Abstract: The demand of high quality services has fueled
dimensional research and development in wireless communications
and networking. As a result, different wireless technologies like
Wireless LAN, CDMA, GSM, UMTS, MANET, Bluetooth and
satellite networks etc. have emerged in the last two decades. Future
networks capable of carrying multimedia traffic need IP convergence,
portability, seamless roaming and scalability among the existing
networking technologies without changing the core part of the
existing communications networks. To fulfill these goals, the present
networking systems are required to work in cooperation to ensure
technological independence, seamless roaming, high security and
authentication, guaranteed Quality of Services (QoS). In this paper, a
conceptual framework for a cooperative network (CN) is proposed
for integration of heterogeneous existing networks to meet out the
requirements of the next generation wireless networks.
Abstract: This study presents an attempt to evaluate the
antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract,
and essential oils prepared from the leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis
L.). The content of polyphenol in the methanolic extracts from the
leaves of Salvia officinalis was determined spectrophotometrically,
calculated as gallic acid and catechin equivalent. The essential oils
and methanol extract were also subjected to screenings for the
evaluation of their antioxidant activities using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. While the plant essential oils showed
only weak antioxidant activities, its methanol extract was
considerably active in DPPH (IC50 = 37.29 μg/ml) test. Appreciable
total polyphenol content (31.25 mg/g) was also detected for the plant
methanol extract as gallic acid equivalent in the Folin–Ciocalteu test.
The plant was also screened for its antimicrobial activity and good to
moderate inhibitions were recorded for its essential oils, and
methanol extracts against most of the tested microorganisms.
The present investigation revealed that this plant had rich source
of antioxidant properties. It is for this reason that sage has found
increasing application in food formulations.
Abstract: In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of a threelobe
journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluids are determined
by the linear stability theory. Lubricating oil containing additives and
contaminants is modelled as micropolar fluid. The modified
Reynolds equation is obtained using the micropolar lubrication theory
.The finite difference technique has been used to determine the
solution of the modified Reynolds equation. The dynamic
characteristics in terms of stiffness, damping coefficients, the critical
mass and whirl ratio are determined for various values of size of
material characteristic length and the coupling number. The
computed results show that the three-lobe bearing lubricated with
micropolar fluid exhibits better stability compared with that
lubricated with Newtonian fluid. According to the results obtained,
the effect of the parameter micropolar fluid is remarkable on the
dynamic characteristics and stability of the three-lobe bearing.
Abstract: Many of the ever-growing elderly population require
exercise, such as running, for health management. One important
element of a runner’s training is the choice of shoes for exercise; shoes
are important because they provide the interface between the feet and
road. When we purchase shoes, we may instinctively choose a pair
after trying on many different pairs of shoes. Selecting the shoes
instinctively may work, but it does not guarantee a suitable fit for
running activities. Therefore, if we could select suitable shoes for each
runner from the viewpoint of brain activities, it would be helpful for
validating shoe selection. In this paper, we describe how brain
activities show different characteristics during particular task,
corresponding to different properties of shoes. Using five subjects, we
performed a verification experiment, applying weight, softness, and
flexibility as shoe properties. In order to affect the shoe property’s
differences to the brain, subjects run for 10 min. Before and after
running, subjects conducted a paced auditory serial addition task
(PASAT) as the particular task; and the subjects’ brain activities
during the PASAT are evaluated based on oxyhemoglobin and
deoxyhemoglobin relative concentration changes, measured by
near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). When the brain works actively,
oxihemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration drastically
changes; therefore, we calculate the maximum values of concentration
changes. In order to normalize relative concentration changes after
running, the maximum value are divided by before running maximum
value as evaluation parameters. The classification of the groups of
shoes is expressed on a self-organizing map (SOM). As a result,
deoxyhemoglobin can make clusters for two of the three types of
shoes.
Abstract: The effect of a 3-dimensional (3D) blade on the turbine
characteristics of Wells turbine for wave energy conversion has been
investigated experimentally by model testing under steady flow
conditions in this study, in order to improve the peak efficiency and
stall characteristics. The aim of use of 3D blade is to prevent flow
separation on the suction surface near the tip. The chord length is
constant with radius and the blade profile changes gradually from the
mean radius to tip. The proposed blade profiles in the study are
NACA0015 from the hub to mean radius and NACA0025 at the tip.
The performances of Wells turbine with 3D blades has been compared
with those of the original Wells turbine, i.e., the turbine with
2-dimensional (2D) blades. As a result, it was concluded that although
the peak efficiency of Wells turbine can be improved by the use of the
proposed 3D blade, its blade does not overcome the weakness of
stalling.
Abstract: The paper presents a plastic analysis procedure based
on the energy balance concept for performance based seismic retrofit
of multi-story multi-bay masonry infilled reinforced concrete (R/C)
frames with a ‘soft’ ground story using passive energy dissipation
(PED) devices with the objective of achieving a target performance
level of the retrofitted R/C frame for a given seismic hazard level at
the building site. The proposed energy based plastic analysis
procedure was employed for developing performance based design
(PBD) formulations for PED devices for a simulated application in
seismic retrofit of existing frame structures designed in compliance
with the prevalent standard codes of practice. The PBD formulations
developed for PED devices were implemented for simulated seismic
retrofit of a representative code-compliant masonry infilled R/C
frame with a ‘soft’ ground story using friction dampers as the PED
device. Non-linear dynamic analyses of the retrofitted masonry
infilled R/C frames is performed to investigate the efficacy and
accuracy of the proposed energy based plastic analysis procedure in
achieving the target performance level under design level
earthquakes. Results of non-linear dynamic analyses demonstrate that
the maximum inter-story drifts in the masonry infilled R/C frames
with a ‘soft’ ground story that is retrofitted with the friction dampers
designed using the proposed PBD formulations are controlled within
the target drifts under near-field as well far-field earthquakes.
Abstract: Carbon nanotube is one of the most attractive materials
for the potential applications of nanotechnology due to its excellent
mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties. In this paper we
report a supercapacitor made of nickel foil electrodes, coated with
multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) thin film using
electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. Chemical vapor deposition
method was used for the growth of MWCNTs and ethanol was used as
a hydrocarbon source. High graphitic multiwall carbon nanotube was
found at 750oC analyzing by Raman spectroscopy. We observed the
electrochemical performance of supercapacitor by cyclic
voltammetry. The electrodes of supercapacitor fabricated from
MWCNTs exhibit considerably small equivalent series resistance
(ESR), and a high specific power density. Electrophoretic deposition
is an easy method in fabricating MWCNT electrodes for high
performance supercapacitor.
Abstract: The inspection of underneath vehicle system has been
given significant attention by governments after the threat of
terrorism become more prevalent. New technologies such as mobile
robots and computer vision are led to have more secure environment.
This paper proposed that a mobile robot like Aria robot can be used
to search and inspect the bombs under parking a lot vehicle. This
robot is using fuzzy logic and subsumption algorithms to control the
robot that movies underneath the vehicle. An OpenCV library and
laser Hokuyo are added to Aria robot to complete the experiment for
under vehicle inspection. This experiment was conducted at the
indoor environment to demonstrate the efficiency of our methods to
search objects and control the robot movements under vehicle. We
got excellent results not only by controlling the robot movement but
also inspecting object by the robot camera at same time. This success
allowed us to know the requirement to construct a new cost effective
robot with more functionality.
Abstract: Ontologies offer a means for representing and sharing
information in many domains, particularly in complex domains. For
example, it can be used for representing and sharing information
of System Requirement Specification (SRS) of complex systems
like the SRS of ERTMS/ETCS written in natural language. Since
this system is a real-time and critical system, generic ontologies,
such as OWL and generic ERTMS ontologies provide minimal
support for modeling temporal information omnipresent in these SRS
documents. To support the modeling of temporal information, one
of the challenges is to enable representation of dynamic features
evolving in time within a generic ontology with a minimal redesign
of it. The separation of temporal information from other information
can help to predict system runtime operation and to properly design
and implement them. In addition, it is helpful to provide a reasoning
and querying techniques to reason and query temporal information
represented in the ontology in order to detect potential temporal
inconsistencies. To address this challenge, we propose a lightweight
3-layer temporal Quality of Service (QoS) ontology for representing,
reasoning and querying over temporal and non-temporal information
in a complex domain ontology. Representing QoS entities in separated
layers can clarify the distinction between the non QoS entities
and the QoS entities in an ontology. The upper generic layer of
the proposed ontology provides an intuitive knowledge of domain
components, specially ERTMS/ETCS components. The separation of
the intermediate QoS layer from the lower QoS layer allows us to
focus on specific QoS Characteristics, such as temporal or integrity
characteristics. In this paper, we focus on temporal information that
can be used to predict system runtime operation. To evaluate our
approach, an example of the proposed domain ontology for handover
operation, as well as a reasoning rule over temporal relations in this
domain-specific ontology, are presented.
Abstract: The objective of meta-analysis is to combine results
from several independent studies in order to create generalization
and provide evidence base for decision making. But recent studies
show that the magnitude of effect size estimates reported in many
areas of research significantly changed over time and this can
impair the results and conclusions of meta-analysis. A number of
sequential methods have been proposed for monitoring the effect
size estimates in meta-analysis. However they are based on statistical
theory applicable only to fixed effect model (FEM) of meta-analysis.
For random-effects model (REM), the analysis incorporates the
heterogeneity variance, τ 2 and its estimation create complications.
In this paper we study the use of a truncated CUSUM-type test with
asymptotically valid critical values for sequential monitoring in REM.
Simulation results show that the test does not control the Type I error
well, and is not recommended. Further work required to derive an
appropriate test in this important area of applications.
Abstract: The Smart Help for persons with disability (PWD) is a
part of the project SMARTDISABLE which aims to develop relevant
solution for PWD that target to provide an adequate workplace
environment for them. It would support PWD needs smartly through
smart help to allow them access to relevant information and
communicate with other effectively and flexibly, and smart editor
that assist them in their daily work. It will assist PWD in knowledge
processing and creation as well as being able to be productive at the
work place. The technical work of the project involves design of a
technological scenario for the Ambient Intelligence (AmI) - based
assistive technologies at the workplace consisting of an integrated
universal smart solution that suits many different impairment
conditions and will be designed to empower the Physically disabled
persons (PDP) with the capability to access and effectively utilize the
ICTs in order to execute knowledge rich working tasks with
minimum efforts and with sufficient comfort level. The proposed
technology solution for PWD will support voice recognition along
with normal keyboard and mouse to control the smart help and smart
editor with dynamic auto display interface that satisfies the
requirements for different PWD group. In addition, a smart help will
provide intelligent intervention based on the behavior of PWD to
guide them and warn them about possible misbehavior. PWD can
communicate with others using Voice over IP controlled by voice
recognition. Moreover, Auto Emergency Help Response would be
supported to assist PWD in case of emergency. This proposed
technology solution intended to make PWD very effective at the
work environment and flexible using voice to conduct their tasks at
the work environment. The proposed solution aims to provide
favorable outcomes that assist PWD at the work place, with the
opportunity to participate in PWD assistive technology innovation
market which is still small and rapidly growing as well as upgrading
their quality of life to become similar to the normal people at the
workplace. Finally, the proposed smart help solution is applicable in
all workplace setting, including offices, manufacturing, hospital, etc.
Abstract: Map is a powerful and convenient tool in helping us to
navigate to different places, but the use of indirect devices often
makes its usage cumbersome. This study intends to propose a new
map navigation dialogue that uses hand gesture. A set of dialogue
was developed from users’ perspective to provide users complete
freedom for panning, zooming, rotate, tilt and find direction
operations. A participatory design experiment was involved here
where one hand gesture and two hand gesture dialogues had been
analysed in the forms of hand gestures to develop a set of usable
dialogues. The major finding was that users prefer one-hand gesture
compared to two-hand gesture in map navigation.
Abstract: Social media continues to grow, and user interfaces
may become more appealing if cultural characteristics are
incorporated into their design.
Facebook was designed in the west, and the original language was
English. Subsequently, the words in the user interface were translated
to other languages, including Arabic.
Arabic words are written from right to left, and English is written
from left to right. The translated version may misrepresent the
original design and users’ preferences may be influenced by their
culture, which should be considered in the user interface design.
Previous research indicates that users are more comfortable when
interacting with a user interface, which relates to their own culture.
Therefore, this paper, using a survey, investigates the preferences of
Saudi Arabians on the Arabic version of the user interface of
Facebook.
Abstract: Communicating and managing customers’
requirements in software development projects play a vital role in the
software development process. While it is difficult to do so locally, it
is even more difficult to communicate these requirements over
distributed boundaries and to convey them to multiple distribution
customers. This paper discusses the communication of multiple
distribution customers’ requirements in the context of customised
software products. The main purpose is to understand the challenges
of communicating and managing customisation requirements across
distributed boundaries. We propose a model for Communicating
Customisation Requirements of Multi-Clients in a Distributed
Domain (CCRD). Thereafter, we evaluate that model by presenting
the findings of a case study conducted with a company with
customisation projects for 18 distributed customers. Then, we
compare the outputs of the real case process and the outputs of the
CCRD model using simulation methods. Our conjecture is that the
CCRD model can reduce the challenge of communication
requirements over distributed organisational boundaries, and the
delay in decision making and in the entire customisation process
time.
Abstract: In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was
extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose which was
earlier isolated from oil palm EFB fibre. In order to isolate the
cellulose, the chlorination method was carried out. Then, the MCC
was prepared by simultaneous ultrasonic and alkali treatment from
the isolated α-cellulose. Based on mass balance calculation, the yields
for MCC obtained from EFB was 44%. For fiber characterization, it
is observed that the chemical composition of the hemicellulose and
lignin for all samples decreased while composition for cellulose
increased. The structural property of the MCC was studied by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) method and the result shows that the MCC
produced is a cellulose-I polymorph, with 73% crystallinity.
Abstract: In EFL programs, rating scales used in writing
assessment are often constructed by intuition. Intuition-based scales
tend to provide inaccurate and divisive ratings of learners’ writing
performance. Hence, following an empirical approach, this study
attempted to develop a rating scale for elementary-level writing at an
EFL program in Saudi Arabia. Towards this goal, 98 students’ essays
were scored and then coded using comprehensive taxonomy of
writing constructs and their measures. An automatic linear modeling
was run to find out which measures would best predict essay scores.
A nonparametric ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test, was then used to
determine which measures could best differentiate among scoring
levels. Findings indicated that there were certain measures that could
serve as either good predictors of essay scores or differentiators
among scoring levels, or both. The main conclusion was that a rating
scale can be empirically developed using predictive and
discriminative statistical tests.
Abstract: Recommendation systems are widely used in
e-commerce applications. The engine of a current recommendation
system recommends items to a particular user based on user
preferences and previous high ratings. Various recommendation
schemes such as collaborative filtering and content-based approaches
are used to build a recommendation system. Most of current
recommendation systems were developed to fit a certain domain such
as books, articles, and movies. We propose1 a hybrid framework
recommendation system to be applied on two dimensional spaces
(User × Item) with a large number of Users and a small number
of Items. Moreover, our proposed framework makes use of both
favorite and non-favorite items of a particular user. The proposed
framework is built upon the integration of association rules mining
and the content-based approach. The results of experiments show
that our proposed framework can provide accurate recommendations
to users.
Abstract: Due to the importance of ports to trade and economic
development of the regions in which they are inserted, in recent
decades the number of studies devoted to this subject has increased.
Part of these studies considers the ports as business agglomerations
and focuses on port governance. This is an important approach since
the port performance is the result of activities performed by actors
belonging to the port-logistics chain, which need to be properly
coordinated. This coordination takes place through a port governance
model. Given this context, this study aims to analyze the governance
model of the port of Santos from the perspective of port customers.
To do this, a closed-ended questionnaire based on a conceptual model
that considers the key dimensions associated with port governance
was applied to the international freight forwarders that operate in the
port. The results show the applicability of the considered model and
highlight improvement opportunities to be implemented at the port of
Santos.
Abstract: Adapting quickly to environmental dynamism is
essential for an organization to develop outsourcing strategic and
management in order to sustain competitive advantage. This research
used the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSSEM)
tool to investigate the factors of environmental dynamism
impact on the strategic outsourcing success among electrical and
electronic manufacturing industries in outsourcing management.
Statistical results confirm that the inclusion of customer demand,
technological change, and competition level as a new combination
concept of environmental dynamism, has positive effects on
outsourcing success. Additionally, this research demonstrates the
acceptability of PLS-SEM as a statistical analysis to furnish a better
understanding of environmental dynamism in outsourcing
management in Malaysia. A practical finding contributes to
academics and practitioners in the field of outsourcing management.
Abstract: Monocopter is a single-wing rotary flying vehicle
which has the capability of hovering. This flying vehicle includes two
dynamic parts in which more efficiency can be expected rather than
other Micro UAVs due to the extended area of wing compared to its
fuselage. Low cost and simple mechanism in comparison to other
vehicles such as helicopter are the most important specifications of
this flying vehicle.
In the previous paper we discussed the introduction of the final
system but in this paper, the experimental design process of
Monocopter and its control algorithm has been investigated in
general. Also the editorial bugs in the previous article have been
corrected and some translational ambiguities have been resolved.
Initially by constructing several prototypes and carrying out many
flight tests the main design parameters of this air vehicle were
obtained by experimental measurements. Eventually the required
main monocopter for this project was constructed. After construction
of the monocopter in order to design, implementation and testing of
control algorithms first a simple optic system used for determining
the heading angle. After doing numerous tests on Test Stand, the
control algorithm designed and timing of applying control inputs
adjusted. Then other control parameters of system were tuned in
flight tests. Eventually the final control system designed and
implemented using the AHRS sensor and the final operational tests
performed successfully.