Abstract: Grid is an environment with millions of resources
which are dynamic and heterogeneous in nature. A computational
grid is one in which the resources are computing nodes and is meant
for applications that involves larger computations. A scheduling
algorithm is said to be efficient if and only if it performs better
resource allocation even in case of resource failure. Resource
allocation is a tedious issue since it has to consider several
requirements such as system load, processing cost and time, user’s
deadline and resource failure. This work attempts in designing a
resource allocation algorithm which is cost-effective and also targets
at load balancing, fault tolerance and user satisfaction by considering
the above requirements. The proposed Budget Constrained Load
Balancing Fault Tolerant algorithm with user satisfaction (BLBFT)
reduces the schedule makespan, schedule cost and task failure rate
and improves resource utilization. Evaluation of the proposed
BLBFT algorithm is done using Gridsim toolkit and the results are
compared with the algorithms which separately concentrates on all
these factors. The comparison results ensure that the proposed
algorithm works better than its counterparts.
Abstract: Transmission system performance analysis is vital to
proper planning and operations of power systems in the presence of
deregulation. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are often used as
measure of degree of performance. This paper gives a novel method
to determine the transmission efficiency by evaluating the ratio of
real power losses incurred from a specified transfer direction.
Available Transmission Transfer Efficiency (ATTE) expresses the
percentage of real power received resulting from inter-area available
power transfer. The Tie line (Rated system path) performance is seen
to differ from system wide (Network response) performance and
ATTE values obtained are transfer direction specific. The required
sending end quantities with specified receiving end ATC and the
receiving end power circle diagram are obtained for the tie line
analysis. The amount of real power loss load relative to the available
transfer capability gives a measure of the transmission grid
efficiency.
Abstract: Availability of different genetic tests after completion
of Human Genome Project increases the physicians’ responsibility to
keep themselves update on the potential implementation of these
genetic tests in their daily practice. However, due to numbers of
barriers, still many of physicians are not either aware of these tests or
are not willing to offer or refer their patients for genetic tests. This
study was conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, mailed-based
survey to develop a primary data of Malaysian physicians’ level of
knowledge and perception of gene profiling. Questionnaire had 29
questions. Total scores on selected questions were used to assess the
level of knowledge. The highest possible score was 11. Descriptive
statistics, one way ANOVA and chi-squared test was used for
statistical analysis. Sixty three completed questionnaires were
returned by 27 general practitioners (GPs) and 36 medical specialists.
Responders’ age ranges from 24 to 55 years old (mean 30.2 ± 6.4).
About 40% of the participants rated themselves as having poor level
of knowledge in genetics in general whilst 60% believed that they
have fair level of knowledge; however, almost half (46%) of the
respondents felt that they were not knowledgeable about available
genetic tests. A majority (94%) of the responders were not aware of
any lab or company which is offering gene profiling services in
Malaysia. Only 4% of participants were aware of using gene profiling
for detection of dosage of some drugs. Respondents perceived greater
utility of gene profiling for breast cancer (38%) compared to the
colorectal familial cancer (3%). The score of knowledge ranged from
2 to 8 (mean 4.38 ± 1.67). Non- significant differences between score
of knowledge of GPs and specialists were observed, with score of
4.19 and 4.58 respectively. There was no significant association
between any demographic factors and level of knowledge. However,
those who graduated between years 2001 to 2005 had higher level of
knowledge. Overall, 83% of participants showed relatively high level
of perception on value of gene profiling to detect patient’s risk of
disease. However, low perception was observed for both statements
of using gene profiling for general population in order to alter their
lifestyle (25%) as well as having the full sequence of a patient
genome for the purpose of determining a patient’s best match for
treatment (18%). The lack of clinical guidelines, limited provider
knowledge and awareness, lack of time and resources to educate
patients, lack of evidence-based clinical information and cost of tests
were the most barriers of ordering gene profiling mentioned by
physicians. In conclusion Malaysian physicians who participate in
this study had mediocre level of knowledge and awareness in gene
profiling. The low exposure to the genetic questions and problems
might be a key predictor of lack of awareness and knowledge on
available genetic tests. Educational and training workshop might be useful in helping Malaysian physicians incorporate genetic profiling
into practice for eligible patients.
Abstract: Coal fly ash is formed as a solid waste product from
the combustion of coal in coal fired power stations. Huge amounts of
fly ash are produced globally every year and are predicted to
increase. Nowadays, less than half of the fly ash is used as a raw
material for cement manufacturing, construction and the rest of it is
disposed as a waste causing yet another environmental concern. For
this reason, the recycling of this kind of slurries into useful materials
is quite important in terms of economical and environmental aspects.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Orhaneli and
Tuncbilek coal fly ashes for utilization in some industrial
applications. Therefore the mineralogical and chemical compositions
of these fly ashes were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy,
ourier-transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The
silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) in the fly ashes were activated by
alkali fusion technique with sodium hydroxide. The obtained extracts
were analyzed for Si and Al content by inductively coupled plasma
optical emission spectrometry.
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the adverse
effect of industrial wastewater on surface water quality in Gebeng
industrial estate, Pahang, Malaysia. Surface water was collected from
six sampling stations. Physicochemical parameters were
characterized based on in-situ and ex-situ analysis according to
standard methods by American Public Health Association (APHA).
Selected heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled
Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS). The results revealed that the
concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Hg were
high in samples. The results also showed that the value of Pb and Hg
were higher in the wet season in comparison to dry season.
According to Malaysia National Water Quality Standard (NWQS)
and Water Quality Index (WQI) all the sampling station were
categorized as class IV (highly polluted). The present study revealed
that the adverse effects of careless disposal of wastes and directly
discharge of effluents affected on surface water quality. Therefore,
the authorities should implement the laws to ensure the proper
practices of wastewater management for environmental sustainability
around the study area.
Abstract: The present research work investigates the seismic
response of reinforced concrete (RC) frame building considering the
effect of modeling masonry infill (MI) walls. The seismic behavior of
a residential 6-storey RC frame building, considering and ignoring
the effect of masonry, is numerically investigated using response
spectrum (RS) analysis. The considered herein building is designed
as a moment resisting frame (MRF) system following the Egyptian
code (EC) requirements. Two developed models in terms of bare
frame and infill walls frame are used in the study. Equivalent
diagonal strut methodology is used to represent the behavior of infill
walls, whilst the well-known software package ETABS is used for
implementing all frame models and performing the analysis. The
results of the numerical simulations such as base shear,
displacements, and internal forces for the bare frame as well as the
infill wall frame are presented in a comparative way. The results of
the study indicate that the interaction between infill walls and frames
significantly change the responses of buildings during earthquakes
compared to the results of bare frame building model. Specifically,
the seismic analysis of RC bare frame structure leads to
underestimation of base shear and consequently damage or even
collapse of buildings may occur under strong shakings. On the other
hand, considering infill walls significantly decrease the peak floor
displacements and drifts in both X and Y-directions.
Abstract: The following paper presents the results of a study
aimed at achieving a better understanding of the psychological
readiness for mobile learning (m-learning) among Saudi students,
while also evaluating m-learning readiness as a whole in Saudi
Arabia - a topic that has not yet received adequate attention from
researchers. Data was acquired via a questionnaire administered to
131 Saudi students at UK universities, in July 2013. The study
confirmed that students are confident about using mobile devices in
their daily lives, and that they would welcome more opportunities for
mobile learning. The findings also indicated that Saudi higher
education students are very familiar with, and psychologically ready
for, m-learning.
Abstract: Pipa is one of the most important Chinese traditional
plucked instruments, but its directivity has never been measured
systematically. In western, directivity of loudness for western
instruments is deeply researched through analysis of sound pressure
level, whereas the directivity of timbre is seldom studied. In this paper,
a new method for directivity of timbre was proposed, and horizontal
directivity patterns of loudness and timbre of Pipa were measured.
Directivity of Pipa radiation was measured in an anechoic room. The
sound of Pipa played by a musician was recorded simultaneously by
32 microphones with Pipa in the center. The measuring results were
examined through listening test. According to the measurement of
Pipa directivity radiation, we put forward the best localization of Pipa
in the Chinese traditional orchestra and the optimal recording region.
Abstract: Chrome tannery wastewater causes serious environmental hazard due to its high pollution potential. As a result, rigorous treatment is necessary for abatement of pollution from this type of wastewater. There are many research studies on chrome tannery wastewater treatment in the field of physical, chemical, and biological methods. In general, biological treatment process is found ineffective for direct application because of adverse effects by toxic chromium, sulphide, chloride etc. However, biological methods were employed mainly for a few sub processes generating significant amount of organic matter and without chromium, chlorides etc. In this context the present paper reviews the characteristics feature and pollution potential of wastewater generated from chrome tannery units and treatment of the same. The different biological processes used earlier and their chronological development for treatment of the chrome tannery wastewater are thoroughly reviewed in this paper. In this regard, the scope of hybrid bioreactor - an advanced technology option has also been explored, as this kind of treatment is well suited for the wastewater having inhibitory substances.
Abstract: In this study, ultrasonic assisted machining (UAM) technique is applied in side-surface milling experiment for glass-ceramic workpiece material. The tungsten carbide cutting-tool with diamond coating is used in conjunction with two kinds of cooling/lubrication mediums such as water-soluble (WS) cutting fluid and minimum quantity lubricant (MQL). Full factorial process parameter combinations on the milling experiments are planned to investigate the effect of process parameters on cutting performance. From the experimental results, it tries to search for the better process parameter combination which the edge-indentation and the surface roughness are acceptable. In the machining experiments, ultrasonic oscillator was used to excite a cutting-tool along the radial direction producing a very small amplitude of vibration frequency of 20KHz to assist the machining process. After processing, toolmaker microscope was used to detect the side-surface morphology, edge-indentation and cutting tool wear under different combination of cutting parameters, and analysis and discussion were also conducted for experimental results. The results show that the main leading parameters to edge-indentation of glass ceramic are cutting depth and feed rate. In order to reduce edge-indentation, it needs to use lower cutting depth and feed rate. Water-soluble cutting fluid provides a better cooling effect in the primary cutting area; it may effectively reduce the edge-indentation and improve the surface morphology of the glass ceramic. The use of ultrasonic assisted technique can effectively enhance the surface finish cleanness and reduce cutting tool wear and edge-indentation.
Abstract: The safety and health performances aspects of a building are the most challenging aspect of facility management. It requires a deep understanding by the building managers on the factors that contribute to health and safety performances. This study attempted to develop an explanatory architectural safety performance model for stratified low-cost housing in Malaysia. The proposed Building Safety and Health Performance (BSHP) model was tested empirically through a survey on 308 construction practitioners using partial least squares (PLS) and structural equation modelling (SEM) tool. Statistical analysis results supports the conclusion that architecture, building services, external environment, management approaches and maintenance management have positive influence on safety and health performance of stratified low-cost housing in Malaysia. The findings provide valuable insights for construction industry to introduce BSHP model in the future where the model could be used as a guideline for training purposes of managers and better planning and implementation of building management.
Abstract: Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is the dominant transport technology used in numerous high capacity backbone networks, based on optical infrastructures. Given the importance of costs (CapEx and OpEx) associated to these networks, resource management is becoming increasingly important, especially how the optical circuits, called “lightpaths”, are routed throughout the network. This requires the use of efficient algorithms which provide routing strategies with the lowest cost. We focus on the lightpath routing and wavelength assignment problem, known as the RWA problem, while optimizing wavelength fragmentation over the network. Wavelength fragmentation poses a serious challenge for network operators since it leads to the misuse of the wavelength spectrum, and then to the refusal of new lightpath requests. In this paper, we first establish a new Integer Linear Program (ILP) for the problem based on a node-link formulation. This formulation is based on a multilayer approach where the original network is decomposed into several network layers, each corresponding to a wavelength. Furthermore, we propose an efficient heuristic for the problem based on a greedy algorithm followed by a post-treatment procedure. The obtained results show that the optimal solution is often reached. We also compare our results with those of other RWA heuristic methods
Abstract: The use of energy dissipation systems for seismic applications has increased worldwide, thus it is necessary to develop practical and modern criteria for their optimal design. Here, a direct displacement-based seismic design approach for frame buildings with hysteretic energy dissipation systems (HEDS) is applied. The building is constituted by two individual structural systems consisting of: 1) a main elastic structural frame designed for service loads; and 2) a secondary system, corresponding to the HEDS, that controls the effects of lateral loads. The procedure implies to control two design parameters: a) the stiffness ratio (α=Kframe/Ktotal system), and b) the strength ratio (γ=Vdamper/Vtotal system). The proposed damage-controlled approach contributes to the design of a more sustainable and resilient building because the structural damage is concentrated on the HEDS. The reduction of the design displacement spectrum is done by means of a damping factor (recently published) for elastic structural systems with HEDS, located in Mexico City. Two limit states are verified: serviceability and near collapse. Instead of the traditional trial-error approach, a procedure that allows the designer to establish the preliminary sizes of the structural elements of both systems is proposed. The design methodology is applied to an 8-story steel building with buckling restrained braces, located in soft soil of Mexico City. With the aim of choosing the optimal design parameters, a parametric study is developed considering different values of હ and . The simplified methodology is for preliminary sizing, design, and evaluation of the effectiveness of HEDS, and it constitutes a modern and practical tool that enables the structural designer to select the best design parameters.
Abstract: Cortisol is essential to the regulation of the immune
system and yawning is a pathological symptom of multiple sclerosis
(MS). Electromyography activity (EMG) in the jaw muscles typically
rises when the muscles are moved and with yawning is highly
correlated with cortisol levels in healthy people. Saliva samples from
59 participants were collected at the start and after yawning, or at the
end of the presentation of yawning-provoking stimuli, in the absence
of a yawn, together with EMG data and questionnaire data: Hospital
Anxiety and Depression Scale, Yawning Susceptibility Scale,
General Health Questionnaire, demographic, health details. Exclusion
criteria: chronic fatigue, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart condition, high
blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy, multiple sclerosis,
stroke. Significant differences were found between the saliva cortisol
samples for the yawners, t (23) = -4.263, p = 0.000, as compared with
the non-yawners between rest and post-stimuli, which was nonsignificant.
Significant evidence was found to support the Thompson
Cortisol Hypothesis suggesting that rises in cortisol levels are
associated with yawning. Further research is exploring the use of
cortisol as an early diagnostic tool for MS. Ethics approval granted
and professional code of conduct, confidentiality, and safety issues
are approved therein.
Abstract: The distribution of a single global clock across a chip
has become the major design bottleneck for high performance VLSI
systems owing to the power dissipation, process variability and multicycle
cross-chip signaling. A Network-on-Chip (NoC) architecture
partitioned into several synchronous blocks has become a promising
approach for attaining fine-grain power management at the system
level. In a NoC architecture the communication between the blocks is
handled asynchronously. To interface these blocks on a chip
operating at different frequencies, an asynchronous FIFO interface is
inevitable. However, these asynchronous FIFOs are not required if
adjacent blocks belong to the same clock domain. In this paper, we
have designed and analyzed a 16-bit asynchronous micropipelined
FIFO of depth four, with the awareness of place and route on an
FPGA device. We have used a commercially available Spartan 3
device and designed a high speed implementation of the
asynchronous 4-phase micropipeline. The asynchronous FIFO
implemented on the FPGA device shows 76 Mb/s throughput and a
handshake cycle of 109 ns for write and 101.3 ns for read at the
simulation under the worst case operating conditions (voltage =
0.95V) on a working chip at the room temperature.
Abstract: Entrepreneurs face different sort of difficulties
especially with customers, organizations and employees. Emotional
intelligence which is the ability to understand and control the
emotions is an important factor to help entrepreneurs end up
challenges to the result they prefer. So it is assumed that
entrepreneurs especially those who have passed the first challenging
years of starting a new business, have high emotional intelligence. In
this study the Iranian established entrepreneurs have been surveyed.
According to Iran Gem 2014 report the percentage of established
entrepreneur in Iran is 10.92%. So by using Cochran sample formula
(1%) 96 Iranian established entrepreneurs have been selected and
Emotional intelligence appraisal questionnaire distributed to them.
The SPSS19 result shows high emotional intelligence in Iranian
established entrepreneurs.
Abstract: This paper presents dynamic models of distributed
generators (DG) and investigates dynamic behavior of the DG units
in the micro grid system. The DG units include photovoltaic and fuel
cell sources. The voltage source inverter is adopted since the
electronic interface which can be equipped with its controller to keep
stability of the micro grid during small signal dynamics. This paper
also introduces power management strategies and implements the DG
load sharing concept to keep the micro grid operation in gridconnected
and islanding modes of operation. The results demonstrate
the operation and performance of the photovoltaic and fuel cell as
distributed generators in a micro grid. The entire control system in
the micro grid is developed by combining the benefits of the power
control and the voltage control strategies. Simulation results are all
reported, confirming the validity of the proposed control technique.
Abstract: Honeys are produced by Apis mellifera and stingless
bees (Meliponini) in Ecuador. We studied honey produced in
beeswax combs by Apis mellifera, and honey produced in pots by
Geotrigona and Scaptotrigona bees. Chloroform extracts of honey
were obtained for fast NMR spectra. The 1D spectra were acquired at
298 K, with a 600 MHz NMR Bruker instrument, using a modified
double pulsed field gradient spin echoes (DPFGSE) sequence.
Signals of 1H NMR spectra were integrated and used as inputs for
PCA, PLS-DA analysis, and labelled sets of classes were successfully
identified, enhancing the separation between the three groups of
honey according to the entomological origin: A. mellifera,
Geotrigona and Scaptotrigona. This procedure is therefore
recommended for authenticity test of honey in Ecuador.
Abstract: The paper is focused on the identification of limiting
environmental factors of individual industrial floors on which newly
developed polymer protection and repair systems with the use of
secondary raw materials will be used. These mainly include floors
with extreme stresses and special requirements for materials used. In
relation to the environment of a particular industrial floor, it is
necessary to ensure, for example, chemical stability, resistance to
higher temperatures, resistance to higher mechanical stress, etc. for
developed materials, which is reflected in the demands for the
developed material systems. The paper describes individual
environments and, in relation to them, also requirements for
individual components of the developed materials and for the
developed materials as a whole.
Abstract: This paper presents a study the effect of nose radius
(Rz-mm) on cutting force components and temperatures during the
machining simulation in an orthogonal cutting process for titanium
alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The cutting process was performed at various
nose radiuses (Rz-mm) while the depth of cut (d-mm), feed rate (fmm/
tooth) and cutting speed (vc-m/ min) were remained constant.
The main cutting force (Fc), feed cutting force (Ft) and temperatures
were estimated by using finite element modeling (FEM) through
ABAQUS/EXPLICIT software and the simulation was developed the
two-dimension via an orthogonal cutting process during machining
titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The results led to the conclusion that the
nose radius (Rz-mm) has affected directly on the cutting force
components. However, temperature gave no indication or has no
significant relation with nose radius during machining titanium alloy
(Ti-6Al-4V). Hence, any increase or decrease in the nose radius (Rzmm)
during machining operation led to effect on the cutting forces
and thus it will be effective on surface finish, quality, and quantity of
products.