Abstract: The creation of a sustainable future depends on the knowledge and involvement of the people, as well as an understanding of the consequences of individual actions. Construction industry has long been associated with the detrimental effects to our mother earth. In Malaysia, the government, professional bodies and private companies are beginning to take heed in the necessity to reduce this environmental problem without restraining the need for development. This paper focuses on the actions undertaken by the Malaysian government, non-government organizations and construction players in promoting sustainability in construction. To ensure that those concerted efforts are not only skin deep in its impact, a survey was conducted to investigate the awareness of the developers regarding this issue and whether those developers has absorb the concept of sustainable construction in their current practices. The survey revealed that although the developers are aware of the rising issues on sustainability, little efforts are generated from them in implementing it. More effort is necessary to boost this application and further stimulate actions and strategies towards a sustainable built environment.
Abstract: This paper proposes a synchronized random switching frequency pulse width modulation (SRSFPWM). In this technique, the clock signal is used to control the random noise frequency which is produced by the feedback voltage of a hysteresis circuit. These make the triangular carrier frequency equaling to the random noise frequency in each switching period with the symmetrical positive and negative slopes of triangular carrier. Therefore, there is no error voltage in PWM signal. The PSpice simulated results shown the proposed technique improved the performance in case of low frequency harmonics of PWM signal comparing with conventional random switching frequency PWM.
Abstract: This paper analyses the torsional efforts in gas turbine-generator shafts caused by high speed automatic reclosing of transmission lines. This issue is especially important for cases of three phase short circuit and unsuccessful reclosure of lines in the vicinity of the thermal plant. The analysis was carried out for the thermal plant TERMOPERNAMBUCO located on Northeast region of Brazil. It is shown that stress level caused by lines unsuccessful reclosing can be several times higher than terminal three-phase short circuit. Simulations were carried out with detailed shaft torsional model provided by machine manufacturer and with the “Alternative Transient Program – ATP" program [1]. Unsuccessful three phase reclosing for selected lines in the area closed to the plant indicated most critical cases. Also, reclosing first the terminal next to the gas turbine gererator will lead also to the most critical condition. Considering that the values of transient torques are very sensible to the instant of reclosing, simulation of unsuccessful reclosing with statistics ATP switch were carried out for determination of most critical transient torques for each section of the generator turbine shaft.
Abstract: A wireless power transfer system can attribute to the
fields in robot, aviation and space in which lightening the weight of
device and improving the movement play an important role. A
wireless power transfer system was investigated to overcome the
inconvenience of using power cable. Especially a wireless power
transfer technology is important element for mobile robots. We
proposed the wireless power transfer system of the half-bridge
resonant converter with the frequency tracking and optimized
power transfer control unit. And the possibility of the application
and development system was verified through the experiment with
LED loads.
Abstract: Successful intelligence (SI) is the integrated set of the
ability needed to attain success in life, within individual-s sociocultural
context. People are successfully intelligent by recognizing
their strengths and weaknesses. They will find ways to strengthen
their weakness and maintain their strength or even improve it. SI
people can shape, select, and adapt to the environments by using
balance of higher-ordered thinking abilities including; critical,
creative, and applicative. Aims: The purposes of this study were to;
1) develop curriculum that promotes SI for nursing students, and 2)
study the effectiveness of the curriculum development. Method:
Research and Development was a method used for this study. The
design was divided into two phases; 1) the curriculum development
which composed of three steps (needs assessment, curriculum
development and curriculum field trail), and 2) the curriculum
implementation. In this phase, a pre-experimental research design
(one group pretest-posttest design) was conducted. The sample
composed of 49 sophomore nursing students of Boromarajonani
College of Nursing, Surin, Thailand who enrolled in Nursing care of
Health problem course I in 2011 academic year. Data were carefully
collected using 4 instruments; 1) Modified essay questions test
(MEQ) 2) Nursing Care Plan evaluation form 3) Group processing
observation form (α = 0.74) and 4) Satisfied evaluation form of
learning (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and content analysis. Results: The results revealed that the sample
had post-test average score of SI higher than pre-test average score
(mean difference was 5.03, S.D. = 2.84). Fifty seven percentages of
the sample passed the MEQ posttest at the criteria of 60 percentages.
Students demonstrated the strategies of how to develop nursing care
plan. Overall, students- satisfaction on teaching performance was at
high level (mean = 4.35, S.D. = 0.46). Conclusion: This curriculum
can promote the attribute of characteristic of SI person and was
highly required to be continued.
Abstract: This paper presents modern vibration signalprocessing
techniques for vehicle gearbox fault diagnosis, via the
wavelet analysis and the Squared Envelope (SE) technique. The
wavelet analysis is regarded as a powerful tool for the detection of
sudden changes in non-stationary signals. The Squared Envelope
(SE) technique has been extensively used for rolling bearing
diagnostics. In the present work a scheme of using the Squared
Envelope technique for early detection of gear tooth pit. The pitting
defect is manufactured on the tooth side of a fifth speed gear on the
intermediate shaft of a vehicle gearbox. The objective is to
supplement the current techniques of gearbox fault diagnosis based
on using the raw vibration and ordered signals. The test stand is
equipped with three dynamometers; the input dynamometer serves as
the internal combustion engine, the output dynamometers introduce
the load on the flanges of output joint shafts. The gearbox used for
experimental measurements is the type most commonly used in
modern small to mid-sized passenger cars with transversely mounted
powertrain and front wheel drive; a five-speed gearbox with final
drive gear and front wheel differential. The results show that the
approaches methods are effective for detecting and diagnosing
localized gear faults in early stage under different operation
conditions, and are more sensitive and robust than current gear
diagnostic techniques.
Abstract: This study proposes a hybrid minimal repair policy
which combines periodic maintenance policy with age-based maintenance policy for a serial production system. Parameters of such policy are defined as and which indicate as hybrid minimal
repair time and planned preventive maintenance time
respectively . Under this hybrid policy, the system is
repaired minimally if it fails during , . A perfect repair is
conducted on the first failure after at any machines. At the same time, we take opportunity to advance the preventive maintenance of
other machines simultaneously. If the system is still operating
properly up to , then the preventive maintenance is carried out as its
predetermined schedule. For a given , we obtain the optimal value which minimizes the expected cost per time unit. Numerical
example is presented to illustrate the properties of the optimal solution.
Abstract: Establishing pumping stations is one of the most common ways of providing water from rivers. There are many issues involved in the design and operation of pumping stations most important of which is the problem of sedimentation. One of the significant issues which must be taken into consideration in designing pumping stations is the operation method and technical matters related to it. Safety and convenience of operation is one of the issues that must be always considered by the designer. Some of the major issues in making decisions regarding the type of design for the station are geographical condition, the location of the station and availability of experts in maintenance and operation of the station. Dimensions of the station must allow free movement for checking and operating pumps after installation of pumps and plumbing system.
Abstract: A high performance clarification system has been
discussed for advanced aqueous reprocessing of FBR spent fuel.
Dissolver residue gives the cause of troubles on the plant operation of
reprocessing. In this study, the new clarification system based on the
hybrid of centrifuge and filtration was proposed to get the high
separation ability of the component of whole insoluble sludge. The
clarification tests of simulated solid species were carried out to
evaluate the clarification performance using small-scale test apparatus
of centrifuge and filter unit. The density effect of solid species on the
collection efficiency was mainly evaluated in the centrifugal
clarification test. In the filtration test using ceramic filter with pore
size of 0.2μm, on the other hand, permeability and filtration rate
were evaluated in addition to the filtration efficiency. As results, it was
evaluated that the collection efficiency of solid species on the new
clarification system was estimated as nearly 100%. In conclusion, the
high clarification performance of dissolver liquor can be achieved by
the hybrid of the centrifuge and filtration system.
Abstract: This paper presents the characterization and design of a capacitive pressure sensor with LC-based 0.35 µm CMOS readout circuit. SPICE is employed to evaluate the characteristics of the readout circuit and COMSOL multiphysics structural analysis is used to simulate the behavior of the pressure sensor. The readout circuit converts the capacitance variation of the pressure sensor into the frequency output. Simulation results show that the proposed pressure sensor has output frequency from 2.50 to 2.28 GHz in a pressure range from 0.1 to 2 MPa almost linearly. The sensitivity of the frequency shift with respect to the applied pressure load is 0.11 GHz/MPa.
Abstract: The work reported in this paper proposes
Swarm-Array computing, a novel technique inspired by swarm
robotics, and built on the foundations of autonomic and parallel
computing. The approach aims to apply autonomic computing
constructs to parallel computing systems and in effect achieve the
self-ware objectives that describe self-managing systems. The
constitution of swarm-array computing comprising four constituents,
namely the computing system, the problem/task, the swarm and the
landscape is considered. Approaches that bind these constituents
together are proposed. Space applications employing FPGAs are
identified as a potential area for applying swarm-array computing for
building reliable systems. The feasibility of a proposed approach is
validated on the SeSAm multi-agent simulator and landscapes are
generated using the MATLAB toolkit.
Abstract: A seismic isolation pad produced by utilizing the scrap
tire rubber which contains interleaved steel reinforcing cords has been
proposed. The steel cords are expected to function similar to the steel
plates used in conventional laminated rubber bearings. The scrap tire
rubber pad (STRP) isolator is intended to be used in low rise
residential buildings of highly seismic areas of the developing
countries. Experimental investigation was conducted on unbonded
STRP isolators, and test results provided useful information including
stiffness, damping values and an eventual instability of the isolation
unit. Finite element analysis (FE analysis) of STRP isolator was
carried out on properly bonded samples. These types of isolators
provide positive incremental force resisting capacity up to shear strain
level of 155%. This paper briefly discusses the force deformation
behavior of bonded STRP isolators including stability of the isolation
unit.
Abstract: This paper compares planning results of the electricity and water generation inventory up to year 2030 in the State of
Kuwait. Currently, the generation inventory consists of oil and gas fired technologies only. The planning study considers two main cases. The first case, Reference case, examines a generation inventory based on oil and gas fired generation technologies only.
The second case examines the inclusion of renewables as part of the generation inventory under two scenarios. In the first scenario, Ref-RE, renewable build-out is based on optimum economic performance
of overall generation system. Result shows that the optimum installed
renewable capacity with electric energy generation of 11% . In the second scenario, Ref-RE20, the renewable capacity build-out is
forced to provide 20% of electric energy by 2030. The respective energy systems costs of Reference, Ref-RE and Ref-RE20 case
scenarios reach US dollar 24, 10 and 14 billion annually in 2030.
Abstract: Early detection of dementia by testing the spatial
memory can be applied using a virtual environment. This paper
presents guidelines on how to design a virtual environment
specifically for elderly in early detection of dementia. The specific
design needs to be considered because the effectiveness of the
technology relies on the ability of the end user to use it. The primary
goal of these guidelines is to promote accessibility. Based on these
guidelines, a virtual simulation was developed and evaluated. The
results on usability of acceptance and satisfaction that are tested on
young (control group) and elderly participants indicate that these
guidelines are reliable and useful for use with elderly people.
Abstract: We present an implementation of an Online Exhibition System (OES) web service(s) that reflects our experiences with using web service development packages and software process models. The system provides major functionality that exists in similar packages. While developing such a complex web service, we gained insightful experience (i) in the traditional software development processes: waterfall model and evolutionary development and their fitness to web services development, (ii) in the fitness and effectiveness of a major web services development kit.
Abstract: Because of its global reach, reduction of time
restraints, and ability to reduce costs and increase sales, use of the
Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW), and related technologies
can be a competitive tool in the arsenal of small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs). Countries the world over are interested in the
successful adoption of the Internet by SMEs. Because a vast
majority of jobs come from that sector, greater financial success of
SMEs translates into greater job growth and, subsequently, higher
tax revenue to the government. This research investigated the level
of Internet usage for business solutions by small and medium
enterprises in Jordan. Through the survey of a random sample of
100 firms with less than 500 employees and from data obtained
from this survey that formed the basis for our study, we found that
a majority of respondents use the Internet in business activities ,
the adoption of the Internet as a business tool is limited to a
brochure where Web site which primarily provides one way. As
such, there wasn't interactive information about the company and
its products and services.
Abstract: This paper presents a new general technique for analysis of noise in static log-domain translinear circuits. It is demonstrated that employing this technique, leads to a general, simple and routine method of the noise analysis. The circuit has been simulated by HSPICE. The simulation results are seen to conform to the theoretical analysis and shows benefits of the proposed circuit.
Abstract: The present work deals with thermodynamic analysis
of cascade refrigeration system using ozone friendly refrigerants pair
R507A and R23. R507A is azeotropic mixture composed of HFC
refrigerants R125/R143a (50%/50% wt.). R23 is a single component
HFC refrigerant used as replacement to CFC refrigerant R13 in low
temperature applications. These refrigerants have zero ozone
depletion potential and are non-flammable and as R507A an
azeotropic mixture there is no problem of temperature glide. This
study thermodynamically analyzed R507A-R23 cascade refrigeration
system to optimize the design and operating parameters of the
system. The design and operating parameters include: Condensing,
evaporating, subcooling and superheating temperatures in the high
temperature circuit, temperature difference in the cascade heat
exchanger, Condensing, evaporating, subcooling and superheating
temperatures in the low temperature circuit.
Abstract: A large section of the society in Urban India is unable
to afford a basic dwelling unit. Housing shortage due to the rising unafforability makes it logical to consider alternative technologies more seriously for their application How far do these alternative
technologies match up with the conventional techniques? How do these integrate with the present-day need for urban amenities and
facilities? Are the owners of bamboo dwellings, for instance, a part of
the mainstream housing sector, having the same rights and privileges
as those enjoyed by other property owners? Will they have access to loans for building, improving, renovating or repairing their
dwellings? Why do we still hesitate to build a bamboo house for ourselves? Is our policy framework and political resolve in place, to
welcome such alternative technologies? It is time we found these answers, in order to explore the reasons for large-scale nonacceptance,
of a technology proven for its worthiness.
Abstract: Implementing Information Technology/ Information
System (IT/IS) is critical for every industry as its potential benefits
have been to motivate many industries including the Malaysian
construction industry to invest in it. To successfully implement IT/IS
has become the major concern for every organisation. Identifying the
critical success factors (CSFs) has become the main agenda for
researchers, academicians and practitioners due to the wide number
of failures reported. This research paper seeks to identify the CSFs
that influence the successful implementation of IT/IS in construction
industry in Malaysia. Limited factors relating to people issue will be
highlighted here to showcase some as it becomes one of the major
contributing factors to the failure. Three (3) organisations have
participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews are employed as
they offer sufficient flexibility to ensure that all relevant factors are
covered. Several key issues contributing to successful
implementations of IT/IS are identified. The results of this study
reveal that top management support, communication, user
involvement, IT staff roles and responsibility, training/skills, leader/
IT Leader, organisation culture, knowledge/ experience, motivation,
awareness, focus and ambition, satisfaction, teamwork/ collaboration,
willingness to change, attitude, commitment, management style,
interest in IT, employee behaviour towards collaborative
environment, trust, interpersonal relationship, personal characteristic
and competencies are significantly associated with the successful
implementations of IT/IS. It is anticipated that this study will create
awareness and contribute to a better understanding amongst
construction industry players and will assist them to successfully
implement IT/IS.