Abstract: In this paper a very simple and effective user
administration view of computing clusters systems is implemented in
order of friendly provide the configuration and monitoring of
distributed application executions. The user view, the administrator
view, and an internal control module create an illusionary
management environment for better system usability. The
architecture, properties, performance, and the comparison with others
software for cluster management are briefly commented.
Abstract: The garment manufacturing industry involves
sequential processes that are subjected to uncontrollable variations.
The industry depends on the skill of labour in handling the varieties
of fabrics and accessories, machines, as well as complicated sewing
operation. Due to these reasons, garment manufacturers have created
systems to monitor and to control the quality of the products on a
regular basis by conducting quality approaches to minimize variation.
With that, the aim of this research has been to ascertain the quality
approaches deployed by Malaysian garment manufacturers in three
key areas - quality systems and tools; quality control and types of
inspection; as well as sampling procedures chosen for garment
inspection. Besides, the focus of this research was to distinguish the
quality approaches adopted by companies that supplied finished
garments to both domestic and international markets. Feedback from
each company representative has been obtained via online survey,
which comprised of five sections and 44 questions on the
organizational profile and the quality approaches employed in the
garment industry. As a result, the response rate was 31%. The results
revealed that almost all companies have established their own
mechanism of process control by conducting a series of quality
inspections for daily production, either it was formally set up or
otherwise. In addition, quality inspection has been the predominant
quality control activity in the garment manufacturing, while the level
of complexity of these activities was substantially dictated by the
customers. Moreover, AQL-based sampling was utilized by
companies dealing with exports, whilst almost all the companies that
only concentrated on the domestic market were comfortable using
their own sampling procedures for garment inspection. Hence, this
research has provided insights into the implementation of a number
of quality approaches that were perceived as important and useful in
the garment manufacturing sector, which is truly labour-intensive.
Abstract: South Africa is in its post-industrial era moving from
the primary and secondary sector to the tertiary sector. The study
investigated the impact of the disaggregated energy consumption
(coal, oil, and electricity) on the primary, secondary and tertiary
sectors of the economy between 1980 and 2012 in South Africa.
Using vector error correction model, it was established that South
Africa is an energy dependent economy, and that energy (especially
electricity and oil) is a limiting factor of growth. This implies that
implementation of energy conservation policies may hamper
economic growth. Output growth is significantly outpacing energy
supply, which has necessitated load shedding. To meet up the excess
energy demand, there is a need to increase the generating capacity
which will necessitate increased investment in the electricity sector as
well as strategic steps to increase oil production. There is also need to
explore more renewable energy sources, in order to meet the growing
energy demand without compromising growth and environmental
sustainability. Policy makers should also pursue energy efficiency
policies especially at sectoral level of the economy.
Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most important
stimulation techniques available to the petroleum engineer to extract
hydrocarbons in tight gas sandstones. It allows more oil and gas
production in tight reservoirs as compared to conventional means.
The main aim of the study is to optimize the hydraulic fracturing as
technique and for this purpose three multi-zones layer formation is
considered and fractured contemporaneously. The three zones are
named as Zone1 (upper zone), Zone2 (middle zone) and Zone3
(lower zone) respectively and they all occur in shale rock. Simulation was performed with Mfrac integrated software which
gives a variety of 3D fracture options. This simulation process
yielded an average fracture efficiency of 93.8%for the three
respective zones and an increase of the average permeability of the
rock system. An average fracture length of 909 ft with net height
(propped height) of 210 ft (average) was achieved. Optimum
fracturing results was also achieved with maximum fracture width of
0.379 inches at an injection rate of 13.01 bpm with 17995 Mscf of
gas production.
Abstract: In this work, repaired crack in 6061- T6 aluminum
plate with composite patches presented, firstly we determine the
displacement, strain and stress, also the first six mode shape of the
plate, secondly we took the same model adding central crack
initiation, which is located in the center of the plate, its seize vary
from 20 mm to 60 mm and we compare the first results with second.
Thirdly we repair various cracks with composite patch (carbon/
epoxy) and for (2 layers, 4 layers). Finally the comparison of stress,
strain, displacement and six first natural frequencies between un-cracked
specimen, crack propagation and composite patch repair.
Abstract: Obturator Foramen is a specific structure in Pelvic
bone images and recognition of it is a new concept in medical image
processing. Moreover, segmentation of bone structures such as
Obturator Foramen plays an essential role for clinical research in
orthopedics. In this paper, we present a novel method to analyze the
similarity between the substructures of the imaged region and a hand
drawn template as a preprocessing step for computation of Pelvic
bone rotation on hip radiographs. This method consists of integrated
usage of Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation and Zernike
moment feature descriptor and it is used to detect Obturator Foramen
accurately. Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation is applied to
separate Obturator Foramen from the background effectively. Then,
Zernike moment feature descriptor is used to provide matching
between binary template image and the segmented binary image for
final extraction of Obturator Foramens. Finally, Pelvic bone rotation
rate calculation for each hip radiograph is performed automatically to
select and eliminate hip radiographs for further studies which depend
on Pelvic bone angle measurements. The proposed method is tested
on randomly selected 100 hip radiographs. The experimental results
demonstrated that the proposed method is able to segment Obturator
Foramen with 96% accuracy.
Abstract: Mixed-use development is one of the most important
trends in new island house transformation along southeast coastal area
in China. Unique island geographical environment and profound
fishing village culture coexist for a long time in this. With artistic
creation for the purpose of the "live-work" houses are in a large
number of emergence, however, still lack of systematic strategy.
Based on space effect from marine resources to regional human
settlements, this article teases out the evolution regularity of island
settlement context and architectural form, then, puts forward the
formation mechanism and construction model of art island houses.
Thereby, to further explore space design method and site creation
strategy of mixed-use development.
Abstract: Detecting changes in multiple images of the same
scene has recently seen increased interest due to the many
contemporary applications including smart security systems, smart
homes, remote sensing, surveillance, medical diagnosis, weather
forecasting, speed and distance measurement, post-disaster forensics
and much more. These applications differ in the scale, nature, and
speed of change. This paper presents an application of image
processing techniques to implement a real-time change detection
system. Change is identified by comparing the RGB representation of
two consecutive frames captured in real-time. The detection threshold
can be controlled to account for various luminance levels. The
comparison result is passed through a filter before decision making to
reduce false positives, especially at lower luminance conditions. The
system is implemented with a MATLAB Graphical User interface
with several controls to manage its operation and performance.
Abstract: Presently various computational techniques are used
in modeling and analyzing environmental engineering data. In the
present study, an intra-comparison of polynomial and radial basis
kernel functions based on Support Vector Regression and, in turn, an
inter-comparison with Multi Linear Regression has been attempted in
modeling mass transfer capacity of vertical (θ = 90O) and inclined (θ
multiple plunging jets (varying from 1 to 16 numbers). The data set
used in this study consists of four input parameters with a total of
eighty eight cases, forty four each for vertical and inclined multiple
plunging jets. For testing, tenfold cross validation was used.
Correlation coefficient values of 0.971 and 0.981 along with
corresponding root mean square error values of 0.0025 and 0.0020
were achieved by using polynomial and radial basis kernel functions
based Support Vector Regression respectively. An intra-comparison
suggests improved performance by radial basis function in
comparison to polynomial kernel based Support Vector Regression.
Further, an inter-comparison with Multi Linear Regression
(correlation coefficient = 0.973 and root mean square error = 0.0024)
reveals that radial basis kernel functions based Support Vector
Regression performs better in modeling and estimating mass transfer
by multiple plunging jets.
Abstract: The current study focuses on the seismic design of
offshore pipelines against active faults. After an extensive literature
review of the provisions of the seismic norms worldwide and of the
available analytical methods, the study simulates numerically
(through finite-element modeling and strain-based criteria) the
distress of offshore pipelines subjected to PGDs induced by active
normal and reverse seismic faults at the seabed. Factors, such as the
geometrical properties of the fault, the mechanical properties of the
ruptured soil formations, and the pipeline characteristics, are
examined. After some interesting conclusions regarding the seismic
vulnerability of offshore pipelines, potential cost-effective mitigation
measures are proposed taking into account constructability issues.
Abstract: Annihilations, phase shifts, scattering lengths and
elastic cross sections of low energy positrons scattering from
magnesium atoms were studied using the least-squares variational
method (LSVM). The possibility of positron binding to the
magnesium atoms is investigated. A trial wave function is suggested
to represent e+-Mg elastic scattering and scattering parameters were
derived to estimate the binding energy and annihilation rates. The
trial function is taken to depend on several adjustable parameters, and
is improved iteratively by increasing the number of terms. The
present results have the same behavior as reported semi-empirical,
theoretical and experimental results. Especially, the estimated
positive scattering length supports the possibility of positronmagnesium
bound state system that was confirmed in previous
experimental and theoretical work.
Abstract: A clay soil classified as A-7-6 and CH soil according
to AASHTO and unified soil classification system respectively, was
stabilized using A-3 soil (AASHTO soil classification system). The
clay soil was replaced with 0%, 10%, 20%, to 100% A-3 soil,
compacted at both British Standard Light (BSL) and British Standard
Heavy (BSH) compaction energy levels and using Unconfined
Compressive Strength (UCS) as evaluation criteria. The Maximum
Dry Density (MDD) of the treated soils at both the BSL and BSH
compaction energy levels showed increase from 0% to 40% A-3 soil
replacement after which the values reduced to 100% replacement.
The trend of the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) with varied A-3
soil replacement was similar to that of MDD but in a reversed order.
The OMC reduced from 0% to 40% A-3 soil replacement after which
the values increased to 100% replacement. This trend was attributed
to the observed reduction in void ratio from 0% to 40% replacement
after which the void ratio increased to 100% replacement. The
maximum UCS for the soil at varied A-3 soil replacement increased
from 272 and 770 kN/m2 for BSL and BSH compaction energy level
at 0% replacement to 295 and 795 kN/m2 for BSL and BSH
compaction energy level respectively at 10% replacement after which
the values reduced to 22 and 60 kN/m2 for BSL and BSH compaction
energy level respectively at 70% replacement. Beyond 70%
replacement, the mixtures could not be moulded for UCS test.
Abstract: Adequate and reliable estimates of aquifer parameters
are of utmost importance for proper management of vital
groundwater resources. At present scenario, the ground water is
polluted because of industrial waste disposed over the land and the
contaminants are transported in the aquifer from one area to another
area, which is depending on the characteristics of the aquifer and
contaminants. To know the contaminant transport, the accurate
estimation of aquifer properties is highly needed. Conventionally,
these properties are estimated through pumping tests carried out on
water wells. The occurrence and movement of ground water in the
aquifer are characteristically defined by the aquifer parameters. The
pumping (aquifer) test is the standard technique for estimating
various hydraulic properties of aquifer systems, viz., transmissivity
(T), hydraulic conductivity (K), storage coefficient (S) etc., for which
the graphical method is widely used. The study area for conducting
pumping test is Pydibheemavaram Industrial area near the coastal
belt of Srikulam, AP, India. The main objective of the present work is
to estimate the aquifer properties for developing contaminant
transport model for the study area.
Abstract: In a world characterized by greed and the lust for
power and its attendant trappings, abuse of legal power is nothing
new to most of us. Legal abuses of power abound in all fields of
human endeavour. Accounts of such abuses dominate the mass media
and for the average individual, no single day goes by without his
getting to hear about at least one such occurrence. This paper briefly
looks at the meaning of legal power, what legal abuse is all about, its
causes, and some of its manifestations in the society. Its
consequences will also be discussed and some suggestions for reform
will be made. In the course of the paper, references will be made to
various jurisdictions around the world.
Abstract: To study the dynamic mechanics response of asphalt
pavement under the temperature load and vehicle loading, asphalt
pavement was regarded as multilayered elastic half-space system, and
theory analysis was conducted by regarding dynamic modulus of
asphalt mixture as the parameter. Firstly, based on the dynamic
modulus test of asphalt mixture, function relationship between the
dynamic modulus of representative asphalt mixture and temperature
was obtained. In addition, the analytical solution for thermal stress in
single layer was derived by using Laplace integral transformation and
Hankel integral transformation respectively by using thermal
equations of equilibrium. The analytical solution of calculation model
of thermal stress in asphalt pavement was derived by transfer matrix
of thermal stress in multilayer elastic system. Finally, the variation of
thermal stress in pavement structure was analyzed. The result shows
that there is obvious difference between the thermal stress based on
dynamic modulus and the solution based on static modulus. So the
dynamic change of parameter in asphalt mixture should be taken into
consideration when theoretical analysis is taken out.
Abstract: The traditional rhythms of the West African country
of Guinea have played a centuries-long role in defining the different
people groups that make up the country. Throughout their history,
before and since colonization by the French, the different ethnicities
have used their traditional music as a distinct part of their historical
identities. That is starting to change. Guinea is an impoverished
nation created in the early twentieth-century with little regard for the
history and cultures of the people who were included. The traditional
rhythms of the different people groups and their heritages have
remained. Fifteen individual traditional Guinean rhythms were
chosen to represent popular rhythms from the four geographical
regions of Guinea. Each rhythm was traced back to its native village
and video recorded on-site by as many different local performing
groups as could be located. The cyclical patterns rhythms were
transcribed via a circular, spatial design and then copied into a box
notation system where sounds happening at the same time could be
studied. These rhythms were analyzed for their consistency-overperformance
in a Fundamental Rhythm Pattern analysis so rhythms
could be compared for how they are changing through different
performances. The analysis showed that the traditional rhythm
performances of the Middle and Forest Guinea regions were the most
cohesive and showed the least evidence of change between
performances. The role of music in each of these regions is both
limited and focused. The Coastal and High Guinea regions have
much in common historically through their ethnic history and
modern-day trade connections, but the rhythm performances seem to
be less consistent and demonstrate more changes in how they are
performed today. In each of these regions the role and usage of music
is much freer and wide-spread. In spite of advances being made as a
country, different ethnic groups still frequently only respond and
participate (dance and sing) to the music of their native ethnicity.
There is some evidence that this self-imposed musical barrier is
beginning to change and evolve, partially through the development of
better roads, more access to electricity and technology, the nationwide
Ebola health crisis, and a growing self-identification as a
unified nation.
Abstract: The relationship dependence between RSS and distance
in an enclosed environment is an important consideration because it is
a factor that can influence the reliability of any localization algorithm
founded on RSS. Several algorithms effectively reduce the variance of
RSS to improve localization or accuracy performance. Our proposed
algorithm essentially avoids this pitfall and consequently, its high
adaptability in the face of erratic radio signal. Using 3 anchors in
close proximity of each other, we are able to establish that RSS can be
used as reliable indicator for localization with an acceptable degree of
accuracy. Inherent in this concept, is the ability for each prospective
anchor to validate (guarantee) the position or the proximity of the
other 2 anchors involved in the localization and vice versa. This
procedure ensures that the uncertainties of radio signals due to
multipath effects in enclosed environments are minimized. A major
driver of this idea is the implicit topological relationship among
sensors due to raw radio signal strength. The algorithm is an area
based algorithm; however, it does not trade accuracy for precision
(i.e the size of the returned area).
Abstract: Cryosorption pumps are considered safe, quiet, and
ultra-high vacuum production pumps which have their application
from Semiconductor industries to ITER [International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor] units. The principle of physisorption of gases
over highly porous materials like activated charcoal at cryogenic
temperatures (below -1500°C) is involved in determining the
pumping speed of gases like Helium, Hydrogen, Argon, and
Nitrogen. This paper aims at providing detailed overview of
development of Cryosorption pump and characterization of different
activated charcoal materials that optimizes the performance of the
pump. Different grades of charcoal were tested in order to determine
the pumping speed of the pump and were compared with
commercially available Varian cryopanel. The results for bare panel,
bare panel with adhesive, cryopanel with pellets, and cryopanel with
granules were obtained and compared. The comparison showed that
cryopanel adhered with small granules gave better pumping speeds
than large sized pellets.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an application of Riemannian
geometry for processing non-Euclidean image data. We consider the
image as residing in a Riemannian manifold, for developing a new
method to brain edge detection and brain extraction. Automating this
process is a challenge due to the high diversity in appearance brain
tissue, among different patients and sequences. The main contribution, in this paper, is the use of an edge-based
anisotropic diffusion tensor for the segmentation task by integrating
both image edge geometry and Riemannian manifold (geodesic,
metric tensor) to regularize the convergence contour and extract
complex anatomical structures. We check the accuracy of the
segmentation results on simulated brain MRI scans of single
T1-weighted, T2-weighted and Proton Density sequences. We
validate our approach using two different databases: BrainWeb
database, and MRI Multiple sclerosis Database (MRI MS DB). We
have compared, qualitatively and quantitatively, our approach with
the well-known brain extraction algorithms. We show that using
a Riemannian manifolds to medical image analysis improves the
efficient results to brain extraction, in real time, outperforming the
results of the standard techniques.
Abstract: Maintaining factory default battery endurance rate
over time in supporting huge amount of running applications on
energy-restricted mobile devices has created a new challenge for
mobile applications developer. While delivering customers’
unlimited expectations, developers are barely aware of efficient use
of energy from the application itself. Thus, developers need a set of
valid energy consumption indicators in assisting them to develop
energy saving applications. In this paper, we present a few software
product metrics that can be used as an indicator to measure energy
consumption of Android-based mobile applications in the early of
design stage. In particular, Trepn Profiler (Power profiling tool for
Qualcomm processor) has used to collect the data of mobile
application power consumption, and then analyzed for the 23
software metrics in this preliminary study. The results show that
McCabe cyclomatic complexity, number of parameters, nested block
depth, number of methods, weighted methods per class, number of
classes, total lines of code and method lines have direct relationship
with power consumption of mobile application.