Abstract: This paper present the implementation of a new ordering strategy on Successive Overrelaxation scheme on two dimensional boundary value problems. The strategy involve two directions alternatingly; from top and bottom of the solution domain. The method shows to significantly reduce the iteration number to converge. Four numerical experiments were carried out to examine the performance of the new strategy.
Abstract: In this paper, five options of Iran’s gas flare recovery
have been compared via MCDM method. For developing the model,
the weighing factor of each indicator an AHP method is used via the
Expert-choice software. Several cases were considered in this
analysis. They are defined where the priorities were defined always
keeping one criterion in first position, while the priorities of the other
criteria were defined by ordinal information defining the mutual
relations of the criteria and the respective indicators. The results,
show that amongst these cases, priority is obtained for CHP usage
where availability indicator is highly weighted while the pipeline
usage is obtained where environmental indicator highly weighted and
the injection priority is obtained where economic indicator is highly
weighted and also when the weighing factor of all the criteria are the
same the Injection priority is obtained.
Abstract: Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) are widely
studied with respect to hemodynamic conditions which play
important role in presence of a restenosis. However, papers which
concern with constitutive modeling of CABG are lacking in the
literature. The purpose of this study is to find a constitutive model for
CABG tissue. A sample of the CABG obtained within an autopsy
underwent an inflation–extension test. Displacements were
recoredered by CCD cameras and subsequently evaluated by digital
image correlation. Pressure – radius and axial force – elongation
data were used to fit material model. The tissue was modeled as onelayered
composite reinforced by two families of helical fibers. The
material is assumed to be locally orthotropic, nonlinear,
incompressible and hyperelastic. Material parameters are estimated
for two strain energy functions (SEF). The first is classical
exponential. The second SEF is logarithmic which allows
interpretation by means of limiting (finite) strain extensibility.
Presented material parameters are estimated by optimization based
on radial and axial equilibrium equation in a thick-walled tube. Both
material models fit experimental data successfully. The exponential
model fits significantly better relationship between axial force and
axial strain than logarithmic one.
Abstract: Modeling transfer phenomena in several chemical
engineering operations leads to the resolution of partial differential
equations systems. According to the complexity of the operations
mechanisms, the equations present a nonlinear form and analytical
solution became difficult, we have then to use numerical methods
which are based on approximations in order to transform a
differential system to an algebraic one.Finite element method is one
of numerical methods which can be used to obtain an accurate
solution in many complex cases of chemical engineering.The packed
columns find a large application like contactor for liquid-liquid
systems such solvent extraction. In the literature, the modeling of this
type of equipment received less attention in comparison with the
plate columns.A mathematical bidimensionnal model with radial and
axial dispersion, simulating packed tower extraction behavior was
developed and a partial differential equation was solved using the
finite element method by adopting the Galerkine model. We
developed a Mathcad program, which can be used for a similar
equations and concentration profiles are obtained along the column.
The influence of radial dispersion was prooved and it can-t be
neglected, the results were compared with experimental concentration
at the top of the column in the extraction system:
acetone/toluene/water.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is description of the notion of
the death for prisoners and the ways of deal with. They express
indifference, coldness, inability to accept the blame, they have no
shame and no empathy. Is it enough to perform acts verging on the
death. In this paper we described mechanisms and regularities of selfdestructive
behaviour in the view of the relevant literature? The
explanation of the phenomenon is of a biological and sociopsychological
nature. It must be clearly stated that all forms of selfdestructive
behaviour result from various impulses, conflicts and
deficits. That is why they should be treated differently in terms of
motivation and functions which they perform in a given group of
people. Behind self-destruction there seems to be a motivational
mechanism which forces prisoners to rebel and fight against the hated
law and penitentiary systems. The imprisoned believe that pain and
suffering inflicted on them by themselves are better than passive
acceptance of repression. The variety of self-destruction acts is wide,
and some of them take strange forms. We assume that a life-death
barrier is a kind of game for them. If they cannot change the
degrading situation, their life loses sense.
Abstract: In the context of computer numerical control (CNC) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM), the capabilities of programming languages such as symbolic and intuitive programming, program portability and geometrical portfolio have special importance. They allow to save time and to avoid errors during part programming and permit code re-usage. Our updated literature review indicates that the current state of art presents voids in parametric programming, program portability and programming flexibility. In response to this situation, this article presents a compiler implementation for EGCL (Extended G-code Language), a new, enriched CNC programming language which allows the use of descriptive variable names, geometrical functions and flow-control statements (if-then-else, while). Our compiler produces low-level generic, elementary ISO-compliant Gcode, thus allowing for flexibility in the choice of the executing CNC machine and in portability. Our results show that readable variable names and flow control statements allow a simplified and intuitive part programming and permit re-usage of the programs. Future work includes allowing the programmer to define own functions in terms of EGCL, in contrast to the current status of having them as library built-in functions.
Abstract: In the present essay, a model of choice by actors is analysedby utilizing the theory of chaos to explain how change comes about. Then, by using ancient and modern sources of literature, the theory of the social contract is analysed as a historical phenomenon that first appeared during the period of Classical Greece. Then, based on the findings of this analysis, the practice of direct democracy and public choice in ancient Athens is analysed, through two historical cases: Eubulus and Lycurgus political program in the second half of the 4th century. The main finding of this research is that these policies can be interpreted as an implementation of a social contract, through which citizens were taking decisions based on rational choice according to economic considerations.
Abstract: Crosstalk is the major limiting issue in very high bit-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) systems in terms of bit-rate or service coverage. At the central office side, joint signal processing accompanied by appropriate power allocation enables complex multiuser processors to provide near capacity rates. Unfortunately complexity grows with the square of the number of lines within a binder, so by taking into account that there are only a few dominant crosstalkers who contribute to main part of crosstalk power, the canceller structure can be simplified which resulted in a much lower run-time complexity. In this paper, a multiuser power control scheme, namely iterative waterfilling, is combined with previously proposed partial crosstalk cancellation approaches to demonstrate the best ever achieved performance which is verified by simulation results.
Abstract: Prior to the use of detectors, characteristics
comparison study was performed and baseline established. In patient
specific QA, the portal dosimetry mean values of area gamma,
average gamma and maximum gamma were 1.02, 0.31 and 1.31 with
standard deviation of 0.33, 0.03 and 0.14 for IMRT and the
corresponding values were 1.58, 0.48 and 1.73 with standard
deviation of 0.31, 0.06 and 0.66 for VMAT. With ImatriXX 2-D
array system, on an average 99.35% of the pixels passed the criteria
of 3%-3 mm gamma with standard deviation of 0.24 for dynamic
IMRT. For VMAT, the average value was 98.16% with a standard
deviation of 0.86. The results showed that both the systems can be
used in patient specific QA measurements for IMRT and VMAT.
The values obtained with the portal dosimetry system were found to
be relatively more consistent compared to those obtained with
ImatriXX 2-D array system.
Abstract: In this paper, a decision aid method for preoptimization
is presented. The method is called “negotiation", and it
is based on the identification, formulation, modeling and use of
indicators defined as “negotiation indicators". These negotiation
indicators are used to explore the solution space by means of a classbased
approach. The classes are subdomains for the negotiation
indicators domain. They represent equivalent cognitive solutions in
terms of the negotiation indictors being used. By this method, we
reduced the size of the solution space and the criteria, thus aiding the
optimization methods. We present an example to show the method.
Abstract: The solitary wave solution of the quadratic nonlinear Schrdinger equation is determined by the iterative method called Petviashvili method. This solution is also used for the initial condition for the time evolution to study the stability analysis. The spectral method is applied for the time evolution.
Abstract: Sustainable development is highly dependent on the
implementation of environmental education programs, which has as
its ultimate goal to produce environmentally literate citizens that
undertake environmentally friendly actions. Efforts on environmental
education along past years are now perceived on the increase of
citizens awareness on European countries and, particularly, in
Portugal. However, we still have a lack of information on the
prevalence of specific behaviors that contributes to sustainability,
influenced by a new attitude toward the environment. The
determination of pro-environmental behaviors prevalence in higher
education students is an important approach to understand to which
extend the next leading generation is, in practice, committed with the
goals of sustainable development. Therefore, present study evaluates
the prevalence of a specific set of behaviors (water savings, energy
savings, environmental criteria on shopping, and mobility) on the
University of Madeira students and discusses their commitment with
sustainable development.
Abstract: Face detection and recognition has many applications
in a variety of fields such as security system, videoconferencing and
identification. Face classification is currently implemented in
software. A hardware implementation allows real-time processing,
but has higher cost and time to-market.
The objective of this work is to implement a classifier based on
neural networks MLP (Multi-layer Perceptron) for face detection.
The MLP is used to classify face and non-face patterns. The systm is
described using C language on a P4 (2.4 Ghz) to extract weight
values. Then a Hardware implementation is achieved using VHDL
based Methodology. We target Xilinx FPGA as the implementation
support.
Abstract: Characterization and evaluation of the activity of Vespa basalis DPP-IV, which expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda 21 cells. The expression of rDPP-IV was confirmed by SDS–PAGE, Western blot analyses, LC-MS/MS and measurement of its peptidase specificity. One-step purification by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and the total amount of rDPP-IV recovered was approximately 6.4mg per liter from infected culture medium; an equivalent amount would be produced by 1x109 infected Sf21 insect cells. Through the affinity purification led to highly stable rDPP-IV enzyme was recovered and with significant peptidase activity. The rDPP-IV exhibited classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics, with kcat/Km in the range of 10-500 mM-1×S-1 for the five synthetic substrates and optimum substrate is Ala-Pro-pNA. As expected in inhibition assay, the enzymatic activity of rDPP-IV was significantly reduced by 80 or 60% in the presence of sitagliptin (a DPP-IV inhibitor) or PMSF (a serine protease inhibitor), but was not apparently affected by iodoacetamide (a cysteine protease inhibitor).
Abstract: This paper aims to develop a model that assists the
international retailer in selecting the country that maximizes the
degree of fit between the retailer-s goals and the country
characteristics in his initial internationalization move. A two-stage
multi criteria decision model is designed integrating the Analytic
Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Goal Programming. Ethical, cultural,
geographic and economic proximity are identified as the relevant
constructs of the internationalization decision. The constructs are
further structured into sub-factors within analytic hierarchy. The
model helps the retailer to integrate, rank and weigh a number of
hard and soft factors and prioritize the countries accordingly. The
model has been implemented on a Turkish luxury goods retailer who
was planning to internationalize. Actual entry of the specific retailer
in the selected country is a support for the model. Implementation on
a single retailer limits the generalizability of the results; however, the
emphasis of the paper is on construct identification and model
development. The paper enriches the existing literature by proposing
a hybrid multi objective decision model which introduces new soft
dimensions i.e. perceived distance, ethical proximity, humane
orientation to the decision process and facilitates effective decision
making.
Abstract: In recent five decades, textured yarns of polyester fiber produced by false twist method are the most
important and mass-produced manmade fibers. There are
many parameters of cross section which affect the physical and mechanical properties of textured yarns. These parameters
are surface area, perimeter, equivalent diameter, large
diameter, small diameter, convexity, stiffness, eccentricity, and hydraulic diameter. These parameters were evaluated by
digital image processing techniques. To find trends between production criteria and evaluated parameters of cross section, three criteria of production line have been adjusted and different types of yarns were produced. These criteria are
temperature, drafting ratio, and D/Y ratio. Finally the relations between production criteria and cross section parameters were
considered. The results showed that the presented technique can recognize and measure the parameters of fiber cross section in acceptable accuracy. Also, the optimum condition
of adjustments has been estimated from results of image analysis evaluation.
Abstract: This article proposes a novel Pareto-based multiobjective
meta-heuristic algorithm named non-dominated ranking
genetic algorithm (NRGA) to solve multi-facility location-allocation
problem. In NRGA, a fitness value representing rank is assigned to
each individual of the population. Moreover, two features ranked
based roulette wheel selection including select the fronts and choose
solutions from the fronts, are utilized. The proposed solving
methodology is validated using several examples taken from the
specialized literature. The performance of our approach shows that
NRGA algorithm is able to generate true and well distributed Pareto
optimal solutions.
Abstract: Human middle-ear is the key component of the
auditory system. Its function is to transfer the sound waves through
the ear canal to provide sufficient stimulus to the fluids of the inner
ear. Degradation of the ossicles that transmit these sound waves from
the eardrum to the inner ear leads to hearing loss. This problem can
be overcome by replacing one or more of these ossicles by middleear
prosthesis. Designing such prosthesis requires a comprehensive
knowledge of the biomechanics of the middle-ear. There are many
finite element modeling approaches developed to understand the
biomechanics of the middle ear. The available models in the
literature, involve high computation time. In this paper, we propose a
simplified model which provides a reasonably accurate result with
much less computational time. Simulation results indicate a
maximum sound pressure gain of 10 dB at 5500 Hz.
Abstract: Salary risk and demographic risk have been identified
as main risks in analyzing pension expenditure particularly in
Defined Benefit pension plan. Therefore, public pension plan in
Malaysia is studied to analyze pension expenditure due to salary and
demographic risk. Through the literature review and interview session
with several officers in public sector, factors affecting pension
expenditure are determined. Then, the inter-relationships between
these factors are analyzed through causal loop diagram. The System
Dynamics model is later developed using iThink software to show how
demographic and salary changes affect the pension expenditure. Then, by
using actual data, the impact of different policy scenarios on pension
expenditure is analyzed. It is shown that dynamics simulation model of
pension expenditure is useful to evaluate the impact of changes and
policy decisions on risk particularly involving demographic and salary risk.
Abstract: A lot of computer-based methods have been developed
to assess the evacuation capability (EC) of high-rise buildings.
Because softwares are time-consuming and not proper for on scene
applications, we adopted two methods, fuzzy analytic hierarchy
process (FAHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to an
ideal solution (TOPSIS), for EC assessment of a high-rise building in
Jinan. The EC scores obtained with the two methods and the
evacuation time acquired with Pathfinder 2009 for floors 47-60 of the
building were compared with each other. The results show that FAHP
performs better than TOPSIS for EC assessment of high-rise buildings,
especially in the aspect of dealing with the effect of occupant type and
distance to exit on EC, tackling complex problem with multi-level
structure of criteria, and requiring less amount of computation.
However, both FAHP and TOPSIS failed to appropriately handle the
situation where the exit width changes while occupants are few.