Abstract: P2P Networks are highly dynamic structures since
their nodes – peer users keep joining and leaving continuously. In the
paper, we study the effects of network change rates on query routing
efficiency. First we describe some background and an abstract system
model. The chosen routing technique makes use of cached metadata
from previous answer messages and also employs a mechanism for
broken path detection and metadata maintenance. Several metrics are
used to show that the protocol behaves quite well even with high rate
of node departures, but above a certain threshold it literally breaks
down and exhibits considerable efficiency degradation.
Abstract: Iris-based biometric authentication is gaining importance
in recent times. Iris biometric processing however, is a complex
process and computationally very expensive. In the overall processing
of iris biometric in an iris-based biometric authentication system,
feature processing is an important task. In feature processing, we extract
iris features, which are ultimately used in matching. Since there
is a large number of iris features and computational time increases
as the number of features increases, it is therefore a challenge to
develop an iris processing system with as few as possible number of
features and at the same time without compromising the correctness.
In this paper, we address this issue and present an approach to feature
extraction and feature matching process. We apply Daubechies D4
wavelet with 4 levels to extract features from iris images. These
features are encoded with 2 bits by quantizing into 4 quantization
levels. With our proposed approach it is possible to represent an
iris template with only 304 bits, whereas existing approaches require
as many as 1024 bits. In addition, we assign different weights to
different iris region to compare two iris templates which significantly
increases the accuracy. Further, we match the iris template based on
a weighted similarity measure. Experimental results on several iris
databases substantiate the efficacy of our approach.
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to present the potential of
solar energy in Zarqa region. The solar radiation along year 2009 was
obtained from Pyranometer which measures the global radiation over
horizontal surfaces. Solar data in several different forms, over period
of 5 minutes, hour-by-hour, daily and monthly data radiation have
been presented. Briefly, the yearly global solar radiation in Zarqa is
7297.5 MJ/m2 (2027 kWh/m²) and the average annual solar radiation
per day is 20 MJ/m2 (5.5 Kwh/m2). More specifically, the average
annual solar radiation per day is 12.9 MJ/m2 (3.57 Kwh/m2) in winter
and 25 MJ/m2 (7 Kwh/m2) in summer.
Abstract: Although the field of parametric Pattern Recognition (PR) has been thoroughly studied for over five decades, the use of the Order Statistics (OS) of the distributions to achieve this has not been reported. The pioneering work on using OS for classification was presented in [1] for the Uniform distribution, where it was shown that optimal PR can be achieved in a counter-intuitive manner, diametrically opposed to the Bayesian paradigm, i.e., by comparing the testing sample to a few samples distant from the mean. This must be contrasted with the Bayesian paradigm in which, if we are allowed to compare the testing sample with only a single point in the feature space from each class, the optimal strategy would be to achieve this based on the (Mahalanobis) distance from the corresponding central points, for example, the means. In [2], we showed that the results could be extended for a few symmetric distributions within the exponential family. In this paper, we attempt to extend these results significantly by considering asymmetric distributions within the exponential family, for some of which even the closed form expressions of the cumulative distribution functions are not available. These distributions include the Rayleigh, Gamma and certain Beta distributions. As in [1] and [2], the new scheme, referred to as Classification by Moments of Order Statistics (CMOS), attains an accuracy very close to the optimal Bayes’ bound, as has been shown both theoretically and by rigorous experimental testing.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the
nutritional value of sorghum flour during processing of injera
(unleavened thick bread). The proximate composition of sorghum
flour before and after fermentation and that of injera was determined.
Compared to the raw flour and fermented one, injera had low protein
(11.55%), ash (1.57%) and fat (2.40%) contents but high in fiber
content. Moreover, injera was found to have significantly (P ≤ 0.05)
higher energy (389.08 Kcal/100g) compared to raw and fermented
sorghum flour. Injera contained lower levels of anti-nutritional
factors (polyphenols, phytate and tannins) compared to raw and
fermented sorghum. Also it was found to be rich in Ca
(4.75mg/100g), Fe (3.95 mg/100g), and Cu (0.7 mg/100g) compared
to that of raw and fermented flour. Moreover, both the extractable
minerals and protein digestibility were high for injera due to low
amount of anti-nutrients. Injera was found to contain an appreciable
amount of amino acids except arginine and tyrosine.
Abstract: The effect of cross linking of the protein isolates of
three legumes with the microbial enzyme transglutaminase (EC
2.3.2.13) on the functional properties at different NaCl concentration
was studied. The reduction in the total free amino groups (OD340) of
the polymerized protein showed that TGase treatment cross-linking
the protein subunit of each legume. The solubility of the protein
polymer of each legume was greatly improved at high concentration
of NaCl. At 1.2 M NaCl the solubility of the native legumes protein
was significantly decreased but after polymerization slightly
improved. Cross linked proteins were less turbid on heating to higher
temperature as compared to native proteins and the temperature at
which the protein turns turbid also increased in the polymerized
proteins. The emulsifying and foaming properties of the protein
polymer were greatly improved at all concentrations of NaCl for all
legumes.
Abstract: The information on the Web increases tremendously.
A number of search engines have been developed for searching Web
information and retrieving relevant documents that satisfy the
inquirers needs. Search engines provide inquirers irrelevant
documents among search results, since the search is text-based rather
than semantic-based. Information retrieval research area has
presented a number of approaches and methodologies such as
profiling, feedback, query modification, human-computer interaction,
etc for improving search results. Moreover, information retrieval has
employed artificial intelligence techniques and strategies such as
machine learning heuristics, tuning mechanisms, user and system
vocabularies, logical theory, etc for capturing user's preferences and
using them for guiding the search based on the semantic analysis
rather than syntactic analysis. Although a valuable improvement has
been recorded on search results, the survey has shown that still
search engines users are not really satisfied with their search results.
Using ontologies for semantic-based searching is likely the key
solution. Adopting profiling approach and using ontology base
characteristics, this work proposes a strategy for finding the exact
meaning of the query terms in order to retrieve relevant information
according to user needs. The evaluation of conducted experiments
has shown the effectiveness of the suggested methodology and
conclusion is presented.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to propose a dynamic integrated approach, based on modularity concept and on the business ecosystem approach, that exploit different eBusiness services for SMEs under an open business network platform. The adoption of this approach enables firms to collaborate locally for delivering the best product/service to the customers as well as globally by accessing international markets, interrelate directly with the customers, create relationships and collaborate with worldwide actors. The paper will be structured as following: We will start by offering an overview of the state of the art of eBusiness platforms among SME of food and tourism firms and then we discuss the main drawbacks that characterize them. The digital business ecosystem approach and the modularity concept will be described as the theoretical ground in which our proposed integrated model is rooted. Finally, the proposed model along with a discussion of the main value creation potentialities it might create for SMEs will be presented.
Abstract: This paper treats a discrete-time finite buffer batch arrival queue with a single working vacation and partial batch rejection in which the inter-arrival and service times are, respectively, arbitrary and geometrically distributed. The queue is analyzed by using the supplementary variable and the imbedded Markov-chain techniques. We obtain steady-state system length distributions at prearrival, arbitrary and outside observer-s observation epochs. We also present probability generation function (p.g.f.) of actual waiting-time distribution in the system and some performance measures.
Abstract: Several researchers have proposed methods about
combination of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Fuzzy Logic (the use of
GA to obtain fuzzy rules and application of fuzzy logic in
optimization of GA). In this paper, we suggest a new method in
which fuzzy decision making is used to improve the performance of
genetic algorithm. In the suggested method, we determine the alleles
that enhance the fitness of chromosomes and try to insert them to the
next generation.
In this algorithm we try to present an innovative vaccination in the
process of reproduction in genetic algorithm, with considering the
trade off between exploration and exploitation.
Abstract: Business Process Management (BPM) helps in optimizing the business processes inside an enterprise. But BPM architecture does not provide any help for extending the enterprise. Modern business environments and rapidly changing technologies are asking for brisk changes in the business processes. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) can help in enabling the success of enterprise-wide BPM. SOA supports agility in software development that is directly related to achieve loose coupling of interacting software agents. Agility is a premium concern of the current software designing architectures. Together, BPM and SOA provide a perfect combination for enterprise computing. SOA provides the capabilities for services to be combined together and to support and create an agile, flexible enterprise. But there are still many questions to answer; BPM is better or SOA? and what is the future track of BPM and SOA? This paper tries to answer some of these important questions.
Abstract: The Constraints imposed by non-thermal
leptogenesis on the survival of the neutrino mass models describing
the presently available neutrino mass patterns, are studied
numerically. We consider the Majorana CP violating phases coming
from right-handed Majorana mass matrices to estimate the baryon
asymmetry of the universe, for different neutrino mass models
namely quasi-degenerate, inverted hierarchical and normal
hierarchical models, with tribimaximal mixings. Considering two
possible diagonal forms of Dirac neutrino mass matrix as either
charged lepton or up-quark mass matrix, the heavy right-handed
mass matrices are constructed from the light neutrino mass matrix.
Only the normal hierarchical model leads to the best predictions of
baryon asymmetry of the universe, consistent with observations in
non-thermal leptogenesis scenario.
Abstract: Depressurization and pressurization streams in
industrial systems constitute a work exchange network (WEN). In this
paper, a novel graphical approach for targeting energy conservation
potential of a WEN is proposed. Through constructing the composite
work curves in the pressure-work diagram and assuming all of the
mechanical energy of the depressurization streams is recovered by
expanders, the maximum work target of a WEN can be determined via
the proposed targeting steps. A WEN in an ammonia production
process is used as a case study to illustrate the applicability of the
proposed graphical approach.
Abstract: In this paper we consider a nonlinear feedback
control called augmented automatic choosing control (AACC)
using the automatic choosing functions of gradient optimization
type for nonlinear systems. Constant terms which arise from sectionwise
linearization of a given nonlinear system are treated as
coefficients of a stable zero dynamics. Parameters included in the
control are suboptimally selected by minimizing the Hamiltonian
with the aid of the genetic algorithm. This approach is applied to
a field excitation control problem of power system to demonstrate
the splendidness of the AACC. Simulation results show that the
new controller can improve performance remarkably well.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel three-phase utility
frequency to high frequency soft switching power conversion circuit
with dual mode pulse width modulation and pulse density modulation
for high power induction heating applications as melting of steel and
non ferrous metals, annealing of metals, surface hardening of steel
and cast iron work pieces and hot water producers, steamers and
super heated steamers. This high frequency power conversion circuit
can operate from three-phase systems to produce high current for
high power induction heating applications under the principles of
ZVS and it can regulate its ac output power from the rated value to a
low power level. A dual mode modulation control scheme based on
high frequency PWM in synchronization with the utility frequency
positive and negative half cycles for the proposed high frequency
conversion circuit and utility frequency pulse density modulation is
produced to extend its soft switching operating range for wide ac
output power regulation. A dual packs heat exchanger assembly is
designed to be used in consumer and industrial fluid pipeline systems
and it is proved to be suitable for the hot water, steam and super
heated steam producers. Experiment and simulation results are given
in this paper to verify the operation principles of the proposed ac
conversion circuit and to evaluate its power regulation and
conversion efficiency. Also, the paper presents a mutual coupling
model of the induction heating load instead of equivalent transformer
circuit model.
Abstract: In a representative democracy political parties
promote vital competition on different policy issues and play
essential roles by offering ideological alternatives. They also give
channels for citizens- participation in government decision-making
processes and they are significant conduits and interpreters of
information about government. This paper attempts to examine how
opposition political parties and rebel fronts emerged in Ethiopia, and
examines their present conditions. In this paper, selected case studies
of political parties and rebel fronts are included to highlight the status
and the role of opposition groups in the country in the three
successive administrations: Haile Selassie (1930-1974), Derg (1974-
1991), and EPRDF (1991-Present).
Abstract: Quality of school meals is one of the major concerns of governments and international organizations worldwide. This study aims to evaluate nutritional compliance of meals served at a Portuguese primary school considering the portions stated by Portuguese Education Ministry. To evaluate adequacy of portions served, weighing of all meal components offered to students and leftovers was performed during ten consecutive days at two different moments. Plate waste (%) was calculated by the ratio of food discarded and food served to the children. Nutritional evaluation of menus was made using the Portuguese Food Composition Table. Meals evaluated showed a percent contribution to energetic daily intake higher than recommendations. Meals served to children were considered high energy and protein dense. No significant waste of soup was accounted and the main meal components wasted were fish and vegetables. It will be necessary to adjust portions indicated by Ministry of Education in order to comply with recommendations and reduce food waste.
Abstract: Due to adverse pressure gradient along the diverging
walls of wide-angled diffusers, the attached flow separates from
one wall and remains attached permanently to the other wall in a
process called stalling. Stalled diffusers render the whole fluid flow
system, in which they are part of, very inefficient. There is then an
engineering need to try to understand the whole process of diffuser
stall if any meaningful attempts to improve on diffuser efficiency
are to be made. In this regard, this paper provides a data bank
contribution for the mean flow-field in wide-angled diffusers where
the complete velocity and static pressure fields, and pressure recovery
data for diffusers in the fully stalled flow regime are experimentally
measured. The measurements were carried out at Reynolds numbers
between 1.07×105 and 2.14×105 based on inlet hydraulic diameter
and centreline velocity for diffusers whose divergence angles were
between 30Ôùª and 50Ôùª. Variation of Reynolds number did not significantly
affect the velocity and static pressure profiles. The wall static
pressure recovery was found to be more sensitive to changes in the
Reynolds number. By increasing the velocity from 10 m/s to 20 m/s,
the wall static pressure recovery increased by 8.31%. However, as the
divergence angle was increased, a similar increase in the Reynolds
number resulted in a higher percentage increase in pressure recovery.
Experimental results showed that regardless of the wall to which
the flow was attached, both the velocity and pressure fields were
replicated with discrepancies below 2%.
Abstract: In the current decade, wireless sensor networks are
emerging as a peculiar multi-disciplinary research area. By this
way, energy efficiency is one of the fundamental research themes
in the design of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols for
wireless sensor networks. Thus, in order to optimize the energy
consumption in these networks, a variety of MAC protocols are
available in the literature. These schemes were commonly evaluated
under simple network density and a few results are published on
their robustness in realistic network-s size. We, in this paper, provide
an analytical study aiming to highlight the energy waste sources in
wireless sensor networks. Then, we experiment three energy efficient
hybrid CSMA/CA based MAC protocols optimized for wireless
sensor networks: Sensor-MAC (SMAC), Time-out MAC (TMAC)
and Traffic aware Energy Efficient MAC (TEEM). We investigate
these protocols with different network densities in order to discuss
the end-to-end performances of these schemes (i.e. in terms of energy
efficiency, delay and throughput). Through Network Simulator (NS-
2) implementations, we explore the behaviors of these protocols with
respect to the network density. In fact, this study may help the multihops
sensor networks designers to design or select the MAC layer
which matches better their applications aims.
Abstract: Most HWRs currently use natural uranium fuel. Using enriched uranium fuel results in a significant improvement in fuel cycle costs and uranium utilization. On the other hand, reactivity changes of HWRs over the full range of operating conditions from cold shutdown to full power are small. This reduces the required reactivity worth of control devices and minimizes local flux distribution perturbations, minimizing potential problems due to transient local overheating of fuel. Analyzing heavy water effectiveness on neutronic parameters such as enrichment requirements, peaking factor and reactivity is important and should pay attention as primary concepts of a HWR core designing. Two nuclear nuclear reactors of CANDU-type and hexagonal-type reactor cores of 33 fuel assemblies and 19 assemblies in 1.04 P/D have been respectively simulated using MCNP-4C code. Using heavy water and light water as moderator have been compared for achieving less reactivity insertion and enrichment requirements. Two fuel matrixes of (232Th/235U)O2 and (238/235U)O2 have been compared to achieve more economical and safe design. Heavy water not only decreased enrichment needs, but it concluded in negative reactivity insertions during moderator density variations. Thorium oxide fuel assemblies of 2.3% enrichment loaded into the core of heavy water moderator resulted in 0.751 fission to absorption ratio and peaking factor of 1.7 using. Heavy water not only provides negative reactivity insertion during temperature raises which changes moderator density but concluded in 2 to 10 kg reduction of enrichment requirements, depend on geometry type.