Abstract: The paper presents a method in which the expert
knowledge is applied to fuzzy inference model. Even a less
experienced person could benefit from the use of such a system, e.g.
urban planners, officials. The analysis result is obtained in a very
short time, so a large number of the proposed locations can also be
verified in a short time. The proposed method is intended for testing
of locations of car parks in a city. The paper shows selected examples
of locations of the P&R facilities in cities planning to introduce the
P&R. The analyses of existing objects are also shown in the paper
and they are confronted with the opinions of the system users, with
particular emphasis on unpopular locations. The results of the
analyses are compared to expert analysis of the P&R facilities
location that was outsourced by the city and the opinions about
existing facilities users that were expressed on social networking
sites. The obtained results are consistent with actual users’ feedback.
The proposed method proves to be good, but does not require the
involvement of a large experts team and large financial contributions
for complicated research. The method also provides an opportunity to
show the alternative location of P&R facilities. Although the results
of the method are approximate, they are not worse than results of
analysis of employed experts. The advantage of this method is ease of
use, which simplifies the professional expert analysis. The ability of
analyzing a large number of alternative locations gives a broader
view on the problem. It is valuable that the arduous analysis of the
team of people can be replaced by the model's calculation. According
to the authors, the proposed method is also suitable for
implementation on a GIS platform.
Abstract: Currently, there are few user friendly Weigh-in-
Motion (WIM) data analysis softwares available which can produce
traffic input data for the recently developed AASHTOWare pavement
Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) design software. However, these
softwares have only rudimentary Quality Control (QC) processes.
Therefore, they cannot properly deal with erroneous WIM data. As
the pavement performance is highly sensible to the quality of WIM
data, it is highly recommended to use more refined QC process on
raw WIM data to get a good result. This study develops a userfriendly
software, which can produce traffic input for the ME design
software. This software takes the raw data (Class and Weight data)
collected from the WIM station and processes it with a sophisticated
QC procedure. Traffic data such as traffic volume, traffic distribution,
axle load spectra, etc. can be obtained from this software; which can
directly be used in the ME design software.
Abstract: In India, most of the pavement is laid by bituminous
road and the consumption of binder is high for pavement construction
and also modified binders are used to satisfy any specific pavement
requirement. Since the binders are visco-elastic material which is
having the mechanical properties of binder transition from viscoelastic
solid to visco-elastic fluid. In this paper, two different
protocols were used to measure the viscosity property of binder using
a Brookfield Viscometer and there is a need to find the appropriate
mixing and compaction temperatures of various types of binders
which can result in complete aggregate coating and adequate field
density of HMA mixtures. The aim of this work is to find the
transition temperature from Non-Newtonian behavior to Newtonian
behavior of the binder by adopting a steady shear protocol and the
shear rate ramp protocol. The transition from non-Newtonian to
Newtonian can occur through an increase of temperature and shear of
the material. The test has been conducted for unmodified binder VG
30. The transition temperature was found in the unmodified binder
VG is 120oC. Therefore, the application of both modified binder and
unmodified binder in the pavement construction needs to be studied
properly by considering temperature and traffic loading factors of the
respective project site.
Abstract: Cochlear Implantation (CI) which became a routine
procedure for the last decades is an electronic device that provides a
sense of sound for patients who are severely and profoundly deaf.
The optimal success of this implantation depends on the electrode
technology and deep insertion techniques. However, this manual
insertion procedure may cause mechanical trauma which can lead to
severe destruction of the delicate intracochlear structure.
Accordingly, future improvement of the cochlear electrode implant
insertion needs reduction of the excessive force application during
the cochlear implantation which causes tissue damage and trauma.
This study is examined tool-tissue interaction of large prototype scale
digit embedded with distributive tactile sensor based upon cochlear
electrode and large prototype scale cochlea phantom for simulating
the human cochlear which could lead to small scale digit
requirements. The digit, distributive tactile sensors embedded with
silicon-substrate was inserted into the cochlea phantom to measure
any digit/phantom interaction and position of the digit in order to
minimize tissue and trauma damage during the electrode cochlear
insertion. The digit have provided tactile information from the digitphantom
insertion interaction such as contact status, tip penetration,
obstacles, relative shape and location, contact orientation and
multiple contacts. The tests demonstrated that even devices of such a
relative simple design with low cost have potential to improve
cochlear implant surgery and other lumen mapping applications by
providing tactile sensory feedback information and thus controlling
the insertion through sensing and control of the tip of the implant
during the insertion. In that approach, the surgeon could minimize the
tissue damage and potential damage to the delicate structures within
the cochlear caused by current manual electrode insertion of the
cochlear implantation. This approach also can be applied to other
minimally invasive surgery applications as well as diagnosis and path
navigation procedures.
Abstract: The statistical study has become indispensable for various fields of knowledge. Not any different, in Geotechnics the study of probabilistic and statistical methods has gained power considering its use in characterizing the uncertainties inherent in soil properties. One of the situations where engineers are constantly faced is the definition of a probability distribution that represents significantly the sampled data. To be able to discard bad distributions, goodness-of-fit tests are necessary. In this paper, three non-parametric goodness-of-fit tests are applied to a data set computationally generated to test the goodness-of-fit of them to a series of known distributions. It is shown that the use of normal distribution does not always provide satisfactory results regarding physical and behavioral representation of the modeled parameters.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is analyzing the relationship
between trust and social capital of people with using Social Network
Analysis. In this study, two aspects of social capital will be focused:
Bonding, homophilous social capital (BoSC), and Bridging,
heterophilous social capital (BrSC). These two aspects diverge each
other regarding to the social theories. The other concept of the study
is Trust (Tr), namely interpersonal trust, willing to ascribe good
intentions to and have confidence in the words and actions of other
people. In this study, the sample group, 61 people, was selected from
a private firm from the defense industry. The relation between
BoSC/BrSC and Tr is shown by using Social Network Analysis
(SNA) and statistical analysis with Likert type-questionnaire. The
results of the analysis show the Cronbach’s alpha value is 0.756 and
social capital values (BoSC/BrSC) is not correlated with Tr values of
the people.
Abstract: The occurrences of precipitation, also commonly
referred as rain, in the form of "convective" and "stratiform" have
been identified to exist worldwide. In this study, the radar return
echoes or known as reflectivity values acquired from radar scans
have been exploited in the process of classifying the type of rain
endured. The investigation use radar data from Malaysian
Meteorology Department (MMD). It is possible to discriminate the
types of rain experienced in tropical region by observing the vertical
characteristics of the rain structure. .Heavy rain in tropical region
profoundly affects radiowave signals, causing transmission
interference and signal fading. Required wireless system fade margin
depends on the type of rain. Information relating to the two
mentioned types of rain is critical for the system engineers and
researchers in their endeavour to improve the reliability of
communication links. This paper highlights the quantification of
percentage occurrences over one year period in 2009.
Abstract: Genetic algorithm is widely used in optimization
problems for its excellent global search capabilities and highly parallel
processing capabilities; but, it converges prematurely and has a poor
local optimization capability in actual operation. Simulated annealing
algorithm can avoid the search process falling into local optimum. A
hybrid genetic algorithm based on simulated annealing is designed by
combining the advantages of genetic algorithm and simulated
annealing algorithm. The numerical experiment represents the hybrid
genetic algorithm can be applied to solve the function optimization
problems efficiently.
Abstract: In this study, Brillouin Gain Spectrum (BGS) is
experimentally analyzed in the Brillouin Optical Time Domain
Reflectometry (BOTDR) and Brillouin Optical Time Domain
Analyzer (BOTDA). For this purpose, the signal level of the
microwave generator is varied and the effects of BGS are
investigated. In the setups, 20 km conventional single mode fiber is
used to both setups and laser wavelengths are selected around 1550
nm. To achieve best results, it can be used between 5 dBm to 15 dBm
signal level of microwave generator for BOTDA and BOTDR setups.
Abstract: Computer education is referred to as the knowledge
and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a
range of skills covering levels from basic use to advance. Computer
continues to make an ever-increasing impact on all aspect of human
endeavours such as education. With numerous benefits of computer
education, what are the insights of students on computer education?
This study investigated the perception of senior secondary school
students on computer education in Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Abuja, Nigeria. A sample of 7500 senior secondary schools students
was involved in the study, one hundred (100) private and fifty (50)
public schools within FCT. They were selected by using simple
random sampling technique. A questionnaire [PSSSCEQ] was
developed and validated through expert judgement and reliability coefficient
of 0.84 was obtained. It was used to gather relevant data on
computer education. Findings confirmed that the students in the FCT
had positive perception on computer education. Some factors were
identified that affect students’ perception on computer education. The
null hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA statistical
analyses at 0.05 level of significance. Based on these findings, some
recommendations were made which include competent teachers
should be employed into all secondary schools. This will help
students to acquire relevant knowledge in computer education,
technological supports should be provided to all secondary schools;
this will help the users (students) to solve specific problems in
computer education and financial supports should be provided to
procure computer facilities that will enhance the teaching and the
learning of computer education.
Abstract: The social logic of 'Sequina' slum area in Alexandria details the integral measure of space syntax at the room-level of twenty-building samples. The essence of spatial structure integrates the central 'visitor' domain with the 'living' frontage of the 'children' zone against the segregated privacy of the opposite 'parent' depth. Meanwhile, the multifunctioning of shallow rooms optimizes the integral 'visitor' structure through graph and visibility dimensions in contrast to the 'inhabitant' structure of graph-tails out of sight. Common theme of the layout integrity increases in compensation to the decrease of room visibility. Despite the 'pheno-type' of collective integration, the individual layouts observe 'geno-type' structure of spatial diversity per room adjoins. In this regard, the layout integrity alternates the cross-correlation of the 'kitchen & living' rooms with the 'inhabitant & visitor' domains of 'motherhood' dynamic structure. Moreover, the added 'grandparent' restructures the integral measure to become the deepest space, but opens to the 'living' of 'household' integrity. Some isomorphic layouts change the integral structure just through the 'balcony' extension of access, visual or ignored 'ringiness' of space syntax. However, the most integrated or segregated layouts invert the 'geno-type' into a shallow 'inhabitant' centrality versus the remote 'visitor' structure. Overview of the multivariate social logic of spatial integrity could never clarify without the micro-data analysis.
Abstract: Lightweight and efficient structures have the aim to
enhance the efficiency of the components in various industries.
Toward this end, composites are one of the most widely used
materials because of durability, high strength and modulus, and low
weight. One type of the advanced composites is grid-stiffened
composite (GSC) structures, which have been extensively considered
in aerospace, automotive, and aircraft industries. They are one of the
top candidates for replacing some of the traditional components,
which are used here. Although there are a good number of published
surveys on the design aspects and fabrication of GSC structures, little
systematic work has been reported on their material modification to
improve their properties, to our knowledge. Matrix modification
using nanoparticles is an effective method to enhance the flexural
properties of the fibrous composites. In the present study, a silanecoupling
agent (3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane/3-GPTS) was
introduced onto the silica (SiO2) nanoparticle surface and its effects
on the three-point flexural response of isogrid E-glass/epoxy
composites were assessed. Based on the Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectrometer (FTIR) spectra, it was inferred that the 3-GPTS
coupling agent was successfully grafted onto the surface of SiO2
nanoparticles after modification. Flexural test revealed an
improvement of 16%, 14%, and 36% in stiffness, maximum load and
energy absorption of the isogrid specimen filled with 3 wt.% 3-
GPTS/SiO2 compared to the neat one. It would be worth mentioning
that in these structures, considerable energy absorption was observed
after the primary failure related to the load peak. In addition, 3-
GPTMS functionalization had a positive effect on the flexural
behavior of the multiscale isogrid composites. In conclusion, this
study suggests that the addition of modified silica nanoparticles is a
promising method to improve the flexural properties of the gridstiffened
fibrous composite structures.
Abstract: Mineral product, waste concrete (fine aggregates),
waste in the optical field, industry, and construction employ separators
to separate solids and classify them according to their size. Various
sorting machines are used in the industrial field such as those operating
under electrical properties, centrifugal force, wind power, vibration,
and magnetic force. Study on separators has been carried out to
contribute to the environmental industry. In this study, we perform
CFD analysis for understanding the basic mechanism of the separation
of waste concrete (fine aggregate) particles from air with a machine
built with a rotor with blades. In CFD, we first performed
two-dimensional particle tracking for various particle sizes for the
model with 1 degree, 1.5 degree, and 2 degree angle between each
blade to verify the boundary conditions and the method of rotating
domain method to be used in 3D. Then we developed 3D numerical
model with ANSYS CFX to calculate the air flow and track the
particles. We judged the capability of particle separation for given size
by counting the number of particles escaping from the domain toward
the exit among 10 particles issued at the inlet. We confirm that
particles experience stagnant behavior near the exit of the rotating
blades where the centrifugal force acting on the particles is in balance
with the air drag force. It was also found that the minimum particle
size that can be separated by the machine with the rotor is determined
by its capability to stay at the outlet of the rotor channels.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the study of DC-to-DC
converters, which are suitable for low-voltage high-power
applications. The output voltages generated by renewable energy
sources such as photovoltaic arrays and fuel cell stacks are
generally low and required to be increased to high voltage levels.
Development of DC-to-DC converters, which provide high step-up
voltage conversion ratios with high efficiencies and low voltage
stresses, is one of the main issues in the development of renewable
energy systems. A procedure for three converters−conventional
DC-to-DC converter, interleaved boost converter, and isolated flyback
based converter, is illustrated for a given set of specifications. The
selection among the converters for the given application is based on
the voltage conversion ratio, efficiency, and voltage stresses.
Abstract: Information technology has been gaining more and
more space whether in industry, commerce or even for personal use,
but the misuse of it brings harm to the environment and human health
as a result. Contribute to the sustainability of the planet is to
compensate the environment, all or part of what withdraws it. The
green computing also came to propose practical for use in IT in an
environmentally correct way in aid of strategic management and
communication. This work focuses on showing how a mobile
application can help businesses reduce costs and reduced
environmental impacts caused by its processes, through a case study
of a public company in Brazil.
Abstract: This paper sets out a behavioral macro-model of a
Merged PiN and Schottky (MPS) diode based on silicon carbide
(SiC). This model holds good for both static and dynamic electrothermal
simulations for industrial applications. Its parameters have
been worked out from datasheets curves by drawing on the
optimization method: Simulated Annealing (SA) for the SiC MPS
diodes made available in the industry. The model also adopts the
Analog Behavioral Model (ABM) of PSPICE in which it has been
implemented. The thermal behavior of the devices was also taken
into consideration by making use of Foster’ canonical network as
figured out from electro-thermal measurement provided by the
manufacturer of the device.
Abstract: Background modeling and subtraction in video
analysis has been widely used as an effective method for moving
objects detection in many computer vision applications. Recently, a
large number of approaches have been developed to tackle different
types of challenges in this field. However, the dynamic background
and illumination variations are the most frequently occurred problems
in the practical situation. This paper presents a favorable two-layer
model based on codebook algorithm incorporated with local binary
pattern (LBP) texture measure, targeted for handling dynamic
background and illumination variation problems. More specifically,
the first layer is designed by block-based codebook combining with
LBP histogram and mean value of each RGB color channel. Because
of the invariance of the LBP features with respect to monotonic
gray-scale changes, this layer can produce block wise detection results
with considerable tolerance of illumination variations. The pixel-based
codebook is employed to reinforce the precision from the output of the
first layer which is to eliminate false positives further. As a result, the
proposed approach can greatly promote the accuracy under the
circumstances of dynamic background and illumination changes.
Experimental results on several popular background subtraction
datasets demonstrate very competitive performance compared to
previous models.
Abstract: Polymeric composites are being increasingly used as
repair material for repairing critical infrastructures such as building,
bridge, pressure vessel, piping and pipeline. Technique in repairing
damaged pipes is one of the major concerns of pipeline owners.
Considerable researches have been carried out on the repair of
corroded pipes using composite materials. This article attempts a
short review of the subject matter to provide insight into various
techniques used in repairing corroded pipes, focusing on a wide range
of composite repair systems. These systems including pre-cured
layered, flexible wet lay-up, pre-impregnated, split composite sleeve
and flexible tape systems. Both advantages and limitations of these
repair systems were highlighted. Critical technical aspects have been
discussed through the current standards and practices. Research gaps
and future study scopes in achieving more effective design
philosophy are also presented.
Abstract: Issues relating to the destructive phenomena that can
damage people and goods have returned to the centre of debate in
Italy with the increase in catastrophic episodes in recent years in a
country which is highly vulnerable to hydrological risk.
Environmental factors and geological and geomorphological
territorial characteristics play an important role in determining the
level of vulnerability and the natural tendency to risk. However, a
territory has also been subjected to the requirements of and
transformations of society and this brings other relevant factors. The
reasons for the increase in destructive phenomena are often to be
found in the territorial development models adopted. Stewardship of
the landscape and management of risk are related issues. This study aims to summarize the most relevant elements about
this connection and at the same time to clarify the role of
environmental risk assessment as a tool to aid in the sustainable
management of landscape. Finally, the study reflects on how regional
and urban planners deal with environmental risk and which aspects
should be monitored in order to adopt responsible and useful
interventions.
Abstract: The major environmental risk of soil pollution is the
contamination of groundwater by infiltration of organic and inorganic
pollutants which can cause a serious menace. To prevent this risk and
to protect the groundwater, we proceeded in this study to test the
reliability of a biosolid as barrier to prevent the migration of very
dangerous pollutants as ‘Cadmium’ through the different soil layers. In this study, we tried to highlight the effect of several parameters
such as: turbidity (different cycle of Hydration/Dehydration),
rainfall, effect of initial Cd(II) concentration and the type of soil.
These parameters allow us to find the most effective manner to
integrate this barrier in the soil. From the results obtained, we found a
significant effect of the barrier. Indeed, the recorded passing
quantities are lowest for the highest rainfall; we noted also that the
barrier has a better affinity towards higher concentrations; the most
retained amounts of cadmium has been in the top layer of the two
types of soil tested, while the lowest amounts of cadmium are
recorded in the bottom layers of soils.