Abstract: Modeling and simulation of fixed bed three-phase
catalytic reactors are considered for wet air catalytic oxidation of
phenol to perform a comparative numerical analysis between tricklebed
and packed-bubble column reactors. The modeling involves
material balances both for the catalyst particle as well as for different
fluid phases. Catalyst deactivation is also considered in a transient
reactor model to investigate the effects of various parameters
including reactor temperature on catalyst deactivation. The
simulation results indicated that packed-bubble columns were
slightly superior in performance than trickle beds. It was also found
that reaction temperature was the most effective parameter in catalyst
deactivation.
Abstract: According as the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry projects have grown more complex and larger, the number of utilization of BIM for 3D design and simulation is increasing significantly. Therefore, typical applications of BIM such as clash detection and alternative measures based on 3-dimenstional planning are expanded to process management, cost and quantity management, structural analysis, check for regulation, and various domains for virtual design and construction. Presently, commercial BIM software is operated on single-user environment, so initial cost is so high and the investment may be wasted frequently. Cloud computing that is a next-generation internet technology enables simple internet devices (such as PC, Tablet, Smart phone etc) to use services and resources of BIM software. In this paper, we suggested developing method of the BIM software based on cloud computing environment in order to expand utilization of BIM and reduce cost of BIM software. First, for the benchmarking, we surveyed successful case of BIM and cloud computing. And we analyzed needs and opportunities of BIM and cloud computing in AEC Industry. Finally, we suggested main functions of BIM software based on cloud computing environment and developed a simple prototype of cloud computing BIM software for basic BIM model viewing.
Abstract: As business environments are rapidly changing,
the manufacturing system must be reconfigured to adapt to
various customer needs. In order to cope with this challenge, it
is quintessential to test industrial control logic rapidly and
easily in the design time, and monitor operational behavior in
the run time of automated manufacturing system. Proposed
integrated model for virtual prototyping and operational
monitoring of industrial control logic is to improve limitations
of current ladder programming practices and general discrete
event simulation method. Each plant layout model using HMI
package and object-oriented control logic model is designed
independently and is executed simultaneously in integrated
manner to reflect design practices of automation system in the
design time. Control logic is designed and executed using UML
activity diagram without considering complicated control
behavior to deal with current trend of reconfigurable
manufacturing. After the physical installation, layout model of
virtual prototype constructed in the design time is reused for
operational monitoring of system behavior during run time.
Abstract: The recent development of humanoid robots has led robot designers to imagine a great variety of anthropomorphic forms for human-like machine. Which form is the best ? We try to answer this question from a double meaning of the anthropomorphism : a positive anthropomorphism corresponing to the realization of an effective anthropomorphic form object and a negative one corresponding to our natural tendency in certain circumstances to give human attributes to non-human beings. We postulate that any humanoid robot is concerned by both these two anthropomorphism kinds. We propose to use gestalt theory and Heider-s balance theory in order to analyze how negative anthropomorphism can influence our perception of human-like robots. From our theoretical approach we conclude that an “even shape" as defined by gestalt theory is not a sufficient condition for a good integration of future humanoid robots into a human community. Aesthetic perception of the robot cannot be splitted from a social perception : a humanoid robot, any how the efforts made for improving its appearance, could be rejected if it is devoted to a task with too high affective implications.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop and examine a
Teaching Commitment Scale of Health and Physical Education
(TCS-HPE) for Taiwanese elementary school teachers. First of all,
based on teaching commitment related theory and literatures to
develop a original scale with 40 items, later both stratified random
sampling and cluster sampling were used to sample participants.
During the first stage, 300 teachers were sampled and 251 valid scales
(83.7%) returned. Later, the data was analyzed by exploratory factor
analysis to obtain 74.30% of total variance for the construct validity.
The Cronbach-s alpha coefficient of sum scale reliability was 0.94, and
subscale coefficients were between 0.80 and 0.96. In the second stage,
400 teachers were sampled and 318 valid scales (79.5%) returned.
Finally, this study used confirmatory factor analysis to test validity and
reliability of TCS-HPE. The result showed that the fit indexes reached
acceptable criteria(¤ç2
(246 ) =557.64 , p
Abstract: In this paper, a nonlinear model predictive swing-up
and stabilizing sliding controller is proposed for an inverted
pendulum-cart system. In the swing up phase, the nonlinear model
predictive control is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem
with energy based objective function. By solving this problem at
each sampling instant, a sequence of control inputs that optimize the
nonlinear objective function subject to various constraints over a
finite horizon are obtained. Then, this control drives the pendulum to
a predefined neighborhood of the upper equilibrium point, at where
sliding mode based model predictive control is used to stabilize the
systems with the specified constraints. It is shown by the simulations
that, due to the way of formulating the problem, short horizon
lengths are sufficient for attaining the swing up goal.
Abstract: Repetitive systems stand for a kind of systems that
perform a simple task on a fixed pattern repetitively, which are
widely spread in industrial fields. Hence, many researchers have been
interested in those systems, especially in the field of iterative learning
control (ILC). In this paper, we propose a finite-horizon tracking
control scheme for linear time-varying repetitive systems with uncertain
initial conditions. The scheme is derived both analytically
and numerically for state-feedback systems and only numerically for
output-feedback systems. Then, it is extended to stable systems with
input constraints. All numerical schemes are developed in the forms
of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A distinguished feature of the
proposed scheme from the existing iterative learning control is that
the scheme guarantees the tracking performance exactly even under
uncertain initial conditions. The simulation results demonstrate the
good performance of the proposed scheme.
Abstract: In this work, the natural convection in a concentric
annulus between a cold outer inclined square enclosure and heated
inner circular cylinder is simulated for two-dimensional steady
state. The Boussinesq approximation was applied to model the
buoyancy-driven effect and the governing equations were solved
using the time marching approach staggered by body fitted
coordinates. The coordinate transformation from the physical
domain to the computational domain is set up by an analytical
expression. Numerical results for Rayleigh numbers 103 , 104 , 105
and 106, aspect ratios 1.5 , 3.0 and 4.5 for seven different
inclination angles for the outer square enclosure 0o , -30o
, -45o
,
-60o , -90o , -135o , -180o are presented as well. The computed flow
and temperature fields were demonstrated in the form of
streamlines, isotherms and Nusselt numbers variation. It is found
that both the aspect ratio and the Rayleigh number are critical to the
patterns of flow and thermal fields. At all Rayleigh numbers angle
of inclination has nominal effect on heat transfer.
Abstract: A novel path planning approach is presented to solve
optimal path in stochastic, time-varying networks under priori traffic
information. Most existing studies make use of dynamic programming
to find optimal path. However, those methods are proved to
be unable to obtain global optimal value, moreover, how to design
efficient algorithms is also another challenge.
This paper employs a decision theoretic framework for defining
optimal path: for a given source S and destination D in urban transit
network, we seek an S - D path of lowest expected travel time
where its link travel times are discrete random variables. To solve
deficiency caused by the methods of dynamic programming, such as
curse of dimensionality and violation of optimal principle, an integer
programming model is built to realize assignment of discrete travel
time variables to arcs. Simultaneously, pruning techniques are also
applied to reduce computation complexity in the algorithm. The final
experiments show the feasibility of the novel approach.
Abstract: This paper presents a new approach for busbar protection with stable operation of current transformer during saturation, using fuzzy neuro and symmetrical components theory. This technique uses symmetrical components of current signals to learn the hidden relationship existing in the input patterns. Simulation studies are preformed and the influence of changing system parameters such as inception fault and source impedance is studied. Details of the design procedure and the results of performance studies with the proposed relay are given in the paper. An analysis of the performance of the proposed technique during ct saturation conditions is presented. The performance of the technique was investigated for a variety of operating conditions and for several busbar configurations. Data generated by EMTDC simulations of model power systems were used in the investigations. The results indicate that the proposed technique is stable during ct saturation conditions.
Abstract: Car failure detection is a complicated process and
requires high level of expertise. Any attempt of developing an expert
system dealing with car failure detection has to overcome various
difficulties. This paper describes a proposed knowledge-based
system for car failure detection. The paper explains the need for an
expert system and the some issues on developing knowledge-based
systems, the car failure detection process and the difficulties involved
in developing the system. The system structure and its components
and their functions are described. The system has about 150 rules for
different types of failures and causes. It can detect over 100 types of
failures. The system has been tested and gave promising results.
Abstract: A five-class density histogram with an index named cumulative density was proposed to analyze the short-term HRV. 150 subjects participated in the test, falling into three groups with equal numbers -- the healthy young group (Young), the healthy old group (Old), and the group of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Results of multiple comparisons showed a significant differences of the cumulative density in the three groups, with values 0.0238 for Young, 0.0406 for Old and 0.0732 for CHF (p
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate Thai Muslims’ way of life through the way their clothes. The data of this qualitative research were collected from related documents and research reports, ancient cloths and clothing, and in-depth interviews with clothes owners and weavers.
The research found that in the 18th century Thai Muslims in the three southern border provinces used many types of clothing in their life. At home women wore plain clothes. They used checked cloths to cover the upper part of their body from the breasts down to the waist. When going out, they used Lima cloth and So Kae with a piece of Pla-nging cloth as a head scarf. For men, they wore a checked sarong as a lower garment, and wore no upper garment. However, when going out, they wore Puyo Potong. In addition, Thai Muslims used cloths in various religious rites, namely, the rite of placing a baby in a cradle, the Masoyawi rite, the Nikah rite, and the burial rite. These types of cloths were related to the way of life of Thai Muslims from birth to death. They reflected the race, gender, age, social status, values, and beliefs in traditions that have been inherited.
Practical Implication: Woven in these cloths are the lost local wisdom, and therefore, aesthetics on the cloths are like mirrors reflecting the background of people in this region that is fading away. These cloths are pages of a local history book that is of importance and value worth for preservation and publicity so that they are treasured. Government organizations can expand and materialize the knowledge received from the study in accordance with government policy in supporting the One Tambon, One Product project.
Abstract: In this paper, we study a class of serially concatenated block codes (SCBC) based on matrix interleavers, to be employed in fixed wireless communication systems. The performances of SCBC¬coded systems are investigated under various interleaver dimensions. Numerical results reveal that the matrix interleaver could be a competitive candidate over conventional block interleaver for frame lengths of 200 bits; hence, the SCBC coding based on matrix interleaver is a promising technique to be employed for speech transmission applications in many international standards such as pan-European Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Digital Cellular Systems (DCS) 1800, and Joint Detection Code Division Multiple Access (JD-CDMA) mobile radio systems, where the speech frame contains around 200 bits.
Abstract: Subsurface erosion in river banks and its details, in
spite of its occurrence in various parts of the world has rarely been
paid attention by researchers. In this paper, quantitative concept of
the subsurface bank erosion has been investigated for vertical banks.
Vertical banks were simulated experimentally by considering a sandy
erodible layer overlaid by clayey one under uniformly distributed
constant overhead pressure. Results of the experiments are indicated
that rate of sandy layer erosion is decreased by an increase in
overburden; likewise, substituting 20% of coarse (3.5 mm) sand layer
bed material by fine material (1.4 mm) may lead to a decrease in
erosion rate by one-third. This signifies the importance of the bed
material composition effect on sandy layers erosion due to subsurface
erosion in river banks.
Abstract: Reciprocating compressors are flexible to handle wide capacity and condition swings, offer a very efficient method of compressing almost any gas mixture in wide range of pressure, can generate high head independent of density, and have numerous applications and wide power ratings. These make them vital component in various units of industrial plants. In this paper optimum reciprocating compressor configuration regarding interstage pressures, low suction pressure, non-lubricated cylinder, speed of machine, capacity control system, compressor valve, lubrication system, piston rod coating, cylinder liner material, barring device, pressure drops, rod load, pin reversal, discharge temperature, cylinder coolant system, performance, flow, coupling, special tools, condition monitoring (including vibration, thermal and rod drop monitoring), commercial points, delivery and acoustic conditions are presented.
Abstract: Computers are being integrated in the various aspects
of human every day life in different shapes and abilities. This fact
has intensified a requirement for the software development
technologies which is ability to be: 1) portable, 2) adaptable, and 3)
simple to develop. This problem is also known as the Pervasive
Computing Problem (PCP) which can be implemented in different
ways, each has its own pros and cons and Context Oriented
Programming (COP) is one of the methods to address the PCP.
In this paper a design for a COP framework, a context aware
framework, is presented which has eliminated weak points of a
previous design based on interpreter languages, while introducing the
compiler languages power in implementing these frameworks.
The key point of this improvement is combining COP and
Dependency Injection (DI) techniques. Both old and new frameworks
are analyzed to show advantages and disadvantages. Finally a
simulation of both designs is proposed to indicating that the practical
results agree with the theoretical analysis while the new design runs
almost 8 times faster.
Abstract: Information on weed distribution within the field is necessary to implement spatially variable herbicide application. Since hand labor is costly, an automated weed control system could be feasible. This paper deals with the development of an algorithm for real time specific weed recognition system based on Histogram Maxima with threshold of an image that is used for the weed classification. This algorithm is specifically developed to classify images into broad and narrow class for real-time selective herbicide application. The developed system has been tested on weeds in the lab, which have shown that the system to be very effectiveness in weed identification. Further the results show a very reliable performance on images of weeds taken under varying field conditions. The analysis of the results shows over 95 percent classification accuracy over 140 sample images (broad and narrow) with 70 samples from each category of weeds.
Abstract: Since the world printing industry has to confront
globalization with a constant change, the Thai printing industry, as a
small but increasingly significant part of the world printing industry,
cannot inevitably escape but has to encounter with the similar change
and also the need to revamp its production processes, designs and
technology to make them more appealing to both international and
domestic market. The essential question is what is the Thai
competitive edge in the printing industry in changing environment?
This research is aimed to study the Thai level of competitive edge in
terms of marketing, technology, environment friendly, and the level
of satisfaction of the process of using printing machines. To access
the extent to which is the trends in competitiveness of Thai printing
industry, both quantitative and qualitative study were conducted. The
quantitative analysis was restricted to 100 respondents. The
qualitative analysis was restricted to a focus group of 10 individuals
from various backgrounds in the Thai printing industry. The findings
from the quantitative analysis revealed that the overall mean scores
are 4.53, 4.10, and 3.50 for the competitiveness of marketing, the
competitiveness of technology, and the competitiveness of being
environment friendly respectively. However, the level of satisfaction
for the process of using machines has a mean score only 3.20. The
findings from the qualitative analysis have revealed that target
customers have increasingly reordered due to their contentment in
both low prices and the acceptable quality of the products. Moreover,
the Thai printing industry has a tendency to convert to ambient green
technology which is friendly to the environment. The Thai printing
industry is choosing to produce or substitute with products that are
less damaging to the environment. It is also found that the Thai
printing industry has been transformed into a very competitive
industry which bargaining power rests on consumers who have a
variety of choices.
Abstract: A four-lobe pressure dam bearing which is
produced by cutting two pressure dams on the upper two lobes and
two relief-tracks on the lower two lobes of an ordinary four-lobe
bearing is found to be more stable than a conventional four-lobe
bearing. In this paper a four-lobe pressure dam bearing supporting
rigid and flexible rotors is analytically investigated to determine its
performance when L/D ratio is varied in the range 0.75 to 1.5. The
static and dynamic characteristics are studied at various L/D ratios.
The results show that the stability of a four-lobe pressure dam
bearing increases with decrease in L/D ratios both for rigid as well as
flexible rotors.