Abstract: Over a million tonnes of cigarette butts (CBs) are produced worldwide annually. These CBs accumulate in the environment due to the poor biodegradability of the cellulose acetate filters and pose a serious environmental risk. This paper presents some of the results from a continuing study on recycling CBs into fired clay bricks. Properties including compressive strength, flexural strength, density, water absorption and thermal conductivity of fired clay bricks are reported and discussed. Furthermore, leaching of heavy metals from the manufactured clay bricks was tested. The results show that the density of fired bricks was reduced by about 8 – 30 %, depending on the percentage of CBs incorporated into the raw materials. The compressive strength of bricks tested was 12.57, 5.22 and 3.00 MPa for 2.5, 5.0 and 10 % CB content respectively. Water absorption and initial rate of absorption values increased as density, and hence porosity, of bricks decreased with increasing CB volume. The leaching test results revealed trace amounts of heavy metals.
Abstract: We demonstrate a 1×4 coarse wavelength
division-multiplexing (CWDM) planar concave grating
multiplexer/demultiplexer and its application in re-configurable
optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) system in silicon-on-insulator
substrate. The wavelengths of the demonstrated concave grating
multiplexer align well with the ITU-T standard. We demonstrate a
prototype of ROADM comprising two such concave gratings and four
wide-band thermo-optical MZI switches. Undercut technology which
removes the underneath silicon substrate is adopted in optical switches
in order to minimize the operation power. For all the thermal heaters,
the operation voltage is smaller than 1.5 V, and the switch power is
~2.4 mW. High throughput pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS)
data transmission with up to 100 Gb/s is demonstrated, showing the
high-performance ROADM functionality.
Abstract: The Improved Generalized Diversity Index (IGDI)
has been proposed as a tool that can be used to identify areas that
have high conservation value and measure the ecological condition of
an area. IGDI is based on the species relative abundances. This paper
is concerned with particular attention is given to comparisons
involving the MacArthur model of species abundances. The
properties and performance of various species indices were assessed.
Both IGDI and species richness increased with sampling area
according to a power function. IGDI were also found to be acceptable
ecological indicators of conditions and consistently outperformed
coefficient of conservatism indices.
Abstract: Contour filter strips planted with perennial vegetation
can be used to improve surface and ground water quality by reducing
pollutant, such as NO3-N, and sediment outflow from cropland to a
river or lake. Meanwhile, the filter strips of perennial grass with biofuel
potentials also have economic benefits of producing ethanol. In
this study, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was
applied to the Walnut Creek Watershed to examine the effectiveness
of contour strips in reducing NO3-N outflows from crop fields to the
river or lake. Required input data include watershed topography,
slope, soil type, land-use, management practices in the watershed and
climate parameters (precipitation, maximum/minimum air
temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and relative humidity).
Numerical experiments were conducted to identify potential
subbasins in the watershed that have high water quality impact, and
to examine the effects of strip size and location on NO3-N reduction
in the subbasins under various meteorological conditions (dry,
average and wet). Variable sizes of contour strips (10%, 20%, 30%
and 50%, respectively, of a subbasin area) planted with perennial
switchgrass were selected for simulating the effects of strip size and
location on stream water quality. Simulation results showed that a
filter strip having 10%-50% of the subbasin area could lead to 55%-
90% NO3-N reduction in the subbasin during an average rainfall
year. Strips occupying 10-20% of the subbasin area were found to be
more efficient in reducing NO3-N when placed along the contour
than that when placed along the river. The results of this study can
assist in cost-benefit analysis and decision-making in best water
resources management practices for environmental protection.
Abstract: Gated community has gained its dominant in residential areas development that it has become the standard development pattern of the newly built residential areas in contemporary China. The form of gated community has its own advantages and rationality that meet the needs of quite a lot of residents, but it-s also believed by researchers that the form has great damage to the urban morphology and development, and has a negative impact on residents- living style. However, there is still a considerable controversy of the origins and outcomes. Though recognized as a global phenomenon, gated community developed in China is greatly to do with the specific local forces, respect to the unique historical, political and socio-cultural momentums. A historical review of the traditional settlements in China and the trends that how Gated community has gained its contemporary form, is indispensable for comprehending the local forces, and provide a new perspective to solve the controversy.
Abstract: Neural networks offer an alternative approach both
for identification and control of nonlinear processes in process
engineering. The lack of software tools for the design of controllers
based on neural network models is particularly pronounced in this
field. SIMULINK is properly a widely used graphical code
development environment which allows system-level developers to
perform rapid prototyping and testing. Such graphical based
programming environment involves block-based code development
and offers a more intuitive approach to modeling and control task in
a great variety of engineering disciplines. In this paper a
SIMULINK based Neural Tool has been developed for analysis and
design of multivariable neural based control systems. This tool has
been applied to the control of a high purity distillation column
including non linear hydrodynamic effects. The proposed control
scheme offers an optimal response for both theoretical and practical
challenges posed in process control task, in particular when both,
the quality improvement of distillation products and the operation
efficiency in economical terms are considered.
Abstract: The expansive nature of soils containing high
amounts of clay minerals can be altered through chemical
stabilization, resulting in a material suitable for construction
purposes. The primary objective of this investigation was to
study the changes induced in the molecular structure of
phosphoric acid stabilized bentonite and lateritic soil using
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Based on the obtained data, it
was found that a surface alteration mechanism was the main
reason responsible for the improvement of treated soils.
Furthermore, the results indicated that the Al present in the
octahedral layer of clay minerals were more amenable to
chemical attacks and also partly responsible for the formation
of new products.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an analytical framework for the evaluation of the uplink performance of multihop cellular networks based on dynamic time division duplex (TDD). New wireless broadband protocols, such as WiMAX, WiBro, and 3G-LTE apply TDD, and mobile communication protocols under standardization (e.g., IEEE802.16j) are investigating mobile multihop relay (MMR) as a future technology. In this paper a novel MMR TDD scheme is presented, where the dynamic range of the frame is shared to traffic resources of asymmetric nature and multihop relaying. The mobile communication channel interference model comprises of inner and co-channel interference (CCI). The performance analysis focuses on the uplink due to the fact that the effects of dynamic resource allocation show significant performance degradation only in the uplink compared to time division multiple access (TDMA) schemes due to CCI [1-3], where the downlink results to be the same or better.The analysis was based on the signal to interference power ratio (SIR) outage probability of dynamic TDD (D-TDD) and TDMA systems,which are the most widespread mobile communication multi-user control techniques. This paper presents the uplink SIR outage probability with multihop results and shows that the dynamic TDD scheme applying MMR can provide a performance improvement compared to single hop applications if executed properly.
Abstract: Application of nanoparticles as additives in membrane
synthesis for improving the resistance of membranes against fouling
has triggered recent interest in new membrane types. However, most
nanoparticle-enhanced membranes suffer from the tradeoff between
permeability and selectivity. In this study, nano-WS2 was explored as
the additive in membrane synthesis by non-solvent induced phase
separation. Blended PES-WS2 flat-sheet membranes with the
incorporation of ultra-low concentrations of nanoparticles (from 0.025
to 0.25%, WS2/PES ratio) were manufactured and investigated in
terms of permeability, fouling resistance and solute rejection.
Remarkably, a significant enhancement in the permeability was
observed as a result of the incorporation of ultra-low fractions of
nano-WS2 to the membrane structure. Optimal permeability values
were obtained for modified membranes with 0.10%
nanoparticle/polymer concentration ratios. Furthermore, fouling
resistance and solute rejection were significantly improved by the
incorporation of nanoparticles into the membrane matrix. Specifically,
fouling resistance of modified membrane can increase by around 50%.
Abstract: The paper proposes a way of parallel processing of
SURF and Optical Flow for moving object recognition and tracking.
The object recognition and tracking is one of the most important task
in computer vision, however disadvantage are many operations cause
processing speed slower so that it can-t do real-time object recognition
and tracking. The proposed method uses a typical way of feature
extraction SURF and moving object Optical Flow for reduce
disadvantage and real-time moving object recognition and tracking,
and parallel processing techniques for speed improvement. First
analyse that an image from DB and acquired through the camera using
SURF for compared to the same object recognition then set ROI
(Region of Interest) for tracking movement of feature points using
Optical Flow. Secondly, using Multi-Thread is for improved
processing speed and recognition by parallel processing. Finally,
performance is evaluated and verified efficiency of algorithm
throughout the experiment.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a process taking any steps
that needed to get the most out of available knowledge resources.
KM involved several steps; capturing the knowledge discovering
new knowledge, sharing the knowledge and applied the knowledge in
the decision making process. In applying the knowledge, it is not
necessary for the individual that use the knowledge to comprehend it
as long as the available knowledge is used in guiding the decision
making and actions. When an expert is called and he provides stepby-
step procedure on how to solve the problems to the caller, the
expert is transferring the knowledge or giving direction to the caller.
And the caller is 'applying' the knowledge by following the
instructions given by the expert. An appropriate mechanism is
needed to ensure effective knowledge transfer which in this case is
by telephone or email. The problem with email and telephone is that
the knowledge is not fully circulated and disseminated to all users. In
this paper, with related experience of local university Help Desk, it is
proposed the usage of Information Technology (IT)to effectively
support the knowledge transfer in the organization. The issues
covered include the existing knowledge, the related works, the
methodology used in defining the knowledge management
requirements as well the overview of the prototype.
Abstract: In this study, we explore the use of information for inventory decision in the healthcare organization (HO). We consider the scenario when the HO can make use of the information collected from some correlated products to enhance its inventory planning. Motivated by our real world observations that HOs adopt RFID and bar-coding system for information collection purpose, we examine the effectiveness of these systems for inventory planning with Bayesian information updating. We derive the optimal ordering decision and study the issue of Pareto improvement in the supply chain. Our analysis demonstrates that RFID system will outperform the bar-coding system when the RFID system installation cost and the tag cost reduce to a level that is comparable with that of the barcoding system. We also show how an appropriately set wholesale pricing contract can achieve Pareto improvement in the HO supply chain.
Abstract: Managing knowledge of research is one way to ensure
just in time information and knowledge to support research strategist
and activities. Unfortunately researcher found the vital research
knowledge in IHL (Institutions of Higher Learning) are scattered,
unstructured and unorganized. Aiming on lay aside conceptual
foundations for understanding and developing OMS (Organizational
Memory System) to facilitate research in IHL, this research revealed
ten factors contributed to the needs of research in the IHL and seven
internal challenges of IHL in promoting research to their academic
members. This study then suggested a comprehensive support of
managing research knowledge using Organizational Memory System
(OMS). Eight OMS characteristics to support research were
identified. Finally the initial work in designing OMS was projected
using knowledge taxonomy. All analysis is derived from pertinent
research paper related to research in IHL and OMS. Further study can
be conducted to validate and verify results presented.
Abstract: A research program is conducted to evaluate the
mechanical properties of Ultra High Performance Concrete, target
compressive strength at the age of 28 days being more than 150 MPa.
The methodology to develop such mix has been explained. The
material properties, mix design and curing regime are determined.
The material attributes are understood by studying the stress strain
behaviour of UHPC cylinders under uniaxial compressive loading.
The load –crack mouth opening displacement (cmod) of UHPC
beams, flexural strength and fracture energy was evaluated using
third point loading test. Compressive strength and Split tensile
strength results are determined to find out the compressive and tensile
behaviour. Residual strength parameters are presented vividly
explaining the flexural performance, toughness of concrete.Durability
studies were also done to compare the effect of fibre to that of a
control mix For all the studies the Mechanical properties were
evaluated by varying the percentage and aspect ratio of steel fibres
The results reflected that higher aspect ratio and fibre volume
produced drastic changes in the cube strength, cylinder strength, post
peak response, load-cmod, fracture energy flexural strength, split
tensile strength, residual strength and durability. In regards to null
application of UHPC in India, an initiative is undertaken to
comprehend the mechanical behaviour of UHPC, which will be vital
for longer run in commercialization for structural applications.
Abstract: Fracture process in mechanically loaded steel fiber
reinforced high-strength (SFRHSC) concrete is characterized by
fibers bridging the crack providing resistance to its opening.
Structural SFRHSC fracture model was created; material fracture
process was modeled, based on single fiber pull-out laws, which were
determined experimentally (for straight fibers, fibers with end hooks
(Dramix), and corrugated fibers (Tabix)) as well as obtained
numerically ( using FEM simulations). For this purpose experimental
program was realized and pull-out force versus pull-out fiber length
was obtained (for fibers embedded into concrete at different depth
and under different angle). Model predictions were validated by
15x15x60cm prisms 4 point bending tests. Fracture surfaces analysis
was realized for broken prisms with the goal to improve elaborated
model assumptions. Optimal SFRHSC structures were recognized.
Abstract: This paper presents Cost per Equivalent Wafer Out, which we find useful in wafer fab operational cost monitoring and controlling. It removes the loading and product mix effect in the cost variance analysis. The operation heads, therefore, could immediately focus on identifying areas for cost improvement. Without this, they would have to measure the impact of the loading variance and product mix variance between actual and budgeted prior to make any decision on cost improvement. Cost per Equivalent Wafer Out, thereby, increases efficiency in wafer fab operational cost monitoring and controlling.
Abstract: Motion estimation is the most computationally
intensive part in video processing. Many fast motion estimation
algorithms have been proposed to decrease the computational
complexity by reducing the number of candidate motion vectors.
However, these studies are for fast search algorithms themselves while
almost image and video compressions are operated with software
based. Therefore, the timing constraints for running these motion
estimation algorithms not only challenge for the video codec but also
overwhelm for some of processors. In this paper, the performance of
motion estimation is enhanced by using Intel's Streaming SIMD
Extension 2 (SSE2) technology with Intel Pentium 4 processor.
Abstract: Aligned and random nanofibrous scaffolds of PVA/PCL/nHA were fabricated by electrospinning method. The composite nanofibrous scaffolds were subjected to detailed analysis. Morphological investigations revealed that the prepared nanofibers have uniform morphology and the average fiber diameters of aligned and random scaffolds were 135.5 and 290 nm, respectively. The obtained scaffolds have a porous structure with porosity of 88 and 76% for random and aligned nanofibers, respectively. Furthermore, FTIR analysis demonstrated that there were strong intramolecular interactions between the molecules of PVA/PCL/nHA. On the other hand, mechanical characterizations show that aligning the nanofibers, could significantly improve the rigidity of the resultant biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds.
Abstract: Routing places an important role in determining the
quality of service in wireless networks. The routing methods adopted
in wireless networks have many drawbacks. This paper aims to
review the current routing methods used in wireless networks. This
paper proposes an innovative solution to overcome the problems in
routing. This solution is aimed at improving the Quality of Service.
This solution is different from others as it involves the resuage of the
part of the virtual circuits. This improvement in quality of service is
important especially in propagation of multimedia applications like
video, animations etc. So it is the dire need to propose a new solution
to improve the quality of service in ATM wireless networks for
multimedia applications especially during this era of multimedia
based applications.
Abstract: A novel typical day prediction model have been built and validated by the measured data of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Macau. Unlike conventional statistical method used by previous study on PV systems which get results by averaging nearby continuous points, the present typical day statistical method obtain the value at every minute in a typical day by averaging discontinuous points at the same minute in different days. This typical day statistical method based on discontinuous point averaging makes it possible for us to obtain the Gaussian shape dynamical distributions for solar irradiance and output power in a yearly or monthly typical day. Based on the yearly typical day statistical analysis results, the maximum possible accumulated output energy in a year with on site climate conditions and the corresponding optimal PV system running time are obtained. Periodic Gaussian shape prediction models for solar irradiance, output energy and system energy efficiency have been built and their coefficients have been determined based on the yearly, maximum and minimum monthly typical day Gaussian distribution parameters, which are obtained from iterations for minimum Root Mean Squared Deviation (RMSD). With the present model, the dynamical effects due to time difference in a day are kept and the day to day uncertainty due to weather changing are smoothed but still included. The periodic Gaussian shape correlations for solar irradiance, output power and system energy efficiency have been compared favorably with data of the PV system in Macau and proved to be an improvement than previous models.