Abstract: High pressure adsorption of carbon dioxide on zeolite
13X was investigated in the pressure range (0 to 4) Mpa and
temperatures 298, 308 and 323K. The data fitting is accomplished
with the Toth, UNILAN, Dubinin-Astakhov and virial adsorption
models which are generally used for micro porous adsorbents such as
zeolites. Comparison with experimental data from the literature
indicated that the virial model would best determine results. These
results may be partly attributed to the flexibility of the virial model
which can accommodate as many constants as the data warrants.
Abstract: This work is focused on the numerical prediction of the fracture resistance of a flat stiffened panel made of the aluminium alloy 2024 T3 under a monotonic traction condition. The performed numerical simulations have been based on the micromechanical Gurson-Tvergaard (GT) model for ductile damage. The applicability of the GT model to this kind of structural problems has been studied and assessed by comparing numerical results, obtained by using the WARP 3D finite element code, with experimental data available in literature. In the sequel a home-made procedure is presented, which aims to increase the residual strength of a cracked stiffened aluminum panel and which is based on the stochastic design improvement (SDI) technique; a whole application example is then given to illustrate the said technique.
Abstract: One of the most important parts of a cement factory is
the cement rotary kiln which plays a key role in quality and quantity of produced cement. In this part, the physical exertion and bilateral
movement of air and materials, together with chemical reactions take
place. Thus, this system has immensely complex and nonlinear dynamic equations. These equations have not worked out yet. Only
in exceptional case; however, a large number of the involved parameter were crossed out and an approximation model was
presented instead. This issue caused many problems for designing a
cement rotary kiln controller. In this paper, we presented nonlinear predictor and simulator models for a real cement rotary kiln by using
nonlinear identification technique on the Locally Linear Neuro-
Fuzzy (LLNF) model. For the first time, a simulator model as well as
a predictor one with a precise fifteen minute prediction horizon for a
cement rotary kiln is presented. These models are trained by
LOLIMOT algorithm which is an incremental tree-structure
algorithm. At the end, the characteristics of these models are expressed. Furthermore, we presented the pros and cons of these
models. The data collected from White Saveh Cement Company is used for modeling.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of tracking
multiple maneuvering targets using switching multiple target motion
models. With this paper, we aim to contribute in solving the problem
of model-based body motion estimation by using data coming from
visual sensors. The Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm is
specially designed to track accurately targets whose state and/or
measurement (assumed to be linear) models changes during motion
transition. However, when these models are nonlinear, the IMM
algorithm must be modified in order to guarantee an accurate track.
In this paper we propose to avoid the Extended Kalman filter because
of its limitations and substitute it with the Unscented Kalman filter
which seems to be more efficient especially according to the
simulation results obtained with the nonlinear IMM algorithm (IMMUKF).
To resolve the problem of data association, the JPDA
approach is combined with the IMM-UKF algorithm, the derived
algorithm is noted JPDA-IMM-UKF.
Abstract: Recently, the health of retired National Football
League players, particularly lineman has been investigated. A number of studies have reported increased cardiometabolic risk, premature ardiovascular disease and incidence of type 2 diabetes. Rugby union players have somatotypes very similar
to National Football league players which suggest that rugby players may have similar health risks. The International Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival (GORF) provided a
unique opportunity to investigate the demographics of veteran rugby players. METHODOLOGIES: A cross-sectional, observational study was completed using an online web-based
questionnaire that consisted of medical history and
physiological measures. Data analysis was completed using a one sample t-test (50yrs) and Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 216 veteran rugby competitors
(response rate = 6.8%) representing 10 countries, aged 35-72 yrs (mean 51.2, S.D. ±8.0), participated in the online survey. As a group, the incidence of current smokers was low at 8.8%
(avg 72.4 cigs/wk) whilst the percentage consuming alcohol
was high (93.1% (avg 11.2 drinks/wk). Competitors reported
the following top six chronic diseases/disorders; hypertension
(18.6%), arthritis (OA/RA, 11.5%), asthma (9.3%),
hyperlipidemia (8.2%), diabetes (all types, 7.5%) and gout (6%), there were significant differences between groups with
regard to cancer (all types) and migraines. When compared to
the Australian general population (Australian Bureau of Statistics data, n=18,000), GORF competitors had a
Climstein Mike, Walsh Joe (corresponding author) and Burke Stephen
School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, 25A Barker Road,
Strathfield, Sydney, NSW, 2016, Australia (e-mail:
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]).
John Best is with Orthosports, 160 Belmore Rd., Randwick, Sydney,NSW
2031, Australia (e-mail: [email protected]).
Heazlewood, Ian Timothy is with School of Environmental and Life
Sciences, Faculty Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin University,
Precinct Yellow Building 2, Charles Darwin University, NT 0909, Australia
(e-mail: [email protected]).
Kettunen Jyrki Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Jan-Magnus
Janssonin aukio 1, FI-00550, Helsinki, Finland (e-mail:
[email protected]).
Adams Kent is with California State University Monterey Bay, Kinesiology Department, 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA., 93955, USA (email: [email protected]).
DeBeliso Mark is with Department of Physical Education and Human
Performance, Southern Utah University, 351 West University Blvd, Cedar
City, Utah, USA (e-mail: [email protected]).
significantly lower incidence of anxiety (p
Abstract: An implementation of a design for a game based
virtual learning environment is described. The game is developed for a course in analogue electronics, and the topic is the design of a
power supply. This task can be solved in a number of different ways, with certain constraints, giving the students a certain amount of
freedom, although the game is designed not to facilitate trial-and error approach. The use of storytelling and a virtual gaming environment provides the student with the learning material in a
MMORPG environment. The game is tested on a group of second
year electrical engineering students with good results.
Abstract: Inventory decisional environment of short life-cycle
products is full of uncertainties arising from randomness and
fuzziness of input parameters like customer demand requiring
modeling under hybrid uncertainty. Prior inventory models
incorporating fuzzy demand have unfortunately ignored stochastic
variation of demand. This paper determines an unambiguous optimal
order quantity from a set of n fuzzy observations in a newsvendor
inventory setting in presence of fuzzy random variable demand
capturing both fuzzy perception and randomness of customer
demand. The stress of this paper is in providing solution procedure
that attains optimality in two steps with demand information
availability in linguistic phrases leading to fuzziness along with
stochastic variation. The first step of solution procedure identifies
and prefers one best fuzzy opinion out of all expert opinions and the
second step determines optimal order quantity from the selected
event that maximizes profit. The model and solution procedure is
illustrated with a numerical example.
Abstract: In this paper, a TSK-type Neuro-fuzzy Inference
System that combines the features of fuzzy sets and neural networks
has been applied for the identification of MIMO systems. The procedure of adapting parameters in TSK model employs a Shuffled
Frog Leaping Algorithm (SFLA) which is inspired from the memetic evolution of a group of frogs when seeking for food. To demonstrate
the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed controller, two nonlinear systems have been considered as the MIMO plant, and results have been compared with other learning methods based on
Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO) and Genetic
Algorithm (GA).
Abstract: Cavitation, usually known as a destructive
phenomenon, involves turbulent unsteady two-phase flow. Having
such features, cavitating flows have been turned to a challenging
topic in numerical studies and many researches are being done for
better understanding of bubbly flows and proposing solutions to
reduce its consequent destructive effects. Aeration may be regarded
as an effective protection against cavitation erosion in many
hydraulic structures, like gated tunnels. The paper concerns
numerical simulation of flow in discharge gated tunnel of a dam
using ing RNG k -ε model coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF)
method and the zone which is susceptible of cavitation inception in
the tunnel is predicted. In the second step, a vent is considered in the
mentioned zone for aeration and the numerical simulation is done
again to study the effects of aeration. The results show that aeration
is an impressively useful method to exclude cavitation in mentioned
tunnels.
Abstract: An algorithm for estimating the disparity of objects of
interest is proposed. This algorithm uses image shifting and
overlapping area to estimate the disparity value; thereby depth of the
objects of interest can be obtained. The algorithm is able to perform
at different levels of accuracy. However, as the accuracy increases
the processing speed decreases. The algorithm is tested with static
stereo images and sequence of stereo images. The experimental
results are presented in this paper.
Abstract: A transient heat transfer mathematical model for the
prediction of temperature distribution in the car body during primer
baking has been developed by considering the thermal radiation and
convection in the furnace chamber and transient heat conduction
governing equations in the car framework. The car cockpit is
considered like a structure with six flat plates, four vertical plates
representing the car doors and the rear and front panels. The other
two flat plates are the car roof and floor. The transient heat
conduction in each flat plate is modeled by the lumped capacitance
method. Comparison with the experimental data shows that the heat
transfer model works well for the prediction of thermal behavior of
the car body in the curing furnace, with deviations below 5%.
Abstract: There is a growing body of evidence to support the
proposition of product take back for remanufacturing particularly
within the context of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Remanufacturing however presents challenges unlike that of
traditional manufacturing environments due to its high levels of
uncertainty which may further distract organizations from
considering its potential benefits. This paper presents a novel
modeling approach for evaluating the uncertainty of part failures
within the remanufacturing process and its impact on economic and
environmental performance measures. This paper presents both the
theoretical modeling approach and an example of its use in
application.
Abstract: Guard channels improve the probability of successful
handoffs by reserving a number of channels exclusively for handoffs.
This concept has the risk of underutilization of radio spectrum due to
the fact that fewer channels are granted to originating calls even if
these guard channels are not always used, when originating calls are
starving for the want of channels. The penalty is the reduction of
total carried traffic. The optimum number of guard channels can help
reduce this problem. This paper presents fuzzy logic based guard
channel scheme wherein guard channels are reorganized on the basis
of traffic density, so that guard channels are provided on need basis.
This will help in incorporating more originating calls and hence high
throughput of the radio spectrum
Abstract: Nurses in an Armed Force Hospital (AFH) expose to stronger stress than those in a civil hospital, especially in an emergency department (ED). Ironically, stresses of these nurses received few if any attention in academic research in the past. This study collects 227 samples from the emergency departments of four armed force hospitals in central and southern Taiwan. The research indicates that the top five stressors are a massive casualty event, delayed physician support, overloads of routine work, overloads of assignments, and annoying paper work. Excessive work loading was found to be the primary source of stress. Nurses who were perceived to have greater stress levels were more inclined to deploy emotion-oriented approaches and more likely to seek job rotations. Professional stressors and problem-oriented approaches were positively correlated. Unlike other local studies, this study concludes that the excessive work-loading is more stressful in an AFH.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel method for data hiding based on neighborhood pixels information to calculate the number of bits that can be used for substitution and modified Least Significant Bits technique for data embedding. The modified solution is independent of the nature of the data to be hidden and gives correct results along with un-noticeable image degradation. The technique, to find the number of bits that can be used for data hiding, uses the green component of the image as it is less sensitive to human eye and thus it is totally impossible for human eye to predict whether the image is encrypted or not. The application further encrypts the data using a custom designed algorithm before embedding bits into image for further security. The overall process consists of three main modules namely embedding, encryption and extraction cm.
Abstract: The client server systems using mobile
communications networks for data transmission became very
attractive for many economic agents, in the purpose of promoting and
offering electronic services to their clients. E-services are suitable for
business developing and financial benefits increasing. The products
or services can be efficiently delivered to a large number of clients,
using mobile Internet access technologies. The clients can have
access to e-services, anywhere and anytime, with the support of 3G,
GPRS, WLAN, etc., channels bandwidth, data services and protocols.
Based on the mobile communications networks evolution and
development, a convergence of technological and financial interests
of mobile operators, software developers, mobile terminals producers
and e-content providers is established. These will lead to a high level
of integration of IT&C resources and will facilitate the value added
services delivery through the mobile communications networks. In
this paper it is presented a client server system, for e-services access,
with Smartphones and PDA-s mobile software applications, installed
on Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems.
Abstract: The group mutual exclusion (GME) problem is an
interesting generalization of the mutual exclusion problem. Several
solutions of the GME problem have been proposed for message
passing distributed systems. However, none of these solutions is
suitable for real time distributed systems. In this paper, we propose a
token-based distributed algorithms for the GME problem in soft real
time distributed systems. The algorithm uses the concepts of priority
queue, dynamic request set and the process state. The algorithm uses
first come first serve approach in selecting the next session type
between the same priority levels and satisfies the concurrent
occupancy property. The algorithm allows all n processors to be
inside their CS provided they request for the same session. The
performance analysis and correctness proof of the algorithm has also
been included in the paper.
Abstract: Noise contamination in a magnetic resonance (MR)
image could occur during acquisition, storage, and transmission in
which effective filtering is required to avoid repeating the MR
procedure. In this paper, an iterative asymmetrical triangle fuzzy
filter with moving average center (ATMAVi filter) is used to reduce
different levels of salt and pepper noise in a brain MR image. Besides
visual inspection on filtered images, the mean squared error (MSE) is
used as an objective measurement. When compared with the median
filter, simulation results indicate that the ATMAVi filter is effective
especially for filtering a higher level noise (such as noise density =
0.45) using a smaller window size (such as 3x3) when operated
iteratively or using a larger window size (such as 5x5) when operated
non-iteratively.
Abstract: In the present paper; an experimental and numerical
investigations of drag reduction on a grooved circular cylinder have
been performed. The experiments were carried out in closed circuit
subsonic wind tunnel (TE44); the pressure distribution on the
cylinder was conducted using a TE44DPS differential pressure
scanner and the drag forces were measured using the TE81 balance.
The display unit is linked to a computer, loaded with DATASLIM
software for data analysis and logging of result. The numerical study
was performed using the code ANSYS FLUENT solving the
Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The k-ε and k-
ω SST models were tested. The results obtained from the
experimental and numerical investigations have showed a reduction
in the drag when using longitudinal grooves namely 2 and 6 on the
cylinder.
Abstract: This paper presents an improved variable ordering method to obtain the minimum number of nodes in Reduced Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (ROBDD). The proposed method uses the graph topology to find the best variable ordering. Therefore the input Boolean function is converted to a unidirectional graph. Three levels of graph parameters are used to increase the probability of having a good variable ordering. The initial level uses the total number of nodes (NN) in all the paths, the total number of paths (NP) and the maximum number of nodes among all paths (MNNAP). The second and third levels use two extra parameters: The shortest path among two variables (SP) and the sum of shortest path from one variable to all the other variables (SSP). A permutation of the graph parameters is performed at each level for each variable order and the number of nodes is recorded. Experimental results are promising; the proposed method is found to be more effective in finding the variable ordering for the majority of benchmark circuits.