Abstract: The pulp and paper mill effluent is one of the high
polluting effluent amongst the effluents obtained from polluting
industries. All the available methods for treatment of pulp and paper
mill effluent have certain drawbacks. The coagulation is one of the
cheapest process for treatment of various organic effluents. Thus, the
removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and colour of paper mill
effluent is studied using coagulation process. The batch coagulation
process was performed using various coagulants like: aluminium
chloride, poly aluminium chloride and copper sulphate. The initial
pH of the effluent (Coagulation pH) has tremendous effect on COD
and colour removal. Poly aluminium chloride (PAC) as coagulant
reduced COD to 84 % and 92 % of colour was removed at an
optimum pH 5 and coagulant dose of 8 ml l-1. With aluminium
chloride at an optimum pH = 4 and coagulant dose of 5 g l-1, 74 %
COD and 86 % colour removal were observed. The results using
copper sulphate as coagulant (a less commercial coagulant) were
encouraging. At an optimum pH 6 and mass loading of 5 g l-1, 76 %
COD reduction and 78 % colour reduction were obtained. It was also
observed that after addition of coagulant, the pH of the effluent
decreases. The decrease in pH was highest for AlCl3, which was
followed by PAC and CuSO4. Significant amount of COD reductions
was obtained by coagulation process. Since the coagulation process
is the first stage for treatment of effluent and some of the coagulant
cations usually remain in the treated effluents. Thus, cation like
copper may be one of the good catalyst for second stage of treatment
process like wet oxidation. The copper has been found to be good
oxidation catalyst then iron and aluminum.
Abstract: Studies revealing the positive relationship between
trade and income are often criticized with the argument that
“development should mean more than rising incomes". Taking this
argument as a base and utilizing panel data, Davies and Quinlivan [1]
have demonstrated that increases in trade are positively associated
with future increases in social welfare as measured by the Human
Development Index (HDI). The purpose of this study is twofold:
Firstly, utilizing an income based country classification; it is aimed
to investigate whether the positive association between foreign trade
and HDI is valid within all country groups. Secondly, keeping the
same categorization as a base; it is aimed to reveal whether the
positive link between trade and HDI still exists when the income
components of the index are excluded. Employing a panel data
framework of 106 countries, this study reveals that the positive link
between trade and human development is valid only for high and
medium income countries. Moreover, the positive link between trade
and human development diminishes in lower-medium income
countries when only non-income components of the index are taken
into consideration.
Abstract: High voltage generators are being subject to higher
voltage rating and are being designed to operate in harsh conditions.
Stator windings are the main component of generators in which
Electrical, magnetical and thermal stresses remain major failures for
insulation degradation accelerated aging. A large number of
generators failed due to stator winding problems, mainly insulation
deterioration. Insulation degradation assessment plays vital role in the
asset life management. Mostly the stator failure is catastrophic
causing significant damage to the plant. Other than generation loss,
stator failure involves heavy repair or replacement cost. Electro
thermal analysis is the main characteristic for improvement design of
stator slot-s insulation. Dielectric parameters such as insulation
thickness, spacing, material types, geometry of winding and slot are
major design consideration. A very powerful method available to
analyze electro thermal performance is Finite Element Method
(FEM) which is used in this paper. The analysis of various stator coil
and slot configurations are used to design the better dielectric system
to reduce electrical and thermal stresses in order to increase the
power of generator in the same volume of core. This paper describes
the process used to perform classical design and improvement
analysis of stator slot-s insulation.
Abstract: Image compression is one of the most important
applications Digital Image Processing. Advanced medical imaging
requires storage of large quantities of digitized clinical data. Due to
the constrained bandwidth and storage capacity, however, a medical
image must be compressed before transmission and storage. There
are two types of compression methods, lossless and lossy. In Lossless
compression method the original image is retrieved without any
distortion. In lossy compression method, the reconstructed images
contain some distortion. Direct Cosine Transform (DCT) and Fractal
Image Compression (FIC) are types of lossy compression methods.
This work shows that lossy compression methods can be chosen for
medical image compression without significant degradation of the
image quality. In this work DCT and Fractal Compression using
Partitioned Iterated Function Systems (PIFS) are applied on different
modalities of images like CT Scan, Ultrasound, Angiogram, X-ray
and mammogram. Approximately 20 images are considered in each
modality and the average values of compression ratio and Peak
Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) are computed and studied. The quality
of the reconstructed image is arrived by the PSNR values. Based on
the results it can be concluded that the DCT has higher PSNR values
and FIC has higher compression ratio. Hence in medical image
compression, DCT can be used wherever picture quality is preferred
and FIC is used wherever compression of images for storage and
transmission is the priority, without loosing picture quality
diagnostically.
Abstract: Now a days, a significant part of commercial and governmental organisations like museums, cultural organizations, libraries, commercial enterprises, etc. invest intensively in new technologies for image digitization, digital libraries, image archiving and retrieval. Hence image authorization, authentication and security has become prime need. In this paper, we present a semi-fragile watermarking scheme for color images. The method converts the host image into YIQ color space followed by application of orthogonal dual domains of DCT and DWT transforms. The DCT helps to separate relevant from irrelevant image content to generate silent image features. DWT has excellent spatial localisation to help aid in spatial tamper characterisation. Thus image adaptive watermark is generated based of image features which allows the sharp detection of microscopic changes to locate modifications in the image. Further, the scheme utilises the multipurpose watermark consisting of soft authenticator watermark and chrominance watermark. Which has been proved fragile to some predefined processing like intentinal fabrication of the image or forgery and robust to other incidental attacks caused in the communication channel.
Abstract: Today, node-disjoint routing becomes inessential
technique in communication of packets among various nodes in
networks. Meanwhile AODV (Ad Hoc On-demand Multipath
Distance Vector) creates single-path route between a pair of source
and destination nodes. Some researches has done so far to make
multipath node-disjoint routing based on AODV protocol. But
however their overhead and end-to-end delay are relatively high,
while the detail of their code is not available too. This paper proposes
a new approach of multipath node-disjoint routing based on AODV
protocol. Then the algorithm of analytical model is presented. The
extensive results of this algorithm will be presented in the next paper.
Abstract: Researchers have been applying artificial/ computational intelligence (AI/CI) methods to computer games. In this research field, further researchesare required to compare AI/CI methods with respect to each game application. In thispaper, we report our experimental result on the comparison of evolution strategy, genetic algorithm and their hybrids, applied to evolving controller agents for MarioAI. GA revealed its advantage in our experiment, whereas the expected ability of ES in exploiting (fine-tuning) solutions was not clearly observed. The blend crossover operator and the mutation operator of GA might contribute well to explore the vast search space.
Abstract: Several numerical schemes utilizing central difference
approximations have been developed to solve the Goursat problem.
However, in a recent years compact discretization methods which
leads to high-order finite difference schemes have been used since it
is capable of achieving better accuracy as well as preserving certain
features of the equation e.g. linearity. The basic idea of the new
scheme is to find the compact approximations to the derivative terms
by differentiating centrally the governing equations. Our primary
interest is to study the performance of the new scheme when applied
to two Goursat partial differential equations against the traditional
finite difference scheme.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study the factors
that influenced the success of mobile phone entrepreneurs at Central
Plaza. The sample group included 187 entrepreneurs at Central Plaza.
A questionnaire was utilized as a tool to collect data. Statistics used
in this research included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard
deviation. Independent- sample t- test, one way ANOVA, and
multiple regression analysis. Data were analyzed by using Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences.The findings disclosed that the
majority of respondents were male between 25-40 years old, and held
an undergraduate degree. The average income of respondents was
between 15,001-25,000 baht. The majority of respondents had less
than 5 years of working experience.
In terms of personality, the findings revealed that expression and
agreement were ranked at the highest level. Whereas, emotion
stability, consciousness, open to new experience were ranked at high.
From the hypotheses testing, the findings revealed that different
genders had different success in their mobile phone business with
different income from the last 6 months. However, difference in age,
income, level of education, and experience affected the success in
terms of income, number of customers, and overall success of
business. Moreover, the factors of personalities included expression,
agreement, emotion stability, consciousness, open to new experience,
and competitive strategy. From the findings, these factors were able
to predict mobile phone business success at 66.9 percent.
Abstract: Application of Expert System in the area of agriculture would take the form of Integrated Crop Management decision aids and would encompass water management, fertilizer management, crop protection systems and identification of implements. In order to remain competitive, the modern farmer often relies on agricultural specialists and advisors to provide information for decision-making. An expert system normally composed of a knowledge base (information, heuristics, etc.), inference engine (analyzes knowledge base), and end user interface (accepting inputs, generating outputs). Software named 'CROP-9-DSS' incorporating all modern features like, graphics, photos, video clippings etc. has been developed. This package will aid as a decision support system for identification of pest and diseases with control measures, fertilizer recommendation system, water management system and identification of farm implements for leading crops of Kerala (India) namely Coconut, Rice, Cashew, Pepper, Banana, four vegetables like Amaranthus, Bhindi, Brinjal and Cucurbits. 'CROP-9-DSS' will act as an expert system to agricultural officers, scientists in the field of agriculture and extension workers for decision-making and help them in suggesting suitable recommendations.
Abstract: In this paper, we introduce an effective strategy for
subgoal division and ordering based upon recursive subgoals and
combine this strategy with a genetic-based planning approach. This
strategy can be applied to domains with conjunctive goals. The main
idea is to recursively decompose a goal into a set of serializable
subgoals and to specify a strict ordering among the subgoals.
Empirical results show that the recursive subgoal strategy reduces the
size of the search space and improves the quality of solutions to
planning problems.
Abstract: A mathematical model based on a mass and energy
balance for the combustion in a cement rotary kiln was developed.
The model was used to investigate the impact of replacing about
45 % of the primary coal energy by different alternative fuels.
Refuse derived fuel, waste wood, solid hazardous waste and liquid
hazardous waste were used in the modeling. The results showed that
in order to keep the kiln temperature unchanged, and thereby
maintain the required clinker quality, the production capacity had to
be reduced by 1-15 %, depending on the fuel type. The reason for the
reduction is increased exhaust gas flow rates caused by the fuel
characteristics. The model, which has been successfully validated in a
full-scale experiment, was also used to show that the negative impact
on the production capacity can be avoided if a relatively small part of
the combustion air is replaced by pure oxygen.
Abstract: A strategy is implemented to find the improved configuration design of an existing aircraft structure by executing topology and shape optimizations. Structural analysis of the Initial Design Space is performed in ANSYS under the loads pertinent to operating and ground conditions. By using the FEA results and data, an initial optimized layout configuration is attained by exploiting nonparametric topology optimization in TOSCA software. Topological optimized surfaces are then smoothened and imported in ANSYS to develop the geometrical features. Nodes at the critical locations of resulting voids are selected for sketching rough profiles. Rough profiles are further refined and CAD feasible geometric features are generated. The modified model is then analyzed under the same loadings and constraints as defined for topology optimization. Shape at the peak stress concentration areas are further optimized by exploiting the shape optimization in TOSCA.shape module. The harmonized stressed model with the modified surfaces is then imported in CATIA to develop the final design.
Abstract: Defense and Aerospace environment is continuously
striving to keep up with increasingly sophisticated Information
Technology (IT) in order to remain effective in today-s dynamic and
unpredictable threat environment. This makes IT one of the largest
and fastest growing expenses of Defense. Hundreds of millions of
dollars spent a year on IT projects. But, too many of those millions
are wasted on costly mistakes. Systems that do not work properly,
new components that are not compatible with old ones, trendy new
applications that do not really satisfy defense needs or lost through
poorly managed contracts.
This paper investigates and compiles the effective strategies that
aim to end exasperation with low returns and high cost of
Information Technology acquisition for defense; it tries to show how
to maximize value while reducing time and expenditure.
Abstract: We have studied the migration of a charged permeable aggregate in electrolyte under the influence of an axial electric field and pressure gradient. The migration of the positively charged aggregate leads to a deformation of the anionic cloud around it. The hydrodynamics of the aggregate is governed by the interaction of electroosmotic flow in and around the particle, hydrodynamic friction and electric force experienced by the aggregate. We have computed the non-linear Nernest-Planck equations coupled with the Dracy- Brinkman extended Navier-Stokes equations and Poisson equation for electric field through a finite volume method. The permeability of the aggregate enable the counterion penetration. The penetration of counterions depends on the volume charge density of the aggregate and ionic concentration of electrolytes at a fixed field strength. The retardation effect due to the double layer polarization increases the drag force compared to an uncharged aggregate. Increase in migration sped from the electrophretic velocity of the aggregate produces further asymmetry in charge cloud and reduces the electric body force exerted on the particle. The permeability of the particle have relatively little influence on the electric body force when Double layer is relatively thin. The impact of the key parameters of electrokinetics on the hydrodynamics of the aggregate is analyzed.
Abstract: Land shortage for burials is one of many issues that emerge out of accelerated urban growth in most developing Asian cities, including Kuala Lumpur. Despite actions taken by the federal government and local authorities in addressing this issue, there is no strategic solution being formulated. Apart from making provisions for land to be developed as new cemeteries, the future plan is merely to allocate reserve land to accommodate the increasing demands of burial grounds around the city. This paper examines problems that arise from the traditional practices of Malay funerary as well as an insight to current urban practices in managing Muslim burial spaces around Kuala Lumpur metropolitan region. This paper will also provide some solutions through design approach that can be applied to counter the existing issues.
Abstract: Simulation accuracy by recent dynamic vehicle
simulation multidimensional expression significantly has progressed
and acceptable results not only for passive vehicles but also for
active vehicles normally equipped with advanced electronic
components is also provided. Recently, one of the subjects that has it
been considered, is increasing the safety car in design. Therefore,
many efforts have been done to increase vehicle stability especially
in the turn. One of the most important efforts is adjusting the camber
angle in the car suspension system. Optimum control camber angle in
addition to the vehicle stability is effective in the wheel adhesion on
road, reducing rubber abrasion and acceleration and braking. Since
the increase or decrease in the camber angle impacts on the stability
of vehicles, in this paper, a car suspension system mechanism is
introduced that could be adjust camber angle and the mechanism is
application and also inexpensive. In order to reach this purpose, in
this paper, a passive double wishbone suspension system with
variable camber angle is introduced and then variable camber
mechanism designed and analyzed for study the designed system
performance, this mechanism is modeled in Visual Nastran software
and kinematic analysis is revealed.
Abstract: Rough set theory is a very effective tool to deal with granularity and vagueness in information systems. Covering-based rough set theory is an extension of classical rough set theory. In this paper, firstly we present the characteristics of the reducible element and the minimal description covering-based rough sets through downsets. Then we establish lattices and topological spaces in coveringbased rough sets through down-sets and up-sets. In this way, one can investigate covering-based rough sets from algebraic and topological points of view.
Abstract: The heat storage capacity of concrete in building shells is a major reason for excessively large electricity consumption induced by indoor air conditioning. In this research, the previously developed Smart Temperature Information Material (STIM) is embedded in two groups of exterior wall specimens (the control group contains reinforced concrete exterior walls and the experimental group consists of tiled exterior walls). Long term temperature measurements within the concrete are taken by the embedded STIM. Temperature differences between the control group and the experimental group in walls facing the four cardinal directions (east, west, south, and north) are evaluated. This study aims to provide a basic reference for the design of exterior walls and the selection of heat insulation materials.
Abstract: An accurate optimal design of laminated composite
structures may present considerable difficulties due to the complexity
and multi-modality of the functional design space. The Big Bang
– Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization method is a relatively new
technique and has already proved to be a valuable tool for structural
optimization. In the present study the exceptional efficiency of the
method is demonstrated by an example of the lay-up optimization
of multilayered anisotropic cylinders based on a three-dimensional
elasticity solution. It is shown that, due to its simplicity and speed,
the BB-BC is much more efficient for this class of problems when
compared to the genetic algorithms.