Abstract: Predicting short term wind speed is essential in order
to prevent systems in-action from the effects of strong winds. It also
helps in using wind energy as an alternative source of energy, mainly
for Electrical power generation. Wind speed prediction has
applications in Military and civilian fields for air traffic control,
rocket launch, ship navigation etc. The wind speed in near future
depends on the values of other meteorological variables, such as
atmospheric pressure, moisture content, humidity, rainfall etc. The
values of these parameters are obtained from a nearest weather
station and are used to train various forms of neural networks. The
trained model of neural networks is validated using a similar set of
data. The model is then used to predict the wind speed, using the
same meteorological information. This paper reports an Artificial
Neural Network model for short term wind speed prediction, which
uses back propagation algorithm.
Abstract: Evaluation and survey of curriculum quality as one of the most important components of universities system is necessary for different levels in higher education. The main purpose of this study was to survey of the curriculum quality of Actuarial science field. Case: University of SHahid Beheshti and Higher education institute of Eco insurance (according to viewpoint of students, alumni, employers and faculty members). Descriptive statistics (mean, tables, percentage, and frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (CHI SQUARE) were used to analyze the data. Six criteria considered for the Quality of curriculum: objectives, content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, Time, assessment of learning. Content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, assessment of learning criteria were relatively desirable level, objectives and time criterions were desirable level. The quality of curriculum of Actuarial Science field was relatively desirable level.
Abstract: Rice husk is one of the alternative fuels for Thailand because of its high potential and environmental benefits. Nonetheless, the environmental profile of the electricity production from rice husk must be assessed to ensure reduced environmental damage. A 10 MW pilot plant using rice husk as feedstock is the study site. The environmental impacts from rice husk power plant are evaluated by using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Energy, material and carbon balances have been determined for tracing the system flow. Carbon closure has been used for describing of the net amount of CO2 released from the system in relation to the amount being recycled between the power plant and the CO2 adsorbed by rice husk. The transportation of rice husk to the power plant has significant on global warming, but not on acidification and photo-oxidant formation. The results showed that the impact potentials from rice husk power plant are lesser than the conventional plants for most of the categories considered; except the photo-oxidant formation potential from CO. The high CO from rice husk power plant may be due to low boiler efficiency and high moisture content in rice husk. The performance of the study site can be enhanced by improving the combustion efficiency.
Abstract: The term hybrid composite refers to the composite
containing more than one type of fiber material as reinforcing fillers.
It has become attractive structural material due to the ability of
providing better combination of properties with respect to single fiber
containing composite. The eco-friendly nature as well as processing
advantage, light weight and low cost have enhanced the attraction
and interest of natural fiber reinforced composite. The objective of
present research is to study the mechanical properties of jute-coir
fiber reinforced hybrid polypropylene (PP) composite according to
filler loading variation. In the present work composites were
manufactured by using hot press machine at four levels of fiber
loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt %). Jute and coir fibers were utilized at a
ratio of (1:1) during composite manufacturing. Tensile, flexural,
impact and hardness tests were conducted for mechanical
characterization. Tensile test of composite showed a decreasing trend
of tensile strength and increasing trend of the Young-s modulus with
increasing fiber content. During flexural, impact and hardness tests,
the flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength and hardness
were found to be increased with increasing fiber loading. Based on
the fiber loading used in this study, 20% fiber reinforced composite
resulted the best set of mechanical properties.
Abstract: The Internet is the global data communications
infrastructure based on the interconnection of both public and private
networks using protocols that implement Internetworking on a global
scale. Hence the control of protocol and infrastructure development,
resource allocation and network operation are crucial and interlinked
aspects. Internet Governance is the hotly debated and contentious
subject that refers to the global control and operation of key Internet
infrastructure such as domain name servers and resources such as
domain names. It is impossible to separate technical and political
positions as they are interlinked. Furthermore the existence of a
global market, transparency and competition impact upon Internet
Governance and related topics such as network neutrality and
security. Current trends and developments regarding Internet
governance with a focus on the policy-making process, security and
control have been observed to evaluate current and future
implications on the Internet. The multi stakeholder approach to
Internet Governance discussed in this paper presents a number of
opportunities, issues and developments that will affect the future
direction of the Internet. Internet operation, maintenance and
advisory organisations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers (ICANN) or the Internet Governance Forum
(IGF) are currently in the process of formulating policies for future
Internet Governance. Given the controversial nature of the issues at
stake and the current lack of agreement it is predicted that
institutional as well as market governance will remain present for the
network access and content.
Abstract: Waste corn pulp was investigated as a potential feedstock during vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida. Corn pulp is the major staple food in Southern Africa and constitutes about 25% of the total organic waste. Wastecooked corn pulp was blended with cow dung in the ratio 6:1 respectively to optimize the vermicomposting process. The feedstock was allowed to vermicompost for 30 days. The vermicomposting took place in a 3- tray plastic worm bin. Moisture content, temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity were monitoreddaily. The NPK content was determined at day 30. During vermicomposting, moisture content increased from 27.68% to 52.41%, temperature ranged between 19- 25◦C, pH increased from 5.5 to 7.7, and electrical conductivity decreased from 80000μS/cm to 60000μS/cm. The ash content increased from 11.40% to 28.15%; additionally the volatile matter increased from 1.45% to 10.02%. An odorless, dark brown vermicompost was obtained. The vermicompost NPK content was 4.19%, 1.15%, and 6.18% respectively.
Abstract: Current research has explored the impact of
instructional immediacy, defined as those behaviors that help build
close relationships or feelings of closeness, both on cognition and
motivation in the traditional classroom and online classroom;
however, online courses continue to suffer from higher dropout rates.
Based on Albert Bandura-s Social Cognitive Theory, four primary
relationships or interactions in an online course will be explored in
light of how they can provide immediacy thereby reducing student
attrition and improving cognitive learning. The four relationships are
teacher-student, student-student, and student-content, and studentcomputer.
Results of a study conducted with inservice teachers
completing a 14-week online professional development technology
course will be examined to demonstrate immediacy strategies that
improve cognitive learning and reduce student attrition. Results of
the study reveal that students can be motivated through various
interactions and instructional immediacy behaviors which lead to
higher completion rates, improved self-efficacy, and cognitive
learning.
Abstract: The number of framework conceived for e-learning
constantly increase, unfortunately the creators of learning materials
and educational institutions engaged in e-formation adopt a
“proprietor" approach, where the developed products (courses,
activities, exercises, etc.) can be exploited only in the framework
where they were conceived, their uses in the other learning
environments requires a greedy adaptation in terms of time and
effort. Each one proposes courses whose organization, contents,
modes of interaction and presentations are unique for all learners,
unfortunately the latter are heterogeneous and are not interested by
the same information, but only by services or documents adapted to
their needs. Currently the new tendency for the framework
conceived for e-learning, is the interoperability of learning materials,
several standards exist (DCMI (Dublin Core Metadata Initiative)[2],
LOM (Learning Objects Meta data)[1], SCORM (Shareable Content
Object Reference Model)[6][7][8], ARIADNE (Alliance of Remote
Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks for Europe)[9],
CANCORE (Canadian Core Learning Resource Metadata
Application Profiles)[3]), they converge all to the idea of learning
objects. They are also interested in the adaptation of the learning
materials according to the learners- profile. This article proposes an
approach for the composition of courses adapted to the various
profiles (knowledge, preferences, objectives) of learners, based on
two ontologies (domain to teach and educational) and the learning
objects.
Abstract: In this research, an aerobic composting method is
studied to reuse organic waste from rubber factory waste as soil fertilizer and to study the effect of cellulolytic microbial activator
(CMA) as the activator in the rubber factory waste composting. The
performance of the composting process was monitored as a function
of carbon and organic matter decomposition rate, temperature and
moisture content. The results indicate that the rubber factory waste is best composted with water hyacinth and sludge than composted
alone. In addition, the CMA is more affective when mixed with the rubber factory waste, water hyacinth and sludge since a good fertilizer is achieved. When adding CMA into the rubber factory
waste composted alone, the finished product does not achieve a
standard of fertilizer, especially the C/N ratio.
Finally, the finished products of composting rubber factory waste and water hyacinth and sludge (both CMA and without CMA), can be an environmental friendly alternative to solve the disposal problems of rubber factory waste. Since the C/N ratio, pH, moisture
content, temperature, and nutrients of the finished products are acceptable for agriculture use.
Abstract: This paper proposes a specialized Web robot to automatically collect objectionable Web contents for use in an objectionable Web content classification system, which creates the URL database of objectionable Web contents. It aims at shortening the update period of the DB, increasing the number of URLs in the DB, and enhancing the accuracy of the information in the DB.
Abstract: The study explored the question of who am I? As a (re)construction of cultural identity by delving into globalization, communication, and social change in Malta during a historical moment when Malta became a European Union Member State. Three objectives guided this qualitative study. Firstly the study reviewed European Union (EU) policies that regulate broadcasting and their implementation in Member States, whilst meeting the challenges of globalization and new media technology. Secondly the research investigated the changes of the media landscape via organizational structures, programs and television (TV) content. Finally the study explored the impact of these transformations taking place in the way Maltese live as they (re)construct their cultural identity. Despite the choices available to the Maltese audience, old local traditions and new foreign customs coexist as informants continue to (re)construct their cultural identity and define who they are.
Abstract: Over a million tonnes of cigarette butts (CBs) are produced worldwide annually. These CBs accumulate in the environment due to the poor biodegradability of the cellulose acetate filters and pose a serious environmental risk. This paper presents some of the results from a continuing study on recycling CBs into fired clay bricks. Properties including compressive strength, flexural strength, density, water absorption and thermal conductivity of fired clay bricks are reported and discussed. Furthermore, leaching of heavy metals from the manufactured clay bricks was tested. The results show that the density of fired bricks was reduced by about 8 – 30 %, depending on the percentage of CBs incorporated into the raw materials. The compressive strength of bricks tested was 12.57, 5.22 and 3.00 MPa for 2.5, 5.0 and 10 % CB content respectively. Water absorption and initial rate of absorption values increased as density, and hence porosity, of bricks decreased with increasing CB volume. The leaching test results revealed trace amounts of heavy metals.
Abstract: Nowadays, organizing a repository of documents and
resources for learning on a special field as Information Technology
(IT), together with search techniques based on domain knowledge or
document-s content is an urgent need in practice of teaching, learning
and researching. There have been several works related to methods of
organization and search by content. However, the results are still
limited and insufficient to meet user-s demand for semantic
document retrieval. This paper presents a solution for the
organization of a repository that supports semantic representation and
processing in search. The proposed solution is a model which
integrates components such as an ontology describing domain
knowledge, a database of document repository, semantic
representation for documents and a file system; with problems,
semantic processing techniques and advanced search techniques
based on measuring semantic similarity. The solution is applied to
build a IT learning materials management system of a university with
semantic search function serving students, teachers, and manager as
well. The application has been implemented, tested at the University
of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and has
achieved good results.
Abstract: This paper presents a fast and efficient on-line technique for estimating impedance of unbalanced loads in power systems. The proposed technique is an application of a discrete timedynamic filter based on stochastic estimation theory which is suitable for estimating parameters in noisy environment. The algorithm uses sets of digital samples of the distorted voltage and current waveforms of the non-linear load to estimate the harmonic contents of these two signal. The non-linear load impedance is then calculated from these contents. The method is tested using practical data. Results are reported and compared with those obtained using the conventional least error squares technique. In addition to the very accurate results obtained, the method can detect and reject bad measurements. This can be considered as a very important advantage over the conventional static estimation methods such as the least error square method.
Abstract: In seismic survey, the information regarding the
velocity of compression wave (Vp) as well as shear wave (Vs) are
very useful especially during the seismic interpretation. Previous
studies showed that both Vp and Vs determined by above methods
are totally different with respect to each other but offered good
approximation. In this study, both Vp and Vs of consolidated granite
rock were studied by using ultrasonic testing method and seismic
refraction method. In ultrasonic testing, two different condition of
rock are used which is dry and wet. The differences between Vp and
Vs getting by using ultrasonic testing and seismic refraction were
investigated and studied. The effect of water content in granite rock
towards the value of Vp and Vs during ultrasonic testing are also
measured. Within this work, the tolerance of the differences between
the velocity of seismic wave getting from ultrasonic testing and the
velocity of seismic wave getting from seismic refraction are also
measured and investigated.
Abstract: Biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engines has been developed for some three decades now. While it is gaining wide acceptance in Europe, USA and some parts of Asia, the same cannot be said of Africa. With more than 35 countries in the continent depending on imported crude oil, it is necessary to look for alternative fuels which can be produced from resources available locally within any country. Hence this study presents performance of single cylinder diesel engine using blends of shea butter biodiesel. Shea butter was transformed into biodiesel by transesterification process. Tests are conducted to compare the biodiesel with baseline diesel fuel in terms of engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics. The results obtained showed that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel decreases the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and increases the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). These results are expected due to the lower energy content of biodiesel fuel. On the other hand while the NOx emissions increased with increase in biodiesel content in the fuel blends, the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), un-burnt hydrocarbon (UHC) and smoke opacity decreased. The engine performance which indicates that the biodiesel has properties and characteristics similar to diesel fuel and the reductions in exhaust emissions make shea butter biodiesel a viable additive or substitute to diesel fuel.
Abstract: The position and momentum space information entropies
of hydrogen atom are exactly evaluated. Using isospectral
Hamiltonian approach, a family of isospectral potentials is constructed having same energy eigenvalues as that of the original potential. The information entropy content is obtained in position
space as well as in momentum space. It is shown that the information
entropy content in each level can be re-arranged as a function of deformation parameter.
Abstract: Since the world printing industry has to confront
globalization with a constant change, the Thai printing industry, as a
small but increasingly significant part of the world printing industry,
cannot inevitably escape but has to encounter with the similar change
and also the need to revamp its production processes, designs and
technology to make them more appealing to both international and
domestic market. The essential question is what is the Thai
competitive edge in the printing industry in changing environment?
This research is aimed to study the Thai level of competitive edge in
terms of marketing, technology, environment friendly, and the level
of satisfaction of the process of using printing machines. To access
the extent to which is the trends in competitiveness of Thai printing
industry, both quantitative and qualitative study were conducted. The
quantitative analysis was restricted to 100 respondents. The
qualitative analysis was restricted to a focus group of 10 individuals
from various backgrounds in the Thai printing industry. The findings
from the quantitative analysis revealed that the overall mean scores
are 4.53, 4.10, and 3.50 for the competitiveness of marketing, the
competitiveness of technology, and the competitiveness of being
environment friendly respectively. However, the level of satisfaction
for the process of using machines has a mean score only 3.20. The
findings from the qualitative analysis have revealed that target
customers have increasingly reordered due to their contentment in
both low prices and the acceptable quality of the products. Moreover,
the Thai printing industry has a tendency to convert to ambient green
technology which is friendly to the environment. The Thai printing
industry is choosing to produce or substitute with products that are
less damaging to the environment. It is also found that the Thai
printing industry has been transformed into a very competitive
industry which bargaining power rests on consumers who have a
variety of choices.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the current
state of corporate social responsibility statements on corporate
websites of Malaysian and Singaporean corporations and analyze
how the CSR statements contribute in building a unique corporate
identity of corporations. Content analysis is employed to examine the
websites of Malaysian and Singaporean consumer corporations. It is
believed that generally most companies tend to publish and
communicate their CSR statements visibly to general stakeholders.
However, there is a significantly different outcome of the articulation
of CSR on practices on websites between Malaysian and Singaporean
consumer corporations. A number of Singaporean organizations were
found less concerned with CSR practices as compared to Malaysian
organizations. The findings indicate a need for corporations in
Malaysia and Singapore to orchestrate their core competence of CSR
activities in order to develop a unique corporate identity in a global
business environment.
Abstract: In this paper, the experimental design of using the
Taguchi method is employed to optimize the processing parameters in
the plasma arc surface hardening process. The processing parameters
evaluated are arc current, scanning velocity and carbon content of
steel. In addition, other significant effects such as the relation between
processing parameters are also investigated. An orthogonal array,
signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are
employed to investigate the effects of these processing parameters.
Through this study, not only the hardened depth increased and surface
roughness improved, but also the parameters that significantly affect
the hardening performance are identified. Experimental results are
provided to verify the effectiveness of this approach.