Abstract: Construction of tunnels is connected with high
uncertainty in the field of costs, construction period, safety and
impact on surroundings. Risk management became therefore a
common part of tunnel projects, especially after a set of fatal
collapses occurred in 1990's. Such collapses are caused usually by
combination of factors that can be divided into three main groups, i.e.
unfavourable geological conditions, failures in the design and
planning or failures in the execution.
This paper suggests a procedure enabling quantification of the
excavation risk related to extraordinary accidents using FTA and
ETA tools. It will elaborate on a common process of risk analysis and
enable the transfer of information and experience between particular
tunnel construction projects. Further, it gives a guide for designers,
management and other participants, how to deal with risk of such
accidents and how to make qualified decisions based on a
probabilistic approach.
Abstract: Rapid enlargement and physical development of cities
have facilitated the emergence of a number of city life crises and
decrease of environment quality. Subsequently, the need for noticing
the concept of quality and its improvement in urban environments,
besides quantitative issues, is obviously recognized. In the domain of
urban ideas the importance of taking these issues into consideration
is obvious not only in accordance to sustainable development
concepts and improvement of public environment quality, but also in
the enhancement of social and behavioral models.
The major concern of present article is to study the nature of urban
environment quality in urban development plans, which is important
not only in the concept and the aim of projects but also in their
execution procedure. As a result, this paper is going to utilize
planning capacities caused by environmental virtues in the planning
procedure of Moft Abad neighborhood. Thus, at the first step,
applying the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), it has assessed
quantitative environmental issues. The present conditions of Moft
Abad state that “the neighborhood is generally suffering from the
lack of qualitative parameters, and the previously formed planning
procedures could not take the sustainable and developmental paths
which are aimed at environment quality virtues." The diminution of
economical and environmental virtues has resulted in the diminution
of residential and social virtues. Therefore, in order to enhance the
environment quality in Moft Abad, the present paper has tried to
supply the subject plans in order to make a safe, healthy, and lively
neighborhood.
Abstract: Short circuit currents plays a vital role in influencing the design and operation of equipment and power system and could not be avoided despite careful planning and design, good maintenance and thorough operation of the system. This paper discusses the short circuit analysis conducted in KSO briefly comprising of its significances, methods and results. A result sample of the analysis based on a single transformer is detailed in this paper. Furthermore, the results of the analysis and its significances were also discussed and commented.
Abstract: Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerbased
tool used extensively to solve various engineering problems
related to spatial data. In spite of growing popularity of GIS, its
complete potential to construction industry has not been realized. In
this paper, the summary of up-to-date work on spatial applications of
GIS technologies in construction industry is presented. GIS
technologies have the potential to solve space related problems of
construction industry involving complex visualization, integration of
information, route planning, E-commerce, cost estimation, etc. GISbased
methodology to handle time and space issues of construction
projects scheduling is developed and discussed in this paper.
Abstract: In the traditional theory of non-uniform torsion the
axial displacement field is expressed as the product of the unit twist
angle and the warping function. The first one, variable along the
beam axis, is obtained by a global congruence condition; the second
one, instead, defined over the cross-section, is determined by solving
a Neumann problem associated to the Laplace equation, as well as for
the uniform torsion problem.
So, as in the classical theory the warping function doesn-t punctually
satisfy the first indefinite equilibrium equation, the principal aim of
this work is to develop a new theory for non-uniform torsion of
beams with axial symmetric cross-section, fully restrained on both
ends and loaded by a constant torque, that permits to punctually
satisfy the previous equation, by means of a trigonometric expansion
of the axial displacement and unit twist angle functions.
Furthermore, as the classical theory is generally applied with good
results to the global and local analysis of ship structures, two beams
having the first one an open profile, the second one a closed section,
have been analyzed, in order to compare the two theories.
Abstract: This paper undertakes the problem of optimal
capacitor placement in a distribution system. The problem is how to
optimally determine the locations to install capacitors, the types and
sizes of capacitors to he installed and, during each load level,the
control settings of these capacitors in order that a desired objective
function is minimized while the load constraints,network constraints
and operational constraints (e.g. voltage profile) at different load
levels are satisfied. The problem is formulated as a combinatorial
optimization problem with a nondifferentiable objective function.
Four solution mythologies based on algorithms (GA),tabu search
(TS), and hybrid GA-SA algorithms are presented.The solution
methodologies are preceded by a sensitivity analysis to select the
candidate capacitor installation locations.
Abstract: This paper presents an idea to improve the efficiency
of security checks in airports through the active tracking and
monitoring of passengers and staff using OFDM modulation
technique and Finger print authentication. The details of the
passenger are multiplexed using OFDM .To authenticate the
passenger, the fingerprint along with important identification
information is collected. The details of the passenger can be
transmitted after necessary modulation, and received using various
transceivers placed within the premises of the airport, and checked at
the appropriate check points, thereby increasing the efficiency of
checking. OFDM has been employed for spectral efficiency.
Abstract: In today-s competitive environment, the security concerns have grown tremendously. In the modern world, possession is known to be 9/10-ths of the law. Hence, it is imperative for one to be able to safeguard one-s property from worldly harms such as thefts, destruction of property, people with malicious intent etc. Due to the advent of technology in the modern world, the methodologies used by thieves and robbers for stealing have been improving exponentially. Therefore, it is necessary for the surveillance techniques to also improve with the changing world. With the improvement in mass media and various forms of communication, it is now possible to monitor and control the environment to the advantage of the owners of the property. The latest technologies used in the fight against thefts and destruction are the video surveillance and monitoring. By using the technologies, it is possible to monitor and capture every inch and second of the area in interest. However, so far the technologies used are passive in nature, i.e., the monitoring systems only help in detecting the crime but do not actively participate in stopping or curbing the crime while it takes place. Therefore, we have developed a methodology to detect the motion in a video stream environment and this is an idea to ensure that the monitoring systems not only actively participate in stopping the crime, but do so while the crime is taking place. Hence, a system is used to detect any motion in a live streaming video and once motion has been detected in the live stream, the software will activate a warning system and capture the live streaming video.
Abstract: In this paper we introduce three watermarking methods that can be used to count the number of times that a user has played some content. The proposed methods are tested with audio content in our experimental system using the most common signal processing attacks. The test results show that the watermarking methods used enable the watermark to be extracted under the most common attacks with a low bit error rate.
Abstract: High voltage generators are being subject to higher
voltage rating and are being designed to operate in harsh conditions.
Stator windings are the main component of generators in which
Electrical, magnetically and thermal stresses remain major failures
for insulation degradation accelerated aging. A large number of
generators failed due to stator winding problems, mainly insulation
deterioration. Insulation degradation assessment plays vital role in the
asset life management. Mostly the stator failure is catastrophic
causing significant damage to the plant. Other than generation loss,
stator failure involves heavy repair or replacement cost. Electro
thermal analysis is the main characteristic for improvement design of
stator slot-s insulation. Dielectric parameters such as insulation
thickness, spacing, material types, geometry of winding and slot are
major design consideration. A very powerful method available to
analyze electro thermal performance is Finite Element Method
(FEM) which is used in this paper. The analysis of various stator coil
and slot configurations are used to design the better dielectric system
to reduce electrical and thermal stresses in order to increase the
power of generator in the same volume of core. This paper describes
the process used to perform classical design and improvement
analysis of stator slot-s insulation.
Abstract: The research study is carried out to determine the efficiency of the Biofilm sewage treatment plant which is located at the Engineering Complex-s. Wastewater analyses have been carried out at the Environmental Engineering laboratory to study the six parameters: Biochemical Oxygen Demand BOD, Chemical Oxygen Demand COD l, and Total Suspended Solids TSS, Ammoniac Nitrogen NH3-N and Phosphorous P which have been selected to determine the wastewater quality. The plant was designed to treat 750 Pe (population equivalent) at hydraulic retention time of 5 hours in the aerobic zone. The results show that Biofilm wastewater treatment plant was able to treat sewage successfully at different flow condition. The discharge has fulfilled the Malaysia Environmental of Standard A water quality. The achieved BOD removal is more than 85%, COD is more than 80%, TSS is more than 80%, NH3-N is more than 70%, and P was more than 70%. The Biofilm system provides a very efficient process for sewage treatment and it is compact in structure thus minimizes the required land area.
Abstract: The volume of biosolids produced in Malaysia
nowadays had increased proportionally to its population size. The end
products from the waste treatments were mounting, thus inevitable
that in the end the environment will be surrounded by the waste. This
study was conducted to investigate the suitability of biosolids to be
reused as fertilizer for non-food crop. By varying the concentration of
biosolids applied onto the soil, growth of five ornamental plant
samples were tested for eight consecutive weeks. The results show
that the pH of the soil after the addition of biosolids ranges from 6.45
to 6.56 which is suitable for the plant growth. The soil samples that
contains biosolid also show higher amount of macronutrients (N, P,
K) and the heavy metals content are significantly increased in the
plant however it does not exceed the guidelines drawn by the
Environmental Protection Agency. It is also proven that there was
only small significant different in the performance of plant growth
between biosolids and commercial fertilizer. It can be seen that
biosolids was able to perform just as well as commercial fertilizer.
Abstract: Commercial nanocomposite food packaging type nano-silver containers were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of nanoparticles consistent with the incorporation of 1% nano-silver (Ag) and 0.1% titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle into polymeric materials formed into food containers was confirmed. Both nanomaterials used in this type of packaging appear to be embedded in a layered configuration within the bulk polymer. The dimensions of the incorporated nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and determined by calculation using the Scherrer Formula; these were consistent with Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles in the size range 20-70nm both were spherical shape nanoparticles. Antimicrobial assessment of the nanocomposite container has also been performed and the results confirm the antimicrobial activity of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles in food packaging containers. Migration assessments were performed in a wide range of food matrices to determine the migration of nanoparticles from the packages. The analysis was based upon the relevant European safety Directives and involved the application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify the range of migration risk. The data pertain to insignificance levels of migration of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles into the selected food matrices.
Abstract: In vitro plant regeneration has been successfully obtained from basal shoot explant of Vetiveria zizanioides through indirect organogenesis. The explant was cultured in Murashige & Skoog’s (MS) media supplemented with 2,4-D, IAA, and kinetin in various concentrations. Callus was well induced in media supplemented with 2 ppm 2,4-D, 1 ppm IAA, and 1 ppm kinetin. This callus was then transferred to MS media supplemented with 1 - 5 ppm of BAP for shoot regeneration. The media supplemented with 3 ppm BAP was a suitable medium for shoot induction, as well as for shoot multiplication. Rooting was well developed in shoot following transferred to half MS media containing 0.2 ppm IBA. Plantlet was then transferred to husk charcoal for acclimatization, and almost all (90%) of plantlets were survived during acclimatization.
Abstract: Interactive public displays give access as an
innovative media to promote enhanced communication between
people and information. However, digital public displays are subject
to a few constraints, such as content presentation. Content
presentation needs to be developed to be more interesting to attract
people’s attention and motivate people to interact with the display. In
this paper, we proposed idea to implement contents with interaction
elements for vision-based digital public display. Vision-based
techniques are applied as a sensor to detect passers-by and theme
contents are suggested to attract their attention for encouraging them
to interact with the announcement content. Virtual object, gesture
detection and projection installation are applied for attracting
attention from passers-by. Preliminary study showed positive
feedback of interactive content designing towards the public display.
This new trend would be a valuable innovation as delivery of
announcement content and information communication through this
media is proven to be more engaging.
Abstract: Suburban area is an important area to the development of a city and a country. Russias economy is going through major transitions. These transitions are rapidly changing the relationship between cities (urban areas), countryside (rural areas) and the development, growth, and popularity of suburbia. The process of suburbanization takes place in biggest cities of Russia, including Krasnoyarsk City. The modern Krasnoyarsk with a population of about 1mln people occupies the territory of 34115 ha. This article examines the analysis of functions of suburban area and connects these functions with zoning of the suburban territory. The author uses the method of hierarchy to select the best conditions to each function in connection with nature component, transportation and distance from the city. The result of this research is the map of the functional zoning of suburban area of Krasnoyarsk City. The author uses a variety of factors, which have an influence on suburban area, to compare and choose the best conditions. KeywordsSuburban area, zoning of territory, Krasnoyarsk City.
Abstract: With the proliferation of mobile computing technology, mobile learning (m-learning) will play a vital role in the rapidly growing electronic learning market. However, the acceptance of m-learning by individuals is critical to the successful implementation of m-learning systems. Thus, there is a need to research the factors that affect users- intention to use m-learning. Based on an updated information system (IS) success model, data collected from 350 respondents in Taiwan were tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach. The data collected by questionnaire were analyzed to check the validity of constructs. Then hypotheses describing the relationships between the identified constructs and users- satisfaction were formulated and tested.
Abstract: In this paper, experimental testing and numerical analysis were used to investigate the effect of tube thickness on the face bending for concrete filled hollow sections connected to other structural members using Extended Hollobolts. Six samples were tested experimentally by applying pull-out load on the bolts. These samples were designed to fail by column face bending. The main variable in all tests is the column face thickness. Finite element analyses were also performed using ABAQUS 6.11 to extend the experimental results and to quantify the effect of column face thickness. Results show that, the column face thickness has a clear impact on the connection strength and stiffness. However, the amount of improvement in the connection stiffness by changing the column face thickness from 5mm to 6.3mm seems to be higher than that when increasing it from 6.3mm to 8mm. The displacement at which the bolts start pulling-out from their holes increased with the use of thinner column face due to the high flexibility of the section. At the ultimate strength, the yielding of the column face propagated to the column corner and there was no yielding in its walls. After the ultimate resistance is reached, the propagation of the yielding was mainly in the column face with a miner yielding in the walls.
Abstract: In this study the effect of incorporation of recycled
glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste materials, obtained by
means of milling processes, on mechanical behaviour of polyester
polymer mortars was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of
recycled GFRP waste powder and fibres, with distinct size gradings,
were incorporated into polyester based mortars as sand aggregates
and filler replacements. Flexural and compressive loading capacities
were evaluated and found better than unmodified polymer mortars.
GFRP modified polyester based mortars also show a less brittle
behaviour, with retention of some loading capacity after peak load.
Obtained results highlight the high potential of recycled GFRP waste
materials as efficient and sustainable reinforcement and admixture for
polymer concrete and mortars composites, constituting an emergent
waste management solution.
Abstract: It is a challenge to provide a wide range of queries to
database query systems for small mobile devices, such as the PDAs
and cell phones. Currently, due to the physical and resource
limitations of these devices, most reported database querying systems
developed for them are only offering a small set of pre-determined
queries for users to possibly pose. The above can be resolved by
allowing free-form queries to be entered on the devices. Hence, a
query language that does not restrict the combination of query terms
entered by users is proposed. This paper presents the free-form query
language and the method used in translating free-form queries to
their equivalent SQL statements.