Abstract: Climate change will affect the hydrological cycle in
many different ways such as increase in evaporation and rainfalls.
There have been growing interests among researchers to identify the
nature of trends in historical rainfall data in many different parts of
the world. This paper examines the trends in annual maximum
rainfall data from 30 stations in New South Wales, Australia by using
two non-parametric tests, Mann-Kendall (MK) and Spearman’s Rho
(SR). Rainfall data were analyzed for fifteen different durations
ranging from 6 min to 3 days. It is found that the sub-hourly
durations (6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 48 minutes) show statistically
significant positive (upward) trends whereas longer duration (subdaily
and daily) events generally show a statistically significant
negative (downward) trend. It is also found that the MK test and SR
test provide notably different results for some rainfall event durations
considered in this study. Since shorter duration sub-hourly rainfall
events show positive trends at many stations, the design rainfall data
based on stationary frequency analysis for these durations need to be
adjusted to account for the impact of climate change. These shorter
durations are more relevant to many urban development projects
based on smaller catchments having a much shorter response time.
Abstract: In this paper family of multilevel inverter topology
with reduced number of power switches is presented. The proposed
inverter can generate both even and odd level. The proposed topology
is suitable for symmetric structure. The proposed symmetric inverter
results in reduction of power switches, power diode and gate driver
circuits and also it may further minimize the installation area and
cost. To prove the superiority of proposed topology is compared with
conventional topologies. The performance of this symmetric
multilevel inverter has been tested by computer based simulation and
prototype based experimental setup for nine-level inverter is
developed and results are verified.
Abstract: There are several methods to monitor software
projects and the objective for monitoring is to ensure that the
software projects are developed and delivered successfully. A
performance measurement is a method that is closely associated with
monitoring and it can be scrutinized by looking at two important
attributes which are efficiency and effectiveness both of which are
factors that are important for the success of a software project.
Consequently, a successful steering is achieved by monitoring and
controlling a software project via the performance measurement
criteria and metrics. Hence, this paper is aimed at identifying the
performance measurement criteria and the metrics for monitoring the
performance of a software project by using the Goal Question
Metrics (GQM) approach. The GQM approach is utilized to ensure
that the identified metrics are reliable and useful. These identified
metrics are useful guidelines for project managers to monitor the
performance of their software projects.
Abstract: Climate change will affect various aspects of
hydrological cycle such as rainfall. A change in rainfall will affect
flood magnitude and frequency in future which will affect the design
and operation of hydraulic structures. In this paper, trends in subhourly,
sub-daily, and daily extreme rainfall events from 18 rainfall
stations located in Tasmania, Australia are examined. Two nonparametric
tests (Mann-Kendall and Spearman’s Rho) are applied to
detect trends at 10%, 5%, and 1% significance levels. Sub-hourly (6,
12, 18, and 30 minutes) annual maximum rainfall events have been
found to experience statistically significant upward trends at 10%
level of significance. However, sub-daily durations (1 hour, 3 and 12
hours) exhibit decreasing trends and no trends exists for longer
duration rainfall events (e.g. 24 and 72 hours). Some of the durations
(e.g. 6 minutes and 6 hours) show similar results (with upward
trends) for both the tests. For 12, 18, 60 minutes and 3 hours
durations both the tests show similar downward trends. This finding
has important implication for Tasmania in the design of urban
infrastructure where shorter duration rainfall events are more relevant
for smaller urban catchments such as parking lots, roof catchments
and smaller sub-divisions.
Abstract: This paper presents a 4-DOF nonlinear model of a
cracked de Laval rotor-stator system derived based on Energy
Principles. The model has been used to simulate coupled torsionallateral
response of the faulty system with multiple parametric
excitations; rotor-stator-rub, a breathing transverse crack, eccentric
mass and an axial force. Nonlinearity of a “breathing” crack is
incorporated in the model using a simple hinge mechanism suitable
for a shallow crack. Response of the system while passing via its
critical speed with intermittent rotor-stator rub is analyzed. Effects of
eccentricity with phase and acceleration are investigated. Features of
crack, rub and eccentricity in vibration response are explored for
condition monitoring. The presence of a crack and rub are observable
in the power spectrum despite excitations by an axial force and rotor
unbalance. Obtained results are consistent with existing literature and
could be adopted into rotor condition monitoring strategies.
Abstract: A relationship between face and signature biometrics
is established in this paper. A new approach is developed to predict
faces from signatures by using artificial intelligence. A multilayer
perceptron (MLP) neural network is used to generate face details
from features extracted from signatures, here face is the physical
biometric and signatures is the behavioural biometric. The new
method establishes a relationship between the two biometrics and
regenerates a visible face image from the signature features.
Furthermore, the performance efficiencies of our new technique are
demonstrated in terms of minimum error rates compared to published
work.
Abstract: Advances technology in the field of photogrammetry
replaces analog cameras with reflection on aircraft GPS/IMU system
with a digital aerial camera. In this system, when determining the
position of the camera with the GPS, camera rotations are also
determined by the IMU systems. All around the world, digital aerial
cameras have been used for the photogrammetry applications in the
last ten years. In this way, in terms of the work done in
photogrammetry it is possible to use time effectively, costs to be
reduced to a minimum level, the opportunity to make fast and
accurate.
Geo-referencing techniques that are the cornerstone of the GPS /
INS systems, photogrammetric triangulation of images required for
balancing (interior and exterior orientation) brings flexibility to the
process. Also geo-referencing process; needed in the application of
photogrammetry targets to help to reduce the number of ground
control points. In this study, the use of direct and indirect georeferencing
techniques on the accuracy of the points was investigated
in the production of photogrammetric mapping.
Abstract: Well-designed composite steel and concrete structures
highlight the good material properties and lower the deficiencies of
steel and concrete, in particular they make use of high tensile strength
of steel and high stiffness of concrete. The most common composite
steel and concrete structure is a simply supported beam, which
concrete slab transferring the slab load to a beam is connected to the
steel cross-section. The aim of this paper is to find the most adequate
numerical model of a simply supported composite beam with the
cross-sectional and material parameters based on the results of a
processed parametric study and numerical analysis. The paper also
evaluates the suitability of using compact concrete with the
lightweight aggregates for composite steel and concrete beams. The
most adequate numerical model will be used in the resent future to
compare the results of laboratory tests.
Abstract: In the present work, the effect of load and sliding
distance on the performance tribology of commercially used
aluminium-silicon engine block and piston was evaluated at ambient
conditions with humidity of 80% under dry sliding conditions using a
pin-on-disc with two different loads of 5N and 20N yielding applied
pressure of 0.30MPa and 1.4MPa, respectively, at sliding velocity of
0.29ms-1 and with varying sliding distance ranging from 260m-
4200m. Factors and conditions that had significant effect were
identified. The results showed that the load and the sliding distance
affect the wear rate of the alloys and the wear rate increased with
increasing load for both the alloys. Wear rate also increases almost
linearly at low loads and increase to a maximum then attain a plateau
with increasing sliding distance. For both applied loads the piston
alloy showed the better performance due to higher Ni and Mg
content. The worn surface and wear debris was characterized by
optical microscope, SEM and EDX analyzer. The worn surface was
characterized by surface with shallow grooves at loads while the
groove width and depth increased as the loads increases. Oxidative
wear was found to be the predominant mechanisms in the dry sliding
of Al-Si alloys at low loads.
Abstract: The aim of the paper was to elaborate a novel calculator BasWilCalc, that allows to estimate the actual amount of biomass on the basket willow plantations. The proposed method is based on the results of field experiment conducted during years 2011-2013 on basket willow plantation in the south-western part of Poland. As input data the results of destructive measurements of the diameter, length and weight of willow stems and non-destructive biometric measurements of diameter in the middle of stems and their length during the growing season performed at weekly intervals were used. Performed analysis enabled to develop the algorithm which, due to the fact that energy plantations are of known and constant planting structure, allows to estimate the actual amount of willow basket biomass on the plantation with a given probability and accuracy specified by the model, based on the number of stems measured and the age of the plantation.
Abstract: The article presents the concept of an electromagnetic
circuit generator with permanent magnets mounted on the surface
rotor core designed for single phase work. Computation field-circuit
model was shown. The spectrum of time course of voltages in the
idle work was presented. The cross section with graphically
presentation of magnetic induction in particular parts of
electromagnetic circuits was presented. Distribution of magnetic
induction at the rated load point for each phase was shown. The time
course of voltages and currents for each phases for rated power were
displayed. An analysis of laboratory results and measurement of load
characteristics of the generator was discussed. The work deals with
three electromagnetic circuits of generators with permanent magnet
where output voltage characteristics versus rated power were
expressed.
Abstract: The discarded clam shell waste, fossil and edible oil
as biolubricant feedstocks create environmental impacts and food
chain dilemma, thus this work aims to circumvent these issues by
using activated saltwater clam shell waste (SCSW) as solid catalyst
for conversion of Jatropha curcas oil as non-edible sources to ester
biolubricant. The characterization of solid catalyst was done by
Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (DTATGA),
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD),
Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Field Emission Scanning Electron
Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transformed Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The calcined catalyst was used in the
transesterification of Jatropha oil to methyl ester as the first step, and
the second stage was involved the reaction of Jatropha methyl ester
(JME) with trimethylolpropane (TMP) based on the various process
parameters. The formated biolubricant was analyzed using the
capillary column (DB-5HT) equipped Gas Chromatography (GC).
The conversion results of Jatropha oil to ester biolubricant can be
found nearly 96.66%, and the maximum distribution composition
mainly contains 72.3% of triester (TE).
Abstract: An anthropometric study applied to 1,115 students of
the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering of the
Autonomous University of California. Thirteen individual
measurements were taken in a sitting position. The results obtained
allow forming a reliable anthropometric database for statistical
studies and analysis and inferences of specific distributions, so the
opinion of experts in occupational medicine recommendations may
emit to reduce risks resulting in an alteration of the vital signs during
the execution of their school activities. Another use of these analyses
is to use them as a reliable reference for future deeper research, to the
design of spaces, tools, utensils, workstations, with anthropometric
dimensions and ergonomic characteristics suitable to use.
Abstract: This paper presents an anthropometric study
conducted to 300 employees in a maquiladora industry that belongs
to the cluster of medical products as part of a research project to
pretend simulate workplace conditions under which operators
conduct their activities. This project is relevant because traditionally
performed a study to design ergonomic workspaces according to
anthropometric profile of users, however, this paper demonstrates the
importance of making decisions when the infrastructure cannot be
adapted for economic whichever put emphasis on user activity.
Abstract: Pollution of the Klip River has caused
microorganisms inhabiting it to develop protective survival
mechanisms. This study isolated and characterized the heavy metal
resistant bacteria in the Klip River. Water and sediment samples were
collected from six sites along the course of the river. The pH,
turbidity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured
in-situ. The concentrations of six heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb
and Zn) of the water samples were determined by atomic absorption
spectroscopy. Biochemical and antibiotic profiles of the isolates were
assessed using the API 20E® and Kirby Bauer Method. Growth
studies were carried out using spectrophotometric methods. The
isolates were identified using 16SrDNA sequencing. The uppermost
part of the Klip River with the lowest pH had the highest levels of
heavy metals. Turbidity, salinity and specific conductivity increased
measurably at Site 4 (Henley on Klip Weir). MIC tests showed that
16 isolates exhibited high iron and lead resistance. Antibiotic
susceptibility tests revealed that the isolates exhibited multitolerances
to drugs such as Tetracycline, Ampicillin, and
Amoxicillin.
Abstract: The paper presents combined automatic speech
recognition (ASR) of English and machine translation (MT) for
English and Croatian and Croatian-English language pairs in the
domain of business correspondence. The first part presents results of
training the ASR commercial system on English data sets, enriched
by error analysis. The second part presents results of machine
translation performed by free online tool for English and Croatian
and Croatian-English language pairs. Human evaluation in terms of
usability is conducted and internal consistency calculated by
Cronbach's alpha coefficient, enriched by error analysis. Automatic
evaluation is performed by WER (Word Error Rate) and PER
(Position-independent word Error Rate) metrics, followed by
investigation of Pearson’s correlation with human evaluation.
Abstract: A simple, accurate and precise direct spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of cefixime in tablets and capsules. The method is based on the reaction of cefixime with a mixture of potassium iodide and potassium iodate to form yellow coloured product in ethanol-distilled water medium at room temperature which absorbed maximally at 352 nm. The factors affecting the reaction product were carefully studied and optimized. The validation parameters based on International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH, USA) guidelines were followed. The effect of common excipients used as additives has been tested and the tolerance limit was calculated for the determination of cefixime. Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 4 – 24 ug mL-1 with apparent molar absorptivity of 1.52 × 104 L mol-1cm-1 and Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.033 ug/cm2/ 0.001 absorbance unit. The limits of detection and quantitation for the proposed method are 0.32 and 1.06 ug mL-1, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations. The results obtained by the proposed method were statistically compared with the reference method using t- and F- values and found no significant difference between the two methods. The proposed method can be used as an alternate method for routine quality control analysis of cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations.
Abstract: The aim of this work is to present a theoretical analysis of a 2D ultrasound transducer comprised of crossed arrays of metal strips placed on both sides of thin piezoelectric layer (a). Such a structure is capable of electronic beam-steering of generated wavebeam both in elevation and azimuth. In this paper a semi-analytical model of the considered transducer is developed. It is based on generalization of the well-known BIS-expansion method. Specifically, applying the electrostatic approximation, the electric field components on the surface of the layer are expanded into fast converging series of double periodic spatial harmonics with corresponding amplitudes represented by the properly chosen Legendre polynomials. The problem is reduced to numerical solving of certain system of linear equations for unknown expansion coefficients.
Abstract: In this numerical study, we want to present the design
of highly efficient extruded-type heat sink. The symmetrically
arranged extruded-type heat sinks are used instead of a single extruded
or swaged-type heat sink. In this parametric study, the maximum
temperatures, the base temperatures between heaters, and the heat
release rates were investigated with respect to the arrangements of heat
sources, air flow rates, and amounts of heat input. Based on the results
we believe that the use of both side of heat sink is to be much better for
release the heat than the use of single side. Also from the results, it is
believed that the symmetric arrangement of heat sources is
recommended to achieve a higher heat transfer from the heat sink.
Abstract: The reduction of greenhouse gases emissions is highly
discussed ecological theme at present. In addition to power industry
also main production sectors of binders, i.e. cement, air and hydraulic
lime are very sensitive to these questions. One of the possibilities
how CO2 emissions can be reduced directly at clinker burnout is
represented by partial substitution of lime with a material containing
limy ions at absence of carbonate group. Fluidised fly ash is one of
such potential raw materials where CaO can be found free and also
bound in anhydrite, CaSO4. At application of FBC (fluidized bed
combustion) fly ash with approximate 20% CaO content and its
dosing ratio to high percent lime 1:2, corresponding stechiometrically
to the preparation of raw material powder, approximately 0,37 t CO2
per 1 ton of one-component cement would be released at clinker
burnout compared to 0,46 t CO2 when orthodox raw materials are
used. The reduction of CO2 emissions thus could reach even 20%.