Abstract: The process of wafer fabrication is arguably the most
technologically complex and capital intensive stage in semiconductor
manufacturing. This large-scale discrete-event process is highly reentrant,
and involves hundreds of machines, restrictions, and
processing steps. Therefore, production control of wafer fabrication
facilities (fab), specifically scheduling, is one of the most challenging
problems that this industry faces. Dispatching rules have been
extensively applied to the scheduling problems in semiconductor
manufacturing. Moreover, lot release policies are commonly used in
this manufacturing setting to further improve the performance of such
systems and reduce its inherent variability. In this work, simulation is
used in the scheduling of re-entrant flow shop manufacturing systems
with an application in semiconductor wafer fabrication; where, a
simulation model has been developed for the Intel Five-Machine Six
Step Mini-Fab using the ExtendTM simulation environment. The
Mini-Fab has been selected as it captures the challenges involved in
scheduling the highly re-entrant semiconductor manufacturing lines.
A number of scenarios have been developed and have been used to
evaluate the effect of different dispatching rules and lot release
policies on the selected performance measures. Results of simulation
showed that the performance of the Mini-Fab can be drastically
improved using a combination of dispatching rules and lot release
policy.
Abstract: A low cost Short Message System (SMS) based Home security system equipped with motion, smoke, temperature, humidity and light sensors has been studied and tested. The sensors are controlled by a microprocessor PIC 18F4520 through the SMS having password protection code for the secure operation. The user is able to switch light and the appliances and get instant feedback. Also in cases of emergencies such as fire or robbery the system will send alert message to occupant and relevant civil authorities. The operation of the home security has been tested on Vodafone- Fiji network and Digicel Fiji Network for emergency and feedback responses for 25 samples. The experiment showed that it takes about 8-10s for the security system to respond in case of emergency. It takes about 18-22s for the occupant to switch and monitor lights and appliances and then get feedback depending upon the network traffic.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a new approach for flexible document categorization according to the document type or genre instead of topic. Our approach implements two homogenous classifiers: contextual classifier and logical classifier. The contextual classifier is based on the document URL, whereas, the logical classifier use the logical structure of the document to perform the categorization. The final categorization is obtained by combining contextual and logical categorizations. In our approach, each document is assigned to all predefined categories with different membership degrees. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach is best than other genre categorization approaches.
Abstract: Cerium oxide is to be recovered from monazite,
which contains about 27.35% CeO2. The principal objective
of this study is to be able to extract cerium oxide from
monazite of Moemeik Myitsone Area. The treatment of
monazite in this study involves three main steps; extraction
of cerium hydroxide from monazite, solvent extraction of
cerium hydroxide, and precipitation with oxalic acid and
calcination of cerium oxalate.
Abstract: This paper presents an automatic feature recognition
method based on center-surround difference detecting and fuzzy logic
that can be applied in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) image
processing. Adopted center-surround difference method, the salient
local image regions are extracted from the GPR images as features of
detected objects. And fuzzy logic strategy is used to match the
detected features and features in template database. This way, the
problem of objects detecting, which is the key problem in GPR image
processing, can be converted into two steps, feature extracting and
matching. The contributions of these skills make the system have the
ability to deal with changes in scale, antenna and noises. The results of
experiments also prove that the system has higher ratio of features
sensing in using GPR to image the subsurface structures.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the case of the
U.S. Pivot and to suggest an appropriate model including entry
strategies and success factors for QPS of Cable TV. The
telecommunication companies have been operating QPS including
IPTV service, which enables them to cross over broadcasting areas.
Due to this circumstance, the Cable TV operators are now concerned
and are planning to add QPS with the mobile service. Based on the
Porter's five forces model, an analytical framework has been proposed
to MVNO in Cable TV industry in the United States. As a result of this
study, MVNO in Cable TV industry has to have a clear killer
application with their sufficient contents. Subsequently, the direction
of the future Cable TV industry is proposed.
Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) hold much promise as a basis for disease-gene association. However, research is limited by the cost of genotyping the tremendous number of SNPs. Therefore, it is important to identify a small subset of informative SNPs, the so-called tag SNPs. This subset consists of selected SNPs of the genotypes, and accurately represents the rest of the SNPs. Furthermore, an effective evaluation method is needed to evaluate prediction accuracy of a set of tag SNPs. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to tag SNP problems, and the K-nearest neighbor (K-NN) serves as a prediction method of tag SNP selection. The experimental data used was taken from the HapMap project; it consists of genotype data rather than haplotype data. The proposed method consistently identified tag SNPs with considerably better prediction accuracy than methods from the literature. At the same time, the number of tag SNPs identified was smaller than the number of tag SNPs in the other methods. The run time of the proposed method was much shorter than the run time of the SVM/STSA method when the same accuracy was reached.
Abstract: This paper presents an intelligent speed control
system based on fuzzy logic for a voltage source PWM inverter-fed
indirect vector controlled induction motor drive. Traditional indirect
vector control system of induction motor introduces conventional PI
regulator in outer speed loop; it is proved that the low precision of the
speed regulator debases the performance of the whole system. To
overcome this problem, replacement of PI controller by an intelligent
controller based on fuzzy set theory is proposed. The performance of
the intelligent controller has been investigated through digital
simulation using MATLAB-SIMULINK package for different
operating conditions such as sudden change in reference speed and
load torque. The simulation results demonstrate that the performance
of the proposed controller is better than that of the conventional PI
controller.
Abstract: In this paper, a novel deinterlacing algorithm is
proposed. The proposed algorithm approximates the distribution of the
luminance into a polynomial function. Instead of using one
polynomial function for all pixels, different polynomial functions are
used for the uniform, texture, and directional edge regions. The
function coefficients for each region are computed by matrix
multiplications. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed
method performs better than the conventional algorithms.
Abstract: Since polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been
invented, it has emerged as a powerful tool in genetic analysis. The
PCR products are closely linked with thermal cycles. Therefore, to
reduce the reaction time and make temperature distribution uniform in
the reaction chamber, a novel oscillatory thermal cycler is designed.
The sample is placed in a fixed chamber, and three constant isothermal
zones are established and lined in the system. The sample is oscillated
and contacted with three different isothermal zones to complete
thermal cycles. This study presents the design of the geometric
characteristics of the chamber. The commercial software
CFD-ACE+TM is utilized to investigate the influences of various
materials, heating times, chamber volumes, and moving speed of the
chamber on the temperature distributions inside the chamber. The
chamber moves at a specific velocity and the boundary conditions
with time variations are related to the moving speed. Whereas the
chamber moves, the boundary is specified at the conditions of the
convection or the uniform temperature. The user subroutines compiled
by the FORTRAN language are used to make the numerical results
realistically. Results show that the reaction chamber with a rectangular
prism is heated on six faces; the effects of various moving speeds of
the chamber on the temperature distributions are examined. Regarding
to the temperature profiles and the standard deviation of the
temperature at the Y-cut cross section, the non-uniform temperature
inside chamber is found as the moving speed is larger than 0.01 m/s.
By reducing the heating faces to four, the standard deviation of the
temperature of the reaction chamber is under 1.4×10-3K with the range
of velocities between 0.0001 m/s and 1 m/s. The nature convective
boundary conditions are set at all boundaries while the chamber moves
between two heaters, the effects of various moving velocities of the
chamber on the temperature distributions are negligible at the assigned
time duration.
Abstract: We address the problem of joint beamforming and multipath channel parameters estimation in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) communication systems that employ Multiple-Access Interference (MAI) suppression techniques in the uplink (from mobile to base station). Most of the existing schemes rely on time multiplex a training sequence with the user data. In WCDMA, the channel parameters can also be estimated from a code multiplexed common pilot channel (CPICH) that could be corrupted by strong interference resulting in a bad estimate. In this paper, we present new methods to combine interference suppression together with channel estimation when using multiple receiving antennas by using adaptive signal processing techniques. Computer simulation is used to compare between the proposed methods and the existing conventional estimation techniques.
Abstract: The autonomic nervous system has a regulatory
structure that helps people adapt to changes in their environment by
adjusting or modifying some functions in response to stress, and regulating involuntary function of human organs. The purpose of this
study was to investigate the effect of combined stimulation, both
far-infrared heating and chiropractic, on the autonomic nervous system
activities using thermal image and heart rate variability. Six healthy subjects participated in this test. We compared the before and after
autonomic nervous system activities through obtaining thermal image
and photoplethysmogram signal. The thermal images showed that the
combined stimulation changed subject-s body temperature more
highly and widely than before. The result of heart rate variability
indicated that LF/HF ratio decreased. We concluded that combined
stimulation activates autonomic nervous system, and expected other
possibilities of this combined stimulation.
Abstract: Serial Analysis of Gene Expression is a powerful
quantification technique for generating cell or tissue gene expression
data. The profile of the gene expression of cell or tissue in several
different states is difficult for biologists to analyze because of the large
number of genes typically involved. However, feature selection in
machine learning can successfully reduce this problem. The method
allows reducing the features (genes) in specific SAGE data, and
determines only relevant genes. In this study, we used a genetic
algorithm to implement feature selection, and evaluate the
classification accuracy of the selected features with the K-nearest
neighbor method. In order to validate the proposed method, we used
two SAGE data sets for testing. The results of this study conclusively
prove that the number of features of the original SAGE data set can be
significantly reduced and higher classification accuracy can be
achieved.
Abstract: Twenty seven tektites from the Wenchang area, Hainan
province (south China) and five tektites from the Khon Kaen area
(northeast Thailand) were analyzed for major and trace element
contents and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions. All the samples studied are
splash-form tektites. Tektites of this study are characterized by high
SiO2 contents ranging from 71.95 to 74.07 wt% which is consistent
with previously published analyses of Australasian tektites. The trace
element ratios Ba/Rb (avg. 3.89), Th/Sm (avg. 2.40), Sm/Sc (avg.
0.45), Th/Sc (avg. 0.99) and the rare earth elements (REE) contents of
tektites of this study are similar to the average upper continental crust.
Based on the chemical composition, it is suggested that tektites in this
study are derived from similar parental material and are similar to the
post-Archean upper crustal rocks. The major and trace element
abundances of tektites analyzed indicate that the parental material of
tektites may be a terrestrial sedimentary deposit. The tektites from the
Wenchang area, Hainan Island have high positive εSr(0)
values-ranging from 184.5~196.5 which indicate that the parental
material for these tektites have similar Sr isotopic compositions to old
terrestrial sedimentary rocks and they were not dominantly derived
from recent young sediments (such as soil or loess). Based on Rb-Sr
isotopic data, it has been suggested by Blum (1992) [1]that the
depositional age of sedimentary target materials is close to 170Ma
(Jurassic). According to the model suggested by Ho and Chen
(1996)[2], mixing calculations for various amounts and combinations
of target rocks have been carried out. We consider that the best fit for
tektites from the Wenchang area is a mixture of 47% shale, 23%
sandstone, 25% greywacke and 5% quartzite, and the other tektites
from Khon Kaen area is a mixture of 46% shale, 2% sandstone, 20%
greywacke and 32% quartzite.
Abstract: Wavelet transforms are multiresolution
decompositions that can be used to analyze signals and images.
Image compression is one of major applications of wavelet
transforms in image processing. It is considered as one of the most
powerful methods that provides a high compression ratio. However,
its implementation is very time-consuming. At the other hand,
parallel computing technologies are an efficient method for image
compression using wavelets. In this paper, we propose a parallel
wavelet compression algorithm based on quadtrees. We implement
the algorithm using MatlabMPI (a parallel, message passing version
of Matlab), and compute its isoefficiency function, and show that it is
scalable. Our experimental results confirm the efficiency of the
algorithm also.
Abstract: Understanding how precipitation inter-annually
changes and its implication in agricultural drought and production change in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth season is critical for crop production in China. MODIS Temperature-Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) and daily mean precipitation time series for the main growth season(Feb. to May) of winter wheat from 2000 to 2010
were used to analyze the distribution of trends of precipitation,
agricultural drought and winter wheat yield change respectively, and
relationships between them in North China region(Huang-huai-hai
region, HHH region), China. The results indicated that the trend of
precipitation in HHH region past 11 years was increasing, which had
induced generally corresponding decreasing trend of agricultural
drought and increasing trend of wheat yield, while the trend of drought
was spatially diverse. The study could provide a basis for agricultural
drought research during winter wheat season in HHH region under the
ground of climate change.
Abstract: A considerable progress has been achieved in transient
stability analysis (TSA) with various FACTS controllers. But, all
these controllers are associated with single transmission line. This
paper is intended to discuss a new approach i.e. a multi-line FACTS
controller which is interline power flow controller (IPFC) for TSA of
a multi-machine power system network. A mathematical model of
IPFC, termed as power injection model (PIM) presented and this
model is incorporated in Newton-Raphson (NR) power flow
algorithm. Then, the reduced admittance matrix of a multi-machine
power system network for a three phase fault without and with IPFC
is obtained which is required to draw the machine swing curves. A
general approach based on L-index has also been discussed to find
the best location of IPFC to reduce the proximity to instability of a
power system. Numerical results are carried out on two test systems
namely, 6-bus and 11-bus systems. A program in MATLAB has
been written to plot the variation of generator rotor angle and speed
difference curves without and with IPFC for TSA and also a simple
approach has been presented to evaluate critical clearing time for test
systems. The results obtained without and with IPFC are compared
and discussed.
Abstract: India recognizes the personal laws of the various
religious communities that reside in the country. At the same time all
the institutions of the state in India are committed to the value of
secularism. This paper has been developed on the basis of a case
study that indicates the dynamics of religion in the working of the
lower judiciary in India. Majority of the commentary on religion and
the judiciary has focused on debates surrounding the existence and
application of personal laws. This paper, through a case study in the
lower judiciary, makes an attempt to examine whether the interface
between religion and the judiciary goes beyond personal laws.
The first part of this paper explains the history and application of
personal laws in social, political and legal contexts in India. The
second part examines the case study located in two courts of first
instance, following into the third part which provides an analysis of
the empirical evidence. The fourth part focuses on preliminary
observations about why there is a hesitancy to speak about religion in
relation to the working of the judicial system.
Abstract: In order to meet the limits imposed on automotive
emissions, engine control systems are required to constrain air/fuel
ratio (AFR) in a narrow band around the stoichiometric value, due to
the strong decay of catalyst efficiency in case of rich or lean mixture.
This paper presents a model of a sample spark ignition engine and
demonstrates Simulink-s capabilities to model an internal combustion
engine from the throttle to the crankshaft output. We used welldefined
physical principles supplemented, where appropriate, with
empirical relationships that describe the system-s dynamic behavior
without introducing unnecessary complexity. We also presents a PID
tuning method that uses an adaptive fuzzy system to model the
relationship between the controller gains and the target output
response, with the response specification set by desired percent
overshoot and settling time. The adaptive fuzzy based input-output
model is then used to tune on-line the PID gains for different
response specifications. Experimental results demonstrate that better
performance can be achieved with adaptive fuzzy tuning relative to
similar alternative control strategies. The actual response
specifications with adaptive fuzzy matched the desired response
specifications.
Abstract: Apparel product development is an important stage in the life cycle of a product. Shortening this stage will help to reduce the costs of a garment. The aim of this study is to examine the production parameters in knitwear apparel companies by defining the unit costs, and developing a software to calculate the unit costs of garments and make the cost estimates. In this study, with the help of a questionnaire, different companies- systems of unit cost estimating and cost calculating were tried to be analyzed. Within the scope of the questionnaire, the importance of cost estimating process for apparel companies and the expectations from a new cost estimating program were investigated. According to the results of the questionnaire, it was seen that the majority of companies which participated to the questionnaire use manual cost calculating methods or simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to make cost estimates. Furthermore, it was discovered that many companies meet with difficulties in archiving the cost data for future use and as a solution to that problem, it is thought that prior to making a cost estimate, sub units of garment costs which are fabric, accessory and the labor costs should be analyzed and added to the database of the programme beforehand. Another specification of the cost estimating unit prepared in this study is that the programme was designed to consist of two main units, one of which makes the product specification and the other makes the cost calculation. The programme is prepared as a web-based application in order that the supplier, the manufacturer and the customer can have the opportunity to communicate through the same platform.