Abstract: Increasing number of vehicles and lack of awareness among road users may lead to road accidents. However no specific literature was found to rank vehicles involved in accidents based on fuzzy variables of road users. This paper proposes a ranking of four selected motor vehicles involved in road accidents. Human and non-human factors that normally linked with road accidents are considered for ranking. The imprecision or vagueness inherent in the subjective assessment of the experts has led the application of fuzzy sets theory to deal with ranking problems. Data in form of linguistic variables were collected from three authorised personnel of three Malaysian Government agencies. The Multi Criteria Decision Making, fuzzy TOPSIS was applied in computational procedures. From the analysis, it shows that motorcycles vehicles yielded the highest closeness coefficient at 0.6225. A ranking can be drawn using the magnitude of closeness coefficient. It was indicated that the motorcycles recorded the first rank.
Abstract: The predictability of masonry arch bridges and their
behaviour is widely considered doubtful due to the lack of knowledge
about the conditions of a given masonry arch bridge. The assessment
methods for masonry arch bridges are MEXE, ARCHIE, RING and
Frame Analysis Method. The material properties of the masonry and
fill material are extremely difficult to determine accurately.
Consequently, it is necessary to examine the effect of load dispersal
angle through the fill material, the effect of variations in the stiffness
of the masonry, the tensile strength of the masonry mortar continuum
and the compressive strength of the masonry mortar continuum. It is
also important to understand the effect of fill material on load
dispersal angle to determine their influence on ratings. In this paper a
series of parametric studies, to examine the sensitivity of assessment
ratings to the various sets of input data required by the frame analysis
method, are carried out.
Abstract: Plant growth is affected by the osmotic stress as well as toxicity of salt in leaves. In order to study of salt stress effects on stomatal conductance and growth rate and relationship between them as wells osmotic and Na+-specific effects on these traits, four bread wheat genotypes differing in salt tolerance were selected. Salinity was applied when the leaf 4 was fully expanded. Sodium (Na+) concentrations in flag leaf blade at 3 salinity levels (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) were measured. Salt-tolerant genotypes showed higher stomatal conductance and growth rate compared to salt-sensitive ones. After 10 and 20 days exposure to salt, stomatal conductance and relative growth rate were reduced, but the reduction was greater in sensitive genotypes. Growth rate was reduced severely in the first period (1-10 days) of salt commencements and it was due to osmotic effect of salt not Na+ toxicity. In the second period (11-20 days) after salt treatment growth reduced only when salt accumulated to toxic concentrations in the leaves. A positive relationship between stomatal conductance and relative growth rate showed that stomatal conductance can be a reliable indicator of growth rate, and finally can be considered as a sensitive indicator of the osmotic stress. It seems 20 days after salinity, the major effect of salt, especially at low to moderate salinity levels on growth properties was due to the osmotic effect of salt, not to Na+-specific effects within the plant.
Abstract: The measurements of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using
gamma spectrometry and radon concentration and exhalation rates
measurements using solid state nuclear track (LR-115, Type-II
plastic) detectors are used to asses a first order exposure risk for the
persons residing in Fatehbad and Hissar districts of Western Haryana,
India. The concentration of Radium, Thorium and Potassium in the
soil samples varies from 13.37 Bq m-3 to 24.67 Bq m-3, 34.67 Bq m-3
to 67.34 Bq m-3 and 298.78 Bq m-3 to 405.67 Bq m-3 respectively
with average values of 18.78, 47.35 and 361.57 Bq m-3 respectively.
The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) calculated for the same soil
samples varies from 92.72 Bq m-3 to 140.6 Bq m-3 with an average
value of 111.80 Bq m-3. The values of absorbed dose and annual
effective dose (indoors and outdoors) are found to vary from 44.18
nGy h-1 to 65.23 nGy h-1, 0.22 mSv y-1 to 0.32 mSv y-1 and 0.05 mSv
y-1 to 0.08 mSv y-1 respectively. The radon concentration and
exhalation rates have also been reported. The radium equivalent
activities in all the soil samples were found to be lower than the limit
(370 Bq kg-1) set in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) report and the value of Hex in all the samples
is less than unity.
Abstract: Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of
the Internet and telecommunication techniques. Information security
is becoming more and more important. Applications such as covert
communication, copyright protection, etc, stimulate the research of
information hiding techniques. Traditionally, encryption is used to
realize the communication security. However, important information
is not protected once decoded. Steganography is the art and science
of communicating in a way which hides the existence of the communication.
Important information is firstly hidden in a host data, such
as digital image, video or audio, etc, and then transmitted secretly
to the receiver.In this paper a data hiding model with high security
features combining both cryptography using finite state sequential
machine and image based steganography technique for communicating
information more securely between two locations is proposed.
The authors incorporated the idea of secret key for authentication
at both ends in order to achieve high level of security. Before the
embedding operation the secret information has been encrypted with
the help of finite-state sequential machine and segmented in different
parts. The cover image is also segmented in different objects through
normalized cut.Each part of the encoded secret information has been
embedded with the help of a novel image steganographic method
(PMM) on different cuts of the cover image to form different stego
objects. Finally stego image is formed by combining different stego
objects and transmit to the receiver side. At the receiving end different
opposite processes should run to get the back the original secret
message.
Abstract: The various applications of VLSI circuits in highperformance
computing, telecommunications, and consumer
electronics has been expanding progressively, and at a very hasty
pace. This paper describes a new model for partitioning a circuit
using DBSCAN and fuzzy ARTMAP neural network. The first step
is concerned with feature extraction, where we had make use
DBSCAN algorithm. The second step is the classification and is
composed of a fuzzy ARTMAP neural network. The performance of
both approaches is compared using benchmark data provided by
MCNC standard cell placement benchmark netlists. Analysis of the
investigational results proved that the fuzzy ARTMAP with
DBSCAN model achieves greater performance then only fuzzy
ARTMAP in recognizing sub-circuits with lowest amount of
interconnections between them The recognition rate using fuzzy
ARTMAP with DBSCAN is 97.7% compared to only fuzzy
ARTMAP.
Abstract: Ability of accurate and reliable location estimation in
indoor environment is the key issue in developing great number of
context aware applications and Location Based Services (LBS).
Today, the most viable solution for localization is the Received
Signal Strength (RSS) fingerprinting based approach using wireless
local area network (WLAN). This paper presents two RSS
fingerprinting based approaches – first we employ widely used
WLAN based positioning as a reference system and then investigate
the possibility of using GSM signals for positioning. To compare
them, we developed a positioning system in real world environment,
where realistic RSS measurements were collected. Multi-Layer
Perceptron (MLP) neural network was used as the approximation
function that maps RSS fingerprints and locations. Experimental
results indicate advantage of WLAN based approach in the sense of
lower localization error compared to GSM based approach, but GSM
signal coverage by far outreaches WLAN coverage and for some
LBS services requiring less precise accuracy our results indicate that
GSM positioning can also be a viable solution.
Abstract: Scaffolds play a key role in tissue engineering and can be produced in many different ways depending on the applications and the materials used. Most researchers used an experimental trialand- error approach into new biomaterials but computer simulation applied to tissue engineering can offer a more exhaustive approach to test and screen out biomaterials. This paper develops the model of scaffolds and Computational Fluid Dynamics that show the value of computer simulations in determining the influence of the geometrical scaffold parameter porosity, pore size and shape on the permeability of scaffolds, magnitude of velocity, drop pressure, shear stress distribution and level and the proper design of the geometry of the scaffold. This creates a need for more advanced studies that include aspects of dynamic conditions of a micro fluid passing through the scaffold were characterized for tissue engineering applications and differentiation of tissues within scaffolds.
Abstract: In order to develop any strategy, it is essential to first
identify opportunities, threats, weak and strong points. Assessment of
technology level provides the possibility of concentrating on weak
and strong points. The results of technology assessment have a direct
effect on decision making process in the field of technology transfer
or expansion of internal research capabilities so it has a critical role
in technology management. This paper presents a conceptual model
to analyze the technology capability of a company as a whole and in
four main aspects of technology. This model was tested on 10
automotive parts manufacturers in IRAN. Using this model,
capability level of manufacturers was investigated in four fields of
managing aspects, hard aspects, human aspects, and information and
knowledge aspects. Results show that these firms concentrate on hard
aspect of technology while others aspects are poor and need to be
supported more. So this industry should develop other aspects of
technology as well as hard aspect to have effective and efficient use
of its technology. These paper findings are useful for the technology
planning and management in automotive part manufactures in IRAN
and other Industries which are technology followers and transport
their needed technologies.
Abstract: In this note, a theoretical model for analyzing of
normal penetration of the ogive – nose projectile into metallic targets
is presented .The failure is assumed to be asymmetry petalling and
the analysis is performed by using the energy balance and work done
.The work done consist of the work required for plastic deformation
Wp, the work for transferring the matter to new position Wd and the
work for bending of the petals Wb. In several studies, it has been
shown that we can neglect the loss of energy by temperature.
In this present study, in first, by assuming the crater formation
after perforation, the value of work done is calculated during the
normal penetration of conical projectiles into thin metallic targets.
Then the value of residual velocity and ballistic limit of the projectile
is predicated by using the energy balance. In final, theoretical and
experimental results is compared.
Abstract: Thepurpose of the research is to characterize the levels
of satisfaction of the students in e-learning post-graduate courses,
taking into account specific dimensions of the course which were
considered as benchmarks for the quality of this type of online
learning initiative, as well as the levels of satisfaction towards each
specific indicator identified in each dimension. It was also an aim of
this study to understand how thesedimensions relate to one another.
Using a quantitative research approach in the collection and analysis
of the data, the study involves the participation of the students who
attended on e-learning course in 2010/2011. The conclusions of this
study suggest that online students present relatively high levels of
satisfaction, which points towards a positive experience during the
course. It is possible to note that there is a correlation between the
different dimensions studied, consequently leading to different
improvement strategies. Ultimately, this investigation aims to
contribute to the promotion of quality and the success of e-learning
initiatives in Higher Education.
Abstract: This paper describes WiPoD (Wireless Position
Detector) which is a pure software based location determination and
tracking (positioning) system. It uses empirical signal strength measurements from different wireless access points for mobile user
positioning. It is designed to determine the location of users having
802.11 enabled mobile devices in an 802.11 WLAN infrastructure
and track them in real time. WiPoD is the first main module in our
LBS (Location Based Services) framework. We tested K-Nearest
Neighbor and Triangulation algorithms to estimate the position of a
mobile user. We also give the analysis results of these algorithms for
real time operations. In this paper, we propose a supportable, i.e.
understandable, maintainable, scalable and portable wireless
positioning system architecture for an LBS framework. The WiPoD
software has a multithreaded structure and was designed and implemented with paying attention to supportability features and real-time constraints and using object oriented design principles. We also describe the real-time software design issues of a wireless positioning system which will be part of an LBS framework.
Abstract: When an assignable cause(s) manifests itself to a multivariate process and the process shifts to an out-of-control condition, a root-cause analysis should be initiated by quality engineers to identify and eliminate the assignable cause(s) affected the process. A root-cause analysis in a multivariate process is more complex compared to a univariate process. In the case of a process involved several correlated variables an effective root-cause analysis can be only experienced when it is possible to identify the required knowledge including the out-of-control condition, the change point, and the variable(s) responsible to the out-of-control condition, all simultaneously. Although literature addresses different schemes to monitor multivariate processes, one can find few scientific reports focused on all the required knowledge. To the best of the author’s knowledge this is the first time that a multi task model based on artificial neural network (ANN) is reported to monitor all the required knowledge at the same time for a multivariate process with more than two correlated quality characteristics. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated numerically when different step shifts affect the mean vector. Average run length is used to investigate the performance of the proposed multi task model. The simulated results indicate the multi task scheme performs all the required knowledge effectively.
Abstract: Human Resource (HR) applications can be used to
provide fair and consistent decisions, and to improve the
effectiveness of decision making processes. Besides that, among
the challenge for HR professionals is to manage organization
talents, especially to ensure the right person for the right job at the
right time. For that reason, in this article, we attempt to describe
the potential to implement one of the talent management tasks i.e.
identifying existing talent by predicting their performance as one of
HR application for talent management. This study suggests the
potential HR system architecture for talent forecasting by using
past experience knowledge known as Knowledge Discovery in
Database (KDD) or Data Mining. This article consists of three
main parts; the first part deals with the overview of HR
applications, the prediction techniques and application, the general
view of Data mining and the basic concept of talent management
in HRM. The second part is to understand the use of Data Mining
technique in order to solve one of the talent management tasks, and
the third part is to propose the potential HR system architecture for
talent forecasting.
Abstract: In this paper, propagation of cos-Gaussian beam in strongly nonlocal nonlinear media has been stimulated by using paraxial group transformation. At first, cos-Gaussian beam, nonlocal nonlinear media, critical power, transfer matrix, and paraxial group transformation are introduced. Then, the propagation of the cos-Gaussian beam in strongly nonlocal nonlinear media is simulated. Results show that beam propagation has periodic structure during self-focusing effect in this case. However, this simple method can be used for investigation of propagation of kinds of beams in ABCD optical media.
Abstract: Service innovations are central concerns in fast
changing environment. Due to the fitness in customer demands and
advances in information technologies (IT) in service management, an
expanded conceptualization of e-service innovation is required.
Specially, innovation practices have become increasingly more
challenging, driving managers to employ a different open innovation
model to maintain competitive advantages. At the same time, firms
need to interact with external and internal customers in innovative
environments, like the open innovation networks, to co-create values.
Based on these issues, an important conceptual framework of e-service
innovation is developed. This paper aims to examine the contributing
factors on e-service innovation and firm performance, including
financial and non-financial aspects. The study concludes by showing
how e-service innovation will play a significant role in growing the
overall values of the firm. The discussion and conclusion will lead to a
stronger understanding of e-service innovation and co-creating values
with customers within open innovation networks.
Abstract: This article first summarizes reasons why current approaches supporting Open Learning and Distance Education need to be complemented by tools permitting lecturers, researchers and students to cooperatively organize the semantic content of Learning related materials (courses, discussions, etc.) into a fine-grained shared semantic network. This first part of the article also quickly describes the approach adopted to permit such a collaborative work. Then, examples of such semantic networks are presented. Finally, an evaluation of the approach by students is provided and analyzed.
Abstract: Digital watermarking is one of the techniques for
copyright protection. In this paper, a normalization-based robust
image watermarking scheme which encompasses singular value
decomposition (SVD) and discrete cosine transform (DCT)
techniques is proposed. For the proposed scheme, the host image is
first normalized to a standard form and divided into non-overlapping
image blocks. SVD is applied to each block. By concatenating the
first singular values (SV) of adjacent blocks of the normalized image,
a SV block is obtained. DCT is then carried out on the SV blocks to
produce SVD-DCT blocks. A watermark bit is embedded in the highfrequency
band of a SVD-DCT block by imposing a particular
relationship between two pseudo-randomly selected DCT
coefficients. An adaptive frequency mask is used to adjust local
watermark embedding strength. Watermark extraction involves
mainly the inverse process. The watermark extracting method is blind
and efficient. Experimental results show that the quality degradation
of watermarked image caused by the embedded watermark is visually
transparent. Results also show that the proposed scheme is robust
against various image processing operations and geometric attacks.
Abstract: Understanding how airborne pathogens are
transported through hospital wards is essential for determining the
infection risk to patients and healthcare workers. This study utilizes
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to explore
possible pathogen transport within a six-bed partitioned Nightingalestyle
hospital ward.
Grid independence of a ward model was addressed using the Grid
Convergence Index (GCI) from solutions obtained using three fullystructured
grids. Pathogens were simulated using source terms in
conjunction with a scalar transport equation and a RANS turbulence
model. Errors were found to be less than 4% in the calculation of air
velocities but an average of 13% was seen in the scalar field.
A parametric study of variations in the pathogen release point
illustrated that its distribution is strongly influenced by the local
velocity field and the degree of air mixing present.
Abstract: This paper discusses the causal explanation capability
of QRIOM, a tool aimed at supporting learning of organic chemistry
reactions. The development of the tool is based on the hybrid use of
Qualitative Reasoning (QR) technique and Qualitative Process
Theory (QPT) ontology. Our simulation combines symbolic,
qualitative description of relations with quantity analysis to generate
causal graphs. The pedagogy embedded in the simulator is to both
simulate and explain organic reactions. Qualitative reasoning through
a causal chain will be presented to explain the overall changes made
on the substrate; from initial substrate until the production of final
outputs. Several uses of the QPT modeling constructs in supporting
behavioral and causal explanation during run-time will also be
demonstrated. Explaining organic reactions through causal graph
trace can help improve the reasoning ability of learners in that their
conceptual understanding of the subject is nurtured.