Abstract: The field of instrumentation electronics is undergoing
an explosive growth, due to its wide range of applications. The
proliferation of electrical devices in a close working proximity can
negatively influence each other’s performance. The degradation in
the performance is due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This paper investigates the negative effects of electromagnetic
interference originating in the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)
control-network of the AC-DC transfer measurement system.
Remedial measures of reducing measurement errors and failure of
range of industrial devices due to EMI have been explored. The ACDC
transfer measurement system was analysed for the commonmode
(CM) EMI effects. Further investigation of coupling path as
well as much accurate identification of noise propagation mechanism
has been outlined. To prevent the occurrence of common-mode
(ground loops) which was identified between the GPIB system
control circuit and the measurement circuit, a microcontroller-driven
GPIB switching isolator device was designed, prototyped,
programmed and validated. This mitigation technique has been
explored to reduce EMI effectively.
Abstract: The focus of this study was to determine the factors associated with the use of substances for sport performance of youth in Lagos state sport. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the study. Descriptive research method was used. The estimated population for the study was 2000 sport men and women. The sample size was 200 respondents for purposive sampling techniques were used. The instrument was validated in it content and constructs value. The instrument was administered with the assistance of the coaches. Same 200 copies administered were returned. The data obtained was analysed using simple percentage and chi-square (x2) for stated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The finding reveal that sport injuries exercise induced and anaphylaxis and asthma and feeling of loss of efficacy associated with alcohol used on sport performance among the users of substances. Alcohol users are recommended to partake in sport like swimming, basketball and volleyball because they have space of time for resting while at play. Government should be fully in charge of the health of sport men and women.
Abstract: In this research, we propose to conduct diagnostic and
predictive analysis about the key factors and consequences of urban
population relocation. To achieve this goal, urban simulation models
extract the urban development trends as land use change patterns from
a variety of data sources. The results are treated as part of urban big
data with other information such as population change and economic
conditions. Multiple data mining methods are deployed on this data to
analyze nonlinear relationships between parameters. The result
determines the driving force of population relocation with respect to
urban sprawl and urban sustainability and their related parameters.
This work sets the stage for developing a comprehensive urban
simulation model for catering to specific questions by targeted users. It
contributes towards achieving sustainability as a whole.
Abstract: Earth structures constructed of marine clay soils have
tendency to crack. In order to improve the flexural strength and
brittleness, a technique of mixing short fibers is introduced to the soil
lime mixture. Coir fiber was used in this study as reinforcing
elements. An experimental investigation consisting primarily of
flexural tensile tests was conducted to examine the influence of coir
fibers on the flexural behaviour of the reinforced soils. The test
results that the coir fibers were effective in improving the flexural
strength and Young’s modulus of all soils examined and ductility
after peak strength for reinforced marine clay soil treated by lime. 5%
lime treated soil and 1% coir fiber reinforced soil specimens’
demonstrated good strength and durability when submerged in water
and retained 45% of their air-cured strengths.
Abstract: Objective: Acute coronary syndrome is a clinical
condition encompassing ST segments elevation myocardial
infraction, Non ST segment is elevation myocardial infraction and un
stable angina is characterized by ruptured coronary plaque, stress and
myocardial injury. Angina pectoris is a pressure like pain in the chest
that is induced by exertion or stress and relived with in the minute
after cessation of effort or using sublingual nitroglycerin. The present
research was undertaken to study the drug utilization pattern of
antiplatelet drugs for the ischemic heart disease in a tertiary care
hospital. Method: The present study is retrospective drug utilization
study and study period is 6months. The data is collected from the
discharge case sheet of general medicine department from medical
department Rajiv Gandhi institute of medical sciences, Kadapa. The
tentative sample size fixed was 250 patients. Out of 250 cases 19
cases was excluded because of unrelated data. Results: A total of 250
prescriptions were collected for the study according to the inclusion
criteria 233 prescriptions were diagnosed with ischemic heart disease
17 prescriptions were excluded due to unrelated information. out of
233 prescriptions 128 are male (54.9%) and 105 patients are were
female (45%). According to the gender distribution, the prevalence of
ischemic heart disease in males are 90 (70.31%) and females are 39
(37.1%). In the same way the prevalence of ischemic heart disease
along with cerebrovascular disease in males are 39 (29.6%) and
females are 66 (62.6%). Conclusion: We found that 94.8% of drug
utilization of antiplatelet drugs was achieved in the Rajiv Gandhi
institute of medical sciences, Kadapa from 2011-2012.
Abstract: In this paper, an approach for the liver tumor detection
in computed tomography (CT) images is represented. The detection
process is based on classifying the features of target liver cell to
either tumor or non-tumor. Fractional differential (FD) is applied for
enhancement of Liver CT images, with the aim of enhancing texture
and edge features. Later on, a fusion method is applied to merge
between the various enhanced images and produce a variety of
feature improvement, which will increase the accuracy of
classification. Each image is divided into NxN non-overlapping
blocks, to extract the desired features. Support vector machines
(SVM) classifier is trained later on a supplied dataset different from
the tested one. Finally, the block cells are identified whether they are
classified as tumor or not. Our approach is validated on a group of
patients’ CT liver tumor datasets. The experiment results
demonstrated the efficiency of detection in the proposed technique.
Abstract: In this corporate world, the technology of Web
services has grown rapidly and its significance for the development
of web based applications gradually rises over time. The success of
Business to Business integration rely on finding novel partners and
their services in a global business environment. However, the
selection of the most suitable Web service from the list of services
with the identical functionality is more vital. The satisfaction level of
the customer and the provider’s reputation of the Web service are
primarily depending on the range it reaches the customer’s
requirements. In most cases, the customer of the Web service feels
that he is spending for the service which is undelivered. This is
because the customer always thinks that the real functionality of the
web service is not reached. This will lead to change of the service
frequently. In this paper, a framework is proposed to evaluate the
Quality of Service (QoS) and its cost that makes the optimal
correlation between each other. In addition, this research work
proposes some management decision against the functional deviancy
of the web service that is guaranteed at time of selection.
Abstract: The paper deals with possibilities of increase train
capacity by using a new type of railway wagon. In the first part is
created a mathematical model to calculate the capacity of the train.
The model is based on the main limiting parameters of the train -
maximum number of axles per train, maximum gross weight of train,
maximum length of train and number of TEUs per one wagon. In the
second part is the model applied to four different model trains with
different composition of the train set and three different average
weights of TEU and a train consisting of a new type of wagons. The
result is to identify where the carrying capacity of the original trains
is higher, respectively less than a capacity of train consisting of a new
type of wagons.
Abstract: One of the main purposes of designing bucklingrestrained
braces is the fact that the entire lateral load is wasted by
the braces, the entire gravitational load is moved to the foundation
through the beams, and the columns can be moved to the foundation.
In other words, braces are designed for bearing lateral load. In the
implementation of the structure, it should be noted that the
implementation of various parts of the structure must be conducted in
such a way that the buckling-restrained braces would not bear the
gravitational load. Moreover, this type of brace has been investigated
under impact loading, and the design goals of designing method
(direct motion) are controlled under impact loading. The results of
dynamic analysis are shown as the relocation charts of the floors and
switch between the floors. Finally, the results are compared with each
other.
Abstract: This work aims to investigate the structure–property
relationship in ternary nanocomposites consisting of polypropylene
as the matrix, polyamide 66 as the minor phase and treated nanoclay
DELLITE 67G as the reinforcement. All PP/PA66/Nanoclay systems
with polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride PP-g-MAH as a
compatibilizer were prepared via melt compounding and
characterized in terms of nanoclay content. Morphological structure
was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The rheological
behavior of the nanocomposites was determined by various methods,
viz melt flow index (MFI) and parallel plate rheological
measurements. The PP/PP-g-MAH/PA66 nanocomposites showed a homogeneous
morphology supporting the compatibility improvement between PP,
PA66, and nanoclay. SEM results revealed the formation of
nanocomposites as the nanoclay was intercalated and exfoliated. In
the ternary nanocomposites, the rheological behavior showed that, the
complex viscosity is increased with increasing the nanoclay. The results showed that the use of nanoclay affects the variations
of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and the melt elasticity.
Abstract: The overall goal of this paper is to examine the
suitability and potential of the policies addressing the sustainability
and affordability of housing for returnees, and to determine the impact
of this policy on housing delivery for Afghan refugees. Housing is a
central component of the settlement experience of refugees. A positive
housing situation can facilitate many aspects of integration.
Unaffordable, and unsafe housing, however, can cause disruptions in
the entire settlement process. This paper aims to identify a suite of
built forms for housing that is both affordable and environmentally
sustainable for Afghan refugees. The result was the development of a
framework that enables the assessment of the overall performance of
various types of housing development in all zones of the country.
There is very little evidence that the present approach of housing
provision to the vagaries of market forces has provided affordable
housing, especially for Afghan refugees. There is a need to incorporate
social housing into the policy to assist people who cannot afford to
have their own houses.
Abstract: We investigate the large scale of networks in the
context of network survivability under attack. We use appropriate
techniques to evaluate and the attacker-based- and the defenderbased-
network survivability. The attacker is unaware of the operated
links by the defender. Each attacked link has some pre-specified
probability to be disconnected. The defender choice is so that to
maximize the chance of successfully sending the flow to the
destination node. The attacker however will select the cut-set with
the highest chance to be disabled in order to partition the network.
Moreover, we extend the problem to the case of selecting the best p
paths to operate by the defender and the best k cut-sets to target by
the attacker, for arbitrary integers p,k>1. We investigate some
variations of the problem and suggest polynomial-time solutions.
Abstract: This paper presents the effects of mixing procedures
on mechanical properties of flyash-based geopolymer matrices
containing nanosilica (NS) at 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% by weight.
Comparison is made with conventional mechanical dry-mixing of NS
with flyash and wet-mixing of NS in alkaline solutions. Physical and
mechanical properties are investigated using X-Ray Diffraction
(XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results show that
generally the addition of NS particles enhanced the microstructure
and improved flexural and compressive strengths of geopolymer
nanocomposites. However, samples, prepared using dry-mixing
approach, demonstrate better physical and mechanical properties
comparing to wet-mixing samples.
Abstract: One of prevailing modes of finance in emerging
Islamic banking system is Murabah’a. It means a financial dealing or
transaction in which seller tells cost of the goods to be sold to buyer.
Otherwise, the transaction would become invalid. In this mainstream,
import Murabah’a transaction is divergent in such a way that the cost
is not recognized and identified due to execution of import
transaction in foreign currency i.e. US Dollar and the next transaction
of Murabaha’a with the client is executed in local currency. Since this
transaction is executed in dual currency i.e. bank pays supplier in
foreign currency and executes Murabah’a with its client in local
currency and it is not allowed in according to Islamic Injunctions as
mentioned in hadith narrated by Hazrat Ibn-e-Umar (May Allah be
pleased with them) used to sell his camels with Dirhams and take
dinars instead and vice versa. Upon revealing before the Prophet
(Peace be upon him), he was advised that it must not be contingent in
the agreement and the ready rate would be applied and possession of
one of the consideration is compulsory. The solution in this regard is
that the import Murabah’a transaction should be in single currency
However, other currency can be paid in payment at the time of
payment in a very indispensable situation provided that ready rate
would be applied. Moreover, some of other solutions have also been
given in this regard.
Abstract: This paper aims to analysis the behavior of DC corona
discharge in wire-to-plate electrostatic precipitators (ESP). Currentvoltage
curves are particularly analyzed. Experimental results show
that discharge current is strongly affected by the applied voltage. The proposed method of current identification is to use the method
of least squares. Least squares problems that of into two categories:
linear or ordinary least squares and non-linear least squares,
depending on whether or not the residuals are linear in all unknowns.
The linear least-squares problem occurs in statistical regression
analysis; it has a closed-form solution. A closed-form solution (or
closed form expression) is any formula that can be evaluated in a
finite number of standard operations. The non-linear problem has no
closed-form solution and is usually solved by iterative.
Abstract: In the last decades, psychological tests have been
gaining in popularity as a method used for evaluating personnel, and
they bring consulting companies solid profits rising by up to 10%
each year. The market is offering a growing range of tools for the
assessment of personality. Tests are used in organizations mainly in
the recruitment and selection of staff. This paper is an attempt to
initially diagnose the state of the use of psychological tests in Polish
companies on the basis of empirical research.
Abstract: Advances in spatial and spectral resolution of satellite
images have led to tremendous growth in large image databases. The
data we acquire through satellites, radars, and sensors consists of
important geographical information that can be used for remote
sensing applications such as region planning, disaster management.
Spatial data classification and object recognition are important tasks
for many applications. However, classifying objects and identifying
them manually from images is a difficult task. Object recognition is
often considered as a classification problem, this task can be
performed using machine-learning techniques. Despite of many
machine-learning algorithms, the classification is done using
supervised classifiers such as Support Vector Machines (SVM) as the
area of interest is known. We proposed a classification method,
which considers neighboring pixels in a region for feature extraction
and it evaluates classifications precisely according to neighboring
classes for semantic interpretation of region of interest (ROI). A
dataset has been created for training and testing purpose; we
generated the attributes by considering pixel intensity values and
mean values of reflectance. We demonstrated the benefits of using
knowledge discovery and data-mining techniques, which can be on
image data for accurate information extraction and classification from
high spatial resolution remote sensing imagery.
Abstract: There was a scenario present day that drying of fresh
fruits and vegetables by indirect solar drying by using mechanical
device; hence, an effort was made to develop a small scale solar
tunnel dryer (STD). Drying of spinach is carried out to analyze the
performance of the dryer and to study its drying characteristics. To
evaluate the performance of dryer the independent variables were
selected as air flow rate, loading density and shade net while collector
efficiency, drying efficiency, overall efficiency and specific energy
consumption were selected as responses during performing the
experiments. The spinach was dried from initial moisture content
88.21-94.04% (w.b.) to final moisture content 3.50-5.13% (w.b.). The
drying time considerably reduced as compared to open sun drying of
spinach as sun drying took 15 h for drying. The average collector
efficiency, drying efficiency and overall efficiency were in the range
28.73-61.15%, 11.63% to 22.13%, and 7.61-14.66%, respectively.
Abstract: With the advancement of knowledge about the utility
and impact of sustainability, its feasibility has been explored into
different walks of life. Scientists, however; have established their
knowledge in four areas viz environmental, economic, social and
cultural, popularly termed as four pillars of sustainability. Aspects of
environmental and economic sustainability have been rigorously
researched and practiced and huge volume of strong evidence of
effectiveness has been founded for these two sub-areas. For the social
and cultural aspects of sustainability, dependable evidence of
effectiveness is still to be instituted as the researchers and
practitioners are developing and experimenting methods across the
globe. Therefore, the present research aimed to identify globally used
practices of social and cultural sustainability and through evidence
synthesis assess their outcomes to determine the effectiveness of
those practices. A PICO format steered the methodology which
included all populations, popular sustainability practices including
walkability/cycle tracks, social/recreational spaces, privacy, health &
human services and barrier free built environment, comparators
included ‘Before’ and ‘After’, ‘With’ and ‘Without’, ‘More’ and
‘Less’ and outcomes included Social well-being, cultural coexistence,
quality of life, ethics and morality, social capital, sense of
place, education, health, recreation and leisure, and holistic
development. Search of literature included major electronic
databases, search websites, organizational resources, directory of
open access journals and subscribed journals. Grey literature,
however, was not included. Inclusion criteria filtered studies on the
basis of research designs such as total randomization, quasirandomization,
cluster randomization, observational or single studies
and certain types of analysis. Studies with combined outcomes were
considered but studies focusing only on environmental and/or
economic outcomes were rejected. Data extraction, critical appraisal
and evidence synthesis was carried out using customized tabulation,
reference manager and CASP tool. Partial meta-analysis was carried
out and calculation of pooled effects and forest plotting were done.
As many as 13 studies finally included for final synthesis explained
the impact of targeted practices on health, behavioural and social
dimensions. Objectivity in the measurement of health outcomes
facilitated quantitative synthesis of studies which highlighted the
impact of sustainability methods on physical activity, Body Mass
Index, perinatal outcomes and child health. Studies synthesized
qualitatively (and also quantitatively) showed outcomes such as
routines, family relations, citizenship, trust in relationships, social
inclusion, neighbourhood social capital, wellbeing, habitability and
family’s social processes. The synthesized evidence indicates slight
effectiveness and efficacy of social and cultural sustainability on the
targeted outcomes. Further synthesis revealed that such results of this
study are due weak research designs and disintegrated implementations. If architects and other practitioners deliver their
interventions in collaboration with research bodies and policy
makers, a stronger evidence-base in this area could be generated.
Abstract: Despite the wide spread use of synthetic dyes, natural
dyes are still exploited and used to enhance its inherent aesthetic
qualities as a major material for beautification of the body. Centuries
before the discovery of synthetic dyes, natural dyes were the only
source of dye open to mankind. Dyes are extracted from plant -
leaves, roots and barks, insect secretions, and minerals. However,
research findings have made it clear that of all, plants- leaves, roots,
barks or flowers are the most explored and exploited in which henna
(Lawsonia innermis L.) is one of those plants. Experiment has also
shown that henna is used in body painting in conjunction with an
alkaline (Ammonium Sulphate) as a fixing agent. This of course
gives a clue that if colour derived from henna is properly
investigated, it may not only be used for body decoration but
possibly, may have affinity to fiber substrate. This paper investigates
the dyeing potentials – dye ability and fastness qualities of henna dye
extracts on cotton and linen fibers using mordants like ammonium
sulphate and other alkalis (hydrosulphate and caustic soda, potash,
common salt, potassium alum). Hot and cold water and ethanol
solvent were used in the extraction of the dye to investigate the most
effective method, dye ability, and fastness qualities of these extracts
under room temperature. The results of the experiment show that
cotton have a high rate of dye intake than other fiber. On a similar
note, the colours obtained depend most on the solvent used. In
conclusion, hot water extraction appears more effective. While the
colours obtained from ethanol and both cold hot methods of
extraction range from light to dark yellow, light green to army green
and to some extent shades of brown hues.