Abstract: The conjugate gradient optimization algorithm is combined with the modified back propagation algorithm to yield a computationally efficient algorithm for training multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks (CGFR/AG). The computational efficiency is enhanced by adaptively modifying initial search direction as described in the following steps: (1) Modification on standard back propagation algorithm by introducing a gain variation term in the activation function, (2) Calculation of the gradient descent of error with respect to the weights and gains values and (3) the determination of a new search direction by using information calculated in step (2). The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing accuracy and computation time with the conjugate gradient algorithm used in MATLAB neural network toolbox. The results show that the computational efficiency of the proposed method was better than the standard conjugate gradient algorithm.
Abstract: A Novel fuzzy neural network combining with support vector learning mechanism called support-vector-based fuzzy neural networks (SVBFNN) is proposed. The SVBFNN combine the capability of minimizing the empirical risk (training error) and expected risk (testing error) of support vector learning in high dimensional data spaces and the efficient human-like reasoning of FNN.
Abstract: This paper presents a general trainable framework
for fast and robust upright human face and non-human object
detection and verification in static images. To enhance the
performance of the detection process, the technique we develop is
based on the combination of fast neural network (FNN) and
classical neural network (CNN). In FNN, a useful correlation is
exploited to sustain high level of detection accuracy between input
image and the weight of the hidden neurons. This is to enable the
use of Fourier transform that significantly speed up the time
detection. The combination of CNN is responsible to verify the
face region. A bootstrap algorithm is used to collect non human
object, which adds the false detection to the training process of the
human and non-human object. Experimental results on test images
with both simple and complex background demonstrate that the
proposed method has obtained high detection rate and low false
positive rate in detecting both human face and non-human object.
Abstract: The effect of flooding can be a serious problem for
wheat farmers, even at dry land condition. Amount of flooding
damage depends on duration flooding, developmental stage, wheat
type and variety. Therefore as a factorial experiment in randomized
complete design based on winter bread wheat cultivars (Pishtaz,
Marvdasht, Shiraz, Zarin, Shahriar, C-81-4, Sardari, Agosta seed,
FGS and Azar2) at stages (Non- flooding stress, flooding at tillering
and stem elongation stages for 15 days) carried out in Faculty of
Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. During flooding,
soil environment of plant roots were water saturated. Analysis of
variance showed that flooding had a significant effect on the number
of grains per spike, grain weight per spike and a grain weight. Hence
flooding reduces the number of grain per spike between 27.1 to 42.5
percent, grain weight per spike between 34.7 to 54.4 percent and
single grain weight between 12.1 to 15.1 percent. Effects of flooding
at the tillering stage reduced higher than stem elongation stage on
studied traits. The result also showed that flooding at tillering stage
delayed spikelet primordial and floret. Between wheat cultivars was
significant for traits, but were different reactions. "Shiraz", "Zarin"
and "Shahriar" had the most no. grain per spike, but "Zarin" and
"Sardari" had the most grain weight per spike and single grain
weight, respectively. Also, interaction between start of flooding and
cultivar was significant.
Abstract: In this paper, the phase control antenna array synthesis
is presented. The problem is formulated as a constrained optimization
problem that imposes nulls with prescribed level while maintaining
the sidelobe at a prescribed level. For efficient use of the algorithm
memory, compared to the well known Particle Swarm Optimization
(PSO), the Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) is used
to estimate the phase parameters of the synthesized array. The
objective function is formed using a main objective and set of
constraints with penalty factors that measure the violation of each
feasible solution in the search space to each constraint. In this case
the obtained feasible solution is guaranteed to satisfy all the
constraints. Simulation results have shown significant performance
increases and a decreased randomness in the parameter search space
compared to a single objective conventional particle swarm
optimization.
Abstract: Geopolymer cement was evaluated as wellbore sealing material for carbon dioxide geosequestration application. Curing of cement system in saline water and strength testing in triaxial stress state condition under lateral confinement is relevant to primary cementing in CO2 geosequestration wellbore in saline aquifer. Geopolymer cement was cured in saline water (both at ambient conditions for 28 days and heated (60°C) conditions for 12 hours) and tested for triaxial strength at different levels of lateral confinement. Normal water and few other curing techniques were also studied both for geopolymer and API ‘G’ cement. Results reported were compared to evaluate the suitability of saline water for curing of geopolymer cement. Unconfined compression test results showed higher strength for curing in saline water than normal water. Besides, testing strength under lateral confinement demonstrated the material failure behavior from brittle to plastic.
Abstract: The study aimed to verify a hypothesis that a sense of
fulfillment in student life and perceived stress in training in the
facilities could affect vocational identity among social welfare
university students, in order to acquire implications for enhancing the
vocational consciousness. A questionnaire survey was conducted with
388 third- and fourth-year students of training course for certified
social workers in three universities in A prefecture in Japan. The
questionnaire was returned by 338 students, and 288 responses
(85.2%) were valid and used for the analysis. As a SEM result, the
hypothesized model proved to be fit to the data. Path coefficient of
sense of fulfillment of student life to vocational identity was
statistically positive. Path coefficient of training stress to vocational
identity was statistically negative.
Abstract: In this paper back-propagation artificial neural network
(BPANN )with Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is employed to
predict the deformation of the upsetting process. To prepare a
training set for BPANN, some finite element simulations were
carried out. The input data for the artificial neural network are a set
of parameters generated randomly (aspect ratio d/h, material
properties, temperature and coefficient of friction). The output data
are the coefficient of polynomial that fitted on barreling curves.
Neural network was trained using barreling curves generated by
finite element simulations of the upsetting and the corresponding
material parameters. This technique was tested for three different
specimens and can be successfully employed to predict the
deformation of the upsetting process
Abstract: Manufacturing tolerancing is intended to determine
the intermediate geometrical and dimensional states of the part
during its manufacturing process. These manufacturing dimensions
also serve to satisfy not only the functional requirements given in
the definition drawing, but also the manufacturing constraints, for
example geometrical defects of the machine, vibration and the
wear of the cutting tool. In this paper, an experimental study on the
influence of the wear of the cutting tool (systematic dispersions) is
explored. This study was carried out on three stages .The first stage
allows machining without elimination of dispersions (random,
systematic) so the tolerances of manufacture according to total
dispersions. In the second stage, the results of the first stage are
filtered in such way to obtain the tolerances according to random
dispersions. Finally, from the two previous stages, the systematic
dispersions are generated. The objective of this study is to model
by the least squares method the error of manufacture based on
systematic dispersion. Finally, an approach of optimization of the
manufacturing tolerances was developed for machining on a CNC
machine tool
Abstract: The majority of micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia
operate very small-scaled business activities such as food stalls,
burger stalls, night market hawkers, grocery stores, constructions,
rubber and oil palm small holders, and other agro-based services and
activities. Why are they venturing into entrepreneurship - is it for
survival, out of interest or due to encouragement and assistance from
the local government? And why is it that some micro-entrepreneurs
are lagging behind in entrepreneurship, and what do they need to
rectify this situation so that they are able to progress further?
Furthermore, what are the skills that the micro entrepreneurs should
developed to transform them into successful micro-enterprises and
become small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)? This paper
proposes a 7-Step approach that can serve as a basis for identification
of critical entrepreneurial success factors that enable policy makers,
practitioners, consultants, training managers and other agencies in
developing tools to assist micro business owners. This paper also
highlights the experience of one of the successful companies in
Malaysia that has transformed from micro-enterprise to become a
large organization in less than 10 years.
Abstract: This paper presents an efficient emission constrained
hydrothermal scheduling algorithm that deals with nonlinear
functions such as the water discharge characteristics, thermal cost,
and transmission loss. It is then incorporated into the hydrothermal
coordination program. The program has been tested on a practical
utility system having 32 thermal and 12 hydro generating units. Test
results show that a slight increase in production cost causes a
substantial reduction in emission.
Abstract: Recently, the health of retired National Football
League players, particularly lineman has been investigated. A
number of studies have reported increased cardiometabolic risk,
premature cardiovascular disease and incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Rugby union players have somatotypes very similar to National
Football League players which suggests that rugby players may have
similar health risks. The International Golden Oldies World Rugby
Festival (GORF) provided a unique opportunity to investigate the
demographics of veteran rugby players. METHODOLOGIES: A
cross-sectional, observational study was completed using an online
web-based questionnaire that consisted of medical history and
physiological measures. Data analysis was completed using a one
sample t-test (50yrs) and Chi-square test. RESULTS:
A total of 216 veteran rugby competitors (response rate = 6.8%)
representing 10 countries, aged 35-72 yrs (mean 51.2, S.D. ±8.0),
participated in the online survey. As a group, the incidence of current
smokers was low at 8.8% (avg 72.4 cigs/wk) whilst the percentage
consuming alcohol was high (93.1% (avg 11.2 drinks/wk).
Competitors reported the following top six chronic
diseases/disorders; hypertension (18.6%), arthritis (OA/RA, 11.5%),
asthma (9.3%), hyperlipidemia (8.2%), diabetes (all types, 7.5%) and
gout (6%), there were significant differences between groups with
regard to cancer (all types) and migraines. When compared to the
Australian general population (Australian Bureau of Statistics data,
n=18,000), GORF competitors had a significantly lower incidence of
anxiety (p
Abstract: Based on statistics released by Islamic Republic of
Iran Police (IRIP), from among the total 9555 motorcycle accidents
that happened in 2007, 857 riders died and 11219 one got injured. If
we also consider the death toll and injuries of other vehicles'
accidents resulted from traffic violation by motorcycle riders, then
paying attention to the motorcycle accidents seems to be very
necessary. Therefore, in this study we tried to investigate the traits
and issues related to production, application, and training, along with
causes of motorcycle accidents from 4 perspectives of road, human,
environment and vehicle and also based on statistical and
geographical analysis of accident-sheets prepared by Iran Road
Patrol Department (IRPD). Unfamiliarity of riders with regulations
and techniques of motorcycling, disuse of safety equipments,
inefficiency of roads and design of junctions for safe trafficking of
motorcycles and finally the lack of sufficient control of responsible
organizations are among the major causes which lead to these
accidents.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of LAB
isolated from Iranian native olives on the opportunistic skin
pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Lactic Acid Bacteria were isolated from the brine of each sample in
the prior of time. The samples were spread on MRS agar for isolation
of lactobacillus and for lactococcus. 28 strains of labs were isolated.
The labs were centrifuged, the supernatant was strewed and pellet
was used to inoculation in wells or at blank disks. 20μl of each pellet
was inoculated to blank disks and 40μl of each pellet was inoculated
to each well. The result of disk and well diffusion agar against these
pathogens were confirmed each other. The size of inhibition zone
was different according to the type of bacteria, the method and the
concentrations of labs.
Abstract: This paper proposes a method that discovers sequential patterns corresponding to user-s interests from sequential data. This method expresses the interests as constraint patterns. The constraint patterns can define relationships among attributes of the items composing the data. The method recursively decomposes the constraint patterns into constraint subpatterns. The method evaluates the constraint subpatterns in order to efficiently discover sequential patterns satisfying the constraint patterns. Also, this paper applies the method to the sequential data composed of stock price indexes and verifies its effectiveness through comparing it with a method without using the constraint patterns.
Abstract: In this article, using finite element analysis (FEA)
and an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), cold-sprayed titanium particles
on a steel substrate is investigated in term of cooling time and the
development of residual strains. Three cooling-down models of
sprayed particles after deposition stage are simulated and discussed:
the first model (m1) considers conduction effect to the substrate only,
the second model (m2) considers both conduction as well as
convection effect to the environment, and the third model (m3) which
is the same as the second model but with the substrate heated to a
near particle temperature before spraying. Thereafter, residual strains
developed in the third model is compared with the experimental
measurement of residual strains, which involved a Bruker D8
Advance Diffractometer using CuKa radiation (40kV, 40mA)
monochromatised with a graphite sample monochromator. For
deposition conditions of this study, a good correlation was found to
exist between the FEA results and XRD measurements of residual
strains.
Abstract: We address the problem of joint beamforming and multipath channel parameters estimation in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) communication systems that employ Multiple-Access Interference (MAI) suppression techniques in the uplink (from mobile to base station). Most of the existing schemes rely on time multiplex a training sequence with the user data. In WCDMA, the channel parameters can also be estimated from a code multiplexed common pilot channel (CPICH) that could be corrupted by strong interference resulting in a bad estimate. In this paper, we present new methods to combine interference suppression together with channel estimation when using multiple receiving antennas by using adaptive signal processing techniques. Computer simulation is used to compare between the proposed methods and the existing conventional estimation techniques.
Abstract: Five original strains of entomopathogenic bacteria
with insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae of the genera Aedes,
Culex and Anopheles have been isolated from natural conditions in
Armenia and characterized. According to morphological,
physiological and biochemical parameters, all isolates were identified
as Bacillus thuringiensis spp. israelensis (Bti). High larvicidal
activity has been showed by three strains Bti. These strains can be
recommended for industrial production of bacterial preparations.
Abstract: This paper proposes an auto-classification algorithm
of Web pages using Data mining techniques. We consider the
problem of discovering association rules between terms in a set of
Web pages belonging to a category in a search engine database, and
present an auto-classification algorithm for solving this problem that
are fundamentally based on Apriori algorithm. The proposed
technique has two phases. The first phase is a training phase where
human experts determines the categories of different Web pages, and
the supervised Data mining algorithm will combine these categories
with appropriate weighted index terms according to the highest
supported rules among the most frequent words. The second phase is
the categorization phase where a web crawler will crawl through the
World Wide Web to build a database categorized according to the
result of the data mining approach. This database contains URLs and
their categories.
Abstract: Presented herein is an assessment of current nonlinear
static procedures (NSPs) for seismic evaluation of bucklingrestrained
braced frames (BRBFs) which have become a favorable
lateral-force resisting system for earthquake resistant buildings. The
bias and accuracy of modal, improved modal pushover analysis
(MPA, IMPA) and mass proportional pushover (MPP) procedures
are comparatively investigated when they are applied to BRBF
buildings subjected to two sets of strong ground motions. The
assessment is based on a comparison of seismic displacement
demands such as target roof displacements, peak floor/roof
displacements and inter-story drifts. The NSP estimates are compared
to 'exact' results from nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA).
The response statistics presented show that the MPP
procedure tends to significantly overestimate seismic demands of
lower stories of tall buildings considered in this study while MPA
and IMPA procedures provide reasonably accurate results in
estimating maximum inter-story drift over all stories of studied BRBF
systems.