Abstract: There has been a growing interest in the field of
bio-mimetic robots that resemble the shape of an insect or an aquatic
animal, among many others. One bio-mimetic robot serves the
purpose of exploring pipelines, spotting any troubled areas or
malfunctions and reporting its data. Moreover, the robot is able to
prepare for and react to any abnormal routes in the pipeline. In order
to move effectively inside a pipeline, the robot-s movement will
resemble that of a lizard. When situated in massive pipelines with
complex routes, the robot places fixed sensors in several important
spots in order to complete its monitoring. This monitoring task is to
prevent a major system failure by preemptively recognizing any minor
or partial malfunctions. Areas uncovered by fixed sensors are usually
impossible to provide real-time observation and examination, and thus
are dependant on periodical offline monitoring. This paper provides
the Monitoring System that is able to monitor the entire area of
pipelines–with and without fixed sensors–by using the bio-mimetic
robot.
Abstract: Application of wood in rural construction is diffused
all around the world since remote times. However, its inclusion in
structural design deserves strong support from broad knowledge of
material properties. The pertinent literature reveals the application of
optical methods in determining the complete field displacement on
bodies exhibiting regular as well as irregular surfaces. The use of
moiré techniques in experimental mechanics consists in analyzing the
patterns generated on the body surface before and after deformation.
The objective of this research work is to study the qualitative
deformation behavior of wooden testing specimens under specific
loading situations. The experiment setup follows the literature
description of shadow moiré methods. Results indicate strong
anisotropy influence of the generated displacement field. Important
qualitative as well as quantitative stress and strain distribution were
obtained wooden members which are applicable to rural
constructions.
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: 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: Phase locked loops for data links operating at 10 Gb/s
or faster are low phase noise devices designed to operate with a low
jitter reference clock. Characterization of their jitter transfer function
is difficult because the intrinsic noise of the device is comparable to
the random noise level in the reference clock signal. A linear model
is proposed to account for the intrinsic noise of a PLL. The intrinsic
noise data of a PLL for 10 Gb/s links is presented. The jitter transfer
function of a PLL in a test chip for 12.8 Gb/s data links was
determined in experiments using the 400 MHz reference clock as the
source of simultaneous excitations over a wide range of frequency.
The result shows that the PLL jitter transfer function can be
approximated by a second order linear model.
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: Power-line networks are widely used today for broadband data transmission. However, due to multipaths within the broadband power line communication (BPLC) systems owing to stochastic changes in the network load impedances, branches, etc., network or channel capacity performances are affected. This paper attempts to investigate the performance of typical medium voltage channels that uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques with Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) sub carriers. It has been observed that when the load impedances are different from line characteristic impedance channel performance decreases. Also as the number of branches in the link between the transmitter and receiver increases a loss of 4dB/branch is found in the signal to noise ratio (SNR). The information presented in the paper could be useful for an appropriate design of the BPLC systems.
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: This research focuses on the use of a recommender
system in decision support by means of a used car dealer case study
in Bangkok Metropolitan. The goal is to develop an effective used car
purchasing system for dealers based on the above premise. The
underlying principle rests on content-based recommendation from a
set of usability surveys. A prototype was developed to conduct
buyers- survey selected from 5 experts and 95 general public. The
responses were analyzed to determine the mean and standard
deviation of buyers- preference. The results revealed that both groups
were in favor of using the proposed system to assist their buying
decision. This indicates that the proposed system is meritorious to
used car dealers.
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 propose a framework for
multisensor intrusion detection called Fuzzy Agent-Based Intrusion
Detection System. A unique feature of this model is that the agent
uses data from multiple sensors and the fuzzy logic to process log
files. Use of this feature reduces the overhead in a distributed
intrusion detection system. We have developed an agent
communication architecture that provides a prototype
implementation. This paper discusses also the issues of combining
intelligent agent technology with the intrusion detection domain.
Abstract: The recurring decimal of rural and urban poverty in
Nigeria, resulting from lack of sustainable livelihood activities by
the people due to non-diversification of the economy, necessitated
this study. One hundred snail farmers were randomly selected in
Akure North and Akure South Local Government areas of Ondo
State, Southwest Nigeria where snail farming is widely practised.
Data collection was through questionnaires administration and onsite
observation of farms. Data obtained were subjected to
descriptive statistics, Student-s t-test and regression analysis. Cost
benefit ratio (CBR) and rate of return on investment (RORI) were
calculated in order to determine the poverty alleviation potentials of
snail farming in the study areas. Although snail farming was
profitable and viable, it was below poverty line. With time and more
knowledge in its farming activities, and with more people taking to
snail production, its poverty alleviation and reduction potentials will
increase.
Abstract: Discrimination in employment has its wider social and
economic consequences other than mere violating a basic human
right. Discrimination involves treating people differently because of
certain grounds such as race, color, or sex, which results in the
impairment of equality of opportunity and treatment. As an essential
part of promoting decent work, combating discrimination through the
principle of non-discrimination has been established by the
International Labor Organization (ILO) through the Declaration on
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work 1998. Considering
elimination of discrimination in employment as a core labor standard,
member states are expected to respect, promote and implement it to
their national laws and policies. Being a member state, Malaysia has
to position herself align with this international requirement. The
author discusses the related convention together with Malaysia-s
responses on the matter. At the closing stage, the prospect of
Malaysia is presumed taking into account of the current positions and
reports submitted to the ILO.
Abstract: The zero inflated models are usually used in modeling
count data with excess zeros where the existence of the excess zeros
could be structural zeros or zeros which occur by chance. These type
of data are commonly found in various disciplines such as finance,
insurance, biomedical, econometrical, ecology, and health sciences
which involve sex and health dental epidemiology. The most popular
zero inflated models used by many researchers are zero inflated
Poisson and zero inflated negative binomial models. In addition, zero
inflated generalized Poisson and zero inflated double Poisson models
are also discussed and found in some literature. Recently zero
inflated inverse trinomial model and zero inflated strict arcsine
models are advocated and proven to serve as alternative models in
modeling overdispersed count data caused by excessive zeros and
unobserved heterogeneity. The purpose of this paper is to review
some related literature and provide a variety of examples from
different disciplines in the application of zero inflated models.
Different model selection methods used in model comparison are
discussed.
Abstract: This paper presents the review of past studies
concerning mathematical models for rescheduling passenger railway
services, as part of delay management in the occurrence of railway
disruption. Many past mathematical models highlighted were aimed
at minimizing the service delays experienced by passengers during
service disruptions. Integer programming (IP) and mixed-integer
programming (MIP) models are critically discussed, focusing on the
model approach, decision variables, sets and parameters. Some of
them have been tested on real-life data of railway companies
worldwide, while a few have been validated on fictive data. Based
on selected literatures on train rescheduling, this paper is able to
assist researchers in the model formulation by providing
comprehensive analyses towards the model building. These analyses
would be able to help in the development of new approaches in
rescheduling strategies or perhaps to enhance the existing
rescheduling models and make them more powerful or more
applicable with shorter computing time.
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: 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: A study was carried out at the Rice Research Institute of Iran (RRII) to investigate the effect of rollers differential peripheral speed of commercial rubber roll husker and paddy moisture content on the husking index and percentage of broken rice. The experiment was conducted at six levels of rollers differential speed (1.5, 2.2, 2.9, 3.6, 4.3 and 5 m/s) and three levels of paddy moisture content (8-9, 10-11 and 12-13% w.b.). Two common paddy varieties namely, Binam and Khazer, were selected for this study. Results revealed that the effect of rollers differential speed and moisture content significantly (P
Abstract: This paper describes a method to improve the robustness of a face recognition system based on the combination of two compensating classifiers. The face images are preprocessed by the appearance-based statistical approaches such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). LDA features of the face image are taken as the input of the Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN). The proposed approach has been tested on the ORL database. The experimental results show that the LDA+RBFN algorithm has achieved a recognition rate of 93.5%