Abstract: Custom power is a technology driven product and
service solution which embraces a family devices such as Dynamic
Voltage Restorer (DVR), Distributed Shunt Compensator
(DSTATCOM), Solid State Breaker (SSB) etc which will provide
power quality functions at distribution voltages. The rapid response
of these devices enables them to operate in real time, providing
continuous and dynamic control of the supply including voltage and
reactive power regulation, harmonic reduction and elimination of
voltage dips. This paper presents the benefits of multilevel inverters
when they are used for DPC based custom power devices. Power
flow control mechanism, salient features, advantages and
disadvantages of direct power control (DPC) using lookup table,
SVM, predictive voltage vector and hybrid DPC strategies are
discussed in this paper. Simulation results of three level inverter
based STATCOM, harmonic analysis of multi level inverters are
presented at the end.
Abstract: Mature landfill leachates contain some macromolecular organic substances that are resistant to biological degradation. Recently, Fenton-s oxidation has been investigated for chemical treatment or pre-treatment of mature landfill leachates. The aim of this study was to reduce the recalcitrant organic load still remaining after the complete treatment of a mature landfill leachate by Fenton-s oxidation post-treatment. The effect of various parameters such as H2O2 to Fe2+ molar ratio, dosage of Fe2+ reagent, initial pH, reaction time and initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) strength, that have an important role on the oxidation, was analysed. A molar ratio H2O2/Fe2+ = 3, a Fe2+ dosage of 4 mmol·L-1, pH 3, and a reaction time of 40 min were found to achieve better oxidation performances. At these favorable conditions, COD removal efficiency was 60.9% and 31.1% for initial COD of 93 and 743 mg·L-1 respectively (diluted and non diluted leachate). Fenton-s oxidation also presented good results for color removal. In spite of being extremely difficult to treat this leachate, the above results seem rather encouraging on the application of Fenton-s oxidation.
Abstract: The cardiovascular system has become the most
important subject of clinical research, particularly measurement of
arterial blood flow. Therefore correct determination of arterial
diameter is crucial. We propose a novel, semi-automatic method for
artery lumen detection. The method is based on Gaussian probability
function. Usability of our proposed method was assessed by
analyzing ultrasound B-mode CFA video sequences acquired from
eleven healthy volunteers. The correlation coefficient between the
manual and semi-automatic measurement of arterial diameter was
0.996. Our proposed method for detecting artery boundary is novel
and accurate enough for the measurement of artery diameter.
Abstract: A lot of research made during these last 15 years
showed that the quantification of the springback has a significant role
in the industry of sheet metal forming. These studies were made with
the objective of finding techniques and methods to minimize or
completely avoid this permanent physical variation. Moreover, the
use of steel and aluminum alloys in the car industry and aviation
poses every day the problem of the springback. The determination in
advance of the quantity of the springback allows consequently the
design and manufacture of the tool. The aim of this paper is to study
experimentally the influence of the blank holder force BHF and the
radius of curvature of the die on the springback and their influence on
the strain in various zone of specimen.
The original of our purpose consist on tests which are ensured by
adapting a U-type stretching-bending device on a tensile testing
machine, where we studied and quantified the variation of the
springback according to displacement.
Abstract: Evolutionary robotics is concerned with the design of
intelligent systems with life-like properties by means of simulated
evolution. Approaches in evolutionary robotics can be categorized
according to the control structures that represent the behavior and the
parameters of the controller that undergo adaptation. The basic idea
is to automatically synthesize behaviors that enable the robot to
perform useful tasks in complex environments. The evolutionary
algorithm searches through the space of parameterized controllers
that map sensory perceptions to control actions, thus realizing a
specific robotic behavior. Further, the evolutionary algorithm
maintains and improves a population of candidate behaviors by
means of selection, recombination and mutation. A fitness function
evaluates the performance of the resulting behavior according to the
robot-s task or mission. In this paper, the focus is in the use of
genetic algorithms to solve a multi-objective optimization problem
representing robot behaviors; in particular, the A-Compander Law is
employed in selecting the weight of each objective during the
optimization process. Results using an adaptive fitness function show
that this approach can efficiently react to complex tasks under
variable environments.
Abstract: This paper develops a critical perspective on using
culture and creativity as tools for urban regeneration. Following a
brief assessment of the evolution of cultural policy in recent decades
and different urban regeneration scheme, the concepts of creativity
and creative cities are discussed. This is followed by an attempt to
clarify the relationship between the concepts of creativity and culture.
A more detailed critique of cultural and creative initiatives in Serbian
cities is then undertaken. These attempts show that the potential for
development of urban regeneration driven by culture and creativity
exist. But, these initiatives failed to produce adequate results because
they did not take root as a comprehensive urban regeneration
strategy, therefore, recommendations for further development are
offered.
Abstract: The link between urban planning and design principles and the built environment of an urban renewal area is of interest to the field of urban studies. During the past decade, there has also been increasing interest in urban planning and design; this interest is motivated by the possibility that design policies associated with the built environment can be used to control, manage, and shape individual activity and behavior. However, direct assessments and design techniques of the links between how urban planning design policies influence individuals are still rare in the field. Recent research efforts in urban design have focused on the idea that land use and design policies can be used to increase the quality of design projects for an urban renewal area-s built environment. The development of appropriate design techniques for the built environment is an essential element of this research. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a powerful tool for improving alternative urban design and quality for urban renewal areas, and for procuring a citizen-driven quality system. In this research, we propose an integrated framework based on QFD and an Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach to determine the Alternative Technical Requirements (ATRs) to be considered in designing an urban renewal planning and design alternative. We also identify the research designs and methodologies that can be used to evaluate the performance of urban built environment projects. An application in an urban renewal built environment planning and design project evaluation is presented to illustrate the proposed framework.
Abstract: Mixed Model Production is the practice of assembling
several distinct and different models of a product on the same
assembly line without changeovers and then sequencing those models
in a way that smoothes the demand for upstream components. In this
paper, we consider an objective function which minimizes total
stoppage time and total idle time and it is presented sequence
dependent set up time. Many studies have been done on the mixed
model assembly lines. But in this paper we specifically focused on
reducing the idle times. This is possible through various help policies.
For improving the solutions, some cases developed and about 40 tests
problem was considered. We use scatter search for optimization and
for showing the efficiency of our algorithm, experimental results
shows behavior of method. Scatter search and help policies can
produce high quality answers, so it has been used in this paper.
Abstract: Realistic 3D face model is desired in various
applications such as face recognition, games, avatars, animations, and
etc. Construction of 3D face model is composed of 1) building a face
shape model and 2) rendering the face shape model. Thus, building a
realistic 3D face shape model is an essential step for realistic 3D face
model. Recently, 3D morphable model is successfully introduced to
deal with the various human face shapes. 3D dense correspondence
problem should be precedently resolved for constructing a realistic 3D
dense morphable face shape model. Several approaches to 3D dense
correspondence problem in 3D face modeling have been proposed
previously, and among them optical flow based algorithms and TPS
(Thin Plate Spline) based algorithms are representative. Optical flow
based algorithms require texture information of faces, which is
sensitive to variation of illumination. In TPS based algorithms
proposed so far, TPS process is performed on the 2D projection
representation in cylindrical coordinates of the 3D face data, not
directly on the 3D face data and thus errors due to distortion in data
during 2D TPS process may be inevitable.
In this paper, we propose a new 3D dense correspondence algorithm
for 3D dense morphable face shape modeling. The proposed algorithm
does not need texture information and applies TPS directly on 3D face
data. Through construction procedures, it is observed that the proposed
algorithm constructs realistic 3D face morphable model reliably and
fast.
Abstract: The temperature distribution and the heat transfer
rates through a multi-layer door of a furnace were investigated. The
inside of the door was in contact with hot air and the other side of the
door was in contact with room air. Radiation heat transfer from the
walls of the furnace to the door and the door to the surrounding area
was included in the problem. This work is a two dimensional steady
state problem. The Churchill and Chu correlation was used to find
local convection heat transfer coefficients at the surfaces of the
furnace door. The thermophysical properties of air were the functions
of the temperatures. Polynomial curve fitting for the fluid properties
were carried out. Finite difference method was used to discretize for
conduction heat transfer within the furnace door. The Gauss-Seidel
Iteration was employed to compute the temperature distribution in
the door.
The temperature distribution in the horizontal mid plane of the
furnace door in a two dimensional problem agrees with the one
dimensional problem. The local convection heat transfer coefficients
at the inside and outside surfaces of the furnace door are exhibited.
Abstract: Developing a university course schedule is
difficult. This is due to the limitations in the resources
available. The process is made even harder with different
faculties or departments having different ways of stating their
schedule requirements. The person in charge of taking the
schedule requirements and turning them into a proper course
schedule is not only burden with the task of allocating the
appropriate classes and time to lecturers and students, they
also need to understand the schedule requirements. Therefore
a scheduling support system named SATA is developed to
assist ICRESS in the course scheduling process. SATA has
been put to use for several semesters and the results have been
encouraging. It won a bronze medal in the 2008 Invention,
Innovation and Design competition (IID-08) and has been
submitted to be patented in October 2008
Abstract: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) affect millions of people spread all age regardless of race and sex. Emotional stress and obesity have been associated with increased reporting of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the relationship between FGID and risk factors (emotional stress or obesity) is unclear. Our aim was to assess the changes of the mechanical characteristics on the gastrointestinal tracts of the mentally fatigued obese and normal rat models. Finally, using the physical characteristics with micro-indentation test, we made a close investigation into the relation between FGID and risk factors quantitatively.
Abstract: This paper discusses the effectiveness of the EEG signal
for human identification using four or less of channels of two different
types of EEG recordings. Studies have shown that the EEG signal
has biometric potential because signal varies from person to person
and impossible to replicate and steal. Data were collected from 10
male subjects while resting with eyes open and eyes closed in 5
separate sessions conducted over a course of two weeks. Features
were extracted using the wavelet packet decomposition and analyzed
to obtain the feature vectors. Subsequently, the neural networks
algorithm was used to classify the feature vectors. Results show that,
whether or not the subjects- eyes were open are insignificant for a 4–
channel biometrics system with a classification rate of 81%. However,
for a 2–channel system, the P4 channel should not be included if data
is acquired with the subjects- eyes open. It was observed that for 2–
channel system using only the C3 and C4 channels, a classification
rate of 71% was achieved.
Abstract: This paper describes dynamic analysis using proposed
fast finite element method for a shock absorbing structure including a
sponge. The structure is supported by nonlinear concentrated springs.
The restoring force of the spring has cubic nonlinearity and linear
hysteresis damping. To calculate damping properties for the structures
including elastic body and porous body, displacement vectors as
common unknown variable are solved under coupled condition. Under
small amplitude, we apply asymptotic method to complex eigenvalue
problem of this system to obtain modal parameters. And then
expressions of modal loss factor are derived approximately. This
approach was proposed by one of the authors previously. We call this
method as Modal Strain and Kinetic Energy Method (MSKE method).
Further, using the modal loss factors, the discretized equations in
physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary
coupled equations using normal coordinate corresponding to linear
natural modes. This transformation yields computation efficiency. As
a numerical example of a shock absorbing structures, we adopt double
skins with a sponge. The double skins are supported by nonlinear
concentrated springs. We clarify influences of amplitude of the input
force on nonlinear and chaotic responses.
Abstract: Sign language is used by the deaf and hard of hearing people for communication. Automatic sign language recognition is a challenging research area since sign language often is the only way of communication for the deaf people. Sign language includes different components of visual actions made by the signer using the hands, the face, and the torso, to convey his/her meaning. To use different aspects of signs, we combine the different groups of features which have been extracted from the image frames recorded directly by a stationary camera. We combine the features in two levels by employing three techniques. At the feature level, an early feature combination can be performed by concatenating and weighting different feature groups, or by concatenating feature groups over time and using LDA to choose the most discriminant elements. At the model level, a late fusion of differently trained models can be carried out by a log-linear model combination. In this paper, we investigate these three combination techniques in an automatic sign language recognition system and show that the recognition rate can be significantly improved.
Abstract: The objective of this work is to produce heterotrophic
microalgal lipid in flask-batch fermentation. Chlorella sp. KKU-S2
supported maximum values of 0.374 g/L/d, 0.478 g lipid/g cells, and
0.112 g/L/d for volumetric lipid production rate, and specific yield of
lipid, and specific rate of lipid production, respectively when culture
was performed on BG-11 medium supplemented with 50g/L glucose.
Among the carbon sources tested, maximum cell yield coefficient
(YX/S, g/L), maximum specific yield of lipid (YP/X, g lipid/g cells) and
volumetric lipid production rate (QP, g/L/d) were found of 0.728,
0.237, and 0.619, respectively, using sugarcane molasses as carbon
source. The main components of fatty acid from extracted lipid were
palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid which similar
to vegetable oils and suitable for biodiesel production.
Abstract: The usual method of river flow diversion involves construction of tunnels and cofferdams. Given the fact that the cost of diversion works could be as high as 10-20% of the total dam construction cost, due attention should be paid to optimum design of the diversion works. The cost of diversion works depends, on factors, such as: the tunnel dimensions and the intended tunneling support measures during and after excavation; quality and characterizes of the rock through which the tunnel should be excavated; the dimensions of the upstream (and downstream) cofferdams; and the magnitude of river flood the system is designed to divert. In this paper by use of the cost of unit prices for tunnel excavation, tunnel lining, tunnel support (rock bolt + shotcrete) and cofferdam fill the cost function was determined. The function is then minimized by the aid of PSO Algorithm (particle swarm optimization). It is found that the optimum diameter and the total diversion cost are directly related to the river flood discharge (Q). It has also shown that in addition to optimum diameter design discharge (Q), river length, tunnel length, is mainly a function of the ratios (not the absolute values) of the unit prices and does not depend on the overall price levels in the respective country. The results of optimization use in some of the case study lead us to significant changes in the cost.
Abstract: Social, mobility and information aggregation inside
business environment need to converge to reach the next step of
collaboration to enhance interaction and innovation. The following
article is based on the “Assemblage" concept seen as a framework to
formalize new user interfaces and applications. The area of research
is the Energy Social Business Environment, especially the Energy
Smart Grids, which are considered as functional and technical
foundations of the revolution of the Energy Sector of tomorrow. The
assemblages are modelized by means of mereology and simplicial
complexes. Its objective is to offer new central attention and
decision-making tools to end-users.
Abstract: The operating control parameters of injection
flushing type of electrical discharge machining process on stainless
steel 304 workpiece using copper tools are being optimized
according to its individual machining characteristic i.e. Electrode
Wear Ratio (EWR). Higher EWR would give bad dimensional
precision for the EDM machined workpiece because of high
electrode wear. Hence, the quality characteristic for EWR is set to
lower-the-better to achieve the optimum dimensional precision for
the machined workpiece. Taguchi method has been used for the
construction, layout and analysis of the experiment for EWR
machining characteristic. The use of Taguchi method in the
experiment saves a lot of time and cost of preparing and machining
the experiment samples. Therefore, an L18 Orthogonal array
which was the fundamental component in the statistical design of
experiments has been used to plan the experiments and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the optimum machining
parameters for this machining characteristic. The control
parameters selected for this optimization experiments are polarity,
pulse on duration, discharge current, discharge voltage, machining
depth, machining diameter and dielectric liquid pressure. The
result had shown that negative polarity machining parameter
setting will decreases EWR.
Abstract: Climate change is a cumulative change in weather
patterns over a period of time. Trend analysis using non-parametric
Mann-Kendall test may help to determine the existence and
magnitude of any statistically significant trend in the climatic data.
Another index called Sen slope may be used to quantify the
magnitude of such trends. A toolbar extension to ESRI ArcGIS
named Arc Trends has been developed in this study for performing
the above mentioned tasks. To study the temporal trend of
meteorological parameters, 32 years (1971-2002) monthly
meteorological data were collected for 133 selected stations over
different agro-ecological regions of India. Both the maximum and
minimum temperatures were found to be rising. A significant
increasing trend in the relative humidity and a consistent significant
decreasing trend in the wind speed all over the country were found.
However, a general increase in rainfall was not found in recent years.