An Extendable Multiagent Model for Behavioural Animation

This paper presents a framework for visually simulating the behaviour of actors in virtual environments. In principle, the environmental interaction follows a cyclic processing of perception, decision, and action. As natural life-forms perceive their environment by active sensing, our approach also tends to let the artificial actor actively sense the virtual world. This allows us to place the characters in non-preprocessed virtual dynamic environments, what we call generic environments. A main aspect within our framework is the strict distinction between a behaviour pattern, that we term model, and its instances, named characters, which use the pattern. This allows them sharing one or more behaviour models. Low-level tasks like sensing or acting are took over by so called subagents, which are subordinated modules extendedly plugged in the character. In a demonstration we exemplarily show the application of our framework. We place the same character in different environments and let it climb and descend stairs, ramps and hills autonomously. Additionally the reactiveness for moving objects is tested. In future, this approach shall go into action for a simulation of an urban environment

New supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based fault isolation system for low voltage distribution systems

This paper proposes a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based fault isolation system on the low voltage (415/240 V) distribution system. It presents a customized distribution automation system (DAS) for automatic operation and secure fault isolation tested in the Malaysian utility distribution system; Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) distribution system. It presents the first research work on customer side automation for operating and controlling between the consumer and the substation in an automated manner. The paper focuses on the development of very secure automated fault isolation work tested to TNB distribution operating principles as the fault is detected, identified, isolated and cleared in few seconds by just clicking the mouse of laptop or desktop connected to the system. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technique has been developed and utilized to build Human Machine Interface (HMI) that provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) functions for the engineers and technicians to monitor and control the system. Microprocessor based Remote Monitoring Devices have been used for customized software integrated to the hardware. Power Line Carrier (PLC) has been used as communication media between the consumer and the substation. As a result, complete DAS and fault isolation system has been developed for remote automated operation, cost reduction, maintenance time saving and less human intervention during faults conditions

e-Student Residential Hall Management Model (eSRHMM)

A key factor which makes Web Based Applications (WBA) highly recommended over stand alone system is centralized mechanism used in those applications. Students' Residential Hall managements in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) use variety of systems which are mostly mixture of WBA and some manual procedures. This study would try to enhance the process of the current management procedures by converting it entirely into a WBA which would solve some of the critical issues which are not supported by the current system. The proposed system would adopt Extreme Programming (XP) and Rational Unified Process (RUP) methodology in order to fulfill its objectives

The Disturbutions of Pelagic Fishery Resources in the Straits of Malacca and Their Relations to Changes in Temperature

The pelagic fishery of Malaysia is of major economic importance because of its significant contribution to the country's fish production. This study employed four different sets of data in order to effectively model the impact of spatio-temporal characteristics of oceanographic changes on pelagic fishery in the Straits of Malacca (SOM). The study was divided into three components: (i) investigating the variations of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen; (ii) determining the status of small pelagic fishery resources; and (iii) modeling the impact of oceanographic changes, mainly the impacts of sea surface temperature (SST), on the distribution and abundance of pelagic fishery resources in the SOM. The first component of this study investigated the spatio-temporal variability of physical oceanographic features, mainly sea temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. Data sets fiom five Malacca Straits Research and Development Centre (MASDEC) oceanographic cruise expeditions conducted in the Straits of Malacca fiom 1998 to 2002 were rigorously analyzed. The sea surface temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen in the SOM were found to respectively vary from 27.4 to 30.8 OC with mean (5) of 29.1 OC, 27.6 to 33.5 ppt with mean (Z) of 31.6 ppt and 4.1 to 7.7 mg/L with mean (3 ) of 6.12 mg/L. The second component of this research investigated the status of small pelagic fishery resources in the Straits of Malacca. Fish landing reflect fluctuating patterns in the catch trends. Such patterns can be categorized into: (a) fisheries which have shown increasing trends, including indian and indo-pacific mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.), selar scads (Sehr spp.), Jack-cavalla-travelly (Camngoides spp.), mullets (Mugilidae), longtail tuna and kawakawa (Thunnus tong01 and Euthynnus aflnis), pomfrets (Formio niger, Pampus spp), and hairtails (Trichiuridae) (b) fisheries which have shown decreasing trends, including round scads (Decaptenrs spp.), anchovies (Stolephorus spp.), sardine (Surdinella spp.), hardtail scads (Megalaspis cordya), spanish mackerel (Scombemmom spp.), barracuda (Sphymena spp.) and, wolf herring (Chirocennus dorab). Moreover, despite some fluctuating trends, species like hardtail scads (Megalaspis codyla), anchovies (Stolephoms spp.), spanish mackerel (Scomberomoms spp.), mullets (Mugilidae) and wolf herring (Chimcentnrs dorab) have been decreasing right fiom the determined period whereas, species like Jackcavalla- travelly (Carangoides spp.) showed declining trends only in the late 1990s.The third component of the study determined the impacts of oceanographic changes, mainly the SST, on the distributions and abundance of pelagic fishery resource in the SOM. The annual fluctuations of the availability of pelagic fishery resources in relation to SST and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) variations have been established. The natural environmental variations, known as El Niiio Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events were identified as warmer than normal temperatures and with low negative values of the SOI. The periods 1979180, 1982183, 1987188, 1991192, 1993 and 1997198 were identified as El Niiio years whereas 1978, 1984185, 1986, 1988189, 1995196 and l999I2OOl were identified as La Niiia years. Barracudas, round scads, Jack-cavalla-trevally, anchovies, hardtail scads and indian mackerel showed relatively low catch values during El Niiio episodes. However, the catch of wolf herring and spanish mackerel were found to be comparatively high during El Niiio episodes whereas mullets, selar scads, pomfrets, sardine, longtail tuna and hairtails did not show any signrficant difference during the El NiiiolLa Niiia episodes. Annual landing of purse seine net operated in the SOM from 1980-2001 showed a significant (p<0.05) correlation with SO1 whereas the catch from trawl net did not show any apparent relationship. Annual variability patterns between SST and Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) over the years showed a significant correlation indicating the CPUE to be high when the SST is high and vice versa. The results from the general linear modeling of the impacts of different SST levels and rainfall distribution on CPUE indicated that the SST was found to be significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the CPUE for both purse seine and trawl nets. The physical oceanographic phenomenon has a significant impact on the variations of fish catches, CPUE and fish density. The concept and implications of SST variability and ENS0 on distributions and abundance of pelagic fishery resources in the SOM were identified and critically discussed. Based on statistical analysis, the null hypothesis that oceanographic factors have no effect on pelagic fishery resources was subsequently rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The findings obtained from this research could be very useful for not only further development and management of pelagic fishery resources in the SOM but also all in tropical waters

IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DE ESCRITÓRIO DE PROCESSOS EM INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR

A importância dada à eficiência administrativa tem sido estimulada por órgãos federais direcionadores e auditores no âmbito do Governo Federal. Dentre os métodos e soluções ofertados por um dos programas de governo – o GesPública, encontra-se a Gestão de Processos. Metodologias específicas de gestão de processos buscam trazer a visão do alinhamento dos processos de negócios com a estratégia e os objetivos, com base na visão de que os processos executam a estratégia e promovem a integração total da cadeia de valor do negócio. Por isso, este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever a metodologia de implementação de um Escritório de Processos (EP) em uma das maiores instituições federal de ensino superior do Brasil. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso, exploratório, utilizando técnicas de coleta de dados do tipo entrevistas e observação participante e técnicas de análise de dados de conteúdo. Os principais resultados mostram a criação do EP e sua inserção na estrutura organizacional, os aspectos de atuação, a metodologia própria para orientação do mapeamento dos processos críticos da organização, criada para auxiliar a disseminação da cultura de processos em uma organização tradicional verticalizada

The Effects of Application of Erythrina bruci Biomass and Inorganic Fertilizers On Wheat Productivity in Southwestern Ethiopia.

Soil fertility depletion is emerging as a serious challenge causing low crop yields and food insecurity in Ethiopia. An experiment was conducted in two cropping seasons 2016 to 2018 to investigate the effects of the application of Erythrina biomass and nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and wheat yields in southwestern Ethiopia. Treatments were the recommended N and P fertilizers, 50% of the standard rate of Erythrina + 50% of the recommended N, 25% Erythrina + 75% N, 75% of the standard rate of Erythrina + 25% of the standard rate of N, 100% of the standard rate of Erythrina, and 50% of the standard rate of Erythrina, and without fertilizer as the control. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of Erythrina and nitrogen fertilizer increased soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to before fertilizer application or the control. Plots amended with 25% Erythrina + 75% of the recommended N provided the highest above ground biomass (8.98 t.ha-1) and grain yield (3.453 t.ha-1) and it was higher than the 100% chemical fertilizer treatment. Conversely, the lowest above ground biomass (5.44 t.ha-1) and grain yields (1.958 t.ha-1) were obtained from the control. Our study demonstrated that an integrated nutrient management which combines organic and chemical fertilizer can improve soil properties and increase wheat yield in the highlands of southwestern Ethiopia

Awareness of Islamic banking products and services among non-muslim students in selected Northern Universities of Malaysia

Islamic financial industry has shown a positive growth that attracts many investors and clients worldwide. Malaysia, one of the pioneer members of this emerging industry is also experiencing notable development in operating more than seventeen Islamic banking institutions. However, non-Muslim clients experienced difficulties when it comes to understanding of overall system, principles, features and sophisticated Arabic terms that Islamic banks use. The purpose of this research is to examine the level of awareness, understanding and perceptions of non-Muslims in selected northern universities of Malaysia towards Islamic banking products and services. In addition, this study also aims to investigate if there are any demographic factors influence the awareness, understanding and perceptions of Islamic Banking products and services among non- Muslim students in selected universities. The result showed that the vast majority of respondents generally aware of Islamic banking products and services. Nevertheless, the result also indicated that non-Muslim students do not have enough knowledge and understanding towards Arabic terms that Islamic Banks use in their products and services. The study found that there is significant relationship between understanding and awareness. Furthermore, the result showed that there is no significant relationship between perception and awareness. Moreover, the study found that demographic factors such as age, religion, and level of education show significant differences among respondents, while gender show no significant difference among the respondents. This study contributes to the available literature in Islamic banking Industry in general while imparts in managerial aspects through its recommendations. It suggests that Islamic banking managers should take all necessary steps to adopt marketing policies and other endeavours in order to make sure that all clients of Islamic banks should have a maximum awareness, understanding and positive perception towards the products and services of Islamic bankin

A new automated compact substation for distribution system in Malaysia

This project has developed a new distribution automation system and remote metering system. It is a customized distribution automation system (DAS) for secure fault isolation at the low voltage (LV) downstream, 415/240V by using the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) distribution system. It is the first DAS research work done on customer side substation for operating and controlling between the consumer side system and the substation in an automated manner. Most of the work is focused on developing very secure fault isolation whereby the fault is detected, identified, isolated and cleared in few seconds. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) techniques has been utilized to build Human Machine Interface (HMI) that provides a graphical operator interface functions to monitor and control the system. Microprocessor based Remote Monitoring Devices have been used for customized software to be downloaded to the hardware. Power Line Carrier (PLC) has been used as communication media between the consumer and the substation. As result, complete DAS fault isolation system has been developed for cost reduction, maintenance time saving and less human intervention during faults. This research has developed Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system in addition to DAS

Sports in the State of Puntland-Somalia: Not Just Beyond a Physical Exercise

Revealing the status of sports in State of Puntland-Somalia, this article presents a new information and insights, in which of its kind has not presented before that reflects the reality and can be generalized to rest of Somalia at all. The study employed qualitative analysis of the FGDs and a semi-structured KII, collection of documented materials and observations that were participated in 39 (30 by FGDs, 9 by interview) sports community aged 25-65 years. Generally, the respondents validated the hypothesis of the study: Sports in Puntland is no just beyond a physical exercise by providing more information about the kinds of sports, sports clubs, their management, capacities; professionalism; governance; financial situation and source of revenue, sports facilities and the legal frameworks that shape their functionalities administratively and politically and other key challenges sports club encounter. The study found that sports in Puntland is administratively and politically failure because sport activities are outright amateurism-oriented rather than professionalism. Moreover, sports science as a disciple is not taught as academic programmes nor as a physical education in schools or as subject mainstreamed in the school curriculum. The study also uncovered that sport in Puntland is suffering for lacking technical capacity in sports management and inadequate and insufficient financial support. It seems that the government has no interest in sports in general because there are no governing documents in place, for example, sports policy, sports act, strategic plan and fundraising strategy. The only sport facility available in Puntland is soccer field owned and administered by the state government ministry in charge of sports. The study also revealed the sports in Puntland is just for physical exercise, and the only game performed in tournament format is a football and it is played by male, and held once in a blue moon