Abstract: The need to merge software artifacts seems inherent
to modern software development. Distribution of development over
several teams and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable
pieces are an effective means to deal with the kind of complexity. In
each case, the separately developed artifacts need to be assembled as
efficiently as possible into a consistent whole in which the parts still
function as described. In addition, earlier changes are introduced into
the life cycle and easier is their management by designers.
Interaction-based specifications such as UML sequence diagrams
have been found effective in this regard. As a result, sequence
diagrams can be used not only for capturing system behaviors but
also for merging changes in order to create a new version. The
objective of this paper is to suggest a new approach to deal with the
problem of software merging at the level of sequence diagrams by
using the concept of dependence analysis that captures, formally, all
mapping, and differences between elements of sequence diagrams
and serves as a key concept to create a new version of sequence
diagram.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a comparative study of three
methods of 2D face recognition system such as: Iso-Geodesic Curves
(IGC), Geodesic Distance (GD) and Geodesic-Intensity Histogram
(GIH). These approaches are based on computing of geodesic
distance between points of facial surface and between facial curves.
In this study we represented the image at gray level as a 2D surface in
a 3D space, with the third coordinate proportional to the intensity
values of pixels. In the classifying step, we use: Neural Networks
(NN), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machines
(SVM). The images used in our experiments are from two wellknown
databases of face images ORL and YaleB. ORL data base was
used to evaluate the performance of methods under conditions where
the pose and sample size are varied, and the database YaleB was used
to examine the performance of the systems when the facial
expressions and lighting are varied.
Abstract: This paper aims to determine Fundamental Natural
Frequency (FNF) of a structural composite floor system known as
Chromite. To achieve this purpose, FNFs of studied panels are
determined by development of Finite Element Models (FEMs) in
ABAQUS program. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
code in Steel Design Guide Series 11 presents a fundamental formula
to calculate FNF of a steel framed floor system. This formula has
been used to verify results of the FEMs. The variability in the FNF of
the studied system under various parameters such as dimensions of
floor, boundary conditions, rigidity of main and secondary beams
around the floor, thickness of concrete slab, height of composite
joists, distance between composite joists, thickness of top and bottom
flanges of the open web steel joists, and adding tie beam
perpendicular on the composite joists, is determined. The results
show that changing in dimensions of the system, its boundary
conditions, rigidity of main beam, and also adding tie beam,
significant changes the FNF of the system up to 452.9%, 50.8%, -
52.2%, %52.6%, respectively. In addition, increasing thickness of
concrete slab increases the FNF of the system up to 10.8%.
Furthermore, the results demonstrate that variation in rigidity of
secondary beam, height of composite joist, and distance between
composite joists, and thickness of top and bottom flanges of open
web steel joists insignificant changes the FNF of the studied system
up to -0.02%, -3%, -6.1%, and 0.96%, respectively. Finally, the
results of this study help designer predict occurrence of resonance,
comfortableness, and design criteria of the studied system.
Abstract: The effect of molybdate addition to chloride
environment on resistance of AISI 316Ti stainless steel to pitting
corrosion was studied. Potentiodynamic polarisation tests were
performed in 1 M and 0.1 M chloride acidified solutions with various
additions of sodium molybdate at room temperature. The presented
results compare the effect of molybdate anions on quality of passive
film (expressed by the pitting potential) in both chloride solutions.
The pitting potential increases with the increase inhibitor
concentration. The inhibitive effect of molybdate ions is stronger in
chloride solution of lower aggressiveness (0.1M).
Abstract: Ocean current is always available around the
surrounding of SHELL Sabah Water Platform and data are collected
every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, for a period of 365 days. Due to
low current speed, conventional hydrokinetic power generation is not
feasible, thus leading to the study of low current enabled vortex
induced vibration power generation application. In this case, the
design of a vortex induced vibration application is studied to obtain
an optimum design for the VIV oscillator. Power output is then
determined to study the feasibility of the VIV application in low
current condition.
Abstract: Due to the fast and flawless technological innovation
there is a tremendous amount of data dumping all over the world in
every domain such as Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, Spatial
Data Mining, Image Analysis, Fraudulent Analysis, World Wide
Web etc., This issue turns to be more essential for developing several
tools for data mining functionalities. The major aim of this paper is to
analyze various tools which are used to build a resourceful analytical
or descriptive model for handling large amount of information more
efficiently and user friendly. In this survey the diverse tools are
illustrated with their extensive technical paradigm, outstanding
graphical interface and inbuilt multipath algorithms in which it is
very useful for handling significant amount of data more indeed.
Abstract: This paper studies a mathematical model based on the
integral equations for dynamic analyzes numerical investigations of a
non-uniform or multi-material composite beam. The beam is
subjected to a sub-tangential follower force and elastic foundation.
The boundary conditions are represented by generalized
parameterized fixations by the linear and rotary springs. A
mathematical formula based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is
presented for beams with variable cross-sections. The non-uniform
section introduces non-uniformity in the rigidity and inertia of beams
and consequently, more complicated equilibrium who governs the
equation. Using the boundary element method and radial basis
functions, the equation of motion is reduced to an algebro-differential
system related to internal and boundary unknowns. A generalized
formula for the deflection, the slope, the moment and the shear force
are presented. The free vibration of non-uniform loaded beams is
formulated in a compact matrix form and all needed matrices are
explicitly given. The dynamic stability analysis of slender beam is
illustrated numerically based on the coalescence criterion. A realistic
case related to an industrial chimney is investigated.
Abstract: This paper presents comparative analysis of
photovoltaic systems (PVS) and propose practical techniques to
improve operational efficiency of the PVS. The best engineering and
construction practices for PVS are identified and field oriented
recommendation are made. Comparative analysis of central and
string inverter based, as well as 600 and 1000VDC PVS are
performed. In addition, direct current (DC) and alternating current
(AC) photovoltaic (PV) module based systems are compared.
Comparison shows that 1000V DC String Inverters based PVS is the
best choice.
Abstract: New and more powerful communications technologies
continue to emerge at a rapid pace and their uses in education are
widespread and the impact remarkable in the developing societies.
This study investigates Mobile Collaboration Learning Technique
(MCLT) on learners’ outcome among students in tertiary institutions
of developing nations (a case of Nigeria students). It examines the
significance of retention achievement scores of students taught using
mobile collaboration and conventional method. The sample consisted
of 120 students using Stratified random sampling method. Five
research questions and hypotheses were formulated, and tested at
0.05 level of significance. A student achievement test (SAT) was
made of 40 items of multiple-choice objective type, developed and
validated for data collection by professionals. The SAT was
administered to students as pre-test and post-test. The data were
analyzed using t-test statistic to test the hypotheses. The result
indicated that students taught using MCLT performed significantly
better than their counterparts using the conventional method of
instruction. Also, there was no significant difference in the post-test
performance scores of male and female students taught using MCLT.
Based on the findings, the following submissions was made that:
Mobile collaboration system be encouraged in the institutions to
boost knowledge sharing among learners, workshop and training
should be organized to train teachers on the use of this technique,
schools and government should consistently align curriculum
standard to trends of technological dictates and formulate policies
and procedures towards responsible use of MCLT.
Abstract: The growing concerns for physical wellbeing and
health have been reflected in the way we choose food in our table.
Nowadays, we are all more informed consumers and choose healthier
foods. On the other hand, stroke, cancer and atherosclerosis may be
somehow minimized by the intake of some bioactive compounds
present in food, the so-called nutraceuticals and functional foods. The
aim of this work was to make a revision of the published studies
about the effects of some bioactive compounds, namely lycopene in
human health, in the prevention of diseases, thus playing the role of a
functional food. Free radical in human body can induce cell damage
and consequently can be responsible for the development of some
cancers and chronic diseases. Lycopene is one of the most powerful
antioxidants known, being the predominant carotenoid in tomato. The
respective chemistry, bioavailability, and its functional role in the
prevention of several diseases will be object of this work. On the
other hand, the inclusion of lycopene in some foods can also be made
by biotechnology and represents a way to recover the wastes in the
tomato industry with nutritional positive effects in health.
Abstract: The authors conducted a study for the sample size of
75 HR managers from an Indian IT company through systematic
sampling method. This study identifies that the female employees are
facing lesser conflict than the male employees against their managers
within the organization. There is a positive correlation between
gender and conflict management with the superior towards the work.
There is a significant variance between age and response towards
appraisal system, succession planning and employee engagement.
The education qualification plays a major role in determining the
compensation factor for the employees working in the organization.
The study determines the impact of demographic profile on strategic
HRM practices and its challenges faced by HR managers in IT firm,
India.
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for having high elastic properties with high surface area that promote them as good candidates for reinforcing polymeric matrices. In composite materials, CNTs lack chemical bonding with the surrounding matrix which decreases the possibility of better stress transfer between the components. In this work, a chemical treatment for activating the surface of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was applied and the effect of this functionalization on the elastic properties of the epoxy nanocomposites was studied. Functional amino-groups were added to the surface of the CNTs and it was evaluated to be about 34% of the total weight of the CNTs. Elastic modulus was found to increase by about 40% of the neat epoxy resin at CNTs’ weight fraction of 0.5%. The elastic modulus was found to decrease after reaching a certain concentration of CNTs which was found to be 1% wt. The scanning electron microscopic pictures showed the effect of the CNTs on the crack propagation through the sample by forming stress concentrated spots at the nanocomposite samples.
Abstract: In this paper, we describe the use of formal methods
to model malware behaviour. The modelling of harmful behaviour
rests upon syntactic structures that represent malicious procedures
inside malware. The malicious activities are modelled by a formal
grammar, where API calls’ components are the terminals and the set
of API calls used in combination to achieve a goal are designated
non-terminals. The combination of different non-terminals in various
ways and tiers make up the attack vectors that are used by harmful
software. Based on these syntactic structures a parser can be
generated which takes execution traces as input for pattern
recognition.
Abstract: The work reported through this paper is an
experimental work conducted on High Performance Concrete (HPC)
with super plasticizer with the aim to develop some models suitable
for prediction of compressive strength of HPC mixes. In this study,
the effect of varying proportions of fly ash (0% to 50% @ 10%
increment) on compressive strength of high performance concrete has
been evaluated. The mix designs studied were M30, M40 and M50 to
compare the effect of fly ash addition on the properties of these
concrete mixes. In all eighteen concrete mixes that have been
designed, three were conventional concretes for three grades under
discussion and fifteen were HPC with fly ash with varying
percentages of fly ash. The concrete mix designing has been done in
accordance with Indian standard recommended guidelines. All the
concrete mixes have been studied in terms of compressive strength at
7 days, 28 days, 90 days, and 365 days. All the materials used have
been kept same throughout the study to get a perfect comparison of
values of results. The models for compressive strength prediction
have been developed using Linear Regression method (LR), Artificial
Neural Network (ANN) and Leave-One-Out Validation (LOOV)
methods.
Abstract: Radiative heat transfer in participating medium was
carried out using the finite volume method. The radiative transfer
equations are formulated for absorbing and anisotropically scattering
and emitting medium. The solution strategy is discussed and the
conditions for computational stability are conferred. The equations
have been solved for transient radiative medium and transient
radiation incorporated with transient conduction. Results have been
obtained for irradiation and corresponding heat fluxes for both the
cases. The solutions can be used to conclude incident energy and
surface heat flux. Transient solutions were obtained for a slab of heat
conducting in slab and by thermal radiation. The effect of heat
conduction during the transient phase is to partially equalize the
internal temperature distribution. The solution procedure provides
accurate temperature distributions in these regions. A finite volume
procedure with variable space and time increments is used to solve
the transient radiation equation. The medium in the enclosure
absorbs, emits, and anisotropically scatters radiative energy. The
incident radiations and the radiative heat fluxes are presented in
graphical forms. The phase function anisotropy plays a significant
role in the radiation heat transfer when the boundary condition is
non-symmetric.
Abstract: Students of Higher Education Technical School of
Professional Studies in Novi Sad follow the subject ‘Maintenance of
Electric Power Equipment’ at the Electrotechnical Department. This
paper presents educational plan and program of the subject
Maintenance of Electric Power Equipment. The course deals with the
problems of preventive and investing maintenance of transformer
stations (TS), performing and maintenance of grounding of TS and
pillars, as well as tracing and detection the location of the cables
failure. There is a special elaborated subject concerning the safe work
conditions for the electrician during network maintenance, as well as
the basics of making and keeping technical documentation of the
equipment.
Abstract: Digital reference service is when a traditional library
reference service is provided electronically. In most cases users do
not get full satisfaction from using digital reference service due to
variety of reasons. This paper discusses the formal specification of
web services applications for digital reference services (WSDRS).
WSDRS is an informal model that claims to reduce the problems of
digital reference services in libraries. It uses web services technology
to provide efficient digital way of satisfying users’ need in the
reference section of libraries. Informal model is in natural language
which is inconsistent and ambiguous that may cause difficulties to the
developers of the system. In order to solve this problem we decided
to convert the informal specifications into formal specifications. This
is supposed to reduce the overall development time and cost. We use
Z language to develop the formal model and verify it with Z/EVES
theorem prover tool.
Abstract: Piezoelectric actuator is treated as RC load when it is
modeled electrically. For some piezoelectric actuator applications,
arbitrary voltage is required to actuate. Especially for unidirectional
arbitrary voltage driving like as sine wave, some special inverter with
circuit that can charge and discharge the capacitive energy can be
used. In this case, the difference between power supply level and the
object voltage level for RC load is varied. Because the control gain is
constant, the controlled output is not uniform according to the voltage
difference. In this paper, for charge and discharge circuit for
unidirectional arbitrary voltage driving for piezoelectric actuator, the
controller gain is controlled according to the voltage difference. With
the proposed simple idea, the load voltage can have controlled
smoothly although the voltage difference is varied. The
appropriateness is proved from the simulation of the proposed circuit.
Abstract: Health workforce is a fundamental component of
health system and plays a significant role in delivering effective
health care services. However, there is a crucial shortage of skilled
personnel which make them prone to work in stressful conditions. In
spite of excessively high workload and burnout among the staff, little
attention is given to their job satisfaction level which has serious
implications on the productivity and effective performance of staff to
achieve organizational goals. Therefore, this study aims to explore
the job satisfaction of midwives working in the labor ward of the
Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi. A cross-sectional survey was
conducted. The short version of Minnesota Job Satisfaction
Questionnaire was administered on a convenient sample group of 22
midwives to gather information on their job satisfaction. The results
demonstrated that midwives were overall satisfied with their job. The
level of job satisfaction was however found different in various
positions within midwifery cadre. The head of midwives was highly
satisfied as compared to midwifery staff who works under the
supervision of head. The level of satisfaction of team leaders fall
between the head and staff of midwifery. Similar trends were
observed for both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Such
evidences on these issues are essential and useful as it helps explore
the attitudes of individuals towards work which has direct
implications on access to quality care services. Strategic interventions
are required at organizational level to provide motivators and
satisfiers to health workers for their work related satisfaction and
enhanced motivation.
Abstract: This paper addresses the issue of resource allocation
in the emerging cognitive technology. Focusing the Quality of
Service (QoS) of Primary Users (PU), a novel method is proposed for
the resource allocation of Secondary Users (SU). In this paper, we
propose the unique Utility Function in the game theoretic model of
Cognitive Radio which can be maximized to increase the capacity of
the Cognitive Radio Network (CRN) and to minimize the
interference scenario. Utility function is formulated to cater the need
of PUs by observing Signal to Noise ratio. Existence of Nash
Equilibrium for the postulated game is established.