Abstract: This paper examines the implementation of RC5 block cipher for digital images along with its detailed security analysis. A complete specification for the method of application of the RC5 block cipher to digital images is given. The security analysis of RC5 block cipher for digital images against entropy attack, bruteforce, statistical, and differential attacks is explored from strict cryptographic viewpoint. Experiments and results verify and prove that RC5 block cipher is highly secure for real-time image encryption from cryptographic viewpoint. Thorough experimental tests are carried out with detailed analysis, demonstrating the high security of RC5 block cipher algorithm.
Abstract: Experimental investigation of the effect of
hydrophobic injection on siloxane basis on the properties of oldfashioned
type of ceramic brick is presented in the paper. At the
experimental testing, the matrix density, total open porosity, pore size
distribution, sorptivity, water absorption coefficient, sorption and
desorption isotherms are measured for the original, as well as the
hydrophobic-injection treated brick. On the basis of measured data,
the functionality of the hydrophobic injection for the moisture ingress
prevention into the studied ceramic brick is assessed.
Abstract: Cellular networks provide voice and data services to the users with mobility. To deliver services to the mobile users, the cellular network is capable of tracking the locations of the users, and allowing user movement during the conversations. These capabilities are achieved by the location management. Location management in mobile communication systems is concerned with those network functions necessary to allow the users to be reached wherever they are in the network coverage area. In a cellular network, a service coverage area is divided into smaller areas of hexagonal shape, referred to as cells. The cellular concept was introduced to reuse the radio frequency. Continued expansion of cellular networks, coupled with an increasingly restricted mobile spectrum, has established the reduction of communication overhead as a highly important issue. Much of this traffic is used in determining the precise location of individual users when relaying calls, with the field of location management aiming to reduce this overhead through prediction of user location. This paper describes and compares various location management schemes in the cellular networks.
Abstract: In unsupervised segmentation context, we propose a bi-dimensional hidden Markov chain model (X,Y) that we adapt to the image segmentation problem. The bi-dimensional observed process Y = (Y 1, Y 2) is such that Y 1 represents the noisy image and Y 2 represents a noisy supplementary information on the image, for example a noisy proportion of pixels of the same type in a neighborhood of the current pixel. The proposed model can be seen as a competitive alternative to the Hilbert-Peano scan. We propose a bayesian algorithm to estimate parameters of the considered model. The performance of this algorithm is globally favorable, compared to the bi-dimensional EM algorithm through numerical and visual data.
Abstract: The objective of current issue was to develop a model
of testicular herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I infection for
assessment of viral effect on fertility. 56 male mice were inoculated
intraperitoneally with different concentrations of HSV on 8 day post
partum. It was revealed that the optimal dose was 100 plaque
forming units per mice as it provided testicular infection in 100% of
survivors. HSV proteins were detected both in somatic and germ
cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatides). Although DNA
load in testis was descending from 3 to 28 days post infection only
12.5% of infected males had offspring after mating with uninfected
females comparing to 87.5% in control (p=0.012). These results are
the first direct evidence for HSV impact in male sterility. Prepuberal
mice appeared to be a suitable model for investigation of
pathogenesis of virus-associated fertility disorders.
Abstract: This study examines the structural and systematic processes of the Human Resources Division at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago for evidence of incorporation of the University's 2012- 2017 Strategic Plan. In conducting the study the structure of the Human Resources Management Division and its functions were carefully reviewed and measured against the strategic direction of the organisation. Findings indicate disconnect between these areas as there is apparent failure of the Human Resources Division to totally align its mandate with that of the organisation-s strategic direction. This action serves to threaten the viability of the organisation and its efficiency and effectiveness as an institution. The recommendations being put forward are for the realignment of the Human Resources Management Division and for its focus to mirror that of the organisation and the organisation-s goals and objectives. This may entail a restructuring of the Division.
Abstract: With the development of the Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) products in many applications, the challenge of investigating
the raw material composition and reducing the cost have both
become more and more important. Considerable research has been
done investigating the effect of additives on the PVC products. Most
of the PVC composites research investigates only the effect of
single/few factors, at a time. This isolated consideration of the input
factors does not take in consideration the interaction effect of the
different factors. This paper implements a mixture experimental
design approach to find out a cost-effective PVC composition for the
production of electrical-insulation cables considering the ASTM
Designation (D) 6096. The results analysis showed that a minimum
cost can be achieved through using 20% virgin PVC, 18.75%
recycled PVC, 43.75% CaCO3 with participle size 10 microns, 14%
DOP plasticizer, and 3.5% CPW plasticizer. For maximum UTS the
compound should consist of: 17.5% DOP, 62.5% virgin PVC, and
20.0% CaCO3 of particle size 5 microns. Finally, for the highest
ductility the compound should be made of 35% virgin PVC, 20%
CaCO3 of particle size 5 microns, and 45.0% DOP plasticizer.
Abstract: The use of externally bonded Carbon Fiber
Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) reinforcement has proven to be an
effective technique to strengthen steel structures. An experimental
study on CFRP bonded steel plate with double strap joint has been
conducted and specimens are tested under tensile loadings. An
empirical model has been developed using stress-based approach to
predict ultimate capacity of the CFRP bonded steel structure. The
results from the model are comparable with the experimental result
with a reasonable accuracy.
Abstract: In Iran, due to abundance of energy resources, energy consumption is extraordinarily higher than international standards and transportation sector is considered to be one of the major consumers of energy. Moreover, air pollution in urban areas as a result of high dependence on private vehicle and lower standards of vehicles, high subsidies spent on fuel and time waste due to traffic congestion in urban areas all have led to speculations on new strategies and policies in order to control energy consumption in transportation sector. These strategies and policies will be introduced in this paper and their consequences will be analyzed with consideration to socio-economic factors affecting the urban society of Iran. Besides, the intention is to suggest and analyze new approaches such as broader application of public transportation system, demand management in transport sector, replacement of deteriorated vehicles, quality improvement in car manufacture and introduction of substitute fuels.
Abstract: In this work the numerical simulation of transient heat
transfer in a cylindrical probe is done. An experiment was conducted
introducing a steel cylinder in a heating chamber and registering its
surface temperature along the time during one hour. In parallel, a
mathematical model was solved for one dimension transient heat
transfer in cylindrical coordinates, considering the boundary
conditions of the test. The model was solved using finite difference
method, because the thermal conductivity in the cylindrical steel bar
and the convection heat transfer coefficient used in the model are
considered temperature dependant functions, and both conditions
prevent the use of the analytical solution. The comparison between
theoretical and experimental results showed the average deviation is
below 2%. It was concluded that numerical methods are useful in
order to solve engineering complex problems. For constant k and h,
the experimental methodology used here can be used as a tool for
teaching heat transfer in mechanical engineering, using mathematical
simplified models with analytical solutions.
Abstract: For decades financial economists have been attempted to determine the optimal investment policy by recognizing the option value embedded in irreversible investment whose project value evolves as a geometric Brownian motion (GBM). This paper aims to examine the effects of the optimal investment trigger and of the misspecification of stochastic processes on investment in real options applications. Specifically, the former explores the consequence of adopting optimal investment rules on the distributions of corporate value under the correct assumption of stochastic process while the latter analyzes the influence on the distributions of corporate value as a result of the misspecification of stochastic processes, i.e., mistaking an alternative process as a GBM. It is found that adopting the correct optimal investment policy may increase corporate value by shifting the value distribution rightward, and the misspecification effect may decrease corporate value by shifting the value distribution leftward. The adoption of the optimal investment trigger has a major impact on investment to such an extent that the downside risk of investment is truncated at the project value of zero, thereby moving the value distributions rightward. The analytical framework is also extended to situations where collection lags are in place, and the result indicates that collection lags reduce the effects of investment trigger and misspecification on investment in an opposite way.
Abstract: Compliance requires an effective communication
within an enterprise as well as towards a company-s external
environment. This requirement commences with the
implementation of compliance within large scale compliance
projects and still persists in the compliance reporting within
standard operations. On the one hand the understanding of
compliance necessities within the organization is promoted.
On the other hand reduction of asymmetric information with
compliance stakeholders is achieved. To reach this goal, a
central reporting must provide a consolidated view of different
compliance efforts- statuses. A concept which could be
adapted for this purpose is the balanced scorecard by Kaplan /
Norton. This concept has not been analyzed in detail
concerning its adequacy for a holistic compliance reporting
starting in compliance projects until later usage in regularly
compliance operations.
At first, this paper evaluates if a holistic compliance
reporting can be designed by using the balanced scorecard
concept. The current status of compliance reporting clearly
shows that scorecards are generally accepted as a compliance
reporting tool and are already used for corporate governance
reporting. Additional specialized compliance IT - solutions
exist in the market. After the scorecard-s adequacy is
thoroughly examined and proofed, an example strategy map as
the basis to derive a compliance balanced scorecard is defined.
This definition answers the question on proceeding in
designing a compliance reporting tool.
Abstract: Out of all visual arts including: painting, sculpture,
graphics, photography, architecture, and others, architecture is by far
the most complex one, because the art category is only one of its
determinants. Architecture, to some extent includes other arts which
can significantly influence the shaping of an urban space (artistic
interventions). These arts largely shape the visual culture in
combination with other categories: film, TV, Internet, information
technologies that are "changing the world" etc. In the area of
architecture and urbanism, visual culture is achieved through the
aspects of visual spatial effects. In this context, a complex visual
deliberation about designing urban areas in order to contribute to the
urban visual culture, and with it restore the cultural identity of the
city, is becoming almost the primary concept of contemporary urban
and architectural practice. Research in this paper relate to the city of
Niksic and its place in the visual urban culture. We are looking at the
city’s existing visual effects and determining the directions of
transformability of its physical structure in order to achieve the visual
realization of an urban area and the renewal of cultural identity of a
modern city.
Abstract: Probabilistic techniques in computer programs are becoming
more and more widely used. Therefore, there is a big
interest in the formal specification, verification, and development
of probabilistic programs. In our work-in-progress project, we are
attempting to make a constructive framework for developing probabilistic
programs formally. The main contribution of this paper
is to introduce an intermediate artifact of our work, a Z-based
formalism called PZ, by which one can build set theoretical models of
probabilistic programs. We propose to use a constructive set theory,
called CZ set theory, to interpret the specifications written in PZ.
Since CZ has an interpretation in Martin-L¨of-s theory of types, this
idea enables us to derive probabilistic programs from correctness
proofs of their PZ specifications.
Abstract: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common
and disabling condition. Therapist-delivered treatments that use
exposure and response prevention have been found to be very
effective in treating OCD, although they are costly and associated
with high rates of attrition. Effective treatments that can be made
widely available without the need for therapist contact are urgently
needed. This case study represents the first published investigation of
a self-administered cognitive treatment for OCD in a 50-year old
female with a 20 year history of OCD. The treatment evaluation
occurred over 27 weeks, including 12 weeks of self-administration of
the Danger Ideation Reduction Therapy (DIRT) program. Decreases
of between 23% to 33% on measures from pre-treatment to follow-up
were observed. Bearing in mind the methodological limitations
associated with a case study, we conclude that the results reported
here are encouraging and indicate that further research effort
evaluating the effectiveness of self-administered DIRT is warranted.
Abstract: Recent progress in calculation of the one-loop selfenergy
of the electron bound in the Coulomb field is summarized.
The relativistic multipole expansion is introduced. This expansion
is based on a single assumption: except for the part of the time
component of the electron four-momentum corresponding to the
electron rest mass, the exchange of four-momentum between the
virtual electron and photon can be treated perturbatively. For non Sstates
and normalized difference n3En −E1 of the S-states this
itself yields very accurate results after taking the method to the third
order. For the ground state the perturbation treatment of the electron
virtual states with very high three-momentum is to be avoided. For
these states one can always rearrange the pertinent expression in such
a way that free-particle approximation is allowed. Combination of
the relativistic multipole expansion and free-particle approximation
yields very accurate result after taking the method to the ninth order.
These results are in very good agreement with the previous results
obtained by the partial wave expansion and definitely exclude the
possibility that the uncertainity in determination of the proton radius
comes from the uncertainity in the calculation of the one-loop selfenergy.
Abstract: School physical education, through its objectives and
contents, efficiently valorizes the pupils- abilities, developing them,
especially the coordinative skill component, which is the basis of
movement learning, of the development of the daily motility and also
of the special, refined motility required by the practice of certain
sports. Medium school age offers the nervous and motor substratum
needed for the acquisition of complex motor habits, a substratum that
is essential for the coordinative skill. Individuals differ as to the level
at which this function is performed, the extent to which this function
turns an individual into a person that is adapted and adaptable to
complex and various situations. Spatio-temporal orientation, together
with movement combination and coupling, and with kinesthetic,
balance, motor reaction, movement transformation and rhythm
differentiation form the coordinative skills. From our viewpoint,
these are characteristic features with high levels of manifestation in a
complex psychomotor act - valorizing the quality of one-s talent - as
well as indices pertaining to one-s psychomotor intelligence and
creativity.
Abstract: This paper presents the determination of the proper
quality costs parameters which provide the optimum return. The
system dynamics simulation was applied. The simulation model was
constructed by the real data from a case of the electronic devices
manufacturer in Thailand. The Steepest Descent algorithm was
employed to optimise. The experimental results show that the
company should spend on prevention and appraisal activities for 850
and 10 Baht/day respectively. It provides minimum cumulative total
quality cost, which is 258,000 Baht in twelve months. The effect of
the step size in the stage of improving the variables to the optimum
was also investigated. It can be stated that the smaller step size
provided a better result with more experimental runs. However, the
different yield in this case is not significant in practice. Therefore, the
greater step size is recommended because the region of optima could
be reached more easily and rapidly.
Abstract: In this study an extensive experimental research is
carried out to develop a better understanding of the effects of Piano Key (PK) weir geometry on weir flow threshold submergence.
Experiments were conducted in a 12 m long, 0.4 m wide and 0.7 m deep rectangular glass wall flume. The main objectives were to
investigate the effect of the PK weir geometries including the weir
length, weir height, inlet-outlet key widths, upstream and
downstream apex overhangs, and slopped floors on threshold submergence and study the hydraulic flow characteristics. From the
experimental results, a practical formula is proposed to evaluate the flow threshold submergence over PK weirs.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of
setting up a learning community within an elementary school in
Ontario, Canada. The description is provided through reflection and
examination of field notes taken during the yearlong training and
implementation process. Specifically the impact of teachers- capacity
on the creation of a learning community was of interest. This paper is
intended to inform and add to the debate around the tensions that
exist in implementing a bottom-up professional development model
like the learning community in a top-down organizational structure.
My reflections of the process illustrate that implementation of the
learning community professional development model may be
difficult and yet transformative in the professional lives of the
teachers, students, and administration involved in the change process.
I conclude by suggesting the need for a new model of professional
development that requires a transformative shift in power dynamics
and a shift in the view of what constitutes effective professional
learning.