Abstract: Like any sentient organism, a smart environment
relies first and foremost on sensory data captured from the real
world. The sensory data come from sensor nodes of different
modalities deployed on different locations forming a Wireless Sensor
Network (WSN). Embedding smart sensors in humans has been a
research challenge due to the limitations imposed by these sensors
from computational capabilities to limited power. In this paper, we
first propose a practical WSN application that will enable blind
people to see what their neighboring partners can see. The challenge
is that the actual mapping between the input images to brain pattern
is too complex and not well understood. We also study the
connectivity problem in 3D/2D wireless sensor networks and propose
distributed efficient algorithms to accomplish the required
connectivity of the system. We provide a new connectivity algorithm
CDCA to connect disconnected parts of a network using cooperative
diversity. Through simulations, we analyze the connectivity gains
and energy savings provided by this novel form of cooperative
diversity in WSNs.
Abstract: In this work, we present an automatic vehicle detection
system for airborne videos using combined features. We propose a
pixel-wise classification method for vehicle detection using Dynamic
Bayesian Networks. In spite of performing pixel-wise classification,
relations among neighboring pixels in a region are preserved in the
feature extraction process. The main novelty of the detection scheme is
that the extracted combined features comprise not only pixel-level
information but also region-level information. Afterwards, tracking is
performed on the detected vehicles. Tracking is performed using
efficient Kalman filter with dynamic particle sampling. Experiments
were conducted on a wide variety of airborne videos. We do not
assume prior information of camera heights, orientation, and target
object sizes in the proposed framework. The results demonstrate
flexibility and good generalization abilities of the proposed method on
a challenging dataset.
Abstract: We study the typical domain size and configuration
character of a randomly perturbed system exhibiting continuous
symmetry breaking. As a model system we use rod-like objects
within a cubic lattice interacting via a Lebwohl–Lasher-type
interaction. We describe their local direction with a headless unit
director field. An example of such systems represents nematic LC or
nanotubes. We further introduce impurities of concentration p, which
impose the random anisotropy field-type disorder to directors. We
study the domain-type pattern of molecules as a function of p,
anchoring strength w between a neighboring director and impurity,
temperature, history of samples. In simulations we quenched the
directors either from the random or homogeneous initial
configuration. Our results show that a history of system strongly
influences: i) the average domain coherence length; and ii) the range
of ordering in the system. In the random case the obtained order is
always short ranged (SR). On the contrary, in the homogeneous case,
SR is obtained only for strong enough anchoring and large enough
concentration p. In other cases, the ordering is either of quasi long
range (QLR) or of long range (LR). We further studied memory
effects for the random initial configuration. With increasing external
ordering field B either QLR or LR is realized.
Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a method to reduce
quantization error. In order to reduce quantization error, low pass
filtering is applied on neighboring samples of current block in
H.264/AVC. However, it has a weak point that low pass filtering is
performed regardless of prediction direction. Since it doesn-t consider
prediction direction, it may not reduce quantization error effectively.
Proposed method considers prediction direction for low pass filtering
and uses a threshold condition for reducing flag bit. We compare our
experimental result with conventional method in H.264/AVC and we
can achieve the average bit-rate reduction of 1.534% by applying the
proposed method. Bit-rate reduction between 0.580% and 3.567% are
shown for experimental results.
Abstract: This paper presents a model for analysis the induced voltage of transmission lines (energized) acting on neighboring distribution lines (de-energized). From environmental restrictions, 22 kV distribution lines need to be installed under 115 kV transmission lines. With the installation of the two parallel circuits like this, they make the induced voltage which can cause harm to operators. This work was performed with the ATP-EMTP modeling to analyze such phenomenon before field testing. Simulation results are used to find solutions to prevent danger to operators who are on the pole.
Abstract: The general idea behind the filter is to average a pixel
using other pixel values from its neighborhood, but simultaneously to
take care of important image structures such as edges. The main
concern of the proposed filter is to distinguish between any variations
of the captured digital image due to noise and due to image structure.
The edges give the image the appearance depth and sharpness. A
loss of edges makes the image appear blurred or unfocused.
However, noise smoothing and edge enhancement are traditionally
conflicting tasks. Since most noise filtering behaves like a low pass
filter, the blurring of edges and loss of detail seems a natural
consequence. Techniques to remedy this inherent conflict often
encompass generation of new noise due to enhancement.
In this work a new fuzzy filter is presented for the noise reduction
of images corrupted with additive noise. The filter consists of three
stages. (1) Define fuzzy sets in the input space to computes a fuzzy
derivative for eight different directions (2) construct a set of IFTHEN
rules by to perform fuzzy smoothing according to
contributions of neighboring pixel values and (3) define fuzzy sets in
the output space to get the filtered and edged image.
Experimental results are obtained to show the feasibility of the
proposed approach with two dimensional objects.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to introduce a new
interface program to calculate a dose distribution with Monte Carlo method in complex heterogeneous systems such as organs or tissues
in proton therapy. This interface program was developed under
MATLAB software and includes a friendly graphical user interface
with several tools such as image properties adjustment or results display. Quadtree decomposition technique was used as an image
segmentation algorithm to create optimum geometries from Computed Tomography (CT) images for dose calculations of proton
beam. The result of the mentioned technique is a number of nonoverlapped
squares with different sizes in every image. By this way
the resolution of image segmentation is high enough in and near
heterogeneous areas to preserve the precision of dose calculations
and is low enough in homogeneous areas to reduce the number of
cells directly. Furthermore a cell reduction algorithm can be used to combine neighboring cells with the same material. The validation of this method has been done in two ways; first, in comparison with experimental data obtained with 80 MeV proton beam in Cyclotron
and Radioisotope Center (CYRIC) in Tohoku University and second, in comparison with data based on polybinary tissue calibration method, performed in CYRIC. These results are presented in this paper. This program can read the output file of Monte Carlo code while region of interest is selected manually, and give a plot of dose distribution of proton beam superimposed onto the CT images.
Abstract: A new fuzzy filter is presented for noise reduction of
images corrupted with additive noise. The filter consists of two
stages. In the first stage, all the pixels of image are processed for
determining noisy pixels. For this, a fuzzy rule based system
associates a degree to each pixel. The degree of a pixel is a real
number in the range [0,1], which denotes a probability that the pixel
is not considered as a noisy pixel. In the second stage, another fuzzy
rule based system is employed. It uses the output of the previous
fuzzy system to perform fuzzy smoothing by weighting the
contributions of neighboring pixel values. Experimental results are
obtained to show the feasibility of the proposed filter. These results
are also compared to other filters by numerical measure and visual
inspection.
Abstract: The main objective of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) is to balance the total system generation against system load losses so that the desired frequency and power interchange with neighboring systems is maintained. Any mismatch between generation and demand causes the system frequency to deviate from its nominal value. Thus high frequency deviation may lead to system collapse. This necessitates a very fast and accurate controller to maintain the nominal system frequency. This paper deals with a novel approach of artificial intelligence (AI) technique called Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy (HNF) approach for an (AGC). The advantage of this controller is that it can handle the non-linearities at the same time it is faster than other conventional controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed controller in increasing the damping of local and inter area modes of oscillation is demonstrated in a two area interconnected power system. The result shows that intelligent controller is having improved dynamic response and at the same time faster than conventional controller.
Abstract: The enthusiasm for gluten avoidance in a growing
market is met by improvements in sensitive detection methods for
analysing gluten content. Paradoxically, manufacturers employ no
such systems in the production process but continue to market their
product as gluten free, a significant risk posed to an undetermined
coeliac population. This paper resonates with an immunological
response that causes gastrointestinal scarring and villous atrophy with
the conventional description of personal injury. This thesis divulges
into evaluating potential inadequacies of gluten labelling laws which
not only present a diagnostic challenge for general practitioners in the
UK but it also exposes a less than adequate form of available legal
protection to those who suffer adverse reactions as a result of gluten
digestion. Central to this discussion is whether a claim brought in
misrepresentation, negligence and/or under the Consumer Protection
Act 1987 could be sustained. An interesting comparison is then made
with the legal regimes of neighboring jurisdictions furthering the
theme of a legally un-catered for gluten kingdom.
Abstract: We have developed an energy based approach for identifying the binding sites and important residues for binding in protein-protein complexes. We found that the residues and residuepairs with charged and aromatic side chains are important for binding. These residues influence to form cation-¤Ç, electrostatic and aromatic interactions. Our observation has been verified with the experimental binding specificity of protein-protein complexes and found good agreement with experiments. The analysis on surrounding hydrophobicity reveals that the binding residues are less hydrophobic than non-binding sites, which suggests that the hydrophobic core are important for folding and stability whereas the surface seeking residues play a critical role in binding. Further, the propensity of residues in the binding sites of receptors and ligands, number of medium and long-range contacts, and influence of neighboring residues will be discussed.
Abstract: The development and extension of large cities induced
a need for shallow tunnel in soft ground of building areas. Estimation
of ground settlement caused by the tunnel excavation is important
engineering point. In this paper, prediction of surface subsidence
caused by tunneling in one section of seventh line of Tehran subway
is considered. On the basis of studied geotechnical conditions of the
region, tunnel with the length of 26.9km has been excavated applying
a mechanized method using an EPB-TBM with a diameter of 9.14m.
In this regard, settlement is estimated utilizing both analytical and
numerical finite element method. The numerical method shows that
the value of settlement in this section is 5cm. Besides, the analytical
consequences (Bobet and Loganathan-Polous) are 5.29 and 12.36cm,
respectively. According to results of this study, due tosaturation of
this section, there are good agreement between Bobet and numerical
methods. Therefore, tunneling processes in this section needs a
special consolidation measurement and support system before the
passage of tunnel boring machine.
Abstract: Segmentation techniques based on Active Contour
Models have been strongly benefited from the use of prior information
during their evolution. Shape prior information is captured from
a training set and is introduced in the optimization procedure to
restrict the evolution into allowable shapes. In this way, the evolution
converges onto regions even with weak boundaries. Although
significant effort has been devoted on different ways of capturing
and analyzing prior information, very little thought has been devoted
on the way of combining image information with prior information.
This paper focuses on a more natural way of incorporating the
prior information in the level set framework. For proof of concept
the method is applied on hippocampus segmentation in T1-MR
images. Hippocampus segmentation is a very challenging task, due
to the multivariate surrounding region and the missing boundary
with the neighboring amygdala, whose intensities are identical. The
proposed method, mimics the human segmentation way and thus
shows enhancements in the segmentation accuracy.
Abstract: The error diffusion method generates worm artifacts,
and weakens the edge of the halftone image when the continuous gray
scale image is reproduced by a binary image. First, to enhance the
edges, we propose the edge-enhancing filter by considering the
quantization error information and gradient of the neighboring pixels.
Furthermore, to remove worm artifacts often appearing in a halftone
image, we add adaptively random noise into the weights of an error
filter.
Abstract: The Boundary Representation of a 3D manifold contains
FACES (connected subsets of a parametric surface S : R2 -!
R3). In many science and engineering applications it is cumbersome
and algebraically difficult to deal with the polynomial set and
constraints (LOOPs) representing the FACE. Because of this reason, a
Piecewise Linear (PL) approximation of the FACE is needed, which is
usually represented in terms of triangles (i.e. 2-simplices). Solving the
problem of FACE triangulation requires producing quality triangles
which are: (i) independent of the arguments of S, (ii) sensitive to the
local curvatures, and (iii) compliant with the boundaries of the FACE
and (iv) topologically compatible with the triangles of the neighboring
FACEs. In the existing literature there are no guarantees for the point
(iii). This article contributes to the topic of triangulations conforming
to the boundaries of the FACE by applying the concept of parameterindependent
Gabriel complex, which improves the correctness of the
triangulation regarding aspects (iii) and (iv). In addition, the article
applies the geometric concept of tangent ball to a surface at a point to
address points (i) and (ii). Additional research is needed in algorithms
that (i) take advantage of the concepts presented in the heuristic
algorithm proposed and (ii) can be proved correct.
Abstract: Quality of Service (QoS) Routing aims to find path between source and destination satisfying the QoS requirements which efficiently using the network resources and underlying routing algorithm and to fmd low-cost paths that satisfy given QoS constraints. One of the key issues in providing end-to-end QoS guarantees in packet networks is determining feasible path that satisfies a number of QoS constraints. We present a Optimized Multi- Constrained Routing (OMCR) algorithm for the computation of constrained paths for QoS routing in computer networks. OMCR applies distance vector to construct a shortest path for each destination with reference to a given optimization metric, from which a set of feasible paths are derived at each node. OMCR is able to fmd feasible paths as well as optimize the utilization of network resources. OMCR operates with the hop-by-hop, connectionless routing model in IP Internet and does not create any loops while fmding the feasible paths. Nodes running OMCR not necessarily maintaining global view of network state such as topology, resource information and routing updates are sent only to neighboring nodes whereas its counterpart link-state routing method depend on complete network state for constrained path computation and that incurs excessive communication overhead.
Abstract: Tolerance is a tool for achieving a social cohesion, particularly, among individuals and groups with different values. The aim is to study the characteristics of the ethnic tolerance, the inhabitants of Latvia. The ethnic tolerance is taught as a set of conscious and unconscious orientations of the individual in social interaction and inter-ethnic communication. It uses the tools of empirical studies of the ethnic tolerance which allows to identify the explicitly and implicitly levels of the emotional component of Latvia's residents. Explicit measurements were made using the techniques of self-report which revealed the index of the ethnic tolerance and the ethnic identity of the participants. The implicit component was studied using methods based on the effect of the emotional priming. During the processing of the results, there were calculated indicators of the positive and negative implicit attitudes towards members of their own and other ethnicity as well as the explicit parameters of the ethnic tolerance and the ethnic identity of Latvia-s residents. The implicit measurements of the ratio of neighboring ethnic groups against each other showed a mutual negative attitude whereas the explicit measurements indicate a neutral attitude. The data obtained contribute to a further study of the ethnic tolerance of Latvia's residents.
Abstract: Evaluation of contact pressure, surface and
subsurface contact stresses are essential to know the functional
response of surface coatings and the contact behavior mainly depends
on surface roughness, material property, thickness of layer and the
manner of loading. Contact parameter evaluation of real rough
surface contacts mostly relies on statistical single asperity contact
approaches. In this work, a three dimensional layered solid rough
surface in contact with a rigid flat is modeled and analyzed using
finite element method. The rough surface of layered solid is
generated by FFT approach. The generated rough surface is exported
to a finite element method based ANSYS package through which the
bottom up solid modeling is employed to create a deformable solid
model with a layered solid rough surface on top. The discretization
and contact analysis are carried by using the same ANSYS package.
The elastic, elastoplastic and plastic deformations are continuous in
the present finite element method unlike many other contact models.
The Young-s modulus to yield strength ratio of layer is varied in the
present work to observe the contact parameters effect while keeping
the surface roughness and substrate material properties as constant.
The contacting asperities attain elastic, elastoplastic and plastic states
with their continuity and asperity interaction phenomena is inherently
included. The resultant contact parameters show that neighboring
asperity interaction and the Young-s modulus to yield strength ratio
of layer influence the bulk deformation consequently affect the
interface strength.
Abstract: Environmental statistics reveals that the pollution of
acid rain in South Korea is a serious issue. Yet the awareness of people
is low. Even after a gradual decrease of pollutant emission in Korea,
the acidity has not been reduced. There no boundaries in the
atmosphere are set and the influence of the neighboring countries such
as China is apparent. Governmental efforts among China, Japan and
Korea have been made on this issue. However, not much progress has
been observed. Along with the governmental activities, therefore, an
active monitoring of the pollution among the countries and the
promotion of environmental awareness at the civil level including
especially the middle and high schools are highly recommended. It
will be this young generation who will face damaged country as
inheritance not the current generation.