Abstract: Scheduling for the flexible job shop is very important
in both fields of production management and combinatorial
optimization. However, it quit difficult to achieve an optimal solution
to this problem with traditional optimization approaches owing to the
high computational complexity. The combining of several
optimization criteria induces additional complexity and new
problems. In this paper, a Pareto approach to solve the multi
objective flexible job shop scheduling problems is proposed. The
objectives considered are to minimize the overall completion time
(makespan) and total weighted tardiness (TWT). An effective
simulated annealing algorithm based on the proposed approach is
presented to solve multi objective flexible job shop scheduling
problem. An external memory of non-dominated solutions is
considered to save and update the non-dominated solutions during
the solution process. Numerical examples are used to evaluate and
study the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed
algorithm can be applied easily in real factory conditions and for
large size problems. It should thus be useful to both practitioners and
researchers.
Abstract: The focus of this research is in the area of the soviet period and the mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan in the XIX century. There was close connection of national customs and traditions with religious practices, outlooks and attitudes. In particular, such an approach has alleged estimation by Kazakh historians of the process of Christianization of the local population. Some of them are inclined to consider the small number of Christening Kazakhs as evidence that the Russian Orthodox Church didn’t achieve its mission. The number of historians who think that the church didn’t achieve its mission has thousand over the last centuries, however our calculations of the number of Kazakhs who became Orthodox Christian is much more than other historians think. Such Christians can be divided into 3 groups: Some remained Christian until their deaths, others had two faiths and the third hid their true religions, having returned to their former belief. Therefore, to define the exact amount of Christening Kazakhs represented a challenge. Some data does not create a clear picture of the level of Christianization, constant and accurate was not collected. The data appearing in reports of spiritual attendants and civil authorities is not always authentic. Article purpose is illumination and the analysis missionary activity of Russian Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan.
Abstract: Argument over the use of particular method in interlanguage pragmatics has increased recently. Researchers argued the advantages and disadvantages of each method either natural or elicited. Findings of different studies indicated that the use of one method may not provide enough data to answer all its questions. The current study investigated the validity of using multimethod approach in interlanguage pragmatics to understand the development of requests in Arabic as a second language (Arabic L2). To this end, the study adopted two methods belong to two types of data sources: the institutional discourse (natural data), and the role play (elicited data). Participants were 117 learners of Arabic L2 at the university level, representing four levels (beginners, low-intermediate, highintermediate, and advanced). Results showed that using two or more methods in interlanguage pragmatics affect the size and nature of data.
Abstract: In this paper we investigate the influence of external
noise on the inference of network structures. The purpose of our
simulations is to gain insights in the experimental design of microarray
experiments to infer, e.g., transcription regulatory networks
from microarray experiments. Here external noise means, that the
dynamics of the system under investigation, e.g., temporal changes of
mRNA concentration, is affected by measurement errors. Additionally
to external noise another problem occurs in the context of microarray
experiments. Practically, it is not possible to monitor the mRNA
concentration over an arbitrary long time period as demanded by the
statistical methods used to learn the underlying network structure. For
this reason, we use only short time series to make our simulations
more biologically plausible.
Abstract: Currently, there is no database or local norms for the
physical performance of Malaysian rugby players. This database or
norms are vital for Malaysian-s sports development as programs can
be setup to improve the current status. This pilot study was
conducted to evaluate the status of our semi professional rugby
players. The rugby players were randomly selected from the
Malaysian National team and several clubs in the Klang valley, Kuala
Lumpur Malaysia. 54 male rugby players (Age: 24.41 ± 4.06 years)
were selected for this pilot study. Height, bodyweight, percentage
body fat and body mass index (BMI) and several other physical tests
were performed. Results from the BLEEP test revealed an average of
level 9, shuttle 2 for the players. Interestingly, forwards were taller,
heavier, and had lower maximal aerobic power than backs in the
same team. In conclusion, the physical characteristics of the rugby
players were much lower when compared to international players
from other countries. From this pilot study, the physical performance
of the Malaysian team must be improved in order to further develop
the sports.
Abstract: Texture classification is a trendy and a catchy
technology in the field of texture analysis. Textures, the repeated
patterns, have different frequency components along different
orientations. Our work is based on Texture Classification and its
applications. It finds its applications in various fields like Medical
Image Classification, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing,
Agricultural Field, and Textile Industry. Weed control has a major
effect on agriculture. A large amount of herbicide has been used for
controlling weeds in agriculture fields, lawns, golf courses, sport
fields, etc. Random spraying of herbicides does not meet the exact
requirement of the field. Certain areas in field have more weed
patches than estimated. So, we need a visual system that can
discriminate weeds from the field image which will reduce or even
eliminate the amount of herbicide used. This would allow farmers to
not use any herbicides or only apply them where they are needed. A
machine vision precision automated weed control system could
reduce the usage of chemicals in crop fields. In this paper, an
intelligent system for automatic weeding strategy Multi Resolution
Combined Statistical & spatial Frequency is used to discriminate the
weeds from the crops and to classify them as narrow, little and broad
weeds.
Abstract: Microstrip antennas are conformable to planar and
nonplanar surfaces, simple and inexpensive to fabricate using modern
printed-circuit technology. Circular polarization of low-profile
microstrip patch with high bandwidth is achieved in this research
through the use of a three-cross-arms branch-line coupler with
sequential rotated arrays, another low-profile antenna of hollow
cylinder is also proposed and the function of reconnaissance with
microstrip antenna on Mini UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) are
evaluated in practical flight test.
Abstract: Technical laboratories are typically considered as
highly hazardous places in the polytechnic institution when
addressing the problems of high incidences and fatality rates. In
conjunction with several topics covered in the technical curricular,
safety and health precaution should be highlighted in order to
connect to few key ideas of being safe. Therefore the assessment of
safety awareness in terms of safety and health about hazardous and
risks at laboratories is needed and has to be incorporated with
technical education and other training programmes. The purpose of
this study was to determine the efficacy of technical laboratory safety
in one of the polytechnics in northern region. The study examined
three related issues that were; the availability of safety material and
equipment, safety practice adopted by technical teachers and
administrator-s safety attitudes in enforcing safety to the students. A
model of efficacy technical laboratory was developed to test the
linear relationship between existing safety material and equipment,
teachers- safety practice and administrators- attitude in enforcing
safety and to identify which of technical laboratory safety issues was
the most pertinent factor to realize safety in technical laboratory.
This was done by analyzing survey-based data sets particularly those
obtained from samples of 210 students in the polytechnic. The
Pearson Correlation was used to measure the association between the
variables and to test the research hypotheses. The result of the study
has found that there was a significant correlation between existing
safety material and equipment, safety practice adopted by teacher
and administrator-s attitude. There was also a significant relationship
between technical laboratory safety and safety practice adopted by
teacher and between technical laboratory safety and administrator
attitude. Hence, safety practice adopted by teacher and administrator
attitude is vital in realizing technical laboratory safety.
Abstract: We developed a GPS-based navigation device for the
blind, with audio guidance in Thai language. The device is composed
of simple and inexpensive hardware components. Its user interface is
quite simple. It determines optimal routes to various landmarks in our
university campus by using heuristic search for the next waypoints.
We tested the device and made note of its limitations and possible
extensions.
Abstract: The paper describes the workings for four models of
CONWIP systems used till date; the basic CONWIP system, the
hybrid CONWIP system, the multi-product CONWIP system, and the
parallel CONWIP system. The final novel model is introduced in this
paper in a general form. These models may be adopted for analysis
for both simulation studies and implementation on the shop floor. For
each model, input parameters of interest are highlighted and their
impacts on several system performance measures are addressed.
Abstract: Construction site safety in China has aroused
comprehensive concern all over the world. It is imperative to
investigate the main causes of poor construction site safety. This paper
divides all the causes into four aspects, namely the factors of workers,
object, environment and management and sets up the accident causes
element system based on Delphi Method. This is followed by the
application of structural equation modeling to examine the importance
of each aspect of causes from the standpoints of different roles related
to the construction respectively. The results indicate that all the four
aspects of factors are in need of improvement, and different roles have
different ideas considering the priority of those factors. The paper has
instructive significance for the practitioners to take measures to
improve construction site safety in China accordingly.
Abstract: Life is beautiful. But, it is decided by genes, environment and the individual and shattered by the natural and / or the invited problems. Most of the global rural helpless masses are struggling for their survival since; they are neglected in all aspects of life including health. Amidst a countless number of miserable diseases in man, diabetes is becoming a dreaded killer and ramifying the entire globe in a jet speed. Diabetes control continues as a Herculean task to the scientific community and the modern society in the 21st century also. T2DM is not pertaining to any age and it can develop even during the childhood. This multifactorial disease abruptly changes the activities of certain vital biomarkers in the present rural T2DM cases. A remarkable variation in the levels of biomarkers like AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, LDH, HbA1C, C- peptide, fasting sugar, post-prandial sugar, sodium, potassium, BUN, creatinine and insulin show the rampant nature of T2DM in this physically active rural agrarian community.
Abstract: Outsourcing, a management practice strongly
consolidated within the area of Information Systems, is currently
going through a stage of unstoppable growth. This paper makes a
proposal about the main reasons which may lead firms to adopt
Information Systems Outsourcing. It will equally analyse the
potential risks that IS clients are likely to face. An additional
objective is to assess these reasons and risks in the case of large
Spanish firms, while simultaneously examining their evolution over
time.
Abstract: The research investigates the “impact of VLE on mathematical concepts acquisition of the special education needs (SENs) students at KS4 secondary education sector" in England. The overall aim of the study is to establish possible areas of difficulties to approach for above or below knowledge standard requirements for KS4 students in the acquisition and validation of basic mathematical concepts. A teaching period, in which virtual learning environment (Fronter) was used to emphasise different mathematical perception and symbolic representation was carried out and task based survey conducted to 20 special education needs students [14 actually took part]. The result shows that students were able to process information and consider images, objects and numbers within the VLE at early stages of acquisition process. They were also able to carry out perceptual tasks but with limiting process of different quotient, thus they need teacher-s guidance to connect them to symbolic representations and sometimes coach them through. The pilot study further indicates that VLE curriculum approaches for students were minutely aligned with mathematics teaching which does not emphasise the integration of VLE into the existing curriculum and current teaching practice. There was also poor alignment of vision regarding the use of VLE in realisation of the objectives of teaching mathematics by the management. On the part of teacher training, not much was done to develop teacher-s skills in the technical and pedagogical aspects of VLE that is in-use at the school. The classroom observation confirmed teaching practice will find a reliance on VLE as an enhancer of mathematical skills, providing interaction and personalisation of learning to SEN students.
Abstract: ZnO-SnO2 i.e. Zinc-Tin-Oxide (ZTO) thin films were
deposited on glass substrate with varying concentrations (ZnO:SnO2
- 100:0, 90:10, 70:30 and 50:50 wt.%) at room temperature by flash
evaporation technique. These deposited ZTO film were annealed at
450 0C in vacuum. These films were characterized to study the effect
of annealing on the structural, electrical, and optical properties.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) images manifest the surface morphology of these ZTO thin
films. The apparent growth of surface features revealed the formation
of nanostructure ZTO thin films. The small value of surface
roughness (root mean square RRMS) ensures the usefulness in
optical coatings. The sheet resistance was also found to be decreased
for both types of films with increasing concentration of SnO2. The
optical transmittance found to be decreased however blue shift has
been observed after annealing.
Abstract: The mixture formation prior to the ignition process
plays as a key element in the diesel combustion. Parametric studies of
mixture formation and ignition process in various injection parameter
has received considerable attention in potential for reducing
emissions. Purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of injection
pressure on mixture formation and ignition especially during ignition
delay period, which have to be significantly influences throughout the
combustion process and exhaust emissions. This study investigated
the effects of injection pressure on diesel combustion fundamentally
using rapid compression machine. The detail behavior of mixture
formation during ignition delay period was investigated using the
schlieren photography system with a high speed camera. This method
can capture spray evaporation, spray interference, mixture formation
and flame development clearly with real images. Ignition process and
flame development were investigated by direct photography method
using a light sensitive high-speed color digital video camera. The
injection pressure and air motion are important variable that strongly
affect to the fuel evaporation, endothermic and prolysis process
during ignition delay. An increased injection pressure makes spray tip
penetration longer and promotes a greater amount of fuel-air mixing
occurs during ignition delay. A greater quantity of fuel prepared
during ignition delay period thus predominantly promotes more rapid
heat release.
Abstract: Combustion of sprays is of technological importance, but its flame behavior is not fully understood. Furthermore, the multiplicity of dependent variables such as pressure, temperature, equivalence ratio, and droplet sizes complicates the study of spray combustion. Fundamental study on the influence of the presence of liquid droplets has revealed that laminar flames within aerosol mixtures more readily become unstable than for gaseous ones and this increases the practical burning rate. However, fundamental studies on turbulent flames of aerosol mixtures are limited particularly those under near mono-dispersed droplet conditions. In the present work, centrally ignited expanding flames at near atmospheric pressures are employed to quantify the burning rates in gaseous and aerosol flames. Iso-octane-air aerosols are generated by expansion of the gaseous pre-mixture to produce a homogeneously distributed suspension of fuel droplets. The effects of the presence of droplets and turbulence velocity in relation to the burning rates of the flame are also investigated.
Abstract: This paper demonstrates how the soft systems
methodology can be used to improve the delivery of a module in data warehousing for fourth year information technology students.
Graduates in information technology needs to have academic skills
but also needs to have good practical skills to meet the skills requirements of the information technology industry. In developing
and improving current data warehousing education modules one has to find a balance in meeting the expectations of various role players such as the students themselves, industry and academia. The soft
systems methodology, developed by Peter Checkland, provides a
methodology for facilitating problem understanding from different world views. In this paper it is demonstrated how the soft systems methodology can be used to plan the improvement of data
warehousing education for fourth year information technology students.
Abstract: Corner detection and optical flow are common techniques for feature-based video stabilization. However, these algorithms are computationally expensive and should be performed at a reasonable rate. This paper presents an algorithm for discarding irrelevant feature points and maintaining them for future use so as to improve the computational cost. The algorithm starts by initializing a maintained set. The feature points in the maintained set are examined against its accuracy for modeling. Corner detection is required only when the feature points are insufficiently accurate for future modeling. Then, optical flows are computed from the maintained feature points toward the consecutive frame. After that, a motion model is estimated based on the simplified affine motion model and least square method, with outliers belonging to moving objects presented. Studentized residuals are used to eliminate such outliers. The model estimation and elimination processes repeat until no more outliers are identified. Finally, the entire algorithm repeats along the video sequence with the points remaining from the previous iteration used as the maintained set. As a practical application, an efficient video stabilization can be achieved by exploiting the computed motion models. Our study shows that the number of times corner detection needs to perform is greatly reduced, thus significantly improving the computational cost. Moreover, optical flow vectors are computed for only the maintained feature points, not for outliers, thus also reducing the computational cost. In addition, the feature points after reduction can sufficiently be used for background objects tracking as demonstrated in the simple video stabilizer based on our proposed algorithm.
Abstract: The Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs), and the Wide World Web (WWW) have fundamentally
altered the practice of teaching and learning world wide. Many
universities, organizations, colleges and schools are trying to apply
the benefits of the emerging ICT. In the early nineties the term
learning object was introduced into the instructional technology
vernacular; the idea being that educational resources could be broken
into modular components for later combination by instructors,
learners, and eventually computes into larger structures that would
support learning [1]. However in many developing countries, the use
of ICT is still in its infancy stage and the concept of learning object
is quite new. This paper outlines the learning object design
considerations for developing countries depending on learning
environment.