Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) field has been applied in
industries with different purposes. Sensing Enterprise (SE) is an
attribute of an enterprise or a network that allows it to react to
business stimuli originating on the Internet. These fields have come
into focus recently on the enterprises, and there is some evidence of
the use and implications in supply chain management, while
finding it as an interesting aspect to work on. This paper presents a
revision and proposals of IoT applications in supply chain
management.
Abstract: Customer’ needs, quality, and value creation while
reducing costs through supply chain management provides challenges
and opportunities for companies and researchers. In the light of these
challenges, modern ideas must contribute to counter these challenges
and exploit opportunities. Therefore, this paper discusses the impact
of the quality cost on revenue sharing as a most important incentive
to configure business networks. This paper develops the quality cost approach to align with the
modern era. It develops a model to measure quality costs which
might enable firms to manage revenue sharing in a supply chain. The
developed model includes five categories; besides the well-known
four categories (namely prevention costs, appraisal costs, internal
failure costs, and external failure costs), a new category has been
developed in this research as a new vision of the relationship between
quality costs and innovations in industry. This new category is
Recycle Cost. This paper also examines whether such quality costs in
supply chains influence the revenue sharing between partners. Using the author's quality cost model, the relationship between
quality costs and revenue sharing among partners is examined using a
case study in an Egyptian manufacturing company which is a part of
a supply chain. This paper argues that the revenue-sharing proportion
allocated to supplier increases as the recycle cost of supplier
increases, and the revenue-sharing proportion allocated to
manufacturer increases as the prevention and appraisal costs increase,
as well as the failure costs, the recycle costs of manufacturer, and the
recycle costs of suppliers decrease. However, the results present
surprising findings. The purposes of this study are developing quality cost approach
and understanding the relationships between quality costs and
revenue sharing in supply chains. Therefore, the present study
contributes to theory and practice by explaining how the cost of
recycling can be combined in quality cost model to better
understanding the revenue sharing among partners in supply chains.
Abstract: In this paper, according to the classical algorithm
LSQR for solving the least-squares problem, an iterative method is
proposed for least-squares solution of constrained matrix equation. By
using the Kronecker product, the matrix-form LSQR is presented to
obtain the like-minimum norm and minimum norm solutions in a
constrained matrix set for the symmetric arrowhead matrices. Finally,
numerical examples are also given to investigate the performance.
Abstract: Recently, Job Recommender Systems have gained
much attention in industries since they solve the problem of
information overload on the recruiting website. Therefore, we
proposed Extended Personalized Job System that has the capability of
providing the appropriate jobs for job seeker and recommending
some suitable information for them using Data Mining Techniques
and Dynamic User Profile. On the other hands, company can also
interact to the system for publishing and updating job information.
This system have emerged and supported various platforms such as
web application and android mobile application. In this paper, User
profiles, Implicit User Action, User Feedback, and Clustering
Techniques in WEKA libraries were applied and implemented. In
additions, open source tools like Yii Web Application Framework,
Bootstrap Front End Framework and Android Mobile Technology
were also applied.
Abstract: Prior literature in the field of adaptive and
personalized learning sequence in e-learning have proposed and
implemented various mechanisms to improve the learning process
such as individualization and personalization, but complex to
implement due to expensive algorithmic programming and need of
extensive and prior data. The main objective of personalizing
learning sequence is to maximize learning by dynamically selecting
the closest teaching operation in order to achieve the learning
competency of learner. In this paper, a revolutionary technique has
been proposed and tested to perform individualization and
personalization using modified reversed roulette wheel selection
algorithm that runs at O(n). The technique is simpler to implement
and is algorithmically less expensive compared to other revolutionary
algorithms since it collects the dynamic real time performance matrix
such as examinations, reviews, and study to form the RWSA single
numerical fitness value. Results show that the implemented system is
capable of recommending new learning sequences that lessens time
of study based on student's prior knowledge and real performance
matrix.
Abstract: Since the advances in digital imaging technologies have led to
development of high quality digital devices, there are a lot of illegal copies
of copyrighted video content on the Internet. Also, unauthorized editing is
occurred frequently. Thus, we propose an editing prevention technique for
high-quality (HQ) video that can prevent these illegally edited copies from
spreading out. The proposed technique is applied spatial and temporal gradient
methods to improve the fidelity and detection performance. Also, the scheme
duplicates the embedding signal temporally to alleviate the signal reduction
caused by geometric and signal-processing distortions. Experimental results
show that the proposed scheme achieves better performance than previously
proposed schemes and it has high fidelity. The proposed scheme can be used
in unauthorized access prevention method of visual communication or traitor
tracking applications which need fast detection process to prevent illegally
edited video content from spreading out.
Abstract: In this paper, a learning algorithm using neuronal networks to improve the roll stability and prevent the rollover in a single unit heavy vehicle is proposed. First, LQR control to keep balanced normalized rollovers, between front and rear axles, below the unity, then a data collected from this controller is used as a training basis of a neuronal regulator. The ANN controller is thereafter applied for the nonlinear side force model, and gives satisfactory results than the LQR one.
Abstract: In order to utilize results from global climate models,
dynamical and statistical downscaling techniques have been
developed. For dynamical downscaling, usually a limited area
numerical model is used, with associated high computational cost.
This research proposes dynamic equation for specific space-time
regional climate downscaling from the Educational Global Climate
Model (EdGCM) for Southeast Asia. The equation is for surface air
temperature. This equation provides downscaling values of surface
air temperature at any specific location and time without running a
regional climate model. In the proposed equations, surface air
temperature is approximated from ground temperature, sensible heat
flux and 2m wind speed. Results from the application of the equation
show that the errors from the proposed equations are less than the
errors for direct interpolation from EdGCM.
Abstract: This study focuses on the stress analysis of Mandibular
Advancement Devices (MADs), which are considered as a standard
treatment of snoring that promoted by American Academy of Sleep
Medicine (AASM). Snoring is the most significant feature of
sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). SDB will lead to serious problems
in human health. Oral appliances are ensured in therapeutic effect and
compliance, especially the MADs. This paper proposes a new MAD
design, and the finite element analysis (FEA) is introduced to precede
the stress simulation for this MAD.
Abstract: Rivers have transient storage or dead zones where
injected pollutants or solutes are entrapped for considerable period of
time, known as residence time, before being released into the main
flowing zones of rivers. In this study, a new empirical expression for
residence time, implementing genetic programming on published
dispersion data, has been derived. The proposed expression uses few
hydraulic and geometric characteristics of rivers which are normally
known to the authorities. When compared with some reported
expressions, based on various statistical indices, it can be concluded
that the proposed expression predicts the residence time of pollutants
in natural rivers more accurately.
Abstract: Strong anthropogenic impact has uncontrolled
consequences on the nature of the soil. Hence, up-to-date sustainable
methods of soil state improvement are essential. Investigators provide
the evidence that biochar can positively effects physical, chemical,
and biological soil properties and the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi
which are in the focus of this study. The main aim of the present
investigation is to demonstrate the effect of two types of plant growth
promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculums along with the beech wood
biochar and mineral N additives on mycorrhizal colonization.
Experiment has been set up in laboratory conditions with containers
filled with arable soil from the protection zone of the main water
source “Brezova nad Svitavou”. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has been
selected as a model plant. Based on the obtained data, it can be
concluded that mycorrhizal colonization increased as the result of
combined influence of biochar and PGPB inoculums amendment. In
addition, correlation analyses showed that the numbers of main
groups of cultivated bacteria were dependent on the degree of
mycorrhizal colonization.
Abstract: Large quantities of solid wastes being generated
worldwide from sources such as household, domestic, industrial,
commercial and construction demolition activities, leads to
environmental concerns. Utilization of these wastes in making
building construction materials can reduce the magnitude of the
associated problems. When these waste products are used in place of
other conventional materials, natural resources and energy are
preserved and expensive and/or potentially harmful waste disposal is
avoided. Recycling which is regarded as the third most preferred waste
disposal option, with its numerous environmental benefits, stand as a
viable option to offset the environmental impact associated with the
construction industry. This paper reviews the results of laboratory tests and important
research findings, and the potential of using these wastes in building
construction materials with focus on sustainable development.
Research gaps, which includes; the need to develop standard mix
design for solid waste based building materials; the need to develop
energy efficient method of processing solid waste use in concrete; the
need to study the actual behavior or performance of such building
materials in practical application and the limited real life application
of such building materials have also been identified. A research is being proposed to develop an environmentally
friendly, lightweight building block from recycled waste paper,
without the use of cement, and with properties suitable for use as
walling unit. This proposed research intends to incorporate,
laboratory experimentation and modeling to address the identified
research gaps.
Abstract: Software quality issues require special attention
especially in view of the demands of quality software product to meet
customer satisfaction. Software development projects in most
organisations need proper defect management process in order to
produce high quality software product and reduce the number of
defects. The research question of this study is how to produce high
quality software and reducing the number of defects. Therefore, the
objective of this paper is to provide a framework for managing
software defects by following defined life cycle processes. The
methodology starts by reviewing defects, defect models, best
practices, and standards. A framework for defect management life
cycle is proposed. The major contribution of this study is to define a
defect management roadmap in software development. The adoption
of an effective defect management process helps to achieve the
ultimate goal of producing high quality software products and
contributes towards continuous software process improvement.
Abstract: Geopolymer composites reinforced with flax fabrics
and nanoclay are fabricated and studied for physical and mechanical
properties using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM). Nanoclay platelets at a weight of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% were
added to geopolymer pastes. Nanoclay at 2.0 wt.% was found to
improve density and decrease porosity while improving flexural
strength and post-peak toughness. A microstructural analysis
indicated that nanoclay behaves as filler and as an activator
supporting geopolymeric reaction while producing a higher content
geopolymer gel improving the microstructure of binders. The process
enhances adhesion between the geopolymer matrix and flax fibres.
Abstract: In this study, the effects and interactions of reaction
time and capping agent assistance during sol-gel synthesis of
magnesium substituted hydroxyapatite nanopowder (MgHA) on
hydroxyapatite (HA) to β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ratio, Ca/P
ratio and mean crystallite size was examined experimentally as well
as through statistical analysis. MgHA nanopowders were synthesized
by sol-gel technique at room temperature using aqueous solution of
calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and
potassium dihydrogen phosphate as starting materials. The reaction
time for sol-gel synthesis was varied between 15 to 60 minutes. Two
process routes were followed with and without addition of
triethanolamine (TEA) in the solutions. The elemental compositions
of as-synthesized powders were determined using X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) spectroscopy. The functional groups present in the assynthesized
MgHA nanopowders were established through Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The amounts of phases
present, Ca/P ratio and mean crystallite sizes of MgHA nanopowders
were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The HA content in
biphasic mixture of HA and β-TCP and Ca/P ratio in as-synthesized
MgHA nanopowders increased effectively with reaction time of sols
(p0.15, two way ANOVA). The MgHA nanopowders
synthesized with TEA assistance exhibited 14 nm lower crystallite
size (p
Abstract: One of the global combinatorial optimization
problems in machine learning is feature selection. It concerned with
removing the irrelevant, noisy, and redundant data, along with
keeping the original meaning of the original data. Attribute reduction
in rough set theory is an important feature selection method. Since
attribute reduction is an NP-hard problem, it is necessary to
investigate fast and effective approximate algorithms. In this paper,
we proposed two feature selection mechanisms based on memetic
algorithms (MAs) which combine the genetic algorithm with a fuzzy
record to record travel algorithm and a fuzzy controlled great deluge
algorithm, to identify a good balance between local search and
genetic search. In order to verify the proposed approaches, numerical
experiments are carried out on thirteen datasets. The results show that
the MAs approaches are efficient in solving attribute reduction
problems when compared with other meta-heuristic approaches.
Abstract: Response Surface Methods (RSM) provide
statistically validated predictive models that can then be manipulated
for finding optimal process configurations. Variation transmitted to
responses from poorly controlled process factors can be accounted
for by the mathematical technique of propagation of error (POE),
which facilitates ‘finding the flats’ on the surfaces generated by
RSM. The dual response approach to RSM captures the standard
deviation of the output as well as the average. It accounts for
unknown sources of variation. Dual response plus propagation of
error (POE) provides a more useful model of overall response
variation. In our case, we implemented this technique in predicting
compressive strength of concrete of 28 days in age. Since 28 days is
quite time consuming, while it is important to ensure the quality
control process. This paper investigates the potential of using design
of experiments (DOE-RSM) to predict the compressive strength of
concrete at 28th day. Data used for this study was carried out from
experiment schemes at university of Benghazi, civil engineering
department. A total of 114 sets of data were implemented. ACI mix
design method was utilized for the mix design. No admixtures were
used, only the main concrete mix constituents such as cement, coarseaggregate,
fine aggregate and water were utilized in all mixes.
Different mix proportions of the ingredients and different water
cement ratio were used. The proposed mathematical models are
capable of predicting the required concrete compressive strength of
concrete from early ages.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to propose a general
framework for storing, analyzing, and extracting knowledge from
two-dimensional echocardiographic images, color Doppler images,
non-medical images, and general data sets. A number of high
performance data mining algorithms have been used to carry out this
task. Our framework encompasses four layers namely physical
storage, object identification, knowledge discovery, user level.
Techniques such as active contour model to identify the cardiac
chambers, pixel classification to segment the color Doppler echo
image, universal model for image retrieval, Bayesian method for
classification, parallel algorithms for image segmentation, etc., were
employed. Using the feature vector database that have been
efficiently constructed, one can perform various data mining tasks
like clustering, classification, etc. with efficient algorithms along
with image mining given a query image. All these facilities are
included in the framework that is supported by state-of-the-art user
interface (UI). The algorithms were tested with actual patient data
and Coral image database and the results show that their performance
is better than the results reported already.
Abstract: With the introduction of cash-less society policy by
the Central Bank of Nigeria, the concept of e-banking services have
over the years’ experience a significant improvement. Today quite a
number of people are embracing e-banking activities especially
ATM, thereby moving away from the conventional banking system.
This paper presents a review of the underlying Architectural Layout
of Intra-Bank and Inter-Bank ATM connectivity in Nigeria. The
paper further investigates and discusses factors affecting the Intra-
Bank and Inter-Bank ATM connectivity in Nigeria. In addition, as
well possible solutions to these factors affecting ATM Connectivity
and Operations are proposed.
Abstract: The purposes of this research are to make comparisons in
respect of the behaviors on the use of the services of metered taxi
classified by the demographic factor and to study the influence of the
recognition on service quality having the effect on usage behaviors of
metered taxi services of consumers in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas. The
samples used in this research were 400 metered taxi service users in
Bangkok Metropolitan Areas and questionnaire was used as the tool for
collecting the data. Analysis statistics are mean and multiple regression
analysis. Results of the research revealed that the consumers recognize the
overall quality of services in each aspect include tangible aspects of the
service, responses to customers, assurance on the confidence,
understanding and knowing of customers which is rated at the moderate
level except the aspect of the assurance on the confidence and
trustworthiness which are rated at a high level. For the result of
hypothetical test, it is found that the quality in providing the services on
the aspect of the assurance given to the customers has the effect on the
usage behaviors of metered taxi services and the aspect of the frequency
on the use of the services per month which in this connection. Such
variable can forecast at one point nine percent (1.9%). In addition, quality
in providing the services and the aspect of the responses to customers
have the effect on the behaviors on the use of metered taxi services on the
aspect of the expenses on the use of services per month which in this
connection, such variable can forecast at two point one percent (2.1%).