A numerical simulation of a two-stage reciprocating compressor has replicated the operations of the compressor under various conditions for the development of diagnostic features for predictive condition monitoring. The simulation involves the development of a mathematical model of five different physical processes: speed–torque characteristics of an induction motor, cylinder pressure variation, crankshaft rotational motion, flow characteristics through valves and vibration of the valve plates. Modelling both valve leakage and valve spring deterioration has also been achieved. The simulation was implemented in a MATLAB environment for an efficient numerical solution and ease of result presentation. For normal operating conditions, the simulated results are in good agreement with the test results for cylinder pressure waveforms and crankshaft instantaneous angular speed (IAS). It has been found that both the IAS 

The heterogeneous design of multi-core processors, 

such as the Cell processor, introduced new challenges in porting 

high-level languages. Our project is developing tools that hide the 

underlying details of the Cell processor and eases parallel 

programming. We present a Virtual SIMD machine (VSM) 

paradigm that can be used to parallelize array expression 

automatically. The novelty is the use of a virtual SIMD machine 

model to completely hide the underlying details required for 

programming the Cell processor. The VSM paradigm can also be 

used to develop an automatic parallelizing compiler for the Cell 

Broadband Engine (Cell BE). In this paper we give an overview 

of the VSM interface and present preliminary results that show 

the performance of our VSM and its behavior on multiple 

accelerator cores using basic arrays operations

Historically, applications for traditional phenolic resin/polyurethane materials are limited due to the inherently weak thermal stability of urethane-phenolic linkage and slow reaction rate. A novel concept has been developed to produce phenolic resin/polyurethane copolymers ...

The unique features of polybenzoxazines make them attractive for a wide range of applications. The characteristics of polybenzoxazines such as excellent dimensional stability, lower surface energy, higher Tg, and lower moisture absorption are attributed to the stable intramolecular hydrogen bonding in their network structure. The features make polybenzoxazines excellent candidates for the applications that require near zero shrinkage and high dimensional stability. Polybenzoxazines are formed by the autocatalytic polymerization of benzoxazine monomers. Polybenzoxazines are well known as a new class of thermoset polymers used for high performance applications. They provide the characteristic properties found in phenolic resins, such as high thermal stability, excellent electrical properties, good mechanical properties, and better flame retardancy. Furthermore, they have the advantages …

Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and Hydrodearomatization (HDA) of a real Straight Run Gas Oil (SRGO) were investigated over CoMo–S sulfide catalyst in a high–pressure fixed–bed integral reactor. The effect of the key process parameters on the quality of product was studied by varying the temperature (200–370°C), pressure (20 to 50 bar) and space velocity (1 to 4.7h-1). Experimental results revealed that HDS,% activity improved up to 81% when the temperature was increased up to 370°C but reduced to 60% with increase of space velocity up to 4.7 h-1. It has been also found that the rate of HDA, % activity enhanced up to 40.6% by increasing pressure up to 50 bar. The Cetane index underwent an increase of 1–3 degrees and gravity increased by 1–1.7° API. The implication of these results on refining industry is that mild hydrotreating of diesel fuels using the single–stage technology will not enable local refineries to produce diesel fuel meeting the current specifications (<15 ppmwt) except with severe/deep once–through desulfurization or two–stage once–through desulfurization with or without splitting the first reactor effluent. Key words: Diesel fuel; hydrodesulfurization; hydrodearomatization; CO–MO–S/ Al2O3 catalyst

With the increase inherent technologies and parties involved during the design process of green buildings, Green Design Process (GDP) becomes more complex motion. The selection of a competent Design Team (DT) is essential to overcome the complexity for high performance green design. Certain attributes of the design team are required. The overall objective of this research is to provide the green design team with key attributes that design team should have to be used to improve their design performance of buildings. Furthermore, Internal and external factors influencing these attributes, specifically, Governance system, client quality and Project Nature to be investigated. Design team attributes variables were identified based on literature within the domain of green design team responsibilities. By conducting a questionnaire survey this study identified the common design team attributes and their relative importance to design green buildings. A sample of 277 respondents has been covered under the study, including architects and engineers practicing design and consultancy in Malaysia. Analysis data includes descriptive and quantitative analysis by using SSPS software version 16 was carried out. A correlation and regression models was established to explore the relationship between identified factors. The results showed that the design team needs to comply with certain knowledge and skills that necessary to overcome complexity of the green design process. On the other hand, Clients should consider green design need additional time. Moreover, Governance system and client quality have major influence on design team attributes. An effective approach such as training courses to design team to increase their competency in order to improve green design performance.

This paper describes the design and fabrication of an intelligent Irrigation control system that allows intelligent control of the water applied to the field at right amounts and times. The system should have the capabilities to measure the water content in the soil so water can be applied as needed. The WATERMARK soil moisture sensor based on the measurement of the soil tension will provide the measurement of the water content. The system measures the soil tension, soil temperature and rain status and records the data in a file for future reference. It will apply water to field if a certain level of soil water tension is reached. This intelligent Irrigation control system is suitable for universities, research centers and farms where a control of the soil water content is required. The system can be used to study the water requirements for crops so irrigation can be scheduled efficiently.

An article published in The New York Times on March 20, 2009 gives a very clear message of Libyan citizens: “We don’t need money, we need roads, we need health care, education, and we need an economy”. There are only 13 doctors, 48 nurses, 34 hospital beds per 10,000 people in Libya. Similar to this, ample evidences are available to prove that Libya has a poor healthcare system

 Buildings contribute significantly global environmental problems. Better design can minimize these impacts. Design Green Building (DGB) aims to reduce buildings' impact on the environment. However, the green design performance depends on design team attributes. In addition, the Governance System (GS) and Client Quality (CQ) as external factors have influence on Design Team Attributes (DTA) of green building. Approach: To identify mentioned factors questionnaire survey was conducted to collect dada required. A sample of 277 respondents has been covered under the study, including architects and engineers practicing design and consultancy building sectors. Analysis data includes descriptive and quantitative analysis by using SSPS software version 16 was carried out. A correlation and regression models was established to explore the relationship between identified factors. Results: Architect is most involved one during the design process of green buildings with mean 4.82 followed by mechanical and electrical engineers with mean 4.52 and 4.44 respectively, while structural and civil engineers, interior designers and quantity survivors were 3.71, 3.29 and 2.88 respectively. The most design team attributes were investigated have a significance degree of influence except design team reputation. On the other hand, the other hand, the Governance system and client quality have major influence on these attributes. Conclusion: Involvement and participation of all project stakeholders are required. Design team attributes are the key factors to improve green design performance. Governance system and client quality play major role to enhance design team attributes. Therefore, effective regulations and policies may increase performance of the green Effective design team management device should be applied to implement Design team attributes effectively in order to improve green design team performance. 

Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to presents a methodology to assist in the performance improvement of the process. The purpose is to assist operation processes to control and reduce cost of operations.

Methodology/approach–The paper is based on literature studies, research and experience which can be applied by an organisation in order to identify the potential benefits.

Findings–This paper provides a methodology used in this paper suggested that there will be a significant opportunity to improve the performance of the majority of the existing assets. Through benchmarking, gaps are identified and an outline of a procedure to quantify existing gaps was provided. All the tools provided by the methodology of benchmarking within the process focus on quantifying a financial gap; this sets out the priorities and justifies the case for continuous improvement. The improvement in the time of the process will lead to an increase in the value of the production, thus creating financial savings.

Originality/value–This is the first attempt framework, measures and industry world class targets, to benchmark best manufacturing practices in a company at the oil sector in North Africa. The paper provides some useful insights and can help companies to implement best practices and benchmarking to improve their practices.