Path Optimization and Object Localization Using Hybrid Particle Swarm and Ant Colony Optimization for Mobile RFID Reader

This paper proposes a hybrid approach of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for the mobile Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) reader to get the shortest path for object localization. In this approach, we have adopted the ACO global pheromone updating information of ants to guide the update velocities and position for PSO based on nearest neighbor constraints. The pheromone information is used efficiently to guide the selection of each particle in a search space of its visits. The best path will be used for mobile RFID reader for objects localization in search space. Simulation results show that the method is effective, minimizing the number of visited nodes for a mobile RFID reader

Key Success Factors affecting Knowledge Management Implementation in Construction Industry in Libya

Abstract: Knowledge Management (KM) has recently played a significant role in many organizations, particularly construction industry. There are many challenges influencing knowledge sharing and implementation due to the steadily increasing speed with which new technologies are evolving. These always require new or updated knowledge and allow new working practices. The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant key success factors that affecting KM implementation in the construction industry in Libya. Based on the finding of the literature, a model of a key success factors is proposed and validated. Top management support, knowledge sharing were found significant predictors of knowledge management implementation. These findings could provide some implications for the practitioners and researchers that are interesting in the KM implementation and for KM system design

Technology Transfer Model for The Libyan Information and Communication Industry

This paper surveys the existing Technology transfer (TT) models developed across different industries. The aim is to develop and empirically test a model that describes the TT process of embracing foreign advanced technology by ICT and ICT-based SME projects in Libya. The developed model defines the following factors (enablers) that influence the ITT process, which is TT government support initiatives, transferor characteristics, transferee characteristics, TT environment, learning centers, and their respective sub-factors (variables). The outcome (achievements) factors are identified and explained through their relevant sub-factors. To verify the model and investigate the interrelations between the model’s factors a questionnaire survey was conducted in Libyan ICT projects where the TT process was involved. Statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the data collected. The respondents indicated that transferee’s characteristics were the most important factor with the highest impact that will result in an effective TT process. Moreover, the results showed that most factors chosen for this study are relevant towards an effective TT process. Economic development was perceived to be the most meaningful outcome of a successful TT process, followed by knowledge improvement, the firm’s performance, and development as well as the survival of ICT-based SMEs. This paper is a part of an ongoing study to develop ITT model for the Libyan ICT industry

KPIs Target Adjustment Based on Trade-off Evaluation Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Abstract: Continued improvement of performance has become a real challenge for most companies and organization. This paper presents a framework usin

Studies on Hydrogenation of Liquid Natural Rubber Using Diimide

Liquid natural rubber (LNR) is a depolymerized natural rubber (NR) which consists of shorter polymeric chains and lower molecular weight (Mw<105). Hydrogenated LNR (HLNR) was synthesized via the thermal decomposition of p-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide (TSH) or 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl hydrazide (MSH). The LNR and HLNR structures were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The percentage of hydrogenation was calculated from NMR spectrum. The optimum percentage of hydrogenation (>90%) was achieved by manipulating the reaction parameters such as sources of diimide, TSH concentration, solvent, and reaction time. The optimum condition was 3 : 1 weight ratio of TSH/LNR in o-xylene at 130°C in 4-hour reaction period

Failure analysis of woven Kevlar/Epoxy under uniaxial tension

The increasing demand for newer materials with versatile properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio; has made fiber reinforced composite materials a favourable choice in various applications, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, marine, sports and defense industries. Moreover, the properties of a composite material could be tailored for specific functions or applications. Despite its many attractive features, composite material fails in a complex manner involving matrix failure, fiber failure and delamination. This failure behaviour needs to be well established. The objective of this study is to perform failure analysis on a woven Kevlar/Epoxy composite laminate subjected to uniaxial tension and establish its failure trend. The lamination sequence is (θ4/θ4/-θ4)S where the angle, θ, ranges from 0° to 90°. The failure analysis was carried out using a commercial finite element software, Ansys and comparisons were made using analytical methods (Matlab). The values of stresses were computed and Maximum Stress Theory was employed to check for failure. The trend of failure, in terms of the failure curves (normalized first ply failure and last ply failure loads), for woven Kevlar/Epoxy was established. This study had produced new failure datas for woven Kevlar/Epoxy and thus, contributes significant knowledge about the failure behaviour of composite materials