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: Intelligent systems based on machine learning
techniques, such as classification, clustering, are gaining wide spread
popularity in real world applications. This paper presents work on
developing a software system for predicting crop yield, for example
oil-palm yield, from climate and plantation data. At the core of our
system is a method for unsupervised partitioning of data for finding
spatio-temporal patterns in climate data using kernel methods which
offer strength to deal with complex data. This work gets inspiration
from the notion that a non-linear data transformation into some high
dimensional feature space increases the possibility of linear
separability of the patterns in the transformed space. Therefore, it
simplifies exploration of the associated structure in the data. Kernel
methods implicitly perform a non-linear mapping of the input data
into a high dimensional feature space by replacing the inner products
with an appropriate positive definite function. In this paper we
present a robust weighted kernel k-means algorithm incorporating
spatial constraints for clustering the data. The proposed algorithm
can effectively handle noise, outliers and auto-correlation in the
spatial data, for effective and efficient data analysis by exploring
patterns and structures in the data, and thus can be used for
predicting oil-palm yield by analyzing various factors affecting the
yield.
Abstract: The exploration of this paper will focus on the Cshaped
transition curve. This curve is designed by using the concept
of circle to circle where one circle lies inside other. The degree of
smoothness employed is curvature continuity. The function used in
designing the C-curve is Bézier-like cubic function. This function has
a low degree, flexible for the interactive design of curves and
surfaces and has a shape parameter. The shape parameter is used to
control the C-shape curve. Once the C-shaped curve design is
completed, this curve will be applied to design spur gear tooth. After
the tooth design procedure is finished, the design will be analyzed by
using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This analysis is used to find
out the applicability of the tooth design and the gear material that
chosen. In this research, Cast Iron 4.5 % Carbon, ASTM A-48 is
selected as a gear material.
Abstract: Recent theorizations on the cognitive process of moral
judgment have focused on the role of intuitions and emotions, marking
a departure from previous emphasis on conscious, step-by-step
reasoning. My study investigated how being in a disgusted mood state
affects moral judgment.
Participants were induced to enter a disgusted mood state through
listening to disgusting sounds and reading disgusting descriptions.
Results shows that they, when compared to control who have not been
induced to feel disgust, are more likely to endorse actions that are
emotionally aversive but maximizes utilitarian return
The result is analyzed using the 'emotion-as-information' approach
to decision making. The result is consistent with the view that
emotions play an important role in determining moral judgment.
Abstract: The study will search the level of existence of the
sweethearting in Saudi Arabia's Supermarkets in Riyadh.
Sweethearting occurs when frontline workers give unauthorized free
or uncounted goods and services to customer-s conspirators. The
store managers and /or security managers were asked about the
sweethearting that occurs in the supermarkets. The characteristics of
sweethearting in Riyadh stores were investigated. Two independent
variables were related to the report of sweethearting. These
independent variables are: The effect of store environment on
sweethearting and the security techniques and loss prevention
electronics techniques used. This study expected to shed the light
about the level of sweethearting in Saudi Arabia and the factors
behind it. This study will serve as an exploratory study for such
phenomenon in Saudi Arabia as well as both descriptive for the
characteristics of sweethearting and explanatory study to link
between the environmental and security systems factors to
sweethearting.
Abstract: Empirical insights into the implementation of logistics competencies at the top management level are scarce. This paper addresses this issue with an explorative approach which is based on a dataset of 872 observations in the years 2000, 2004 and 2008 using quantitative content analysis from annual reports of the 500 publicly listed firms with the highest global research and development expenditures according to the British Department for Business Innovation and Skills. We find that logistics competencies are more pronounced in Asian companies than in their European or American counterparts. On an industrial level the results are quite mixed. Using partial point-biserial correlations we show that logistics competencies are positively related to financial performance.
Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a key role in soil
fertility, hydrology, contaminants control and acts as a sink or source
of terrestrial carbon content that can affect the concentration of
atmospheric CO2. SOC supports the sustainability and quality of
ecosystems, especially in semi-arid region. This study was
conducted to determine relative importance of 13 different
exploratory climatic, soil and geometric factors on the SOC contents
in one of the semiarid watershed zones in Iran. Two methods
canonical discriminate analysis (CDA) and feed-forward back
propagation neural networks were used to predict SOC. Stepwise
regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify
relative importance of exploratory variables. Results from sensitivity
analysis showed that 7-2-1 neural networks and 5 inputs in CDA
models output have highest predictive ability that explains %70 and
%65 of SOC variability. Since neural network models outperformed
CDA model, it should be preferred for estimating SOC.
Abstract: Longitudinal data typically have the characteristics of
changes over time, nonlinear growth patterns, between-subjects
variability, and the within errors exhibiting heteroscedasticity and
dependence. The data exploration is more complicated than that of
cross-sectional data. The purpose of this paper is to organize/integrate
of various visual-graphical techniques to explore longitudinal data.
From the application of the proposed methods, investigators can
answer the research questions include characterizing or describing the
growth patterns at both group and individual level, identifying the time
points where important changes occur and unusual subjects, selecting
suitable statistical models, and suggesting possible within-error
variance.
Abstract: This paper examines the issues, the dangers and the
saving graces of life in a transparent global community where there is
truly “no place to hide". In recent years, social networks and online
groups have transformed issues of privacy and the ways in which we
perceive and interact with others. The idea of reputation is critical to
this dynamic. The discussion begins with a brief etymological history
of the concept of reputation and moves to an exploration of how and
why online communication changes our basic nature, our various
selves and the Bakhtin idea of the polyphonic nature of truth. The
discussion considers the damaging effects of bullying and gossip,
both of which constitute an assault on reputation and the latter of
which is not limited to the lifetime of the person. It concludes with
guidelines and specific recommendations.
Abstract: In view of current IT integration development of SOA, this paper examines AIS design based on SOA, including information sources collection, accounting business process integration and real-time financial reports. The main objective of this exploratory paper is to facilitate AIS research combing the Web Service, which is often ignored in accounting and computer research. It provides a conceptual framework that clarifies the interdependency between SOA and AIS, and also presents the major SOA functions in different areas of AIS
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to disentangle and
validate the underlying factorial-structure of Ecotourism Experiential
Value (EEV) measurement scale and subsequently investigate its
psychometric properties. The analysis was based on a sample of 225
eco-tourists, collected at the vicinity of Taman Negara National Park
(TNNP) via interviewer-administered questionnaire. Exploratory
factor analysis (EFA) was performed to determine the factorial
structure of EEV. Subsequently, to confirm and validate the factorial
structure and assess the psychometric properties of EEV,
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was executed. In addition, to
establish the nomological validity of EEV a structural model was
developed to examine the effect of EEV on Total Eco-tourist
Experience Quality (TEEQ). It is unveiled that EEV is a secondorder
six-factorial structure construct and it scale has adequately met
the psychometric criteria, thus could permit interpretation of results
confidently. The findings have important implications for future
research directions and management of ecotourism destination.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a critical component of
competitive success in service organizations. Knowledge
management centers on creating new knowledge and utilizing
existing knowledge. While utilizing existing knowledge relates to
input and control and can lead to a reduction in costs; creating new
knowledge relates to output and growth and can lead to an increase in
revenue. Therefore managers must ensure that they can successfully
optimize the knowledge and talent in their organizations. To do this
they and must try to develop an environment that promotes the
generation, acquisition, transfer and use of valuable knowledge in
creative ways. However knowledge management is complex and
diverse. Research suggests that organizations in general and SMEs in
particular are finding it difficult to implement successful knowledge
management initiatives. Our research attempts to understand whether
organizations are adopting best practice initiatives in their
organizations. This paper presents findings from an exploratory study
of 139 SMEs operating in the tourism sector across Europe. The
goals of the survey is to assess the level of awareness of knowledge
and talent management strategies and methodologies and to
determine whether the responding companies implement best practice
knowledge management initiatives in their organizations Analysis of
the findings from the study are presented and discussed.
Abstract: Space exploration is a highly visible endeavour of
humankind to seek profound answers to questions about the origins
of our solar system, whether life exists beyond Earth, and how we
could live on other worlds. Different platforms have been utilized in
planetary exploration missions, such as orbiters, landers, rovers, and
penetrators.
Having low mass, good mechanical contact with the surface,
ability to acquire high quality scientific subsurface data, and ability to
be deployed in areas that may not be conducive to landers or rovers,
Penetrators provide an alternative and complimentary solution that
makes possible scientific exploration of hardly accessible sites (icy
areas, gully sites, highlands etc.).
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has put space exploration as
one of the pillars of its space program, and established ExCo program
to prepare Canada for future international planetary exploration.
ExCo sets surface mobility as its focus and priority, and invests
mainly in the development of rovers because of Canada's niche space
robotics technology. Meanwhile, CSA is also investigating how
micro-penetrators can help Canada to fulfill its scientific objectives
for planetary exploration.
This paper presents a review of the micro-penetrator technologies,
past missions, and lessons learned. It gives a detailed analysis of the
technical challenges of micro-penetrators, such as high impact
survivability, high precision guidance navigation and control, thermal
protection, communications, and etc. Then, a Canadian perspective of
a possible micro-penetrator mission is given, including Canadian
scientific objectives and priorities, potential instruments, and flight
opportunities.
Abstract: Green- spaces might be very attractive, but
where are the economic benefits? What value do nature and
landscape have for us? What difference will it make to jobs,
health and the economic strength of areas struggling with
deprivation and social problems? [1].There is a need to consider
green spaces from a different perspective. Green planning is not just
about flora and fauna, but also about planning for economic benefits
[2]. It is worth trying to quantify the value of green spaces since
nature and landscape are crucially important to our quality of life and
sustainable development. The reality, however, is that urban
development often takes place at the expense of green spaces.
Urbanization is an ongoing process throughout the world; however,
hyper-urbanization without environmental planning is destructive,
not constructive [3]. Urban spaces are believed to be more valuable
than other land uses, particular green areas, simply because of the
market value connected to urban spaces. However, attractive
landscapes can help raise the quality and value of the urban market
even more. In order to reach these objectives of integrated planning,
the Green-Value-Gap needs to be bridged. Economists have to
understand the concept of Green-Planning and the spinoffs, and
Environmentalists have to understand the importance of urban
economic development and the benefits thereof to green planning. An
interface between Environmental Management, Economic
Development and sustainable Spatial Planning are needed to bridge
the Green-Value-Gap.
Abstract: Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas
(GHG) after carbon dioxide. Amount of methane emission from
energy sector is increasing day by day with various activities. In
present work, various sources of methane emission from upstream,
middle stream and downstream of oil & gas sectors are identified and
categorised as per IPCC-2006 guidelines. Data were collected from
various oil & gas sector like (i) exploration & production of oil & gas
(ii) supply through pipelines (iii) refinery throughput & production
(iv) storage & transportation (v) usage. Methane emission factors for
various categories were determined applying Tier-II and Tier-I
approach using the collected data. Total methane emission from
Indian Oil & Gas sectors was thus estimated for the year 1990 to
2007.
Abstract: Polyurethane foam (PUF) is formed by a chemical
reaction of polyol and isocyanate. The aim is to understand the
impact of Silicone on synthesizing polyurethane in differentiate
volume of molding. The method used was one step process, which is
simultaneously caried out a blending polyol (petroleum polyol and
soybean polyol), a TDI (2,4):MDI (4,4-) (80:20), a distilled water,
and a silicone. The properties of the material were measured via a
number of parameters, which are polymer density, compressive
strength, and cellular structures. It is found that density of
polyurethane using silicone with volume of molding either 250 ml or
500 ml is lower than without using silicone.
Abstract: Sol-gel method has been used to fabricate
nanocomposite films on glass substrates composed halloysite clay
mineral and nanocrystalline TiO2. The methodology for the synthesis
involves a simple chemistry method utilized nonionic surfactant
molecule as pore directing agent along with the acetic acid-based solgel
route with the absence of water molecules. The thermal treatment
of composite films at 450oC ensures elimination of organic material
and lead to the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles onto the surface of
the halloysite nanotubes. Microscopy techniques and porosimetry
methods used in order to delineate the structural characteristics of the
materials. The nanocomposite films produced have no cracks and
active anatase crystal phase with small crystallite size were deposited
on halloysite nanotubes. The photocatalytic properties for the new
materials were examined for the decomposition of the Basic Blue 41
azo dye in solution. These, nanotechnology based composite films
show high efficiency for dye’s discoloration in spite of different
halloysite quantities and small amount of halloysite/TiO2 catalyst
immobilized onto glass substrates. Moreover, we examined the
modification of the halloysite/TiO2 films with silver particles in order
to improve the photocatalytic properties of the films. Indeed, the
presence of silver nanoparticles enhances the discoloration rate of the
Basic Blue 41 compared to the efficiencies obtained for unmodified
films.
Abstract: This article discusses the questions concerning of creating small packet networks for energy companies with application of high voltage power line carrier equipment (PLC) with functionality of IP traffic transmission. The main idea is to create converged PLC links between substations and dispatching centers where packet data and voice are transmitted in one data flow. The article contents description of basic conception of the network, evaluation of voice traffic transmission parameters, and discussion of header compression techniques in relation to PLC links. The results of exploration show us, that convergent packet PLC links can be very useful in the construction of small packet networks between substations in remote locations, such as deposits or low populated areas.
Abstract: The introduction of haptic elements in a graphic user interfaces are becoming more widespread. Since haptics are being introduced rapidly into computational tools, investigating how these models affect Human-Computer Interaction would help define how to integrate and model new modes of interaction. The interest of this paper is to discuss and investigate the issues surrounding Haptic and Graphic User Interface designs (GUI) as separate systems, as well as understand how these work in tandem. The development of these systems is explored from a psychological perspective, based on how usability is addressed through learning and affordances, defined by J.J. Gibson. Haptic design can be a powerful tool, aiding in intuitive learning. The problems discussed within the text is how can haptic interfaces be integrated within a GUI without the sense of frivolity. Juxtaposing haptics and Graphic user interfaces has issues of motivation; GUI tends to have a performatory process, while Haptic Interfaces use affordances to learn tool use. In a deeper view, it is noted that two modes of perception, foveal and ambient, dictate perception. These two modes were once thought to work in tandem, however it has been discovered that these processes work independently from each other. Foveal modes interpret orientation is space which provide for posture, locomotion, and motor skills with variations of the sensory information, which instructs perceptions of object-task performance. It is contended, here, that object-task performance is a key element in the use of Haptic Interfaces because exploratory learning uses affordances in order to use an object, without meditating an experience cognitively. It is a direct experience that, through iteration, can lead to skill-sets. It is also indicated that object-task performance will not work as efficiently without the use of exploratory or kinesthetic learning practices. Therefore, object-task performance is not as congruently explored in GUI than it is practiced in Haptic interfaces.