Time-Efficient resource allocation algorithm over HSDPA in femtocell networks

This paper presents a time-efficient optimal resource allocation algorithm aiming to maximize the system throughput of the single-user High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) deployed in femtocell base station. The system throughput maximization with constrained total power is rst formulated as a constrained integer programming problem. We rst prove that a two-group bit and energy allocation provides the global optimum solution in the system without multipath. We then focus on the use of the two-group allocation method over frequency selective channels. A pre-processing method was used to systematically cluster and remove channels to stop using energies over severely degraded channels with the two-group allocation approach. This improves the system throughput whilst greatly reducing the computation complexity. The proposed twogroup approach with channel removal is suitable for femtocell base station with limited signal processing capability.Accepted versio

Professional Learning Community in Secondary Schools Community in Malaysia

This paper outlines a research towards an initial assessment of the stage of the PLC in secondary schools in Malaysians secondary school with teachers as the main focus. A brief philosophy of the importance of learning organization and its development in various countries was reviewed and incorporated by the current situations, leading to the objectives and methodology for this study. The result showed the teachers can be active in their learning and improving their schools as to enhance the learning performance of the students in the first four characteristic dimensions refer to the practice of shared values, goals, mission and vision among teachers which play an important role in shaping the PLC in secondary school

Multimedia environmental fate and transport model of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT): case study sayong river watershed

This study describes the development of a multimedia environmental fate and transport model of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) at Sayong River Watershed. Based on the latest estimated DDT emission, the DDT concentrations in air, soil, water, and sediment as well as the transfer flux were simulated under the equilibrium and steady-state assumption. Model predictions suggest that soil and sediment was the dominant sink of DDT. The results showed that the model predicted was generally good agreement with field data. Compared with degradation reaction, advection outflow was more important in removal processes of DDT. Sensitivities of the model estimates to input parameters were tested. The result showed that vapour pressure (Ps), chemical solubility (Cs), and absolute temperature (T) of DDT were the most influential parameters for the model output. The model output–concentrations of DDT in multimedia environment is very important as it can be used in future for human exposure and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at Sayong River Basin

Virtual Werribee : a planning support tool

Virtual Werribee is collaborative research in applying 3-D modelling and visualisation as a planning support tool in comparison to 2-D plans and drawings. It was a joint initiative involving Deakin University and the Wyndham City Council to demonstrate the use of 3-D visualisation for planning process in the actual context of a planning authority in Australia. The objective of this project was to assist the council in preparing for the revised Local Structure Plan. By reconstructing the council&rsquo;s data into easily understood information, 3-D model and visualisation served as a verification and discussion tool for decision making. The integration of wider site context also provided a better understanding of the surrounding development areas. This could equip other stakeholders as well as the community to participate in council&rsquo;s planning agenda activities, such as increasing the urban density and building heights limit.Virtual Werribee included the development planning agenda, categorised as new, re-development and hypothetical. The modelling process progressed with sufficient data from the council. Some changes to the initial plan were made, including the use of CAD modelling software instead of GIS software, and production of a block model with selected detail buildings, instead of a full draped 3-D model. The council decided that the block model would be sufficient for their planning purposes. This was determined while taking into consideration the available facilities at the council.The potentials of the model as a planning tool were demonstrated in this paper, and further compared to the council&rsquo;s existing materials prepared by the project developers. The advantages of the 3-D interactive model and visualisation over the conventional materials have provided the council officer with a tool for better empowerment in the planning process. This was also evident in the increasing engagement level between the officer and the model as the process developed. As a result of this, the project scope has also expanded, finally covering the entire city.While Virtual Werribee has the potential to better communicate council&rsquo;s planning agendas to the stakeholders and the community, the key factor, coupled with its visualisation components, was its interactive capability. Property layers with aerial site image that provided a realistic background served as a virtual city platform for different users. Although limited in its analytic capability found in GIS software, this model offered high visualisation content to assist visual impact assessment through its interactive mode along with a series of still images and a simulation movie.<br /

Preliminary Study on Machining Condition Monitoring System Using 3-Channel Force Sensor Analyzed by I-kaz Multilevel Method

Cutting tool wear is one of the major problems affecting the finished product in term of surface finish quality, dimensional precision and the cost of the defect. This paper discusses the preliminary study on machining condition monitoring system using force data captured using 3-channel force sensor. The data were analyzed by I-kaz multilevel method to monitor the flank wear progression during the machining. The flank wear of the cutting insert was measured using Moticom magnifier under two different operational conditions in turning process. A 3-channel Kistler force sensor was assembled to hold the tool holder to measure the force on the cutting tool in the tangential, radial and feed direction during the machining process. The signals were transmitted to the data acquisition equipment, and finally to the computer system. I-kaz multilevel method was used to identify and characterize the changes in the signals from the sensors under two different experimental set up. The values of I-kaz multilevel coefficients for all channels are strongly correlated with the cutting tool wear condition. This preliminary study can be further developed to efficiently monitor and predict flank wear level which can be used in the real machining industry

Surface Roughness of Tooth Coloured Materials after Streptococcus Mutans Culture

Surface texture of a dental material may cause non-aesthetic appearance, secondary caries and periodontal problem. Factors influencing surface roughness include the type of the material, its filler, and exposure to bacterial accumulation. The aim of this study was to investigate surface roughness of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and resin composite (CR). A total of 112 specimens consisting of Fuji II LC (microfilled GIC), Ketac N100 (nanofilled GIC), Z250 (microfilled composite) and Z350 (nanofilled composite) were used. All specimens were packed in acrylic mould, light cured for 40 s and polished with Sof-Lex discs. The samples were divided into two groups of 7 and 24 hrs (n=7). Ra values were assessed at baseline and after bacterial colonization using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM, Ambios, USA). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and the level of significance had been set at p Ketac Nano>Filtek Z250). After 24-hrs culture with Streptococcus Mutans, all materials were significantly different P=0.000 from each other, except between Z350 and Z250. (Fuji II>Ketac Nano>Filtek Z250=Filtek Z350). There was no significant difference between 7 and 24 hrs in all tested materials. In conclusion, in the early stages of bacterial growth; after 7 and 24 hrs culture with Streptococcus Mutans. the microfilled GIC shows the highest surface roughness, followed by nanofilled GIC and the resin composites

On the practical utility of a continuum traffic flow model on curvy highways in adverse weather conditions

The macroscopic continuum traffic flow models are being investigated to predict and ameliorate traffic more efficiently. These models are beneficial implementation tools to comprehend and complement the shortfalls in traffic evolution. Despite the significant enhancements in devising the traffic dynamics, the practical utilization of these macroscopic models is not being fully explored. In this study, the Non-Homogeneous Stimulus-Response Model (NHSRM) (Imran et al., 2023) is investigated for its application in forecasting traffic flow on a curvy highway during various weather conditions. The weather impact, in the specific, dry, light rainfall, moderate rainfall, and heavy rainfall on the travel time, velocity, and density spatiotemporal evolution on a curvy highway is analyzed. The flow during different weather conditions is investigated over two curved roads with 120 m, and 500 m radii. As evident from the results, significant velocity breakdowns during heavy rainfall impact the upstream traffic which contributes to congestion development. The average velocity of traffic depletes significantly, and the congestion formation upstream is significant. While the travel time of particular highway segments elevates sharply during heavy rainfall. A comprehensive understanding of the insights, and the critically associated with the parameters of the model, in particular, on the choice of the maximum velocity of the highway has been presented for NHSRM

An Engineering Ethics Case Study Review: Petrobras P-36 Accident

In 2001, the world largest oil production in the coast of Brazil was sank due to the series of explosions. This accident claimed 11 lives of crew members and 1 of 4 main support columns affected and lame. The purpose of this case study is to learn from previous experience about the engineering failure from engineering ethics viewpoints which cover the responsible of an engineer to keep safety of people around and maintain of environmental care

Peripheral interface controller-based maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic DC to DC boost controller

A method of developing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) utilizing a peripheral interface controller (PIC) is presented in this paper. The efficiency and adequacy of a PV depend on the temperature and the exposed position to the sun. Thus, there is an optimum point at which the operating power is at maximum. The goal is to operate the PV module at this point (MPP). It can be accomplished by using the MPPT algorithm designed with a DC-DC boost converter. The boost converter, MPPT circuit, PIC18F4550 microcontroller and PV panel are the main components used in this design. The current and voltage produced by the solar panel are observed continuously by a closed-loop control system. The microcontroller-based control system adjusts the duty cycle of the converter to extract the maximum power. With a DC input voltage of 15 V, the boost converter is capable of generating an output voltage of an approximately 60 Vdc at a maximum power of 213.42 W with minimum voltage ripple as compared to 84 W without the MPPT. It proved the effectiveness of the developed algorithm

Peripheral interface controller-based maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic DC to DC boost controller

A method of developing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) utilizing a peripheral interface controller (PIC) is presented in this paper. The efficiency and adequacy of a PV depend on the temperature and the exposed position to the sun. Thus, there is an optimum point at which the operating power is at maximum. The goal is to operate the PV module at this point (MPP). It can be accomplished by using the MPPT algorithm designed with a DC-DC boost converter. The boost converter, MPPT circuit, PIC18F4550 microcontroller and PV panel are the main components used in this design. The current and voltage produced by the solar panel are observed continuously by a closed-loop control system. The microcontroller-based control system adjusts the duty cycle of the converter to extract the maximum power. With a DC input voltage of 15 V, the boost converter is capable of generating an output voltage of an approximately 60 Vdc at a maximum power of 213.42 W with minimum voltage ripple as compared to 84 W without the MPPT. It proved the effectiveness of the developed algorithm