Abstract: The objective of this work is to present a expertise on
flooding hazard analysis and how to reduce the risk. The analysis
concerns the disaster induced by the flood on November 10/11, 2001
in the Bab El Oued district of the city of Algiers.The study begins by
an expertise of damages in related with the urban environment and
the history of the urban growth of the site. After this phase, the work
is focalized on the identification of the existing correlations between
the development of the town and its vulnerability. The final step
consists to elaborate the interpretations on the interactions between
the urban growth, the sewerage network and the vulnerability of the
urban system.In conclusion, several recommendations are formulated
permitting the mitigation of the risk in the future. The principal
recommendations concern the new urban operations and the existing
urbanized sites.
Abstract: The fact that traditional food safety system in the
absence of food safety culture is inadequate has recently become a
cause of concern for food safety professionals and other stakeholders.
Focusing on implementation of traditional food safety system i.e
HACCP prerequisite program and HACCP without the presence of
food safety culture in the food industry has led to the processing,
marketing and distribution of contaminated foods. The results of this
are regular out breaks of food borne illnesses and recalls of foods
from retail outlets with serious consequences to the consumers and
manufacturers alike. This article will consider the importance of food
safety culture, the cases of outbreaks and recalls that occurred when
companies did not make food safety culture a priority. Most
importantly, the food safety cultures of some food industries in South
Africa were assessed from responses to questionnaires from food
safety/food industry professionals in Durban South Africa. The
article was concluded by recommending that both food
industry employees and employers alike take food safety culture
seriously.
Abstract: This paper presents the concept and realisation of an
e-learning tool that provides predefined or automatically generated
exercises concerning logistics cost accounting. Students may practise
where and whenever they like to via the Internet. Their solutions are
marked automatically by the tool while considering consecutive
faults and without any intervention of lecturers.
Abstract: In this paper we explore the application of a formal proof system to verification problems in cryptography. Cryptographic properties concerning correctness or security of some cryptographic algorithms are of great interest. Beside some basic lemmata, we explore an implementation of a complex function that is used in cryptography. More precisely, we describe formal properties of this implementation that we computer prove. We describe formalized probability distributions (o--algebras, probability spaces and condi¬tional probabilities). These are given in the formal language of the formal proof system Isabelle/HOL. Moreover, we computer prove Bayes' Formula. Besides we describe an application of the presented formalized probability distributions to cryptography. Furthermore, this paper shows that computer proofs of complex cryptographic functions are possible by presenting an implementation of the Miller- Rabin primality test that admits formal verification. Our achievements are a step towards computer verification of cryptographic primitives. They describe a basis for computer verification in cryptography. Computer verification can be applied to further problems in crypto-graphic research, if the corresponding basic mathematical knowledge is available in a database.
Abstract: In order to define a new model of Tunisian foot
sizes and for building the most comfortable shoes, Tunisian
industrialists must be able to offer for their customers products able
to put on and adjust the majority of the target population concerned.
Moreover, the use of models of shoes, mainly from others
country, causes a mismatch between the foot and comfort of the
Tunisian shoes.
But every foot is unique; these models become uncomfortable for
the Tunisian foot. We have a set of measures produced from a
3D scan of the feet of a diverse population (women, men ...) and we
try to analyze this data to define a model of foot specific to the
Tunisian footwear design.
In this paper we propose tow new approaches to modeling a new
foot sizes model. We used, indeed, the neural networks, and specially
the Kohonen network.
Next, we combine neural networks with the concept of half-foot
size to improve the models already found. Finally, it was necessary to
compare the results obtained by applying each approach and we
decide what-s the best approach that give us the most model of foot
improving more comfortable shoes.
Abstract: A theory for optimal filtering of infinite sets of random
signals is presented. There are several new distinctive features of the
proposed approach. First, a single optimal filter for processing any
signal from a given infinite signal set is provided. Second, the filter is
presented in the special form of a sum with p terms where each term
is represented as a combination of three operations. Each operation
is a special stage of the filtering aimed at facilitating the associated
numerical work. Third, an iterative scheme is implemented into the
filter structure to provide an improvement in the filter performance at
each step of the scheme. The final step of the scheme concerns signal
compression and decompression. This step is based on the solution of
a new rank-constrained matrix approximation problem. The solution
to the matrix problem is described in this paper. A rigorous error
analysis is given for the new filter.
Abstract: This paper contributes to the field of Environmental
Awareness Training (EAT) evaluation in terms of military activities.
Environmental management of military activities is a growing concern
for defence forces worldwide and the importance of EAT is becoming
widely recognized. As one of Australia-s largest landowners, the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) is extremely mindful of its duty as a
joint environmental manager. It has an integrated Environmental
Management System (EMS) to assist environmental management and
EAT is an essential part of the ADF EMS model. This paper examines
how EAT was conducted during the exercise Talisman Saber in 2009
(TS09) and evaluates its effectiveness, using Shoalwater Bay Training
Area (SWBTA), one of the most significant military training areas and
a significant protected area in Australia, as a case study. A
questionnaire survey conducted showed, overall, that EAT was
effective from the perspective of a sample of participants.
Recommendations are made for the ADF to refine EAT for future
exercises.
Abstract: Microtomographic images and thin section (TS)
images were analyzed and compared against some parameters of
geological interest such as porosity and its distribution along the
samples. The results show that microtomography ( CT) analysis,
although limited by its resolution, have some interesting information
about the distribution of porosity (homogeneous or not) and can also
quantify the connected and non-connected pores, i.e., total porosity.
TS have no limitations concerning resolution, but are limited by the
experimental data available in regards to a few glass sheets for
analysis and also can give only information about the connected
pores, i.e., effective porosity. Those two methods have their own
virtues and flaws but when paired together they are able to
complement one another, making for a more reliable and complete
analysis.
Abstract: Engineered nanoparticles’ usage rapidly increased in
various applications in the last decade due to their unusual properties.
However, there is an ever increasing concern to understand their
toxicological effect in human health. Particularly, metal and metal
oxide nanoparticles have been used in various sectors including
biomedical, food and agriculture. But their impact on human health is
yet to be fully understood. In this present investigation, we assessed
the toxic effect of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) including Ag,
MgO and Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on human mesenchymal stem
cells (hMSC) adopting cell viability and cellular morphological
changes as tools The results suggested that silver NPs are more toxic
than MgO and Co3O4NPs. The ENPs induced cytotoxicity and
nuclear morphological changes in hMSC depending on dose. The cell
viability decreases with increase in concentration of ENPs. The
cellular morphology studies revealed that ENPs damaged the cells.
These preliminary findings have implications for the use of these
nanoparticles in food industry with systematic regulations.
Abstract: Cheating on standardized tests has been a major
concern as it potentially minimizes measurement precision. One
major way to reduce cheating by collusion is to administer multiple
forms of a test. Even with this approach, potential collusion is still
quite large. A Latin-square treatment structure for distributing
multiple forms is proposed to further reduce the colluding potential.
An index to measure the extent of colluding potential is also
proposed. Finally, with a simple algorithm, the various Latin-squares
were explored to find the best structure to keep the colluding
potential to a minimum.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the design of pulse shaping
filter using orthogonal Hermite-Rodriguez basis functions. The pulse
shaping filter design problem has been formulated and solved as a
quadratic programming problem with linear inequality constraints.
Compared with the existing approaches reported in the literature, the
use of Hermite-Rodriguez functions offers an effective alternative to
solve the constrained filter synthesis problem. This is demonstrated
through a numerical example which is concerned with the design of
an equalization filter for a digital transmission channel.
Abstract: Impinging jets are used in various industrial areas as a cooling and drying technique. The current research is concerned with the means of improving the heat transfer for configurations with a minimum distance of the nozzle to the impingement surface. The impingement heat transfer is described using numerical methods over a wide range of parameters for an array of planar jets. These parameters include varying jet flow speed, width of nozzle, distance of nozzle, angle of the jet flow, velocity and geometry of the impingement surface. Normal pressure and shear stress are computed as additional parameters. Using dimensionless characteristic numbers the parameters and the results are correlated to gain generalized equations. The results demonstrate the effect of the investigated parameters on the flow.
Abstract: The present energy situation and the concerns
about global warming has stimulated active research interest
in non-petroleum, carbon free compounds and non-polluting
fuels, particularly for transportation, power generation, and
agricultural sectors. Environmental concerns and limited
amount of petroleum fuels have caused interests in the
development of alternative fuels for internal combustion (IC)
engines. The petroleum crude reserves however, are declining
and consumption of transport fuels particularly in the
developing countries is increasing at high rates. Severe
shortage of liquid fuels derived from petroleum may be faced
in the second half of this century. Recently more and more
stringent environmental regulations being enacted in the USA
and Europe have led to the research and development
activities on clean alternative fuels. Among the gaseous fuels
hydrogen is considered to be one of the clean alternative fuel.
Hydrogen is an interesting candidate for future internal
combustion engine based power trains. In this experimental
investigation, the performance and combustion analysis were
carried out on a direct injection (DI) diesel engine using
hydrogen with diesel following the TMI(Time Manifold
Injection) technique at different injection timings of 10
degree,45 degree and 80 degree ATDC using an electronic
control unit (ECU) and injection durations were controlled.
Further, the tests have been carried out at a constant speed of
1500rpm at different load conditions and it can be observed
that brake thermal efficiency increases with increase in load
conditions with a maximum gain of 15% at full load
conditions during all injection strategies of hydrogen. It was
also observed that with the increase in hydrogen energy share
BSEC started reducing and it reduced to a maximum of 9% as
compared to baseline diesel at 10deg ATDC injection during
maximum injection proving the exceptional combustion
properties of hydrogen.
Abstract: Losses reduction initiatives in distribution systems
have been activated due to the increasing cost of supplying
electricity, the shortage in fuel with ever-increasing cost to produce
more power, and the global warming concerns. These initiatives have
been introduced to the utilities in shape of incentives and penalties.
Recently, the electricity distribution companies in Oman have been
incentivized to reduce the distribution technical and non-technical
losses with an equal annual reduction rate for 6 years. In this paper,
different techniques for losses reduction in Mazoon Electricity
Company (MZEC) are addressed. In this company, high numbers of
substation and feeders were found to be non-compliant with the
Distribution System Security Standard (DSSS). Therefore, 33
projects have been suggested to bring non-complying 29 substations
and 28 feeders to meet the planed criteria and to comply with the
DSSS. The largest part of MZEC-s network (South Batinah region)
was modeled by ETAP software package. The model has been
extended to implement the proposed projects and to examine their
effects on losses reduction. Simulation results have shown that the
implementation of these projects leads to a significant improvement
in voltage profile, and reduction in the active and the reactive power
losses. Finally, the economical analysis has revealed that the
implementation of the proposed projects in MZEC leads to an annual
saving of about US$ 5 million.
Abstract: The IEEE 802.11e which is an enhanced version of the 802.11 WLAN standards incorporates the Quality of Service (QoS) which makes it a better choice for multimedia and real time applications. In this paper we study various aspects concerned with 802.11e standard. Further, the analysis results for this standard are compared with the legacy 802.11 standard. Simulation results show that IEEE 802.11e out performs legacy IEEE 802.11 in terms of quality of service due to its flow differentiated channel allocation and better queue management architecture. We also propose a method to improve the unfair allocation of bandwidth for downlink and uplink channels by varying the medium access priority level.
Abstract: When cars are released from the factory, strut noises are very small and therefore it is difficult to perceive them. As the use time and travel distance increase, however, strut noises get larger so as to cause users much uneasiness. The noises generated at the field include engine noises and flow noises and therefore it is difficult to clearly discern the noises generated from struts. This study developed a test method which can reproduce field strut noises in the lab. Using the newly developed noise evaluation test, this study analyzed the effects that insulator performance degradation and failure can have on car noises. The study also confirmed that the insulator durability test by the simple back-and-forth motion cannot completely reflect the state of the parts failure in the field. Based on this, the study also confirmed that field noises can be reproduced through a durability test that considers heat aging.
Abstract: One of the main concerns in the Information Technology field is adoption with new technologies in organizations which may result in increasing the usage paste of these technologies.This study aims to look at the issue of culture-s role in accepting and using new technologies in organizations. The study examines the effect of culture on accepting and intention to use new technology in organizations. Studies show culture is one of the most important barriers in adoption new technologies. The model used for accepting and using new technology is Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), while for culture and dimensions a well-known theory by Hofsted was used. Results of the study show significant effect of culture on intention to use new technologies. All four dimensions of culture were tested to find the strength of relationship with behavioral intention to use new technologies. Findings indicate the important role of culture in the level of intention to use new technologies and different role of each dimension to improve adaptation process. The study suggests that transferring of new technologies efforts are most likely to be successful if the parties are culturally aligned.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical analysis of the
seismic behaviour of earth dams. Analysis is conducted for the solid
phase. It may correspond to the response of the dam before water
filling. Analysis is conducted for a simple case which concerns the
elastic response of the dam. Numerical analyses are conducted using
the FLAC3D program. The behaviour of the Shell and core of the
dam and the foundation behaviour is assumed to be elastic. Result
shows the influence of the variation of the shear modulus of the core
and shell on the seismic amplification of the dam. It can be observed
that the variation of the shearing modulus of the core leads to a
moderate increase in the dynamic amplification and the increase in
the shell shearing modulus leads to a significant increase in the
dynamic amplification.
Abstract: Experimental investigation of the effect of
hydrophobic injection on siloxane basis on the properties of oldfashioned
type of ceramic brick is presented in the paper. At the
experimental testing, the matrix density, total open porosity, pore size
distribution, sorptivity, water absorption coefficient, sorption and
desorption isotherms are measured for the original, as well as the
hydrophobic-injection treated brick. On the basis of measured data,
the functionality of the hydrophobic injection for the moisture ingress
prevention into the studied ceramic brick is assessed.
Abstract: Cellular networks provide voice and data services to the users with mobility. To deliver services to the mobile users, the cellular network is capable of tracking the locations of the users, and allowing user movement during the conversations. These capabilities are achieved by the location management. Location management in mobile communication systems is concerned with those network functions necessary to allow the users to be reached wherever they are in the network coverage area. In a cellular network, a service coverage area is divided into smaller areas of hexagonal shape, referred to as cells. The cellular concept was introduced to reuse the radio frequency. Continued expansion of cellular networks, coupled with an increasingly restricted mobile spectrum, has established the reduction of communication overhead as a highly important issue. Much of this traffic is used in determining the precise location of individual users when relaying calls, with the field of location management aiming to reduce this overhead through prediction of user location. This paper describes and compares various location management schemes in the cellular networks.