Abstract: This paper highlights the importance of integrating social and technical approach (which is so called a “hybrid socio-technical approach") as one innovative and strategic program to support the social development in geodisaster prone area in Indonesia. Such program mainly based on public education and community participation as a partnership program by the University, local government and may also with the private company and/ or local NGO. The indigenous, simple and low cost technology has also been introduced and developed as a part of the hybrid sociotechnical system, in order to ensure the life and environmental protection, with respect to the sustainable human and social development.
Abstract: The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) represents any time series into a finite set of basis functions. The bases are termed as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) which are mutually orthogonal containing minimum amount of cross-information. The EMD successively extracts the IMFs with the highest local frequencies in a recursive way, which yields effectively a set low-pass filters based entirely on the properties exhibited by the data. In this paper, EMD is applied to explore the properties of the multi-year air temperature and to observe its effects on climate change under global warming. This method decomposes the original time-series into intrinsic time scale. It is capable of analyzing nonlinear, non-stationary climatic time series that cause problems to many linear statistical methods and their users. The analysis results show that the mode of EMD presents seasonal variability. The most of the IMFs have normal distribution and the energy density distribution of the IMFs satisfies Chi-square distribution. The IMFs are more effective in isolating physical processes of various time-scales and also statistically significant. The analysis results also show that the EMD method provides a good job to find many characteristics on inter annual climate. The results suggest that climate fluctuations of every single element such as temperature are the results of variations in the global atmospheric circulation.
Abstract: Monitoring lightning electromagnetic pulses (sferics) and other terrestrial as well as extraterrestrial transient radiation signals is of considerable interest for practical and theoretical purposes in astro- and geophysics as well as meteorology. Managing a continuous flow of data, automation of the analysis and classification process is important. Features based on a combination of wavelet and statistical methods proved efficient for this task and serve as input into a radial basis function network that is trained to discriminate transient shapes from pulse like to wave like. We concentrate on signals in the Very Low Frequency (VLF, 3 -30 kHz) range in this paper, but the developed methods are independent of this specific choice.
Abstract: The tray/multi-tray distillation process is a topic that
has been investigated to great detail over the last decade by many
teams such as Jubran et al. [1], Adhikari et al. [2], Mowla et al. [3],
Shatat et al. [4] and Fath [5] to name a few. A significant amount of
work and effort was spent focusing on modeling and/simulation of
specific distillation hardware designs. In this work, we have focused
our efforts on investigating and gathering experimental data on
several engineering and design variables to quantify their influence
on the yield of the multi-tray distillation process. Our goals are to
generate experimental performance data to bridge some existing gaps
in the design, engineering, optimization and theoretical modeling
aspects of the multi-tray distillation process.
Abstract: In contrast to existing methods which do not take into account multiconnectivity in a broad sense of this term, we develop mathematical models and highly effective combination (BIEM and FDM) numerical methods of calculation of stationary and quasi-stationary temperature field of a profile part of a blade with convective cooling (from the point of view of realization on PC). The theoretical substantiation of these methods is proved by appropriate theorems. For it, converging quadrature processes have been developed and the estimations of errors in the terms of A.Ziqmound continuity modules have been received. For visualization of profiles are used: the method of the least squares with automatic conjecture, device spline, smooth replenishment and neural nets. Boundary conditions of heat exchange are determined from the solution of the corresponding integral equations and empirical relationships. The reliability of designed methods is proved by calculation and experimental investigations heat and hydraulic characteristics of the gas turbine first stage nozzle blade.
Abstract: Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) is one of the
best solutions for removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
from industrial processes. In the RTO, VOC in a raw gas are usually
decomposed at 950-1300 K and the combustion heat of VOC is
recovered by regenerative heat exchangers charged with ceramic
honeycombs. The optimization of the treatment of VOC leads to the
reduction of fuel addition to VOC decomposition, the minimization of
CO2 emission and operating cost as well.
In the present work, the thermal efficiency of the RTO was
investigated experimentally in a pilot-scale RTO unit using toluene as
a typical representative of VOC. As a result, it was recognized that the
radiative heat transfer was dominant in the preheating process of a raw
gas when the gas flow rate was relatively low. Further, it was found
that a minimum heat exchanger volume to achieve self combustion of
toluene without additional heating of the RTO by fuel combustion was
dependent on both the flow rate of a raw gas and the concentration of
toluene. The thermal efficiency calculated from fuel consumption and
the decomposed toluene ratio, was found to have a maximum value of
0.95 at a raw gas mass flow rate of 1810 kg·h-1 and honeycombs height
of 1.5m.
Abstract: The link between coordinate transformations in the plane and their effects on the graph of a function can be difficult for students studying college level mathematics to comprehend. To solidify this conceptual link in the mind of a student Microsoft Excel can serve as a convenient graphing tool and pedagogical aid. The authors of this paper describe how various transformations and their related functional symmetry properties can be graphically displayed with an Excel spreadsheet.
Abstract: Intelligent deep-drawing is an instrumental research field in sheet metal forming. A set of 28 different experimental data have been employed in this paper, investigating the roles of die radius, punch radius, friction coefficients and drawing ratios for axisymmetric workpieces deep drawing. This paper focuses an evolutionary neural network, specifically, error back propagation in collaboration with genetic algorithm. The neural network encompasses a number of different functional nodes defined through the established principles. The input parameters, i.e., punch radii, die radii, friction coefficients and drawing ratios are set to the network; thereafter, the material outputs at two critical points are accurately calculated. The output of the network is used to establish the best parameters leading to the most uniform thickness in the product via the genetic algorithm. This research achieved satisfactory results based on demonstration of neural networks.
Abstract: With the exponential growth of networked system and
application such as eCommerce, the demand for effective internet
security is increasing. Cryptology is the science and study of systems
for secret communication. It consists of two complementary fields of
study: cryptography and cryptanalysis. The application of genetic
algorithms in the cryptanalysis of knapsack ciphers is suggested by
Spillman [7]. In order to improve the efficiency of genetic algorithm
attack on knapsack cipher, the previously published attack was
enhanced and re-implemented with variation of initial assumptions
and results are compared with Spillman results. The experimental
result of research indicates that the efficiency of genetic algorithm
attack on knapsack cipher can be improved with variation of initial
assumption.
Abstract: A prototype for audio and video capture and compression in real time on a Linux platform has been developed. It is able to visualize both the captured and the compressed video at the same time, as well as the captured and compressed audio with the goal of comparing their quality. As it is based on free code, the final goal is to run it in an embedded system running Linux. Therefore, we would implement a node to capture and compress such multimedia information. Thus, it would be possible to consider the project within a larger one aimed at live broadcast of audio and video using a streaming server which would communicate with our node. Then, we would have a very powerful and flexible system with several practical applications.
Abstract: The complexity of today-s software systems makes
collaborative development necessary to accomplish tasks.
Frameworks are necessary to allow developers perform their tasks
independently yet collaboratively. Similarity detection is one of the
major issues to consider when developing such frameworks. It allows
developers to mine existing repositories when developing their own
views of a software artifact, and it is necessary for identifying the
correspondences between the views to allow merging them and
checking their consistency. Due to the importance of the
requirements specification stage in software development, this paper
proposes a framework for collaborative development of Object-
Oriented formal specifications along with a similarity detection
approach to support the creation, merging and consistency checking
of specifications. The paper also explores the impact of using
additional concepts on improving the matching results. Finally, the
proposed approach is empirically evaluated.
Abstract: The use of machine vision to inspect the outcome of
surgical tasks is investigated, with the aim of incorporating this
approach in robotic surgery systems. Machine vision is a non-contact
form of inspection i.e. no part of the vision system is in direct contact
with the patient, and is therefore well suited for surgery where
sterility is an important consideration,. As a proof-of-concept, three
primary surgical tasks for a common neurosurgical procedure were
inspected using machine vision. Experiments were performed on
cadaveric pig heads to simulate the two possible outcomes i.e.
satisfactory or unsatisfactory, for tasks involved in making a burr
hole, namely incision, retraction, and drilling. We identify low level
image features to distinguish the two outcomes, as well as report on
results that validate our proposed approach. The potential of using
machine vision in a surgical environment, and the challenges that
must be addressed, are identified and discussed.
Abstract: This work presents the results of a study carried out to
determine the sliding wear behavior and its effect on the process
parameters of components manufactured by direct metal laser
sintering (DMLS). A standard procedure and specimen had been used
in the present study to find the wear behavior. Using Taguchi-s
experimental technique, an orthogonal array of modified L8 had been
developed. Sliding wear testing using pin-on-disk machine was
carried out and analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to
investigate the effect of process parameters and to identify the main
process parameter that influences the properties of wear behavior on
the DMLS components. It has been found that part orientation, one
of the selected process parameter had more influence on wear as
compared to other selected process parameters.
Abstract: In this work the numerical simulation of transient heat
transfer in a cylindrical probe is done. An experiment was conducted
introducing a steel cylinder in a heating chamber and registering its
surface temperature along the time during one hour. In parallel, a
mathematical model was solved for one dimension transient heat
transfer in cylindrical coordinates, considering the boundary
conditions of the test. The model was solved using finite difference
method, because the thermal conductivity in the cylindrical steel bar
and the convection heat transfer coefficient used in the model are
considered temperature dependant functions, and both conditions
prevent the use of the analytical solution. The comparison between
theoretical and experimental results showed the average deviation is
below 2%. It was concluded that numerical methods are useful in
order to solve engineering complex problems. For constant k and h,
the experimental methodology used here can be used as a tool for
teaching heat transfer in mechanical engineering, using mathematical
simplified models with analytical solutions.
Abstract: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common
and disabling condition. Therapist-delivered treatments that use
exposure and response prevention have been found to be very
effective in treating OCD, although they are costly and associated
with high rates of attrition. Effective treatments that can be made
widely available without the need for therapist contact are urgently
needed. This case study represents the first published investigation of
a self-administered cognitive treatment for OCD in a 50-year old
female with a 20 year history of OCD. The treatment evaluation
occurred over 27 weeks, including 12 weeks of self-administration of
the Danger Ideation Reduction Therapy (DIRT) program. Decreases
of between 23% to 33% on measures from pre-treatment to follow-up
were observed. Bearing in mind the methodological limitations
associated with a case study, we conclude that the results reported
here are encouraging and indicate that further research effort
evaluating the effectiveness of self-administered DIRT is warranted.
Abstract: Prickly pear fruit (Opuntia ficus indica L. Miller) belongs to the Cactaceae family. This species is very sensitive to low storage temperatures (< 5°C) which cause damages. The fruits can be peeled, suitably packaged and successfully commercialized as a ready-to-eat product. The main limit to the extension of the shelf life is the production of off-flavors due to different factors, the growth of microorganisms and the action of endogenous enzymes. Lipoxygenase (LOX) and Pectinesterase (PE) are involved in fruit degradation. In particular, LOX pathway is directly responsible for lipid oxidation, and the subsequent production of off-flavours, while PE causes the softening of fruit during maturation. They act on the texture and shelf-life of post-harvest, packaged fruits, as a function of the the grown of microorganisms and packaging technologies used. The aim of this work is to compare the effect of different packaging technologies on the shelf life extension of ready-to-eat prickly pear fruits with regards for the enzymes activities.
Abstract: The scope of this paper is to describe a real electrical
installation of renewable energy using photovoltaic cells. The
displayed power grid connected network was established in 2007 at
area of Northern Greece. The photovoltaic park is composed of 6120
photovoltaic cells able to deliver a total power of 1.101.600 Wp. For
the transformation of DC voltage to AC voltage have been used 25
stand alone three phases inverters and for the connection at the
medium voltage network of Greek Power Authority have been
installed two oil immersed transformer of 630 kVA each one. Due to
the wide space area of installation a specific external lightning
protection system has been designed. Additionally, due to the
sensitive electronics of the control and protection systems of park,
surge protection, equipotent bonding and shielding were also of
major importance.
Abstract: We propose an all optical flip-flop circuit composedof two Silicon-on-insulator microring resonators coupled to straightwaveguides by exploiting the optical bistability behavior due to thenonlinear Kerr effect. We used the transfer matrix analysis toinvestigate continuous wave propagation through microrings, as wellwe considered the nonlinear switching characteristics of an opticaldevice using a double-coupler silicon ring resonator in presence ofthe Kerr nonlinearity, thus obtaining the bistability behavior of theoutput port, the drop port and also inside the silicon microringresonator. It is shown that the bistability behavior depends on thecontrol of the input wavelength.KeywordsAll optical flip-flops, Kerr effect, microringresonator, optical bistability.
Abstract: Many recent electrophysiological studies have
revealed the importance of investigating meditation state in order to
achieve an increased understanding of autonomous control of
cardiovascular functions. In this paper, we characterize heart rate
variability (HRV) time series acquired during meditation using
nonlinear dynamical parameters. We have computed minimum
embedding dimension (MED), correlation dimension (CD), largest
Lyapunov exponent (LLE), and nonlinearity scores (NLS) from HRV
time series of eight Chi and four Kundalini meditation practitioners.
The pre-meditation state has been used as a baseline (control) state to
compare the estimated parameters. The chaotic nature of HRV during
both pre-meditation and meditation is confirmed by MED. The
meditation state showed a significant decrease in the value of CD and
increase in the value of LLE of HRV, in comparison with premeditation
state, indicating a less complex and less predictable nature
of HRV. In addition, it was shown that the HRV of meditation state
is having highest NLS than pre-meditation state. The study indicated
highly nonlinear dynamic nature of cardiac states as revealed by
HRV during meditation state, rather considering it as a quiescent
state.
Abstract: Arrack is one of the forms of alcoholic beverage or
liquor which is produced from palm or date juice and commonly
consumed by the lower social class of all religious/ethnic
communities in the north-western villages of Bangladesh. The
purpose of the study was to compare arrack drinking patterns
associated with socio-demographic status among the Muslim, Hindu,
Santal, and Oraon communities in the Rasulpur union of Bangladesh.
A total of 391 respondents (Muslim n-109, Hindu n-103, Santal n-89,
Oraon n-90) selected by cluster random sampling were interviewed
by ADP (Arrack Drinking Pattern) questionnaire. The results of
Pearson Chi-Squire test revealed that arrack drinking patterns were
significantly differed among the Muslim, Hindu, Santal, and Oraon
communities- drinkers. In addition, the results of Spearman-s
bivariate correlation coefficients also revealed that sociodemographic
characteristics of the communities- drinkers were the
significantly positive and negative associations with the arrack
drinking patterns in the Rasulpur union, Bangladesh. The study
suggests that further cross-cultural researches should be conducted
on the consequences of arrack drinking patterns on the communities-
drinkers.