Abstract: Lately, asynchronous discussion forum is integrated in
higher educational institutions as it may increase learning process,
learners’ understanding, achievement and knowledge construction.
The asynchronous discussion forum is used to complement the
traditional, face-to-face learning session in hybrid learning courses.
However, studies have proven that students’ engagement in online
forums is still unconvincing. Thus, the aim of this study is to
investigate the motivating factors and obstacles that affect the
learners’ engagement in asynchronous discussion forum. This study
is carried out in one of the public higher educational institutions in
Malaysia with 18 postgraduate students as samples. The authors have
developed a 40-items questionnaire based on literature review. The
results indicate several factors that have encouraged or limited
students’ engagement in asynchronous discussion forum: (a) the
practices or behaviors of peers, or instructors, (b) the needs for the
discussions, (c) the learners’ personalities, (d) constraints in
continuing the discussion forum, (e) lack of ideas, (f) the level of
thoughts, (g) the level of knowledge construction, (h) technical
problems, (i) time constraints and (j) misunderstanding. This study
suggests some recommendations to increase the students’
engagement in online forums. Finally, based upon the findings, some
implications are proposed for further research.
Abstract: In our paper we describe the security capabilities of
data collection. Data are collected with probes located in the near and
distant surroundings of the company. Considering the numerous
obstacles e.g. forests, hills, urban areas, the data collection is realized
in several ways. The collection of data uses connection via wireless
communication, LAN network, GSM network and in certain areas
data are collected by using vehicles. In order to ensure the connection
to the server most of the probes have ability to communicate in
several ways. Collected data are archived and subsequently used in
supervisory applications.
To ensure the collection of the required data, it is necessary to
propose algorithms that will allow the probes to select suitable
communication channel.
Abstract: Nowadays, the amounts of companies which tend to
have an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application are
increasing. Although ERP projects are expensive, time consuming,
and complex, there are some successful experiences. These days,
developing countries are striving to implement ERP projects
successfully; however, there are many obstacles. Therefore, these
projects would be failed or partially failed. This paper concerns the
implementation of a successful ERP implementation, IFS, in Iran at
Dana Geophysics Company (DGC). After a short review of ERP and
ERP market in Iran, we propose a three phases deployment
methodology (phase 1: Preparation and Business Process
Management (BPM) phase 2: implementation and phase 3: testing,
golive-1 (pilot) and golive-2 (final)). Then, we present five guidelines
(Project Management, Change Management, Business Process
Management (BPM), Training& Knowledge Management, and
Technical Management), which were chose as work streams. In this
case study we present lessons learned in Project management and
Business process Management.
Abstract: Frequent, continuous speech training has proven to be
a necessary part of a successful speech therapy process, but
constraints of traveling time and employment dispensation become
key obstacles especially for individuals living in remote areas or for
dependent children who have working parents. In order to ameliorate
speech difficulties with ample guidance from speech therapists, a
website has been developed that supports speech therapy and training
for people with articulation disorders in the standard Thai language.
This web-based program has the ability to record speech training
exercises for each speech trainee. The records will be stored in a
database for the speech therapist to investigate, evaluate, compare
and keep track of all trainees’ progress in detail. Speech trainees can
request live discussions via video conference call when needed.
Communication through this web-based program facilitates and
reduces training time in comparison to walk-in training or
appointments. This type of training also allows people with
articulation disorders to practice speech lessons whenever or
wherever is convenient for them, which can lead to a more regular
training processes.
Abstract: As Malaysia aims to be a developed country by year 2020; the construction industry has since been identified as a major catalyst for the country to attain the status. It is one of the sectors that contribute to most environmental pollutions. It is, therefore, important for the industry to implement sustainable construction practices to reduce the negative impacts that it has on the environment. However, most Malaysian developers have placed much focus on market demand and economic factors; neglecting the need for attention on environmental issues. The practice of sustainable construction is deemed to be an obstacle to achieve short-term economic goals due to the higher cost incurred in the operations. Hence, choices need to be made and a balance needs to be struck in weighing the long-term environmental benefits against immediate economic factors. This paper discusses the challenges faced by Malaysian developers in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry and the cause of these challenges. It also looks into the achievements and breakthroughs that developers in Malaysia have achieved so far. The paper aims explores the long-term benefits of sustainable practices that would potentially raise awareness on the feasibility and economic potential of sustainable construction.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to design and implement line-tracking mobile robot. The robot must follow a line drawn on the floor with different color, avoids hitting moving object like another moving robot or walking people and achieves color sensing. The control system reacts by controlling each of the motors to keep the tracking sensor over the middle of the line. Proximity sensors used to avoid hitting moving objects that may pass in front of the robot. The programs have been written using micro c instructions, then converted into PIC16F887 ATmega48/88/168 microcontrollers counterparts. Practical simulations show that the walking robot accurately achieves line following action and exactly recognizes the colors and avoids any obstacle in front of it.
Abstract: Lately, with the increasing number of location-based applications, demand for highly accurate and reliable indoor localization became urgent. This is a challenging problem, due to the measurement variance which is the consequence of various factors like obstacles, equipment properties and environmental changes in complex nature of indoor environments. In this paper we propose low-cost custom-setup infrastructure solution and localization algorithm based on the Weighted Centroid Localization (WCL) method. Localization accuracy is increased by several enhancements: calibration of RSSI values gained from wireless nodes, repetitive measurements of RSSI to exclude deviating values from the position estimation, and by considering orientation of the device according to the wireless nodes. We conducted several experiments to evaluate the proposed algorithm. High accuracy of ~1m was achieved.
Abstract: We propose obstacle classification method based on 2D
LIDAR Database. The existing obstacle classification method based
on 2D LIDAR, has an advantage in terms of accuracy and shorter
calculation time. However, it was difficult to classifier the type of
obstacle and therefore accurate path planning was not possible. In
order to overcome this problem, a method of classifying obstacle type
based on width data of obstacle was proposed. However, width data
was not sufficient to improve accuracy. In this paper, database was
established by width and intensity data; the first classification was
processed by the width data; the second classification was processed
by the intensity data; classification was processed by comparing to
database; result of obstacle classification was determined by finding
the one with highest similarity values. An experiment using an actual
autonomous vehicle under real environment shows that calculation
time declined in comparison to 3D LIDAR and it was possible to
classify obstacle using single 2D LIDAR.
Abstract: The availability of powerful eye-safe laser sources and the recent advancements in electro-optical and mechanical beam-steering components have allowed laser-based Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) to become a promising technology for obstacle warning and avoidance in a variety of manned and unmanned aircraft applications. LIDAR outstanding angular resolution and accuracy characteristics are coupled to its good detection performance in a wide range of incidence angles and weather conditions, providing an ideal obstacle avoidance solution, which is especially attractive in low-level flying platforms such as helicopters and small-to-medium size Unmanned Aircraft (UA). The Laser Obstacle Avoidance Marconi (LOAM) system is one of such systems, which was jointly developed and tested by SELEX-ES and the Italian Air Force Research and Flight Test Centre. The system was originally conceived for military rotorcraft platforms and, in this paper, we briefly review the previous work and discuss in more details some of the key development activities required for integration of LOAM on UA platforms. The main hardware and software design features of this LOAM variant are presented, including a brief description of the system interfaces and sensor characteristics, together with the system performance models and data processing algorithms for obstacle detection, classification and avoidance. In particular, the paper focuses on the algorithm proposed for optimal avoidance trajectory generation in UA applications.
Abstract: This research is conducted in order to 1) study the result of applying “Active Learning” in general education subject to develop creativity 2) explore problems and obstacles in applying Active Learning in general education subject to improve the creativity in 1780 undergraduate students who registered this subject in the first semester 2013. The research is implemented by allocating the students into several groups of 10 -15 students and assigning them to design the activities for society under the four main conditions including 1) require no financial resources 2) practical 3) can be attended by every student 4) must be accomplished within 2 weeks. The researcher evaluated the creativity prior and after the study. Ultimately, the problems and obstacles from creating activity are evaluated from the open-ended questions in the questionnaires. The study result states that overall average scores on students’ ability increased significantly in terms of creativity, analytical ability and the synthesis, the complexity of working plan and team working. It can be inferred from the outcome that active learning is one of the most efficient methods in developing creativity in general education.
Abstract: This paper presents a new approach to control robots, which can quickly find their swarm while tracking a moving target through the obstacles of the environment. In this approach, an artificial potential field is generated between each free-robot and the virtual attractive point of the swarm. This artificial potential field will lead free-robots to their swarm. The swarm-finding of these free-robots dose not influence the general motion of their swarm and nor other robots. When one singular robot approaches the swarm then its swarm-search will finish, and it will further participate with its swarm to reach the position of the target. The connections between member-robots with their neighbors are controlled by the artificial attractive/repulsive force field between them to avoid collisions and keep the constant distances between them in ordered formation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been verified in simulations.
Abstract: There are many drivers who feel right A pillar of Japanese right-hand-drive car preventing visibility on turning right or left at intersection. On the other hand, there is a report that almost pedestrian accident is caused by the delay of finding pedestrian by drivers and this is found by drivers’ eye movement. Thus, we developed the evaluation method of quantification using drivers’ eye movement data by least squares estimation and we applied this method to commercial vehicle and evaluation the visibility. It is suggested that visibility of vehicle can be quantified and estimated by linear model obtained from experimental eye fixation data and information of vehicle dimensions.
Abstract: Heat transfer and laminar fluid flow over backward facing step with and without obstacle numerically studied in this paper. The finite volume method adopted to solve continuity, momentum and energy equations in two dimensions. Backward facing step without obstacle and with different dimension of obstacle were presented. The step height and expansion ratio of channel were 4.8mm and 2 respectively, the range of Reynolds number varied from 75 to 225, constant heat flux subjected on downstream of wall was 2000W/m2, and length of obstacle was 1.5, 3, and 4.5mm with width 1.5mm. The separation length noticed increase with increase Reynolds number and height of obstacle. The result shows increase of heat transfer coefficient for backward facing step with obstacle in compared to those without obstacle. The maximum enhancement of heat transfer observed at 4.5mm of height obstacle due to increase recirculation flow after the obstacle in addition that at backward. Streamline of velocity showing the increase of recirculation region with used obstacle in compared without obstacle and highest recirculation region observed at obstacle height 4.5mm. The amount of enhancement heat transfer was varied between 3-5% compared to backward without obstacle.
Abstract: In the age of globalization, higher education
institutions attempt to equip students with global competence. In
response, most universities have been developing and running various
international programs. However, teacher education has been a
neglected area in this trend. Therefore, in this study, we suggest a
program that offers a dual bachelor’s degree from both universities
located on different countries, focusing on teacher education
institutions with different policies and regulations of teacher education
programs that may become obstacles to designing a dual degree
program. We discuss a possible way to get a dual degree including a
teaching certificate at a specialized college, college of secondary
education. To be specific, this research presents a way to attain two
diplomas from Jeju National University (JNU) in Korea and Boise
State University (BSU) in the U.S. It attempts to build an effective
plan for students to declare simultaneous degrees at both universities.
From the study, we find that it takes about 5 years to fulfill
requirements for the dual degree at the undergraduate level.
Abstract: In the following article we begin from a multi-parameter unstable nonlinear model of a Quadrotor. We design a control to stabilize and assure the attitude of the device, starting off a linearized system at the equilibrium point of the null angles of Euler (hover),
which provides us a control with limited capacities at small angles of rotation of the vehicle in three dimensions. In order to clear this obstacle, we propose the identification of models in different angles by means of simulations and the design of a controller specifically implemented for the identification task, that in future works will allow the development of controllers according to fast and agile angles of Euler for Quadrotor.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new obstacle and collision
avoidance control laws for a three-dimensional swarm of boids.
The swarm exhibit collective emergent behaviors whilst avoiding the
obstacles in the workspace. While flocking, animals group up in order
to do various tasks and even a greater chance of evading predators. A
generalized algorithms for attraction to the centroid, inter-individual
swarm avoidance and obstacle avoidance is designed in this paper.
We present a set of new continuous time-invariant velocity control
laws is presented which is formulated via the Lyapunov-based control
scheme. The control laws proposed in this paper also ensures practical
stability of the system. The effectiveness of the proposed control laws
is demonstrated via computer simulations
Abstract: Radiation shielding is an obstacle in long duration space exploration. Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) have attracted attention as an additive to radiation shielding material due to B10’s large neutron capture cross section. The B10 has an effective neutron capture cross section suitable for low energy neutrons ranging from 10-5 to 104 eV and hydrogen is effective at slowing down high energy neutrons. Hydrogenated BNNTs are potentially an ideal nanofiller for radiation shielding composites. We use Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation via Material Studios Accelrys 6.0 to model the Young’s Modulus of Hydrogenated BNNTs. An extrapolation technique was employed to determine the Young’s Modulus due to the deformation of the nanostructure at its theoretical density. A linear regression was used to extrapolate the data to the theoretical density of 2.62g/cm3. Simulation data shows that the hydrogenated BNNTs will experience a 11% decrease in the Young’s Modulus for (6,6) BNNTs and 8.5% decrease for (8,8) BNNTs compared to non-hydrogenated BNNT’s. Hydrogenated BNNTs are a viable option as a nanofiller for radiation shielding nanocomposite materials for long range and long duration space exploration.
Abstract: The nanotechnology offers some exciting possibilities in cancer treatment, including the possibility of destroying tumors with minimal damage to healthy tissue and organs by targeted drug delivery systems. Considerable achievements in investigations aimed at the use of ZnO nanoparticles and nanocontainers in diagnostics and antitumor therapy were described. However, there are substantial obstacles to the purposes to be achieved by the use of zinc oxide nanosize materials in antitumor therapy. Among the serious problems are the techniques of obtaining ZnO nanosize materials. The article presents a new vector delivery system for the known antitumor drug, doxorubicin in the form of polymeric (PEO, starch-NaCMC) hydrogels, in which nanosize ZnO film of a certain thickness are deposited directly on the drug surface on glass substrate by DC-magnetron sputtering of a zinc target. Anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo of those nanosize zinc oxide composites is shown.
Abstract: At receiving high data rate in ultra wideband (UWB) technology for many users, there are multiple user interference and inter-symbol interference as obstacles in the multi-path reception technique. Since the rake receivers were designed to collect many resolvable paths, even more than hundred of paths. Rake receiver implementation structures have been proposed towards increasing the complexity for getting better performances in indoor or outdoor multi-path receivers by reducing the bit error rate (BER). So several rake structures were proposed in the past to reduce the number of combining and estimating of resolvable paths. To this aim, we suggested two improved rake receivers based on signal sign separation in the maximal ratio combiner (MRC), called positive-negative MRC selective rake (P-N/MRC-S-rake) and positive-negative MRC partial rake (P-N/MRC-S-rake) receivers. These receivers were introduced to reduce the complexity with less number of fingers and improving the performance with low BER. Before decision circuit, there is a comparator to compare between positive quantity and negative quantity to decide whether the transmitted bit is 1 or 0. The BER was driven by MATLAB simulation with multi-path environments for impulse radio time-hopping binary phase shift keying (TH-BPSK) modulation and the results were compared with those of conventional rake receivers.
Abstract: An experimental study has been done to investigate the flame acceleration in a closed pipe. A horizontal steel pipe, 2m long and 0.1m in diameter (L/D of 20), was used in this work. For tests with 90 degree bends, the bend had a radius of 0.1m and thus, the pipe was lengthened 1m (based on the centreline length of the segment). Ignition was affected at one end of the vessel while the other end was closed. Only stoichiometric concentration (Ф, = 1.0) of natural gas/air mixtures will be reported in this paper. It was demonstrated that bend pipe configuration gave three times higher in maximum overpressure (5.5 bars) compared to straight pipe (2.0 bars). From the results, the highest flame speed, of 63ms-1, was observed in a gas explosion with bent pipe; greater by a factor of ~3 as compared with straight pipe (23ms-1). This occurs because bending acts similar to an obstacle, in which this mechanism can induce more turbulence, initiating combustion in an unburned pocket at the corner region and causing a high mass burning rate, which increases the flame speed.