Abstract: Many works have been carried out to compare the
efficiency of several goodness of fit procedures for identifying
whether or not a particular distribution could adequately explain a
data set. In this paper a study is conducted to investigate the power
of several goodness of fit tests such as Kolmogorov Smirnov (KS),
Anderson-Darling(AD), Cramer- von- Mises (CV) and a proposed
modification of Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit test which
incorporates a variance stabilizing transformation (FKS). The
performances of these selected tests are studied under simple
random sampling (SRS) and Ranked Set Sampling (RSS). This
study shows that, in general, the Anderson-Darling (AD) test
performs better than other GOF tests. However, there are some
cases where the proposed test can perform as equally good as the
AD test.
Abstract: Carrier mobility has become the most important
characteristic of high speed low dimensional devices. Due to
development of very fast switching semiconductor devices, speed of
computer and communication equipment has been increasing day by
day and will continue to do so in future. As the response of any
device depends on the carrier motion within the devices, extensive
studies of carrier mobility in the devices has been established
essential for the growth in the field of low dimensional devices.
Small-signal ac transport of degenerate two-dimensional hot
electrons in GaAs quantum wells is studied here incorporating
deformation potential acoustic, polar optic and ionized impurity
scattering in the framework of heated drifted Fermi-Dirac carrier
distribution. Delta doping is considered in the calculations to
investigate the effects of double delta doping on millimeter and submillimeter
wave response of two dimensional hot electrons in GaAs
nanostructures. The inclusion of delta doping is found to enhance
considerably the two dimensional electron density which in turn
improves the carrier mobility (both ac and dc) values in the GaAs
quantum wells thereby providing scope of getting higher speed
devices in future.
Abstract: Quality costs are the costs associated with preventing,
finding, and correcting defective work. Since the main language of
corporate management is money, quality-related costs act as means of
communication between the staff of quality engineering departments
and the company managers. The objective of quality engineering is to
minimize the total quality cost across the life of product. Quality
costs provide a benchmark against which improvement can be
measured over time. It provides a rupee-based report on quality
improvement efforts. It is an effective tool to identify, prioritize and
select quality improvement projects. After reviewing through the
literature it was noticed that a simplified methodology for data
collection of quality cost in a manufacturing industry was required.
The quantified standard methodology is proposed for collecting data
of various elements of quality cost categories for manufacturing
industry. Also in the light of research carried out so far, it is felt
necessary to standardise cost elements in each of the prevention,
appraisal, internal failure and external failure costs. . Here an attempt
is made to standardise the various cost elements applicable to
manufacturing industry and data is collected by using the proposed
quantified methodology. This paper discusses the case study carried
in luggage manufacturing industry.
Abstract: Many corporations are seriously concerned about
security of networks and therefore, their network supervisors are still
reluctant to install WLANs. In this regards, the IEEE802.11i standard
was developed to address the security problems, even though the
mistrust of the wireless LAN technology is still existing. The thought
was that the best security solutions could be found in open standards
based technologies that can be delivered by Virtual Private
Networking (VPN) being used for long time without addressing any
security holes for the past few years. This work, addresses this issue
and presents a simulated wireless LAN of IEEE802.11g protocol, and
analyzes impact of integrating Virtual Private Network technology to
secure the flow of traffic between the client and the server within the
LAN, using OPNET WLAN utility. Two Wireless LAN scenarios
have been introduced and simulated. These are based on normal
extension to a wired network and VPN over extension to a wired
network. The results of the two scenarios are compared and indicate
the impact of improving performance, measured by response time
and load, of Virtual Private Network over wireless LAN.
Abstract: Problem solving has traditionally been one of the principal research areas for artificial intelligence. Yet, although artificial intelligence reasoning techniques have been employed in several product support systems, the benefit of integrating product support, knowledge engineering, and problem solving, is still unclear. This paper studies the synergy of these areas and proposes a knowledge engineering framework that integrates product support systems and artificial intelligence techniques. The framework includes four spaces; the data, problem, hypothesis, and solution ones. The data space incorporates the knowledge needed for structured reasoning to take place, the problem space contains representations of problems, and the hypothesis space utilizes a multimodal reasoning approach to produce appropriate solutions in the form of virtual documents. The solution space is used as the gateway between the system and the user. The proposed framework enables the development of product support systems in terms of smaller, more manageable steps while the combination of different reasoning techniques provides a way to overcome the lack of documentation resources.
Abstract: This paper presents a spectroscopic study on doping
of Vanadyl pathalocyanine (VOPc) by [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid
methyl ester (PCBM). The films are characterized by UV/Vis/NIR
spectroscopy. A drastic increase in the absorption coefficient has
been observed with increasing dopant concentration. Optical
properties of VOPc:PCBM films deposited by spin coating technique
were studied in detail. Optical band gap decreased with the PCBM
incorporation in the VOPc film. Optical band gap calculated from the
absorption spectra decreased from 3.32 eV to 3.26 eV with a
variation of 0–75 % of PCBM concentration in the VOPC films.
Abstract: In this research work, poly (acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene)/
polypropylene (ABS/PP) blends were processed by melt
compounding in a twin-screw extruder. Upgrading of the thermal
characteristics of the obtained materials was attempted by the
incorporation of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), as
well as, by the addition of two types of compatibilizers;
polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) and ABS
grafted with maleic anhydride (ABS-g-MAH). The effect of the
above treatments was investigated separately and in combination.
Increasing the PP content in ABS matrix seems to increase the
thermal stability of their blend and the glass transition temperature
(Tg) of SAN phase of ABS. From the other part, the addition of ABS
to PP promotes the formation of its β-phase, which is maximum at 30
wt% ABS concentration, and increases the crystallization temperature
(Tc) of PP. In addition, it increases the crystallization rate of PP.The
β-phase of PP in ABS/PP blends is reduced by the addition of
compatibilizers or/and organoclay reinforcement. The incorporation
of compatibilizers increases the thermal stability of PP and reduces
its melting (ΔΗm) and crystallization (ΔΗc) enthalpies. Furthermore it
decreases slightly the Tgs of PP and SAN phases of ABS/PP blends.
Regarding the storage modulus of the ABS/PP blends, it presents a
change in their behavior at about 10°C and return to their initial
behavior at ~110°C. The incorporation of OMMT to no compatibilized
and compatibilized ABS/PP blends enhances their storage modulus.
Abstract: The effect of artificial pozzolan (waste brick) on the
physico-chemical properties of cement manufactured was
investigated. The waste brick is generated by the manufacture of
bricks. It was used in the proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%
by mass of cement to study its effect on the physico-chemical
properties of cement incorporating artificial pozzolan. The physicochemical
properties of cement at anhydrous state and the hydrated
state (chemical composition, specific weight, fineness, consistency of
the cement paste and setting times) were studied. The experimental
results obtained show that the quantity of pozzolanic admixture
(waste brick) of cement manufactured is the principal parameter who
influences on the variation of the physico-chemical properties of the
cement tested.
Abstract: Misalignment and unbalance are the major concerns
in rotating machinery. When the power supply to any rotating system
is cutoff, the system begins to lose the momentum gained during
sustained operation and finally comes to rest. The exact time period
from when the power is cutoff until the rotor comes to rest is called
Coast Down Time. The CDTs for different shaft cutoff speeds were
recorded at various misalignment and unbalance conditions. The
CDT reduction percentages were calculated for each fault and there
is a specific correlation between the CDT reduction percentage and
the severity of the fault. In this paper, radial basis network, a new
generation of artificial neural networks, has been successfully
incorporated for the prediction of CDT for misalignment and
unbalance conditions. Radial basis network has been found to be
successful in the prediction of CDT for mechanical faults in rotating
machinery.
Abstract: This contribution deals with the relationship between
communication effectiveness and the extent of communication
among organizational units. To facilitate communication between
employees and to increase the level of understanding, the knowledge
of communication tools is necessary. Recent experience has shown
that personal communication is critical for smooth running of
companies and cannot be fully replaced by any form of technical
communication devices.
Below are presented the outcomes of the research on the
relationship between the extent of communication among
organisational units and its efficiency.
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: Benefits to the organisation are just as important as technical ability when it comes to software success. The challenge is to provide industry with professionals who understand this. In other words: How to teach computer engineering students to look beyond technology, and at the benefits of software to organizations? This paper reports on the conceptual design of a section of the computer networks module aimed to sensitize the students to the organisational context.
Checkland focuses on different worldviews represented by various role players in the organisation. He developed the Soft Systems Methodology that guides purposeful action in organisations, while incorporating different worldviews in the modeling process. If we can sensitize students to these methods, they are likely to appreciate the wider context of application of system software. This paper will provide literature on these concepts as well as detail on how the students will be guided to adopt these concepts.
Abstract: Fuzzy Load forecasting plays a paramount role in the operation and management of power systems. Accurate estimation of future power demands for various lead times facilitates the task of generating power reliably and economically. The forecasting of future loads for a relatively large lead time (months to few years) is studied here (long term load forecasting). Among the various techniques used in forecasting load, artificial intelligence techniques provide greater accuracy to the forecasts as compared to conventional techniques. Fuzzy Logic, a very robust artificial intelligent technique, is described in this paper to forecast load on long term basis. The paper gives a general algorithm to forecast long term load. The algorithm is an Extension of Short term load forecasting method to Long term load forecasting and concentrates not only on the forecast values of load but also on the errors incorporated into the forecast. Hence, by correcting the errors in the forecast, forecasts with very high accuracy have been achieved. The algorithm, in the paper, is demonstrated with the help of data collected for residential sector (LT2 (a) type load: Domestic consumers). Load, is determined for three consecutive years (from April-06 to March-09) in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm and to forecast for the next two years (from April-09 to March-11).
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a new framework to incorporate an intelligent agent software robot into a crisis communication portal (CCNet) in order to send alert news to subscribed users via email and other mobile services such as Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). The content on the mobile services can be delivered either through mobile phone or Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). This research has shown that with our proposed framework, the embodied conversation agents system can handle questions intelligently with our multilayer architecture. At the same time, the extended framework can take care of delivery content through a more humanoid interface on mobile devices.
Abstract: Hybridization refers to the crossing breeding of two
plants. Coefficient of Parentage (COP) is used by the plant breeders
to determine the genetic diversity across various varieties so as to
incorporate the useful characters of the two varieties to develop a
new crop variety with particular useful characters. Genetic Diversity
is the prerequisite for any cultivar development program. Genetic
Diversity depends upon the pedigree information of the varieties
based on particular levels. Pedigree refers to the parents of a
particular variety at various levels. This paper discusses the searching
and analyses of different possible pairs of varieties selected on the
basis of morphological characters, Climatic conditions and Nutrients
so as to obtain the most optimal pair that can produce the required
crossbreed variety. An algorithm was developed to determine the
coefficient of parentage (COP) between the selected wheat varieties.
Dummy values were used wherever actual data was not available.
Abstract: Integral Abutment Bridges (IAB) are defined as
simple or multiple span bridges in which the bridge deck is cast
monolithically with the abutment walls. This kind of bridges are
becoming very popular due to different aspects such as good
response under seismic loading, low initial costs, elimination of
bearings, and less maintenance. However the main issue related to
the analysis of this type of structures is dealing with soil-structure
interaction of the abutment walls and the supporting piles. Various
soil constitutive models have been used in studies of soil-structure
interaction in this kind of structures by researchers. This paper is an
effort to review the implementation of various finite elements model
which explicitly incorporates the nonlinear soil and linear structural
response considering various soil constitutive models and finite
element mesh.
Abstract: With previous studies that examined the importance
of functional store image and CSR, this study is aimed at examining
their effects in the self-congruity model in influencing store loyalty.
In particular, this study developed and tested a structural model in the
context of retailing industry on the self-congruity theory. Whilst
much of the self-congruity studies have incorporated functional store
image, there has been lack of studies that examined social
responsibility image of retail stores in the self-congruity studies.
Findings indicate that self-congruity influence on store loyalty was
mediated by both functional store image and social responsibility
image. In influencing store loyalty, the findings have shown that
social responsibility image has a stronger influence on store loyalty
than functional store image. This study offers important findings and
implications for future research as it presents a new framework on
the importance of social responsibility image.
Abstract: Proprietary sensor network systems are typically expensive, rigid and difficult to incorporate technologies from other vendors. When using competing and incompatible technologies, a non-proprietary system is complex to create because it requires significant technical expertise and effort, which can be more expensive than a proprietary product. This paper presents the Sensor Abstraction Layer (SAL) that provides middleware architectures with a consistent and uniform view of heterogeneous sensor networks, regardless of the technologies involved. SAL abstracts and hides the hardware disparities and specificities related to accessing, controlling, probing and piloting heterogeneous sensors. SAL is a single software library containing a stable hardware-independent interface with consistent access and control functions to remotely manage the network. The end-user has near-real-time access to the collected data via the network, which results in a cost-effective, flexible and simplified system suitable for novice users. SAL has been used for successfully implementing several low-cost sensor network systems.
Abstract: Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of sugarcane bagasse by cellulase and Pachysolen tannophilus MTCC *1077 were investigated in the present study. Important process variables for ethanol production form pretreated bagasse were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) experiments. A 23 five level CCD experiments with central and axial points was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of process variables such as incubation temperature (25–45°) X1, pH (5.0–7.0) X2 and fermentation time (24–120 h) X3. Data obtained from RSM on ethanol production were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analyzed using a second order polynomial equation and contour plots were used to study the interactions among three relevant variables of the fermentation process. The fermentation experiments were carried out using an online monitored modular fermenter 2L capacity. The processing parameters setup for reaching a maximum response for ethanol production was obtained when applying the optimum values for temperature (32°C), pH (5.6) and fermentation time (110 h). Maximum ethanol concentration (3.36 g/l) was obtained from 50 g/l pretreated sugarcane bagasse at the optimized process conditions in aerobic batch fermentation. Kinetic models such as Monod, Modified Logistic model, Modified Logistic incorporated Leudeking – Piret model and Modified Logistic incorporated Modified Leudeking – Piret model have been evaluated and the constants were predicted.