Abstract: Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
(UTAUT) model has demonstrated the influencing factors for generic
information systems use such as tablet personal computer (TPC) and
mobile communication. However, in the context of digital library
system, there has been very little effort to determine factors affecting
the intention to use digital library based on the UTAUT model. This
paper investigates factors that are expected to influence the intention
of postgraduate students to use digital library based on modified
UTAUT model. The modified model comprises of constructs
represented by several latent variables, namely performance
expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), information quality (IQ)
and service quality (SQ) and moderated by age, gender and
experience in using digital library. Results show that performance
expectancy, effort expectancy and information quality are positively
related to the intention to use digital library, while service quality is
negatively related to the intention to use digital library. Age and
gender have shown no evidence of any significant interactions, while
experience in using digital library significantly interacts with effort
expectancy and intention to use digital library. This has provided the
evidence of a moderating effect of experience in the intention to use
digital library. It is expected that this research will shed new lights
into research of acceptance and intention to use the library in a digital
environment.
Abstract: Delayed wound healing in diabetes is primarily
associated with hyperglycemia, over-expression of inflammatory
marker, oxidative stress and delayed collagen synthesis. This
unmanaged wound is producing high economic burden on the
society. Thus research is required to develop new and effective
treatment strategies to deal with this emerging issue. Our present
study incorporates the evaluation of wound healing effects of 50%
ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum (OSE) in streptozotocin
(45mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats with concurrent wound ulcer. The
animals showing diabetes (Blood glucose level >140 and
Abstract: Over the past few years, companies in developing
countries have implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP)
systems. Regardless of the various benefits of the ERP system, its
adoption and implementation have not been without problems. Many
companies have assigned considerable organizational resources to
their ERP projects, but have encountered unexpected challenges.
Neglecting a number of important factors in ERP projects might lead
to failure instead of success. User satisfaction is among those factors
that has a major influence on ERP implementation success. So, this
paper intends to investigate the key factors that create ERP users-
satisfaction and to discover whether ERP users- satisfaction varies
among different users- profiles. The study was conducted using a
survey questionnaire which was distributed to ERP users in Iranian
organizations. A total of 384 responses were collected and analyzed.
The findings indicated that younger ERP users tend to be more
satisfied with ERP systems. Furthermore, ERP users with more
experiences in IT and also more educated users have more
satisfaction with ERP softwares. However, the study found no
satisfaction differences between men and women users.
Abstract: In this paper, a few chattering-free Sliding Mode Controllers (SMC) are proposed to stabilize an Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) system with gyroscopic effect that is proportional to the rotor speed. The improved switching terms of the controller inherited from the saturation-type function and boundary layer control technique is shown to be able to achieve bounded and asymptotic stability, respectively, while the chattering effect in the input is attenuated. This is proven to be advantageous for AMB system since minimization of chattering results in optimized control effort. The performance of each controller is demonstrated via result of simulation in which the measurement of the total consumed energy and maximum control magnitude of each controller illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
Abstract: Service-oriented systems have become popular and
presented many advantages in develop and maintain process. The
coupling is the most important attribute of services when they are
integrated into a system. In this paper, we propose a suite of metrics
to evaluate service-s quality according to its ability of coupling. We
use the coupling metrics to measure the maintainability, reliability,
testability, and reusability of services. Our proposed metrics are
operated in run-time which bring more exact results.
Abstract: The paper presents the results of the European EIE
project “Realising the potential for small scale renewable energy
sources in the home – Kyotointhehome". The project's global aim is
to inform and educate teachers, students and their families so that
they can realise the need and can assess the potential for energy
efficiency (EE) measures and renewable energy sources (RES) in
their homes. The project resources were translated and trialled by 16
partners in 10 European countries.
A web-based methodology which will enable families to assess
how RES can be incorporated into energy efficient homes was
accomplished. The web application “KYOTOINHOME" will help
the citizens to identify what they can do to help their community
meet the Kyoto target for greenhouse gas reductions and prevent
global warming. This application provides useful information on how
the citizens can use renewable energy sources in their home to
provide space heating and cooling, hot water and electricity. A
methodology for assessing heat loss in a dwelling and application of
heat pump system was elaborated and will be implemented this year.
For schools, we developed a set of practical activities concerned with
preventing climate change through using renewable energy sources.
Complementary resources will also developed in the Romanian
research project “Romania Contribution to the European Targets
Regarding the Development of Renewable Energy Sources" -
PROMES.
Abstract: The paper presents a novel idea to control computer
mouse cursor movement with human eyes. In this paper, a working
of the product has been described as to how it helps the special
people share their knowledge with the world. Number of traditional
techniques such as Head and Eye Movement Tracking Systems etc.
exist for cursor control by making use of image processing in which
light is the primary source. Electro-oculography (EOG) is a new
technology to sense eye signals with which the mouse cursor can be
controlled. The signals captured using sensors, are first amplified,
then noise is removed and then digitized, before being transferred to
PC for software interfacing.
Abstract: Family structure that is culturally constructed in every
society is the basic unit of social structure. Purpose of the study was
to compare family structure, including marriage, residence, family
size, type, role sharing, authority, and communication patterns
between Muslim and Santal communities in rural Bangladesh. For
this we assumed that family structure with the elements was
significantly different between the two communities in rural
Bangladesh. In so doing, 288 active couples (145 for Muslim and 143
for Santal) selected by cluster random sampling were intensively
interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire method. The results
of Pearson Chi-Squire Test reveal that there were significant
differences in the family structure followed by the two communities
in the study area. Further cross-cultural study should be done on why
family structure varies between the communities in Bangladesh.
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding and
regulatory RNAs about 20 to 24 nucleotides long. Their conserved
nature among the various organisms makes them a good source of
new miRNAs discovery by comparative genomics approach. The
study resulted in 21 miRNAs of 20 pre-miRNAs belonging to 16
families (miR156, 157, 158, 164, 165, 168, 169, 172, 319, 390, 393,
394, 395, 400, 472 and 861) in evergreen spruce tree (Picea). The
miRNA families; miR 157, 158, 164, 165, 168, 169, 319, 390, 393,
394, 400, 472 and 861 are reported for the first time in the Picea. All
20 miRNA precursors form stable minimum free energy stem-loop
structure as their orthologues form in Arabidopsis and the mature
miRNA reside in the stem portion of the stem loop structure. Sixteen
(16) miRNAs are from Picea glauca and five (5) belong to Picea
sitchensis. Their targets consist of transcription factors, growth
related, stressed related and hypothetical proteins.
Abstract: Spent Sulfidic Caustic was biologically treated and
regenerated for reusing by Thiobacillus denitrificans bacteria, sulfide
content oxidized and RSNa reduced dramatically.PH in this test was
11.8 and no neutralization has been done on spent caustic, so spent
caustic as the most difficult of industrial wastes to dispose could be
regenerate and reuse instead of disposing to sea or deep wells
Abstract: The triumph of inductive neuro-stimulation since its rediscovery in the 1980s has been quite spectacular. In lots of branches ranging from clinical applications to basic research this system is absolutely indispensable. Nevertheless, the basic knowledge about the processes underlying the stimulation effect is still very rough and rarely refined in a quantitative way. This seems to be not only an inexcusable blank spot in biophysics and for stimulation prediction, but also a fundamental hindrance for technological progress. The already very sophisticated devices have reached a stage where further optimization requires better strategies than provided by simple linear membrane models of integrate-and-fire style. Addressing this problem for the first time, we suggest in the following text a way for virtual quantitative analysis of a stimulation system. Concomitantly, this ansatz seems to provide a route towards a better understanding by using nonlinear signal processing and taking the nerve as a filter that is adapted for neuronal magnetic stimulation. The model is compact and easy to adjust. The whole setup behaved very robustly during all performed tests. Exemplarily a recent innovative stimulator design known as cTMS is analyzed and dimensioned with this approach in the following. The results show hitherto unforeseen potentials.
Abstract: As wireless sensor networks are energy constraint networks
so energy efficiency of sensor nodes is the main design issue.
Clustering of nodes is an energy efficient approach. It prolongs the
lifetime of wireless sensor networks by avoiding long distance communication.
Clustering algorithms operate in rounds. Performance of
clustering algorithm depends upon the round time. A large round
time consumes more energy of cluster heads while a small round
time causes frequent re-clustering. So existing clustering algorithms
apply a trade off to round time and calculate it from the initial
parameters of networks. But it is not appropriate to use initial
parameters based round time value throughout the network lifetime
because wireless sensor networks are dynamic in nature (nodes can be
added to the network or some nodes go out of energy). In this paper
a variable round time approach is proposed that calculates round
time depending upon the number of active nodes remaining in the
field. The proposed approach makes the clustering algorithm adaptive
to network dynamics. For simulation the approach is implemented
with LEACH in NS-2 and the results show that there is 6% increase
in network lifetime, 7% increase in 50% node death time and 5%
improvement over the data units gathered at the base station.
Abstract: The objective of this research is to study principal
component analysis for classification of 67 soil samples collected from
different agricultural areas in the western part of Thailand. Six soil
properties were measured on the soil samples and are used as original
variables. Principal component analysis is applied to reduce the
number of original variables. A model based on the first two
principal components accounts for 72.24% of total variance. Score
plots of first two principal components were used to map with
agricultural areas divided into horticulture, field crops and wetland.
The results showed some relationships between soil properties and
agricultural areas. PCA was shown to be a useful tool for agricultural
areas classification based on soil properties.
Abstract: The objective of this work is to study the influence of the properties of the substrate on the retrofit (thin repair) of damaged concrete elements, with the SCC. Fluidity, principal characteristic of the SCC, would enable it to cover and adhere to the concrete to be repaired. Two aspects of repair are considered, the bond (Adhesion) and the tensile strength and the cracking. The investigation is experimental; It was conducted over test specimens made up of ordinary concrete prepared and hardened in advance (the material to be repaired) over which a self compacting concrete layer is cast. Three alternatives of SC concrete and one ordinary concrete (comparison) were tested. It appears that the self-compacting concrete constitutes a good material for repairing. It follows perfectly the surfaces- forms to be repaired and allows a perfect bond. Fracture tests made on specimens of self-compacting concrete show a brittle behaviour. However when a small percentage of fibres is added, the resistance to cracking is very much improve.
Abstract: Deprivation indices are widely used in public health
study. These indices are also referred as the index of inequalities or
disadvantage. Even though, there are many indices that have been
built before, it is believed to be less appropriate to use the existing
indices to be applied in other countries or areas which had different
socio-economic conditions and different geographical characteristics.
The objective of this study is to construct the index based on the
geographical and socio-economic factors in Peninsular Malaysia
which is defined as the weighted household-based deprivation index.
This study has employed the variables based on household items,
household facilities, school attendance and education level obtained
from Malaysia 2000 census report. The factor analysis is used to
extract the latent variables from indicators, or reducing the
observable variable into smaller amount of components or factor.
Based on the factor analysis, two extracted factors were selected,
known as Basic Household Amenities and Middle-Class Household
Item factor. It is observed that the district with a lower index values
are located in the less developed states like Kelantan, Terengganu
and Kedah. Meanwhile, the areas with high index values are located
in developed states such as Pulau Pinang, W.P. Kuala Lumpur and
Selangor.
Abstract: Deep cold rolling (DCR) and low plasticity burnishing (LPB) process are cold working processes, which easily produce a smooth and work-hardened surface by plastic deformation of surface irregularities. The present study focuses on the surface roughness and surface hardness aspects of AISI 4140 work material, using fractional factorial design of experiments. The assessment of the surface integrity aspects on work material was done, in order to identify the predominant factors amongst the selected parameters. They were then categorized in order of significance followed by setting the levels of the factors for minimizing surface roughness and/or maximizing surface hardness. In the present work, the influence of main process parameters (force, feed rate, number of tool passes/overruns, initial roughness of the work piece, ball material, ball diameter and lubricant used) on the surface roughness and the hardness of AISI 4140 steel were studied for both LPB and DCR process and the results are compared. It was observed that by using LPB process surface hardness has been improved by 167% and in DCR process surface hardness has been improved by 442%. It was also found that the force, ball diameter, number of tool passes and initial roughness of the workpiece are the most pronounced parameters, which has a significant effect on the work piece-s surface during deep cold rolling and low plasticity burnishing process.
Abstract: Compensating physiological motion in the context
of minimally invasive cardiac surgery has become an attractive
issue since it outperforms traditional cardiac procedures offering
remarkable benefits. Owing to space restrictions, computer vision
techniques have proven to be the most practical and suitable solution.
However, the lack of robustness and efficiency of existing methods
make physiological motion compensation an open and challenging
problem. This work focusses on increasing robustness and efficiency
via exploration of the classes of 1−and 2−regularized optimization,
emphasizing the use of explicit regularization. Both approaches are
based on natural features of the heart using intensity information.
Results pointed out the 1−regularized optimization class as the best
since it offered the shortest computational cost, the smallest average
error and it proved to work even under complex deformations.
Abstract: e-Government is already in its second decade. Prerequisite for further development and adaptation to new realities is the optimal management of administrative information and knowledge production by those involved, i.e. the public sector, citizens and businesses. Nowadays, the amount of information displayed or distributed on the Internet has reached enormous dimensions, resulting in serious difficulties when extracting and managing knowledge. The semantic web is expected to play an important role in solving this problem and the technologies that support it. In this article, we address some relevant issues.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the
occurrence of fungi in aerobic and anoxic activated sludge from
membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Thirty-six samples of both aerobic
and anoxic activated sludge were taken from 2 MBR treating
domestic wastewater. Over a period of eight months 2 samples from
each plant were taken per month. The samples were prepared for
count and definition of fungi. The obtained data show that, sixty
species belonging to 27 genera were collected from activated sludge
samples under aerobic and anoxic conditions. Regarding to the fungi
definition, under aerobic condition the Geotrichum was found at
(8.8%) followed by Penicillium (75.0%), Yeasts (65.7%) and
Trichoderma (55.5%), while Yeasts (77.1%) Geotrichum
candidumand Penicillium (61.1%) species were the most prevalent in
anoxic activated sludge. The results indicate that activated sludge is
habitat for growth and sporulation of different groups of fungi, both
saprophytic and pathogenic.
Abstract: This paper is based on a study conducted in 2006 to assess the impact of computer usage on health of National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) staff. NIMR being a research Institute, most of its staff spend substantial part of their working time on computers. There was notion among NIMR staff on possible prolonged computer usage health hazards. Hence, a study was conducted to establish facts and possible mitigation measures. A total of 144 NIMR staff were involved in the study of whom 63.2% were males and 36.8% females aged between 20 and 59 years. All staff cadres were included in the sample. The functions performed by Institute staff using computers includes; data management, proposal development and report writing, research activities, secretarial duties, accounting and administrative duties, on-line information retrieval and online communication through e-mail services. The interviewed staff had been using computers for 1-8 hours a day and for a period ranging from 1 to 20 years. The study has indicated ergonomic hazards for a significant proportion of interviewees (63%) of various kinds ranging from backache to eyesight related problems. The authors highlighted major issues which are substantially applicable in preventing occurrences of computer related problems and they urged NIMR Management and/or the government of Tanzania opts to adapt their practicability.