bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advantage of vertical farming over horizontal farming in achieving sustainable city, Baghdad city-commercial street case study
Authors: Khalil Hajer Ismail , Wahhab Khalid Abdul
Published: March 2020

The research deals with the concept of vertical Farming as one of the modern concepts that emerged with the sustainable cities trends, because of limited green areas, increasing population and the lack of necessary ingredients for horizontal urban agriculture (water-energy-land), and the use of land for more profitable purposes such as commercial, residential or administrative use. Thus, the research problem emerged for the cognitive need to explore the importance and advantage of vertical Farming over horizontal Farming and the possibilities of achieving sustainable cities. The hypothesis of the research states that vertical Farming in its various forms is an essential part of sustainable city components for its social, economic advantages in general and environmental advantages in particular. Therefore, the research aims to define the possibilities of vertical Farming as an essential component of the urban context, in addition to achieving sustainable cities, and the results of their application by default to achieve environmental sustainability at the urban level in the city of Baghdad within a commercial street.
Comparison between the Behaviors of Different Concrete Types in Various Shear Tests
Authors: Qasim Ola Adel
Published: March 2020

A comparison between three direct shear test specimens of (push-off shear specimens, FIP shear test, and inverted “L” shape shear failure plane) was investigated experimentally and numerically and cast using normal, high and ultra-high-strength concrete with the effect of steel fiber. This paper presents which shear strength analysis settings in which testing operation and arrangement of mold can be performed by the simplest and at the same rate guarantees stable and steady results. Many variables were chosen to investigate its impact on shear test and behavior. These variables are grade of concrete, steel fiber volume fraction, method of testing, type of loading and size of shear failure plane area. A comparison between experimental work and the finite element method offers a powerful and generic tool for studying the behavior of many structures by ANSYS program which can represent many structures. It was found that the inclusion of steel fiber enhances the ultimate shear capacity of the concrete compared to plain concrete and leads to ductile failure method, higher ultimate strength in addition to much enhanced integrity of structure.
Optimizing the Traffic Operation System of 14th-Ramadhan Signalized Intersection in Baghdad City using HCS Technique
Authors: Al-Obaidi M K , Al-Sadik S M , Al-Mandelawee H F
Published: March 2020

The purposes of the study are assessing the current level of service (LOS) at the 14th-Ramadhan signalized intersection in CBD area of Al-Mansoor district in Baghdad city and increasing the improvement of the traffic operation system by investigating appropriate proposals to increase the traffic capacity of this facility. Data of traffic flow collected using Tally mark method by many observers. Evaluation of the current intersection is to be taken in consideration using HCS Technique (2010), also existing and proposal layouts are displayed using AutoCAD (2017). The results showed that the selected traffic facility are currently suffered from serious lowering in service level causing forced conditions (LOS “F”). Thus, most important considerations should be considered for developing in the LOS by proposing many solutions. In summary, the study is proposed to execute the overpass structure (Grade Separation Bridge) along 14th-Ramadhan street from southbound to northbound directions and vice versa (two lanes in each direction) considering the third proposal (P3). By using HCS2010, the LOS will be changed from F to B assuming that it is expected to continue at higher traffic performance for approximately at least 15 year later
Flexural Behaviour of Modified Weight SIFCON Using Combination of Different Types of Fibres
Authors: Naser Fatimah H. , Abeer S.Z.
Published: March 2020

SIFCON is featured construction material has a high strength in addition to large ductility making it convenient for special structural applications. However, the SIFCON unit weight is higher than fibre reinforced concrete due to the heavy weight of the high steel fibre content. This paper aims to investigate the flexural behaviour of Modified Weight Slurry Infiltrated Fibre Concrete (MWSIFCON) by using combination of different types of fibres which are micro steel fibres, macro hooked end steel fibres and polypropylene fibres. For this purpose, 21 prisms and 84 cubes are casted. The volumetric ratios (7%, 4% and 3%) for micro steel fibres, macro hooked end steel fibres and polypropylene fibres respectively are used of each type alone for the purpose of comparison. Moreover, hybrid fibres from combination of two types of these fibres using 50% from ratios above of each type are used to investigate the flexure behaviour of prisms. The other related properties for resulted SIFCON are studied from cube tests. The results indicate that SIFCON of combination macro hook end steel fibres with polypropylene fibres gives a good density for SIFCON with 18.66 KN/m3 and performed adequate flexure strength with 8.09 MPa. Also, it has kindly reduced in the water absorption of SIFCON.
Applying Taguchi method to control the thermal expansion effect on machining process of aluminium alloy extruded profile
Authors: Moldovan S A , Cosma M
Published: March 2020

In this paper we present a technological problem encountered in the machining accuracy of the parts for aerospace, made of aluminium alloy extruded profile with 7 meters length. Those parts have very tight tolerances and on milling process appear deviations due to thermal expansion effect, that influence the repeatability of machining processes. Through several tests and recording all values during the milling process, was defined through Taguchi method the main factors which have impact on the machined parts.
Musculoskeletal multibody simulations for the optimal tribological design of human prostheses: the case of the ankle joint
Authors: Ruggiero A , D’Amato R , Ungureanu N
Published: March 2020

A thorough determination of the loading of the ankle joint is useful both for the optimal design of prostheses and for the preclinical testing in terms of tribological performances. In vivo measurements of joint forces are usually not easy in the in-vivo settings, then non-invasive in-silico methods should be considered. Nowadays resultant joint loads can be reliably estimated by using musculoskeletal modelling in an inverse dynamic approach, starting by motion data obtained in gait analysis laboratories for several human activities. The main goal of this study was to provide a set of dynamical loading curves obtained by the AnyBody Modelling SystemTM (AMS) computer software starting from ground reaction forces and kinematic data obtained by Vaughan et al. in the case of human normal gait. The model accounts for 70 Hill modelled muscles and the muscular recruitment strategy was choose as polynomial criteria. The results are presented in terms of Antero Posterior, Proximo Distal, Medio Lateral Forces and Ankle Eversion, Plantar Flexion, Axial moments, discussing their role on the synovial lubrication phenomena effect in the Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAR) for the optimal prostheses structural and tribological design.
Innovative approaches to the formation of environmental safety at the objects of oil and gas production
Authors: Shkitsa L , Yatsyshyn T , Lyakh M , Sydorenko O
Published: March 2020

The innovative approach to environmental safety upgrade of pumping-circulatory equipment of drilling rigs based on the analysis of life history and continuous perfection principles. Examples of implementation of innovative approach in environmental safety investigation of oil and gas wells in order to define environmentally hazardous units of equipment and technological processes are given. In order to solve the problem of environmental safety improvement and the effectiveness of flushing out of well that are being drilled a modernized scheme of drilling rig pumping-circulatory system has been designed. System approach of modernizing separate elements of pumping-circulatory system has been used. The maximum air-tight pumping-circulatory drilling rig system has been designed. The proposed model takes into account the necessity of hazardous evaporations outlet with the aim of their further utilization. Such an approach will avoid the entry harmful substances into the environment and prevent harmful effects of aggressive substances on health personnel of drilling rig, environment and on state of the technological equipment.
Relevant aspects of the responsibilities in the international project management
Authors: Dascalescu A , Ungureanu M
Published: March 2020

Usually, the international Projects are of greater importance and with greater founding than national projects, involve multiple partners from different countries and are subject of nationals and international controls. The paper approach the case of international projects with EU funding, including cross-border projects and underline responsibilities of the management team both to the Project Contract and to the national laws requirements, responsibilities in managing human resources, time and costs. For a successful Project implementation, the same importance should be given to communication, visibility and dissemination rules as well as reports quality. Major importance is granted to the quality of Project results.
Sliding surface structure comparison of 3D printed polymers using FDM and DLP technologies
Authors: Hanon M M , Zsidai L
Published: March 2020

This study aims to review the surface structure of the parts that are manufactured using various techniques of 3D printing. Particularly, two different methods were employed in the current work: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and digital light projection (DLP). The output of both technologies regarding the surface construction aspects was evaluated and compared. For determining the features of the surfaces, an optical microscope was utilised for taking the pictures from the cross-sectional area (upper and lower edges) and the outer face of the samples. Various magnification values have been investigated to find the best sights at the surface structure of the printed bodies. Surface roughness was examined due to its relevance to the texture properties of the fabricated pieces. The tribology of the workpieces has been tested as well. The results show that the products of the FDM technique have been characterised with a rough surface and anisotropic properties which were reflected on the examined measurements. In contrast, the DLP method has revealed objects with a very smooth surface and approximately homogeneous structure.
Some aspects of quality and risk management in natural gas measurement
Authors: Ilea P E , Stoica A
Published: March 2020

The paper refers to some general aspects regarding the natural gas measurement. In this paper, we try to find methods for checking the quality and risks for gas meters. It is trying to find answers to the question of how we could design and operate a gas meter so that the measurement is as accurate as possible. A process has been proposed to identify, analyse and control the emerging risks. The desirable quality of the measuring instrument requires a rigorous analysis of all aspects that could adversely affect. It also shows the interdependence between quality and risk, one cannot exist without the other. Based on these principles, the following papers propose the approach of case studies on the innovation of a new type of natural gas meter, focusing on the quality of the new product and its ability to accurately measure and prevent unauthorized consumption.
Evaluation of the technological effects of application of the FMS elements
Authors: Lukic D , Antic A , Borojevic S , Jocanovic M , Kuric I
Published: March 2020

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) represent complex systems with great technological capabilities that are able to simultaneously achieve high level of flexibility, cost effectiveness and productivity. However, due to high investment cost and cost of exploitation of the FMS elements, the conditions for their rational use are required. Taking into account the increasingly complex conditions of production and launch of products, a systematic approach in the planning and implementation of FMSs is needed, thereby including the most significant technological and economical characteristics. This paper introduces two methodologies for evaluating the technological effects of application of the FMS elements at the conceptual level along with their verification for a single family of rotational parts.
Analyses of abrasive wear behaviour in Pin-on-Plate Tribo-System for several materials
Authors: Muhandes H , Kalacska A , Kalacska G
Published: March 2020

To improve the performance of the Agricultural machinery, several composite materials were suggested as replacements of critical fast-wearing steel parts. Three possible replacements were selected (PA6E, PA6G, and PA66GF30) and examined by a pin-on-plate system with sliding abrasive cloths. The results were compared according to the pin-on-plate system with a combined property (H/E) of these materials. Then to see how the friction affected these specimens, 3D microscopic photos of the worn surfaces were taken. As results, an inverse relationship between the wear rate and H/E property for these materials, an increasing of H/E factor leads to a decrease in the wear rate. While for the 3D microscopic PA6G was the most outstanding worn surface.
Comparison of S 235 steel and DLC coated steel using Pin-on-disc method in dry sliding conditions against PA 6 countersurface
Authors: Sarankó Á , Kalácska G , Keresztes R
Published: March 2020

This study presents tribological tests of S 235 steel and DLC coated steel using the pin-on-disc test method, where these materials were the pins to compare it with each other. The counter surface was Polyamide 6 (PA 6) as the disc. Two kinds of loads were used in three levels: static weight loads and static weight loads supplemented with continuously changing load. Friction forces were measured in two directions, and the temperature was also measured near the contact zone. Two dimensions diagrams were used to present the results. The same parameters were set for the two tested materials for maximum comparability. The coefficient of friction and temperature were compared. After evaluating the test results; we concluded that in the case of DLC coated steel the coefficient of friction was lower. With the added vibration-load tests this difference was significantly higher at lower load levels. Regarding the temperature, with lower loads, the temperature values were the same. When higher loads were used, the temperature values were significantly lower using DLC coated steel.
Aspects regarding the capitalization of remanufactured scrap in the automotive industry using a Paternoster system
Authors: Torcatoru C , Savescu D
Published: March 2020

Among the current challenges of the global automotive industry include changes in global markets that lead to a variety of products, regulation that drives pressure on new technologies and competition from new competitors. This paper attempts to find answers to the question, how can we capitalize the semi-finished parts of the automotive industry that have emerged from the parameters demanded/imposed by the final customer or which have some visual/design defects, but which retain their functional role. In almost all cases, information and communication technology plays a major role in future strategies to meet the challenges mentioned above, which can stimulate the production process more efficient by using intelligent manufacturing approaches. Thus, this paper proposes to automate and maximize the capitalization of these parts, a Paternoster system for eliminating the logistics/storage space, reducing the handling time, increasing the efficiency and traceability of the scrap
Influence of drag finishing parameters on the cutting edge radius of solid carbide mills
Authors: Vozár M , Pätoprstý B , Peterka J , Pokorný P , Vopát T , Šimna V
Published: March 2020

Paper deals with the cutting-edge preparation of milling tools by drag finishing. The aim of the experiment was to determine the optimal parameters of the process on a prototype device for edge preparation. The prototype device was based on a 3-axis milling centre and the drag finishing media used was Al2O3 granulating. Tools for the experiment were manufactured on a tool grinding machine Reinecker WZS 60 from the cemented carbide rod with chemical composition WC+Co (10%). After that, the tools were drag finished. Then, cutting edges radii were measured on a Zeiss SURFCOM 5000 surface and form measuring machine. The effect of process parameters such as spindle rotation speed, feed rate and time of the drag finishing on the size of the cutting-edge radius and shape was examined. The experiment design was described as well as measurement and evaluation of the output values. Purpose of the experiment and multi-criteria analysis described in this article was to determine the influence of process parameters on the cutting-edge radius sizes when drag finishing the cemented carbide mills.
Concept for a precise academic Gripper
Authors: Epple S , Jung R , Barz C , Nasui V
Published: March 2020

A new, precise, scalable multi-purpose gripper system for academic research purposes is proposed. The multi-purpose gripper is intended to be easily adapted to different tasks and object sizes. The gripper system is driven by two separate motor-gear-lead spindle units, operated by a small CNC control. Software running on the CNC unit is completely open source. A novelty for a gripper in this constellation is an interlock-line that may for example be used for a safety door, allowing to stop movement of the gripper fingers and thus being capable to avoid the bruise of an operator’s finger or arm part. This paper describes the steps mechanical parts were designed and simulated to allow a lightweight concept leaving some payload even for relatively small industrial robots used in academic research. Stability of the gripper fingers was tested by pressing the gripper finger towards each other by hand while “blocking” the movement with a finger showing no visible bending effect of the gripper parts. To test the concept of the gripper system, a first prototype is under construction. Parts of the gripper system were simulated, 3D-printed with poly-lactic-acid (PLA) and mounted to a small laboratory robot. The CNC-gripping function will be furthermore optimized and tested at the prototype.
Angle position influences over external magnetic field of a solenoid in wireless power transfer
Authors: Iuga B , Tirnovan R A
Published: March 2020

The general form of the Biot-Savart law is referring to a closed loop of wire, but it can be integrated over a finite length solenoid to calculate the external magnetic field in a specific point, at a rated distance from the centre. The law states that the point of measure must be on the longitudinal axis of the solenoid. In real cases the point of measure has angle orientation in relation to the axis which results in modifications of the field value.
Research quantitative indicators of the potential of solar energy in the Carpathian region of Ukraine
Authors: Mandryk O M , Moskalchuk N R , Arkhypova L M , Pryhodko M M , Pobigun O V
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the results of theoretical research on the resource potential of solar energy calculated by different methods for administrative areas of the Carpathian region; The advanced methodology of the estimation of the influence of solar power plants on the natural environment is proposed, which concerns the determination of the significance of the residual effects of renewable energy on the environment and is carried out after screening and mitigation measures and is based on the three identified parameters of influence: spatial, temporal and intensity of influence. The results of statistical analysis of observational data of meteorological stations of the studied region are presented. The results of experiments that study are dependent on power generation by photovoltaic panels from meteorological elements of weather conditions; it is proved that the amount of energy received significantly depends on the cloudiness and air humidity. At the same time, it has no direct dependence on atmospheric pressure and wind speed indices. The paper presents the results of the cartographic processing of quantitative indicators of the potential of solar energy for the arrangement of the objects providing renewable energy in the Carpathian region of Ukraine.
Modelling experiments with small-scale thermal system used for pig fattener heating
Authors: Erdelyi V , Toth J , Janosi L , Farkas I
Published: March 2020

This study presents the ongoing research conducted in the field of thermal systems which are commonly used in agriculture and also in other fields to utilize the solar thermal energy. This paper describes a small-scale physical system that is controlled by hardware-inthe-loop (HIL) method. The solar thermal input is realized by a heating element, which can provide a 60 W power in total. The input energy is controllable via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to mimic the stochastic changes in weather. The heat storage unit is a 1 litre in volume isolated tank, which contains also the heat exchanger unit. The working fluid in this system is water which is forced by custom made peristaltic pumps both on the “collector” side and on the output. In this way the mass flow rate of the pump can be controlled on the heat exchanger and on the user side, as well. The user side is modelled by a water-air heat exchanger forcing cooled air by a varying speed fan. The temperatures are measured on several points of the system which are used to control the flow rates. Experiments were performed with various controlling algorithms in order to find an optimal solution to provide heat for a pig fattener. The recent status of the test results is shown in the case of On-Off and PID control methods in contrary.
Homogenization heat treatment effects over the structure of 2724 cast aluminium alloy semi-products
Authors: Pop A , Iepure G
Published: March 2020

This project showcases the effects of the homogenization treatments applied to 2724 cast aluminium alloy semi-products, as well as the results regarding the resistance and plasticity improvement of these semi-products. These results have proven the validity of the initial processing hypothesis, which states that certain modifications of the crystalline structure can lead to the improvement of the characteristics mentioned above. A highly resistant 2724 aluminium alloy sample, representing the Al-Cu-Mg system, was used for this experiment. At a structural level, the alloy is made of aluminium based solid α solution grains and a series of binary, ternary or complex intermetallic phases that can either be soluble or insoluble. This type of alloy is mostly used in the machine building or aeronautics industry. The results are according to the microstructural observations, the homogenization heat treatment effect leading to the removal of any chemical heterogeneity (dendritic segregation) and a balanced structure made of polyhedral crystals and a homogeneous dispersion throughout the whole mass of the alloy.
Research on the behaviour of the metallic material in the draw-plate while drawing the wire
Authors: Pop E
Published: March 2020

This research introduces the theoretical and experimental study of the plastic deformation through drawing of the copper wire, the presentation of the microstructures resulting after each drawing, certain possible flaws which occur within this plastic deformation process and the conclusions on the grains` flip-over and elongation. During the drawing process, the metallic material undergoes some important transformations in the draw-plate. The equiaxed grains are compressed in transversal direction and elongated in the drawing direction. The wire drawn is hardened due to the elongation of the grains and due to the development of a substructure of dislocations in the deformation grains. The theoretical presentation of the topics in discussion is then followed by a calculation of the reduction and the Δ parameter which causes less unused work if it is low value, limits the cold hardening of the wire and allows the possible execution of a higher total reduction between two annealing processes. A smaller angle for the drawing favours the coating of the lubricant and lengthens the contact area. Thus, a better cooling is obtained for the wire - draw-plate interface and the lubricant film is more stable.
Enhancement of Adhesion Force and Surface Conductivity of Graphene Oxide Films Using Different Solvents
Authors: El-Hossary F. M. , Ghitas Ahmed , Abd El-Rahman A.M. , Ebnalwaled A. A. , Fawey Mohammed.H. , Abdelhamid Shahat M.
Published: March 2020

In this work, the nanotechnology procedure was utilized to improve both the adhesion force and surface properties of graphene oxide (GO) films. GO has been obtained in a powder form by oxidation purified graphite using the modified Hummer’s technique. Different films of GO nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited using several types of solvents distilled water, acetone, ethanol, dimethyl formamide (DMF) or ethylene glycol. Examination of structural and optical properties of GO films were studied by XRD and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, electrical properties, surface roughness, contact angle, adhesion force, wetting energy and spreading coefficient were investigated. It was observed that the properties of the prepared films are influenced by the solvent type. The electrical resistivity of films is highly dependent on the solvent type which exhibited the lowest value with distilled water. Furthermore, GO film synthesized with distilled water has the best values of adhesion force and average surface roughness (Ra) 143.4 mN/m and ∼ 7.83 μm, respectively. These results are mostly attributed to hydrophilic cites and GO NPs agglomeration in the surface of films and the effects of their size leading to an expansion in the surface roughness.
Size effect of gold nanospheres on the photoacoustic imaging of cancerous cells
Authors: Awad H , Abdallah T , Negm S , Talaat H
Published: March 2020

The size effect of gold nanospheres (AuNS) used as a contrast agent for the photoacoustic imaging (PAI) of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 have been assessed for three different sizes and at four optical densities (ODs). The decrease in the AuNS size at the same OD results in an improved PA signal. The PA signal generally increases linearly with increasing OD, with almost the same rate of increase for the three used particle sizes. It is shown that PEGylation of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) decreases the uptake of the particles by the cancerous cell therefore diminishes the PA images whereas clear images are obtained in the case of unPEGylated AuNPs.
Thermal Diffusivity and Thermal Effusivity Enhancement of Graphene based Polyvinyl Chloride Nanocomposites
Authors: El-Brolossy T. A. , Almutawa A.
Published: March 2020

The development of thermal diffusivity, thermal effusivity and heat capacity per unit volume of polymer nanocomposites, based on PVC filled with different concentration of graphene flakes up to 1.3 vol.% have been investigated using photoacoustic technique. The composites were prepared in the form of thin films with relatively small thickness (23–30 μm). Morphological and structural characterizations of the prepared composite films have been performed using laser confocal microscope, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The composites exhibit an improvement in both thermal diffusivity (175%) and thermal effusivity (136%) of their values for neat polymer at the highest graphene content used. However, with increasing graphene content no significant variations in the measured values of heat capacity were obtained. The experimental results were analyzed using the mixed model for the thermal conductivity of a two-phase system. We obtained good agreement between our results and the predictions of this model at thermal diffusivity (= (1.5 ± 0.07) × 10−4 m2s−1) and thermal effusivity (= (1.83 ± 0.06) × 104 Ws1/2m−2K−1) of fillers. The predicted thermal diffusivity value of graphene flakes is comparable to the published thermal diffusivity of graphene plates. On the other hand, according to the author’s knowledge, the thermal effusivity of graphene was not previously studied. However, the thermal effusivity predicted in this work is in fair agreement with that estimated using the reported thermal properties data of graphene.
Using the fault tree for analysis the schedule delay factors
Authors: Gamal Yasser Abdel Shafy , Elrazek Mostafa Abd
Published: March 2020

The delaying in the construction projects is one of the magnifying problems facing the construction industry in Egypt, and still a lot of researchers interest to find the main reasons for these problems and suggest the solution for mitigate or avoid the problem, a lot of contractors in Egypt suffer from the liquated damages due to the delaying problems, although there are a lot of researchers find out the delaying factors problems, but we need to get the root cause analysis of the delaying factors, in our research, the investigation find out the most critical delaying factors and categorized the factors in modeling by using factor analysis methodology into 7 factors modelling and hence using the root cause analysis to link the reasons with each other, Fault tree is one of a valuable tool can be used to link with the reasons of delaying which will be used in our research and help us to investigate deeply with the roots of the problems which is our target in the research and in the final the major problems leads to most of the problems are the delaying of the supplies ( Code of Factor DF5) with mean 4.2039 and RII = 0.84078, A lot of change Orders ( code of Factor DF 14) with mean 4.1845 and RII =0.8369, no of delaying factors in our research are 22 factors which considering as an important delaying factors in the construction industry in Egypt, the survey pilot contains no of 103 questionnaires to rank the delaying factors by statistical analysis.
Personal Shopper – Mobile Phone Applications
Authors: Zamani F N , Azemi S N , Amir Amiza , Yaakob Naimah
Published: March 2020

This project is focused on the development of personal shopper mobile phone application. The purpose of this system is to help part-timer and full-timer personal shoppers gather in one platform and also for the customer to hire a personal shopper to buys their items. This project will implement a rating system, give reward to the customer, accept customer requests, view customer requested details and contact the customer through Whatsapp application. This application is very flexible for the customer and personal shopper where the customer can become a personal shopper and vice versa. This entire project is developed according to software engineering methodology with the waterfall model. The tool used to create this project is Android Studio with Java, PHP, XAMPP Server, and MySQL database.
Characteristic of melted slag from wrought iron industry as green concrete material
Authors: Haza Zainul Faizien , Shulhan M. Afif , Kadis Karolus Boromeus , Arbianto
Published: March 2020

Utilization waste material on concrete ingredients or its manufacturing that did not harm the environment is the need for the environment sustainability. It is the background of research in concrete design for more environmental friendly as often called green concrete. This work aims to investigate the usability of the melted slag, obtained from local wrought iron industry, as aggregates replacement according to waste material utilization. In particular, it focused on studying the feasibility of replacing the aggregates using melted slag by investigating the basic physical characteristic. Slag is known have a high percentage of silica and ferric oxides, which gives pozzolanic activities that suitable to use as cement blended product. Slag waste used in this work is obtained from the wrought iron industry from Pakis district, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The slag chunk extracted from the furnace then crushed to smaller particle sizing as fine aggregates and coarse aggregates. The aggregates characteristic is observed in relation to gradation test, specific gravity, bulk density, clay lumps percentage, and Los Angeles abrasion value. All of observation parameters are taken consecutively based on SNI and ASTM specification to evaluate its compatibility as concrete aggregates. The current work remarks that the fine and coarse aggregates generated from wrought iron slag do not reveal complete fulfilment in the aggregate specifications of any standard. Even though, the slag fine aggregates could be used in standard or lightweight concrete with further treatment such as crushing to smaller particle size, washing to minimize the clay lumps, and mixing with natural aggregates.
A study of electronic payment system
Authors: Naeem Marwah , Hameed Methaq , Taha Mustafa Sabah
Published: March 2020

The essential objective of this study examines the rising consciousness pertaining to varying notions that are associated with regards to electronic payment systems, related to the benefits, challenges and security concerns. By utilizing software as a service platform, the vendors of the payment processing system work on this template which will channel the payment traffic from the single payment towards the multiple payment schemes for the clienteles. Consumers frequently disclose data that is confidential that belongs to them for example, names, particulars about their cards and numerous other information during their online transactions to perform a payment. A method that assists in the transference of money electronically defines the online payment system. This payment manner generally entails the array of a network of computers, the internet and various other repositories for digitized value methods. By acquiring whatsoever means of payment via the internet entails that the user of the system has received payment made online, and has a mutual knowledge of certain private data with the vendor or the entity that provides the service. This study initiates a comprehensive holistic review encompassing the whole components of payments made online or electronically, that focuses on an investigation over the various researches done pertaining to payment methods that are executed electronically. The current most up-to-date researches were examined to garner an insightful comprehension of payment methods that are electronically employed.
Implementation of Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA) for Combinatorial Testing
Authors: Altmemi J M , Othman R R , Ahmad R , Ali A S
Published: March 2020

Before being released to the market, software should be screened to ensure that the quality assurance measurement goals have been attained. To achieve this, one of the types of testing sorts is combinatorial testing (CT) aimed at discovering the faults that occur by interacting with the software. A minimization strategy for test cases is indeed important for optimizing test cases and reducing time. As NP hard (where NP is a non-deterministic polynomial) is the problem of generating the minimum test suite of combinatorial interaction testing (CIT). this paper discusses the implementation, and validation of an efficient strategy for t-way testing. The main contribution of the sine cosine algorithm SCA is to show that the strategy was sufficiently competitive as compared to other strategies in terms of the generated test suite size. Unlike most paper. The main contribution of SCA is to show the generation of test data for a high coverage strength (t < 12).
Numerical Study of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforced Normal Strength Concrete (FRPNSC) under Hydrocarbon Fire
Authors: Shukeri N I M , Rusli N
Published: March 2020

Main safety requirements in concrete structural are the fire resistance requirements. One of the structural components is Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforced Normal Strength Concrete (FRPNSC). FRP reinforcement has been used as the replacement for conventional steel due to anti-corrosion and lightweight characteristics. Severe degradation on chemical bond properties for FRP will be effected when the temperature is rises. It is important to understand the minimum concrete cover thickness and concrete aggregates types to achieve fire resistance requirements. Standard fire equations are commonly used for fire simulations study. However, studies with hydrocarbon (HC) fire equations which fire ignited from petrochemical are limited. Therefore, in order to study the fire resistance of FRPNSC under hydrocarbon fire, temperature at the reinforcement needs to be predicted. In this study, explicit finite difference method (EFDM) used to solve the heat transfer model. The numerical algorithm of EFDM heat transfer model was constructed and used to analyse the concrete thickness and aggregates to achieve fire resistance requirement. The temperature result obtained by the EFDM model successfully validated with test data. FRPNSC under HC for carbonate aggregates give significant effect on the fire resistance compared to standard fire. The carbonate aggregates types also shows better fire performances compared to lightweight aggregates.
Comparison of Laguerre-Gaussian and Hermite–Gaussian Modes for Optical-CDMA over Multi-Mode Fiber
Authors: Ghazi Alaan , Aljunid S A , Syed Idrus Syed Zulkarnain , Fareed Alaa , Rashidi C B M , Al-dawoodi Aras
Published: March 2020

Optical fiber became essential in telecommunication networks long-distance data transmissions because of its great features such as large bandwidth and long transmission distance. However different profile mode in the optical fiber communication system has different features that provide better results through Multi-mode fiber (MMF). This paper proposes a comparison of different modes for optical code division multiple access (Optical-CDMA) based on one dimension zero cross-correlation (ZCC) code over multi-mode fiber (MMF) transmission system for short haul-local area network. Furthermore Optical-CDMA system transmitted data based on Spatial VCSEL that operate over wavelength 1550 nm. The system is carried out by using three Laguerre-Gaussian modes (LG 01 LG 02 and LG 0 3) and compare with three Hermite–Gaussian modes (HG 01 HG 02 and HG 0 3) based on 1D-ZCC codes. Over different distance comparison of different modes in Optical-CDMA has evaluated the performance based on eye diagrams bit-error rates (BER) and Q-Factor measurement. The findings show that the proposed system demonstrates good performance over more distance MMF based on Laguerre-Gaussian modes.
An IoT platform for seizure alert wearable device
Authors: Emelia Akashah P A , Noor Shita A
Published: March 2020

This research aims to propose the system architecture for a wearable device that is able to detect seizure attacks for children aged 15 years old and below. The objective of this research is to alert parents or relatives of the patients whenever the seizure attack is detected. In many cases, seizure attack happened in absences of the parents or relatives. Therefore, the wearable device proposed in this research should be able to monitor their children heart rate and motion remotely. Notification also will be sent to parents or relatives via mobile apps should there is any trigger of seizure detection. Data were collected via interview. The IoT wearable device architecture was then designed before being implemented.
Assessing the Effect of Different Covariates Distributions on Parameter Estimates for Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR)
Authors: Hamid Hamzah Abdul , Ismail Siti Raudhah , Sulaiman Sahimel Azwal , Mohd Amin Nor Azrita
Published: March 2020

In fitting a multinomial logistic regression model, one of the most important part is estimating the parameter. In Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR), Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method is used to estimate the parameters. MLE is the suitable method to be applied to the problems associated with categorical response variables since it has several benefits such as sufficiency, consistency, efficiency and parameterization invariance. This study investigates the different type of continuous distributions (normal, negatively skewed, positively skewed) on parameter estimation via Monte Carlo simulation. From the simulation result, it shows that as the sample size increases, the effect of covariate distribution reduces. The estimated parameter also less affected for model with normal covariate distribution. At sample size 300 and above, the estimated parameter with normal covariate distribution is considered as close to the true parameter value. Interestingly, for the positively skewed, the estimated parameter also obtained unbiased parameter at sample size 300 and above. However, for negatively skewed, it requires a larger sample size to get closer to the true parameter value. The estimated parameters deviate too far from the true parameter at small sample size. As expected, as sample size increases the parameter estimates for all distributions are getting close to the true parameter value. Lastly, the distribution for MLR with more than one covariate give the same effect as the MLR model with only one covariate on parameter estimations.
Cloud-based Embedded System for Object Detection and Recognition
Authors: Olalekan Z T , Anwar S A
Published: March 2020

Object detection and recognition techniques require large image datasets, memory, a workstation with specific graphics processing capability to train the algorithm and might have high power consumption. Embedded platforms on the other hand are characterized by portability, low power consumption and space, and energy resources making the deployment of such algorithms on them difficult. In order to overcome these drawbacks, cloud-based processing embedded system for object detection and recognition is proposed in this work. The system consists of an image acquisition device set up using embedded board and camera to capture, process and send images to the remote computer via cloud storage platform. This cloud platform serves as an interface between the embedded board and the remote computer. The detection algorithm of Faster R-CNN is executed on the remote computer and is trained and validated with 3000 images obtained from ImageNet. The training of the algorithm aims to detect five classes of object. The proposed system was validated off-line and have achieved a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.67. The performance of entire system procedure took about 45 seconds and have obtained an average confidence score of 0.86.
A Self-Adapting Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm Using Fuzzy Logic (ACOF) for Combinatorial Test Suite Generation
Authors: Zahir Ahmad Mohd Zamri , Othman Rozmie Razif , Rashid Ali Mohd Shaiful Aziz , Ramli Nuraminah
Published: March 2020

Software testing is one of most crucial phase in software development life cycle (SDLC). The main function of testing is to cater bugs between interactions of the inputs. It is not possible to eliminate all bugs in one system but by using a suitable testing optimization, it can provide a good enough solution for it. Reducing effort on this phase is not only could lead to numerous bugs between the input interactions, but it also leads to a greater loss such as loss of profits, reputations and even loss of life. Generally, there are three categories of combinatorial testing techniques which is computational, metaheuristic, and hyper heuristic. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is a heuristic technique where its mimic the nature of ants in finding the best route from the nest to the food node and vice versa. Many optimization problems have been solved by using ACO. This paper is to proposed a self-adapting ant colony optimization algorithm using fuzzy logic (ACOF) for combinatorial test suite generation, where it will dynamically determine number of ants and edge selection (i.e. either to explore or to exploit) based on percentage of remaining tuple list and covered test cases.
Adaptive DCO-FBMC in Visible Light Communication
Authors: Qasim Abdullah Ali , Abdullah M F L , Talib R
Published: March 2020

Filter Bank multicarrier (FBMC) has been modified for VLC. FBMC is the main filter suitable for high-speed data transfer using multicarrier modulation (MCM). Therefore, the FBMC is an appropriate alternative to the OFDM system which suffers from several weaknesses like limited bandwidth due to the presence of the cyclic prefix (CP). FBMC has been adapted to IM / DD compliant using Hermitian Symmetry to make the real signal, but this method increases system complexity and power consumption. In this paper, FBMC was adapted using a different technique than the above which consisted of generating an original complex FBMC signal. The signal was then dismantled into two real and imaginary parts (juxtaposing the real and imaginary parts of the complex signal in the time domain), thus the imaginary signal turned real. The proposed technique saved 50% in the number of the FFT/IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transformer/Fast Fourier Transformer) operations, which resulted in a great decrease in power consumption and the occupied chip area.
A Modified Artificial Bee Colony Based Test Suite Generation Strategy for Uniform T-Way Testing
Authors: Rashid Ali Mohd Shaiful Aziz , Othman Rozmie Razif , Yahya Zainor Ridzuan , Zahir Mohd Zamri
Published: March 2020

Today, t-way testing has been widely known with the ability to reduce test suite size compared to exhaustive testing. At the same time, it has been proven by many researchers to provide maximum bug detection capability. Thus, various t-way strategies were developed since the past three decades. The paper proposed a new test generation strategy, named Modified Artificial Bee Colony T-Way Test Suite Generation (MABCTS). It supports uniform strength t-way testing. Experimentation results are compared with present strategies and produced comparable results. Since t-way testing is considered an NP-hard problem, there are no strategies that can be demanded to produce the best results.
Prediction of carbon concentration profile within carburised-carbon steel 1024 using Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) method
Authors: Norzilah A H , Rusli N
Published: March 2020

Pack carburisation is recognised to improve the carbon surface content of carburised-carbon steel 1024 that enhance the surface hardness and further can be used in automobiles, form implements, machines, gears and springs. The transient two-dimensional diffusion equation that represents the carbon concentration profile within the carburised-carbon steel 1024 is discretised using Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) technique. A semi-analytical method is used to verify the ADI method and the numerical algorithm is developed in MATLAB software. To materialise the pack carburisation process, the boundary condition, initial condition and step time are encoded to signify the experiment conditions from the literature. The simulation results successfully predicted the carbon concentration profile within the carburised-carbon steel 1024 with variation of carburisation time (2 hours to 60 hours) and temperature (900°C - 1000°C). The effect of carburisation time and temperature are evaluated and the relation of both effects on the carbon development is explained. Simulation results show that carburisation extended to 60 hours only increases the carbon content at the core to 0.3wt % from 0.24 wt% of its original content. The small increment is satisfactory to maintain its ductility by hardening the surface.