Abstract: Due to the fact that in the new century customers tend
to express globally increasing demands, networks of interconnected
businesses have been established in societies and the management of
such networks seems to be a major key through gaining competitive
advantages. Supply chain management encompasses such managerial
activities. Within a supply chain, a critical role is played by quality.
QFD is a widely-utilized tool which serves the purpose of not only
bringing quality to the ultimate provision of products or service
packages required by the end customer or the retailer, but it can also
initiate us into a satisfactory relationship with our initial customer;
that is the wholesaler. However, the wholesalers- cooperation is
considerably based on the capabilities that are heavily dependent on
their locations and existing circumstances. Therefore, it is undeniable
that for all companies each wholesaler possesses a specific
importance ratio which can heavily influence the figures calculated in
the House of Quality in QFD. Moreover, due to the competitiveness
of the marketplace today, it-s been widely recognized that
consumers- expression of demands has been highly volatile in
periods of production. Apparently, such instability and proneness to
change has been very tangibly noticed and taking it into account
during the analysis of HOQ is widely influential and doubtlessly
required. For a more reliable outcome in such matters, this article
demonstrates the application viability of Analytic Network Process
for considering the wholesalers- reputation and simultaneously
introduces a mortality coefficient for the reliability and stability of
the consumers- expressed demands in course of time. Following to
this, the paper provides further elaboration on the relevant
contributory factors and approaches through the calculation of such
coefficients. In the end, the article concludes that an empirical
application is needed to achieve broader validity.
Abstract: Due to the dynamic nature of the Cloud, continuous monitoring of QoS requirements is necessary to manage the Cloud computing environment. The process of QoS monitoring and SLA violation detection consists of: collecting low and high level information pertinent to the service, analyzing the collected information, and taking corrective actions when SLA violations are detected. In this paper, we detail the architecture and the implementation of the first step of this process. More specifically, we propose an event-based approach to obtain run time information of services developed as BPEL processes. By catching particular events (i.e., the low level information), our approach recognizes the run-time execution path of a monitored service and uses the BPEL execution patterns to compute QoS of the composite service (i.e., the high level information).
Abstract: The main goal of data mining is to extract accurate, comprehensible and interesting knowledge from databases that may be considered as large search spaces. In this paper, a new, efficient type of Genetic Algorithm (GA) called uniform two-level GA is proposed as a search strategy to discover truly interesting, high-level prediction rules, a difficult problem and relatively little researched, rather than discovering classification knowledge as usual in the literatures. The proposed method uses the advantage of uniform population method and addresses the task of generalized rule induction that can be regarded as a generalization of the task of classification. Although the task of generalized rule induction requires a lot of computations, which is usually not satisfied with the normal algorithms, it was demonstrated that this method increased the performance of GAs and rapidly found interesting rules.
Abstract: The Canadian aerospace industry faces many
challenges. One of them is the difficulty in estimating costs. In
particular, the design effort required in a project impacts resource
requirements and lead-time, and consequently the final cost. This
paper presents the findings of a case study conducted for recognized
global leader in the design and manufacturing of aircraft engines. The
study models parametric cost estimation relationships to estimate the
design effort of integrated blade-rotor low-pressure compressor fans.
Several effort drivers are selected to model the relationship.
Comparative analyses of three types of models are conducted. The
model with the best accuracy and significance in design estimation is
retained.
Abstract: The focal spot of a high intensity focused ultrasound
transducer is small. To heat a large target volume, multiple treatment spots are required. If the power of each treatment spot is fixed, it could
results in insufficient heating of initial spots and over-heating of later ones, which is caused by the thermal diffusion. Hence, to produce a
uniform heated volume, the delivered energy of each treatment spot
should be properly adjusted. In this study, we proposed an iterative, extrapolation technique to adjust the required ultrasound energy of
each treatment spot. Three different scanning pathways were used to evaluate the performance of this technique. Results indicate that by using the proposed technique, uniform heating volume could be obtained.
Abstract: Impaired fertility may be the result of indirect
consumption of anti-fertility agents through food. Monosodium
glutamate (MSG) has been widely used as food additive, flavour
enhancer and included in vaccines. This study focuses in determining
the gonadotoxic and cytotoxic effect of MSG on selected sperm
parameters such as sperm viability, sperm membrane integrity and
testes cytoarchitecture of male mice via histological examination to
determine its effect on spermatogenesis. Twenty-four Mus musculus
were randomly divided into 4 groups and given intraperitoneal
injections (IP) daily for 14 days of different MSG concentrations at
250, 500 and 1000mg/kg MSG to body weight to induce obesity.
Saline was given to control group. Mice were sacrificed and analysis
revealed abnormalities in values for sperm parameters and damages
to testes cytoarchitecture of male mice. The results recorded
decreased viability (p0.05) with degenerative structures in seminiferous tubule of
testes. The results indicated various implications of MSG on male
mice reproductive system which has consequences in fertility
potential.
Abstract: Computer technology and the Internet have made a
breakthrough in the existence of data communication. This has
opened a whole new way of implementing steganography to ensure
secure data transfer. Steganography is the fine art of hiding the
information. Hiding the message in the carrier file enables the
deniability of the existence of any message at all. This paper designs
a stego machine to develop a steganographic application to hide data
containing text in a computer video file and to retrieve the hidden
information. This can be designed by embedding text file in a video
file in such away that the video does not loose its functionality using
Least Significant Bit (LSB) modification method. This method
applies imperceptible modifications. This proposed method strives
for high security to an eavesdropper-s inability to detect hidden
information.
Abstract: The article reviews the current state of large-scale
studies about the impact of electromagnetic field on natural
environment. The scenario of investigations – simulation of natural
conditions at the workplace, taking into consideration the influence
both low and high frequency electromagnetic fields is shown.The
biological effects of low and high frequency electromagnetic fields
are below presented. Results of investigation with animals are shown.
The norms and regulations concerning the levels of electromagnetic
field intensity are reviewed.
Abstract: For micro-gyroscopes, the angular rate detection components have to oscillate forwards and backwards alternatively. An innovative design of micro-electromagnetic drive module is proposed to make a Π-type disc reciprocally and efficiently rotate within a certain of angular interval. Twelve Electromagnetic poles enclosing the thin disc are designed to provide the magnetic drive power. Isotropic etching technique is employed to fabricate the high-aspect-ratio trench, so that the contact angle of wire against trench can be increased and the potential defect of cavities and pores within the wire can be prevented. On the other hand, a Π-type thin disc is designed to conduct the pitch motion as an angular excitation, in addition to spinning, is exerted on the gyroscope. The efficacy of the micro-magnetic drive module is verified by the commercial software, Ansoft Maxewll. In comparison with the conventional planar windings in micro-scale systems, the magnetic drive force is increased by 150%.
Abstract: Rice husk is a lignocellulosic source that can be
converted to ethanol. Three hundreds grams of rice husk was mixed
with 1 L of 0.18 N sulfuric acid solutions then was heated in an
autoclave. The reaction was expected to be at constant temperature
(isothermal), but before that temperature was achieved, reaction has
occurred. The first liquid sample was taken at temperature of 140 0C
and repeated every 5 minute interval. So the data obtained are in the
regions of non-isothermal and isothermal. It was observed that the
degradation has significant effects on the ethanol production. The
kinetic constants can be expressed by Arrhenius equation with the
frequency factors for hydrolysis and sugar degradation of 1.58 x 105
min-1 and 2.29 x 108 L/mole-min, respectively, while the activation
energies are 64,350 J/mole and 76,571 J/mole. The highest ethanol
concentration from fermentation is 1.13% v/v, attained at 220 0C.
Abstract: This paper presents three new methodologies for the
basic operations, which aim at finding new ways of computing union
(maximum) and intersection (minimum) membership values by
taking into effect the entire membership values in a fuzzy set. The
new methodologies are conceptually simple and easy from the
application point of view and are illustrated with a variety of
problems such as Cartesian product of two fuzzy sets, max –min
composition of two fuzzy sets in different product spaces and an
application of an inverted pendulum to determine the impact of the
new methodologies. The results clearly indicate a difference based on
the nature of the fuzzy sets under consideration and hence will be
highly useful in quite a few applications where different values have
significant impact on the behavior of the system.
Abstract: The area of Project Risk Management (PRM) has
been extensively researched, and the utilization of various tools and
techniques for managing risk in several industries has been
sufficiently reported. Formal and systematic PRM practices have
been made available for the construction industry. Based on such
body of knowledge, this paper tries to find out the global picture of
PRM practices and approaches with the help of a survey to look into
the usage of PRM techniques and diffusion of software tools, their
level of maturity, and their usefulness in the construction sector.
Results show that, despite existing techniques and tools, their usage is
limited: software tools are used only by a minority of respondents
and their cost is one of the largest hurdles in adoption. Finally, the
paper provides some important guidelines for future research
regarding quantitative risk analysis techniques and suggestions for
PRM software tools development and improvement.
Abstract: Traditional development of wireless sensor network
mote is generally based on SoC1 platform. Such method of
development faces three main drawbacks: lack of flexibility in terms
of development due to low resource and rigid architecture of SoC;
low capability of evolution and portability versus performance if
specific micro-controller architecture features are used; and the rapid
obsolescence of micro-controller comparing to the long lifetime of
power plants or any industrial installations. To overcome these
drawbacks, we have explored a new approach of development of
wireless sensor network mote using a hybrid FPGA technology. The
application of such approach is illustrated through the
implementation of an innovative wireless sensor network protocol
called OCARI.
Abstract: Traditionally, wind tunnel models are made of metal
and are very expensive. In these years, everyone is looking for ways
to do more with less. Under the right test conditions, a rapid
prototype part could be tested in a wind tunnel. Using rapid prototype
manufacturing techniques and materials in this way significantly
reduces time and cost of production of wind tunnel models. This
study was done of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and their ability
to make components for wind tunnel models in a timely and cost
effective manner. This paper discusses the application of wind tunnel
model configuration constructed using FDM for transonic wind
tunnel testing. A study was undertaken comparing a rapid
prototyping model constructed of FDM Technologies using
polycarbonate to that of a standard machined steel model. Testing
covered the Mach range of Mach 0.3 to Mach 0.75 at an angle-ofattack
range of - 2° to +12°. Results from this study show relatively
good agreement between the two models and rapid prototyping
Method reduces time and cost of production of wind tunnel models.
It can be concluded from this study that wind tunnel models
constructed using rapid prototyping method and materials can be
used in wind tunnel testing for initial baseline aerodynamic database
development.
Abstract: Research papers are usually evaluated via peer
review. However, peer review has limitations in evaluating research
papers. In this paper, Scienstein and the new idea of 'collaborative
document evaluation' are presented. Scienstein is a project to
evaluate scientific papers collaboratively based on ratings, links,
annotations and classifications by the scientific community using the
internet. In this paper, critical success factors of collaborative
document evaluation are analyzed. That is the scientists- motivation
to participate as reviewers, the reviewers- competence and the
reviewers- trustworthiness. It is shown that if these factors are
ensured, collaborative document evaluation may prove to be a more
objective, faster and less resource intensive approach to scientific
document evaluation in comparison to the classical peer review
process. It is shown that additional advantages exist as collaborative
document evaluation supports interdisciplinary work, allows
continuous post-publishing quality assessments and enables the
implementation of academic recommendation engines. In the long
term, it seems possible that collaborative document evaluation will
successively substitute peer review and decrease the need for
journals.
Abstract: Verification of real-time software systems can be
expensive in terms of time and resources. Testing is the main method
of proving correctness but has been shown to be a long and time
consuming process. Everyday engineers are usually unwilling to
adopt formal approaches to correctness because of the overhead
associated with developing their knowledge of such techniques.
Performance modelling techniques allow systems to be evaluated
with respect to timing constraints. This paper describes PARTES, a
framework which guides the extraction of performance models from
programs written in an annotated subset of C.
Abstract: The present study focuses on methods allowing a convenient and quick calculation of the SIFs in order to predict the static adhesive strength of bonded joints. A new SIF calculation method is proposed, based on the stresses obtained from a FE model at a reference point located in the adhesive layer at equal distance of the free-edge and of the two interfaces. It is shown that, even limiting ourselves to the two main modes, i.e. the opening and the shearing modes, and using the values of the stresses resulting from a low detailed FE model, an efficient calculation of the peeling stress at adhesive-substrate corners can be obtained by this way. The proposed method is interesting in that it can be the basis of a prediction tool that will allow the designer to quickly evaluate the SIFs characterizing a particular application without developing a detailed analysis.
Abstract: Delivering streaming video over wireless is an
important component of many interactive multimedia applications
running on personal wireless handset devices. Such personal devices
have to be inexpensive, compact, and lightweight. But wireless
channels have a high channel bit error rate and limited bandwidth.
Delay variation of packets due to network congestion and the high bit
error rate greatly degrades the quality of video at the handheld
device. Therefore, mobile access to multimedia contents requires
video transcoding functionality at the edge of the mobile network for
interworking with heterogeneous networks and services. Therefore,
to guarantee quality of service (QoS) delivered to the mobile user, a
robust and efficient transcoding scheme should be deployed in
mobile multimedia transporting network. Hence, this paper
examines the challenges and limitations that the video transcoding
schemes in mobile multimedia transporting network face. Then
handheld resources, network conditions and content based mobile
and wireless video transcoding is proposed to provide high QoS
applications. Exceptional performance is demonstrated in the
experiment results. These experiments were designed to verify and
prove the robustness of the proposed approach. Extensive
experiments have been conducted, and the results of various video
clips with different bit rate and frame rate have been provided.
Abstract: Multimedia, as it stands now is perhaps the most
diverse and rich culture around the globe. One of the major needs of
Multimedia is to have a single system that enables people to
efficiently search through their multimedia catalogues. Many
Domain Specific Systems and architectures have been proposed but
up till now no generic and complete architecture is proposed. In this
paper, we have suggested a generic architecture for Multimedia
Database. The main strengths of our architecture besides being
generic are Semantic Libraries to reduce semantic gap, levels of
feature extraction for more specific and detailed feature extraction
according to classes defined by prior level, and merging of two types
of queries i.e. text and QBE (Query by Example) for more accurate
yet detailed results.
Abstract: This paper discusses the cued speech recognition
methods in videoconference. Cued speech is a specific gesture
language that is used for communication between deaf people. We
define the criteria for sentence intelligibility according to answers of
testing subjects (deaf people). In our tests we use 30 sample videos
coded by H.264 codec with various bit-rates and various speed of
cued speech. Additionally, we define the criteria for consonant sign
recognizability in single-handed finger alphabet (dactyl) analogically
to acoustics. We use another 12 sample videos coded by H.264 codec
with various bit-rates in four different video formats. To interpret the
results we apply the standard scale for subjective video quality
evaluation and the percentual evaluation of intelligibility as in
acoustics. From the results we construct the minimum coded bit-rate
recommendations for every spatial resolution.