Abstract: This paper attempts to define the validity domain of
LSDP (Loop Shaping Design Procedure) controller system, by
determining the suitable uncertainty region, so that linear system be
stable. Indeed the LSDP controller cannot provide stability for any
perturbed system. For this, we will use the gap metric tool that is
introduced into the control literature for studying robustness
properties of feedback systems with uncertainty. A 2nd order electric
linear system example is given to define the validity domain of LSDP
controller and effectiveness gap metric.
Abstract: This paper is a report on the findings of a study
conducted at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Saudi
Arabia. The paper applied both qualitative and quantitative
approaches to assess the levels of basic computer applications’ skills
among students enrolled in the preparatory programs of the
institution. Qualitative data have been collected from semi-structured
interviews with the instructors who have previously been assigned to
teach Introduction to information technology courses. Quantitative
data were collected by executing a self-report questionnaire and a
written statistical test. Three hundred eighty enrolled students
responded to the questionnaire and one hundred forty two
accomplished the statistical test. The results indicate the lack of
necessary skills to deal with computer applications among most of
the students who are enrolled in the IPA’s preparatory programs.
Abstract: Robotics brings together several very different
engineering areas and skills. There are various types of robot such as
humanoid robot, mobile robots, remotely operated vehicles, modern
autonomous robots etc. This survey paper advocates the operation of a
robotic car (remotely operated vehicle) that is controlled by a mobile
phone (communicate on a large scale over a large distance even from
different cities). The person makes a call to the mobile phone placed
in the car. In the case of a call, if any one of the button is pressed, a
tone equivalent to the button pressed is heard at the other end of the
call. This tone is known as DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency).
The car recognizes this DTMF tone with the help of the phone stacked
in the car. The received tone is processed by the Arduino
microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to acquire a
decision for any given input and outputs its decision to motor drivers
in order to drive the motors in the forward direction or backward
direction or left or right direction. The mobile phone that makes a call
to cell phone stacked in the car act as a remote.
Abstract: A Smart Building Controller (SBC) is a server
software that offers secured access to a pool of building specific
resources, executes monitoring tasks and performs automatic
administration of a building, thus optimizing the exploitation cost and
maximizing comfort. This paper brings to discussion the issues that
arise with the secure exploitation of the SBC administered resources
and proposes a technical solution to implement a robust secure access
system based on roles, individual rights and privileges (special
rights).
Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the performance of applying
hybrid spiral dynamic bacterial chemotaxis (HSDBC) optimisation
algorithm on an intelligent controller for a differential drive robot. A
unicycle class of differential drive robot is utilised to serve as a basis
application to evaluate the performance of the HSDBC algorithm. A
hybrid fuzzy logic controller is developed and implemented for the
unicycle robot to follow a predefined trajectory. Trajectories of
various frictional profiles and levels were simulated to evaluate the
performance of the robot at different operating conditions. Controller
gains and scaling factors were optimised using HSDBC and the
performance is evaluated in comparison to previously adopted
optimisation algorithms. The HSDBC has proven its feasibility in
achieving a faster convergence toward the optimal gains and resulted
in a superior performance.
Abstract: Object-oriented modeling is spreading in current
simulation of physiological systems through the use of the individual
components of the model and its interconnections to define the
underlying dynamic equations. In this paper we describe the use of
both the SIMSCAPE and MODELICA simulation environments in
the object-oriented modeling of the closed loop cardiovascular
system. The performance of the controlled system was analyzed by
simulation in light of the existing hypothesis and validation tests
previously performed with physiological data. The described
approach represents a valuable tool in the teaching of physiology for
graduate medical students.
Abstract: Enterococci are important inhabitants of the animal
intestine and are widely used in probiotic products. A probiotic strain
is expected to possess several desirable properties in order to exert
beneficial effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to
isolate, characterize and identify Enterococcus sp. from chicken cecal
and fecal samples to determine potential probiotic properties.
Enterococci were isolated from chicken ceca and feces of thirty three
clinically healthy chickens from a local farm. In vitro studies were
performed to assess antibacterial activity of the isolated LAB (using
agar well diffusion and cell free supernatant broth technique against
Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis), survival in acidic
conditions, resistance to bile salts, and their survival during simulated
gastric juice conditions at pH 2.5. Isolates were identified by
biochemical carbohydrate fermentation patterns using an API 50
CHL kit and API ZYM kits and by sequenced 16S rDNA. An isolate
belonging to E. faecium species exhibited inhibitory effect against S.
enteritidis. This isolate producing a clear zone as large as 10.30 mm
or greater and was able to grow in the coculture medium and at the
same time, inhibited the growth S. enteritidis. In addition, E. faecium
exhibited significant resistance under highly acidic conditions at pH
2.5 for 8 h and survived well in bile salt at 0.2% for 24 h and showing
ability to survive in the presence of simulated gastric juice at pH 2.5.
Based on these results, E. faecium isolate fulfills some of the criteria
to be considered as a probiotic strain and therefore, could be used as a
feed additive with good potential for controlling S. Enteritidis in
chickens. However, in vivo studies are needed to determine the safety
of the strain.
Abstract: Robotic surgery is used to enhance minimally invasive
surgical procedure. It provides greater degree of freedom for surgical
tools but lacks of haptic feedback system to provide sense of touch to
the surgeon. Surgical robots work on master-slave operation, where
user is a master and robotic arms are the slaves. Current, surgical
robots provide precise control of the surgical tools, but heavily rely
on visual feedback, which sometimes cause damage to the inner
organs. The goal of this research was to design and develop a realtime
Simulink based robotic system to study force feedback
mechanism during instrument-object interaction. Setup includes three
VelmexXSlide assembly (XYZ Stage) for three dimensional
movement, an end effector assembly for forceps, electronic circuit for
four strain gages, two Novint Falcon 3D gaming controllers,
microcontroller board with linear actuators, MATLAB and Simulink
toolboxes. Strain gages were calibrated using Imada Digital Force
Gauge device and tested with a hard-core wire to measure
instrument-object interaction in the range of 0-35N. Designed
Simulink model successfully acquires 3D coordinates from two
Novint Falcon controllers and transfer coordinates to the XYZ stage
and forceps. Simulink model also reads strain gages signal through
10-bit analog to digital converter resolution of a microcontroller
assembly in real time, converts voltage into force and feedback the
output signals to the Novint Falcon controller for force feedback
mechanism. Experimental setup allows user to change forward
kinematics algorithms to achieve the best-desired movement of the
XYZ stage and forceps. This project combines haptic technology
with surgical robot to provide sense of touch to the user controlling
forceps through machine-computer interface.
Abstract: This paper addresses the issue of the autonomous
mobile robot (AMR) navigation task based on the hybrid control
modes. The novel hybrid control mode, based on multi-sensors
information by using the fuzzy approach, has been presented in this
research. The system operates in real time, is robust, enables the robot
to operate with imprecise knowledge, and takes into account the
physical limitations of the environment in which the robot moves,
obtaining satisfactory responses for a large number of different
situations. An experiment is simulated and carried out with a pioneer
mobile robot. From the experimental results, the effectiveness and
usefulness of the proposed AMR obstacle avoidance and navigation
scheme are confirmed. The experimental results show the feasibility,
and the control system has improved the navigation accuracy. The
implementation of the controller is robust, has a low execution time,
and allows an easy design and tuning of the fuzzy knowledge base.
Abstract: Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a noninvasive
technique that registers signals originating from the firing of neurons
in the brain. The Emotiv EEG Neuroheadset is a consumer product
comprised of 14 EEG channels and was used to record the reactions
of the neurons within the brain to two forms of stimuli in 10
participants. These stimuli consisted of auditory and visual formats
that provided directions of ‘right’ or ‘left.’ Participants were
instructed to raise their right or left arm in accordance with the
instruction given. A scenario in OpenViBE was generated to both
stimulate the participants while recording their data. In OpenViBE,
the Graz Motor BCI Stimulator algorithm was configured to govern
the duration and number of visual stimuli. Utilizing EEGLAB under
the cross platform MATLAB®, the electrodes most stimulated during
the study were defined. Data outputs from EEGLAB were analyzed
using IBM SPSS Statistics® Version 20. This aided in determining
the electrodes to use in the development of a brain-machine interface
(BMI) using real-time EEG signals from the Emotiv EEG
Neuroheadset. Signal processing and feature extraction were
accomplished via the Simulink® signal processing toolbox. An
Arduino™ Duemilanove microcontroller was used to link the Emotiv
EEG Neuroheadset and the right and left Mecha TE™ Hands.
Abstract: The present work analyses different parameters of end
milling to minimize the surface roughness for AISI D2 steel. D2 Steel
is generally used for stamping or forming dies, punches, forming
rolls, knives, slitters, shear blades, tools, scrap choppers, tyre
shredders etc. Surface roughness is one of the main indices that
determines the quality of machined products and is influenced by
various cutting parameters. In machining operations, achieving
desired surface quality by optimization of machining parameters, is a
challenging job. In case of mating components the surface roughness
become more essential and is influenced by the cutting parameters,
because, these quality structures are highly correlated and are
expected to be influenced directly or indirectly by the direct effect of
process parameters or their interactive effects (i.e. on process
environment). In this work, the effects of selected process parameters
on surface roughness and subsequent setting of parameters with the
levels have been accomplished by Taguchi’s parameter design
approach. The experiments have been performed as per the
combination of levels of different process parameters suggested by
L9 orthogonal array. Experimental investigation of the end milling of
AISI D2 steel with carbide tool by varying feed, speed and depth of
cut and the surface roughness has been measured using surface
roughness tester. Analyses of variance have been performed for mean
and signal-to-noise ratio to estimate the contribution of the different
process parameters on the process.
Abstract: The pursuit of the MPPT has led to the development of many kinds of controllers, one of which is the Fuzzy Logic controller, which has proven its worth. To further tune this controller this paper will discuss and analyze the use of Genetic Algorithms to tune the Fuzzy Logic Controller. It will provide an introduction to both systems, and test their compatibility and performance.
Abstract: Learning Management System (LMS) is the system
which uses to manage the learning in order to grouping the content
and learning activity between the lecturer and learner including
online examination and evaluation. Nowadays, it is the borderless
learning era so the learning activities can be accessed from
everywhere in the world and also anytime via the information
technology and media. The learner can easily access to the
knowledge so the different in time and distance is not a constraint for
learning anymore.
The learning pattern which was used in this research is the
integration of the in-class learning and online learning via internet
and will be able to monitor the progress by the Learning management
system which will create the fast response and accessible learning
process via the social media. In order to increase the capability and
freedom of the learner, the system can show the current and history
of the learning document, video conference and also has the chat
room for the learner and lecturer to interact to each other.
So the objectives of the “The Design and Applied of Learning
Management System via Social Media on Internet: Case Study of
Operating System for Business Subject” are to expand the
opportunity of learning and to increase the efficiency of learning as
well as increase the communication channel between lecturer and
student. The data of this research was collect from 30 users of the
system which are students who enroll in the subject. And the result of
the research is in the “Very Good” which is conformed to the
hypothesis.
Abstract: This experimental study evaluates the effect of using
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multidimensional Self-
Concept Model (MSCM) in a drug prevention programme to increase
resiliency and reduce aggression among at-risk youth in Malaysia. A
number of 60 (N=60) university students who were at-risk of taking
drugs were involved in this study. Participants were identified with
self-rating scales, Adolescent Resilience Attitude Scale (ARAS) and
Aggression Questionnaire. Based on the mean score of these
instruments, the participants were divided into the treatment group,
and the control group. Data were analyzed using t-test. The finding
showed that the mean score of resiliency was increased in the
treatment group compared to the control group. It also shows that the
mean score of aggression was reduced in the treatment group
compared to the control group. Drug Prevention Programme was
found to help in enhancing resiliency and reducing aggression among
participants in the treatment group compared to the controlled group.
Implications were given regarding the preventive actions on drug
abuse among youth in Malaysia.
Abstract: The aim of research was to define the relations
between volatile compounds, some parameters (pH, titratable acidity
(TA), total soluble solid (TSS), lactic acid bacteria count) and
consumer preference of commercial fermented milks. These relations
tend to be used for controlling and developing new fermented milk
product. Three leading commercial brands of fermented milks in
Thailand were evaluated by consumers (n=71) using hedonic scale
for four attributes (sweetness, sourness, flavour, and overall liking),
volatile compounds using headspace-solid phase microextraction
(HS-SPME) GC-MS, pH, TA, TSS and LAB count. Then the
relations were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The
PCA data showed that all of four attributes liking scores were related
to each other. They were also related to TA, TSS and volatile
compounds. The related volatile compounds were mainly on
fermented produced compounds including acetic acid, furanmethanol,
furfural, octanoic acid and the volatiles known as artificial fruit
flavour (beta pinene, limonene, vanillin, and ethyl vanillin). These
compounds were provided the information about flavour addition in
commercial fermented milk in Thailand.
Abstract: The work studied the effect of germination on
proximate, phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities
(AOA) of African Yam been (AYB). Germination was done in
controlled dark chamber (100% RH, 28oC). The proximate, phenol
and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities before and after
germination were investigated. The crude protein, moisture, and
crude fiber content of germinated AYB were significantly higher
(P
Abstract: The management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
eradication is still a matter of discussion, full effectiveness is rarely
achieved, and it has many adverse effects. The use of probiotics may
be associated with better eradication rates and possibly prevention of
adverse events due to antibiotic therapy. The present clinical study
was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a specially designed
fermented milk product, containing Bifidobacterium lactis B420, on
the eradication of H. pylori infection in a prospective, randomized,
double-blind, controlled study in humans. Four test fermented milks
(FM) were specially designed in which counts of viable cells in all
products were 10^10 Log CFU. 100 mL-1 for Bifidobacterium lactis -
Bifidobacterium species 420. 190 subjects infected with H. pylori,
with previous diagnosis of functional dyspepsia according to Rome
III criteria entered the study. Bifidobacterium lactis B420,
administered twice a day for 90 days was not able to eradicate H.
pylori in Brazilian patients with functional dyspepsia.
Abstract: The research studies the behaviors based on
sufficiency economy philosophy at individual and community
levelsas well as the satisfaction of the urban community leaders by
collecting data with purposive sampling technique. For in-depth
interviews with 26 urban community leaders, the result shows that
the urban community leaders have good knowledge and
understanding about sufficiency economy philosophy. Especially in
terms of money spending, they must consider the need for living and
be economical. The activities in the community or society should not
take advantage of the others as well as colleagues. At present, most of
the urban community leaders live in sufficient way. They often spend
time with public service, but many families are dealing with debt.
Many communities have some political conflict and high family
allowances because of living in the urban communities with rapid
social and economic changes. However, there are many communities
that leaders have applied their wisdom in development for their
people by gathering and grouping the professionals to form activities
such as making chilli sauce, textile organization, making artificial
flowers to worship the sanctity. The most prominent group is the foot
massage business in Wat Pracha Rabue Tham. This professional
group is supported continuously by the government. One of the
factors in terms of satisfaction used for evaluating community leaders
is the customary administration in brotherly, interdependent way
rather than using the absolute power or controlling power, but using
the roles of leader to perform the activities with their people intently,
determinedly and having public mind for people.
Abstract: The characteristic requirement for producing
rectangular shape bottles was a uniform thickness of the plastic bottle
wall. Die shaping was a good technique which controlled the wall
thickness of bottles. An advance technology which was the finite
element method (FEM) for blowing parison to be a rectangular shape
bottle was conducted to reduce waste plastic from a trial and error
method of a die shaping and parison control method. The artificial
intelligent (AI) comprised of artificial neural network and genetic
algorithm was selected to optimize the die gap shape from the FEM
results. The application of AI technique could optimize the suitable
die gap shape for the parison blow molding which did not depend on
the parison control method to produce rectangular bottles with the
uniform wall. Particularly, this application can be used with cheap
blow molding machines without a parison controller therefore it will
reduce cost of production in the bottle blow molding process.
Abstract: Vehicular Adhoc Network (VANET) is a new
technology which aims to ensure intelligent inter-vehicle
communications, seamless internet connectivity leading to improved
road safety, essential alerts, and access to comfort and entertainment.
VANET operations are hindered by mobile node’s (vehicles)
uncertain mobility. Routing algorithms use metrics to evaluate which
path is best for packets to travel. Metrics like path length (hop count),
delay, reliability, bandwidth, and load determine optimal route. The
proposed scheme exploits link quality, traffic density, and
intersections as routing metrics to determine next hop. This study
enhances Geographical Routing Protocol (GRP) using fuzzy
controllers while rules are optimized with Bee Swarm Optimization
(BSO). Simulations results are compared to conventional GRP.