Abstract: Three service providers in competition, try to optimize
their quality of service / content level and their service access
price. But, they have to deal with uncertainty on the consumers-
preferences. To reduce their uncertainty, they have the opportunity
to buy information and to build alliances. We determine the Shapley
value which is a fair way to allocate the grand coalition-s revenue
between the service providers. Then, we identify the values of β
(consumers- sensitivity coefficient to the quality of service / contents)
for which allocating the grand coalition-s revenue using the Shapley
value guarantees the system stability. For other values of β, we prove
that it is possible for the regulator to impose a per-period interest rate
maximizing the market coverage under equal allocation rules.
Abstract: This paper describes a new method for affine parameter
estimation between image sequences. Usually, the parameter
estimation techniques can be done by least squares in a quadratic
way. However, this technique can be sensitive to the presence
of outliers. Therefore, parameter estimation techniques for various
image processing applications are robust enough to withstand the
influence of outliers. Progressively, some robust estimation functions
demanding non-quadratic and perhaps non-convex potentials adopted
from statistics literature have been used for solving these. Addressing
the optimization of the error function in a factual framework for
finding a global optimal solution, the minimization can begin with
the convex estimator at the coarser level and gradually introduce nonconvexity
i.e., from soft to hard redescending non-convex estimators
when the iteration reaches finer level of multiresolution pyramid.
Comparison has been made to find the performance of the results
of proposed method with the results found individually using two
different estimators.
Abstract: In H.264/AVC video encoding, rate-distortion
optimization for mode selection plays a significant role to achieve
outstanding performance in compression efficiency and video quality.
However, this mode selection process also makes the encoding
process extremely complex, especially in the computation of the ratedistortion
cost function, which includes the computations of the sum
of squared difference (SSD) between the original and reconstructed
image blocks and context-based entropy coding of the block. In this
paper, a transform-domain rate-distortion optimization accelerator
based on fast SSD (FSSD) and VLC-based rate estimation algorithm
is proposed. This algorithm could significantly simplify the hardware
architecture for the rate-distortion cost computation with only
ignorable performance degradation. An efficient hardware structure
for implementing the proposed transform-domain rate-distortion
optimization accelerator is also proposed. Simulation results
demonstrated that the proposed algorithm reduces about 47% of total
encoding time with negligible degradation of coding performance.
The proposed method can be easily applied to many mobile video
application areas such as a digital camera and a DMB (Digital
Multimedia Broadcasting) phone.
Abstract: In this paper, a joint source-channel coding (JSCC) scheme for time-varying channels is presented. The proposed scheme uses hierarchical framework for both source encoder and transmission via QAM modulation. Hierarchical joint source channel codes with hierarchical QAM constellations are designed to track the channel variations which yields to a higher throughput by adapting certain parameters of the receiver to the channel variation. We consider the problem of still image transmission over time-varying channels with channel state information (CSI) available at 1) receiver only and 2) both transmitter and receiver being informed about the state of the channel. We describe an algorithm that optimizes hierarchical source codebooks by minimizing the distortion due to source quantizer and channel impairments. Simulation results, based on image representation, show that, the proposed hierarchical system outperforms the conventional schemes based on a single-modulator and channel optimized source coding.
Abstract: This paper discusses telecominication market developments in Saudi Arabia. Empirical research was carried in the holy city of Makkah to study the customer's preference for mobile cellular service and the factor influencing their subscription of the mobile phone service. Results indicate that the financial factor sicnificantly influence the customer's selection of the service provider.
Abstract: In recent years in Kazakhstan, as well as in all countries, we have been talking not only about the professional stress, but also professional Burnout Syndrome of employees. Burnout is essentially a response to chronic emotional stress – manifests itself in the form of chronic fatigue, despondency, unmotivated aggression, anger, and others. This condition is due to mental fatigue among teachers as a sort of payment for overstrain when professional commitments include the impact of “heat your soul", emotional investment. The emergence of professional Burnout among teachers is due to the system of interrelated and mutually reinforcing factors relating to the various levels of the personality: individually-psychological level is psychodynamic special subject characteristics of valuemotivational sphere and formation of skills and habits of selfregulation; the socio-psychological level includes especially the Organization and interpersonal interaction of a teacher. Signs of the Burnout were observed in 15 testees, and virtually a symptom could be observed in every teacher. As a result of the diagnosis 48% of teachers had the signs of stress (phase syndrome), resulting in a sense of anxiety, mood, heightened emotional susceptibility. The following results have also been got:-the fall of General energy potential – 14 pers. -Psychosomatic and psycho vegetative syndrome – 26 pers. -emotional deficit-34 pers. -emotional Burnout Syndrome-6 pers. The problem of professional Burnout of teachers in the current conditions should become not only meaningful, but particularly relevant. The quality of education of the younger generation depends on professional development; teachers- training level, and how “healthy" teachers are. That is why the systematic maintenance of pedagogic-professional development for teachers (including disclosure of professional Burnout Syndrome factors) takes on a special meaning.
Abstract: This paper proposes a Fuzzy Expert System design to
determine the wearing properties of nitrided and non nitrided steel.
The proposed Fuzzy Expert System approach helps the user and the
manufacturer to forecast the wearing properties of nitrided and non
nitrided steel under specified laboratory conditions. Surfaces of the
engineering components are often nitrided for improving wear,
corosion, fatigue specifications. A major property of nitriding
process is reducing distortion and wearing of the metalic alloys. A
Fuzzy Expert System was developed for determining the wearing and
durability properties of nitrided and non nitrided steels that were
tested under different loads and different sliding speeds in the
laboratory conditions.
Abstract: Aluminum/Copper clad sheet has been fabricated using
asymmetric extrusion method, which caused severe shear deformation
between Al and Cu plate to easily bond to each other. Interfacial
microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Cu clad were studied
by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive
X-ray detector, micro-hardness, and tension tests. The asymmetric
extrusion bonding was very effective to provide a good interface for
atoms diffusion during subsequent annealing. The strength of bonding
was higher with the increasing extrusion ratio.
Abstract: Consider the Gregory integration (G) formula
with end corrections where h Δ is the forward difference operator with step size h. In this study we prove that can be optimized by
minimizing some of the coefficient k a in the remainder term by
particle swarm optimization. Experimental tests prove that can be rendered a powerful formula for library use.
Abstract: Food control measures are critical in fostering food safety management of a nation. However, no academic study has been undertaken to assess the food control system of Myanmar up to now. The objective of this research paper was to assess the food control system with in depth examination of five key components using desktop analysis and short survey from related food safety program organizations including regulators and inspectors. Study showed that the existing food control system is conventional, mainly focusing on primary health care approach while relying on reactive measures. The achievements of food control work have been limited to a certain extent due to insufficienttechnical capacity that is needed to upgrade staffs, laboratory equipment and technical assistance etc. associated with various sectors. Assessing food control measures is the first step in the integration of food safety management, this paper could assist policy makers in providing information for enhancing the safety and quality of food produced and consumed in Myanmar.
Abstract: The study is aimed to test causal relationship between
growth and unemployment, using time series data for Pakistan from
1972 to 2006. Growth is considered to be a pathway to decrease the
level of unemployment. Unemployment is a social and political
issue. It is a phenomenon where human resources are wasted leading
to deacceleration in growth. Johanson Cointegration shows that there
is long run relationship between growth and unemployment. For
short run dynamics and causality, the study utilizes Vector Error
Correction Model (VECM). The results of VECM indicate that there
is short and long run causal relation between growth and
unemployment including capital, labor and human capital as
explanatory variables.
Abstract: In online context, the design and implementation of
effective remote laboratories environment is highly challenging on
account of hardware and software needs. This paper presents the
remote laboratory software framework modified from ilab shared
architecture (ISA). The ISA is a framework which enables students to
remotely acccess and control experimental hardware using internet
infrastructure. The need for remote laboratories came after
experiencing problems imposed by traditional laboratories. Among
them are: the high cost of laboratory equipment, scarcity of space,
scarcity of technical personnel along with the restricted university
budget creates a significant bottleneck on building required
laboratory experiments. The solution to these problems is to build
web-accessible laboratories. Remote laboratories allow students and
educators to interact with real laboratory equipment located
anywhere in the world at anytime. Recently, many universities and
other educational institutions especially in third world countries rely
on simulations because they do not afford the experimental
equipment they require to their students. Remote laboratories enable
users to get real data from real-time hand-on experiments. To
implement many remote laboratories, the system architecture should
be flexible, understandable and easy to implement, so that different
laboratories with different hardware can be deployed easily. The
modifications were made to enable developers to add more
equipment in ISA framework and to attract the new developers to
develop many online laboratories.
Abstract: The article contains results of the flour and bread
quality assessment from the grains of spring spelt, also called as an
ancient wheat. Spelt was cultivated on heavy and medium soils
observing principles of organic farming. Based on flour and bread
laboratory studies, as well as laboratory baking, the technological
usefulness of studied flour has been determined. These results were
referred to the standard derived from common wheat cultivated in the
same conditions. Grain of spring spelt is a good raw material for
manufacturing bread flour, from which to get high-quality bakery
products, but this is strictly dependent on the variety of ancient
wheat.
Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the rotor eddy currents losses provoqued by the stator slot harmonics developed in the permanent magnets or pole pieces of synchronous machines. An analytical approach is presented to evaluate the effect of slot ripples on rotor field and losses calculation. This analysis is then tested on a model by 2D/3D finite element (FE) calculation. The results show a good agreement on loss calculations when skin effect is negligible and the magnet is considered.
Abstract: MiRNAs participate in gene regulation of translation.
Some studies have investigated the interactions between genes and
intragenic miRNAs. It is important to study the miRNA binding sites
of genes involved in carcinogenesis. RNAHybrid 2.1 and ERNAhybrid
programmes were used to compute the hybridization free
energy of miRNA binding sites. Of these 54 mRNAs, 22.6%, 37.7%,
and 39.7% of miRNA binding sites were present in the 5'UTRs,
CDSs, and 3'UTRs, respectively. The density of the binding sites for
miRNAs in the 5'UTR ranged from 1.6 to 43.2 times and from 1.8 to
8.0 times greater than in the CDS and 3'UTR, respectively. Three
types of miRNA interactions with mRNAs have been revealed: 5'-
dominant canonical, 3'-compensatory, and complementary binding
sites. MiRNAs regulate gene expression, and information on the
interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs could be useful in
molecular medicine. We recommend that newly described sites
undergo validation by experimental investigation.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to introduce a parametric
distribution model in fatigue life reliability analysis dealing with
variation in material properties. Service loads in terms of responsetime
history signal of Belgian pave were replicated on a multi-axial
spindle coupled road simulator and stress-life method was used to
estimate the fatigue life of automotive stub axle. A PSN curve was
obtained by monotonic tension test and two-parameter Weibull
distribution function was used to acquire the mean life of the
component. A Pearson system was developed to evaluate the fatigue
life reliability by considering stress range intercept and slope of the
PSN curve as random variables. Considering normal distribution of
fatigue strength, it is found that the fatigue life of the stub axle to
have the highest reliability between 10000 – 15000 cycles. Taking
into account the variation of material properties associated with the
size effect, machining and manufacturing conditions, the method
described in this study can be effectively applied in determination of
probability of failure of mass-produced parts.
Abstract: Simulations play a major role in education not only because they provide realistic models with which students can interact to acquire real world experiences, but also because they constitute safe environments in which students can repeat processes without any risk in order to perceive easier concepts and theories. Virtual reality is widely recognized as a significant technological advance that can facilitate learning process through the development of highly realistic 3D simulations supporting immersive and interactive features. The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of virtual reality-s use in chemistry instruction as well as to present an integrated web-based learning environment for the simulation of chemical experiments. The proposed application constitutes a cost-effective solution for both schools and universities without appropriate infrastructure and a valuable tool for distance learning and life-long education in chemistry. Its educational objectives are the familiarization of students with the equipment of a real chemical laboratory and the execution of virtual volumetric analysis experiments with the active participation of students.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new hybrid learning model for stock market indices prediction by adding a passive congregation term to the standard hybrid model comprising Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with Genetic Algorithm (GA) operators in training Neural Networks (NN). This new passive congregation term is based on the cooperation between different particles in determining new positions rather than depending on the particles selfish thinking without considering other particles positions, thus it enables PSO to perform both the local and global search instead of only doing the local search. Experiment study carried out on the most famous European stock market indices in both long term and short term prediction shows significantly the influence of the passive congregation term in improving the prediction accuracy compared to standard hybrid model.
Abstract: Kazakhstan attaches the great importance to
cooperation with European countries within the framework of
multilateral security organizations such as NATO. Cooperation of
Kazakhstan with the NATO is a prominent aspect of strengthening of
regional security of republic. It covers a wide spectrum of areas, such
as reform of sector of defense and security, military operative
compatibility of armed forces of NATO member-countries and
Kazakhstan, civil emergency planning and scientific cooperation. The
cooperation between Kazakhstan and NATO is based on the mutual
interests of neighboring republics in the region so that the existing
forms of cooperation between Kazakhstan and NATO will not be
negatively perceived both in Asia as well as among CIS countries.
Kazakhstan tailors its participation in the PfP programme through an
annual Individual Partnership Programme, selecting those activities
that will help achieve the goals it has set in the IPAP. Level of
cooperation within the limits of PfP essentially differs on each
republic. Cooperation with Kazakhstan progressed most of all since
has been signed IPAP from the NATO
Abstract: Fossil fuels are the major source to meet the world
energy requirements but its rapidly diminishing rate and adverse
effects on our ecological system are of major concern. Renewable
energy utilization is the need of time to meet the future challenges.
Ocean energy is the one of these promising energy resources. Threefourths
of the earth-s surface is covered by the oceans. This enormous
energy resource is contained in the oceans- waters, the air above the
oceans, and the land beneath them. The renewable energy source of
ocean mainly is contained in waves, ocean current and offshore solar
energy. Very fewer efforts have been made to harness this reliable
and predictable resource. Harnessing of ocean energy needs detail
knowledge of underlying mathematical governing equation and their
analysis. With the advent of extra ordinary computational resources
it is now possible to predict the wave climatology in lab simulation.
Several techniques have been developed mostly stem from numerical
analysis of Navier Stokes equations. This paper presents a brief over
view of such mathematical model and tools to understand and
analyze the wave climatology. Models of 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations
have been developed to estimate the wave characteristics to assess the
power potential. A brief overview of available wave energy
technologies is also given. A novel concept of on-shore wave energy
extraction method is also presented at the end. The concept is based
upon total energy conservation, where energy of wave is transferred
to the flexible converter to increase its kinetic energy. Squeezing
action by the external pressure on the converter body results in
increase velocities at discharge section. High velocity head then can
be used for energy storage or for direct utility of power generation.
This converter utilizes the both potential and kinetic energy of the
waves and designed for on-shore or near-shore application. Increased
wave height at the shore due to shoaling effects increases the
potential energy of the waves which is converted to renewable
energy. This approach will result in economic wave energy
converter due to near shore installation and more dense waves due to
shoaling. Method will be more efficient because of tapping both
potential and kinetic energy of the waves.