Abstract: The drastic increase in the usage of SMS technology
has led service providers to seek for a solution that enable users of
mobile devices to access services through SMSs. This has resulted in
the proposal of solutions towards SMS-based service invocation in
service oriented environments. However, the dynamic nature of
service-oriented environments coupled with sudden load peaks
generated by service request, poses performance challenges to
infrastructures for supporting SMS-based service invocation. To
address this problem we adopt load balancing techniques. A load
balancing model with adaptive load balancing and load monitoring
mechanisms as its key constructs is proposed. The load balancing
model then led to realization of Least Loaded Load Balancing
Framework (LLLBF). Evaluation of LLLBF benchmarked with round
robin (RR) scheme on the queuing approach showed LLLBF
outperformed RR in terms of response time and throughput.
However, LLLBF achieved better result in the cost of high
processing power.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate empirically the valuerelevance
of accounting information to domestic investors in Tehran
stock exchange from 1999 to 2006. During the present research
impacts of two factors, including positive vs. negative earnings and
the firm size are considered as well. The authors used earnings per
share and annual change of earnings per share as the income
statement indices, and book value of equity per share as the balance
sheet index. Return and Price models through regression analysis are
deployed in order to test the research hypothesis. Results depicted
that accounting information is value-relevance to domestic investors
in Tehran Stock Exchange according to both studied models.
However, income statement information has more value-relevance
than the balance sheet information. Furthermore, positive vs. negative
earnings and firm size seems to have significant impact on valuerelevance
of accounting information.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the possible
use of commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software in
the design process of a domestic gas boiler. Because of the limited
computational resources some simplifications had to be made in
order to contribute to the design in a reasonable timescale.
The porous media model was used in order to simulate the
influence of the pressure drop characteristic of particular elements of
a heat transfer system on the water-flow distribution in the system.
Further, a combination of CFD analyses and spread sheet
calculations was used in order to solve the flow distribution problem.
Abstract: The challenge in the swing-up problem of double
inverted pendulum on a cart (DIPC) is to design a controller that
bring all DIPC's states, especially the joint angles of the two links,
into the region of attraction of the desired equilibrium. This paper
proposes a new method to swing-up DIPC based on a series of restto-
rest maneuvers of the first link about its vertically upright
configuration while holding the cart fixed at the origin. The rest-torest
maneuvers are designed such that each one results in a net gain
in energy of the second link. This results in swing-up of DIPC-s
configuration to the region of attraction of the desired equilibrium. A
three-step algorithm is provided for swing-up control followed by the
stabilization step. Simulation results with a comparison to an
experimental work done in the literature are presented to demonstrate
the efficacy of the approach.
Abstract: Due to the tremendous amount of information provided
by the World Wide Web (WWW) developing methods for mining
the structure of web-based documents is of considerable interest. In
this paper we present a similarity measure for graphs representing
web-based hypertext structures. Our similarity measure is mainly
based on a novel representation of a graph as linear integer strings,
whose components represent structural properties of the graph. The
similarity of two graphs is then defined as the optimal alignment of
the underlying property strings. In this paper we apply the well known
technique of sequence alignments for solving a novel and challenging
problem: Measuring the structural similarity of generalized trees.
In other words: We first transform our graphs considered as high
dimensional objects in linear structures. Then we derive similarity
values from the alignments of the property strings in order to
measure the structural similarity of generalized trees. Hence, we
transform a graph similarity problem to a string similarity problem for
developing a efficient graph similarity measure. We demonstrate that
our similarity measure captures important structural information by
applying it to two different test sets consisting of graphs representing
web-based document structures.
Abstract: Water level forecasting using records of past time series is of importance in water resources engineering and management. For example, water level affects groundwater tables in low-lying coastal areas, as well as hydrological regimes of some coastal rivers. Then, a reliable prediction of sea-level variations is required in coastal engineering and hydrologic studies. During the past two decades, the approaches based on the Genetic Programming (GP) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were developed. In the present study, the GP is used to forecast daily water level variations for a set of time intervals using observed water levels. The measurements from a single tide gauge at Urmia Lake, Northwest Iran, were used to train and validate the GP approach for the period from January 1997 to July 2008. Statistics, the root mean square error and correlation coefficient, are used to verify model by comparing with a corresponding outputs from Artificial Neural Network model. The results show that both these artificial intelligence methodologies are satisfactory and can be considered as alternatives to the conventional harmonic analysis.
Abstract: Bioprocesses are appreciated as difficult to control because their dynamic behavior is highly nonlinear and time varying, in particular, when they are operating in fed batch mode. The research objective of this study was to develop an appropriate control method for a complex bioprocess and to implement it on a laboratory plant. Hence, an intelligent control structure has been designed in order to produce biomass and to maximize the specific growth rate.
Abstract: Due to the growing dynamic and complexity within
the market environment production enterprises in particular are faced
with new logistic challenges. Moreover, it is here in this dynamic
environment that the Logistic Operating Curve Theory also reaches
its limits as a method for describing the correlations between the
logistic objectives. In order to convert this theory into a method for
dynamically monitoring productions this paper will introduce
methods for reliably and quickly identifying structural changes
relevant to logistics.
Abstract: Social ideology, cultural values and principles shaping environment are inferred by environment and structural characteristics of construction site. In other words, this inference manifestation also indicates ideology and culture of its foundation and also applies its principles and values and somehow plays an important role in Cultural Revolution. All human behaviors and artifacts are affected and being influenced by culture. Culture is not abstract concept, it is a spiritual domain that an individual and society grow and develop in it. Social behaviors are affected by environmental comprehension, so the architecture work influences on its audience and it is the environment that fosters social behaviors. Indeed, sustainable architecture should be considered as background of culture for establishing optimal sustainable culture. Since unidentified architecture roots in cultural non identity and abnormalities, so the society possesses identity characteristics and life and as a consequence, the society and architecture are changed by transformation of life style. This article aims to investigate the interaction of architecture, society, environment and sustainable architecture formation in its cultural basis and analyzes the results approaching behavior and sustainable culture in recent era.
Abstract: Virtual environments are a hot topic in academia and more importantly in courses offered via distance education. Today-s gaming generation view virtual worlds as strong social and interactive mediums for communicating and socializing. And while institutions of higher education are challenged with increasing enrollment while balancing budget cuts, offering effective courses via distance education become a valid option. Educators can utilize virtual worlds to offer students an enhanced learning environment which has the power to alleviate feelings of isolation through the promotion of communication, interaction, collaboration, teamwork, feedback, engagement and constructivists learning activities. This paper focuses on the use of virtual environments to facilitate interaction in distance education courses so as to produce positive learning outcomes for students. Furthermore, the instructional strategies were reviewed and discussed for use in virtual worlds to enhance learning within a social context.
Abstract: Exposure to ambient air pollution has been linked to a
number of health outcomes, starting from modest transient changes in
the respiratory tract and impaired pulmonary function, continuing to
restrict activity/reduce performance and to the increase emergency
rooms visits, hospital admissions or mortality. The increase of
allergenic symptoms has been associated with air contaminants such
as ozone, particulate matter, fungal spores and pollen.
Considering the potential relevance of crossed effects of nonbiological
pollutants and airborne pollens and fungal spores on
allergy worsening, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence
of non-biological pollutants (O3 and PM10) and meteorological
parameters on the concentrations of pollen and fungal spores using
multiple linear regressions.
The data considered in this study were collected in Oporto which
is the second largest Portuguese city, located in the North. Daily
mean of O3, PM10, pollen and fungal spore concentrations,
temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind velocity, pollen
and fungal spore concentrations, for 2003, 2004 and 2005 were
considered. Results showed that the 90th percentile of the adjusted
coefficient of determination, P90 (R2aj), of the multiple regressions
varied from 0.613 to 0.916 for pollen and from 0.275 to 0.512 for
fungal spores. O3 and PM10 showed to have some influence on the
biological pollutants. Among the meteorological parameters
analysed, temperature was the one that most influenced the pollen
and fungal spores airborne concentrations. Relative humidity also
showed to have some influence on the fungal spore dispersion.
Nevertheless, the models for each pollen and fungal spore were
different depending on the analysed period, which means that the
correlations identified as statistically significant can not be, even so,
consistent enough.
Abstract: In this paper we present a GP-based method for automatically evolve projections, so that data can be more easily classified in the projected spaces. At the same time, our approach can reduce dimensionality by constructing more relevant attributes. Fitness of each projection measures how easy is to classify the dataset after applying the projection. This is quickly computed by a Simple Linear Perceptron. We have tested our approach in three domains. The experiments show that it obtains good results, compared to other Machine Learning approaches, while reducing dimensionality in many cases.
Abstract: Strategic alliances generally mean the cooperation or
collaboration between firms which pursue for a synergy that each
member hopes the benefits from the alliances would be much more
than those from individual efforts. Past researches provide us
sufficient theories and considerations for alliance forming in liner
shipping market. This research reviews important academic journals
for the past decade regarding to the most important reasons to form the
alliances. We would explain the motive of alliances and details of
shipping cooperation in literature review.
The paper also empirically investigates the key service quality
requirements improved through alliances by using quality function
deployment (QFD). Moreover, the research investigates famous
shipping reports, shipping consultant websites and most recent
shipping publications to find out the executive-s viewpoint of several
leading carriers among top 20 to assess current shipping strategic
alliance on Asia/Europe route. These comments provide meaningful
managerial reasons to consider alliance formations and search if there
is any gap between the theories and industrial practice. Analysis of the
empirical investigation and top management-s perspective on current
market situation will contribute us some meaningful managerial
suggestions to evaluate these theories applied to current strategic
alliances.
Abstract: Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are
widely in use to improve quality, reliability of wireless transmission
and increase the spectral efficiency. However in MIMO systems,
multiple copies of data are received after experiencing various
channel effects. The limitations on account of complexity due to
number of antennas in case of conventional decoding techniques have
been looked into. Accordingly we propose a modified sphere decoder
(MSD-1) algorithm with lower complexity and give rise to system
with high spectral efficiency. With the aim to increase signal
diversity we apply rotated quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
constellation in multi dimensional space. Finally, we propose a new
architecture involving space time trellis code (STTC) concatenated
with space time block code (STBC) using MSD-1 at the receiver for
improving system performance. The system gains have been verified
with channel state information (CSI) errors.
Abstract: Supplement use is common in athletes. Besides their cost, they may have side effects on health and performance. 250 questionnaires were distributed among female athletes (mean age 27.08 years). The questionnaire aimed to explore the frequency, type, believes, attitudes and knowledge regarding dietary supplements. Knowledge was good in 30.3%, fair in 60.2%, and poor in 9.1% of respondents. 65.3% of athletes did not use supplements regularly. The most widely used supplements were vitamins (48.4%), minerals (42.9%), energy supplements (21.3%), and herbals (20.9%). 68.9% of athletes believed in their efficacy. 34.4% experienced performance enhancement and 6.8% of reported side effects. 68.2% reported little knowledge and 60.9% were eager to learn more. In conclusion, many of the female athletes believe in the efficacy of supplements and think they are an unavoidable part of competitive sports. However, their information is not sufficient. We have to stress on education, consulting sessions, and rational prescription.
Abstract: This paper describes a new method of unequal error
protection (UEP) for region of interest (ROI) with embedded zerotree
wavelet algorithm (EZW). ROI technique is important in applications
with different parts of importance. In ROI coding, a chosen ROI is
encoded with higher quality than the background (BG). Unequal
error protection of image is provided by different coding techniques.
In our proposed method, image is divided into two parts (ROI, BG)
that consist of more important bytes (MIB) and less important bytes
(LIB). The experimental results verify effectiveness of the design.
The results of our method demonstrate the comparison of the unequal
error protection (UEP) of image transmission with defined ROI and
the equal error protection (EEP) over multiple noisy channels.
Abstract: The study of cytokine expression in mice under the
influence of inactivated poliovirus and Imovaks polio vaccine in
combination with derivatives of chitosan shows various kinds of
processes. There is a significant increase in IL-12 in the serum of
immunized animals, which should stimulate the production of IFN-γ
NK-cells and T-cells and polarize the immune response to Th1 type.
Thus, the derivatives of chitosan can promote cell component of the
immune response, providing a full antiviral immunity.
Abstract: The future of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) depend on their ability to attract and retain students, increase recognition and prestige. In order to respond to the 'customers' increasingly demanding, HEI need to identify the key factors that influence the satisfaction of a 'customers', thereby creating competitive advantages. These determinants of satisfaction are important elements that guide the strategy of an institution and allow the successful achievement of strategic plans, both teaching and administrative, to offer their ‘costumers’ services and products with higher quality. Following this way of thinking, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction with the service quality of the School of Technology and Management of Bragança (ESTiG), of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, identifying, thus, the dimensions related to the quality of services that might influence students' satisfaction. The results showed that, in general, the students are satisfied with the performance of ESTiG.
Abstract: This study had two goals. First, it investigated marital
interaction variables as predictors of treatment outcome in panic
disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) in sixty-five couples with one
spouse suffering from PDA. Second, it analyzed the impact of PDA
improvement, following therapy, on marital interaction patterns of
both spouses. The partners were observed during a problem-solving
task, before and after treatment. Negative behaviors at the outset of
therapy, both in the PDA and the NPDA partners, predicted less
improvement at post-test. It also appears that improvement in some
PDA symptoms following therapy is linked to increase in the
dominant behavior of the NPDA spouse and to an improvement in
terms of his intrusiveness.
Abstract: One of the major parts of a jet engine is air intake,
which provides proper and required amount of air for the engine to
operate. There are several aerodynamic parameters which should be
considered in design, such as distortion, pressure recovery, etc. In
this research, the effects of lip ice accretion on pitot intake
performance are investigated. For ice accretion phenomenon, two
supervised multilayer neural networks (ANN) are designed, one for
ice shape prediction and another one for ice roughness estimation
based on experimental data. The Fourier coefficients of transformed
ice shape and parameters include velocity, liquid water content
(LWC), median volumetric diameter (MVD), spray time and
temperature are used in neural network training. Then, the subsonic
intake flow field is simulated numerically using 2D Navier-Stokes
equations and Finite Volume approach with Hybrid mesh includes
structured and unstructured meshes. The results are obtained in
different angles of attack and the variations of intake aerodynamic
parameters due to icing phenomenon are discussed. The results show
noticeable effects of ice accretion phenomenon on intake behavior.