Abstract: Multiple sequence alignment is a fundamental part in
many bioinformatics applications such as phylogenetic analysis.
Many alignment methods have been proposed. Each method gives a
different result for the same data set, and consequently generates a
different phylogenetic tree. Hence, the chosen alignment method
affects the resulting tree. However in the literature, there is no
evaluation of multiple alignment methods based on the comparison of
their phylogenetic trees. This work evaluates the following eight
aligners: ClustalX, T-Coffee, SAGA, MUSCLE, MAFFT, DIALIGN,
ProbCons and Align-m, based on their phylogenetic trees (test trees)
produced on a given data set. The Neighbor-Joining method is used
to estimate trees. Three criteria, namely, the dNNI, the dRF and the
Id_Tree are established to test the ability of different alignment
methods to produce closer test tree compared to the reference one
(true tree). Results show that the method which produces the most
accurate alignment gives the nearest test tree to the reference tree.
MUSCLE outperforms all aligners with respect to the three criteria
and for all datasets, performing particularly better when sequence
identities are within 10-20%. It is followed by T-Coffee at lower
sequence identity (30%), trees scores of all methods
become similar.
Abstract: In the paper a method of modeling text for Polish is
discussed. The method is aimed at transforming continuous input text
into a text consisting of sentences in so called canonical form, whose
characteristic is, among others, a complete structure as well as no
anaphora or ellipses. The transformation is lossless as to the content
of text being transformed. The modeling method has been worked
out for the needs of the Thetos system, which translates Polish
written texts into the Polish sign language. We believe that the
method can be also used in various applications that deal with the
natural language, e.g. in a text summary generator for Polish.
Abstract: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are an emerging
technology for last-mile broadband access. In WMNs, similar to ad
hoc networks, each user node operates not only as a host but also as a
router. User packets are forwarded to and from an Internet-connected
gateway in multi-hop fashion. The WMNs can be integrated with
other networking technologies i.e. ad hoc networks, to implement a
smooth network extension. The meshed topology provides good
reliability and scalability, as well as low upfront investments. Despite
the recent start-up surge in WMNs, much research remains to be
done in standardizing the functional parameters of WMNs to fully
exploit their full potential. An edifice of the security concerns of
these networks is authentication of a new client joining an integrated
ad hoc network and such a scenario will require execution of a multihop
authentication technique. Our endeavor in this paper is to
introduce a secure authentication technique, with light over-heads
that can be conveniently implemented for the ad-hoc nodes forming
clients of an integrated WMN, thus facilitating their inter-operability.
Abstract: The design of a steam turbine is a very complex
engineering operation that can be simplified and improved thanks to
computer-aided multi-objective optimization. This process makes use
of existing optimization algorithms and losses correlations to identify
those geometries that deliver the best balance of performance (i.e.
Pareto-optimal points).
This paper deals with a one-dimensional multi-objective and
multi-point optimization of a single-stage steam turbine. Using a
genetic optimization algorithm and an algebraic one-dimensional
ideal gas-path model based on loss and deviation correlations, a code
capable of performing the optimization of a predefined steam turbine
stage was developed. More specifically, during this study the
parameters modified (i.e. decision variables) to identify the best
performing geometries were solidity and angles both for stator and
rotor cascades, while the objective functions to maximize were totalto-
static efficiency and specific work done.
Finally, an accurate analysis of the obtained results was carried
out.
Abstract: In the given article the creative arts is being
investigated in the modern era and from the aspect of the artistic
interrelationship, having created by the character of his personality
and as the viewer. A study in the identity formation terms, the
definition of its being unique, unity and similarity as a global issue of
the XXI century has been conducted by the analyzing the definitions
which characterize the human nature in the arts. Spiritual universality
and human existence have been considered in the art system as a
human who is a creator, as the man hero and as the character who is
the recipient as well as the analyses which have been conducted
along with the worldwide cultural and historical processes.
Abstract: Since the 1940s, many promising telepresence
research results have been obtained. However, telepresence
technology still has not reached industrial usage. As human
intelligence is necessary for successful execution of most manual
assembly tasks, the ability of the human is hindered in some cases,
such as the assembly of heavy parts of small/medium lots or
prototypes. In such a case of manual assembly, the help of industrial
robots is mandatory. The telepresence technology can be considered
as a solution for performing assembly tasks, where the human
intelligence and haptic sense are needed to identify and minimize the
errors during an assembly process and a robot is needed to carry
heavy parts. In this paper, preliminary steps to integrate the
telepresence technology into industrial robot systems are introduced.
The system described here combines both, the human haptic sense
and the industrial robot capability to perform a manual assembly task
remotely using a force feedback joystick. Mapping between the
joystick-s Degrees of Freedom (DOF) and the robot-s ones are
introduced. Simulation and experimental results are shown and future
work is discussed.
Abstract: This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework to examine competitive disadvantage of banks that suffer from poor performance. Banks generate revenues mainly from the interest rate spread on taking deposits and making loans while collecting fees in the process. To maximize firm value, banks seek loan growth and expense control while managing risk associated with loans with respect to non-performing borrowers or narrowing interest spread between assets and liabilities. Competitive disadvantage refers to the failure to access imitable resources and to build managing capabilities to gain sustainable return given appropriate risk management. This paper proposes a four-quadrant framework of organizational typology is subsequently proposed to examine the features of competitive disadvantage in the banking sector. A resource configuration model, which is extracted from CAMEL indicators to examine the underlying features of bank failures.
Abstract: We successfully developed a new straw combustion
technology that efficiently reduces problems with unmanageable deposits inside straw fueled boilers in Zluticka Heating Plant. The
deposits are mainly created by glass-forming melts. We plotted straw compositions in K2O-CaO-SiO2 phase diagram and illustrated
they are in the area of low-melting eutectic poi
melting of ash and the formation of deposits
compositions by injecting additives into biomass fuel
ueled points. To prevent the
deposits, we modified ash
fuel.
Abstract: Fast forecasting of stock market prices is very important for
strategic planning. In this paper, a new approach for fast forecasting of
stock market prices is presented. Such algorithm uses new high speed
time delay neural networks (HSTDNNs). The operation of these
networks relies on performing cross correlation in the frequency
domain between the input data and the input weights of neural
networks. It is proved mathematically and practically that the number
of computation steps required for the presented HSTDNNs is less
than that needed by traditional time delay neural networks
(TTDNNs). Simulation results using MATLAB confirm the
theoretical computations.
Abstract: The purposes of this research were 1) to survey the
number of drugstores that unlawful dispense of asthma prescription
drugs, in form of drug combinations in the Phaya Thai district of
Bangkok, 2) to find the steroids contained in that drug combinations,
3) to find a means for informing general public about the dangers of
drugs and for a campaign to stop dispensing them.
Researcher collected drug combinations from 69 drugstores in
Phaya Thai district from Feb 15, 2012 to Mar 15, 2012. The survey
found 30.43%, 21, drug stores, sold asthma drug combinations to
customers without a prescription. These collected samples were
tested for steroid contamination by using Immunochromatography
kits. Eleven samples, 52.38%, were found contaminated with
steroids. In short, there should be control and inspection of
drugstores in the distribution of steroid medications. To improve the
knowledge of self health maintenance and drug usage among public,
Thai Government and Department of Public Health should educate
people about the side effects of using drug combinations and steroids.
Abstract: Academic digital libraries emerged as a result of advances in computing and information systems technologies, and had been introduced in universities and to public. As results, moving in parallel with current technology in learning and researching environment indeed offers myriad of advantages especially to students and academicians, as well as researchers. This is due to dramatic changes in learning environment through the use of digital library system which giving spectacular impact on these societies- way of performing their study/research. This paper presents a survey of current criteria for evaluating academic digital libraries- performance. The goal is to discuss criteria being applied so far for academic digital libraries evaluation in the context of user-centered design. Although this paper does not comprehensively take into account all previous researches in evaluating academic digital libraries but at least it can be a guide in understanding the evaluation criteria being widely applied.
Abstract: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) account for an estimated 25-40% nosocomial infection, out of which 90% are associated with urinary catheter, called Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The microbial populations within CAUTI frequently develop as biofilms. In the present study, microbial contamination of indwelling urinary catheters was investigated. Biofilm forming ability of the isolates was determined by tissue culture plate method. Prevention of biofilm formation in the urinary catheter by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also determined by coating the catheter with some enzymes, gentamycin and EDTA. It was found that 64% of the urinary catheters get contaminated during the course of catheterization. Of the total 6 isolates, biofilm formation was seen in 100% Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, 90% in Enterococci, 80% in Klebsiella and 66% in S. aureus. It was noted that the biofilm production by Pseudomonas was prolonged by 7 days in amylase, 8 days in protease, 6 days in lysozyme, 7days in gentamycin and 5 days in EDTA treated catheter.
Abstract: Recently, fast neural networks for object/face
detection were presented in [1-3]. The speed up factor of these
networks relies on performing cross correlation in the frequency
domain between the input image and the weights of the hidden
layer. But, these equations given in [1-3] for conventional and fast
neural networks are not valid for many reasons presented here. In
this paper, correct equations for cross correlation in the spatial and
frequency domains are presented. Furthermore, correct formulas for
the number of computation steps required by conventional and fast
neural networks given in [1-3] are introduced. A new formula for
the speed up ratio is established. Also, corrections for the equations
of fast multi scale object/face detection are given. Moreover,
commutative cross correlation is achieved. Simulation results show
that sub-image detection based on cross correlation in the frequency
domain is faster than classical neural networks.
Abstract: Forming a legal culture among citizens is a
complicated and lengthy process, influencing all spheres of social
life. It includes promoting justice, learning rights and duties, the
introduction of juridical norms and knowledge, and also a process of
developing a system of legal acts and constitutional norms. Currently,
the evaluative and emotional influence of attempts to establish a legal
culture among the citizens of Kazakhstan is limited by real legal
practice. As a result, the values essential to a sound civil society are
absent from the consciousness of the Kazakh people who are thus, in
turn, not able to develop respect for these values. One of the
disadvantages of the modern Kazakh educational system is a
tendency to underrate the actual forces shaping the worldview of
Kazakh youths. The mass-media, which are going through a
personnel crisis, cannot provide society with the legal and political
information necessary to form the sort of legal culture required for a
true civil society.
Abstract: It is suggested to evaluate environmental performance
of energy sector using Data Envelopment Analysis with nondiscretionary
factors (DEA-ND) with relative indicators as inputs and
outputs. The latter allows for comparison of the objects essentially
different in size. Inclusion of non-discretionary factors serves
separation of the indicators that are beyond the control of the objects.
A virtual perfect object comprised of maximal outputs and minimal
inputs was added to the group of actual ones. In this setting, explicit
solution of the DEA-ND problem was obtained. Energy sector of the
United States was analyzed using suggested approach for the period
of 1980 – 2006 with expected values of economic indicators for 2030
used for forming the perfect object. It was obtained that
environmental performance has been increasing steadily for the
period from 7.7% through 50.0% but still remains well below the
prospected level
Abstract: This paper presents a tested research concept that
implements a complex evolutionary algorithm, genetic algorithm
(GA), in a multi-microcontroller environment. Parallel Distributed
Genetic Algorithm (PDGA) is employed in adaptive beam forming
technique to reduce power usage of adaptive antenna at WCDMA
base station. Adaptive antenna has dynamic beam that requires more
advanced beam forming algorithm such as genetic algorithm which
requires heavy computation and memory space. Microcontrollers are
low resource platforms that are normally not associated with GAs,
which are typically resource intensive. The aim of this project was to
design a cooperative multiprocessor system by expanding the role of
small scale PIC microcontrollers to optimize WCDMA base station
transmitter power. Implementation results have shown that PDGA
multi-microcontroller system returned optimal transmitted power
compared to conventional GA.
Abstract: Aluminum alloy sheets have several advantages such
as the lightweight, high-specific strength and recycling efficiency.
Therefore, aluminum alloy sheets in sheet forming have been used in various areas as automotive components and so forth. During the
process of sheet forming, wrinkling which is caused by compression stress might occur and the formability of sheets was affected by
occurrence of wrinkling. A few studies of uniaxial compressive test by
using square tubes, pipes and sheets were carried out to clarify the each wrinkling behavior. However, on uniaxial compressive test,
deformation behavior of the sheets hasn-t be cleared. Then, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between the buckling behavior
and the forming conditions. In this study, the effect of dimension of the sheet in the buckling behavior on compression test of aluminum alloy sheet was cleared by experiment and FEA. As the results, the buckling
deformation was classified by three modes in terms of the distribution of equivalent plastic strain.
Abstract: The paper deals with the most important changes that have occurred in business because of social media and its impact on organisations and leadership in recent years. It seeks to synthesize existing research, theories and concepts, in order to understand "social destinations", and to provide a bridge from past research to future success. Becoming a "social destination" is a strategic and tactical leadership and management issue and the paper will present the importance of destination leadership in choosing the way towards a social destination and some organisational models. It also presents some social media tools that can be used in transforming a destination into a social one. Adapting organisations to the twentyfirst century means adopting social media as a way of life and a way of business.
Abstract: Different problems may causes distortion of the rotor,
and hence vibration, which is the most severe damage of the turbine
rotors. In many years different techniques have been developed for
the straightening of bent rotors. The method for straightening can be
selected according to initial information from preliminary inspections
and tests such as nondestructive tests, chemical analysis, run out tests
and also a knowledge of the shaft material. This article covers the
various causes of excessive bends and then some applicable common
straightening methods are reviewed. Finally, hot spotting is opted for
a particular bent rotor. A 325 MW steam turbine rotor is modeled and
finite element analyses are arranged to investigate this straightening
process. Results of experimental data show that performing the exact
hot spot straightening process reduced the bending of the rotor
significantly.
Abstract: In this study, an ablation, mechanical and thermal properties of a rocket motor insulation from phenolic/ fiber matrix composites forming a laminate with different fiber between fiberglass and locally available synthetic fibers. The phenolic/ fiber matrix composites was mechanics and thermal properties by means of tensile strength, ablation, TGA and DSC. The design of thermal insulation involves several factors.Determined the mechanical properties according to MIL-I-24768: Density >1.3 g/cm3, Tensile strength >103 MPa and Ablation