Abstract: The element of justice or al-‘adl in the context of
Islamic critical thinking deals with the notion of justice in a thinking
process which critically rationalizes the truth in a fair and objective
manner with no irrelevant interference that can jeopardize a sound
judgment. This Islamic axiological element is vital in technological
decision making as it addresses the issues of religious values and
ethics that are primarily set to fulfill the purpose of human life on
earth. The main objective of this study was to examine and analyze
the perception of Muslim engineering students in Malaysian higher
education institutions towards the concept of al-‘adl as an essential
element of Islamic critical thinking. The study employed mixed
methods approach that comprises data collection from the
questionnaire survey and the interview responses. A total of 557
Muslim engineering undergraduates from six Malaysian universities
participated in the study. The study generally indicated that Muslim
engineering undergraduates in the higher institutions have rather
good comprehension and consciousness for al-‘adl with a slight
awareness on the importance of objective thinking. Nonetheless there
were a few items on the concept that have implied a comparatively
low perception on the rational justice in Islam as the means to grasp
the ultimate truth.
Abstract: In this paper, a simple active contour based visual
tracking algorithm is presented for outdoor AGV application which is
currently under development at the USM robotic research group
(URRG) lab. The presented algorithm is computationally low cost
and able to track road boundaries in an image sequence and can
easily be implemented on available low cost hardware. The proposed
algorithm used an active shape modeling using the B-spline
deformable template and recursive curve fitting method to track the
current orientation of the road.
Abstract: Ultrathin (UTD) and Nanoscale (NSD) SOI-MOSFET devices, sharing a similar W/L but with a channel thickness of 46nm and 1.6nm respectively, were fabricated using a selective “gate recessed” process on the same silicon wafer. The electrical transport characterization at room temperature has shown a large difference between the two kinds of devices and has been interpreted in terms of a huge unexpected series resistance. Electrical characteristics of the Nanoscale device, taken in the linear region, can be analytically derived from the ultrathin device ones. A comparison of the structure and composition of the layers, using advanced techniques such as Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and High Resolution TEM (HRTEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), contributes an explanation as to the difference of transport between the devices.
Abstract: Soil stabilization has been widely used to improve
soil strength and durability or to prevent erosion and dust generation.
Generally to reduce problems of clayey soils in engineering work and
to stabilize these soils additional materials are used. The most
common materials are lime, fly ash and cement. Using this materials,
although improve soil property , but in some cases due to financial
problems and the need to use special equipment are limited .One of
the best methods for stabilization clayey soils is neutralization the
clay particles. For this purpose we can use ion exchange materials.
Ion exchange solution like CBR plus can be used for soil
stabilization. One of the most important things in using CBR plus is
determination the amount of this solution for various soils with
different properties. In this study a laboratory experiment is conduct
to evaluate the ion exchange capacity of three soils with various
plasticity index (PI) to determine amount or required CBR plus
solution for soil stabilization.
Abstract: Finding the minimal logical functions has important applications in the design of logical circuits. This task is solved by many different methods but, frequently, they are not suitable for a computer implementation. We briefly summarise the well-known Quine-McCluskey method, which gives a unique procedure of computing and thus can be simply implemented, but, even for simple examples, does not guarantee an optimal solution. Since the Petrick extension of the Quine-McCluskey method does not give a generally usable method for finding an optimum for logical functions with a high number of values, we focus on interpretation of the result of the Quine-McCluskey method and show that it represents a set covering problem that, unfortunately, is an NP-hard combinatorial problem. Therefore it must be solved by heuristic or approximation methods. We propose an approach based on genetic algorithms and show suitable parameter settings.
Abstract: In this paper, by exploiting a single semiconductor
optical amplifier-Mach Zehnder Interferometer (SOA-MZI), an
integratable all-optical flip-flop (AOFF) is proposed. It is composed
of a SOA-MZI with a bidirectional coupler at the output. Output
signals of both bar and crossbar of the SOA-MZI is fed back to SOAs
located in the arms of the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI). The
injected photon-rates to the SOAs are modulated by feedback signals
in order to form optical flip-flop. According to numerical analysis,
Gaussian optical pulses with the energy of 15.2 fJ and 20 ps duration
with the full width at half-maximum criterion, can switch the states of
the SR-AOFF. Also simulation results show that the SR-AOFF has
the contrast ratio of 8.5 dB between two states with the transition
time of nearly 20 ps.
Abstract: In our modern world, more physical transactions are being substituted by electronic transactions (i.e. banking, shopping, and payments), many businesses and companies are performing most of their operations through the internet. Instead of having a physical commerce, internet visitors are now adapting to electronic commerce (e-Commerce). The ability of web users to reach products worldwide can be greatly benefited by creating friendly and personalized online business portals. Internet visitors will return to a particular website when they can find the information they need or want easily. Dealing with this human conceptualization brings the incorporation of Artificial/Computational Intelligence techniques in the creation of customized portals. From these techniques, Fuzzy-Set technologies can make many useful contributions to the development of such a human-centered endeavor as e-Commerce. The main objective of this paper is the implementation of a Paradigm for the Intelligent Design and Operation of Human-Computer interfaces. In particular, the paradigm is quite appropriate for the intelligent design and operation of software modules that display information (such Web Pages, graphic user interfaces GUIs, Multimedia modules) on a computer screen. The human conceptualization of the user personal information is analyzed throughout a Cascaded Fuzzy Inference (decision-making) System to generate the User Ascribe Qualities, which identify the user and that can be used to customize portals with proper Web links.
Abstract: Diagnosis can be achieved by building a model of a
certain organ under surveillance and comparing it with the real time
physiological measurements taken from the patient. This paper deals
with the presentation of the benefits of using Data Mining techniques
in the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), focusing on the cancer
detection, in order to help doctors to make optimal decisions quickly
and accurately. In the field of the noninvasive diagnosis techniques,
the endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUSE) is a recent elasticity
imaging technique, allowing characterizing the difference between
malignant and benign tumors. Digitalizing and summarizing the main
EUSE sample movies features in a vector form concern with the use
of the exploratory data analysis (EDA). Neural networks are then
trained on the corresponding EUSE sample movies vector input in
such a way that these intelligent systems are able to offer a very
precise and objective diagnosis, discriminating between benign and
malignant tumors. A concrete application of these Data Mining
techniques illustrates the suitability and the reliability of this
methodology in CAD.
Abstract: Australian government agencies have a natural desire
to provide migrants a wide range of opportunities. Consequently,
government online services should be equally available to migrants
with a non-English speaking background (NESB). Despite the
commendable efforts of governments and local agencies in Australia
to provide such services, in reality, many NESB communities are not
taking advantage of these services. This article–based on an
extensive case study regarding the use of online government services
by the Arabic NESB community in Australia–reports on the
possible reasons for this issue, as well as suggestions for
improvement. The conclusion is that Australia should implement
ICT-based or e-government policies, programmes, and services that
more accurately reflect migrant cultures and languages so that
migrant integration can be more fully accomplished. Specifically, this
article presents an NESB Model that adopts the value of usercentricity
or a more individual-focused approach to government
online services in Australia.
Abstract: In this paper, the problem of stability analysis for a class of impulsive stochastic fuzzy neural networks with timevarying delays and reaction-diffusion is considered. By utilizing suitable Lyapunov-Krasovskii funcational, the inequality technique and stochastic analysis technique, some sufficient conditions ensuring global exponential stability of equilibrium point for impulsive stochastic fuzzy cellular neural networks with time-varying delays and diffusion are obtained. In particular, the estimate of the exponential convergence rate is also provided, which depends on system parameters, diffusion effect and impulsive disturbed intention. It is believed that these results are significant and useful for the design and applications of fuzzy neural networks. An example is given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Abstract: The paper attempts a synthesis of problems relating to
municipal waste management in Nigeria and proposes a conceptual
knowledge management approach for tackling municipal waste
problems in cities across Nigeria. The application of knowledge
management approach and strategy is crucial for inculcating a change
of attitude towards improving the management of waste. The paper is
a review of existing literatures, information, policies and data on
municipal waste management in Nigeria. The inefficient management
of waste by individuals, households, consumers and waste
management companies can be attributed to inadequate information
on waste management benefits, lack of producers- involvement in
waste management as well as poor implementation of government
policies. The paper presents an alternative approach providing
solutions promoting efficient municipal waste management.
Abstract: This study uses GIS (Geographic Information
Systems) to conduct an evaluation of the degree of the sufficiency of
public green spaces such as parks and urban green areas as an
indicator of the density of metropolitan areas, in particular the Chubu
metropolitan area, in Japan. To that end, it first grasps the distribution
situation of green spaces in the three metropolitan areas in Japan,
especially in the Chubu metropolitan area, using GIS digital maps.
And based on this result, it conducts a GIS evaluation of the degree of
sufficiency of public green spaces and arranges the result for every
distance belt from the central part to compare and exam for every
distance belt away from the center in the Chubu metropolitan area.
Furthermore, after pointing out the insufficient areas of public green
spaces based on the result, it also proposes the improvement policy
which can be introduced in the Chubu metropolitan area.
Abstract: Candida spp. are common and aggressive pathogens.
Because of the growing resistance of Candida spp. to current
antifungals, novel targets, found in Candida spp. but not in humans
or other flora, have to be identified. The alternative oxidase (AOX)
is one such possibility. This enzyme is insensitive to cyanide, but is
sensitive to compounds such as salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM),
disulfiram and n-alkyl gallates. The growth Candida albicans was
inhibited by SHAM (Ki = 9-15 mM) and cyanide (Ki = 2-4 mM),
albeit to differing extents. The rate of O2 uptake was inhibited by
less than 10% by 25 mM SHAM and by about 90% by 250 μM
KCN. Although SHAM substantially inhibited the growth of C.
albicans, it is unlikely that the inhibition of AOX was the cause.
Salicylhydroxamic acid is used therapeutically in the treatment of
urinary tract infections and urolithiasis, but it also has some potential
in the treatment of C. albicans infection.
Abstract: Over the past decade, mobile has experienced a
revolution that will ultimately change the way we communicate.All
these technologies have a common denominator exploitation of
computer information systems, but their operation can be tedious
because of problems with heterogeneous data sources.To overcome
the problems of heterogeneous data sources, we propose to use a
technique of adding an extra layer interfacing applications of
management or supervision at the different data sources.This layer
will be materialized by the implementation of a mediator between
different host applications and information systems frequently used
hierarchical and relational manner such that the heterogeneity is
completely transparent to the VoIP platform.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a comprehensive
investigation of five blackouts that occurred on 28 August to 8
September 2011 due to bushing failures of the 132/33 kV, 125 MVA
transformers at JBB Ali Grid station. The investigation aims to
explore the root causes of the bushing failures and come up with
recommendations that help in rectifying the problem and avoiding the
reoccurrence of similar type of incidents. The incident reports about
the failed bushings and the SCADA reports at this grid station were
examined and analyzed. Moreover, comprehensive power quality
field measurements at ten 33/11 kV substations (S/Ss) in JBB Ali
area were conducted, and frequency scans were performed to verify
any harmonic resonance frequencies due to power factor correction
capacitors. Furthermore, the daily operations of the on-load tap
changers (OLTCs) of both the 125 MVA and 20 MVA transformers
at JBB Ali Grid station have been analyzed. The investigation
showed that the five bushing failures were due to a local problem, i.e.
internal degradation of the bushing insulation. This has been
confirmed by analyzing the time interval between successive OLTC
operations of the faulty grid transformers. It was also found that
monitoring the number of OLTC operations can help in predicting
bushing failure.
Abstract: The present work is concerned with the effect of turning process parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut) and distance from the center of work piece as input variables on the chip micro-hardness as response or output. Three experiments were conducted; they were used to investigate the chip micro-hardness behavior at diameter of work piece for 30[mm], 40[mm], and 50[mm]. Response surface methodology (R.S.M) is used to determine and present the cause and effect of the relationship between true mean response and input control variables influencing the response as a two or three dimensional hyper surface. R.S.M has been used for designing a three factor with five level central composite rotatable factors design in order to construct statistical models capable of accurate prediction of responses. The results obtained showed that the application of R.S.M can predict the effect of machining parameters on chip micro-hardness. The five level factorial designs can be employed easily for developing statistical models to predict chip micro-hardness by controllable machining parameters. Results obtained showed that the combined effect of cutting speed at it?s lower level, feed rate and depth of cut at their higher values, and larger work piece diameter can result increasing chi micro-hardness.
Abstract: In this study the behavior of interlaminar fracture of
carbon-epoxy thermoplastic laminated composite is investigated
numerically and experimentally. Tests are performed with Arcan
specimens. Testing with Arcan specimen gives the opportunity of
utilizing just one kind of specimen for extracting fracture properties
for mode I, mode II and different mixed mode ratios of materials with
exerting load via different loading angles. Variation of loading angles
in range of 0-90° made possible to achieve different mixed mode
ratios. Correction factors for various conditions are obtained from
ABAQUS 2D finite element models which demonstrate the finite
shape of Arcan specimens used in this study. Finally, applying the
correction factors to critical loads obtained experimentally, critical
interlaminar fracture toughness of this type of carbon- epoxy
composite has been attained.
Abstract: The multiple traveling salesman problem (mTSP) can be used to model many practical problems. The mTSP is more complicated than the traveling salesman problem (TSP) because it requires determining which cities to assign to each salesman, as well as the optimal ordering of the cities within each salesman's tour. Previous studies proposed that Genetic Algorithm (GA), Integer Programming (IP) and several neural network (NN) approaches could be used to solve mTSP. This paper compared the results for mTSP, solved with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Nearest Neighbor Algorithm (NNA). The number of cities is clustered into a few groups using k-means clustering technique. The number of groups depends on the number of salesman. Then, each group is solved with NNA and GA as an independent TSP. It is found that k-means clustering and NNA are superior to GA in terms of performance (evaluated by fitness function) and computing time.
Abstract: This research studied the appropriate factors and conditions for laminated bamboo bending by Design of Experiments (DOE). The interested factors affecting the spring back in laminates bamboo were (1) time, (2) thickness, and (3) frequency. This experiment tested the specimen by using high frequency machine and measured its spring back immediately and next 24 hours for comparing the spring back ratio. Results from the experiments showed that significant factors having major influence to bending of laminates bamboo were thickness and frequency. The appropriate conditions of thickness and frequency were 4 mm. and 1.5 respectively.
Abstract: This paper presents an optimization technique to economic load dispatch (ELD) problems with considering the daily load patterns and generator constraints using a particle swarm optimization (PSO). The objective is to minimize the fuel cost. The optimization problem is subject to system constraints consisting of power balance and generation output of each units. The application of a constriction factor into PSO is a useful strategy to ensure convergence of the particle swarm algorithm. The proposed method is able to determine, the output power generation for all of the power generation units, so that the total constraint cost function is minimized. The performance of the developed methodology is demonstrated by case studies in test system of fifteen-generation units. The results show that the proposed algorithm scan give the minimum total cost of generation while satisfying all the constraints and benefiting greatly from saving in power loss reduction