Abstract: This paper presents an algorithm which extends the rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) framework to deal with change of the task environments. This algorithm called the Retrieval RRT Strategy (RRS) combines a support vector machine (SVM) and RRT and plans the robot motion in the presence of the change of the surrounding environment. This algorithm consists of two levels. At the first level, the SVM is built and selects a proper path from the bank of RRTs for a given environment. At the second level, a real path is planned by the RRT planners for the given environment. The suggested method is applied to the control of KUKA™,, a commercial 6 DOF robot manipulator, and its feasibility and efficiency are demonstrated via the cosimulatation of MatLab™, and RecurDyn™,.
Abstract: Tanzania is a developing country, which significantly lags behind the rest of the world in information communications technology (ICT), especially for the Internet. Internet connectivity to the rest of the world is via expensive satellite links, thus leaving the majority of the population unable to access the Internet due to the high cost. This paper introduces the concept of an optical WDM network for Internet infrastructure in Tanzania, so as to reduce Internet connection costs, and provide Internet access to the majority of people who live in both urban and rural areas. We also present a proposed optical WDM network, which mitigates the effects of system impairments, and provide simulation results to show that the data is successfully transmitted over a longer distance using a WDM network.
Abstract: This paper describes the design and results of FROID,
an outbound intrusion detection system built with agent technology
and supported by an attacker-centric ontology. The prototype
features a misuse-based detection mechanism that identifies remote
attack tools in execution. Misuse signatures composed of attributes
selected through entropy analysis of outgoing traffic streams and
process runtime data are derived from execution variants of attack
programs. The core of the architecture is a mesh of self-contained
detection cells organized non-hierarchically that group agents in a
functional fashion. The experiments show performance gains when
the ontology is enabled as well as an increase in accuracy achieved
when correlation cells combine detection evidence received from
independent detection cells.
Abstract: Liver segmentation is the first significant process for
liver diagnosis of the Computed Tomography. It segments the liver
structure from other abdominal organs. Sophisticated filtering techniques
are indispensable for a proper segmentation. In this paper, we
employ a 3D anisotropic diffusion as a preprocessing step. While
removing image noise, this technique preserve the significant parts
of the image, typically edges, lines or other details that are important
for the interpretation of the image. The segmentation task is done
by using thresholding with automatic threshold values selection and
finally the false liver region is eliminated using 3D connected component.
The result shows that by employing the 3D anisotropic filtering,
better liver segmentation results could be achieved eventhough simple
segmentation technique is used.
Abstract: Automotive engine air-ratio plays an important role of
emissions and fuel consumption reduction while maintains
satisfactory engine power among all of the engine control variables. In
order to effectively control the air-ratio, this paper presents a model
predictive fuzzy control algorithm based on online least-squares
support vector machines prediction model and fuzzy logic optimizer.
The proposed control algorithm was also implemented on a real car for
testing and the results are highly satisfactory. Experimental results
show that the proposed control algorithm can regulate the engine
air-ratio to the stoichiometric value, 1.0, under external disturbance
with less than 5% tolerance.
Abstract: How to efficiently assign system resource to route the
Client demand by Gateway servers is a tricky predicament. In this
paper, we tender an enhanced proposal for autonomous recital of
Gateway servers under highly vibrant traffic loads. We devise a
methodology to calculate Queue Length and Waiting Time utilizing
Gateway Server information to reduce response time variance in
presence of bursty traffic.
The most widespread contemplation is performance, because
Gateway Servers must offer cost-effective and high-availability
services in the elongated period, thus they have to be scaled to meet
the expected load. Performance measurements can be the base for
performance modeling and prediction. With the help of performance
models, the performance metrics (like buffer estimation, waiting
time) can be determined at the development process.
This paper describes the possible queue models those can be
applied in the estimation of queue length to estimate the final value
of the memory size. Both simulation and experimental studies using
synthesized workloads and analysis of real-world Gateway Servers
demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Abstract: Most file systems overwrite modified file data and
metadata in their original locations, while the Log-structured File
System (LFS) dynamically relocates them to other locations. We
design and implement the Evergreen file system that can select
between overwriting or relocation for each block of a file or metadata.
Therefore, the Evergreen file system can achieve superior write
performance by sequentializing write requests (similar to LFS-style
relocation) when space utilization is low and overwriting when
utilization is high. Another challenging issue is identifying
performance benefits of LFS-style relocation over overwriting on a
newly introduced SSD (Solid State Drive) which has only
Flash-memory chips and control circuits without mechanical parts.
Our experimental results measured on a SSD show that relocation
outperforms overwriting when space utilization is below 80% and vice
versa.
Abstract: The objective of this research is parameters optimized
of the stair shape workpiece which is cut by CNC Wire-Cut EDM
(WEDW). The experiment material is SKD-11 steel of stair-shaped
with variable height workpiece 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. with the same
10 mm. thickness are cut by Sodick's CNC Wire-Cut EDM model
AD325L.
The experiments are designed by 3k full factorial experimental
design at 3 level 2 factors and 9 experiments with 2 replicate. The
selected two factor are servo voltage (SV) and servo feed rate (SF)
and the response is cutting thickness error. The experiment is divided
in two experiments. The first experiment determines the significant
effective factor at confidential interval 95%. The SV factor is the
significant effective factor from first result. In order to result smallest
cutting thickness error of workpieces is 17 micron with the SV value
is 46 volt. Also show that the lower SV value, the smaller different
thickness error of workpiece. Then the second experiment is done to
reduce different cutting thickness error of workpiece as small as
possible by lower SV. The second experiment result show the
significant effective factor at confidential interval 95% is the SV
factor and the smallest cutting thickness error of workpieces reduce
to 11 micron with the experiment SV value is 36 volt.
Abstract: Public parks are placed high on the research agenda, with many studies addressing their social, economic and environment influences in different countries around the world. They have been recognized as contributors to the physical quality of urban environments. Recently, a broader view of public parks has emerged. This view goes well beyond the traditional value of parks as places for more recreation and visual delight, to depict them as valuable contributors to broader strategic objectives, such as property values, place attractiveness, job opportunities, social belonging, public health, tourist development, and improving the overall quality of life. This research examines the role of public parks in enhancing the quality of human life in Egyptian environment. It measures 'quality of life' in terms of 'human needs' and 'well-being'. This should open ways for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and the public to realize the potentials of public parks towards improving the quality of life.
Abstract: Accurate timing alignment and stability is important
to maximize the true counts and minimize the random counts in
positron emission tomography So signals output from detectors must
be centering with the two isotopes to pre-operation and fed signals
into four units of pulse-processing units, each unit can accept up to
eight inputs. The dual source computed tomography consist two units
on the left for 15 detector signals of Cs-137 isotope and two units on
the right are for 15 detectors signals of Co-60 isotope. The gamma
spectrum consisting of either single or multiple photo peaks. This
allows for the use of energy discrimination electronic hardware
associated with the data acquisition system to acquire photon counts
data with a specific energy, even if poor energy resolution detectors
are used. This also helps to avoid counting of the Compton scatter
counts especially if a single discrete gamma photo peak is emitted by
the source as in the case of Cs-137. In this study the polyenergetic
version of the alternating minimization algorithm is applied to the
dual energy gamma computed tomography problem.
Abstract: A robust AUSM+ upwind discretisation scheme has been developed to simulate multiphase flow using consistent spatial discretisation schemes and a modified low-Mach number diffusion term. The impact of the selection of an interfacial pressure model has also been investigated. Three representative test cases have been simulated to evaluate the accuracy of the commonly-used stiffenedgas equation of state with respect to the IAPWS-IF97 equation of state for water. The algorithm demonstrates a combination of robustness and accuracy over a range of flow conditions, with the stiffened-gas equation tending to overestimate liquid temperature and density profiles.
Abstract: Raisin Concentrate (RC) are the most important
products obtained in the raisin processing industries. These RC
products are now used to make the syrups, drinks and confectionery
productions and introduced as natural substitute for sugar in food
applications. Iran is a one of the biggest raisin exporter in the world
but unfortunately despite a good raw material, no serious effort to
extract the RC has been taken in Iran. Therefore, in this paper, we
determined and analyzed affected parameters on extracting RC
process and then optimizing these parameters for design the
extracting RC process in two types of raisin (round and long)
produced in Khorasan region. Two levels of solvent (1:1 and 2:1),
three levels of extraction temperature (60°C, 70°C and 80°C), and
three levels of concentration temperature (50°C, 60°C and 70°C)
were the treatments. Finally physicochemical characteristics of the
obtained concentrate such as color, viscosity, percentage of reduction
sugar, acidity and the microbial tests (mould and yeast) were
counted. The analysis was performed on the basis of factorial in the
form of completely randomized design (CRD) and Duncan's multiple
range test (DMRT) was used for the comparison of the means.
Statistical analysis of results showed that optimal conditions for
production of concentrate is round raisins when the solvent ratio was
2:1 with extraction temperature of 60°C and then concentration
temperature of 50°C. Round raisin is cheaper than the long one, and
it is more economical to concentrate production. Furthermore, round
raisin has more aromas and the less color degree with increasing the
temperature of concentration and extraction. Finally, according to
mentioned factors the concentrate of round raisin is recommended.
Abstract: Reinforced concrete has good durability and excellent structural performance. But there are cases of early deterioration due to a number of factors, one prominent factor being corrosion of steel reinforcement. The process of corrosion sets in due to ingress of moisture, oxygen and other ingredients into the body of concrete, which is unsound, permeable and absorbent. Cracks due to structural and other causes such as creep, shrinkage, etc also allow ingress of moisture and other harmful ingredients and thus accelerate the rate of corrosion. There are several interactive factors both external and internal, which lead to corrosion of reinforcement and ultimately failure of structures. Suitable addition of mineral admixture like silica fume (SF) in concrete improves the strength and durability of concrete due to considerable improvement in the microstructure of concrete composites, especially at the transition zone. Secondary reinforcement in the form of fibre is added to concrete, which provides three dimensional random reinforcement in the entire mass of concrete. Reinforced concrete beams of size 0.1 m X 0.15 m and length 1m have been cast using M 35 grade of concrete. The beams after curing process were subjected to corrosion process by impressing an external Direct Current (Galvanostatic Method) for a period of 15 days under stressed and unstressed conditions. The corroded beams were tested by applying two point loads to determine the ultimate load carrying capacity and cracking pattern and the results of specimens were compared with that of the companion specimens. Gravimetric method is used to quantify corrosion that has occurred.
Abstract: Conventional materials like glass, wood or metals
replacement with polymer materials is still continuing. More simple
thus cheaper production is the main reason. However due to high
energy and petrochemical prices are polymer prices increasing too.
That´s why various kinds of fillers are used to make polymers
cheaper. Of course target is to maintain or improve properties of
these compounds. In this paper are solved rheology issues of
polymers compounded with vegetal origin fibers.
Abstract: A green design for assembly model is presented to
integrate design evaluation and assembly and disassembly sequence
planning by evaluating the three activities in one integrated model. For
an assembled product, an assembly sequence planning model is
required for assembling the product at the start of the product life cycle.
A disassembly sequence planning model is needed for disassembling
the product at the end. In a green product life cycle, it is important to
plan how a product can be disassembled, reused, or recycled, before
the product is actually assembled and produced. Given a product
requirement, there may be several design alternative cases to design
the same product. In the different design cases, the assembly and
disassembly sequences for producing the product can be different. In
this research, a new model is presented to concurrently evaluate the
design and plan the assembly and disassembly sequences. First, the
components are represented by using graph based models. Next, a
particle swarm optimization (PSO) method with a new encoding
scheme is developed. In the new PSO encoding scheme, a particle is
represented by a position matrix defining an assembly sequence and a
disassembly sequence. The assembly and disassembly sequences can
be simultaneously planned with an objective of minimizing the total of
assembly costs and disassembly costs. The test results show that the
presented method is feasible and efficient for solving the integrated
design evaluation and assembly and disassembly sequence planning
problem. An example product is implemented and illustrated in this
paper.
Abstract: Dynamic models of power converters are normally
time-varying because of their switching actions. Several approaches
are applied to analyze the power converters to achieve the timeinvariant
models suitable for system analysis and design via the
classical control theory. The paper presents how to derive dynamic
models of the power system consisting of a three-phase controlled
rectifier feeding an uncontrolled buck converter by using the
combination between the well known techniques called the DQ and
the generalized state-space averaging methods. The intensive timedomain
simulations of the exact topology model are used to support
the accuracies of the reported model. The results show that the
proposed model can provide good accuracies in both transient and
steady-state responses.
Abstract: Yogurts are prepared by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures consisting of a mixture of Streptococcus ssp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. The main aim of this investigation was to develop a majority goat yogurt, with the addition of sheep milk in order to have a final product with good physicochemical quality properties and sensorial attributes. Four types of yogurts were prepared presenting the following proportion of goat and sheep milk respectively: C100 – 100%; C80 – 80%/20%; C60 – 60%/40%; C50 – 50%/50%. The goat milk was from the Serrana Jarmelista breed and the sheep milk from the Serra da Estrela breed. The inclusion of sheep milk improved attractiveness to consumers, and it also improved the nutritional value of the product, mainly the fatty acid and mineral contents. The C50 yogurt was preferred by 28% of the panellists, followed by the C100 with 16% and the commercial cow yogurt was 40% of preferences.
Abstract: A mathematical model for the hydrodynamics of a
surface water treatment pilot plant was developed and validated by
the determination of the residence time distribution (RTD) for the
main equipments of the unit. The well known models of ideal/real
mixing, ideal displacement (plug flow) and (one-dimensional axial)
dispersion model were combined in order to identify the structure
that gives the best fitting of the experimental data for each equipment
of the pilot plant. RTD experimental results have shown that pilot
plant hydrodynamics can be quite well approximated by a
combination of simple mathematical models, structure which is
suitable for engineering applications. Validated hydrodynamic
models will be further used in the evaluation and selection of the
most suitable coagulation-flocculation reagents, optimum operating
conditions (injection point, reaction times, etc.), in order to improve
the quality of the drinking water.
Abstract: The study investigates the relationship between
education level, workplace learning behaviors, psychological
empowerment and burnout in a sample of 191 teachers. We
hypothesized that education level will positively affect psychological
state of increased empowerment and decreased burnout, and we
purposed that these effects will be mediated by workplace learning
behaviors. We used multiple regression analyses to test the model
that included also the 6 following control variables: The teachers'
age, gender, and teaching tenure; the schools' religious level, the
pupils' needs: regular/ special needs, and the class level: elementary/
high school. The results support the purposed mediating model.
Abstract: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a disorder
characterized by the progressive bone loss induced by estrogen
deficiency in postmenopausal women. This imbalance affects
calcium–phosphate metabolism and results in secondary
hyperparathyroidism. Purariae Radix (PR), the root of P. lobata
(Wild.) Ohwi, is one of the earliest medicinal herbs employed in
ancient China. PR contains a high quantity of isoflavones and their
glycosides, which are regarded as phytoestrogen. Few investigations
of PR are related to its osteoprotective effects. The present study is
designed to administer PR water extract to ovariectomized (OVX)
female rats, for the investigation of its possibly protective actions on
bone and to delineate the potential mechanisms involved. Our results
demonstrated that long-term treatment of PR could not significantly
improve bone properties, whereas it greatly ameliorated the condition
of secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by ovariectomy in those
animals. PR might be useful as alternative regimen for protecting
against postmenopausal bone loss.