Blockchain Technology: A tool to solve the challenges of education sector in developing countries

The education system is getting diversified, challenged, and blended for the overwhelming advancement of disruptive technology. The core purpose of this chapter is to visualize the probable solutions of the modern education system using blockchain technology. The entire chapter has been discussed on the basis of present solution and projection of future inventions to smoothen the education system. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is changing our experiences in terms of education and other lifestyle. Delivering lectures, interacting between learners and educations, evaluating learning outcomes, and verifying educational credentials might be smoother, easier, faster, cheaper, and jollier than before. Blockchain technology can contribute to the education provider to tackle all those existing problems to create a comfortable learning environment to all irrespective to their economic backgrounds and geographic location. How this technology can contribute to improve Reviewing recent inventions in this technology, the chapter explains some of the strategies to go beyond the ongoing projects around the world. A set of models are arranged to enable the readers mind for future inventions in the realm of educationists. Keywords: -Blockchain, 4IR, educators, learning outcome

The Proposal for Implementation of Controlled Power Rectifier (3000/4000KW) in MTA New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT)

The MTA New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) will require a robust and reconfigurable power system capable of supplying high power in order to be able to provide services based on for cased future forecast growth of the city population. A critical component in such a system is the Phase Controlled Rectifier. As such, the issues associated with the inclusion of a power electronics rectifier need to be addressed. These issues include input Alternating Current (AC) interface requirements, the output Direct Current (DC) load profile, and overall stability in the output voltage for Train car loads. Understanding these issues, providing possible solutions and determining the means of assuring smooth compatibility with MTA New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) Traction Power systems is the focus of this thesis. By using a Simulink® model of an actual MTA-NYCT Traction Power System, actual train car load, 12 -Pulse count, high power rectifiers were exercised. The Simulink® results are compared between the Traction Power Systems of Uncontrolled Rectifier and Controlled Rectifier analysis results. In subway normal operation hour, with uncontrolled rectifier systems, subway cars load current level are 2800 Amps to 3600 Amps, and Voltage level 450 VDC to 600 VDC in running condition. In this Simulation, with controlled rectifier system, subway cars load current level are 3200 Amps to 4000 Amps, and Voltage level 550 VDC to 625 VDC established. These experiments led to the conclusion that increasing the continuous current and the overall stability in the output voltage, reducing the harmonics, there are tradeoffs in terms of complexity and size of the passive components, and optimization based on source and load specifications is also required.

AI & Blockchain as sustainable teaching and learning tools to cope with the 4IR

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming the way we live and work, and education is no exception. To cope with the challenges of 4IR, there is a need for innovative and sustainable teaching and learning tools. AI and block chain technologies hold great promise in this regard, with potential benefits such as personalized learning, secure credentialing, and decentralized learning networks. This paper presents a review of existing research on AI and block chain in education, analyzing case studies and exploring the potential benefits and challenges of these technologies. The paper also suggests a unique model for integrating AI and block chain into sustainable teaching and learning practices. Future research directions are discussed, including the need for more empirical studies and the exploration of ethical and social implications. The key summary of this discussion is that, by enhancing accessibility, efficacy, and security in education, AI and blockchain have the potential to revolutionise the field. In order to ensure that students can benefit from these potentially game-changing technologies as technology develops, it will be crucial to find ways to harness its power while minimising hazards. Overall, this paper highlights the potential of AI and block chain as sustainable tools for teaching and learning in the 4IR era and their respective advantages, issues and future prospects have been discussed in this writing

Global mRNA and miRNA transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to investigate the host immunogenetic response to PRRSV vaccination in pigs

This dissertation aims to identify the candidate genes of the functional network of host immune response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine in pigs; to explore the breed differences on vaccine induced transcriptional response between German Landrace (DL) and Pietrain (Pi) pigs; and to elucidate the post transcriptional regulatory mechanism of vaccine induced gene expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Affymetrix gene chip microarray technique was employed for global expression profiling of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) in PBMCs collected in a time series manner following PRRSV vaccination in purebred DL and Pi pigs. Additionally, microarray expression results were validated by qRT-PCR and the PRRSV-specific plasma antibody titre was monitored by ELISA. The PRRSV-specific plasma antibody titre indicated the piglets free from maternal antibody at the time of primary vaccination and rose above the threshold following two weeks of the primary vaccination that subsequently reached a plateau at four weeks post vaccination. The global mRNA profiling of PBMCs from PRRSV vaccinated and age-matched unvaccinated Landrace pigs at immediately before (0 h), and at 6, 24 and 72 h after PRRSV vaccination revealed a distinct host innate immune transcriptional response. A total of 14,231 transcripts were found to be expressed in PBMCs of vaccinated and unvaccinated pigs. Differential expression analysis (FDR ±1.5) identified 542, 2,263 and 357 differentially expressed genes at 6, 24 and 72 h post vaccination. APP, TRAF6, PIN1, FOS, CDKN1A and TNFAIP3 identified to be potential candidate genes for early stage PRRSV vaccine response in Landrace pigs. In Pietrain pigs, 295 and 116 transcripts were found to be differentially expressed in PBMCs at 1 and 28 days post vaccination, respectively. This study suggested that the innate immune transcriptional network is likely to be regulated by LCK, STAT3, ATP5B, UBB and RSP17; while TGFβ1, IL7R, RAD21, SP1 and GZMB were found to be predictive for the adaptive immune transcriptional response to PRRSV vaccine in PBMCs of Pi pigs. The global microRNA profiles of PBMCs identified 12, 259 and 14 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in DL; and 0, 222 and 13 DE miRNAs in Pietrain at 6, 24 and 72 h post vaccination, respectively. There were remarkable differences on expression dynamics of both mRNAs and miRNAs between DL and Pi pigs. Integrated mRNA-miRNA network revealed the inverse correlation between vaccine induced altered mRNAs and miRNAs in PBMCs. Results of this immunogenomics study advances our understanding on the genetic control of PRRS.Erstellung von globalen mRNA und miRNA Transkriptomprofilen in mononukleäre Zellen des peripheren Blutes zur Untersuchung der Wirts immunogenetischen Reaktion auf eine PRRSV Impfung bei Schweinen Die vorliegende Arbeit zielt darauf ab, Kandidatengene des funktionellen Netzwerks der wirtsspezifischen Immunantwort auf den PRRS-Virus (PRRSV) Impfstoff bei Schweinen zu identifizieren; um transkriptionale Unterschiede durch den induzierten Impfstoff in den zwei Schweinerassen Deutschen Landrasse (DL) und Piétrain (Pi) zu erkunden; und die Aufklärung von Post-transkriptionellen Mechanismen bedingt durch den Impfstoff in den mononukleären Zellen des peripheren Blutes (PBMCs). Zur Erstellung der Transkriptomprofile der Boten-RNA (mRNA) sowie der microRNA (miRNA) in reinrassigen DL und Pi Schweinen zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten nach der PRRSV Impfung wurde die Affymetrix Gen-Chip-Microarray-Technik eingesetzt. Zusätzlich wurden die Microarray Ergebnisse mittels qRT-PCR validiert und die PRRSV-spezifischen Plasma Antikörpertiter durch ELISA bestimmt. Durch den PRRSV-spezifischen Plasma Antikörpertiter zeigte sich, dass die Ferkel frei von mütterlichen Antikörpern zum Zeitpunkt der Erstimpfung waren. Nach der ersten Impfung stieg der Titer in den folgenden zwei Wochen über dem Grenzwert, und erreichte sein Plateau vier Wochen nach der Impfung. Die Betrachtung der globalen mRNA Profile von PBMCs von PRRSV geimpft und ungeimpften DL Schweinen unmittelbar vor 0 und mit 6, 24 und 72 h nach der Impfung ergab eine deutlich angeborene transkriptionelle Wirts Immunreaktion. Insgesamt waren 14.231 Transkripte in PBMCs von geimpften und nicht geimpften Schweine exprimiert. Die Expressionsanalyse (FDR ± 1,5) identifiziert 542, 2263 und 357 differentiell exprimierte Gene 6, 24 und 72 h nach der Impfung. Als potenzielle Kandidatengene für das frühe Stadium der Impfreaktion konnten APP, TRAF6, PIN1, FOS, CDKN1A und TNFAIP3 identifiziert werden. In Piétrain Schweinen waren 295 und 116 Transkripte in PBMCs an Tag 1 und 28 nach der Impfung unterschiedlich exprimiert. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das angeborene Immunnetzwerk wahrscheinlich durch LCK, STAT3, ATP5B, UBB und RSP17 geregelt wird; während sich TGFβ1, IL7R, Rad21, SP1 und GZMB für die adaptive Immunreaktion auf den PRRSV-Impfstoff in PBMCs von Pi-Schweinen als prädiktiv erwiesen. Die microRNA-Profile von PBMCs identifiziert 12, 259 und 14 unterschiedlich exprimiert miRNAs in DL; und 0, 222 und 13 miRNAs in Pi, 6, 24 und 72 h nach der Impfung. Es gab deutliche Unterschiede bei der Expressionsdynamik sowohl bei der mRNAs als auch miRNAs zwischen DL und Pi Schweine. Integrierte mRNA-miRNA-Netzwerke zeigen eine inverse Korrelation zwischen der durch den Impfstoff induzierten veränderten mRNAs und miRNAs Expression in PBMCs. Die Ergebnisse dieser immunogenomischen Studie erweitert unser Verständnis über die genetische Kontrolle von PRRS

Autonomous Vehicles an overview on system, cyber security, risks, issues, and a way forward

This chapter explores the complex realm of autonomous cars, analyzing their fundamental components and operational characteristics. The initial phase of the discussion is elucidating the internal mechanics of these automobiles, encompassing the crucial involvement of sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) identification systems, control mechanisms, and their integration with cloud-based servers within the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT). It delves into practical implementations of autonomous cars, emphasizing their utilization in forecasting traffic patterns and transforming the dynamics of transportation. The text also explores the topic of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), illustrating the impact of autonomous cars on different businesses through the automation of tasks. The primary focus of this investigation lies in the realm of cybersecurity, specifically in the context of autonomous vehicles. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to explore various risk management solutions aimed at protecting these vehicles from potential threats including ethical, environmental, legal, professional, and social dimensions, offering a comprehensive perspective on their societal implications. A strategic plan for addressing the challenges and proposing strategies for effectively traversing the complex terrain of autonomous car systems, cybersecurity, hazards, and other concerns are some resources for acquiring an understanding of the intricate realm of autonomous cars and their ramifications in contemporary society, supported by a comprehensive compilation of resources for additional investigation. Keywords: RPA, Cyber Security, AV, Risk, Smart Car

Data analytics on key indicators for the city's urban services and dashboards for leadership and decision-making

Cities are continuously evolving human settlements. Our cities are under strain in an increasingly urbanized world, and planners, decision-makers, and communities must be ready to adapt. Data is an important resource for municipal administration. Some technologies aid in the collection, processing, and visualization of urban data, assisting in the interpretation and comprehension of how urban systems operate. The relationship between data analytics and smart cities has come to light in recent years as interest in both has grown. A sophisticated network of interconnected systems, including planners and inhabitants, is what is known as a smart city. Data analysis has the potential to support data-driven decision-making in the context of smart cities. Both urban managers and residents are becoming more interested in city dashboards. Dashboards may collect, display, analyze, and provide information on regional performance to help smart cities development having sustainability. In order to assist decision-making processes and enhance the performance of cities, we examine how dashboards might be used to acquire accurate and representative information regarding urban challenges. This chapter culminates Data Analytics on key indicators for the city's urban services and dashboards for leadership and decision-making. A single web page with consolidated information, real-time data streams pertinent to planners and decision-makers as well as residents' everyday lives, and site analytics as a method to assess user interactions and preferences are among the proposals for urban dashboards. Keywords: -Dashboard, data analytics, smart city, sustainability

バングラデシュにおける土地保有制度と農業生産に関する研究 : バサイル地区を事例に

Land is a very important factor of production in an agricultural developing country like Bangladesh. Land reform ordinance 1984 was formulated and declared by the government of Bangladesh in due respect for the improvement of agricultural production as well as the proper utilization of agricultural lands in the country by properly addressing the tenancy issue of share cropped land. The academic contribution of this thesis lies in evaluation of implementation and agricultural production aspect of this land reform ordinance 1984, which is a very important issue in the national perspective of Bangladesh. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the various aspects of land tenure arrangements on agricultural production based on with and without implementation of land reform ordinance 1984. The study area was selected at Basail Upzila (sub- district) of Tangail district in Bangladesh, as the farmers of this Upazila have location advantages in farming those can represent the various regional characteristics of land tenure arrangements in the country, including cropping patterns and other concerned issues in farming. Other related aspects those affect on land tenure and agricultural production were also assessed. Data were collected from 150 respondents of equally 50 from each category of owner, owner cum tenant and tenant farmers. This data were collected from January to March, 2013 by stratified random sampling technique based on the cultivated crops in a cropping year. Then the collected data were analyzed by statistical analytical software Stata 13. There are two core chapters (Chapter 5 and 6) have been incorporated in this thesis. These include analyses of various aspects of agricultural production, according to land tenure arrangements. This Thesis has attempted to locate the most relevant theoretical models to explain the econometric outcomes in the relevant chapters. The first core chapter (chapter 5) attempts to analyze the agricultural production in the different land tenure arrangements of Basail Upazila of Tangail district in Bangladesh. This study shows that output sharing is conducted according to this legal provision of land reform ordinance 1984 but input cost sharing are not practiced accordingly in share cropped land. Those lead the tenant farmers (share croppers) in lack of proper incentive. That is revealed in benefit cost ratio and analysis of variance of net revenue of the farmers. From this analysis of variance, it is found that there is a statistically significant difference from zero among the net revenue of owner, owner cum tenant and tenant farmers. Again, this benefit cost ratio in owner cum tenant mortgaged land is higher than that of both the owner cum tenant or tenant share cropped lands. This indicates the potentiality to transform share cropped land into mortgaged land for the cultivators. The second core chapter (chapter 6) identifies the technical efficiency of different categories of farmers. From this study it is found that there is a statistically significant difference from zero among the technical efficiency of various categories of cultivated land of the farmers. This technical efficiency becomes higher in share cropped lands if input cost is shared by the land owner according to the legal provision of land reform ordinance 1984. It is also found significantly positive influence of credit on this technical efficiency. From the above mentioned various analysis, it can be holistically detected that, proper implementation of land reform ordinance 1984 is needed for achieving the proper incentive in cultivation of share cropped land, enhancement of technical efficiency, Profitability in crop cultivation for the cultivators as well as for the better outcome of agricultural production in Bangladesh.広島大学(Hiroshima University)博士(学術)Doctor of Philosophydoctora

Genetic diversity of the genus Curcuma in Bangladesh and further biotechnological approaches for in vitro regeneration and long-term conservation of C. longa germplasm

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Power management and control for solar-wind-diesel stand-alone hybrid energy systems

xiv, 88 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.Includes abstract and appendix.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-86).A simulation based research on developing a power management and control system for stand-alone solar-wind-diesel hybrid energy systems is presented in this dissertation. The simulation model of stand-alone system is developed from mathematical models of solar photovoltaic system, wind turbines and diesel generators. A multi-variable control system is developed and implemented into the simulation models in order to achieve optimum performance. The model of solar photovoltaic energy conversion system is constructed with maximum power point tracking control to extract maximum power from the solar photovoltaic system. An improved control system is developed for wind energy conversion system to optimize the operation of wind turbine through speed regulation and maximum power point tracking control. In addition, a governor control system is developed for the diesel generation system. The frequency regulation system consist conventional phase locked loop system and a voltage regulator in order to regulate the load voltage. A power management strategy is introduced to share the generated power and to improve the power quality where priority is given to the wind energy conversion system. The power management algorithm controls the sharing of generated power and optimizes the hybrid operation. The complete model of stand-alone solar-wind-diesel hybrid energy system is simulated in Matlab®/Simulink® interface. Results obtained from the simulation are presented to validate the control algorithms developed in this work

Factors affecting e-Learning effectiveness in a higher learning institution in Malaysia

The purpose of this research was to investigate factors that influence the effectiveness of the e-learning system in a higher learning institution. The participants were students randomly selected from diploma and degree programs. The main instrument was a questionnaire that was distributed to the students. The researchers collected 205 completed questionnaires out of a total of 300. Four factors were chosen as independent variables namely: reaction and satisfaction,learning outcome and achievement, familiarity with online learning technology, and participation and interaction. It was found that the effectiveness of the e-learning system was significantly affected by reaction and satisfaction, learning outcome and achievement, and familiarity with online learning technology. The participation and interaction factor had no apparent effect on the effectiveness of the e-learning system. Therefore, it is recommended that higher learning institutions interested in introducing e-learning should focus on students’ reaction and satisfaction towards the system.E-learning should focus on learning outcomes and achievement. It is also recommended that institutions first look into the issue of familiarity with online learning technology among students before introducing the e-learning system so as to determine whether students are comfortable with the online learning tools