A framework for introducing the private finance initiative in Brunei Darussalam construction industry.

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is a common, and sometimes preferred, approach to funding public projects without immediate recourse to the public purse, in the construction industry in developed countries throughout the world. It is, also, increasingly gaining popularity among developing countries. Brunei Darussalam is a developing country located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in South East Asia with an interest in exploring how it can effectively employ the PFI approach to project finance in its construction industry. Against this background, a comprehensive desk study was undertaken together with an analysis of the relevant processes of government in Brunei Darussalam and a framework developed to facilitate the smooth introduction of PFI in the country’s construction industry. The framework was built around four main dimensions: organisation, training, participation and implementation. The framework was evaluated through a survey of managerial level civil servants in Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Development. The framework was found to be easy to understand, comprehensive, consistent with government processes and acceptable at all relevant Ministry levels. The framework provides a useful starting point on Brunei Darussalam’s journey towards effective implementation of PFI in its construction industry

Международно-правовое управление охраной окружающей среды от воздействия практической космонавтики

The notion of international environmental management is formulated in the article; basic types of adverse impact of practical astronautics on environment are analyzed with special reference to the combat of pollution of outer-space with space debris.В статье определяется понятие «международное экологическое управление», анализируются основные виды негативного воздействия практической космонавтики на окружающую среду, с особым акцентом на борьбу с загрязнением космического пространства «космическим мусором»

Medium access control mechanisms for quality of service in wireless computer networks.

The fast growth and development of wireless computer networks and multimedia applications means it is essential that these applications can be transmitted over the standard IEEE 802.11 Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol with high Quality of Service (QoS). The lack of QoS in the standard IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) results in applications with considerably different QoS requirements receiving similar network services. This means, the performance of time-sensitive applications with stringent delay, jitter, and packet loss requirements will not be met. Even time-insensitive applications will be treated unfairly because access to the medium is on a random basis. Therefore, the main aims of this thesis are: (i) to investigate the limitations and performance of the IEEE 802.11 DCF, (ii) to develop a comprehensive solution that provides effective and efficient QoS provisioning in IEEE 802.11 DCF scheme in a fair, scalable, and robust manner. The latter is achieved by developing novel MAC mechanisms for providing QoS in the IEEE 802.11 DCF for multimedia transmission.The scarcity of channel capacity, unfairness and hidden terminal problems, multiple hops, and other conditions and parameters that affect QoS in a wireless network are issues which require in depth investigations and analysis. In this thesis, extensive investigations using the network simulator 2 (NS-2) package were carried out to examine the impact of these issues on the main QoS parameters (throughput, delay, jitter, packet loss and collision). The findings revealed that the IEEE 802.11 DCF protocol performed inadequately when transmitting various applications due to the limitations inherent in its operation. The performance of the IEEE 802.11 DCF protocol was also investigated by studying the impact of varying the values of minimum Contention Window (CW[min]) and the Distributed Inter Frame Space (DIFS). The study shows that inappropriate values of CW[min] and DIFS resulted in significant network performance degradations and demonstrated that it was important to select an appropriate set of MAC protocol transmission parameters in order to provide improved QoS.Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques using fuzzy logic and Genetic Algorithms (GAs) for assessing and optimising MAC protocol transmission parameters were developed and their effectiveness evaluated. The study confirmed that the application of AI techniques significantly improved the QoS for audio and video applications by more than 50% and fairly shared the channel access among the contending stations as compared to the standard IEEE 802.11 DCF scheme. Ratio based and Collision Rate Variation (CRV) schemes were developed to dynamically adjust the CW and DIFS values according to the current and past network conditions. Using these schemes significant improvements with service differentiation were achieved in an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). A queue status monitoring technique was devised for the intermediate stations. This provided QoS differentiation at the MAC layer for multi-hop networks. Autoregressive (AR) models that accurately predicted the network parameters were also developed. These enabled the MAC protocol transmission parameters to be adjusted in an improved manner. Using these models, average QoS was improved by more than 60%; average delay, packet loss and collision were reduced by more than 50% compared to IEEE 802.11 DCF scheme.This led to the development of novel MAC mechanisms to provide QoS in IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol. The mechanisms support multiple QoS metrics and consider traffic history and predict future network conditions. The schemes also are characterised by the simplicity, robustness, and ease of implementation. The contribution of this thesis is the development of a comprehensive solution to provide effective and efficient QoS differentiation in IEEE 802.11 DCF scheme for multimedia transmission in a distributed, fair, scalable, and robust manner. Furthermore, through the use of these approaches, the findings of this study provide a framework that also contributes to the knowledge concerning the QoS over the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol

The comparison of psychological and social adaptation below elbow amputation men using a mechanical and myoelectric prosthesis by using of TAPES questionnaire

Design and manufacturing of the Myoelecterical prosthesis in compared to Mechanical prosthesis must also effectively, smart, light, strong and permanence. It is time consuming and expensive that ultimately leads to significant increases in the price of Myoelecterical prosthesis. Therefore, considering the high cost of these prostheses, hence, assessment of psychological and social adaptation between two groups must be clear and explicit. In this regards, present study was conducted on this topic. In this descriptive cross-sectional analytical study, two groups compared to each other from quality of life, participants was two groups of 20 below elbow amputation veterans that use from Mechanical or Myoelectrical prosthesis that refer to central technical orthopedic Kosar. For gathering the data we use TPEAS questionnaire. This questionnaire evaluates participants from 3 items: psychosocial adaptation, functional limitation and satisfaction of life. For data analysis use to t independent and ANOVA test. This research showed that there are significant differentiations in psychosocial adaptation between two groups. The findings identified that Myoelecterical group higher psychosocial and social adaptation in compare to Mechanical group. So that the hypothesis of this research in terms of higher psychological and social adaptation in the Myoelecterical group was accepted. Keyvani Hafshejani mA, Javanshir M, Kamali M., Ghasemi MS, Emami M, Esmaeeli SA, Langari A., Sattari Naeini M. The comparison of psychological and social adaptation below elbow amputation men using a mechanical and myoelectric prosthesis by using of TAPES questionnaire. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):5583-5587] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 82

A novel and cost-effective double-capsule nanocomposite coating based on carbon hollow spheres with self-healing performance for corrosion protection

The ability of a cost-effective self-healing nanocomposite system to restore its protection functionality in case of a coating defect is of pivotal importance to ensure durable performance under demanding corrosive conditions. In this research, a self-healing epoxy coating was fabricated by incorporation of carbon hollow spheres (CHSs) doped separately with epoxy and polyamine as film forming agents. Graphene-based CHSs were synthesized via silica templating method in presence of sucrose as a carbon precursor. After encapsulation of epoxy and polyamine agents in CHSs denoted as Ep-DCSs and Am-DCSs, respectively, 10 wt. % and 5 wt. % of Ep-DCSs and Am-DCSs were introduced in an epoxy matrix. The final nanocomposite coating was applied on the surface of mild steel substrates. A blank epoxy coating was also used as a control sample. The synthesized CHSs were characterized before and after the silica core removal using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CHSs loaded with the film forming agents were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the protective and self-healing properties of the coatings were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) and salt spray testing. The obtained results showed that the fabricated nanocomposite epoxy coating can heal appropriately the scratches applied on the surface of the coating barricading the accessibility of corrosive species to the metal substrate (Figure 1). Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Automated irrigation systems for wheat and tomato crops in arid regions

Automated irrigation systems (AISs) are critical for the sustainability of irrigated farming systems, considering the present water crisis in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated whether electronic controllers in irrigation systems effectively save water. The study also assessed the effect of these controllers on crop yield using drip and sprinkler irrigation systems in severely arid climate conditions. Evapotranspiration (ET) controllers were installed in experimental fields of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) crops for 2 successive seasons. The results revealed that the water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were typically higher in the AIS than in the conventional irrigation control system (CIS). Under the AIS treatment, the WUE and IWUE values were 1.64 and 1.37 k·gm-3 for wheat, and 7.50 and 6.50 kg·m-3 for tomato crops; under the CIS treatment the values were 1.47 and 1.21 kg·m-3 for wheat and 5.72 and 4.70 kg·m-3 for tomatoes, respectively. Therefore, the AIS provided significant advantages in both water savings and crop yields by utilising up to 26% less water than the CIS, and simultaneously generating higher total yields. The automated irrigation system technique may be a valuable tool for conserving water and scheduling irrigation for wheat and tomato crops, and may be extendable to other similar agricultural crops.Keywords: autonomous control, evapotranspiration controller, water conservation, sprinkler and drip irrigation, water-use efficiency, arid region

Selective amplification of bacterial 16S rDNA sequence from clinical samples

Background: Conventional blood culture method is time consuming and less sensitive; when fastidious or un-culturalable organisms are involved. The use of PCR targeting the 16S rRNA allows detection of bacteria; however, these primers have ability to co-amplify human DNA. This Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method is based on nucleic acid amplification test. Objective of the study: This study determined a method for selective amplification of bacterial DNA from clinical samples without co-amplification of human DNA. Materials and methods: Seventy one blood samples from clinically suspected cases of early onset neonatal sepsis were collected and analysed in parallel by culture and 16S rRNA amplification. DNA was extracted using commercial extraction QiAmp mini DNA kit and subjected to 16S rRNA amplification. The products were sequenced, analysed and compared with blood culture results. Positive and negative controls were used for extraction and amplification respectively. Results: Out of 71 samples analysed, 5 (7.0%) samples by blood culture were equally positive for 16S rRNA PCR; the PCR was also able to identified 16 (22.5%) more positive samples which blood culture could not identify, but only 1 (1.4%) sample was identified positive using blood culture while PCR identified it as negative. During the study, 7 (9.9%) samples were identified positive by conventional blood culture but later found to be contaminants. Conclusion: This study confirmed the presence of 16S rRNA among bacterial isolates and modification of PCR protocol with shorter denaturation temperature and time, leading to selective amplification of bacterial DNA. Therefore, there is need to carry-out this investigation on both culturable and unculturable specimens. Keywords:16SrRNA amplification; bacterial DNA; human DNA and Polymerase chai

An investigation of some biological aspects of three species: tiger toothed croaker, Otolithes ruber, Javelin grunter, Pomadasys kaakan and black pomfret, Parastromateus niger in the Oman Sea for optimizing fishing season

During the years 1382-83, some biological aspects of three species Tiger-toothed Croaker, Otolithes ruber, Javelin grunter, Pomadasys kaakan, Black Pomfret, Parastromateus niger, have been investigated in the Oman Sea along Sistan-O-Baluchistan province. Based on the frequency of developed maturity stages (IV, V), a prologed spawning activity extending from August to March was determined for O.ruber, and the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) suggests two peaks:the minor one in October and the major one in March-April. Comparison of Hepatosomatic Index (HI) and Condition factor (Kn) with the peak spawning indicated a reverse relationship. According to length at first maturity (Lm50%= 40cm) and exploitation of fish at length 42cm above, the stretched optimum mesh size of nets was calculated to be 100mm. On analysis of stomach food item, fish group dominated (80%), which of them Anchovy accounted for 40% of the total frequency. Comparison of mean length between the years 1374-75 and 1382-83 showed 4cm in decrees. Population dynamics parameters were determined through length based modals and the exploitation rate was estimated to be E=0.6, suggesting high level exploitation. The usal streched mesh size of nets(constructed from multifilament webbing) for capturing O.ruber were less than the proposed optimum mesh size of nets, indicating 78% of the total landings were smaller than Lm50%. Total landings in 1381 have increased up to 15% when compared to those of the year 1376. Despite the decrease of total efforts (Panel.day) by 37%, the mean value CPUE has increased up to 82%. Regarding Pomadasys kaakan species, a year-round spawning activity has been observed, with two peaks: A major one in April and an aminor one in September. As those of O.ruber species, there was an inverse relationship between HI and Kn with the peak spawning activity. Based on the length at first maturity (Lm50% = 44cm) and capturing fish of the length at 46cm and above, the stretched optimum mesh size of nets was calculated to be 149.6mm. According to analysis of stomach contents, fish group accounted for 35% of the groups studied, which of them , Largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus linnaeus, constituted 52% of the total frequency. In addition to estimation of population dynamics, the exploitation rate was estimated to be E= 0.49. Majority of the species catch was made by mesh size of nets used for O.ruber of which 133mm mesh size accounted for the level (30%). Information on length distribution showed that 60% of the total fish landed was below Lm50%. Total landings in 1381 decreased to 10% in comparison to 1376.Total fishing efforts and CPUE also decreased to 33% and 24% respectively. For parastromateus Niger, There was a long period spawning activity from March to December, with two peaks: A major one in August and a minor one in March. According to Lm50% (39cm) and catching of fish 39cm above, the stretched optimum mesh size of nets was calculated as 167.7mm. Based on stomach contents, ring-shaped worms and larval shrimp equally made 29% of the total frequency showing the highest contribution. Comparison of mean length indicated 3cm in decrease in 1382-83 when compared to 1374-75. Population dynamics parameters were estimated and the exploitation rate was estimated to be E = 0.54. The usual stretched mesh size of nets for P. niger was 146mm and 81% of the total fish landed were smaller than Lm50%.In 1381,total catch of the species increased four and a half-fold in comparison to 1376, while total efforts decreased up to 28% and CPUE increased two and a half-fold

Как формировалась функция управления ООН в области охраны окружающей среды

The article is the first attempt in the Russian science of the international environmental law to analyze the results of the first UN Conference on Environment Protection issues — The 1949 UN Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Resources. A parallel is drawn between the goals and objectives of these Conference and those environmental problems that are in the focus of the international community at present time. The influence of the 1949 Conference on the 1972 Conference on the Human Environment is traced.В статье впервые в российской науке международного экологического права анализируются итоги работы первой конференции ООН по вопросам охраны окружающей среды — Конференции ООН по сохранению и утилизации ресурсов 1949 г. Проводится параллель между задачами и целями этой Конференции и теми экологическими проблемами, которые находятся в центре внимания мирового сообщества в настоящее время. Прослеживается влияние Конференции 1949 г. на итоги работы Стокгольмской конференции по проблемам окружающей человека среды 1972 г

Development of a rheological model for polymeric fluids based on FENE model

Rheological models for polymer solutions and melts based on the finitely extensible non-linear elastic (FENE) dumbbell theory are reviewed in this study. The FENE-P model that is a well-known Peterlin approximation of the FENE model, indicates noticeable deviation from original FENE predictions and also experimental results, especially in the transient flow. In addition, both FENE and FENE-P models have some shortcomings from the point of view of theory. To overcome these shortcomings, a new approximation of the FENE spring force has been established. It has been used to develop a modified constitutive rheological model for polymeric fluids. In the procedure of modeling, the effect of non-affine deformation is introduced into the new model. Comparison between the model predictions and experimental data presented in the literature for transient and steady shear flow of polystyrene indicates that this modified model can predict the rheological behavior of polymeric fluids with a great accuracy. The newly developed modified model could predict different slopes that can cover the behavior of most of the polymeric fluids