Abstract: This study will provide a brief description of the stress in Najdi Arabic dialect as well as Modern Standard Arabic. Beyond the analysis of stress patterns, this paper will also attempt to deal with two important phenomena that affect stress, namely epenthesis/insertion, vowel shortening, and consonant (the glottal stop) deletion.
Abstract: Carrier-based methods have been used widely for switching of multilevel inverters due to their simplicity, flexibility and reduced computational requirements compared to space vector modulation (SVM). This paper focuses on Multicarrier Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (MCSPWM) strategy for the three phase Five-Level Flying Capacitor Inverter (5LFCI). The inverter is simulated for Induction Motor (IM) load and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for output waveforms is observed for different controlling schemes.
Abstract: In the process of recovering oil in weak sandstone formations, the strength of sandstones around the wellbore is weakened due to the increase of effective stress/load from the completion activities around the cavity. The weakened and de-bonded sandstone may be eroded away by the produced fluid, which is termed sand production. It is one of the major trending subjects in the petroleum industry because of its significant negative impacts, as well as some observed positive impacts. For efficient sand management therefore, there has been need for a reliable study tool to understand the mechanism of sanding. One method of studying sand production is the use of the widely recognized Discrete Element Method (DEM), Particle Flow Code (PFC3D) which represents sands as granular individual elements bonded together at contact points. However, there is limited knowledge of the particle-scale behavior of the weak sandstone, and the parameters that affect sanding. This paper aims to investigate the reliability of using PFC3D and a simple Darcy flow in understanding the sand production behavior of a weak sandstone. An isotropic tri-axial test on a weak oil sandstone sample was first simulated at a confining stress of 1MPa to calibrate and validate the parallel bond models of PFC3D using a 10m height and 10m diameter solid cylindrical model. The effect of the confining stress on the number of bonds failure was studied using this cylindrical model. With the calibrated data and sample material properties obtained from the tri-axial test, simulations without and with fluid flow were carried out to check on the effect of Darcy flow on bonds failure using the same model geometry. The fluid flow network comprised of every four particles connected with tetrahedral flow pipes with a central pore or flow domain. Parametric studies included the effects of confining stress, and fluid pressure; as well as validating flow rate – permeability relationship to verify Darcy’s fluid flow law. The effect of model size scaling on sanding was also investigated using 4m height, 2m diameter model. The parallel bond model successfully calibrated the sample’s strength of 4.4MPa, showing a sharp peak strength before strain-softening, similar to the behavior of real cemented sandstones. There seems to be an exponential increasing relationship for the bigger model, but a curvilinear shape for the smaller model. The presence of the Darcy flow induced tensile forces and increased the number of broken bonds. For the parametric studies, flow rate has a linear relationship with permeability at constant pressure head. The higher the fluid flow pressure, the higher the number of broken bonds/sanding. The DEM PFC3D is a promising tool to studying the micromechanical behavior of cemented sandstones.
Abstract: This study aims at being acquainted with the using the
body fat percentage (%BF) with body Mass Index (BMI) as input
parameters in fuzzy logic decision support system to predict properly
the lifted weight for students at weightlifting class lift according to
his abilities instead of traditional manner. The sample included 53
male students (age = 21.38 ± 0.71 yrs, height (Hgt) = 173.17 ± 5.28
cm, body weight (BW) = 70.34 ± 7.87.6 kg, Body mass index (BMI)
23.42 ± 2.06 kg.m-2, fat mass (FM) = 9.96 ± 3.15 kg and fat
percentage (% BF) = 13.98 ± 3.51 %.) experienced the weightlifting
class as a credit and has variance at BW, Hgt and BMI and FM. BMI
and % BF were taken as input parameters in FUZZY logic whereas
the output parameter was the lifted weight (LW). There were
statistical differences between LW values before and after using
fuzzy logic (Diff 3.55± 2.21, P > 0.001). The percentages of the LW
categories proposed by fuzzy logic were 3.77% of students to lift 1.0
fold of their bodies; 50.94% of students to lift 0.95 fold of their
bodies; 33.96% of students to lift 0.9 fold of their bodies; 3.77% of
students to lift 0.85 fold of their bodies and 7.55% of students to lift
0.8 fold of their bodies. The study concluded that the characteristic
changes in body composition experienced by students when
undergoing weightlifting could be utilized side by side with the
Fuzzy logic decision support system to determine the proper
workloads consistent with the abilities of students.
Abstract: Background: Plantar pressure measurement is an effective method for assessing plantar loading and can be applied to evaluating movement performance of the foot. The purpose of this study is to explore the sprint athletes’ plantar loading characteristics and pain profiles in static standing. Methods: Experiments were undertaken on 80 first-division college sprint athletes and 85 healthy non-sprinters. ‘JC Mat’, the optical plantar pressure measurement was applied to examining the differences between both groups in the arch index (AI), three regional and six distinct sub-regional plantar pressure distributions (PPD), and footprint characteristics. Pain assessment and self-reported health status in sprint athletes were examined for evaluating their common pain areas. Results: Findings from the control group, the males’ AI fell into the normal range. Yet, the females’ AI was classified as the high-arch type. AI values of the sprint group were found to be significantly lower than the control group. PPD were higher at the medial metatarsal bone of both feet and the lateral heel of the right foot in the sprint group, the males in particular, whereas lower at the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of both feet. Footprint characteristics tended to support the results of the AI and PPD, and this reflected the corresponding pressure profiles. For the sprint athletes, the lateral knee joint and biceps femoris were the most common musculoskeletal pains. Conclusions: The sprint athletes’ AI were generally classified as high arches, and that their PPD were categorized between the features of runners and high-arched runners. These findings also correspond to the profiles of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)-related plantar pressure. The pain profiles appeared to correspond to the symptoms of high-arched runners and PFPS. The findings reflected upon the possible link between high arches and PFPS. The correlation between high-arched runners and PFPS development is worth further studies.
Abstract: By GEO5 FEM program with four rockfill slope
modeling and stability analysis was performed for S1, S2, S3 and
S4 slopes where landslides of the shalefills were limited. Effective
angle of internal friction (φ'°) 17°-22.5°, the effective cohesion (c')
from 0.5 to 1.8 kPa, saturated unit weight 1.78-2.43 g/cm3, natural
unit weight 1.9-2.35 g/cm3, dry unit weight 1.97-2.40 g/cm3, the
permeability coefficient of 1x10-4 - 6.5x10-4 cm/s. In cross-sections
of the slope, GEO 5 FEM program possible critical surface tension
was examined. Rockfill dump design was made to prevent sliding
slopes. Bulk material designated geotechnical properties using also
GEO5 programs FEM and stability program via a safety factor
determined and calculated according to the values S3 and S4 No.
slopes are stable S1 and S2 No. slopes were close to stable state
that has been found to be risk. GEO5 programs with limestone rock
fill dump through FEM program was found to exhibit stability.
Abstract: Access to advanced medical services has been one of the medical challenges faced by our present society especially in distant geographical locations which may be inaccessible. Then the need for telemedicine arises through which live videos of a doctor can be streamed to a patient located anywhere in the world at any time. Patients’ medical records contain very sensitive information which should not be made accessible to unauthorized people in order to protect privacy, integrity and confidentiality. This research work focuses on a more robust security measure which is biometric (fingerprint) as a form of access control to data of patients by the medical specialist/practitioner.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to uncover the basic business-forces that necessitated the survival and sustainable performance of the medium scale contractors in the South African construction market. This study is essential as it set to contribute towards long-term strategic solutions for combating the incessant failure of start-ups construction organizations within South African. The study used a qualitative research methodology; as the most appropriate approach to elicit and understand, and uncover the phenomena that are basic business-forces for the active contractors in the market. The study also adopted a phenomenological study approach; and in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 medium scale contractors in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, between months of August to October 2015. This allowed for an in-depth understanding of the critical and basic business-forces that influenced their survival and performance beyond the first five years of business operation. Findings of the study showed that for potential contractors (startups), to survival in the competitive business environment such as construction industry, they must possess the basic business-forces. These forces are educational knowledge in construction and business management related disciplines, adequate industrial experiences, competencies and capabilities to delivery excellent services and products as well as embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship. Convincingly, it can be concluded that the strategic approach to minimize the endless failure of startups construction businesses; the potential construction contractors must endeavoring to access and acquire the basic educationally knowledge, training and qualification; need to acquire industrial experiences in collaboration with required competencies, capabilities and entrepreneurship acumen. Without these basic business-forces as been discovered in this study, the majority of the contractors gaining entrance in the market will find it difficult to develop and grow a competitive and sustainable construction organization in South Africa.
Abstract: In many practical situations, bubbles are dispersed in a
liquid phase. Understanding these complex bubbly flows is therefore
a key issue for applications such as shell and tube heat exchangers,
mineral flotation and oxidation in water treatment. Although a large
body of work exists for bubbles rising in an unbounded medium,
that of bubbles rising in constricted geometries has received less
attention. The particular case of a bubble sliding underneath an
inclined surface is common to two-phase flow systems. The current
study intends to expand this knowledge by performing experiments
to quantify the streamwise flow structures associated with a single
sliding air bubble under an inclined surface in quiescent water. This
is achieved by means of two-dimensional, two-component particle
image velocimetry (PIV), performed with a continuous wave laser
and high-speed camera. PIV vorticity fields obtained in a plane
perpendicular to the sliding surface show that there is significant bulk
fluid motion away from the surface. The associated momentum of the
bubble means that this wake motion persists for a significant time
before viscous dissipation. The magnitude and direction of the flow
structures in the streamwise measurement plane are found to depend
on the point on its path through which the bubble enters the plane.
This entry point, represented by a phase angle, affects the nature and
strength of the vortical structures. This study reconstructs the vorticity
field in the wake of the bubble, converting the field at different
instances in time to slices of a large-scale wake structure. This is, in
essence, Taylor’s ”frozen turbulence” hypothesis. Applying this to the
vorticity fields provides a pseudo three-dimensional representation
from 2-D data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the
bubble wake. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics
of a situation common to many engineering applications, particularly
shell and tube heat exchangers in the nucleate boiling regime.
Abstract: College students are expected to engage in an on-the-job training or internship for completion of a course requirement prior to graduation. In this scenario, they are exposed to the real world of work outside their training institution. To find out their readiness both emotionally and academically, this study has been conducted. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed and random sampling technique method was utilized among 265 randomly selected third year college students of PIT, SY 2014-15. A questionnaire on Emotional Intelligence (bearing the four components namely; emotional literacy, emotional quotient competence, values and beliefs and emotional quotient outcomes) was fielded to the respondents and GWA was extracted from the school automate. Data collected were statistically treated using percentage, weighted mean and Pearson-r for correlation.
Results revealed that respondents’ emotional intelligence level is moderately high while their academic performance is good. A high significant relationship was found between the EI component; Emotional Literacy and their academic performance while only significant relationship was found between Emotional Quotient Outcomes and their academic performance. Therefore, if EI influences academic performance significantly when correlated, a possibility that their OJT performance can also be affected either positively or negatively. Thus, EI can be considered predictor of their academic and academic-related performance. Based on the result, it is then recommended that the institution would try to look deeply into the consideration of embedding emotional intelligence as part of the (especially on Emotional Literacy and Emotional Quotient Outcomes of the students) college curriculum. It can be done if the school shall have an effective Emotional Intelligence framework or program manned by qualified and competent teachers, guidance counselors in different colleges in its implementation.
Abstract: Positive real and strictly positive real transfer functions are important concepts in the control theory. In this paper, the results of researches in these areas are summarized. Definitions together with their graphical interpretations are mentioned. The equivalent conditions in the frequency domain and state space representations are reviewed. Their equivalent electrical networks are explained. Also, a comprehensive discussion about a difference between behavior of real part of positive real and strictly positive real transfer functions in high frequencies is presented. Furthermore, several illustrative examples are given.
Abstract: To increase the temperature contrast in thermal
images, the characteristics of the electrical conductivity and thermal
imaging modalities can be combined. In this experimental study, it is
objected to observe whether the temperature contrast created by the
tumor tissue can be improved just due to the current application
within medical safety limits. Various thermal breast phantoms are
developed to simulate the female breast tissue. In vitro experiments
are implemented using a thermal infrared camera in a controlled
manner. Since experiments are implemented in vitro, there is no
metabolic heat generation and blood perfusion. Only the effects and
results of the electrical stimulation are investigated. Experimental
study is implemented with two-dimensional models. Temperature
contrasts due to the tumor tissues are obtained. Cancerous tissue is
determined using the difference and ratio of healthy and tumor
images. 1 cm diameter single tumor tissue causes almost 40 °mC
temperature contrast on the thermal-breast phantom. Electrode
artifacts are reduced by taking the difference and ratio of background
(healthy) and tumor images. Ratio of healthy and tumor images show
that temperature contrast is increased by the current application.
Abstract: This study attempts to consider the linkage between management and computer sciences in order to develop the software named “IntelSymb” as a demo application to prove data analysis of non-energy* fields’ diversification, which will positively influence on energy dependency mitigation of countries. Afterward, we analyzed 18 years of economic fields of development (5 sectors) of 13 countries by identifying which patterns mostly prevailed and which can be dominant in the near future. To make our analysis solid and plausible, as a future work, we suggest developing a gateway or interface, which will be connected to all available on-line data bases (WB, UN, OECD, U.S. EIA) for countries’ analysis by fields. Sample data consists of energy (TPES and energy import indicators) and non-energy industries’ (Main Science and Technology Indicator, Internet user index, and Sales and Production indicators) statistics from 13 OECD countries over 18 years (1995-2012). Our results show that the diversification of non-energy industries can have a positive effect on energy sector dependency (energy consumption and import dependence on crude oil) deceleration. These results can provide empirical and practical support for energy and non-energy industries diversification’ policies, such as the promoting of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), services and innovative technologies efficiency and management, in other OECD and non-OECD member states with similar energy utilization patterns and policies. Industries, including the ICT sector, generate around 4 percent of total GHG, but this is much higher — around 14 percent — if indirect energy use is included. The ICT sector itself (excluding the broadcasting sector) contributes approximately 2 percent of global GHG emissions, at just under 1 gigatonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2eq). Ergo, this can be a good example and lesson for countries which are dependent and independent on energy, and mainly emerging oil-based economies, as well as to motivate non-energy industries diversification in order to be ready to energy crisis and to be able to face any economic crisis as well.
Abstract: Biochemical and hormonal changes that occur in both follicular fluid and blood are involved in the control of ovarian physiology. The present study was conducted on follicular fluid and serum samples obtained from 708 buffaloes. Samples were examined for estradiol, progesterone, and cholesterol concentrations in relation to seasonal changes, ovarian follicular size, and stage of estrous cycle. The obtained results revealed that follicular fluid and serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and cholesterol were significantly lower during summer and autumn when compared to winter and spring seasons. With the increase in follicular size, the follicular fluid levels of progesterone and cholesterol were significantly decreased, while estradiol levels were significantly increased. Estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly higher in follicular fluid than blood, while cholesterol was significantly lower in follicular fluid than serum. In conclusion, the current study threw a light on the hormonal changes in the follicular fluid and blood under the effect of heat stress which could be related to the low fertility of buffalo in the summer.
Abstract: The sun is an inexhaustible source and harness its potential both for heating and power generation is one of the most promising and necessary alternatives, mainly due to environmental issues. However, it should be noted that this has always been present in the generation of energy on earth, only indirectly, since it is responsible for virtually all other energy sources, such as generating source of evaporation of the water cycle, allowing the impoundment and the consequent generation of electricity (hydroelectric power); winds are caused by atmospheric induction caused by large scale solar radiation; petroleum, coal and natural gas were generated from waste plants and animals that originally derived energy required for their development of solar radiation. This paper presents a study on the feasibility of using solar energy for water heating in homes. A simplified methodology developed for formulation of solar heating operation model of water in alternative systems of solar energy in Brazil, and compared it to that in the international market. Across this research, it was possible to create new paradigms for alternative applications to the use of solar energy.
Abstract: The purposed of this research was to study the eating
habit of teenage pregnancy and its relationship to the knowledge of
nutrition during pregnancy. The 100 samples were derived from
simple random sampling technique of the teenage pregnancy in
Bangkae District. The questionnaire was used to collect data with the
reliability of 0.8. The data were analyzed by SPSS for Windows with
multiple regression technique. Percentage, mean and the relationship
of knowledge of eating and eating behavior were obtained. The
research results revealed that their knowledge in nutrition was at the
average of 4.07 and their eating habit that they mentioned most was
to refrain from alcohol and caffeine at 82% and the knowledge in
nutrition influenced their eating habits at 54% with the statistically
significant level of 0.001.
Abstract: Due to its high computational cost, mutation testing has been neglected by researchers. Recently, many cost and mutants’ reduction techniques have been developed, improved, and experimented, but few of them has relied the possibility of reducing the cost of mutation testing on the program type of the application under test. This paper is a comparative study between four operators’ selection techniques (mutants sampling, class level operators, method level operators, and all operators’ selection) based on the program code type of each application under test. It aims at finding an alternative approach to reveal the effect of code type on mutation testing score. The result of our experiment shows that the program code type can affect the mutation score and that the programs using polymorphism are best suited to be tested with mutation testing.
Abstract: Sri Lanka is one of the prominent countries for the coir production. The coir is one of the by-products of the coconut and the coir industry is considered to be one of the traditional industries in Sri Lanka. Because of the inherent nature of the coir industry, labourers play a significant role in the coir production process. The study has analyzed the determinants of the income of the household level coir yarn labourers. The study was conducted in the Kumarakanda Grama Niladhari division. Simple random sampling was used to generate a sample of 100 household level coir yarn labourers and structured questionnaire, personal interviews, and discussion were performed to gather the required data. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed for mean comparison. The findings revealed that the household level coir yarn industry is dominated by the female workers and it was identified that fewer numbers of workers have engaged in this industry as the main occupation. In addition to that, elderly participation in the industry is higher than the younger participation and most of them have engaged in the industry as a source of extra income. Level of education, the methods of engagement, satisfaction, engagement in the industry by the next generation, support from the government, method of government support, working hours per day, employed as a main job, number of completed units per day, suffering from job related diseases and type of the diseases were related with income level of household level coir yarn laboures. The recommendations as to flourish in future includes, technological transformation for coir yarn production, strengthening the raw material base and regulating the raw material supply, introduction of new technologies, markets and training programmes, the establishment of the labourers’ association, the initiation of micro credit schemes and better consideration about the job oriented diseases.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of data leak of M&S customers on digital communities. Modern businesses are using digital communities as an important public relations tool for marketing purposes. This form of communication helps companies to build better relationship with their customers which also act as another source of information. The communication between the customers and the organizations is not regulated so users may post positive and negative comments. There are new platforms being developed on a daily basis and it is very crucial for the businesses to not only get themselves familiar with those but also know how to reach their existing and perspective consumers. The driving force of marketing and communication in modern businesses is the digital communities and these are continuously increasing and developing. This phenomenon is changing the way marketing is conducted. The current research has discussed the implications on M&S business performance since the data was exploited on digital communities; users contacted M&S and raised the security concerns. M&S closed down its website for few hours to try to resolve the issue. The next day M&S made a public apology about this incidence. This information was proliferated on various digital communities and it has impacted negatively on M&S brand name, sales and customers. The content analysis approach is being used to collect qualitative data from 100 digital bloggers including social media communities such as Facebook and Twitter. The results and finding provide useful new insights into the nature and form of security concerns of digital users. Findings have theoretical and practical implications. This research will showcase a large corporation utilizing various digital community platforms and can serve as a model for future organizations.
Abstract: Goat production is one of the activities included in
integrated farming in the Philippines. Goats are raised for its meat
and regardless of breed the animal is slaughtered for this purpose. In
order to document the carcass yield of different goats slaughtered,
five (5) different breeds of goats to include Purebred Boer and
Anglo-nubian, Crossbred Boer and Anglo-nubian and Philippine
Native goat were used in the study. Data on slaughter parameters,
carcass characteristics, and sensory evaluation were gathered and
analyzed using Complete Random Design (CRD) at 5% level of
significance and the results of carcass conformation were assessed
descriptively. Results showed that slaughter data such as
slaughter/live weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, dressing
percentage and percentage drip loss were significantly different
(P>0.05) among breeds. On carcass and meat characteristics, pure
breed and upgraded Boer were found to be moderately muscular
while Native goat was rated as thin muscular. The color of the
carcass also revealed that Purebred and crossbred Boer were
described dark red, while Native goat was noted to be slightly pale.
On sensory evaluation, the results indicated that there was no
significant difference (P>0.05) among breeds evaluated. It is
therefore concluded that purebred goat has heavier carcass, while
both purebred Boer and upgrade are rated slightly muscular. It is
further confirms that regardless of breed, goat will have the same
sensory characteristics. Thus, it is recommended to slaughter heavier
goats to obtain more carcasses with better conformation and quality.