Abstract: The traditional software product and process metrics
are neither suitable nor sufficient in measuring the complexity of
software components, which ultimately is necessary for quality and
productivity improvement within organizations adopting CBSE.
Researchers have proposed a wide range of complexity metrics for
software systems. However, these metrics are not sufficient for
components and component-based system and are restricted to the
module-oriented systems and object-oriented systems. In this
proposed study it is proposed to find the complexity of the JavaBean
Software Components as a reflection of its quality and the component
can be adopted accordingly to make it more reusable. The proposed
metric involves only the design issues of the component and does not
consider the packaging and the deployment complexity. In this way,
the software components could be kept in certain limit which in turn
help in enhancing the quality and productivity.
Abstract: Towards the end of 19th century, the discovery of tin
and the growing importance of rubber, had led Malaya to once again
become the centre of attraction to western colonization, which later
on caused the region to be influxed by cheap labour from China and
India. One of the factors which attracted the alien communities was
the characteristics of social relation offered by the Malays. If one
analyzes the history of social relation of the Malays either among
themselves or their relation with alien communities, it is apparent that
the community places high regards to values such as tolerant,
cooperative, respectful and helpful with each other. In fact, all these
values are deeply rooted in the value of 'budi'. With the arrival of
Islam, the value of 'budi' had been well assimilated with Islamic
values thus giving birth to the value of 'budi-Islam'. Through 'budi-
Islam', the Malay conducted their dealings with British as well the
other communities during the time of peace or conflict. This value is
well nurtured due to the geographical circumstances like the fertile,
naturally rich land and bountiful marine life. Besides, a set of Malay
customs known as 'adat' custom contributed in enhancing the values
of budi.
Abstract: A high performance computer includes a fast
processor and millions bytes of memory. During the data processing,
huge amount of information are shuffled between the memory and
processor. Because of its small size and its effectiveness speed, cache
has become a common feature of high performance computers.
Enhancing cache performance proved to be essential in the speed up
of cache-based computers. Most enhancement approaches can be
classified as either software based or hardware controlled. The
performance of the cache is quantified in terms of hit ratio or miss
ratio. In this paper, we are optimizing the cache performance based
on enhancing the cache hit ratio. The optimum cache performance is
obtained by focusing on the cache hardware modification in the way
to make a quick rejection to the missed line's tags from the hit-or
miss comparison stage, and thus a low hit time for the wanted line in
the cache is achieved. In the proposed technique which we called
Even- Odd Tabulation (EOT), the cache lines come from the main
memory into cache are classified in two types; even line's tags and
odd line's tags depending on their Least Significant Bit (LSB). This
division is exploited by EOT technique to reject the miss match line's
tags in very low time compared to the time spent by the main
comparator in the cache, giving an optimum hitting time for the
wanted cache line. The high performance of EOT technique against
the familiar mapping technique FAM is shown in the simulated
results.
Abstract: In Algeria, liberalization reforms undertaken since the 1990s have resulted in negative effects on the development and management of irrigation schemes, as well as on the conditions of farmers. Reforms have been undertaken to improve the performance of irrigation schemes, such as the national plan of agricultural development (PNDA) in 2000 and the water pricing policy of 2005. However, after implementation of these policies, questions have arisen with regard to irrigation performance and its suitability for agricultural development. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide insight into the profitability of irrigation during the transition period under current irrigation agricultural policies in Algeria. By using the method of farm crop budget analysis in the East Mitidja irrigation scheme, the returns from using surface water resources based on farm typology were found to vary among crops and farmers- groups within the scheme. Irrigation under the current situation is profitable for all farmers, including both those who benefit from subsidies and those who do not. However, the returns to water were found to be very sensitive to crop price fluctuations, particularly for non-subsidized groups and less so for those whose farming is based on orchards. Moreover, the socio-economic environment of the farmers contributed to less significant impacts of the PNDA policy. In fact, the limiting factor is not only the water, but also the lack of land ownership title. Market access constraints led to less agricultural investment and therefore to low intensification and low water productivity. It is financially feasible to recover the annual O&M costs in the irrigation scheme. By comparing the irrigation water price, returns to water, and O&M costs of water delivery, it is clear that irrigation can be profitable in the future. However, water productivity must be improved by enhancing farmers- income through farming investment, improving assets access, and the allocation of activities and crops which bring high returns to water; this could allow the farmers to pay more for water and allow cost recovery for water systems.
Abstract: Renewable natural fibres such as oil palm, flax, and
pineapple leaf can be utilized to obtain new high performance
polymer materials. The reuse of waste natural fibres as reinforcement
for polymer is a sustainable option to the environment. However, due
to its high hydroxyl content of cellulose, natural fibres are
susceptible to absorb water that affects the composite mechanical
properties adversely. Research found that Nano materials such as
Nano Silica Carbide (n-SiC) and Nano Clay can be added into the
polymer composite to overcome this problem by enhancing its
mechanical properties in wet condition. The addition of Nano
material improves the tensile and wear properties, flexural stressstrain
behaviour, fracture toughness, and fracture strength of polymer
natural composites in wet and dry conditions.
Abstract: This paper reviews the optimization available
transmission capability (ATC) of power systems using a device of
FACTS named SSSC equipped with energy storage devices. So that,
emplacement and improvement of parameters of SSSC will be
illustrated. Thus, voltage magnitude constraints of network buses,
line transient stability constraints and voltage breakdown constraints
are considered. To help the calculations, a comprehensive program in
DELPHI is provided, which is able to simulate and trace the
parameters of SSSC has been installed on a specific line.
Furthermore, the provided program is able to compute ATC, TTC
and maximum value of their enhancement after using SSSC.
Abstract: One of the main challenges for one phase anaerobic digestion processes is the high concentration of NH4+ and PO4 3- ions
in the digested sludge supernatant. This project focuses on enhancing the removal of nutrients during the anaerobic digestion process through fixing both NH4+ and PO4 3- ions in the form of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate, MAP, MgNH4PO4.6H2O) within the anaerobic sludge. Batch anaerobic digestion tests showed that Mg2+ concentration in the range 279 – 812 mg/L had insignificant effect on CGP but incurred a slight increase in COD removal. The reactor that had soluble Mg2+:NH4+:PO43- at a molar ratio of 1.28:1:00:1:00 achieved the best performance enhancement of 8% increase in COD removal and 32% reduction in NH4+ in the reactor supernatant. Overall, the results show that there is a potential to optimise conventional anaerobic digestion such that supernatant lean in P and N, and sludge rich in nutrients are obtained.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of the authors in designing, experimenting, assessing and transferring an innovative approach to energy education in secondary schools, aimed to enhance the quality of learning in terms of didactic curricula and pedagogic methods. The training is online delivered to youngsters via e-Books and portals specially designed for this purpose or by learning by doing via interactive games. An online educational methodology is available teachers.
Abstract: Artificial Immune System is adopted as a Heuristic
Algorithm to solve the combinatorial problems for decades.
Nevertheless, many of these applications took advantage of the benefit
for applications but seldom proposed approaches for enhancing the
efficiency. In this paper, we continue the previous research to develop
a Self-evolving Artificial Immune System II via coordinating the T
and B cell in Immune System and built a block-based artificial
chromosome for speeding up the computation time and better
performance for different complexities of problems. Through the
design of Plasma cell and clonal selection which are relative the
function of the Immune Response. The Immune Response will help
the AIS have the global and local searching ability and preventing
trapped in local optima. From the experimental result, the significant
performance validates the SEAIS II is effective when solving the
permutation flows-hop problems.
Abstract: Natural ventilation is an important means to improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce the energy consumption. A solar chimney system is an enhancing natural draft device, which uses solar radiation to heat the air inside the chimney, thereby converting the thermal energy into kinetic energy. The present study considered some parameters such as chimney width and solar intensity, which were believed to have a significant effect on space ventilation. Fluent CFD software was used to predict buoyant air flow and flow rates in the cavities. The results were compared with available published experimental and theoretical data from the literature. There was an acceptable trend match between the present results and the published data for the room air change per hour, ACH. Further, it was noticed that the solar intensity has a more significant effect on ACH.
Abstract: The Norwegian Military Academy (Army) has
initiated a project with the main ambition to explore possible avenues
to enhancing operational effectiveness through an increased use of
simulation-based training and exercises. Within a cost/benefit
framework, we discuss opportunities and limitations of vertical and
horizontal integration of the existing tactical training system. Vertical
integration implies expanding the existing training system to span the
full range of training from tactical level (platoon, company) to
command and staff level (battalion, brigade). Horizontal integration
means including other domains than army tactics and staff
procedures in the training, such as military ethics, foreign languages,
leadership and decision making. We discuss each of the integration
options with respect to purpose and content of training, "best
practice" for organising and conducting simulation-based training,
and suggest how to evaluate training procedures and measure
learning outcomes. We conclude by giving guidelines towards further
explorative work and possible implementation.
Abstract: In this paper, we focus on the fusion of images from
different sources using multiresolution wavelet transforms. Based on
reviews of popular image fusion techniques used in data analysis,
different pixel and energy based methods are experimented. A novel
architecture with a hybrid algorithm is proposed which applies pixel
based maximum selection rule to low frequency approximations and
filter mask based fusion to high frequency details of wavelet
decomposition. The key feature of hybrid architecture is the
combination of advantages of pixel and region based fusion in a
single image which can help the development of sophisticated
algorithms enhancing the edges and structural details. A Graphical
User Interface is developed for image fusion to make the research
outcomes available to the end user. To utilize GUI capabilities for
medical, industrial and commercial activities without MATLAB
installation, a standalone executable application is also developed
using Matlab Compiler Runtime.
Abstract: Online learning with Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is becoming very popular where the system models the student-s learning behavior and presents to the student the learning material (content, questions-answers, assignments) accordingly. In today-s distributed computing environment, the tutoring system can take advantage of networking to utilize the model for a student for students from other similar groups. In the present paper we present a methodology where using Case Based Reasoning (CBR), ITS provides student modeling for online learning in a distributed environment with the help of agents. The paper describes the approach, the architecture, and the agent characteristics for such system. This concept can be deployed to develop ITS where the tutor can author and the students can learn locally whereas the ITS can model the students- learning globally in a distributed environment. The advantage of such an approach is that both the learning material (domain knowledge) and student model can be globally distributed thus enhancing the efficiency of ITS with reducing the bandwidth requirement and complexity of the system.
Abstract: This paper invites to dialogue and reflections on
innovation and entrepreneurship by presenting concepts of innovation
leading to the introduction of a complex theoretical framework;
Cooperative Innovation (CO-IN). CO-IN is a didactic model
enhancing and scaffolding processes of cooperation creating
innovation drawing on a Scandinavian tradition.
CO-IN is based on a cross-sectorial and multidisciplinary
approach. We introduce the concept of complementarity to help
capture the validity of diversity and we suggest the concept of “the
space in between" to understand the creation of identity as a
collective mind. We see dialogue and the use of multi modal
techniques as essential tools for conceptualizations giving possibility
for clarification of the complexity and diversity leading to decision
making based on knowledge as commons.
We introduce the didactic design and present our empirical
findings from an innovation workshop in Argentina. In a final
paragraph we reflect on the design as a support of the development of
common ground, collective mind and collective action and the
creation of knowledge as commons to facilitate innovation and
entrepreneurship.
Abstract: Phrases has a long history in information retrieval, particularly in commercial systems. Implicit semantic relationship between words in a form of BaseNP have shown significant improvement in term of precision in many IR studies. Our research focuses on linguistic phrases which is language dependent. Our results show that using BaseNP can improve performance although above 62% of words formation in Malay Language based on derivational affixes and suffixes.
Abstract: The complex structure of lignocellulose leads to great
difficulties in converting it to fermentable sugars for the ethanol
production. The major hydrolysis impediments are the crystallinity of
cellulose and the lignin content. To improve the efficiency of
enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial pretreatment of corncob was
investigated using two bacterial strains of Bacillus subtilis A 002 and
Cellulomonas sp. TISTR 784 (expected to break open the crystalline
part of cellulose) and lignin-degrading fungus, Phanerochaete
sordida SK7 (expected to remove lignin from lignocellulose). The
microbial pretreatment was carried out with each strain under its
optimum conditions. The pretreated corncob samples were further
hydrolyzed to produce reducing glucose with low amounts of
commercial cellulase (25 U·g-1 corncob) from Aspergillus niger. The
corncob samples were determined for composition change by X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),
and scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the results,
the microbial pretreatment with fungus, P. sordida SK7 was the most
effective for enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis, approximately, 40%
improvement.
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a new routing protocol for
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that equipped with directional
antenna. We named this protocol Directional Optimized Link State
Routing Protocol (DOLSR). This protocol is based on the well
known protocol that is called Optimized Link State Routing Protocol
(OLSR). We focused in our protocol on the multipoint relay (MPR)
concept which is the most important feature of this protocol. We
developed a heuristic that allows DOLSR protocol to minimize
the number of the multipoint relays. With this new protocol the
number of overhead packets will be reduced and the End-to-End
delay of the network will also be minimized. We showed through
simulation that our protocol outperformed Optimized Link State
Routing Protocol, Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol and Ad-
Hoc On demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol in
reducing the End-to-End delay and enhancing the overall
throughput. Our evaluation of the previous protocols was based
on the OPNET network simulation tool.
Abstract: Limited competition has been a serious concern in infrastructure procurement. Importantly, however, there are normally a number of potential bidders initially showing interest in proposed projects. This paper focuses on tackling the question why these initially interested bidders fade out. An empirical problem is that no bids of fading-out firms are observable. They could decide not to enter the process at the beginning of the tendering or may be technically disqualified at any point in the selection process. The paper applies the double selection model to procurement data from road development projects in developing countries and shows that competition ends up restricted, because bidders are self-selective and auctioneers also tend to limit participation depending on the size of contracts.Limited competition would likely lead to high infrastructure procurement costs, threatening fiscal sustainability and economic growth.
Abstract: Shadow detection is still considered as one of the
potential challenges for intelligent automated video surveillance
systems. A pre requisite for reliable and accurate detection and
tracking is the correct shadow detection and classification. In such a
landscape of conditions, privacy issues add more and more
complexity and require reliable shadow detection.
In this work the intertwining between security, accuracy,
reliability and privacy is analyzed and, accordingly, a novel
architecture for Privacy Enhancing Video Surveillance (PEVS) is
introduced. Shadow detection and masking are dealt with through the
combination of two different approaches simultaneously. This results
in a unique privacy enhancement, without affecting security.
Subsequently, the methodology was employed successfully in a
large-scale wireless video surveillance system; privacy relevant
information was stored and encrypted on the unit, without
transferring it over an un-trusted network.
Abstract: This study aims at investigating factors in research
and development (R&D) growth and exploring the role of R&D
management in enhancing social innovation and productivity
improvement in Iran-s industrial sector. It basically explores the
common types of R&D activities and the industries which benefited
the most from active R&D units in Iran. The researchers generated
qualitative analyses obtained from primary and secondary data.
The primary data have been retrieved through interviews with five
key players (Managing Director, Internal Manager, General Manager,
Executive Manager, and Project Manager) in the industrial sector.
The secondary data acquired from an investigation on Mazandaran, a
province of northern Iran. The findings highlight Iran-s focuses of R
& D on cost reduction and upgrading productivity. Industries that
have benefited the most from active R&D units are metallic,
machinery and equipment design, and automotive.
We rank order the primary effects of R&D on productivity
improvement as follows, industry improvement, economic growth,
using professional human resources, generating productivity and
creativity culture, creating a competitive and innovative environment,
and increasing people-s knowledge.
Generally, low budget dedication and insufficient supply of highly
skilled scientists and engineers are two important obstacles for R&D
in Iran. Whereas, R&D has resulted in improvement in Iranian
society, transfer of contemporary knowledge into the international
market is still lacking.