Abstract: In this study we present the effect of elevated
temperatures from 300K to 400K on the electrical properties of
copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) based organic field effect transistors
(OFET). Thin films of organic semiconductor CuPc (40nm) and
semitransparent Al (20nm) were deposited in sequence, by vacuum
evaporation on a glass substrate with previously deposited Ag source
and drain electrodes with a gap of 40 μm. Under resistive mode of
operation, where gate was suspended it was observed that drain
current of this organic field effect transistor (OFET) show an
increase with temperature. While in grounded gate condition metal
(aluminum) – semiconductor (Copper Phthalocyanine) Schottky
junction dominated the output characteristics and device showed
switching effect from low to high conduction states like Zener diode
at higher bias voltages. This threshold voltage for switching effect
has been found to be inversely proportional to temperature and shows
an abrupt decrease after knee temperature of 360K. Change in
dynamic resistance (Rd = dV/dI) with respect to temperature was
observed to be -1%/K.
Abstract: The radius-of-curvature (ROC) defines the degree of
curvature along the centerline of a roadway whereby a travelling
vehicle must follow. Roadway designs must encompass ROC in
mitigating the cost of earthwork associated with construction while
also allowing vehicles to travel at maximum allowable design speeds.
Thus, a road will tend to follow natural topography where possible,
but curvature must also be optimized to permit fast, but safe vehicle
speeds. The more severe the curvature of the road, the slower the
permissible vehicle speed. For route planning, whether for urban
settings, emergency operations, or even parcel delivery, ROC is a
necessary attribute of road arcs for computing travel time.
It is extremely rare for a geo-spatial database to contain ROC. This
paper will present a procedure and mathematical algorithm to
calculate and assign ROC to a segment pair and/or polyline.
Abstract: The Beshar River is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the upstream of the Karun watershed in south of Iran which is affected by point and non point pollutant sources . This study was done in order to evaluate the effects of pollutants activities on the water quality of the Beshar river and its aquatic ecosystems. This river is approximately 190 km in length and situated at the geographical positions of 51° 20´ to 51° 48´ E and 30° 18´ to 30° 52´ N it is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad province in south-west Iran. In this research project, five study stations were selected to examine water pollution in the Beshar River systems. Human activity is now one of the most important factors affecting on hydrology and water quality of the Beshar river. Humans use large amounts of resources to sustain various standards of living, although measures of sustainability are highly variable depending on how sustainability is defined. The Beshar river ecosystems are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to human activities. Therefore, to determine the impact of human activities on the Beshar River, the most important water quality parameters such as pH, dissolve oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), Nitrates (NO3-N) and Phosphates (PO4) were estimated at the five stations. As the results show, the most important pollution index parameters such as BOD5, NO3 and PO4 increase and DO and pH decrease according to human activities (P
Abstract: Nano fibers produced by electrospinning are of industrial and scientific attention due to their special characteristics such as long length, small diameter and high surface area. Applications of electrospun structures in nanotechnology are included tissue scaffolds, fibers for drug delivery, composite reinforcement, chemical sensing, enzyme immobilization, membrane-based filtration, protective clothing, catalysis, solar cells, electronic devices and others. Many polymer and ceramic precursor nano fibers have been successfully electrospun with diameters in the range from 1 nm to several microns. The process is complex so that fiber diameter is influenced by various material, design and operating parameters. The objective of this work is to apply genetic algorithm on the parameters of electrospinning which have the most significant effect on the nano fiber diameter to determine the optimum parameter values before doing experimental set up. Effective factors including initial polymer concentration, initial jet radius, electrical potential, relaxation time, initial elongation, viscosity and distance between nozzle and collector are considered to determine finest diameter which is selected by user.
Abstract: The research was designed to examine the relationship
between the development of muscle fatigue and the effect it has on
sport performance, specifically during maximal voluntary
contraction. This kind of this investigation using simultaneous
electrophysiological and mechanical recordings, based on advanced
mathematical processing, allows us to get parameters, and indexes in
a short time, and finally, the mapping to use for the thorough
investigation of the muscle contraction force, respectively the
phenomenon of local muscle fatigue, both for athletes and other
subjects.
Abstract: Generalization is one of the most challenging issues
of Learning Classifier Systems. This feature depends on the
representation method which the system used. Considering the
proposed representation schemes for Learning Classifier System, it
can be concluded that many of them are designed to describe the
shape of the region which the environmental states belong and the
other relations of the environmental state with that region was
ignored. In this paper, we propose a new representation scheme
which is designed to show various relationships between the
environmental state and the region that is specified with a particular
classifier.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a new
three-dimensional proportional-pursuit coupled (PP) guidance law to
track highly maneuverable aircraft. Utilizing a 3-D polar coordinate frame, the PP guidance law is formed by collecting proportional
navigation guidance in Z-R plane and pursuit guidance in X-Y plane.
Feedback linearization control method to solve the guidance
accelerations is used to implement PP guidance. In order to
compensate the actuator time delay, the time delay compensated
version of PP guidance law (CPP) was derived and proved the
effectiveness of modifying the problem of high acceleration in the final
phase of pursuit guidance and improving the weak robustness of
proportional navigation. The simulation results for intercepting Max G
turn situation show that the proposed proportional-pursuit coupled
guidance law guidance law with actuator delay compensation (CPP)
possesses satisfactory robustness and performance.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to reveal the principles, which have the highest impact on determining the Strategic Quality Management (SQM) implementation perceptions of managers. In order to accomplish this goal, first of all, a factor analysis is conducted on the attitudes of managers at 80 large-scale firms in Turkey for SQM principles. Secondly, utilizing t tests and discriminant analysis, the most effective items are determined. The results show that “process improvement" and “assessment of competitiveness" are the management principles, which have the highest impact on determining the SQM implementation perceptions of Turkish managers.
Abstract: In this paper we introduced new wavelet based algorithm for speckle reduction of synthetic aperture radar images, which uses combination of undecimated wavelet transformation, wiener filter (which is an adaptive filter) and mean filter. Further more instead of using existing thresholding techniques such as sure shrinkage, Bayesian shrinkage, universal thresholding, normal thresholding, visu thresholding, soft and hard thresholding, we use brute force thresholding, which iteratively run the whole algorithm for each possible candidate value of threshold and saves each result in array and finally selects the value for threshold that gives best possible results. That is why it is slow as compared to existing thresholding techniques but gives best results under the given algorithm for speckle reduction.
Abstract: Schools today face ever-increasing demands in their attempts to ensure that students are well equipped to enter the workforce and navigate a complex world. Research indicates that computer technology can help support learning, implementation of various experiments or learning games, and that it is especially useful in developing the higher-order skills of critical thinking, observation, comprehension, implementation, comparison, analysis and active attention to activities such as research, field work, simulations and scientific inquiry. The ICT in education supports the learning procedure by enabling it to be more flexible and effective, create a rich and attractive training environment and equip the students with knowledge and potential useful for the competitive social environment in which they live. This paper presents the design, the development, and the results of the evaluation analysis of an interactive educational game which using real electric vehicles - toys (material) on a toy race track. When the game starts each student selects a specific vehicle toy. Then students are answering questionnaires in the computer. The vehicles' speed is related to the percentage of right answers in a multiple choice questionnaire (software). Every question has its own significant value depending of the different level of questionnaire. Via the developed software, each right or wrong answers in questionnaire increase or decrease the real time speed of their vehicle toys. Moreover the rate of vehicle's speed increase or decrease depends on the difficulty level of each question. The aim of the work is to attract the student’s interest in a learning process and also to improve their scores. The developed real time game was tested using independent populations of students of age groups: 8-10, 11-14, 15-18 years. Standard educational and statistical analysis tools were used for the evaluation analysis of the game. Results reveal that students using the developed real time control game scored much higher (60%) than students using a traditional simulation game on the same questionnaire. Results further indicate that student's interest in repeating the developed real time control gaming was far higher (70%) than the interest of students using a traditional simulation game.
Abstract: The migration of a deformable drop in simple shear
flow at finite Reynolds numbers is investigated numerically by
solving the full Navier-Stokes equations using a finite
difference/front tracking method. The objectives of this study are to
examine the effectiveness of the present approach to predict the
migration of a drop in a shear flow and to investigate the behavior of
the drop migration with different drop sizes and non-unity viscosity
ratios. It is shown that the drop deformation depends strongly on the
capillary number, so that; the proper non-dimensional number for the
interfacial tension is the capillary number. The rate of migration
increased with increasing the drop radius. In other words, the
required time for drop migration to the centreline decreases. As the
viscosity ratio increases, the drop rotates more slowly and the
lubrication force becomes stronger. The increased lubrication force
makes it easier for the drop to migrate to the centre of the channel.
The migration velocity of the drop vanishes as the drop reaches the
centreline under viscosity ratio of one and non-unity viscosity ratios.
To validate the present calculations, some typical results are
compared with available experimental and theoretical data.
Abstract: Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is an essential tool before an information system project implementation. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) projects definitely require the standardization and fixation of business processes from customer order to shipment. Therefore, ERP implementations are well proven to be coupled with BPR, although the extend and timing of BPR with respect to ERP implementation differ. This study aims at analyzing the effects of BPR on ERP implementation success. Basing on two Turkish ERP implementations in pharmaceutical sector, a comparative study is performed. One of the ERP implementations took place after a BPR implementation, whereas the other implementation was without a prior BPR application. Both implementations have been realized with the same consultant team, the case with prior BPR implementation going live first. The results of the case study reveal that if business processes are not optimized and improved before an ERP implementation, ERP live system would face with disharmony problems of processes and processes automated by ERP. This suggests a definite precedence relationship between BPR and ERP applications
Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study on dry and wet grinding through experimental investigation in the grinding of CSM glass fibre reinforced polymer laminates using a pink aluminium oxide wheel. Different sets of experiments were performed to study the effects of the independent grinding parameters such as grinding wheel speed, feed and depth of cut on dependent performance criteria such as cutting forces and surface finish. Experimental conditions were laid out using design of experiment central composite design. An effective coolant was sought in this study to minimise cutting forces and surface roughness for GFRP laminates grinding. Test results showed that the use of coolants reduces surface roughness, although not necessarily the cutting forces. These research findings provide useful economic machining solution in terms of optimized grinding conditions for grinding CSM GFRP.
Abstract: Ants are fascinating creatures that demonstrate the
ability to find food and bring it back to their nest. Their ability as a
colony, to find paths to food sources has inspired the development of
algorithms known as Ant Colony Systems (ACS). The principle of
cooperation forms the backbone of such algorithms, commonly used
to find solutions to problems such as the Traveling Salesman
Problem (TSP). Ants communicate to each other through chemical
substances called pheromones. Modeling individual ants- ability to
manipulate this substance can help an ACS find the best solution.
This paper introduces a Dynamic Ant Colony System with threelevel
updates (DACS3) that enhance an existing ACS. Experiments
were conducted to observe single ant behavior in a colony of
Malaysian House Red Ants. Such behavior was incorporated into the
DACS3 algorithm. We benchmark the performance of DACS3 versus
DACS on TSP instances ranging from 14 to 100 cities. The result
shows that the DACS3 algorithm can achieve shorter distance in
most cases and also performs considerably faster than DACS.
Abstract: The aim of this study the analysis of Turkic culture and their influence on personality. We also discussed the role of history in Turkic folk development. Thereby cultural and anthropological context of ancient Turkic sources reveal concept of the "person". In the article have been analyzed ethnical, cultural, ethnical philosophical content of the world conception of the ancient Turks.
Abstract: In Egypt, the concept of Asset Management (AM) is
new; however, the need for applying it has become crucial because
deteriorating or losing an asset is unaffordable in a developing
country like Egypt. Therefore the current study focuses on
educational buildings as one of the most important assets regarding
planning, building, operating and maintenance expenditures. The
main objective of this study is to develop a SAMF for educational
buildings in Egypt. The General Authority for Educational Buildings
(GAEB) was chosen as a case study of the current research as it
represents the biggest governmental organization responsible for
planning, operating and maintaining schools in Egypt. To achieve the
research objective, structured interviews were conducted with senior
managers of GAEB using a pre designed questionnaire to explore the
current practice of AM. Gab analysis technique was applied against
best practices compounded from a vast literature review to identify
gaps between current practices and the desired one. The previous
steps mainly revealed; limited knowledge about strategic asset
management, no clear goals, no training, no real risk plan and lack of
data, technical and financial resources. Based on the findings, a
SAMF for GAEB was introduced and Framework implementation
steps and assessment techniques were explained in detail.
Abstract: Studies were carried out on the comparative study of the production of Avicelase enzyme using sugarcane bagasse-SCB in two different statuses (i.e. treated and untreated SCB) by thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus at 50ºC. Only four thermophilic bacterial isolates were isolated and assayed for Avicelase production using UntSCB and TSCB. Only one isolate selected as most potent and identified as G. stearothermophilus used in this study. A specific endo-β-1,4-D-glucanase (Avicelase EC 3.2.1.91) was partially purified from a thermophilic bacterial strain was isolated from different soil samples when grown on cellulose enrichment SCB substrate as the sole carbon source. Results shown that G. stearothermophilus was the better Avicelase producer strain. Avicelase had an optimum pH and temperature 7.0 and 50ºC for both UntSCB and TSCB and exhibited good pH stability between "5-8" and "4-9", however, good temperature stability between (30-80ºC) for UntSCB and TSCB, respectively. Other factors affecting the production of Avicelase were compared (i.e. SCB concentration, inoculum size and different incubation periods), all results observed and obtained were revealed that the TSCB was exhibited maximal enzyme activity in comparison with the results obtained from UntSCB, so, the TSCB was enhancing the Avicelase production.
Abstract: Current advancements in nanotechnology are dependent
on the capabilities that can enable nano-scientists to extend their eyes
and hands into the nano-world. For this purpose, a haptics (devices
capable of recreating tactile or force sensations) based system for
AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) is proposed. The system enables
the nano-scientists to touch and feel the sample surfaces, viewed
through AFM, in order to provide them with better understanding of
the physical properties of the surface, such as roughness, stiffness and
shape of molecular architecture. At this stage, the proposed work uses
of ine images produced using AFM and perform image analysis to
create virtual surfaces suitable for haptics force analysis. The research
work is in the process of extension from of ine to online process
where interaction will be done directly on the material surface for
realistic analysis.
Abstract: This paper presents a case study that uses processoriented
simulation to identify bottlenecks in the service delivery
system in an emergency department of a hospital in the United Arab
Emirates. Using results of the simulation, response surface models
were developed to explain patient waiting time and the total time
patients spend in the hospital system. Results of the study could be
used as a service improvement tool to help hospital management in
improving patient throughput and service quality in the hospital
system.
Abstract: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of
automatic transmission that can change the gear ratio to any arbitrary
setting within the limits. The most common type of CVT operates on
a pulley system that allows an infinite variability between highest and
lowest gears with no discrete steps. However, the current CVT
system with hydraulic actuation method suffers from the power loss.
It needs continuous force for the pulley to clamp the belt and hold the
torque resulting in large amount of energy consumption. This study
focused on the development of an electromechanical actuated control
CVT to eliminate the problem that faced by the existing CVT. It is
conducted with several steps; computing and selecting the
appropriate sizing for stroke length, lead screw system and etc. From
the visual observation it was found that the CVT system of this
research is satisfactory.