Abstract: Many recent electrophysiological studies have
revealed the importance of investigating meditation state in order to
achieve an increased understanding of autonomous control of
cardiovascular functions. In this paper, we characterize heart rate
variability (HRV) time series acquired during meditation using
nonlinear dynamical parameters. We have computed minimum
embedding dimension (MED), correlation dimension (CD), largest
Lyapunov exponent (LLE), and nonlinearity scores (NLS) from HRV
time series of eight Chi and four Kundalini meditation practitioners.
The pre-meditation state has been used as a baseline (control) state to
compare the estimated parameters. The chaotic nature of HRV during
both pre-meditation and meditation is confirmed by MED. The
meditation state showed a significant decrease in the value of CD and
increase in the value of LLE of HRV, in comparison with premeditation
state, indicating a less complex and less predictable nature
of HRV. In addition, it was shown that the HRV of meditation state
is having highest NLS than pre-meditation state. The study indicated
highly nonlinear dynamic nature of cardiac states as revealed by
HRV during meditation state, rather considering it as a quiescent
state.
Abstract: The deterministic quantum transfer-matrix (QTM)
technique and its mathematical background are presented. This
important tool in computational physics can be applied to a class of
the real physical low-dimensional magnetic systems described by the
Heisenberg hamiltonian which includes the macroscopic molecularbased
spin chains, small size magnetic clusters embedded in some
supramolecules and other interesting compounds. Using QTM, the
spin degrees of freedom are accurately taken into account, yielding
the thermodynamical functions at finite temperatures.
In order to test the application for the susceptibility calculations to
run in the parallel environment, the speed-up and efficiency of
parallelization are analyzed on our platform SGI Origin 3800 with
p = 128 processor units. Using Message Parallel Interface (MPI)
system libraries we find the efficiency of the code of 94% for
p = 128 that makes our application highly scalable.
Abstract: This article concerns with the accessibility of Business
process modelling tools (BPMo tools) and business process
modelling languages (BPMo languages). Therefore the reader will be
introduced to business process management and the authors'
motivation behind this inquiry. Afterwards, the paper will reflect
problems when applying inaccessible BPMo tools. To illustrate these
problems the authors distinguish between two different categories of
issues and provide practical examples. Finally the article will present
three approaches to improve the accessibility of BPMo tools and
BPMo languages.
Abstract: In this paper, study on carbonation process of several types of advanced plasters on lime basis is presented. The movement of carbonation head was measured by colorimetric method using phenolphtalein. The rate of carbonation was accessed also by gravimetric method. Samples of studied materials were placed into the climatic chamber for simulation of environment with high concentration of CO2. The particular samples were on all lateral sides and on the bottom side provided by epoxy resin in order to arrange 1-D transport of CO2 into the studied samples. The carbonation rates of particular materials pointed to the time dependence of diffusion process of CO2 for all the studied plasters. From the quantitative point of view, the carbonation of advanced modified plasters was much faster than for the reference lime plaster, what is beneficial for the practical application of the tested newly developed materials.
Abstract: Knowledge is indispensable but voluminous knowledge becomes a bottleneck for efficient processing. A great challenge for data mining activity is the generation of large number of potential rules as a result of mining process. In fact sometimes result size is comparable to the original data. Traditional data mining pruning activities such as support do not sufficiently reduce the huge rule space. Moreover, many practical applications are characterized by continual change of data and knowledge, thereby making knowledge voluminous with each change. The most predominant representation of the discovered knowledge is the standard Production Rules (PRs) in the form If P Then D. Michalski & Winston proposed Censored Production Rules (CPRs), as an extension of production rules, that exhibit variable precision and supports an efficient mechanism for handling exceptions. A CPR is an augmented production rule of the form: If P Then D Unless C, where C (Censor) is an exception to the rule. Such rules are employed in situations in which the conditional statement 'If P Then D' holds frequently and the assertion C holds rarely. By using a rule of this type we are free to ignore the exception conditions, when the resources needed to establish its presence, are tight or there is simply no information available as to whether it holds or not. Thus the 'If P Then D' part of the CPR expresses important information while the Unless C part acts only as a switch changes the polarity of D to ~D. In this paper a scheme based on Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST) interpretation of a CPR is suggested for discovering CPRs from the discovered flat PRs. The discovery of CPRs from flat rules would result in considerable reduction of the already discovered rules. The proposed scheme incrementally incorporates new knowledge and also reduces the size of knowledge base considerably with each episode. Examples are given to demonstrate the behaviour of the proposed scheme. The suggested cumulative learning scheme would be useful in mining data streams.
Abstract: Custom power is a technology driven product and
service solution which embraces a family devices such as Dynamic
Voltage Restorer (DVR), Distributed Shunt Compensator
(DSTATCOM), Solid State Breaker (SSB) etc which will provide
power quality functions at distribution voltages. The rapid response
of these devices enables them to operate in real time, providing
continuous and dynamic control of the supply including voltage and
reactive power regulation, harmonic reduction and elimination of
voltage dips. This paper presents the benefits of multilevel inverters
when they are used for DPC based custom power devices. Power
flow control mechanism, salient features, advantages and
disadvantages of direct power control (DPC) using lookup table,
SVM, predictive voltage vector and hybrid DPC strategies are
discussed in this paper. Simulation results of three level inverter
based STATCOM, harmonic analysis of multi level inverters are
presented at the end.
Abstract: Finding synchronizing sequences for the finite automata is a very important problem in many practical applications (part orienters in industry, reset problem in biocomputing theory, network issues etc). Problem of finding the shortest synchronizing sequence is NP-hard, so polynomial algorithms probably can work only as heuristic ones. In this paper we propose two versions of polynomial algorithms which work better than well-known Eppstein-s Greedy and Cycle algorithms.
Abstract: Mixed Model Production is the practice of assembling
several distinct and different models of a product on the same
assembly line without changeovers and then sequencing those models
in a way that smoothes the demand for upstream components. In this
paper, we consider an objective function which minimizes total
stoppage time and total idle time and it is presented sequence
dependent set up time. Many studies have been done on the mixed
model assembly lines. But in this paper we specifically focused on
reducing the idle times. This is possible through various help policies.
For improving the solutions, some cases developed and about 40 tests
problem was considered. We use scatter search for optimization and
for showing the efficiency of our algorithm, experimental results
shows behavior of method. Scatter search and help policies can
produce high quality answers, so it has been used in this paper.
Abstract: The adoption of building information modeling (BIM)
is increasing in the construction industry. However, quantity
surveyors are slow in adoption compared to other professions due to
lack of awareness of the BIM’s potential in their profession. It is still
unclear on how BIM application can enhance quantity surveyors’
work performance and project performance. The aim of this research
is to identify the capabilities of BIM in quantity surveying practices
and examine the relationship between BIM capabilities and project
performance. Questionnaire survey and interviews were adopted for
data collection. Literature reviews identified there are eleven BIM
capabilities in quantity surveying practice. Questionnaire results
showed that there are several BIM capabilities significantly
correlated with project performance in time, cost and quality aspects
and the results were validated through interviews. These findings
show that BIM has the capabilities to enhance quantity surveyors’
performances and subsequently improved project performance.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a critical component of
competitive success in service organizations. Knowledge
management centers on creating new knowledge and utilizing
existing knowledge. While utilizing existing knowledge relates to
input and control and can lead to a reduction in costs; creating new
knowledge relates to output and growth and can lead to an increase in
revenue. Therefore managers must ensure that they can successfully
optimize the knowledge and talent in their organizations. To do this
they and must try to develop an environment that promotes the
generation, acquisition, transfer and use of valuable knowledge in
creative ways. However knowledge management is complex and
diverse. Research suggests that organizations in general and SMEs in
particular are finding it difficult to implement successful knowledge
management initiatives. Our research attempts to understand whether
organizations are adopting best practice initiatives in their
organizations. This paper presents findings from an exploratory study
of 139 SMEs operating in the tourism sector across Europe. The
goals of the survey is to assess the level of awareness of knowledge
and talent management strategies and methodologies and to
determine whether the responding companies implement best practice
knowledge management initiatives in their organizations Analysis of
the findings from the study are presented and discussed.
Abstract: The temperature distribution and the heat transfer
rates through a multi-layer door of a furnace were investigated. The
inside of the door was in contact with hot air and the other side of the
door was in contact with room air. Radiation heat transfer from the
walls of the furnace to the door and the door to the surrounding area
was included in the problem. This work is a two dimensional steady
state problem. The Churchill and Chu correlation was used to find
local convection heat transfer coefficients at the surfaces of the
furnace door. The thermophysical properties of air were the functions
of the temperatures. Polynomial curve fitting for the fluid properties
were carried out. Finite difference method was used to discretize for
conduction heat transfer within the furnace door. The Gauss-Seidel
Iteration was employed to compute the temperature distribution in
the door.
The temperature distribution in the horizontal mid plane of the
furnace door in a two dimensional problem agrees with the one
dimensional problem. The local convection heat transfer coefficients
at the inside and outside surfaces of the furnace door are exhibited.
Abstract: Pepper spray use has gained momentum since 1992
and although the active ingredient is readily available, it is considered
a weapon with restricted use in many regions, including The
Bahamas. In light of controversy in the literature regarding the
severity of presenting respiration complaints among individuals postacute
exposure of pepper spray inhalation, this descriptive case series
study was conducted to assess the respiratory status of persons
evaluated during a mass casualty in The Bahamas. Parameters noted
were patients- demographics and respiration severity determined via
clinical examination findings, disposition and follow-up review of the
20 persons. Their most common complaint was difficulty breathing
post exposure. Two required admission and stayed for
Abstract: This paper discusses the effectiveness of the EEG signal
for human identification using four or less of channels of two different
types of EEG recordings. Studies have shown that the EEG signal
has biometric potential because signal varies from person to person
and impossible to replicate and steal. Data were collected from 10
male subjects while resting with eyes open and eyes closed in 5
separate sessions conducted over a course of two weeks. Features
were extracted using the wavelet packet decomposition and analyzed
to obtain the feature vectors. Subsequently, the neural networks
algorithm was used to classify the feature vectors. Results show that,
whether or not the subjects- eyes were open are insignificant for a 4–
channel biometrics system with a classification rate of 81%. However,
for a 2–channel system, the P4 channel should not be included if data
is acquired with the subjects- eyes open. It was observed that for 2–
channel system using only the C3 and C4 channels, a classification
rate of 71% was achieved.
Abstract: The current practice of determination of moisture diffusivity of building materials under laboratory conditions is predominantly aimed at the absorption phase. The main reason is the simplicity of the inverse analysis of measured moisture profiles. However, the liquid moisture transport may exhibit significant hysteresis. Thus, the moisture diffusivity should be different in the absorption (wetting) and desorption (drying) phase. In order to bring computer simulations of hygrothermal performance of building materials closer to the reality, it is then necessary to find new methods for inverse analysis which could be used in the desorption phase as well. In this paper we present genetic algorithm as a possible method of solution of the inverse problem of moisture transport in desorption phase. Its application is demonstrated for AAC as a typical building material.
Abstract: Construction projects can be implemented under various contractual and organizational systems. They can be divided into two groups: systems without the managing company where the Client manages the process, and systems with the managing company, where management is entrusted to an external company. In the public sector of the Polish market there are two ways of delivery of construction projects with the participation of the manager: one is to assign operations to another party, the so called Project Supervisor, whilst the other results from the application of FIDIC conditions of contract, which entail appointment of the Engineer. The decision is to be made by the Client and depends on various factors. On the public procurement market in Poland the selection of construction project manager boils down to awarding the contract for such a service. The selection can be done by one of eight public procurement procedures identified by the procurement law. The paper provides the analysis of 96 contracts for services awarded in 2011, which employed construction management. The study aimed to investigate the methods and criteria for selecting managers, applied in practice by the Polish public Clients.
Abstract: The Continuously Adaptive Mean-Shift (CamShift)
algorithm, incorporating scene depth information is combined with
the l1-minimization sparse representation based method to form a
hybrid kernel and state space-based tracking algorithm. We take
advantage of the increased efficiency of the former with the
robustness to occlusion property of the latter. A simple interchange
scheme transfers control between algorithms based upon drift and
occlusion likelihood. It is quantified by the projection of target
candidates onto a depth map of the 2D scene obtained with a low cost
stereo vision webcam. Results are improved tracking in terms of drift
over each algorithm individually, in a challenging practical outdoor
multiple occlusion test case.
Abstract: This paper presents the mathematical model and
control strategy on DQ frame of shunt active power filter. The
structure of the shunt active power filter is the voltage source inverter
(VSI). The pulse width modulation (PWM) with PI controller is used
in the paper. The concept of DQ frame to apply with the shunt active
power filter is described. Moreover, the detail of the PI controller
design for two current loops and one voltage loop are fully explained.
The DQ axis with Fourier (DQF) method is applied to calculate the
reference currents on DQ frame. The simulation results show that the
control strategy and the design method presented in the paper can
provide the good performance of the shunt active power filter.
Moreover, the %THD of the source currents after compensation can
follow the IEEE Std.519-1992.
Abstract: Nowadays companies in all sectors are looking for the
sources of competitive advantages. Holistic marketing approach
searches for their emergence based on the integration of all
components and elements across the organization. Modern marketing
sees the sources of competitive advantage in implementing the latest
managerial practices, motivation, intelligent project management,
knowledge management, collaborative marketing, CSR and, in the
recent years, also in the business process optimization. With the use
of modern tools including business process management and business
process modelling the company can markedly increase its internal
efficiency which can lead not only to lowering the costs but to
creating the environment for optimal customer care, positive
corporate culture and for origination of innovations as well. In the
article the authors analyze the recent trend in this area and introduce
suggestions to companies to identify and optimize the key processes
that have a significant impact of the company´s competitiveness.
Abstract: Artificial Neural Network (ANN)s can be modeled for
High Energy Particle analysis with special emphasis on shower core
location. The work describes the use of an ANN based system which
has been configured to predict locations of cores of showers in the
range 1010.5 to 1020.5 eV. The system receives density values as
inputs and generates coordinates of shower events recorded for values
captured by 20 core positions and 80 detectors in an area of 100
meters. Twenty ANNs are trained for the purpose and the positions
of shower events optimized by using cooperative ANN learning. The
results derived with variations of input upto 50% show success rates
in the range of 90s.
Abstract: In today-s highly globalised and competitive world
access to information plays key role in having an upper hand between
business rivals. Hence, proper protection of such crucial resource is
core to any modern business. Implementing a successful information
security system is basically centered around three pillars; technical
solution involving both software and hardware, information security
controls to translate the policies and procedure in the system and the
people to implement. This paper shows that a lot needs to be done for
countries adapting information technology to process, store and
distribute information to secure adequately such core resource.