Abstract: Ice cover County has a significant impact on rivers as it affects with the ice melting capacity which results in flooding, restrict navigation, modify the ecosystem and microclimate. River ices are made up of different ice types with varying ice thickness, so surveillance of river ice plays an important role. River ice types are captured using infrared imaging camera which captures the images even during the night times. In this paper the river ice infrared texture images are analysed using first-order statistical methods and secondorder statistical methods. The second order statistical methods considered are spatial gray level dependence method, gray level run length method and gray level difference method. The performance of the feature extraction methods are evaluated by using Probabilistic Neural Network classifier and it is found that the first-order statistical method and second-order statistical method yields low accuracy. So the features extracted from the first-order statistical method and second-order statistical method are combined and it is observed that the result of these combined features (First order statistical method + gray level run length method) provides higher accuracy when compared with the features from the first-order statistical method and second-order statistical method alone.
Abstract: This paper describes Nano-particle based Planar Laser
Scattering (NPLS) flow visualization of angled supersonic jets into a
supersonic cross flow based on the HYpersonic Low TEmperature
(HYLTE) nozzle which was widely used in DF chemical laser. In
order to investigate the non-reacting flowfield in the HYLTE nozzle, a
testing section with windows was designed and manufactured. The
impact of secondary fluids orifice separation on mixing was examined.
For narrow separation of orifices, the secondary fuel penetration
increased obviously compared to diluent injection, which means
smaller separation of diluent and fuel orifices would enhance the
mixing of fuel and oxidant. Secondary injections with angles of 30, 40
and 50 degrees were studied. It was found that the injectant
penetration increased as the injection angle increased, while the
interfacial surface area to entrain the freestream fluid is largest when
the injection angle is 40 degree.
Abstract: Nowadays pharmaceutical care departments located in
hospitals are amongst the important pillars of the healthcare system.
The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of hospital drugstores
affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.
In this cross-sectional study a validated questionnaire was used.
The questionnaire was filled in by the one of the researchers in all
seventeen hospital drugstores located in the teaching and nonteaching
hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences. The results shows that in observed hospitals,24% of
pharmacy environments, 25% of pharmacy store and storage
conditions, 49% of storage procedure, 25% of ordering drugs and
supplies, 73% of receiving supplies (proper procedure are fallowed
for receiving supplies), 35% of receiving supplies (prompt action
taken if deterioration of drugs received is suspected), 23.35% of
drugs delivery to patients and finally 0% of stock cards are used for
proper inventory control have full compliance with standards.
Abstract: Prior research evidenced that unimodal biometric
systems have several tradeoffs like noisy data, intra-class variations,
restricted degrees of freedom, non-universality, spoof attacks, and
unacceptable error rates. In order for the biometric system to be more
secure and to provide high performance accuracy, more than one
form of biometrics are required. Hence, the need arise for multimodal
biometrics using combinations of different biometric modalities. This
paper introduces a multimodal biometric system (MMBS) based on
fusion of whole dorsal hand geometry and fingerprints that acquires
right and left (Rt/Lt) near-infra-red (NIR) dorsal hand geometry (HG)
shape and (Rt/Lt) index and ring fingerprints (FP). Database of 100
volunteers were acquired using the designed prototype. The acquired
images were found to have good quality for all features and patterns
extraction to all modalities. HG features based on the hand shape
anatomical landmarks were extracted. Robust and fast algorithms for
FP minutia points feature extraction and matching were used. Feature
vectors that belong to similar biometric traits were fused using
feature fusion methodologies. Scores obtained from different
biometric trait matchers were fused using the Min-Max
transformation-based score fusion technique. Final normalized scores
were merged using the sum of scores method to obtain a single
decision about the personal identity based on multiple independent
sources. High individuality of the fused traits and user acceptability
of the designed system along with its experimental high performance
biometric measures showed that this MMBS can be considered for
med-high security levels biometric identification purposes.
Abstract: Single crystals of Magnesium alloys such as pure Mg,
Mg-1Zn-0.5Y, Mg-0.1Y, and Mg-0.1Ce alloys were successfully
fabricated in this study by employing the modified Bridgman method.
To determine the exact orientation of crystals, pole figure
measurement using X-ray diffraction were carried out on each single
crystal. Hardness and compression tests were conducted followed by
subsequent recrysatllization annealing. Recrystallization kinetics of
Mg alloy single crystals has been investigated. Fabricated single
crystals were cut into rectangular shaped specimen and solution
treated at 400oC for 24 hrs, and then deformed in compression mode
by 30% reduction. Annealing treatment for recrystallization has been
conducted on these cold-rolled plates at temperatures of 300oC for
various times from 1 to 20 mins. The microstructure observation and
hardness measurement conducted on the recrystallized specimens
revealed that static recrystallization of ternary alloy single crystal was
very slow, while recrystallization behavior of binary alloy single
crystals appeared to be very fast.
Abstract: Flash memory has become an important storage device
in many embedded systems because of its high performance, low
power consumption and shock resistance. Multi-level cell (MLC) is
developed as an effective solution for reducing the cost and increasing
the storage density in recent years. However, most of flash file system
cannot handle the error correction sufficiently. To correct more errors
for MLC, we implement Reed-Solomon (RS) code to YAFFS, what is
widely used for flash-based file system. RS code has longer computing
time but the correcting ability is much higher than that of Hamming
code.
Abstract: As data to be stored in storage subsystems
tremendously increases, data protection techniques have become more
important than ever, to provide data availability and reliability. In this
paper, we present the file system-based data protection (WOWSnap)
that has been implemented using WORM (Write-Once-Read-Many)
scheme. In the WOWSnap, once WORM files have been created, only
the privileged read requests to them are allowed to protect data against
any intentional/accidental intrusions. Furthermore, all WORM files
are related to their protection cycle that is a time period during which
WORM files should securely be protected. Once their protection cycle
is expired, the WORM files are automatically moved to the
general-purpose data section without any user interference. This
prevents the WORM data section from being consumed by
unnecessary files. We evaluated the performance of WOWSnap on
Linux cluster.
Abstract: Providing authentication for the messages exchanged
between group members in addition to confidentiality is an important
issue in Secure Group communication. We develop a protocol for
Secure Authentic Communication where we address authentication
for the group communication scheme proposed by Blundo et al.
which only provides confidentiality. Authentication scheme used is a
multiparty authentication scheme which allows all the users in the
system to send and receive messages simultaneously. Our scheme is
secure against colluding malicious parties numbering fewer than k.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to test whether the Attention
Networks Test (ANT) showed temporal decrements in performance.
Vigilance tasks typically show such decrements, which may reflect
impairments in executive control resulting from cognitive fatigue.
The ANT assesses executive control, as well as alerting and
orienting. Thus, it was hypothesized that ANT executive control
would deteriorate over time. Manipulations including task condition
(trial composition) and masking were included in the experimental
design in an attempt to increase performance decrements. However,
results showed that there is no temporal decrement on the ANT. The
roles of task demands, cognitive fatigue and participant motivation in
producing this result are discussed. The ANT may not be an effective
tool for investigating temporal decrement in attention.
Abstract: The Pads have unique values of thermophysical
properties (THP) having important contribution over heat transfer
into the PCB structure.
Materials with high thermal diffusivity (TD) rapidly adjust their
temperature to that of their surroundings, because the HT is quick in
compare to their volumetric heat capacity (VHC).
In the paper is presenting the diffusivity tests (ASTM E1461 flash
method) for PCBs with different core materials. In the experiments,
the multilayer structure of PCBA was taken into consideration, an
equivalent property referring to each of experimental structure be
practically measured.
Concerning to entire structure, the THP emphasize the major
contribution of substrate in establishing of reflow soldering process
(RSP) heat transfer necessities. This conclusion offer practical
solution for heat transfer time constant calculation as function of
thickness and substrate material diffusivity with an acceptable error
estimation.
Abstract: Phase error in communications systems degrades error
performance. In this paper, we present a simple approximation for the
average error probability of the binary phase shift keying (BPSK) in
the presence of phase error having a uniform distribution on arbitrary
intervals. For the simple approximation, we use symmetry and
periodicity of a sinusoidal function. Approximate result for the
average error probability is derived, and the performance is verified
through comparison with simulation result.
Abstract: Adapting wireless devices to communicate within grid
networks empowers us by providing range of possibilities.. These
devices create a mechanism for consumers and publishers to create
modern networks with or without peer device utilization. Emerging
mobile networks creates new challenges in the areas of reliability,
security, and adaptability. In this paper, we propose a system
encompassing mobility management using AAA context transfer for
mobile grid networks. This system ultimately results in seamless task
processing and reduced packet loss, communication delays,
bandwidth, and errors.
Abstract: Cooling with sound is a physical phenomenon allowed by Thermo-Acoustics in which acoustic energy is transformed into a negative heat transfer, in other words: into cooling! Without needing any harmful gas, the transformation is environmentally friendly and can respond to many needs in terms of air conditioning, food refrigeration for domestic use, and cooling medical samples for example. To explore the possibilities of this cooling solution on a small scale, the TACS prototype has been designed, consisting of a low cost thermoacoustic refrigerant “pipe” able to lower the temperature by a few degrees. The obtained results are providing an interesting element for possible future of thermo-acoustic refrigeration.
Abstract: In this paper a computer system for electromagnetic
properties measurements is designed. The system employs Agilent
4294A precision impedance analyzer to measure the amplitude and
the phase of a signal applied over a tested biological tissue sample.
Measured by the developed computer system data could be used for
tissue characterization in wide frequency range from 40Hz to
110MHz. The computer system can interface with output devices
acquiring flexible testing process.
Abstract: Development of a Robust Supply Chain for Dynamic
Operating Environment as we move further into the twenty first
century, organisations are under increasing pressure to deliver a high
product variation at a reasonable cost without compromise in quality.
In a number of cases this will take the form of a customised or high
variety low volume manufacturing system that requires prudent
management of resources, among a number of functions, to achieve
competitive advantage. Purchasing and Supply Chain management is
one of such function and due to the substantial interaction with
external elements needs to be strategically managed. This requires a
number of primary and supporting tools that will enable the
appropriate decisions to be made rapidly. This capability is
especially vital in a dynamic environment as it provides a pivotal role
in increasing the profit margin of the product. The management of
this function can be challenging by itself and even more for Small
and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to the limited resources and
expertise available at their disposal.
This paper discusses the development of tools and concepts
towards effectively managing the purchasing and supply chain
function. The developed tools and concepts will provide a cost
effective way of managing this function within SMEs. The paper
further shows the use of these tools within Contechs, a manufacturer
of luxury boat interiors, and the associated benefits achieved as a
result of this implementation. Finally a generic framework towards
use in such environments is presented.
Abstract: Directive 2009/28/CE establishes, as obligatory objective, a share of renewable energies on energetic consumption of 20%, in European Union, in 2020 However, such European normative gives freedom to member states in the selection of the renewable promotion mechanism that allows them to obtain that objective. In this paper, we analyze the main characteristics of the promotion mechanisms of renewable energy used in the countries that shape the Electricity Iberian Market (Spain and Portugal) and the results in employment. The importance of these countries is given by the great increasing of the renewable energies which suppose a share higher than 30% of the overall generation in 2010. Therefore, this research paper can serve as the basis for the learning of other countries with regard to the main advantages that entail the use of a feed-in tariff system.
Abstract: Combined conduction-free convection heat transfer in
vertical eccentric annuli is numerically investigated using a finitedifference
technique. Numerical results, representing the heat transfer
parameters such as annulus walls temperature, heat flux, and heat
absorbed in the developing region of the annulus, are presented for a
Newtonian fluid of Prandtl number 0.7, fluid-annulus radius ratio 0.5,
solid-fluid thermal conductivity ratio 10, inner and outer wall
dimensionless thicknesses 0.1 and 0.2, respectively, and
dimensionless eccentricities 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7. The annulus walls
are subjected to thermal boundary conditions, which are obtained by
heating one wall isothermally whereas keeping the other wall at inlet
fluid temperature. In the present paper, the annulus heights required
to achieve thermal full development for prescribed eccentricities are
obtained. Furthermore, the variation in the height of thermal full
development as function of the geometrical parameter, i.e.,
eccentricity is also investigated.
Abstract: There are several ways of improving the performance of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Use of an ejector as expansion device is one of the alternative ways. The present paper aims at evaluate the performance improvement of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle under a wide range of operating conditions. A numerical model is developed and a parametric study of important parameters such as condensation (30-50°C) and evaporation temperatures (-20-5°C), nozzle and diffuser efficiencies (0.75-0.95), subcooling and superheating degrees (0-15K) are investigated. The model verification gives a good agreement with the literature data. The simulation results revealed that condensation temperature has the highest effect (129%) on the performance improvement ratio while superheating has the lowest one (6.2%). Among ejector efficiencies, the diffuser efficiency has a significant effect on the COP of ejector expansion refrigeration cycle. The COP improvement percentage decreases from 10.9% to 4.6% as subcooling degrees increases by 15K.
Abstract: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is one of the techniques for high speed data rate communication with main consideration for 4G and 5G systems. In OFDM, there are several mapping schemes which provide a way of parallel transmission. In this paper, comparisons of mapping schemes used by some standards have been made and also has been discussed about the performance of the non-conventional modulation technique. The Comparisons of Bit Error Rate (BER) performances for conventional and non-conventional modulation schemes have been done using MATLAB software. Mentioned schemes used in OFDM system can be selected on the basis of the requirement of power or spectrum efficiency and BER analysis.
Abstract: Ant colony optimization is an ant algorithm framework that took inspiration from foraging behavior of ant colonies. Indeed, ACO algorithms use a chemical communication, represented by pheromone trails, to build good solutions. However, ants involve different communication channels to interact. Thus, this paper introduces the acoustic communication between ants while they are foraging. This process allows fine and local exploration of search space and permits optimal solution to be improved.