bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Data Visualisation in Collaborative Virtual Environment for Emergency Management
Authors: Wang Pan , Bishop Ian
Published: June 2014

A collaborative virtual environment (CVE) is a shared virtual environment used for collaboration of many participants that may be spread over large distances. CVEs have been widely used in emergency management, especially for education, training and assessment. This paper describes the design and implementation of a prototype system that facilitates emergency management via a CVE using real-time spatial information. In particular, a method for automatic integration, modeling and visual simulation using real-time data from multiple online sources is proposed. Moreover, strategies are presented for using CVE-based scenarios for carrying out training, and testing preparedness measures. A novel technique has also been developed for real-time situation monitoring. Based on a system development (SD) research approach, the performance and functionality of the system was tested and evaluated. The use of real-time data acquisition and simulation was deemed to improve the processes of emergency management by increasing engagement, enhancing training and supporting decision-making of first responders and emergency managers.
Crisis 2.0 in the Australian Context
Authors: Willems Julie
Published: June 2014

In the face of disasters and emergencies, Internet-enabled mobile phones (or ‘Smartphones'), coupled with Web 2.0 social networks are swiftly becoming not only a means to personally chronicle the events being experienced, but are also being used to disseminate information, educate and inform civilians. The aim of the i-Survive project was to investigate the use of mobile social media during recent Australian disaster and emergency situations. Participants in the pilot study were representatives of key community stakeholders in the crisis event. The quantitative and qualitative findings of from the study's survey questionnaire will be discussed in this paper. Participants' extended qualitative responses to the follow up interviews and the digital artefacts contributed will be detailed in two separate papers.
Assignments of Collaborative Rescue Units during Emergency Response
Authors: Wex Felix , Schryen Guido , Neumann Dirk
Published: June 2014

Decision support systems play an increasingly important role in disaster management research. Coordination of rescue units during disaster response is one of the many areas which may benefit from this development. Time pressure, resource shortages, different capabilities of rescue units and the interdependence of scheduling and allocation tasks belong to the key challenges which emergency operation centers have to cope with. This paper proposes a non-linear optimization model and suggests a Monte Carlo-based heuristic solution procedure. The authors computationally benchmark their heuristic with a procedure that is applied in practice. Results of the authors' study show that the Monte-Carlo heuristic is superior to the state-of-the art approach in terms of aggregated harm by up to 40%. However, the authors' simulations also reveal that the time their heuristic needs to process medium-sized instances (100 incidents, 50 rescue units) on a PC is a few hours and that more powerful real-time computing capabilities are required.
Preventing Online Bullying
Authors: Beauchere Jacqueline F.
Published: June 2014

The Internet, the landmark invention of our lifetime, has brought us great benefit, but along with it, risk and antisocial behavior, including online bullying (or “cyberbullying”). Defined as the use of electronic technology to demonstrate behavior that teases, demeans, or harasses someone less powerful, the global pervasiveness of online bullying is supported by data including that in a 2012 Microsoft study of young people worldwide ages 8 to 17. Prevention lies in the promotion of “digital citizenship”—safer, responsible, and appropriate use of technology and services. And, while no singular entity can combat online bullying alone, Internet companies can play their part, as exemplified by the robust tools and resources offered by Microsoft and others. A collective focus, however, is needed to help raise awareness and change behavior and, that responsibility must be shared among parents and adults, educators, young people, law enforcement, and government.
Optimizing Complex Service-Based Workflows for Stochastic QoS Parameters
Authors: Schuller Dieter , Lampe Ulrich , Eckert Julian , Steinmetz Ralf , Schulte Stefan
Published: June 2014

The challenge of optimally selecting services from a set of functionally appropriate ones under Quality of Service (QoS) constraints – the Service Selection Problem – has been extensively addressed in the literature based on deterministic parameters. In practice, however, Quality of Service QoS parameters rather follow a stochastic distribution. In the work at hand, we present an integrated approach which addresses the Service Selection Problem for complex structured as well as unstructured workflows in conjunction with stochastic Quality of Service parameters. Accounting for penalty cost which accrue due to Quality of Service violations, we perform a worst-case analysis as opposed to an average-case analysis aiming at avoiding additional penalties. Although considering conservative computations, QoS violations due to stochastic QoS behavior still may occur resulting in potentially severe penalties. Our proposed approach reduces this impact of stochastic QoS behavior on total cost significantly.
Mashup Service Recommendation Based on Usage History and Service Network
Authors: Cao Buqing , Liu Jianxun , Tang Mingdong , Zheng Zibin , Wang Guangrong
Published: June 2014

With the rapid development of Web2.0 and its related technologies, Mashup services (i.e., Web applications created by combining two or more Web APIs) are becoming a hot research topic. The explosion of Mashup services, especially the functionally similar or equivalent services, however, make services discovery more difficult than ever. In this paper, we present an approach to recommend Mashup services to users based on usage history and service network. This approach firstly extracts users' interests from their Mashup service usage history and builds a service network based on social relationships information among Mashup services, Web application programming interfaces (APIs) and their tags. The approach then leverages the target user's interest and the service social relationship to perform Mashup service recommendation. Large-scale experiments based on a real-world Mashup service dataset show that the authors' proposed approach can effectively recommend Mashup services to users with excellent performance. Moreover, a Mashup service recommendation prototype system is developed.
Appreciating Rapid Technology Integration in Creating Value in Enterprises
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G. , Mupepi Sylvia C.
Published: June 2014

The primary objective of this paper is about innovation within specific social organization which compacts with the division of labor, knowledge creation, and the use of technology such as e-enterprise in social economy aimed at improving productivity. A significant proportion of the world's economy is organized to make profits not only for investors but to sustain the employment of many disadvantaged people throughout the world. It includes cooperative organizations, foundations and many other social enterprises that provide a wide range of products and services across the globe and generate sustainable employment. Productivity tends to increase when the job is divided into manageable portions and then performed by adequately skilled personnel. In order to succeed in an environment in which other businesses fiercely compete along with social enterprises it is imperative to take into account innovative systems such as e-enterprise to leverage competition and increase productivity.
Information Security Program Effectiveness in Organizations
Authors: Knapp Kenneth J. , Ferrante Claudia J.
Published: June 2014

This research investigates the moderating role of task interdependence on factors influencing information security effectiveness in organizations. Drawing on the literature, the authors develop a theoretical model depicting top management support and awareness & training support as predictors of information security program effectiveness. Further, the model shows security culture as a partial mediator between the predictor and criterion variables. The authors then apply task interdependence as a moderator to the model. Results from a survey given to a sample of 371 certified information security professionals find support for the model while showing certain paths to be significant only under high task interdependence while others only under low task interdependence. In high task interdependence environments, security culture did not mediate the relationships between the predictor and criterion variables suggesting that managers focus on providing greater structural support to maximize security effectiveness. However, in low task interdependence, security culture fully mediated the relationships between the predictor and criterion variables suggesting that the role of culture is amplified and central in those environments.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Static Analysis Programs Versus Manual Inspection in the Detection of Natural Spreadsheet Errors
Authors: Aurigemma Salvatore , Panko Ray
Published: June 2014

Spreadsheets are widely used in the business, public, and private sectors. However, research and practice has generally shown that spreadsheets frequently contain errors. Several researchers and vendors have proposed the use of spreadsheet static analysis programs (SAPs) as a means to augment or potentially replace the manual inspection of spreadsheets for errors. SAPs automatically search spreadsheets for indications of certain types of errors and present these indications to the inspector. Despite the potential importance of SAPs, their effectiveness has not been examined. This study explores the effectiveness of two widely fielded SAPs in comparison to manual human inspection on a set of naturally generated quantitative errors in a simple, yet realistic, spreadsheet model. The results showed that while manual human inspection results for this study were consistent with previous research in the field, the performance of the static analysis programs at detecting natural errors was very poor for every category of spreadsheet errors.
Towards Smart and Sustainable Communities
Authors: Bottero Marta , Ferretti Valentina , Mondini Giulio
Published: June 2014

The present paper aims at developing some reflections about the evolution of the sustainable development paradigm, from the triple-bottom line approach, to the concept of smart city and to the idea of sustainable communities. The paper also explores the main features of the future of cities, which will be based on the notion of social capital.
Relationships between Heritage, Intangible Capital and Cultural and Creative Industries in Italy: A Framework Analysis for Urban Regeneration and Territorial Development
Authors: Simeon Maria Immacolata , Martone Assunta
Published: June 2014

Culture is a powerful and unique driver for economic and socio-cultural development. But in Italy nowadays the absence of systemic and integrated vision of cultural sector brings economical and social benefits which are non adequate to the fields potentiality. Starting from this premise, the paper focuses on the cultural sector in Italy and identifies a interpretative model of local development activated by culture, based on the relationships between heritage, intangible capital and cultural and creative industries. The model contributes to highlight from one hand the relationship between cultural sub-sectors, to the other hand the economic and cultural market spillovers that are determined within the cultural borders and in related sectors. In this perspective, the paper provides also guidelines and policy implications to operators and policy makers to support - through tangible and intangible cultural capital - the urban regeneration and development of the territories.
Historical Evolution of the Shoreline of Reggio Calabria
Authors: Barbaro Giuseppe , Foti Giandomenico , Sicilia Carmelo Luca
Published: June 2014

The urban development in the last century was characterized by a depopulation of the mountains and a concentration of the population in urban areas, most of them are located near the coast. This factor increased significantly the problems and risks connected to coastal erosion. Thus, it implied a stricter monitoring activity in order to protect the coast and the population, as well. This paper discusses the historical variation of the shoreline in Reggio Calabria.
The Strategic Dimension of the Straits Area According to the New National Metropolitan Spatial Planning and to the European Space: Strategic Corridor Platform Project
Authors: Moraci Francesca
Published: June 2014

For some time now, following the constitutional reform, the debate on the metropolitan city has been reignited. The topic has been at the centre of attention given that cohesion policies attribute to metropolitan cities a key role in planning and the constitutional reform seems to have given an answer to the spending review which wipes out the provinces and formally identifies the European Strategy under the form of a programmatic suitability of intermediate metropolitan level. This level should counterbalance the municipal egoism which provides a distorted interpretation of subsidiarity which has marked planning since the revising of Title V. Very few are acquainted with the implications and complexities of these entangled mechanisms which will fail if all conditions are not met whether they be effective, nominal or opportunity related. This explains why the term Metropolitan City is preferred to conurbation, agglomeration or metropolitan area. Metropolitan Area and City do not coincide the area is in a portion of territorial recognition which entails attractive and competitive factors, the city is identified as such only if within the territorial organization that explains why the creation of both must be ensured: the city must be promoted in terms of competition, with or without a demographic dimension, by fostering the shared political project and by creating relational and productive conditions to attract and offer services and what else is necessary. What makes the difference is how to build and what to build. The strategy and the role of the future Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria and Messina stem from two different regulations and from the attempt to integrate interregional functions through the project I put forward: the strategic corridor platform of the Straits area. The platform is a non-confined territorial dimension which encompasses the two metropolitan cities and shares relational functions and understandings with the vast territory. It fully exploits the possibilities and available reforms in order to organize and provide the territory with competitive and functional dimensions so as to compete in Europe and in the Mediterranean. The prototype-project, the first part of the study has already been published, fosters an idea of governance and urban system which will devise, through future cohesion policies and multidimensional strategies, a single strategic vision of the territory able to dialogue at a local and Euro-Mediterranean level with the new scale economies and meet the challenges of 2020-2050. Without going into detail, the project proposes and organizes the intangible functions of the Area (new assets and networking) so as to satisfy the demand for services and infrastructures physical and non-physical (functional and international indicator).
Planning Metropolitan Scenarios for the Strait Area
Authors: Fallanca Concetta
Published: June 2014

The common thread that links Reggio and Messina can be intended for the two cities to grow stronger and tie, with the alliance of Villa San Giovanni, moving towards advanced urban quality and performance. Time seems ripe to fulfill set evoked forty-five years ago with Project 80 for a new type of urban civilization towards a metropolitan scale because only high urban ranks could be considered able to provide goods and services that belong to a civilized society.The irresistible charm the City on the Strait has, is probably due to an extraordinary liquid significance to be considered as a primary infrastructure.The City of the Strait is not to be seen as a city that gets bigger, or two or three cities that become one; it is a city with solid and liquid ways, with significant urban parts that also interact visually, that wisely integrate and re-know in a richer and more complex territorial identity.The growing presence of the territorial risk dimension has to push for the need to innovate the forms and practices of urban planning, basing the plans and the projects for the city on risk prevention, building to offer itself to the widest dimension of the Mediterranean basin as a privileged point of observation about seismic hazard assessment.
Outdoor Collaborative and Creative Space Renewal in a Smart City
Authors: Maspoli Rossella
Published: June 2014

The paper analyzes the urban transformation and the development of criteria for the conception and design of outdoor urban space, in the smart city context. In the regeneration of peripheral historical and postindustrial neighborhoods, interactive storytelling and cultural mediation forcollaborative placemakingof public sites can generate not only art and culture - in accordance with the enhancement of historical memory and to the rediscovery of local identity - but also opportunities for redevelopment. The research evaluates case studies and explores the potential of innovative micro-community aggregation through the social media interaction, the analysis of use and performance requirements for public space and the experimentation offrom the bottomconstruction of new services and equipment through an interdisciplinary collaborative network. The network promises constituted by citizens, community facilitators, professional experts, young in training creative and local artisan entrepreneurs. The collaborative placemaking focuses on the design and construction of eco-friendly and recycling equipment and on the sharing services for the use of marginal outdoor spaces and the re-use of abandoned spaces on the ground floor of buildings. The plan of operations research is to establish acreative supply chain, from the development of a web platform for sharing spatial data and a "map of the community" to the construction of hybrid places - real and digital - through processes of traditional handcrafts such as digital fabrication, to improve the quality of living, the leisure and the health.
Urban Regeneration and Specialized Health Care Center
Authors: Spanò Santa
Published: June 2014

This paper will explain a new approach to project. I want with this thesis project to give an example of sustainable and urban regeneration. I began by the theme of thesis that I have chosen after analysis of the territory. I want to realize a Specialized Health Care Center. I would give a sustainable service to the community. The whole building has been designed in its entirety. The project is composed by four elements: a park and three little residences for families. All has been thought for a sustainable life.
Urban Regeneration by Law - Towards the Definition of an Uncertain Term
Authors: Cutini Valerio , Rusci Simone
Published: June 2014

On September 30, 2013, the Giunta Regionale Toscana has approved a bill that is presumably destined to substitute the current regional law on the Governo del Territorio (L.R. 01/2005). The new law is going to prevent the new soil occupation for housing, thus radically and definitely closing the long lasting historic phase of the urban growth planning, hegemonic for over 80 years. The renovation and reuse of interstitial areas and the urban regeneration are therefore going to become the only possible intervention for supplying the housing needs of cities and local communities. The proposal has excited a strong debate among opposite sides of politicians, administrations, economic operators, professional and town planners; the law and the debate it is exciting) is likely to strongly influence both the legislation of other Italian regions and, at a national scale, the bills on territorial and environmental issues to be discussed by the Italian Parliament commissions. The transition of urban regeneration from the project sphere, often limited within local and punctiform operations, towards a process-oriented and diffused approach involves the urgent needs to pinpoint new shared tools, suitable for managing and controlling complex and codified procedures, multiplicity of involved subjects and the transparent participation of local communities. The definition of such tool as planning support is certainly essential for the political intentions and law regulations to concretely determine new operational method. The purpose of this paper is to briefly sketch the state of the art of the present methods and procedures at urban and territorial scale as well as to outline new approaches and developments so as to meet the new normative needs concerning the regeneration.
Patterns of Integrated Planning and Development of Agricultural Districts in Calabria: A Case Study
Authors: Critelli Giuseppe , Cuomo Cosimo , Mancuso Vincenzo , Marcianò Claudio
Published: June 2014

In the last years it has grown the interest toward new forms of governance and integrated planning of the rural space. Among these, in Italy, there is a growing interest toward the definition of Rural Districts (DIRU) and Quality Agro-food District (DAQ), two innovative instruments that can play a major role in the development of the rural and agro-food economy. The paper points out the strategies defined for the development of a DIRU and a DAQ in a Calabrian area that has experienced over the years several forms of integrated planning.
Development of the Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability in the Peri-Urban Agricultural Areas: Governance Opportunities in the South Milan Agricultural Park
Authors: Gaviglio Anna , Pirani Alberto , Bertocchi Mattia
Published: June 2014

Farms located in economically advanced areas in close contact with large cities, industrial areas and major infrastructure, may be subjected to the pressure of negative externalities beyond the agricultural sector. This work is based on the study of the interactions between the metropolitan area of Milan and the agricultural activities around it. We decided to assess the 3 scales of sustainability (environmental, social, economic) of farms to create a means to guide the local institution (the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, PASM) towards innovative and sustainable solutions. The survey was carried out through a tool that compares farms through indicators, integrating agricultural production with environmental protection. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the production system and the ways to improve the level of sustainability. We sampled farms and collected their data (from database, interviews, estimates, observations, tabulated data). The results highlight that what had been done so far by the PASM has provided valid economic tools for large multifunctional farms which network is deeply tied to the local contest, through services such as direct sales, the short chain, agritourism and related activities. This has certainly contributed to the improvement of environmental conditions and landscape of the area, which the population of Milan has often shown appreciation. On the other hand, large and small specialized farms, not characterized by these sources of income, have not received equal contribution.
Abandoned Railways, Renewed Pathways: Opportunities for Accessing Landscapes
Authors: Oppido Stefania , Ragozino Stefania
Published: June 2014

The abandonment of railway lines and station buildings is the outcome of social, economic and technological developments that have changed the local infrastructure systems. Unlike many European nations, in Italy the strategic role of these resources is still undervalued.The paper proposes a methodological approach aimed at achieving the valorisation of railways and station buildings network through integrated actions. The disused railways are potential new pathways and the abandoned stations provide available spaces for new activities, supporting sustainable local development and regeneration processes. Considering disused railways and stations as integrated parts of a system, they can improve the accessibility of environmental, cultural and historical resources network.The proposed methodological approach identifies categories of variables adopting to face up to the case of the disused railway of Cancello-Torre Annunziata in the South of Italy. The International Competition of ideas "Green Boulevard - Parkways of the 3rd millennium" has been the occasion to confront with the research object through a planning testing that has successfully proved and won an award.
Mediterranean Energy Dream and Cultural Planning between Old Layers and New Paradigms
Authors: Nan Emanuela
Published: June 2014

In the recent years that the interconnection of the production, distribution and use of energy cannot be considered unconnected to the materials and information chains. A global solution to the problem of energy supply has to be looked for in a new approach taking into account all these factors in dependence of the local resources and characteristics (geographic, urban, cultural etc) of the territories. In areas such as the Mediterranean, where the ability to tap into the huge renewable and clean energy resources, are confronted with the reality of contexts secularly layered and saturated, in which, as perhaps nowhere else, landscapes and scenery of quality and value environmental and town are mixed and interwoven with situations of degradation, worthlessness and abandonment, the reorganization energy is, in this sense, an incredible opportunity to rethink and relaunch.
Europe 2020 Strategy and New Policies for Marginal Areas
Authors: Provenzano Vincenzo , Seminara Maria Rosaria
Published: June 2014

Marginality should be seen as an a asset rather than a liability for a region or a community. Marginality reflects a strategy of economic development, and this paper also seeks institutional means for championing marginality over conformity.
Sustainable Tourism in the Metropolitan Area
Authors: Nesci Francesco Saverio
Published: June 2014

The tourism market, as any other economic sector, demands organisation and competition. As a consequence, integrated strategies are necessary in order to improve and qualify the supply, in terms of receptivity, resource usability, additional services and marketing. The impending metropolitan area, for its intrinsic features, could play a double role in the tourism sector as both destination and hub for the whole regional territory, as it is rich in natural resources although simultaneously lacking in services. A correct valorization of these territories needs a targeted tourism focused on blending "knowledge", connected to history, and "taste", as testified by the rural tradition. The territory needs to be seen as a product to be sold, complying to the rules of territorial marketing, supporting best practice experiences as “Le reggine dei Sapori” a territorial brand created to maximize agro-food products, and "Strada dei vini e dei sapori della Locride”, that turned the territory into a system that hands down the knowledge and tradition of "Magna Graecia" and its typical products in the perspective that “ Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ”.
Sustainability Valuation for Urban Regeneration - The "Geomatic Valuation University Lab" Research
Authors: Massimo Domenico Enrico , Battaglia Laura , Fragomeni Cinzia , Guidara Mario , Rudi Giuseppe , Scala Claudia
Published: June 2014

Starting from the awareness that the world is experiencing a severe ecological crisis due to the increase of pollution, the "geomatic valuation university laboratory" research has embraced the imperative mission to better understand the causes of the increasing environmental decay by trying to address a strategy of global warming mitigation, paying particular attention on the role of the construction sector. In the last decades, the environmental negative impact of the construction and buildings sector worsening down, due to energy over-consumption. Consequent pollution has increased considerably due to wrong architectural management. A heap of crisis that makes desirable and urgent general mitigation measures as well as a strong incentive toward architectural sustainability. Research set-up a methodology to mitigate energy consumption in historical and new buildings. Additionally, research analyse the eventual increase in market properties value due to the sustainable interventions.
Greenweb in Land Enhancement Policy of Enna Province - A DRSA Valuation Pattern in WebGIS Interaction Practice
Authors: Giuffrida Salvatore , Gagliano Filippo , Trovato Maria Rosa
Published: June 2014

The Enna Province is characterized by a low degree of economic, infrastructural and industrial development. Its hilly territory is a fair combination of many different and integrated landscapes. These conditions suggest the possibility of a sustainable development pattern in which the slow mobility, because of the low level of land infrastructures, can become one of the most important network for the land-value communication.The study applies an axiological approach, useful for the subsequent land planning practice, including a qualitative valuation model and an interactive multi-criteria tool combining Web-GIS and DRSA (Dominance Rough Set Approach) patterns.The valuation model is based on an axiological square in which four kinds of appreciation are taken into account. A WBS pattern explains in detail each appreciation, so that every piece of the green-web can be characterized and assessed within a general framework oriented to provide the aggregate value of the path to which they relate.The DRSA tool is used to generate the preferences structure of the target segments users. It is used as basis for extracting and the processing data. It allows to identify the preferences structure to support the WebGIS tools to generate the green way that best meet the user’s preferences.
Transfer of Development Rights as Incentives for Regeneration of Illegal Settlements
Authors: Calavita Nico , Calabrò Francesco , Della Spina Lucia
Published: June 2014

In Italy, southern cities are often characterized by widespread phenomena of illegal settlements, that have resulted among other things in a worsening of the quality of life of the urban-rural interface, and the decline of the considerable architectural interest of the entire city. .The goal of this paper is to propose an approach that would help requalify what is already built, to make the best of what has been realized by focusing on the quality and liveability of the city. This approach is based on a particular methodology based on the promotion of Urban Complex Programs (PUC), which provide a system of development rights resulting from the demolition of unfinished illegal settlements . The benefits of this approach are many, including improvements in efficiencies and safety, meeting demands of environmental protection and reducing consumption of energy, responding to the highest standards of protection and seismic risk prevention. They can be obtained only on one condition: that they are based on a system of collective and public conveniences in accordance with the principle of sustainability in multiple dimensions (environmental, cultural, technological, political, institutional, social and economic). But for this approach to be viable it needs also to be convenient for the private actors as well. With this paper we hope to provide first an original approach that can improve the conditions of cities burdened with the problems of illegal settlements that is both sustainable and convenient and, second, an instrument that can provide information for both the public and private sectors on the fairness of the procedure and their mutual interest in pursuing this approach.
Assessing Heritage Significance: Decision Support Tools for Managing Landscape's Cultural Value in Southern Italy
Authors: Cassalia Giuseppina
Published: June 2014

The paper presents a three year research project aiming to design a methodological model for a management plan applicable to a cultural landscape case study, like Area Grecanica, Calabria, Italy. Its argued that the management planning should be seen as upstream activity of the intervention, with a view to the process related to territorial changes, the theme of sustainable development and the revitalization of place identity, as a tool for heritage recognition on a global scale, such as UNESCO WHS. In conclusion, the paper proposes a management plan "participated monitoring", seeking the involvement and participation of all landscape actors, setting as its scope to bring technical and common knowledge together in planning management.
Sustainable Development Strategies of the Port Authority: The Network Approach
Authors: De Martino Marcella
Published: June 2014

Recent years have witnessed a profound evolution of ports, induced by a wide range of factors, such as: (a) technological developments in shipping, cargo-handling and storage equipment, and information and communication systems; (b) changing patterns of international trade; (c) a broadening complexity of global supply chains; and (d) a changing governance models of the port as a consequence of the process of privatization in Europe. The growing size and complexity of port functions have inspired an ever more interesting and useful scientific debates on the social, economic and environmental effects of these transformations, and, more specifically, on the relationship between the port and the city. The paper addresses, to this end, an emerging managerial perspective in the decision making process of Port Authority: the network. This perspective allows to understand the nature of relationship networks shaping the competitive and cooperative dynamics of the port and to identify the boundaries for an active role of the Port Authority in defining the sustainable development of port within its own territory.
Overview of Coănda Jet and Vortex Cell Circulation Control
Authors: Djojodihardjo Harijono
Published: June 2014

Flow control for enhanced aerodynamic performance have been utilized for enhanced lift, reduced drag and delay of stall at higher angle of attack. To this end, techniques such as continuous, synthetic and pulsed jets, compliant surface, vortex-cell, Coănda jet and the like have been developed and applied to alter the behavior of airfoils, wings, and bodies and other aerodynamic components. Two such techniques are here assessed as potentially promising technique in the framework of airfoil surface blowing circulation enhancement, i.e. Coănda-jet circulation enhancement and vortex-cell. Their progress and development in influencing the effectiveness and configuration of airfoil surface blowing for circulation enhancement of aerodynamic surfaces are discussed, using fundamental principles and CFD technique.
Application of a Multipole Secondary Source for Propeller Active Noise Control
Authors: Kusni Muhammad , Soenarko Benjamin , Djojodihardjo Harijono
Published: June 2014

The commercial feasibility of active noise control (ANC) is very promising due to its capability beyond passive noise control (PNC). To some extent ANC becomes a complement of PNC. The active noise reduction is also capable and beneficial in reducing noise selectively. However, the active noise reduction using a conventional secondary source can become very complicated if a significant noise level reduction is required, since a large number of secondary sources will be needed. The active noise reduction is also less effective for reducing high-frequency noise. With such perspectives, a novel approach has been developed using a multipole secondary source to addressthe problems mentioned. In addition, the multipole secondary source will be used for numerical simulation of noise reduction in of propeller noise source in a free field.
The Transmission of Vibration through Gloves to the Hand and to the Fingers: Effects of Material Dynamic Stiffness
Authors: Md Rezali Khairil Anas , Griffin Michael J.
Published: June 2014

In International Standard 10819 (1996), the requirements for a glove to be considered an anti-vibration glove are determined by the transmission of vibration to the palm of the hand. The transmission of vibration to a finger is very different from the transmission of vibration to the palm, but there are currently no requirements to measure the transmission of vibration through gloves to the fingers. This study investigated the effects of material dynamic properties on the transmission of vibration to the palm of the hand and to the fingers. Two materials (foam material from one anti-vibration glove and gel material from another anti-vibration glove) were investigated. Subjects placed their palms or index fingers on the material and pushed down with a force of 10 N while the transmission of random vibration was measured over the frequency range 5 to 500 Hz. At frequencies greater than 20 Hz, both materials attenuated vibration to the palm of the hand but amplified vibration to the finger. The study shows that the materials in gloves can both attenuate and amplify the transmission of vibration, depending on the material, the frequency of vibration, and the location on the hand (palm or finger).
Effect of Operating Temperatures on Thermal Conductivity of Polystyrene Insulation Material: Impact on Envelope-Induced Cooling Load
Authors: Khoukhi Maatouk , Tahat Mahmoud
Published: June 2014

The impact of the thermal conductivity (k-value) change of polystyrene insulation material in building envelope due to changes in temperature on the thermal and energy performance of a typical residential building under hot climate is investigated. Indeed, the thermal and energy performance of buildings depends on the thermal characteristics of the building envelope, and particularly on the thermal resistance of the insulation material used. The thermal insulation material which is determined by its thermal conductivity, which describes the ability of heat to flow cross the material in presence of a gradient of temperature, is the main key to assess the performance of the thermal insulation material. When performing the energy analysis or calculating the cooling load for buildings, we use published values of thermal conductivity of insulation materials, which are normally evaluated at 24°C according to the ASTM standards. In reality, thermal insulation in building is exposed to significant and continuous temperature variations, due essentially to the change of outdoor air temperature and solar radiation. Many types of insulation materials are produced and used in Oman, but not enough information is available to evaluate their performance under the prevailing climatic condition. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the temperature and thermal conductivity of various densities of polystyrene, which is widely used as building insulation material in Oman. Moreover, the impact of thermal conductivity variation with temperature on the envelope-induced cooling load for a simple building model is discussed. This work will serve as a platform to investigate the effect of the operating temperature on thermal conductivity of other building material insulations, and leads to more accurate assessment of the thermal and energy performance of buildings in Oman.
Fabrication Technique for Bio-Composite Patch Repair on Laminated Structures of CFRP Plate
Authors: Muda M.K.H. , Mustapha Faizal , Mohd Aris K.D. , Sultan Mohamed Thariq Hameed
Published: June 2014

Laminated structures are assembled so that the fibre orientation provides most of desired mechanical properties and the matrix largely determines the environmental performance. Composites laminate structures are used in a wide range of applications in aerospace, marine, automotive, surface transport and sports equipment markets. Damage to composite components is not always visible to the naked eye and the extent of damage is best determined for structural components by suitable Non Destructive Test (NDT) methods. Alternatively the damaged areas can be located by simply tapping the composite surface and listening to the sound. The damaged areas give a dull response to the tapping, and the boundary between the good and damaged composite can easily be mapped to identify the area for repair. Awareness of and inspection for composite damage should be included in the regular maintenance schedules for composite structures. Particular attention would be made to areas which are more prone to damage. The repair can be done by using composite itself or bio-composite. Bio-composite is a reinforcement of natural fibre such as plant and a material that formed by matrix or resin. Then repairs to aircraft structures are controlled and should be carried out according to the Aircraft Structural Repair Manual (SRM). For other applications the repaired components would normally be expected to meet the original specifications and mechanical performance requirements. This paper presents the fabrication technique including patch repair by using bio-composite which is kenaf and its aim to give a general approach to composite fabrication on patch repair in all applications. Through the described approach, the life of the structure is expanded and met the properties requirements such as low cost, fairly good mechanical properties, high specific strength, non-abrasive, eco-friendly and bio-degradability characteristics.
Energy Absorption of Partially Filled Side Member Subjected to Oblique Crash
Authors: Salwani Mohd Salleh , Barkawi B.B. , Ali A. , Nuraini A.A.
Published: June 2014

This study analyzed the crash performance of partially filled column in comparison to an empty and fully filled side member. Crash simulation is carried out by impacting a car moving at 48 km/hr to a rigid wall at an angle of 30 degrees. It was found that the partially filled side member is capable of absorbing almost the same amount of energy as the fully filled side member at lower mass.
Optimization of Processing Parameters and Fiber Content of Cocoa Pod Husk Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites by Taguchi Method
Authors: El-Shekeil Y.A. , Sapuan S.M. , Haron M.
Published: June 2014

A composite of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husk (CPH) fiber reinforced themoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was prepared by melt-blending method followed by compression moulding. Specimens were cut from the sheets that were prepared by compression moulding. The criteria of optimization was testing the specimens by tensile test and comparing the ultimate tensile strength. The aim of this study is to optimize processing parameters and fiber loading using Taguchi approach. These four parameters were investigated in three levels each. The L9 orthogonal array was used based on the number of parameters and levels that have been selected. Furthermore ANOVA was used to determine the significance of parameters. The processing parameters chosen for this study were temperature, speed and time of processing and fiber content. The results showed that optimum values were 190°C, 40 rpm, 11min and 30% for processing temperature, processing speed, processing time and fiber content; respectively. Using ANOVA; fiber content showed the highest significance value followed by processing time. Processing temperature and speed showed no significance in the optimization of TPU/CPH.
The Effect of Additives on Bending Strenght of Pultruded Hybrid Reinforced Resol Type Phenolic Composite
Authors: Malek F.H.A. , Zainudin E.S. , Tahir Paridah Md. , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Pultrusion manufacturing process is a well established technique for the cost-effective production of high-modulus and lightweight composite materials having constant cross-sectional profiles. A study was carried out to analyze the effect of additives on bending strength of pultruded hybrid reinforced resol type phenolic composite. Glassfibre roving and kenaf fibre hybrid were reinforced in resol type phenolic. A series of bending tests were performed by varying the loading percentage of two type’s pultruded fibres,without additives and with additives. From the results, it was found that the modulus of strength of composites with additives display higher values as compared to composite without additives. The presence of additives were able to synergistically interact with both fibres and finally improve the interaction between them. Analysis of the fracture surface from the bending test were carried out using Dino-Lite digital microscope.
Characterisation of Aluminium Matrix Syntactic Foams Dynamic Loading
Authors: Altenaiji Mohamed , Guan Zhong Wei , Cantwell W. , Zhao Yu Yuan
Published: June 2014

It is a challenging task to develop a lightweight but also strong material with energy absorption capability to be used in vehicles to withstand impact and blast. This paper reports the research results on Aluminium syntactic foams as possible core materials for protection of military vehicles. In order to optimize their mechanical performance the characterisation of the foam behaviour at high strain rates and identification of the underlying mechanisms have been conducted. Mechanical tests were carried out on syntactic foams under high strain rate compression loading. The drop weight and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) techniques have been used to obtain data on the material behaviour under dynamic loading conditions. It was found that some samples show 30% higher plateau stress in the drop weight test than that of the quasi-static compression. In addition, it was found that the energy absorption of the aluminium matrix syntactic foam is higher than that of the ordinary aluminium foam. Experimental results from the above investigation are compared with the finite element predictions under the same loading conditions. Reasonably good correlation is obtained. The discussion on developing numerical modelling and the related validation are also given.
Microhardness Characteristics of Al-6063 Alloy Processed by Equal Channel Angular Extrusion
Authors: Nemati J. , Sulaiman Shamsuddin , Baharudin B.T. Hang Tuah , Azmah Hanim M.A. , Majzoobi G.H.
Published: June 2014

In this study, annealed AL-6063 alloy was processed by the Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE) up to 6 passes at a temperature of 200°c following route A with a constant ram speed of 30 mm/min through a die angle of 90° between the die channels. The influence of ECAE processing on the evolution of microhardness in the material was studied using Vickers microhardness testing. The detailed analysis was carried out on the samples of as-received, one, two, three, four, five, and six pass conditions. The grain diameter reduced from 45μm to 2.8 μm after 6 passes of ECAE. The results indicated around 90% increase in Microhardness after 5 passes. Hardness of the inner surface where the billet was under compression was slightly higher than that of the mid-surface.