Abstract: A new dynamic clustering approach (DCPSO), based
on Particle Swarm Optimization, is proposed. This approach is
applied to unsupervised image classification. The proposed approach
automatically determines the "optimum" number of clusters and
simultaneously clusters the data set with minimal user interference.
The algorithm starts by partitioning the data set into a relatively large
number of clusters to reduce the effects of initial conditions. Using
binary particle swarm optimization the "best" number of clusters is
selected. The centers of the chosen clusters is then refined via the Kmeans
clustering algorithm. The experiments conducted show that
the proposed approach generally found the "optimum" number of
clusters on the tested images.
Abstract: In this research, natural canthaxanthin as one of the
most important carotenoids was extracted from Dietzia
natronolimnaea HS-1. The changes of canthaxanthin enriched in oilin-
water emulsions with vegetable oil (5 mg/ 100 mL), Arabic gum (5
mg/100 mL), and potassium sorbate (0.5 g/100 mL) was investigated.
The effects of different pH (3, 5 and 7), as well as, time treatment (3,
18 and 33 days) in the environmental temperature (24°C) on the
degradation were studied by response surface methodology (RSM).
The Hunter values (L*, a*, and b*) and the concentration of
canthaxanthin (C, mg/L) illustrated more degradation of this pigment
at low pHs (pH≤ 4) by passing the time (days≥10) with R² 97.00%,
91.31%, 97.60%, and 99.54% for C, L*, a*, and b* respectively. The
predicted model were found to be significant (p
Abstract: Crypto System Identification is one of the challenging tasks in Crypt analysis. The paper discusses the possibility of employing Neural Networks for identification of Cipher Systems from cipher texts. Cascade Correlation Neural Network and Back Propagation Network have been employed for identification of Cipher Systems. Very large collection of cipher texts were generated using a Block Cipher (Enhanced RC6) and a Stream Cipher (SEAL). Promising results were obtained in terms of accuracy using both the Neural Network models but it was observed that the Cascade Correlation Neural Network Model performed better compared to Back Propagation Network.
Abstract: Multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods like analytic hierarchy process, ELECTRE and multi-attribute utility theory are critically studied. They have irregularities in terms of the reliability of ranking of the best alternatives. The Routing Decision Support (RDS) algorithm is trying to improve some of their deficiencies. This paper gives a mathematical verification that the RDS algorithm conforms to the test criteria for an effective MCDM method when a linear preference function is considered.
Abstract: The various applications of VLSI circuits in highperformance
computing, telecommunications, and consumer
electronics has been expanding progressively, and at a very hasty
pace. This paper describes a new model for partitioning a circuit
using DBSCAN and fuzzy ARTMAP neural network. The first step
is concerned with feature extraction, where we had make use
DBSCAN algorithm. The second step is the classification and is
composed of a fuzzy ARTMAP neural network. The performance of
both approaches is compared using benchmark data provided by
MCNC standard cell placement benchmark netlists. Analysis of the
investigational results proved that the fuzzy ARTMAP with
DBSCAN model achieves greater performance then only fuzzy
ARTMAP in recognizing sub-circuits with lowest amount of
interconnections between them The recognition rate using fuzzy
ARTMAP with DBSCAN is 97.7% compared to only fuzzy
ARTMAP.
Abstract: Thepurpose of the research is to characterize the levels
of satisfaction of the students in e-learning post-graduate courses,
taking into account specific dimensions of the course which were
considered as benchmarks for the quality of this type of online
learning initiative, as well as the levels of satisfaction towards each
specific indicator identified in each dimension. It was also an aim of
this study to understand how thesedimensions relate to one another.
Using a quantitative research approach in the collection and analysis
of the data, the study involves the participation of the students who
attended on e-learning course in 2010/2011. The conclusions of this
study suggest that online students present relatively high levels of
satisfaction, which points towards a positive experience during the
course. It is possible to note that there is a correlation between the
different dimensions studied, consequently leading to different
improvement strategies. Ultimately, this investigation aims to
contribute to the promotion of quality and the success of e-learning
initiatives in Higher Education.
Abstract: In this paper, a comparative study of application of
supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms on illumination
invariant face recognition has been carried out. The supervised
learning has been carried out with the help of using a bi-layered
artificial neural network having one input, two hidden and one output
layer. The gradient descent with momentum and adaptive learning
rate back propagation learning algorithm has been used to implement
the supervised learning in a way that both the inputs and
corresponding outputs are provided at the time of training the
network, thus here is an inherent clustering and optimized learning of
weights which provide us with efficient results.. The unsupervised
learning has been implemented with the help of a modified
Counterpropagation network. The Counterpropagation network
involves the process of clustering followed by application of Outstar
rule to obtain the recognized face. The face recognition system has
been developed for recognizing faces which have varying
illumination intensities, where the database images vary in lighting
with respect to angle of illumination with horizontal and vertical
planes. The supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms have
been implemented and have been tested exhaustively, with and
without application of histogram equalization to get efficient results.
Abstract: In this paper, the techniques for estimating the
residual stress in high velocity oxy fuel thermal spray coatings have
been discussed and compared. The development trend and the last
investigation have been studied. It is seemed that the there is not
effective study on the effect of the peening action in HVOF
analytically and numerically.
Abstract: Using quantum hydrodynamical (QHD) model the linear dispersion relation for the electron plasma waves propagating in a cylindrical waveguide filled with a dense plasma containing streaming electron, hole and stationary charged dust particles has been derived. It is shown that the effect of finite boundary and stream velocity of electrons and holes make some of the possible modes of propagation linearly unstable. The growth rate of this instability is shown to depend significantly on different plasma parameters.
Abstract: The compressive strength development through
polymerization process of alkaline solution and fly ash blended with Microwave Incinerated Rice Husk Ash (MIRHA) is described in this
paper. Three curing conditions, which are hot gunny curing, ambient
curing, and external humidity curing are investigated to obtain the suitable curing condition for cast in situ provision. Fly ash was
blended with MIRHA at 3%, 5%, and 7% to identify the effect of blended mixes to the compressive strength and microstructure
properties of geopolymer concrete. Compressive strength results
indicated an improvement in the strength development with external humidity curing concrete samples compared to hot gunny curing and
ambient curing. Blended mixes also presented better performance
than control mixes. Improvement of interfacial transition zone (ITZ)
and micro structure in external humidity concrete samples were also
identified compared to hot gunny and ambient curing.
Abstract: Wireless Sensor Networks can be used to monitor the
physical phenomenon in such areas where human approach is nearly
impossible. Hence the limited power supply is the major constraint of
the WSNs due to the use of non-rechargeable batteries in sensor
nodes. A lot of researches are going on to reduce the energy
consumption of sensor nodes. Energy map can be used with
clustering, data dissemination and routing techniques to reduce the
power consumption of WSNs. Energy map can also be used to know
which part of the network is going to fail in near future. In this paper,
Energy map is constructed using the prediction based approach.
Adaptive alpha GM(1,1) model is used as the prediction model.
GM(1,1) is being used worldwide in many applications for predicting
future values of time series using some past values due to its high
computational efficiency and accuracy.
Abstract: Despite extensive study on wireless sensor network
security, defending internal attacks and finding abnormal behaviour
of the sensor are still difficult and unsolved task. The conventional
cryptographic technique does not give the robust security or detection
process to save the network from internal attacker that cause by
abnormal behavior. The insider attacker or abnormally behaved
sensor identificationand location detection framework using false
massage detection and Time difference of Arrival (TDoA) is
presented in this paper. It has been shown that the new framework
can efficiently identify and detect the insider attacker location so that
the attacker can be reprogrammed or subside from the network to
save from internal attack.
Abstract: Pineapples can be classified using an index with seven
levels of maturity based on the green and yellow color of the skin. As
the pineapple ripens, the skin will change from pale green to a golden
or yellowish color. The issues that occur in agriculture nowadays are
to do with farmers being unable to distinguish between the indexes of
pineapple maturity correctly and effectively. There are several
reasons for why farmers cannot properly follow the guideline provide
by Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) and one of
reason is that due to manual inspection done by experts, there are no
specific and universal guidelines to be adopted by farmers due to the
different points of view of the experts when sorting the pineapples
based on their knowledge and experience. Therefore, an automatic
system will help farmers to identify pineapple maturity effectively
and will become a universal indicator to farmers.
Abstract: Design patterns describe good solutions to common
and reoccurring problems in program design. Applying design
patterns in software design and implementation have significant
effects on software quality metrics such as flexibility, usability,
reusability, scalability and robustness. There is no standard rule for
using design patterns. There are some situations that a pattern is
applied for a specific problem and this pattern uses another pattern.
In this paper, we study the effect of using chain of patterns on
software quality metrics.
Abstract: Independent spanning trees (ISTs) provide a number of advantages in data broadcasting. One can cite the use in fault tolerance network protocols for distributed computing and bandwidth. However, the problem of constructing multiple ISTs is considered hard for arbitrary graphs. In this paper we present an efficient algorithm to construct ISTs on hypercubes that requires minimum resources to be performed.
Abstract: Encrypted messages sending frequently draws the attention
of third parties, perhaps causing attempts to break and
reveal the original messages. Steganography is introduced to hide
the existence of the communication by concealing a secret message
in an appropriate carrier like text, image, audio or video. Quantum
steganography where the sender (Alice) embeds her steganographic
information into the cover and sends it to the receiver (Bob) over a
communication channel. Alice and Bob share an algorithm and hide
quantum information in the cover. An eavesdropper (Eve) without
access to the algorithm can-t find out the existence of the quantum
message. In this paper, a text quantum steganography technique based
on the use of indefinite articles (a) or (an) in conjunction with the nonspecific
or non-particular nouns in English language and quantum
gate truth table have been proposed. The authors also introduced a
new code representation technique (SSCE - Secret Steganography
Code for Embedding) at both ends in order to achieve high level of
security. Before the embedding operation each character of the secret
message has been converted to SSCE Value and then embeds to cover
text. Finally stego text is formed and transmits to the receiver side.
At the receiver side different reverse operation has been carried out
to get back the original information.
Abstract: The choice of studying economics instead of another subject should be motivated by the fact that economics training equips students with skills and knowledge that other disciplines do not provide. Which are these skills and knowledge, however, is not always very clear. This article clarifies such issue by first exploring the philosophical foundations and the defining features of the discipline, and then by investigating in which ways these are transferred to the students. In other words, we study what is meant by the 'economic way of thinking' that is passed on to the students.
Abstract: Starting with an analysis of the financial and
operational indicators that can be found in the specialised literature,
this study aims to contribute to improvements in the performance
measurement systems used when the unit of analysis is the
manufacturing plant. For this a search was done in the highest impact
Journals of Production and Operations Management and
Management Accounting , with the aim of determining the financial
and operational indicators used to evaluate performance when
Advanced Production Practices have been implemented, more
specifically when the practices implemented are Total Quality
Management, JIT/Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive
Maintenance. This has enabled us to obtain a classification of the two
types of indicators based on how much each is used. For the financial
indicators we have also prepared a proposal that can be adapted to
manufacturing plants- accounting features. In the near future we will
propose a model that links practices implementation with financial
and operational indicators and these two last with each other. We aim
to will test this model empirically with the data obtained in the High
Performance Manufacturing Project.
Abstract: Open and distance learning is a fairly new concept in
Malawi. The major public provider, the Malawi College of Distance
Education, rolled out its activities only about 40 years ago. Over the
years, the demand for distance education has tremendously increased.
The present government has displayed positive political will to uplift
ODL as outlined in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy as
well as the National Education Sector Plan. A growing national
interest in education coupled with political stability and a booming
ICT industry also raise hope for success. However, a fragile economy
with a GNI per capita of -US$ 200 over the last decade, poor public
funding, erratic power supply and lack of expertise put strain on
efforts towards the promotion of ODL initiatives. Despite the
challenges, the nation appears determined to go flat out and explore
all possible avenues that could revolutionise education access and
equity through ODL.
Abstract: The source voltage of high-power fuel cell shows strong load dependence at comparatively low voltage levels. In order to provide the voltage of 750V on the DC-link for feeding electrical energy into the mains via a three phase inverter a step-up converter with a large step-up ratio is required. The output voltage of this DC/DC-converter must be stabile during variations of the load current and the voltage of the fuel cell. This paper presents the methods and results of the calculation of the efficiency and the expense for the realization for the circuits of the DC/DC-converter that meet these requirements.