Abstract: As the trend in automotive technology is fast moving
towards hybridization and electrification to curb emissions as well as
to improve the fuel efficiency, air-conditioning systems in passenger
cars have not caught up with this trend and still remain as the major
energy consumers amongst others. Adsorption based air-conditioning
systems, e.g. with silica-gel water pair, which are already in use for
residential and commercial applications, are now being considered as
a technology leap once proven feasible for the passenger cars. In this
paper we discuss a methodology, challenges and feasibility of
implementing an adsorption based air-conditioning system in a
passenger car utilizing the exhaust waste heat. We also propose an
optimized control strategy with interfaces to the engine control unit
of the vehicle for operating this system with reasonable efficiency
supported by our simulation and validation results in a prototype
vehicle, additionally comparing to existing implementations,
simulation based as well as experimental. Finally we discuss the
influence of start-stop and hybrid systems on the operation strategy of
the adsorption air-conditioning system.
Abstract: Agro-industry is one of major industries that have
strong impacts on national economic incomes, growth, stability, and
sustainable development. Moreover, this industry also has strong
influences on social, cultural and political issues. Furthermore, this
industry, as producing primary and secondary products, is facing
challenges from such diverse factors such as demand inconsistency,
intense international competition, technological advancements and
new competitors. In order to maintain and to improve industry’s
competitiveness in both domestics and international markets, science
and technology are key factors. Besides hard sciences and
technologies, modern industrial engineering concepts such as Just in
Time (JIT) Total Quality Management (TQM), Quick Response
(QR), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Lean can be very
effective to support to increase efficiency and effectiveness of these
agricultural products on world stage. Onion is one of Thailand’s
major export products which bring back national incomes. But, it is
also facing challenges in many ways. This paper focused its interests
in onion packing process and its related activities such as storage and
shipment from one of major packing plant and storage in Mae Wang
District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, by applying Toyota Production
System (TPS) or Lean concepts, to improve process capability
throughout the entire packing and distribution process which will be
profitable for the whole onion supply chain. And it will be beneficial
to other related agricultural products in Thailand and other ASEAN
countries.
Abstract: One of the main challenges in using the Discrete
Element Method (DEM) is to specify the correct input parameter
values. In general, the models are sensitive to the input parameter
values and accurate results can only be achieved if the correct values
are specified. For the linear contact model, micro-parameters such as
the particle density, stiffness, coefficient of friction, as well as the
particle size and shape distributions are required. There is a need for
a procedure to accurately calibrate these parameters before any
attempt can be made to accurately model a complete bulk materials
handling system. Since DEM is often used to model applications in
the mining and quarrying industries, a calibration procedure was
developed for materials that consist of relatively large (up to 40 mm
in size) particles. A coarse crushed aggregate was used as the test
material. Using a specially designed large shear box with a diameter
of 590 mm, the confined Young’s modulus (bulk stiffness) and
internal friction angle of the material were measured by means of the
confined compression test and the direct shear test respectively. DEM
models of the experimental setup were developed and the input
parameter values were varied iteratively until a close correlation
between the experimental and numerical results was achieved. The
calibration process was validated by modelling the pull-out of an
anchor from a bed of material. The model results compared well with
experimental measurement.
Abstract: A central element of higher education today is the
“core” or “general education” curriculum: that configuration of
courses that often encompasses the essence of liberal arts education.
Ensuring that such offerings reflect the mission and values of the
institution is a challenge faced by most college and universities, often
more than once. This paper presents an action model of program
planning designed to structure the processes of developing,
implementing and revising core curricula in a manner consistent with
key institutional goals and objectives. Through presentation of a case
study from a university in the United States, the elements of needs
assessment, stakeholder investment and collaborative compromise
are shown as key components of a planning strategy that can produce
a general education program that is comprehensive, academically
rigorous, assessable, and mission consistent. The paper concludes
with recommendations for both the implementation and evaluation of
such programs in practice.
Abstract: In the past few years, the amount of malicious software
increased exponentially and, therefore, machine learning algorithms
became instrumental in identifying clean and malware files through
(semi)-automated classification. When working with very large
datasets, the major challenge is to reach both a very high malware
detection rate and a very low false positive rate. Another challenge
is to minimize the time needed for the machine learning algorithm to
do so. This paper presents a comparative study between different
machine learning techniques such as linear classifiers, ensembles,
decision trees or various hybrids thereof. The training dataset consists
of approximately 2 million clean files and 200.000 infected files,
which is a realistic quantitative mixture. The paper investigates the
above mentioned methods with respect to both their performance
(detection rate and false positive rate) and their practicability.
Abstract: Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is the dominant transport technology used in numerous high capacity backbone networks, based on optical infrastructures. Given the importance of costs (CapEx and OpEx) associated to these networks, resource management is becoming increasingly important, especially how the optical circuits, called “lightpaths”, are routed throughout the network. This requires the use of efficient algorithms which provide routing strategies with the lowest cost. We focus on the lightpath routing and wavelength assignment problem, known as the RWA problem, while optimizing wavelength fragmentation over the network. Wavelength fragmentation poses a serious challenge for network operators since it leads to the misuse of the wavelength spectrum, and then to the refusal of new lightpath requests. In this paper, we first establish a new Integer Linear Program (ILP) for the problem based on a node-link formulation. This formulation is based on a multilayer approach where the original network is decomposed into several network layers, each corresponding to a wavelength. Furthermore, we propose an efficient heuristic for the problem based on a greedy algorithm followed by a post-treatment procedure. The obtained results show that the optimal solution is often reached. We also compare our results with those of other RWA heuristic methods
Abstract: Entrepreneurs face different sort of difficulties
especially with customers, organizations and employees. Emotional
intelligence which is the ability to understand and control the
emotions is an important factor to help entrepreneurs end up
challenges to the result they prefer. So it is assumed that
entrepreneurs especially those who have passed the first challenging
years of starting a new business, have high emotional intelligence. In
this study the Iranian established entrepreneurs have been surveyed.
According to Iran Gem 2014 report the percentage of established
entrepreneur in Iran is 10.92%. So by using Cochran sample formula
(1%) 96 Iranian established entrepreneurs have been selected and
Emotional intelligence appraisal questionnaire distributed to them.
The SPSS19 result shows high emotional intelligence in Iranian
established entrepreneurs.
Abstract: All the software engineering researches and best
industry practices aim at providing software products with high
degree of quality and functionality at low cost and less time. These
requirements are addressed by the Component Based Software
Engineering (CBSE) as well. CBSE, which deals with the software
construction by components’ assembly, is a revolutionary extension
of Software Engineering. CBSE must define and describe processes
to assure timely completion of high quality software systems that are
composed of a variety of pre built software components. Though
these features provide distinct and visible benefits in software design
and programming, they also raise some challenging problems. The
aim of this work is to summarize the pertinent issues and
considerations in CBSE to make an understanding in forms of
concepts and observations that may lead to development of newer
ways of dealing with the problems and challenges in CBSE.
Abstract: In our research we aimed to test a managerial
approach for the fuzzy front end (FFE) of innovation by creating
controlled experiment/ business case in a breakthrough innovation
development. The experiment was in the sport industry and covered
all aspects of the customer discovery stage from ideation to
prototyping followed by patent application. In the paper we describe
and analyze mile stones, tasks, management challenges, decisions
made to create the break through innovation, evaluate overall
managerial efficiency that was at the considered FFE stage.
We set managerial outcome of the FFE stage as a valid product
concept in hand. In our paper we introduce hypothetical construct
“Q-factor” that helps us in the experiment to distinguish quality of
FFE outcomes.
The experiment simulated for entrepreneur the FFE of innovation
and put on his shoulders responsibility for the outcome of valid
product concept. While developing managerial approach to reach the
outcome there was a decision to look on product concept from the
cognitive psychology and cognitive science point of view. This view
helped us to develop the profile of a person whose projection (mental
representation) of a new product could optimize for a manager or
entrepreneur FFE activities. In the experiment this profile was tested
to develop breakthrough innovation for swimmers. Following the
managerial approach the product concept was created to help
swimmers to feel/sense water. The working prototype was developed
to estimate the product concept validity and value added effect for
customers.
Based on feedback from coachers and swimmers there were strong
positive effect that gave high value for customers, and for the
experiment – the valid product concept being developed by proposed
managerial approach for the FFE.
In conclusions there is a suggestion of managerial approach that
was derived from experiment.
Abstract: After the internet explosion in the 90’s, technology
was immediately integrated into the school system. Technology
which symbolizes advancement in human knowledge was seen as a
setback by many educators. Efforts have been made to help stem this
erroneous believes and help educators realize the benefits of
technology and ways of implementing it in the classrooms especially
in the sciences. This advancement created a constantly expanding gap
between the pupil’s perception on the use of technology within the
learning atmosphere and the teacher’s perception and limitations
hence, the focus of this paper is on the need to refocus on the use of
Science and Technology in enhancing children’s potentials in
learning at school especially in Science for sustainable development
in Nigeria. The paper recommended measures for facilitating the
sustenance of science and technology in Nigerian schools so as to
enhance the potentials of our children in Science and Technology for
a better tomorrow.
Abstract: Employer branding is considered as a useful tool for
addressing the global-local problem facing complex organisations
that have operations scattered across the globe and face challenges of
dealing with the local environment alongside. Despite being an
established field of study within the Western developed world, there
is little empirical evidence concerning the relevance of employer
branding to global companies that operate in the under-developed
economies. This paper fills this gap by gaining rich insight into the
implementation of employer branding programs in a foreign
multinational operating in Pakistan dealing with the global-local
problem. The study is qualitative in nature and employs semistructured
and focus group interviews with senior/middle managers
and local frontline employees to deeply examine the phenomenon in
case organisation. Findings suggest that authenticity is required in
employer brands to enable them to respond to the local needs thereby
leading to the resolution of the global-local problem. However, the
role of signaling theory is key to the development of authentic
employer brands as it stresses on the need to establish an efficient and
effective signaling environment where in signals travel in both
directions (from signal designers to receivers and backwards) and
facilitate firms with the global-local problem. The paper also
identifies future avenues of research for the employer branding field.
Abstract: High performance turf reinforcement mat (HPTRM) is
one of the most advanced flexible armoring technologies for severe
erosion challenges. The effect of turbulence on the slope stability of
an earthen levee strengthened by high performance turf reinforcement
mat (HPTRM) is investigated in this study for combined storm surge
and wave overtopping conditions. The results show that turbulence
has strong influence on the slope stability during the combined storm
surge and wave overtopping conditions. Among the surge height,
peak wave force and turbulent force. The turbulent force has the
ability to stabilize the earthen levee at the large wave force the
turbulent force has strongest effect on the FS. The surge storm acts as
an independent force on the slope stability of the earthen levee. It just
adds to the effects of the turbulent force and wave force on the slope
stability of HPTRM strengthened levee.
Abstract: The introduction of degradable plastic materials into
agricultural sectors has represented a promising alternative to
promote green agriculture and environmental friendly of modern
farming practices. Major challenges of developing degradable
agricultural films are to identify the most feasible types of
degradation mechanisms, composition of degradable polymers and
related processing techniques. The incorrect choice of degradable
mechanisms to be applied during the degradation process will cause
premature losses of mechanical performance and strength. In order to
achieve controlled process of agricultural film degradation, the
compositions of degradable agricultural film also important in order
to stimulate degradation reaction at required interval of time and to
achieve sustainability of the modern agricultural practices. A set of
photodegradable polyethylene based agricultural film was developed
and produced, following the selective optimization of processing
parameters of the agricultural film manufacturing system. Example of
agricultural films application for oil palm seedlings cultivation is
presented.
Abstract: Teaching art by digital means is a big challenge for
the majority of teachers of art and design in primary schools, yet it
allows relationships between art, technology and creativity to be
clearly identified. The aim of this article is to present a modern way
of teaching art, using digital tools in the art classroom to improve
creative ability in pupils aged between nine and eleven years. It also
presents a conceptual model for creativity based on digital art. The
model could be useful for pupils interested in learning to draw by
using an e-drawing package, and for teachers who are interested in
teaching modern digital art in order to improve children’s creativity.
By illustrating the strategy of teaching art through technology, this
model may also help education providers to make suitable choices
about which technological approaches are most effective in
enhancing students’ creative ability, and which digital art tools can
benefit children by developing their technical skills. It is also
expected that use of this model will help to develop skills of social
interaction, which may in turn improve intellectual ability.
Abstract: Machining of hard materials is a recent technology for
direct production of work-pieces. The primary challenge in
machining these materials is selection of cutting tool inserts which
facilitates an extended tool life and high-precision machining of the
component. These materials are widely for making precision parts for
the aerospace industry. Nickel-based alloys are typically used in
extreme environment applications where a combination of strength,
corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance material characteristics
are required. The present paper reports the theoretical and
experimental investigations carried out to understand the influence of
machining parameters on the response parameters. Considering the
basic machining parameters (speed, feed and depth of cut) a study has
been conducted to observe their influence on material removal rate,
surface roughness, cutting forces and corresponding tool wear.
Experiments are designed and conducted with the help of Central
Composite Rotatable Design technique. The results reveals that for a
given range of process parameters, material removal rate is favorable
for higher depths of cut and low feed rate for cutting forces. Low feed
rates and high values of rotational speeds are suitable for better finish
and higher tool life.
Abstract: The development of active and stable catalysts
without noble metals for low temperature oxidation of exhaust gases
remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to
determine the influence of the preparation method on the catalytic
activity of the supported copper-manganese mixed oxides in terms of
VOCs oxidation. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of γ-
Al2O3 with copper and manganese nitrates and acetates and the
possibilities for CO, CH3OH and dimethyl ether (DME) oxidation
were evaluated using continuous flow equipment with a four-channel
isothermal stainless steel reactor. Effect of the support, Cu/Mn mole
ratio, heat treatment of the precursor and active component loading
were investigated. Highly active alumina supported Cu-Mn catalysts
for CO and VOCs oxidation were synthesized. The effect of
preparation conditions on the activity behavior of the catalysts was
discussed.
The synergetic interaction between copper and manganese species
increases the activity for complete oxidation over mixed catalysts.
Type of support, calcination temperature and active component
loading along with catalyst composition are important factors,
determining catalytic activity. Cu/Mn molar ratio of 1:5, heat
treatment at 450oC and 20 % active component loading are the best
compromise for production of active catalyst for simultaneous
combustion of CO, CH3OH and DME.
Abstract: Within the framework of this research, the regulatory
documents, which are in force in relation to this industry, were
analyzed. The main attention is turned to their modernization and
necessity of their compliance with European standards.
It is a current issue to direct the efforts of state policy on support
of business by implementing infrastructural projects, as well as by
development of human resources, which may be possible by
supporting the relevant higher and vocational studying-educational
programs.
Abstract: If teamwork is the key to organizational learning,
productivity and growth, then, why do some teams succeed in
achieving these, while others falter at different stages? Building
teams in higher education institutions has been a challenge and an
open-ended constructivist approach was considered on an
experimental basis for this study to address this challenge. For this
research, teams of students from the MBA program were chosen to
study the effect of teamwork in learning, the motivation levels among
student team members, and the effect of collaboration in achieving
team goals. The teams were built on shared vision and goals,
cohesion was ensured, positive induction in the form of faculty
mentoring was provided for each participating team and the results
have been presented with conclusions and suggestions.
Abstract: Data mining idea is mounting rapidly in admiration
and also in their popularity. The foremost aspire of data mining
method is to extract data from a huge data set into several forms that
could be comprehended for additional use. The data mining is a
technology that contains with rich potential resources which could be
supportive for industries and businesses that pay attention to collect
the necessary information of the data to discover their customer’s
performances. For extracting data there are several methods are
available such as Classification, Clustering, Association,
Discovering, and Visualization… etc., which has its individual and
diverse algorithms towards the effort to fit an appropriate model to
the data. STATISTICA mostly deals with excessive groups of data
that imposes vast rigorous computational constraints. These results
trials challenge cause the emergence of powerful STATISTICA Data
Mining technologies. In this survey an overview of the STATISTICA
software is illustrated along with their significant features.
Abstract: There is a trend in development discourse to
understand and explain the level of corruption in Nigeria, its anticorruption
crusade and why it is failing, as well as its level of
compliance with International standards of United Nations
Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) & African Union
Convention on Converting and Preventing Corruption) to which
Nigeria is a signatory. This paper discusses the legal and
Constitutional provisions relating to corrupt practices and safeguards
in Nigeria, as well as the obstacles to the implementation of these
Conventions.
The paper highlights the challenges posed to the Anti-Corruption
crusade by analysing the loopholes that exist both in administrative
structure and in scope of the relevant laws. The paper argues that
Nigerian Constitution did not make adequate provisions for the
implementation of the conventions, hence a proposal which will
ensure adequate provision for implementing the conventions to better
the lives of Nigerians. The paper concludes that there is the need to
build institutional parameters, adequate constitutional and structural
safeguards, as well as to synergise strategies, collaborations and
alliances to facilitate the timely domestication and implementation of
the conventions.