Abstract: This paper describes topology of business models in market ecosystem of the emerging electric mobility industry. The business model topology shows that firm-s participation in the ecosystem is associated with different requirements on resources and capabilities, and different levels of risk. Business model concept is used together with concepts of networked value creation and shows that firms can achieve higher levels of sustainable advantage by cooperation, not competition. Hybrid business models provide companies a viable alternative possibility for participation in the market ecosystem.
Abstract: The Build-Then-Sell (BTS) is a novel system
implemented in Malaysia after a number of complaints have been
received from buyers in the preceding Sell-Then-Build (STB) system.
When the government announced the implementation of the BTS in
2007, proponents of BTS have asserted that the new system will
provide houses with low level of defects. Their argument however is
not supported by any empirical data. Hence, this study is conducted
to evaluate the housing defects in BTS houses. Six BTS residential
areas have been surveyed to collect the defects data. Questionnaires
were administered directly to the occupiers in each of the BTS houses
through door-to-door visits. The result has shown that the rate of
defects for the six residential areas is ranged from minor to slight,
which only affect the aesthetic value of the house.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using daylight to save energy in buildings. In tropical regions, daylighting is always an energy saver. On the other hand, daylight provides visual comfort. According to standards, it shows that many criteria should be taken into consideration in order to have daylight utilization and visual comfort. The current standard in Malaysia, MS 1525 does not provide sufficient guideline. Hence, more research is needed on daylight performance. If architects do not consider daylight design, it not only causes inconvenience in working spaces but also causes more energy consumption as well as environmental pollution. This research had surveyed daylight performance in 5 selected office buildings from different area of Malaysian through experimental method. Several parameters of daylight quality such as daylight factor, surface luminance and surface luminance ratio were measured in different rooms in each building. The result of this research demonstrated that most of the buildings were not designed for daylight utilization. Therefore, it is very important that architects follow the daylight design recommendation to reduce consumption of electric power for artificial lighting while the sufficient quality of daylight is available.
Abstract: In this paper, for the first time, a two-dimensional
(2D) analytical drain current model for sub-100 nm multi-layered
gate material engineered trapezoidal recessed channel (MLGMETRC)
MOSFET: a novel design is presented and investigated using
ATLAS and DEVEDIT device simulators, to mitigate the large gate
leakages and increased standby power consumption that arise due to
continued scaling of SiO2-based gate dielectrics. The twodimensional
(2D) analytical model based on solution of Poisson-s
equation in cylindrical coordinates, utilizing the cylindrical
approximation, has been developed which evaluate the surface
potential, electric field, drain current, switching metric: ION/IOFF
ratio and transconductance for the proposed design. A good
agreement between the model predictions and device simulation
results is obtained, verifying the accuracy of the proposed analytical
model.
Abstract: An effective approach for realizing the binary tree structure, representing a combinational logic functionality with enhanced throughput, is discussed in this paper. The optimization in maximum operating frequency was achieved through delay minimization, which in turn was possible by means of reducing the depth of the binary network. The proposed synthesis methodology has been validated by experimentation with FPGA as the target technology. Though our proposal is technology independent, yet the heuristic enables better optimization in throughput even after technology mapping for such Boolean functionality; whose reduced CNF form is associated with a lesser literal cost than its reduced DNF form at the Boolean equation level. For cases otherwise, our method converges to similar results as that of [12]. The practical results obtained for a variety of case studies demonstrate an improvement in the maximum throughput rate for Spartan IIE (XC2S50E-7FT256) and Spartan 3 (XC3S50-4PQ144) FPGA logic families by 10.49% and 13.68% respectively. With respect to the LUTs and IOBUFs required for physical implementation of the requisite non-regenerative logic functionality, the proposed method enabled savings to the tune of 44.35% and 44.67% respectively, over the existing efficient method available in literature [12].
Abstract: The impact of a proposed pier on tidal current
alteration was evaluated. The proposed pier location was in Salad
Bay on Koa Kood Island, Trat province, Thailand, and was designed
to accommodate passenger ships with a draft of less than 2 m. The
study began with collecting necessary data, including bathymetric,
water elevation and tidal current characteristics. The impact was
assessed using a software package (MIKE21). Although the results
showed that the pier would affect the existing current pattern, the
change was determined to be insignificant, as the design of the piles
for the pier provided sufficient spacing to let the current flow as
freely as possible. Consequences of the altered current, such as
seabed erosion, water stagnation, sediment deposition and
navigational risk were assessed. Environmental mitigation measures
might be necessary if the impacts were considered unacceptable.
Abstract: Subcritical water extraction was investigated as a
novel and alternative technology in the food and pharmaceutical
industry for the separation of Mannitol from olive leaves and its
results was compared with those of Soxhlet extraction. The effects of
temperature, pressure, and flow rate of water and also momentum
and mass transfer dimensionless variables such as Reynolds and
Peclet Numbers on extraction yield and equilibrium partition
coefficient were investigated. The 30-110 bars, 60-150°C, and flow
rates of 0.2-2 mL/min were the water operating conditions. The
results revealed that the highest Mannitol yield was obtained at
100°C and 50 bars. However, extraction of Mannitol was not
influenced by the variations of flow rate. The mathematical modeling
of experimental measurements was also investigated and the model is
capable of predicting the experimental measurements very well. In
addition, the results indicated higher extraction yield for the
subcritical water extraction in contrast to Soxhlet method.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to determine if a
minimal increase in road light level (luminance) could lead to
improved driving performance among older adults. Older, middleaged
and younger adults were tested in a driving simulator following
vision and cognitive screening. Comparisons were made for the
performance of simulated night driving under two road light
conditions (0.6 and 2.5 cd/m2). At each light level, the effects of self
reported night driving avoidance were examined along with the
vision/cognitive performance. It was found that increasing road light
level from 0.6 cd/m2 to 2.5 cd/m2 resulted in improved recognition of
signage on straight highway segments. The improvement depends on
different driver-related factors such as vision and cognitive abilities,
and confidence. On curved road sections, the results showed that
driver-s performance worsened. It is concluded that while increasing
road lighting may be helpful to older adults especially for sign
recognition, it may also result in increased driving confidence and
thus reduced attention in some driving situations.
Abstract: This paper provides an exergy analysis of the multistage refrigeration cycle used for C2+ recovery plant. The behavior of an industrial refrigeration cycle with refrigerant propane has been investigated by the exergy method. A computational model based on the exergy analysis is presented for the investigation of the effects of the valves on the exergy losses, the second law of efficiency, and the coefficient of performance (COP) of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The equations of exergy destruction and exergetic efficiency for the main cycle components such as evaporators, condensers, compressors, and expansion valves are developed. The relations for the total exergy destruction in the cycle and the cycle exergetic efficiency are obtained. An ethane recovery unit with its refrigeration cycle has been simulated to prepare the exergy analysis. Using a typical actual work input value; the exergetic efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is determined to be 39.90% indicating a great potential for improvements. The simulation results reveal that the exergetic efficiencies of the heat exchanger and expansion sections get the lowest rank among the other compartments of refrigeration cycle. Refrigeration calculations have been carried out through the analysis of T–S and P–H diagrams where coefficient of performance (COP) was obtained as 1.85. The novelty of this article includes the effect and sensitivity analysis of molar flow, pressure drops and temperature on the exergy efficiency and coefficient of performance of the cycle.
Abstract: We present a general comparison of punctual kriging based image restoration for different neighbourhood sizes. The formulation of the technique under consideration is based on punctual kriging and fuzzy concepts for image restoration in spatial domain. Three different neighbourhood windows are considered to estimate the semivariance at different lags for studying its effect in reduction of negative weights resulted in punctual kriging, consequently restoration of degraded images. Our results show that effect of neighbourhood size higher than 5x5 on reduction in negative weights is insignificant. In addition, image quality measures, such as structure similarity indices, peak signal to noise ratios and the new variogram based quality measures; show that 3x3 window size gives better performance as compared with larger window sizes.
Abstract: An international cooperation between educators in
Australia and the US has led to a reconceptualization of the teaching
of a library science course at Appalachian State University. The
pedagogy of Action Learning coupled with a 3D virtual learning
environment immerses students in a social constructivist learning
space that incorporates and supports interaction and reflection. The
intent of this study was to build a bridge between theory and practice
by providing students with a tool set that promoted personal and
social reflection, and created and scaffolded a community of practice.
Besides, action learning is an educational process whereby the fifty
graduate students experienced their own actions and experience to
improve performance.
Abstract: Molodstov-s soft sets theory was originally proposed
as general mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty problems. The matrix form has been introduced in soft set and some of its
properties have been discussed. However, the formulation of soft
matrix in group decision making problem only with equal importance
weights of criteria, which does not show the true opinion of decision maker on each criteria. The aim of this paper is to propose a method
for solving group decision making problem incorporating the importance of criteria by using soft matrices in a more objective manner. The weight of each criterion is calculated by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. An example of house
selection process is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Abstract: Polyurethanes (PURs) are very versatile polymeric
materials with a wide range of physical and chemical properties.
PURs have desirable properties such as high abrasion resistance, tear
strength, shock absorption, flexibility and elasticity. Although they
have relatively poor thermal stability, this can be improved by using
treated clay. Polyurethane/clay nanocomposites have been
synthesized from renewable sources. A polyol for the production of
polyurethane by reaction with an isocyanate was obtained by the
synthesis of palm oil-based oleic acid with glycerol. Dodecylbenzene
sulfonic acid (DBSA) was used as catalyst and emulsifier. The
unmodified clay (kunipia-F) was treated with cetyltrimethyl
ammonium bromide (CTAB-mont) and octadodecylamine (ODAmont).
The d-spacing in CTAB-mont and ODA-mont were 1.571 nm
and 1.798 nm respectively and larger than that of the pure-mont
(1.142 nm). The organoclay was completely intercalated in the
polyurethane, as confirmed by a wide angle x-ray diffraction
(WAXD) pattern.
The results showed that adding clay demonstrated better thermal
stability in comparison with the virgin polyurethane. Onset
degradation of pure PU is at 200oC, and is lower than that of the
CTAB-mont PU and ODA-mont PU which takes place at about
318oC and 330oC, respectively. The mechanical properties (including
the dynamic mechanical properties) of pure polyurethane (PU) and
PU/clay nanocomposites, were measured. The modified organoclay
had a remarkably beneficial effect on the strength and elongation at
break of the nanocomposites, which both increased with increasing
clay content with the increase of the tensile strength of more than
214% and 267% by the addition of only 5 wt% of the
montmorillonite CTAB-mont PU and ODA-mont PU, respectively.
Abstract: In this paper, an ultra low power and low jitter 12bit
CMOS digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) design is presented.
Based on a ring oscillator implemented with low power Schmitt
trigger based inverters. Simulation of the proposed DCO using 32nm
CMOS Predictive Transistor Model (PTM) achieves controllable
frequency range of 550MHz~830MHz with a wide linearity and high
resolution. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrates that the time-period
jitter due to random power supply fluctuation is under 31ps and the
power consumption is 0.5677mW at 750MHz with 1.2V power
supply and 0.53-ps resolution. The proposed DCO has a good
robustness to voltage and temperature variations and better linearity
comparing to the conventional design.
Abstract: Nonlinear finite element method and Serendipity eight
nodes element are used for determining of ground surface settlement
due to tunneling. Linear element with elastic behavior is used for
modeling of lining. Modified Generalized plasticity model with nonassociated
flow rule is applied for analysis of a tunnel in Sao Paulo –
Brazil. The tunnel had analyzed by Lades- model with 16 parameters.
In this work modified Generalized Plasticity is used with 10
parameters, also Mohr-Coulomb model is used to analysis the tunnel.
The results show good agreement with observed results of field data
by modified Generalized Plasticity model than other models. The
obtained result by Mohr-Coulomb model shows less settlement than
other model due to excavation.
Abstract: Development of intelligent assembly cell conception includes new solution kind of how to create structures of automated and flexible assembly system. The current trend of the final product quality increasing is affected by time analysis of the entire manufacturing process. The primary requirement of manufacturing is to produce as many products as soon as possible, at the lowest possible cost, but of course with the highest quality. Such requirements may be satisfied only if all the elements entering and affecting the production cycle are in a fully functional condition. These elements consist of sensory equipment and intelligent control elements that are essential for building intelligent manufacturing systems. Intelligent behavior of the system as the control system will repose on monitoring of important parameters of the system in the real time. Intelligent manufacturing system itself should be a system that can flexibly respond to changes in entering and exiting the process in interaction with the surroundings.
Abstract: Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been widely used for
global optimization problems. The GA performance depends highly
on the choice of the search space for each parameter to be optimized.
Often, this choice is a problem-based experience. The search space
being a set of potential solutions may contain the global optimum
and/or other local optimums. A bad choice of this search space
results in poor solutions. In this paper, our approach consists in
extending the search space boundaries during the GA optimization,
only when it is required. This leads to more diversification of GA
population by new solutions that were not available with fixed search
space boundaries. So, these dynamic search spaces can improve the
GA optimization performances. The proposed approach is applied to
power system stabilizer optimization for multimachine power system
(16-generator and 68-bus). The obtained results are evaluated and
compared with those obtained by ordinary GAs. Eigenvalue analysis
and nonlinear system simulation results show the effectiveness of the
proposed approach to damp out the electromechanical oscillation and
enhance the global system stability.
Abstract: We summarize information that facilitates choosing an ontology language for knowledge intensive applications. This paper is a short version of the ontology language state-of-the-art and evolution analysis carried out for choosing an ontology language in the IST Esperonto project. At first, we analyze changes and evolution that took place in the filed of Semantic Web languages during the last years, in particular, around the ontology languages of the RDF/S and OWL family. Second, we present current trends in development of Semantic Web languages, in particular, rule support extensions for Semantic Web languages and emerging ontology languages such as WSMO languages.
Abstract: In this paper, a new dependable algorithm based on an adaptation of the standard variational iteration method (VIM) is used for analyzing the transition from steady convection to chaos for lowto-intermediate Rayleigh numbers convection in porous media. The solution trajectories show the transition from steady convection to chaos that occurs at a slightly subcritical value of Rayleigh number, the critical value being associated with the loss of linear stability of the steady convection solution. The VIM is treated as an algorithm in a sequence of intervals for finding accurate approximate solutions to the considered model and other dynamical systems. We shall call this technique as the piecewise VIM. Numerical comparisons between the piecewise VIM and the classical fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) numerical solutions reveal that the proposed technique is a promising tool for the nonlinear chaotic and nonchaotic systems.
Abstract: Cassava is one of the top five crops in Cameroon. Its
evolution has remained constant since the independence period and
the production has more than tripled. It is a crop with multiple
industrial capacities but the sector-s business opportunities are
underexploited. Using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats analysis method, this paper examines the cassava actual state.
It appraises the sector-s strengths (S), considers suitable measures to
strengthen weaknesses (W), evaluates strategies to fully benefit from
the sector numerous business opportunities (O) and explore means to
convert threats (T) into opportunities. Data were collected from the
ministry of agriculture and rural development and different actors.
The results show that cassava sector embodies many business
opportunities and stands as a raw material provider for many
industries but ultimately requires challenges to be tackled
appropriately.