Abstract: Due to memory leaks, often-valuable system memory
gets wasted and denied for other processes thereby affecting the
computational performance. If an application-s memory usage
exceeds virtual memory size, it can leads to system crash. Current
memory leak detection techniques for clusters are reactive and
display the memory leak information after the execution of the
process (they detect memory leak only after it occur).
This paper presents a Dynamic Memory Monitoring Agent
(DMMA) technique. DMMA framework is a dynamic memory leak
detection, that detects the memory leak while application is in
execution phase, when memory leak in any process in the cluster is
identified by DMMA it gives information to the end users to enable
them to take corrective actions and also DMMA submit the affected
process to healthy node in the system. Thus provides reliable service
to the user. DMMA maintains information about memory
consumption of executing processes and based on this information
and critical states, DMMA can improve reliability and
efficaciousness of cluster computing.
Abstract: Powerline Communications –PLC– as an alternative
method for broadband networking, has the advantage of transmitting
over channels already used for electrical distribution or even
transmission. But these channels have been not designed with usual
wired channels requirements for broadband applications such as
stable impedance or known attenuation, and the network have to
reject noises caused by electrical appliances that share the same
channel. Noise control standards are difficult to complain or simply
do not exist on Latin-American environments. This paper analyzes
PLC throughput for home connectivity by probing noisy channel
scenarios in a PLC network and the statistical results are shown.
Abstract: This paper describes the application of a model predictive controller to the problem of batch reactor temperature control. Although a great deal of work has been done to improve reactor throughput using batch sequence control, the control of the actual reactor temperature remains a difficult problem for many operators of these processes. Temperature control is important as many chemical reactions are sensitive to temperature for formation of desired products. This controller consist of two part (1) a nonlinear control method GLC (Global Linearizing Control) to create a linear model of system and (2) a Model predictive controller used to obtain optimal input control sequence. The temperature of reactor is tuned to track a predetermined temperature trajectory that applied to the batch reactor. To do so two input signals, electrical powers and the flow of coolant in the coil are used. Simulation results show that the proposed controller has a remarkable performance for tracking reference trajectory while at the same time it is robust against noise imposed to system output.
Abstract: The one of best robust search technique on large scale
search area is heuristic and meta heuristic approaches. Especially in
issue that the exploitation of combinatorial status in the large scale
search area prevents the solution of the problem via classical
calculating methods, so such problems is NP-complete. in this
research, the problem of winner determination in combinatorial
auctions have been formulated and by assessing older heuristic
functions, we solve the problem by using of genetic algorithm and
would show that this new method would result in better performance
in comparison to other heuristic function such as simulated annealing
greedy approach.
Abstract: The number of people using SNS with their mobile devices is soaring. This research focuses on the Twitter service that has the most third-party applications and delved into the fact that there were not sufficient studies on the UX design aspects of Twitter applications. Among social network services which have emerged as a major social topic lately, this research try to analyze the UX design of the Twitter application which is also called micro-blogging service. Therefore this research sets its goal to draw components of the UX design aspect of the Tweeter application on which there are not enough analysis yet. Moreover, this research suggests improvement of mobile application which will assure better users- experience. In order to analyze the UX design aspect of the mobile twitter application, with relevant document and user research, evaluating factors of the UX Design which would affect users- experience were organized. The subjects for cases were selected among six paid and free social networking applications that had been consistently ranked from 1st to 100th in the Korean application store during May, 2012 after closely monitoring the rank. From May 15th to May 11th in 2012, in accordance with the evaluating standard, surveys were conducted in a form of interviews with 20 subjects who have used the Twitter application to find out problems and solutions for the UX design of the mobile Twitter application.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the amount of Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) extracted from a packed bed of palm kernels in a supercritical fluid extractor using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as an environmental friendly solvent. Further, the study sought to ascertain the values of the overall mass transfer coefficient (K) of PKO evaluation through a mass transfer model, at constant temperature of 50 °C, 60 °C, and 70 °C and pressures range from 27.6 MPa, 34.5 MPa, 41.4 MPa and 48.3 MPa respectively. Finally, the study also seeks to demonstrate the application of the overall mass transfer coefficient values in relation to temperature and pressure. The overall mass transfer coefficient was found to be dependent pressure at each constant temperature of 50 °C, 60 °C and 70 °C. The overall mass transfer coefficient for PKO in a packed bed of palm kernels was found to be in the range of 1.21X 10-4 m min-1 to 1.72 X 10-4 m min-1 for a constant temperature of 50 °C and in the range of 2.02 X 10-4 m min-1 to 2.43 X 10-4 m min-1 for a constant temperature of 60 °C. Similar increasing trend of the overall mass transfer coefficient from 1.77 X 10-4 m min-1 to 3.64 X 10-4 m min-1 was also observed at constant temperature of 70 °C within the same pressure range from 27.6 MPa to 48.3 MPa.
Abstract: The proposed Multimedia Pronunciation Learning
Management System (MPLMS) in this study is a technology with
profound potential for inducing improvement in pronunciation
learning. The MPLMS optimizes the digitised phonetic symbols with
the integration of text, sound and mouth movement video. The
components are designed and developed in an online management
system which turns the web to a dynamic user-centric collection of
consistent and timely information for quality sustainable learning.
The aim of this study is to design and develop the MPLMS which
serves as an innovative tool to improve English pronunciation. This
paper discusses the iterative methodology and the three-phase Alessi
and Trollip model in the development of MPLMS. To align with the
flexibility of the development of educational software, the iterative
approach comprises plan, design, develop, evaluate and implement is
followed. To ensure the instructional appropriateness of MPLMS, the
instructional system design (ISD) model of Alessi and Trollip serves
as a platform to guide the important instructional factors and process.
It is expected that the results of future empirical research will support
the efficacy of MPLMS and its place as the premier pronunciation
learning system.
Abstract: This paper examines the forced convection flow of
incompressible, electrically conducting viscous fluid past a sharp
wedge in the presence of heat generation or absorption with an
applied magnetic field. The system of partial differential equations
governing Falkner - Skan wedge flow and heat transfer is first
transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using
similarity transformations which is later solved using an implicit
finite - difference scheme, along with quasilinearization technique.
Numerical computations are performed for air (Pr = 0.7) and
displayed graphically to illustrate the influence of pertinent physical
parameters on local skin friction and heat transfer coefficients and,
also on, velocity and temperature fields. It is observed that the
magnetic field increases both the coefficients of skin friction and heat
transfer. The effect of heat generation or absorption is found to be
very significant on heat transfer, but its effect on the skin friction is
negligible. Indeed, the occurrence of overshoot is noticed in the
temperature profiles during heat generation process, causing the
reversal in the direction of heat transfer.
Abstract: The study aimed to identify the nature of autistic
talent, the manifestations of their weak central coherence, and their
sensory characteristics. The case study consisted of four talented
autistic males. Two of them in drawing, one in clay formation and
one in jigsaw puzzle. Tools of data collection were Group Embedded
Figures Test, Block Design Test, Sensory Profile Checklist Revised,
Interview forms and direct observation. Results indicated that talent
among autistics emerges in limited domain and being extraordinary
for each case. Also overlapping construction properties. Indeed, they
show three perceptual aspects of weak central coherence: The weak
in visual spatial-constructional coherence, the weak in perceptual
coherence and the weak in verbal – semantic coherence. Moreover,
the majority of the study cases used the three strategies of weak
central coherence (segmentation, obliqueness and rotation). As for
the sensory characteristics, all study cases have numbers of that
characteristics that especially emerges in the visual system.
Abstract: Recently, the health of retired National Football
League players, particularly lineman has been investigated. A
number of studies have reported increased cardiometabolic risk,
premature cardiovascular disease and incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Rugby union players have somatotypes very similar to National
Football League players which suggests that rugby players may have
similar health risks. The International Golden Oldies World Rugby
Festival (GORF) provided a unique opportunity to investigate the
demographics of veteran rugby players. METHODOLOGIES: A
cross-sectional, observational study was completed using an online
web-based questionnaire that consisted of medical history and
physiological measures. Data analysis was completed using a one
sample t-test (50yrs) and Chi-square test. RESULTS:
A total of 216 veteran rugby competitors (response rate = 6.8%)
representing 10 countries, aged 35-72 yrs (mean 51.2, S.D. ±8.0),
participated in the online survey. As a group, the incidence of current
smokers was low at 8.8% (avg 72.4 cigs/wk) whilst the percentage
consuming alcohol was high (93.1% (avg 11.2 drinks/wk).
Competitors reported the following top six chronic
diseases/disorders; hypertension (18.6%), arthritis (OA/RA, 11.5%),
asthma (9.3%), hyperlipidemia (8.2%), diabetes (all types, 7.5%) and
gout (6%), there were significant differences between groups with
regard to cancer (all types) and migraines. When compared to the
Australian general population (Australian Bureau of Statistics data,
n=18,000), GORF competitors had a significantly lower incidence of
anxiety (p
Abstract: The current study has investigated the ageing
phenomena of silica optical fibres in relation to water activity which might be accelerated when exposed to a supplementary energy, such as microwaves. A controlled stress by winding fibres onto accurate
diameter mandrel was applied. Taking into account that normally a
decrease in fibre strength is induced in time by chemical action of water, the effects of cumulative reagents such as: water, applied stress and supplementary energy (microwave) in some cases acted in
the opposite manner. The microwave effect as a structural relaxation
catalyst appears unexpected, even if the overall gain in fibre strength is not high, but the stress corrosion factor revealed significant
increase in certain simulation conditions.
Abstract: Based on statistics released by Islamic Republic of
Iran Police (IRIP), from among the total 9555 motorcycle accidents
that happened in 2007, 857 riders died and 11219 one got injured. If
we also consider the death toll and injuries of other vehicles'
accidents resulted from traffic violation by motorcycle riders, then
paying attention to the motorcycle accidents seems to be very
necessary. Therefore, in this study we tried to investigate the traits
and issues related to production, application, and training, along with
causes of motorcycle accidents from 4 perspectives of road, human,
environment and vehicle and also based on statistical and
geographical analysis of accident-sheets prepared by Iran Road
Patrol Department (IRPD). Unfamiliarity of riders with regulations
and techniques of motorcycling, disuse of safety equipments,
inefficiency of roads and design of junctions for safe trafficking of
motorcycles and finally the lack of sufficient control of responsible
organizations are among the major causes which lead to these
accidents.
Abstract: Limited infrastructure development on peats and
organic soils is a serious geotechnical issues common to many
countries of the world especially Malaysia which distributed 1.5 mill
ha of those problematic soil. These soils have high water content and
organic content which exhibit different mechanical properties and
may also change chemically and biologically with time. Constructing
structures on peaty ground involves the risk of ground failure and
extreme settlement. Nowdays, much efforts need to be done in
making peatlands usable for construction due to increased landuse.
Deep mixing method employing cement as binders, is generally used
as measure again peaty/ organic ground failure problem. Where the
technique is widely adopted because it can improved ground
considerably in a short period of time. An understanding of
geotechnical properties as shear strength, stiffness and compressibility
behavior of these soils was requires before continues construction on
it. Therefore, 1- 1.5 meter peat soil sample from states of Johor and
an organic soil from Melaka, Malaysia were investigated. Cement
were added to the soil in the pre-mixing stage with water cement ratio
at range 3.5,7,14,140 for peats and 5,10,30 for organic soils,
essentially to modify the original soil textures and properties. The
mixtures which in slurry form will pour to polyvinyl chloride (pvc)
tube and cured at room temperature 250C for 7,14 and 28 days.
Laboratory experiments were conducted including unconfined
compressive strength and bender element , to monitor the improved
strength and stiffness of the 'stabilised mixed soils'. In between,
scanning electron miscroscopic (SEM) were observations to
investigate changes in microstructures of stabilised soils and to
evaluated hardening effect of a peat and organic soils stabilised
cement. This preliminary effort indicated that pre-mixing peat and
organic soils contributes in gaining soil strength while help the
engineers to establish a new method for those problematic ground
improvement in further practical and long term applications.
Abstract: The IFS is a scheme for describing and manipulating complex fractal attractors using simple mathematical models. More precisely, the most popular “fractal –based" algorithms for both representation and compression of computer images have involved some implementation of the method of Iterated Function Systems (IFS) on complete metric spaces. In this paper a new generalized space called Multi-Fuzzy Fractal Space was constructed. On these spases a distance function is defined, and its completeness is proved. The completeness property of this space ensures the existence of a fixed-point theorem for the family of continuous mappings. This theorem is the fundamental result on which the IFS methods are based and the fractals are built. The defined mappings are proved to satisfy some generalizations of the contraction condition.
Abstract: A new analysis of perceptual speech enhancement is
presented. It focuses on the fact that if only noise above the masking
threshold is filtered, then noise below the masking threshold, but
above the absolute threshold of hearing, can become audible after the
masker filtering. This particular drawback of some perceptual filters,
hereafter called the maskee-to-audible-noise (MAN) phenomenon,
favours the emergence of isolated tonals that increase musical noise.
Two filtering techniques that avoid or correct the MAN phenomenon
are proposed to effectively suppress background noise without introducing
much distortion. Experimental results, including objective
and subjective measurements, show that these techniques improve
the enhanced speech quality and the gain they bring emphasizes the
importance of the MAN phenomenon.
Abstract: Evolvable hardware (EHW) is a developing field that
applies evolutionary algorithm (EA) to automatically design circuits,
antennas, robot controllers etc. A lot of research has been done in this
area and several different EAs have been introduced to tackle
numerous problems, as scalability, evolvability etc. However every
time a specific EA is chosen for solving a particular task, all its
components, such as population size, initialization, selection
mechanism, mutation rate, and genetic operators, should be selected
in order to achieve the best results. In the last three decade the
selection of the right parameters for the EA-s components for solving
different “test-problems" has been investigated. In this paper the
behaviour of mutation rate for designing logic circuits, which has not
been done before, has been deeply analyzed. The mutation rate for an
EHW system modifies the number of inputs of each logic gates, the
functionality (for example from AND to NOR) and the connectivity
between logic gates. The behaviour of the mutation has been
analyzed based on the number of generations, genotype redundancy
and number of logic gates for the evolved circuits. The experimental
results found provide the behaviour of the mutation rate during
evolution for the design and optimization of simple logic circuits.
The experimental results propose the best mutation rate to be used for
designing combinational logic circuits. The research presented is
particular important for those who would like to implement a
dynamic mutation rate inside the evolutionary algorithm for evolving
digital circuits. The researches on the mutation rate during the last 40
years are also summarized.
Abstract: Monitoring of microbial flora in aquacultured sea bream, in relation to the physicochemical parameters of the rearing seawater, ended to a model describing the influence of the last to the quality of the fisheries. Fishes were sampled during eight months from four aqua farms in Western Greece and analyzed for psychrotrophic, H2S producing bacteria, Salmonella sp., heterotrophic plate count (PCA), with simultaneous physical evaluation. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, NO3 - and NH4 + ions were recorded. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were correlated, respectively, to PCA, Pseudomonas sp. and Shewanella sp. counts. These parameters were the inputs of the model, which was driving, as outputs, to the prediction of PCA, Vibrio sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Shewanella sp. counts, and fish microbiological quality. The present study provides, for the first time, a ready-to-use predictive model of fisheries hygiene, leading to an effective management system for the optimization of aquaculture fisheries quality.
Abstract: In this paper, a new adaptive Fourier decomposition
(AFD) based time-frequency speech analysis approach is proposed.
Given the fact that the fundamental frequency of speech signals often
undergo fluctuation, the classical short-time Fourier transform (STFT)
based spectrogram analysis suffers from the difficulty of window size
selection. AFD is a newly developed signal decomposition theory. It is
designed to deal with time-varying non-stationary signals. Its
outstanding characteristic is to provide instantaneous frequency for
each decomposed component, so the time-frequency analysis becomes
easier. Experiments are conducted based on the sample sentence in
TIMIT Acoustic-Phonetic Continuous Speech Corpus. The results
show that the AFD based time-frequency distribution outperforms the
STFT based one.
Abstract: The business strategy of any company wanting to be
competitive on the market should be designed around the concept of
intangibles, with an increasingly decisive role in knowledge transfer
of the biggest corporations. Advancing the research in these areas,
this study integrates the two approaches, emphasizing the
relationships between the components of intellectual capital and
corporate social responsibility. The three dimensions of intellectual
capital in terms of sustainability requirements are debated. The paper
introduces the concept of sustainable intellectual capital and debates
it within an assessment model designed on the base of key
performance indicators. The results refer to the assessment of
possible ways for including the information on intellectual capital
and corporate responsibility within the corporate strategy. The
conclusions enhance the need for companies to be ready to support
the integration of this type of information the knowledge transfer
process, in order to develop competitive advantage on the market.
Abstract: This paper proposes a zero-voltage transition (ZVT) PWM synchronous buck converter, which is designed to operate at low output voltage and high efficiency typically required for portable systems. To make the DC-DC converter efficient at lower voltage, synchronous converter is an obvious choice because of lower conduction loss in the diode. The high-side MOSFET is dominated by the switching losses and it is eliminated by the soft switching technique. Additionally, the resonant auxiliary circuit designed is also devoid of the switching losses. The suggested procedure ensures an efficient converter. Theoretical analysis, computer simulation, and experimental results are presented to explain the proposed schemes.