Abstract: The survey and classification of the different security
attacks in structured peer-to-peer (P2P) overlay networks can be
useful to computer system designers, programmers, administrators,
and users. In this paper, we attempt to provide a taxonomy of
structured P2P overlay networks security attacks. We have specially
focused on the way these attacks can arise at each level of the
network. Moreover, we observed that most of the existing systems
such as Content Addressable Network (CAN), Chord, Pastry,
Tapestry, Kademlia, and Viceroy suffer from threats and vulnerability
which lead to disrupt and corrupt their functioning. We hope that our
survey constitutes a good help for who-s working on this area of
research.
Abstract: Object-oriented simulation is considered one of the most sophisticated techniques that has been widely used in planning, designing, executing and maintaining construction projects. This technique enables the modeler to focus on objects which is extremely important for thorough understanding of a system. Thus, identifying an object is an essential point of building a successful simulation model. In a maintenance process an object is a maintenance work order (MWO). This study demonstrates a maintenance simulation model for the building maintenance division of Saudi Consolidated Electric Company (SCECO) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The model focused on both types of maintenance processes namely: (1) preventive maintenance (PM) and (2) corrective maintenance (CM). It is apparent from the findings that object-oriented simulation is a good diagnostic and experimental tool. This is because problems, limitations, bottlenecks and so forth are easily identified. These features are very difficult to obtain when using other tools.
Abstract: The focal spot of a high intensity focused ultrasound
transducer is small. To heat a large target volume, multiple treatment spots are required. If the power of each treatment spot is fixed, it could
results in insufficient heating of initial spots and over-heating of later ones, which is caused by the thermal diffusion. Hence, to produce a
uniform heated volume, the delivered energy of each treatment spot
should be properly adjusted. In this study, we proposed an iterative, extrapolation technique to adjust the required ultrasound energy of
each treatment spot. Three different scanning pathways were used to evaluate the performance of this technique. Results indicate that by using the proposed technique, uniform heating volume could be obtained.
Abstract: Impaired fertility may be the result of indirect
consumption of anti-fertility agents through food. Monosodium
glutamate (MSG) has been widely used as food additive, flavour
enhancer and included in vaccines. This study focuses in determining
the gonadotoxic and cytotoxic effect of MSG on selected sperm
parameters such as sperm viability, sperm membrane integrity and
testes cytoarchitecture of male mice via histological examination to
determine its effect on spermatogenesis. Twenty-four Mus musculus
were randomly divided into 4 groups and given intraperitoneal
injections (IP) daily for 14 days of different MSG concentrations at
250, 500 and 1000mg/kg MSG to body weight to induce obesity.
Saline was given to control group. Mice were sacrificed and analysis
revealed abnormalities in values for sperm parameters and damages
to testes cytoarchitecture of male mice. The results recorded
decreased viability (p0.05) with degenerative structures in seminiferous tubule of
testes. The results indicated various implications of MSG on male
mice reproductive system which has consequences in fertility
potential.
Abstract: This paper is an exploration of the conceptual
confusion between E-learning and M-learning particularly in Africa.
Section I provides a background to the development of E-learning
and M-learning. Section II focuses on the conceptual analysis as it
applies to Africa. It is with an investigative and expansive mind that
this paper is elaborated to respond to a profound question of the
suitability of the concepts in a particular era in Africa. The aim of this
paper is therefore to shed light on which concept best suits the unique
situation of Africa in the era of cloud computing.
Abstract: Sustainable development is a concept which was
originated in Burtland commission in 1978. Although this concept
was born with environmental aspects, it is penetrated in all areas
rapidly, turning into a dominate view of planning. Concentrating on
future generation issue, especially when talking about heritage has a
long story. Each approach with all of its characteristics illustrates
differences in planning, hence planning always reflects the dominate
idea of its age. This paper studies sustainable development in
planning for historical cities with the aim of finding ways to deal
with heritage in planning for historical cities in Iran. Through this, it
will be illustrated how challenges between sustainable concept and
heritage could be concluded in planning.
Consequently, the paper will emphasize on:
Sustainable development in city planning
Trends regarding heritage
Challenges due to planning for historical cities in Iran
For the first two issues, documentary method regarding the
sustainable development and heritage literature is considered. As the
next step focusing on Iranian historical cities require considering the
urban planning and management structure and identifying the main
challenges related to heritage, so analyzing challenges regarding
heritage is considered. As the result it would be illustrated that key
issue in such planning is active conservation to improve and use the
potential of heritage while it's continues conservation is guaranteed.
By emphasizing on the planning system in Iran it will be obvious that
some reforms are needed in this system and its way of relating with
heritage. The main weakness in planning for historical cities in Iran
is the lack of independent city management. Without this factor
achieving active conservation as the main factor of sustainable
development would not be possible.
Abstract: This paper describes the results of an extensive study
and comparison of popular hash functions SHA-1, SHA-256,
RIPEMD-160 and RIPEMD-320 with JERIM-320, a 320-bit hash
function. The compression functions of hash functions like SHA-1
and SHA-256 are designed using serial successive iteration whereas
those like RIPEMD-160 and RIPEMD-320 are designed using two
parallel lines of message processing. JERIM-320 uses four parallel
lines of message processing resulting in higher level of security than
other hash functions at comparable speed and memory requirement.
The performance evaluation of these methods has been done by using
practical implementation and also by using step computation
methods. JERIM-320 proves to be secure and ensures the integrity of
messages at a higher degree. The focus of this work is to establish
JERIM-320 as an alternative of the present day hash functions for the
fast growing internet applications.
Abstract: The present study focuses on methods allowing a convenient and quick calculation of the SIFs in order to predict the static adhesive strength of bonded joints. A new SIF calculation method is proposed, based on the stresses obtained from a FE model at a reference point located in the adhesive layer at equal distance of the free-edge and of the two interfaces. It is shown that, even limiting ourselves to the two main modes, i.e. the opening and the shearing modes, and using the values of the stresses resulting from a low detailed FE model, an efficient calculation of the peeling stress at adhesive-substrate corners can be obtained by this way. The proposed method is interesting in that it can be the basis of a prediction tool that will allow the designer to quickly evaluate the SIFs characterizing a particular application without developing a detailed analysis.
Abstract: Urban water management in Australia faces increasing pressure to deal with the challenges of droughts, growing population and the climate change uncertainty. Addressing these challenges is an opportunity to incorporate the parallel goals of sustainable water management and climate change adaptation through holistic, non-technical means. This paper presents case studies from Perth and Sydney which show how despite robust adaptation plans and experience, recent efforts to 'drought proof' cities have focused on supply-side measures (i.e. desalination), rather than rethinking how water is used and managing demand. The trend towards desalination as a climate adaptation measure raises questions about the sustainability of urban water futures in Australia.
Abstract: Nowadays, the focus on renewable energy and alternative fuels has increased due to increasing oil prices, environment pollution, and also concern on preserving the nature. Biodiesel has been known as an attractive alternative fuel although biodiesel produced from edible oil is very expensive than conventional diesel. Therefore, the uses of biodiesel produced from non-edible oils are much better option. Currently Jatropha biodiesel (JBD) is receiving attention as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. Biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable, high lubricant ability, highly renewable, and its use therefore produces real reduction in petroleum consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Although biodiesel has many advantages, but it still has several properties need to improve, such as lower calorific value, lower effective engine power, higher emission of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and greater sensitivity to low temperature. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is effective technique to reduce NOX emission from diesel engines because it enables lower flame temperature and oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber. Some studies succeeded to reduce the NOX emission from biodiesel by EGR but they observed increasing soot emission. The aim of this study was to investigate the engine performance and soot emission by using blended Jatropha biodiesel with different EGR rates. A CI engine that is water-cooled, turbocharged, using indirect injection system was used for the investigation. Soot emission, NOX, CO2, carbon monoxide (CO) were recorded and various engine performance parameters were also evaluated.
Abstract: This study aims to explore the relationship between the
disposition effect and herding behavior of investors trading Taiwanese
information technology stocks. This study differs from previous
literature in two aspects. First, in contrast with the earlier studies that
focused on investigating investors’ herding behavior, this study
explores the possibility that the disposition effect drives investors’
herding behavior. Additionally, it takes an in-depth look at the
interdependence between the disposition effect and herding behavior
of investors, including lead-lag relationship and volatility transmission
effect. Empirical results show that investors trading Taiwan’s
information technology stocks exhibit pronounced herding behavior
and that the disposition effect has a great impact on their herding
behavior.
Abstract: Firstly, research and development on RFID focuses on
manufacturing and retail sectors, because it can improve supply chain
efficiency. But, now a variety of field is considered the next research
area for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although RFID is
infancy, RFID technology has great potential in power industry to
significantly reduce cost, and improve quality of power supply. To
complement the limitation of RFID, we adopt the WSN (Wireless
Sensor Network) technology. However, relevant experience is limited,
the challenge will be to derive requirement from business practice and
to determine whether it is possible or not. To explore this issue, we
conduct a case study on implementing power facility management
system using RFID/WSN in Korea Electric Power Corporation
(KEPCO). In this paper we describe requirement from power industry.
And we introduce design and implementation of the test bed.
Abstract: After a strong earthquake occurs, a secondary disaster due to strong aftershocks, flood, landslide or heavy snow can possible to occur and the secondary disaster due to resident-s action also can possible to happen. However, until now seldom researchers have paid attention at it. This paper focused on the Inhabitant-s action after the strong earthquake occurs when a terrible even becomes calm. An inappropriate behavior of people with disadvantaged climate after the worse earthquake can bring a tragedy to their life.
Abstract: Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) has been focused as
biological catalysis for CO2 sequestration process because it can
catalyze the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate. Here, codon-optimized
sequence of α type-CA cloned from Duneliala species. (DsCAopt) was
constructed, expressed, and characterized. The expression level in E.
coli BL21(DE3) was better for codon-optimized DsCAopt than intact
sequence of DsCAopt. DsCAopt enzyme shows high-stability at pH
7.6/10.0. In final, we demonstrated that in the Ca2+ solution, DsCAopt
enzyme can catalyze well the conversion of CO2 to CaCO3, as the
calcite form.
Abstract: The aerodynamic performances of vertical axis wind
turbines are highly affected by tip vortexes. In the present
work, different tip devices are considered and simulated against
a baseline rotor configuration, with the aim of identifying the
best tip architecture. Three different configurations are tested:
winglets, an elliptic termination and an aerodynamic bulkhead.
A comparative analysis on the most promising architectures is
conducted, focusing also on blade torque evolution during a full
revolution of the rotor blade. The most promising technology is
concluded to be a well designed winglet.
Abstract: Frequent machine breakdowns, low plant availability and increased overtime are a great threat to a manufacturing plant as they increase operating costs of an industry. The main aim of this study was to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) at a manufacturing company through the implementation of innovative maintenance strategies. A case study approach was used. The paper focuses on improving the maintenance in a manufacturing set up using an innovative maintenance regime mix to improve overall equipment effectiveness. Interviews, reviewing documentation and historical records, direct and participatory observation were used as data collection methods during the research. Usually production is based on the total kilowatt of motors produced per day. The target kilowatt at 91% availability is 75 Kilowatts a day. Reduced demand and lack of raw materials particularly imported items are adversely affecting the manufacturing operations. The company had to reset its targets from the usual figure of 250 Kilowatt per day to mere 75 per day due to lower availability of machines as result of breakdowns as well as lack of raw materials. The price reductions and uncertainties as well as general machine breakdowns further lowered production. Some recommendations were given. For instance, employee empowerment in the company will enhance responsibility and authority to improve and totally eliminate the six big losses. If the maintenance department is to realise its proper function in a progressive, innovative industrial society, then its personnel must be continuously trained to meet current needs as well as future requirements. To make the maintenance planning system effective, it is essential to keep track of all the corrective maintenance jobs and preventive maintenance inspections. For large processing plants these cannot be handled manually. It was therefore recommended that the company implement (Computerised Maintenance Management System) CMMS.
Abstract: Our objective in this paper is to propose an approach
capable of clustering web messages. The clustering is carried out by
assigning, with a certain probability, texts written by the same web
user to the same cluster based on Stylometric features and using
fuzzy clustering algorithms. Focus in the present work is on
comparing the most popular algorithms in fuzzy clustering theory
namely, Fuzzy C-means, Possibilistic C-means and Fuzzy
Possibilistic C-Means.
Abstract: The talks about technological convergence had been
around for almost twenty years. Today Internet made it possible. And
this is not only technical evolution. The way it changed our lives
reflected in variety of applications, services and technologies used in
day-to-day life. Such benefits imposed even more requirements on
heterogeneous and unreliable IP networks.
Current paper outlines QoS management system developed in the
NetQoS [1] project. It describes an overall architecture of
management system for heterogeneous networks and proposes
automated multi-layer QoS management. Paper focuses on the
structure of the most crucial modules of the system that enable
autonomous and multi-layer provisioning and dynamic adaptation.
Abstract: Introduction: Visual performance is an important factor in sport excellence. Visual involvement in a sport varies according to environmental demands associated with that sport. These environmental demands are matched by a task specific motor response. The purpose of this study was to determine if sport specific exercises will improve the visual performance of male rugby players, in order to achieve maximal results on the sports field. Materials & Methods: Twenty six adult male rugby players, aged 16-22, were chosen as subjects. In order to evaluate the effect of sport specific exercises on visual skills, a pre-test - post-test experimental group design was adopted for the study. Results: Significant differences (p≤0.05) were seen in the focussing, tracking, vergence, sequencing, eye-hand coordination and visualisation components Discussion & Conclusions: Sport specific exercises improved visual skills in rugby players which may provide them with an advantage over their opponents. This study suggests that these training programs and participation in regular on-line EyeDrills sports vision exercises (www.eyedrills.co.za) aimed at improving the athlete-s visual coordination, concentration, focus, hand-eye co-ordination, anticipation and motor response should be incorpotated in the rugby players exercise regime.
Abstract: There is significant interest in achieving technology
innovation through new product development activities. It is
recognized, however, that traditional project management practices
focused only on performance, cost, and schedule attributes, can often
lead to risk mitigation strategies that limit new technology
innovation. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for formally
managing and quantifying technology innovation. This approach uses
a risk-based framework that simultaneously optimizes innovation
attributes along with traditional project management and system
engineering attributes. To demonstrate the efficacy of the new riskbased
approach, a comprehensive product development experiment
was conducted. This experiment simultaneously managed the
innovation risks and the product delivery risks through the proposed
risk-based framework. Quantitative metrics for technology
innovation were tracked and the experimental results indicate that the
risk-based approach can simultaneously achieve both project
deliverable and innovation objectives.