Abstract: In this paper the Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) is employed to study the coupled lateral-torsional free vibration behavior of the laminated composite beams. In such structures due to the fiber orientations in various layers, the lateral displacement leads to a twisting moment. The coupling of lateral and torsional vibrations is modeled by the bending-twisting material coupling rigidity. In the present study, in addition to the material coupling, the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia are taken into account in the definition of the potential and kinetic energies of the beam. The governing differential equations of motion which form a system of three coupled PDEs are solved numerically using DQ procedure under different boundary conditions consist of the combinations of simply, clamped, free and other end conditions. The resulting natural frequencies and mode shapes for cantilever beam are compared with similar results in the literature and good agreement is achieved.
Abstract: The objective of this research seeks to transmit a distance training model to the community in the upper northeastern region. The group sampling consists of 60 community leaders in the municipality of sub-district Kumphawapi, Kumphawapi Disrict, Udonthani Province. The research tools rely on the following instruments, they are : 1) the achievement test of community leaders- training and 2) the satisfaction questionnaires of community leaders. The statistics used in data analysis takes the statistical mean, percentage, standard deviation, and statistical T-test. The resulted findings reveal : 1) the efficiency of the distance training developed by the researcher for the community leaders joining in the training received the average score between in-training and post-training period higher than the setup criterion, 2) the two groups of participants in the training achieved higher knowledge than their pre-training state, 3) the comparison of the achievements between the two group presented no different results, 4) the community leaders obtained the high-to-highest satisfaction.
Abstract: The vibrations produced by a single point defect on
various parts of the bearing under constant radial load are predicted
by using a theoretical model. The model includes variation in the
response due to the effect of bearing dimensions, rotating frequency
distribution of load. The excitation forces are generated when the
defects on the races strike to rolling elements. In case of the outer
ring defect, the pulses generated are with periodicity of outer ring
defect frequency where as for inner ring defect, the pulses are with
periodicity of inner ring defect frequency. The effort has been carried
out in preparing the physical model of the system. Different defect
frequencies are obtained and are used to find out the amplitudes of
the vibration due to excitation of the bearing parts. Increase in the
radial load or severity of the defect produces a significant change in
bearing signature characteristics.
Abstract: Due to the fast development of technology, the
competition of technological products is turbulent; therefore, it is
important to understand the market trend, consumers- demand and
preferences. As the smartphones are prevalent, the main purpose of
this paper is to utilize Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to analyze
consumer-s purchase evaluation factors of smartphones. Through the
AHP expert questionnaire, the smartphones- main functions are
classified as “user interface", “mobile commerce functions",
“hardware and software specifications", “entertainment functions" and
“appearance and design", five aspects to analyze the weights. Then
four evaluation criteria are evaluated under each aspect to rank the
weights. Based on an analysis of data shows that consumers consider
when purchase factors are “hardware and software specifications",
“user interface", “appearance and design", “mobile commerce
functions" and “entertainment functions" in sequence. The “hardware
and software specifications" aspect obtains the weight of 33.18%; it is
the most important factor that consumers are taken into account. In
addition, the most important evaluation criteria are central processing
unit, operating system, touch screen, and battery function in sequence.
The results of the study can be adopted as reference data for mobile
phone manufacturers in the future on the design and marketing
strategy to satisfy the voice of customer.
Abstract: Successful public-private-partnership (PPP)
implementation can not be achieved without the active participation of
private sector companies. This paper examines the decision-making of
private sector companies in public works delivered by the PPP model
on the basis of social responsibility theory. It proposes that private
sector companies should indentify objectives of entering into PPP
projects, and shoulder relevant social responsibilities, while a
minimum return should also be guaranteed in their favor, so as to
compensate for their assumed risk and support them to take on
responsibilities in the future. The paper also gives a calculation
regarding the appropriate scale and reasonable degree of private sector
involvement in PPP projects through the cost-benefit analysis in a
specific case study, with the purpose to guide the private sector
companies to create a cooperation environment resembling
“symbiosis" and facilitate the smooth implementation of public works
delivered by the PPP model.
Abstract: The demand for new telecommunication services requiring higher capacities, data rates and different operating modes have motivated the development of new generation multi-standard wireless transceivers. A multi-standard design often involves extensive system level analysis and architectural partitioning, typically requiring extensive calculations. In this research, a decimation filter design tool for wireless communication standards consisting of GSM, WCDMA, WLANa, WLANb, WLANg and WiMAX is developed in MATLAB® using GUIDE environment for visual analysis. The user can select a required wireless communication standard, and obtain the corresponding multistage decimation filter implementation using this toolbox. The toolbox helps the user or design engineer to perform a quick design and analysis of decimation filter for multiple standards without doing extensive calculation of the underlying methods.
Abstract: Small signal stability causes small perturbations in the
generator that can cause instability in the power network. It is
generally known that small signal stability are directly related to the
generator and load properties. This paper examines the effects of
generator input variations on power system oscillations for a small
signal stability study. Eigenvaules and eigenvectors are used to
examine the stability of the power system. The dynamic power
system's mathematical model is constructed and thus calculated using
load flow and small signal stability toolbox on MATLAB. The power
system model is based on a 3-machine 9-bus system that was
modified to suit this study. In this paper, Participation Factors are a
means to gauge the effects of variation in generation with other
parameters on the network are also incorporated.
Abstract: Ground-level tropospheric ozone is one of the air
pollutants of most concern. It is mainly produced by photochemical
processes involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
in the lower parts of the atmosphere. Ozone levels become
particularly high in regions close to high ozone precursor emissions
and during summer, when stagnant meteorological conditions with
high insolation and high temperatures are common.
In this work, some results of a study about urban ozone
distribution patterns in the city of Badajoz, which is the largest and
most industrialized city in Extremadura region (southwest Spain) are
shown. Fourteen sampling campaigns, at least one per month, were
carried out to measure ambient air ozone concentrations, during
periods that were selected according to favourable conditions to
ozone production, using an automatic portable analyzer.
Later, to evaluate the ozone distribution at the city, the measured
ozone data were analyzed using geostatistical techniques. Thus, first,
during the exploratory analysis of data, it was revealed that they were
distributed normally, which is a desirable property for the subsequent
stages of the geostatistical study. Secondly, during the structural
analysis of data, theoretical spherical models provided the best fit for
all monthly experimental variograms. The parameters of these
variograms (sill, range and nugget) revealed that the maximum
distance of spatial dependence is between 302-790 m and the
variable, air ozone concentration, is not evenly distributed in reduced
distances. Finally, predictive ozone maps were derived for all points
of the experimental study area, by use of geostatistical algorithms
(kriging). High prediction accuracy was obtained in all cases as
cross-validation showed. Useful information for hazard assessment
was also provided when probability maps, based on kriging
interpolation and kriging standard deviation, were produced.
Abstract: Simulation of occlusal function during laboratory
material-s testing becomes essential in predicting long-term
performance before clinical usage. The aim of the study was to assess
the influence of chamfer preparation depth on failure risk of heat
pressed ceramic crowns with and without zirconia framework by
means of finite element analysis. 3D models of maxillary central
incisor, prepared for full ceramic crowns with different depths of the
chamfer margin (between 0.8 and 1.2 mm) and 6-degree tapered
walls together with the overlying crowns were generated using
literature data (Fig. 1, 2). The crowns were designed with and
without a zirconia framework with a thickness of 0.4 mm. For all
preparations and crowns, stresses in the pressed ceramic crown,
zirconia framework, pressed ceramic veneer, and dentin were
evaluated separately. The highest stresses were registered in the
dentin. The depth of the preparations had no significant influence on
the stress values of the teeth and pressed ceramics for the studied
cases, only for the zirconia framework. The zirconia framework
decreases the stress values in the veneer.
Abstract: In this research, a latent class vector model for pairwise data is formulated. As compared to the basic vector model, this model yields consistent estimates of the parameters since the number of parameters to be estimated does not increase with the number of subjects. The result of the analysis reveals that the model was stable and could classify each subject to the latent classes representing the typical scales used by these subjects.
Abstract: In this paper a novel algorithm is proposed to merit
the accuracy of finger vein recognition. The performances of
Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Kernel Principal Component
Analysis (KPCA), and Kernel Entropy Component Analysis (KECA)
in this algorithm are validated and compared with each other in order
to determine which one is the most appropriate one in terms of finger
vein recognition.
Abstract: The design of high-rise building is more often dictated
by its serviceability rather than strength. Structural Engineers are
always striving to overcome challenge of controlling lateral
deflection and storey drifts as well as self weight of structure
imposed on foundation.
One of the most effective techniques is the use of outrigger and
belt truss system in Composite structures that can astutely solve the
above two issues in High-rise constructions.
This paper investigates deflection control by effective utilisation
of belt truss and outrigger system on a 60-storey composite building
subjected to wind loads. A three dimensional Finite Element Analysis
is performed with one, two and three outrigger levels. The reductions
in lateral deflection are 34%, 42% and 51% respectively as compared
to a model without any outrigger system. There is an appreciable
decline in the storey drifts with the introduction of these stiffer
arrangements.
Abstract: In this paper, some common gearboxes vibration analysis methods and condition monitoring systems are explained. In addition, an experimental gearbox vibration analysis is discussed through a critical case history for a mixer gearbox related to Iran oil industry. The case history also consists of gear manufacturing (machining) recommendations, lubrication condition of gearbox and machinery maintenance activities that caused reduction in noise and vibration of the gearbox. Besides some of the recent patents and innovations in gearboxes, lubrication and vibration monitoring systems explained. Finally micro pitting and surface fatigue in pinion and bevel of mentioned horizontal to vertical gearbox discussed in details.
Abstract: Through 1980s, management accounting researchers
described the increasing irrelevance of traditional control and
performance measurement systems. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
is a critical business tool for a lot of organizations. It is a
performance measurement system which translates mission and
strategy into objectives. Strategy map approach is a development
variant of BSC in which some necessary causal relations must be
established. To recognize these relations, experts usually use
experience. It is also possible to utilize regression for the same
purpose. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), which is one of the
most powerful methods of multivariate data analysis, obtains more
appropriate results than traditional methods such as regression. In the
present paper, we propose SEM for the first time to identify the
relations between objectives in the strategy map, and a test to
measure the importance of relations. In SEM, factor analysis and test
of hypotheses are done in the same analysis. SEM is known to be
better than other techniques at supporting analysis and reporting. Our
approach provides a framework which permits the experts to design
the strategy map by applying a comprehensive and scientific method
together with their experience. Therefore this scheme is a more
reliable method in comparison with the previously established
methods.
Abstract: The increasing popularity of wireless technologies
and mobile computing devices has enabled new application areas and
research. One of these new areas is pervasive systems in urban
environments, because urban environments are characterized by high
concentration of these technologies and devices. In this paper we will
show the process of pervasive system design in urban environments,
using as use case a local zoo in Cali, Colombia. Based on an
ethnographic studio, we present the design of a pervasive system for
urban computing based on service oriented architecture to controlled
environment of Cali Zoo. In this paper, the reader will find a
methodological approach for the design of similar systems, using
data collection methods, conceptual frameworks for urban
environments and considerations of analysis and design of service
oriented systems.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to a design of pattern
classification model based on the back-propagation (BP) algorithm for
decision support system. Standard BP model has done full connection
of each node in the layers from input to output layers. Therefore, it
takes a lot of computing time and iteration computing for good
performance and less accepted error rate when we are doing some
pattern generation or training the network.
However, this model is using exclusive connection in between
hidden layer nodes and output nodes. The advantage of this model is
less number of iteration and better performance compare with standard
back-propagation model. We simulated some cases of classification
data and different setting of network factors (e.g. hidden layer number
and nodes, number of classification and iteration). During our
simulation, we found that most of simulations cases were satisfied by
BP based using exclusive connection network model compared to
standard BP. We expect that this algorithm can be available to
identification of user face, analysis of data, mapping data in between
environment data and information.
Abstract: This experiment discusses the effects of fracture
parameters such as depth, length, width, angle and the number of the
fracture to the conductance properties of laterite using the DUK-2B
digital electrical measurement system combined with the method of
simulating the fractures. The results of experiment show that the
changes of fracture parameters produce effects to the conductance
properties of laterite. There is a clear degressive period of the
conductivity of laterite during increasing the depth, length, width, or
the angle and the quantity of fracture gradually. When the depth of
fracture exceeds the half thickness of the soil body, the conductivity of
laterite shows evidently non-linear diminishing pattern and the
amplitude of decrease tends to increase. The length of fracture has
fewer effects than the depth to the conductivity. When the width of
fracture reaches some fixed values, the change of the conductivity is
less sensitive to the change of the width, and at this time, the
conductivity of laterite maintains at a stable level. When the angle of
fracture is less than 45°, the decrease of the conductivity is more
clearly as the angle increases. But when angle is more than 45°,
change of the conductivity is relatively gentle as the angle increases.
The increasing quantity of the fracture causes the other fracture
parameters having great impact on the change of conductivity. When
moisture content and temperature were unchanged, depth and angle of
fractures are the major factors affecting the conductivity of laterite
soil; quantity, length, and width are minor influencing factors. The
sensitivity of fracture parameters affect conductivity of laterite soil is:
depth >angles >quantity >length >width.
Abstract: The present study investigated the relationship
between personality characteristics of drivers and the number and
amount of fines they have in a year .This study was carried out on
120 male taxi drivers that worked at least seven hours in a day in
Lamerd - a city in the south of IRAN. Subjects were chosen
voluntarily among those available. Predictive variables were the NEO
–five great personality factors (1. conscientiousness 2. Openness to
Experience 3.Neuroticism4 .Extraversion 5.Agreeableness )
thecriterion variables were the number and amount of fines the
drivers have had the last three years. the result of regression analysis
showed that conscientiousness factor was able to negatively predict
the number and amount of financial fines the drivers had during the
last three years. The openness factor positively predicted the number
of fines they had in last 3 years and the amount of financial fines
during the last year. The extraversion factor both meaningfully and
positively could predict only the amount of financial fines they had
during the last year. Increasing age was associated with decreasing
driving offenses as well as financial loss.The findings can be useful
in recognizing the high-risk drivers and leading them to counseling
centers .They can also be used to inform the drivers about their
personality and it’s relation with their accident rate. Such criteria
would be of great importance in employing drivers in different places
such as companies, offices etc…
Abstract: Selecting the data modeling technique for an
information system is determined by the objective of the resultant
data model. Dimensional modeling is the preferred modeling
technique for data destined for data warehouses and data mining,
presenting data models that ease analysis and queries which are in
contrast with entity relationship modeling. The establishment of data
warehouses as components of information system landscapes in
many organizations has subsequently led to the development of
dimensional modeling. This has been significantly more developed
and reported for the commercial database management systems as
compared to the open sources thereby making it less affordable for
those in resource constrained settings. This paper presents
dimensional modeling of HIV patient information using open source
modeling tools. It aims to take advantage of the fact that the most
affected regions by the HIV virus are also heavily resource
constrained (sub-Saharan Africa) whereas having large quantities of
HIV data. Two HIV data source systems were studied to identify
appropriate dimensions and facts these were then modeled using two
open source dimensional modeling tools. Use of open source would
reduce the software costs for dimensional modeling and in turn make
data warehousing and data mining more feasible even for those in
resource constrained settings but with data available.
Abstract: Importance of environmental efficiency of electric power industry stems from high demand for energy combined with global warming concerns. It is especially essential for the world largest economies like that of the United States. The paper introduces a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model of environmental efficiency using indicators of fossil fuels utilization, emissions rate, and electric power losses. Using DEA is advantageous in this situation over other approaches due to its nonparametric nature. The paper analyzes data for the period of 1990 - 2006 by comparing actual yearly levels in each dimension with the best values of partial indicators for the period. As positive factors of efficiency, tendency to the decline in emissions rates starting 2000, and in electric power losses starting 2004 may be mentioned together with increasing trend of fuel utilization starting 1999. As a result, dynamics of environmental efficiency is positive starting 2002. The main concern is the decline in fossil fuels utilization in 2006. This negative change should be reversed to comply with ecological and economic requirements.