Abstract: This experiment discusses the effects of fracture
parameters such as depth, length, width, angle and the number of the
fracture to the conductance properties of laterite using the DUK-2B
digital electrical measurement system combined with the method of
simulating the fractures. The results of experiment show that the
changes of fracture parameters produce effects to the conductance
properties of laterite. There is a clear degressive period of the
conductivity of laterite during increasing the depth, length, width, or
the angle and the quantity of fracture gradually. When the depth of
fracture exceeds the half thickness of the soil body, the conductivity of
laterite shows evidently non-linear diminishing pattern and the
amplitude of decrease tends to increase. The length of fracture has
fewer effects than the depth to the conductivity. When the width of
fracture reaches some fixed values, the change of the conductivity is
less sensitive to the change of the width, and at this time, the
conductivity of laterite maintains at a stable level. When the angle of
fracture is less than 45°, the decrease of the conductivity is more
clearly as the angle increases. But when angle is more than 45°,
change of the conductivity is relatively gentle as the angle increases.
The increasing quantity of the fracture causes the other fracture
parameters having great impact on the change of conductivity. When
moisture content and temperature were unchanged, depth and angle of
fractures are the major factors affecting the conductivity of laterite
soil; quantity, length, and width are minor influencing factors. The
sensitivity of fracture parameters affect conductivity of laterite soil is:
depth >angles >quantity >length >width.
Abstract: In this paper we present a photo mosaic smartphone
application in client-server based large-scale image databases. Photo
mosaic is not a new concept, but there are very few smartphone
applications especially for a huge number of images in the
client-server environment. To support large-scale image databases,
we first propose an overall framework working as a client-server
model. We then present a concept of image-PAA features to efficiently
handle a huge number of images and discuss its lower bounding
property. We also present a best-match algorithm that exploits the
lower bounding property of image-PAA. We finally implement an
efficient Android-based application and demonstrate its feasibility.
Abstract: Tourism industries are rapidly increased for the last
few years especially in Malaysia. In order to attract more tourists,
Malaysian Governance encourages any effort to increase Malaysian
tourism industry. One of the efforts in attracting more tourists in
Malacca, Malaysia is a duck tour. Duck tour is an amphibious
sightseeing tour that works in two types of engines, hence, it required
a huge cost to operate and maintain the vehicle. To other country, it is
not so new but in Malaysia, it is just introduced, thus it does not have
any systematic routing yet. Therefore, this paper proposed an
optimization technique to formulate and schedule this tour to
minimize the operating costs by considering it into Travelling
Salesman Problem (TSP). The problem is then can be solved by one
of the optimization technique especially meta-heuristics approach
such as Tabu Search (TS) and Reactive Tabu Search (RTS).
Abstract: The present study investigated the relationship
between personality characteristics of drivers and the number and
amount of fines they have in a year .This study was carried out on
120 male taxi drivers that worked at least seven hours in a day in
Lamerd - a city in the south of IRAN. Subjects were chosen
voluntarily among those available. Predictive variables were the NEO
–five great personality factors (1. conscientiousness 2. Openness to
Experience 3.Neuroticism4 .Extraversion 5.Agreeableness )
thecriterion variables were the number and amount of fines the
drivers have had the last three years. the result of regression analysis
showed that conscientiousness factor was able to negatively predict
the number and amount of financial fines the drivers had during the
last three years. The openness factor positively predicted the number
of fines they had in last 3 years and the amount of financial fines
during the last year. The extraversion factor both meaningfully and
positively could predict only the amount of financial fines they had
during the last year. Increasing age was associated with decreasing
driving offenses as well as financial loss.The findings can be useful
in recognizing the high-risk drivers and leading them to counseling
centers .They can also be used to inform the drivers about their
personality and it’s relation with their accident rate. Such criteria
would be of great importance in employing drivers in different places
such as companies, offices etc…
Abstract: Next generation wireless/mobile networks will be IP based cellular networks integrating the internet with cellular networks. In this paper, we propose a new architecture for a high speed transport system and a mobile management protocol for mobile internet users in a transport system. Existing mobility management protocols (MIPv6, HMIPv6) do not consider real world fast moving wireless hosts (e.g. passengers in a train). For this reason, we define a virtual organization (VO) and proposed the VO architecture for the transport system. We also classify mobility as VO mobility (intra VO) and macro mobility (inter VO). Handoffs in VO are locally managed and transparent to the CH while macro mobility is managed with Mobile IPv6. And, from the features of the transport system, such as fixed route and steady speed, we deduce the movement route and the handoff disruption time of each handoff. To reduce packet loss during handoff disruption time, we propose pre-registration scheme using pre-registration. Moreover, the proposed protocol can eliminate unnecessary binding updates resulting from sequence movement at high speed. The performance evaluations demonstrate our proposed protocol has a good performance at transport system environment. Our proposed protocol can be applied to the usage of wireless internet on the train, subway, and high speed train.
Abstract: This paper presents anapproach of hybridizing two or more artificial intelligence (AI) techniques which arebeing used to
fuzzify the workstress level ranking and categorize the rating accordingly. The use of two or more techniques (hybrid approach)
has been considered in this case, as combining different techniques may lead to neutralizing each other-s weaknesses generating a
superior hybrid solution. Recent researches have shown that there is a
need for a more valid and reliable tools, for assessing work stress. Thus artificial intelligence techniques have been applied in this
instance to provide a solution to a psychological application. An overview about the novel and autonomous interactive model for analysing work-stress that has been developedusing multi-agent
systems is also presented in this paper. The establishment of the intelligent multi-agent decision analyser (IMADA) using hybridized technique of neural networks and fuzzy logic within the multi-agent based framework is also described.
Abstract: With the approaching of digital era, various interactive
service platforms and systems support human beings- needs in lives by
different contents and measures. Design strategies have gradually
turned from function-based to user-oriented, and are often customized.
In other words, how designers include users- value reaction in creation
becomes the goal. Creative design service of interior design requires
positive interaction and communication to allow users to obtain full
design information, recognize the style and process of personal needs,
develop creative service design, lower communication time and cost
and satisfy users- sense of achievement. Thus, by constructing a
co-design method, based on the communication between interior
designers and users, this study recognizes users- real needs and
provides the measure of co-design for designers and users.
Abstract: Cutting tools are widely used in manufacturing processes and drilling is the most commonly used machining process. Although drill-bits used in drilling may not be expensive, their breakage can cause damage to expensive work piece being drilled and at the same time has major impact on productivity. Predicting drill-bit breakage, therefore, is important in reducing cost and improving productivity. This study uses twenty features extracted from two degradation signals viz., thrust force and torque. The methodology used involves developing and comparing decision tree, random forest, and multinomial logistic regression models for classifying and predicting drill-bit breakage using degradation signals.
Abstract: Selecting the data modeling technique for an
information system is determined by the objective of the resultant
data model. Dimensional modeling is the preferred modeling
technique for data destined for data warehouses and data mining,
presenting data models that ease analysis and queries which are in
contrast with entity relationship modeling. The establishment of data
warehouses as components of information system landscapes in
many organizations has subsequently led to the development of
dimensional modeling. This has been significantly more developed
and reported for the commercial database management systems as
compared to the open sources thereby making it less affordable for
those in resource constrained settings. This paper presents
dimensional modeling of HIV patient information using open source
modeling tools. It aims to take advantage of the fact that the most
affected regions by the HIV virus are also heavily resource
constrained (sub-Saharan Africa) whereas having large quantities of
HIV data. Two HIV data source systems were studied to identify
appropriate dimensions and facts these were then modeled using two
open source dimensional modeling tools. Use of open source would
reduce the software costs for dimensional modeling and in turn make
data warehousing and data mining more feasible even for those in
resource constrained settings but with data available.
Abstract: Importance of environmental efficiency of electric power industry stems from high demand for energy combined with global warming concerns. It is especially essential for the world largest economies like that of the United States. The paper introduces a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model of environmental efficiency using indicators of fossil fuels utilization, emissions rate, and electric power losses. Using DEA is advantageous in this situation over other approaches due to its nonparametric nature. The paper analyzes data for the period of 1990 - 2006 by comparing actual yearly levels in each dimension with the best values of partial indicators for the period. As positive factors of efficiency, tendency to the decline in emissions rates starting 2000, and in electric power losses starting 2004 may be mentioned together with increasing trend of fuel utilization starting 1999. As a result, dynamics of environmental efficiency is positive starting 2002. The main concern is the decline in fossil fuels utilization in 2006. This negative change should be reversed to comply with ecological and economic requirements.
Abstract: Scarcity of water resources and huge costs of
establishing new hydraulic installations necessitate optimal
exploitation from existing reservoirs. Sustainable management and
efficient exploitation from existing finite water resources are
important factors in water resource management, particularly in the
periods of water insufficiency and in dry regions, and on account of
competitive allocations in the view of exploitation management. This
study aims to minimize reservoir water release from a determined
rate of demand. A numerical model for water optimal exploitation
has been developed using GAMS introduced by the World Bank and
applied to the case of Meijaran dam, northern Iran. The results
indicate that this model can optimize the function of reservoir
exploitation while required water for lower parts of the region will be
supplied. Further, allocating optimal water from reservoir, the
optimal rate of water allocated to any group of the users were
specified to increase benefits in curve dam exploitation.
Abstract: Energy and exergy study of air-water combined solar collector which is called dual purpose solar collector (DPSC) is investigated. The method of ε - NTU is used. Analysis is performed for triangle channels. Parameters like the air flow rate and water inlet temperature are studied. Results are shown that DPSC has better energy and exergy efficiency than single collector. In addition, the triangle passage with water inlet temperature of 60O C has shown better exergy and energy efficiency.
Abstract: It is important to provide possibility of so called
“handover" for the mobile subscriber from GSM network to Wi-Fi
network and back. To solve specified problem it is necessary to
estimate connection time between base station and wireless access
point. Difficulty to estimate this parameter is that it doesn-t described
in specifications of the standard and, hence, no recommended value
is given.
In this paper, the analytical model is presented that allows the
estimating connection time between base station and IEEE 802.11
access point.
Abstract: A simultaneous study on indoor and outdoor particulate matter concentrations was done in five elementary schools in central parts of Tehran, Iran. Three sizes of particles including PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 were measured in 13 classrooms within this schools during winter (January, February and March) 2009. A laserbased portable aerosol spectrometer Model Grimm-1.108, was used for the continuous measurement of particles. The average indoor concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 in studied schools were 274 μg/m3, 42 μg/m3 and 19 μg/m3 respectively; and average outdoor concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 were evaluated to be 22 μg/m3, 38 μg/m3 and 140 μg/m3 respectively.
Abstract: When trying to enumerate all BIBD-s for given parameters,
their natural solution space appears to be huge and grows extremely with the number of points of the design. Therefore,
constructive enumerations are often carried out by assuming additional
constraints on design-s structure, automorphisms being mostly used ones. It remains a hard task to construct designs with trivial
automorphism group – those with no additional symmetry – although it is believed that most of the BIBD-s belong to that case. In
this paper, very many new designs with parameters 2-(13, 5, 5), 2-(16, 6, 5) and 2-(21, 6, 4) are constructed, assuming an action of an
automorphism of order 3. Even more, it was possible to construct millions of such designs with no non-trivial automorphisms.
Abstract: Fatigue behaviors of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)
ceramics under different amplitude of bipolar electrical loads have
been investigated. Fatigue behavior is represented by the change of
hysteresis loops and remnant polarization. Three levels of electrical
load amplitudes (1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 kV /mm) were applied in this
experimental. It was found that the remnant polarization decreased
significantly with the number of loading cycles. The degree of fatigue
degradation depends on the amplitude of electric field. The higher
amplitude exhibits the greater fatigue degradation.
Abstract: The mobile systems are powered by batteries.
Reducing the system power consumption is a key to increase its
autonomy. It is known that mostly the systems are dealing with time
varying signals. Thus, we aim to achieve power efficiency by smartly
adapting the system processing activity in accordance with the input
signal local characteristics. It is done by completely rethinking the
processing chain, by adopting signal driven sampling and processing.
In this context, a signal driven filtering technique, based on the level
crossing sampling is devised. It adapts the sampling frequency and
the filter order by analysing the input signal local variations. Thus, it
correlates the processing activity with the signal variations. It leads
towards a drastic computational gain of the proposed technique
compared to the classical one.
Abstract: Recently, there are significant improvements in the
capabilities of mobile devices; rendering large terrain is tedious
because of the constraint in resources of mobile devices. This
paper focuses on the implementation of terrain rendering on
mobile device to observe some issues and current constraints
occurred. Experiments are performed using two datasets with
results based on rendering speed and appearance to ascertain both
the issues and constraints. The result shows a downfall of frame
rate performance because of the increase of triangles. Since the
resolution between computer and mobile device is different, the
terrain surface on mobile device looks more unrealistic compared
to on a computer. Thus, more attention in the development of
terrain rendering on mobile devices is required. The problems
highlighted in this paper will be the focus of future research and
will be a great importance for 3D visualization on mobile device.
Abstract: Benefits to the organisation are just as important as technical ability when it comes to software success. The challenge is to provide industry with professionals who understand this. In other words: How to teach computer engineering students to look beyond technology, and at the benefits of software to organizations? This paper reports on the conceptual design of a section of the computer networks module aimed to sensitize the students to the organisational context.
Checkland focuses on different worldviews represented by various role players in the organisation. He developed the Soft Systems Methodology that guides purposeful action in organisations, while incorporating different worldviews in the modeling process. If we can sensitize students to these methods, they are likely to appreciate the wider context of application of system software. This paper will provide literature on these concepts as well as detail on how the students will be guided to adopt these concepts.
Abstract: In this research, a biofiltration process to remove
ammonia gas from gas stream using agricultural residue biofilter
medias is studied. The experiments were conducted in laboratoryscale
biofilter. The biofilter medias were a mixture of manure
fertilizer and bagasse at various ratios i.e., 1:3, 1:5 and 1:7. The
experiments were performed for a period of 40 days. The empty bed
retention time (EBRT) is 78s. The moisture content of biofilter media
was maintained at 45-60% using water. The results showed that the
agricultural residues (manure fertilizer and bagasse) are suitable as
biofilter media for ammonia gas removal in biofiltration process.
The maximum efficiency of ammonia gas removal is observed
from the 1:5 of manure fertilizer: bagasse ratio at 89.93%. The
biofiltration is more effective at low ammonia gas concentration. In
addition, the mixture ratio of biofilter media is not a significant factor
in biofiltration operation while the most significant factor for
biofiltration operation is the inlet ammonia gas concentration.