Abstract: In order to produce lead free piezoceramics with
optimum piezoelectric and dielectric properties, KNN modified with
Li+ (as an A site dopant) and Sb5+ (as a B site dopant)
(K0.49Na0.49Li0.02) (Nb0.96Sb0.04) O3 (referred as KNLNS in this paper)
have been synthesized using solid state reaction method and
conventional sintering technique. The ceramics were sintered in the
narrow range of 1050°C-1090°C for 2-3 h to get precise information
about sintering parameters. Detailed study of dependence of
microstructural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties on sintering
conditions was then carried out. The study suggests that the volatility
of the highly hygroscopic KNN ceramics is not only sensitive to
sintering temperatures but also to sintering durations. By merely
reducing the sintering duration for a given sintering temperature we
saw an increase in the density of the samples which was supported by
the increase in dielectric constants of the ceramics. And since density
directly or indirectly affects almost all the associated properties, other
dielectric and piezoelectric properties were also enhanced as we
approached towards the most suitable sintering temperature and
duration combination. The detailed results are reported in this paper.
Abstract: Quick adoption of e-business and emerging influence
of “Electronic Word of Mouth e-WOM” communication on guests
made leading hotel brands successful examples of electronic guest
relationship management. Main reasons behind such success are well
established procedures in collection, analysis and usage of highly
valuable data available on the Internet, generated through some form
of e-GRM programme. E-GRM is more than just a technology
solution. It’s a system which balance respective guest demands, hotel
technological capabilities and organizational culture of employees,
discharging the universal approach in guest relations “same for all”.
The purpose of this research derives from the necessity of
determining the importance of monitoring and applying e-WOM
communication as one of the methods used in managing guest
relations. This paper analyses and compares different hotelier’s
opinions on e-WOM communication.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a novel methodology for
extracting a road network and its nodes from satellite images of
Algeria country.
This developed technique is a progress of our previous research
works. It is founded on the information theory and the mathematical
morphology; the information theory and the mathematical
morphology are combined together to extract and link the road
segments to form a road network and its nodes.
We therefore have to define objects as sets of pixels and to study
the shape of these objects and the relations that exist between them.
In this approach, geometric and radiometric features of roads are
integrated by a cost function and a set of selected points of a crossing
road. Its performances were tested on satellite images of Algeria
country.
Abstract: The development of adaptive user interfaces (UI)
presents for a long time an important research area in which
researcher attempt to call upon the full resources and skills of several
disciplines, The adaptive UI community holds a thorough knowledge
regarding the adaptation of UIs with users and with contexts of use.
Several solutions, models, formalisms, techniques and mechanisms
were proposed to develop adaptive UI. In this paper, we propose an
approach based on the fuzzy set theory for modeling the concept of
the appropriateness of different solutions of UI adaptation with
different situations for which interactive systems have to adapt their
UIs.
Abstract: This work assesses the cortical and the sub-cortical
neural activity recorded from rodents using entropy and mutual
information based approaches to study how hypothermia affects neural
activity. By applying the multi-scale entropy and Shannon entropy, we
quantify the degree of the regularity embedded in the cortical and
sub-cortical neurons and characterize the dependency of entropy of
these regions on temperature. We study also the degree of the mutual
information on thalamocortical pathway depending on temperature.
The latter is most likely an indicator of coupling between these highly
connected structures in response to temperature manipulation leading
to arousal after global cerebral ischemia.
Abstract: The seismic risk mitigation from the perspective of
the old buildings stock is truly essential in Algerian urban areas,
particularly those located in seismic prone regions, such as Annaba
city, and which the old buildings present high levels of degradation
associated with no seismic strengthening and/or rehabilitation
concerns. In this sense, the present paper approaches the issue of the
seismic vulnerability assessment of old masonry building stocks
through the adaptation of a simplified methodology developed for a
European context area similar to that of Annaba city, Algeria.
Therefore, this method is used for the first level of seismic
vulnerability assessment of the masonry buildings stock of the old
city center of Annaba. This methodology is based on a vulnerability
index that is suitable for the evaluation of damage and for the
creation of large-scale loss scenarios. Over 380 buildings were
evaluated in accordance with the referred methodology and the
results obtained were then integrated into a Geographical Information
System (GIS) tool. Such results can be used by the Annaba city
council for supporting management decisions, based on a global view
of the site under analysis, which led to more accurate and faster
decisions for the risk mitigation strategies and rehabilitation plans.
Abstract: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is
such a time-vary nonlinear dynamic system. The traditional linear
modeling approach is hard to estimate structure correctly of PEMFC
system. From this reason, this paper presents a nonlinear modeling of
the PEMFC using Neural Network Auto-regressive model with
eXogenous inputs (NNARX) approach. The multilayer perception
(MLP) network is applied to evaluate the structure of the NNARX
model of PEMFC. The validity and accuracy of NNARX model are
tested by one step ahead relating output voltage to input current from
measured experimental of PEMFC. The results show that the obtained
nonlinear NNARX model can efficiently approximate the dynamic
mode of the PEMFC and model output and system measured output
consistently.
Abstract: Design concepts of real-time embedded system can be
realized initially by introducing novel design approaches. In this
literature, model based design approach and in-the-loop testing were
employed early in the conceptual and preliminary phase to formulate
design requirements and perform quick real-time verification. The
design and analysis methodology includes simulation analysis, model
based testing, and in-the-loop testing. The design of conceptual driveby-
wire, or DBW, algorithm for electronic control unit, or ECU, was
presented to demonstrate the conceptual design process, analysis, and
functionality evaluation. The concepts of DBW ECU function can be
implemented in the vehicle system to improve electric vehicle, or EV,
conversion drivability. However, within a new development process,
conceptual ECU functions and parameters are needed to be evaluated.
As a result, the testing system was employed to support conceptual
DBW ECU functions evaluation. For the current setup, the system
components were consisted of actual DBW ECU hardware, electric
vehicle models, and control area network or CAN protocol. The
vehicle models and CAN bus interface were both implemented as
real-time applications where ECU and CAN protocol functionality
were verified according to the design requirements. The proposed
system could potentially benefit in performing rapid real-time
analysis of design parameters for conceptual system or software
algorithm development.
Abstract: An adaptive nonparametric method is proposed for
stable real-time detection of seismoacoustic sources in multichannel
C-OTDR systems with a significant number of channels. This
method guarantees given upper boundaries for probabilities of Type I
and Type II errors. Properties of the proposed method are rigorously
proved. The results of practical applications of the proposed method
in a real C-OTDR-system are presented in this report.
Abstract: This work is the first dowel in a rather wide research
activity in collaboration with Euro Mediterranean Center for Climate
Changes, aimed at introducing scalable approaches in Ocean
Circulation Models. We discuss designing and implementation of
a parallel algorithm for solving the Variational Data Assimilation
(DA) problem on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The algorithm
is based on the fully scalable 3DVar DA model, previously proposed
by the authors, which uses a Domain Decomposition approach
(we refer to this model as the DD-DA model). We proceed with
an incremental porting process consisting of 3 distinct stages:
requirements and source code analysis, incremental development of
CUDA kernels, testing and optimization. Experiments confirm the
theoretic performance analysis based on the so-called scale up factor
demonstrating that the DD-DA model can be suitably mapped on
GPU architectures.
Abstract: Roadway planning and design is a very complex
process involving five key phases before a project is completed;
planning, project development, final design, right-of-way, and
construction. The planning phase for a new roadway transportation
project is a very critical phase as it greatly affects all latter phases of
the project. A location study is usually performed during the
preliminary planning phase in a new roadway project. The objective
of the location study is to develop alignment alternatives that are cost
efficient considering land acquisition and construction costs. This
paper describes a methodology to develop optimal preliminary
roadway alignments utilizing spatial-data. Four optimization criteria
are taken into consideration; roadway length, land cost, land slope,
and environmental impacts. The basic concept of the methodology is
to convert the proposed project area into a grid, which represents the
search space for an optimal alignment. The aforementioned
optimization criteria are represented in each of the grid’s cells. A
spatial-data optimization technique is utilized to find the optimal
alignment in the search space based on the four optimization criteria.
Two case studies for new roadway projects in Duval County in the
State of Florida are presented to illustrate the methodology. The
optimization output alignments are compared to the proposed Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) alignments. The comparison is
based on right-of-way costs for the alignments. For both case studies,
the right-of-way costs for the developed optimal alignments were
found to be significantly lower than the FDOT alignments.
Abstract: Icons, or pictorial and graphical objects, are
commonly used in human-computer interaction (HCI) fields as the
mediator in order to communicate information to users. Yet there has
been little studies focusing on a majority of the world’s population –
semi-literate communities – in terms of the fundamental knowhow
for designing icons for such population. In this study, two sets of
icons belonging in different icon taxonomy – abstract and concrete –
are designed for a mobile application for semi-literate agricultural
communities. In this paper, we propose a triadic relationship of an
icon, namely meaning, task and mental image, which inherits the
triadic relationship of a sign. User testing with the application and a
post-pilot questionnaire are conducted as the experimental approach
in two rural villages in India. Icons belonging to concrete taxonomy
perform better than abstract icons on the premise that the design of
the icon fulfills the underlying rules of the proposed triadic
relationship.
Abstract: An experimental and analytical research on shear
buckling of a comparably large polymer composite I-section is
presented. It is known that shear buckling load of a large span
composite beam is difficult to determine experimentally. In order to
sensitively detect shear buckling of the tested I-section, twenty strain
rosettes and eight displacement sensors were applied and attached on
the web and flange surfaces. The tested specimen was a pultruded
composite beam made of vinylester resin, E-glass, carbon fibers and
micro-fillers. Various coupon tests were performed before the shear
buckling test to obtain fundamental material properties of the Isection.
An asymmetric four-point bending loading scheme was
utilized for the shear test. The loading scheme resulted in a high shear
and almost zero moment condition at the center of the web panel. The
shear buckling load was successfully determined after analyzing the
obtained test data from strain rosettes and displacement sensors. An
analytical approach was also performed to verify the experimental
results and to support the discussed experimental program.
Abstract: This paper presents an optimal broadcast algorithm
for the hypercube networks. The main focus of the paper is the
effectiveness of the algorithm in the presence of many node faults.
For the optimal solution, our algorithm builds with spanning tree
connecting the all nodes of the networks, through which messages
are propagated from source node to remaining nodes. At any given
time, maximum n − 1 nodes may fail due to crashing. We show
that the hypercube networks are strongly fault-tolerant. Simulation
results analyze to accomplish algorithm characteristics under many
node faults. We have compared our simulation results between our
proposed method and the Fu’s method. Fu’s approach cannot tolerate
n − 1 faulty nodes in the worst case, but our approach can tolerate
n − 1 faulty nodes.
Abstract: The coaxial transformer-coupled push-pull circuitry
has been used widely in HF and VHF amplifiers for many decades
without significant changes in the topology of the transformers. Basic
changes over the years concerned the construction and turns ratio of
the transformers as has been imposed upon the newer technologies
active devices demands. The balun transmission line transformers
applied in push-pull amplifiers enable input/output impedance
transformation, but are mainly used to convert the balanced output
into unbalanced and the input unbalanced into balanced. A simple
and affordable alternative solution over the traditional coaxial
transformer is the coreless planar balun. A key advantage over the
traditional approach lies in the high specifications repeatability;
simplifying the amplifier construction requirements as the planar
balun constitutes an integrated part of the PCB copper layout. This
paper presents the performance analysis of a planar LDMOS
MRFE6VP5600 Push-Pull amplifier that enables robust operation in
Band III, DVB-T, DVB-T2 standards but functions equally well in
Band II, for DRM+ new generation transmitters.
Abstract: During the post-Civil War era, the city of Nashville,
Tennessee, had the highest mortality rate in the United States. The
elevated death and disease rates among former slaves were
attributable to lack of quality healthcare. To address the paucity of
healthcare services, Meharry Medical College, an institution with the
mission of educating minority professionals and serving the
underserved population, was established in 1876.
Purpose: The social ecological framework and partial least squares
(PLS) path modeling were used to quantify the impact of
socioeconomic status and adverse health outcome on primary care
professionals serving the disadvantaged community. Thus, the study
results could demonstrate the accomplishment of the College’s
mission of training primary care professionals to serve in underserved
areas.
Methods: Various statistical methods were used to analyze alumni
data from 1975 – 2013. K-means cluster analysis was utilized to
identify individual medical and dental graduates in the cluster groups
of the practice communities (Disadvantaged or Non-disadvantaged
Communities). Discriminant analysis was implemented to verify the
classification accuracy of cluster analysis. The independent t-test was
performed to detect the significant mean differences of respective
clustering and criterion variables. Chi-square test was used to test if
the proportions of primary care and non-primary care specialists are
consistent with those of medical and dental graduates practicing in
the designated community clusters. Finally, the PLS path model was
constructed to explore the construct validity of analytic model by
providing the magnitude effects of socioeconomic status and adverse
health outcome on primary care professionals serving the
disadvantaged community.
Results: Approximately 83% (3,192/3,864) of Meharry Medical
College’s medical and dental graduates from 1975 to 2013 were
practicing in disadvantaged communities. Independent t-test confirmed the content validity of the cluster analysis model. Also, the
PLS path modeling demonstrated that alumni served as primary care
professionals in communities with significantly lower socioeconomic
status and higher adverse health outcome (p < .001). The PLS path
modeling exhibited the meaningful interrelation between primary
care professionals practicing communities and surrounding
environments (socioeconomic statues and adverse health outcome),
which yielded model reliability, validity, and applicability.
Conclusion: This study applied social ecological theory and
analytic modeling approaches to assess the attainment of Meharry
Medical College’s mission of training primary care professionals to
serve in underserved areas, particularly in communities with low
socioeconomic status and high rates of adverse health outcomes. In
summary, the majority of medical and dental graduates from Meharry
Medical College provided primary care services to disadvantaged
communities with low socioeconomic status and high adverse health
outcome, which demonstrated that Meharry Medical College has
fulfilled its mission. The high reliability, validity, and applicability of
this model imply that it could be replicated for comparable
universities and colleges elsewhere.
Abstract: Big Data and analytics have gained a huge momentum
in recent years. Big Data feeds into the field of Learning Analytics
(LA) that may allow academic institutions to better understand the
learners’ needs and proactively address them. Hence, it is important
to have an understanding of Big Data and its applications. The
purpose of this descriptive paper is to provide an overview of Big
Data, the technologies used in Big Data, and some of the applications
of Big Data in education. Additionally, it discusses some of the
concerns related to Big Data and current research trends. While Big
Data can provide big benefits, it is important that institutions
understand their own needs, infrastructure, resources, and limitation
before jumping on the Big Data bandwagon.
Abstract: Present study is carried out on six lane divided urban
arterial road in Patna and Pune city of India. Both the road having
distinct differences in terms of the vehicle composition and the road
side parking. Arterial road in Patan city has 33% of non-motorized
mode, whereas Pune arterial road dominated by 65% of Two wheeler.
Also road side parking is observed in Patna city. The field studies
using videography techniques are carried out for traffic data
collection. Data are extracted for one minute duration for vehicle
composition, speed variation and flow rate on selected arterial road of
the two cities. Speed flow relationship is developed and capacity is
determine. Equivalency factor in terms of dynamic car unit is
determine to represent the vehicle is single unit. The variation in the
capacity due to side friction, presence of non motorized traffic and
effective utilization of lane width is compared at concluding remarks.
Abstract: Due to rapid pressured of population growth, city has
started to lose its old tradition. City becomes congested with
uncomfortably living. Urban renewal refers orderly development of
settlements as well as land redevelopment. For this paper Chittagong
city has been selected as study area. It had a great tradition but it has
been losing its concord. Land use pattern of this place is also
haphazard due to lack of planning intervention. Renewal plan is
needed to ascertain suitable redevelopment and to recommend on
preservation of city heritage structure. The goal of this study is to
prepare a renewal plan using local planning approach. Social impact
methods have been used to achieve this goal. Both primary and
secondary data are used to achieve the goal. This study may find out
a complete solution for healthy living in old Part of city. This study
will help to preserve its tradition and makes urban lives more livable.
Abstract: Organizational tendencies towards computer-based
information processing have been observed noticeably in the
third-world countries. Many enterprises are taking major initiatives
towards computerized working environment because of massive
benefits of computer-based information processing. However,
designing and developing information resource management software
for small and mid-size enterprises under budget costs and strict
deadline is always challenging for software engineers. Therefore, we
introduced an approach to design mid-size enterprise software by
using the Waterfall model, which is one of the SDLC (Software
Development Life Cycles), in a cost effective way. To fulfill research
objectives, in this study, we developed mid-sized enterprise software
named “BSK Management System” that assists enterprise software
clients with information resource management and perform complex
organizational tasks. Waterfall model phases have been applied to
ensure that all functions, user requirements, strategic goals, and
objectives are met. In addition, Rich Picture, Structured English, and
Data Dictionary have been implemented and investigated properly in
engineering manner. Furthermore, an assessment survey with 20
participants has been conducted to investigate the usability and
performance of the proposed software. The survey results indicated
that our system featured simple interfaces, easy operation and
maintenance, quick processing, and reliable and accurate transactions.