Abstract: R.C.C. buildings with dual structural system
consisting of shear walls (or braces) and moment resisting frames
have been widely used to resist lateral forces during earthquakes. The
dual systems are designed to resist the total design lateral force in
proportion to their lateral stiffness. The response of combination of
braces and shear walls has not yet been studied. The combination
may prove to be more effective to resist lateral forces during
earthquakes. This concept has been applied to regular R.C.C.
buildings provided with shear walls, braces and their combinations.
Abstract: The aim of software maintenance is to maintain
the software system in accordance with advancement in software
and hardware technology. One of the early works on software
maintenance is to extract information at higher level of abstraction. In
this paper, we present the process of how to design an information
extraction tool for software maintenance. The tool can extract the
basic information from old programs such as about variables, based
classes, derived classes, objects of classes, and functions. The tool
have two main parts; the lexical analyzer module that can read the
input file character by character, and the searching module which
users can get the basic information from the existing programs. We
implemented this tool for a patterned sub-C++ language as an input
file.
Abstract: An artificial neural network is a mathematical model
inspired by biological neural networks. There are several kinds of
neural networks and they are widely used in many areas, such as:
prediction, detection, and classification. Meanwhile, in day to day life,
people always have to make many difficult decisions. For example,
the coach of a soccer club has to decide which offensive player
to be selected to play in a certain game. This work describes a
novel Neural Network using a combination of the General Regression
Neural Network and the Probabilistic Neural Networks to help a
soccer coach make an informed decision.
Abstract: Parabolic solar trough systems have seen limited
deployments in cold northern climates as they are more suitable for
electricity production in southern latitudes. A numerical dynamic
model is developed to simulate troughs installed in cold climates and
validated using a parabolic solar trough facility in Winnipeg. The
model is developed in Simulink and will be utilized to simulate a trigeneration
system for heating, cooling and electricity generation in
remote northern communities. The main objective of this simulation
is to obtain operational data of solar troughs in cold climates and use
the model to determine ways to improve the economics and address
cold weather issues.
In this paper the validated Simulink model is applied to simulate a
solar assisted absorption cooling system along with electricity
generation using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and thermal storage.
A control strategy is employed to distribute the heated oil from solar
collectors among the above three systems considering the
temperature requirements. This modelling provides dynamic
performance results using measured meteorological data recorded
every minute at the solar facility location. The purpose of this
modeling approach is to accurately predict system performance at
each time step considering the solar radiation fluctuations due to
passing clouds. Optimization of the controller in cold temperatures is
another goal of the simulation to for example minimize heat losses in
winter when energy demand is high and solar resources are low.
The solar absorption cooling is modeled to use the generated heat
from the solar trough system and provide cooling in summer for a
greenhouse which is located next to the solar field.
The results of the simulation are presented for a summer day in
Winnipeg which includes comparison of performance parameters of
the absorption cooling and ORC systems at different heat transfer
fluid (HTF) temperatures.
Abstract: In this paper, the exergy analysis of vapor absorption
refrigeration system using LiBr-H2O as working fluid is carried out
with the modified Gouy-Stodola approach rather than the classical
Gouy-Stodola equation and effect of varying input parameters is also
studied on the performance of the system. As the modified approach
uses the concept of effective temperature, the mathematical
expressions for effective temperature have been formulated and
calculated for each component of the system. Various constraints and
equations are used to develop program in EES to solve these
equations. The main aim of this analysis is to determine the
performance of the system and the components having major
irreversible loss. Results show that exergy destruction rate is
considerable in absorber and generator followed by evaporator and
condenser. There is an increase in exergy destruction in generator,
absorber and condenser and decrease in the evaporator by the
modified approach as compared to the conventional approach. The
value of exergy determined by the modified Gouy-Stodola equation
deviates maximum i.e. 26% in the generator as compared to the
exergy calculated by the classical Gouy-Stodola method.
Abstract: This study analyzes the innovative orientation of the
Croatian entrepreneurs. Innovative orientation is represented by the
perceived extent to which an entrepreneur’s product or service or
technology is new, and no other businesses offer the same product.
The sample is extracted from the GEM Croatia Adult Population
Survey dataset for the years 2003-2013. We apply descriptive
statistics, t-test, Chi-square test and logistic regression. Findings
indicate that innovative orientations vary with personal, firm, meso
and macro level variables, and between different stages in
entrepreneurship process. Significant predictors are occupation of the
entrepreneurs, size of the firm and export aspiration for both early
stage and established entrepreneurs. In addition, fear of failure,
expecting to start a new business and seeing an entrepreneurial career
as a desirable choice are predictors of innovative orientation among
early stage entrepreneurs.
Abstract: This paper introduces an original method for
guaranteed estimation of the accuracy for an ensemble of Lipschitz
classifiers. The solution was obtained as a finite closed set of
alternative hypotheses, which contains an object of classification with
probability of not less than the specified value. Thus, the
classification is represented by a set of hypothetical classes. In this
case, the smaller the cardinality of the discrete set of hypothetical
classes is, the higher is the classification accuracy. Experiments have
shown that if cardinality of the classifiers ensemble is increased then
the cardinality of this set of hypothetical classes is reduced. The
problem of the guaranteed estimation of the accuracy for an ensemble
of Lipschitz classifiers is relevant in multichannel classification of
target events in C-OTDR monitoring systems. Results of suggested
approach practical usage to accuracy control in C-OTDR monitoring
systems are present.
Abstract: The adaptation of social networking sites within
higher education has garnered significant interest in the recent years
with numerous researches considering it as a possible shift from the
traditional classroom based learning paradigm. Notwithstanding this
increase in research and conducted studies however, the adaption of
SNS based modules have failed to proliferate within Universities.
This paper commences its contribution by analyzing the various
models and theories proposed in literature and amalgamate together
various effective aspects for the inclusion of social technology within
e-Learning. A three phased framework is further proposed which
details the necessary considerations for the successful adaptation of
SNS in enhancing the students learning experience. This proposal
outlines the theoretical foundations which will be analyzed in
practical implementation across international university campuses.
Abstract: Improved resource efficiency of production is a key
requirement for sustainable growth, worldwide. In this regards, by
considering the energy and tourism as the extra inputs to the classical
Coub-Douglas production function, this study aims at investigating
the efficiency changes in the North African countries. To this end, the
study uses panel data for the period 1995-2010 and adopts the
Malmquist index based on the data envelopment analysis. Results
show that tourism increases technical and scale efficiencies, while it
decreases technological and total factor productivity changes. On the
other hand, when the production function is augmented by the energy
input; technical efficiency change decreases, while the technological
change, scale efficiency change and total factor productivity change
increase. Thus, in order to satisfy the needs for sustainable growth,
North African governments should take some measures for increasing
the contribution that the tourism makes to economic growth and some
others for efficient use of resources in the energy sector.
Abstract: Essential oils have a significant antimicrobial activity.
These oils can successfully replace the antibiotics. So, the
microorganisms show their inefficiencies resistant for the antibiotics.
For this reason, we study the physicochemical analysis and
antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Daucus carota. The
extraction is done by steam distillation of water which brought us a
very significant return of 4.65%. The analysis of the essential oil is
performed by GC / MS and has allowed us to identify 32 compounds
in the oil of D. carota flowering tops of Bouira. Three of which are in
the majority are the α-Pinene (22.3%), the carotol (21.7%) and the
limonene (15.8%).
Abstract: Cloud computing is a new technology in industry and
academia. The technology has grown and matured in last half decade
and proven their significant role in changing environment of IT
infrastructure where cloud services and resources are offered over the
network. Cloud technology enables users to use services and
resources without being concerned about the technical implications of
technology. There are substantial research work has been performed
for the usage of cloud computing in educational institutes and
majority of them provides cloud services over high-end blade servers
or other high-end CPUs. However, this paper proposes a new stack
called “CiCKAStack” which provide cloud services over unutilized
computing resources, named as commodity computers.
“CiCKAStack” provides IaaS and PaaS using underlying commodity
computers. This will not only increasing the utilization of existing
computing resources but also provide organize file system, on
demand computing resource and design and development
environment.
Abstract: International and domestic environmental law has
evolved quite rapidly in the last few decades. At the international
level the Stockholm and Rio Declarations paved the way for a broad
based consensus of the international community on environmental
issues and principles. At the Domestic level also many states have
incorporated environmental protection in their constitutions and even
more states are doing the same at least in their domestic legislations.
In this process of evolution environmental law has unleashed a
number of novel principles such as; the participatory principle, the
polluter pays principle, the precautionary principle, the intergenerational
and intra-generational principles, the prevention
principle, the sustainable development principle and so on.
Abstract: Today’s VLSI networks demands for high speed. And
in this work the compact form mathematical model for current mode
signalling in VLSI interconnects is presented.RLC interconnect line
is modelled using characteristic impedance of transmission line and
inductive effect. The on-chip inductance effect is dominant at lower
technology node is emulated into an equivalent resistance. First order
transfer function is designed using finite difference equation, Laplace
transform and by applying the boundary conditions at the source and
load termination. It has been observed that the dominant pole
determines system response and delay in the proposed model. The
novel proposed current mode model shows superior performance as
compared to voltage mode signalling. Analysis shows that current
mode signalling in VLSI interconnects provides 2.8 times better
delay performance than voltage mode. Secondly the damping factor
of a lumped RLC circuit is shown to be a useful figure of merit.
Abstract: Applications of the Hausdorff space and its mappings
into tangent spaces are outlined, including their fractal dimensions
and self-similarities. The paper details this theory set up and further
describes virtualizations and atomization of manufacturing processes.
It demonstrates novel concurrency principles that will guide
manufacturing processes and resources configurations. Moreover,
varying levels of details may be produced by up folding and breaking
down of newly introduced generic models. This choice of layered
generic models for units and systems aspects along specific aspects
allows research work in parallel to other disciplines with the same
focus on all levels of detail. More credit and easier access are granted
to outside disciplines for enriching manufacturing grounds. Specific
mappings and the layers give hints for chances for interdisciplinary
outcomes and may highlight more details for interoperability
standards, as already worked on the international level. The new rules
are described, which require additional properties concerning all
involved entities for defining distributed decision cycles, again on the
base of self-similarity. All properties are further detailed and assigned
to a maturity scale, eventually displaying the smartness maturity of a
total shopfloor or a factory. The paper contributes to the intensive
ongoing discussion in the field of intelligent distributed
manufacturing and promotes solid concepts for implementations of
Cyber Physical Systems and the Internet of Things into
manufacturing industry, like industry 4.0, as discussed in German-speaking
countries.
Abstract: Nanofibers are effective materials which have
frequently been investigated to produce high quality air filters. As an
environmental approach our aim is to achieve nanofibers by melting.
In spun-bond systems extruder, spin-pump, nozzle package and
attenuator are used. Molten polymer which flows from extruder is
made steady by spin-pump. Regular melt passes through nozzle holes
and forms fibers under high pressure. The fibers pulled from nozzle
are shrunk to micron size by an attenuator; after solidification, they
are collected on a conveyor. In this research different designs of
attenuator system have been studied; and also CFD analysis has been
done on these different designs. Afterwards, one of these designs
tested and finally some optimizations have been done to reduce
pressure loss and increase air velocity.
Abstract: Groundwater inflow to the tunnels is one of the most
important problems in tunneling operation. The objective of this
study is the investigation of model dimension effects on tunnel inflow
assessment in discontinuous rock masses using numerical modeling.
In the numerical simulation, the model dimension has an important
role in prediction of water inflow rate. When the model dimension is
very small, due to low distance to the tunnel border, the model
boundary conditions affect the estimated amount of groundwater flow
into the tunnel and results show a very high inflow to tunnel. Hence,
in this study, the two-dimensional universal distinct element code
(UDEC) used and the impact of different model parameters, such as
tunnel radius, joint spacing, horizontal and vertical model domain
extent has been evaluated. Results show that the model domain extent
is a function of the most significant parameters, which are tunnel
radius and joint spacing.
Abstract: Using the first-principles full-potential linearized
augmented plane wave plus local orbital (FP-LAPW+lo) method
based on density functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the
electronic structure and magnetism of full Heusler alloys Co2ZrGe
and Co2NbB. These compounds are predicted to be half-metallic
ferromagnets (HMFs) with a total magnetic moment of 2.000 B per
formula unit, well consistent with the Slater-Pauling rule.
Calculations show that both the alloys have an indirect band gaps, in
the minority-spin channel of density of states (DOS), with values of
0.58 eV and 0.47 eV for Co2ZrGe and Co2NbB, respectively.
Analysis of the DOS and magnetic moments indicates that their
magnetism is mainly related to the d-d hybridization between the Co
and Zr (or Nb) atoms. The half-metallicity is found to be relatively
robust against volume changes. In addition, an atom inside molecule
AIM formalism and an electron localization function ELF were also
adopted to study the bonding properties of these compounds, building
a bridge between their electronic and bonding behavior.
As they have a good crystallographic compatibility with the lattice of
semiconductors used industrially and negative calculated cohesive
energies with considerable absolute values these two alloys could be
promising magnetic materials in the spintronic field.
Abstract: An innovative concept called “Flexy-Energy” is developing at 2iE. This concept aims to produce electricity at lower cost by smartly mix different available energy sources in accordance to the load profile of the region. With a higher solar irradiation and due to the fact that Diesel generator are massively used in sub-Saharan rural areas, PV/Diesel hybrid systems could be a good application of this concept and a good solution to electrify this region, provided they are reliable, cost effective and economically attractive to investors. Presentation of the developed approach is the aims of this paper. The PV/Diesel hybrid system designed consists to produce electricity and/or heat from a coupling between Diesel Diesel generators and PV panels without batteries storage, while ensuring the substitution of gasoil by bio-fuels available in the area where the system will be installed. The optimal design of this system is based on his technical performances; the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and Levelized Cost of Energy are developed and use as economic criteria. The Net Present Value (NPV), the internal rate of return (IRR) and the discounted payback (DPB) are also evaluated according to dual electricity pricing (in sunny and unsunny hours). The PV/Diesel hybrid system obtained is compared to the standalone Diesel Diesel generators. The approach carried out in this paper has been applied to Siby village in Mali (Latitude 12 ° 23'N 8 ° 20'W) with 295 kWh as daily demand.This approach provides optimal physical characteristics (size of the components, number of component) and dynamical characteristics in real time (number of Diesel generator on, their load rate, fuel specific consumptions, and PV penetration rate) of the system. The system obtained is slightly cost effective; but could be improved with optimized tariffing strategies.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to understand emerging
learning conditions, when a visual analytics is implemented and used
in K 12 (education). To date, little attention has been paid to the role
visual analytics (digital media and technology that highlight visual
data communication in order to support analytical tasks) can play in
education, and to the extent to which these tools can process
actionable data for young students. This study was conducted in three
public K 12 schools, in four social science classes with students aged
10 to 13 years, over a period of two to four weeks at each school.
Empirical data were generated using video observations and analyzed
with help of metaphors within Actor-network theory (ANT). The
learning conditions are found to be distinguished by broad
complexity, characterized by four dimensions. These emerge from
the actors’ deeply intertwined relations in the activities. The paper
argues in relation to the found dimensions that novel approaches to
teaching and learning could benefit students’ knowledge building as
they work with visual analytics, analyzing visualized data.
Abstract: This paper attempts to define the validity domain of
LSDP (Loop Shaping Design Procedure) controller system, by
determining the suitable uncertainty region, so that linear system be
stable. Indeed the LSDP controller cannot provide stability for any
perturbed system. For this, we will use the gap metric tool that is
introduced into the control literature for studying robustness
properties of feedback systems with uncertainty. A 2nd order electric
linear system example is given to define the validity domain of LSDP
controller and effectiveness gap metric.