective of this study. Analysis of the results suggests that bifurcation of flows is
effective in reducing the increment in pressure drop relative to heat
transfer enhancement. Optimising the geometries of the Constructal
fins is therefore the potential future study in achieving a bigger stride
in energy efficiency at much lower costs.
Abstract: Device-to-device (D2D) communication is considered a
promising technique to provide wireless peer-to-peer communication
services. Due to increasing demand on mobile services, available
spectrum for radio frequency (RF) based communications becomes
scarce. Recently, visible light communications (VLC) has evolved
as a high speed wireless data transmission technology for indoor
environments with abundant available bandwidth. In this paper,
a novel VLC based D2D communication that provides wireless
peer-to-peer communication is proposed. Potential low operating
power devices for an efficient D2D communication over increasing
distance of separation between devices is analyzed. Optical repeaters
(OR) are also proposed to enhance the performance in an environment
where direct D2D communications yield degraded performance.
Simulation results show that VLC plays an important role in
providing efficient D2D communication up to a distance of 1 m
between devices. It is also found that the OR significantly improves
the coverage distance up to 3.5 m.
Abstract: In military aviation, the use of flight simulators has proliferated recently in order to train fifth generation fighter pilots. With these simulators, pilots can carry out real-time flights resulting in seeing their faults and can perform emergency drills prior to real flights. Since we cannot risk losing the aircraft and the pilot himself/herself in the flight training process, flight simulators are of great importance to adapt the fighter pilots competently to real flights aboard the fifth generation aircraft. The real flights are impossible to simulate thoroughly on the ground. To some extent, the fixed-based simulators may assist the pilot to steer aircraft technically and visually but flight simulators can’t trick the pilot’s vestibular, sensory, and perceptual systems without motion platforms. This paper discusses the benefits of motion simulators for fifth generation fighter pilots’ training in preference to the fixed-based counterparts by analyzing their pros and cons.
Abstract: Microstructure and fabric of soils play an important
role on structural properties e.g. stiffness and strength of compacted
earthwork. Traditional quality control monitoring based on moisturedensity
tests neither reflects the variability of soil microstructure nor
provides a direct assessment of structural property, which is the
ultimate objective of the earthwork quality control. Since stiffness
and strength are sensitive to soil microstructure and fabric, any
independent test methods that provide simple, rapid, and direct
measurement of stiffness and strength are anticipated to provide an
effective assessment of compacted earthen materials’ uniformity. In
this study, the soil stiffness gauge (SSG) and the dynamic cone
penetrometer (DCP) were respectively utilized to measure and
monitor the stiffness and strength in companion with traditional
moisture-density measurements of various earthen materials used in
Thailand road construction projects. The practical earthwork quality
control criteria are presented herein in order to assure proper
earthwork quality control and uniform structural property of
compacted earthworks.
Abstract: The irradiation of polymeric materials has received
much attention because it can produce diverse changes in chemical
structure and physical properties. Thus, studying the chemical and
structural changes of polymers is important in practice to achieve
optimal conditions for the modification of polymers. The effect of
gamma irradiation on the crystalline structure of poly(vinylidene
fluoride) (PVDF) has been investigated using differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD). Gamma
irradiation was carried out in atmosphere air with doses between 100
kGy at 3,000 kGy with a Co-60 source. In the melting thermogram of
the samples irradiated can be seen a bimodal melting endotherm is
detected with two melting temperature. The lower melting
temperature is attributed to melting of crystals originally present and
the higher melting peak due to melting of crystals reorganized upon
heat treatment. These results are consistent with those obtained by
XRD technique showing increasing crystallinity with increasing
irradiation dose, although the melting latent heat is decreasing.
Abstract: Debts reconstruction under some of moratorium
projects is one of important method that highly benefits to both the
Banks and farmers. The method can reduce probabilities for nonprofits
loan. This paper discuss about debts reconstruction and career
development training for farmers in Thailand between 2011 and
2013. The research designed is mix-method between quantitative
survey and qualitative survey. Sample size for quantitative method is
1003 cases. Data gathering procedure is between October and
December 2013. Main results affirmed that debts reconstruction is
needed. And there are numerous benefits from farmers’ career
development training. Many of farmers who attend field school
activities able to bring knowledge learned to apply for the farms’
work. They can reduce production costs. Framers’ quality of life and
their household well-being also improve. This program should apply
in any countries where farmers have highly debts and highly risks for
not return the debts.
Abstract: Green chemistry for plant extraction of active principles is the main interest of many researchers concerned with climate change. While classical organic solvents are detrimental to our environment, greener alternatives to ionic liquids are very promising for sustainable organic chemistry. This study focused on the determination of functional groups observed in the main constituents from the ionic liquid extracts of Coleus aromaticus Benth leaves using FT-IR Spectroscopy. Moreover, this research aimed to determine the best ionic liquid that can separate functionalized plant constituents from the leaves Coleus aromaticus Benth using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Coleus aromaticus Benth leaf extract in different ionic liquids, elucidated pharmacologically important functional groups present in major constituents of the plant, namely, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. In connection to distinctive appearance of functional groups in the spectrum and highest % transmittance, potassium chloride-glycerol is the best ionic liquid for green extraction.
Abstract: Reinforced cement concrete is getting extensively used
for construction of different type of structures for the last one century.
During this period, we have constructed many structures like
buildings, bridges, industrial structures, pavement, water tanks etc.
using this construction material. These structures have been created
with huge investment of resources. It is essential to maintain those
structures in functional condition. Since deterioration in RCC
Structures is a common and natural phenomenon it is required to have
a detailed plan, methodology for structural repair and rehabilitation
shall be in place for dealing such issues. It is important to know exact
reason of distress, type of distress and correct method of repair
concrete structures. The different methods of repair are described in
paper according to distress category which can be refereed for repair.
Major finding of the study is that to protect our structure we need to
have maintenance frequency and correct material to be chosen for
repair. Also workmanship during repair needs to be taken utmost care
for quality repair.
Abstract: Voltage level must be raised in order to deliver the
produced energy to the consumption zones with less loss and less
cost. Power transformers used to raise or lower voltage are important
parts of the energy transmission system. Power transformers used in
switchgear and power generation plants stay in human's intensive
habitat zones as a result of expanding cities. Accordingly, noise
levels produced by power transformers have begun more and more
important and they have established itself as one of the research field.
In this research, the noise cause on transformers has been
investigated, it's causes has been examined and noise measurement
techniques have been introduced. Examples of transformer noise test
results are submitted and precautions to be taken were discussed for
the purpose of decreasing of the noise which will occurred by
transformers.