Search results for: direct translation approach
16127 The Usage of Artificial Intelligence in Instagram
Authors: Alanod Alqasim, Yasmine Iskandarani, Sita Algethami, Jawaher alzughaiby
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This study focuses on the usage of AI (Artificial Intelligence) systems and features on the Instagram application and how it influences user experience and satisfaction. The aim is to evaluate the techniques and current capabilities, restrictions, and potential future directions of AI in an Instagram application. Following a concise explanation of the core concepts underlying AI usage on Instagram. To answer this question, 19 randomly selected users were asked to complete a 9-question survey on their experience and satisfaction with the app's features (Filters, user preferences, translation tool) and authenticity. The results revealed that there were three prevalent allegations. These declarations include that Instagram has an extremely attractive user interface; secondly, Instagram creates a strong sense of community; and lastly, Instagram has an important influence on mental health.Keywords: AI (Artificial Intelligence), instagram, features, satisfaction, experience
Procedia PDF Downloads 8416126 Implementing Online Applications to Allow Marketing Personnel to Share Their Experiences
Authors: Ishak Kamal Baskhayroun
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This study examines consumer attitudes toward mobile marketing, especially toward SMS marketing. Unlike similar studies, this study does not focus on the young, but includes consumers who are in the 18-70 age range to the field research. According to the results, it has been concluded that most participants think SMS marketing is disturbing. Most important problems with SMS marketing are about getting subscribed to message lists without the permission of the receiver; the high number of messages sent; and the irrelevancy of the message content. The emergence of sponsorship as a new marketing communication tool and a source of competitive advantage in the marketplace has changed the entire marketing communication process. Sponsorship has overtaken other marketing communication tools in terms of growth and expenditure. This paper seeks to evaluate the role of sponsorship in marketing communication tools. The study recommends that proper measures be taken before the company embarks into sponsorship programs. This is necessary because investment in sponsorship does not always guarantee sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.Mobile phones are one of the direct marketing tools that can be used to reach today’s hard to reach consumers. Mobile phones are very personal devices and they are always carried with the consumer, where ever they go. This creates an opportunity for marketers to create personalized marketing communications messages and send them on the right time and place.Keywords: employee organizational performance, internal marketing, internal customer, direct marketing, mobile phones mobile marketing, sms advertising, marketing sponsorship, marketing communication theories, marketing communication tools corporate responsibility
Procedia PDF Downloads 5916125 An Improved Prediction Model of Ozone Concentration Time Series Based on Chaotic Approach
Authors: Nor Zila Abd Hamid, Mohd Salmi M. Noorani
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This study is focused on the development of prediction models of the Ozone concentration time series. Prediction model is built based on chaotic approach. Firstly, the chaotic nature of the time series is detected by means of phase space plot and the Cao method. Then, the prediction model is built and the local linear approximation method is used for the forecasting purposes. Traditional prediction of autoregressive linear model is also built. Moreover, an improvement in local linear approximation method is also performed. Prediction models are applied to the hourly ozone time series observed at the benchmark station in Malaysia. Comparison of all models through the calculation of mean absolute error, root mean squared error and correlation coefficient shows that the one with improved prediction method is the best. Thus, chaotic approach is a good approach to be used to develop a prediction model for the Ozone concentration time series.Keywords: chaotic approach, phase space, Cao method, local linear approximation method
Procedia PDF Downloads 33416124 Design of a Fuzzy Luenberger Observer for Fault Nonlinear System
Authors: Mounir Bekaik, Messaoud Ramdani
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We present in this work a new technique of stabilization for fault nonlinear systems. The approach we adopt focus on a fuzzy Luenverger observer. The T-S approximation of the nonlinear observer is based on fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm to find local linear subsystems. The MOESP identification approach was applied to design an empirical model describing the subsystems state variables. The gain of the observer is given by the minimization of the estimation error through Lyapunov-krasovskii functional and LMI approach. We consider a three tank hydraulic system for an illustrative example.Keywords: nonlinear system, fuzzy, faults, TS, Lyapunov-Krasovskii, observer
Procedia PDF Downloads 33916123 Walking the Tightrope: Balancing Project Governance, Complexity, and Servant Leadership for Megaproject Success
Authors: Muhammad Shoaib Iqbal, Shih Ping Ho
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Megaprojects are large-scale, complex ventures with significant financial investments, numerous stakeholders, and extended timelines, requiring meticulous management for successful completion. This study explores the interplay between project governance, project complexity, and servant leadership and their combined effects on project success, specifically within the context of Pakistani megaprojects. The primary objectives are to examine the direct impact of project governance on project success, understand the negative influence of project complexity, assess the positive role of servant leadership, explore the moderating effect of servant leadership on the relationship between governance and success, and investigate how servant leadership mitigates the adverse effects of complexity. Using a quantitative approach, survey data were collected from project managers and team members involved in Pakistani megaprojects. Using a Comprehensive empirical model, 257 Valid responses were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis tested the hypothesized relationships and interaction effects using PLS-SEM. Findings reveal that project governance significantly enhances project success, emphasizing the need for robust governance structures. Conversely, project complexity negatively impacts success, highlighting the challenges of managing complex projects. Servant leadership significantly boosts project success by prioritizing team support and empowerment. Although the interaction between governance and servant leadership is not significant, suggesting no significant change in project success, servant leadership significantly mitigates the negative effects of project complexity, enhancing team resilience and adaptability. These results underscore the necessity for a balanced approach integrating strong governance with flexible, supportive leadership. The study offers valuable insights for practitioners, recommending adaptive governance frameworks and promoting servant leadership to improve the management and success rates of megaprojects. This research contributes to the broader understanding of effective project management practices in complex environments.Keywords: project governance, project complexity, servant leadership, project success, megaprojects, Pakistan
Procedia PDF Downloads 4016122 Conceptual and Funnel Methods Contribution to Critical Literature Review: PhD construction Management
Authors: Samuel Quashie
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This study is aimed at demonstrating the applicability and contribution of ‘Conceptual and Funnelling Methods’ during the literature review stages, for PhD in Construction Management, which focused on the ‘Development of an Integrated Management for Post-Disaster Reconstruction’, the viability of this approach using conceptual and funnel methods are demonstrated. The ‘conceptual review method’ builds upon the strengths of relevant material, detailing major points and areas covered and evaluates lesser relevant literature. Publications are reviewed in an integrated style, challenging the scientific theory and seeking to develop new insights. The funnel method grouped reviews by commonality, regardless of the topic or thesis statement. It shows that the literature review is acquired using different kinds of information to increase the variety and diversity of the investigation. Results demonstrated conceptual and funnel methods ability to reviewed and appraised the relevant literature. It puts them into an integrated style, allows an evaluation of credentials, originality, theory base, context and significance of the quality work to emerge. Objectives of the review are met and gaps in knowledge are identified and direct further studies to answer the research questions.Keywords: Ph.D, construction management, critical literature review, conceptual and funnel methods
Procedia PDF Downloads 41716121 Economic Indicators as Correlates of Inward Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria
Authors: C. F. Popoola, P. Osho, S. B. Babarinde
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This study examined economic indicators as correlates of inward FDI. An exploratory research design was used to obtained annual published data on inflation rate, market size, exchange rate, political instability, human development, and infrastructure from Central Bank of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerian Capital Market, Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research, and UNCTAD. Data generated were analyzed using Pearson correlation, analysis of variance and regression. The findings of the study revealed that market size (r = 0.852, p < 0.001), infrastructure (r = 0.264, p < 0.001), human development (r = 0.154, p < 0.01) and exchange rate ( r= 0.178, p < 0.05) correlate positively with inward FDI, while inflation rate (r = -0.88, p < 0.001), and political instability (r= -0.102, p < 0.05) correlate negatively with inward FDI. Findings also revealed that the economic indicators significantly predicted inward FDI (R2 = 0.913; F(1,19) = 29.40; p < 0.05) for Nigeria. It was concluded that exchange rate, market size, human development, and infrastructure positively related to inward FDI while the high level of inflation and political instability negatively related to inward FDI. Therefore, it was suggested that policy makers and government agencies should readdress steps and design policies that would encourage more FDI into the country.Keywords: exchange rate, foreign direct investment, human development, inflation rate, infrastructure, market size, political instability
Procedia PDF Downloads 41616120 Machine learning Assisted Selective Emitter design for Solar Thermophotovoltaic System
Authors: Ambali Alade Odebowale, Andargachew Mekonnen Berhe, Haroldo T. Hattori, Andrey E. Miroshnichenko
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Solar thermophotovoltaic systems (STPV) have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit, a significant impediment in the direct conversion of solar radiation into electricity using conventional solar cells. The STPV system comprises essential components such as an optical concentrator, selective emitter, and a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell. The pivotal element in achieving high efficiency in an STPV system lies in the design of a spectrally selective emitter or absorber. Traditional methods for designing and optimizing selective emitters are often time-consuming and may not yield highly selective emitters, posing a challenge to the overall system performance. In recent years, the application of machine learning techniques in various scientific disciplines has demonstrated significant advantages. This paper proposes a novel nanostructure composed of four-layered materials (SiC/W/SiO2/W) to function as a selective emitter in the energy conversion process of an STPV system. Unlike conventional approaches widely adopted by researchers, this study employs a machine learning-based approach for the design and optimization of the selective emitter. Specifically, a random forest algorithm (RFA) is employed for the design of the selective emitter, while the optimization process is executed using genetic algorithms. This innovative methodology holds promise in addressing the challenges posed by traditional methods, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach to selective emitter design. The utilization of a machine learning approach brings several advantages to the design and optimization of a selective emitter within the STPV system. Machine learning algorithms, such as the random forest algorithm, have the capability to analyze complex datasets and identify intricate patterns that may not be apparent through traditional methods. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the design space, potentially leading to highly efficient emitter configurations. Moreover, the application of genetic algorithms in the optimization process enhances the adaptability and efficiency of the overall system. Genetic algorithms mimic the principles of natural selection, enabling the exploration of a diverse range of emitter configurations and facilitating the identification of optimal solutions. This not only accelerates the design and optimization process but also increases the likelihood of discovering configurations that exhibit superior performance compared to traditional methods. In conclusion, the integration of machine learning techniques in the design and optimization of a selective emitter for solar thermophotovoltaic systems represents a groundbreaking approach. This innovative methodology not only addresses the limitations of traditional methods but also holds the potential to significantly improve the overall performance of STPV systems, paving the way for enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency.Keywords: emitter, genetic algorithm, radiation, random forest, thermophotovoltaic
Procedia PDF Downloads 6216119 A Novel Solution Methodology for Transit Route Network Design Problem
Authors: Ghada Moussa, Mamoud Owais
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Transit Route Network Design Problem (TrNDP) is the most important component in Transit planning, in which the overall cost of the public transportation system highly depends on it. The main purpose of this study is to develop a novel solution methodology for the TrNDP, which goes beyond pervious traditional sophisticated approaches. The novelty of the solution methodology, adopted in this paper, stands on the deterministic operators which are tackled to construct bus routes. The deterministic manner of the TrNDP solution relies on using linear and integer mathematical formulations that can be solved exactly with their standard solvers. The solution methodology has been tested through Mandl’s benchmark network problem. The test results showed that the methodology developed in this research is able to improve the given network solution in terms of number of constructed routes, direct transit service coverage, transfer directness and solution reliability. Although the set of routes resulted from the methodology would stand alone as a final efficient solution for TrNDP, it could be used as an initial solution for meta-heuristic procedures to approach global optimal. Based on the presented methodology, a more robust network optimization tool would be produced for public transportation planning purposes.Keywords: integer programming, transit route design, transportation, urban planning
Procedia PDF Downloads 27416118 Aesthetic Modification with Combined Orthognathic Surgery and Closed Rhinoplasty
Authors: Alessandro Marano
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Aim: The author describes the aesthetic modification using orthognathic surgery and closed rhinoplasty. Methods: Series of case study. After orthognathic surgery we can observe a dramatical change of aesthetic especially in the mid-face and nose projection. The advancement of maxillary bone through Le Fort I osteotomy will change the nasal tip projection and lips roundness; combining orthognathic surgery with closed approach rhinoplasty will manage both function and aesthetic of all mid face district. Results: Combining Le Fort I osteotomy with closed approach rhinoplasty resulted in good objective results with high patient satisfaction. Le Fort I osteotomy will increase projection of mid face and the closed approach rhinoplasty will modify the nasal shape to be more harmonic with the new maxillary district. The scars are not visible because hidden inside the mouth and nose. Conclusions: The orthognathic surgery combined with closed approach rhinoplasty are very effective for changing the aesthetic of the mid face. The results illustrate the difference between the use of orthognathic surgery only and to use it in association of closed approach rhinoplasty. Using both will allow to obtain a long lasting and pleasing results.Keywords: orthognathic, rhinoplasty, aesthetic, face
Procedia PDF Downloads 10116117 Using Diagnostic Assessment as a Learning and Teaching Approach to Identify Learning Gaps at a Polytechnic
Authors: Vijayan Narayananayar
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Identifying learning gaps is crucial in ensuring learners have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. The Learning and Teaching (L&T) approach requires tutors to identify gaps in knowledge and improvise learning activities to close them. One approach to identifying learning gaps is through diagnostic assessment, which uses well-structured questions and answer options. The paper focuses on the use of diagnostic assessment as a learning and teaching approach in a foundational module at a polytechnic. The study used diagnostic assessment over two semesters, including the COVID and post-COVID semesters, to identify gaps in learning. The design of the diagnostic activity, pedagogical intervention, and survey responses completed by learners were analyzed. Results showed that diagnostic assessment can be an effective tool for identifying learning gaps and designing interventions to address them. Additionally, the use of diagnostic assessment provides an opportunity for tutors to engage with learners on a one-to-one basis, tailoring teaching to individual needs. The paper also discusses the design of diagnostic questions and answer options, including characteristics that need to be considered in achieving the target of identifying learning gaps. The implications of using diagnostic assessment as a learning and teaching approach include bridging the gap between theory and practice, and ensuring learners are equipped with skills necessary for their future careers. This paper can be useful in helping educators and practitioners to incorporate diagnostic assessment into their L&T approach.Keywords: assessment, learning & teaching, diagnostic assessment, analytics
Procedia PDF Downloads 11516116 Impact of Natural Language Processing in Educational Setting: An Effective Approach towards Improved Learning
Authors: Khaled M. Alhawiti
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Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an effective approach for bringing improvement in educational setting. This involves initiating the process of learning through the natural acquisition in the educational systems. It is based on following effective approaches for providing the solution for various problems and issues in education. Natural Language Processing provides solution in a variety of different fields associated with the social and cultural context of language learning. It is based on involving various tools and techniques such as grammar, syntax, and structure of text. It is effective approach for teachers, students, authors, and educators for providing assistance for writing, analysis, and assessment procedure. Natural Language Processing is widely integrated in the large number of educational contexts such as research, science, linguistics, e-learning, evaluations system, and various other educational settings such as schools, higher education system, and universities. Natural Language Processing is based on applying scientific approach in the educational settings. In the educational settings, NLP is an effective approach to ensure that students can learn easily in the same way as they acquired language in the natural settings.Keywords: natural language processing, education, application, e-learning, scientific studies, educational system
Procedia PDF Downloads 50416115 A Promising Thrombolytic and Anticoagulant Serine Protease Purified from Lug Worms Inhabiting Tidal Flats
Authors: Hye Jin Kim, Hwa Sung Shin
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Ischemic stroke means the caused brain damage due to neurological defects, occurring occlusion of cerebral vascular resulting in thrombus or embolism. t-PA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) is the only thrombolytic agent passed the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However, t-PA directly dissolves the thrombus (direct activity) through fibrinolysis, showing side effects such as re-occlusion. In this study, we evaluated the thrombolytic activities of the serine protease extracted from lugworms inhabiting tidal flats. The new serine protease identified as 38 kDa by SDS-PAGE was not toxic to brain endothelial cells line (hCMEC/D3). Also, the plasmin synthesis inhibition activity (indirect activity) of the new serine protease was confirmed through fibrin zymography assay and fibrin plate assay. It was higher than direct activity as compared to u-PA (urokinase Plasminogen Activator). The activities were found to be maintained at a wide range of temperature (4-70 ℃) and pH 7-10 compared to previous thrombolytic agents from the azocasein assay. In addition, the new serine protease has shown anticoagulant activity from fibrinogenolytic activity assay. In conclusion, the serine protease in lug worms inhabiting the tidal flats could be considered a promising thrombolytic candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke.Keywords: alkaline serine protease, bifunctional thrombolytic activity, fibrinolytic activity, ischemic stroke, lug worms
Procedia PDF Downloads 32916114 A Model Architecture Transformation with Approach by Modeling: From UML to Multidimensional Schemas of Data Warehouses
Authors: Ouzayr Rabhi, Ibtissam Arrassen
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To provide a complete analysis of the organization and to help decision-making, leaders need to have relevant data; Data Warehouses (DW) are designed to meet such needs. However, designing DW is not trivial and there is no formal method to derive a multidimensional schema from heterogeneous databases. In this article, we present a Model-Driven based approach concerning the design of data warehouses. We describe a multidimensional meta-model and also specify a set of transformations starting from a Unified Modeling Language (UML) metamodel. In this approach, the UML metamodel and the multidimensional one are both considered as a platform-independent model (PIM). The first meta-model is mapped into the second one through transformation rules carried out by the Query View Transformation (QVT) language. This proposal is validated through the application of our approach to generating a multidimensional schema of a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) DW. We are interested in the BSC perspectives, which are highly linked to the vision and the strategies of an organization.Keywords: data warehouse, meta-model, model-driven architecture, transformation, UML
Procedia PDF Downloads 16216113 Website Appeal’s Impact on Brand Outcomes: The Mediated Effect of Emotional Attractiveness in the Relationship between Consistent Image and Brand Value
Authors: Salvador Treviño-Martinez, Christian Reich-Lopez
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This paper investigates the relationship between website appeal and brand value outcomes (brand attraction, brand loyalty, brand relationship, and brand experience), considering the mediating effect of emotional attractiveness. Data were collected from 221 customers of a quick-service restaurant in Culiacan, Mexico, using an online survey distributed via WhatsApp, following the clients' navigation of the restaurant's website. The study employed PLS-SEM to test the proposed hypotheses and performed 5,000 bootstrapping subsamples to obtain results. The findings indicate that consistent image, a key component of website appeal, has a statistically significant direct and mediated effect (through emotional attractiveness) on the aforementioned brand outcomes. The study's limitations include the convenience sampling method and the single company client database used for the sample composition. This research contributes to the branding and website quality literature by testing nine hypotheses using the Stimuli-Organism-Response theoretical approach in an underexplored context: quick-service restaurants in Latin America.Keywords: website appeal, branding, emotional attractiveness, consistent image, website quality
Procedia PDF Downloads 9416112 Spectral Domain Fast Multipole Method for Solving Integral Equations of One and Two Dimensional Wave Scattering
Authors: Mohammad Ahmad, Dayalan Kasilingam
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In this paper, a spectral domain implementation of the fast multipole method is presented. It is shown that the aggregation, translation, and disaggregation stages of the fast multipole method (FMM) can be performed using the spectral domain (SD) analysis. The spectral domain fast multipole method (SD-FMM) has the advantage of eliminating the near field/far field classification used in conventional FMM formulation. The study focuses on the application of SD-FMM to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) electric field integral equation (EFIE). The case of perfectly conducting strip, circular and square cylinders are numerically analyzed and compared with the results from the standard method of moments (MoM).Keywords: electric field integral equation, fast multipole method, method of moments, wave scattering, spectral domain
Procedia PDF Downloads 40716111 A Fuzzy Approach to Liver Tumor Segmentation with Zernike Moments
Authors: Abder-Rahman Ali, Antoine Vacavant, Manuel Grand-Brochier, Adélaïde Albouy-Kissi, Jean-Yves Boire
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In this paper, we present a new segmentation approach for liver lesions in regions of interest within MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This approach, based on a two-cluster Fuzzy C-Means methodology, considers the parameter variable compactness to handle uncertainty. Fine boundaries are detected by a local recursive merging of ambiguous pixels with a sequential forward floating selection with Zernike moments. The method has been tested on both synthetic and real images. When applied on synthetic images, the proposed approach provides good performance, segmentations obtained are accurate, their shape is consistent with the ground truth, and the extracted information is reliable. The results obtained on MR images confirm such observations. Our approach allows, even for difficult cases of MR images, to extract a segmentation with good performance in terms of accuracy and shape, which implies that the geometry of the tumor is preserved for further clinical activities (such as automatic extraction of pharmaco-kinetics properties, lesion characterization, etc).Keywords: defuzzification, floating search, fuzzy clustering, Zernike moments
Procedia PDF Downloads 45316110 Digital Geography and Geographic Information System in Schools: Towards a Hierarchical Geospatial Approach
Authors: Mary Fargher
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This paper examines the opportunities of using a more hierarchical approach to geospatial enquiry in using GIS in school geography. A case is made that it is not just the lack of teacher technological knowledge that is stopping some teachers from using GIS in the classroom but that there is a gap in their understanding of how to link GIS use more specifically to the pedagogy of teaching geography with GIS. Using a hierarchical approach to geospatial enquiry as a theoretical framework, the analysis shows clearly how concepts of spatial distribution, interaction, relation, comparison, and temporal relationships can be used by teachers more explicitly to capitalise on the analytical power of GIS and to construct what can be interpreted as powerful geographical knowledge. An exemplar illustrating this approach on the topic of geo-hazards is then presented for critical analysis and discussion. Recommendations are then made for a model of progression for geography teacher education with GIS through hierarchical geospatial enquiry that takes into account beginner, intermediate, and more advanced users.Keywords: digital geography, GIS, education, hierarchical geospatial enquiry, powerful geographical knowledge
Procedia PDF Downloads 15416109 Vibration of Nanobeam Subjected to Constant Magnetic Field and Ramp-Type Thermal Loading under Non-Fourier Heat Conduction Law of Lord-Shulman
Authors: Hamdy M. Youssef
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In this work, the usual Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam has been modeled in the context of Lord-Shulman thermoelastic theorem, which contains non-Fourier heat conduction law. The nanobeam has been subjected to a constant magnetic field and ramp-type thermal loading. The Laplace transform definition has been applied to the governing equations, and the solutions have been obtained by using a direct approach. The inversions of the Laplace transform have been calculated numerically by using Tzou approximation method. The solutions have been applied to a nanobeam made of silicon nitride. The distributions of the temperature increment, lateral deflection, strain, stress, and strain-energy density have been represented in figures with different values of the magnetic field intensity and ramp-time heat parameter. The value of the magnetic field intensity and ramp-time heat parameter have significant effects on all the studied functions, and they could be used as tuners to control the energy which has been generated through the nanobeam.Keywords: nanobeam, vibration, constant magnetic field, ramp-type thermal loading, non-Fourier heat conduction law
Procedia PDF Downloads 14116108 Establishment of Aquaculture Cooperative for Sustainable Local People Economic Welfare in Jatiluhur, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Aisyah Nurfitria, Alifa Rahmadia Putri, Andini Lestari, Kartika Sukmatullahi Hasanah, Mutiara Mayang Oktavia
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The research aims to describe and analyze the background and condition of Jatiluhur Dam, West Java, Indonesia. The Jatiluhur Dam as known as the biggest dam in West Java has huge fisheries resource, which is supposed to assure the local people appropriateness of living. Unfortunately based on this field research, the local people are living a life in under poverty line. This study focuses on increasing local people economic welfare through “Aquaculture Cooperative” implementation. Empower and diversify income of local people is the purpose of this study. In the same way, this study also focuses on the sustainable local people’s livelihoods. In order to obtain the sustainability of them, recovering the fisheries of Jatiluhur Dam is the part of “Aquaculture Cooperative” program. Method that is used in this research is a qualitative approach by literature review and in-depth interview through direct observation as data collecting techniques. Factors such as social and economic condition are also considered in order to know how “Aquaculture Cooperative” able to accepted by local people.Keywords: aquaculture cooperative, economic welfare, Jatiluhur fisheries, West Java
Procedia PDF Downloads 45016107 The Importance of Absorptive Capacities in the Foreign Direct Investment-Growth Nexus: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Edmund Kwablah, Anthony Amoah
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The merits associated with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to host countries in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot be overemphasized. Against this background, countries have sought to design and implement strategic policies geared towards enhacing FDI and promoting economic growth. In this study, we used the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares technique and a panel data for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries spanning from 1998 to 2016. We hypothesize that FDI’s effect on economic growth is contingent on some absorptive capacities (e.g., financial market development and economic freedom) of the host country. We used financial market data that accounts for market fragility as a measure of financial market development and economic freedom data which uses the overall score of all the freedom indicators as a measure of economic freedom. Our results suggest that FDI has a statistically positive effect on economic growth when we account for host country’s absorptive capacities. However, a negative relationship will ensue if these absorptive capacities are not accounted for. We recommend that a developing continent like SSA should focus on identifying and building the relevant absorptive capacities that can translate the effect of FDI into a positive growth. This is because an economy with sound absorptive capacities reduces business risk and spur economic growth.Keywords: FDI, absorptive capacity, economic growth, FMOLS, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares, SSA
Procedia PDF Downloads 18716106 A Two Level Load Balancing Approach for Cloud Environment
Authors: Anurag Jain, Rajneesh Kumar
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Cloud computing is the outcome of rapid growth of internet. Due to elastic nature of cloud computing and unpredictable behavior of user, load balancing is the major issue in cloud computing paradigm. An efficient load balancing technique can improve the performance in terms of efficient resource utilization and higher customer satisfaction. Load balancing can be implemented through task scheduling, resource allocation and task migration. Various parameters to analyze the performance of load balancing approach are response time, cost, data processing time and throughput. This paper demonstrates a two level load balancer approach by combining join idle queue and join shortest queue approach. Authors have used cloud analyst simulator to test proposed two level load balancer approach. The results are analyzed and compared with the existing algorithms and as observed, proposed work is one step ahead of existing techniques.Keywords: cloud analyst, cloud computing, join idle queue, join shortest queue, load balancing, task scheduling
Procedia PDF Downloads 43516105 Using a Character’s Inner Monologue for Song Analysis
Authors: Robert Roznowski
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The thought process of the character is never more evident than when singing alone onstage. The composer scores the emotional state and the lyricist voices the inner conflict as the character shares with an audience her or his deepest feelings. It is at these moments that a character may be thought of as voicing her or his inner monologue. Using examples from several musical theatre songs, this presentation will look at a codified approach to analyze a song from a more psychological perspective. Using the clues from the score, traditional character analysis and a psychological-based scoring method an actor may explore more fully inhabit and express the sung and unsung thoughts of the character. The approach yields a richer and more complex approach to acting the song.Keywords: acting, analysis, musical theatre, psychology
Procedia PDF Downloads 48016104 Exploring Art Teacher Voice: Canadian Education - Local and International Perspectives
Authors: Amy Atkinson
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Teacher burnout and dissatisfaction is a concerning challenge for visual art (VA) programs within the western (Canadian) educational context, however VA programs who offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum within international schools are thriving. The purpose of this research was to investigate the experiences of Canadian-educated seasoned VA teachers within a range of curriculums, administrative systems and locations focusing on issues related to the VA teaching experience such as viability of the artist-teacher relationship, teaching satisfaction and teacher burnout. Research was conducted using an auto-ethnography approach coupled with a comparative case study method using in-depth interviews. Insights were uncovered into VA teacher’s lived experience, values and decisions, occupational ideology, cultural knowledge, and perspectives. Research for creation methods were explored to develop a creative narrative to amplify teacher voice; endeavouring to make the obscure vivid, empathy possible, direct attention to individuality and locate the universal. Case study results sustain ethnographic observations revealing that VA teachers are experiencing more efficacy, satisfaction and success, with less burn out within the international school/IB context.Keywords: international baccalaureate, autoethnography, teacher voice, visual arts
Procedia PDF Downloads 18516103 Analysis of an High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Connection Using a Real-Time Simulator Under Various Disturbances
Authors: Mankour Mohamed, Miloudi Mohamed
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A thorough and accurate simulation is necessary for the study of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link system during various types of disturbances, including internal faults on both converters, either on the rectifier or on the inverter, as well as external faults, such as AC or DC faults on both converter sides inside the DC link party. In this study, we examine how an HVDC inverter responds to three different types of failures, including faults at the inverter valve, system control faults, and single-phase-to-ground AC faults at the sending end of the inverter side. As this phenomenon represents the most frequent problem that may affect inverter valves, particularly those based on thyristor valves (LCC (line-Commutated converter)), it is more precise to explore which circumstance generates and raises the commutation failure on inverter valves. Because of the techniques used to accelerate the simulation, digital real-time simulators are now the most potent tools that provide simulation results. The real-time-lab RT-LAB platform HYPERSIM OP-5600 is used to implement the Simulation in the Loop (SIL) technique, which is used to validate the results. It is demonstrated how to recover from both the internal faults and the AC problem. The simulation findings show how crucial a role the control system plays in fault recovery.Keywords: hypersim simulator, HVDC systems, mono-polar link, AC faults, misfiring faults
Procedia PDF Downloads 9616102 Statistic Regression and Open Data Approach for Identifying Economic Indicators That Influence e-Commerce
Authors: Apollinaire Barme, Simon Tamayo, Arthur Gaudron
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This paper presents a statistical approach to identify explanatory variables linearly related to e-commerce sales. The proposed methodology allows specifying a regression model in order to quantify the relevance between openly available data (economic and demographic) and national e-commerce sales. The proposed methodology consists in collecting data, preselecting input variables, performing regressions for choosing variables and models, testing and validating. The usefulness of the proposed approach is twofold: on the one hand, it allows identifying the variables that influence e- commerce sales with an accessible approach. And on the other hand, it can be used to model future sales from the input variables. Results show that e-commerce is linearly dependent on 11 economic and demographic indicators.Keywords: e-commerce, statistical modeling, regression, empirical research
Procedia PDF Downloads 22816101 Power Management in Wireless Combustible Gas Sensors
Authors: Denis Spirjakin, Alexander Baranov, Saba Akbari, Natalia Kalenova, Vladimir Sleptsov
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In this paper we propose the approach to power management in wireless combustible gas sensors. This approach makes possible drastically prolong sensor nodes autonomous lifetime. That is necessary to tie battery replacement to every year technical service procedures which are claimed by safety standards. Using this approach the current consumption of the wireless combustible gas sensor node was decreased from 80 mA to less than 2 mA and the power consumption from more than 220 mW to 4.6 mW. These values provide autonomous lifetime of the node more than one year.Keywords: Gas sensors, power management, wireless sensor network
Procedia PDF Downloads 72716100 Essential Oil Encapsulated into Succinic Acid Modified Beta-Cyclodextrin: Characterization, Docking Study, and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Amine Ez-Zoubi, Abdellah Farah
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Because of their effectiveness and environmental safety, many essential oils have been investigated as biopesticides. Nevertheless, the encapsulation process is necessary to improve its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to study the physicochemical characteristics, and antifungal activity of the Artemisia Herba-Alba essential oil (HAEO) encapsulated in succinic acid modified β-CD (SACD). A yellowish oil was obtained from plant A. Herba-Alba using hydrodistillation and GC-MS was used to identify the chemical composition, in which α-Thujone (65.0%) was the main component in HAEO. The succinic acid has been esterified via the hydroxyl groups in β-CD to produce SACD. In addition, the inclusion complex formation of HAEO and SACD was generated according to the co-precipitation method and was analyzed by several techniques. The antifungal activity in vitro was examined against Botrytis cinerea by direct contact with a potato dextrose agar culture medium. At a 0.1 % concentration, the HAEO in encapsulated form showed higher potential for the control of B. cinerea when compared to the EO in free form (38.34 to 12%). Thus, these results produced evidence that the encapsulation of EOs in SACD can be useful for the development of B.cinerea inhibitors and a promising alternative biopesticide.Keywords: Artemisia Herba-Alba essential oil, succinic acid modified β-cyclodextrin, inclusion complex, co-precipitation, Botrytis cinerea, direct contact
Procedia PDF Downloads 8916099 The Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Combined with Traditional Physical Therapy to Address Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke: A Case Study
Authors: Najmeh Hoseini
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Strokerecovery happens through neuroplasticity, which is highly influenced by the environment, including neuro-rehabilitation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance recovery by modulating neuroplasticity. With tDCS, weak direct currents are applied noninvasively to modify excitability in the cortical areas under its electrodes. Combined with functional activities, this may facilitate motor recovery in neurologic disorders such as stroke. The purpose of this case study was to examine the effect of tDCS combined with 30 minutes of traditional physical therapy (PT)on arm function following a stroke. A 29-year-old male with chronic stroke involving the left middle cerebral artery territory went through the treatment protocol. Design The design included 5 weeks of treatment: 1 week of traditional PT, 2 weeks of sham tDCS combined with traditional PT, and 2 weeks of tDCS combined with traditional PT. PT included functional electrical stimulation (FES) of wrist extensors followed by task-specific functional training. Dual hemispheric tDCS with 1 mA intensity was applied on the sensorimotor cortices for the first 20 min of the treatment combined with FES. Assessments before and after each treatment block included Modified Ashworth Scale, ChedokeMcmaster Arm and Hand inventory, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and the Box and Blocks Test. Results showed reduced spasticity in elbow and wrist flexors only after tDCS combination weeks (+1 to 0). The patient demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in gross motor and fine motor control over the duration of the study; however, components of the ARAT that require fine motor control improved the greatest during the experimental block. Average time improvement compared to baseline was26.29 s for tDCS combination weeks, 18.48 s for sham tDCS, and 6.83 for PT standard of care weeks. Combining dual hemispheric tDCS with the standard of care PT demonstrated improvements in hand dexterity greater than PT alone in this patient case.Keywords: tDCS, stroke, case study, physical therapy
Procedia PDF Downloads 9816098 The Role of Development in Settling Migration Crisis: The Preventive Approach of the European Union in Relations with Sub-Saharan African States
Authors: Artsiom Zinchanka
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The world faces now one of the largest migration crisis and the European Union meets challenges in accepting the flow of migrants that could not be handled finally at this step. This crisis is complicated with many factors, such as military conflict in the Middle East; absence of the appropriate conditions in the refugees’ camps; but also with the complicity of the migration flow consisting of the Sub-Saharan migrants. This type of migrants leave their homelands for many reasons including poverty, not appropriate level of social and economic conditions, absence of infrastructure and access to the education and medical care. In practice, when the restrictive approach directed to limit the flow of illicit migration and to send illicit migrants back to their homelands is not always working, the approach directed to the root causes of the migration crisis can be more effective in settling the crisis. The Cotonou Agreement and the following treaties concluded between the European Union, and Sub-Saharan states show that the European Union considers the development of human rights and appropriate social and economic conditions in the Sub-Saharan states as one of the most important factors addressing the migration crisis. The preventive approach as the efforts of the European Union to develop appropriate social and economic conditions in Sub-Saharan states is considered in this article, as well as its evolution and current condition. This article also considers pros and cons of this approach and the obstacles that this approach faces. The research methods include review of literature and documents, analytical and descriptive methods.Keywords: migration crisis, preventive approach, Sub-Saharan States, the European Union
Procedia PDF Downloads 135