Abstract: Batteries of electric vehicles (BEV) are becoming
more attractive with the advancement of new battery technologies
and promotion of electric vehicles. BEV batteries are recharged on
board vehicles using either the grid (G2V for Grid to Vehicle) or
renewable energies in a stand-alone application (H2V for Home to
Vehicle). This paper deals with the modeling, sizing and control of a
photovoltaic stand-alone application that can charge the BEV at
home. The modeling approach and developed mathematical models
describing the system components are detailed. Simulation and
experimental results are presented and commented.
Abstract: To date, one of the few comprehensive indicators for
the measurement of food security is the Global Food Security Index
(GFSI). This index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative
benchmarking model, constructed from 28 unique indicators, that
measures drivers of food security across both developing and
developed countries. Whereas the GFSI has been calculated across a
set of 109 countries, in this paper we aim to present and compare, for
the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), 1) the Food Security
Index scores achieved and 2) the data available on affordability,
availability, and quality of food. The data for this work was taken
from the latest available report published by the creators of the GFSI,
which in turn used information from national and international
statistical sources. MENA countries rank from place 17/109 (Israel,
although with resent political turmoil this is likely to have changed)
to place 91/109 (Yemen) with household expenditure spent in food
ranging from 15.5% (Israel) to 60% (Egypt). Lower spending on food
as a share of household consumption in most countries and better
food safety net programs in the MENA have contributed to a notable
increase in food affordability. The region has also, however,
experienced a decline in food availability, owing to more limited
food supplies and higher volatility of agricultural production. In
terms of food quality and safety the MENA has the top ranking
country (Israel). The most frequent challenges faced by the countries
of the MENA include public expenditure on agricultural research and
development as well as volatility of agricultural production. Food
security is a complex phenomenon that interacts with many other
indicators of a country’s wellbeing; in the MENA it is slowly but
markedly improving.
Abstract: This paper investigates the activity of the rectus
femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in healthy subjects during salat
(prostration) and specific exercise (squat exercise) using
electromyography (EMG). A group of undergraduates aged between
19 to 25 years voluntarily participated in this study. The myoelectric
activity of the muscles were recorded and analyzed. The finding
indicated that there were contractions of the muscles during the salat
and exercise with almost same EMG’s level. From the result,
Wilcoxon’s Rank Sum test showed significant difference between
prostration and squat exercise (p
Abstract: This paper focuses on the assessment of the air
pollution and morbidity relationship in Tunisia. Air pollution is
measured by ozone air concentration and the morbidity is measured
by the number of respiratory-related restricted activity days during
the 2-week period prior to the interview. Socioeconomic data are also
collected in order to adjust for any confounding covariates. Our
sample is composed by 407 Tunisian respondents; 44.7% are women,
the average age is 35.2, near 69% are living in a house built after
1980, and 27.8% have reported at least one day of respiratory-related
restricted activity. The model consists on the regression of the
number of respiratory-related restricted activity days on the air
quality measure and the socioeconomic covariates. In order to correct
for zero-inflation and heterogeneity, we estimate several models
(Poisson, negative binomial, zero inflated Poisson, Poisson hurdle,
negative binomial hurdle and finite mixture Poisson models).
Bootstrapping and post-stratification techniques are used in order to
correct for any sample bias. According to the Akaike information
criteria, the hurdle negative binomial model has the greatest goodness
of fit. The main result indicates that, after adjusting for
socioeconomic data, the ozone concentration increases the probability
of positive number of restricted activity days.
Abstract: Auckland has a temperate climate with comfortable warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. An Auckland school normally does not need air conditioning for cooling during the summer and only needs heating during the winter. The Auckland school building thermal design should more focus on winter thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort for energy efficiency. This field study of testing indoor and outdoor air temperatures, relative humidity and indoor surface temperatures of three classrooms with different envelopes were carried out in the Avondale College during the winter months in 2013. According to the field study data, this study is to compare and evaluate winter thermal performance and indoor thermal conditions of school buildings with different envelopes.
Abstract: This paper presents the scaling laws that provide the
criteria of geometry and dynamic similitude between the full-size
rotor-shaft system and its scale model, and can be used to predict the
torsional vibration characteristics of the full-size rotor-shaft system by
manipulating the corresponding data of its scale model. The scaling
factors, which play fundamental roles in predicting the geometry and
dynamic relationships between the full-size rotor-shaft system and its
scale model, for torsional free vibration problems between scale and
full-size rotor-shaft systems are firstly obtained from the equation of
motion of torsional free vibration. Then, the scaling factor of external
force (i.e., torque) required for the torsional forced vibration problems
is determined based on the Newton’s second law. Numerical results
show that the torsional free and forced vibration characteristics of a
full-size rotor-shaft system can be accurately predicted from those of
its scale models by using the foregoing scaling factors. For this reason,
it is believed that the presented approach will be significant for
investigating the relevant phenomenon in the scale model tests.
Abstract: Cloud computing (CC) has already gained overall
appreciation in research and practice. Whereas the willingness to
integrate cloud services in various IT environments is still unbroken,
the previous CC procurement processes run mostly in an unorganized
and non-standardized way. In practice, a sufficiently specific, yet
applicable business process for the important acquisition phase is
often lacking. And research does not appropriately remedy this
deficiency yet. Therefore, this paper introduces a field-tested
approach for CC procurement. Based on an extensive literature
review and augmented by expert interviews, we designed a model
that is validated and further refined through an in-depth real-life case
study. For the detailed process description, we apply the event-driven
process chain notation (EPC). The gained valuable insights into the
case study may help CC research to shift to a more socio-technical
area. For practice, next to giving useful organizational instructions
we will provide extended checklists and lessons learned.
Abstract: Examining existing experimental results for shallow
rigid foundations subjected to vertical centric load (N), accompanied
or not with a bending moment (M), two main non-linear mechanisms
governing the cyclic response of the soil-foundation system can be
distinguished: foundation uplift and soil yielding. A soil-foundation
failure limit, is defined as a domain of resistance in the two
dimensional (2D) load space (N, M) inside of which lie all the
admissible combinations of loads; these latter correspond to a pure
elastic, non-linear elastic or plastic behavior of the soil-foundation
system, while the points lying on the failure limit correspond to a
combination of loads leading to a failure of the soil-foundation
system. In this study, the proposed resistance domain is constructed
analytically based on mechanics. Original elastic limit, uplift
initiation limit and iso-uplift limits are constructed inside this
domain. These limits give a prediction of the mechanisms activated
for each combination of loads applied to the foundation. A
comparison of the proposed failure limit with experimental tests
existing in the literature shows interesting results. Also, the
developed uplift initiation limit and iso-uplift curves are confronted
with others already proposed in the literature and widely used due to
the absence of other alternatives, and remarkable differences are
noted, showing evident errors in the past proposals and relevant
accuracy for those given in the present work.
Abstract: Testing the first year students of Informatics at the
University of Debrecen revealed that students start their tertiary
studies in programming with a low level of programming knowledge
and algorithmic skills. The possible reasons which lead the students
to this very unfortunate result were examined. The results of the test
were compared to the students’ results in the school leaving exams
and to their self-assessment values. It was found that there is only a
slight connection between the students’ results in the test and in the
school leaving exams, especially at intermediate level. Beyond this,
the school leaving exams do not seem to enable students to evaluate
their own abilities.
Abstract: In the scope of application of technical textiles, Non-
Crimp Fabrics are increasingly used. In general, NCF exhibit
excellent load bearing properties, but caused by the manufacturing
process, there are some remaining disadvantages which have to be
reduced. Regarding to this, a novel technique of processing NCF was
developed substituting the binding-thread by an adhesive. This stitchfree
method requires new manufacturing concept as well as new basic
methods to prove adhesion of glue at fibres and textiles. To improve
adhesion properties and the wettability of carbon-fibres by the
adhesive, oxy-fluorination was used. The modification of carbonfibres
by oxy-fluorination was investigated via scanning electron
microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and single fibre
tensiometry. Special tensile tests were developed to determine the
maximum force required for detachment.
Abstract: Presently, engine cooling pump is driven by toothed
belt. Therefore, the pump speed is dependent on engine speed which
varies their output. At normal engine operating conditions (Higher
RPM and low load, Higher RPM and high load), mechanical water
pumps in existing engines are inevitably oversized and so the use of
an electric water pump together with state-of-the-art thermal
management of the combustion engine has measurable advantages.
Demand-driven cooling, particularly in the cold-start phase, saves
fuel (approx 3 percent) and leads to a corresponding reduction in
emissions. The lack of dependence on a mechanical drive also results
in considerable flexibility in component packaging within the engine
compartment. This paper describes the testing and comparison of
existing mechanical water pump with that of the electric water pump.
When the existing mechanical water pump is replaced with the new
electric water pump the percentage gain in system efficiency is also
discussed.
Abstract: This paper impart the design and testing of
Nanotechnology based sequential circuits using multiplexer
conservative QCA (MX-CQCA) logic gates, which is easily testable
using only two vectors. This method has great prospective in the
design of sequential circuits based on reversible conservative logic
gates and also smashes the sequential circuits implemented in
traditional gates in terms of testability. Reversible circuits are similar
to usual logic circuits except that they are built from reversible gates.
Designs of multiplexer conservative QCA logic based two vectors
testable double edge triggered (DET) sequential circuits in VHDL
language are also accessible here; it will also diminish intricacy in
testing side. Also other types of sequential circuits such as D, SR, JK
latches are designed using this MX-CQCA logic gate. The objective
behind the proposed design methodologies is to amalgamate
arithmetic and logic functional units optimizing key metrics such as
garbage outputs, delay, area and power. The projected MX-CQCA
gate outshines other reversible gates in terms of the intricacy, delay.
Abstract: The Roma (Gypsies) is a transnational minority with a
high degree of consanguineous marriages. Similar to other
genetically isolated founder populations, the Roma harbor a number
of unique or rare genetic disorders. This paper discusses about a rare
form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease – type 4G (CMT4G), also
called Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy type Russe, an
autosomal recessive disease caused by mutation private to Roma
characterized by abnormally increased density of non-myelinated
axons. CMT4G was originally found in Bulgarian Roma and in 2009
two putative causative mutations in the HK1 gene were identified.
Since then, several cases were reported in Roma families mainly
from Bulgaria and Spain. Here we present a Slovak Roma family in
which CMT4G was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination
and genetic testing. This case is a further proof of the role of the HK1
gene in pathogenesis of the disease. It confirms that mutation in the
HK1 gene is a common cause of autosomal recessive CMT disease in
Roma and should be considered as a common part of a diagnostic
procedure.
Abstract: Passing the entrance exam to a university is a major
step in one's life. University entrance exam commonly known as
Kankor is the nationwide entrance exam in Afghanistan. This
examination is prerequisite for all public and private higher education
institutions at undergraduate level. It is usually taken by students who
are graduated from high schools. In this paper, we reflect the major
educational school graduates issues and propose ICT-based test
preparation environment, known as ‘Online Kankor Exam Prep
System’ to give students the tools to help them pass the university
entrance exam on the first try. The system is based on Intelligent
Tutoring System (ITS), which introduced an essential package of
educational technology for learners that features: (I) exam-focused
questions and content; (ii) self-assessment environment; and (iii) test
preparation strategies in order to help students to acquire the necessary
skills in their carrier and keep them up-to-date with instruction.
Abstract: In this paper, extract of papaya leaves are used as a
natural dye and combined by variations of solvent concentration
applied on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell). Indonesian geographic
located on the equator line occasions the magnitude of the potential
to develop organic solar cells made from extracts of chlorophyll as a
substitute for inorganic materials or synthetic dye on DSSC material.
Dye serves as absorbing photons which are then converted into
electrical energy. A conductive coated glass layer called TCO
(Transparent Conductive Oxide) is used as a substrate of electrode.
TiO2 nanoparticles as binding dye molecules, redox couple iodide/
tri-iodide as the electrolyte and carbon as the counter electrode in the
DSSC are used. TiO2 nanoparticles, organic dyes, electrolytes, and
counter electrode are arranged and combined with the layered
structure of the photo-catalyst absorption layer. Dye absorption
measurements using a spectrophotometer at 400-800 nm light
spectrum produces a total amount of chlorophyll 80.076 mg/l. The
test cell at 7 watt LED light with 5000 lux luminescence was
obtained Voc and Isc of 235.5 mV and 14 μA, respectively.
Abstract: Due to water shortage, application of saline water for
irrigation is an urgent in agriculture. In this study the effect of
calcium and potassium application as additive in saline root media for
reduce salinity adverse effects was investigated on tomato growth in
a hydroponic system with unequal distribution of salts in the root
media, which was divided in to two equal parts containing full
Johnson nutrient solution and 40 mMNaCl solution, alone or in
combination with KCl (6 mM), CaCl2 (4 mM), K+Ca (3+2 mM) or
half-strength Johnson nutrient solution. The root splits were
exchanged every 7 days. Results showed that addition of calcium,
calcium-potassium and nutrition elements equivalent to half the
concentration of Johnson formula to the saline-half of culture media
minimized the reduction in plant growth caused by NaCl, although
addition of potassium to culture media wasn’t effective. The greatest
concentration of sodium was observed at the shoot of treatments
which had smallest growth. According to the results of this study, in
case of dynamic and non-uniform distribution of salts in the root
media, by addition of additive to the saline solution, it would be
possible to use of saline water with no significant growth reduction.
Abstract: In this study, attempt has been made to investigate the
relationship specifically the causal relation between fund unit prices
of Islamic equity unit trust fund which measure by fund NAV and the
selected macro-economic variables of Malaysian economy by using
VECM causality test and Granger causality test. Monthly data has
been used from Jan, 2006 to Dec, 2012 for all the variables. The
findings of the study showed that industrial production index,
political election and financial crisis are the only variables having
unidirectional causal relationship with fund unit price. However the
global oil price is having bidirectional causality with fund NAV.
Thus, it is concluded that the equity unit trust fund industry in
Malaysia is an inefficient market with respect to the industrial
production index, global oil prices, political election and financial
crisis. However the market is approaching towards informational
efficiency at least with respect to four macroeconomic variables,
treasury bill rate, money supply, foreign exchange rate, and
corruption index.
Abstract: Developing young people’s employability is a key
policy issue for ensuring their successful transition to the labour
market and their access to career oriented employment. The youths of
today irrespective of their gender need to acquire the knowledge,
skills and attitudes that will enable them to create or find jobs as well
as cope with unpredictable labour market changes throughout their
working lives. In a study carried out to determine the influence of
gender on job-competencies requirements of chemical-based
industries and undergraduate-competencies acquisition by chemists
working in the industries, all chemistry graduates working in twenty
(20) chemical-based industries that were randomly selected from six
sectors of chemical-based industries in Lagos and Ogun States of
Nigeria were administered with Job-competencies required and
undergraduate-competencies acquired assessment questionnaire. The
data were analysed using means and independent sample t-test. The
findings revealed that the population of female chemists working in
chemical-based industries is low compared with the number of male
chemists; furthermore, job-competencies requirements are found not
to be gender biased while there is no significant difference in
undergraduate-competencies acquisition of male and female
chemists. This suggests that females should be given the same
opportunity of employment in chemical-based industries as their male
counterparts. The study also revealed the level of acquisition of
undergraduate competencies as related to the needs of chemicalbased
industries.
Abstract: In this study which has been conducted in Akçasu
Forest Range District of Devrek Forest Directorate; 3 methods (weed
control with labourer power, cover removal with Hitachi F20
Excavator, and weed control with agricultural equipment mounted on
a Ferguson 240S agriculture tractor) were utilized in weed control
efforts in regeneration of degraded oriental beech forests have been
compared. In this respect, 3 methods have been compared by
determining certain work hours and standard durations of unit areas
(1 hectare). For this purpose, evaluating the tasks made with human
and machine force from the aspects of duration, productivity and
costs, it has been aimed to determine the most productive method in
accordance with the actual ecological conditions of research field.
Within the scope of the study, the time studies have been conducted
for 3 methods used in weed control efforts. While carrying out those
studies, the performed implementations have been evaluated by
dividing them into business stages. Also, the actual data have been
used while calculating the cost accounts. In those calculations, the
latest formulas and equations which are also used in developed
countries have been utilized. The variance of analysis (ANOVA) was
used in order to determine whether there is any statistically
significant difference among obtained results, and the Duncan test
was used for grouping if there is significant difference. According to
the measurements and findings carried out within the scope of this
study, it has been found during living cover removal efforts in
regeneration efforts in demolished oriental beech forests that the
removal of weed layer in 1 hectare of field has taken 920 hours with
labourer force, 15.1 hours with excavator and 60 hours with an
equipment mounted on a tractor. On the other hand, it has been
determined that the cost of removal of living cover in unit area (1
hectare) was 3220.00 TL for labourer power, 1250 TL for excavator
and 1825 TL for equipment mounted on a tractor.
According to the obtained results, it has been found that the
utilization of excavator in weed control effort in regeneration of
degraded oriental beech regions under actual ecological conditions of
research field has been found to be more productive from both of
aspects of duration and costs. These determinations carried out
should be repeated in weed control efforts in degraded forest fields
with different ecological conditions, it is compulsory for finding the
most efficient weed control method. These findings will light the way
of technical staff of forestry directorate in determination of the most
effective and economic weed control method. Thus, the more actual
data will be used while preparing the weed control budgets, and there
will be significant contributions to national economy. Also the results of this and similar studies are very important for developing the policies for our forestry in short and long term.
Abstract: This paper provides a comparative study on the
performances of standard PID and adaptive PID controllers tested on
travel angle of a 3-Degree-of-Freedom (3-DOF) Quanser bench-top
helicopter. Quanser, a well-known manufacturer of educational
bench-top helicopter has developed Proportional Integration
Derivative (PID) controller with Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR)
for all travel, pitch and yaw angle of the bench-top helicopter. The
performance of the PID controller is relatively good; however, its
performance could also be improved if the controller is combined
with adaptive element. The objective of this research is to design
adaptive PID controller and then compare the performances of the
adaptive PID with the standard PID. The controller design and test is
focused on travel angle control only. Adaptive method used in this
project is self-tuning controller, which controller’s parameters are
updated online. Two adaptive algorithms those are pole-placement
and deadbeat have been chosen as the method to achieve optimal
controller’s parameters. Performance comparisons have shown that
the adaptive (deadbeat) PID controller has produced more desirable
performance compared to standard PID and adaptive (poleplacement).
The adaptive (deadbeat) PID controller attained very fast
settling time (5 seconds) and very small percentage of overshoot (5%
to 7.5%) for 10° to 30° step change of travel angle.