A systematic approach for monitoring and evaluating the construction project progress

A persistent problem in construction is to document changes which occur in the field and to prepare the as-built schedule. In current practice, deviations from planned performance can only be reported after significant time has elapsed and manual monitoring of the construction activities are costly and error prone. Availability of advanced portable computing, multimedia and wireless communication allows, even encourages fundamental changes in many jobsite processes. However a recent investigation indicated that there is a lack of systematic and automated evaluation and monitoring in construction projects. The aim of this study is to identifytechniques that can be used in the construction industry for monitoring and evaluating the physical progress, and also to establish how current computer technology can be utilised for monitoring the actual physical progress at the construction site. This study discusses the results of questionnaire survey conducted within Malaysian Construction Industry and suggests a prototype system, namely Digitalising Construction Monitoring (DCM). DCM prototype system integrates the information from construction drawings, digital images of construction site progress and planned schedule of work. Using emerging technologies and information system the DCM re-engineer the traditional practice for monitoring the project progress. This system can automatically interpret CAD drawings of buildings and extract data on its structural components and store in database. It can also extract the engineering information from digital images and when these two databases are simulated the percentage of progress can be calculated and viewed in Microsoft Project automatically. The application of DCM system for monitoring the project progress enables project management teams to better track and controls the productivity and quality of construction projects. The use of the DCM can help resident engineer, construction manager and site engineer in monitoring and evaluating project performance. This model will improve decision-making process and provides better mechanism for advanced project management

Effective Capacity of Cognitive Radio Links: Accessing Primary Feedback Erroneously

We study the performance of a cognitive system modeled by one secondary and one primary link and operating under statistical quality of service (QoS) delay constraints. We analyze the effective capacity (EC) to quantify the secondary user (SU) performance under delay constraints. The SU intends to maximize the benefit of the feedback messages on the primary link to reduce SU interference for primary user (PU) and makes opportunistic use of the channel to transmit his packets. We assume that SU has erroneous access to feedback information of PU. We propose a three power level scheme and study the tradeoff between degradation in EC of SU and reliability of PU defined as the success rate of the transmitted packets. Our analysis shows that increase in error in feedback access causes more interference to PU and packet success rate decreases correspondingly.Comment: Accepted for publication in International Symposium on Wireless Communication Systems (ISWCS) 201

An Efficient Automatic Mass Classification Method In Digitized Mammograms Using Artificial Neural Network

In this paper we present an efficient computer aided mass classification method in digitized mammograms using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), which performs benign-malignant classification on region of interest (ROI) that contains mass. One of the major mammographic characteristics for mass classification is texture. ANN exploits this important factor to classify the mass into benign or malignant. The statistical textural features used in characterizing the masses are mean, standard deviation, entropy, skewness, kurtosis and uniformity. The main aim of the method is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the classification process in an objective manner to reduce the numbers of false-positive of malignancies. Three layers artificial neural network (ANN) with seven features was proposed for classifying the marked regions into benign and malignant and 90.91% sensitivity and 83.87% specificity is achieved that is very much promising compare to the radiologist's sensitivity 75%.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

Creative or Not? Birds and Ants Draw with Muscle

In this work, a novel approach of merging two swarm intelligence algorithms is considered – one mimicking the behaviour of ants foraging (Stochastic Diffusion Search [5]) and the other algorithm simulating the behaviour of birds flocking (Particle Swarm Optimisation [17]). This hybrid algorithm is assisted by a mechanism inspired from the behaviour of skeletal muscles activated by motor neurons. The operation of the swarm intelligence algorithms is first introduced via metaphor before the new hybrid algorithm is defined. Next, the novel behaviour of the hybrid algorithm is reflected through a cooperative attempt to make a drawing, followed by a discussion about creativity in general and the ’computational creativity’ of the swarm

Cooperation of Nature and Physiologically Inspired Mechanism in Visualisation

A novel approach of integrating two swarm intelligence algorithms is considered, one simulating the behaviour of birds flocking (Particle Swarm Optimisation) and the other one (Stochastic Diffusion Search) mimics the recruitment behaviour of one species of ants – Leptothorax acervorum. This hybrid algorithm is assisted by a biological mechanism inspired by the behaviour of blood flow and cells in blood vessels, where the concept of high and low blood pressure is utilised. The performance of the nature-inspired algorithms and the biologically inspired mechanisms in the hybrid algorithm is reflected through a cooperative attempt to make a drawing on the canvas. The scientific value of the marriage between the two swarm intelligence algorithms is currently being investigated thoroughly on many benchmarks and the results reported suggest a promising prospect (al-Rifaie, Bishop & Blackwell, 2011). We also discuss whether or not the ‘art works’ generated by nature and biologically inspired algorithms can possibly be considered as ‘computationally creative’

The Impact of Accounting Measurement of Financial Instruments at Fair Value on Stock Prices Changes for Banks: an Empirical Study on Companies Listed on Iraqi Stock Exchange

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine is the relationship between the accounting measurement of financial instruments at fair value and changes in stock prices for banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange. The study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between the fair value measurement of financial instruments and changes in stock prices and, if so, to what extent this relationship exists. The study may also aim to identify any factors that may influence this relationship and to provide insights and recommendations for stakeholders, such as investors, regulators, and financial institutions.   Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework for the study may be based on financial reporting theory, which suggests that the financial statements of a company should provide information that is useful for decision-making by stakeholders. This may include information on the company's financial performance, financial position, and cash flows. The accounting measurement of financial instruments at fair value may have a significant impact on the stock prices of banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange. Banks that adopt fair value accounting for financial instruments may experience more volatility in their stock prices compared to banks that do not use this method.   Design/ Methodology: A qualitative methodology is used in the study. Given the specifics of the topic at hand, and in an effort to provide a solution and test certain hypotheses, the theoretical research relied on a descriptive method, discussing relevant studies and theoretical literature to examine the many ideas and aspects of fair value measurement.   Findings: The study's findings could contribute to the existing literature on the impact of fair value accounting on stock prices and provide further insight into the subject. The results of the study could be used to inform future research on this topic, including the development of new models or hypotheses. The study's findings could be used by banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange to assess the potential impact of adopting fair value accounting for financial instruments on their stock price. The study's findings could be used by regulators and policy makers to assess the impact of fair value accounting on stock prices and the stability of the financial system.   Implication: This study can serve as a useful resource for anyone who wants to study the changes of stock market in Iraq and it is relationship with the accounting measurements of the financial instruments, also it would be very essential to be checked by the stakeholders, such as investors, regulators, and financial institutions, who are interested in the stock market of Iraq.   Originality/value: The originality/value of an empirical study on the impact of accounting measurement of financial instruments at fair value on stock prices changes for banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange could lie in its contribution to the understanding of the specific effects of fair value accounting on stock prices in the Iraqi banking sector. This is an understudied area, as previous research on the topic has largely focused on other countries or regions

Mortarless Structures with Hollow Interlocking Blocks – A Review

Cost-effectiveness of structures mostly rely on reduction of building materials. Additionally, the construction time also contributes in economic aspect. Both material and time consumption take part in making conventional construction expensive. Potential of mortarless construction in local regions of Pakistan has not been reported in literature. Thus, the aim of this literature research is to have a comprehensive review of literature about the potential of mortarless construction in local regions. This is accomplished by focusing on articles published in highly reputable journals in last one decade. Pakistan is currently facing an issue of housing demand due to 2.4% annual population growth. Mortarless construction being one of the vibrant techniques has its own pros and cons. Mechanism of interlocking commonly depends on the block shape, applicable restraints and interfacial angles. Interlocking blocks with lugs and keys have the ability to use their topology in maintaining the structural integrity. The peripheral boundary of a block is responsible for maintaining the structural stability by dissipating frictional forces at contact surfaces. Boundary constraints like lintels and tensioned ropes provide additional integrity to whole structure. The interfacial angle between interlocked surfaces determines the resistance of block removal against lateral loading. Local regions in Asia and particularly Pakistan face economic limitations in construction. Practical implementation of mortarless interlocking structures can be economically beneficial provided sufficient robustness for stability

Modelling of Maintenance ServiceWorkshop and Inventory Operations for a Short Cycle Operational Region.

The North Sea region sees a high operational cycle of tools that require frequent maintenance check-ups, repairs, and preparations for subsequent operations. Given the quick-paced nature of these operations, the availability of spare parts at the maintenance workshop is critical for maintaining minimal flowtime. Adding to the challenge is the practice of sourcing spare parts from best-cost countries, leading to a lead time of approximately one year, thus necessitating an optimal economic order quantity and reorder point. The balancing act between maintaining sufficient inventory at the workshop and managing operational expenses through batch ordering of spare parts is a complex one. Frequent supply requirements contribute to the environmental impacts through increased spare part scrap rates. With these challenges in mind, this thesis aims to develop a simulation model capable of quantifying the costs and benefits associated with reusing repaired spares, as compared to procuring newly built spares from best-cost countries. To achieve this, a case study focusing on a specific maintenance workshop within the North Sea region was carried out. The comprehensive tool repair and spare part supply operations were conceptualized and modeled using a simulation approach. Two operational scenarios were simulated: the first, where the maintenance workshop was completely dependent on newly built spares sourced from best-cost countries, with no inventory stock dedicated for spares re-usage. In the second scenario, the workshop primarily relied on repaired spares, with a safety level of new build stock maintained. The results, guided by the research question probing the impact of implementing a repair-path cycle process within the maintenance process, showed that the enhanced model significantly outperformed the baseline model across several key metrics over a model time run of three years. These include a 78% reduction in lead times, a 116% improvement in worker utilization, a 73% reduction in crowding levels, a 52% reduction in scrap rate, and a potential profit increase of roughly three million NOK (20%). This thesis provides evidence that the enhanced model, with its focus on repaired spares, presents a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable solution to the challenges of inventory management in highcycle operations. It is important to note, however, that the sensitivity of these results is closely tied to the high procurement lead times