Abstract: With the advent of emerging personal computing paradigms such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, Web contents are becoming accessible from a wide range of mobile devices. Since these devices do not have the same rendering capabilities, Web contents need to be adapted for transparent access from a variety of client agents. Such content adaptation results in better rendering and faster delivery to the client device. Nevertheless, Web content adaptation sets new challenges for semantic markup. This paper presents an advanced components platform, called MorfeoSMC, enabling the development of mobility applications and services according to a channel model based on Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles. It then goes on to describe the potential for integration with the Semantic Web through a novel framework of external semantic annotation of mobile Web contents. The role of semantic annotation in this framework is to describe the contents of individual documents themselves, assuring the preservation of the semantics during the process of adapting content rendering, as well as to exploit these semantic annotations in a novel user profile-aware content adaptation process. Semantic Web content adaptation is a way of adding value to and facilitates repurposing of Web contents (enhanced browsing, Web Services location and access, etc).
Abstract: The conjugate gradient optimization algorithm is combined with the modified back propagation algorithm to yield a computationally efficient algorithm for training multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks (CGFR/AG). The computational efficiency is enhanced by adaptively modifying initial search direction as described in the following steps: (1) Modification on standard back propagation algorithm by introducing a gain variation term in the activation function, (2) Calculation of the gradient descent of error with respect to the weights and gains values and (3) the determination of a new search direction by using information calculated in step (2). The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing accuracy and computation time with the conjugate gradient algorithm used in MATLAB neural network toolbox. The results show that the computational efficiency of the proposed method was better than the standard conjugate gradient algorithm.
Abstract: Computer-mediated communication technologies which provide for virtual communities have typically evolved in a cross-dichotomous manner, such that technical constructs of the technology have evolved independently from the social environment of the community. The present paper analyses some limitations of current implementations of computer-mediated communication technology that are implied by such a dichotomy, and discusses their inhibiting effects on possible developments of virtual communities. A Socio-Technical Indicator Model is introduced that utilizes integrated feedback to describe, simulate and operationalise increasing representativeness within a variety of structurally and parametrically diverse systems. In illustration, applications of the model are briefly described for financial markets and for eco-systems. A detailed application is then provided to resolve the aforementioned technical limitations of moderation on the evolution of virtual communities. The application parameterises virtual communities to function as self-transforming social-technical systems which are sensitive to emergent and shifting community values as products of on-going communications within the collective.
Abstract: Software reuse can be considered as the most realistic
and promising way to improve software engineering productivity and
quality. Automated assistance for software reuse involves the
representation, classification, retrieval and adaptation of components.
The representation and retrieval of components are important to
software reuse in Component-Based on Software Development
(CBSD). However, current industrial component models mainly focus
on the implement techniques and ignore the semantic information
about component, so it is difficult to retrieve the components that
satisfy user-s requirements. This paper presents a method of business
component retrieval based on specification matching to solve the
software reuse of enterprise information system. First, a business
component model oriented reuse is proposed. In our model, the
business data type is represented as sign data type based on XML,
which can express the variable business data type that can describe the
variety of business operations. Based on this model, we propose
specification match relationships in two levels: business operation
level and business component level. In business operation level, we
use input business data types, output business data types and the
taxonomy of business operations evaluate the similarity between
business operations. In the business component level, we propose five
specification matches between business components. To retrieval
reusable business components, we propose the measure of similarity
degrees to calculate the similarities between business components.
Finally, a business component retrieval command like SQL is
proposed to help user to retrieve approximate business components
from component repository.
Abstract: Lacking an inherent “natural" dissimilarity measure
between objects in categorical dataset presents special difficulties in
clustering analysis. However, each categorical attributes from a given
dataset provides natural probability and information in the sense of
Shannon. In this paper, we proposed a novel method which
heuristically converts categorical attributes to numerical values by
exploiting such associated information. We conduct an experimental
study with real-life categorical dataset. The experiment demonstrates
the effectiveness of our approach.
Abstract: This paper discusses site selection process for
biological soil conservation planning. It was supported by a valuefocused
approach and spatial multi-criteria evaluation techniques. A
first set of spatial criteria was used to design a number of potential
sites. Next, a new set of spatial and non-spatial criteria was
employed, including the natural factors and the financial costs,
together with the degree of suitability for the Bonkuh watershed to
biological soil conservation planning and to recommend the most
acceptable program. The whole process was facilitated by a new
software tool that supports spatial multiple criteria evaluation, or
SMCE in GIS software (ILWIS). The application of this tool,
combined with a continual feedback by the public attentions, has
provided an effective methodology to solve complex decisional
problem in biological soil conservation planning.
Abstract: Reversible logic is becoming more and more prominent
as the technology sets higher demands on heat, power, scaling
and stability. Reversible gates are able at any time to "undo" the
current step or function. Multiple-valued logic has the advantage of
transporting and evaluating higher bits each clock cycle than binary.
Moreover, we demonstrate in this paper, combining these disciplines
we can construct powerful multiple-valued reversible logic structures.
In this paper a reversible block implemented by pseudo floatinggate
can perform AD-function and a DA-function as its reverse
application.
Abstract: A numerical solution of the initial boundary value
problem of the suspended string vibrating equation with the
particular nonlinear damping term based on the finite difference
scheme is presented in this paper. The investigation of how the
second and third power terms of the nonlinear term affect the
vibration characteristic. We compare the vibration amplitude as a
result of the third power nonlinear damping with the second power
obtained from previous report provided that the same initial shape
and initial velocities are assumed. The comparison results show that
the vibration amplitude is inversely proportional to the coefficient of
the damping term for the third power nonlinear damping case, while
the vibration amplitude is proportional to the coefficient of the
damping term in the second power nonlinear damping case.
Abstract: An alternative approach to the use of Discrete Fourier
Transform (DFT) for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reconstruction
is the use of parametric modeling technique. This method
is suitable for problems in which the image can be modeled by
explicit known source functions with a few adjustable parameters.
Despite the success reported in the use of modeling technique as an
alternative MRI reconstruction technique, two important problems
constitutes challenges to the applicability of this method, these are
estimation of Model order and model coefficient determination. In
this paper, five of the suggested method of evaluating the model
order have been evaluated, these are: The Final Prediction Error
(FPE), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Residual Variance (RV),
Minimum Description Length (MDL) and Hannan and Quinn (HNQ)
criterion. These criteria were evaluated on MRI data sets based on the
method of Transient Error Reconstruction Algorithm (TERA). The
result for each criterion is compared to result obtained by the use of a
fixed order technique and three measures of similarity were evaluated.
Result obtained shows that the use of MDL gives the highest measure
of similarity to that use by a fixed order technique.
Abstract: The paper is included within the framework of a
complex research program, which was initiated from the hypothesis
arguing on the existence of a correlation between pineal indolic and
peptide hormones and the somatic development rhythm, including
thus the epithalamium-epiphysis complex involvement. At birds,
pineal gland contains a circadian oscillator, playing a main role in the
temporal organization of the cerebral functions. The secretion of
pineal indolic hormones is characterized by a high endogenous
rhythmic alternation, modulated by the light/darkness (L/D)
succession and by temperature as well. The research has been carried
out using 100 chicken broilers - “Ross" commercial hybrid,
randomly allocated in two experimental batches: Lc batch, reared
under a 12L/12D lighting schedule and Lexp batch, which was photic
pinealectomised through continuous exposition to light (150 lux, 24
hours, 56 days). Chemical and physical features of the meat issued
from breast fillet and thighs muscles have been studied, determining
the dry matter, proteins, fat, collagen, salt content and pH value, as
well. Besides the variations of meat chemical composition in relation
with lighting schedule, other parameters have been studied: live
weight dynamics, feed intake and somatic development degree. The
achieved results became significant since chickens have 7 days of
age, some variations of the studied parameters being registered,
revealing that the pineal gland physiologic activity, in relation with
the lighting schedule, could be interpreted through the monitoring of
the somatic development technological parameters, usually studied
within the chicken broilers rearing aviculture practice.
Abstract: This paper solves the Non Linear Schrodinger
Equation using the Split Step Fourier method for modeling an optical
fiber. The model generates a complex wave of optical pulses and
using the results obtained two graphs namely Loss versus
Wavelength and Dispersion versus Wavelength are generated. Taking
Chromatic Dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion losses into
account, the graphs generated are compared with the graphs
formulated by JDS Uniphase Corporation which uses standard values
of dispersion for optical fibers. The graphs generated when compared
with the JDS Uniphase Corporation plots were found to be more or
less similar thus verifying that the model proposed is right.
MATLAB software was used for doing the modeling.
Abstract: Electricity market activities and a growing demand for electricity have led to heavily stressed power systems. This requires operation of the networks closer to their stability limits. Power system operation is affected by stability related problems, leading to unpredictable system behavior. Voltage stability refers to the ability of a power system to sustain appropriate voltage levels through large and small disturbances. Steady-state voltage stability is concerned with limits on the existence of steady-state operating points for the network. FACTS devices can be utilized to increase the transmission capacity, the stability margin and dynamic behavior or serve to ensure improved power quality. Their main capabilities are reactive power compensation, voltage control and power flow control. Among the FACTS controllers, Static Var Compensator (SVC) provides fast acting dynamic reactive compensation for voltage support during contingency events. In this paper, voltage stability assessment with appropriate representations of tap-changer transformers and SVC is investigated. Integrating both of these devices is the main topic of this paper. Effect of the presence of tap-changing transformers on static VAR compensator controller parameters and ratings necessary to stabilize load voltages at certain values are highlighted. The interrelation between transformer off nominal tap ratios and the SVC controller gains and droop slopes and the SVC rating are found. P-V curves are constructed to calculate loadability margins.
Abstract: An HPLC-UV analytical method was developed to
determine ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in dairy
wastewater and surface water. The optimizing separation was achieved
by reversed–phase ion-pair liquid chromatography on a C18 column
using methanol as mobile phase solvent, tetrabutylammonium bromide
as the ion-pair reagent in pH 3.3 formate buffer solution at a flow rate
of 0.9 mL min-1 with a UV detector at 265 nm. No interference of Ca,
Mg or NO3
- was detected. Method performance was evaluated in terms
of linearity, repeatability and reproducibility. The method detection
limit was 5 μg L-1. The contents of EDTA in dairy effluents were 72 ~
261 μg L-1 at a large dairy site. A change of EDTA concentration was
observed downstream of the dairy effluent discharge, but this was well
under the predicted no effect concentration for aquatic ecosystem.
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the
epidemiology of waterborne diarrhoeal among children aged 6-36
months old in Busia town, western Kenya. The study was carried out
between Feb. 2008 and Feb. 2010. Cases of diarrhoea reported in 385
households were linked to household water handling practices. A
mother with a child of 6-36 months old was also included in the
study. Diarrhoea prevalence among children 6-36 months was 16.7%
in Busia town, Bwamani (19.6%) and Mayenje (10.6%) clustered in
Mayenje sub-location reported the highest and the lowest prevalence
of diarrhoea. There was a positive correlation between the prevalence
of diarrhoea in children and the level of the mother-s education,
29.9% (n= 100). Diarrhoea cases decreased in range from 35.5% (n
=102) to 4.8% (n= 16), corresponding to increase in age from 6-35
months on average. In conclusion, prevalence of diarrhoea in
children of 6-36 months old was 16.7% in Busia town. This was
higher in children whose mother-s age was below 18 years and with
low level of education, the rate decreased with increase in age of
children. Prevalence of diarrhoea in children aged 6-36months in
households was higher in children aged 6-17 and 36 months and
whose mothers were less educated and fell between the ages of 18-24
years. The Influence of human activities at the main source of
drinking water on the prevalence of diarrhoea in these children was
insignificant.
Abstract: Ipomoea batatas (Sweetpotato) is currently ranked
sixth in the total world food production and are planted mainly for
their storage roots. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and
compare the antioxidant properties of the leaf and carotenoids extract
from the Ipomoea batatas var. Oren leaves. Total flavonoids in the
leaf extract was 144.6 ± 40.5 μg/g compared to 114.86 ± 4.35 μg/g
catechin equivalent in the carotenoids extract. Total polyphenols in
the leaf extracts (3.470 ± 0.024 GAE g/100g DW) was slightly higher
compared to carotenoids extract (2.994 ± 0.078 GAE g/100g DW).
The carotenoids extract marked a higher radical scavenging capacity
with the IC50= 491.86 μg/ml compared to leaf extract (IC50= 545.39
μg/ml). Concentration-dependent reducing activity was observed for
both extracts. Thus, the carotenoids extraction process retained most
of the antioxidant capacity from the leaves and can be made into
potential natural yellow dye with antioxidant property.
Abstract: In this paper, half bridge DC-DC converters with
transformer isolation presented in the literature are analyzed for highcurrent
and low-voltage applications under the same operation
conditions, and compared in terms of losses and efficiency. The
conventional and improved half-bridge DC-DC converters are
simulated, and current and voltage waveforms are obtained for input
voltage Vdc=500V, output current IO=450A, output voltage VO=38V
and switching frequency fS=20kHz. IGBTs are used as power
semiconductor switches. The power losses of the semiconductor
devices are calculated from current and voltage waveforms. From
simulation results, it is seen that the capacitor switched half bridge
converter has the best efficiency value, and can be preferred at high
power and high frequency applications.
Abstract: Through the analysis of the process digital design
based on digital mockup, the fact indicates that a distributed
cooperative supporting environment is the foundation conditions to
adopt design approach based on DMU. Data access authorization is
concerned firstly because the value and sensitivity of the data for the
enterprise. The access control for administrators is often rather weak
other than business user. So authors established an enhanced system to
avoid the administrators accessing the engineering data by potential
approach and without authorization. Thus the data security is
improved.
Abstract: The textural parameters, together with appearance and
flavor, are sensory attributes of great importance for the product to be
accepted by the consumer. The objective of the present study was the
evaluation of the textural attributes of Packhams pears in the fresh
state, after drying in a chamber with forced convection at 50ºC,
lyophilized and re-hydrated. In texture analysis it was used the
method of Texture Profile Analysis (TPA). The parameters analyzed
were hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, elasticity and chewiness.
From the results obtained is possible to see that the drying operation
greatly affected some textural properties of the pears, so that the
hardness diminished very much with drying, for both drying
methods.
Abstract: Coloured Petri net (CPN) has been widely adopted in various areas in Computer Science, including protocol specification, performance evaluation, distributed systems and coordination in multi-agent systems. It provides a graphical representation of a system and has a strong mathematical foundation for proving various properties. This paper proposes a novel representation of a coloured Petri net using an extension of logic programming called abductive logic programming (ALP), which is purely based on classical logic. Under such a representation, an implementation of a CPN could be directly obtained, in which every inference step could be treated as a kind of equivalence preserved transformation. We would describe how to implement a CPN under such a representation using common meta-programming techniques in Prolog. We call our framework CPN-LP and illustrate its applications in modeling an intelligent agent.
Abstract: Compaction testing methods allow at-speed detecting
of errors while possessing low cost of implementation. Owing to this
distinctive feature, compaction methods have been widely used for
built-in testing, as well as external testing. In the latter case, the
bandwidth requirements to the automated test equipment employed
are relaxed which reduces the overall cost of testing. Concurrent
compaction testing methods use operational signals to detect
misbehavior of the device under test and do not require input test
stimuli. These methods have been employed for digital systems only.
In the present work, we extend the use of compaction methods for
concurrent testing of analog-to-digital converters. We estimate
tolerance bounds for the result of compaction and evaluate the
aliasing rate.