Abstract: As one result of the project “Reactive Construction
Project Scheduling using Real Time Construction Logistic Data and
Simulation”, a procedure for using data about uncertain resource
availability assumptions in reactive scheduling processes has been
developed. Prediction data about resource availability is generated in
a formalized way using real-time monitoring data e.g. from auto-ID
systems on the construction site and in the supply chains. The paper
focusses on the formalization of the procedure for monitoring
construction logistic processes, for the detection of disturbance and
for generating of new and uncertain scheduling assumptions for the
reactive resource constrained simulation procedure that is and will be
further described in other papers.
Abstract: According to historical legend, after the revelation of the holy Qur'an, which gave the hijab compulsory and women were required to cover the head and body with a handkerchief, and the general form of clothing in her veil, Muslim women have begun to comply with this worthy tradition. This article discusses the history of the rise and spread of the hijab and its types. And here is described in detail types of hijab and its intended value, style hijab in different regions. Now wearing the hijab, hijab in general the problem is important not only in the Arab world, but also in the world.
Abstract: A finite element analysis was conducted to determine
the effect of moisture diffusion and hygroscopic swelling in rice. A
parallel simple stochastic modeling was performed to predict the
number of grains cracked as a result of moisture absorption and
hygroscopic swelling. Rice grains were soaked in thermally (25 oC)
controlled water and then tested for compressive stress. The
destructive compressive stress tests revealed through compressive
stress calculation that the peak force required to cause cracking in
grains soaked in water reduced with time as soaking duration was
extended. Results of the experiment showed that several grains had
their value of the predicted compressive stress below the von Mises
stress and were interpreted as grains which become cracked and/or
broke during soaking. The technique developed in this experiment
will facilitate the approximation of the number of grains which will
crack during soaking.
Abstract: Due to short product life cycles, increasing variety of
products and short cycles of leap innovations manufacturing
companies have to increase the flexibility of factory structures.
Flexibility of factory structures is based on defined factory planning
processes in which product, process and resource data of various
partial domains have to be considered. Thus factory planning
processes can be characterized as iterative, interdisciplinary and
participative processes [1]. To support interdisciplinary and
participative character of planning processes, a federative factory
data management (FFDM) as a holistic solution will be described.
FFDM is already implemented in form of a prototype. The interim
results of the development of FFDM will be shown in this paper. The
principles are the extracting of product, process and resource data
from documents of various partial domains providing as web services
on a server. The described data can be requested by the factory
planner by using a FFDM-browser.
Abstract: Developing a university course schedule is
difficult. This is due to the limitations in the resources
available. The process is made even harder with different
faculties or departments having different ways of stating their
schedule requirements. The person in charge of taking the
schedule requirements and turning them into a proper course
schedule is not only burden with the task of allocating the
appropriate classes and time to lecturers and students, they
also need to understand the schedule requirements. Therefore
a scheduling support system named SATA is developed to
assist ICRESS in the course scheduling process. SATA has
been put to use for several semesters and the results have been
encouraging. It won a bronze medal in the 2008 Invention,
Innovation and Design competition (IID-08) and has been
submitted to be patented in October 2008
Abstract: Pepper spray use has gained momentum since 1992
and although the active ingredient is readily available, it is considered
a weapon with restricted use in many regions, including The
Bahamas. In light of controversy in the literature regarding the
severity of presenting respiration complaints among individuals postacute
exposure of pepper spray inhalation, this descriptive case series
study was conducted to assess the respiratory status of persons
evaluated during a mass casualty in The Bahamas. Parameters noted
were patients- demographics and respiration severity determined via
clinical examination findings, disposition and follow-up review of the
20 persons. Their most common complaint was difficulty breathing
post exposure. Two required admission and stayed for
Abstract: Component-Based software engineering provides an
opportunity for better quality and increased productivity in software
development by using reusable software components [10]. One of the
most critical aspects of the quality of a software system is its
performance. The systematic application of software performance
engineering techniques throughout the development process can help
to identify design alternatives that preserve desirable qualities such
as extensibility and reusability while meeting performance objectives
[1]. In the present scenario, software engineering methodologies
strongly focus on the functionality of the system, while applying a
“fix- it-later" approach to software performance aspects [3]. As a
result, lengthy fine-tunings, expensive extra hard ware, or even
redesigns are necessary for the system to meet the performance
requirements. In this paper, we propose design based,
implementation independent, performance prediction approach to
reduce the overhead associated in the later phases while developing a
performance guaranteed software product with the help of Unified
Modeling Language (UML).
Abstract: Extraction of lactic acid by emulsion liquid membrane technology (ELM) using n-trioctyl amine (TOA) in n-heptane as carrier within the organic membrane along with sodium carbonate as acceptor phase was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM). A three level Box-Behnken design was employed for experimental design, analysis of the results and to depict the combined effect of five independent variables, vizlactic acid concentration in aqueous phase (cl), sodium carbonate concentration in stripping phase (cs), carrier concentration in membrane phase (ψ), treat ratio, and batch extraction time (τ)
with equal volume of organic and external aqueous phase on lactic acid extraction efficiency. The maximum lactic acid extraction efficiency (ηext) of 98.21%from aqueous phase in a batch reactor using ELM was found at the optimized values for test variables, cl, cs, ψ, and τ as 0.06 [M], 0.18 [M], 4.72 (%,v/v), 1.98 (v/v) and 13.36 min respectively.
Abstract: This paper describes dynamic analysis using proposed
fast finite element method for a shock absorbing structure including a
sponge. The structure is supported by nonlinear concentrated springs.
The restoring force of the spring has cubic nonlinearity and linear
hysteresis damping. To calculate damping properties for the structures
including elastic body and porous body, displacement vectors as
common unknown variable are solved under coupled condition. Under
small amplitude, we apply asymptotic method to complex eigenvalue
problem of this system to obtain modal parameters. And then
expressions of modal loss factor are derived approximately. This
approach was proposed by one of the authors previously. We call this
method as Modal Strain and Kinetic Energy Method (MSKE method).
Further, using the modal loss factors, the discretized equations in
physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary
coupled equations using normal coordinate corresponding to linear
natural modes. This transformation yields computation efficiency. As
a numerical example of a shock absorbing structures, we adopt double
skins with a sponge. The double skins are supported by nonlinear
concentrated springs. We clarify influences of amplitude of the input
force on nonlinear and chaotic responses.
Abstract: Sign language is used by the deaf and hard of hearing people for communication. Automatic sign language recognition is a challenging research area since sign language often is the only way of communication for the deaf people. Sign language includes different components of visual actions made by the signer using the hands, the face, and the torso, to convey his/her meaning. To use different aspects of signs, we combine the different groups of features which have been extracted from the image frames recorded directly by a stationary camera. We combine the features in two levels by employing three techniques. At the feature level, an early feature combination can be performed by concatenating and weighting different feature groups, or by concatenating feature groups over time and using LDA to choose the most discriminant elements. At the model level, a late fusion of differently trained models can be carried out by a log-linear model combination. In this paper, we investigate these three combination techniques in an automatic sign language recognition system and show that the recognition rate can be significantly improved.
Abstract: The usual method of river flow diversion involves construction of tunnels and cofferdams. Given the fact that the cost of diversion works could be as high as 10-20% of the total dam construction cost, due attention should be paid to optimum design of the diversion works. The cost of diversion works depends, on factors, such as: the tunnel dimensions and the intended tunneling support measures during and after excavation; quality and characterizes of the rock through which the tunnel should be excavated; the dimensions of the upstream (and downstream) cofferdams; and the magnitude of river flood the system is designed to divert. In this paper by use of the cost of unit prices for tunnel excavation, tunnel lining, tunnel support (rock bolt + shotcrete) and cofferdam fill the cost function was determined. The function is then minimized by the aid of PSO Algorithm (particle swarm optimization). It is found that the optimum diameter and the total diversion cost are directly related to the river flood discharge (Q). It has also shown that in addition to optimum diameter design discharge (Q), river length, tunnel length, is mainly a function of the ratios (not the absolute values) of the unit prices and does not depend on the overall price levels in the respective country. The results of optimization use in some of the case study lead us to significant changes in the cost.
Abstract: Study fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of
microchannel in a primary Cross-corrugated(CC) surface recuperators
with corrugations and without corrugations, using CFD method. The
pitch-over-height ratios P/H of Cross-corrugated (CC) surface is from
1.5 to 4.0, included angles β=75º. The study was performed using CFD
software FLUENT to create unit model and simulate fluid
temperature, velocity, heat transfer coefficient and other parameters.
The results from these simulations were compared to experimental
data. It is concluded that, when the Reynolds number is constant, if
increase P/H, j/f will decrease, also the decreasing trend will become
weak. Under the condition of P/H=2.2, if increase the inlet velocity j/f
will decrease; in addition, the heat transfer performance in surface
with corrugation will increase 10% compared to that without
corrugation. The study results can provide the basis to optimize the
design, select the type of heat transfer surface, the scale structure, and
heat-transfer surface arrangement for recuperators.
Abstract: The paper presents the design concept of a unitselection
text-to-speech synthesis system for the Slovenian language.
Due to its modular and upgradable architecture, the system can be
used in a variety of speech user interface applications, ranging from
server carrier-grade voice portal applications, desktop user interfaces
to specialized embedded devices.
Since memory and processing power requirements are important
factors for a possible implementation in embedded devices, lexica
and speech corpora need to be reduced. We describe a simple and
efficient implementation of a greedy subset selection algorithm that
extracts a compact subset of high coverage text sentences. The
experiment on a reference text corpus showed that the subset
selection algorithm produced a compact sentence subset with a small
redundancy.
The adequacy of the spoken output was evaluated by several
subjective tests as they are recommended by the International
Telecommunication Union ITU.
Abstract: The operating control parameters of injection
flushing type of electrical discharge machining process on stainless
steel 304 workpiece using copper tools are being optimized
according to its individual machining characteristic i.e. Electrode
Wear Ratio (EWR). Higher EWR would give bad dimensional
precision for the EDM machined workpiece because of high
electrode wear. Hence, the quality characteristic for EWR is set to
lower-the-better to achieve the optimum dimensional precision for
the machined workpiece. Taguchi method has been used for the
construction, layout and analysis of the experiment for EWR
machining characteristic. The use of Taguchi method in the
experiment saves a lot of time and cost of preparing and machining
the experiment samples. Therefore, an L18 Orthogonal array
which was the fundamental component in the statistical design of
experiments has been used to plan the experiments and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the optimum machining
parameters for this machining characteristic. The control
parameters selected for this optimization experiments are polarity,
pulse on duration, discharge current, discharge voltage, machining
depth, machining diameter and dielectric liquid pressure. The
result had shown that negative polarity machining parameter
setting will decreases EWR.
Abstract: In recent times there has been a growing interest in the
development of quasi-two-dimensional niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5)
as a semiconductor for the potential electronic applications such as
capacitors, filtration, dye-sensitised solar cells and gas sensing
platforms. Therefore once the purpose is established, Nb2O5 can be
prepared in a number of nano- and sub-micron-structural
morphologies that include rods, wires, belts and tubes. In this study
films of Nb2O5 were prepared on gold plated silicon substrate using
spin-coating technique and subsequently by mechanical exfoliation.
The reason this method was employed was to achieve layers of less
than 15nm in thickness. The sintering temperature of the specimen
was 800oC. The morphology and structural characteristics of the
films were analyzed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Raman
Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Abstract: In this paper, we present a new learning algorithm for
anomaly based network intrusion detection using improved self
adaptive naïve Bayesian tree (NBTree), which induces a hybrid of
decision tree and naïve Bayesian classifier. The proposed approach
scales up the balance detections for different attack types and keeps
the false positives at acceptable level in intrusion detection. In
complex and dynamic large intrusion detection dataset, the detection
accuracy of naïve Bayesian classifier does not scale up as well as
decision tree. It has been successfully tested in other problem
domains that naïve Bayesian tree improves the classification rates in
large dataset. In naïve Bayesian tree nodes contain and split as
regular decision-trees, but the leaves contain naïve Bayesian
classifiers. The experimental results on KDD99 benchmark network
intrusion detection dataset demonstrate that this new approach scales
up the detection rates for different attack types and reduces false
positives in network intrusion detection.
Abstract: In this paper; we are interested in dynamic modelling of quadrotor while taking into account the high-order nonholonomic constraints as well as the various physical phenomena, which can influence the dynamics of a flying structure. These permit us to introduce a new state-space representation and new control scheme. We present after the development and the synthesis of a stabilizing control laws design based on sliding mode in order to perform best tracking results. It ensures locally asymptotic stability and desired tracking trajectories. Nonlinear observer is then synthesized in order to estimate the unmeasured states and the effects of the external disturbances such as wind and noise. Finally simulation results are also provided in order to illustrate the performances of the proposed controllers.
Abstract: In this paper, an attempt has been made to obtain nonsensitive
solutions in the multi-objective optimization of a
photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) air collector. The selected objective
functions are overall energy efficiency and exergy efficiency.
Improved thermal, electrical and exergy models are used to calculate
the thermal and electrical parameters, overall energy efficiency,
exergy components and exergy efficiency of a typical PV/T air
collector. A computer simulation program is also developed. The
results of numerical simulation are in good agreement with the
experimental measurements noted in the previous literature. Finally,
multi-objective optimization has been carried out under given
climatic, operating and design parameters. The optimized ranges of
inlet air velocity, duct depth and the objective functions in optimal
Pareto front have been obtained. Furthermore, non-sensitive solutions
from energy or exergy point of view in the results of multi-objective
optimization have been shown.
Abstract: The main idea behind in network aggregation is that,
rather than sending individual data items from sensors to sinks,
multiple data items are aggregated as they are forwarded by the
sensor network. Existing sensor network data aggregation techniques
assume that the nodes are preprogrammed and send data to a central
sink for offline querying and analysis. This approach faces two major
drawbacks. First, the system behavior is preprogrammed and cannot
be modified on the fly. Second, the increased energy wastage due to
the communication overhead will result in decreasing the overall
system lifetime. Thus, energy conservation is of prime consideration
in sensor network protocols in order to maximize the network-s
operational lifetime. In this paper, we give an energy efficient
approach to query processing by implementing new optimization
techniques applied to in-network aggregation. We first discuss earlier
approaches in sensors data management and highlight their
disadvantages. We then present our approach “Energy Efficient
Indexed Aggregation" (EEIA) and evaluate it through several
simulations to prove its efficiency, competence and effectiveness.
Abstract: The current practice of determination of moisture diffusivity of building materials under laboratory conditions is predominantly aimed at the absorption phase. The main reason is the simplicity of the inverse analysis of measured moisture profiles. However, the liquid moisture transport may exhibit significant hysteresis. Thus, the moisture diffusivity should be different in the absorption (wetting) and desorption (drying) phase. In order to bring computer simulations of hygrothermal performance of building materials closer to the reality, it is then necessary to find new methods for inverse analysis which could be used in the desorption phase as well. In this paper we present genetic algorithm as a possible method of solution of the inverse problem of moisture transport in desorption phase. Its application is demonstrated for AAC as a typical building material.