Abstract: Two Lithium Disilicate (LD) glass ceramics based on
SiO2-Li2O-K2O-Al2O3 system were prepared through a glass melting
method. The glass rods were then fabricated into dental crowns via a
hot pressing at 900˚C and 850˚C in order to study the effect of the
pressing temperatures on the phase formation and microstructure of
the glasses. Different samples of as cast glass and heat treated
samples (600˚C and 700˚C) were used to press for investigating the
effect of an initial microstructure on the hot pressing technique. Xray
diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were
performed to determine the phase formation and microstructure of the
samples, respectively. XRD results show that the main crystalline
structure was Li2Si2O5 by having Li3PO4, Li0.6Al0.6Si2O6, Li2SiO3,
Ca5 (PO4)3F and SiO2 as minor phases. Glass compositions with
different heat treatment temperatures exhibited a difference phase
formations but have less effect during pressing. SEM micrographs
showed the microstructure of Li2Si2O5 as lath-like shape in all
glasses. With increasing the initial heat treatment temperature, the
longer the lath-like crystals of lithium disilicate were increased
especially when using glass heat treatment at 700˚C followed by
pressing at 900˚C. This could be suggested that LD1 heat treatment at
700˚C which pressing at 900˚C presented the best formation by the
hot pressing and compiled microstructure.
Abstract: Enterprise Architecture (EA) Implementation
Methodologies have become an important part of EA projects.
Several implementation methodologies have been proposed, as a
theoretical and practical approach, to facilitate and support the
development of EA within an enterprise. A significant question when
facing the starting of EA implementation is deciding which
methodology to utilize. In order to answer this question, a framework
with several criteria is applied in this paper for the comparative
analysis of existing EA implementation methodologies. Five EA
implementation methodologies including: EAP, TOGAF, DODAF,
Gartner, and FEA are selected in order to compare with proposed
framework. The results of the comparison indicate that those
methodologies have not reached a sufficient maturity as whole due to
lack of consideration on requirement management, maintenance,
continuum, and complexities in their process. The framework has
also ability for the evaluation of any kind of EA implementation
methodologies.
Abstract: Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) can achieve very low
thermal conductivity by evacuating its inner space. Heat transfer in the
core materials of highly-evacuated VIP occurs by conduction through
the solid structure and radiation through the pore. The effect of various
scattering modes in combined conduction-radiation in VIP is
investigated through numerical analysis. The discrete ordinates
interpolation method (DOIM) incorporated with the commercial code
FLUENT® is employed. It is found that backward scattering is more
effective in reducing the total heat transfer while isotropic scattering is
almost identical with pure absorbing/emitting case of the same optical
thickness. For a purely scattering medium, the results agrees well with
additive solution with diffusion approximation, while a modified term
is added in the effect of optical thickness to backward scattering is
employed. For other scattering phase functions, it is also confirmed
that backwardly scattering phase function gives a lower effective
thermal conductivity. Thus the materials with backward scattering
properties, with radiation shields are desirable to lower the thermal
conductivity of VIPs.
Abstract: This paper describes a logical method to enhance
security on the grid computing to restrict the misuse of the grid
resources. This method is an economic and efficient one to avoid the
usage of the special devices. The security issues, techniques and
solutions needed to provide a secure grid computing environment are
described. A well defined process for security management among
the resource accesses and key holding algorithm is also proposed. In
this method, the identity management, access control and
authorization and authentication are effectively handled.
Abstract: Mammography has been one of the most reliable
methods for early detection of breast cancer. There are different
lesions which are breast cancer characteristic such as
microcalcifications, masses, architectural distortions and bilateral
asymmetry. One of the major challenges of analysing digital
mammogram is how to extract efficient features from it for accurate
cancer classification. In this paper we proposed a hybrid feature
extraction method to detect and classify all four signs of breast
cancer. The proposed method is based on multiscale surrounding
region dependence method, Gabor filters, multi fractal analysis,
directional and morphological analysis. The extracted features are
input to self adaptive resource allocation network (SRAN) classifier
for classification. The validity of our approach is extensively
demonstrated using the two benchmark data sets Mammographic
Image Analysis Society (MIAS) and Digital Database for Screening
Mammograph (DDSM) and the results have been proved to be
progressive.
Abstract: Skin detection is an important task for computer
vision systems. A good method of skin detection means a good and
successful result of the system.
The colour is a good descriptor for image segmentation and
classification; it allows detecting skin colour in the images. The
lighting changes and the objects that have a colour similar than skin
colour make the operation of skin detection difficult.
In this paper, we proposed a method using the YCbCr colour space
for skin detection and lighting effects elimination, then we use the
information of texture to eliminate the false regions detected by the
YCbCr skin model.
Abstract: Predicting earthquakes is an important issue in the
study of geography. Accurate prediction of earthquakes can help
people to take effective measures to minimize the loss of personal
and economic damage, such as large casualties, destruction of
buildings and broken of traffic, occurred within a few seconds.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) science organization
provides reliable scientific information about Earthquake Existed
throughout history & the Preliminary database from the National
Center Earthquake Information (NEIC) show some useful factors to
predict an earthquake in a seismic area like Aleutian Arc in the U.S.
state of Alaska. The main advantage of this prediction method that it
does not require any assumption, it makes prediction according to the
future evolution of the object's time series. The article compares
between simulation data result from trained BP and RBF neural
network versus actual output result from the system calculations.
Therefore, this article focuses on analysis of data relating to real
earthquakes. Evaluation results show better accuracy and higher
speed by using radial basis functions (RBF) neural network.
Abstract: Key frame extraction methods select the most
representative frames of a video, which can be used in different areas
of video processing such as video retrieval, video summary, and video
indexing. In this paper we present a novel approach for extracting key
frames from video sequences. The frame is characterized uniquely by
his contours which are represented by the dominant blocks. These
dominant blocks are located on the contours and its near textures.
When the video frames have a noticeable changement, its dominant
blocks changed, then we can extracte a key frame. The dominant
blocks of every frame is computed, and then feature vectors are
extracted from the dominant blocks image of each frame and arranged
in a feature matrix. Singular Value Decomposition is used to calculate
sliding windows ranks of those matrices. Finally the computed ranks
are traced and then we are able to extract key frames of a video.
Experimental results show that the proposed approach is robust
against a large range of digital effects used during shot transition.
Abstract: Forging parts is used to automobiles; because, they have high strength and it is possible to press them into complicated shape. When itis possible to manufacture hollow forging parts, it leads to reduce weightof the automobiles. But, hollow forging parts are confined to axisymmetrical shape. Hollowforging parts that were pressed to complicated shape are expected. Therefore, we forge a blank that aluminum alloy was inserted in stainless steel. After that, we can providecomplex forging parts that are reduced weight,ifit is possible to be melted the aluminum alloy away by using different of melting points.It is necessary to establish heat forging analysis methodon blank consist of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Because,this forging is different from conventional forging and this technology is not confirmed. In this study, we compared forging experiment with numerical analysis on the view point of forming load and shape after forming and establish how to set the material temperaturesof two metals and material property of stainless steel on the analysis method. Consequently, temperature difference of stainless steel and aluminum alloy was obtained by experiment. We got material property of stainless steel on forging experimental by compression tests. We had compared numerical analysis that was used the temperature difference of two metals and the material property of stainless steel on forging experimental with forging experiment. Forging analysis method on blankconsist of two metals was established by result of numerical analysis having agreedwith result of forging experiment.
Abstract: The importance of using mother tongue and
translation in foreign language classrooms cannot be ignored and
translation can be utilized as a method in English Language Teaching
courses. There exist researches advocating or objecting to the use of
translation in foreign language learning but they all have a point in
common: Translation should be used as an aid to teaching, not an end
in itself. In this research, prospective English language teachers’
opinions about translation use and use of mother tongue in foreign
language teaching are investigated and according to the findings,
some explanations and recommendations are made.
Abstract: The Lean Environmental Management Integration
System (LEMIS) framework development is integration between lean
core element and ISO 14001. The curiosity on the relationship
between continuous improvement and sustainability of lean
implementation has influenced this study toward LEMIS.
Characteristic of ISO 14001 standard clauses and core elements of
lean principles are explored from past studies and literature reviews.
Survey was carried out on ISO 14001 certified companies to examine
continual improvement by implementing the ISO 14001 standard.
The study found that there is a significant and positive relationship
between Lean Principles: value, value stream, flow, pull and
perfection with the ISO 14001 requirements. LEMIS is significant to
support the continuous improvement and sustainability. The
integration system can be implemented to any manufacturing
company. It gives awareness on the importance on why organizations
need to sustain its environmental management system. In the
meantime, the lean principle can be adapted in order to streamline
daily activities of the company. Throughout the study, it had proven
that there is no sacrifice or trade-off between lean principles with ISO
14001 requirements. The framework developed in the study can be
further simplified in the future, especially the method of crossing
each sub requirements of ISO 14001 standard with the core elements
of Lean principles in this study.
Abstract: Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) films have been successfully
deposited with yttrium-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA·Y·H)
complexes prepared by various milling techniques. The effects of the
properties of the EDTA·Y·H complex on the properties of the
deposited Y2O3 films have been analyzed. Seven different types of the
raw EDTA·Y·H complexes were prepared by various commercial
milling techniques such as ball milling, hammer milling, commercial
milling, and mortar milling. The milled EDTA·Y·H complexes
exhibited various particle sizes and distributions, depending on the
milling method. Furthermore, we analyzed the crystal structure,
morphology and elemental distribution profile of the metal oxide films
deposited on stainless steel substrate with the milled EDTA·Y·H
complexes. Depending on the milling technique, the flow properties of
the raw powders differed. The X-ray diffraction pattern of all the
samples revealed the formation of Y2O3 crystalline phase, irrespective
of the milling technique. Of all the different milling techniques, the
hammer milling technique is considered suitable for fabricating dense
Y2O3 films.
Abstract: There are a variety of reference current identification
methods, for the shunt active power filter (SAPF), such as the
instantaneous active and reactive power, the instantaneous active and
reactive current and the synchronous detection method are evaluated
and compared under ideal, non sinusoidal and unbalanced voltage
conditions. The SAPF performances, for the investigated
identification methods, are tested for a non linear load. The
simulation results, using Matlab Power System Blockset Toolbox
from a complete structure, are presented and discussed.
Abstract: Many problems in science and engineering field require
the solution of shifted linear systems with multiple right hand
sides and multiple shifts. To solve such systems efficiently, the
implicitly restarted global GMRES algorithm is extended in this
paper. However, the shift invariant property could no longer hold over
the augmented global Krylov subspace due to adding the harmonic
Ritz matrices. To remedy this situation, we enforce the collinearity
condition on the shifted system and propose shift implicitly restarted
global GMRES. The new method not only improves the convergence
but also has a potential to simultaneously compute approximate
solution for the shifted systems using only as many matrix vector
multiplications as the solution of the seed system requires. In
addition, some numerical experiments also confirm the effectiveness
of our method.
Abstract: Frequency stability of microgrids under islanded
operation attracts particular attention recently. A new cooperative
frequency control strategy based on centralized multi-agent system
(CMAS) is proposed in this study. Based on this strategy, agents sent
data and furthermore each component has its own to center operating
decisions (MGCC).After deciding on the information, they are
returned. Frequency control strategies include primary and secondary
frequency control and disposal of multi-stage load in which this study
will also provide a method and algorithm for load shedding. This
could also be a big problem for the performance of micro-grid in
times of disaster. The simulation results show the promising
performance of the proposed structure of the controller based on
multi agent systems.
Abstract: In this work, a Multi-Level Artificial Bee Colony
(called MLABC) for optimizing numerical test functions is presented.
In MLABC, two species are used. The first species employs n
colonies where each of them optimizes the complete solution vector.
The cooperation between these colonies is carried out by exchanging
information through a leader colony, which contains a set of elite
bees. The second species uses a cooperative approach in which the
complete solution vector is divided to k sub-vectors, and each of
these sub-vectors is optimized by a colony. The cooperation between
these colonies is carried out by compiling sub-vectors into the
complete solution vector. Finally, the cooperation between two
species is obtained by exchanging information. The proposed
algorithm is tested on a set of well-known test functions. The results
show that MLABC algorithm provides efficiency and robustness to
solve numerical functions.
Abstract: Applied industrial engineering is concerned with
imparting employable skills to improve the productivity for current
situation of products and services. The purpose of this case study is to
present the results of an initial research study conducted to identify
the desired professional characteristics of an industrial engineer with
an undergraduate degree and the emerging topic areas that should be
incorporated into the curriculum to prepare industrial engineering
(IE) graduates for the future workforce. Conclusions and
recommendations for applied industrial engineering syllabus have
been gathered and reported below. A two-pronged approach was
taken which included a method of benchmarking by comparing the
applied industrial engineering curricula of various universities and an
industry survey to identify job market requirements. This
methodology produced an analysis of the changing nature of
industrial engineering from learning to practical education. A
curriculum study for engineering is a relatively unexplored area of
research in the Middle East, much less for applied industrial
engineering. This work is an effort to bridge the gap between
theoretical study in the classroom and the real world work
applications in the industrial and service sectors.
Abstract: Artificial Immune Systems (AIS), inspired by the
human immune system, are algorithms and mechanisms which are
self-adaptive and self-learning classifiers capable of recognizing and
classifying by learning, long-term memory and association. Unlike
other human system inspired techniques like genetic algorithms and
neural networks, AIS includes a range of algorithms modeling on
different immune mechanism of the body. In this paper, a mechanism
of a human immune system based on apoptosis is adopted to build an
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to protect computer networks.
Features are selected from network traffic using Fisher Score. Based
on the selected features, the record/connection is classified as either
an attack or normal traffic by the proposed methodology. Simulation
results demonstrates that the proposed AIS based on apoptosis
performs better than existing AIS for intrusion detection.
Abstract: City shrinkage is one of the thorny problems that many
European cities have to face with nowadays. It is mainly expressed as
the decrease of population in these cities. Eastern Germany is one of
the pioneers of European shrinking cities with long shrinking history.
The paper selects one representative shrinking city Halle (Saale) in
eastern Germany as research objective, collecting and investigating
nearly 20 years (1993-2010) municipal data after the reunification of
Germany. These data based on five dimensions, which are
demographic, economic, social, spatial and environmental and total 16
eligible variables. Factor Analysis is used to deal with these variables
in order to assess the most important factors affecting shrinking Halle.
The results show that there are three main factors determine the
shrinkage of Halle, respectively named “demographical and
economical factor”, “social stability factor”, and “city vitality factor”.
The three factors act at different time period of Halle’s shrinkage: from
1993 to 1997 the demographical and economical factor played an
important role; from 1997 to 2004 the social stability factor is
significant to city shrinkage; since 2005 city vitality factor determines
the shrinkage of Halle. In recent years, the shrinkage in Halle mitigates
that shows the sign of growing population. Thus the city Halle should
focus on attaching more importance on the city vitality factor to
prevent the city from shrinkage. Meanwhile, the city should possess a
positive perspective to shift the growth-oriented development to tap
the potential of shrinking cities. This method is expected to apply to
further research and other shrinking cities
Abstract: The Quad Tree Decomposition based performance
analysis of compressed image data communication for lossy and
lossless through wireless sensor network is presented. Images have
considerably higher storage requirement than text. While transmitting
a multimedia content there is chance of the packets being dropped
due to noise and interference. At the receiver end the packets that
carry valuable information might be damaged or lost due to noise,
interference and congestion. In order to avoid the valuable
information from being dropped various retransmission schemes have
been proposed. In this proposed scheme QTD is used. QTD is an
image segmentation method that divides the image into homogeneous
areas. In this proposed scheme involves analysis of parameters such
as compression ratio, peak signal to noise ratio, mean square error,
bits per pixel in compressed image and analysis of difficulties during
data packet communication in Wireless Sensor Networks. By
considering the above, this paper is to use the QTD to improve the
compression ratio as well as visual quality and the algorithm in
MATLAB 7.1 and NS2 Simulator software tool.