Abstract: Vehicular Adhoc Network (VANET) is a new
technology which aims to ensure intelligent inter-vehicle
communications, seamless internet connectivity leading to improved
road safety, essential alerts, and access to comfort and entertainment.
VANET operations are hindered by mobile node’s (vehicles)
uncertain mobility. Routing algorithms use metrics to evaluate which
path is best for packets to travel. Metrics like path length (hop count),
delay, reliability, bandwidth, and load determine optimal route. The
proposed scheme exploits link quality, traffic density, and
intersections as routing metrics to determine next hop. This study
enhances Geographical Routing Protocol (GRP) using fuzzy
controllers while rules are optimized with Bee Swarm Optimization
(BSO). Simulations results are compared to conventional GRP.
Abstract: This study was developed to compare the behavior
and the ability of polymer foam composites towards sound absorption
test of Shorea leprosula wood (SL) of acid hydrolysis treatment with
particle size
Abstract: The web’s increased popularity has included a huge
amount of information, due to which automated web page
classification systems are essential to improve search engines’
performance. Web pages have many features like HTML or XML
tags, hyperlinks, URLs and text contents which can be considered
during an automated classification process. It is known that Webpage
classification is enhanced by hyperlinks as it reflects Web page
linkages. The aim of this study is to reduce the number of features to
be used to improve the accuracy of the classification of web pages. In
this paper, a novel feature selection method using an improved
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) using principle of evolution is
proposed. The extracted features were tested on the WebKB dataset
using a parallel Neural Network to reduce the computational cost.
Abstract: Environmental impact assessment techniques have
been developed as a result of the worldwide efforts to reduce the
environmental impact of global warming. By using the quantification
method in the construction industry, it is now possible to manage the
greenhouse gas is to systematically evaluate the impact on the
environment over the entire construction process. In particular, the
proportion of greenhouse gas emissions at the production stage of
construction material occupied is high, and efforts are needed in
particular in the construction field.
In this research, intended for concrete products for the construction
materials, by using the LCA method, we compared the results of
environmental impact assessment and carbon emissions of developing
products that have been applied low-carbon technologies compared to
existing products. As a results, by introducing a raw material of
industrial waste, showed carbon reduction. Through a comparison of
the carbon emission reduction effect of low carbon technologies, it is
intended to provide academic data for the evaluation of greenhouse
gases in the construction sector and the development of low carbon
technologies of the future.
Abstract: Every machine plays roles of client and server
simultaneously in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Though a P2P
network has many advantages over traditional client-server models
regarding efficiency and fault-tolerance, it also faces additional
security threats. Users/IT administrators should be aware of risks
from malicious code propagation, downloaded content legality, and
P2P software’s vulnerabilities. Security and preventative measures
are a must to protect networks from potential sensitive information
leakage and security breaches. Bit Torrent is a popular and scalable
P2P file distribution mechanism which successfully distributes large
files quickly and efficiently without problems for origin server. Bit
Torrent achieved excellent upload utilization according to
measurement studies, but it also raised many questions as regards
utilization in settings, than those measuring, fairness, and Bit
Torrent’s mechanisms choice. This work proposed a block selection
technique using Fuzzy ACO with optimal rules selected using ACO.
Abstract: This study examines analytically the effect of tsunami loads on reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The impact of tsunami wave loads and waterborne objects are analyzed using a typical substandard full-scale two-story RC frame building tested as part of the EU-funded Ecoleader project. The building was subjected to shake table tests in bare condition, and subsequently strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) composites and retested. Numerical models of the building in both bare and CFRP-strengthened conditions are calibrated in DRAIN-3DX software to match the test results. To investigate the response of wave loads and impact forces, the numerical models are subjected to nonlinear dynamic analyses using force time-history input records. The analytical results are compared in terms of displacements at the floors and at the “impact point” of a boat. The results show that the roof displacement of the CFRP-strengthened building reduced by 63% when compared to the bare building. The results also indicate that strengthening only the mid-height of the impact column using CFRP is more effective at reducing damage when compared to strengthening other parts of the column. Alternative solutions to mitigate damage due to tsunami loads are suggested.
Abstract: The air transport impact on environment is more than
ever a limitative obstacle to the aeronautical industry continuous
growth. Over the last decades, considerable effort has been carried
out in order to obtain quieter aircraft solutions, whether by changing
the original design or investigating more silent maneuvers. The
noise propagated by rotating surfaces is one of the most important
sources of annoyance, being present in most aerial vehicles. Bearing
this is mind, CEIIA developed a new computational chain for
noise prediction with in-house software tools to obtain solutions in
relatively short time without using excessive computer resources. This
work is based on the new acoustic tool, which aims to predict the
rotor noise generated during steady and maneuvering flight, making
use of the flexibility of the C language and the advantages of GPU
programming in terms of velocity. The acoustic tool is based in the
Formulation 1A of Farassat, capable of predicting two important
types of noise: the loading and thickness noise. The present work
describes the most important features of the acoustic tool, presenting
its most relevant results and framework analyses for helicopters and
UAV quadrotors.
Abstract: This paper seeks to analyse the benefits of big data
and more importantly the challenges it pose to the subject of privacy
and data protection. First, the nature of big data will be briefly
deliberated before presenting the potential of big data in the present
days. Afterwards, the issue of privacy and data protection is
highlighted before discussing the challenges of implementing this
issue in big data. In conclusion, the paper will put forward the debate
on the adequacy of the existing legal framework in protecting
personal data in the era of big data.
Abstract: This paper examines how “Zakat” provides fair
income redistribution and aids the struggle against poverty. Providing
fair income redistribution and combating poverty constitutes some of
the fundamental tasks performed by countries all over the world.
Each country seeks a solution for these problems according to their
political, economic and administrative styles through applying
various economic and financial policies. The same situation can be
handled via “zakat” association in Islam. Nowadays, we observe
different versions of “zakat” in developed countries. Applications
such as negative income tax denote merely a different form of
“zakat” that is being applied almost in the same way but under
changed names. However, the minimum values to donate under zakat
(e.g. 85 gr. gold and 40 animals) get altered and various amounts are
put into practice. It might be named as negative income tax instead of
zakat, nonetheless, these applications are based on the Holy Koran
and the hadith released 1400 years ago. Besides, considering the
savage and slavery in the world at those times, we might easily
recognize the true value of the zakat being applied for the first time
then in the Islamic system. Through zakat, governments are able to
transfer incomes to the poor as a means of enabling them achieve the
minimum standard of living required. With regards to who benefits
from the Zakat, an objective and fair criteria was used to determine
who benefits from the zakat contrary to the notion that it was based
on peoples’ own choices. Since the zakat is obligatory, the transfers
do not get forwarded directly but via the government and get
distributed, which requires vast governmental organizations. Through
the application of Zakat, reduced levels of poverty can be achieved
and also ensure the fair income redistribution.
Abstract: Estimation of model parameters is necessary to predict
the behavior of a system. Model parameters are estimated using
optimization criteria. Most algorithms use historical data to estimate
model parameters. The known target values (actual) and the output
produced by the model are compared. The differences between the
two form the basis to estimate the parameters. In order to compare
different models developed using the same data different criteria are
used. The data obtained for short scale projects are used here. We
consider software effort estimation problem using radial basis
function network. The accuracy comparison is made using various
existing criteria for one and two predictors. Then, we propose a new
criterion based on linear least squares for evaluation and compared
the results of one and two predictors. We have considered another
data set and evaluated prediction accuracy using the new criterion.
The new criterion is easy to comprehend compared to single statistic.
Although software effort estimation is considered, this method is
applicable for any modeling and prediction.
Abstract: Biofuels production has come forth as a future
technology to combat the problem of depleting fossil fuels. Bio-based
ethanol production from enzymatic lignocellulosic biomass
degradation serves an efficient method and catching the eye of
scientific community. High cost of the enzyme is the major obstacle
in preventing the commercialization of this process. Thus main
objective of the present study was to optimize composition of
medium components for enhancing cellulase production by newly
isolated strain of Bacillus tequilensis. Nineteen factors were taken
into account using statistical Plackett-Burman Design. The significant
variables influencing the cellulose production were further employed
in statistical Response Surface Methodology using Central
Composite Design for maximizing cellulase production. The
optimum medium composition for cellulase production was: peptone
(4.94 g/L), ammonium chloride (4.99 g/L), yeast extract (2.00 g/L),
Tween-20 (0.53 g/L), calcium chloride (0.20 g/L) and cobalt chloride
(0.60 g/L) with pH 7, agitation speed 150 rpm and 72 h incubation at
37oC. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed high coefficient of
determination (R2) of 0.99. Maximum cellulase productivity of 11.5
IU/ml was observed against the model predicted value of 13 IU/ml.
This was found to be optimally active at 60oC and pH 5.5.
Abstract: It is important to take security measures to protect
your computer information, reduce identify theft, and prevent from
malicious cyber-attacks. With cyber-attacks on the continuous rise,
people need to understand and learn ways to prevent from these
attacks. Cyber-attack is an important factor to be considered if one is
to be able to protect oneself from malicious attacks. Without proper
security measures, most computer technology would hinder home
users more than such technologies would help. Knowledge of how
cyber-attacks operate and protective steps that can be taken to reduce
chances of its occurrence are key to increasing these security
measures. The purpose of this paper is to inform home users on the
importance of identifying and taking preventive steps to avoid cyberattacks.
Throughout this paper, many aspects of cyber-attacks will be
discuss: what a cyber-attack is, the affects of cyber-attack for home
users, different types of cyber-attacks, methodology to prevent such
attacks; home users can take to fortify security of their computer.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to perform experimental
modal analysis (EMA) of reinforced concrete (RC) square slabs.
EMA is the process of determining the modal parameters (Natural
Frequencies, damping factors, modal vectors) of a structure from a
set of frequency response functions FRFs (curve fitting). Although,
experimental modal analysis (or modal testing) has grown steadily in
popularity since the advent of the digital FFT spectrum analyzer in
the early 1970’s, studying all types of members and materials using
such method have not yet been well documented. Therefore, in this
work, experimental tests were conducted on RC square slab
specimens of dimensions 600mm x 600mmx 40mm. Experimental
analysis was based on freely supported boundary condition.
Moreover, impact testing as a fast and economical means of finding
the modes of vibration of a structure was used during the
experiments. In addition, Pico Scope 6 device and MATLAB
software were used to acquire data, analyze and plot Frequency
Response Function (FRF). The experimental natural frequencies
which were extracted from measurements exhibit good agreement
with analytical predictions. It is showed that EMA method can be
usefully employed to investigate the dynamic behavior of RC slabs.
Abstract: The practice of freeing monuments from subsequent
additions crosses the entire history of conservation and it is
traditionally connected to the aim of valorisation, both for cultural
and educational purpose and recently even for touristic exploitation.
Defence heritage has been widely interested by these cultural and
technical moods from philological restoration to critic innovations. A
renovated critical analysis of Italian episodes and in particular the
Sardinian case of the area of San Pancrazio in Cagliari, constitute an
important lesson about the limits of this practice and the uncertainty
in terms of results, towards the definition of a sustainable good
practice in the restoration of military architectures.
Abstract: This paper presents small signal stability study carried
over the 140-Bus, 31-Machine, 5-Area MEPE system and validated
on free and open source software: PSAT. Well-established linearalgebra
analysis, eigenvalue analysis, is employed to determine the
small signal dynamic behavior of test system. The aspects of local
and interarea oscillations which may affect the operation and
behavior of power system are analyzed. Eigenvalue analysis is carried
out to investigate the small signal behavior of test system and the
participation factors have been determined to identify the
participation of the states in the variation of different mode shapes.
Also, the variations in oscillatory modes are presented to observe the
damping performance of the test system.
Abstract: Recently, universities are increasingly consuming
energy to support various activities. A large population of staff and
students in Malaysian universities has led to excessive energy
consumption which directly gives an impact to the environment. The
key question then ascended “How well is an energy management
(EM) been practiced in universities without taking the Critical
Success Factors (CSFs) into consideration to ensure the management
of university achieves the goals in reducing energy consumption.
Review on past literature is carried out to establish CSFs for EM best
practices. Thus, this paper highlighted the CSFs which have to be
focused on by management of university to successfully measure the
EM implementation and its performance. At the end of this paper, a
theoretical framework is developed for EM success factors towards
sustainable university.
Abstract: The concentration levels of six heavy metals (Cd, Cr,
Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) and two mineral elements (Ca and Mg) were
determined in soil samples collected from the vicinity of two auto
mechanic workshops in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna state, Nigeria, using
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), in order to compare the
gradation of their concentrations with distance and depth of soil from
the workshop sites. At site 1, concentrations of Lead, Chromium, Iron
and Zinc were generally found to be above the World Health
Organization limits, while those of Nickel and Cadmium fell within
the limits. Iron had the highest concentration with a range of 176.274
ppm to 489.127 ppm at depths of 5 cm to 15 cm and a distance range
of 5 m to 15 m, while the concentration of cadmium was least with a
range of 0.001 ppm to 0.008 ppm at similar depth and distance
ranges. In addition, there was more of calcium (11.521 ppm to
121.709 ppm), in all the samples, than magnesium (11.293 ppm to
21.635 ppm). Similar results were obtained for site II. The
concentrations of all the metals analyzed showed a downward
gradient with increase in depth and distance from both workshop sites
except for iron and zinc at site 2. The immediate and remote
implications of these findings on the biota are discussed.
Abstract: The legends about “user-friendly” and “easy-to-use”
birotical tools (computer-related office tools) have been spreading
and misleading end-users. This approach has led us to the extremely
high number of incorrect documents, causing serious financial losses
in the creating, modifying, and retrieving processes. Our research
proved that there are at least two sources of this underachievement:
(1) The lack of the definition of the correctly edited, formatted
documents. Consequently, end-users do not know whether their
methods and results are correct or not. They are not aware of their
ignorance. They are so ignorant that their ignorance does not allow
them to realize their lack of knowledge. (2) The end-users’ problem
solving methods. We have found that in non-traditional programming
environments end-users apply, almost exclusively, surface approach
metacognitive methods to carry out their computer related activities,
which are proved less effective than deep approach methods.
Based on these findings we have developed deep approach
methods which are based on and adapted from traditional
programming languages. In this study, we focus on the most popular
type of birotical documents, the text based documents. We have
provided the definition of the correctly edited text, and based on this
definition, adapted the debugging method known in programming.
According to the method, before the realization of text editing, a
thorough debugging of already existing texts and the categorization
of errors are carried out. With this method in advance to real text
editing users learn the requirements of text based documents and also
of the correctly formatted text.
The method has been proved much more effective than the
previously applied surface approach methods. The advantages of the
method are that the real text handling requires much less human and
computer sources than clicking aimlessly in the GUI (Graphical User
Interface), and the data retrieval is much more effective than from
error-prone documents.
Abstract: Diffusion stills have been effective in water
desalination. The present work represents a model of the distillation
process by using vertical single-effect diffusion stills. A semianalytical
model has been developed to model the process. A
software computer code using Engineering Equation Solver EES
software has been developed to solve the equations of the developed
model. An experimental setup has been constructed, and used for the
validation of the model. The model is also validated against former
literature results. The results obtained from the present experimental
test rig, and the data from the literature, have been compared with the
results of the code to find its best range of validity. In addition, a
parametric analysis of the system has been developed using the
model to determine the effect of operating conditions on the system's
performance. The dominant parameters that affect the productivity of
the still are the hot plate temperature that ranges from (55- 90°C) and
feed flow rate in range of (0.00694-0.0211 kg/m2-s).
Abstract: Logistics processes of perishable food in the supply
chain include the distribution activities and the real time temperature
monitoring to fulfil the cold chain requirements. The paper presents
the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology as an
identification tool of receiving and shipping activities in the cold
store. At the same time, the use of RFID data loggers with
temperature sensors is presented to observe and store the
temperatures for the purpose of analyzing the processes and having
the history data available for traceability purposes and efficient recall
management.