Abstract: One of the main trouble in a steel strip manufacturing
line is the breakage of whatever weld carried out between steel coils,
that are used to produce the continuous strip to be processed. A weld
breakage results in a several hours stop of the manufacturing line. In
this process the damages caused by the breakage must be repaired.
After the reparation and in order to go on with the production it will
be necessary a restarting process of the line. For minimizing this
problem, a human operator must inspect visually and manually each
weld in order to avoid its breakage during the manufacturing process.
The work presented in this paper is based on the Bayesian decision
theory and it presents an approach to detect, on real-time, steel strip
defective welds. This approach is based on quantifying the tradeoffs
between various classification decisions using probability and the
costs that accompany such decisions.
Abstract: ''Cocktail party problem'' is well known as one of the human auditory abilities. We can recognize the specific sound that we want to listen by this ability even if a lot of undesirable sounds or noises are mixed. Blind source separation (BSS) based on independent component analysis (ICA) is one of the methods by which we can separate only a special signal from their mixed signals with simple hypothesis. In this paper, we propose an online approach for blind source separation using the sliding DFT and the time domain independent component analysis. The proposed method can reduce calculation complexity in comparison with conventional methods, and can be applied to parallel processing by using digital signal processors (DSPs) and so on. We evaluate this method and show its availability.
Abstract: The stereophotogrammetry modality is gaining more widespread use in the clinical setting. Registration and visualization of this data, in conjunction with conventional 3D volumetric image modalities, provides virtual human data with textured soft tissue and internal anatomical and structural information. In this investigation computed tomography (CT) and stereophotogrammetry data is acquired from 4 anatomical phantoms and registered using the trimmed iterative closest point (TrICP) algorithm. This paper fully addresses the issue of imaging artifacts around the stereophotogrammetry surface edge using the registered CT data as a reference. Several iterative algorithms are implemented to automatically identify and remove stereophotogrammetry surface edge outliers, improving the overall visualization of the combined stereophotogrammetry and CT data. This paper shows that outliers at the surface edge of stereophotogrammetry data can be successfully removed automatically.
Abstract: Due to a high unemployment rate among local people
and a high reliance on expatriate workers, the governments in the
Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries have been implementing
programmes of localisation (replacing foreign workers with GCC
nationals). These programmes have been successful in the public
sector but much less so in the private sector. However, there are now
insufficient jobs for locals in the public sector and the onus to provide
employment has fallen on the private sector. This paper is concerned
with a study, which is a work in progress (certain elements are
complete but not the whole study), investigating the effective
implementation of localisation policies in four- and five-star hotels in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE). The purpose of the paper is to identify the research gap, and
to present the need for the research. Further, it will explain how this
research was conducted.
Studies of localisation in the GCC countries are under-represented
in scholarly literature. Currently, the hotel sectors in KSA and UAE
play an important part in the countries’ economies. However, the
total proportion of Saudis working in the hotel sector in KSA is
slightly under 8%, and in the UAE, the hotel sector remains highly
reliant on expatriates. There is therefore a need for research on
strategies to enhance the implementation of the localisation policies
in general and in the hotel sector in particular.
Further, despite the importance of the hotel sector to their
economies, there remains a dearth of research into the
implementation of localisation policies in this sector. Indeed, as far as
the researchers are aware, there is no study examining localisation in
the hotel sector in KSA, and few in the UAE. This represents a
considerable research gap.
Regarding how the research was carried out, a multiple case study
strategy was used. The four- and five-star hotel sector in KSA is one
of the cases, while the four- and five-star hotel sector in the UAE is
the other case. Four- and five-star hotels in KSA and the UAE were
chosen as these countries have the longest established localisation
policies of all the GCC states and there are more hotels of these
classifications in these countries than in any of the other Gulf
countries. A literature review was carried out to underpin the
research. The empirical data were gathered in three phases. In order
to gain a pre-understanding of the issues pertaining to the research
context, Phase I involved eight unstructured interviews with officials
from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (three
interviewees); the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (one);
the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (three); and the Abu
Dhabi Development Fund (one).
In Phase II, a questionnaire was administered to 24 managers and
24 employees in four- and five-star hotels in each country to obtain
their beliefs, attitudes, opinions, preferences and practices concerning
localisation.
Unstructured interviews were carried out in Phase III with six
managers in each country in order to allow them to express opinions
that may not have been explored in sufficient depth in the
questionnaire. The interviews in Phases I and III were analysed using
thematic analysis and SPSS will be used to analyse the questionnaire
data.
It is recommended that future research be undertaken on a larger
scale, with a larger sample taken from all over KSA and the UAE
rather than from only four cities (i.e., Riyadh and Jeddah in KSA and
Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the UAE), as was the case in this research.
Abstract: It has often been said that the strength of any country
resides in the strength of its industrial sector, and Progress in
industrial society has been accomplished by the creation of new
technologies. Developments have been facilitated by the increasing
availability of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), in
addition the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology
(AMT) requires careful planning at all levels of the organization to
ensure that the implementation will achieve the intended goals.
Justification and implementation of advanced manufacturing
technology (AMT) involves decisions that are crucial for the
practitioners regarding the survival of business in the present days of
uncertain manufacturing world. This paper assists the industrial
managers to consider all the important criteria for success AMT
implementation, when purchasing new technology. Concurrently,
this paper classifies the tangible benefits of a technology that are
evaluated by addressing both cost and time dimensions, and the
intangible benefits are evaluated by addressing technological,
strategic, social and human issues to identify and create awareness of
the essential elements in the AMT implementation process and
identify the necessary actions before implementing AMT.
Abstract: This paper reports a new pattern recognition approach for face recognition. The biological model of light receptors - cones and rods in human eyes and the way they are associated with pattern vision in human vision forms the basis of this approach. The functional model is simulated using CWD and WPD. The paper also discusses the experiments performed for face recognition using the features extracted from images in the AT & T face database. Artificial Neural Network and k- Nearest Neighbour classifier algorithms are employed for the recognition purpose. A feature vector is formed for each of the face images in the database and recognition accuracies are computed and compared using the classifiers. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional way of feature extraction methods prevailing for pattern recognition in terms of recognition accuracy for face images with pose and illumination variations.
Abstract: We introduce, a new interactive 3D simulation system of ocular motion and expressions suitable for: (1) character animation applications to game design, film production, HCI (Human Computer Interface), conversational animated agents, and virtual reality; (2) medical applications (ophthalmic neurological and muscular pathologies: research and education); and (3) real time simulation of unconscious cognitive and emotional responses (for use, e.g., in psychological research). The system is comprised of: (1) a physiologically accurate parameterized 3D model of the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrow regions; and (2) a prototype device for realtime control of eye motions and expressions, including unconsciously produced expressions, for application as in (1), (2), and (3) above. The 3D eye simulation system, created using state-of-the-art computer animation technology and 'optimized' for use with an interactive and web deliverable platform, is, to our knowledge, the most advanced/realistic available so far for applications to character animation and medical pedagogy.
Abstract: Today, building automation is advancing from simple
monitoring and control tasks of lightning and heating towards more
and more complex applications that require a dynamic perception
and interpretation of different scenes occurring in a building. Current
approaches cannot handle these newly upcoming demands. In this
article, a bionically inspired approach for multimodal, dynamic scene
perception and interpretation is presented, which is based on neuroscientific
and neuro-psychological research findings about the perceptual
system of the human brain. This approach bases on data from diverse
sensory modalities being processed in a so-called neuro-symbolic
network. With its parallel structure and with its basic elements being
information processing and storing units at the same time, a very
efficient method for scene perception is provided overcoming the
problems and bottlenecks of classical dynamic scene interpretation
systems.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for
delineating the endocardial wall from a human heart ultrasound scan.
We assume that the gray levels in the ultrasound images are
independent and identically distributed random variables with
different Rician Inverse Gaussian (RiIG) distributions. Both synthetic
and real clinical data will be used for testing the algorithm. Algorithm
performance will be evaluated using the expert radiologist evaluation
of a soft copy of an ultrasound scan during the scanning process and
secondly, doctor’s conclusion after going through a printed copy of
the same scan. Successful implementation of this algorithm should
make it possible to differentiate normal from abnormal soft tissue and
help disease identification, what stage the disease is in and how best
to treat the patient. We hope that an automated system that uses this
algorithm will be useful in public hospitals especially in Third World
countries where problems such as shortage of skilled radiologists and
shortage of ultrasound machines are common. These public hospitals
are usually the first and last stop for most patients in these countries.
Abstract: The objective of this manuscript is to find area under the plasma concentration- time curve (AUC) for multiple doses of salbutamol sulphate sustained release tablets (Ventolin® oral tablets SR 8 mg, GSK, Pakistan) in the group of 18 healthy adults by using computational mathematics techniques. Following the administration of 4 doses of Ventolin® tablets 12 hourly to 24 healthy human subjects and bioanalysis of obtained plasma samples, plasma drug concentration-time profile was constructed. AUC, an important pharmacokinetic parameter, was measured using integrated equation of multiple oral dose regimens. The approximated AUC was also calculated by using computational mathematics techniques such as repeated rectangular, repeated trapezium and repeated Simpson's rule and compared with exact value of AUC calculated by using integrated equation of multiple oral dose regimens to find best computational mathematics method that gives AUC values closest to exact. The exact values of AUC for four consecutive doses of Ventolin® oral tablets were 150.5819473, 157.8131756, 164.4178231 and 162.78 ng.h/ml while the closest values approximated AUC values were 149.245962, 157.336171, 164.2585768 and 162.289224 ng.h/ml, respectively as found by repeated rectangular rule. The errors in the approximated values of AUC were negligible. It is concluded that all computational tools approximated values of AUC accurately but the repeated rectangular rule gives slightly better approximated values of AUC as compared to repeated trapezium and repeated Simpson's rules.
Abstract: An adaptive Fuzzy Inference Perceptual model has
been proposed for watermarking of digital images. The model
depends on the human visual characteristics of image sub-regions in
the frequency multi-resolution wavelet domain. In the proposed
model, a multi-variable fuzzy based architecture has been designed to
produce a perceptual membership degree for both candidate
embedding sub-regions and strength watermark embedding factor.
Different sizes of benchmark images with different sizes of
watermarks have been applied on the model. Several experimental
attacks have been applied such as JPEG compression, noises and
rotation, to ensure the robustness of the scheme. In addition, the
model has been compared with different watermarking schemes. The
proposed model showed its robustness to attacks and at the same time
achieved a high level of imperceptibility.
Abstract: Meat and meat products for human consumption are one of main sources of protein, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Popular variety of meat product is meatballs, which can be enriched with valuable product – Jerusalem artichoke powder, made from dried and grinded Jerusalem artichoke tubers, it is raw material with low-calorie, low fat, rich in dietary fibres, minerals, and vitamins. The results of this study indicate that that people could accept the new product - meatballs with Jerusalem artichoke powder and Jerusalem artichoke powder is suitable for meatballs preparation, in result them is possible to improve meatballs sensory and physical properties.
Abstract: Visual inputs are one of the key sources from which
humans perceive the environment and 'understand' what is
happening. Artificial systems perceive the visual inputs as digital
images. The images need to be processed and analysed. Within the
human brain, processing of visual inputs and subsequent
development of perception is one of its major functionalities. In this
paper we present part of our research project, which aims at the
development of an artificial model for visual perception (or
'understanding') based on the human perceptive and cognitive
systems. We propose a new model for perception from visual inputs
and a way of understaning or interpreting images using the model.
We demonstrate the implementation and use of the model with a real
image data set.
Abstract: Mobile robots are used in a large field of scenarios,
like exploring contaminated areas, repairing oil rigs under water,
finding survivors in collapsed buildings, etc. Currently, there is no
unified intuitive user interface (UI) to control such complex mobile
robots. As a consequence, some scenarios are done without the
exploitation of experience and intuition of human teleoperators.
A novel framework has been developed to embed a flexible and
modular UI into a complete 3-D virtual reality simulation system.
This new approach wants to access maximum benefits of human
operators. Sensor information received from the robot is prepared for
an intuitive visualization. Virtual reality metaphors support the
operator in his decisions. These metaphors are integrated into a real
time stereo video stream. This approach is not restricted to any
specific type of mobile robot and allows for the operation of different
robot types with a consistent concept and user interface.
Abstract: Air conditioning is mainly to be used as human
comfort medium. It has been use more often in country in which the
daily temperatures are high. In scientific, air conditioning is defined
as a process of controlling the moisture, cooling, heating and cleaning
air. Without proper estimation of cooling load, big amount of waste
energy been used because of unsuitable of air conditioning system are
not considering to overcoming heat gains from surrounding. This is
due to the size of the room is too big and the air conditioning has to
use more energy to cool the room and the air conditioning is too
small for the room. The studies are basically to develop a program to
calculate cooling load. Through this study it is easy to calculate
cooling load estimation. Furthermore it-s help to compare the cooling
load estimation by hourly and yearly. Base on the last study that been
done, the developed software are not user-friendly. For individual
without proper knowledge of calculating cooling load estimation
might be problem. Easy excess and user-friendly should be the main
objective to design something. This program will allow cooling load
able be estimate by any users rather than estimation by using rule of
thumb. Several of limitation of case study is judged to sure it-s
meeting to Malaysia building specification. Finally validation is done
by comparison manual calculation and by developed program.
Abstract: Studies revealing the positive relationship between
trade and income are often criticized with the argument that
“development should mean more than rising incomes". Taking this
argument as a base and utilizing panel data, Davies and Quinlivan [1]
have demonstrated that increases in trade are positively associated
with future increases in social welfare as measured by the Human
Development Index (HDI). The purpose of this study is twofold:
Firstly, utilizing an income based country classification; it is aimed
to investigate whether the positive association between foreign trade
and HDI is valid within all country groups. Secondly, keeping the
same categorization as a base; it is aimed to reveal whether the
positive link between trade and HDI still exists when the income
components of the index are excluded. Employing a panel data
framework of 106 countries, this study reveals that the positive link
between trade and human development is valid only for high and
medium income countries. Moreover, the positive link between trade
and human development diminishes in lower-medium income
countries when only non-income components of the index are taken
into consideration.
Abstract: In this era of technology, fueled by the pervasive usage of the internet, security is a prime concern. The number of new attacks by the so-called “bots", which are automated programs, is increasing at an alarming rate. They are most likely to attack online registration systems. Technology, called “CAPTCHA" (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) do exist, which can differentiate between automated programs and humans and prevent replay attacks. Traditionally CAPTCHA-s have been implemented with the challenge involved in recognizing textual images and reproducing the same. We propose an approach where the visual challenge has to be read out from which randomly selected keywords are used to verify the correctness of spoken text and in turn detect the presence of human. This is supplemented with a speaker recognition system which can identify the speaker also. Thus, this framework fulfills both the objectives – it can determine whether the user is a human or not and if it is a human, it can verify its identity.
Abstract: In this paper challenges associated with a new
generation of Computer Science students are examined. The mode of
education in tertiary institutes has progressed slowly while the needs
of students have changed rapidly in an increasingly technological
world. The major learning paradigms and learning theories within
these paradigms are studied to find a suitable strategy for educating
modern students. These paradigms include Behaviourism,
Constructivism, Humanism and Cogntivism. Social Learning theory
and Elaboration theory are two theories that are further examined and
a survey is done to determine how these strategies will be received by
students. The results and findings are evaluated and indicate that
students are fairly receptive to a method that incorporates both Social
Learning theory and Elaboration theory, but that some aspects of all
paradigms need to be implemented to create a balanced and effective
strategy with technology as foundation.
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of germination on chemical compositions, physio-chemical properties of malted (germinated) red sorghum flours and evaluated characteristics of gluten free breads from sorghum flour. Results showed that germinated sorghum flour had higher amylase activity, swelling power and solubility at 95°C, but lower in the peak, break down, final and set back viscosities than ungerminated sample (p≤0.05). Five gluten free breads made from sorghum flour blends, with different ratios of ungerminated and germinated sorghum flour, were compared for the physical properties with those made from wheat flour. Crumb hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness of sorghum breads were found significantly higher than those of wheat bread. With increasing of ungerminated flour proportion, the bread hardness increased while the cohesiveness declined. Sorghum breads appeared red to human eyes with a*values of 10.41-15.77.Their crust and crumb colors differed significantly from those of wheat bread.
Abstract: Visual attention allows user to select the most relevant
information to ongoing behaviour. This paper presents a study on; i)
the performance of people measurements, ii) accurateness of people
measurement of the peaks that correspond to chemical quantities
from the Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) graphs and iii)
affects of people measurements to the algorithm-based diagnosis.
Participant-s eye-movement was recorded using eye-tracker tool
(Eyelink II). This experiment involves three participants for
examining 20 MRS graphs to estimate the peaks of chemical
quantities which indicate the abnormalities associated with
Cerebellar Tumours (CT). The status of each MRS is verified by
using decision algorithm. Analysis involves determination of
humans-s eye movement pattern in measuring the peak of
spectrograms, scan path and determining the relationship of
distributions of fixation durations with the accuracy of measurement.
In particular, the eye-tracking data revealed which aspects of the
spectrogram received more visual attention and in what order they
were viewed. This preliminary investigation provides a proof of
concept for use of the eye tracking technology as the basis for
expanded CT diagnosis.