Abstract: In this paper we propose a multi-agent architecture for web information retrieval using fuzzy logic based result fusion mechanism. The model is designed in JADE framework and takes advantage of JXTA agent communication method to allow agent communication through firewalls and network address translators. This approach enables developers to build and deploy P2P applications through a unified medium to manage agent-based document retrieval from multiple sources.
Abstract: Protective clothing limits heat transfer and hampers
task performance due to the increased weight. Militarism protective
clothing enables humans to operate in adverse environments. In the
selection and evaluation of militarism protective clothing attention
should be given to heat strain, ergonomic and fit issues next to the
actual protection it offers.
Fifty Male healthy subjects participated in the study. The subjects
were dressed in shorts, T-shirts, socks, sneakers and four deferent
kinds of militarism protective clothing such as CS, CSB, CS with
NBC protection and CS with NBC- protection added.
Ergonomically and psychological strains of every four cloths were
investigated on subjects by walking on a treadmill (7km/hour) with a
19.7 kg backpack. As a result of these tests were showed that, the
highest heart rate was found wearing the NBC-protection added
outfit, the highest temperatures were observed wearing NBCprotection
added, followed by respectively CS with NBC protection,
CSB and CS and the highest value for thermal comfort (implying
worst thermal comfort) was observed wearing NBC-protection
added.
Abstract: Bone marrow-derived stem cells have been widely
studied as an alternative source of stem cells. Mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs) were mostly investigated and studies showed MSCs can
promote neurogenesis. Little is known about the non-mesenchymal
mononuclear cell fraction, which contains both hematopoietic and
nonhematopoietic cells, including monocytes and endothelial
progenitor cells. This study focused on unfractionated bone marrow
mononuclear cells (BMMCs), which remained 72 h after MSCs were
adhered to the culture plates. We showed that BMMC-conditioned
medium promoted morphological changes of human SH-SY5Y
neuroblastoma cells from an epithelial-like phenotype towards a
neuron-like phenotype as indicated by an increase in neurite
outgrowth, like those observed in retinoic acid (RA)-treated cells.
The result could be explained by the effects of trophic factors
released from BMMCs, as shown in the RT-PCR results that
BMMCs expressed nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF).
Similar results on the cell proliferation rate were also observed
between RA-treated cells and cells cultured in BMMC-conditioned
medium, suggesting that cells creased proliferating and differentiated
into a neuronal phenotype. Using real-time RT-PCR, a significantly
increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA in SHSY5Y
cells indicated that BMMC-conditioned medium induced
catecholaminergic identities in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.
Abstract: This paper proposes an active soft-switching circuit for
bridge converters aiming to improve the power conversion efficiency.
The proposed circuit achieves loss-less switching for both main and
auxiliary switches without increasing the main switch current/voltage
rating. A winding coupled to the primary of power transformer
ensures ZCS for the auxiliary switches during their turn-off. A 350 W,
100 kHz phase shifted full bridge (PSFB) converter is built to validate
the analysis and design. Theoretical loss calculations for proposed
circuit is presented. The proposed circuit is compared with passive
soft switched PSFB in terms of efficiency and loss in duty cycle.
Abstract: In theoretical computer science, the Turing machine has played a number of important roles in understanding and exploiting basic concepts and mechanisms in computing and information processing [20]. It is a simple mathematical model of computers [9]. After that, M.Blum and C.Hewitt first proposed two-dimensional automata as a computational model of two-dimensional pattern processing, and investigated their pattern recognition abilities in 1967 [7]. Since then, a lot of researchers in this field have been investigating many properties about automata on a two- or three-dimensional tape. On the other hand, the question of whether processing fourdimensional digital patterns is much more difficult than two- or threedimensional ones is of great interest from the theoretical and practical standpoints. Thus, the study of four-dimensional automata as a computasional model of four-dimensional pattern processing has been meaningful [8]-[19],[21]. This paper introduces a cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata as one model of four-dimensional automata. A cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata consists of a finite number of four-dimensional finite automata and a four-dimensional input tape where these finite automata work independently (in parallel). Those finite automata whose input heads scan the same cell of the input tape can communicate with each other, that is, every finite automaton is allowed to know the internal states of other finite automata on the same cell it is scanning at the moment. In this paper, we mainly investigate some accepting powers of a cooperating system of eight- or seven-way four-dimensional finite automata. The seven-way four-dimensional finite automaton is an eight-way four-dimensional finite automaton whose input head can move east, west, south, north, up, down, or in the fu-ture, but not in the past on a four-dimensional input tape.
Abstract: Most of the existing text mining approaches are
proposed, keeping in mind, transaction databases model. Thus, the
mined dataset is structured using just one concept: the “transaction",
whereas the whole dataset is modeled using the “set" abstract type. In
such cases, the structure of the whole dataset and the relationships
among the transactions themselves are not modeled and
consequently, not considered in the mining process.
We believe that taking into account structure properties of
hierarchically structured information (e.g. textual document, etc ...)
in the mining process, can leads to best results. For this purpose, an
hierarchical associations rule mining approach for textual documents
is proposed in this paper and the classical set-oriented mining
approach is reconsidered profits to a Direct Acyclic Graph (DAG)
oriented approach. Natural languages processing techniques are used
in order to obtain the DAG structure. Based on this graph model, an
hierarchical bottom up algorithm is proposed. The main idea is that
each node is mined with its parent node.
Abstract: The paper examines the performance of bit-interleaved parity (BIP) methods in error rate monitoring, and in declaration and clearing of alarms in those transport networks that employ automatic protection switching (APS). The BIP-based error rate monitoring is attractive for its simplicity and ease of implementation. The BIP-based results are compared with exact results and are found to declare the alarms too late, and to clear the alarms too early. It is concluded that the standards development and systems implementation should take into account the fact of early clearing and late declaration of alarms. The window parameters defining the detection and clearing thresholds should be set so as to build sufficient hysteresis into the system to ensure that BIP-based implementations yield acceptable performance results.
Abstract: The research investigates the effects of super plasticizer and molarity of sodium hydroxide alkaline solution on the workability, microstructure and compressive strength of self compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC). SCGC is an improved way of concreting execution that does not require compaction and is made by complete elimination of ordinary Portland cement content. The parameters studied were superplasticizer (SP) dosage and molarity of NaOH solution. SCGC were synthesized from low calcium fly ash, activated by combinations of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions, and by incorporation of superplasticizer for self compactability. The workability properties such as filling ability, passing ability and resistance to segregation were assessed using slump flow, T-50, V-funnel, L-Box and J-ring test methods. It was found that the essential workability requirements for self compactability according to EFNARC were satisfied. Results showed that the workability and compressive strength improved with the increase in superplasticizer dosage. An increase in strength and a decrease in workability of these concrete samples were observed with the increase in molarity of NaOH solution from 8M to 14M. Improvement of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and micro structure with the increase of SP and increase of concentration from 8M to 12M were also identified.
Abstract: Many companies have switched their processes to project-oriented in the last years. This brings new possibilities and effectiveness not only in the field of external processes connected with the product delivery but also the internal processes as well. However centralized project organization which is based on the role of project manager in the team has proved insufficient in some cases. Agile methods of project organization are trying to solve this problem by bringing new view on the project organization, roles, processes and competences. Scrum is one of these methods which builds on the principles of knowledge management to drive the project to effectiveness from all view angles. Using this method to organize internal and delivery projects helps the organization to create and share knowledge throughout the company. It also supports forming unique competences of individuals and project teams and drives innovations in the company.
Abstract: A linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is proposed which targets to reduce the power consumption from within. It reduces the power consumption during testing of a Circuit Under Test (CUT) at two stages. At first stage,
Control Logic (CL) makes the clocks of the switching units
of the register inactive for a time period when output from
them is going to be same as previous one and thus reducing
unnecessary switching of the flip-flops. And at second stage,
the LFSR reorders the test vectors by interchanging the bit
with its next and closest neighbor bit. It keeps fault coverage
capacity of the vectors unchanged but reduces the Total Hamming Distance (THD) so that there is reduction in power
while shifting operation.
Abstract: An application framework provides a reusable design
and implementation for a family of software systems. Frameworks
are introduced to reduce the cost of a product line (i.e., a family of
products that shares the common features). Software testing is a timeconsuming
and costly ongoing activity during the application
software development process. Generating reusable test cases for the
framework applications during the framework development stage,
and providing and using the test cases to test part of the framework
application whenever the framework is used reduces the application
development time and cost considerably. This paper introduces the
Framework Interface State Transition Tester (FIST2), a tool for
automated unit testing of Java framework applications. During the
framework development stage, given the formal descriptions of the
framework hooks, the specifications of the methods of the
framework-s extensible classes, and the illegal behavior description
of the Framework Interface Classes (FICs), FIST2 generates unitlevel
test cases for the classes. At the framework application
development stage, given the customized method specifications of
the implemented FICs, FIST2 automates the use, execution, and
evaluation of the already generated test cases to test the implemented
FICs. The paper illustrates the use of the FIST2 tool for testing
several applications that use the SalesPoint framework.
Abstract: In this article, a formal specification and verification of the Rabin public-key scheme in a formal proof system is presented. The idea is to use the two views of cryptographic verification: the computational approach relying on the vocabulary of probability theory and complexity theory and the formal approach based on ideas and techniques from logic and programming languages. A major objective of this article is the presentation of the first computer-proved implementation of the Rabin public-key scheme in Isabelle/HOL. Moreover, we explicate a (computer-proven) formalization of correctness as well as a computer verification of security properties using a straight-forward computation model in Isabelle/HOL. The analysis uses a given database to prove formal properties of our implemented functions with computer support. The main task in designing a practical formalization of correctness as well as efficient computer proofs of security properties is to cope with the complexity of cryptographic proving. We reduce this complexity by exploring a light-weight formalization that enables both appropriate formal definitions as well as efficient formal proofs. Consequently, we get reliable proofs with a minimal error rate augmenting the used database, what provides a formal basis for more computer proof constructions in this area.
Abstract: Online learning with Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is becoming very popular where the system models the student-s learning behavior and presents to the student the learning material (content, questions-answers, assignments) accordingly. In today-s distributed computing environment, the tutoring system can take advantage of networking to utilize the model for a student for students from other similar groups. In the present paper we present a methodology where using Case Based Reasoning (CBR), ITS provides student modeling for online learning in a distributed environment with the help of agents. The paper describes the approach, the architecture, and the agent characteristics for such system. This concept can be deployed to develop ITS where the tutor can author and the students can learn locally whereas the ITS can model the students- learning globally in a distributed environment. The advantage of such an approach is that both the learning material (domain knowledge) and student model can be globally distributed thus enhancing the efficiency of ITS with reducing the bandwidth requirement and complexity of the system.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to determine if a
minimal increase in road light level (luminance) could lead to
improved driving performance among older adults. Older, middleaged
and younger adults were tested in a driving simulator following
vision and cognitive screening. Comparisons were made for the
performance of simulated night driving under two road light
conditions (0.6 and 2.5 cd/m2). At each light level, the effects of self
reported night driving avoidance were examined along with the
vision/cognitive performance. It was found that increasing road light
level from 0.6 cd/m2 to 2.5 cd/m2 resulted in improved recognition of
signage on straight highway segments. The improvement depends on
different driver-related factors such as vision and cognitive abilities,
and confidence. On curved road sections, the results showed that
driver-s performance worsened. It is concluded that while increasing
road lighting may be helpful to older adults especially for sign
recognition, it may also result in increased driving confidence and
thus reduced attention in some driving situations.
Abstract: Ionic liquids are well known as green solvents, reaction media and catalysis. Here, three different sulfonic acid functional ionic liquids prepared in the laboratory are used as catalysts in alkylation of p-cresol with tert-butyl alcohol. The kinetics on each of the catalysts was compared and a kinetic model was developed based on the product distribution over these catalysts. The kinetic parameters were estimated using Marquadt's algorithm to minimize the error function. The Arrhenius plots show a curvature which is best interpreted by the extended Arrhenius equation.
Abstract: We investigated the response of testosterone (T),
growth hormone (GH), cortisol (C), steroid hormone binding
globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), insulin-like
growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and some anaboliccatabolic
indexes, i.e.: T/C, T/SHBG, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 to
maximal exercise in endurance-trained athletes (TREN) and
untrained subjects (CG). The baseline concentration of IGF-1 was
higher in athletes (TREN) when compared to the CG (p
Abstract: The results obtained after incorporating the competence “creativity" to the subject Technical Drawing of the first course of the Degree in Forestry, Technical University of Madrid, are presented in this study.At first, learning activities which could serve two functions at the same time -developing students- creativity and developing other specific competences of the subject- were considered. Besides, changes in the assessment procedure were made and a method which analyzes two aspects of the assessment of the competence creativity was established. On the one hand, the products are evaluated by analyzing the outcomes obtained by students in the essays suggested and by establishing a parameter to assess the creativity expressed in those essays. On the other, an assessment of the student is directly carried out through a psychometric test which has been previously chosen by the team.Moreover, these results can be applied to similar or could be of general application.
Abstract: Evolvable hardware (EHW) refers to a selfreconfiguration
hardware design, where the configuration is under
the control of an evolutionary algorithm (EA). A lot of research has
been done in this area several different EA have been introduced.
Every time a specific EA is chosen for solving a particular problem,
all its components, such as population size, initialization, selection
mechanism, mutation rate, and genetic operators, should be selected
in order to achieve the best results. In the last three decade a lot of
research has been carried out in order to identify the best parameters
for the EA-s components for different “test-problems". However
different researchers propose different solutions. In this paper the
behaviour of mutation rate on (1+λ) evolution strategy (ES) for
designing logic circuits, which has not been done before, has been
deeply analyzed. The mutation rate for an EHW system modifies
values of the logic cell inputs, the cell type (for example from AND
to NOR) and the circuit output. The behaviour of the mutation has
been analyzed based on the number of generations, genotype
redundancy and number of logic gates used for the evolved circuits.
The experimental results found provide the behaviour of the mutation
rate to be used during evolution for the design and optimization of
logic circuits. The researches on the best mutation rate during the last
40 years are also summarized.
Abstract: The overriding goal of software engineering is to
provide a high quality system, application or a product. To achieve
this goal, software engineers must apply effective methods coupled
with modern tools within the context of a mature software process
[2]. In addition, it is also must to assure that high quality is realized.
Although many quality measures can be collected at the project
levels, the important measures are errors and defects. Deriving a
quality measure for reusable components has proven to be
challenging task now a days. The results obtained from the study are
based on the empirical evidence of reuse practices, as emerged from
the analysis of industrial projects. Both large and small companies,
working in a variety of business domains, and using object-oriented
and procedural development approaches contributed towards this
study. This paper proposes a quality metric that provides benefit at
both project and process level, namely defect removal efficiency
(DRE).
Abstract: In this paper, the implementation of low power,
high throughput convolutional filters for the one dimensional
Discrete Wavelet Transform and its inverse are presented. The
analysis filters have already been used for the implementation of a
high performance DWT encoder [15] with minimum memory
requirements for the JPEG 2000 standard. This paper presents the
design techniques and the implementation of the convolutional filters
included in the JPEG2000 standard for the forward and inverse DWT
for achieving low-power operation, high performance and reduced
memory accesses. Moreover, they have the ability of performing
progressive computations so as to minimize the buffering between
the decomposition and reconstruction phases. The experimental
results illustrate the filters- low power high throughput characteristics
as well as their memory efficient operation.