Abstract: Transmission shafts are affected by various forces, for
example, during acceleration or sudden breaks, bending during
transportation, vertical forces that lead to cuts. One of the main
failures in combines is breaking shaft which repairmen refer it.
Structural resistance of canal against torque is very important in the
beginning of the movement. For analyzing stress, a typical sample
from a type of combine was selected, called JD955 combine. Long
shaft in this combine was analyzed with finite element method by
Ansys13 generic package under static load. Conducted analysis
showed that there is a maximum stress in contact surfaces of
indentations and also in place of changing diameter. Safety factor
value is low in parts of the shaft and this increases the probability of
failure at these points. To improve the conditions with the least cost
and an approach of product improvement, using alternative alloy is
important.
Abstract: The aims of this study were to determine the factor
structure and psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and convergent
validity) of the Malaysian Multi-Ethnic Discrimination Scale
(MMEDS). It consists of 71-items measure experience, strategies
used and consequences of ethnic discrimination. A sample of 649
university students from one of the higher education institution in
Malaysia was asked to complete MMEDS, as well as Perceived
Ethnic and Racial Discrimination. The exploratory factor analysis on
ethnic discrimination experience extracted two factors labeled ‘unfair
treatment’ (15 items) and ‘Denial of the ethnic right’ (12 items)
which accounted for 60.92% of the total variance. The two sub scales
demonstrated clear reliability with internal consistency above .70.
The convergent validity of the Scale was supported by an expected
pattern of correlations (positive and significant correlation) between
the score of unfair treatment and denial of the ethnic right and the
score of Perceived Ethnic and Racial Discrimination by Peers Scale.
The results suggest that the MMEDS is a reliable and valid measure.
However, further studies need to be carried out in other groups of
sample as to validate the Scale.
Abstract: Grid is an environment with millions of resources
which are dynamic and heterogeneous in nature. A computational
grid is one in which the resources are computing nodes and is meant
for applications that involves larger computations. A scheduling
algorithm is said to be efficient if and only if it performs better
resource allocation even in case of resource failure. Resource
allocation is a tedious issue since it has to consider several
requirements such as system load, processing cost and time, user’s
deadline and resource failure. This work attempts in designing a
resource allocation algorithm which is cost-effective and also targets
at load balancing, fault tolerance and user satisfaction by considering
the above requirements. The proposed Budget Constrained Load
Balancing Fault Tolerant algorithm with user satisfaction (BLBFT)
reduces the schedule makespan, schedule cost and task failure rate
and improves resource utilization. Evaluation of the proposed
BLBFT algorithm is done using Gridsim toolkit and the results are
compared with the algorithms which separately concentrates on all
these factors. The comparison results ensure that the proposed
algorithm works better than its counterparts.
Abstract: Image enhancement is a challenging issue in many applications. In the last two decades, there are various filters developed. This paper proposes a novel method which removes Gaussian noise from the gray scale images. The proposed technique is compared with Enhanced Fuzzy Peer Group Filter (EFPGF) for various noise levels. Experimental results proved that the proposed filter achieves better Peak-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio PSNR than the existing techniques. The proposed technique achieves 1.736dB gain in PSNR than the EFPGF technique.
Abstract: Introduction: Researchers globally have strived to explore diverse factors that augment the continuation and uptake of family planning methods. Clients’ satisfaction is one of the core determinants facilitating continuation of family planning methods. There is a major debate yet scanty evidence to contrast public and private sectors with respect to client satisfaction. The objective of this study is to compare quality-of-care provided by public and private sectors of Pakistan through a client satisfaction lens. Methods: We used Pakistan Demographic Heath Survey 2012-13 dataset on 3133 women. Ten different multivariate models were made. to explore the relationship between client satisfaction and dependent outcome after adjusting for all known confounding factors and results are presented as OR and AOR (95% CI). Results: Multivariate analyses showed that clients were less satisfied in contraceptive provision from private sector as compared to public sector (AOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63-1.68) even though the result was not statistically significant. Clients were more satisfied from private sector as compared to the public sector with respect to other determinants of quality-of-care follow-up care (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.95-5.55), infection prevention (AOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.60-3.62), counseling services (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.27-3.18, timely treatment (AOR 3.37, 95% CI 2.20-5.15), attitude of staff (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.50-3.33), punctuality of staff (AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.92-4.13), timely referring (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.63-3.35), staff cooperation (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.51) and complications handling (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.56-3.29). Discussion: Public sector has successfully attained substantial satisfaction levels with respect to provision of contraceptives, but it contrasts previous literature from a multi country studies. Our study though in is concordance with a study from Tanzania where public sector was more likely to offer family planning services to clients as compared to private facilities. Conclusion: In majority of the developing countries, public sector is more involved in FP service provision; however, in Pakistan clients’ satisfaction in private sector is more, which opens doors for public-private partnerships and collaboration in the near future.
Abstract: Family has a crucial role in maintaining the
physical, social and mental health of the children. Most of the
mental and anxiety problems of children reflect the complex
interpersonal situations among family members, especially parents.
In other words, anxiety problems of the children are correlated
with deficit relationships of family members and improper
childrearing styles. The parental child rearing styles leads to
positive and negative consequences which affect the children’s
mental health. Therefore, the present research was aimed to
compare the parental childrearing styles and anxiety of children
with stuttering and normal population. It was also aimed to study
the relationship between parental child rearing styles and anxiety
of children. The research sample included 54 boys with stuttering
and 54 normal boys who were selected from the children (boys) of
Tehran, Iran in the age range of 5 to 8 years in 2013. In order to
collect data, Baum-rind Childrearing Styles Inventory and Spence
Parental Anxiety Inventory were used. Appropriate descriptive
statistical methods and multivariate variance analysis and t test for
independent groups were used to test the study hypotheses.
Statistical data analyses demonstrated that there was a significant
difference between stuttering boys and normal boys in anxiety (t =
7.601, p< 0.01); but there was no significant difference between
stuttering boys and normal boys in parental childrearing styles (F =
0.129). There was also not found significant relationship between
parental childrearing styles and children anxiety (F = 0.135, p<
0.05). It can be concluded that the influential factors of children’s
society are parents, school, teachers, peers and media. So, parental
childrearing styles are not the only influential factors on anxiety of
children, and other factors including genetic, environment and
child experiences are effective in anxiety as well. Details are
discussed.
Abstract: All the software engineering researches and best
industry practices aim at providing software products with high
degree of quality and functionality at low cost and less time. These
requirements are addressed by the Component Based Software
Engineering (CBSE) as well. CBSE, which deals with the software
construction by components’ assembly, is a revolutionary extension
of Software Engineering. CBSE must define and describe processes
to assure timely completion of high quality software systems that are
composed of a variety of pre built software components. Though
these features provide distinct and visible benefits in software design
and programming, they also raise some challenging problems. The
aim of this work is to summarize the pertinent issues and
considerations in CBSE to make an understanding in forms of
concepts and observations that may lead to development of newer
ways of dealing with the problems and challenges in CBSE.
Abstract: Predicting the collapse potential of a structure during
earthquakes is an important issue in earthquake engineering. Many
researchers proposed different methods to assess the collapse
potential of structures under the effect of strong ground motions.
However most of them did not consider degradation and softening
effect in hysteretic behavior. In this study, collapse potential of
SDOF systems caused by dynamic instability with stiffness and
strength degradation has been investigated. An equation was
proposed for the estimation of collapse period of SDOF system which
is a limit value of period for dynamic instability. If period of the
considered SDOF system is shorter than the collapse period then the
relevant system exhibits dynamic instability and collapse occurs.
Abstract: Problems insulation of building structures is often
closely connected with the problem of moisture remediation. In the
case of historic buildings or if only part of the redevelopment of
envelope of structures, it is not possible to apply the classical external
thermal insulation composite systems. This application is mostly
effective thermal insulation plasters with high porosity and controlled
capillary properties which assures improvement of thermal properties
construction, its diffusion openness towards the external environment
and suitable treatment capillary properties of preventing the
penetration of liquid moisture and salts thereof toward the outer
surface of the structure.
With respect to the current trend of reducing the energy
consumption of building structures and reduce the production of CO2
is necessary to develop capillary-active materials characterized by
their low density, low thermal conductivity while maintaining good
mechanical properties. The aim of researchers at the Faculty of Civil
Engineering, Brno University of Technology is the development and
study of hygrothermal behaviour of optimal materials for thermal
insulation and rehabilitation of building structures with the possible
use of alternative, less energy demanding binders in comparison with
conventional, frequently used binder, which represents cement.
The paper describes the evaluation of research activities aimed at
the development of thermal insulation and repair materials using
lightweight aggregate and alternative binders such as metakaolin and
finely ground fly ash.
Abstract: Significant quota of Municipal Electrical Energy
consumption is related to Decentralized Air Conditioning which is
mostly provided by evaporative coolers. So the aim is to optimize
design of air conditioners to increase their efficiencies. To achieve
this goal, results of practical standardized tests for 40 evaporative
coolers in different types collected and simultaneously results for
same coolers based on one of EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
modeling styles are figured out. By comparing experimental results
of different coolers standardized tests with modeling results,
preciseness of used model is assessed and after comparing gained
preciseness with international standards based on EER for cooling
capacity, aeration, and also electrical energy consumption, energy
label from A (most effective) to G (less effective) is classified; finally
needed methods to optimize energy consumption and coolers’
classification are provided.
Abstract: The arm length, hand length, hand breadth and middle
finger length of 1540 right-handed industrial workers of Haryana
state was used to assess the relationship between the upper limb
dimensions and stature. Initially, the data were analyzed using basic
univariate analysis and independent t-tests; then simple and multiple
linear regression models were used to estimate stature using SPSS
(version 17). There was a positive correlation between upper limb
measurements (hand length, hand breadth, arm length and middle
finger length) and stature (p < 0.01), which was highest for hand
length. The accuracy of stature prediction ranged from ± 54.897 mm
to ± 58.307 mm. The use of multiple regression equations gave better
results than simple regression equations. This study provides new
forensic standards for stature estimation from the upper limb
measurements of male industrial workers of Haryana (India). The
results of this research indicate that stature can be determined using
hand dimensions with accuracy, when only upper limb is available
due to any reasons likewise explosions, train/plane crashes, mutilated
bodies, etc. The regression formula derived in this study will be
useful for anatomists, archaeologists, anthropologists, design
engineers and forensic scientists for fairly prediction of stature using
regression equations.
Abstract: The aim of software maintenance is to maintain
the software system in accordance with advancement in software
and hardware technology. One of the early works on software
maintenance is to extract information at higher level of abstraction. In
this paper, we present the process of how to design an information
extraction tool for software maintenance. The tool can extract the
basic information from old programs such as about variables, based
classes, derived classes, objects of classes, and functions. The tool
have two main parts; the lexical analyzer module that can read the
input file character by character, and the searching module which
users can get the basic information from the existing programs. We
implemented this tool for a patterned sub-C++ language as an input
file.
Abstract: This study analyzes the innovative orientation of the
Croatian entrepreneurs. Innovative orientation is represented by the
perceived extent to which an entrepreneur’s product or service or
technology is new, and no other businesses offer the same product.
The sample is extracted from the GEM Croatia Adult Population
Survey dataset for the years 2003-2013. We apply descriptive
statistics, t-test, Chi-square test and logistic regression. Findings
indicate that innovative orientations vary with personal, firm, meso
and macro level variables, and between different stages in
entrepreneurship process. Significant predictors are occupation of the
entrepreneurs, size of the firm and export aspiration for both early
stage and established entrepreneurs. In addition, fear of failure,
expecting to start a new business and seeing an entrepreneurial career
as a desirable choice are predictors of innovative orientation among
early stage entrepreneurs.
Abstract: In recent years parasitic antenna play major role in
MIMO systems because of their gain and spectral efficiency. In this
paper, single RF chain MIMO transmitter is designed using
reconfigurable parasitic antenna. The Spatial Modulation (SM) is a
recently proposed scheme in MIMO scenario which activates only
one antenna at a time. The SM entirely avoids ICI and IAS, and only
requires a single RF chain at the transmitter. This would switch ON a
single transmit-antenna for data transmission while all the other
antennas are kept silent. The purpose of the parasitic elements is to
change the radiation pattern of the radio waves which is emitted from
the driven element and directing them in one direction and hence
introduces transmit diversity. Diode is connect between the patch and
ground by changing its state (ON and OFF) the parasitic element act
as reflector and director and also capable of steering azimuth and
elevation angle. This can be achieved by changing the input
impedance of each parasitic element through single RF chain. The
switching of diode would select the single parasitic antenna for
spatial modulation. This antenna is expected to achieve maximum
gain with desired efficiency.
Abstract: Robotics brings together several very different
engineering areas and skills. There are various types of robot such as
humanoid robot, mobile robots, remotely operated vehicles, modern
autonomous robots etc. This survey paper advocates the operation of a
robotic car (remotely operated vehicle) that is controlled by a mobile
phone (communicate on a large scale over a large distance even from
different cities). The person makes a call to the mobile phone placed
in the car. In the case of a call, if any one of the button is pressed, a
tone equivalent to the button pressed is heard at the other end of the
call. This tone is known as DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency).
The car recognizes this DTMF tone with the help of the phone stacked
in the car. The received tone is processed by the Arduino
microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to acquire a
decision for any given input and outputs its decision to motor drivers
in order to drive the motors in the forward direction or backward
direction or left or right direction. The mobile phone that makes a call
to cell phone stacked in the car act as a remote.
Abstract: This work is undertaken to develop a methodology to enhance the management of dredged marine and river sediments in the North of France. The main objective of this study is to determine the main characteristics of these sediments. In this order, physical, mineralogical and chemical properties of both types of sediments are measured. Moreover, their potential impacts on the environment are assessed throughout leaching tests. From the obtained results, the potential of their use in road engineering is discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, a new design of spherical robotic system
based on the concepts of gimbal structure and gyro dynamics is
presented. Robots equipped with multiple wheels and complex
steering mechanics may increase the weight and degrade the energy
transmission efficiency. In addition, the wheeled and legged robots are
relatively vulnerable to lateral impact and lack of lateral mobility.
Therefore, the proposed robotic design uses a spherical shell as the
main body for ground locomotion, instead of using wheel devices.
Three spherical shells are structured in a similar way to a gimbal
device and rotate like a gyro system. The design and mechanism of the
proposed robotic system is introduced. In addition, preliminary results
of the dynamic model based on the principles of planar rigid body
kinematics and Lagrangian equation are included. Simulation results
and rig construction are presented to verify the concepts.
Abstract: Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
often experience social-communication difficulties that negatively
impact their social interactions with typical peers. However, unlike
other age and disability groups, there is little intervention research to
inform best practice for these students. One evidence-based strategy
for younger students with ASD is peer-mediated intervention (PMI).
PMI may be particularly promising for use with adolescents, as peers
are readily available and are natural experts for encouraging authentic
high school conversations. This paper provides a review of previous
research that evaluated the use of PMI to improve the socialcommunication
skills of students with ASD. Specific intervention
features associated with positive student outcomes are identified and
recommendations for future research are provided. Adolescents with
ASD are targeted due the critical importance of social conversation at
the high school level.
Abstract: To determine the potential of a low cost Irish
engineered timber product to replace high cost solid timber for use in
bending active structures such as gridshells a single Irish engineered
timber product in the form of orientated strand board (OSB) was
selected. A comparative study of OSB and solid timber was carried
out to determine the optimum properties that make a material suitable
for use in gridshells. Three parameters were identified to be relevant
in the selection of a material for gridshells. These three parameters
are the strength to stiffness ratio, the flexural stiffness of
commercially available sections, and the variability of material and
section properties. It is shown that when comparing OSB against
solid timber, OSB is a more suitable material for use in gridshells that
are at the smaller end of the scale and that have tight radii of
curvature. Typically, for solid timber materials, stiffness is used as an
indicator for strength and engineered timber is no different. Thus, low
flexural stiffness would mean low flexural strength. However, when
it comes to bending active gridshells, OSB offers a significant
advantage. By the addition of multiple layers, an increased section
size is created, thus endowing the structure with higher stiffness and
higher strength from initial low stiffness and low strength materials
while still maintaining tight radii of curvature. This allows OSB to
compete with solid timber on large scale gridshells. Additionally, a
preliminary sustainability study using a set of sustainability indicators
was carried out to determine the relative sustainability of building a
large-scale gridshell in Ireland with a primary focus on economic
viability but a mention is also given to social and environmental
aspects. For this, the Savill garden gridshell in the UK was used as
the functional unit with the sustainability of the structural roof
skeleton constructed from UK larch solid timber being compared
with the same structure using Irish OSB. Albeit that the advantages of
using commercially available OSB in a bending active gridshell are
marginal and limited to specific gridshell applications, further study
into an optimised engineered timber product is merited.
Abstract: Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is a functional
capability that has been developed to allow the United Kingdom Fire
and Rescue Service to deal with ‘major incidents’ primarily involving
structural collapse. The nature of the work undertaken by USAR
means that staying out of a damaged or collapsed building structure is
not usually an option for search and rescue personnel. As a result
there is always a risk that they themselves could become victims. For
this paper, a systematic and investigative review using desk research
was undertaken to explore the role which structural engineering can
play in assisting search and rescue personnel to conduct structural
assessments when in the field. The focus is on how search and rescue
personnel can assess damaged and collapsed building structures, not
just in terms of structural damage that may been countered, but also
in relation to structural stability. Natural disasters, accidental
emergencies, acts of terrorism and other extreme events can vary
significantly in nature and ferocity, and can cause a wide variety of
damage to building structures. It is not possible or, even realistic, to
provide search and rescue personnel with definitive guidelines and
procedures to assess damaged and collapsed building structures as
there are too many variables to consider. However, understanding
what implications damage may have upon the structural stability of a
building structure will enable search and rescue personnel to better judge
and quantify risk from a life-safety standpoint. It is intended that this
will allow search and rescue personnel to make informed decisions
and ensure every effort is made to mitigate risk, so that they
themselves do not become victims.