Abstract: The rapid advance of communication technology is
evolving the network environment into the broadband convergence
network. Likewise, the IT services operated in the individual network
are also being quickly converged in the broadband convergence
network environment. VoIP and IPTV are two examples of such new
services. Efforts are being made to develop the video phone service,
which is an advanced form of the voice-oriented VoIP service.
However, the new IT services will be subject to stability and reliability
vulnerabilities if the relevant security issues are not answered during
the convergence of the existing IT services currently being operated in
individual networks within the wider broadband network
environment. To resolve such problems, this paper attempts to analyze
the possible threats and identify the necessary security measures
before the deployment of the new IT services. Furthermore, it
measures the quality of the encryption algorithm application example
to describe the appropriate algorithm in order to present security
technology that will have no negative impact on the quality of the
video phone service.
Abstract: Dealing with hundreds of features in character
recognition systems is not unusual. This large number of features
leads to the increase of computational workload of recognition
process. There have been many methods which try to remove
unnecessary or redundant features and reduce feature dimensionality.
Besides because of the characteristics of Farsi scripts, it-s not
possible to apply other languages algorithms to Farsi directly. In this
paper some methods for feature subset selection using genetic
algorithms are applied on a Farsi optical character recognition (OCR)
system. Experimental results show that application of genetic
algorithms (GA) to feature subset selection in a Farsi OCR results in
lower computational complexity and enhanced recognition rate.
Abstract: Many firms implemented various initiatives such as outsourced manufacturing which could make a supply chain (SC) more vulnerable to various types of disruptions. So managing risk has become a critical component of SC management. Different types of SC vulnerability management methodologies have been proposed for managing SC risk, most offer only point-based solutions that deal with a limited set of risks. This research aims to reinforce SC risk management by proposing an integrated approach. SC risks are identified and a risk index classification structure is created. Then we develop a SC risk assessment approach based on the analytic network process (ANP) and the VIKOR methods under the fuzzy environment where the vagueness and subjectivity are handled with linguistic terms parameterized by triangular fuzzy numbers. By using FANP, risks weights are calculated and then inserted to the FVIKOR to rank the SC members and find the most risky partner.
Abstract: Two algorithms are proposed to reduce the storage requirements for mammogram images. The input image goes through a shrinking process that converts the 16-bit images to 8-bits by using pixel-depth conversion algorithm followed by enhancement process. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated objectively and subjectively. A 50% reduction in size is obtained with no loss of significant data at the breast region.
Abstract: Recommender systems are usually regarded as an
important marketing tool in the e-commerce. They use important
information about users to facilitate accurate recommendation. The
information includes user context such as location, time and interest
for personalization of mobile users. We can easily collect information
about location and time because mobile devices communicate with the
base station of the service provider. However, information about user
interest can-t be easily collected because user interest can not be
captured automatically without user-s approval process. User interest
usually represented as a need. In this study, we classify needs into two
types according to prior research. This study investigates the
usefulness of data mining techniques for classifying user need type for
recommendation systems. We employ several data mining techniques
including artificial neural networks, decision trees, case-based
reasoning, and multivariate discriminant analysis. Experimental
results show that CHAID algorithm outperforms other models for
classifying user need type. This study performs McNemar test to
examine the statistical significance of the differences of classification
results. The results of McNemar test also show that CHAID performs
better than the other models with statistical significance.
Abstract: Inter-symbol interference if not taken care off may cause severe error at the receiver and the detection of signal becomes difficult. An adaptive equalizer employing Recursive Least Squares algorithm can be a good compensation for the ISI problem. In this paper performance of communication link in presence of Least Mean Square and Recursive Least Squares equalizer algorithm is analyzed. A Model of communication system having Quadrature amplitude modulation and Rician fading channel is implemented using MATLAB communication block set. Bit error rate and number of errors is evaluated for RLS and LMS equalizer algorithm, due to change in Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and fading component gain in Rician fading Channel.
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) bar codes were designed to
carry significantly more data with higher information density and
robustness than its 1D counterpart. Thanks to the popular
combination of cameras and mobile phones, it will naturally bring
great commercial value to use the camera phone for 2D bar code
reading. This paper addresses the problem of specific 2D bar code
design for mobile phones and introduces a low-level encoding
method of matrix codes. At the same time, we propose an efficient
scheme for 2D bar codes decoding, of which the effort is put on
solutions of the difficulties introduced by low image quality that is
very common in bar code images taken by a phone camera.
Abstract: In this study, we report the synthesis and
characterization of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) in gelatin-starch
matrix via biomimetic method. Characterization of the samples was
performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform
infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The Size and morphology of the
nHAp samples were determined using scanning and transmission
electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The results reveal that the
shape and morphology of nHAp is influenced by presence of
biopolymers as template. Carbonyl and amino groups from gelatin
and hydroxyl from starch play crucial roles in HAp formation on the
surface of gelatin-starch.
Abstract: The discrete-time uncertain system with time delay is investigated for bounded input bounded output (BIBO). By constructing an augmented Lyapunov function, three different sufficient conditions are established for BIBO stabilization. These conditions are expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), whose feasibility can be easily checked by using Matlab LMI Toolbox. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the derived results.
Abstract: There are few studies on eggshell of leatherback turtle
which is endangered species in Thailand. This study was focusing on
the ultrastructure and elemental composition of leatherback turtle
eggshells collected from Andaman Sea Shore, Thailand during the
nesting season using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three
eggshell layers of leatherback turtle; the outer cuticle layer or
calcareous layer, the middle layer or middle multistrata layer and the
inner fibrous layer were recognized. The outer calcareous layer was
thick and porosity which consisted of loose nodular units of various
crystal shapes and sizes. The loose attachment between these units
resulted in numerous spaces and openings. The middle layer was
compact thick with several multistrata and contained numerous
openings connecting to both outer cuticle layer and inner fibrous
layer. The inner fibrous layer was compact and thin, and composed of
numerous reticular fibers. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis
detector revealed energy spectrum of X-rays character emitted from
all elements on each layer. The percentages of all elements were
found in the following order: carbon (C) > oxygen (O) > calcium
(Ca) > sulfur (S) > potassium (K) > aluminum (Al) > iodine (I) >
silicon (Si) > chlorine (Cl) > sodium (Na) > fluorine (F) >
phosphorus (P) > magnesium (Mg). Each layer consisted of high
percentage of CaCO3 (approximately 98%) implying that it was
essential for turtle embryonic development. A significant difference
was found in the percentages of Ca and Mo in the 3layers. Moreover,
transition metal, metal and toxic non-metal contaminations were
found in leatherback turtle eggshell samples. These were palladium
(Pd), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and
bromine (Br). The contamination elements were seen in the outer
layers except for Mo. All elements were readily observed and
mapped using Smiling program. X-ray images which mapped the
location of all elements were showed. Calcium containing in the
eggshell appeared in high contents and was widely distributing in
clusters of the outer cuticle layer to form CaCO3 structure. Moreover,
the accumulation of Na and Cl was observed to form NaCl which was
widely distributing in 3 eggshell layers. The results from this study
would be valuable on assessing the emergent success in this
endangered species.
Abstract: The effect of different tempering temperatures and heat treatment times on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels in oxalic acid was studied in this work using conventional weight loss and electrochemical measurements. Typical 304 and 316 stainless steel samples were tempered at 150oC, 250oC and 350oC after being austenized at 1050oC for 10 minutes. These samples were then immersed in 1.0M oxalic acid and their weight losses were measured at every five days for 30 days. The results show that corrosion of both types of ASS samples increased with an increase in tempering temperature and time and this was due to the precipitation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries of these metals. Electrochemical results also confirm that the 304 ASS is more susceptible to corrosion than 316 ASS in this medium. This is attributed to the molybdenum in the composition of the latter. The metallographic images of these samples showed non–uniform distribution of precipitated chromium carbides at the grain boundaries of these metals and unevenly distributed carbides and retained austenite phases which cause galvanic effects in the medium.
Abstract: In Thailand, the practice of pre-hospital Emergency
Medical Service (EMS) in each area reveals the different growth
rates and effectiveness of the practices. Those can be found as the
diverse quality and quantity. To shorten the learning curve prior to
speed-up the practices in other areas, story telling and lessons learnt
from the effective practices are valued as meaningful knowledge. To
this paper, it was to ascertain the factors, lessons learnt and best
practices that have impact as contributing to the success of prehospital
EMS system. Those were formulized as model prior to
speedup the practice in other areas. To develop the model, Malcolm
Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), which is widely
recognized as a framework for organizational quality assessment and
improvement, was chosen as the discussion framework. Remarkably,
this study was based on the consideration of knowledge capture;
however it was not to complete the loop of knowledge activities.
Nevertheless, it was to highlight the recognition of knowledge
capture, which is the initiation of knowledge management.
Abstract: The paper studies implications between knowledge spillovers and technological innovation capability in the following three aspects: firstly, the paper debates on the effect of knowledge spillover on some perspectives of technological innovation ability; secondly, it discusses how different roles of knowledge spillover affect the technological innovation capability; finally, the paper creates the model of the factors of knowledge spillovers influencing to technological innovation capability. It concludes that knowledge spillovers affect all the main aspects of technological innovation ultimately to impact of technological innovation capabilities.
Abstract: The incessant discomfort for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) exhibited by students in some tertiary institutions in Kano State, Nigeria is capable of causing Psychological Resistance as well as jeopardizing the purpose of HIV intervention. This study investigated the Prevalence of Psychological Resistance to VCT of HIV/AIDS among students of tertiary institutions in the state. Two null hypotheses were postulated and tested. Cross- Sectional Survey Design was employed in which 1512 sample was selected from a student population of 104,841 following Stratified Random Sampling technique. A self-developed 20-item scale whose reliability coefficient is 0.83 was used for data collection. Data analyzed via Chi-square and t-test reveals a prevalence of 38% with males (Mean=0.34; SD=0.475) constituting 60% and females (Mean=0.45; SD=0.498) 40%. Also, the calculated chi-square and ttest were not significant at 0.05 as such the null hypotheses were upheld. Recommendation offered suggests the use of reinforcement and social support for students who patronize HIV/AIDS counselling.
Abstract: The city of Suceava, one of the most important
medieval capital of Moldova, owes its urban genesis to the power
center established in its territory at the turn of the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries. Freed from the effective control exercised by
the Emir Nogai through Alanians, the local center of power evolved
as the main representative of the interests of indigenous people in
relation to the Hungarian Angevin dinasty and to their
representatives from Maramures. From this perspective, the political
and military role of the settlement of Suceava was archeologically
proved by the discovery of extensive fortifications, unrivaled in the
first half of the XIVth century-s Moldavia. At the end of that century,
voivod Peter I decides to move the capital of the state from Siret to
Suceava. That option stimulated the development of the settlement
on specific urban coordinates.
Abstract: The rising growth of the GSM cellular phone industry has tightening competition level between providers in making strategies enhancing the market shares in Indonesia. Tsel, as one of those companies, has to determine the proper strategy to sustain as well as improve the market share without reducing its operational income level. Portfolio simulation model is designed with a dynamic system approach. The result of this research is a recommendation to the company by optimizing its technological policies, services, and promotions. The tariff policies and the signal quality should not be the main focus because this company has had a large number of customers and a good infrastructural condition.
Abstract: The bioassay-guided isolation and purification of an
ethyl acetate extract of Aspergillus terreus MC751 led to the
characterization of butyrolactone I as an antidiabetic and antioxidant.
The antidiabetic activity of butyrolactone I was evaluated by α-
glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays. Butyrolactone I
demonstrated significant concentration-dependent, mixed-type
inhibitory activity against yeast α-glucosidase with an IC50 of 54μM.
However, the compound exhibited less activity against rat intestinal
α-glucosidase and α-amylase. This is the first report on α-glucosidase
inhibitory activity of butyrolactone I. The antioxidative activity of
butyrolactone I was evaluated based on scavenging effects on 1,1-
diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 =51 μM) and hydrogen
peroxide (IC50= 141 μM) radicals as well as a reducing power assay.
The results suggest that butyrolactone I is a promising antidiabetic as
well as antioxidant and should be considered for clinical trials.
Abstract: Void formation in underfill is considered as failure
in flip chip manufacturing process. Void formation possibly caused
by several factors such as poor soldering and flux residue during
die attach process, void entrapment due moisture contamination,
dispense pattern process and setting up the curing process. This
paper presents the comparison of single step and two steps curing
profile towards the void and black dots formation in underfill for
Hi-CTE Flip Chip Ceramic Ball Grid Array Package (FC-CBGA).
Statistic analysis was conducted to analyze how different factors
such as wafer lot, sawing technique, underfill fillet height and
curing profile recipe were affected the formation of voids and
black dots. A C-Mode Scanning Aqoustic Microscopy (C-SAM)
was used to scan the total count of voids and black dots. It was
shown that the 2 steps curing profile provided solution for void
elimination and black dots in underfill after curing process.
Abstract: In this paper a novel algorithm is proposed that integrates the process of fuzzy hierarchy generation and rule discovery for automated discovery of Production Rules with Fuzzy Hierarchy (PRFH) in large databases.A concept of frequency matrix (Freq) introduced to summarize large database that helps in minimizing the number of database accesses, identification and removal of irrelevant attribute values and weak classes during the fuzzy hierarchy generation.Experimental results have established the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Abstract: Age and sex are biological terms that are socioculturally
constructed for marriage and marital sexual behavior in
every society. Marriage is a universal norm that makes legitimate
sexual behavior between a man and a woman in marital life cycle to
gain bio-social purposes. Cross-cultural studies reveal that marital
sexual frequency as a part of marital sexual behavior not only varies
within the couple-s life cycle, but also varies between and among
couples in diverse cultures. The purpose of the study was to compare
marital sexual frequency in association with age status and length of
marital relationship between Muslim and Santal couples in rural
Bangladesh. For this we assumed that (1) Santal culture compared to
Muslim culture preferred earlier age at marriage for meeting marital
sexual purposes in rural Bangladesh; (2) Marital duration among the
Muslim couples was higher than that among the Santal couples; (3)
Sexual frequency among the younger couples in both the ethnic
communities was higher than the older couples; (4) Sexual frequency
across the Muslim couples- marital life cycle was higher than that the
Santal couples- marital life cycle. In so doing, 288 active couples
(145 for Muslim and 143 for Santal) selected by cluster random
sampling were interviewed with questionnaire method. The findings
of Independent Samples T Test on age at marriage, current age,
marital duration and sexual frequency independently reveal that there
were significant differences in sexual frequency not only across the
couples- life cycle but also vary between the Muslim and Santal
couples in relation to marital duration. The results of Pearson-s Inter-
Correlation Coefficients reveal that although age at marriage, current
age and marital duration for husband and wife were significantly
positive correlated with each other between the communities, there
were significantly negative correlation between the age at marriage,
current age, marital duration and sexual frequency among the
selected couples between the communities.