Abstract: The renewable energy has been attracting attention as
a new alternative energy due to the problem of environmental
pollution and resource depletion. In particular, daylighting and PV
system are regarded as the solutions. In this paper, the hybrid
dimming control system supplied by solar cell and daylighting
system was designed. Daylighting system is main source and PV
system is spare source. PV system operates the LED lamp which
supports daylighting system because daylighting system is unstable
due to the variation of irradiance. In addition, PV system has a role
charging batteries. Battery charging has a benefit that PV system
operate LED lamp in the bad weather. However, LED lamp always
can`t turn on that-s why dimming control system was designed. In
particular, the solar charging robot was designed to check the
interior irradiance intensity. These systems and the application of
the solar charging robot are expected to contribute developing
alternative energy in the near future.
Abstract: Traditional optical networks are gradually evolving towards intelligent optical networks due to the need for faster bandwidth provisioning, protection and restoration of the network that can be accomplished with devices like optical switch, add drop multiplexer and cross connects. Since dense wavelength multiplexing forms the physical layer for intelligent optical networking, the roll of high speed all optical switch is important. This paper analyzes such an ultra-high speed polymer electro-optic switch. The performances of the 2x2 optical waveguide switch with rectangular, triangular and trapezoidal grating profiles on various device parameters are analyzed. The simulation result shows that trapezoidal grating is the optimized structure which has the coupling length of 81μm and switching voltage of 11V for the operating wavelength of 1550nm. The switching time for this proposed switch is 0.47 picosecond. This makes the proposed switch to be an important element in the intelligent optical network.
Abstract: Active vibration isolation systems are less commonly
used than passive systems due to their associated cost and power
requirements. In principle, semi-active isolation systems can deliver
the versatility, adaptability and higher performance of fully active
systems for a fraction of the power consumption. Various semi-active
control algorithms have been suggested in the past. This paper
studies the 4DOF model of semi-active suspension performance
controlled by on–off and continuous skyhook damping control
strategy. The frequency and transient responses of model are
evaluated in terms of body acceleration, roll angle and tire deflection
and are compared with that of a passive damper. The results show
that the semi-active system controlled by skyhook strategy always
provides better isolation than a conventional passively damped
system except at tire natural frequencies.
Abstract: The study examined the influence of pay differentials on employee retention in the State Colleges of Education in the South-South Region of Nigeria. 275 subjects drawn from members of the wage negotiating teams in the Colleges were administered questionnaires constructed for study. Analysis of Variance revealed that the observed pay differentials significantly influenced retainership, f(5,269 = 6.223, P< 0.05). However, the Multiple Classification Analysis and Post-Hoc test indicated that employees in two of the Colleges with slightly lower and higher pay levels may probably remain with their employers while employees in other Colleges with the least and highest pay levels suggested quitting. Based on these observations, the influence of pay on employee retention seems inconclusive. Generally, employees in the colleges studied are dissatisfied with current pay levels. Management should confront these challenges by improving pay packages to encourage employees to remain and be dedicated to duty.
Abstract: The Minimum Vertex Cover (MVC) problem is a classic
graph optimization NP - complete problem. In this paper a competent
algorithm, called Vertex Support Algorithm (VSA), is designed to
find the smallest vertex cover of a graph. The VSA is tested on a
large number of random graphs and DIMACS benchmark graphs.
Comparative study of this algorithm with the other existing methods
has been carried out. Extensive simulation results show that the VSA
can yield better solutions than other existing algorithms found in the
literature for solving the minimum vertex cover problem.
Abstract: Monitored 3-Dimensional (3D) video experience can be utilized as “feedback information” to fine tune the service parameters for providing a better service to the demanding 3D service customers. The 3D video experience which includes both video quality and depth perception is influenced by several contextual and content related factors (e.g., ambient illumination condition, content characteristics, etc) due to the complex nature of the 3D video. Therefore, effective factors on this experience should be utilized while assessing it. In this paper, structural information of the depth map sequences of the 3D video is considered as content related factor effective on the depth perception assessment. Cartoon-like filter is utilized to abstract the significant depth levels in the depth map sequences to determine the structural information. Moreover, subjective experiments are conducted using 3D videos associated with cartoon-like depth map sequences to investigate the effectiveness of ambient illumination condition, which is a contextual factor, on depth perception. Using the knowledge gained through this study, 3D video experience metrics can be developed to deliver better service to the 3D video service users.
Abstract: In the last decade, energy based control theory has undergone a significant breakthrough in dealing with underactated mechanical systems with two successful and similar tools, controlled Lagrangians and controlled Hamiltanians (IDA-PBC). However, because of the complexity of these tools, successful case studies are lacking, in particular, MIMO cases. The seminal theoretical paper of controlled Lagrangians proposed by Bloch and his colleagues presented a benchmark example–a 4 d.o.f underactuated pendulum on a cart but a detailed and completed design is neglected. To compensate this ignorance, the note revisit their design idea by addressing explicit control functions for a similar device motivated by a vector thrust body hovering in the air. To the best of our knowledge, this system is the first MIMO, underactuated example that is stabilized by using energy based tools at the courtesy of the original design idea. Some observations are given based on computer simulation.
Abstract: Cloud Computing has recently emerged as a
compelling paradigm for managing and delivering services over the
internet. The rise of Cloud Computing is rapidly changing the
landscape of information technology, and ultimately turning the longheld
promise of utility computing into a reality. As the development
of Cloud Computing paradigm is speedily progressing, concepts, and
terminologies are becoming imprecise and ambiguous, as well as
different technologies are interfering. Thus, it becomes crucial to
clarify the key concepts and definitions. In this paper, we present the
anatomy of Cloud Computing, covering its essential concepts,
prominent characteristics, its affects, architectural design and key
technologies. We differentiate various service and deployment
models. Also, significant challenges and risks need are tackled in
order to guarantee the long-term success of Cloud Computing. The
aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the anatomy
of Cloud Computing and pave the way for further research in this
area.
Abstract: Data mining, which is the exploration of
knowledge from the large set of data, generated as a result of
the various data processing activities. Frequent Pattern Mining
is a very important task in data mining. The previous
approaches applied to generate frequent set generally adopt
candidate generation and pruning techniques for the
satisfaction of the desired objective. This paper shows how
the different approaches achieve the objective of frequent
mining along with the complexities required to perform the
job. This paper will also look for hardware approach of cache
coherence to improve efficiency of the above process. The
process of data mining is helpful in generation of support
systems that can help in Management, Bioinformatics,
Biotechnology, Medical Science, Statistics, Mathematics,
Banking, Networking and other Computer related
applications. This paper proposes the use of both upward and
downward closure property for the extraction of frequent item
sets which reduces the total number of scans required for the
generation of Candidate Sets.
Abstract: A simple approach is demonstrated for growing large
scale, nearly vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays by thermal
oxidation method. To reveal effect of temperature on growth and
physical properties of the ZnO nanowires, gold coated zinc substrates
were annealed at 300 °C and 400 °C for 4 hours duration in air. Xray
diffraction patterns of annealed samples indicated a set of well
defined diffraction peaks, indexed to the wurtzite hexagonal phase of
ZnO. The scanning electron microscopy studies show formation of
ZnO nanowires having length of several microns and average of
diameter less than 500 nm. It is found that the areal density of wires
is relatively higher, when the annealing is carried out at higher
temperature i.e. at 400°C. From the field emission studies, the values
of the turn-on and threshold field, required to draw emission current
density of 10 μA/cm2 and 100 μA/cm2 are observed to be 1.2 V/μm
and 1.7 V/μm for the samples annealed at 300 °C and 2.9 V/μm and
3.7 V/μm for that annealed at 400 °C, respectively. The field
emission current stability, investigated over duration of more than 2
hours at the preset value of 1 μA, is found to be fairly good in both
cases. The simplicity of the synthesis route coupled with the
promising field emission properties offer unprecedented advantage
for the use of ZnO field emitters for high current density
applications.
Abstract: E-learning aims to build knowledge and skills in order
to enhance the quality of learning. Research has shown that the
majority of the e-learning solutions lack in pedagogical background
and present some serious deficiencies regarding teaching strategies
and content delivery, time and pace management, interface design
and preservation of learners- focus. The aim of this review is to
approach the design of e-learning solutions with a pedagogical
perspective and to present some good practices of e-learning design
grounded on the core principles of Learning Theories (LTs).
Abstract: The performances of small and medium enterprises
have stagnated in the last two decades. This has mainly been due to
the emergence of HIV / Aids. The disease has had a detrimental
effect on the general economy of the country leading to morbidity
and mortality of the Kenyan workforce in their primary age. The
present study sought to establish the economic impact of HIV / Aids
on the micro-enterprise development in Obunga slum – Kisumu, in
terms of production loss, increasing labor related cost and to establish
possible strategies to address the impact of HIV / Aids on microenterprises.
The study was necessitated by the observation that most
micro-enterprises in the slum are facing severe economic and social
crisis due to the impact of HIV / Aids, they get depleted and close
down within a short time due to death of skilled and experience
workforce. The study was carried out between June 2008 and June
2009 in Obunga slum. Data was subjected to computer aided
statistical analysis that included descriptive statistic, chi-squared and
ANOVA techniques. Chi-squared analysis on the micro-enterprise
owners opinion on the impact of HIV / Aids on depletion of microenterprise
compared to other diseases indicated high levels of the
negative effects of the disease at significance levels of P
Abstract: The purposes of this research were 1) to study
consumer-based equity of luxury brands, 2) to study consumers-
purchase intention for luxury brands, 3) to study direct factors
affecting purchase intention towards luxury brands, and 4) to study
indirect factors affecting purchase intention towards luxury brands
through brand consciousness and brand equity to analyze information
by descriptive statistic and hierarchical stepwise regression analysis.
The findings revealed that the eight variables of the framework which
were: need for uniqueness, normative susceptibility, status
consumption, brand consciousness, brand awareness, perceived
quality, brand association, and brand loyalty affected the purchase
intention of the luxury brands (at the significance of 0.05). Brand
Loyalty had the strongest direct effect while status consumption had
the strongest indirect effect affecting the purchase intention towards
luxury brands. Brand consciousness and brand equity had the
mediators through the purchase intention of the luxury brands (at the
significance of 0.05).
Abstract: The rate of nitrate adsorption by a nitrate selective ion
exchange resin was investigated in a well-stirred batch experiments.
The kinetic experimental data were simulated with diffusion models including external mass transfer, particle diffusion and chemical
adsorption. Particle pore volume diffusion and particle surface diffusion were taken into consideration separately and simultaneously
in the modeling. The model equations were solved numerically using the Crank-Nicholson scheme. An optimization technique was
employed to optimize the model parameters. All nitrate concentration
decay data were well described with the all diffusion models. The
results indicated that the kinetic process is initially controlled by external mass transfer and then by particle diffusion. The external
mass transfer coefficient and the coefficients of pore volume diffusion and surface diffusion in all experiments were close to each
other with the average value of 8.3×10-3 cm/S for external mass
transfer coefficient. In addition, the models are more sensitive to the
mass transfer coefficient in comparison with particle diffusion. Moreover, it seems that surface diffusion is the dominant particle
diffusion in comparison with pore volume diffusion.
Abstract: In synchronized games players make their moves simultaneously
rather than alternately. Synchronized Quadromineering is
the synchronized version of Quadromineering, a variants of a classical
two-player combinatorial game called Domineering. Experimental
results for small m × n boards (with m + n < 15) and some
theoretical results for general k × n boards (with k = 4, 5, 6) are
presented. Moreover, some Synchronized Quadromineering variants
are also investigated.
Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the effect of rice types on chewing behaviours (chewing time, number of chews, and portion size) and bolus properties (bolus moisture content, solid loss, and particle size distribution (PSD)) in human subjects. Five cooked rice types including brown rice (BR), white rice (WR), parboiled white rice (PR), high amylose white rice (HR) and waxy white rice (WXR) were chewed by six subjects. The chewing behaviours were recorded and the food boluses were collected during mastication. Rice typeswere found to significantly influence all chewing parameters evaluated. The WXR and BR showed the most pronounced differences compared with other rice types. The initial moisture content of un-chewed WXR was lowest (43.39%) whereas those of other rice types were ranged from 66.86 to 70.33%. The bolus obtained from chewing the WXR contained lowest moisture content (56.43%) whilst its solid loss (22.03%) was not significant different from those of all rice types. In PSD evaluation using Mastersizer S, the diameter of particles measured was ranged between 4 to 3500 μm. The particle size of food bolus from BR, HR, and WXR contained much finer particles than those of WR and PR.
Abstract: The environmental impact caused by industries is an issue that, in the last 20 years, has become very important in terms of society, economics and politics in Colombia. Particularly, the tannery process is extremely polluting because of uneffective treatments and regulations given to the dumping process and atmospheric emissions. Considering that, this investigation is intended to propose a management model based on the integration of Lean Supply Chain, Green Supply Chain, Cleaner Production and ISO 14001-2004, that prioritizes the strategic components of the organizations. As a result, a management model will be obtained and it will provide a strategic perspective through a systemic approach to the tanning process. This will be achieved through the use of Multicriteria Decision tools, along with Quality Function Deployment and Fuzzy Logic. The strategic approach that embraces the management model using the alignment of Lean Supply Chain, Green Supply Chain, Cleaner Production and ISO 14001-2004, is an integrated perspective that allows a gradual frame of the tactical and operative elements through the correct setting of the information flow, improving the decision making process. In that way, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) could improve their productivity, competitiveness and as an added value, the minimization of the environmental impact. This improvement is expected to be controlled through a Dashboard that helps the Organization measure its performance along the implementation of the model in its productive process.
Abstract: From the importance of the conference and its
constructive role in the studies discussion, there must be a strong
organization that allows the exploitation of the discussions in opening
new horizons. The vast amount of information scattered across the
web, make it difficult to find experts, who can play a prominent role
in organizing conferences. In this paper we proposed a new approach
of extracting researchers- information from various Web resources
and correlating them in order to confirm their correctness. As a
validator of this approach, we propose a service that will be useful to
set up a conference. Its main objective is to find appropriate experts,
as well as the social events for a conference. For this application we
us Semantic Web technologies like RDF and ontology to represent
the confirmed information, which are linked to another ontology
(skills ontology) that are used to present and compute the expertise.
Abstract: In this study we propose a novel monitor hydraulic
automatic gauge control (HAGC) system based on fuzzy feedforward
controller. This is used in the development of cold rolling
mill automation system to improve the quality of cold strip. According to features/ properties of entry steel strip like its average
yield stress, width of strip, and desired exit thickness, this controller realizes the compensation for the exit thickness error. The traditional methods of adjusting the roller position, can-t tolerate the variance in
the entry steel strip. The proposed method uses a mathematical model
of the system together with the expert knowledge to perform this adjustment while minimizing the effect of the stated problem. In
order to improve the speed of the controller in rejecting disturbances
introduced by entry strip thickness variations, expert knowledge is added as a feed-forward term to the HAGC system. Simulation
results for the application of the proposed controller to a real cold mill show that the exit strip quality is highly improved.
Abstract: Elastic and inelastic scattering of α-particles by 9Be nuclei at different incident energies have been analyzed. Optical model parameters (OMPs) of α-particles elastic scattering by 9Be at different energies have been obtained. Coupled Reaction Channel (CRC) of elastic scattering, inelastic scattering and transfer reaction has been calculated using Fresco Code. The effect of involving CRC calculations on the analysis of differential cross section has been studied. The transfer reaction of (5He) in the reaction 9Be(α,9Be)α has been studied. The spectroscopic factor of 9Be≡α+5He has been extracted.