Abstract: Various intelligences and inspirations have been
adopted into the iterative searching process called as meta-heuristics.
They intelligently perform the exploration and exploitation in the
solution domain space aiming to efficiently seek near optimal
solutions. In this work, the bee algorithm, inspired by the natural
foraging behaviour of honey bees, was adapted to find the near
optimal solutions of the transportation management system, dynamic
multi-zone dispatching. This problem prepares for an uncertainty and
changing customers- demand. In striving to remain competitive,
transportation system should therefore be flexible in order to cope
with the changes of customers- demand in terms of in-bound and outbound
goods and technological innovations. To remain higher service
level but lower cost management via the minimal imbalance scenario,
the rearrangement penalty of the area, in each zone, including time
periods are also included. However, the performance of the algorithm
depends on the appropriate parameters- setting and need to be
determined and analysed before its implementation. BEE parameters
are determined through the linear constrained response surface
optimisation or LCRSOM and weighted centroid modified simplex
methods or WCMSM. Experimental results were analysed in terms
of best solutions found so far, mean and standard deviation on the
imbalance values including the convergence of the solutions
obtained. It was found that the results obtained from the LCRSOM
were better than those using the WCMSM. However, the average
execution time of experimental run using the LCRSOM was longer
than those using the WCMSM. Finally a recommendation of proper
level settings of BEE parameters for some selected problem sizes is
given as a guideline for future applications.
Abstract: Multiplication algorithms have considerable effect on
processors performance. A new high-speed, low-power
multiplication algorithm has been presented using modified Dadda
tree structure. Three important modifications have been implemented
in inner product generation step, inner product reduction step and
final addition step. Optimized algorithms have to be used into basic
computation components, such as multiplication algorithms. In this
paper, we proposed a new algorithm to reduce power, delay, and
transistor count of a multiplication algorithm implemented using low
power modified counter. This work presents a novel design for
Dadda multiplication algorithms. The proposed multiplication
algorithm includes structured parts, which have important effect on
inner product reduction tree. In this paper, a 1.3V, 64-bit carry hybrid
adder is presented for fast, low voltage applications. The new 64-bit
adder uses a new circuit to implement the proposed carry hybrid
adder. The new adder using 80 nm CMOS technology has been
implemented on 700 MHz clock frequency. The proposed
multiplication algorithm has achieved 14 percent improvement in
transistor count, 13 percent reduction in delay and 12 percent
modification in power consumption in compared with conventional
designs.
Abstract: Despite of the preponderant role played by cement among the construction materials, it is today considered as a material destructing the environment due to the large quantities of carbon dioxide exhausted during its manufacture. Besides, global warming is now recognized worldwide as the new threat to the humankind against which advanced countries are investigating measures to reduce the current amount of exhausted gases to the half by 2050. Accordingly, efforts to reduce green gases are exerted in all industrial fields. Especially, the cement industry strives to reduce the consumption of cement through the development of alkali-activated geopolymer mortars using industrial byproducts like bottom ash. This study intends to gather basic data on the flowability and strength development characteristics of alkali-activated geopolymer mortar by examining its FT-IT features with respect to the effects and strength of the alkali-activator in order to develop bottom ash-based alkali-activated geopolymer mortar. The results show that the 35:65 mass ratio of sodium hydroxide to sodium silicate is appropriate and that a molarity of 9M for sodium hydroxide is advantageous. The ratio of the alkali-activators to bottom ash is seen to have poor effect on the strength. Moreover, the FT-IR analysis reveals that larger improvement of the strength shifts the peak from 1060 cm–1 (T-O, T=Si or Al) toward shorter wavenumber.
Abstract: Vertical Double Gate (DG) Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) is believed to suppress various short channel effect problems. The gate to channel coupling in vertical DG-MOSFET are doubled, thus resulting in higher current density. By having two gates, both gates are able to control the channel from both sides and possess better electrostatic control over the channel. In order to ensure that the transistor possess a superb turn-off characteristic, the subs-threshold swing (SS) must be kept at minimum value (60-90mV/dec). By utilizing SILVACO TCAD software, an n-channel vertical DG-MOSFET was successfully designed while keeping the sub-threshold swing (SS) value as minimum as possible. From the observation made, the value of sub-threshold swing (SS) was able to be varied by adjusting the height of the silicon pillar. The minimum value of sub-threshold swing (SS) was found to be 64.7mV/dec with threshold voltage (VTH) of 0.895V. The ideal height of the vertical DG-MOSFET pillar was found to be at 0.265 µm.
Abstract: Because of the increasing business pressures, companies must be adaptable and flexible in order to withstand them. Inadequate business processes and low level of business process orientation, that in its core accentuates business processes as opposed to business functions and focuses on process performance and customer satisfaction, hider the ability to adapt to changing environment. It has been shown in previous studies that the companies which have reached higher business process maturity level consistently outperform those that have not reached them. The aim of this paper is to provide a basic understanding of business process orientation concept and business process maturity model. Besides that the paper presents the state of business process orientation in Croatia that has been captured with a study conducted in 2013. Based on the results some practical implications and guidelines for managers are given.
Abstract: A novel three-phase active power filter (APF) circuit with photovoltaic (PV) system to improve the quality of service and to reduce the capacity of energy storage capacitor is presented. The energy balance concept and sampling technique were used to simplify the calculation algorithm for the required utility source current and to control the voltage of the energy storage capacitor. The feasibility was verified by using the Pspice simulations and experiments. When the APF mode was used during non-operational period, not only the utilization rate, power factor and power quality could be improved, but also the capacity of energy storage capacitor could sparing. As the results, the advantages of the APF circuit are simplicity of control circuits, low cost, and good transient response.
Abstract: Virtual engineering technology has undergone rapid progress in recent years and is being adopted increasingly by manufacturing companies of many engineering disciplines. There is an increasing demand from industry for qualified virtual engineers. The qualified virtual engineers should have the ability of applying engineering principles and mechanical design methods within the commercial software package environment. It is a challenge to the engineering education in universities which traditionally tends to lack the integration of knowledge and skills required for solving real world problems. In this paper, a case study shows some recent development of a MSc Mechanical Engineering course at Department of Engineering and Technology in MMU, and in particular, two units Simulation of Mechanical Systems(SMS) and Computer Aided Fatigue Analysis(CAFA) that emphasize virtual engineering education and promote integration of knowledge acquisition, skill training and industrial application.
Abstract: In this paper we study different similarity based approaches for the development of QSAR model devoted to the prediction of activity of antiobesity drugs. Classical similarity approaches are compared regarding to dissimilarity models based on the consideration of the calculation of Euclidean distances between the nonisomorphic fragments extracted in the matching process. Combining the classical similarity and dissimilarity approaches into a new similarity measure, the Approximate Similarity was also studied, and better results were obtained. The application of the proposed method to the development of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) has provided reliable tools for predicting of inhibitory activity of drugs. Acceptable results were obtained for the models presented here.
Abstract: In general fuzzy sets are used to analyze the fuzzy
system reliability. Here intuitionistic fuzzy set theory for analyzing
the fuzzy system reliability has been used. To analyze the fuzzy
system reliability, the reliability of each component of the system as
a triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number is considered. Triangular
intuitionistic fuzzy number and their arithmetic operations are
introduced. Expressions for computing the fuzzy reliability of a
series system and a parallel system following triangular intuitionistic
fuzzy numbers have been described. Here an imprecise reliability
model of an electric network model of dark room is taken. To
compute the imprecise reliability of the above said system, reliability
of each component of the systems is represented by triangular
intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. Respective numerical example is
presented.
Abstract: Nosocomial (i.e., hospital-acquired) infections
(NI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. NI
rate is higher in intensive care units (ICU) than in the general
ward due to patients with severe symptoms, poor immunity,
and accepted many invasive therapies. Contact behaviors
between health caregivers and patients is one of the infect
factors. It is difficult to obtain complete contact records by
traditional method of retrospective analysis of medical records.
This paper establishes a contact history inferential model
(CHIM) intended to extend the use of Proximity Sensing of
rapid frequency identification (RFID) technology to
transferring all proximity events between health caregivers and
patients into clinical events (close-in events, contact events and
invasive events).The results of the study indicated that the
CHIM can infer proximity care activities into close-in events
and contact events.
The infection control team could redesign and build optimal
workflow in the ICU according to the patient-specific contact
history which provided by our automatic tracing system.
Abstract: Wikis are promoted as collaborative writing tools that
allow students to transform a text into a collective document by
information sharing and group reflection. However, despite the
promising collaborative capabilities of wikis, their pedagogical value
regarding collaborative writing is still questionable. Wiki alone
cannot make collaborative writing happen, and students do not
automatically become more active, participate, and collaborate with
others when they use wikis. To foster collaborative writing and active
involvement in wiki development there is a need for a systematic
approach to wikis. Themain goal of this paper is to propose and
evaluate a co-writing approach to the development of wikis, along
with the study of three wiki applications to report on pedagogical
implications of collaborative writing in higher education.
Abstract: The issue of leadership has been investigated from
several perspectives; however, very less from ethical perspective.
With the growing number of corporate scandals and unethical roles
played by business leaders in several parts of the world, the need to
examine leadership from ethical perspective cannot be over
emphasized. The importance of leadership credibility has been
discussed in the authentic model of leadership. Authentic leaders
display high degree of integrity, have deep sense of purpose, and
committed to their core values. As a result they promote a more
trusting relationship in their work groups that translates into several
positive outcomes. The present study examined how authentic
leadership contribute to subordinates- trust in leadership and how this
trust, in turn, predicts subordinates- work engagement. A sample of
395 employees was randomly selected from several local banks
operating in Malaysia. Standardized tools such as ALQ, OTI, and
EEQ were employed. Results indicated that authentic leadership
promoted subordinates- trust in leader, and contributed to work
engagement. Also, interpersonal trust predicted employees- work
engagement as well as mediated the relationship between this style of
leadership and employees- work engagement.
Abstract: In this paper, a Web-based e-Training platform that is dedicated to multimodal breast imaging is presented. The assets of this platform are summarised in (i) the efficient representation of the curriculum flow that will permit efficient training; (ii) efficient tagging of multimodal content appropriate for the completion of realistic cases and (iii) ubiquitous accessibility and platform independence via a web-based approach.
Abstract: Previous researches found that conventional WBL is effective for meaningful learner, because rote learner learn by repeating without thinking or trying to understand. It is impossible to have full benefit from conventional WBL. Understanding of rote learner-s intention and what influences it becomes important. Poorly designed user interface will discourage rote learner-s cultivation and intention to use WBL. Thus, user interface design is an important factor especially when WBL is used as comprehensive replacement of conventional teaching. This research proposes the influencing factors that can enhance learner-s intention to use the system. The enhanced TAM is used for evaluating the proposed factors. The research result points out that factors influencing rote learner-s intention are Perceived Usefulness of Homepage Content Structure, Perceived User Friendly Interface, Perceived Hedonic Component, and Perceived (homepage) Visual Attractiveness.
Abstract: In this paper we present a statistical analysis of Voice
over IP (VoIP) packet streams produced by the G.711 voice coder
with voice activity detection (VAD). During telephone conversation,
depending whether the interlocutor speaks (ON) or remains silent
(OFF), packets are produced or not by a voice coder. As index of
dispersion for both ON and OFF times distribution was greater than
one, we used hyperexponential distribution for approximation of
streams duration. For each stage of the hyperexponential distribution,
we tested goodness of our fits using graphical methods, we calculated
estimation errors, and performed Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Obtained results showed that the precise VoIP source model can be
based on the five-state Markov process.
Abstract: An experimental study is realized in order to verify the
Mini Heat Pipe (MHP) concept for cooling high power dissipation
electronic components and determines the potential advantages of
constructing mini channels as an integrated part of a flat heat pipe. A
Flat Mini Heat Pipe (FMHP) prototype including a capillary structure
composed of parallel rectangular microchannels is manufactured and
a filling apparatus is developed in order to charge the FMHP. The
heat transfer improvement obtained by comparing the heat pipe
thermal resistance to the heat conduction thermal resistance of a
copper plate having the same dimensions as the tested FMHP is
demonstrated for different heat input flux rates. Moreover, the heat
transfer in the evaporator and condenser sections are analyzed, and
heat transfer laws are proposed. In the theoretical part of this work, a
detailed mathematical model of a FMHP with axial microchannels is
developed in which the fluid flow is considered along with the heat
and mass transfer processes during evaporation and condensation.
The model is based on the equations for the mass, momentum and
energy conservation, which are written for the evaporator, adiabatic,
and condenser zones. The model, which permits to simulate several
shapes of microchannels, can predict the maximum heat transfer
capacity of FMHP, the optimal fluid mass, and the flow and thermal
parameters along the FMHP. The comparison between experimental
and model results shows the good ability of the numerical model to
predict the axial temperature distribution along the FMHP.
Abstract: This study investigated the use of modified
atmosphere packaging (MAP) and different packaging to extend the
shelf life of Barbari flat bread. Three atmospheres including 70%CO2
and 30%N2, 50% CO2 and 50%N2 and a normal air as control were
used. The bread samples were packaged in three type pouches. The
shelf life was determined by appearance of mold and yeast (M +Y) in
Barbari bread samples stored at 25 ± 1°C and 38 ± 2% relative
humidity. The results showed that it is possible to prolong the shelf
life of Barbari bread from four days to about 21 days by using
modified atmosphere packaging with high carbon dioxide
concentration and high-barrier laminated and vacuum bags packages.
However, the hardness of samples kept in MAP increase significantly
by increase of carbon dioxide concentration. The correlation
coefficient (r) between headspace CO2 concentration and hardness
was 0.997, 0.997 and 0.599 for A, B and C packaging respectively.
High negative correlation coefficients were found between the crumb
moisture and the hardness values in various packaging. There were
significant negative correlation coefficients between sensory
parameters and hardness of texture.
Abstract: The fabrication of porous NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) from elemental powder compacts was conducted by selfpropagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). Effects of the preheating temperature and the chamber pressure on the combustion characteristics as well as the final morphology and the composition of products were studied. The samples with porosity between 56.4 and 59.0% under preheating temperature in the range of 200-300°C and Ar-gas chamber pressure of 138 and 201 kPa were obtained. The pore structures were found to be dissimilar only in the samples processed with different preheating temperature. The major phase in the porous product is NiTi with small amounts of secondary phases, NiTi2 and Ni4Ti3. The preheating temperature and the chamber pressure have very little effect on the phase constituent. While the combustion temperature of the sample was notably increased by increasing the preheating temperature, they were slightly changed by varying the chamber pressure.
Abstract: Regarding previous research studies it was concluded
that thin-walled fiber-cement composites are able to conduct electric
current under specific conditions. This property is ensured by using
of various kinds of carbon materials. Though carbon fibers are less
conductive than metal fibers, composites with carbon fibers were
evaluated as better current conductors than the composites with metal
fibers. The level of electric conductivity is monitored by the means of
impedance measurement of designed samples. These composites
could be used for a range of applications such as heating of
trafficable surfaces or shielding of electro-magnetic fields.
The aim of the present research was to design an element with the
ability to monitor internal processes in building structures and
prevent them from collapsing. As a typical element for laboratory
testing there was chosen a concrete column, which was repeatedly
subjected to load by simple pressure with continual monitoring of
changes in electrical properties.
Abstract: In the field of concepts, the measure of Wu and Palmer [1] has the advantage of being simple to implement and have good performances compared to the other similarity measures [2]. Nevertheless, the Wu and Palmer measure present the following disadvantage: in some situations, the similarity of two elements of an IS-A ontology contained in the neighborhood exceeds the similarity value of two elements contained in the same hierarchy. This situation is inadequate within the information retrieval framework. To overcome this problem, we propose a new similarity measure based on the Wu and Palmer measure. Our objective is to obtain realistic results for concepts not located in the same way. The obtained results show that compared to the Wu and Palmer approach, our measure presents a profit in terms of relevance and execution time.