Abstract: In order to upgrade the seismic resistibility of structures and enhance the functionality of an isolator, a new base isolator called the multiple trench friction pendulum system (MTFPS) is proposed in this study. The proposed MTFPS isolator is composed of a trench concave surface and several intermediate sliding plates in two orthogonal directions. Mathematical formulations have been derived to examine the characteristics of the proposed MTFPS isolator possessing multiple intermediate sliding plates. By means of mathematical formulations, it can be inferred that the natural period and damping effect of the MTFPS isolator with several intermediate sliding plates can be altered continually and controllably during earthquakes. Furthermore, results obtained from shaking table tests demonstrate that the proposed isolator provides good protection to structures for prevention of damage from strong earthquakes.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose synchronization of an array of nonlinear systems with time delays. The array of systems is decomposed into isolated systems to establish appropriate Lyapunov¬Krasovskii functional. Using the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a sufficient condition for the synchronization is derived in terms of LMIs(Linear Matrix Inequalities). Delayed feedback control gains are obtained by solving the sufficient condition. Numerical examples are given to show the validity the proposed method.
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: With the exponential growth of networked system and
application such as eCommerce, the demand for effective internet
security is increasing. Cryptology is the science and study of systems
for secret communication. It consists of two complementary fields of
study: cryptography and cryptanalysis. The application of genetic
algorithms in the cryptanalysis of knapsack ciphers is suggested by
Spillman [7]. In order to improve the efficiency of genetic algorithm
attack on knapsack cipher, the previously published attack was
enhanced and re-implemented with variation of initial assumptions
and results are compared with Spillman results. The experimental
result of research indicates that the efficiency of genetic algorithm
attack on knapsack cipher can be improved with variation of initial
assumption.
Abstract: A prototype for audio and video capture and compression in real time on a Linux platform has been developed. It is able to visualize both the captured and the compressed video at the same time, as well as the captured and compressed audio with the goal of comparing their quality. As it is based on free code, the final goal is to run it in an embedded system running Linux. Therefore, we would implement a node to capture and compress such multimedia information. Thus, it would be possible to consider the project within a larger one aimed at live broadcast of audio and video using a streaming server which would communicate with our node. Then, we would have a very powerful and flexible system with several practical applications.
Abstract: Ontology is widely being used as a tool for organizing
information, creating the relation between the subjects within the
defined knowledge domain area. Various fields such as Civil,
Biology, and Management have successful integrated ontology in
decision support systems for managing domain knowledge and to
assist their decision makers. Gross pollutant traps (GPT) are devices
used in trapping and preventing large items or hazardous particles in
polluting and entering our waterways. However choosing and
determining GPT is a challenge in Malaysia as there are inadequate
GPT data repositories being captured and shared. Hence ontology is
needed to capture, organize and represent this knowledge into
meaningful information which can be contributed to the efficiency of
GPT selection in Malaysia urbanization. A GPT Ontology framework
is therefore built as the first step to capture GPT knowledge which
will then be integrated into the decision support system. This paper
will provide several examples of the GPT ontology, and explain how
it is constructed by using the Protégé tool.
Abstract: This work presents the results of a study carried out to
determine the sliding wear behavior and its effect on the process
parameters of components manufactured by direct metal laser
sintering (DMLS). A standard procedure and specimen had been used
in the present study to find the wear behavior. Using Taguchi-s
experimental technique, an orthogonal array of modified L8 had been
developed. Sliding wear testing using pin-on-disk machine was
carried out and analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to
investigate the effect of process parameters and to identify the main
process parameter that influences the properties of wear behavior on
the DMLS components. It has been found that part orientation, one
of the selected process parameter had more influence on wear as
compared to other selected process parameters.
Abstract: Compliance requires an effective communication
within an enterprise as well as towards a company-s external
environment. This requirement commences with the
implementation of compliance within large scale compliance
projects and still persists in the compliance reporting within
standard operations. On the one hand the understanding of
compliance necessities within the organization is promoted.
On the other hand reduction of asymmetric information with
compliance stakeholders is achieved. To reach this goal, a
central reporting must provide a consolidated view of different
compliance efforts- statuses. A concept which could be
adapted for this purpose is the balanced scorecard by Kaplan /
Norton. This concept has not been analyzed in detail
concerning its adequacy for a holistic compliance reporting
starting in compliance projects until later usage in regularly
compliance operations.
At first, this paper evaluates if a holistic compliance
reporting can be designed by using the balanced scorecard
concept. The current status of compliance reporting clearly
shows that scorecards are generally accepted as a compliance
reporting tool and are already used for corporate governance
reporting. Additional specialized compliance IT - solutions
exist in the market. After the scorecard-s adequacy is
thoroughly examined and proofed, an example strategy map as
the basis to derive a compliance balanced scorecard is defined.
This definition answers the question on proceeding in
designing a compliance reporting tool.
Abstract: Users of computer systems may often require the
private transfer of messages/communications between parties across
a network. Information warfare and the protection and dominance of
information in the military context is a prime example of an
application area in which the confidentiality of data needs to be
maintained. The safe transportation of critical data is therefore often
a vital requirement for many private communications. However,
unwanted interception/sniffing of communications is also a
possibility. An elementary stealthy transfer scheme is therefore
proposed by the authors. This scheme makes use of encoding,
splitting of a message and the use of a hashing algorithm to verify the
correctness of the reconstructed message. For this proof-of-concept
purpose, the authors have experimented with the random sending of
encoded parts of a message and the construction thereof to
demonstrate how data can stealthily be transferred across a network
so as to prevent the obvious retrieval of data.
Abstract: This work deals with the initial applications and formulation of an anisotropic plastic-damage constitutive model proposed for non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete structures submitted to a loading with change of the sign. The original constitutive model is based on the fundamental hypothesis of energy equivalence between real and continuous medium following the concepts of the Continuum Damage Mechanics. The concrete is assumed as an initial elastic isotropic medium presenting anisotropy, permanent strains and bimodularity (distinct elastic responses whether traction or compression stress states prevail) induced by damage evolution. In order to take into account the bimodularity, two damage tensors governing the rigidity in tension or compression regimes are introduced. Then, some conditions are introduced in the original version of the model in order to simulate the damage unilateral effect. The three-dimensional version of the proposed model is analyzed in order to validate its formulation when compared to micromechanical theory. The one-dimensional version of the model is applied in the analyses of a reinforced concrete beam submitted to a loading with change of the sign. Despite the parametric identification problems, the initial applications show the good performance of the model.
Abstract: The scope of this paper is to describe a real electrical
installation of renewable energy using photovoltaic cells. The
displayed power grid connected network was established in 2007 at
area of Northern Greece. The photovoltaic park is composed of 6120
photovoltaic cells able to deliver a total power of 1.101.600 Wp. For
the transformation of DC voltage to AC voltage have been used 25
stand alone three phases inverters and for the connection at the
medium voltage network of Greek Power Authority have been
installed two oil immersed transformer of 630 kVA each one. Due to
the wide space area of installation a specific external lightning
protection system has been designed. Additionally, due to the
sensitive electronics of the control and protection systems of park,
surge protection, equipotent bonding and shielding were also of
major importance.
Abstract: Empirical force fields and density functional theory
(DFT) was used to study the binding energies and structures of
methylamine on the surface of activated carbons (ACs). This is a first
step in studying the adsorption of alkyl amines on the surface of
functionalized ACs. The force fields used were Dreiding (DFF),
Universal (UFF) and Compass (CFF) models. The generalized
gradient approximation with Perdew Wang 91 (PW91) functional
was used for DFT calculations. In addition to obtaining the aminecarboxylic
acid adsorption energies, the results were used to establish
reliability of the empirical models for these systems. CFF predicted a
binding energy of -9.227 (kcal/mol) which agreed with PW91 at -
13.17 (kcal/mol), compared to DFF 0 (kcal/mol) and UFF -0.72
(kcal/mol). However, the CFF binding energies for the amine to ester
and ketone disagreed with PW91 results. The structures obtained
from all models agreed with PW91 results.
Abstract: The objective of this research work is to discuss the concept of “green growth” in the Republic of Kazakhstan introduced by its government in the “National Sustainable Development Strategy” with the objective of transition to a resource-efficient, “green economy.” We believe that emerging economies like Kazakhstan can pursue a cleaner and more efficient development path by introducing an environmental tax system based on resource consumption rather than only income and labor. The key issues discussed in this article are the eco-efficiency, which refers to closing the gap between economic and ecological efficiencies, and the structural change of the economy toward “green growth.” We also strongly believe that studying the experience of East Asian countries on “green reform” including eco-innovation and “green solutions” in business is essential to the case of Kazakhstan. All of these will raise the status of Kazakhstan to the level of one of the thirty developed countries over the next decades.
Abstract: Automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) systems are available for all CT manufacturers and are used for the majority of patients. Understanding how the systems work and their influence on patient dose and image quality is important for CT users, in order to gain the most effective use of the systems. In the present study, a new phantom was used for evaluating dose distribution and image quality under the ATCM operation for the Toshiba Aquilion 64 CT scanner using different ATCM options and a fixed mAs technique. A routine chest, abdomen and pelvis (CAP) protocol was selected for study and Gafchromic film was used to measure entrance surface dose (ESD), peripheral dose and central axis dose in the phantom. The results show the dose reductions achievable with various ATCM options, in relation with the target noise. The doses and image noise distribution were more uniform when the ATCM system was implemented compared with the fixed mAs technique. The lower limit set for the tube current will affect the modulations especially for the lower dose option. This limit prevented the tube current being reduced further and therefore the lower dose ATCM setting resembled a fixed mAs technique. Selection of a lower tube current limit is likely to reduce doses for smaller patients in scans of chest and neck regions.
Abstract: In this paper, a multi-agent robot system is presented. The system consists of four robots. The developed robots are able to automatically enter and patrol a harmful environment, such as the building infected with virus or the factory with leaking hazardous gas. Further, every robot is able to perform obstacle avoidance and search for the victims. Several operation modes are designed: remote control, obstacle avoidance, automatic searching, and so on.
Abstract: Video Mosaicing is the stitching of selected frames of
a video by estimating the camera motion between the frames and
thereby registering successive frames of the video to arrive at the
mosaic. Different techniques have been proposed in the literature for
video mosaicing. Despite of the large number of papers dealing with
techniques to generate mosaic, only a few authors have investigated
conditions under which these techniques generate good estimate of
motion parameters. In this paper, these techniques are studied under
different videos, and the reasons for failures are found. We propose
algorithms with incorporation of outlier removal algorithms for better
estimation of motion parameters.
Abstract: Vapour recompression system has been used to
enhance reduction in energy consumption and improvement in
energy effectiveness of distillation columns. However, the effects of
certain parameters have not been taken into consideration. One of
such parameters is the column heat loss which has either been
assumed to be a certain percent of reboiler heat transfer or negligible.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the heat loss from an
ethanol-water vapour recompression distillation column with
pressure increase across the compressor (VRCAS) and compare the
results obtained and its effect on some parameters in similar system
(VRCCS) where the column heat loss has been assumed or neglected.
Results show that the heat loss evaluated was higher when compared
with that obtained for the column VRCCS. The results also showed
that increase in heat loss could have significant effect on the total
energy consumption, reboiler heat transfer, the number of trays and
energy effectiveness of the column.
Abstract: Characterized as rich mineral substances, low
temperature, few bacteria, and stability with numerous implementation
aspects on aquaculture, food, drinking, and leisure, the deep sea water
(DSW) development has become a new industry in the world. It has
been report that marine algae contain various biologically active
compounds. This research focued on the affections in cultivating
Sagrassum cristaefolium with different concentration of deep sea
water(DSW) and surface sea water(SSW). After two and four weeks,
the total phenolic contents were compared in Sagrassum cristaefolium
culturing with different ways, and the reductive activity of them was
also be tried with potassium ferricyanide. Those fresh seaweeds were
dried with oven and were ground to powder. Progressively, the marine
algae we cultured was extracted by water under the condition with
heating them at 90Ôäâ for 1hr.The total phenolic contents were be
executed using Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results were explaining
as follows: the highest total phenolic contents and the best reductive
ability of all could be observed on the 1/4 proportion of DSW to SSW
culturing in two weeks. Furthermore, the 1/2 proportion of DSW to
SSW also showed good reductive ability and plentiful phenolic
compositions. Finally, we confirmed that difference proportion of
DSW and SSW is the major point relating to ether the total phenolic
components or the reductive ability in the Sagrassum cristaefolium. In
the future, we will use this way to mass production the marine algae or
other micro algae on industry applications.
Abstract: Warehousing is commonly used in factories for the
storage of products until delivery of orders. As the amount of
products stored increases it becomes tedious to be carried out
manually. In recent years, the manual storing has converted into fully
or partially computer controlled systems, also known as Automated
Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). This paper discusses an
ASRS system, which was designed such that the best storage location
for the products is determined by utilizing a fuzzy control system.
The design maintains the records of the products to be/already in
store and the storage/retrieval times along with the availability status
of the storage locations. This paper discusses on the maintenance of
the above mentioned records and the utilization of the concept of
fuzzy logic in order to determine the optimum storage location for
the products. The paper will further discuss on the dynamic splitting
and merging of the storage locations depending on the product sizes.
Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) dosimetry normally uses
an ionization chamber 100 mm long to estimate the computed
tomography dose index (CTDI), however some reports have already
indicated that small devices could replace the long ion chamber to
improve quality assurance procedures in CT dosimetry. This paper
presents a novel dosimetry system based in a commercial
phototransistor evaluated for CT dosimetry. Three detector
configurations were developed for this system: with a single, two and
four devices. Dose profile measurements were obtained with them
and their angular response were evaluated. The results showed that
the novel dosimetry system with the phototransistor could be an
alternative for CT dosimetry. It allows to obtain the CT dose profile
in details and also to estimate the CTDI in longer length than the
100 mm pencil chamber. The angular response showed that the one
device detector configuration is the most adequate among the three
configurations analyzed in this study.