Abstract: Literature reveals that many investors rely on technical trading rules when making investment decisions. If stock markets are efficient, one cannot achieve superior results by using these trading rules. However, if market inefficiencies are present, profitable opportunities may arise. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of technical trading rules in 34 emerging stock markets. The performance of the rules is evaluated by utilizing White-s Reality Check and the Superior Predictive Ability test of Hansen, along with an adjustment for transaction costs. These tests are able to evaluate whether the best model performs better than a buy-and-hold benchmark. Further, they provide an answer to data snooping problems, which is essential to obtain unbiased outcomes. Based on our results we conclude that technical trading rules are not able to outperform a naïve buy-and-hold benchmark on a consistent basis. However, we do find significant trading rule profits in 4 of the 34 investigated markets. We also present evidence that technical analysis is more profitable in crisis situations. Nevertheless, this result is relatively weak.
Abstract: A cancelable palmprint authentication system
proposed in this paper is specifically designed to overcome the
limitations of the contemporary biometric authentication system. In
this proposed system, Geometric and pseudo Zernike moments are
employed as feature extractors to transform palmprint image into a
lower dimensional compact feature representation. Before moment
computation, wavelet transform is adopted to decompose palmprint
image into lower resolution and dimensional frequency subbands.
This reduces the computational load of moment calculation
drastically. The generated wavelet-moment based feature
representation is used to generate cancelable verification key with a
set of random data. This private binary key can be canceled and
replaced. Besides that, this key also possesses high data capture
offset tolerance, with highly correlated bit strings for intra-class
population. This property allows a clear separation of the genuine
and imposter populations, as well as zero Equal Error Rate
achievement, which is hardly gained in the conventional biometric
based authentication system.
Abstract: We have developed a database for membrane protein functions, which has more than 3000 experimental data on functionally important amino acid residues in membrane proteins along with sequence, structure and literature information. Further, we have proposed different methods for identifying membrane proteins based on their functions: (i) discrimination of membrane transport proteins from other globular and membrane proteins and classifying them into channels/pores, electrochemical and active transporters, and (ii) β-signal for the insertion of mitochondrial β-barrel outer membrane proteins and potential targets. Our method showed an accuracy of 82% in discriminating transport proteins and 68% to classify them into three different transporters. In addition, we have identified a motif for targeting β-signal and potential candidates for mitochondrial β-barrel membrane proteins. Our methods can be used as effective tools for genome-wide annotations.
Abstract: A basic conceptual study of TCSC device on Simulink is a teaching aid and helps in understanding the rudiments of the topic. This paper thus stems out from basics of TCSC device and analyzes the impedance characteristics and associated single & multi resonance conditions. The Impedance characteristics curve is drawn for different values of inductance in MATLAB using M-files. The study is also helpful in estimating the appropriate inductance and capacitance values which have influence on multi resonance point in TCSC device. The capacitor voltage, line current, thyristor current and capacitor current waveforms are discussed briefly as simulation results. Simulink model of TCSC device is given and corresponding waveforms are analyzed. The subsidiary topics e.g. power oscillation damping, SSR mitigation and transient stability is also brought out.
Abstract: In this work, the physical based device model of
AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) has been
established and the corresponding device operation behavior has
been investigated also by using Sentaurus TCAD from Synopsys.
Advanced AlGaN/GaN hetero-structures with GaN cap layer and AlN
spacer have been considered and the GaN cap layer and AlN spacer
are found taking important roles on the gate leakage blocking and
off-state breakdown voltage enhancement.
Abstract: The exploration of this paper will focus on the Cshaped
transition curve. This curve is designed by using the concept
of circle to circle where one circle lies inside other. The degree of
smoothness employed is curvature continuity. The function used in
designing the C-curve is Bézier-like cubic function. This function has
a low degree, flexible for the interactive design of curves and
surfaces and has a shape parameter. The shape parameter is used to
control the C-shape curve. Once the C-shaped curve design is
completed, this curve will be applied to design spur gear tooth. After
the tooth design procedure is finished, the design will be analyzed by
using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This analysis is used to find
out the applicability of the tooth design and the gear material that
chosen. In this research, Cast Iron 4.5 % Carbon, ASTM A-48 is
selected as a gear material.
Abstract: As part of national epidemiological survey on bovine
viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a total of 274 dejecta samples were
collected from 14 cattle farms in 8 areas of Xinjiang Uygur
Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Total RNA was extracted
from each sample, and 5--untranslated region (UTR) of BVDV
genome was amplified by using two-step reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The PCR products
were subsequently sequenced to study the genetic variations of BVDV
in these areas. Among the 274 samples, 33 samples were found
virus-positive. According to sequence analysis of the PCR products,
the 33 samples could be arranged into 16 groups. All the sequences,
however, were highly conserved with BVDV Osloss strains. The virus
possessed theses sequences belonged to BVDV-1b subtype by
phylogenetic analysis. Based on these data, we established a typing
tree for BVDV in these areas. Our results suggested that BVDV-1b
was a predominant subgenotype in northwestern China and no
correlation between the genetic and geographical distances could be
observed above the farm level.
Abstract: This paper is to develop a fuzzy net present value (FNPV) method by taking vague cash flow and imprecise required rate of return into account for evaluating the value of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) sport facilities. In order to clearly manifest a more realistic capital budgeting model based on the classical net present value (NPV) method, some uncertain financial elements in NPV formula will be fuzzified as triangular fuzzy numbers. Through the conscientious manipulation of fuzzy set theory, we will find that the proposed FNPV model is a more explicit extension of classical (crisp) model and could be more practicable for the financial managers to capture the essence of capital budgeting of sport facilities than non-fuzzy model.
Abstract: This study is designed to investigate errors emerged in written texts produced by 30 Turkish EFL learners with an explanatory, and thus, qualitative perspective. Erroneous language elements were identified by the researcher first and then their grammaticality and intelligibility were checked by five native speakers of English. The analysis of the data showed that it is difficult to claim that an error stems from only one single factor since different features of an error are triggered by different factors. Our findings revealed two different types of errors: those which stem from the interference of L1 with L2 and those which are developmental ones. The former type contains more global errors whereas the errors in latter type are more intelligible.
Abstract: In this paper, an improved edge detection algorithm
based on fuzzy combination of mathematical morphology and
wavelet transform is proposed. The combined method is proposed to
overcome the limitation of wavelet based edge detection and
mathematical morphology based edge detection in noisy images.
Experimental results show superiority of the proposed method, as
compared to the traditional Prewitt, wavelet based and morphology
based edge detection methods. The proposed method is an effective
edge detection method for noisy image and keeps clear and
continuous edges.
Abstract: In this paper, based on linear matrix inequality (LMI), by using Lyapunov functional theory, the exponential stability criterion is obtained for a class of uncertain Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy Hopfield neural networks (TSFHNNs) with time delays. Here we choose a generalized Lyapunov functional and introduce a parameterized model transformation with free weighting matrices to it, these techniques lead to generalized and less conservative stability condition that guarantee the wide stability region. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our results by using MATLAB LMI toolbox.
Abstract: The ITE Project is a project that has 1800 km length
and across the Turkey's land through east to west. The project of
pipeline enters geographically from Iran to Doğubayazit (Turkey) in
the east, exits to Greece from Ipsala province of Turkey in the west.
This project is the one of the international projects in such scale that
provides the natural gas of Iran and Caspian Sea through the
European continent. In this investigation, some information will be
given about the methods used to verify the direction of the pipeline
and the technical properties of the results obtained. The cost of
project itself entirely depends on the direction of the pipeline which
would be as short as possible and the specifications of the land cover.
Production standards of 1/2000 scaled digital orthophoto and vectoral
maps as a results of the use of map production materials and methods
(such as high resolution satellite images, and digital aerial images
captured from digital aerial cameras), will also be given in this report.
According to Turkish national map production standards, TM
((Transversal Mercator, 3 degree) projection is used for large scale
map and UTM (Universal Transversal Mercator, 6 degree) is used for
small scale map production standards. Some information is also given
about the projection used in the ITE natural gas pipeline project.
Abstract: This paper provides an in-depth study of Wireless
Sensor Network (WSN) application to monitor and control the
swiftlet habitat. A set of system design is designed and developed
that includes the hardware design of the nodes, Graphical User
Interface (GUI) software, sensor network, and interconnectivity for
remote data access and management. System architecture is proposed
to address the requirements for habitat monitoring. Such applicationdriven
design provides and identify important areas of further work
in data sampling, communications and networking. For this
monitoring system, a sensor node (MTS400), IRIS and Micaz radio
transceivers, and a USB interfaced gateway base station of Crossbow
(Xbow) Technology WSN are employed. The GUI of this monitoring
system is written using a Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation
Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) along with Xbow Technology
drivers provided by National Instrument. As a result, this monitoring
system is capable of collecting data and presents it in both tables and
waveform charts for further analysis. This system is also able to send
notification message by email provided Internet connectivity is
available whenever changes on habitat at remote sites (swiftlet farms)
occur. Other functions that have been implemented in this system
are the database system for record and management purposes; remote
access through the internet using LogMeIn software. Finally, this
research draws a conclusion that a WSN for monitoring swiftlet
habitat can be effectively used to monitor and manage swiftlet
farming industry in Sarawak.
Abstract: Non-viral gene carriers composed of biodegradable
polymers or lipids have been considered as a safer alternative for gene
carriers over viral vectors. We have developed multi-functional
nano-micelles for both drug and gene delivery application.
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was modified by grafting stearic acid (SA)
and formulated to polymeric micelles (PEI-SA) with positive surface
charge for gene and drug delivery. Our results showed that PEI-SA
micelles provided high siRNA binding efficiency. In addition, siRNA
delivered by PEI-SA carriers also demonstrated significantly high
cellular uptake even in the presence of serum proteins. The
post-transcriptional gene silencing efficiency was greatly improved by
the polyplex formulated by 10k PEI-SA/siRNA. The amphiphilic
structure of PEI-SA micelles provided advantages for multifunctional
tasks; where the hydrophilic shell modified with cationic charges can
electrostatically interact with DNA or siRNA, and the hydrophobic
core can serve as payloads for hydrophobic drugs, making it a
promising multifunctional vehicle for both genetic and chemotherapy
application.
Abstract: Link reliability and transmitted power are two important design constraints in wireless network design. Error control coding (ECC) is a classic approach used to increase link reliability and to lower the required transmitted power. It provides coding gain, resulting in transmitter energy savings at the cost of added decoder power consumption. But the choice of ECC is very critical in the case of wireless sensor network (WSN). Since the WSNs are energy constraint in nature, both the BER and power consumption has to be taken into count. This paper develops a step by step approach in finding suitable error control codes for WSNs. Several simulations are taken considering different error control codes and the result shows that the RS(31,21) fits both in BER and power consumption criteria.
Abstract: In this paper, the effect of atmospheric turbulence on
bit error probability in free-space optical CDMA scheme with
Sequence Inverse Keyed (SIK) optical correlator receiver is analyzed.
Here Intensity Modulation scheme is considered for transmission.
The turbulence induced fading is described by the newly introduced
gamma-gamma pdf[1] as a tractable mathematical model for
atmospheric turbulence. Results are evaluated with Gold and Kasami
code & it is shown that Gold sequence can be used for more
efficient transmission than Kasami sequence in an atmospheric
turbulence channel.
Abstract: 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic estrogen
used as a key ingredient in an oral contraceptives pill. EE2 is an
endocrine disrupting compound, high in estrogenic potency.
Although EE2 exhibits low degree of biodegradability with common
microorganisms in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), this
compound can be biotransformed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
(AOB) via a co-metabolism mechanism in WWTPs. This study
aimed to investigate the effect of real wastewater on
biotransformation of EE2 by AOB. A preliminary experiment on the
effect of nitrite and pH levels on abiotic transformation of EE2
suggested that the abiotic transformation occurred at only pH
Abstract: Mining sequential patterns from large customer transaction databases has been recognized as a key research topic in database systems. However, the previous works more focused on mining sequential patterns at a single concept level. In this study, we introduced concept hierarchies into this problem and present several algorithms for discovering multiple-level sequential patterns based on the hierarchies. An experiment was conducted to assess the performance of the proposed algorithms. The performances of the algorithms were measured by the relative time spent on completing the mining tasks on two different datasets. The experimental results showed that the performance depends on the characteristics of the datasets and the pre-defined threshold of minimal support for each level of the concept hierarchy. Based on the experimental results, some suggestions were also given for how to select appropriate algorithm for a certain datasets.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of protecting aerial lines from high impedance faults (HIFs) in distribution systems. This investigation successfully applies 3I0 zero sequence current to solve HIF problems. The feature extraction system based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and the feature identification technique found on statistical confidence are then applied to discriminate effectively between the HIFs and the switch operations. Based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT) pattern recognition of HIFs is proposed, also. Staged fault testing results demonstrate that the proposed wavelet based algorithm is feasible performance well.
Abstract: A simple mobile engine-driven pneumatic paddy
collector made of locally available materials using local
manufacturing technology was designed, fabricated, and tested for
collecting and bagging of paddy dried on concrete pavement. The
pneumatic paddy collector had the following major components:
radial flat bladed type centrifugal fan, power transmission system,
bagging area, frame and the conveyance system. Results showed
significant differences on the collecting capacity, noise level, and fuel
consumption when rotational speed of the air mover shaft was varied.
Other parameters such as collecting efficiency, air velocity,
augmented cracked grain percentage, and germination rate were not
significantly affected by varying rotational speed of the air mover
shaft. The pneumatic paddy collector had a collecting efficiency of
99.33 % with a collecting capacity of 2685.00 kg/h at maximum
rotational speed of centrifugal fan shaft of about 4200 rpm. The
machine entailed an investment cost of P 62,829.25. The break-even
weight of paddy was 510,606.75 kg/yr at a collecting cost of 0.11
P/kg of paddy. Utilizing the machine for 400 hours per year
generated an income of P 23,887.73. The projected time needed to
recover cost of the machine based on 2685 kg/h collecting capacity
was 2.63 year.