Abstract: In this paper, a new approach for target recognition based on the Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm of Huang etal. [11] and the energy tracking operator of Teager [13]-[14] is introduced. The conjunction of these two methods is called Teager-Huang analysis. This approach is well suited for nonstationary signals analysis. The impulse response (IR) of target is first band pass filtered into subsignals (components) called Intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with well defined Instantaneous frequency (IF) and Instantaneous amplitude (IA). Each IMF is a zero-mean AM-FM component. In second step, the energy of each IMF is tracked using the Teager energy operator (TEO). IF and IA, useful to describe the time-varying characteristics of the signal, are estimated using the Energy separation algorithm (ESA) algorithm of Maragos et al .[16]-[17]. In third step, a set of features such as skewness and kurtosis are extracted from the IF, IA and IMF energy functions. The Teager-Huang analysis is tested on set of synthetic IRs of Sonar targets with different physical characteristics (density, velocity, shape,? ). PCA is first applied to features to discriminate between manufactured and natural targets. The manufactured patterns are classified into spheres and cylinders. One hundred percent of correct recognition is achieved with twenty three echoes where sixteen IRs, used for training, are free noise and seven IRs, used for testing phase, are corrupted with white Gaussian noise.
Abstract: A composite made of plasma functionalized multiwall
carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) coated with SnO2 was synthesized by
sonochemical precipitation method. Thick layer of this
nanocomposite material was used as ethanol sensor at low
temperatures. The composite sensitivity for ethanol has increased by
a factor of 2 at room temperature and by a factor of 13 at 250°C in
comparison to that of pure SnO2. SEM image of nanocomposite
material showed MWNTs were embedded in SnO2 matrix and also a
higher surface area was observed in the presence of functionalized
MWNTs. Greatly improved sensitivity of the composite material to
ethanol can be attributed to new gas accessing passes through
MWNTs and higher specific surface area.
Abstract: In this work, we are interested in developing a speech denoising tool by using a discrete wavelet packet transform (DWPT). This speech denoising tool will be employed for applications of recognition, coding and synthesis. For noise reduction, instead of applying the classical thresholding technique, some wavelet packet nodes are set to zero and the others are thresholded. To estimate the non stationary noise level, we employ the spectral entropy. A comparison of our proposed technique to classical denoising methods based on thresholding and spectral subtraction is made in order to evaluate our approach. The experimental implementation uses speech signals corrupted by two sorts of noise, white and Volvo noises. The obtained results from listening tests show that our proposed technique is better than spectral subtraction. The obtained results from SNR computation show the superiority of our technique when compared to the classical thresholding method using the modified hard thresholding function based on u-law algorithm.
Abstract: It is important problems to increase the detection rates
and reduce false positive rates in Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
Although preventative techniques such as access control and
authentication attempt to prevent intruders, these can fail, and as a
second line of defence, intrusion detection has been introduced. Rare
events are events that occur very infrequently, detection of rare
events is a common problem in many domains. In this paper we
propose an intrusion detection method that combines Rough set and
Fuzzy Clustering. Rough set has to decrease the amount of data and
get rid of redundancy. Fuzzy c-means clustering allow objects to
belong to several clusters simultaneously, with different degrees of
membership. Our approach allows us to recognize not only known
attacks but also to detect suspicious activity that may be the result of
a new, unknown attack. The experimental results on Knowledge
Discovery and Data Mining-(KDDCup 1999) Dataset show that the
method is efficient and practical for intrusion detection systems.
Abstract: This study examines the issue of recommendation
sources from the perspectives of gender and consumers- perceived
risk, and validates a model for the antecedents of consumer online
purchases. The method of obtaining quantitative data was that of the
instrument of a survey questionnaire. Data were collected via
questionnaires from 396 undergraduate students aged 18-24, and a
multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify causal
relationships. Empirical findings established the link between
recommendation sources (word-of-mouth, advertising, and
recommendation systems) and the likelihood of making online
purchases and demonstrated the role of gender and perceived risk as
moderators in this context. The results showed that the effects of
word-of-mouth on online purchase intentions were stronger than those
of advertising and recommendation systems. In addition, female
consumers have less experience with online purchases, so they may be
more likely than males to refer to recommendations during the
decision-making process. The findings of the study will help
marketers to address the recommendation factor which influences
consumers- intention to purchase and to improve firm performances to
meet consumer needs.
Abstract: The study of interaction among the grain, moisture,
and the surrounding space (air) is key to understanding the graindrying
process. In Iran, rice (mostly Indica type) is dried by flat
bed type dryer until the final MC reaches to 6 to 8%. The
experiments were conducted to examine the effect of application of
discharge fan with different heights of paddy on the drying
efficiency. Experiments were designed based on two different
configurations of the drying methods; with and without discharge
fan with three different heights of paddy including; 5, 10, and 15
cm. The humid heated air will be going out immediately by the
suction of discharge fan. The drying time is established upon the
average final MC to achieve about 8%. To save energy and reduce
the drying time, the distribution of temperature between layers
should be fast and uniform with minimum difference; otherwise
the difference of MC gradient between layers will be high and will
induce grain breakage. The difference of final MC between layers
in the two methods was 48-73%. The steady state of temperature
between the two methods has saved time in the range of 10-20%,
and the efficiency of temperature distribution increased 17-26% by
the use of discharge fan.
Abstract: In the present paper some recommendations for the
use of software package “Mathematica" in a basic numerical analysis
course are presented. The methods which are covered in the course
include solution of systems of linear equations, nonlinear equations
and systems of nonlinear equations, numerical integration,
interpolation and solution of ordinary differential equations. A set of
individual assignments developed for the course covering all the
topics is discussed in detail.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is mainly to predict collision
frequency on the horizontal tangents combined with vertical curves
using artificial neural network methods. The proposed ANN models
are compared with existing regression models. First, the variables
that affect collision frequency were investigated. It was found that
only the annual average daily traffic, section length, access density,
the rate of vertical curvature, smaller curve radius before and after
the tangent were statistically significant according to related
combinations. Second, three statistical models (negative binomial,
zero inflated Poisson and zero inflated negative binomial) were
developed using the significant variables for three alignment
combinations. Third, ANN models are developed by applying the
same variables for each combination. The results clearly show that
the ANN models have the lowest mean square error value than those
of the statistical models. Similarly, the AIC values of the ANN
models are smaller to those of the regression models for all the
combinations. Consequently, the ANN models have better statistical
performances than statistical models for estimating collision
frequency. The ANN models presented in this paper are
recommended for evaluating the safety impacts 3D alignment
elements on horizontal tangents.
Abstract: Most of the commercial gluten free products are
nutritionally inferior when compared to gluten containing
counterparts as manufacturers most often use the refined flours and
starches. So it is possible that people on gluten free diet have low
intake of fibre content. The foxtail millet flour and copra meal are
gluten free and have high fibre and protein contents. The formulation
of fibre rich gluten free cookies was optimized by response surface
methodology considering independent process variables as proportion
of Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) flour in mixed flour, fat content and
guar gum. The sugar, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonates and
water were added in fixed proportion as 60, 1.0, 0.4 and 20% of
mixed flour weight, respectively. Optimum formulation obtained for
maximum spread ratio, fibre content, surface L-value, overall
acceptability and minimum breaking strength were 80% foxtail millet
flour in mixed flour, 42.8 % fat content and 0.05% guar gum.
Abstract: Series compensators have been used for many years,
to increase the stability and load ability of transmission line. They
compensate retarded or advanced volt drop of transmission lines
by placing advanced or retarded voltage in series with them to
compensate the effective reactance, which cause to increase load
ability of transmission lines. In this paper, two method of fuzzy
controller, based on power reference tracking and impedance
reference tracking have been developed on TCSC controller in
order to increase load ability and improving power oscillation
damping of system. In these methods, fire angle of thyristors are
determined directly through the special Rule-bases with the error
and change of error as the inputs. The simulation results of two
area four- machines power system show the good performance of
power oscillation damping in system. Comparison of this method
with classical PI controller shows the increasing speed of system
response in power oscillation damping.
Abstract: The Eulerian numerical method is proposed to analyze
the explosion in tunnel. Based on this method, an original software
M-MMIC2D is developed by Cµ program language. With this
software, the explosion problem in the tunnel with three
expansion-chambers is numerically simulated, and the results are
found to be in full agreement with the observed experimental data.
Abstract: This paper investigates the development of weld zone
in Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) which focuses on weld nugget and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). The effects of four factors namely
weld current, weld time, electrode force and hold time were studied using a general 24 factorial design augmented by five centre points. The results of the analysis showed that all selected factors except
hold time exhibit significant effect on weld nugget radius and HAZ size. Optimization of the welding parameters (weld current, weld
time and electrode force) to normalize weld nugget and to minimize
HAZ size was then conducted using Central Composite Design (CCD) in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the optimum
parameters were determined. A regression model for radius of weld nugget and HAZ size was developed and its adequacy was evaluated.
The experimental results obtained under optimum operating conditions were then compared with the predicted values and were
found to agree satisfactorily with each other
Abstract: The aim of the work was to attenuate the vibration amplitude in CESNA 172 airplane wing by using Functionally Graded Material instead of uniform or composite material. Wing strength was achieved by means of stress analysis study, while wing vibration amplitudes and shapes were achieved by means of Modal and Harmonic analysis. Results were verified by applying the methodology in a simple cantilever plate to the simple model and the results were promising and the same methodology can be applied to the airplane wing model. Aluminum models, Titanium models, and functionally graded materials of Aluminum and titanium results were compared to show a great vibration attenuation after using the FGM. Optimization in FGM gradation satisfied our objective of reducing and attenuating the vibration amplitudes to show the effect of using FGM in vibration behavior. Testing the Aluminum rich models, and comparing it with the titanium rich model was an optimization in this paper. Results have shown a significant attenuation in vibration magnitudes when using FGM instead of Titanium Plate, and Aluminium wing with FGM Spurs instead of Aluminium wings. It was also recommended that in future, changing the graphical scale to 1:10 or even 1:1 when the computers- capabilities allow.
Abstract: This paper compares the heuristic Global Search
Techniques; Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization,
Simulated Annealing, Generalized Pattern Search, genetic algorithm
hybridized with Nelder–Mead and Generalized pattern search
technique for tuning of fuzzy PID controller for Puma 560. Since the
actual control is in joint space ,inverse kinematics is used to generate
various joint angles correspoding to desired cartesian space
trajectory. Efficient dynamics and kinematics are modeled on Matlab
which takes very less simulation time. Performances of all the tuning
methods with and without disturbance are compared in terms of ITSE
in joint space and ISE in cartesian space for spiral trajectory tracking.
Genetic Algorithm hybridized with Generalized Pattern Search is
showing best performance.
Abstract: In films, visual effects have played the role of
expressing realities more realistically or describing imaginations as if
they are real. Such images are immediated images representing
realism, and the logic of immediation for the reality of images has
been perceived dominant in visual effects. In order for immediation to
have an identity as immediation, there should be the opposite concept
hypermediation.
In the mid 2000s, hypermediated images were settled as a code of
mass culture in Asia. Thus, among Asian films highly popular in those
days, this study selected five displaying hypermediated images – 2 Korean, 2 Japanese, and 1 Thailand movies – and examined the
semiotic meanings of such images using Roland Barthes- directional and implicated meaning analysis and Metz-s paradigmatic analysis
method, focusing on how hypermediated images work in the general
context of the films, how they are associated with spaces, and what
meanings they try to carry.
Abstract: The culture of riding heavy motorcycles originates
from advanced countries and mainly comes from Europe, North
America, and Japan. Heavy duty motorcycle riders are different from
people who view motorcycles as a convenient mean of transportation.
They regard riding them as a kind of enjoyment and high-level taste.
The activities of riding heavy duty motorcycles have formes a
distinctive landscape in domestic land in Taiwan. Previous studies
which explored motorcycle culture in Taiwan still focused on the
objects of motorcycle engine displacement under 50 cc.. The study
aims to study the heavy duty motorcycles of engine displacement over
550 cc. and explores where their attractiveness is. For finding the
attractiveness of heavy duty motorcycle, the study chooses Miryoku
Engineering (Preference-Based Design) approach. Two steps are
adopted to proceed the research. First, through arranging the letters
obtained from interviewing experts, EGM (The Evaluation Grid
Method) was applied to find out the structure of attractiveness. The
attractive styles are eye-dazzling, leisure, classic, and racing
competitive styles. Secondarily, Quantification Theory Type I analysis
was adopted as a tool for analyzing the importance of attractiveness.
The relationship between style and attractive parts was also discussed.
The results could contribute to the design and research development of
heavy duty motorcycle industry in Taiwan.
Abstract: Steel made pipelines with different diameters are used
for transmitting oil and gas which in many cases are buried in soil
under the sea bed or immersed in sea water. External corrosion of
pipes is an important form of deterioration due to the aggressive
environment of sea water. Corrosion normally results in pits. Hence,
using the finite element method, namely ABAQUS software, this
paper estimates the amount of pressure capacity reduction of a pipecontaining
a semi-elliptical pitting corrosion and the rate of corrosion
during the pipeline life of 25 years.
Abstract: Graph decompositions are vital in the study of combinatorial design theory. Given two graphs G and H, an H-decomposition of G is a partition of the edge set of G into disjoint isomorphic copies of H. An n-sun is a cycle Cn with an edge terminating in a vertex of degree one attached to each vertex. In this paper we have proved that the complete graph of order 2n, K2n can be decomposed into n-2 n-suns, a Hamilton cycle and a perfect matching, when n is even and for odd case, the decomposition is n-1 n-suns and a perfect matching. For an odd order complete graph K2n+1, delete the star subgraph K1, 2n and the resultant graph K2n is decomposed as in the case of even order. The method of building n-suns uses Walecki's construction for the Hamilton decomposition of complete graphs. A spanning tree decomposition of even order complete graphs is also discussed using the labeling scheme of n-sun decomposition. A complete bipartite graph Kn, n can be decomposed into n/2 n-suns when n/2 is even. When n/2 is odd, Kn, n can be decomposed into (n-2)/2 n-suns and a Hamilton cycle.
Abstract: The present work represents an investigation of the
hydrolysis of hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo L.) oil cake protein
isolate (PuOC PI) by pepsin. To examine the effectiveness and
suitability of pepsin towards PuOC PI the kinetic parameters for
pepsin on PuOC PI were determined and then, the hydrolysis process
was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The
hydrolysis was carried out at temperature of 30°C and pH 3.00. Time
and initial enzyme/substrate ratio (E/S) at three levels were selected
as the independent parameters. The degree of hydrolysis, DH, was
mesuared after 20, 30 and 40 minutes, at initial E/S of 0.7, 1 and 1.3
mA/mg proteins. Since the proposed second-order polynomial model
showed good fit with the experimental data (R2 = 0.9822), the
obtained mathematical model could be used for monitoring the
hydrolysis of PuOC PI by pepsin, under studied experimental
conditions, varying the time and initial E/S. To achieve the highest
value of DH (39.13 %), the obtained optimum conditions for time
and initial E/S were 30 min and 1.024 mA/mg proteins.
Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for remote
performance monitoring of retail refrigeration systems. The proposed
framework starts with monitoring of the whole refrigeration circuit
which allows detecting deviations from expected behavior caused by
various faults and degradations. The subsequent diagnostics methods
drill down deeper in the equipment hierarchy to more specifically
determine root causes. An important feature of the proposed concept
is that it does not require any additional sensors, and thus, the
performance monitoring solution can be deployed at a low
installation cost. Moreover only a minimum of contextual
information is required, which also substantially reduces time and
cost of the deployment process.