Abstract: This paper describes a new supervised fusion (hybrid)
electrocardiogram (ECG) classification solution consisting of a new
QRS complex geometrical feature extraction as well as a new version
of the learning vector quantization (LVQ) classification algorithm
aimed for overcoming the stability-plasticity dilemma. Toward this
objective, after detection and delineation of the major events of ECG
signal via an appropriate algorithm, each QRS region and also its
corresponding discrete wavelet transform (DWT) are supposed as
virtual images and each of them is divided into eight polar sectors.
Then, the curve length of each excerpted segment is calculated
and is used as the element of the feature space. To increase the
robustness of the proposed classification algorithm versus noise,
artifacts and arrhythmic outliers, a fusion structure consisting of
five different classifiers namely as Support Vector Machine (SVM),
Modified Learning Vector Quantization (MLVQ) and three Multi
Layer Perceptron-Back Propagation (MLP–BP) neural networks with
different topologies were designed and implemented. The new proposed
algorithm was applied to all 48 MIT–BIH Arrhythmia Database
records (within–record analysis) and the discrimination power of the
classifier in isolation of different beat types of each record was
assessed and as the result, the average accuracy value Acc=98.51%
was obtained. Also, the proposed method was applied to 6 number
of arrhythmias (Normal, LBBB, RBBB, PVC, APB, PB) belonging
to 20 different records of the aforementioned database (between–
record analysis) and the average value of Acc=95.6% was achieved.
To evaluate performance quality of the new proposed hybrid learning
machine, the obtained results were compared with similar peer–
reviewed studies in this area.
Abstract: As networking has become popular, Web-learning
tends to be a trend while designing a tool. Moreover, five-axis
machining has been widely used in industry recently; however, it has
potential axial table colliding problems. Thus this paper aims at
proposing an efficient web-learning collision detection tool on
five-axis machining. However, collision detection consumes heavy
resource that few devices can support, thus this research uses a
systematic approach based on web knowledge to detect collision. The
methodologies include the kinematics analyses for five-axis motions,
separating axis method for collision detection, and computer
simulation for verification. The machine structure is modeled as STL
format in CAD software. The input to the detection system is the
g-code part program, which describes the tool motions to produce the
part surface. This research produced a simulation program with C
programming language and demonstrated a five-axis machining
example with collision detection on web site. The system simulates the
five-axis CNC motion for tool trajectory and detects for any collisions
according to the input g-codes and also supports high-performance
web service benefiting from C. The result shows that our method
improves 4.5 time of computational efficiency, comparing to the
conventional detection method.
Abstract: Water contains oxygen which may make a human
breathe under water like a fish. Centrifugal separator can separate
dissolved gases from water. Carrier solution can increase the
separation of dissolved oxygen from water. But, to develop an
breathing device for a human under water, the enhancement of
separation of dissolved gases including oxygen and portable devices
which have dc battery based device and proper size are needed.
In this study, we set up experimental device for analyzing
separation characteristics of dissolved gases including oxygen from
water using a battery based portable vacuum pump. We characterized
vacuum state, flow rate of separation of dissolved gases and oxygen
concentration which were influenced by the manufactured vacuum
pump.
Abstract: This research contribution is drafted to present the
orbit design, orbit propagator and geomagnetic field estimator for the
nanosatellites specifically for the upcoming CUBESAT, ICUBE-1 of
the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, Pakistan. The
ICUBE mission is designed for the low earth orbit at the approximate
height of 700KM. The presented research endeavor designs the
Keplarian elements for ICUBE-1 orbit while incorporating the
mission requirements and propagates the orbit using J2 perturbations,
The attitude determination system of the ICUBE-1 consists of
attitude determination sensors like magnetometer and sun sensor. The
Geomagnetic field estimator is developed according to the model of
International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) for comparing the
magnetic field measurements by the magnetometer for attitude
determination. The output of the propagator namely the Keplarians
position and velocity vectors and the magnetic field vectors are
compared and verified with the same scenario generated in the
Satellite Tool Kit (STK).
Abstract: Atrial Fibrillation is the most common sustained
arrhythmia encountered by clinicians. Because of the invisible
waveform of atrial fibrillation in atrial activation for human, it is
necessary to develop an automatic diagnosis system. 12-Lead ECG
now is available in hospital and is appropriate for using Independent
Component Analysis to estimate the AA period. In this research, we
also adopt a second-order blind identification approach to transform
the sources extracted by ICA to more precise signal and then we use
frequency domain algorithm to do the classification. In experiment,
we gather a significant result of clinical data.
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: In this paper is investigated a possible
optimization of some linear algebra problems which can be
solved by parallel processing using the special arrays called
systolic arrays. In this paper are used some special types of
transformations for the designing of these arrays. We show
the characteristics of these arrays. The main focus is on
discussing the advantages of these arrays in parallel
computation of matrix product, with special approach to the
designing of systolic array for matrix multiplication.
Multiplication of large matrices requires a lot of
computational time and its complexity is O(n3 ). There are
developed many algorithms (both sequential and parallel) with
the purpose of minimizing the time of calculations. Systolic
arrays are good suited for this purpose. In this paper we show
that using an appropriate transformation implicates in finding
more optimal arrays for doing the calculations of this type.
Abstract: Although services play a crucial role in economy,
service did not gain as much importance as productivity management
in manufacturing. This paper presents key findings from literature
and practice. Based on an initial definition of complex services, seven
productivity concepts are briefly presented and assessed by relevant,
complex service specific criteria. Following the findings a complex
service productivity model is proposed. The novel model comprises
of all specific dimensions of service provision from both, the
provider-s as well as costumer-s perspective. A clear assignment of
identified value drivers and relationships between them is presented.
In order to verify the conceptual service productivity model a case
study from a project engineering department of a chemical plant
development and construction company is presented.
Abstract: The purposes of this research were 1) to survey the
number of drugstores that unlawful dispense of asthma prescription
drugs, in form of drug combinations in the Phaya Thai district of
Bangkok, 2) to find the steroids contained in that drug combinations,
3) to find a means for informing general public about the dangers of
drugs and for a campaign to stop dispensing them.
Researcher collected drug combinations from 69 drugstores in
Phaya Thai district from Feb 15, 2012 to Mar 15, 2012. The survey
found 30.43%, 21, drug stores, sold asthma drug combinations to
customers without a prescription. These collected samples were
tested for steroid contamination by using Immunochromatography
kits. Eleven samples, 52.38%, were found contaminated with
steroids. In short, there should be control and inspection of
drugstores in the distribution of steroid medications. To improve the
knowledge of self health maintenance and drug usage among public,
Thai Government and Department of Public Health should educate
people about the side effects of using drug combinations and steroids.
Abstract: In this study we present our developed formative
assessment tool for students' assignments. The tool enables lecturers
to define assignments for the course and assign each problem in each
assignment a list of criteria and weights by which the students' work
is evaluated. During assessment, the lecturers feed the scores for each
criterion with justifications. When the scores of the current
assignment are completely fed in, the tool automatically generates
reports for both students and lecturers. The students receive a report
by email including detailed description of their assessed work, their
relative score and their progress across the criteria along the course
timeline. This information is presented via charts generated
automatically by the tool based on the scores fed in. The lecturers
receive a report that includes summative (e.g., averages, standard
deviations) and detailed (e.g., histogram) data of the current
assignment. This information enables the lecturers to follow the class
achievements and adjust the learning process accordingly. The tool
was examined on two pilot groups of college students that study a
course in (1) Object-Oriented Programming (2) Plane Geometry.
Results reveal that most of the students were satisfied with the
assessment process and the reports produced by the tool. The
lecturers who used the tool were also satisfied with the reports and
their contribution to the learning process.
Abstract: Adhesively bonded joints are preferred over the
conventional methods of joining such as riveting, welding, bolting
and soldering. Some of the main advantages of adhesive joints
compared to conventional joints are the ability to join dissimilar
materials and damage-sensitive materials, better stress distribution,
weight reduction, fabrication of complicated shapes, excellent
thermal and insulation properties, vibration response and enhanced
damping control, smoother aerodynamic surfaces and an
improvement in corrosion and fatigue resistance. This paper presents
the behavior of adhesively bonded joints subjected to combined
thermal loadings, using the numerical methods. The joint
configuration considers aluminum as central adherend with six
different outer adherends including aluminum, steel, titanium, boronepoxy,
unidirectional graphite-epoxy and cross-ply graphite-epoxy
and epoxy-based adhesives. Free expansion of the joint in x
direction was permitted and stresses in adhesive layer and interfaces
calculated for different adherends.
Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of clarified Pawpaw
Juice was developed. About 750ml Pawpaw pulp was measured into
2 measuring cylinders A & B of capacity 1 litre heated to 400C,
cooled to 200C. 30mls pectinase was added into cylinder A, while
30mls distilled water was added into cylinder B. Enzyme treated
sample (A) was allowed to digest for 5hours after which it was heated
to 900C for 15 minutes to inactivate the enzyme. The heated sample
was cooled and with the aid of a mucillin cloth the pulp was filtered
to obtain the clarified pawpaw juice. The juice was filled into 100ml
plastic bottles, pasteurized at 950C for 45 minutes, cooled and stored
at room temperature. The sample treated with 30mls distilled water
also underwent the same process. Freshly pasteurized sample was
analyzed for specific gravity, titratable acidity, pH, sugars and
ascorbic acid. The remaining sample was then stored for 2 weeks and
the above analyses repeated. There were differences in the results of
the freshly pasteurized samples and stored sample in pH and ascorbic
acid levels, also sample treated with pectinase yielded higher
volumes of juice than that treated with distilled water.
Abstract: Phishing, or stealing of sensitive information on the
web, has dealt a major blow to Internet Security in recent times. Most
of the existing anti-phishing solutions fail to handle the fuzziness
involved in phish detection, thus leading to a large number of false
positives. This fuzziness is attributed to the use of highly flexible and
at the same time, highly ambiguous HTML language. We introduce a
new perspective against phishing, that tries to systematically prove,
whether a given page is phished or not, using the corresponding
original page as the basis of the comparison. It analyzes the layout of
the pages under consideration to determine the percentage distortion
between them, indicative of any form of malicious alteration. The
system design represents an intelligent system, employing dynamic
assessment which accurately identifies brand new phishing attacks
and will prove effective in reducing the number of false positives.
This framework could potentially be used as a knowledge base, in
educating the internet users against phishing.
Abstract: Proper management of residues originated from
industrial activities is considered as one of the serious challenges
faced by industrial societies due to their potential hazards to the
environment. Common disposal methods for industrial solid wastes
(ISWs) encompass various combinations of solely management
options, i.e. recycling, incineration, composting, and sanitary
landfilling. Indeed, the procedure used to evaluate and nominate the
best practical methods should be based on environmental, technical,
economical, and social assessments. In this paper an environmentaltechnical
assessment model is developed using analytical network
process (ANP) to facilitate the decision making practice for ISWs
generated at Gilan province, Iran. Using the results of performed
surveys on industrial units located at Gilan, the various groups of
solid wastes in the research area were characterized, and four
different ISW management scenarios were studied. The evaluation
process was conducted using the above-mentioned model in the
Super Decisions software (version 2.0.8) environment. The results
indicates that the best ISW management scenario for Gilan province
is consist of recycling the metal industries residues, composting the
putrescible portion of ISWs, combustion of paper, wood, fabric and
polymeric wastes as well as energy extraction in the incineration
plant, and finally landfilling the rest of the waste stream in addition
with rejected materials from recycling and compost production plants
and ashes from the incineration unit.
Abstract: The phenomenon of global warming or climate
change has led to many environmental issues including higher
atmospheric temperatures, intense precipitation, increased
greenhouse gaseous emissions and increased indoor discomfort.
Studies have shown that bringing nature to the roof such as
constructing green roof and implementing high-reflective roof may
give positive impact in mitigating the effects of global warming and
in increasing thermal comfort sensation inside buildings. However,
no study has been conducted to compare both types of passive roof
treatments in Malaysia in order to increase thermal comfort in
buildings. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the effect
of green roof and white painted roof as passive roof treatment in
improving indoor comfort of Malaysian homes. This study uses an
experimental approach in which the measurements of temperatures
are conducted on the case study building. The measurements of
outdoor and indoor environments were conducted on the flat roof
with two different types of roof treatment that are green roof and
white roof. The measurement of existing black bare roof was also
conducted to act as a control for this study.
Abstract: Emergence of smartphones brings to live the concept
of converged devices with the availability of web amenities. Such
trend also challenges the mobile devices manufactures and service
providers in many aspects, such as security on mobile phones,
complex and long time design flow, as well as higher development
cost. Among these aspects, security on mobile phones is getting more
and more attention. Microkernel based virtualization technology will
play a critical role in addressing these challenges and meeting mobile
market needs and preferences, since virtualization provides essential
isolation for security reasons and it allows multiple operating systems
to run on one processor accelerating development and cutting development
cost. However, virtualization benefits do not come for free.
As an additional software layer, it adds some inevitable virtualization
overhead to the system, which may decrease the system performance.
In this paper we evaluate and analyze the virtualization performance
cost of L4 microkernel based virtualization on a competitive mobile
phone by comparing the L4Linux, a para-virtualized Linux on top of
L4 microkernel, with the native Linux performance using lmbench
and a set of typical mobile phone applications.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a simple circuit for
Manchester decoding and without using any complicated or
programmable devices. This circuit can decode 90kbps of transmitted
encoded data; however, greater than this transmission rate can be
decoded if high speed devices were used. We also present a new
method for extracting the embedded clock from Manchester data in
order to use it for serial-to-parallel conversion. All of our
experimental measurements have been done using simulation.
Abstract: This study proposes a conceptual model and
empirically tests the relationships between customers and librarians
(i.e. tangibles, responsiveness, assurance, reliability and empathy)
with a dependent variable (customer satisfaction) regarding library
services. The SERVQUAL instrument was administered to 100
respondents which comprises of staff and students at a public higher
learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia.
They were public university library users. Results revealed that all
service quality dimensions tested were significant and influenced
customer satisfaction of visitors to a public university library.
Assurance is the most important factor that influences customer
satisfaction with the services rendered by the librarian. It is
imperative for the library management to take note that the top five
service attributes that gained greatest attention from library visitors-
perspective includes employee willingness to help customers,
availability of customer representatives online for response to
queries, library staff actively and promptly provide services, signs in
the building are clear and library staff are friendly and courteous.
This study provides valuable results concerning the determinants of
the service quality and customer satisfaction of public university
library services from the users' perspective.
Abstract: Fermented cassava flours (lafun) sold in Ogun and Oyo
States of Nigeria were collected from 10 markets for a period of two
months and analysed to determine their safety status. The presence of
trace metals was due to high vehicular movement around the drying
sites and markets. Cyanide and moisture contents of samples were
also determined to assess the adequacy of fermentation and drying.
The result showed that sample OWO was found to have the highest
amount of 16.02±0.12mg/kg cyanide while the lowest was found in
sample OJO with 10.51±0.10mg/kg. The results also indicated that
sample TVE had the highest moisture content of 18.50±0.20% while
sample OWO had the lowest amount of 12.46±0.47%. Copper and
lead levels were found to be highest in TVE with values 28.10mg/kg
and 1.1mg/kg respectively, while sample BTS had the lowest values
of 20.6mg/kg and 0.05mg/kg respectively. High value of cyanide
indicated inadequate fermentation.
Abstract: In this paper we study the fuzzy c-mean clustering algorithm
combined with principal components method. Demonstratively
analysis indicate that the new clustering method is well rather than
some clustering algorithms. We also consider the validity of clustering
method.