Abstract: Use of the Internet and the World-Wide-Web
(WWW) has become widespread in recent years and mobile agent
technology has proliferated at an equally rapid rate. In this scenario
load balancing becomes important for P2P systems. Beside P2P
systems can be highly heterogeneous, i.e., they may consists of peers
that range from old desktops to powerful servers connected to
internet through high-bandwidth lines. There are various loads
balancing policies came into picture. Primitive one is Message
Passing Interface (MPI). Its wide availability and portability make it
an attractive choice; however the communication requirements are
sometimes inefficient when implementing the primitives provided by
MPI. In this scenario we use the concept of mobile agent because
Mobile agent (MA) based approach have the merits of high
flexibility, efficiency, low network traffic, less communication
latency as well as highly asynchronous. In this study we present
decentralized load balancing scheme using mobile agent technology
in which when a node is overloaded, task migrates to less utilized
nodes so as to share the workload. However, the decision of which
nodes receive migrating task is made in real-time by defining certain
load balancing policies. These policies are executed on PMADE (A
Platform for Mobile Agent Distribution and Execution) in
decentralized manner using JuxtaNet and various load balancing
metrics are discussed.
Abstract: Hyperglycaemia is a key factor that contributes to the
development of diabetes-related microvascular disease and a major
risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. In the current study, we have
explored glucose-induced abnormal intracellular calcium (Ca2+
i)
homeostasis in mouse microvessel endothelial cells (MMECs) in
high glucose (HG) (40mmol/L) versus control (low glucose, LG) (11
mmol/L). We demonstrated that the exposure of MMECs to HG for 3
days did not change basal Ca2+
i, however, there was a significant
increase of acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ entry. Western blots
illustrated that exposure to HG also increased STIM1 (Stromal
Interaction Molecule 1), but not Orai1 (the pore forming subunit),
protein expression levels. Although the link between HG-induced
changes in STIM1 expression, enhanced Ca2+ entry and endothelial
dysfunction requires further study, the current data are suggestive
that targeting these pathways may reduce the impact of HG on
endothelial function.
Abstract: Various solar energy technologies exist and they have
different application techniques in the generation of electrical power.
The widespread use of photovoltaic (PV) modules in such
technologies has been limited by relatively high costs and low
efficiencies. The efficiency of PV panels decreases as the operating
temperatures increase. This is due to the affect of solar intensity and
ambient temperature. In this work, Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) was used to model the heat transfer from a standard PV panel
and thus determine the rate of dissipation of heat. To accurately
model the specific climatic conditions of the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), a case study of a new build green building in Dubai was
used. A finned heat pipe arrangement is proposed and analyzed to
determine the improved heat dissipation and thus improved
performance efficiency of the PV panel. A prototype of the
arrangement is built for experimental testing to validate the CFD
modeling and proof of concept.
Abstract: Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is the engine
driving high-throughput protein identification. Protein mixtures possibly
representing thousands of proteins from multiple species are
treated with proteolytic enzymes, cutting the proteins into smaller
peptides that are then analyzed generating MS/MS spectra. The
task of determining the identity of the peptide from its spectrum
is currently the weak point in the process. Current approaches to de
novo sequencing are able to compute candidate peptides efficiently.
The problem lies in the limitations of current scoring functions. In this
paper we introduce the concept of proteome signature. By examining
proteins and compiling proteome signatures (amino acid usage) it is
possible to characterize likely combinations of amino acids and better
distinguish between candidate peptides. Our results strongly support
the hypothesis that a scoring function that considers amino acid usage
patterns is better able to distinguish between candidate peptides. This
in turn leads to higher accuracy in peptide prediction.
Abstract: Bootstrapping has gained popularity in different tests of hypotheses as an alternative in using asymptotic distribution if one is not sure of the distribution of the test statistic under a null hypothesis. This method, in general, has two variants – the parametric and the nonparametric approaches. However, issues on reliability of this method always arise in many applications. This paper addresses the issue on reliability by establishing a reliability measure in terms of quantiles with respect to asymptotic distribution, when this is approximately correct. The test of hypotheses used is Ftest. The simulated results show that using nonparametric bootstrapping in F-test gives better reliability than parametric bootstrapping with relatively higher degrees of freedom.
Abstract: The counter flow solar air heaters, with four
transverse fins and wire mesh layers are constructed and investigated
experimentally for thermal efficiency at a geographic location of
Cyprus in the city of Famagusta. The absorber plate is replaced by
sixteen steel wire mesh layers, 0.18 x 0.18cm in cross section
opening and a 0.02cm in diameter. The wire mesh layers arranged in
three groups, first and second include 6 layers, while the third include
4 layers. All layers fixed in the duct parallel to the glazing and each
group separated from the others by wood frame thickness of 0.5cm to
reduce the pressure drop. The transverse fins arranged in a way to
force the air to flow through the bed like eight letter path with flow
depth 3cm. The proposed design has increased the heat transfer rate,
but on other hand causes a high pressure drop. The obtained results
show that, for air mass flow rate range between 0.011-0.036kg/s, the
thermal efficiency increases with increasing the air mass flow. The
maximum efficiency obtained is 65.6% for the mass flow rate of
0.036kg/s. Moreover, the temperature difference between the outlet
flow and the ambient temperature, ΔT, reduces as the air mass flow
rate increase. The maximum difference between the outlet and
ambient temperature obtained was 43°C for double pass for minimum
mass flow rate of 0.011kg/s. Comparison with a conventional solar
air heater collector shows a significantly development in the thermal
efficiency.
Abstract: Recordings from recent earthquakes have provided evidence that ground motions in the near field of a rupturing fault differ from ordinary ground motions, as they can contain a large energy, or “directivity" pulse. This pulse can cause considerable damage during an earthquake, especially to structures with natural periods close to those of the pulse. Failures of modern engineered structures observed within the near-fault region in recent earthquakes have revealed the vulnerability of existing RC buildings against pulse-type ground motions. This may be due to the fact that these modern structures had been designed primarily using the design spectra of available standards, which have been developed using stochastic processes with relatively long duration that characterizes more distant ground motions. Many recently designed and constructed buildings may therefore require strengthening in order to perform well when subjected to near-fault ground motions. Fiber Reinforced Polymers are considered to be a viable alternative, due to their relatively easy and quick installation, low life cycle costs and zero maintenance requirements. The objective of this paper is to investigate the adequacy of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to determine the three dimensional dynamic response of FRP strengthened RC buildings under the near-fault ground motions. For this purpose, one ANN model is proposed to estimate the base shear force, base bending moments and roof displacement of buildings in two directions. A training set of 168 and a validation set of 21 buildings are produced from FEA analysis results of the dynamic response of RC buildings under the near-fault earthquakes. It is demonstrated that the neural network based approach is highly successful in determining the response.
Abstract: The demand on High voltage (HV) infrastructures is growing due to the corresponding growth in industries and population. New or upgraded HV infrastructure has safety implications since Transmission mains usually occupy the same easement in the vicinity of neighbouring residents. Transmission mains consist of underground (UG) and overhead (OH) sections and the transition between the UG and OH section is known as the UGOH pole. The existence of two transmission mains in the same easement can dictate to resort to more complicated earthing design in order to mitigate the effect of AC interference, and in some cases it can also necessitates completing a Split Study of the system. This paper provides an overview of the AC interference, Split Study and the earthing of an underground feeder including the UGOH pole .In addition, this paper discusses the use of different link boxes on the UG feeder and presents a case study that represent a clear example of the Ac interference and Split factor. Finally, a few recommendations are provided to achieve a safety zone in the area beyond the boundary of the HV system.
Abstract: The performance of modified Fenton (MF) treatment
to promote PAH oxidation in artificially contaminated soil was
investigated in packed soil column with a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
delivery system simulating in situ injection. Soil samples were spiked
with phenanthrene (low molecular weight PAH) and fluoranthene
(high molecular weight PAH) to an initial concentration of 500
mg/kg dried soil each. The effectiveness of process parameters
H2O2/soil, iron/soil, chelating agent/soil weight ratios and reaction
time were studied using a 24 three level factorial design experiments.
Statistically significant quadratic models were developed using
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for degrading PAHs from the
soil samples. Optimum operating condition was achieved at mild
range of H2O2/soil, iron/soil and chelating agent/soil weight ratios,
indicating cost efficient method for treating highly contaminated
lands.
Abstract: Microwave energy can be used for drying purpose. It is unique process. It is distinctly different from conventional drying process. It is advantageous over conventional drying / heating processes. When microwave energy is used for drying purpose, the process can be accelerated with a better control to achieve uniform heating, more conversion efficiency, selective drying and ultimately improved product quality of the output. Also, less floor space and compact system are the added advantages. Existing low power microwave drying system is to be modified with suitable applicator. Appropriate sensors are to be used to measure parameters like moisture, temperature, weight of sample. Suitable high tech controller is to be used to control microwave power continuously from minimum to maximum. Phase - controller, cycle - controller and PWM - controller are some of the advanced power control techniques. It has been proposed to work on turmeric using high-tech phase controller to control the microwave power conveniently. The drying of turmeric with microwave energy employing phase controller gives better results as formulated in this paper and hence new approach of processing turmeric will open future doors of profit making to allied industries and the farmers.
Abstract: The quality-of-service (QoS) support for wireless
LANs has been a hot research topic during the past few years. In this paper, two QoS provisioning mechanisms are proposed for the employment in 802.11e EDCA MAC scheme. First, the proposed call
admission control mechanism can not only guarantee the QoS for the higher priority existing connections but also provide the minimum reserved bandwidth for traffic flows with lower priority. In addition, the adaptive contention window adjustment mechanism can adjust the
maximum and minimum contention window size dynamically according to the existing connection number of each AC. The collision
probability as well as the packet delay will thus be reduced effectively.
Performance results via simulations have revealed the enhanced QoS property achieved by employing these two mechanisms.
Abstract: an intelligent BRT system is necessary when
communities looking for new ways to use high capacity rapid transit
at a reduced cost.This paper will describe the intelligent control
system that works with Datacenter. With the help of GPS system, the
data center can monitor the situation of each bus and bus station.
Through RFID technology, bus station and traffic light can transfer
data with bus and by Wimax communication technology all of parts
can talk together; data center learns all information about the location
of bus, the arrival of bus in each station and the number of passengers
in station and bus.Finally, the paper presents the case study of those
theories in Tehran BRT.
Abstract: The Ni/α-Al2O3 catalysts with different amounts of La
as promoter from 0 to 4 wt % were prepared, characterized and their
catalytic activity was investigated in syngas methanation reaction.
Effects of reaction temperature and lanthanum loading on carbon
oxides conversion and methane selectivity were also studied. Adding
certain amount of lanthanum to 10Ni /α-Al2O3 catalysts can decrease
the average NiO crystallite diameter which leads to higher activity and
stability while excessive addition would cause deactivation quickly.
Stability on stream towards deactivation was observed up to 800 min
at 500 °C, 0.1MPa and 600000 mL·g-1·h-1.
Abstract: Mobile WiMAX is a broadband wireless solution that
enables convergence of mobile and fixed broadband networks
through a common wide area broadband radio access technology and
flexible network architecture. It adopts Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for improved multi-path
performance in Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) environments. Scalable
OFDMA (SOFDMA) is introduced in the IEEE 802e[1]. WIMAX
system uses one of different types of channel coding but The
mandatory channel coding scheme is based on binary nonrecursive
Convolutional Coding (CC). There are other several optional channel
coding schemes such as block turbo codes, convolutional turbo
codes, and low density parity check (LDPC).
In this paper a comparison between the performance of WIMAX
using turbo code and using convolutional product code (CPC) [2] is
made. Also a combination between them had been done. The CPC
gives good results at different SNR values compared to both the
turbo system, and the combination between them. For example, at
BER equal to 10-2 for 128 subcarriers, the amount of improvement
in SNR equals approximately 3 dB higher than turbo code and equals
approximately 2dB higher than the combination respectively. Several
results are obtained at different modulating schemes (16QAM and
64QAM) and different numbers of sub-carriers (128 and 512).
Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the threshold
stress of the clay with sand subgrade soil. Threshold stress can be
defined as the stress level above which cyclic loading leads to
excessive deformation and eventual failure. The thickness
determination of highways formations using the threshold stress
approach is a more realistic assessment of the soil behaviour because
it is subjected to repeated loadings from moving vehicles. Threshold
stress can be evaluated by plastic strain criterion, which is based on
the accumulated plastic strain behaviour during cyclic loadings [1].
Several conditions of the all-round pressure the subgrade soil namely,
zero confinement, low all-round pressure and high all-round pressure
are investigated. The threshold stresses of various soil conditions are
determined. Threshold stress of the soil are 60%, 31% and 38.6% for
unconfined partially saturated sample, low effective stress saturated
sample, high effective stress saturated sample respectively.
Abstract: The early diagnostic decision making in industrial processes is absolutely necessary to produce high quality final products. It helps to provide early warning for a special event in a process, and finding its assignable cause can be obtained. This work presents a hybrid diagnostic schmes for batch processes. Nonlinear representation of raw process data is combined with classification tree techniques. The nonlinear kernel-based dimension reduction is executed for nonlinear classification decision boundaries for fault classes. In order to enhance diagnosis performance for batch processes, filtering of the data is performed to get rid of the irrelevant information of the process data. For the diagnosis performance of several representation, filtering, and future observation estimation methods, four diagnostic schemes are evaluated. In this work, the performance of the presented diagnosis schemes is demonstrated using batch process data.
Abstract: Steganography, derived from Greek, literally means
“covered writing". It includes a vast array of secret communications
methods that conceal the message-s very existence. These methods
include invisible inks, microdots, character arrangement, digital
signatures, covert channels, and spread spectrum communications.
This paper proposes a new improved version of Least Significant Bit
(LSB) method. The approach proposed is simple for implementation
when compared to Pixel value Differencing (PVD) method and yet
achieves a High embedding capacity and imperceptibility. The
proposed method can also be applied to 24 bit color images and
achieve embedding capacity much higher than PVD.
Abstract: The characteristic bending strength (MOR) and mean
modulus of elasticity (MOE) of tropical hardwood red seraya (Shorea
spp.) plywood were determined using European Standard EN310 and
EN789. The thickness of the test specimen was 4.0mm, 7.0mm,
9.0mm, 12.0mm and 15.0mm. The experiment found that the MOR
of red seraya plywood in EN310 is about 12% to 20% and 7% to
24% higher than EN789 whereas MOE were about 28% to 41% and
30% to 36% lower than those obtained from EN 789 for test
specimens parallel and perpendicular to the grain direction. The
linear regression shows that MOR and MOE for EN789 is about 0.8
times less and 1.5 times more than EN310. The experiment also
found that the MOR and MOE of EN310 and EN789 also depend on
the wood species that used in the experiment.
Abstract: The study area receives a wide variety of wastes
generated by municipalities and the industries like paints and
pigments, metal processing industries, thermal power plants electroprocessing
industries etc. The Physico-chemical and structural
investigation of water from river Pandu indicated high level of
chlorides and calcium which made the water unsuitable for human
use. Algae like Cyclotella fumida, Asterionella Formosa,
Cladophora glomerata, Pediastrum simplex, Scenedesmus bijuga,
Cladophora glomerata were the dominant pollution tolerant species
recorded under these conditions. The sensitive and less abundant
species of algae included Spirogyra sps., Merismopedia sps. The
predominance colonies of Zygnema sps, Phormidium sps,
Mycrocystis aeruginosa, Merismopedia minima, Pandorina morum,
seems to correlate with high organic contents of Pandu river water.
This study assumes significance as some algae can be used as
bioindicators of water pollution and algal floral of a municipal drain
carrying waste effluents from industrial area Kanpur and discharge
them into the river Pandu flowing onto southern outskirts of Kanpur
city.
Abstract: This research aimed to develop plasma system used in air conditioners. This developed plasma system could be installed in the air conditioners - all split type. The quality of air could be improved to be equal to present plasma system. Development processes were as follows: 1) to study the plasma system used in the air conditioners, 2) to design a plasma generator, 3) to develop the plasma generator, and 4) to test its performance in many types of the air conditioners. This plasma system was developed by AC high voltage – 14 kv with a frequency of 50 kHz. Carbon was a conductor to generate arc in air purifier system. The research was tested by installing the plasma generator in the air conditioners - wall type. Whereas, there were 3 types of installations: air flow out, air flow in, and room center. The result of the plasma generator installed in the air conditioners, split type, revealed that the air flow out installation provided the highest average of o-zone at 223 mg/h. This type of installation provided the highest efficiency of air quality improvement. Moreover, the air flow in installation and the room center installation provided the average of the o-zone at 163 mg/h and 64 mg/h, respectively.