Abstract: Stainless steel has been employed in many
engineering applications ranging from pharmaceutical equipment to
piping in the nuclear reactors and storage to chemical products. In
this attempt, simulation of fatigue crack growth based on
experimental results of austenitic stainless steel 304L was presented
using AFGROW code when NASGRO mode laws adopted. Double
through crack at hole specimen is used in this investigation under
constant amplitude loading. Effect of mean stress is highlighted.
Results show that fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) and fatigue life
were affected by maximum applied load and dimension of hole. An
equivalent of Paris law for this material was estimated.
Abstract: The optimal control problem for the viscoelastic melt
spinning process has not been reported yet in the literature. In this
study, an optimal control problem for a mathematical model of a
viscoelastic melt spinning process is considered. Maxwell-Oldroyd
model is used to describe the rheology of the polymeric material, the
fiber is made of. The extrusion velocity of the polymer at the spinneret
as well as the velocity and the temperature of the quench air and the
fiber length serve as control variables. A constrained optimization
problem is derived and the first–order optimality system is set up
to obtain the adjoint equations. Numerical solutions are carried out
using a steepest descent algorithm. A computer program in MATLAB
is developed for simulations.
Abstract: Access control is a critical security service in Wire- less
Sensor Networks (WSNs). To prevent malicious nodes from joining
the sensor network, access control is required. On one hand, WSN
must be able to authorize and grant users the right to access to the
network. On the other hand, WSN must organize data collected by
sensors in such a way that an unauthorized entity (the adversary)
cannot make arbitrary queries. This restricts the network access only
to eligible users and sensor nodes, while queries from outsiders will
not be answered or forwarded by nodes. In this paper we presentee
different access control schemes so as to ?nd out their objectives,
provision, communication complexity, limits, etc. Using the node
density parameter, we also provide a comparison of these proposed
access control algorithms based on the network topology which can
be flat or hierarchical.
Abstract: The scope of this research was to study the relation between the facial expressions of three lecturers in a real academic lecture theatre and the reactions of the students to those expressions. The first experiment aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a virtual lecturer-s expressions on the students- learning outcome in a virtual pedagogical environment. The second experiment studied the effectiveness of a single facial expression, i.e. the smile, on the students- performance. Both experiments involved virtual lectures, with virtual lecturers teaching real students. The results suggest that the students performed better by 86%, in the lectures where the lecturer performed facial expressions compared to the results of the lectures that did not use facial expressions. However, when simple or basic information was used, the facial expressions of the virtual lecturer had no substantial effect on the students- learning outcome. Finally, the appropriate use of smiles increased the interest of the students and consequently their performance.
Abstract: European Union candidate status provides a
strong motivation for decision-making in the candidate
countries in shaping the regional development policy where
there is an envisioned transfer of power from center to the
periphery. The process of Europeanization anticipates the
candidate countries configure their regional institutional
templates in the context of the requirements of the European
Union policies and introduces new instruments of incentive
framework of enlargement to be employed in regional
development schemes. It is observed that the contribution of
the local actors to the decision making in the design of the
allocation architectures enhances the efficiency of the funds
and increases the positive effects of the projects funded under
the regional development objectives. This study aims at
exploring the performances of the three regional development
grant schemes in Turkey, established and allocated under the
pre-accession process with a special emphasis given to the
roles of the national and local actors in decision-making for
regional development. Efficiency analyses have been
conducted using the DEA methodology which has proved to
be a superior method in comparative efficiency and
benchmarking measurements. The findings of this study as
parallel to similar international studies, provides that the
participation of the local actors to the decision-making in
funding contributes both to the quality and the efficiency of
the projects funded under the EU schemes.
Abstract: The paper presents an overview of environmental
issues that may be expected with nuclear desalination. The analysis
of coupling nuclear power with desalination plants indicates that
adverse marine impacts can be mitigated with alternative intake
designs or cooling systems. The atmospheric impact of desalination
may be greatly reduced through the coupling with nuclear power,
while maximizing the socio-economic benefit for both processes. The
potential for tritium contamination of the desalinated water was
reviewed. Experience with the systems and practices related to the
radiological quality of the product water, shows no examples of
cross-contamination. Furthermore, the indicators for the public
acceptance of nuclear desalination, as one of the most important
sustainability aspects of any such large project, show a positive trend.
From the data collected, a conclusion is made that nuclear
desalination should be supported by decision-makers.
Abstract: Fixed-point simulation results are used for the
performance measure of inverting matrices by Cholesky
decomposition. The fixed-point Cholesky decomposition algorithm
is implemented using a fixed-point reconfigurable processing
element. The reconfigurable processing element provides all
mathematical operations required by Cholesky decomposition. The
fixed-point word length analysis is based on simulations using
different condition numbers and different matrix sizes. Simulation
results show that 16 bits word length gives sufficient performance
for small matrices with low condition number. Larger matrices and
higher condition numbers require more dynamic range for a fixedpoint
implementation.
Abstract: The stability of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian extending films under local or global heating or cooling conditions are considered. The thickness-averaged mass, momentum and energy equations with convective and radiative heat transfer are derived, both for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids (Maxwell, PTT and Giesekus models considered). The stability of the system is explored using either eigenvalue analysis or transient simulations. The results showed that the influence of heating and cooling on stability strongly depends on the magnitude of the Peclet number. Examples of stabilization or destabilization of heating or cooling are shown for Pe
Abstract: The main goal of the present work is to decrease the
computational burden for optimum design of steel frames with
frequency constraints using a new type of neural networks called
Wavelet Neural Network. It is contested to train a suitable neural
network for frequency approximation work as the analysis program.
The combination of wavelet theory and Neural Networks (NN)
has lead to the development of wavelet neural networks.
Wavelet neural networks are feed-forward networks using
wavelet as activation function. Wavelets are mathematical
functions within suitable inner parameters, which help them to
approximate arbitrary functions. WNN was used to predict the
frequency of the structures. In WNN a RAtional function with
Second order Poles (RASP) wavelet was used as a transfer
function. It is shown that the convergence speed was faster
than other neural networks. Also comparisons of WNN with
the embedded Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and with
approximate techniques and also with analytical solutions are
available in the literature.
Abstract: In this paper bi-annual time series data on unemployment rates (from the Labour Force Survey) are expanded to quarterly rates and linked to quarterly unemployment rates (from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey). The resultant linked series and the consumer price index (CPI) series are examined using Johansen’s cointegration approach and vector error correction modeling. The study finds that both the series are integrated of order one and are cointegrated. A statistically significant co-integrating relationship is found to exist between the time series of unemployment rates and the CPI. Given this significant relationship, the study models this relationship using Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), one with a restriction on the deterministic term and the other with no restriction.
A formal statistical confirmation of the existence of a unique linear and lagged relationship between inflation and unemployment for the period between September 2000 and June 2011 is presented. For the given period, the CPI was found to be an unbiased predictor of the unemployment rate. This relationship can be explored further for the development of appropriate forecasting models incorporating other study variables.
Abstract: The purposes of this research were 1) to survey the
number of drugstores that unlawful dispense of asthma prescription
drugs, in form of drug combinations in the Phaya Thai district of
Bangkok, 2) to find the steroids contained in that drug combinations,
3) to find a means for informing general public about the dangers of
drugs and for a campaign to stop dispensing them.
Researcher collected drug combinations from 69 drugstores in
Phaya Thai district from Feb 15, 2012 to Mar 15, 2012. The survey
found 30.43%, 21, drug stores, sold asthma drug combinations to
customers without a prescription. These collected samples were
tested for steroid contamination by using Immunochromatography
kits. Eleven samples, 52.38%, were found contaminated with
steroids. In short, there should be control and inspection of
drugstores in the distribution of steroid medications. To improve the
knowledge of self health maintenance and drug usage among public,
Thai Government and Department of Public Health should educate
people about the side effects of using drug combinations and steroids.
Abstract: In this study we present our developed formative
assessment tool for students' assignments. The tool enables lecturers
to define assignments for the course and assign each problem in each
assignment a list of criteria and weights by which the students' work
is evaluated. During assessment, the lecturers feed the scores for each
criterion with justifications. When the scores of the current
assignment are completely fed in, the tool automatically generates
reports for both students and lecturers. The students receive a report
by email including detailed description of their assessed work, their
relative score and their progress across the criteria along the course
timeline. This information is presented via charts generated
automatically by the tool based on the scores fed in. The lecturers
receive a report that includes summative (e.g., averages, standard
deviations) and detailed (e.g., histogram) data of the current
assignment. This information enables the lecturers to follow the class
achievements and adjust the learning process accordingly. The tool
was examined on two pilot groups of college students that study a
course in (1) Object-Oriented Programming (2) Plane Geometry.
Results reveal that most of the students were satisfied with the
assessment process and the reports produced by the tool. The
lecturers who used the tool were also satisfied with the reports and
their contribution to the learning process.
Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of clarified Pawpaw
Juice was developed. About 750ml Pawpaw pulp was measured into
2 measuring cylinders A & B of capacity 1 litre heated to 400C,
cooled to 200C. 30mls pectinase was added into cylinder A, while
30mls distilled water was added into cylinder B. Enzyme treated
sample (A) was allowed to digest for 5hours after which it was heated
to 900C for 15 minutes to inactivate the enzyme. The heated sample
was cooled and with the aid of a mucillin cloth the pulp was filtered
to obtain the clarified pawpaw juice. The juice was filled into 100ml
plastic bottles, pasteurized at 950C for 45 minutes, cooled and stored
at room temperature. The sample treated with 30mls distilled water
also underwent the same process. Freshly pasteurized sample was
analyzed for specific gravity, titratable acidity, pH, sugars and
ascorbic acid. The remaining sample was then stored for 2 weeks and
the above analyses repeated. There were differences in the results of
the freshly pasteurized samples and stored sample in pH and ascorbic
acid levels, also sample treated with pectinase yielded higher
volumes of juice than that treated with distilled water.
Abstract: A new multi inner stage (MIS) cyclone was designed to
remove the acidic gas and fine particles produced from electronic
industry. To characterize gas flow in MIS cyclone, pressure and
velocity distribution were calculated by means of CFD program. Also,
the flow locus of fine particles and particle removal efficiency were
analyzed by Lagrangian method. When outlet pressure condition was
–100mmAq, the efficiency was the best in this study.
Abstract: In cellular networks, limited availability of resources
has to be tapped to its fullest potential. In view of this aspect, a
sophisticated averaging and voting technique has been discussed in
this paper, wherein the radio resources available are utilized to the
fullest value by taking into consideration, several network and radio
parameters which decide on when the handover has to be made and
thereby reducing the load on Base station .The increase in the load
on the Base station might be due to several unnecessary handover
taking place which can be eliminated by making judicious use of the
radio and network parameters.
Abstract: The last Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change, stating that the greatest risk in climate
change affects sustainability is now widely known and accepted.
However, it has not provoked substantial reaction and attention in
Hungary, while international and national efforts have also not
achieved expected results so far. Still, there are numerous examples
on different levels (national, regional, local, household) making
considerable progress in limiting their own emissions and making
steps toward mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. The
local level is exceptionally important in sustainability adaptation, as
local communities are often able to adapt more flexibly to changes in
the natural environment.The aim of this paper is to attempt a review
of the national climate policy and the local climate change strategies
in Hungary considering sustainable development.
Abstract: This study proposes a conceptual model and
empirically tests the relationships between customers and librarians
(i.e. tangibles, responsiveness, assurance, reliability and empathy)
with a dependent variable (customer satisfaction) regarding library
services. The SERVQUAL instrument was administered to 100
respondents which comprises of staff and students at a public higher
learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia.
They were public university library users. Results revealed that all
service quality dimensions tested were significant and influenced
customer satisfaction of visitors to a public university library.
Assurance is the most important factor that influences customer
satisfaction with the services rendered by the librarian. It is
imperative for the library management to take note that the top five
service attributes that gained greatest attention from library visitors-
perspective includes employee willingness to help customers,
availability of customer representatives online for response to
queries, library staff actively and promptly provide services, signs in
the building are clear and library staff are friendly and courteous.
This study provides valuable results concerning the determinants of
the service quality and customer satisfaction of public university
library services from the users' perspective.
Abstract: Fermented cassava flours (lafun) sold in Ogun and Oyo
States of Nigeria were collected from 10 markets for a period of two
months and analysed to determine their safety status. The presence of
trace metals was due to high vehicular movement around the drying
sites and markets. Cyanide and moisture contents of samples were
also determined to assess the adequacy of fermentation and drying.
The result showed that sample OWO was found to have the highest
amount of 16.02±0.12mg/kg cyanide while the lowest was found in
sample OJO with 10.51±0.10mg/kg. The results also indicated that
sample TVE had the highest moisture content of 18.50±0.20% while
sample OWO had the lowest amount of 12.46±0.47%. Copper and
lead levels were found to be highest in TVE with values 28.10mg/kg
and 1.1mg/kg respectively, while sample BTS had the lowest values
of 20.6mg/kg and 0.05mg/kg respectively. High value of cyanide
indicated inadequate fermentation.
Abstract: Most routing protocols (DSR, AODV etc.) that have
been designed for wireless adhoc networks incorporate the broadcasting
operation in their route discovery scheme. Probabilistic broadcasting
techniques have been developed to optimize the broadcast operation
which is otherwise very expensive in terms of the redundancy
and the traffic it generates. In this paper we have explored percolation
theory to gain a different perspective on probabilistic broadcasting
schemes which have been actively researched in the recent years.
This theory has helped us estimate the value of broadcast probability
in a wireless adhoc network as a function of the size of the network.
We also show that, operating at those optimal values of broadcast
probability there is at least 25-30% reduction in packet regeneration
during successful broadcasting.
Abstract: Corporate credit rating prediction using statistical and
artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has been one of the attractive
research topics in the literature. In recent years, multiclass
classification models such as artificial neural network (ANN) or
multiclass support vector machine (MSVM) have become a very
appealing machine learning approaches due to their good
performance. However, most of them have only focused on classifying
samples into nominal categories, thus the unique characteristic of the
credit rating - ordinality - has been seldom considered in their
approaches. This study proposes new types of ANN and MSVM
classifiers, which are named OMANN and OMSVM respectively.
OMANN and OMSVM are designed to extend binary ANN or SVM
classifiers by applying ordinal pairwise partitioning (OPP) strategy.
These models can handle ordinal multiple classes efficiently and
effectively. To validate the usefulness of these two models, we applied
them to the real-world bond rating case. We compared the results of
our models to those of conventional approaches. The experimental
results showed that our proposed models improve classification
accuracy in comparison to typical multiclass classification techniques
with the reduced computation resource.