Abstract: We report on the use of strong external optical
feedback to enhance the modulation response of semiconductor lasers
over a frequency passband around modulation frequencies higher
than 60 GHz. We show that this modulation enhancement is a type of
photon-photon resonance (PPR) of oscillating modes in the external
cavity formed between the laser and the external reflector. The study
is based on a time-delay rate equation model that takes into account
both the strong feedback and multiple reflections in the external
cavity. We examine the harmonic and intermodulation distortions
associated with single and two-tone modulations in the mm-wave
band of the resonant modulation. We show that compared with
solitary lasers modulated around the carrier-photon resonance
frequency, the present mm-wave modulated signal has lower
distortions.
Abstract: An algorithm is a well-defined procedure that takes
some input in the form of some values, processes them and gives the
desired output. It forms the basis of many other algorithms such as
searching, pattern matching, digital filters etc., and other applications
have been found in database systems, data statistics and processing,
data communications and pattern matching. This paper introduces
algorithmic “Enhanced Bidirectional Selection” sort which is
bidirectional, stable. It is said to be bidirectional as it selects two
values smallest from the front and largest from the rear and assigns
them to their appropriate locations thus reducing the number of
passes by half the total number of elements as compared to selection
sort.
Abstract: In this paper, Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive
noise reduction algorithm is proposed to enhance the speech signal
from the noisy speech. In this, the speech signal is enhanced by
varying the step size as the function of the input signal. Objective and
subjective measures are made under various noises for the proposed
and existing algorithms. From the experimental results, it is seen that
the proposed LMS adaptive noise reduction algorithm reduces Mean
square Error (MSE) and Log Spectral Distance (LSD) as compared to
that of the earlier methods under various noise conditions with
different input SNR levels. In addition, the proposed algorithm
increases the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Segmental SNR
improvement (ΔSNRseg) values; improves the Mean Opinion Score
(MOS) as compared to that of the various existing LMS adaptive
noise reduction algorithms. From these experimental results, it is
observed that the proposed LMS adaptive noise reduction algorithm
reduces the speech distortion and residual noise as compared to that
of the existing methods.
Abstract: To practically apply vacuum insulation panels (VIPs)
to buildings or home appliances, VIPs have demanded long-term
lifespan with outstanding insulation performance. Service lives of
VIPs enveloped with Al-foil and three-layer Al-metallized envelope
are calculated. For Al-foil envelope, the service life is longer but edge
conduction is too large compared with the Al-metallized envelope. To
increase service life even more, the proposed double enveloping
method and metal-barrier-added enveloping method are further
analyzed. The service lives of the VIP to employ two enveloping
methods are calculated. Also, pressure increase and thermal insulation
performance characteristics are investigated. For the metalbarrier-
added enveloping method, effective thermal conductivity
increase with time is close to that of Al-foil envelope, especially, for
getter-inserted VIPs. For double enveloping method, if water vapor is
perfectly adsorbed, the effect of service life enhancement becomes
much greater. From these methods, the VIP can be guaranteed for
service life of more than 20 years.
Abstract: E-service quality plays a significant role to achieve
success or failure in any organization, offering services online. It will
increase the competition among the organizations, to attract the
customers on the basis of the quality of service provided by the
organization. Better e-service quality will enhance the relationship
with customers and their satisfaction. So the measurement of eservice
quality is very important but it is a complex process due to
the complex nature of services. Literature predicts that there is a lack
of universal definition of e-service quality. The e-service quality
measures in banking have great importance in achieving high
customer base. This paper proposes a conceptual model for
measuring e-service quality in Indian Banking Industry. Nine
dimensions reliability, ease of use, personalization, security and trust,
website aesthetic, responsiveness, contact and fulfillment had been
identified. The results of this paper may help to develop a proper
scale to measure the e-service quality in Indian Banking Industry,
which may assist to maintain and improve the performance and
effectiveness of e-service quality to retain customers.
Abstract: This paper describes a logical method to enhance
security on the grid computing to restrict the misuse of the grid
resources. This method is an economic and efficient one to avoid the
usage of the special devices. The security issues, techniques and
solutions needed to provide a secure grid computing environment are
described. A well defined process for security management among
the resource accesses and key holding algorithm is also proposed. In
this method, the identity management, access control and
authorization and authentication are effectively handled.
Abstract: In this paper an isolated wind-diesel hybrid power
system has been considered for reactive power control study having
an induction generator for wind power conversion and synchronous
alternator with automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for diesel unit is
presented. The dynamic voltage stability evaluation is dependent on
small signal analysis considering a Static VAR Compensator (SVC)
and IEEE type -I excitation system. It's shown that the variable
reactive power source like SVC is crucial to meet the varying
demand of reactive power by induction generator and load and to
acquire an excellent voltage regulation of the system with minimum
fluctuations. Integral square error (ISE) criterion can be used to
evaluate the optimum setting of gain parameters. Finally the dynamic
responses of the power systems considered with optimum gain setting
will also be presented.
Abstract: Comprehensive numerical studies have been carried
out to examine the best aerodynamic performance of subsonic aircraft
at different winglet cant angles using a validated 3D k-ω SST model.
In the parametric analytical studies NACA series of airfoils are
selected. Basic design of the winglet is selected from the literature
and flow features of the entire wing including the winglet tip effects
have been examined with different cant angles varying from 150 to
600 at different angles of attack up to 140. We have observed, among
the cases considered in this study that a case, with 150 cant angle the
aerodynamics performance of the subsonic aircraft during takeoff
was found better up to an angle of attack of 2.80 and further its
performance got diminished at higher angles of attack. Analyses
further revealed that increasing the winglet cant angle from 150 to 600
at higher angles of attack could negate the performance deterioration
and additionally it could enhance the peak CL/CD on the order of
3.5%. The investigated concept of variable-cant-angle winglets
appears to be a promising alternative for improving the aerodynamic
efficiency of aircraft.
Abstract: The primary purpose of this paper is to explain the
impact of successful classroom management on the academic
achievements of students, the importance of positive relationship
between teacher and students, among students, between teacher and
parents. Effective communication plays an important role to
encourage students study hard and learn materials which are covered
by the teacher in the class. Friendly relationships among students
other than their preferred friends help them to have team working and
be socialized. In addition, a well-organized classroom arrangement
enhances students learning. As the consequence of successful
classroom management students should feel responsibility and need
to feel it. The one who is responsible to provide a comfortable
environment and help students learn is the manager of the classroom
who is named Teacher.
Abstract: The hydrogenated amorphous carbon films (α-C:H)
were deposited on p-type Si (100) substrates at different thicknesses by
radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
technique (rf-PECVD). Raman spectra display asymmetric
diamond-like carbon (DLC) peaks, representative of the α-C:H films.
The decrease of intensity ID/IG ratios revealed the sp3 content arise at
different thicknesses of the α-C:H films. In terms of mechanical
properties, the high hardness and elastic modulus values showed the
elastic and plastic deformation behaviors related to sp3 content in
amorphous carbon films. Electrochemical properties showed that the
α-C:H films exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in air-saturated
3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for pH 2 at room temperature. Thickness
increasing affected the small sp2 clusters in matrix, restricting the
velocity transfer and exchange of electrons. The deposited α-C:H films
exhibited excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Abstract: In this paper a novel design of aerostatic thrust bearing
is proposed and is analyzed numerically. The capillary restrictor and
bearing disk are made of elastomer like silicone and PU. The
viscoelasticity of elastomer helps the capillary expand for more air
flux and at the same time, allows conicity of the bearing surface to
form when the air pressure is enhanced. Therefore the bearing has the
better ability of passive compensation. In the present example, as
compared with the typical model, the new designs can nearly double
the load capability and offer four times static stiffness.
Abstract: Aluminum hybrid reinforcement technology is a
response to the dynamic ever increasing service requirements of such
industries as transportation, aerospace, automobile, marine, etc. It is
unique in that it offers a platform of almost unending combinations of
materials to produce various hybrid composites. This article reviews
the studies carried out on various combinations of aluminum hybrid
composite and the effects on mechanical, physical and chemical
properties. It is observed that the extent of enhancement of these
properties of hybrid composites is strongly dependent on the nature
of the reinforcement, its hardness, particle size, volume fraction,
uniformity of dispersion within the matrix and the method of hybrid
production.
Abstract: In a highly competitive environment, it becomes more
important to shorten the whole business process while delivering or
even enhancing the business value to the customers and suppliers.
Although the workflow management systems receive much attention
for its capacity to practically support the business process enactment,
the effective workflow modeling method remain still challenging and
the high degree of process complexity makes it more difficult to gain
the short lead time. This paper presents a workflow structuring method
in a holistic way that can reduce the process complexity using
activity-needs and formal concept analysis, which eventually enhances
the key performance such as quality, delivery, and cost in business
process.
Abstract: The influence of three different types of halloysite
nanotubes (HNTs) with different dimensions, namely as camel lake
(CLA), Jarrahdale (JA) and Matauri Bay (MB), on their reinforcing
ability of ethylene propylene dine monomer (EPDM) were
investigated by varying the HNTs loading (from 0-15 phr).
Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with addition
of all three HNTs, but CLA based nanocomposites exhibited a
significant enhancement compared to the other HNTs. For instance,
tensile properties of EPDM nanocomposites increased by 120%,
256% and 340% for MB, JA and CLA, respectively, with addition of
15 phr of HNTs. This could be due to the higher aspect ratio and
higher surface area of CLA compared to others. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) of nanocomposites at 15 phr of HNT loadings
showed low amounts of pulled-out nanotubes which confirmed the
presence of more embedded nanotubes inside the EPDM matrix, as
well as aggregates within the fracture surface of EPDM/HNT
nanocomposites
Abstract: Energy consumption and users’ satisfaction were
compared in three LEED certified office buildings in turkey and an
office building in Egypt. The field studies were conducted in summer
2012. The measured environmental parameters in the four buildings
were indoor air temperature, relative humidity, CO2 percentage and
light intensity. The traditional building is located in Smart Village in
Abu Rawash, Cairo, Egypt. The building was studied for 7 days
resulting in 84 responds. The three rated buildings are in Istanbul;
Turkey. A Platinum LEED certified office building is owned by
BASF and gained a platinum certificate for new construction and
major renovation. The building was studied for 3 days resulting in 13
responds. A Gold LEED certified office building is owned by BASF
and gained a gold certificate for new construction and major
renovation. The building was studied for 2 days resulting in 10
responds. A silver LEED certified office building is owned by
Unilever and gained a silver certificate for commercial interiors. The
building was studied for 7 days resulting in 84 responds.
The results showed that all buildings had no significant difference
regarding occupants’ satisfaction with the amount of lighting, noise
level, odor and access to the outdoor view. There was significant
difference between occupants’ satisfaction in LEED certified
buildings and the traditional building regarding the thermal
environment and the perception of the general environment (colors,
carpet and decoration. The findings suggest that careful design could
lead to a certified building that enhances the thermal environment and
the perception of the indoor environment leading to energy
consumption without scarifying occupants’ satisfaction.
Abstract: This paper is drawn from a wider study of the
management of gender, age and disability diversity in the banking
sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which aims to develop
a framework for diversity management (DM) in this sector. The
paper focuses on the management of disability diversity. The purpose
of the paper is to assist in understanding disability DM in the banking
sector in KSA and to make suggestions for its enhancement. Hence, it
contributes to filling a research gap, as there is a dearth of literature
on disability DM, in KSA in general, and in the banking sector
specifically.
Discrimination against people with disabilities is a social issue that
has not been entirely overcome in any society. However, in KSA,
Islam informs almost every aspect of daily life including work, and
Islam is against discrimination. Hence, in KSA, there are regulations
to accommodate people with disabilities; however, employers are still
free not to hire job applicants with disabilities specifically because of
their condition. Indeed, disabled people are almost entirely absent
from the labour market.
There are 12 Saudi-owned or part-Saudi-owned banks in KSA and
two managers from each of these were interviewed, making a total of
24. The interviews aimed to investigate empirically the understanding
of managers in the banking sector in KSA of diversity management,
including disability DM, in the banking sector. The interview data
were analysed using thematic analysis. Two interviewees stated that
banks used the employment of people with disabilities to enhance
their corporate image, while five expressed the opinion that disabled
employees could contribute to the bank provided they did not have to
deal with customers face-to-face. Nine of the interviewees perceived
that disabled employees could be of value to the bank for their own
sake, not only in ‘behind the scenes’ roles. Another two interviewees
mentioned that employing disabled people could be part of the bank’s
community service programme and one thought it would be part of
the bank’s Saudisation efforts. The remaining five interviewees did
not know how disabled people could contribute to the bank.
The findings show that disability DM in the banking sector in
KSA is a relatively new concept, and is not yet well understood. In
the light of the findings, in order to achieve the purpose of the paper,
the following suggestions were made for the enhancement of
disability DM in the banking sector in KSA. A change in attitudes
towards disabled people is necessary. Such a change in the workplace
can only be achieved if a top-down approach is taken to the
integration of disabled people. Hence, it is suggested that
management and employees follow a course in disability awareness.
Further, a diversity officer in the HR department could enhance the
integration of disabled people into the banking workforce. It is also
suggested that greater government support is required through closely
monitored and enforced anti-discrimination legislation. Moreover,
flexible working arrangements such as part-time work would
facilitate the employment of disabled people and benefit other groups
of employees.
Abstract: Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films have
been synthesized by a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical
vapor deposition (rf-PECVD) technique with different bias voltage
from 0.0 to -0.5 kV. The Raman spectra displayed the polymer-like
hydrogenated amorphous carbon (PLCH) film with 0.0 to -0.1 and
a-C:H films with -0.2 to -0.5 kV of bias voltages. The surface chemical
information of all films were studied by X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS) technique, presented to C-C (sp2 and sp3) and C-O
bonds, and relative carbon (C) and oxygen (O) atomics contents. The
O contamination had affected on structure and optical properties. The
true density of PLCH and a-C:H films were characterized by X-ray
refractivity (XRR) method, showed the result as in the range of
1.16-1.73 g/cm3 that depending on an increasing of bias voltage. The
hardness was proportional to the true density of films. In addition, the
optical properties i.e. refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k)
of these films were determined by a spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE)
method that give formation to in 1.62-2.10 (n) and 0.04-0.15 (k)
respectively. These results indicated that the optical properties
confirmed the Raman results as presenting the structure changed with
applied bias voltage increased.
Abstract: The development of the agricultural sector in Ghana
has been reliant on the use of irrigation systems to ensure food
security. However, the manual operation of these systems has not
facilitated their maximum efficiency due to human limitations.
This paper seeks to address this problem by designing and
implementing an efficient, cost effective automated system which
monitors and controls the water flow of irrigation through
communication with an authorized operator via text messages. The
automatic control component of the system is timer based with an
Atmega32 microcontroller and a real time clock from the SM5100B
cellular module. For monitoring purposes, the system sends periodic
notification of the system on the performance of duty via SMS to the
authorized person(s). Moreover, the GSM based Irrigation
Monitoring and Control System saves time and labour and reduces
cost of operating irrigation systems by saving electricity usage and
conserving water.
Field tests conducted have proven its operational efficiency and
ease of assessment of farm irrigation equipment due to its costeffectiveness
and data logging capabilities.
Abstract: 3D part library is an ideal approach to reuse the
existing design and thus facilitates the modeling process, which will
enhance the efficiency. In this paper, we implemented the thought on
the SolidWorks platform. The system supports the functions of type
and parameter selection, 3D template driving and part assembly.
Finally, BOM is exported in Excel format. Experiment shows that our
method can satisfy the requirement of die and mold designers.
Abstract: This paper explores the effects of gamification on
lower secondary school students’ motivation and engagement in the
classroom. Two-group posttest-only experimental design were
employed to study the influence of gamification teaching method
(GTM) when compared with conventional teaching method (CTM)
on 60 lower secondary school students. The Student Engagement
Instrument (SEI) and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) were used
to assess students’ intrinsic motivation and engagement level towards
the respective teaching method. Finding indicates that students who
completed the GTM lesson were significantly higher in intrinsic
motivation to learn than those from the CTM. Although the result
were insignificant and only marginal difference in the engagement
mean, GTM still show better potential in raising student’s
engagement in class when compared with CTM. This finding proves
that the GTM is likely to solve the current issue of low motivation to
learn and low engagement in class among lower secondary school
students in Malaysia. On the other hand, despite being not significant,
higher mean indicates that CTM positively contribute to higher peer
support for learning and better teacher and student relationship when
compared with GTM. As a conclusion, gamification approach is
flexible and can be adapted into many learning content to enhance the
intrinsic motivation to learn and to some extent, encourage better
student engagement in class.