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: This paper introduces a mixed integer programming model to find the optimum development plan for port Anzali. The model minimizes total system costs taking into account both port infrastructure costs and shipping costs. Due to the multipurpose function of the port, the model consists of 1020 decision variables and 2490 constraints. Results of the model determine the optimum number of berths that should be constructed in each period and for each type of cargo. In addition to, the results of sensitivity analysis on port operation quantity provide useful information for managers to choose the best scenario for port planning with the lowest investment risks. Despite all limitations-due to data availability-the model offers a straightforward decision tools to port planners aspiring to achieve optimum port planning steps.
Abstract: The weighting exponent m is called the fuzzifier that
can have influence on the clustering performance of fuzzy c-means
(FCM) and mÎ[1.5,2.5] is suggested by Pal and Bezdek [13]. In this
paper, we will discuss the robust properties of FCM and show that the
parameter m will have influence on the robustness of FCM. According
to our analysis, we find that a large m value will make FCM more
robust to noise and outliers. However, if m is larger than the theoretical
upper bound proposed by Yu et al. [14], the sample mean will become
the unique optimizer. Here, we suggest to implement the FCM
algorithm with mÎ[1.5,4] under the restriction when m is smaller
than the theoretical upper bound.
Abstract: The goal of steganography is to avoid drawing
suspicion to the transmission of a hidden message. If suspicion is
raised, steganography may fail. The success of steganography
depends on the secrecy of the action. If steganography is detected,
the system will fail but data security depends on the robustness of the
applied algorithm. In this paper, we propose a novel plausible
deniability scheme in steganography by using a diversionary message
and encrypt it with a DES-based algorithm. Then, we compress the
secret message and encrypt it by the receiver-s public key along with
the stego key and embed both messages in a carrier using an
embedding algorithm. It will be demonstrated how this method can
support plausible deniability and is robust against steganalysis.
Abstract: This paper reviews the greenhouse gas emissions of prefabrication elements for residential development in Hong Kong. Prefabrication becomes a common practice in residential development in Hong Kong and is considered as a green approach. In Hong Kong, prefabrication took place at factories in Pearl River Delta. Although prefabrication reduces construction wastage, it might generate more greenhouse gas emission from transportation and manufacturing processes. This study attempts to measure the “cradle to site" greenhouse gas emission from prefabrication elements for a public housing development in Kai Tak area. The findings could help further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through process improvement.
Abstract: This study deals with a multi-criteria optimization
problem which has been transformed into a single objective
optimization problem using Response Surface Methodology (RSM),
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Grey Relational Analyses
(GRA) approach. Grey-RSM and Grey-ANN are hybrid techniques
which can be used for solving multi-criteria optimization problem.
There have been two main purposes of this research as follows.
1. To determine optimum and robust fiber dyeing process
conditions by using RSM and ANN based on GRA,
2. To obtain the best suitable model by comparing models
developed by different methodologies.
The design variables for fiber dyeing process in textile are
temperature, time, softener, anti-static, material quantity, pH,
retarder, and dispergator. The quality characteristics to be evaluated
are nominal color consistency of fiber, maximum strength of fiber,
minimum color of dyeing solution. GRA-RSM with exact level
value, GRA-RSM with interval level value and GRA-ANN models
were compared based on GRA output value and MSE (Mean Square
Error) performance measurement of outputs with each other. As a
result, GRA-ANN with interval value model seems to be suitable
reducing the variation of dyeing process for GRA output value of the
model.
Abstract: Contrary to negative emotion regulation, coping with
positive moods have received less attention in adolescent adjustment.
However, some research has found that everyone is different on
dealing with their positive emotions, which affects their adaptation
and well-being. The purpose of the present study was to investigate
the relationship between positive emotions dampening and
internalizing behavior problems of adolescent in Taiwan. A survey
was conducted and 208 students (12 to14 years old) completed the
strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), the Affect Intensity
Measure, and the positive emotions dampening scale. Analysis
methods such as descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlations and
multiple regression were adapted. The results were as follows:
Emotionality and internalizing problem behavior have significant
gender differences. Compared to boys, girls have a higher score on
negative emotionality and are at a higher risk for internalizing
symptoms. However, there are no gender differences on positive
emotion dampening. Additionally, in the circumstance that negative
emotionality acted as the control variable, positive emotion
dampening strategy was (positive) related to internalizing behavior
problems. Given the results of this study, it is suggested that coaching
deconstructive positive emotion strategies is to assist adolescents
with internalizing behavior problems is encouraged.
Abstract: Mobile Learning (M-Learning) is a new technology
which is to enhance current learning practices and activities for all
people especially students and academic practitioners UTP is
currently, implemented two types of learning styles which are
conventional and electronic learning. In order to improve current
learning approaches, it is necessary for UTP to implement m-learning
in UTP. This paper presents a study on the students- perceptions on
mobile utilization in the learning practices in UTP. Besides, this
paper also presents a survey that was conducted among 82 students
from System Analysis and Design (SAD) course in UTP. The survey
includes basic information of mobile devices that have been used by
the students, opinions on current learning practices and also the
opinions regarding the m-learning implementation in the current
learning practices especially in SAD course. Based on the results of
the survey, majority of the students are using the mobile devices that
can support m-learning environment. Other than that, students also
agreed that current learning practices are ineffective and they believe
that m-learning utilization can improve the effectiveness of current
learning practices.
Abstract: Since IEC61850 substation communication standard represents the trend to develop new generations of Substation Automation System (SAS), many IED manufacturers pursue this technique and apply for KEMA. In order to put on the market to meet customer demand as fast as possible, manufacturers often apply their products only for basic environment standard certification but claim to conform to IEC61850 certification. Since verification institutes generally perform verification tests only on specific IEDs of the manufacturers, the interoperability between all certified IEDs cannot be guaranteed. Therefore the interoperability between IEDs from different manufacturers needs to be tested. Based upon the above reasons, this study applies the definitions of the information models, communication service, GOOSE functionality and Substation Configuration Language (SCL) of the IEC61850 to build the concept of communication protocols, and build the test environment. The procedures of the test of the data collection and exchange of the P2P communication mode and Client / Server communication mode in IEC61850 are outlined as follows. First, test the IED GOOSE messages communication capability from different manufacturers. Second, collect IED data from each IED with SCADA system and use HMI to display the SCADA platform. Finally, problems generally encountered in the test procedure are summarized.
Abstract: A number of previous studies were rarely considered
the effects of transient non-uniform balloon expansion on evaluation
of the properties and behaviors of stents during stent expansion, nor
did they determine parameters to maximize the performances driven
by mechanical characteristics. Therefore, in order to fully understand
the mechanical characteristics and behaviors of stent, it is necessary to
consider a realistic modeling of transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion. The aim of the study is to propose design parameters
capable of improving the ability of vascular stent through a
comparative study of seven commercial stents using finite element
analyses of a realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent expansion
process. In this study, seven representative commercialized stents were
evaluated by finite element (FE) analysis in terms of the criteria based
on the itemized list of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
European Standards (prEN). The results indicate that using stents
composed of opened unit cells connected by bend-shaped link
structures and controlling the geometrical and morphological features
of the unit cell strut or the link structure at the distal ends of stent may
improve mechanical characteristics of stent. This study provides a
better method at the realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion by investigating the characteristics, behaviors, and
parameters capable of improving the ability of vascular stent.
Abstract: The springs located in urban areas are the outpouring
of surface water, which can serve as water supply, effluent receptors
and important local macro-drainage elements. With unplanned
occupation, non-compliance with environmental legislation and the
importance of these water bodies, it is vital to analyze the springs
within urban areas, considering the Brazilian forest code. This paper
submits an analysis and discussion methodology proposal of
environmental compliance functions of urban springs, by means of
G.I.S. - Geographic Information System analysis - and in situ
analysis. The case study included two springs which exhibit a history
of occupation along its length, with different degrees of impact. The
proposed method is effective and easy to apply, representing a
powerful tool for analyzing the environmental conditions of springs
in urban areas.
Abstract: In this study, a vibration analysis was carried out of
symmetric angle-ply laminated composite plates with and without
square hole when subjected to compressive loads, numerically. A
buckling analysis is also performed to determine the buckling load of
laminated plates. For each fibre orientation, the compression load is
taken equal to 50% of the corresponding buckling load. In the
analysis, finite element method (FEM) was applied to perform
parametric studies, the effects of degree of orthotropy and stacking
sequence upon the fundamental frequencies and buckling loads are
discussed. The results show that the presence of a constant
compressive load tends to reduce uniformly the natural frequencies
for materials which have a low degree of orthotropy. However, this
reduction becomes non-uniform for materials with a higher degree of
orthotropy.
Abstract: loss of feedwater accident is one of the frequently sever accidents in steam boiler facilities. It threatens the system structural integrity and generates serious hazards and economic loses. The safety analysis of the thermal installations, based extensively on the numeric simulation. The simulation analysis using realistic computer codes like Relap5/Mod3.2 will help understand steam boiler thermal-hydraulic behavior during normal and abnormal conditions. In this study, we are interested on the evaluation of the radiant steam boiler assessment and response to loss-of-feedwater accident. Pressure, temperature and flow rate profiles are presented in various steam boiler system components. The obtained results demonstrate the importance and capability of the Relap5/Mod3.2 code in the thermal-hydraulic analysis of the steam boiler facilities.
Abstract: This paper presents a new methodology to select test
cases from regression test suites. The selection strategy is based on
analyzing the dynamic behavior of the applications that written in
any programming language. Methods based on dynamic analysis are
more safe and efficient. We design a technique that combine the code
based technique and model based technique, to allow comparing the
object oriented of an application that written in any programming
language. We have developed a prototype tool that detect changes
and select test cases from test suite.
Abstract: There are several approaches in trying to solve the
Quantitative 1Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) problem.
These approaches are based either on statistical methods or on
predictive data mining. Among the statistical methods, one should
consider regression analysis, pattern recognition (such as cluster
analysis, factor analysis and principal components analysis) or partial
least squares. Predictive data mining techniques use either neural
networks, or genetic programming, or neuro-fuzzy knowledge. These
approaches have a low explanatory capability or non at all. This
paper attempts to establish a new approach in solving QSAR
problems using descriptive data mining. This way, the relationship
between the chemical properties and the activity of a substance
would be comprehensibly modeled.
Abstract: In this research, a systematic investigation was carried out to determine the optimum conditions of HDS reactor. Moreover, a suitable model was developed for a rigorous RTO (real time optimization) loop of HDS (Hydro desulfurization) process. A systematic experimental series was designed based on CCD (Central Composite design) and carried out in the related pilot plant to tune the develop model. The designed variables in the experiments were Temperature, LHSV and pressure. However, the hydrogen over fresh feed ratio was remained constant. The ranges of these variables were respectively equal to 320-380ºC, 1- 21/hr and 50-55 bar. a power law kinetic model was also developed for our further research in the future .The rate order and activation energy , power of reactant concentration and frequency factor of this model was respectively equal to 1.4, 92.66 kJ/mol and k0=2.7*109 .
Abstract: Benchmarking cleaner production performance is an
effective way of pollution control and emission reduction in coal-fired
power industry. A benchmarking method using two-stage
super-efficiency data envelopment analysis for coal-fired power plants
is proposed – firstly, to improve the cleaner production performance of
DEA-inefficient or weakly DEA-efficient plants, then to select the
benchmark from performance-improved power plants. An empirical
study is carried out with the survey data of 24 coal-fired power plants.
The result shows that in the first stage the performance of 16 plants is
DEA-efficient and that of 8 plants is relatively inefficient. The target
values for improving DEA-inefficient plants are acquired by
projection analysis. The efficient performance of 24 power plants and
the benchmarking plant is achieved in the second stage. The two-stage
benchmarking method is practical to select the optimal benchmark in
the cleaner production of coal-fired power industry and will
continuously improve plants- cleaner production performance.
Abstract: Prickly pear (Opuntia spp) fruit has received renewed
interest since it contains a betalain pigment that has an attractive
purple colour for the production of juice. Prickly pear juice was
prepared by homogenizing the fruit and treating the pulp with 48 g of
pectinase from Aspergillus niger. Titratable acidity was determined
by diluting 10 ml prickly pear juice with 90 ml deionized water and
titrating to pH 8.2 with 0.1 N NaOH. Brix was measured using a
refractometer and ascorbic acid content assayed
spectrophotometrically. Colour variation was determined
colorimetrically (Hunter L.a.b.). Hunter L.a.b. analysis showed that
the red purple colour of prickly pear juice had been affected by juice
treatments. This was indicated by low light values of colour
difference meter (CDML*), hue, CDMa* and CDMb* values. It was
observed that non-treated prickly pear juice had a high (colour
difference meter of light) CDML* of 3.9 compared to juice
treatments (range 3.29 to 2.14). The CDML* significantly (p
Abstract: Managers as the key employees have a very important role in maintaining the workforce performance which is critical to the
construction companies- success in the future. If motivated employees start with motivated managers probably it would seem
plausible if the de-motivated ones start with de-motivated managers. This study aims to analyze the importance of motivated managers to
their successes and construction companies- successes. In this study,
a quantitative method was used and the study area was in Medan, North Sumatera. Questionnaire survey was distributed directly to
construction companies in Medan which are listed in the
Construction Services Development Board. A total of 60 managers responded and the completed questionnaires were analyzed using the
descriptive analysis. The results indicated that the respondents acknowledge the importance of motivation among themselves to the
projects and construction companies- success, implying that it is vital o maintain the motivation and good performance of the workforce.
Abstract: In this study, the hydrogen transport phenomenon was
numerically evaluated by using hydrogen-enhanced localized
plasticity (HELP) mechanisms. Two dominant governing equations,
namely, the hydrogen transport model and the elasto-plastic model,
were introduced. In addition, the implicitly formulated equations of
the governing equations were implemented into ABAQUS UMAT
user-defined subroutines. The simulation results were compared to
published results to validate the proposed method.