Abstract: Construction industry plays a vital role in the
economy of the world. However, due to high uncertainty and
variability in the industry, its performance is not as efficient in terms
of quality, lead times, productivity and costs as of other industries.
Moreover, there are continuous conflicts among the different actors
in the construction supply chains in terms of profit sharing. Previous
studies suggested partnership as an important approach to promote
cooperation among the different actors in the construction supply
chains and thereby it improves the overall performance. Construction
practitioners tried to focus on partnership which can enhance the
performance of construction supply chains but they are not fully
aware of different approaches and techniques for improving
partnership. In this research, a systematic review on partnership in
relation to construction supply chains is carried out to understand
different elements influencing the partnership. The research
development of this domain is analyzed by reviewing selected
articles published from 1996 to 2015. Based on the papers, three
major elements influencing partnership in construction supply chains
are identified: ‘Lean approach’, ‘Relationship building’ and ‘E-commerce
applications’. This study analyses the contributions in the
areas within each element and provides suggestions for future
developments of partnership in construction supply chains.
Abstract: The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
has a diverse base of applications, but it is also prone to security
threats. There are different types of security attacks which limit the
range of the RFID applications. For example, deploying the RFID
networks in insecure environments could make the RFID system
vulnerable to many types of attacks such as spoofing attack, location
traceability attack, physical attack and many more. Therefore, security
is often an important requirement for RFID systems. In this paper,
RFID mutual authentication protocol is implemented based on mobile
agent technology and timestamp, which are used to provide strong
authentication and integrity assurances to both the RFID readers and
their corresponding RFID tags. The integration of mobile agent
technology and timestamp provides promising results towards
achieving this goal and towards reducing the security threats in RFID
systems.
Abstract: This paper describes a subarray based low
computational design method of multiuser massive multiple
input multiple output (MIMO) system. In our previous works, use of
large array is assumed only in transmitter, but this study considers
the case both of transmitter and receiver sides are equipped with
large array antennas. For this aim, receive arrays are also divided
into several subarrays, and the former proposed method is modified
for the synthesis of a large array from subarrays in both ends.
Through computer simulations, it is verified that the performance
of the proposed method is degraded compared with the original
approach, but it can achieve the improvement in the aspect of
complexity, namely, significant reduction of the computational load
to the practical level.
Abstract: The influence of Islam on arts can be found primarily
in calligraphy, arabesque designs and architecture. Also, geometric
designs were used quite extensively. Muslim craftsmen produced
stunning designs based on simple geometric principles and traditional
motifs which were used to decorate many surfaces. The idea of
interlacing simple rectilinear lines to form the patterns impressed
Arabs. Nomads of Persia, Turks and Mongols were equally
impressed with the designs so they begin to use them in their homes
in carpet weaving. Islamic designs, motifs and colours which were
used became common place and served to influence people’s tastes.
Modern life style and contemporary products have changed the style
of people’s daily lives, however, people still long for the nomadic
way of life. This is clearly reflected in people’s homes. In a great
many Muslim homes, Islamic decorative motifs can be seen along
with traditional ‘Bedouin’ style furnishing, especially in homes of the
Arabian Peninsula.
Abstract: Evaluation of the excavation-induced ground
movements is an important design aspect of support systems in urban
areas. Geological and geotechnical conditions of an excavation area
have significant effects on excavation-induced ground movements and
the related damage. This paper is aimed at studying the performance of
excavation walls supported by nails in jointed rock medium. The
performance of nailed walls is investigated based on evaluating the
excavation-induced ground movements. For this purpose, a set of
calibrated 2D finite element models are developed by taking into
account the nail-rock-structure interactions, the anisotropic properties
of jointed rock, and the staged construction process. The results of this
paper highlight effects of different parameters such as joint
inclinations, anisotropy of rocks and nail inclinations on deformation
parameters of excavation wall supported by nails.
Abstract: The knitted fabric suffers a deformation in its
dimensions due to stretching and tension factors, transverse and
longitudinal respectively, during the process in rectilinear knitting
machines so it performs a dry relaxation shrinkage procedure and
thermal action of prefixed to obtain stable conditions in the knitting.
This paper presents a dry relaxation shrinkage prediction of Bordeaux
fiber using a feed forward neural network and linear regression
models. Six operational alternatives of shrinkage were predicted. A
comparison of the results was performed finding neural network
models with higher levels of explanation of the variability and
prediction. The presence of different reposes is included. The models
were obtained through a neural toolbox of Matlab and Minitab
software with real data in a knitting company of Southern
Guanajuato. The results allow predicting dry relaxation shrinkage of
each alternative operation.
Abstract: Nonlinear evolution of broadband ultrasonic pulses
passed through the rock specimens is studied using the apparatus
“GEOSCAN-02M”. Ultrasonic pulses are excited by the pulses of Qswitched
Nd:YAG laser with the time duration of 10 ns and with the
energy of 260 mJ. This energy can be reduced to 20 mJ by some light
filters. The laser beam radius did not exceed 5 mm. As a result of the
absorption of the laser pulse in the special material – the optoacoustic
generator–the pulses of longitudinal ultrasonic waves are excited with
the time duration of 100 ns and with the maximum pressure
amplitude of 10 MPa. The immersion technique is used to measure
the parameters of these ultrasonic pulses passed through a specimen,
the immersion liquid is distilled water. The reference pulse passed
through the cell with water has the compression and the rarefaction
phases. The amplitude of the rarefaction phase is five times lower
than that of the compression phase. The spectral range of the
reference pulse reaches 10 MHz. The cubic-shaped specimens of the
Karelian gabbro are studied with the rib length 3 cm. The ultimate
strength of the specimens by the uniaxial compression is (300±10)
MPa. As the reference pulse passes through the area of the specimen
without cracks the compression phase decreases and the rarefaction
one increases due to diffraction and scattering of ultrasound, so the
ratio of these phases becomes 2.3:1. After preloading some horizontal
cracks appear in the specimens. Their location is found by one-sided
scanning of the specimen using the backward mode detection of the
ultrasonic pulses reflected from the structure defects. Using the
computer processing of these signals the images are obtained of the
cross-sections of the specimens with cracks. By the increase of the
reference pulse amplitude from 0.1 MPa to 5 MPa the nonlinear
transformation of the ultrasonic pulse passed through the specimen
with horizontal cracks results in the decrease by 2.5 times of the
amplitude of the rarefaction phase and in the increase of its duration
by 2.1 times. By the increase of the reference pulse amplitude from 5
MPa to 10 MPa the time splitting of the phases is observed for the
bipolar pulse passed through the specimen. The compression and
rarefaction phases propagate with different velocities. These features
of the powerful broadband ultrasonic pulses passed through the rock
specimens can be described by the hysteresis model of Preisach-
Mayergoyz and can be used for the location of cracks in the optically
opaque materials.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a comparative study of three
methods of 2D face recognition system such as: Iso-Geodesic Curves
(IGC), Geodesic Distance (GD) and Geodesic-Intensity Histogram
(GIH). These approaches are based on computing of geodesic
distance between points of facial surface and between facial curves.
In this study we represented the image at gray level as a 2D surface in
a 3D space, with the third coordinate proportional to the intensity
values of pixels. In the classifying step, we use: Neural Networks
(NN), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machines
(SVM). The images used in our experiments are from two wellknown
databases of face images ORL and YaleB. ORL data base was
used to evaluate the performance of methods under conditions where
the pose and sample size are varied, and the database YaleB was used
to examine the performance of the systems when the facial
expressions and lighting are varied.
Abstract: The effect of molybdate addition to chloride
environment on resistance of AISI 316Ti stainless steel to pitting
corrosion was studied. Potentiodynamic polarisation tests were
performed in 1 M and 0.1 M chloride acidified solutions with various
additions of sodium molybdate at room temperature. The presented
results compare the effect of molybdate anions on quality of passive
film (expressed by the pitting potential) in both chloride solutions.
The pitting potential increases with the increase inhibitor
concentration. The inhibitive effect of molybdate ions is stronger in
chloride solution of lower aggressiveness (0.1M).
Abstract: Due to the fast and flawless technological innovation
there is a tremendous amount of data dumping all over the world in
every domain such as Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, Spatial
Data Mining, Image Analysis, Fraudulent Analysis, World Wide
Web etc., This issue turns to be more essential for developing several
tools for data mining functionalities. The major aim of this paper is to
analyze various tools which are used to build a resourceful analytical
or descriptive model for handling large amount of information more
efficiently and user friendly. In this survey the diverse tools are
illustrated with their extensive technical paradigm, outstanding
graphical interface and inbuilt multipath algorithms in which it is
very useful for handling significant amount of data more indeed.
Abstract: This paper presents comparative analysis of
photovoltaic systems (PVS) and propose practical techniques to
improve operational efficiency of the PVS. The best engineering and
construction practices for PVS are identified and field oriented
recommendation are made. Comparative analysis of central and
string inverter based, as well as 600 and 1000VDC PVS are
performed. In addition, direct current (DC) and alternating current
(AC) photovoltaic (PV) module based systems are compared.
Comparison shows that 1000V DC String Inverters based PVS is the
best choice.
Abstract: New and more powerful communications technologies
continue to emerge at a rapid pace and their uses in education are
widespread and the impact remarkable in the developing societies.
This study investigates Mobile Collaboration Learning Technique
(MCLT) on learners’ outcome among students in tertiary institutions
of developing nations (a case of Nigeria students). It examines the
significance of retention achievement scores of students taught using
mobile collaboration and conventional method. The sample consisted
of 120 students using Stratified random sampling method. Five
research questions and hypotheses were formulated, and tested at
0.05 level of significance. A student achievement test (SAT) was
made of 40 items of multiple-choice objective type, developed and
validated for data collection by professionals. The SAT was
administered to students as pre-test and post-test. The data were
analyzed using t-test statistic to test the hypotheses. The result
indicated that students taught using MCLT performed significantly
better than their counterparts using the conventional method of
instruction. Also, there was no significant difference in the post-test
performance scores of male and female students taught using MCLT.
Based on the findings, the following submissions was made that:
Mobile collaboration system be encouraged in the institutions to
boost knowledge sharing among learners, workshop and training
should be organized to train teachers on the use of this technique,
schools and government should consistently align curriculum
standard to trends of technological dictates and formulate policies
and procedures towards responsible use of MCLT.
Abstract: The growing concerns for physical wellbeing and
health have been reflected in the way we choose food in our table.
Nowadays, we are all more informed consumers and choose healthier
foods. On the other hand, stroke, cancer and atherosclerosis may be
somehow minimized by the intake of some bioactive compounds
present in food, the so-called nutraceuticals and functional foods. The
aim of this work was to make a revision of the published studies
about the effects of some bioactive compounds, namely lycopene in
human health, in the prevention of diseases, thus playing the role of a
functional food. Free radical in human body can induce cell damage
and consequently can be responsible for the development of some
cancers and chronic diseases. Lycopene is one of the most powerful
antioxidants known, being the predominant carotenoid in tomato. The
respective chemistry, bioavailability, and its functional role in the
prevention of several diseases will be object of this work. On the
other hand, the inclusion of lycopene in some foods can also be made
by biotechnology and represents a way to recover the wastes in the
tomato industry with nutritional positive effects in health.
Abstract: The authors conducted a study for the sample size of
75 HR managers from an Indian IT company through systematic
sampling method. This study identifies that the female employees are
facing lesser conflict than the male employees against their managers
within the organization. There is a positive correlation between
gender and conflict management with the superior towards the work.
There is a significant variance between age and response towards
appraisal system, succession planning and employee engagement.
The education qualification plays a major role in determining the
compensation factor for the employees working in the organization.
The study determines the impact of demographic profile on strategic
HRM practices and its challenges faced by HR managers in IT firm,
India.
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for having high elastic properties with high surface area that promote them as good candidates for reinforcing polymeric matrices. In composite materials, CNTs lack chemical bonding with the surrounding matrix which decreases the possibility of better stress transfer between the components. In this work, a chemical treatment for activating the surface of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was applied and the effect of this functionalization on the elastic properties of the epoxy nanocomposites was studied. Functional amino-groups were added to the surface of the CNTs and it was evaluated to be about 34% of the total weight of the CNTs. Elastic modulus was found to increase by about 40% of the neat epoxy resin at CNTs’ weight fraction of 0.5%. The elastic modulus was found to decrease after reaching a certain concentration of CNTs which was found to be 1% wt. The scanning electron microscopic pictures showed the effect of the CNTs on the crack propagation through the sample by forming stress concentrated spots at the nanocomposite samples.
Abstract: The work reported through this paper is an
experimental work conducted on High Performance Concrete (HPC)
with super plasticizer with the aim to develop some models suitable
for prediction of compressive strength of HPC mixes. In this study,
the effect of varying proportions of fly ash (0% to 50% @ 10%
increment) on compressive strength of high performance concrete has
been evaluated. The mix designs studied were M30, M40 and M50 to
compare the effect of fly ash addition on the properties of these
concrete mixes. In all eighteen concrete mixes that have been
designed, three were conventional concretes for three grades under
discussion and fifteen were HPC with fly ash with varying
percentages of fly ash. The concrete mix designing has been done in
accordance with Indian standard recommended guidelines. All the
concrete mixes have been studied in terms of compressive strength at
7 days, 28 days, 90 days, and 365 days. All the materials used have
been kept same throughout the study to get a perfect comparison of
values of results. The models for compressive strength prediction
have been developed using Linear Regression method (LR), Artificial
Neural Network (ANN) and Leave-One-Out Validation (LOOV)
methods.
Abstract: The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of Pd/n-GaN Schottky barrier were studied at temperatures over room temperature (300-470K). The values of ideality factor (n), zero-bias barrier height (φB0), flat barrier height (φBF) and series resistance (Rs) obtained from I-V-T measurements were found to be strongly temperature dependent while (φBo) increase, (n), (φBF) and (Rs) decrease with increasing temperature. The apparent Richardson constant was found to be 2.1x10-9 Acm-2K-2 and mean barrier height of 0.19 eV. After barrier height inhomogeneities correction, by assuming a Gaussian distribution (GD) of the barrier heights, the Richardson constant and the mean barrier height were obtained as 23 Acm-2K-2 and 1.78eV, respectively. The corrected Richardson constant was very closer to theoretical value of 26 Acm-2K-2.
Abstract: Radiative heat transfer in participating medium was
carried out using the finite volume method. The radiative transfer
equations are formulated for absorbing and anisotropically scattering
and emitting medium. The solution strategy is discussed and the
conditions for computational stability are conferred. The equations
have been solved for transient radiative medium and transient
radiation incorporated with transient conduction. Results have been
obtained for irradiation and corresponding heat fluxes for both the
cases. The solutions can be used to conclude incident energy and
surface heat flux. Transient solutions were obtained for a slab of heat
conducting in slab and by thermal radiation. The effect of heat
conduction during the transient phase is to partially equalize the
internal temperature distribution. The solution procedure provides
accurate temperature distributions in these regions. A finite volume
procedure with variable space and time increments is used to solve
the transient radiation equation. The medium in the enclosure
absorbs, emits, and anisotropically scatters radiative energy. The
incident radiations and the radiative heat fluxes are presented in
graphical forms. The phase function anisotropy plays a significant
role in the radiation heat transfer when the boundary condition is
non-symmetric.
Abstract: Students of Higher Education Technical School of
Professional Studies in Novi Sad follow the subject ‘Maintenance of
Electric Power Equipment’ at the Electrotechnical Department. This
paper presents educational plan and program of the subject
Maintenance of Electric Power Equipment. The course deals with the
problems of preventive and investing maintenance of transformer
stations (TS), performing and maintenance of grounding of TS and
pillars, as well as tracing and detection the location of the cables
failure. There is a special elaborated subject concerning the safe work
conditions for the electrician during network maintenance, as well as
the basics of making and keeping technical documentation of the
equipment.
Abstract: Piezoelectric actuator is treated as RC load when it is
modeled electrically. For some piezoelectric actuator applications,
arbitrary voltage is required to actuate. Especially for unidirectional
arbitrary voltage driving like as sine wave, some special inverter with
circuit that can charge and discharge the capacitive energy can be
used. In this case, the difference between power supply level and the
object voltage level for RC load is varied. Because the control gain is
constant, the controlled output is not uniform according to the voltage
difference. In this paper, for charge and discharge circuit for
unidirectional arbitrary voltage driving for piezoelectric actuator, the
controller gain is controlled according to the voltage difference. With
the proposed simple idea, the load voltage can have controlled
smoothly although the voltage difference is varied. The
appropriateness is proved from the simulation of the proposed circuit.