Abstract: This paper reports the results of an experimental work
conducted to investigate the effect of curing conditions on the
compressive strength of self-compacting geopolymer concrete
prepared by using fly ash as base material and combination of sodium
hydroxide and sodium silicate as alkaline activator. The experiments
were conducted by varying the curing time and curing temperature in
the range of 24-96 hours and 60-90°C respectively. The essential
workability properties of freshly prepared Self-compacting
Geopolymer concrete such as filling ability, passing ability and
segregation resistance were evaluated by using Slump flow,
V-funnel, L-box and J-ring test methods. The fundamental
requirements of high flowability and resistance to segregation as
specified by guidelines on Self-compacting Concrete by EFNARC
were satisfied. Test results indicate that longer curing time and curing
the concrete specimens at higher temperatures result in higher
compressive strength. There was increase in compressive strength
with the increase in curing time; however increase in compressive
strength after 48 hours was not significant. Concrete specimens cured
at 70°C produced the highest compressive strength as compared to
specimens cured at 60°C, 80°C and 90°C.
Abstract: Traffic Density provides an indication of the level of
service being provided to the road users. Hence, there is a need to
study the traffic flow characteristics with specific reference to
density in detail. When the length and speed of the vehicles in a
traffic stream vary significantly, the concept of occupancy, rather
than density, is more appropriate to describe traffic concentration.
When the concept of occupancy is applied to heterogeneous traffic
condition, it is necessary to consider the area of the road space and
the area of the vehicles as the bases. Hence, a new concept named,
'area-occupancy' is proposed here. It has been found that the
estimated area-occupancy gives consistent values irrespective of
change in traffic composition.
Abstract: Position based routing protocols are the kinds of
routing protocols, which they use of nodes location information,
instead of links information to routing. In position based routing
protocols, it supposed that the packet source node has position
information of itself and it's neighbors and packet destination node.
Greedy is a very important position based routing protocol. In one of
it's kinds, named MFR (Most Forward Within Radius), source node
or packet forwarder node, sends packet to one of it's neighbors with
most forward progress towards destination node (closest neighbor to
destination). Using distance deciding metric in Greedy to forward
packet to a neighbor node, is not suitable for all conditions. If closest
neighbor to destination node, has high speed, in comparison with
source node or intermediate packet forwarder node speed or has very
low remained battery power, then packet loss probability is
increased. Proposed strategy uses combination of metrics distancevelocity
similarity-power, to deciding about giving the packet to
which neighbor. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy
has lower lost packets average than Greedy, so it has more reliability.
Abstract: Attitude control of aerospace system with liquid containers may face to a problem associate with fuel sloshing. The sloshing phenomena can degrade the stability of control system and in the worst case, interaction between the attitude control system and fuel vibration leading to resonance. In this paper, a full process of nonlinear dynamic modeling of an aerospace launch vehicle with fuel sloshing is given. Then, a new control system based on model reference adaptive filter is proposed and its algorithm is extracted. This controller implemented on the main attitude control system. Finally, numerical simulation of nonlinear model and control system is carried out to examine the performance of the new controller. Results of simulations show that the inconvenient effects of the fuel sloshing by augmenting this control system are reduced and attitude control system performs, satisfactorily.
Abstract: This work relates the development of an optical fiber
(OF) sensor for the detection and quantification of single walled
carbon nanotubes in aqueous solutions. The developed OF displays a
compact design, it requires less expensive materials and equipment
as well as low volume of sample (0.2 mL). This methodology was
also validated by the comparison of its analytical performance with
that of a standard methodology based on ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy. The developed OF sensor follows the general SDS
calibration proposed for OF sensors as a more suitable calibration
fitting compared with classical calibrations.
Abstract: Dorsal hand vein pattern is an emerging biometric which is attracting the attention of researchers, of late. Research is being carried out on existing techniques in the hope of improving them or finding more efficient ones. In this work, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) , which is a successful method, originally applied on face biometric is being modified using Cholesky decomposition and Lanczos algorithm to extract the dorsal hand vein features. This modified technique decreases the number of computation and hence decreases the processing time. The eigenveins were successfully computed and projected onto the vein space. The system was tested on a database of 200 images and using a threshold value of 0.9 to obtain the False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate (FRR). This modified algorithm is desirable when developing biometric security system since it significantly decreases the matching time.
Abstract: In the present work, we propose a new projection method for solving the matrix equation AXB = F. For implementing our new method, generalized forms of block Krylov subspace and global Arnoldi process are presented. The new method can be considered as an extended form of the well-known global generalized minimum residual (Gl-GMRES) method for solving multiple linear systems and it will be called as the extended Gl-GMRES (EGl- GMRES). Some new theoretical results have been established for proposed method by employing Schur complement. Finally, some numerical results are given to illustrate the efficiency of our new method.
Abstract: This paper presents the result of three senior capstone
projects at the Department of Computer Engineering, Prince of
Songkla University, Thailand. These projects focus on developing an
examination management system for the Faculty of Engineering in
order to manage the examination both the examination room
assignments and the examination proctor assignments in each room.
The current version of the software is a web-based application. The
developed software allows the examination proctors to select their
scheduled time online while each subject is assigned to each available
examination room according to its type and the room capacity. The
developed system is evaluated using real data by prospective users of
the system. Several suggestions for further improvements are given
by the testers. Even though the features of the developed software are
not superior, the developing process can be a case study for a projectbased
teaching style. Furthermore, the process of developing this
software can show several issues in developing an educational
support application.
Abstract: Modeling of a manufacturing system enables one to
identify the effects of key design parameters on the system performance and as a result to make correct decision. This paper
proposes a manufacturing system modeling approach using a spreadsheet model based on queuing network theory, in which a
static capacity planning model and stochastic queuing model are integrated. The model was used to improve the existing system utilization in relation to product design. The model incorporates few
parameters such as utilization, cycle time, throughput, and batch size.
The study also showed that the validity of developed model is good enough to apply and the maximum value of relative error is 10%, far
below the limit value 32%. Therefore, the model developed in this
study is a valuable alternative model in evaluating a manufacturing system
Abstract: We succeeded to produce a high performance and flexible graphene/Manganese dioxide (G/MnO2) electrode coated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The graphene film is initially synthesized by drop-casting the graphene oxide (GO) solution on the PET substrate, followed by simultaneous reduction and patterning of the dried film using carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam with power of 1.8 W. Potentiostatic Anodic Deposition method was used to deposit thin film of MnO2 with different loading mass 10 – 50 and 100 μg.cm-2 on the pre-prepared graphene film. The electrodes were fully characterized in terms of structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance. A maximum specific capacitance of 973 F.g-1 was attributed when depositing 50μg.cm-2 MnO2 on the laser reduced graphene oxide rGO (or G/50MnO2) and over 92% of its initial capacitance was retained after 1000 cycles. The good electrochemical performance and long-term cycling stability make our proposed approach a promising candidate in the supercapacitor applications.
Abstract: This paper provides a framework in order to
incorporate reliability issue as a sign of disruption in distribution
systems and partial covering theory as a response to limitation in
coverage radios and economical preferences, simultaneously into the
traditional literatures of capacitated facility location problems. As a
result we develop a bi-objective model based on the discrete
scenarios for expected cost minimization and demands coverage
maximization through a three echelon supply chain network by
facilitating multi-capacity levels for provider side layers and
imposing gradual coverage function for distribution centers (DCs).
Additionally, in spite of objectives aggregation for solving the model
through LINGO software, a branch of LP-Metric method called Min-
Max approach is proposed and different aspects of corresponds
model will be explored.
Abstract: In the open space of decision support system the
mental impression of a manager-s decision has been the subject of
large importance than the ordinary famous one, when helped by
decision support system. Much of this study is an attempt to realize
the relation of decision support system usage and decision outcomes
that governs the system. For example, several researchers have
proposed so many different models to analyze the linkage between
decision support system processes and results of decision making.
This study draws the important relation of manager-s mental
approach with the use of decision support system. The findings of
this paper are theoretical attempts to provide Decision Support
System (DSS) in a way to exhibit and promote the learning in semi
structured area. The proposed model shows the points of one-s
learning improvements and maintains a theoretical approach in order
to explore the DSS contribution in enhancing the decision forming
and governing the system.
Abstract: Elastic boundary eigensolution problems are converted
into boundary integral equations by potential theory. The kernels of
the boundary integral equations have both the logarithmic and Hilbert
singularity simultaneously. We present the mechanical quadrature
methods for solving eigensolutions of the boundary integral equations
by dealing with two kinds of singularities at the same time. The methods
possess high accuracy O(h3) and low computing complexity. The
convergence and stability are proved based on Anselone-s collective
compact theory. Bases on the asymptotic error expansion with odd
powers, we can greatly improve the accuracy of the approximation,
and also derive a posteriori error estimate which can be used for
constructing self-adaptive algorithms. The efficiency of the algorithms
are illustrated by numerical examples.
Abstract: The relationship between tropical cyclogenesis and solar activity is addressed in this paper, analyzing the relationship between important parameters in the evolution of tropical cyclones as the CAPE, wind shear and relative vorticity, and the Dst geomagnetic index as a parameter of solar activity. The apparent relationship between all this phenomena has a different response depending on the phase of the solar cycles.
Abstract: This paper explains how mobile learning assures sustainable e-education for multicultural group of students. This paper reports the impact of mobile learning on distance education in multicultural environment. The emergence of learning technologies through CD, internet, and mobile is increasingly adopted by distance institutes for quick delivery and cost-effective purposes. Their sustainability is conditioned by the structure of learners as well as the teaching community. The experimental study was conducted among the distant learners of Vinayaka Missions University located at Salem in India. Students were drawn from multicultural environment based on different languages, religions, class and communities. During the mobile learning sessions, the students, who are divided on language, religion, class and community, were dominated by play impulse rather than study anxiety or cultural inhibitions. This study confirmed that mobile learning improved the performance of the students despite their division based on region, language or culture. In other words, technology was able to transcend the relative deprivation in the multicultural groups. It also confirms sustainable e-education through mobile learning and cost-effective system of instruction. Mobile learning appropriates the self-motivation and play impulse of the young learners in providing sustainable e-education to multicultural social groups of students.
Abstract: Experiments have been carried out at the Latvia
University of Agriculture Department of Food Technology. The aim
of this work was to assess the effect of thermal treatment in flexible
retort pouch packaging on the quality of potatoes’ produce during the
storage time. Samples were evaluated immediately after retort
thermal treatment; and following 1; 2; 3 and 4 storage months at the
ambient temperature of +18±2ºC in vacuum packaging from
polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) and aluminum/polyethylene
(Al/PE) film pouches with barrier properties. Experimentally the
quality of the potatoes’ produce in dry butter and mushroom
dressings was characterized by measuring pH, hardness, color,
microbiological properties and sensory evaluation. The sterilization
was effective in protecting the produce from physical, chemical, and
microbial quality degradation. According to the study of obtained
data, it can be argued that the selected product processing technology
and packaging materials could be applied to provide the safety and
security during four-month storage period.
Abstract: This article is an extension and a practical application
approach of Wheeler-s NEBIC theory (Net Enabled Business
Innovation Cycle). NEBIC theory is a new approach in IS research
and can be used for dynamic environment related to new technology.
Firms can follow the market changes rapidly with support of the IT
resources. Flexible firms adapt their market strategies, and respond
more quickly to customers changing behaviors. When every leading
firm in an industry has access to the same IT resources, the way that
these IT resources are managed will determine the competitive
advantages or disadvantages of firm. From Dynamic Capabilities
Perspective and from newly introduced NEBIC theory by Wheeler,
we know that only IT resources cannot deliver customer value but
good configuration of those resources can guarantee customer value
by choosing the right emerging technology, grasping the right
economic opportunities through business innovation and growth. We
found evidences in literature that SOA (Service Oriented
Architecture) is a promising emerging technology which can deliver
the desired economic opportunity through modularity, flexibility and
loose-coupling. SOA can also help firms to connect in network which
can open a new window of opportunity to collaborate in innovation
and right kind of outsourcing. There are many articles and research
reports indicates that failure rate in outsourcing is very high but at the
same time research indicates that successful outsourcing projects
adds tangible and intangible benefits to the service consumer.
Business executives and policy makers in the west should not afraid
of outsourcing but they should choose the right strategy through the
use of emerging technology to significantly reduce the failure rate in
outsourcing.
Abstract: This work presents an approach for the construction of a hybrid color-texture space by using mutual information. Feature extraction is done by the Laws filter with SVM (Support Vectors Machine) as a classifier. The classification is applied on the VisTex database and a SPOT HRV (XS) image representing two forest areas in the region of Rabat in Morocco. The result of classification obtained in the hybrid space is compared with the one obtained in the RGB color space.
Abstract: With optimized bandwidth and latency discrepancy ratios, Node Gain Scores (NGSs) are determined and used as a basis for shaping the max-heap overlay. The NGSs - determined as the respective bandwidth-latency-products - govern the construction of max-heap-form overlays. Each NGS is earned as a synergy of discrepancy ratio of the bandwidth requested with respect to the estimated available bandwidth, and latency discrepancy ratio between the nodes and the source node. The tree leads to enhanceddelivery overlay multicasting – increasing packet delivery which could, otherwise, be hindered by induced packet loss occurring in other schemes not considering the synergy of these parameters on placing the nodes on the overlays. The NGS is a function of four main parameters – estimated available bandwidth, Ba; individual node's requested bandwidth, Br; proposed node latency to its prospective parent (Lp); and suggested best latency as advised by source node (Lb). Bandwidth discrepancy ratio (BDR) and latency discrepancy ratio (LDR) carry weights of α and (1,000 - α ) , respectively, with arbitrary chosen α ranging between 0 and 1,000 to ensure that the NGS values, used as node IDs, maintain a good possibility of uniqueness and balance between the most critical factor between the BDR and the LDR. A max-heap-form tree is constructed with assumption that all nodes possess NGS less than the source node. To maintain a sense of load balance, children of each level's siblings are evenly distributed such that a node can not accept a second child, and so on, until all its siblings able to do so, have already acquired the same number of children. That is so logically done from left to right in a conceptual overlay tree. The records of the pair-wise approximate available bandwidths as measured by a pathChirp scheme at individual nodes are maintained. Evaluation measures as compared to other schemes – Bandwidth Aware multicaSt architecturE (BASE), Tree Building Control Protocol (TBCP), and Host Multicast Tree Protocol (HMTP) - have been conducted. This new scheme generally performs better in terms of trade-off between packet delivery ratio; link stress; control overhead; and end-to-end delays.
Abstract: In this work, I present a review on Sparse Distributed
Memory for Small Cues (SDMSCue), a variant of Sparse Distributed
Memory (SDM) that is capable of handling small cues. I then conduct
and show some cognitive experiments on SDMSCue to test its
cognitive soundness compared to SDM. Small cues refer to input
cues that are presented to memory for reading associations; but have
many missing parts or fields from them. The original SDM failed to
handle such a problem. SDMSCue handles and overcomes this
pitfall. The main idea in SDMSCue; is the repeated projection of the
semantic space on smaller subspaces; that are selected based on the
input cue length and pattern. This process allows for Read/Write
operations using an input cue that is missing a large portion.
SDMSCue is augmented with the use of genetic algorithms for
memory allocation and initialization. I claim that SDM functionality
is a subset of SDMSCue functionality.