Abstract: The main purpose of this research is the calculation of implicit prices of the environmental level of air quality in the city of Moscow on the basis of housing property prices. The database used contains records of approximately 20 thousand apartments and has been provided by a leading real estate agency operating in Russia. The explanatory variables include physical characteristics of the houses, environmental (industry emissions), neighbourhood sociodemographic and geographic data: GPS coordinates of each house. The hedonic regression results for ecological variables show «negative» prices while increasing the level of air contamination from such substances as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and particles (CO, NO2, SO2, TSP). The marginal willingness to pay for higher environmental quality is presented for linear and log-log models.
Abstract: The shortest path routing problem is a multiobjective
nonlinear optimization problem with constraints. This problem has
been addressed by considering Quality of service parameters, delay
and cost objectives separately or as a weighted sum of both
objectives. Multiobjective evolutionary algorithms can find multiple
pareto-optimal solutions in one single run and this ability makes them
attractive for solving problems with multiple and conflicting
objectives. This paper uses an elitist multiobjective evolutionary
algorithm based on the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
(NSGA), for solving the dynamic shortest path routing problem in
computer networks. A priority-based encoding scheme is proposed
for population initialization. Elitism ensures that the best solution
does not deteriorate in the next generations. Results for a sample test
network have been presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the
proposed approach to generate well-distributed pareto-optimal
solutions of dynamic routing problem in one single run. The results
obtained by NSGA are compared with single objective weighting
factor method for which Genetic Algorithm (GA) was applied.
Abstract: The mechanical behavior of porous media is governed by the interaction between its solid skeleton and the fluid existing inside its pores. The interaction occurs through the interface of gains and fluid. The traditional analysis methods of porous media, based on the effective stress and Darcy's law, are unable to account for these interactions. For an accurate analysis, the porous media is represented in a fluid-filled porous solid on the basis of the Biot theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. In Biot formulation, the equations of motion of the soil mixture are coupled with the global mass balance equations to describe the realistic behavior of porous media. Because of irregular geometry, the domain is generally treated as an assemblage of fmite elements. In this investigation, the numerical formulation for the field equations governing the dynamic response of fluid-saturated porous media is analyzed and employed for the study of transient wave motion. A finite element model is developed and implemented into a computer code called DYNAPM for dynamic analysis of porous media. The weighted residual method with 8-node elements is used for developing of a finite element model and the analysis is carried out in the time domain considering the dynamic excitation and gravity loading. Newmark time integration scheme is developed to solve the time-discretized equations which are an unconditionally stable implicit method Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the accuracy and capability of developed model for a wide variety of behaviors of porous media.
Abstract: Traditional higher-education classrooms allow lecturers to observe students- behaviours and responses to a particular pedagogy during learning in a way that can influence changes to the pedagogical approach. Within current e-learning systems it is difficult to perform continuous analysis of the cohort-s behavioural tendency, making real-time pedagogical decisions difficult. This paper presents a Virtual Learning Process Environment (VLPE) based on the Business Process Management (BPM) conceptual framework. Within the VLPE, course designers can model various education pedagogies in the form of learning process workflows using an intuitive flow diagram interface. These diagrams are used to visually track the learning progresses of a cohort of students. This helps assess the effectiveness of the chosen pedagogy, providing the information required to improve course design. A case scenario of a cohort of students is presented and quantitative statistical analysis of their learning process performance is gathered and displayed in realtime using dashboards.
Abstract: Mapping between local and global coordinates is an
important issue in finite element method, as all calculations are
performed in local coordinates. The concern arises when subparametric
are used, in which the shape functions of the field variable
and the geometry of the element are not the same. This is particularly
the case for C* elements in which the extra degrees of freedoms
added to the nodes make the elements sub-parametric. In the present
work, transformation matrix for C1* (an 8-noded hexahedron
element with 12 degrees of freedom at each node) is obtained using
equivalent C0 elements (with the same number of degrees of
freedom). The convergence rate of 8-noded C1* element is nearly
equal to its equivalent C0 element, while it consumes less CPU time
with respect to the C0 element. The existence of derivative degrees
of freedom at the nodes of C1* element along with excellent
convergence makes it superior compared with it equivalent C0
element.
Abstract: Artificial Immune System is adopted as a Heuristic
Algorithm to solve the combinatorial problems for decades.
Nevertheless, many of these applications took advantage of the benefit
for applications but seldom proposed approaches for enhancing the
efficiency. In this paper, we continue the previous research to develop
a Self-evolving Artificial Immune System II via coordinating the T
and B cell in Immune System and built a block-based artificial
chromosome for speeding up the computation time and better
performance for different complexities of problems. Through the
design of Plasma cell and clonal selection which are relative the
function of the Immune Response. The Immune Response will help
the AIS have the global and local searching ability and preventing
trapped in local optima. From the experimental result, the significant
performance validates the SEAIS II is effective when solving the
permutation flows-hop problems.
Abstract: The paper relates to a catalyst, comprising copperchromium
spinel, coated on carrier γ-Al2O3. The effect of preparation
conditions on the active component composition and activity
behavior of the catalysts is discussed. It was found that the activity of
carbon monoxide, DME, formaldehyde and methanol oxidation
reaches a maximum at an active component content of 20 – 30 wt. %.
Temperature calcination at 500oC seems to be optimal for the γ–
alumina supported CuO-Cr2O3 catalysts for CO, DME, formaldehyde
and methanol oxidation. A three months industrial experiment was
carried out to elucidate the changes in the catalyst composition
during industrial exploitation of the catalyst and the main reasons for
catalyst deactivation.
It was concluded that the CuO–Cr2O3/γ–alumina supported
catalysts have enhanced activity toward CO, DME, formaldehyde
and methanol oxidation and that these catalysts are suitable for
industrial application. The main reason for catalyst deactivation
seems to be the deposition of iron and molybdenum, coming from the
main reactor, on the active component surface.
Abstract: Increase in globalization of capital markets brings the
higher requirements on financial information provided for investors
who look for a highly comparable information. Paper deals with the
advantages and limitations of applying International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the Czech Republic and Ukraine. As a
greatest limit for full adoption of IFRS shall be acknowledged the
strong connection of continental accounting to tax system and
enormous high administrative burden for IFRS appliers.
Abstract: This study has investigated the antidiabetic and
antioxidant potential of Pseudovaria macrophylla bark extract on
streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. LCMSQTOF
and NMR experiments were done to determine the chemical
composition in the methanolic bark extract. For in vivo experiments,
the STZ (60 mg/kg/b.w, 15 min after 120 mg/kg/1 nicotinamide, i.p.)
induced diabetic rats were treated with methanolic extract of
Pseuduvaria macrophylla (200 and 400 mg/kg·bw) and
glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg) as positive control respectively.
Biochemical parameters were assayed in the blood samples of all
groups of rats. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant status
and plasma transforming growth factor βeta-1 (TGF-β1) were
evaluated. The histological study of the pancreas was examined and
its expression level of insulin was observed by
immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of glucose
transporters (GLUT 1, 2 and 4) were assessed in pancreas tissue by
western blot analysis. The outcomes of the study displayed that the
bark methanol extract of Pseuduvaria macrophylla has potentially
normalized the elevated blood glucose levels and improved serum
insulin and C-peptide levels with significant increase in the
antioxidant enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in the
level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, the extract has
markedly decreased the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines
and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Histopathology
analysis demonstrated that Pseuduvaria macrophylla has the
potential to protect the pancreas of diabetic rats against peroxidation
damage by downregulating oxidative stress and elevated
hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, the expression of insulin protein,
GLUT-1, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 in pancreatic cells was enhanced.
The findings of this study support the anti-diabetic claims of
Pseudovaria macrophylla bark.
Abstract: In this paper, we introduce an e-collaborative learning circles methodology which utilizes the information and communication technologies (ICTs) in e-educational processes. In e-collaborative learning circles methodology, the teachers and students announce their research projects on various mailing lists and discussion boards using available ICTs. The teachers & moderators and students who are already members of the e-forums, discuss the project proposals in their classrooms sent out by the potential global partner schools and return the requested feed back to the proposing school(s) about their level of the participation and contribution in the research. In general, an e-collaborative learning circle project is implemented with a small and diverse group (usually 8-10 participants) from around the world. The students meet regularly over a period of weeks/months through the ICTs during the ecollaborative learning process. When the project is completed, a project product (e-book / DVD) is prepared and sent to the circle members. In this research, when taking into account the interests and motivation of the participating students with the facilitating role of the teacher(s), the students in each circle do research to obtain new data and information, thus enabling them to have the opportunity to meet both different cultures and international understandings across the globe. However, while the participants communicate along with the members in the circle they also practice and develop their communication language skills. Finally, teachers and students find the possibility to develop their skills in using the ICTs as well.
Abstract: Cosmic showers, during the transit through space, produce
sub - products as a result of interactions with the intergalactic
or interstellar medium which after entering earth generate secondary
particles called Extensive Air Shower (EAS). Detection and analysis
of High Energy Particle Showers involve a plethora of theoretical and
experimental works with a host of constraints resulting in inaccuracies
in measurements. Therefore, there exist a necessity to develop a
readily available system based on soft-computational approaches
which can be used for EAS analysis. This is due to the fact that soft
computational tools such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN)s can be
trained as classifiers to adapt and learn the surrounding variations. But
single classifiers fail to reach optimality of decision making in many
situations for which Multiple Classifier System (MCS) are preferred
to enhance the ability of the system to make decisions adjusting
to finer variations. This work describes the formation of an MCS
using Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP), Recurrent Neural Network
(RNN) and Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) with data inputs
from correlation mapping Self Organizing Map (SOM) blocks and
the output optimized by another SOM. The results show that the setup
can be adopted for real time practical applications for prediction
of primary energy and location of EAS from density values captured
using detectors in a circular grid.
Abstract: The anti-homomorphic image of fuzzy ideals, fuzzy
ideals of near-rings and anti ideals are discussed in this note. A
necessary and sufficient condition has been established for near-ring
anti ideal to be characteristic.
Abstract: In Image processing the Image compression can improve
the performance of the digital systems by reducing the cost and
time in image storage and transmission without significant reduction
of the Image quality. This paper describes hardware architecture of
low complexity Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) architecture for
image compression[6]. In this DCT architecture, common computations
are identified and shared to remove redundant computations
in DCT matrix operation. Vector processing is a method used for
implementation of DCT. This reduction in computational complexity
of 2D DCT reduces power consumption. The 2D DCT is performed
on 8x8 matrix using two 1-Dimensional Discrete cosine transform
blocks and a transposition memory [7]. Inverse discrete cosine
transform (IDCT) is performed to obtain the image matrix and
reconstruct the original image. The proposed image compression
algorithm is comprehended using MATLAB code. The VLSI design
of the architecture is implemented Using Verilog HDL. The proposed
hardware architecture for image compression employing DCT was
synthesized using RTL complier and it was mapped using 180nm
standard cells. . The Simulation is done using Modelsim. The
simulation results from MATLAB and Verilog HDL are compared.
Detailed analysis for power and area was done using RTL compiler
from CADENCE. Power consumption of DCT core is reduced to
1.027mW with minimum area[1].
Abstract: In this paper, a semi empirical formula is presented based on the experimental results to predict the first pick (maximum force) value in the instantaneous folding force- axial distance diagram of a square column. To achieve this purpose, the maximum value of the folding force was assumed to be a function of the average folding force. Using the experimental results, the maximum value of the force necessary to initiate the first fold in a square column was obtained with respect to the geometrical quantities and material properties. Finally, the results obtained from the semi empirical relation in this paper, were compared to the experimental results which showed a good correlation.
Abstract: Tubular linear induction motor (TLIM) can be used as a capsule pump in a large pneumatic capsule pipeline (PCP) system. Parametric performance evaluation of the designed 1-meter diameter PCP-TLIM system yields encouraging results for practical implementation. The capsule thrust and speed inside the TLIM pump can be calculated from the combination of the PCP fluid mechanics and the TLIM equations. The TLIM equivalent circuits derived from those of the conventional three-phase induction motor are used as a model to predict the static test results of a small-scale PCP-TLIM system. In this paper, additional dynamic tests are performed on the same small-scale PCP-TLIM system with two capsules of different diameters. The behaviors of the capsule inside the pump are observed and analyzed. The dynamic performances from the dynamic tests are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the TLIM equivalent circuit model.
Abstract: The design of technological procedures for
manufacturing certain products demands the definition and
optimization of technological process parameters. Their
determination depends on the model of the process itself and its
complexity. Certain processes do not have an adequate mathematical
model, thus they are modeled using heuristic methods. First part of
this paper presents a state of the art of using soft computing
techniques in manufacturing processes from the perspective of
applicability in modern CAx systems. Methods of artificial
intelligence which can be used for this purpose are analyzed. The
second part of this paper shows some of the developed models of
certain processes, as well as their applicability in the actual
calculation of parameters of some technological processes within the
design system from the viewpoint of productivity.
Abstract: Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the
chemical changes in normoxic polyhydroxyethylacrylate gel
dosimeter (PHEA) induced by radiation. Irradiations in the low dose
region are performed and the polymerizations of PHEA gels are
monitored by the observing the changes of Raman shift intensity of
the carbon covalent bond of PHEA originated from both monomer
and the cross-linker. The variation in peak intensities with absorbed
dose was observed. As the dose increase, the peak intensities of
covalent bond of carbon in the polymer gels decrease. This point out
that the amount of absorbed dose affect the polymerization of
polymer gels. As the absorbed dose increase, the polymerizations
also increase. Results verify that PHEA gel dosimeters are sensitive
even in lower dose region.
Abstract: In this paper, an efficient local appearance feature
extraction method based the multi-resolution Curvelet transform is
proposed in order to further enhance the performance of the well
known Linear Discriminant Analysis(LDA) method when applied
to face recognition. Each face is described by a subset of band
filtered images containing block-based Curvelet coefficients. These
coefficients characterize the face texture and a set of simple statistical
measures allows us to form compact and meaningful feature vectors.
The proposed method is compared with some related feature extraction
methods such as Principal component analysis (PCA), as well
as Linear Discriminant Analysis LDA, and independent component
Analysis (ICA). Two different muti-resolution transforms, Wavelet
(DWT) and Contourlet, were also compared against the Block Based
Curvelet-LDA algorithm. Experimental results on ORL, YALE and
FERET face databases convince us that the proposed method provides
a better representation of the class information and obtains much
higher recognition accuracies.
Abstract: In synchronized games players make their moves simultaneously
rather than alternately. Synchronized Triomineering
and Synchronized Tridomineering are respectively the synchronized
versions of Triomineering and Tridomineering, two variants of a
classic two-player combinatorial game called Domineering. Experimental
results for small m × n boards (with m + n ≤ 12 for
Synchronized Triomineering and m + n ≤ 10 for Synchronized
Tridomineering) and some theoretical results for general k×n boards
(with k = 3, 4, 5 for Synchronized Triomineering and k = 3
for Synchronized Tridomineering) are presented. Future research is
indicated.
Abstract: Abstract–The objectives of the current study are to determine the
prevalence, etiological agents, drug susceptibility pattern and plasmid
profile of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Hospital-Acquired
Infections (HAI) at Community Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi
Arabia. A total of 1890 patients had developed infection during
hospital admission and were included in the study. Among those who
developed nosocomial infections, 15(9.4), 10(2.7) and 118 (12.7) had
respiratory tract infection (RTI), blood stream infections (BSI) and
urinary tract (UTI) respectively. A total of 268 bacterial isolates were
isolated from nosocomial infection. S. aureus was reported in 23.5%
for of the total isolates followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), E.
coli (17.2%), P. aeruginosa (11.9%), coagulase negative
staphylococcus (9%), A. baumannii (7.1%), Enterobacter spp.
(3.4%), Citrobacter freundii (3%), Proteus mirabilis (2.6%), and
Proteus vulgaris and Enterococcous faecalis (0.7%). Isolated
organisms are multi-drug resistant, predominantly Gram-positive
pathogens with a high incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus,
extended spectrum beta lactamase and vancomycin resistant
enterococci organisms. The RFLP (Fragment Length Polymorphisms)
patterns of plasmid preparations from isolated A. baumannii isolates
had altered RFLP patterns, possibly due to the presence of plasmid(s).
Five A. baumannii isolates harbored plasmids all of which were not
less than 2.71kbp in molecular weight. Hence, it showed that the gene
coding for the isolates were located on the plasmid DNA while the
remaining isolates which have no plasmid might showed gene coding
for antibiotic resistance being located on chromosomal DNA.
Nosocomial infections represent a current problem in Community
Hospital, Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. Problems associated with
SSI include infection with multidrug resistant pathogens which are
difficult to treat and are associated with increased mortality.