Abstract: This paper presents a technique for diagnosis of the abdominal aorta aneurysm in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. First, our technique is designed to segment the aorta image in MRI images. This is a required step to determine the volume of aorta image which is the important step for diagnosis of the abdominal aorta aneurysm. Our proposed technique can detect the volume of aorta in MRI images using a new external energy for snakes model. The new external energy for snakes model is calculated from Law-s texture. The new external energy can increase the capture range of snakes model efficiently more than the old external energy of snakes models. Second, our technique is designed to diagnose the abdominal aorta aneurysm by Bayesian classifier which is classification models based on statistical theory. The feature for data classification of abdominal aorta aneurysm was derived from the contour of aorta images which was a result from segmenting of our snakes model, i.e., area, perimeter and compactness. We also compare the proposed technique with the traditional snakes model. In our experiment results, 30 images are trained, 20 images are tested and compared with expert opinion. The experimental results show that our technique is able to provide more accurate results than 95%.
Abstract: Generalized Center String (GCS) problem are
generalized from Common Approximate Substring problem
and Common substring problems. GCS are known to be
NP-hard allowing the problems lies in the explosion of
potential candidates. Finding longest center string without
concerning the sequence that may not contain any motifs is
not known in advance in any particular biological gene
process. GCS solved by frequent pattern-mining techniques
and known to be fixed parameter tractable based on the
fixed input sequence length and symbol set size. Efficient
method known as Bpriori algorithms can solve GCS with
reasonable time/space complexities. Bpriori 2 and Bpriori
3-2 algorithm are been proposed of any length and any
positions of all their instances in input sequences. In this
paper, we reduced the time/space complexity of Bpriori
algorithm by Constrained Based Frequent Pattern mining
(CBFP) technique which integrates the idea of Constraint
Based Mining and FP-tree mining. CBFP mining technique
solves the GCS problem works for all center string of any
length, but also for the positions of all their mutated copies
of input sequence. CBFP mining technique construct TRIE
like with FP tree to represent the mutated copies of center
string of any length, along with constraints to restraint
growth of the consensus tree. The complexity analysis for
Constrained Based FP mining technique and Bpriori
algorithm is done based on the worst case and average case
approach. Algorithm's correctness compared with the
Bpriori algorithm using artificial data is shown.
Abstract: A virtualized and virtual approach is presented on
academically preparing students to successfully engage at a strategic
perspective to understand those concerns and measures that are both
structured and not structured in the area of cyber security and
information assurance. The Master of Science in Cyber Security and
Information Assurance (MSCSIA) is a professional degree for those
who endeavor through technical and managerial measures to ensure
the security, confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, control,
availability and utility of the world-s computing and information
systems infrastructure. The National University Cyber Security and
Information Assurance program is offered as a Master-s degree. The
emphasis of the MSCSIA program uniquely includes hands-on
academic instruction using virtual computers. This past year, 2011,
the NU facility has become fully operational using system
architecture to provide a Virtual Education Laboratory (VEL)
accessible to both onsite and online students. The first student cohort
completed their MSCSIA training this past March 2, 2012 after
fulfilling 12 courses, for a total of 54 units of college credits. The
rapid pace scheduling of one course per month is immensely
challenging, perpetually changing, and virtually multifaceted. This
paper analyses these descriptive terms in consideration of those
globalization penetration breaches as present in today-s world of
cyber security. In addition, we present current NU practices to
mitigate risks.
Abstract: The Wind Turbine Modeling in Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) using Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) PI Controller based design is presented. To study about the variable wind speed. The PI controller performs responding to the dynamic performance. The objective is to study the characteristic of wind turbine and finding the optimum wind speed suitable for wind turbine performance. This system will allow the specification setting (2.5MW). The output active power also corresponding same the input is given. And the reactive power produced by the wind turbine is regulated at 0 Mvar. Variable wind speed is optimum for drive train performance at 12.5 m/s (at maximum power coefficient point) from the simulation of DFIG by Simulink is described.
Abstract: Signature represents an individual characteristic of a
person which can be used for his / her validation. For such application
proper modeling is essential. Here we propose an offline signature
recognition and verification scheme which is based on extraction of
several features including one hybrid set from the input signature
and compare them with the already trained forms. Feature points
are classified using statistical parameters like mean and variance.
The scanned signature is normalized in slant using a very simple
algorithm with an intention to make the system robust which is
found to be very helpful. The slant correction is further aided by the
use of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The suggested scheme
discriminates between originals and forged signatures from simple
and random forgeries. The primary objective is to reduce the two
crucial parameters-False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection
Rate (FRR) with lesser training time with an intension to make the
system dynamic using a cluster of ANNs forming a multiple classifier
system.
Abstract: Many studies have emphasized the importance of
resistive exercise to maintain a healthy human body, particular in
prevention of weakening of physical strength. Recently, some studies
advocated that an application of vibration as a supplementary means in
a regular training was effective in encouraging physical strength. Aim
of the current study was, therefore, to identify if an application of
vibration in a resistive exercise was effective in encouraging physical
strength as that in a regular training. A 3-dimensional virtual lower
extremity model for a healthy male and virtual leg-press model were
generated and synchronized. Dynamic leg-press exercises on a slide
machine with/without extra load and on a footboard with vibration as
well as on a slide machine with extra load were analyzed. The results
of the current indicated that the application of the vibration on the
dynamic leg-press exercise might be not greatly effective in
encouraging physical strength, compared with the dynamic leg press
exercise with extra load. It was, however, thought that the application
of the vibration might be helpful to elderly individuals because the
reduced maximum muscle strength appeared by the effect of the
vibration may avoid a muscular spasm, which can be driven from a
high muscle strength sometimes produced during the leg-press
exercise with extra load.
Abstract: In this study, three strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
(690, BCRC 13023 and BCRC 13025) were subjected to acid
adaptation at pH 5.5 for 90 min. The survival of acid-adapted and
non-adapted V. parahaemolyticus strains under simulated gastric
condition and their protein expression profiles were investigated.
Results showed that acid adaptation increased the survival of the test
V. parahaemolyticus strains after exposure to simulated gastric juice
(pH 3). Additionally, acid adaptation also affected the protein
expression in these V. parahaemolyticus strains. Nine proteins,
identified as atpA, atpB, DnaK, GroEL, OmpU, enolase,
fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglycerate kinase and
triosephosphate isomerase, were induced by acid adaptation in two or
three of the test strains. These acid-adaptive proteins may play
important regulatory roles in the acid tolerance response (ATR) of V.
parahaemolyticus.
Abstract: This paper presents an efficient algorithm for
optimization of radial distribution systems by a network
reconfiguration to balance feeder loads and eliminate overload
conditions. The system load-balancing index is used to determine the
loading conditions of the system and maximum system loading
capacity. The index value has to be minimum in the optimal network
reconfiguration of load balancing. A method based on Tabu search
algorithm, The Tabu search algorithm is employed to search for the
optimal network reconfiguration. The basic idea behind the search is
a move from a current solution to its neighborhood by effectively
utilizing a memory to provide an efficient search for optimality. It
presents low computational effort and is able to find good quality
configurations. Simulation results for a radial 69-bus system with
distributed generations and capacitors placement. The study results
show that the optimal on/off patterns of the switches can be identified
to give the best network reconfiguration involving balancing of
feeder loads while respecting all the constraints.
Abstract: With the rapid advanced of technology, the industrial processes become increasingly demanding, from the point of view, power quality and controllability. The advent of multi levels inverters responds partially to these requirements. But actually, the new generation of multi-cells inverters permits to reach more performances, since, it offers more voltage levels. The disadvantage in the increase of voltage levels by the number of cells in cascades is on account of series igbts synchronisation loss, from where, a limitation of cells in cascade to 4. Regarding to these constraints, a new topology is proposed in this paper, which increases the voltage levels of the three-cell inverter from 4 to 8; with the same number of igbts, and using less stored energy in the flaying capacitors. The details of operation and modelling of this new inverter structure are also presented, then tested thanks to a three phase induction motor. KeywordsFlaying capacitors, Multi-cells inverter, pwm, switchers, modelling.
Abstract: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in many economies. In New Zealand, for example, 97% of all manufacturing companies employ less than 100 staff, and generate the predominant part of this industry sector-s economic output. Manufacturing SMEs as a group also have a significant impact on the environment. This situation is similar in many developed economies, including the European Union. Sustainable economic development therefore needs to strongly consider the role of manufacturing SMEs, who generally find it challenging to move towards more environmentally friendly business practices. This paper presents a systems thinking approach to modelling and understanding the factors which have an influence on the successful uptake of environmental practices in small and medium sized manufacturing companies. It presents a number of causal loop diagrams which have been developed based on primary action research, and a thorough understanding of the literature in this area. The systems thinking model provides the basis for further development of a strategic framework for the successful uptake of environmental innovation in manufacturing SMEs.
Abstract: Early Intervention Program (EIP) is required to
improve the overall development of children with Trisomy 21 (Down
syndrome). In order to help trainer and parent in the implementation
of EIP, a support system has been developed. The support system is
able to screen data automatically, store and analyze data, generate
individual EIP (curriculum) with optimal training duration and to
generate training automatically. The system consists of hardware and
software where the software has been implemented using Java
language and Linux Fedora. The software has been tested to ensure the
functionality and reliability. The prototype has been also tested in
Down syndrome centers. Test result shows that the system is reliable
to be used for generation of an individual curriculum which includes
the training program to improve the motor, cognitive, and combination
abilities of Down syndrome children under 6 years.
Abstract: Extensive research has been devoted to economic
production quantity (EPQ) problem. However, no attention has been
paid to problems where production period length is constrained. In
this paper, we address the problem of deciding the optimal
production quantity and the number of minor setups within each
cycle, in which, production period length is constrained but a minor
setup is possible for pass the constraint. A mathematical model is
developed and Iterated Local Search (ILS) is proposed to solve this
problem. Finally, solution procedure illustrated with a numerical
example and results are analyzed.
Abstract: High purity hydrogen and the valuable by-product of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be produced by the methane catalytic decomposition. The methane conversion and the performance of CNTs were determined by the choices of catalysts and the condition of decomposition reaction. In this paper, Ni/MgO and Ni/O-D (oxidized diamond) catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation method. The effects of reaction temperature and space velocity of methane on the methane conversion were investigated in a fixed-bed. The surface area, structure and micrography were characterized with BET, XPS, SEM, EDS technology. The results showed that the conversion of methane was above 8% within 150 min (T=500) for 33Ni/O-D catalyst and higher than 25% within 120 min (T=650) for 41Ni/MgO catalyst. The initial conversion increased with the increasing temperature of the decomposition reaction, but their catalytic activities decreased rapidly while at too higher temperature. To decrease the space velocity of methane was propitious to promote the methane conversion, but not favor of the hydrogen yields. The appearance of carbon resulted from the methane decomposition lied on the support type and the condition of catalytic reaction. It presented as fiber shape on the surface of Ni/O-D at the relatively lower temperature such as 500 and 550, but as grain shape stacked on and overlayed on the surface of the metal nickel while at 650. The carbon fiber can form on the Ni/MgO surface at 650 and the diameter of the carbon fiber increased with the decreasing space velocity.
Abstract: Re-entrant scheduling is an important search problem
with many constraints in the flow shop. In the literature, a number of
approaches have been investigated from exact methods to
meta-heuristics. This paper presents a genetic algorithm that encodes
the problem as multi-level chromosomes to reflect the dependent
relationship of the re-entrant possibility and resource consumption.
The novel encoding way conserves the intact information of the data
and fastens the convergence to the near optimal solutions. To test the
effectiveness of the method, it has been applied to the
resource-constrained re-entrant flow shop scheduling problem.
Computational results show that the proposed GA performs better than
the simulated annealing algorithm in the measure of the makespan
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to develop a neural
network-based residual generator to detect the fault in the actuators
for a specific communication satellite in its attitude control system
(ACS). First, a dynamic multilayer perceptron network with dynamic
neurons is used, those neurons correspond a second order linear
Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter and a nonlinear activation
function with adjustable parameters. Second, the parameters from the
network are adjusted to minimize a performance index specified by
the output estimated error, with the given input-output data collected
from the specific ACS. Then, the proposed dynamic neural network
is trained and applied for detecting the faults injected to the wheel,
which is the main actuator in the normal mode for the communication
satellite. Then the performance and capabilities of the proposed
network were tested and compared with a conventional model-based
observer residual, showing the differences between these two
methods, and indicating the benefit of the proposed algorithm to
know the real status of the momentum wheel. Finally, the application
of the methods in a satellite ground station is discussed.
Abstract: Metal cutting is a severe plastic deformation process
involving large strains, high strain rates, and high temperatures.
Conventional analysis of the chip formation process is based on bulk
material deformation disregarding the inhomogeneous nature of the
material microstructure. A series of orthogonal cutting tests of AISI
1045 and 1144 steel were conducted which yielded similar process
characteristics and chip formations. With similar shear angles and cut
chip thicknesses, shear strains for both chips were found to range
from 2.0 up to 2.8. The manganese-sulfide (MnS) precipitate in the
1144 steel has a very distinct and uniform shape which allows for
comparison before and after chip formation. From close observations
of MnS precipitates in the cut chips it is shown that the conventional
approach underestimates plastic strains in metal cutting.
Experimental findings revealed local shear strains around a value of
6. These findings and their implications are presented and discussed.
Abstract: There-s a lack in understanding the indoor climate of Malaysian residential. The assumption of traditional house could
provide the best indoor environment is too good to be true. This research is to understand indoor environment in three types of
Malaysian residential and thermo recorder TR72Ui were placed in
indoor spaces for measurement. There are huge differences of indoor
environment between housing types, and building material helps to control indoor climate. Traditional house indoor climate was similar to
the outdoor. Temperature in the bedroom of terrace and town houses were slightly higher than the living room. Indoor temperature was 2oC
lower in the rainy season than the hot season. It was hard to control
indoor humidity level in traditional house compared with terrace and
town house. As for conclusion, town house provides the best thermal
environment to the building occupants and can be improved with good
roof insulation.
Abstract: This paper presents the combination of different precipitation data sets and the distributed hydrological model, in order to examine the flood runoff reproductivity of scattered observation catchments. The precipitation data sets were obtained from observation using rain-gages, satellite based estimate (TRMM), and numerical weather prediction model (NWP), then were coupled with the super tank model. The case study was conducted in three basins (small, medium, and large size) located in Central Vietnam. Calculated hydrographs based on ground observation rainfall showed best fit to measured stream flow, while those obtained from TRMM and NWP showed high uncertainty of peak discharges. However, calculated hydrographs using the adjusted rainfield depicted a promising alternative for the application of TRMM and NWP in flood modeling for scattered observation catchments, especially for the extension of forecast lead time.
Abstract: A mathematical model for determining the overall efficiency
of a multistage tractor gearbox including all gear, lubricant,
surface finish related parameters and operating conditions is
presented. Sliding friction, rolling friction and windage losses were
considered as the main sources of power loss in the gearing system. A
computer code in FORTRAN was developed to simulate the model.
Sliding friction contributes about 98% of the total power loss for
gear trains operating at relatively low speeds (less than 2000 rpm
input speed). Rolling frictional losses decrease with increased load
while windage losses are only significant for gears running at very
high speeds (greater than 3000 rpm). The results also showed that the
overall efficiency varies over the path of contact of the gear meshes
ranging between 94% to 99.5%.
Abstract: In this paper, we show that the stability can not be
achieved with current stabilizing MPC methods for some unstable
processes. Hence we present a new method for stabilizing these
processes. The main idea is to use a new time varying weighted cost
function for traditional GPC. This stabilizes the closed loop system
without adding soft or hard constraint in optimization problem. By
studying different examples it is shown that using the proposed
method, the closed-loop stability of unstable nonminimum phase
process is achieved.