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: This paper has introduced a slope photogrammetric mapping using unmanned aerial vehicle. There are two units of UAV has been used in this study; namely; fixed wing and multi-rotor. Both UAVs were used to capture images at the study area. A consumer digital camera was mounted vertically at the bottom of UAV and captured the images at an altitude. The objectives of this study are to obtain three dimensional coordinates of slope area and to determine the accuracy of photogrammetric product produced from both UAVs. Several control points and checkpoints were established Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS) in the study area. All acquired images from both UAVs went through all photogrammetric processes such as interior orientation, exterior orientation, aerial triangulation and bundle adjustment using photogrammetric software. Two primary results were produced in this study; namely; digital elevation model and digital orthophoto. Based on results, UAV system can be used to mapping slope area especially for limited budget and time constraints project.
Abstract: Color image segmentation plays an important role in
computer vision and image processing areas. In this paper, the
features of Volterra filter are utilized for color image segmentation.
The discrete Volterra filter exhibits both linear and nonlinear
characteristics. The linear part smoothes the image features in
uniform gray zones and is used for getting a gross representation of
objects of interest. The nonlinear term compensates for the blurring
due to the linear term and preserves the edges which are mainly used
to distinguish the various objects. The truncated quadratic Volterra
filters are mainly used for edge preserving along with Gaussian noise
cancellation. In our approach, the segmentation is based on K-means
clustering algorithm in HSI space. Both the hue and the intensity
components are fully utilized. For hue clustering, the special cyclic
property of the hue component is taken into consideration. The
experimental results show that the proposed technique segments the
color image while preserving significant features and removing noise
effects.
Abstract: In order to develop any strategy, it is essential to first
identify opportunities, threats, weak and strong points. Assessment of
technology level provides the possibility of concentrating on weak
and strong points. The results of technology assessment have a direct
effect on decision making process in the field of technology transfer
or expansion of internal research capabilities so it has a critical role
in technology management. This paper presents a conceptual model
to analyze the technology capability of a company as a whole and in
four main aspects of technology. This model was tested on 10
automotive parts manufacturers in IRAN. Using this model,
capability level of manufacturers was investigated in four fields of
managing aspects, hard aspects, human aspects, and information and
knowledge aspects. Results show that these firms concentrate on hard
aspect of technology while others aspects are poor and need to be
supported more. So this industry should develop other aspects of
technology as well as hard aspect to have effective and efficient use
of its technology. These paper findings are useful for the technology
planning and management in automotive part manufactures in IRAN
and other Industries which are technology followers and transport
their needed technologies.
Abstract: Image clustering is a process of grouping images
based on their similarity. The image clustering usually uses the color
component, texture, edge, shape, or mixture of two components, etc.
This research aims to explore image clustering using color
composition. In order to complete this image clustering, three main
components should be considered, which are color space, image
representation (feature extraction), and clustering method itself. We
aim to explore which composition of these factors will produce the
best clustering results by combining various techniques from the
three components. The color spaces use RGB, HSV, and L*a*b*
method. The image representations use Histogram and Gaussian
Mixture Model (GMM), whereas the clustering methods use KMeans
and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering algorithm. The
results of the experiment show that GMM representation is better
combined with RGB and L*a*b* color space, whereas Histogram is
better combined with HSV. The experiments also show that K-Means
is better than Agglomerative Hierarchical for images clustering.
Abstract: When an assignable cause(s) manifests itself to a multivariate process and the process shifts to an out-of-control condition, a root-cause analysis should be initiated by quality engineers to identify and eliminate the assignable cause(s) affected the process. A root-cause analysis in a multivariate process is more complex compared to a univariate process. In the case of a process involved several correlated variables an effective root-cause analysis can be only experienced when it is possible to identify the required knowledge including the out-of-control condition, the change point, and the variable(s) responsible to the out-of-control condition, all simultaneously. Although literature addresses different schemes to monitor multivariate processes, one can find few scientific reports focused on all the required knowledge. To the best of the author’s knowledge this is the first time that a multi task model based on artificial neural network (ANN) is reported to monitor all the required knowledge at the same time for a multivariate process with more than two correlated quality characteristics. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated numerically when different step shifts affect the mean vector. Average run length is used to investigate the performance of the proposed multi task model. The simulated results indicate the multi task scheme performs all the required knowledge effectively.
Abstract: In this paper, a novel corner detection method is
presented to stably extract geometrically important corners.
Intensity-based corner detectors such as the Harris corner can detect
corners in noisy environments but has inaccurate corner position and
misses the corners of obtuse angles. Edge-based corner detectors such
as Curvature Scale Space can detect structural corners but show
unstable corner detection due to incomplete edge detection in noisy
environments. The proposed image-based direct curvature estimation
can overcome limitations in both inaccurate structural corner detection
of the Harris corner detector (intensity-based) and the unstable corner
detection of Curvature Scale Space caused by incomplete edge
detection. Various experimental results validate the robustness of the
proposed method.
Abstract: At the time where electronic books, or e-Books, offer
students a fun way of learning , teachers who are used to the paper
text books may find it as a new challenge to use it as a part of
learning process. Precisely, there are various types of e-Books
available to suit students- knowledge, characteristics, abilities, and
interests. The paper discusses teachers- perceptions on the use of ebooks
as a paper text book in the classroom. A survey was conducted
on 72 teachers who use e-books as textbooks. It was discovered that a
majority of these teachers had good perceptions on the use of ebooks.
However, they had little problems using the devices. It can be
overcome with some strategies and a suggested framework.
Abstract: The effects of commercial or bovine yeasts on the
performance and blood variables of broiler chickens intoxicated with
aflatoxin were investigated in broilers. Four hundred eighty broilers
(Arbor Acres; 3-wk-old) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Each
group (120 broiler chickens) was further randomly divided into 6
replicates of 20 chickens. The treatments were control diet without
additives (treatment 1), 250 ppb AFB1 (treatment 2), commercial
yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, (CY 2.5 x 107 CFU/g) + 250 ppb
AFB1 (treatment 3) and bovine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
(BY 2.5 x 107 CFU/g + 250 ppb AFB1 (treatment 4). Complete
randomized design (CRD) was used in the experiment. Feed
consumption and body weight were recorded at every five-day
period. On day 42, carcass compositions were determined from 30
birds per treatment. While chicks were sacrificed, 3-4 ml blood
sample was taken and stored frozen at (-20°C) for serum chemical
analysis to determine effects of consumption of diets on blood
chemistry (total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, cholesterol and
triglycerides). There were no significant differences in ADFI among
the treatments(P>0.05). However, BWG, FCR and mortality were
highly significantly different (P
Abstract: Human Resource (HR) applications can be used to
provide fair and consistent decisions, and to improve the
effectiveness of decision making processes. Besides that, among
the challenge for HR professionals is to manage organization
talents, especially to ensure the right person for the right job at the
right time. For that reason, in this article, we attempt to describe
the potential to implement one of the talent management tasks i.e.
identifying existing talent by predicting their performance as one of
HR application for talent management. This study suggests the
potential HR system architecture for talent forecasting by using
past experience knowledge known as Knowledge Discovery in
Database (KDD) or Data Mining. This article consists of three
main parts; the first part deals with the overview of HR
applications, the prediction techniques and application, the general
view of Data mining and the basic concept of talent management
in HRM. The second part is to understand the use of Data Mining
technique in order to solve one of the talent management tasks, and
the third part is to propose the potential HR system architecture for
talent forecasting.
Abstract: This article first summarizes reasons why current approaches supporting Open Learning and Distance Education need to be complemented by tools permitting lecturers, researchers and students to cooperatively organize the semantic content of Learning related materials (courses, discussions, etc.) into a fine-grained shared semantic network. This first part of the article also quickly describes the approach adopted to permit such a collaborative work. Then, examples of such semantic networks are presented. Finally, an evaluation of the approach by students is provided and analyzed.
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: User-Centered Design (UCD), Usability Engineering (UE) and Participatory Design (PD) are the common Human- Computer Interaction (HCI) approaches that are practiced in the software development process, focusing towards issues and matters concerning user involvement. It overlooks the organizational perspective of HCI integration within the software development organization. The Management Information Systems (MIS) perspective of HCI takes a managerial and organizational context to view the effectiveness of integrating HCI in the software development process. The Human-Centered Design (HCD) which encompasses all of the human aspects including aesthetic and ergonomic, is claimed as to provide a better approach in strengthening the HCI approaches to strengthen the software development process. In determining the effectiveness of HCD in the software development process, this paper presents the findings of a content analysis of HCI approaches by viewing those approaches as a technology which integrates user requirements, ranging from the top management to other stake holder in the software development process. The findings obtained show that HCD approach is a technology that emphasizes on human, tools and knowledge in strengthening the HCI approaches to strengthen the software development process in the quest to produce a sustainable, usable and useful software product.
Abstract: One of the most important areas of knowledge management studies is knowledge sharing. Measured in terms of number of scientific articles and organization-s applications, knowledge sharing stands as an example of success in the field. This paper reviews the related papers in the context of the underlying individual behavioral variables to providea direction framework for future research and writing.
Abstract: A comprehensive discussion of feasible strategies for sustainable energy supply is urgently needed to achieve a turnaround of the current energy situation. The necessary fundamentals required for the development of a long term energy vision are lacking to a great extent due to the absence of reasonable long term scenarios that fulfill the requirements of climate protection and sustainable energy use. The contribution of the study is based on a search for sustainable energy paths in the long run for Austria. The analysis makes use of secondary data predominantly. The measures developed to avoid CO2 emissions and other ecological risk factors vary to a great extent among all economic sectors. This is shown by the calculation of CO2 cost of abatement curves. In this study it is demonstrated that the most effective technical measures with the lowest CO2 abatement costs yield solutions to the current energy problems. Various scenarios are presented concerning the question how the technological and environmental options for a sustainable energy system for Austria could look like in the long run. It is shown how sustainable energy can be supplied even with today-s technological knowledge and options available. The scenarios developed include an evaluation of the economic costs and ecological impacts. The results are not only applicable to Austria but demonstrate feasible and cost efficient ways towards a sustainable future.
Abstract: This paper describes a segmentation algorithm based
on the cooperation of an optical flow estimation method with edge
detection and region growing procedures.
The proposed method has been developed as a pre-processing
stage to be used in methodologies and tools for video/image indexing
and retrieval by content. The addressed problem consists in
extracting whole objects from background for producing images of
single complete objects from videos or photos. The extracted images
are used for calculating the object visual features necessary for both
indexing and retrieval processes.
The first task of the algorithm exploits the cues from motion
analysis for moving area detection. Objects and background are then
refined using respectively edge detection and region growing
procedures. These tasks are iteratively performed until objects and
background are completely resolved.
The developed method has been applied to a variety of indoor and
outdoor scenes where objects of different type and shape are
represented on variously textured background.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the
sensitometric properties of commonly used radiographic films
processed with chemical solutions in different workload hospitals.
The effect of different processing conditions on induced densities on
radiologic films was investigated. Two accessible double emulsions
Fuji and Kodak films were exposed with 11-step wedge and
processed with Champion and CPAC processing solutions. The
mentioned films provided in both workloads centers, high and low.
Our findings displays that the speed and contrast of Kodak filmscreen
in both work load (high and low) is higher than Fuji filmscreen
for both processing solutions. However there was significant
differences in films contrast for both workloads when CPAC solution
had been used (p=0.000 and 0.028). The results showed base plus
fog density for Kodak film was lower than Fuji. Generally Champion
processing solution caused more speed and contrast for investigated
films in different conditions and there was significant differences in
95% confidence level between two used processing solutions
(p=0.01). Low base plus fog density for Kodak films provide more
visibility and accuracy and higher contrast results in using lower
exposure factors to obtain better quality in resulting radiographs. In
this study we found an economic advantages since Champion
solution and Kodak film are used while it makes lower patient dose.
Thus, in a radiologic facility any change in film processor/processing
cycle or chemistry should be carefully investigated before
radiological procedures of patients are acquired.
Abstract: Many methods exist for either measuring or estimating
evaporation from free water surfaces. Evaporation pans provide one
of the simplest, inexpensive, and most widely used methods of
estimating evaporative losses. In this study, the rate of evaporation
starting from a water surface was calculated by modeling with
application to dams in wet, arid and semi arid areas in Algeria.
We calculate the evaporation rate from the pan using the energy
budget equation, which offers the advantage of an ease of use, but
our results do not agree completely with the measurements taken by
the National Agency of areas carried out using dams located in areas
of different climates. For that, we develop a mathematical model to
simulate evaporation. This simulation uses an energy budget on the
level of a vat of measurement and a Computational Fluid Dynamics
(Fluent). Our calculation of evaporation rate is compared then by the
two methods and with the measures of areas in situ.
Abstract: The acidity of different raw Jordanian clays
containing zeolite, bentonite, red and white kaolinite and diatomite
was characterized by means of temperature programmed desorption
(TPD) of ammonia, conversion of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBOH),
FTIR and BET-measurements. FTIR spectra proved presence of
silanol and bridged hydroxyls on the clay surface. The number of
acidic sites was calculated from experimental TPD-profiles. We
observed the decrease of surface acidity correlates with the decrease
of Si/Al ratio except for diatomite. On the TPD-plot for zeolite two
maxima were registered due to different strength of surface acidic
sites. Values of MBOH conversion, product yields and selectivity
were calculated for the catalysis on Jordanian clays. We obtained that
all clay samples are able to convert MBOH into a major product
which is 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yne (MBYNE) catalyzed by acid
surface sites with the selectivity close to 70%. There was found a
correlation between MBOH conversion and acidity of clays
determined by TPD-NH3, i.e. the higher the acidity the higher the
conversion of MBOH. However, diatomite provided the lowest
conversion of MBOH as result of poor polarization of silanol groups.
Comparison of surface areas and conversions revealed the highest
density of active sites for red kaolinite and the lowest for zeolite and
diatomite.
Abstract: The cable tower of Liede Bridge is a double-column curved-lever arched-beam portal framed structure. Being novel and unique in structure, its cable tower differs in complexity from traditional ones. This paper analyzes the ultimate load capacity of cable tower by adopting the finite element calculations and model tests which indicate that constitutive relations applied here give a better simulation of actual failure process of prestressed reinforced concrete. In vertical load, horizontal load and overloading tests, the stepped loading of the tower model is of linear relationship, and the test data has good repeatability. All suggests that the cable tower has good bearing capacity, rational design and high emergency capacity.