Abstract: Electro Chemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) is an
emerging hybrid machining process used in precision machining of hard and brittle non-conducting materials. The present paper gives a
critical review on materials machined by ECDM under the prevailing machining conditions; capability indicators of the process are
reported. Some results obtained while performing experiments in micro-channeling on soda lime glass using ECDM are also presented. In these experiments, Tool Wear (TW) and Material Removal (MR)
were studied using design of experiments and L–4 orthogonal array. Experimental results showed that the applied voltage was the most influencing parameter in both MR and TW studies. Field
emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results obtained on the microchannels confirmed the presence of micro-cracks, primarily responsible for MR. Chemical etching was also seen along the edges.
The Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results were used to detect the elements present in the debris and specimens.
Abstract: Dengue fever is prevalent in Malaysia with numerous
cases including mortality recorded over the years. Public education
on the prevention of the desease through various means has been
carried out besides the enforcement of legal means to eradicate
Aedes mosquitoes, the dengue vector breeding ground. Hence, other
means need to be explored, such as predicting the seasonal peak
period of the dengue outbreak and identifying related climate factors
contributing to the increase in the number of mosquitoes. Simulation
model can be employed for this purpose. In this study, we created a
simulation of system dynamic to predict the spread of dengue
outbreak in Hulu Langat, Selangor Malaysia. The prototype was
developed using STELLA 9.1.2 software. The main data input are
rainfall, temperature and denggue cases. Data analysis from the graph
showed that denggue cases can be predicted accurately using these
two main variables- rainfall and temperature. However, the model
will be further tested over a longer time period to ensure its
accuracy, reliability and efficiency as a prediction tool for dengue
outbreak.
Abstract: Innovation is being view from four areas of
innovation, product, service, technology, and marketing. Whereas
customer loyalty is composed of customer expectation, perceived
quality, perceived value, corporate image, customer satisfaction,
customer trust/confidence, customer commitment, customer
complaint, and customer loyalty. This study aimed to investigate the
influence of innovation factors to customer loyalty to GSM in the
telecom companies where use of products and services. Structural
Equation Modeling (SEM) using to analyze innovation factors. It was
found the factor of innovation have significant influence on customer
loyalty.
Abstract: In the paper it is questioned whether effective state
social policy provides happiness and social progress. For this purpose
selected correlations between Human Development Index (HDI),
share of public social expenditures in GDP, the Happy Planet Index
(HPI), GDP per capita, and Government Effectiveness are examined
and the results are graphically presented. It is shown how a
government can affect well-being and happiness in different countries
of modern world. Also, it is tested the hypothesis about existence of a
certain optimum of well-being and public social expenditures, which
affect direction of social progress. It is concluded that efficient social
policy and wealth are not the only factors determining human
happiness.
Abstract: Majority of researches conducted on Iranian urban
development plans indicate that they have been almost unsuccessful
in terms of draft, execution and goal achievement. Lack or shortage
of essential statistics and information can be listed as an important
reason of the failure of these plans. Lack of figures and information
has turned into an obvious part of the country-s statistics officials.
This problem has made urban planner themselves to embark on
physical surveys including real estate and land pricing, population
and economic census of the city. Apart from the problems facing
urban developers, the possibility of errors is high in such surveys.
In the present article, applying the interview technique, it has
been mentioned that utilizing multipurpose cadastre system as a land
information system is essential for urban development plans in Iran.
It can minimize or even remove the failures facing urban
development plans.
Abstract: This paper deals with stakeholders’ decisions within energy neutral urban redevelopment processes. The decisions of these stakeholders during the process will make or break energy neutral ambitions. An extensive form of game theory model gave insight in the behavioral differences of stakeholders regarding energy neutral ambitions and the effects of the changing legislation. The results show that new legislation regarding spatial planning slightly influences the behavior of stakeholders. An active behavior of the municipality will still result in the best outcome. Nevertheless, the municipality becomes more powerful when acting passively and can make the use of planning tools to provide governance towards energy neutral urban redevelopment. Moreover, organizational support, recognizing the necessity for energy neutrality, keeping focused and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial elements to achieve the objective of an energy neutral urban (re)development.
Abstract: This study presents a mathematical modeling approach to the planning of HIV therapies on an individual basis. The model replicates clinical data from typical-progressors to AIDS for all stages of the disease with good agreement. Clinical data from rapid-progressors and long-term non-progressors is also matched by estimation of immune system parameters only. The ability of the model to reproduce these phenomena validates the formulation, a fact which is exploited in the investigation of effective therapies. The therapy investigation suggests that, unlike continuous therapy, structured treatment interruptions (STIs) are able to control the increase in both the drug-sensitive and drug-resistant virus population and, hence, prevent the ultimate progression from HIV to AIDS. The optimization results further suggest that even patients characterised by the same progression type can respond very differently to the same treatment and that the latter should be designed on a case-by-case basis. Such a methodology is presented here.
Abstract: Much time series data is generally from continuous dynamic system. Firstly, this paper studies the detection of the nonlinearity of time series from continuous dynamics systems by applying the Phase-randomized surrogate algorithm. Then, the Delay Vector Variance (DVV) method is introduced into nonlinearity test. The results show that under the different sampling conditions, the opposite detection of nonlinearity is obtained via using traditional test statistics methods, which include the third-order autocovariance and the asymmetry due to time reversal. Whereas the DVV method can perform well on determining nonlinear of Lorenz signal. It indicates that the proposed method can describe the continuous dynamics signal effectively.
Abstract: Rapid advancement in computing technology brings
computers and humans to be seamlessly integrated in future. The
emergence of smartphone has driven computing era towards
ubiquitous and pervasive computing. Recognizing human activity has
garnered a lot of interest and has raised significant researches-
concerns in identifying contextual information useful to human
activity recognition. Not only unobtrusive to users in daily life,
smartphone has embedded built-in sensors that capable to sense
contextual information of its users supported with wide range
capability of network connections. In this paper, we will discuss the
classification algorithms used in smartphone-based human activity.
Existing technologies pertaining to smartphone-based researches in
human activity recognition will be highlighted and discussed. Our
paper will also present our findings and opinions to formulate
improvement ideas in current researches- trends. Understanding
research trends will enable researchers to have clearer research
direction and common vision on latest smartphone-based human
activity recognition area.
Abstract: The aerodynamic noise radiation from a side view mirror (SVM) in the high-speed airflow is calculated by the combination of unsteady incompressible fluid flow analysis and acoustic analysis. The transient flow past the generic SVM is simulated with variable turbulence model, namely DES Detached Eddy Simulation and LES (Large Eddy Simulation). Detailed velocity vectors and contour plots of the time-varying velocity and pressure fields are presented along cut planes in the flow-field. Mean and transient pressure are also monitored at several points in the flow field and compared to corresponding experimentally data published in literature. The acoustic predictions made using the Ffowcs-Williams-Hawkins acoustic analogy (FW-H) and the boundary element (BEM).
Abstract: This study examined the effects of eight weeks of
whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on vertical and decuple jump
performance in handball athletes. Sixteen collegiate Level I handball
athletes volunteered for this study. They were divided equally as
control group and experimental group (EG). During the period of the
study, all athletes underwent the same handball specific training, but
the EG received additional WBVT (amplitude: 2 mm, frequency: 20 -
40 Hz) three time per week for eight consecutive weeks. The vertical
jump performance was evaluated according to the maximum height of
squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Single factor
ANCOVA was used to examine the differences in each parameter
between the groups after training with the pretest values as a covariate.
The statistic significance was set at p < .05. After 8 weeks WBVT, the
EG had significantly improved the maximal height of SJ (40.92 ± 2.96
cm vs. 48.40 ± 4.70 cm, F = 5.14, p < .05) and the maximal height
CMJ (47.25 ± 7.48 cm vs. 52.20 ± 6.25 cm, F = 5.31, p < .05). 8 weeks
of additional WBVT could improve the vertical and decuple jump
performance in handball athletes. Enhanced motor unit
synchronization and firing rates, facilitated muscular contraction
stretch-shortening cycle, and improved lower extremity
neuromuscular coordination could account for these enhancements.
Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in mathematical education is a very active field of research and innovation, where learning is understood to be meaningful and grasping multiple linked representation rather than rote memorization, a great amount of literature offering a wide range of theories, learning approaches, methodologies and interpretations, are generally stressing the potentialities for teaching and learning using ICT. Despite the utilization of new learning approaches with ICT, students experience difficulties in learning concepts relevant to understanding mathematics, much remains unclear about the relationship between the computer environment, the activities it might support, and the knowledge that might emerge from such activities. Many questions that might arise in this regard: to what extent does the use of ICT help students in the process of understanding and solving tasks or problems? Is it possible to identify what aspects or features of students' mathematical learning can be enhanced by the use of technology? This paper will highlight the interest of the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the teaching and learning of mathematics (quadratic functions), it aims to investigate the effect of four instructional methods on students- mathematical understanding and problem solving. Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to report about 43 students in middle school. Results showed that mathematical thinking and problem solving evolves as students engage with ICT activities and learn cooperatively.
Abstract: This paper presents a generalization kernel for gravitational
potential determination by harmonic splines. It was shown
in [10] that the gravitational potential can be approximated using a
kernel represented as a Newton integral over the real Earth body. On
the other side, the theory of geopotential approximation by harmonic
splines uses spherically oriented kernels. The purpose of this paper
is to show that in the spherical case both kernels have the same type
of representation, which leads us to conclusion that it is possible
to consider the kernel represented as a Newton integral over the real
Earth body as a kind of generalization of spherically harmonic kernels
to real geometries.
Abstract: The presence of toxic heavy metals in industrial
effluents is one of the serious threats to the environment. Heavy
metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Mercury,
Copper, Arsenic are found in the effluents of industries such as
foundries, electroplating, petrochemical, battery manufacturing,
tanneries, fertilizer, dying, textiles, metallurgical and metal finishing.
Tremendous increase of industrial copper usage and its presence in
industrial effluents has lead to a growing concern about the fate and
effects of Copper in the environment. Percolation of industrial
effluents through soils leads to contamination of ground water and
soils. The transport of heavy metals and their diffusion into the soils
has therefore, drawn the attention of the researchers.
In this study, an attempt has been made to delineate the
mechanisms of transport and fate of copper in terrestrial
environment. Column studies were conducted using perplex glass
square column of dimension side 15 cm and 1.35 m long. The soil
samples were collected from a natural drain near Mohali (India). The
soil was characterized to be poorly graded sandy loam. The soil was
compacted to the field dry density level of about 1.6 g/cm3. Break
through curves for different depths of the column were plotted. The
results of the column study indicated that the copper has high
tendency to flow in the soils and fewer tendencies to get absorbed on
the soil particles. The t1/2 estimates obtained from the studies can be
used for design copper laden wastewater disposal systems.
Abstract: Residue Number System (RNS) is a modular representation and is proved to be an instrumental tool in many digital signal processing (DSP) applications which require high-speed computations. RNS is an integer and non weighted number system; it can support parallel, carry-free, high-speed and low power arithmetic. A very interesting correspondence exists between the concepts of Multiple Valued Logic (MVL) and Residue Number Arithmetic. If the number of levels used to represent MVL signals is chosen to be consistent with the moduli which create the finite rings in the RNS, MVL becomes a very natural representation for the RNS. There are two concerns related to the application of this Number System: reaching the most possible speed and the largest dynamic range. There is a conflict when one wants to resolve both these problem. That is augmenting the dynamic range results in reducing the speed in the same time. For achieving the most performance a method is considere named “One-Hot Residue Number System" in this implementation the propagation is only equal to one transistor delay. The problem with this method is the huge increase in the number of transistors they are increased in order m2 . In real application this is practically impossible. In this paper combining the Multiple Valued Logic and One-Hot Residue Number System we represent a new method to resolve both of these two problems. In this paper we represent a novel design of an OHRNS-based adder circuit. This circuit is useable for Multiple Valued Logic moduli, in comparison to other RNS design; this circuit has considerably improved the number of transistors and power consumption.
Abstract: This paper presents a NDT by infrared thermography with excitation CO2 Laser, wavelength of 10.6 μm. This excitation is the controllable heating beam, confirmed by a preliminary test on a wooden plate 1.2 m x 0.9 m x 1 cm. As the first practice, this method is applied to detecting the defect in CFRP heated by the Laser 300 W during 40 s. Two samples 40 cm x 40 cm x 4.5 cm are prepared, one with defect, another one without defect. The laser beam passes through the lens of a deviation device, and heats the samples placed at a determinate position and area. As a result, the absence of adhesive can be detected. This method displays prominently its application as NDT with the composite materials. This work gives a good perspective to characterize the laser beam, which is very useful for the next detection campaigns.
Abstract: Magnetic Resonance Imaging play a vital role in the decision-diagnosis process of brain MR images. For an accurate diagnosis of brain related problems, the experts mostly compares both T1 and T2 weighted images as the information presented in these two images are complementary. In this paper, rotational and translational invariant form of Local binary Pattern (LBP) with additional gray scale information is used to retrieve similar slices of T1 weighted images from T2 weighted images or vice versa. The incorporation of additional gray scale information on LBP can extract more local texture information. The accuracy of retrieval can be improved by extracting moment features of LBP and reweighting the features based on users feedback. Here retrieval is done in a single subject scenario where similar images of a particular subject at a particular level are retrieved, and multiple subjects scenario where relevant images at a particular level across the subjects are retrieved.
Abstract: The effects of divers carbon substrates were
investigated for the tabtoxin production of an isolated pathogenic
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci, the causal agent of wildfire of
tobacco and are discussed in relation to the bacterium growth. The
isolated organism was grown in batch culture on Woolley's
medium (28°C, 200 rpm, during 5 days). The growth has been
measured by the optical density (OD) at 620 nm and the tabtoxin
production quantified by Escherichia coli (K-12) bioassay
technique. The growth and the tabtoxin production were both
influenced by the substrates (sugars, amino acids, organic acids)
used, each, as a sole carbon source and as a supplement for the
same amino acids. The most significant quantities of tabtoxin were
obtained in presence of some amino acids used as sole carbon
source and/or as supplement.
Abstract: This paper will discuss about an active power generator scheduling method in order to increase the limit level of steady state systems. Some power generator optimization methods such as Langrange, PLN (Indonesian electricity company) Operation, and the proposed Z-Thevenin-based method will be studied and compared in respect of their steady state aspects. A method proposed in this paper is built upon the thevenin equivalent impedance values between each load respected to each generator. The steady state stability index obtained with the REI DIMO method. This research will review the 500kV-Jawa-Bali interconnection system. The simulation results show that the proposed method has the highest limit level of steady state stability compared to other optimization techniques such as Lagrange, and PLN operation. Thus, the proposed method can be used to create the steady state stability limit of the system especially in the peak load condition.
Abstract: Although backpropagation ANNs generally predict
better than decision trees do for pattern classification problems, they
are often regarded as black boxes, i.e., their predictions cannot be
explained as those of decision trees. In many applications, it is
desirable to extract knowledge from trained ANNs for the users to
gain a better understanding of how the networks solve the problems.
A new rule extraction algorithm, called rule extraction from artificial
neural networks (REANN) is proposed and implemented to extract
symbolic rules from ANNs. A standard three-layer feedforward ANN
is the basis of the algorithm. A four-phase training algorithm is
proposed for backpropagation learning. Explicitness of the extracted
rules is supported by comparing them to the symbolic rules generated
by other methods. Extracted rules are comparable with other methods
in terms of number of rules, average number of conditions for a rule,
and predictive accuracy. Extensive experimental studies on several
benchmarks classification problems, such as breast cancer, iris,
diabetes, and season classification problems, demonstrate the
effectiveness of the proposed approach with good generalization
ability.