Abstract: An experimental study was performed to investigate
the behavior and strength of proposed technique to connect
reinforced concrete (RC) beam to steel or composite columns. This
approach can practically be used in several types of building
construction. In this technique, the main beam of the frame consists
of a transfer part (part of beam; Tr.P) and a common reinforcement
concrete beam. The transfer part of the beam is connected to the
column, whereas the rest of the beam is connected to the transfer part
from each side. Four full-scale beam-column connections were tested
under static loading. The test parameters were the length of the
transfer part and the column properties. The test results show that
using of the transfer part technique leads to modify the deformation
capabilities for the RC beam and hence it increases its resistance
against failure. Increase in length of the transfer part did not
necessarily indicate an enhanced behavior. The test results contribute
to the characterization of the connection behavior between RC beam -
steel column and can be used to calibrate numerical models for the
simulation of this type of connection.
Abstract: Most people today are aware that global climate
change is not just a scientific theory but also a fact with worldwide
consequences. Global climate change is due to rapid urbanization,
industrialization, high population growth and current vulnerability of
the climatic condition. Water is becoming scarce as a result of global
climate change. To mitigate the problem arising due to global climate
change and its drought effect, harvesting rainwater from green roofs,
an environmentally-friendly and versatile technology, is becoming
one of the best assessment criteria and gaining attention in Malaysia.
This paper addresses the sustainability of green roofs and examines
the quality of water harvested from green roofs in comparison to
rainwater. The factors that affect the quality of such water, taking
into account, for example, roofing materials, climatic conditions, the
frequency of rainfall frequency and the first flush. A green roof was
installed on the Humid Tropic Centre (HTC) is a place of the study
on monitoring program for urban Stormwater Management Manual
for Malaysia (MSMA), Eco-Hydrological Project in Kuala Lumpur,
and the rainwater was harvested and evaluated on the basis of four
parameters i.e., conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and
temperature. These parameters were found to fall between Class I and
Class III of the Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS)
and the Water Quality Index (WQI). Some preliminary treatment
such as disinfection and filtration could likely to improve the value of
these parameters to class I. This review paper clearly indicates that
there is a need for more research to address other microbiological and
chemical quality parameters to ensure that the harvested water is
suitable for use potable water for domestic purposes. The change in
all physical, chemical and microbiological parameters with respect to
storage time will be a major focus of future studies in this field.
Abstract: This paper presents circuit models to analyze the
conducted susceptibility of multiconductor shielded cables in
frequency domains using Branin’s method, which is referred to as the
method of characteristics. These models, which can be used directly
in the time and frequency domains, take into account the presence of
both the transfer impedance and admittance. The conducted
susceptibility is studied by using an injection current on the cable
shield as the source. Two examples are studied; a coaxial shielded
cable and shielded cables with two parallel wires (i.e., twinax cables).
This shield has an asymmetry (one slot on the side). Results obtained
by these models are in good agreement with those obtained by other
methods.
Abstract: In this study, several crossplots of the P-impedance
with the lithology logs (gamma ray, neutron porosity, deep resistivity,
water saturation and Vp/Vs curves) were made in three available
wells, which were drilled in central part of the Blue Nile basin in
depths varies from 1460m to 1600m. These crossplots were
successful to discriminate between sand and shale when using PImpedance
values, and between the wet sand and the pay sand when
using both P-impedance and Vp/Vs together. Also some impedance
sections were converted to porosity sections using linear formula to
characterize the reservoir in terms of porosity. The used crossplots
were created on log resolution, while the seismic resolution can
identify only the reservoir, unless a 3D seismic angle stacks were
available; then it would be easier to identify the pay sand with great
confidence; through high resolution seismic inversion and
geostatistical approach when using P-impedance and Vp/Vs volumes.
Abstract: Natural hydrocarbon seepage has helped petroleum
exploration as a direct indicator of gas and/or oil subsurface
accumulations. Surface macro-seeps are generally an indication of a
fault in an active Petroleum Seepage System belonging to a Total
Petroleum System. This paper describes a case study in which
multiple analytical techniques were used to identify and characterize
trace petroleum-related hydrocarbons and other volatile organic
compounds in groundwater samples collected from Sousse aquifer
(Central Tunisia). The analytical techniques used for analyses of
water samples included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS),
capillary GC with flame-ionization detection, Compound
Specific Isotope Analysis, Rock Eval Pyrolysis. The objective of the
study was to confirm the presence of gasoline and other petroleum
products or other volatile organic pollutants in those samples in order
to assess the respective implication of each of the potentially
responsible parties to the contamination of the aquifer. In addition,
the degree of contamination at different depths in the aquifer was also
of interest. The oil and gas seeps have been investigated using
biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses to perform oil-oil and
oil-source rock correlations. The seepage gases are characterized by
high CH4 content, very low δ13CCH4 values (-71,9 ‰) and high
C1/C1–5 ratios (0.95–1.0), light deuterium–hydrogen isotope ratios (-
198 ‰) and light δ13CC2 and δ13CCO2 values (-23,8‰ and-23,8‰
respectively) indicating a thermogenic origin with the contribution of
the biogenic gas. An organic geochemistry study was carried out on
the more ten oil seep samples. This study includes light hydrocarbon
and biomarkers analyses (hopanes, steranes, n-alkanes, acyclic
isoprenoids, and aromatic steroids) using GC and GC-MS. The
studied samples show at least two distinct families, suggesting two
different types of crude oil origins: the first oil seeps appears to be
highly mature, showing evidence of chemical and/or biological
degradation and was derived from a clay-rich source rock deposited
in suboxic conditions. It has been sourced mainly by the lower
Fahdene (Albian) source rocks. The second oil seeps was derived
from a carbonate-rich source rock deposited in anoxic conditions,
well correlated with the Bahloul (Cenomanian-Turonian) source rock.
Abstract: The pursuit of the MPPT has led to the development of many kinds of controllers, one of which is the Fuzzy Logic controller, which has proven its worth. To further tune this controller this paper will discuss and analyze the use of Genetic Algorithms to tune the Fuzzy Logic Controller. It will provide an introduction to both systems, and test their compatibility and performance.
Abstract: Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are playing
increasingly prominent roles in defense programs and defense
strategies around the world. Technology advancements have
enabled the development of it to do many excellent jobs as
reconnaissance, surveillance, battle fighters, and communications
relays. Simulating a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV)
dynamics and analyzing its behavior at the preflight stage is too
important and more efficient. The first step in the UAV design is
the mathematical modeling of the nonlinear equations of motion. .
In this paper, a survey with a standard method to obtain the full
non-linear equations of motion is utilized, and then the
linearization of the equations according to a steady state flight
condition (trimming) is derived. This modeling technique is
applied to an Ultrastick-25e fixed wing UAV to obtain the valued
linear longitudinal and lateral models. At the end the model is
checked by matching between the behavior of the states of the nonlinear
UAV and the resulted linear model with doublet at the
control surfaces.
Abstract: This experimental study evaluates the effect of using
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multidimensional Self-
Concept Model (MSCM) in a drug prevention programme to increase
resiliency and reduce aggression among at-risk youth in Malaysia. A
number of 60 (N=60) university students who were at-risk of taking
drugs were involved in this study. Participants were identified with
self-rating scales, Adolescent Resilience Attitude Scale (ARAS) and
Aggression Questionnaire. Based on the mean score of these
instruments, the participants were divided into the treatment group,
and the control group. Data were analyzed using t-test. The finding
showed that the mean score of resiliency was increased in the
treatment group compared to the control group. It also shows that the
mean score of aggression was reduced in the treatment group
compared to the control group. Drug Prevention Programme was
found to help in enhancing resiliency and reducing aggression among
participants in the treatment group compared to the controlled group.
Implications were given regarding the preventive actions on drug
abuse among youth in Malaysia.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to select the best strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae able to resist lead and cadmium. Ten
strains were screened on the basis of their resistance at different
concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 ppm for Pb and 0, 0.5,
1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ppm for Cd. The properties of baker's yeast
quality were decreased by the increase of Pb or Cd in growth
medium. The slope values of yield, total viable cells and gassing
power of produced baker's yeast were investigated as an indicator of
metal resistant. In addition, concentrations of Pb and Cd in produced
baker's yeast were determined. The strain of S. cerevisiae FH-620
had the highest resistance against Pb and Cd and had the minimum
levels of both two investigated metals in produced baker's yeast.
Abstract: Graphical User Interface (GUI) is essential to
programming, as is any other characteristic or feature, due to the fact
that GUI components provide the fundamental interaction between
the user and the program. Thus, we must give more interest to GUI
during building and development of systems. Also, we must give a
greater attention to the user who is the basic corner in the dealing
with the GUI. This paper introduces an approach for designing GUI
from one of the models of business workflows which describe the
workflow behavior of a system, specifically through Activity
Diagrams (AD).
Abstract: A compact UWB planar antenna fed with a
microstrip-line is proposed. The new design consist of a rectangular
patch with symmetric l-shaped slots and fed by 50 Ω microstrip
transmission line and a reduced ground-plane which have a periodic
slots with an overall size of 47 mm x 20 mm. It is intended to be used
in wireless applications that cover the ultra-wideband (UWB)
frequency band. A wider impedance bandwidth of around 116.5%
(1.875 – 7.115 GHz) with stable radiation pattern is achieved. The
proposed antenna has excellent characteristics, low profile and costeffective
compared to existing UWB antennas. The UWB antenna is
designed and analyzed using CST Microwave Studio in transient
mode to verify antenna parameters improvements.
Abstract: The present work aims to throw light on the effects of
arcing in air on the surface state of contact pastilles made of silvernickel
Ag-Ni (60/40). Also, the photoelectric emission from these
electrical contacts has been investigated in the spectral range of 196-
256 nm. In order to study the effects of arcing on the EWF, the
metallic samples were subjected to electrical arcs in air, at
atmospheric pressure and room temperature, after that, they have
been introduced into the vacuum chamber of an experimental UHV
set-up for EWF measurements. Both Fowler method of isothermal
curves and linearized Fowler plots were used for the measurement of
the EWF by the photoelectric effect.
It has been found that the EWF varies with the number of applied
arcs. Thus, after 500 arcs in air, the observed EWF increasing is
probably due to progressive inclusion of oxide on alloy surface.
Microscopic examination is necessary to get better understandings on
EWF of silver alloys, for both virgin and arced electrical contacts.
Abstract: Job Scheduling plays an important role for efficient
utilization of grid resources available across different domains and
geographical zones. Scheduling of jobs is challenging and NPcomplete.
Evolutionary / Swarm Intelligence algorithms have been
extensively used to address the NP problem in grid scheduling.
Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) has been proposed for optimization
problems based on foraging behaviour of bees. This work proposes a
modified ABC algorithm, Cluster Heterogeneous Earliest First Min-
Min Artificial Bee Colony (CHMM-ABC), to optimally schedule
jobs for the available resources. The proposed model utilizes a novel
Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) Heuristic Algorithm
along with Min-Min algorithm to identify the initial food source.
Simulation results show the performance improvement of the
proposed algorithm over other swarm intelligence techniques.
Abstract: Worldwide, most PILC MV underground cables in use
are approaching the end of their design life; hence, failures are likely
to increase. This paper studies the electric field and potential
distributions within the PILC insulted cable containing common
void-defect. The finite element model of the performance of the
belted PILC MV underground cable is presented. The variation of the
electric field stress within the cable using the Finite Element Method
(FEM) is concentrated. The effects of the void-defect within the
insulation are given. Outcomes will lead to deeper understanding of
the modeling of Paper Insulated Lead Covered (PILC) and electric
field response of belted PILC insulted cable containing void defect.
Abstract: Evaluating the performance of a simulator in the
CAVE has to be confirmed by encouraging people to live the
experience of virtual reality. In this paper, a detailed procedure of
recording video is presented. Limitations of the experimental device
are firstly exposed. Then, solutions for improving this idea are finally
described.
Abstract: Many wireless sensor network applications require
K-coverage of the monitored area. In this paper, we propose a
scalable harmony search based algorithm in terms of execution
time, K-Coverage Enhancement Algorithm (KCEA), it attempts to
enhance initial coverage, and achieve the required K-coverage degree
for a specific application efficiently. Simulation results show that
the proposed algorithm achieves coverage improvement of 5.34%
compared to K-Coverage Rate Deployment (K-CRD), which achieves
1.31% when deploying one additional sensor. Moreover, the proposed
algorithm is more time efficient.
Abstract: TiO2 thin films have been prepared by the sol-gel dipcoating
technique in order to elaborate antireflective thin films for
monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si). The titanium isopropoxyde was
chosen as a precursor with hydrochloric acid as a catalyser for
preparing a stable solution. The optical properties have been tailored
with varying the solution concentration, the withdrawn speed, and the
heat-treatment. We showed that using a TiO2 single layer with 64.5
nm in thickness, heat-treated at 450°C or 300°C reduces the mono-Si
reflection at a level lower than 3% over the broadband spectral
domains [669-834] nm and [786-1006] nm respectively. Those latter
performances are similar to the ones obtained with double layers of
low and high refractive index glasses respectively.
Abstract: Lead being a toxic heavy metal that mankind is
exposed to the highest levels of this metal from environmental
pollutants. A total of 180 Male scalp hair samples were collected
from different environments in Greater Cairo (GC), i.e. industrial,
heavy traffic and rural areas (60 samples from each) having different
activities during the period of, 1/5/2010 to 1/11/2012. Hair samples
were collected during five stages. Data proved that the concentration
of lead in male industrial areas of Cairo ranged between 6.2847 to
19.0432 μg/g, with mean value of 12.3288 μg/g. On the other hand,
lead content of hair samples of residential-traffic areas ranged
between 2.8634 to 16.3311 μg/g with mean value of 9.7552 μg/g.
While lead concentration on the hair of the male residents living in
rural area ranged between 1.0499-9.0402μg/g with mean value of
4.7327 μg/g. The Pb concentration in scalp hair of Cairo residents of
residential-traffic and rural traffic areas was observed to follow the
same pattern. The pattern was that of decrease concentration of
summer and its increase in winter. Then, there was a marked increase
in Pb concentration of summer 2012, and this increase was
significant. These were obviously seen for the residential-traffic and
rural areas residents. Pb pollution in residents of industrial areas
showed the same seasonal pattern, but there was marked to decrease
in Pb concentration of summer 2012, and this decrease was
significant. Lead pollution in residents of GC was serious. It is worth
noting that the atmosphere is still contaminated by lead despite a
decade of using unleaded gasoline. Strong seasonal variation in
higher Pb concentration on winter than in summer was found. Major
contributions to the pollution with Pb could include industry
emissions, motor vehicle emissions and long transported dust from
outside Cairo. More attention should be paid to the reduction of Pb
content of the urban aerosol and to the Pb pollution health.
Abstract: Heavy rare earth (HRE) oxalate concentrates were
prepared from the Egyptian crude monazite sand (graded about 47%).
The concentrates were specified quantitatively for their constituents
of individual rare earth elements using ion chromatograph (IC) and
qualitatively by scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the other
major constituents. The 1st concentrate was composed of 10.5%
HREE where 7.25% of them represented yttrium. The 2nd concentrate
contained about 41.7% LREE, 17.5% HREE and 13.6% Th. The
LREE involved 18.3% Ce, 10.5% La and 8% Nd while the HREE
were 8.7% Y, 3.5% Gd and 2.9% Dy. The 3rd concentrate was
containing about 8.0% LREE (3.7% Ce, 2.0% La and 1.5% Nd),
10.2% HREE (6.4% yttrium and 2.0% Dy) and 2.1% uranium. The
final concentrate comprised 0.84% uranium beside iron, chromium
and traces of REE.
Abstract: Precast residential houses are normally constructed in Malaysia using precast shear-key wall panel and this panel is designed using BS8110 where there is no provision for earthquake. However, the safety of this house under moderate and strong earthquake is still questionable. Consequently, the full-scale of residential house are designed, constructed, tested and analyzed under in-plane lateral quasi-static cyclic loading. Hysteresis loops are plotted based on the experimental work and compared with modeling of hysteresis loops using HYSTERES in RUAUMOKO 2D program. Modified Takeda hysteresis model is chosen to behave a similar pattern with experimental work. This program will display the earthquake excitations, spectral displacements, pseudo spectral acceleration, mode shape and deformation of the structure. It can be concluded that this building is suffering severe cracks and damage under moderate and severe earthquake.