Abstract: Non-saturated soils that while saturation greatly
decrease their volume, have sudden settlement due to increasing
humidity, fracture and structural crack are called loess soils. Whereas
importance of civil projects including: dams, canals and
constructions bearing this type of soil and thereof problems, it is
required for carrying out more research and study in relation to loess
soils. This research studies shear strength parameters by using
grading test, Atterberg limit, compression, direct shear and
consolidation and then effect of using cement and lime additives on
stability of loess soils is studied. In related tests, lime and cement are
separately added to mixed ratios under different percentages of soil
and for different times the stabilized samples are processed and effect
of aforesaid additives on shear strength parameters of soil is studied.
Results show that upon passing time the effect of additives and
collapsible potential is greatly decreased and upon increasing
percentage of cement and lime the maximum dry density is
decreased; however, optimum humidity is increased. In addition,
liquid limit and plastic index is decreased; however, plastic index
limit is increased. It is to be noted that results of direct shear test
reveal increasing shear strength of soil due to increasing cohesion
parameter and soil friction angle.
Abstract: The aim of this paper to characterize a larger set of
wavelet functions for implementation in a still image compression
system using SPIHT algorithm. This paper discusses important
features of wavelet functions and filters used in sub band coding to
convert image into wavelet coefficients in MATLAB. Image quality
is measured objectively using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and
its variation with bit rate (bpp). The effect of different parameters is
studied on different wavelet functions. Our results provide a good
reference for application designers of wavelet based coder.
Abstract: Baltic competitiveness is quite controversial. In a
situation with the rapid structural changes, economy develops in
balance very rarely - in different fields will always be more rapid
changes in another more stagnation.
Analyzing different economic indices developed by international
organizations the situation in three Baltic countries are described
from a different competitiveness positions highlighting strengths and
weaknesses of each country.
Exploring the openness of the economy, it is possible to observe
certain risks included in the reports describing situation of
competitiveness where government policies competing in the tax
system, the rates of labour market policies, investment environment,
etc. This is a very important factor resulting in competitive
advantage.
Baltic countries are still at a weak position from a technological
perspective, and need to borrow the knowledge and technology from
more developed countries.
Abstract: Within the domain of Systems Engineering the need
to perform property aggregation to understand, analyze and manage
complex systems is unequivocal. This can be seen in numerous
domains such as capability analysis, Mission Essential Competencies
(MEC) and Critical Design Features (CDF). Furthermore, the need
to consider uncertainty propagation as well as the sensitivity of
related properties within such analysis is equally as important when
determining a set of critical properties within such a system.
This paper describes this property breakdown in a number of
domains within Systems Engineering and, within the area of CDFs,
emphasizes the importance of uncertainty analysis. As part of this, a
section of the paper describes possible techniques which may be used
within uncertainty propagation and in conclusion an example is
described utilizing one of the techniques for property and uncertainty
aggregation within an aircraft system to aid the determination of
Critical Design Features.
Abstract: Power cables are vulnerable to failure due to aging or
defects that occur with the passage of time under continuous
operation and loading stresses. PD detection and characterization
provide information on the location, nature, form and extent of the
degradation. As a result, PD monitoring has become an important
part of condition based maintenance (CBM) program among power
utilities. Online partial discharge (PD) localization of defect sources
in power cable system is possible using the time of flight method.
The information regarding the time difference between the main and
reflected pulses and cable length can help in locating the partial
discharge source along the cable length. However, if the length of
the cable is not known and the defect source is located at the extreme
ends of the cable or in the middle of the cable, then double ended
measurement is required to indicate the location of PD source. Use of
multiple sensors can also help in discriminating the cable PD or local/
external PD. This paper presents the experience and results from
online partial discharge measurements conducted in the laboratory
and the challenges in partial discharge source localization.
Abstract: In this study, effects of premixed and equivalence
ratios on CO and HC emissions of a dual fuel HCCI engine are
investigated. Tests were conducted on a single-cylinder engine with
compression ratio of 17.5. Premixed gasoline is provided by a
carburetor connected to intake manifold and equipped with a screw
to adjust premixed air-fuel ratio, and diesel fuel is injected directly
into the cylinder through an injector at pressure of 250 bars. A heater
placed at inlet manifold is used to control the intake charge
temperature. Optimal intake charge temperature results in better
HCCI combustion due to formation of a homogeneous mixture,
therefore, all tests were carried out over the optimum intake
temperature of 110-115 ºC. Timing of diesel fuel injection has a great
effect on stratification of in-cylinder charge and plays an important
role in HCCI combustion phasing. Experiments indicated 35 BTDC
as the optimum injection timing. Varying the coolant temperature in
a range of 40 to 70 ºC, better HCCI combustion was achieved at 50
ºC. Therefore, coolant temperature was maintained 50 ºC during all
tests. Simultaneous investigation of effective parameters on HCCI
combustion was conducted to determine optimum parameters
resulting in fast transition to HCCI combustion. One of the
advantages of the method studied in this study is feasibility of easy
and fast transition of typical diesel engine to a dual fuel HCCI
engine. Results show that increasing premixed ratio, while keeping
EGR rate constant, increases unburned hydrocarbon (UHC)
emissions due to quenching phenomena and trapping of premixed
fuel in crevices, but CO emission decreases due to increase in CO to
CO2 reactions.
Abstract: In first stage of each microwave receiver there is Low
Noise Amplifier (LNA) circuit, and this stage has important rule in
quality factor of the receiver. The design of a LNA in Radio
Frequency (RF) circuit requires the trade-off many importance
characteristics such as gain, Noise Figure (NF), stability, power
consumption and complexity. This situation Forces desingners to
make choices in the desing of RF circuits. In this paper the aim is to
design and simulate a single stage LNA circuit with high gain and
low noise using MESFET for frequency range of 5 GHz to 6 GHz.
The desing simulation process is down using Advance Design
System (ADS). A single stage LNA has successfully designed with
15.83 dB forward gain and 1.26 dB noise figure in frequency of 5.3
GHz. Also the designed LNA should be working stably In a
frequency range of 5 GHz to 6 GHz.
Abstract: Mobile learning (m-learning) is a new method in teaching and learning process which combines technology of mobile device with learning materials. It can enhance student's engagement in learning activities and facilitate them to access the learning materials at anytime and anywhere. In Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM), this method is seen as an important effort in teaching practice and to improve student learning performance. The aim of this paper is to discuss the development of m-learning application called Mobile EEF Learning System (MEEFLS) to be implemented for Electric and Electronic Fundamentals course using Flash, XML (Extensible Markup Language) and J2ME (Java 2 micro edition). System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) was used as an application development approach. It has three modules in this application such as notes or course material, exercises and video. MEELFS development is seen as a tool or a pilot test for m-learning in KPTM.
Abstract: Happening of Ferroresonance phenomenon is one of the reasons of consuming and ruining transformers, so recognition of Ferroresonance phenomenon has a special importance. A novel method for classification of Ferroresonance presented in this paper. Using this method Ferroresonance can be discriminate from other transients such as capacitor switching, load switching, transformer switching. Wavelet transform is used for decomposition of signals and Competitive Neural Network used for classification. Ferroresonance data and other transients was obtained by simulation using EMTP program. Using Daubechies wavelet transform signals has been decomposed till six levels. The energy of six detailed signals that obtained by wavelet transform are used for training and trailing Competitive Neural Network. Results show that the proposed procedure is efficient in identifying Ferroresonance from other events.
Abstract: Bio-chips are used for experiments on genes and
contain various information such as genes, samples and so on. The
two-dimensional bio-chips, in which one axis represent genes and the
other represent samples, are widely being used these days. Instead of
experimenting with real genes which cost lots of money and much
time to get the results, bio-chips are being used for biological
experiments. And extracting data from the bio-chips with high
accuracy and finding out the patterns or useful information from such
data is very important. Bio-chip analysis systems extract data from
various kinds of bio-chips and mine the data in order to get useful
information. One of the commonly used methods to mine the data is
classification. The algorithm that is used to classify the data can be
various depending on the data types or number characteristics and so
on. Considering that bio-chip data is extremely large, an algorithm that
imitates the ecosystem such as the ant algorithm is suitable to use as an
algorithm for classification. This paper focuses on finding the
classification rules from the bio-chip data using the Ant Colony
algorithm which imitates the ecosystem. The developed system takes
in consideration the accuracy of the discovered rules when it applies it
to the bio-chip data in order to predict the classes.
Abstract: The enormous amount of solid waste generated poses
huge problems in waste management. It is therefore important to
gauge the awareness of the public with regards to waste management.
In this study, an instrument was developed to measure the beliefs,
attitudes and practices about waste management of school children as
an indication of their waste management awareness. This instrument
has showed that a positive awareness towards waste management
refers mainly to attitudes. However it is not easy for people to
practice waste management as a reflection of their awareness.
Abstract: Ventricular fibrillation is a very important health
problem as is the cause of most of the sudden deaths in the world.
Waves of electrical activity are sent by the SA node, propagate
through the cardiac tissue and activate the mechanisms of cell
contraction, and therefore are responsible to pump blood to the body
harmonically. A spiral wave is an abnormal auto sustainable wave
that is responsible of certain types of arrhythmias. When these waves
break up, give rise to the fibrillation regime, in which there is a
complete loss in the coordination of the contraction of the heart
muscle. Interaction of spiral waves and obstacles is also of great
importance as it is believed that the attachment of a spiral wave to an
obstacle can provide with a transition of two different arrhythmias.
An obstacle can be partially excitable or non excitable. In this talk,
we present a numerical study of the interaction of meandering spiral
waves with partially and non excitable obstacles and focus on the
problem where the obstacle plays a fundamental role in the switch
between different spiral regimes, which represent different
arrhythmic regimes. Particularly, we study the phenomenon of
destabilization of spiral waves due to the presence of obstacles, a
phenomenon not completely understood (This work will appear as a
Chapter in a Book named Cardiac Arrhytmias by INTECH under the
name "Spiral Waves, Obstacles and Cardiac Arrhythmias", ISBN
979-953-307-050-5.).
Abstract: A trend in agent community or enterprises is that they are shifting from closed to open architectures composed of a large number of autonomous agents. One of its implications could be that interface agent framework is getting more important in multi-agent system (MAS); so that systems constructed for different application domains could share a common understanding in human computer interface (HCI) methods, as well as human-agent and agent-agent interfaces. However, interface agent framework usually receives less attention than other aspects of MAS. In this paper, we will propose an interface web agent framework which is based on our former project called WAF and a Distributed HCI template. A group of new functionalities and implications will be discussed, such as web agent presentation, off-line agent reference, reconfigurable activation map of agents, etc. Their enabling techniques and current standards (e.g. existing ontological framework) are also suggested and shown by examples from our own implementation in WAF.
Abstract: Technology or lack of it will play an important role in Africa-s effort to achieve inclusive development. Although a key determinant of competitiveness, new technology can exacerbate exclusion of the majority from the mainstream economic activities. To minimise potential technology exclusion while leveraging its critical role in African-s development, requires insight into technology diffusion process. Using system dynamics approach, a technology diffusion model is presented. The frequency of interaction of people exposed to and those not exposed to technology, and the technology adoption rate - the fraction of people who embrace new technologies once they are exposed, are identified as the broad factors critical to technology diffusion to wider society enabling more people to be part of the economic growth process. Based on simulation results, it is recommends that these two broad factors should form part of national policy aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
Abstract: Endemic Artemia franciscana populations can be found throughout the American continent and also as an introduced specie in several country all over the world, such as in the Mediterranean region where Artemia franciscana was identified as an invasive specie replacing native Artemia parthenogenetica and Artemia salina. In the present study, the characterization of the new invasive Artemia franciscana reported from Sabkhet Halk El-Menzel (Tunisia) was done based on the cysts biometry, nauplii instar-I length, Adult sexual dimorphism and fatty acid profile. The mean value of the diameter of non-decapsulated and decapsulated cysts, chorion thickness and naupliar length is 235.8, 226.3, 4.75 and 426.8 μm, respectively. Sexual dimorphism for adults specimen showed that maximal distance between compound eyes, diameter for compound eyes, length of first antenna and the abdomen length compared to the total body length ratio, are the most important variables for males and females discrimination with a total contribution of 62.39 %. The analysis of fatty acid methyl esters profile of decapsulated cysts resulted in low levels of linolenic acid (LLA, C18:3n-3) and high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) with 3.11 and 11.10 %, respectively. Low quantity of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) was also observed with 0.17 mg.g-1 dry weight.
Abstract: This study created new graphical icons and operating
functions in a CAD/CAM software system by analyzing icons in some
of the popular systems, such as AutoCAD, AlphaCAM, Mastercam
and the 1st edition of LiteCAM. These software systems all focused on
geometric design and editing, thus how to transmit messages
intuitively from icon itself to users is an important function of
graphical icons. The primary purpose of this study is to design
innovative icons and commands for new software.
This study employed the TRIZ method, an innovative design
method, to generate new concepts systematically. Through literature
review, it then investigated and analyzed the relationship between
TRIZ and idea development. Contradiction Matrix and 40 Principles
were used to develop an assisting tool suitable for icon design in
software development. We first gathered icon samples from the
selected CAD/CAM systems. Then grouped these icons by
meaningful functions, and compared useful and harmful properties.
Finally, we developed new icons for new software systems in order to
avoid intellectual property problem.
Abstract: Apart from geometry, functionality is one of the most
significant hallmarks of a product. The functionality of a product can
be considered as the fundamental justification for a product
existence. Therefore a functional analysis including a complete and
reliable descriptor has a high potential to improve product
development process in various fields especially in knowledge-based
design. One of the important applications of the functional analysis
and indexing is in retrieval and design reuse concept. More than 75%
of design activity for a new product development contains reusing
earlier and existing design know-how. Thus, analysis and
categorization of product functions concluded by functional
indexing, influences directly in design optimization. This paper
elucidates and evaluates major classes for functional analysis by
discussing their major methods. Moreover it is finalized by
presenting a noble hybrid approach for functional analysis.
Abstract: Sulfide ion (S2-) is one of the most important ions to be
monitored due to its high toxicity, especially for aquatic organisms. In
this work, [Ca(2,2'-bipyridine)3]2+-intercalated montmorillonite was
prepared and used as a sensor to construct a potentiometric electrode to
measure sulfide ion in solution. The formation of [Ca(2,2'-
bipyridine)3]2+ in montmorillonite was confirmed by Fourier Transform
Infrared spectra. The electrode worked well at pH 4-12 and 4-10 in
sulfide solution 10-2 M and 10-3 M, respectively, in terms of Nernstian
slope. The sensor gave good precision and low cost.
Abstract: The evolution of technology and construction techniques has enabled the upgrading of transport networks. In particular, the high-speed rail networks allow convoys to peak at above 300 km/h. These structures, however, often significantly impact the surrounding environment. Among the effects of greater importance are the ones provoked by the soundwave connected to train transit. The wave propagation affects the quality of life in areas surrounding the tracks, often for several hundred metres. There are substantial damages to properties (buildings and land), in terms of market depreciation. The present study, integrating expertise in acoustics, computering and evaluation fields, outlines a useful model to select project paths so as to minimize the noise impact and reduce the causes of possible litigation. It also facilitates the rational selection of initiatives to contain the environmental damage to the already existing railway tracks. The research is developed with reference to the Italian regulatory framework (usually more stringent than European and international standards) and refers to a case study concerning the high speed network in Italy.
Abstract: Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) is the process of extracting previously unknown, hidden and interesting patterns from a huge amount of data stored in databases. Data mining is a stage of the KDD process that aims at selecting and applying a particular data mining algorithm to extract an interesting and useful knowledge. It is highly expected that data mining methods will find interesting patterns according to some measures, from databases. It is of vital importance to define good measures of interestingness that would allow the system to discover only the useful patterns. Measures of interestingness are divided into objective and subjective measures. Objective measures are those that depend only on the structure of a pattern and which can be quantified by using statistical methods. While, subjective measures depend only on the subjectivity and understandability of the user who examine the patterns. These subjective measures are further divided into actionable, unexpected and novel. The key issues that faces data mining community is how to make actions on the basis of discovered knowledge. For a pattern to be actionable, the user subjectivity is captured by providing his/her background knowledge about domain. Here, we consider the actionability of the discovered knowledge as a measure of interestingness and raise important issues which need to be addressed to discover actionable knowledge.