Multi-Gated Perimeter Flow Control of Transport Networks

This paper develops a control scheme for the multi-gated perimeter traffic flow control problem of urban road networks. The proposed scheme determines optimally distributed input flows (or feasible entrance link green times) for a number of gates located at the periphery of a protected network area. A macroscopic model is employed to describe the traffic dynamics of the protected network. To describe traffic dynamics outside of the protected area, we augment the basic state-space model with additional state variables to account for the queues at store-and-forward origin links at the periphery. We aim to equalise the relative queues at origin links and maintain the vehicle accumulation in the protected network around a desired point, while the system's throughput is maximised. The perimeter traffic flow control problem is formulated as a convex optimal control problem with constrained control and state variables. For real-time control, the optimal control problem is embedded in a rolling-horizon scheme using the current state of the whole system as the initial state as well as predicted demand flows at entrance links. A meticulous simulation study is carried out for a 2.5 square mile protected network area of San Francisco, CA, including fifteen gates of different geometric characteristics. Results demonstrate the efficiency and equity properties of the proposed approach to better manage excessive queues outside of the protected network area and optimally distribute the input flows

Context for goal-level product line derivation

Product line engineering aims at developing a family of products and facilitating the derivation of product variants from it. Context can be a main factor in determining what products to derive. Yet, there is gap in incorporating context with variability models. We advocate that, in the first place, variability originates from human intentions and choices even before software systems are constructed, and context influences variability at this intentional level before the functional one. Thus, we propose to analyze variability at an early phase of analysis adopting the intentional ontology of goal models, and studying how context can influence such variability. Below we present a classification of variation points on goal models, analyze their relation with context, and show the process of constructing and maintaining the models. Our approach is illustrated with an example of a smarthome for people with dementia problems. 1

Computer Aided Design of Semi-submersible for Deepwater Operations

In PETRONAS, there is no known design library of offshore floaters thus extensive iterative process is typically being engaged for concept design and selection work. Determination of specific parameters with respect to scaled model testing and calibration is not always straightforward, and involves cross referencing between numerical analysis and experimental testing. Hence, the objectives of the project are to develop semisubmersible’s hull section to eliminate some of the iteration in concept design and selection work by initiating a semi-submersible computer aided design (CAD) model library for future design selection work and to evaluate the stability of three different values of waterplane area of column of a semi-submersible CAD model at operating condition at the same water depth. The scope of the study is to focus on developing the hull section of a four-column ring pontoon semi-submersible production platform model using CATIA V5R12, the chosen parameter that will be varied is the waterplane area of the column under fixed design specifications and the semi-submersible’s stability will be analyze by vertical center of gravity and draft. The design library was achieved through literature review, calculation, part design and assembly design for CAD model development, application of parameters and formula function and analysis and data generation. The expected results would be three sets of semi-submersible’s hull CAD model that differ in waterplane area of column with automated selected parameters computation and an analysis on the relation of the waterplane area of column with draft and vertical center of gravity of each model. As a conclusion, the three CAD models of four-column ring pontoon semi-submersible’s hull and the analysis are the initiator for the offshore floaters design library which eliminates some of the iteration in conceptual design stage for future design selection work and the increment of waterplane area of column increases vertical center of gravity and reduces draft. Both conditions increased the probability of the semi-submersible to be flooded

Removal of water vapour from natural gas by using zeolite 3A and zeolite 13X

This report basically discusses on the research done, work completed and understanding of the chosen topic, which is Removal of Water Vapour from Natural Gas by using Zeolite 3A and Zeolite 13X. In this study, zeolite is identified as the best adsorbent that capable to remove water vapour in natural gas

Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Learning Teams (VLTs) in Distance Education

This study asserts that knowledge sharing (a component of knowledge management) in distance education virtual learning teams (VLTs) is important for successful collaborative learning and that various factors characterizing person and environment can impact VLT members\u27 knowledge sharing behavior. Factors under the category of person are VLT members\u27 competencies for working on VLTs, and their learning goal orientation and performance goal orientation. Factors under VLT environment are social presence in the VLT, the VLT learning community, satisfaction with the VLT, task type, and instructor strategies. Knowledge sharing is defined as a behavior in which VLT members impart their expertise, insight, or understanding to other members in the VLT or to the entire team, intending for the recipients to have that knowledge in common with themselves, the sharers. The study used Bandura\u27s (1986) model of triadic reciprocal causation as a theoretical framework. The model is suitable for this research because it considers relationships between person, environment, and behavior. First, the study identified variables that are directly related to knowledge sharing. Next, the study validated those constructs. After the constructs had been validated, they were entered into a knowledge sharing measurement model. The study empirically tested a measurement model with five latent variables, taking into account the measurement error. Next, the study cross-validated the model with multiple groups drawn from the same sample. The sample consisted of data from 1,374 participants matriculated in graduate and undergraduate programs at an online university. The data were analyzed using split sample methodology, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling techniques (factor analysis and latent variable structural equation modeling- SEM). The study\u27s findings suggest that there is a direct predictive relationship between knowledge sharing and competencies for working on VLTs, learning environment, social presence, task type, and mediating relationships for learning community, social presence, and task type in the knowledge sharing model. This study contributes to research, theory, and practice. It concludes by presenting a knowledge sharing model that can be reevaluated with distance education student populations at various kinds of distance education institutions

Healing Collective Generational Trauma and Building Resilience Through Art Therapy

Current research is limited in the transmission of transgenerational trauma. Most of the research available on the topic was specific to the survivors of the Holocaust. The focus in this thesis is on the Armenian population and how the trauma of the wars and the Genocide has transmitted to future generations and continues to impact the population today. The literature reviewed for this topic explored how trauma transcends these generations but also how the resilience transcends. My goal was to help build resilience through the artmaking process more in the style of Jungian art therapy in a semi-open studio structure. The artmaking and the response art served as a container in expressing the heaviness of the transgenerational trauma and became a catalyst for the reflection on the transmission of resilience. Specific to the Armenian culture, the Armenian population does not tend to seek therapy or talk about their feelings, so in this process the artmaking aided in expressing the trauma with a creative outlet through the exploration of various art materials

Supplier procedure in construction company: Alshem Group (M) Sdn Bhd / Ruzanna Ahmad Fuad

ALSHEM GROUP (M) SDN BHD was incorporated in Malaysia in 1999.The company has since developed into a leading infrastructure and civil construction contractor. The company has undertaken a number of major infrastructure and civil construction works in the building industry throughout Malaysia. The company has also managed to secure and complete major civil engineering and building construction works in various disciplines and capabilities. The aim of this study is to view various criteria used to select the best supplier firm providing the most satisfaction for the criteria determined. This paper looks at various options in selecting the criteria of the supplier chosen. This report explains and reveal that there are various elements contribute to the supplier selection criteria stated by Nydick and Hills (1992) and strategies implemented by the company practices. Further studies and analysis should be undertaken and are recommended for alternative solution for ALSHEM GROUP (M) SDN BHD to select the best supplier for the company. The objective of supplier selection is to identify suppliers with the highest potential for meeting a firm's needs consistently and at an acceptable cost. To select prospective suppliers, the firm judges each supplier's ability to meet consistently and cost effectively its needs using selection criteria and appropriate measures. Even though there are no significant problems occurred, it certainly would help the company to be more secured if the supplier selection decision is made according to approach applied by Nydick and Hills (1992)

Investigation on the effect of Kenaf dust on mechanical properties of automotive brake pad / Ruzanna Inani Zaharim

This study focused on the investigation of the mechanical properties of automotive brake pad composed with Kenaf powder. The usage of Kenaf powder in automotive brake pad has not been developed yet compared to Kenaf powder composite which is now very popular in terms of the mechanical properties. Kenaf powder has lots of advantages in such a way where it is known as low density, high specific strength and modulus and wide availability. Additionally, in this study, specimens are composed with (4% and 20%) wt of Kenaf powder and (96% and 80%) wt of brake pad composition. To obtain the Kenaf powder, it needs to be sieved to have the wanted size. During the specimen's preparation, safety is very important espedally while handling the hot press machine. All the specimens will undergo the hardness and impact test. The average result of hardness and impact will be compared to the commercial brake pad to see which will give higher or lower value. It is recommended to proceed with friction and wear test to investigate the tribologicaf properties

Validation of the International Engineering Motivation Construct with Multigroup Analysis

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study aimed to validate multicultural workforce motivation in engineering. Second, it aimed to perform a subgroup analyses of the identified model to determine if the theoretical model is valid across demographics. Data were collected from a total of 268 employees working in the United States either as a natural citizen or with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The theoretical framework used in the study was Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, which is suggested by many (Ben Slimane, 2017; Shuck and Herd, 2012; Singh & Bhattacharjee, 2019). The instruments used were Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) suggested by Weiss et al. (1967) and the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA) suggested by Ryder et al., (2000). Data were collected using crowdsourcing agency.  Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used in the study. The model was tested with a specific bias test and for model invariance at both the global and local levels. A multi-group difference test was conducted on the participants’ industry, position, birth country, ethnicity, gender, age group, and educational background to confirm or deny configural, metric and scalar invariance. The study validated the results from prior research that reported different number of factors for the motivation construct.  The results of the study suggest that even old theories from a western country, such as Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, still could be valid in multicultural organizations.  Recommendations for future research are provided