Abstract: CEMTool is a command style design and analyzing
package for scientific and technological algorithm and a matrix based
computation language. In this paper, we present new 2D & 3D
finite element method (FEM) packages for CEMTool. We discuss
the detailed structures and the important features of pre-processor,
solver, and post-processor of CEMTool 2D & 3D FEM packages. In
contrast to the existing MATLAB PDE Toolbox, our proposed FEM
packages can deal with the combination of the reserved words. Also,
we can control the mesh in a very effective way. With the introduction
of new mesh generation algorithm and fast solving technique, our
FEM packages can guarantee the shorter computational time than
MATLAB PDE Toolbox. Consequently, with our new FEM packages,
we can overcome some disadvantages or limitations of the existing
MATLAB PDE Toolbox.
Abstract: A new mechanism responsible for structural life
consumption due to resonant fatigue in turbine blades, or vanes, is
presented and explained. A rotating blade or vane in a gas turbine can
change its contour due to erosion and/or material build up, in any of
these instances, the surface pressure distribution occurring on the
suction and pressure sides of blades-vanes can suffer substantial
modification of their pressure and temperatures envelopes and flow
characteristics. Meanwhile, the relative rotation between the blade
and duct vane while the pressurized gas flows and the consequent
wake crossings, will induce a fluctuating thrust force or lift that will
excite the blade.
An actual totally used up set of vane-blade components in a HP
turbine power stage in a gas turbine is analyzed. The blade suffered
some material erosion mostly at the trailing edge provoking a
peculiar surface pressure envelope which evolved as the relative
position between the vane and the blade passed in front of each other.
Interestingly preliminary modal analysis for this eroded blade
indicates several natural frequencies within the aeromechanic power
spectrum, moreover, the highest frequency component is 94% of one
natural frequency indicating near resonant condition.
Independently of other simultaneously occurring fatigue cycles
(such as thermal, centrifugal stresses).
Abstract: Embedded hardware simulator is a valuable computeraided
tool for embedded application development. This paper focuses
on the ARM926EJ-S MMU, builds state transition models and
formally verifies critical properties for the models. The state transition
models include loading instruction model, reading data model, and
writing data model. The properties of the models are described by
CTL specification language, and they are verified in VIS. The results
obtained in VIS demonstrate that the critical properties of MMU are
satisfied in the state transition models. The correct models can be
used to implement the MMU component in our simulator. In the
end of this paper, the experimental results show that the MMU can
successfully accomplish memory access requests from CPU.
Abstract: Until recently it would have been unusual to consider classifying population movements and refugees as security problem. However, efforts at shaping our world to make ourselves secure have paradoxically led to ever greater insecurity. The feeling of uncertainty, pertinent throughout all discourses of security, has led to the creation of security production into seemingly benign routines of everyday life. Yet, the paper argues, neither of security discourses accounted for, disclosed and challenged the fundamental aporias embedded in Western security narratives. In turn, the paper aims to unpick the conventional security wisdom, which is haunted with strong ontologies, embedded in the politics of Orientalism, and (in)security nexus. The paper concludes that current security affair conceals the integral impossibility of fulfilling its very own promise of assured security. The paper also provides suggestions about alternative security discourse based on mutual dialogue.
Abstract: Linear Discrimination Analysis (LDA) is a linear
solution for classification of two classes. In this paper, we propose a
variant LDA method for multi-class problem which redefines the
between class and within class scatter matrices by incorporating a
weight function into each of them. The aim is to separate classes as
much as possible in a situation that one class is well separated from
other classes, incidentally, that class must have a little influence on
classification. It has been suggested to alleviate influence of classes
that are well separated by adding a weight into between class scatter
matrix and within class scatter matrix. To obtain a simple and
effective weight function, ordinary LDA between every two classes
has been used in order to find Fisher discrimination value and passed
it as an input into two weight functions and redefined between class
and within class scatter matrices. Experimental results showed that
our new LDA method improved classification rate, on glass, iris and
wine datasets, in comparison to different versions of LDA.
Abstract: The present article deals with a composite casting process that allows to produce bilayer AlSn6-Al strips based on the technique of horizontal continuous casting. In the first part experimental investigations on the production of a single layer AlSn6 strip are described. Afterwards essential results of basic compound casting trials using simple test specimen are presented to define the thermal conditions required for a metallurgical compound between the alloy AlSn6 and pure aluminium. Subsequently, numerical analyses are described. A finite element model was used to examine a continuous composite casting process. As a result of the simulations the main influencing parameters concerning the thermal conditions within the composite casting region could be pointed out. Finally, basic guidance is given for the design of an appropriate composite mould system.
Abstract: The explosion of interest in online gaming and
virtual worlds is leading many universities to investigate
possible educational applications of the new environments.
In this paper we explore the possibilities of 3D online worlds
for teacher education, particularly the field experience
component. Drawing upon two pedagogical examples, we
suggest that virtual simulations may, with certain limitations,
create safe spaces that allow preservice teachers to adopt
alternate identities and interact safely with the “other." In so
doing they may become aware of the constructed nature of
social categories and gain the essential pedagogical skill of
perspective-taking. We suggest that, ultimately, the ability to
be the principal creators of themselves in virtual environments
can increase their ability to do the same in the real world.
Abstract: This paper explains the development of Multifunctional Barcode Inventory Management System (MBIMS) to manage inventory and stock ordering. Today, most of the retailing market is still manually record their stocks and its effectiveness is quite low. By providing MBIMS, it will bring effectiveness to retailing market in inventory management. MBIMS will not only save time in recording input, output and refilling the inventory stock, but also in calculating remaining stock and provide auto-ordering function. This system is developed through System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the flow and structure of the system is fully built based on requirements of a retailing market. Furthermore, this system has been developed from methodical research and study where each part of the system is vigilantly designed. Thus, MBIMS will offer a good solution to the retailing market in achieving effectiveness and efficiency in inventory management.
Abstract: This work was to study batch biosorption of Pb(II)
ions from aqueous solution by Luffa charcoal. The effect of operating
parameters such as adsorption contact time, initial pH solution and
different initial Pb(II) concentration on the sorption of Pb(II) were
investigated. The results showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) ions
was initially rapid and the equilibrium time was 10 h. Adsorption
kinetics of Pb(II) ions onto Luffa charcoal could be best described by
the pseudo-second order model. At pH 5.0 was favorable for the
adsorption and removal of Pb(II) ions. Freundlich adsorption
isotherm model was better fitted for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions than
Langmuir and Timkin isotherms, respectively. The highest monolayer
adsorption capacity obtained from Langmuir isotherm model was
51.02 mg/g. This study demonstrated that Luffa charcoal could be
used for the removal of Pb(II) ions in water treatment.
Abstract: Frauds in insurance industry are one of the major
sources of operational risk of insurance companies and constitute a
significant portion of their losses. Every reasonable company on the
market aims for improving their processes of uncovering frauds and
invests their resources to reduce them. This article is addressing fraud
management area from the view of extension of existing Business
Intelligence solution. We describe the frame of such solution and
would like to share with readers all benefits brought to insurance
companies by adopting this approach in their fight against insurance
frauds.
Abstract: Visfatin and apelin are two new adipokines that recently gained a special interest in diabetes research. This study was conducted to study the interplay between these two adipokines and their correlation with other inflammatory and biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic (T2D) postmenopausal women with CAD. Visfatin and apelin were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Visfatin was found to be significantly higher in the following groups: T2D patients without CAD, non-obese and obese T2D patients with CAD when compared to control group. Apelin was found to be significantly lower in non-obese and obese T2D patients with CAD when compared to control group. Visfatin and apelin were found to be significantly associated with each other and with other biochemical parameters. The current study provides evidence for the interplay between visfatin and apelin through the inflammatory milieu characteristic of T2D and their possible role in the pathogenesis of CAD complication of T2D.
Abstract: Metal cutting is a severe plastic deformation process
involving large strains, high strain rates, and high temperatures.
Conventional analysis of the chip formation process is based on bulk
material deformation disregarding the inhomogeneous nature of the
material microstructure. A series of orthogonal cutting tests of AISI
1045 and 1144 steel were conducted which yielded similar process
characteristics and chip formations. With similar shear angles and cut
chip thicknesses, shear strains for both chips were found to range
from 2.0 up to 2.8. The manganese-sulfide (MnS) precipitate in the
1144 steel has a very distinct and uniform shape which allows for
comparison before and after chip formation. From close observations
of MnS precipitates in the cut chips it is shown that the conventional
approach underestimates plastic strains in metal cutting.
Experimental findings revealed local shear strains around a value of
6. These findings and their implications are presented and discussed.
Abstract: Fuel cells have become one of the major areas of
research in the academia and the industry. The goal of most fish
farmers is to maximize production and profits while holding labor
and management efforts to the minimum. Risk of fish kills, disease
outbreaks, poor water quality in most pond culture operations,
aeration offers the most immediate and practical solution to water
quality problems encountered at higher stocking and feeding rates.
Many units of aeration system are electrical units so using a
continuous, high reliability, affordable, and environmentally friendly
power sources is necessary. Aeration of water by using PEM fuel cell
power is not only a new application of the renewable energy, but
also, it provides an affordable method to promote biodiversity in
stagnant ponds and lakes. This paper presents a new design and
control of PEM fuel cell powered a diffused air aeration system for a
shrimp farm in Mersa Matruh in Egypt. Also Artificial intelligence
(AI) techniques control is used to control the fuel cell output power
by control input gases flow rate. Moreover the mathematical
modeling and simulation of PEM fuel cell is introduced. A
comparison study is applied between the performance of fuzzy logic
control (FLC) and neural network control (NNC). The results show
the effectiveness of NNC over FLC.
Abstract: The paper proposes a unified model for multimedia data retrieval which includes data representatives, content representatives, index structure, and search algorithms. The multimedia data are defined as k-dimensional signals indexed in a multidimensional k-tree structure. The benefits of using the k-tree unified model were demonstrated by running the data retrieval application on a six networked nodes test bed cluster. The tests were performed with two retrieval algorithms, one that allows parallel searching using a single feature, the second that performs a weighted cascade search for multiple features querying. The experiments show a significant reduction of retrieval time while maintaining the quality of results.
Abstract: The assessment of the efficacy of devised Mobile-
Assisted Instructional Modes in Mobile Learning was the focus of
this research. The study adopted pre-test, post-test, control group
quasi-experimental design. Research instruments were developed,
validated and used for collecting data. Findings revealed that the
students exposed to Mobile Task Based Learning Mode (MTBLM) in
using Mobile-Assisted Instruction (MAI) performed significantly
better. The implication of these findings is that, the Audio tutorial
and Practice Mode (ATPM) (Stimulus instruments) of MAI had been
found better over the other modes used in the study.
Abstract: This study describes the methodology for the development of a validated in-vitro in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) for metoprolol tartrate modified release dosage forms with distinctive release rate characteristics. Modified release dosage forms were formulated by microencapsulation of metoprolol tartrate into different amounts of ethylcellulose by non-solvent addition technique. Then in-vitro and in-vivo studies were conducted to develop and validate level A IVIVC for metoprolol tartrate. The values of regression co-efficient (R2-values) for IVIVC of T2 and T3 formulations were not significantly (p
Abstract: Using maximal consistent blocks of tolerance relation
on the universe in incomplete decision table, the concepts of join block
and meet block are introduced and studied. Including tolerance class,
other blocks such as tolerant kernel and compatible kernel of an object
are also discussed at the same time. Upper and lower approximations
based on those blocks are also defined. Default definite decision rules
acquired from incomplete decision table are proposed in the paper. An
incremental algorithm to update default definite decision rules is
suggested for effective mining tasks from incomplete decision table
into which data is appended. Through an example, we demonstrate
how default definite decision rules based on maximal consistent
blocks, join blocks and meet blocks are acquired and how optimization
is done in support of discernibility matrix and discernibility function
in the incomplete decision table.
Abstract: CO2 is the primary anthropogenic greenhouse gas,
accounting for 77% of the human contribution to the greenhouse
effect in 2004. In the recent years, global concentration of CO2 in the
atmosphere is increasing rapidly. CO2 emissions have an impact on
global climate change. Anthropogenic CO2 is emitted primarily from
fossil fuel combustion. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one
option for reducing CO2 emissions. There are three major approaches
for CCS: post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture and
oxyfuel process. Post-combustion capture offers some advantages as
existing combustion technologies can still be used without radical
changes on them.
There are several post combustion gas separation and capture
technologies being investigated, namely; (a) absorption, (b)
cryogenic separation, (c) membrane separation (d) micro algal biofixation
and (e) adsorption. Apart from establishing new techniques,
the exploration of capture materials with high separation performance
and low capital cost are paramount importance. However, the
application of adsorption from either technology, require easily
regenerable and durable adsorbents with a high CO2 adsorption
capacity. It has recently been reported that the cost of the CO2
capture can be reduced by using this technology. In this paper, the
research progress (from experimental results) in adsorbents for CO2
adsorption, storage, and separations were reviewed and future
research directions were suggested as well.
Abstract: A measurement system was successfully fabricated to
detect ion concentrations (hydrogen and chlorine) in this study.
PIC18F4520, the microcontroller was used as the control unit in the
measurement system. The measurement system was practically used
to sense the H+ and Cl- in different examples, and the pH and pCl
values were exhibited on real-time LCD display promptly. In the study,
the measurement method is used to judge whether the response voltage
is stable. The change quantity is smaller than 0.01%, that the present
response voltage compares with next response voltage for H+
measurement, and the above condition is established only 6 sec.
Besides, the change quantity is smaller than 0.01%, that the present
response voltage compares with next response voltage for Clmeasurement,
and the above condition is established only 5 sec.
Furthermore, the average error quantities would also be considered,
and they are 0.05 and 0.07 for measurements of pH and pCl values,
respectively.
Abstract: Software engineering education not only embraces
technical skills of software development but also necessitates
communication and interaction among learners. In this paper, it is
proposed to adapt the PBL methodology that is especially designed to
be integrated into software engineering classroom in order to promote
collaborative learning environment. This approach helps students
better understand the significance of social aspects and provides a
systematic framework to enhance teamwork skills. The adaptation of
PBL facilitates the transition to an innovative software development
environment where cooperative learning can be actualized.