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Colloidal carbon interference in the treatability of pulp and paper wastewater by MBR

- Scholes, Emily, Brook-Carter, Phillip, Verheyen, Vincent

Authors: Scholes, Emily , Brook-Carter, Phillip , Verheyen, Vincent
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering Vol. 7, no. 5 (2019), p. 1-9
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Description: Pulp and paper wastewaters are challenging to treat due to their variability, complexity and toxicity. Membrane Bioreactor’s (MBR’s) provide high-quality filtrates but are subject to periods of low filterability / high capillary suction time (CST) which potentially limit their use in this application. There is a paucity of published literature concerning long-term operational issues in full-scale, industrial MBR’s. We hypothesised that either changes of bacterial population, alteration/reduction of bacterial metabolism or bacterial production of extra-cellular polymers (ESPs) increased CST and reduced filterability. This study, conducted over two years at the 16.4MLD Gippsland Water Factory, was structured to inform this bacterial centric hypothesis. However, no shifts in bacterial population were seen as causative of high CST and microbial stress levels and biological activity were observed to be low during high CST and no sign of toxicity was found. The strongest correlator with CST was the concentration of colloidal Total Organic Carbon of the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) supernatant (following centrifugation). The carbonaceous colloids accumulated in the supernatant were named ‘Non-Centrifugable Total Organic Carbon’ (NCTOC). Their accumulation in the MLSS was found be due to their biologically refractory nature and their retention by the MBR membrane. The accumulation of NCTOC typically followed a period where the influent had a high colour and a high sodium to calcium ratio, which is consistent with a pulping by-product called ‘Black Liquor’. Additional experiments with Black Liquor allowed us to conclude that high CST can be produced by addition of Black Liquor.

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Robust malware defense in industrial IoT applications using machine learning with selective adversarial samples

- Khoda, Mahbub, Imam, Tasadduq, Kamruzzaman, Joarder, Gondal, Iqbal, Rahman, Ashfaqur

Authors: Khoda, Mahbub , Imam, Tasadduq , Kamruzzaman, Joarder , Gondal, Iqbal , Rahman, Ashfaqur
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications Vol.56, no 4. (2020), p. 4415-4424
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Description: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deploys edge devices to act as intermediaries between sensors and actuators and application servers or cloud services. Machine learning models have been widely used to thwart malware attacks in such edge devices. However, these models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks where attackers craft adversarial samples by introducing small perturbations to malware samples to fool a classifier to misclassify them as benign applications. Literature on deep learning networks proposes adversarial retraining as a defense mechanism where adversarial samples are combined with legitimate samples to retrain the classifier. However, existing works select such adversarial samples in a random fashion which degrades the classifier's performance. This work proposes two novel approaches for selecting adversarial samples to retrain a classifier. One, based on the distance from malware cluster center, and the other, based on a probability measure derived from a kernel based learning (KBL). Our experiments show that both of our sample selection methods outperform the random selection method and the KBL selection method improves detection accuracy by 6%. Also, while existing works focus on deep neural networks with respect to adversarial retraining, we additionally assess the impact of such adversarial samples on other classifiers and our proposed selective adversarial retraining approaches show similar performance improvement for these classifiers as well. The outcomes from the study can assist in designing robust security systems for IIoT applications.

Improving engineering properties of soft clayey soils using electrokinetics : A laboratory based investigation

- Jayasekera, Samudra, Hall, Stephen

Authors: Jayasekera, Samudra , Hall, Stephen
Date: 2007
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Soft Soil Engineering - Soft Soil Engineering, Vancouver, BC p. 643-648
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Description: In this project, an in-situ soil treatment technique using electrokinetics was tested using laboratory experimental models in order to identify the potential of this approach to modify and improve the engineering properties of soft, low permeable clayey soils, with and without the introduction of a stabilising agent. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using soils collected from soft alluvial soil deposit and basaltic soil deposit in central Victoria, Australia. A layer of soil was placed in glass tanks (900 mm x 350 mm plan area) and compacted to a known density and water content typical of field conditions. Using electrodes inserted into the soil, a direct current was passed across the soil under a voltage gradient of 0.5 V/cm for period of 14 days. In separate experiments, distilled water and a saturated lime solution were introduced to the soil via the anode electrode throughout the experimental duration with the aim of identifying the effectiveness of introduction of stabilising agents to soil using electrokinetics. After electrokinetic processing, soil specimens across the soil were tested for various engineering properties such as compressive strength, consistency limits, linear shrinkage, free swell index and compression index. From the results it was observed that the plasticity index of the soil decreased appreciably indicating increases in soil compressive strength and workability. Both the linear shrinkage and free swell index decreased by 70% without stabilising agents and by 90% with lime introduction, indicating the reduction in the potential for volumetric changes in the soils. With electrokinetic treatment alone, the unconfined compressive strength of the soils increased at least by 30% while in some locations the strength increase was in excess of 100% while the lime-enhanced electrokinetic treatment led to an almost 200% strength increase. The decrease in the compression index was between 10% and 15%. These results suggest the potential of developing this technique to improve the engineering properties of soft clayey soils more effectively and efficiently with or without the introduction of a stabilising agent. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group.

Transforming the teaching of report writing in science and engineering through an integrated online learning environment, WRiSE (Write Reports in Science and Engineering)

- Drury, Helen, Jones, Janet

Authors: Drury, Helen , Jones, Janet
Date: 2010
Type: Text , Conference proceedings
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Description: This paper describes an ALTC (Australian Learning and Teaching Council) funded project, which addresses the development of students‟ report writing skills in science and engineering across the undergraduate years. The WRiSE project grew out of concerns about student performance in written assessments, as well as the need to improve graduate writing emphasised by employers and government. The project approach involved a collaborative team across two institutions. The team comprised language and learning specialists and discipline staff who developed learning materials and technical and eLearning specialists who converted these into online materials. Development followed a feedback spiral, which also involved student users. WRiSE is an integrated, freely available, student centred, online learning environment for report writing in nine discipline areas within science and engineering. In each discipline area, interactive learning materials have been developed to address both the product and process of report writing, as well as the concepts and content behind the reports students have to write. WRiSE is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds who have had varying writing experiences as it can be accessed according to student needs. Evaluation of WRiSE has been positive in the areas of user friendliness and improved understanding and confidence in report writing. Those students who used WRiSE have attained significantly higher grades in their reports than students who did not use WRiSE.

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Differential evolution algorithm for predicting blast induced ground vibrations

- Saadat, Mahdi, Hasanzade, Ali, Khandelwal, Manoj

Authors: Saadat, Mahdi , Hasanzade, Ali , Khandelwal, Manoj
Date: 2015
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences Vol. 77, no. (2015), p. 97-104
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Description: 1. Introduction One of the most crucial problems in construction blasting is to predict and then mitigate the ground vibration [1]. Blast-induced ground vibration is considered as one of the most important environmental hazards of mining operations and civil engineering projects. Intense vibration can cause critical damage to structures and plants nearby the open-pit mines, dams, and mine slopes, etc [2] and [3]. Researchers who deals with this undesirable phenomenon take into account various range of parameters in order to mitigate the detrimental effects of blasting. Blast influencing parameters can be divided into two categories [2]: (a) Uncontrollable parameters, such as geological and geotechnical characteristics of the rockmass. (b) Controllable parameters, such as burden, spacing, stemming, sub-drilling, delay time, etc.

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Efficient HEVC scheme using motion type categorization

- Podder, Pallab, Paul, Manoranjan, Murshed, Manzur

Authors: Podder, Pallab , Paul, Manoranjan , Murshed, Manzur
Date: 2014
Type: Text , Conference proceedings
Relation: 10th International Conference on emerging Networking EXperiments and Technologies (CoNEXT); Sydney, Australia; 2nd-5th December 2014; published in Proceedings of the 2014 Workshop on Design, Quality and Deployment of Adaptive Video Streaming p. 41-42
Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP130103670
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Description: High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard introduces a number of innovative tools which can reduce approximately 50% bit-rate compared to its predecessor H.264/AVC at the same perceptual video quality whereas the computational time has increased multiple times. To reduce the encoding time while preserving the expected video quality has become a real challenge today for video transmission and streaming especially using low-powered devices. Motion estimation (ME) and motion compensation (MC) using variable-size blocks (i.e., intermodes) require 60-80% of total computational time. In this paper we propose a new efficient intermode selection technique based on phase correlation and incorporate into HEVC framework to predict ME and MC modes and perform faster intermode selection based on three dissimilar motion types in different videos. Instead of exploring all the modes exhaustively we select a subset of modes using motion type and the final mode is selected based on the Lagrangian cost function. The experimental results show that compared to HEVC the average computational time can be downscaled by 34% while providing the similar rate-distortion (RD) performance.

Flexibility and community engagement in the delivery of engineering education for regional Australia

- Hall, Stephen

Authors: Hall, Stephen
Date: 2006
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: Paper presented at 4th International Forum on Engineering Education: Integration of Teaching & Research with Community Service, Sharajah, United Arab Emirates : 25th-27th April 2006
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Description: Skill shortage in many areas has been identified as a significant factor limiting sustainable development in regional Australia. In engineering, this is impacting mining projects, transport and water infrastructure, and even manufacturing in regional centers. It is proving increasingly difficult to attract urban-bred and educated graduates into regional engineering careers. Many students entering University from regional Australia are from lower socio-economic groupings; meaning that the normal four-year Bachelor of Engineering program is a durational and financial barrier that many fail. The University of Ballarat has over the past five years moved in consultation with industry and the professional body (Engineers Australia) to a linked three-year Bachelor of Engineering Science and follow-on coursework Masters of Engineering Technology (similar to the European Bologna process). These programs are accredited at Engineering Technologist and Professional Engineer levels respectively. This structure allows the three-year graduates to enter the work place with a recognized award if they wish, and/or to continue their engineering education. Community engagement is an increasingly important element of the curriculum process, both in training the engineers of the future in this area together with leadership skills. Collaborative agreements with industry are also being entered into to formalize staff development through higher education programs on-site, on-campus and via distance delivery. This paper will discuss the structures of the academic programs, the modes of delivery, industry uptake of graduates, the use of single units for continuing education purposes and the potential for student exchange.
Description: 2003001623

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On reliability evaluation of multistate weighted k -out-of- n system using present value

- Khorshidi, Hadi, Gunawan, Indra, Ibrahim, Yousef

Authors: Khorshidi, Hadi , Gunawan, Indra , Ibrahim, Yousef
Date: 2015
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Engineering Economist Vol. 60, no. 1 (2015), p. 22-39
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Description: A new reliability evaluation methodology for multistate weighted k-out-of-n systems is presented in this article. The present value of the cash flow generated by the system components is used as a reliability value. We take a financial view of reliability and consider functioning periods and the time value of money in system reliability analysis. Two approaches, the universal generating function (UGF) and recursive algorithm, are applied to evaluate the reliability of the multistate weighted k-out-of-n system. An illustrative example is calculated based on the proposed system reliability evaluation methodology. It is shown that this evaluation method can also be used to find the value of the maintenance policy. Finally, the UGF and recursive algorithm approaches are compared with each other for large system reliability assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Engineering Economist is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

E-Learning challenges for electronics and mechatronics education during lockdowns

- Jayawardena, Amal, Kahandawa, Gayan, Petty, Mark

Authors: Jayawardena, Amal , Kahandawa, Gayan , Petty, Mark
Date: 2021
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: 8th IEEE International Conference on e-Learning in Industrial Electronics, ICELIE 2021, Virtual, Toronto, 13-16 October 2021, Proceedings - 2021 8th IEEE International Conference on e-Learning in Industrial Electronics, ICELIE 2021
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Description: This paper explains methods used to deliver online electronics and mechatronics courses and clarifies the results obtained by an online survey to understand students' e-learning experience. The purpose of this paper is to outline the challenges of online learning and to explain effective content delivery methods used to overcome those challenges. This study gives detailed descriptions for each content delivery technique, for each online lab delivery method, and for all the online assessment types used while analyzing the effectiveness of those procedures. A case study on the delivery of an online mechatronics project has also been presented. In addition, the paper presents the analyzed results obtained from the survey to improve the future delivery of online electronics and mechatronics courses in a pandemic. © 2021 IEEE.

Long term warranty and after sales service concept, policies and cost models

- Rahman, Anisur, Chattopadhyay, Gopinath

Authors: Rahman, Anisur , Chattopadhyay, Gopinath
Date: 2015
Type: Text , Book
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Description: Introduction to Long-Term Warranty and After-Sales Service -- Lifetime Warranties : Policies and Cost Models -- Used Second-hand Product Warranty -- Extended Warranty -- Maintenance Contract -- Outsourcing Rail Maintenance through Maintenance Contracts - A Case Study. This volume presents concepts, policies and cost models for various long-term warranty and maintenance contracts. It offers several numerical examples for estimating costs to both the manufacturer and consumer. Long-term warranties and maintenance contracts are becoming increasingly popular, as these types of aftersales services provide assurance to consumers that they can enjoy long, reliable service, and protect them from defects and the potentially high costs of repairs. Studying long-term warranty and service contracts is important to manufacturers and consumers alike, as offering long-term warranty and maintenance contracts produce additional costs for manufacturers / service providers over the product{u2019}s service life. These costs must be factored into the price, or the manufacturer / dealer will incur losses instead of making a profit. On the other hand, the buyer / consumer needs to weigh the cost of maintaining it over its service life and to decide whether or not these policies are worth purchasing. There are a number of complexities involved in developing failure and cost models for these policies due to uncertainties concerning the service life, usage pattern, maintenance work and long-term costs of rectifications. Mathematical models for predicting failures and expected costs for various one-dimensional long-term warranty policies are developed at the system level and analyzed by taking into account the uncertainties in connection with longer coverage periods and the rectification costs over the warranty period. Failures and costs are modeled using stochastic techniques and illustrated by means of numerical examples for estimating costs to the manufacturer and consumer. Various rectification policies are proposed and analyzed. The models developed here can be used to aid in managerial decisions on purchasing products with long-term warranty policies and maintenance contracts or outsourcing maintenance.

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On robustness analysis of linear vibrational control systems

- Cheng, Xiaoxiao, Tan, Ying, Mareels, Iven

Authors: Cheng, Xiaoxiao , Tan, Ying , Mareels, Iven
Date: 2018
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Automatica Vol. 87, no. (2018), p. 202-209
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Description: By injecting high frequency dither signals, it is possible to stabilize an inverted pendulum without any feedback. The concept of the vibrational control system is thus proposed to provide extra design freedom in stabilization or other performance indexes. Although various vibrational control algorithms have been proposed and implemented in literature, little work has been done to show their robustness with respect to disturbances and uncertainties. This paper focuses on the robustness analysis of linear vibrational control systems with additive disturbances. By applying perturbation techniques, the linear vibrational control system is shown to be input-to-state stable with respect to disturbances. When disturbances are periodic, frequency analysis technique obtains a less conservative estimate of the ultimate bound of the system, indicating that disturbances with high frequencies lead to relatively small ultimate bounds. When additive state-dependent disturbances are considered, weak averaging techniques can be used to show the robustness of the system when bounded disturbances are slow time-varying. Numerical results support the theoretic analysis.

Influence of slope height and inclination on the distribution of reinforcement loads within reinforced soil slopes

- Zhang, Wan, Chen, Jianfeng, Xue, Jianfeng

Authors: Zhang, Wan , Chen, Jianfeng , Xue, Jianfeng
Date: 2016
Type: Text , Conference proceedings
Relation: First International Conference on Transportation Infrastructure and Materials (ICTIM 2016); Xi'An, China; 16th-18th July 2016; published in Advances of Transportation: Infrastructure and Materials Vol. 2, p. 774-781
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Description: Current design methods propose that reinforcement loads distribution within reinforced soil slope is affected by slope height instead of slope inclination, which is not supported by the results of field and laboratorial tests. This paper addresses the influence of slope height and inclination on the distribution of reinforcement loads within reinforced soil slopes. Based on centrifuge model test results, finite element numerical models of reinforced soil slopes with different slope heights and inclinations were established. Maximum reinforcement load in each layer was calculated when the factor of safety of each model was 1.3. The influence of slope height and inclination on the distribution of reinforcement loads was analyzed by normalizing reinforcement loads and slope heights. The results show that the computed location and shape of failure surface and factor of safety at slope failure are in agreement with the experimental results. The distribution of reinforcement loads is little influenced by slope height, whereas greatly influenced by slope inclination. With the increase of slope inclination, the location of maximum reinforcement load transfers from the mid height to the bottom of slopes.

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Perceptions of engineering from female, secondary college students in regional Victoria

- Darby, Linda, Hall, Stephen, Dowling, Kim, Kentish, Barry

Authors: Darby, Linda , Hall, Stephen , Dowling, Kim , Kentish, Barry
Date: 2003
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: Paper presented at Engineering Education for a Sustainable Future 2003, Melbourne : 29th September - 1st October, 2003
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Description: Survey and focus group interviews with female students in regional Victoria resulted in identification of four perceived barriers that influence them to exclude engineering as a career choice. These barriers were identified as a lack of interest in the perceived image, a lack of knowledge, a traditionally male-dominated industry, and limited recognisable role models. This paper reports on what Year 10 females are saying about the barriers and, consequently, how engineering can be promoted to overcome these barriers.
Description: E1
Description: 2003000550

It's a man's world : The academic staff gender disparity in engineering in 21st Century Australia

- Dobson, Ian

Authors: Dobson, Ian
Date: 2012
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Global Journal of Engineering Education Vol. 14, no. 3 (2012), p. 213-218
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Description: This article examines the academic staff gender disparity in engineering in the 21st Century through an analysis of Australian university staff statistics. The proportion of female academics in engineering is rising, but at a slow rate. In addition, women are more likely to be in junior classifications and less likely to be tenured than their male colleagues. Female engineering academics also tend to be younger than their male counterparts. Although the proportion of the engineering academic workforce made up by women is likely to increase beyond the current rate of about 16%, it will be a long time before engineering ceases to be a male-dominated discipline. © WIETE 2012.

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