Abstract: Among many agro- based cottage industries in India
sericulture has been promoted as an agro-based, labor intensive, rural
oriented cottage industry, providing gainful employment mainly to
the weaker and marginalized section of the society specially tribal.
Sericulture occupies the place of pride in the rural economy can be
practiced even with very low land holding, low gestation, high
returns make sericulture an ideal program, requiring little capital
investment. In 2010-2011 the employment in sericulture sector was
72.5 lakh persons. The involvement of landless rural people in tasar
sericulture is because they understood its potential for rural and tribal
upliftment. This article demonstrates that certain developmental
initiatives have been playing an important role in the socio-economic
progress of tribal masses in Raigarh district and explains the
increased returns from sericulture as a result of development
programs. The study concludes with some suggestions to improve the
long term feasibility of sericulture.
Abstract: Accurate evaluation of damping ratios involving soilstructure interaction (SSI) effects is the prerequisite for seismic design of in-situ buildings. This study proposes a combined approach to identify damping ratios of SSI systems based on ambient excitation technique. The proposed approach is illustrated with main test process, sampling principle and algorithm steps through an engineering example, as along with its feasibility and validity. The proposed approach is employed for damping ratio identification of 82 buildings in Xi-an, China. Based on the experimental data, the variation range and tendency of damping ratios of these SSI systems, along with the preliminary influence factor, are shown and discussed. In addition, a fitting curve indicates the relation between the damping ratio and fundamental natural period of SSI system.
Abstract: This paper presents a modified version of the
maximum urgency first scheduling algorithm. The maximum
urgency algorithm combines the advantages of fixed and dynamic
scheduling to provide the dynamically changing systems with
flexible scheduling. This algorithm, however, has a major
shortcoming due to its scheduling mechanism which may cause a
critical task to fail. The modified maximum urgency first scheduling
algorithm resolves the mentioned problem. In this paper, we propose
two possible implementations for this algorithm by using either
earliest deadline first or modified least laxity first algorithms for
calculating the dynamic priorities. These two approaches are
compared together by simulating the two algorithms. The earliest
deadline first algorithm as the preferred implementation is then
recommended. Afterwards, we make a comparison between our
proposed algorithm and maximum urgency first algorithm using
simulation and results are presented. It is shown that modified
maximum urgency first is superior to maximum urgency first, since it
usually has less task preemption and hence, less related overhead. It
also leads to less failed non-critical tasks in overloaded situations.
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: In this paper a real-time trajectory generation algorithm for computing 2-D optimal paths for autonomous aerial vehicles has been discussed. A dynamic programming approach is adopted to compute k-best paths by minimizing a cost function. Collision detection is implemented to detect intersection of the paths with obstacles. Our contribution is a novel approach to the problem of trajectory generation that is computationally efficient and offers considerable gain over existing techniques.
Abstract: Verification of real-time software systems can be
expensive in terms of time and resources. Testing is the main method
of proving correctness but has been shown to be a long and time
consuming process. Everyday engineers are usually unwilling to
adopt formal approaches to correctness because of the overhead
associated with developing their knowledge of such techniques.
Performance modelling techniques allow systems to be evaluated
with respect to timing constraints. This paper describes PARTES, a
framework which guides the extraction of performance models from
programs written in an annotated subset of C.
Abstract: The objective of this research was to determine the
potency of indigenous acid-aluminium tolerant Bradyrhizobium
japonicum as producer of indole acetic acid (IAA) and applied it as
nitrogen fixation on local soybeans viz Anjasmoro, Tanggamus
(yellow soybean seeds), and Detam (black soybean seed). Three
isolates of acid-aluminium tolerant Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BJ)
were used in this research, i.e. BJ 11 (wt), BJ 11 (19) - BJ 11(wt)
mutant, and USDA 110 as a reference isolate. All of isolates tested to
produce the IAA by using Salkowsky method. Effect of IAA
production by each of B. japonicum was tested on growth pouch and
greenhouse using three varieties of soybean. All isolates could grow
well and produce IAA on yeast mannitol broth (YMB) medium in
the presence of 0.5 mM L-tryptophan. BJ 11 (19) produced the
highest of IAA at 4 days incubation compared to BJ 11 (wt) and
USDA 110. All tested isolates of Bradyrhizobium japonicum have
showed effect on stimulating the formation of root nodules in
soybean varieties grown on Leonard bottle. The concentration of
IAA on root nodules of soybean symbiotic with B. japonicum was
significantly different with control, except on the treatment using
Tanggamus soybean.
Abstract: The use of buffer thresholds, blocking and adequate
service strategies are well-known techniques for computer networks
traffic congestion control. This motivates the study of series queues
with blocking, feedback (service under Head of Line (HoL) priority
discipline) and finite capacity buffers with thresholds. In this paper,
the external traffic is modelled using the Poisson process and the
service times have been modelled using the exponential distribution.
We consider a three-station network with two finite buffers, for
which a set of thresholds (tm1 and tm2) is defined. This computer
network behaves as follows. A task, which finishes its service at
station B, gets sent back to station A for re-processing with
probability o. When the number of tasks in the second buffer exceeds
a threshold tm2 and the number of task in the first buffer is less than
tm1, the fed back task is served under HoL priority discipline. In
opposite case, for fed backed tasks, “no two priority services in
succession" procedure (preventing a possible overflow in the first
buffer) is applied. Using an open Markovian queuing schema with
blocking, priority feedback service and thresholds, a closed form
cost-effective analytical solution is obtained. The model of servers
linked in series is very accurate. It is derived directly from a twodimensional
state graph and a set of steady-state equations, followed
by calculations of main measures of effectiveness. Consequently,
efficient expressions of the low computational cost are determined.
Based on numerical experiments and collected results we conclude
that the proposed model with blocking, feedback and thresholds can
provide accurate performance estimates of linked in series networks.
Abstract: The quality attributes and storage life of 'Jinhwang' mango fruit can be effectively maintained with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application and/or chitosan coating. 'Jinhwang' mango fruit was treated with 5 μl l-1 1-MCP for 12 h, dipped with 0.5 % chitosan, 5 μl l-1 1-MCP combine with 0.5 % chitosan and untreated (control) then stored at 10oC. Mango treated with 1-MCP maintained firmness, sucrose and starch content. Chitosan coating delayed firmness loss, sucrose content and the fruit decay when compare with control. Application of 1-MCP combine with chitosan also delayed firmness loss, sucrose content and starch content during storage. Furthermore, chitosan coating and combine treatment prolonged storage life of mango up to 29 days after storage while 1-MCP extended to 28 days after storage. Therefore, using all application of chitosan coating or 1-MCP combine with chitosan or 1-MCP in mango at 10oC is a feasible technology for maintains quality and prolongs storage life in order to expand marketability and export options.
Abstract: It is well known that surface enhancements play an important role in augmenting the thermal performance of flat plate solar collector. In this paper, an attempt is made to explain in a comparative way the effect of surface geometry of solar collector having dimple geometry with that of a flat plate solar collector of the same size. A CFD analysis was carried out for the two cases, subjected to a constant heat flux of 600W/m2 and 1000W/m2. It can be inferred from the study that the absorber plate temperature shows a rise of average surface temperature of about 50C for the dimple solar collector when compared to a flat plate solar collector. Most importantly, the average exit water temperature shows a marked improvement of about 5.50C for a dimple solar collector as compared to that of a flat plate solar collector.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical study on surface heat
transfer characteristics of laminar air flows in parallel-plate dimpled
channels. The two-dimensional numerical model is provided by
commercial code FLUENT and the results are obtained for channels
with symmetrically opposing hemi-cylindrical cavities onto both
walls for Reynolds number ranging from 1000 to 2500. The influence
of variations in relative depth of dimples (the ratio of cavity depth to
the cavity curvature diameter), the number of them and the thermophysical
properties of channel walls on heat transfer enhancement is
studied. The results are evident for existence of an optimum value for
the relative depth of dimples in which the largest wall heat flux and
average Nusselt number can be achieved. In addition, the results of
conjugation simulation indicate that the overall influence of the ratio
of wall thermal conductivity to the one of the fluid on heat transfer
rate is not much significant and can be ignored.
Abstract: A multiple-option analytical model for the evaluation of the energy performance and distribution of aerodynamic forces acting on a vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine depending on both rotor architecture and operating conditions is presented. For this purpose, a numerical algorithm, capable of generating the desired rotor conformation depending on design geometric parameters, is coupled to a Single/Double-Disk Multiple-Streamtube Blade Element – Momentum code. Both single and double-disk configurations are analyzed and model predictions are compared to literature experimental data in order to test the capability of the code for predicting rotor performance. Effective airfoil characteristics based on local blade Reynolds number are obtained through interpolation of literature low-Reynolds airfoil databases. Some corrections are introduced inside the original model with the aim of simulating also the effects of blade dynamic stall, rotor streamtube expansion and blade finite aspect ratio, for which a new empirical relationship to better fit the experimental data is proposed. In order to predict also open field rotor operation, a freestream wind shear profile is implemented, reproducing the effect of atmospheric boundary layer.
Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that there is a shortage of software developers, not only in South Africa, but also worldwide. Despite reports on a gap between industry needs and software education, the gap has mostly been explored in quantitative studies. This paper reports on the qualitative data of a mixed method study of the perceptions of professional software developers regarding what topics they learned from their formal education and the importance of these topics to their actual work. The analysis suggests that there is a gap between industry’s needs and software development education and the following recommendations are made: 1) Real-life projects must be included in students’ education; 2) Soft skills and business skills must be included in curricula; 3) Universities must keep the curriculum up to date; 4) Software development education must be made accessible to a diverse range of students.
Abstract: In this paper, the least-squares design of variable fractional-delay (VFD) finite impulse response (FIR) digital differentiators is proposed. The used transfer function is formulated so that Farrow structure can be applied to realize the designed system. Also, the symmetric characteristics of filter coefficients are derived, which leads to the complexity reduction by saving almost a half of the number of coefficients. Moreover, all the elements of related vectors or matrices for the optimal process can be represented in closed forms, which make the design easier. Design example is also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Abstract: Noise level has critical effects on the diagnostic
performance of signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG), because
the true starting and end points of QRS complex would be masked by
the residual noise and sensitive to the noise level. Several studies and
commercial machines have used a fixed number of heart beats
(typically between 200 to 600 beats) or set a predefined noise level
(typically between 0.3 to 1.0 μV) in each X, Y and Z lead to perform
SAECG analysis. However different criteria or methods used to
perform SAECG would cause the discrepancies of the noise levels
among study subjects. According to the recommendations of 1991
ESC, AHA and ACC Task Force Consensus Document for the use of
SAECG, the determinations of onset and offset are related closely to
the mean and standard deviation of noise sample. Hence this study
would try to perform SAECG using consistent root-mean-square
(RMS) noise levels among study subjects and analyze the noise level
effects on SAECG. This study would also evaluate the differences
between normal subjects and chronic renal failure (CRF) patients in
the time-domain SAECG parameters.
The study subjects were composed of 50 normal Taiwanese and 20
CRF patients. During the signal-averaged processing, different RMS
noise levels were adjusted to evaluate their effects on three time
domain parameters (1) filtered total QRS duration (fQRSD), (2) RMS
voltage of the last QRS 40 ms (RMS40), and (3) duration of the low
amplitude signals below 40 μV (LAS40). The study results
demonstrated that the reduction of RMS noise level can increase
fQRSD and LAS40 and decrease the RMS40, and can further increase
the differences of fQRSD and RMS40 between normal subjects and
CRF patients. The SAECG may also become abnormal due to the
reduction of RMS noise level. In conclusion, it is essential to establish
diagnostic criteria of SAECG using consistent RMS noise levels for
the reduction of the noise level effects.
Abstract: Creating3D environments, including characters and
cities, is a significantly time consuming process due to a large amount
of workinvolved in designing and modelling.There have been a
number of attempts to automatically generate 3D objects employing
shape grammars. However it is still too early to apply the mechanism
to real problems such as real-time computer games.The purpose of this
research is to introduce a time efficient and cost effective method to
automatically generatevarious 3D objects for real-time 3D games.
This Shape grammar-based real-time City Generation (RCG) model is
a conceptual model for generating 3Denvironments in real-time and
can be applied to 3D gamesoranimations. The RCG system can
generate even a large cityby applying fundamental principles of shape
grammars to building elementsin various levels of detailin real-time.
Abstract: The dispersion of heavy particles line in an isotropic
and incompressible three-dimensional turbulent flow has been
studied using the Kinematic Simulation techniques to find out the
evolution of the line fractal dimension. In this study, the fractal
dimension of the line is found for different cases of heavy particles
inertia (different Stokes numbers) in the absence of the particle
gravity with a comparison with the fractal dimension obtained in the
diffusion case of material line at the same Reynolds number. It can
be concluded for the dispersion of heavy particles line in turbulent
flow that the particle inertia affect the fractal dimension of a line
released in a turbulent flow for Stokes numbers 0.02 < St < 2. At the
beginning for small times, most of the different cases are not affected
by the inertia until a certain time, the particle response time τa, with
larger time as the particles inertia increases, the fractal dimension of
the line increases owing to the particles becoming more sensitive to
the small scales which cause the change in the line shape during its
journey.
Abstract: Reverse engineering of full-genomic interaction networks based on compendia of expression data has been successfully applied for a number of model organisms. This study adapts these approaches for an important non-model organism: The major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. During the infection process, the pathogen can adapt to a wide range of environmental niches and reversibly changes its growth form. Given the importance of these processes, it is important to know how they are regulated. This study presents a reverse engineering strategy able to infer fullgenomic interaction networks for C. albicans based on a linear regression, utilizing the sparseness criterion (LASSO). To overcome the limited amount of expression data and small number of known interactions, we utilize different prior-knowledge sources guiding the network inference to a knowledge driven solution. Since, no database of known interactions for C. albicans exists, we use a textmining system which utilizes full-text research papers to identify known regulatory interactions. By comparing with these known regulatory interactions, we find an optimal value for global modelling parameters weighting the influence of the sparseness criterion and the prior-knowledge. Furthermore, we show that soft integration of prior-knowledge additionally improves the performance. Finally, we compare the performance of our approach to state of the art network inference approaches.
Abstract: This article proposes a new methodology to be used by SMEs (Small and Medium enterprises) to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and area for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the principal causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a self-assessment methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. The methodology is organized in six different steps which includes gathering information about predetermined processes and subprocesses of quality management, defined based on the well-known Juran-s trilogy for quality management (Quality planning, quality control and quality improvement) and, predetermined results categories, defined based on quality concept. A set of tools for data collecting and analysis, such as interviews, flowcharts, process analysis diagrams and Failure Mode and effects Analysis (FMEA) are used. The article also presents the conclusions obtained in the application of the methodology in two cases studies.
Abstract: An optical fault monitoring in FTTH-PON using ACS
is demonstrated. This device can achieve real-time fault monitoring
for protection feeder fiber. In addition, the ACS can distinguish
optical fiber fault from the transmission services to other customers
in the FTTH-PON. It is essential to use a wavelength different from
the triple-play services operating wavelengths for failure detection.
ACS is using the operating wavelength 1625 nm for monitoring and
failure detection control. Our solution works on a standard local area
network (LAN) using a specially designed hardware interfaced with a
microcontroller integrated Ethernet.