Abstract: A mixed method by combining modified pole
clustering technique and modified cauer continued fraction is
proposed for reducing the order of the large-scale dynamic systems.
The denominator polynomial of the reduced order model is obtained
by using modified pole clustering technique while the coefficients of
the numerator are obtained by modified cauer continued fraction.
This method generated 'k' number of reduced order models for kth
order reduction. The superiority of the proposed method has been
elaborated through numerical example taken from the literature and
compared with few existing order reduction methods.
Abstract: Rotary draw bending is a method which is being used
in tube forming. In the tube bending process, the neutral axis moves
towards the inner arc and the wall thickness distribution changes for
tube’s cross section. Thinning takes place in the outer arc of the tube
(extrados) due to the stretching of the material, whereas thickening
occurs in the inner arc of the tube (intrados) due to the comparison of
the material. The calculations of the wall thickness distribution,
neutral axis shifting, and strain distribution have not been accurate
enough, so far. The previous model (the geometrical model)
describes the neutral axis shifting and wall thickness distribution. The
geometrical of the tube, bending radius and bending angle are
considered in the geometrical model, while the influence of the
material properties of the tube forming are ignored. The advanced
model is a modification of the previous model using material
properties that depends on the correction factor. The correction factor
is a purely empirically determined factor. The advanced model was
compared with the Finite element simulation (FE simulation) using a
different bending factor (Bf =bending radius/ diameter of the tube),
wall thickness (Wf = diameter of the tube/ wall thickness), and
material properties (strain hardening exponent). Finite element model
of rotary draw bending has been performed in PAM-TUBE program
(version: 2012). Results from the advanced model resemble the FE
simulation and the experimental test.
Abstract: Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) uses the
contents of images to characterize and contact the images. This paper
focus on retrieving the image by separating images into its three color
mechanism R, G and B and for that Discrete Wavelet Transformation
is applied. Then Wavelet based Generalized Gaussian Density (GGD)
is practical which is used for modeling the coefficients from the
wavelet transforms. After that it is agreed to Histogram of Oriented
Gradient (HOG) for extracting its characteristic vectors with Relevant
Feedback technique is used. The performance of this approach is
calculated by exactness and it confirms that this method is wellorganized
for image retrieval.
Abstract: Composite materials, due to their unique properties
such as high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and impact
resistance have huge potential as structural materials in automotive,
construction and transportation applications. However, these
properties often come at higher cost owing to complex design
methods, difficult manufacturing processes and raw material cost.
Traditionally, tapered laminated composite structures are
manufactured using autoclave manufacturing process by ply drop off
technique. Autoclave manufacturing though very powerful suffers
from high capital investment and higher energy consumption. As per
the current trends in composite manufacturing, Out of Autoclave
(OoA) processes are looked as emerging technologies for
manufacturing the structural composite components for aerospace
and defense applications. However, there is a need for improvement
among these processes to make them reliable and consistent. In this
paper, feasibility of using out of autoclave process to manufacture the
variable thickness cantilever beam is discussed. The minimum weight
design for the composite beam is obtained using constant stress beam
concept by tailoring the thickness of the beam. Ply drop off
techniques was used to fabricate the variable thickness beam from
glass/epoxy prepregs. Experiments were conducted to measure
bending stresses along the span of the cantilever beam at different
intervals by applying the concentrated load at the free end.
Experimental results showed that the stresses in the bean at different
intervals were constant. This proves the ability of OoA process to
manufacture the constant stress beam. Finite element model for the
constant stress beam was developed using commercial finite element
simulation software. It was observed that the simulation results
agreed very well with the experimental results and thus validated
design and manufacturing approach used.
Abstract: A capacity spectrum method (CSM), one of methodologies to evaluate seismic fragilities of building structures, has been long recognized as the most convenient method, even if it contains several limitations to predict the seismic response of structures of interest. This paper proposes the procedure to estimate seismic fragility curves using an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) rather than the method adopting a CSM. To achieve the research purpose, this study compares the seismic fragility curves of a 5-story reinforced concrete (RC) moment frame obtained from both methods; an IDA method and aCSM. Both seismic fragility curves are similar in slight and moderate damage states whereas the fragility curve obtained from the IDA method presents less variation (or uncertainties) in extensive and complete damage states. This is due to the fact that the IDA method can properly capture the structural response beyond yielding rather than the CSM and can directly calculate higher mode effects. From these observations, the CSM could overestimate seismic vulnerabilities of the studied structure in extensive or complete damage states.
Abstract: For cycling, the analysis of the pedal force is one of the
important factors in the study of exercise ability assessment and
overuse injuries. In past studies, a two-axis measurement sensor was
used at the sagittal plane to measure the force only in the anterior,
posterior, and vertical directions and to analyze the loss of force and
the injury on the frontal plane due to the forces in the right and left
directions. In this study, which is a basic study on diverse analyses of
the pedal force that consider the forces on the sagittal plane and the
frontal plane, a three-axis pedal force measurement sensor was
developed to measure the anterior-posterior (Fx), medio-lateral (Fz),
and vertical (Fy) forces. The sensor was fabricated with a size and
shape similar to those of the general flat pedal, and had a 550g weight
that allowed smooth pedaling. Its measurement range was ±1000 N for
Fx and Fz and ±2000 N for Fy, and its non-linearity, hysteresis, and
repeatability were approximately 0.5%. The data were sampled at
1000 Hz using a signal collector. To use the developed sensor, the
pedaling efficiency (index of efficiency, IE) and the range of left and
right (medio-lateral, ML) forces were measured with two seat heights
(low and high). The results of the measurement showed that the IE was
higher and the force range in the ML direction was lower with the high
position than with the low position. The developed measurement
sensor and its application results will be useful in understanding and
explaining the complicated pedaling technique, and will enable
diverse kinematic analyses of the pedal force on the sagittal plane and
the frontal plane.
Abstract: The effect of the inclusion of thyme and rosemary
essential oils into chitosan films, as well as the microbiological and
physical properties when storing chitosan film with and without the
mentioned inclusion was studied. The film forming solution was
prepared by dissolving chitosan (2%, w/v), polysorbate 80 (4% w/w
CH) and glycerol (16% w/w CH) in aqueous lactic acid solutions
(control). The thyme (TEO) and rosemary (REO) essential oils (EOs)
were included 1:1 w/w (EOs:CH) on their combination 50/50
(TEO:REO). The films were stored at temperatures of 5, 20, 33°C
and a relative humidity of 75% during four weeks. The films with
essential oil inclusion did not show an antimicrobial activity against
strains. This behavior could be explained because the chitosan only
inhibits the growth of microorganisms in direct contact with the
active sites. However, the inhibition capacity of TEO was higher than
the REO and a synergic effect between TEO:REO was found for S.
enteritidis strains in the chitosan solution.
Some physical properties were modified by the inclusion of
essential oils. The addition of essential oils does not affect the
mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture
deformation), the water solubility, the swelling index nor the DSC
behavior. However, the essential oil inclusion can significantly
decrease the thickness, the moisture content, and the L* value of
films whereas the b* value increased due to molecular interactions
between the polymeric matrix, the loosing of the structure, and the
chemical modifications. On the other hand, the temperature and time
of storage changed some physical properties on the chitosan films.
This could have occurred because of chemical changes, such as
swelling in the presence of high humidity air and the reacetylation of
amino groups. In the majority of cases, properties such as moisture
content, tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture deformation,
a*, b*, chrome, 7E increased whereas water resistance, swelling
index, L*, and hue angle decreased.
Abstract: It is widely believed that mobile device is a promising technology for lending the opportunity for the third wave of electronic commerce. Mobile devices have changed the way companies do business. Many applications are under development or being incorporated into business processes. In this day, mobile applications are a vital component of any industry strategy.One of the greatest benefits of selling merchandise and providing services on a mobile application is that it widens a company’s customer base significantly.Mobile applications are accessible to interested customers across regional and international borders in different electronic business (e-business) area. But there is a dark side to this success story. The security risks associated with mobile devices and applications are very significant. This paper introduces a broad risk analysis for the various threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in mobile e-business applications and presents some important risk mitigation approaches. It reviews and compares two different frameworks for security assurance in mobile e-business applications. Based on the comparison, the paper suggests some recommendations for applications developers and business owners in mobile e-business application development process.
Abstract: In the last few decades, many southeast-Asia women
migrate to Taiwan by marriage, and it usually takes several years for
them to acquire Taiwanese citizenship. This study investigates the
relationship between their citizenship acquisition and whether they
develop Taiwanese identities, and how does it affect their ethnical
identity towards their original ethnics. Furthermore, the present study
also explores that whether citizenship acquisition help the immigrant
women to explore the host society further and make commitment to it,
or the identification towards mainstream Taiwanese society is only
symbolic and superficial? One hundred and ninety-two immigrant
women were measured using Multigroup Ethnic Identity
Measure-Revised and a global 10-point ethnic identity question.
Correlation tests, t-test, and hierarchical regression were performed to
answer the above questions. The results revealed that citizenship
acquisition does help immigrant women to identify with Taiwanese
society, but it does not affect how they identify with their own ethnics.
Furthermore, the results also indicated that acquiring citizenship
would not help these immigrant women become involved in deeper
cultural exploration of Taiwan nor would it encourage them to make
commitments to the host society.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the
effect of different levels of dietary seed and extract of Harmal
(Peganum harmala L.) on immunity of broiler chicks. A total of 350
one-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to
five dietary treatments with four replicates pen of 14 birds each.
Dietary treatments consisted of control, 1 and 2 g/kg Harmal seed in
diet, 100 and 200 mg/L Harmal seed extract in water. Broilers
received dietary treatments from 1 to 42 d. Two birds from each pen
were randomly weighed and sacrificed at 42 d of age, the relative
weight of lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabercius and spleen) to live
weight were calculated. Antibody titers against Newcastle and
influenza viruses and sheep red blood cell were measured at 30 d of
age. Results showed that the relative weights of lymphoid organs
were not affected by dietary treatments. Furthermore, antibody titer
against Newcastle and influenza viruses as well as sheep red blood
cell antigen were significantly (P
Abstract: Chemical Reaction Optimization (CRO) is an
optimization metaheuristic inspired by the nature of chemical
reactions as a natural process of transforming the substances from
unstable to stable states. Starting with some unstable molecules with
excessive energy, a sequence of interactions takes the set to a state of
minimum energy. Researchers reported successful application of the
algorithm in solving some engineering problems, like the quadratic
assignment problem, with superior performance when compared with
other optimization algorithms. We adapted this optimization
algorithm to the Printed Circuit Board Drilling Problem (PCBDP)
towards reducing the drilling time and hence improving the PCB
manufacturing throughput. Although the PCBDP can be viewed as
instance of the popular Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), it has
some characteristics that would require special attention to the
transactions that explore the solution landscape. Experimental test
results using the standard CROToolBox are not promising for
practically sized problems, while it could find optimal solutions for
artificial problems and small benchmarks as a proof of concept.
Abstract: A Silver (Ag) thin film is introduced as a template and
doping source for vertically aligned p–type ZnO nanorods. ZnO
nanorods were grown using an ammonium hydroxide based
hydrothermal process. During the hydrothermal process, the Ag thin
film was dissolved to generate Ag ions in the solution. The Ag ions can
contribute to doping in the wurzite structure of ZnO and the (111)
grain of Ag thin film can be the epitaxial temporal template for the
(0001) plane of ZnO. Hence, Ag–doped p–type ZnO nanorods were
successfully grown on the substrate, which can be an electrode or
semiconductor for the device application. To demonstrate the
potentials of this idea, p–n diode was fabricated and its electrical
characteristics were demonstrated.
Abstract: Batteries of electric vehicles (BEV) are becoming
more attractive with the advancement of new battery technologies
and promotion of electric vehicles. BEV batteries are recharged on
board vehicles using either the grid (G2V for Grid to Vehicle) or
renewable energies in a stand-alone application (H2V for Home to
Vehicle). This paper deals with the modeling, sizing and control of a
photovoltaic stand-alone application that can charge the BEV at
home. The modeling approach and developed mathematical models
describing the system components are detailed. Simulation and
experimental results are presented and commented.
Abstract: In this study a ternary system containing sodium
chloride as solute, water as primary solvent and ethanol as the
antisolvent was considered to investigate the application of artificial
neural network (ANN) in prediction of sodium solubility in the
mixture of water as the solvent and ethanol as the antisolvent. The
system was previously studied using by Extended UNIQUAC model
by the authors of this study. The comparison between the results of
the two models shows an excellent agreement between them
(R2=0.99), and also approves the capability of ANN to predict the
thermodynamic behavior of ternary electrolyte systems which are
difficult to model.
Abstract: To date, one of the few comprehensive indicators for
the measurement of food security is the Global Food Security Index
(GFSI). This index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative
benchmarking model, constructed from 28 unique indicators, that
measures drivers of food security across both developing and
developed countries. Whereas the GFSI has been calculated across a
set of 109 countries, in this paper we aim to present and compare, for
the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), 1) the Food Security
Index scores achieved and 2) the data available on affordability,
availability, and quality of food. The data for this work was taken
from the latest available report published by the creators of the GFSI,
which in turn used information from national and international
statistical sources. MENA countries rank from place 17/109 (Israel,
although with resent political turmoil this is likely to have changed)
to place 91/109 (Yemen) with household expenditure spent in food
ranging from 15.5% (Israel) to 60% (Egypt). Lower spending on food
as a share of household consumption in most countries and better
food safety net programs in the MENA have contributed to a notable
increase in food affordability. The region has also, however,
experienced a decline in food availability, owing to more limited
food supplies and higher volatility of agricultural production. In
terms of food quality and safety the MENA has the top ranking
country (Israel). The most frequent challenges faced by the countries
of the MENA include public expenditure on agricultural research and
development as well as volatility of agricultural production. Food
security is a complex phenomenon that interacts with many other
indicators of a country’s wellbeing; in the MENA it is slowly but
markedly improving.
Abstract: This paper presents analysis and design of a wideband
Wilkinson power divider for wireless applications. The design is
accomplished by transforming the lengths and impedances of the
quarter wavelength sections of the conventional Wilkinson power
divider into U-shaped sections. The designed power divider is
simulated by using ADS Agilent technologies and CST microwave
studio software. It is shown that the proposed power divider has
simple topology and good performances in terms of insertion loss,
port matching and isolation at all operating frequencies (1.8 GHz,
2.45 GHz and 3.55 GHz).
Abstract: Lightweight design represents an important key to
successful implementation of energy-saving, fuel-efficient and
environmentally friendly means of transport in the aerospace and
automotive industry. In this context the use of carbon fibre reinforced
plastics (CFRP) which are distinguished by their outstanding
mechanical properties at relatively low weight, promise significant
improvements. Due to the reduction of the total mass, with the
resulting lowered fuel or energy consumption and CO2 emissions
during the operational phase, commercial aircraft will increasingly be
made of CFRP. An auspicious technology for the efficient and
economic production of high performance thermoset composites and
hybrid structures for future lightweight applications is the
combination of carbon fibre sheet moulding compound, tailored
continuous carbon fibre reinforcements and metallic components in a
one-shot pressing and curing process. This paper deals with a hybrid
composite technology for aerospace industries, which was developed
with the help of a special innovation and development system.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of a single-ended 38.5 kS/s 10-bit programmable reference SAR ADC which is realized in MIMOS’s 0.35 µm CMOS process. The design uses a resistive DAC, a dynamic comparator with pre-amplifier and a SAR digital logic to create 10 effective bits ADC. A programmable reference circuitry allows the ADC to operate with different input range from 0.6 V to 2.1 V. The ADC consumed less than 7.5 mW power with a 3 V supply.
Abstract: A thermosyphon system is a heat transfer loop which
operates on the basis of gravity and buoyancy forces. It guarantees a
good reliability and low maintenance cost as it does not involve any
mechanical pump. Therefore, it can be used in many industrial
applications such as refrigeration and air conditioning, electronic
cooling, nuclear reactors, geothermal heat extraction, etc. But flow
instabilities and loop configuration are the major problems in this
system. Several previous researchers studied that stabilities can be
suppressed by using nanofluids as loop fluid. In the present study a
rectangular thermosyphon loop with end heat exchangers are
considered for the study. This configuration is more appropriate for
many practical applications such as solar water heater, geothermal
heat extraction, etc. In the present work, steady-state analysis is
carried out on thermosyphon loop with parallel flow coaxial heat
exchangers at heat source and heat sink. In this loop nanofluid is
considered as the loop fluid and water is considered as the external
fluid in both hot and cold heat exchangers. For this analysis onedimensional
homogeneous model is developed. In this model,
conservation equations like conservation of mass, momentum, energy
are discretized using finite difference method. A computer code is
written in MATLAB to simulate the flow in thermosyphon loop. A
comparison in terms of heat transfer is made between water and
nanofluid as working fluids in the loop.
Abstract: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a
major threat to cyber security. It originates from the network layer or
the application layer of compromised/attacker systems which are
connected to the network. The impact of this attack ranges from the
simple inconvenience to use a particular service to causing major
failures at the targeted server. When there is heavy traffic flow to a
target server, it is necessary to classify the legitimate access and
attacks. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to detect DDoS
attacks from the traces of traffic flow. An access matrix is created
from the traces. As the access matrix is multi dimensional, Principle
Component Analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the attributes used for
detection. Two classifiers Naive Bayes and K-Nearest neighborhood
are used to classify the traffic as normal or abnormal. The
performance of the classifier with PCA selected attributes and actual
attributes of access matrix is compared by the detection rate and
False Positive Rate (FPR).