Abstract: The aim of this paper is the analysis and preservation of lime kilns, focusing on the structure, construction, and functionality of vertical shaft lime kilns of the Cap Corse in Corsica. Plans and sections of two lime kilns are presented in detail, providing an overall picture of this specific industrial heritage. The potential damage areas are identified performing structural analysis of a lime kiln using the finite element method. A restoration and strengthening technique that satisfies the directions of the Charter of Venice is presented using post-tensioning tendons. Recommendations are given to preserve and promote these important historical structures integrating them into the custom footpath.
Abstract: This study examines the design and construction of AC Electronics load surge protection in order to carry electric surge load arisen from faults in low voltage electricity system (single phase/220V) by using the principle of electronics load clamping voltage during induction period so that electric voltage could go through to safe load and continue to work. The qualification of the designed device could prevent both transient over voltage and voltage swell. Both will work in cooperation, resulting in the ability to improve and modify the quality of electrical power in Thailand electricity distribution system more effective than the past and help increase the lifetime of electric appliances, electric devices, and electricity protection equipments.
Abstract: This paper is proposed the dynamic simulation of
small power induction motor based on Mathematical modeling. The
dynamic simulation is one of the key steps in the validation of the
design process of the motor drive systems and it is needed for
eliminating inadvertent design mistakes and the resulting error in the
prototype construction and testing. This paper demonstrates the
simulation of steady-state performance of induction motor by
MATLAB Program Three phase 3 hp induction motor is modeled
and simulated with SIMULINK model.
Abstract: This research study aims to identify the impact of two
factors –growth and competitive strategies- on a set of building
production innovation strategies. It was conducted a questionery
survey to collect data from construction professionals and it was
asked them the importance level of predicted innovation strategies for
corporate strategies. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was
employed to see the main and interaction effects of corporate
strategies on building innovation strategies. The results indicate that
growth strategies such as entering in a new a market or new project
types has a greater effect on innovation strategies rather than
competitive strategies such as cost leadership or differentiation
strategies. However the interaction effect of competitive strategies
and growth strategies on innovation strategies is much bigger than
the only effect of competitive strategies. It was also analyzed the
descriptive statistics of innovation strategies for different competitive
and growth strategy types.
Abstract: The given work is devoted to the description of
Information Technologies NAS of Azerbaijan created and
successfully maintained in Institute. On the basis of the decision of
board of the Supreme Certifying commission at the President of the
Azerbaijan Republic and Presidium of National Academy of
Sciences of the Azerbaijan Republic, the organization of training
courses on Computer Sciences for all post-graduate students and
dissertators of the republic, taking of examinations of candidate
minima, it was on-line entrusted to Institute of Information
Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.
Therefore, teaching the computer sciences to post-graduate
students and dissertators a scientific - methodological manual on
effective application of new information technologies for research
works by post-graduate students and dissertators and taking of
candidate minima is carried out in the Educational Center.
Information and communication technologies offer new
opportunities and prospects of their application for teaching and
training. The new level of literacy demands creation of essentially
new technology of obtaining of scientific knowledge. Methods of
training and development, social and professional requirements,
globalization of the communicative economic and political projects
connected with construction of a new society, depends on a level of
application of information and communication technologies in the
educational process. Computer technologies develop ideas of
programmed training, open completely new, not investigated
technological ways of training connected to unique opportunities of
modern computers and telecommunications. Computer technologies
of training are processes of preparation and transfer of the
information to the trainee by means of computer. Scientific and
technical progress as well as global spread of the technologies
created in the most developed countries of the world is the main
proof of the leading role of education in XXI century. Information
society needs individuals having modern knowledge. In practice, all
technologies, using special technical information means (computer,
audio, video) are called information technologies of education.
Abstract: Construction project control attempts to obtain real-time information and effectively enhance dynamic control and management via information sharing and analysis among project participants to eliminate construction conflicts and project delays. However, survey results for Taiwan indicate that construction commercial project management software is not widely accepted for subcontractors and suppliers. To solve the project communications problems among participants, this study presents a novel system called the Construction Dynamic Teams Communication Management (Con-DTCM) system for small-to-medium sized subcontractors and suppliers in Taiwanese Construction industry, and demonstrates that the Con-DTCM system responds to the most recent project information efficiently and enhances management of project teams (general contractor, suppliers and subcontractors) through web-based environment. Web-based technology effectively enhances information sharing during construction project management, and generates cost savings via the Internet. The main unique characteristic of the proposed Con-DTCM system is extremely user friendly and easily design compared with current commercial project management applications. The Con-DTCM system is applied to a case study of construction of a building project in Taiwan to confirm the proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of information sharing during the construction phase. The advantages of the Con-DTCM system are in improving project control and management efficiency for general contractors, and in providing dynamic project tracking and management, which enables subcontractors and suppliers to acquire the most recent project-related information. Furthermore, this study presents and implements a generic system architecture.
Abstract: A new estimator for evolutionary spectrum (ES) based
on short time Fourier transform (STFT) and modified group delay
function (MGDF) by signal decomposition (SD) is proposed. The
STFT due to its built-in averaging, suppresses the cross terms and the
MGDF preserves the frequency resolution of the rectangular window
with the reduction in the Gibbs ripple. The present work overcomes
the magnitude distortion observed in multi-component non-stationary
signals with STFT and MGDF estimation of ES using SD. The SD is
achieved either through discrete cosine transform based harmonic
wavelet transform (DCTHWT) or perfect reconstruction filter banks
(PRFB). The MGDF also improves the signal to noise ratio by
removing associated noise. The performance of the present method is
illustrated for cross chirp and frequency shift keying (FSK) signals,
which indicates that its performance is better than STFT-MGDF
(STFT-GD) alone. Further its noise immunity is better than STFT.
The SD based methods, however cannot bring out the frequency
transition path from band to band clearly, as there will be gap in the
contour plot at the transition. The PRFB based STFT-SD shows good
performance than DCTHWT decomposition method for STFT-GD.
Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a class of
structural and functional related enzymes involved in altering the
natural elements of the extracellular matrix. Most of the MMP
structures are cristalographycally determined and published in
WorldWide ProteinDataBank, isolated, in full structure or bound to
natural or synthetic inhibitors. This study proposes an algorithm to
replace missing crystallographic structures in PDB database. We
have compared the results of a chosen docking algorithm with a
known crystallographic structure in order to validate enzyme sites
reconstruction there where crystallographic data are missing.
Abstract: In this paper we describe the recognition process of Greek compound words using the PC-KIMMO software. We try to show certain limitations of the system with respect to the principles of compound formation in Greek. Moreover, we discuss the computational processing of phenomena such as stress and syllabification which are indispensable for the analysis of such constructions and we try to propose linguistically-acceptable solutions within the particular system.
Abstract: Climate change and environmental pressures are
major international issues nowadays. It is time when governments,
businesses and consumers have to respond through more
environmentally friendly and aware practices, products and policies.
This is the prime time to develop alternative sustainable construction
materials, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, look to
renewable energy sources and recycled materials, and reduce waste.
The utilization of waste materials (slag, fly ash, glass beads, plastic
and so on) in concrete manufacturing is significant due to its
engineering, financial, environmental and ecological benefits. Thus,
utilization of waste materials in concrete production is very much
helpful to reach the goal of the sustainable construction. Therefore,
this study intends to use glass beads in concrete production.
The paper reports on the performance of 9 different concrete
mixes containing different ratios of glass crushed to 5 mm - 20 mm
maximum size and glass marble of 20 mm size as coarse aggregate.
Ordinary Portland cement type 1 and fine sand less than 0.5 mm were
used to produce standard concrete cylinders. Compressive strength
tests were carried out on concrete specimens at various ages. Test
results indicated that the mix having the balanced ratio of glass beads
and round marbles possess maximum compressive strength which is
3889 psi, as glass beads perform better in bond formation but have
lower strength, on the other hand marbles are strong in themselves
but not good in bonding. These mixes were prepared following a
specific W/C and aggregate ratio; more strength can be expected to
achieve from different W/C, aggregate ratios, adding admixtures like
strength increasing agents, ASR inhibitor agents etc.
Abstract: Desert regions around the Nile valley in Upper Egypt
contain great extent of swelling soil. Many different comment
procedures of treatment of the swelling soils for construction such as
pre-swelling, load balance OR soil replacement. One of the measure
factors which affect the level of the aggressiveness of the swelling
soil is the direction of the infiltration water directions within the
swelling soils. In this paper a physical model was installed to
measure the effect of water on the swelling soil with replacement
using fatty acid distillation residuals (FADR) mixed with sand as
thick sand-FADR mixture to prevent the water pathway arrive to the
swelling soil. Testing program have been conducted on different
artificial samples with different sand to FADR contents ratios (4%,
6%, and 9%) to get the optimum value fulfilling the impermeable
replacement. The tests show that a FADR content of 9% is sufficient
to produce impermeable replacement.
Abstract: The use of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models
to support construction project planning has been increasing in the
previous year. 3D CAD models reveal more planning ideas by
visually showing the construction site environment in different stages
of the construction process. Using 3D CAD models together with
scheduling software to prepare construction plan can identify errors
in process sequence and spatial arrangement, which is vital to the
success of a construction project. A number of 4D (3D plus time)
CAD tools has been developed and utilized in different construction
projects due to the awareness of their importance. Virtual prototyping
extends the idea of 4D CAD by integrating more features for
simulating real construction process. Virtual prototyping originates
from the manufacturing industry where production of products such
as cars and airplanes are virtually simulated in computer before they
are built in the factory. Virtual prototyping integrates 3D CAD,
simulation engine, analysis tools (like structural analysis and
collision detection), and knowledgebase to streamline the whole
product design and production process. In this paper, we present the
application of a virtual prototyping software which has been used in
a few construction projects in Hong Kong to support construction
project planning. Specifically, the paper presents an implementation
of virtual prototyping in a residential building project in Hong Kong.
The applicability, difficulties and benefits of construction virtual
prototyping are examined based on this project.
Abstract: Precast concrete has been widely adopted in public
housing construction of Hong Kong since the mid-1980s. While
pre-casting is considered an environmental friendly solution, there is
lack of study to investigate the life cycle performance of precast
concrete units. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by
providing a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) study for two
precast elements namely façade and bathroom. The results show that
raw material is the most significant contributor of environmental
impact accounting for about 90% to the total impact. Furthermore,
human health is more affected by the production of precast concrete
than the ecosystems.
Abstract: The demands of taller structures are becoming imperative almost everywhere in the world in addition to the challenges of material and labor cost, project time line etc. This paper conducted a study keeping in view the challenging nature of high-rise construction with no generic rules for deflection minimizations and frequency control. The effects of cyclonic wind and provision of outriggers on 28-storey, 42-storey and 57-storey are examined in this paper and certain conclusions are made which would pave way for researchers to conduct further study in this particular area of civil engineering. The results show that plan dimensions have vital impacts on structural heights. Increase of height while keeping the plan dimensions same, leads to the reduction in the lateral rigidity. To achieve required stiffness increase of bracings sizes as well as introduction of additional lateral resisting system such as belt truss and outriggers is required.
Abstract: An alternative approach to the use of Discrete Fourier
Transform (DFT) for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reconstruction
is the use of parametric modeling technique. This method
is suitable for problems in which the image can be modeled by
explicit known source functions with a few adjustable parameters.
Despite the success reported in the use of modeling technique as an
alternative MRI reconstruction technique, two important problems
constitutes challenges to the applicability of this method, these are
estimation of Model order and model coefficient determination. In
this paper, five of the suggested method of evaluating the model
order have been evaluated, these are: The Final Prediction Error
(FPE), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Residual Variance (RV),
Minimum Description Length (MDL) and Hannan and Quinn (HNQ)
criterion. These criteria were evaluated on MRI data sets based on the
method of Transient Error Reconstruction Algorithm (TERA). The
result for each criterion is compared to result obtained by the use of a
fixed order technique and three measures of similarity were evaluated.
Result obtained shows that the use of MDL gives the highest measure
of similarity to that use by a fixed order technique.
Abstract: A new automatic system for the recognition and re¬construction of resealed and/or rotated partially occluded objects is presented. The objects to be recognized are described by 2D views and each view is occluded by several half-planes. The whole object views and their visible parts (linear cuts) are then stored in a database. To establish if a region R of an input image represents an object possibly occluded, the system generates a set of linear cuts of R and compare them with the elements in the database. Each linear cut of R is associated to the most similar database linear cut. R is recognized as an instance of the object 0 if the majority of the linear cuts of R are associated to a linear cut of views of 0. In the case of recognition, the system reconstructs the occluded part of R and determines the scale factor and the orientation in the image plane of the recognized object view. The system has been tested on two different datasets of objects, showing good performance both in terms of recognition and reconstruction accuracy.
Abstract: Although the level crossing concept has been the subject of intensive investigation over the last few years, certain problems of great interest remain unsolved. One of these concern is distribution of threshold levels. This paper presents a new threshold level allocation schemes for level crossing based on nonuniform sampling. Intuitively, it is more reasonable if the information rich regions of the signal are sampled finer and those with sparse information are sampled coarser. To achieve this objective, we propose non-linear quantization functions which dynamically assign the number of quantization levels depending on the importance of the given amplitude range. Two new approaches to determine the importance of the given amplitude segment are presented. The proposed methods are based on exponential and logarithmic functions. Various aspects of proposed techniques are discussed and experimentally validated. Its efficacy is investigated by comparison with uniform sampling.
Abstract: Bursa, since the establishment of the Ottoman Empire,
being on the important trade roads and having a capital accumulation
as a result of silk production, was one of the first cities of
modernization activities applied. Bursa maintained its importance
even during the Republican Period and became one of the most
important cities of the country and today is the fourth biggest and the
industrialized city in Turkey. Social, political, economical and
cultural changes occured with the reforms starting with the 1839
Edict of Tanzimat that aimed at modernizing the society and the
government and centralizing the political power began in the
Ottoman Empire. After the Tanzimat Reforms transformation of the
city changed and planning processes began in Bursa according to the
vision of Governors. The theresholds of the city are very important
data for a sustainable planning for the city planners. Main aim of this
study is to investigate the changes and transformations of the city
according to the changes in the socio-economical and cultural
properties for the city planners.
Abstract: The majority of micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia
operate very small-scaled business activities such as food stalls,
burger stalls, night market hawkers, grocery stores, constructions,
rubber and oil palm small holders, and other agro-based services and
activities. Why are they venturing into entrepreneurship - is it for
survival, out of interest or due to encouragement and assistance from
the local government? And why is it that some micro-entrepreneurs
are lagging behind in entrepreneurship, and what do they need to
rectify this situation so that they are able to progress further?
Furthermore, what are the skills that the micro entrepreneurs should
developed to transform them into successful micro-enterprises and
become small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)? This paper
proposes a 7-Step approach that can serve as a basis for identification
of critical entrepreneurial success factors that enable policy makers,
practitioners, consultants, training managers and other agencies in
developing tools to assist micro business owners. This paper also
highlights the experience of one of the successful companies in
Malaysia that has transformed from micro-enterprise to become a
large organization in less than 10 years.
Abstract: Particulate matter (PM) in ambient air is responsible
for adverse health effects in adults and children. Relatively little is
known about the concentrations, sources and health effects of PM in
indoor air. A monitoring study was conducted in Ankara by three
campaigns in order to measure PM levels in indoor and outdoor
environments to identify and quantify associations between sources
and concentrations. Approximately 82 homes (1st campaign for 42,
2nd campaign for 12, and 3rd campaign for 28), three rooms (living
room, baby-s room and living room used as a baby-s room) and
outdoor ambient at each home were sampled with Grimm
Environmental Dust Monitoring (EDM) 107, during different
seasonal periods of 2011 and 2012. In this study, the relationship
between indoor and outdoor PM levels for particulate matter less than
10 micrometer (.m) (PM10), particulate matter less than 2.5.m
(PM2.5) and particulate matter less than 1.0.m (PM1) were
investigated. The mean concentration of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 at
living room used as baby-s room is higher than living and baby-s
room (or bedroom) for three sampling campaigns. It is concluded that
the household activities and environmental conditions are very
important for PM concentrations in the indoor environments during
the sampling periods. The amount of smokers, being near a main
street and/or construction activities increased the PM concentration.
This study is based on the assessment the relationship between indoor
and outdoor PM levels and the household activities and
environmental conditions