Abstract: Polystyrene particles of different sizes are optically
trapped with a gaussian beam from a He-Cd laser operating at 442
nm. The particles are observed to exhibit luminescence after a certain
trapping time followed by an escape from the optical trap. The
observed luminescence is explained in terms of the photodegradation
of the polystyrene backbone. It is speculated that these chemical
modifications also play a role for the escape of the particles from the
trap. Variations of the particle size and the laser power show that
these parameters have a great influence on the observed phenomena.
Abstract: Numerous experimental tests for post-installed anchor systems drilled in hardened concrete were conducted in order to estimate pull-out and shear strength accounting for uncertainties such as torque ratios, embedment depths and different diameters in demands. In this study, the strength of the systems was significantly changed by the effect of those three uncertainties during pull-out experimental tests, whereas the shear strength of the systems was not affected by torque ratios. It was also shown that concrete cone failure or damage mechanism was generally investigated during and after pull-out tests and in shear strength tests, mostly the anchor systems were failed prior to failure of primary structural system. Furthermore, 3D finite element model for the anchor systems was created by ABAQUS for the numerical analysis. The verification of finite element model was identical till the failure points to the load-displacement relationship specified by the experimental tests.
Abstract: Corrugated wire mesh laminates (CWML) are a class
of engineered open cell structures that have potential for applications
in many areas including aerospace and biomedical engineering. Two
different methods of fabricating corrugated wire mesh laminates from
stainless steel, one using a high temperature Lithobraze alloy and the
other using a low temperature Eutectic solder for joining the
corrugated wire meshes are described herein. Their implementation is
demonstrated by manufacturing CWML samples of 304 and 316
stainless steel (SST). It is seen that due to the facility of employing
wire meshes of different densities and wire diameters, it is possible to
create CWML laminates with a wide range of effective densities. The
fabricated laminates are tested under uniaxial compression. The
variation of the compressive yield strength with relative density of the
CWML is compared to the theory developed by Gibson and Ashby for
open cell structures [22]. It is shown that the compressive strength of
the corrugated wire mesh laminates can be described using the same
equations by using an appropriate value for the linear coefficient in the
Gibson-Ashby model.
Abstract: The entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema
feltiaeare are components of many biological pesticides. The
biological pesticides are applicated by means a spraying machines.
The influence of high pressure operating time on viability of
nematodes has been experimentally investigated in order to explain if
static pressure inside of the sprayers installation was able to destroy
nematodes. The value of pressure was 55 MPa and its maximum
operating time was 3 hours. Changes were found in viability of
pressurized samples of nematodes, mixed with water.
Abstract: Motivated by Microsoft Co. Academic Program
initiative, the department of Information Technology in King Saud
University has adopted Microsoft products in three courses. The
initiative aimed at enhancing the abilities of the university graduates
and equipping them with skills that would help them in the job
market. A number of methods of collecting assessment data were
used to evaluate the course adoption initiative. Assessment data
indicated that the goal of the course adoption is being achieved and
that the students were much better prepared to design applications
and administrate networks.
Abstract: This paper proposes a Web service and serviceoriented
architecture (SOA) for a computer-adaptive testing (CAT)
process on e-learning systems. The proposed architecture is
developed to solve an interoperability problem of the CAT process by
using Web service. The proposed SOA and Web service define all
services needed for the interactions between systems in order to
deliver items and essential data from Web service to the CAT Webbased
application. These services are implemented in a XML-based
architecture, platform independence and interoperability between the
Web service and CAT Web-based applications.
Abstract: The adoption of e-learning in Hong Kong has been
increasing rapidly in the past decade. To understand the e-learning
experiences of the students, the School of Professional and Continuing
Education of The University of Hong Kong conducted a survey. The
survey aimed to collect students- experiences in using learning
management system, their perceived e-learning advantages, barriers in
e-learning and preferences in new e-learning development. A
questionnaire with 84 questions was distributed in mid 2012 and 608
valid responds were received. The analysis results showed that the
students found e-learning helpful to their study. They preferred
interactive functions and mobile features. Blended learning mode,
both face-to-face learning mode integrated with online learning and
face-to-face learning mode supplemented with online resources, were
preferred by the students. The results of experiences of Hong Kong
students in e-learning provided a contemporary reference to the
e-learning practitioners to understand the e-learning situation in Asia.
Abstract: In managing healthcare logistics, cost is not the only
factor to be considered. The level of items- criticality used in patient
care services plays an important role as well. A stock-out incident of
a high critical item could threaten a patient's life. In this paper, the
DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology is
used to drive improvement projects based on customer driven critical
to quality characteristics at a Jordanian hospital. This paper shows
how the application of Six Sigma improves the performance of the
case hospital logistics system by reducing the number of stock-out
incidents.
Abstract: Writer identification is one of the areas in pattern
recognition that attract many researchers to work in, particularly in
forensic and biometric application, where the writing style can be
used as biometric features for authenticating an identity. The
challenging task in writer identification is the extraction of unique
features, in which the individualistic of such handwriting styles
can be adopted into bio-inspired generalized global shape for
writer identification. In this paper, the feasibility of generalized
global shape concept of complimentary binding in Artificial
Immune System (AIS) for writer identification is explored. An
experiment based on the proposed framework has been conducted
to proof the validity and feasibility of the proposed approach for
off-line writer identification.
Abstract: In 2011, Debiao et al. pointed out that S-3PAKE protocol proposed by Lu and Cao for password-authenticated key exchange in the three-party setting is vulnerable to an off-line dictionary attack. Then, they proposed some countermeasures to eliminate the security vulnerability of the S-3PAKE. Nevertheless, this paper points out their enhanced S-3PAKE protocol is still vulnerable to undetectable on-line dictionary attacks unlike their claim.
Abstract: Brain Computer Interface (BCI) has been recently
increased in research. Functional Near Infrared Spectroscope (fNIRs)
is one the latest technologies which utilize light in the near-infrared
range to determine brain activities. Because near infrared technology
allows design of safe, portable, wearable, non-invasive and wireless
qualities monitoring systems, fNIRs monitoring of brain
hemodynamics can be value in helping to understand brain tasks. In
this paper, we present results of fNIRs signal analysis indicating that
there exist distinct patterns of hemodynamic responses which
recognize brain tasks toward developing a BCI. We applied two
different mathematics tools separately, Wavelets analysis for
preprocessing as signal filters and feature extractions and Neural
networks for cognition brain tasks as a classification module. We
also discuss and compare with other methods while our proposals
perform better with an average accuracy of 99.9% for classification.
Abstract: Need for an appropriate system of evaluating students-
educational developments is a key problem to achieve the predefined
educational goals. Intensity of the related papers in the last years; that
tries to proof or disproof the necessity and adequacy of the students
assessment; is the corroborator of this matter. Some of these studies
tried to increase the precision of determining question weights in
scientific examinations. But in all of them there has been an attempt
to adjust the initial question weights while the accuracy and precision
of those initial question weights are still under question. Thus In
order to increase the precision of the assessment process of students-
educational development, the present study tries to propose a new
method for determining the initial question weights by considering
the factors of questions like: difficulty, importance and complexity;
and implementing a combined method of PROMETHEE and fuzzy
analytic network process using a data mining approach to improve
the model-s inputs. The result of the implemented case study proves
the development of performance and precision of the proposed
model.
Abstract: This paper examines the use of mechanical aerator for
oxidation-ditch process. The rotor, which controls the aeration, is the
main component of the aeration process. Therefore, the objective of
this study is to find out the variations in overall oxygen transfer
coefficient (KLa) and aeration efficiency (AE) for different
configurations of aerator by varying the parameters viz. speed of
aerator, depth of immersion, blade tip angles so as to yield higher
values of KLa and AE. Six different configurations of aerator were
developed and fabricated in the laboratory and were tested for abovementioned
parameters. The curved blade rotor (CBR) emerged as a
potential aerator with blade tip angle of 47°.
The mathematical models are developed for predicting the
behaviour of CBR w.r.t kLa and power. In laboratory studies, the
optimum value of KLa and AE were observed to be 10.33 h-1 and
2.269 kg O2/ kWh.
Abstract: Building maintenance plays an important role among other activities in building operation. Building defect and damages are part of the building maintenance 'bread and butter' as their input indicated in the building inspection is very much justified, particularly as to determine the building performance. There will be no escape route or short cut from building maintenance work. This study attempts to identify a competitive performance that translates the Critical Success Factor achievements and satisfactorily meet the university-s expectation. The quality and efficiency of maintenance management operation of building depends, to some extent, on the building condition information, the expectation from the university sector and the works carried out for each maintenance activity. This paper reviews the critical success factor in building maintenance management practice for university sectors from four (4) perspectives which include (1) customer (2) internal processes (3) financial and (4) learning and growth perspective. The enhancement of these perspectives is capable to reach the maintenance management goal for a better living environment in university campus.
Abstract: Traditional wind tunnel models are meticulously machined from metal in a process that can take several months. While very precise, the manufacturing process is too slow to assess a new design's feasibility quickly. Rapid prototyping technology makes this concurrent study of air vehicle concepts via computer simulation and in the wind tunnel possible. This paper described the Affects layer thickness models product with rapid prototyping on Aerodynamic Coefficients for Constructed wind tunnel testing models. Three models were evaluated. The first model was a 0.05mm layer thickness and Horizontal plane 0.1μm (Ra) second model was a 0.125mm layer thickness and Horizontal plane 0.22μm (Ra) third model was a 0.15mm layer thickness and Horizontal plane 4.6μm (Ra). These models were fabricated from somos 18420 by a stereolithography (SLA). A wing-body-tail configuration was chosen for the actual study. Testing covered the Mach range of Mach 0.3 to Mach 0.9 at an angle-of-attack range of -2° to +12° at zero sideslip. Coefficients of normal force, axial force, pitching moment, and lift over drag are shown at each of these Mach numbers. Results from this study show that layer thickness does have an effect on the aerodynamic characteristics in general; the data differ between the three models by fewer than 5%. The layer thickness does have more effect on the aerodynamic characteristics when Mach number is decreased and had most effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of axial force and its derivative coefficients.
Abstract: The simulation of extrusion process is studied widely
in order to both increase products and improve quality, with broad
application in wire coating. The annular tube-tooling extrusion was
set up by a model that is termed as Navier-Stokes equation in
addition to a rheological model of differential form based on singlemode
exponential Phan-Thien/Tanner constitutive equation in a twodimensional
cylindrical coordinate system for predicting the
contraction point of the polymer melt beyond the die. Numerical
solutions are sought through semi-implicit Taylor-Galerkin pressurecorrection
finite element scheme. The investigation was focused on
incompressible creeping flow with long relaxation time in terms of
Weissenberg numbers up to 200. The isothermal case was considered
with surface tension effect on free surface in extrudate flow and no
slip at die wall. The Stream Line Upwind Petrov-Galerkin has been
proposed to stabilize solution. The structure of mesh after die exit
was adjusted following prediction of both top and bottom free
surfaces so as to keep the location of contraction point around one
unit length which is close to experimental results. The simulation of
extrusion process is studied widely in order to both increase products
and improve quality, with broad application in wire coating. The
annular tube-tooling extrusion was set up by a model that is termed
as Navier-Stokes equation in addition to a rheological model of
differential form based on single-mode exponential Phan-
Thien/Tanner constitutive equation in a two-dimensional cylindrical
coordinate system for predicting the contraction point of the polymer
melt beyond the die. Numerical solutions are sought through semiimplicit
Taylor-Galerkin pressure-correction finite element scheme.
The investigation was focused on incompressible creeping flow with
long relaxation time in terms of Weissenberg numbers up to 200. The
isothermal case was considered with surface tension effect on free
surface in extrudate flow and no slip at die wall. The Stream Line
Upwind Petrov-Galerkin has been proposed to stabilize solution. The
structure of mesh after die exit was adjusted following prediction of
both top and bottom free surfaces so as to keep the location of
contraction point around one unit length which is close to
experimental results.
Abstract: This paper studies the optimum design for reducing
optical loss of an 8x8 mechanical type optical switch due to the
temperature change. The 8x8 optical switch is composed of a base, 8
input fibers, 8 output fibers, 3 fixed mirrors and 17 movable mirrors.
First, an innovative switch configuration is proposed with
thermal-compensated design. Most mechanical type optical switches
have a disadvantage that their precision and accuracy are influenced
by the ambient temperature. Therefore, the thermal-compensated
design is to deal with this situation by using materials with different
thermal expansion coefficients (α). Second, a parametric modeling
program is developed to generate solid models for finite element
analysis, and the thermal and structural behaviors of the switch are
analyzed. Finally, an integrated optimum design program, combining
Autodesk Inventor Professional software, finite element analysis
software, and genetic algorithms, is developed for improving the
thermal behaviors that the optical loss of the switch is reduced. By
changing design parameters of the switch in the integrated design
program, the final optimum design that satisfies the design constraints
and specifications can be found.
Abstract: The seemingly ambiguous title of this paper – use of the terms maturity and innovation in concord – signifies the imperative of every organisation within the competitive domain. Where organisational maturity and innovativeness were traditionally considered antonymous, the assimilation of these two seemingly contradictory notions is fundamental to the assurance of long-term organisational prosperity. Organisations are required, now more than ever, to grow and mature their innovation capability – rending consistent innovative outputs. This paper describes research conducted to consolidate the principles of innovation and identify the fundamental components that constitute organisational innovation capability. The process of developing an Innovation Capability Maturity Model is presented. A brief description is provided of the basic components of the model, followed by a description of the case studies that were conducted to evaluate the model. The paper concludes with a summary of the findings and potential future research.
Abstract: Globalization, supported by information and
communication technologies, changes the rules of competitiveness
and increases the significance of information, knowledge and
network cooperation. In line with this trend, the need for efficient
trust-building tools has emerged. The absence of trust building
mechanisms and strategies was identified within several studies.
Through trust development, participation on e-business network and
usage of network services will increase and provide to SMEs new
economic benefits. This work is focused on effective trust building
strategies development for electronic business network platforms.
Based on trust building mechanism identification, the questionnairebased
analysis of its significance and minimum level of requirements
was conducted. In the paper, we are confirming the trust dependency
on e-Skills which play crucial role in higher level of trust into the
more sophisticated and complex trust building ICT solutions.
Abstract: This research contribution propels the idea of collaborating environment for the execution of student satellite projects in the backdrop of project management principles. The recent past has witnessed a technological shift in the aerospace industry from the big satellite projects to the small spacecrafts especially for the earth observation and communication purposes. This vibrant shift has vitalized the academia and industry to share their resources and to create a win-win paradigm of mutual success and technological development along with the human resource development in the field of aerospace. Small student satellites are the latest jargon of academia and more than 100 CUBESAT projects have been executed successfully all over the globe and many new student satellite projects are in the development phase. The small satellite project management requires the application of specific knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to achieve the defined mission requirements. The Authors have presented the detailed outline for the project management of student satellites and presented the role of industry to collaborate with the academia to get the optimized results in academic environment.