Abstract: This study is aiming at establishing the relationship
between the optical signal of flame and an equivalent ratio of flame. In
this experiment, flame optical signal in a furnace is measured using
photodiode. The combustion system is composed of metal fiber burner
and vertical furnace, and flame chemiluminescence is measured at
various experimental conditions. In this study, the flame
chemiluminescence of laminar premixed flame is measured using
commercially available photodiode. It is experimentally investigated
the relationship between equivalent ratio and photodiode signal. In
addition, the strategy of combustion control method is proposed using
the optical signal and fuel pressure.
The results showed that certain relationship between optical data of
photodiode and equivalence ratio exists, and this leads to the
successful application of this system for instantaneous measurement of
equivalence ration of the combustion system.
Abstract: When neck pain is associated with pain, numbness, or
weakness in the arm, shoulder, or hand, further investigation is
needed as these are symptoms indicating pressure on one or more
nerve roots. Evaluation necessitates a neurologic examination and
imaging using an MRI/CT scan. A degenerating disc loses some
thickness and is less flexible, causing inter-vertebrae space to narrow.
A radiologist diagnoses an Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) by
localizing every inter-vertebral disc and identifying the pathology in
a disc based on its geometry and appearance. Accurate localizing is
necessary to diagnose IDD pathology. But, the underlying image
signal is ambiguous: a disc’s intensity overlaps the spinal nerve
fibres. Even the structure changes from case to case, with possible
spinal column bending (scoliosis). The inter-vertebral disc
pathology’s quantitative assessment needs accurate localization of the
cervical region discs. In this work, the efficacy of multilevel set
segmentation model, to segment cervical discs is investigated. The
segmented images are annotated using a simple distance matrix.
Abstract: Steady three-dimensional and two free surface waves
generated by moving bodies are presented, the flow problem to be
simulated is rich in complexity and poses many modeling challenges
because of the existence of breaking waves around the ship hull, and
because of the interaction of the two-phase flow with the turbulent
boundary layer. The results of several simulations are reported. The
first study was performed for NACA0012 of hydrofoil with different
meshes, this section is analyzed at h/c= 1, 0345 for 2D. In the second
simulation a mathematically defined Wigley hull form is used to
investigate the application of a commercial CFD code in prediction of
the total resistance and its components from tangential and normal
forces on the hull wetted surface. The computed resistance and wave
profiles are used to estimate the coefficient of the total resistance for
Wigley hull advancing in calm water under steady conditions. The
commercial CFD software FLUENT version 12 is used for the
computations in the present study. The calculated grid is established
using the code computer GAMBIT 2.3.26. The shear stress k-ωSST
model is used for turbulence modeling and the volume of fluid
technique is employed to simulate the free-surface motion. The
second order upwind scheme is used for discretizing the convection
terms in the momentum transport equations, the Modified HRIC
scheme for VOF discretization. The results obtained compare well
with the experimental data.
Abstract: Nowadays, the main goal for modern horticultural
production is an increase the quality. In recent years, the use of
organic fertilizers or biostimulants that can be applied in agriculture
to improve quali-quantitative crop yields has encountered increasing
interest. Biostimulants are gaining importance also for their possible
use in organic and sustainable agriculture, to avoid excessive
fertilizer applications. Consecutive experimental trials were carried
out in the Apulia region (southern Italy) on three herbaceous crops
(cauliflower, pepper, fennel) grown in pots under conventional and
organic fertilization systems without and with biostimulants. The aim
was to determine the effects of three biostimulants (Siapton®10L,
Micotech L, Lysodin Alga-Fert) on quali-quantitative yield
characteristics. At harvest, the quali-quantitative yield characteristics
of each crop were determined. All of the experimental data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and when significant
effects were detected, the means were compared using Tukey’s tests.
These data show large differences in these yield characteristics
between conventional and organic crops, particularly highlighting
higher yields for the conventional crops, while variable results were
generally observed when the biostimulants were applied. In this
context, there were no effects of the biostimulants on the quantitative
yield, whereas there were low positive effects on the qualitative
characteristics, as related to higher dry matter content of cauliflower,
and higher soluble solids content of pepper. Moreover, there were
evident positive effects of the biostimulants with fennel, due to the
lower nitrate content. These latter data are in line with most of the
published literature obtained for other herbaceous crops.
Abstract: The system for analyzing and eliciting public
grievances serves its main purpose to receive and process all sorts of
complaints from the public and respond to users. Due to the more
number of complaint data becomes big data which is difficult to store
and process. The proposed system uses HDFS to store the big data
and uses MapReduce to process the big data. The concept of cache
was applied in the system to provide immediate response and timely
action using big data analytics. Cache enabled big data increases the
response time of the system. The unstructured data provided by the
users are efficiently handled through map reduce algorithm. The
processing of complaints takes place in the order of the hierarchy of
the authority. The drawbacks of the traditional database system used
in the existing system are set forth by our system by using Cache
enabled Hadoop Distributed File System. MapReduce framework
codes have the possible to leak the sensitive data through
computation process. We propose a system that add noise to the
output of the reduce phase to avoid signaling the presence of
sensitive data. If the complaints are not processed in the ample time,
then automatically it is forwarded to the higher authority. Hence it
ensures assurance in processing. A copy of the filed complaint is sent
as a digitally signed PDF document to the user mail id which serves
as a proof. The system report serves to be an essential data while
making important decisions based on legislation.
Abstract: Because blueberries are worldwide recognized as a
good source of beneficial components, their consumption has
increased in the past decades, and so have the scientific works about
their properties. Hence, this work was undertaken to evaluate the
effect of some production and conservation factors on the properties
of blueberries from cultivar Bluecrop. The physical and chemical
analyses were done according to established methodologies and then
all data was treated using software SPSS for assessment of the
possible differences among the factors investigated and/or the
correlations between the variables at study. The results showed that
location of production influenced some of the berries properties
(caliber, sugars, antioxidant activity, color and texture) and that the
age of the bushes was correlated with moisture, sugars and acidity, as
well as lightness. On the other hand, altitude of the farm only was
correlated to sugar content. With regards to conservation, it
influenced only anthocyanins content and DPPH antioxidant activity.
Finally, the type of extract and the order of extraction had a
pronounced influence on all the phenolic properties evaluated.
Abstract: The popularity of quality management system models
continues to grow despite the transitional crisis in 2008. Their
development is associated with demands of the new requirements for
entrepreneurs, such as risk analysis projects and more emphasis on
supervision of outsourced processes. In parallel, it is appropriate to
focus attention on the selection of companies aspiring to a quality
management system. This is particularly important in the automotive
supplier industry, where requirements transferred to the levels in the
supply chain should be clear, transparent and fairly satisfied. The
author has carried out a series of researches aimed at finding the
factors that allow for the effective implementation of the quality
management system in automotive companies. The research was
focused on four groups of companies: 1) manufacturing (parts and
assemblies for the purpose of sale or for vehicle manufacturers), 2)
service (repair and maintenance of the car) 3) services for the
transport of goods or people, 4) commercial (auto parts and vehicles).
The identified determinants were divided into two types of criteria:
internal and external, as well as hard and soft. The article presents the
hard – technical factors that an automotive company must meet in
order to achieve the goal of the quality management system
implementation.
Abstract: This article proposes a new method for application in
communication circuit systems that increase efficiency, PAE, output
power and gain in the circuit. The proposed method is based on a
combination of switching class-E and class-J and has been termed
class-EJ. This method was investigated using both theory and
simulation to confirm ∼72% PAE and output power of >39dBm. The
combination and design of the proposed power amplifier accrues gain
of over 15dB in the 2.9 to 3.5GHz frequency bandwidth. This circuit
was designed using MOSFET and high power transistors. The loadand
source-pull method achieved the best input and output networks
using lumped elements. The proposed technique was investigated for
fundamental and second harmonics having desirable amplitudes for
the output signal.
Abstract: Image segmentation and edge detection is a fundamental section in image processing. In case of noisy images Edge Detection is very less effective if we use conventional Spatial Filters like Sobel, Prewitt, LOG, Laplacian etc. To overcome this problem we have proposed the use of Stochastic Gradient Mask instead of Spatial Filters for generating gradient images. The present study has shown that the resultant images obtained by applying Stochastic Gradient Masks appear to be much clearer and sharper as per Edge detection is considered.
Abstract: Due to rapid advancement of powerful image
processing software, digital images are easy to manipulate and
modify by ordinary people. Lots of digital images are edited for a
specific purpose and more difficult to distinguish form their original
ones. We propose a clustering method to detect a copy-move image
forgery of JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and PNG. The process starts with
reducing the color of the photos. Then, we use the clustering
technique to divide information of measuring data by Hausdorff
Distance. The result shows that the purposed methods is capable of
inspecting the image file and correctly identify the forgery.
Abstract: A novel design technique employing CMOS Current
Feedback Operational Amplifier (CFOA) is presented. The feature of
consumption very low power in designing pseudo-OTA is used to
decreasing the total power consumption of the proposed CFOA. This
design approach applies pseudo-OTA as input stage cascaded with
buffer stage. Moreover, the DC input offset voltage and harmonic
distortion (HD) of the proposed CFOA are very low values compared
with the conventional CMOS CFOA due to the symmetrical input
stage. P-Spice simulation results are obtained using 0.18μm MIETEC
CMOS process parameters and supply voltage of ±1.2V, 50μA
biasing current. The p-spice simulation shows excellent improvement
of the proposed CFOA over existing CMOS CFOA. Some of these
performance parameters, for example, are DC gain of 62. dB, openloop
gain bandwidth product of 108 MHz, slew rate (SR+) of
+71.2V/μS, THD of -63dB and DC consumption power (PC) of
2mW.
Abstract: The Trustworthy link failure recovery algorithm is
introduced in this paper, to provide the forwarding continuity even
with compound link failures. The ephemeral failures are common in
IP networks and it also has some proposals based on local rerouting.
To ensure forwarding continuity, we are introducing the compound
link failure recovery algorithm, even with compound link failures.
For forwarding the information, each packet carries a blacklist, which
is a min set of failed links encountered along its path, and the next
hop is chosen by excluding the blacklisted links. Our proposed
method describes how it can be applied to ensure forwarding to all
reachable destinations in case of any two or more link or node
failures in the network. After simulating with NS2 contains lot of
samples proved that the proposed protocol achieves exceptional
concert even under elevated node mobility using Trustworthy link
Failure Recovery Algorithm.
Abstract: Among various active filters, shunt active filter is a
viable solution for reactive power and harmonics compensation. In
this paper, the SRF plan is used to generate current reference for
compensation and conventional PI controllers were used as the
controller to compensate the reactive power. The design of the closed
loop controllers is reserved simple by modeling them as first order
systems. Computationally uncomplicated and efficient SVM system
is used in the present work for better utilization of dc bus voltage.
The rating of shunt active filter has been finalized based on the
reactive power demand of the selected reactive load. The proposed
control and SVM technique are validated by simulating in MATLAB
software.
Abstract: This paper pioneers Care Robot Impact Assessment
(CRIA), a methodology used to identify, analyze, mitigate and
eliminate the risks posed by the insertion of non-medical personal
care robots (PCR) in medical care facilities. Its precedent instruments
[Privacy and Surveillance Impact Assessment (PIA and SIA)] fall
behind in coping with robots. Indeed, personal care robots change
dramatically how care is delivered. The paper presents a specific
risk-sector methodology, identifies which robots are under its scope
and presents some of the challenges introduced by these robots.
Abstract: Development of new generation bio-tribological,
multilayer coatings opens an avenue for fabrication of future hightech
functional surfaces. In the presented work, nano-composite,
Cr/CrN+[Cr/ a-C:H implanted by metallic nanocrystals] multilayer
coatings have been developed for surface protection of medical tools.
Thin films were fabricated by a hybrid Pulsed Laser Deposition
technique. Complex microstructure analysis of nanomultilayer
coatings, subjected to mechanical and biological tests, were
performed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Microstructure characterization revealed the layered arrangement of
Cr23C6 nanoparticles in multilayer structure. Influence of deposition
conditions on bio-tribological properties of the coatings was studied.
The bio-tests were used as a screening tool for the analyzed
nanomultilayer coatings before they could be deposited on medical
tools. Bio-medical tests were done using fibroblasts. The mechanical
properties of the coatings were investigated by means of a ball-ondisc
mechanical test. The micro hardness was done using Berkovich
indenter. The scratch adhesion test was done using Rockwell
indenter. From the bio-tribological point of view, the optimal
properties had the C106_1 material.
Abstract: Community integration is a construct that an
increasing body of research has shown to have a significant impact
on the wellbeing and recovery of people with psychiatric problems.
However, there are few studies that explore which factors can be
associated and predict community integration. Moreover, community
integration has been mostly studied in minority groups, and current
literature on the definition and manifestation of community
integration in the general population is scarcer. Thus, the current
study aims to characterize community integration and explore
possible predictor variables in a sample of participants with
psychiatric problems (PP, N=183) and a sample of participants from
the general population (GP, N=211).
Results show that people with psychiatric problems present above
average values of community integration, but are significantly lower
than their healthy counterparts. It was also possible to observe that
community integration does not vary in terms of the sociodemographic
characteristics of both groups in this study. Correlation
and multiple regression showed that, among several variables that
literature present as relevant in the community integration process,
only three variables emerged as having the most explanatory value in
community integration of both groups: sense of community, basic
needs satisfaction and submission. These results also shown that
those variables have increased explanatory power in the PP sample,
which leads us to emphasize the need to address this issue in future
studies and increase the understanding of the factors that can be
involved in the promotion of community integration, in order to
devise more effective interventions in this field.
Abstract: Paranoid ideation is a common thought process that
constitutes a defense against perceived social threats. The current
study aimed at the characterization of paranoid ideation in youths and
to explore the possible predictors involved in the development of
paranoid ideations. Paranoid ideation, shame, submission, early
childhood memories and current depressive, anxious and stress
symptomatology were assessed in a sample of 1516 Portuguese
youths. Higher frequencies of paranoid ideation were observed,
particularly in females and youths from lower socioeconomic status.
The main predictors identified relates to submissive behaviors and
adverse childhood experiences, and especially to shame feelings. The
current study emphasizes that the these predictors are similar to
findings in adults and clinical populations, and future implications to
research and clinical practice aiming at paranoid ideations are
discussed, as well as the pertinence of the study of mediating factors
that allow a wider understanding of this thought process in younger
populations and the prevention of psychopathology in adulthood.
Abstract: WO3/SiO2 catalysts were modified by an ion exchange
method with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution. The
performance of the modified catalysts was tested in the metathesis of
ethylene and trans-2-butene to propylene. During ion exchange,
sodium and potassium ions played different roles. Sodium modified
catalysts revealed constant trans-2-butene conversion and propylene
selectivity when the concentrations of sodium in the solution were
varied. In contrast, potassium modified catalysts showed reduction of
the conversion and increase of the selectivity. From these results,
potassium hydroxide may affect the transformation of tungsten oxide
active species, resulting in the decrease in conversion whereas
sodium hydroxide did not. Moreover, the modification of catalysts by
this method improved the catalyst stability by lowering the amount of
coke deposited on the catalyst surface.
Abstract: This article presents our prototype MASET (Multi
Agents System for E-Tutoring Learners engaged in online
collaborative work). MASET that we propose is a system which
basically aims to help tutors in monitoring the collaborative work of
students and their various interactions. The evaluation of such
interactions by the tutor is based on the results provided by the
automatic analysis of the interaction indicators. This system is
predicated upon the middleware JADE (Java Agent Development
Framework) and e-learning Moodle platform. The MASET
environment is modeled by AUML which allows structuring the
different interactions between agents for the fulfillment and
performance of online collaborative work. This multi-agent system
has been the subject of a practical experimentation based on the
interactions data between Master Computer Engineering and System
students.
Abstract: For the music composer Myriam Marbe the musical
time and memory represent 2 (complementary) phenomena with
conclusive impact on the settlement of new musical ontologies.
Summarizing the most important achievements of the contemporary
techniques of composition, her vision on the microform presented in
The Concert for Daniel Kientzy, saxophone and orchestra transcends
the linear and unidirectional time in favour of a flexible, multivectorial
speech with spiral developments, where the sound substance
is auto(re)generated by analogy with the fundamental processes of
the memory. The conceptual model is of an archetypal essence, the
music composer being concerned with identifying the mechanisms of
the creation process, especially of those specific to the collective
creation (of oral tradition). Hence the spontaneity of expression,
improvisation tint, free rhythm, micro-interval intonation, coloristictimbral
universe dominated by multiphonics and unique sound
effects, hence the atmosphere of ritual, however purged by the
primary connotations and reprojected into a wonderful spectacular
space. The Concert is a work of artistic maturity and enforces respect,
among others, by the timbral diversity of the three species of
saxophone required by the music composer (baritone, sopranino and
alt), in Part III Daniel Kientzy shows the performance of playing two
saxophones concomitantly. The score of the music composer Myriam
Marbe contains a deeply spiritualized music, full or archetypal
symbols, a music whose drama suggests a real cinematographic
movement.