Abstract: The current education system in India is adept in
equipping and assessing the scholastic development of children.
However, there is an immediate need to strengthen co-scholastic
areas like life-skills, values and attitudes to equip students to face real
life challenges. Audio-visual technology and their respective media
can make a significant contribution to a value based learning
curriculum. Thus, co-scholastic skills need to be effectively nurtured
by a medium that is entertaining and impactful. Films in general have
a tremendous impact in our society. Films with a positive message
make a formidable learning experience that can influence and inspire
generations of learners. Leveraging on this powerful medium,
EduMedia India Pvt. Ltd. has introduced School Cinema a well
researched film-based learning module supported by a fun and
exciting workbook, designed to introduce and reaffirm life-skills and
values to children, thereby having a positive influence on their
attitudes.
Abstract: A new generation product made from bamboo strips,
known as laminated bamboo, has gained importance. The objective
of this research was to experiment the effect of three factors on the
mechanical property of laminated bamboo. The interested factors for
experimental design were (A) four bamboo species, namely Bambusa
blumeana Schultes (Pai See Suk), Dendrocalamus asper Backer (Pai
Tong), Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees (Pai Hok) and
Dendrocalamus sericeus Munro (Pai Sang Mon), (B) two types of
glue adhesive, polyvinyl acetate emulsion (PVAC) fortified with
urea-formaldehyde (UF) and urea-formaldehyde (UF) to make
parallel-oriented bamboo strips laminates and (C) glue weight per
strip area, 150 g/m2 and 190 g/m2. Experimental results showed that
Dendrocalamus asper Backer (Pai Tong) and Dendrocalamus
sericeus Munro (Pai Sang Mon) were best used for manufacturing
due to their highest MOR and MOE. The amount of glue weight 150
g/m2 yielded higher MOR and MOE than the amount of glue weight
190 g/m2. At the conclusion, the laminated bamboo manufacturers
can benefit from this research in order to select right materials
according to strength, cost and accessibility.
Abstract: This paper focuses on PSS/E modeling of wind farms
of Doubly-fed Induction Generator (DFIG) type and their impact on
issues of power system operation. Since Wind Turbine Generators
(WTG) don-t have the same characteristics as synchronous
generators, the appropriate modeling of wind farms is essential for
transmission system operators to analyze the best options of
transmission grid reinforcements as well as to evaluate the wind
power impact on reliability and security of supply. With the high
excepted penetration of wind power into the power system a
simultaneous loss of Wind Farm generation will put at risk power
system security and reliability. Therefore, the main wind grid code
requirements concern the fault ride through capability and frequency
operation range of wind turbines. In case of grid faults wind turbines
have to supply a definite reactive power depending on the
instantaneous voltage and to return quickly to normal operation.
Abstract: This paper considers the influence of promotion
instruments for renewable energy sources (RES) on a multi-energy
modeling framework. In Europe, so called Feed-in Tariffs are
successfully used as incentive structures to increase the amount of
energy produced by RES. Because of the stochastic nature of large
scale integration of distributed generation, many problems have
occurred regarding the quality and stability of supply. Hence, a
macroscopic model was developed in order to optimize the power
supply of the local energy infrastructure, which includes electricity,
natural gas, fuel oil and district heating as energy carriers. Unique
features of the model are the integration of RES and the adoption of
Feed-in Tariffs into one optimization stage. Sensitivity studies are
carried out to examine the system behavior under changing profits
for the feed-in of RES. With a setup of three energy exchanging
regions and a multi-period optimization, the impact of costs and
profits are determined.
Abstract: Single side band modulation is a widespread technique in communication with significant impact on communication technologies such as DSL modems and ATSC TV. Its widespread utilization is due to its bandwidth and power saving characteristics. In this paper, we present a new scheme for SSB signal generation which is cost efficient and enjoys superior characteristics in terms of frequency stability, selectivity, and robustness to noise. In the process, we develop novel Hilbert transform properties.
Abstract: The new idea of this research is application of a new fault detection and isolation (FDI) technique for supervision of sensor networks in transportation system. In measurement systems, it is necessary to detect all types of faults and failures, based on predefined algorithm. Last improvements in artificial neural network studies (ANN) led to using them for some FDI purposes. In this paper, application of new probabilistic neural network features for data approximation and data classification are considered for plausibility check in temperature measurement. For this purpose, two-phase FDI mechanism was considered for residual generation and evaluation.
Abstract: Emerging Bio-engineering fields such as Brain
Computer Interfaces, neuroprothesis devices and modeling and
simulation of neural networks have led to increased research activity
in algorithms for the detection, isolation and classification of Action
Potentials (AP) from noisy data trains. Current techniques in the field
of 'unsupervised no-prior knowledge' biosignal processing include
energy operators, wavelet detection and adaptive thresholding. These
tend to bias towards larger AP waveforms, AP may be missed due to
deviations in spike shape and frequency and correlated noise
spectrums can cause false detection. Also, such algorithms tend to
suffer from large computational expense.
A new signal detection technique based upon the ideas of phasespace
diagrams and trajectories is proposed based upon the use of a
delayed copy of the AP to highlight discontinuities relative to
background noise. This idea has been used to create algorithms that
are computationally inexpensive and address the above problems.
Distinct AP have been picked out and manually classified from
real physiological data recorded from a cockroach. To facilitate
testing of the new technique, an Auto Regressive Moving Average
(ARMA) noise model has been constructed bases upon background
noise of the recordings. Along with the AP classification means this
model enables generation of realistic neuronal data sets at arbitrary
signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Abstract: This paper presents the applications of computational intelligence techniques to economic load dispatch problems. The fuel cost equation of a thermal plant is generally expressed as continuous quadratic equation. In real situations the fuel cost equations can be discontinuous. In view of the above, both continuous and discontinuous fuel cost equations are considered in the present paper. First, genetic algorithm optimization technique is applied to a 6- generator 26-bus test system having continuous fuel cost equations. Results are compared to conventional quadratic programming method to show the superiority of the proposed computational intelligence technique. Further, a 10-generator system each with three fuel options distributed in three areas is considered and particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to minimize the cost of generation. To show the superiority of the proposed approach, the results are compared with other published methods.
Abstract: A scaffold is necessary for tooth regeneration because of its three-dimensional geometry. For restoration of defect, it is necessary for the scaffold to be prepared in the shape of the defect. Sponges made from polyvinyl alcohol with formalin cross-linking (PVF sponge) have been used for scaffolds for bone formation in vivo. To induce osteogenesis within the sponge, methods of growing rat bone marrow cells (rBMCs) among the fiber structures in the sponge might be considered. Storage of rBMCs among the fibers in the sponge coated with dextran (10 kDa) was tried. After seeding of rBMCs to PVF sponge immersed in dextran solution at 2 g/dl concentration, osteogenesis was recognized in subcutaneously implanted PVF sponge as a scaffold in vivo. The level of osteocalcin was 25.28±5.71 ng/scaffold and that of Ca was 129.20±19.69 µg/scaffold. These values were significantly higher than those in sponges without dextran coating (p
Abstract: A co-generation system in automobile can improve
thermal efficiency of vehicle in some degree. The waste heat from the
engine exhaust and coolant is still attractive energy source that reaches
around 60% of the total energy converted from fuel. To maximize the
effectiveness of heat exchangers for recovering the waste heat, it is
vital to select the most suitable working fluid for the system, not to
mention that it is important to find the optimum design for the heat
exchangers. The design of heat exchanger is out of scoop of this study;
rather, the main focus has been on the right selection of working fluid
for the co-generation system. Simulation study was carried out to find
the most suitable working fluid that can allow the system to achieve
the optimum efficiency in terms of the heat recovery rate and thermal
efficiency.
Abstract: The present energy situation and the concerns
about global warming has stimulated active research interest
in non-petroleum, carbon free compounds and non-polluting
fuels, particularly for transportation, power generation, and
agricultural sectors. Environmental concerns and limited
amount of petroleum fuels have caused interests in the
development of alternative fuels for internal combustion (IC)
engines. The petroleum crude reserves however, are declining
and consumption of transport fuels particularly in the
developing countries is increasing at high rates. Severe
shortage of liquid fuels derived from petroleum may be faced
in the second half of this century. Recently more and more
stringent environmental regulations being enacted in the USA
and Europe have led to the research and development
activities on clean alternative fuels. Among the gaseous fuels
hydrogen is considered to be one of the clean alternative fuel.
Hydrogen is an interesting candidate for future internal
combustion engine based power trains. In this experimental
investigation, the performance and combustion analysis were
carried out on a direct injection (DI) diesel engine using
hydrogen with diesel following the TMI(Time Manifold
Injection) technique at different injection timings of 10
degree,45 degree and 80 degree ATDC using an electronic
control unit (ECU) and injection durations were controlled.
Further, the tests have been carried out at a constant speed of
1500rpm at different load conditions and it can be observed
that brake thermal efficiency increases with increase in load
conditions with a maximum gain of 15% at full load
conditions during all injection strategies of hydrogen. It was
also observed that with the increase in hydrogen energy share
BSEC started reducing and it reduced to a maximum of 9% as
compared to baseline diesel at 10deg ATDC injection during
maximum injection proving the exceptional combustion
properties of hydrogen.
Abstract: The new status generated by technological advancements and changes in the global economy raises important issues on how communities and organisations need to innovate upon their traditional processes in order to adapt to the challenges of the Knowledge Society. The DialogoS+ European project aims to study the role of and promote social dialogue in the banking sector, strengthen the link between old and new members and make social dialogue at the European level a force for innovation and change, also given the context of the international crisis emerging in 2008- 2009. Under the scope of DialogoS+, this paper describes how the community of Europe-s banking sector trade unions attempted to adapt to the challenges of the Knowledge Society by exploiting the benefits of new channels of communication, learning, knowledge generation and diffusion focusing on the concept of roadmapping. Important dimensions of social dialogue such as collective bargaining and working conditions are addressed.
Abstract: This paper presents an approach for daily optimal operation of distribution networks considering Distributed Generators (DGs). Due to private ownership of DGs, a cost based compensation method is used to encourage DGs in active and reactive power generation. The objective function is summation of electrical energy generated by DGs and substation bus (main bus) in the next day. A genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimal operation problem. The approach is tested on an IEEE34 buses distribution feeder.
Abstract: Organizational culture fosters innovation, and
innovation is the main engine to be sustained within the uncertainty
market. Like other countries, the construction industry significantly
contributes to the economy, society and technology of Malaysia, yet,
innovation is still considered slow compared to other industries such
as manufacturing. Given the important role of an architect as the key
player and the contributor of new ideas in the construction industry,
there is a call to identify the issue and improve the current situation
by focusing on the architectural firms. In addition, the existing
studies tend to focus only on a few dimensions of organizational
culture and very few studies consider whether innovation is being
generated or adopted. Hence, the present research tends to fill in the
gap by identifying the organizational cultures that foster or hinder
innovation generation and/or innovation adoption, and propose a
model of organizational culture and innovation generation and/or
adoption.
Abstract: An economic operation scheduling problem of a
hydro-thermal power generation system has been properly solved by
the proposed multipath adaptive tabu search algorithm (MATS). Four
reservoirs with their own hydro plants and another one thermal plant
are integrated to be a studied system used to formulate the objective
function under complicated constraints, eg water managements,
power balance and thermal generator limits. MATS with four subsearch
units (ATSs) and two stages of discarding mechanism (DM),
has been setting and trying to solve the problem through 25 trials
under function evaluation criterion. It is shown that MATS can
provide superior results with respect to single ATS and other
previous methods, genetic algorithms (GA) and differential evolution
(DE).
Abstract: A gold coated copper rotating electrode was used to
eliminate surface oxidation effect. This study examined the effect of
electrode rotation on the ozone generation process and showed that an
ozonizer with an electrode rotating system might be a possible way to
increase ozone-synthesis efficiency. Two new phenomena appeared
during experiments with the rotating electrode. First was that ozone
concentration increased to about two times higher than that of the case
with no rotation. Second, input power and discharge area were found
to increase with the rotation speed. Both ozone concentration and
ozone production efficiency improved in the case of rotating electrode
compared to the case with a non-rotating electrode. One possible
reason for this was the increase in discharge length of
micro-discharges during electrode rotation. The rotating electrode
decreased onset voltage, while reactor capacitance increased with
rotation. Use of a rotating-type electrode allowed earlier observation
of the ozone zero phenomena compared with a non-rotating electrode
because, during rotation, the entire electrode surface was functional,
allowing nitrogen on the electrode surface to be evenly consumed.
Nitrogen demand increased with increasing rotation s
Abstract: Hydrogen is an important chemical in many industries
and it is expected to become one of the major fuels for energy
generation in the future. Unfortunately, hydrogen does not exist in its
elemental form in nature and therefore has to be produced from
hydrocarbons, hydrogen-containing compounds or water.
Above its critical point (374.8oC and 22.1MPa), water has lower
density and viscosity, and a higher heat capacity than those of
ambient water. Mass transfer in supercritical water (SCW) is
enhanced due to its increased diffusivity and transport ability. The
reduced dielectric constant makes supercritical water a better solvent
for organic compounds and gases. Hence, due to the aforementioned
desirable properties, there is a growing interest toward studies
regarding the gasification of organic matter containing biomass or
model biomass solutions in supercritical water.
In this study, hydrogen and biofuel production by the catalytic
gasification of 2-Propanol in supercritical conditions of water was
investigated. Pt/Al2O3and Ni/Al2O3were the catalysts used in the
gasification reactions. All of the experiments were performed under a
constant pressure of 25MPa. The effects of five reaction temperatures
(400, 450, 500, 550 and 600°C) and five reaction times (10, 15, 20,
25 and 30 s) on the gasification yield and flammable component
content were investigated.
Abstract: Irradiated material is a typical example of a complex
system with nonlinear coupling between its elements. During
irradiation the radiation damage is developed and this development
has bifurcations and qualitatively different kinds of behavior.
The accumulation of primary defects in irradiated crystals is
considered in frame work of nonlinear evolution of complex system.
The thermo-concentration nonlinear feedback is carried out as a
mechanism of self-oscillation development.
It is shown that there are two ways of the defect density evolution
under stationary irradiation. The first is the accumulation of defects;
defect density monotonically grows and tends to its stationary state
for some system parameters. Another way that takes place for
opportune parameters is the development of self-oscillations of the
defect density.
The stationary state, its stability and type are found. The
bifurcation values of parameters (environment temperature, defect
generation rate, etc.) are obtained. The frequency of the selfoscillation
and the conditions of their development is found and
rated. It is shown that defect density, heat fluxes and temperature
during self-oscillations can reach much higher values than the
expected steady-state values. It can lead to a change of typical
operation and an accident, e.g. for nuclear equipment.
Abstract: Simultaneous transient conduction and radiation heat
transfer with heat generation is investigated. Analysis is carried out
for both steady and unsteady situations. two-dimensional gray
cylindrical enclosure with an absorbing, emitting, and isotropically
scattering medium is considered. Enclosure boundaries are assumed
at specified temperatures. The heat generation rate is considered
uniform and constant throughout the medium. The lattice Boltzmann
method (LBM) was used to solve the energy equation of a transient
conduction-radiation heat transfer problem. The control volume finite
element method (CVFEM) was used to compute the radiative
information. To study the compatibility of the LBM for the energy
equation and the CVFEM for the radiative transfer equation, transient
conduction and radiation heat transfer problems in 2-D cylindrical
geometries were considered. In order to establish the suitability of the
LBM, the energy equation of the present problem was also solved
using the the finite difference method (FDM) of the computational
fluid dynamics. The CVFEM used in the radiative heat transfer was
employed to compute the radiative information required for the
solution of the energy equation using the LBM or the FDM (of the
CFD). To study the compatibility and suitability of the LBM for the
solution of energy equation and the CVFEM for the radiative
information, results were analyzed for the effects of various
parameters such as the boundary emissivity. The results of the LBMCVFEM
combination were found to be in excellent agreement with
the FDM-CVFEM combination. The number of iterations and the
steady state temperature in both of the combinations were found
comparable. Results are found for situations with and without heat
generation. Heat generation is found to have significant bearing on
temperature distribution.
Abstract: The weight constrained shortest path problem
(WCSPP) is one of most several known basic problems in
combinatorial optimization. Because of its importance in many areas
of applications such as computer science, engineering and operations
research, many researchers have extensively studied the WCSPP.
This paper mainly concentrates on the reduction of total search space
for finding WCSP using some existing Genetic Algorithm (GA). For
this purpose, some controlled schemes of genetic operators are
adopted on list chromosome representation. This approach gives a
near optimum solution with smaller elapsed generation than classical
GA technique. From further analysis on the matter, a new
generalized schema theorem is also developed from the philosophy
of Holland-s theorem.