Abstract: In this paper, an estimation accuracy of multiple moving
talker tracking using a microphone array is improved. The tracking
can be achieved by the adaptive method in which two algorithms are integrated, namely, the PAST (Projection Approximation Subspace
Tracking) algorithm and the IPLS (Interior Point Least Square) algorithm. When either talker begins to speak again after a silent
period, an appropriate feasible region for an evaluation function of
the IPLS algorithm might not be set. Then, the tracking fails due to the incorrect updating. Therefore, if an increment of the number of
active talkers is detected, the feasible region must be reset. Then, a low cost realization is required for the high speed tracking and a high
accuracy realization is desired for the precise tracking. In this paper,
the directions roughly estimated using the delayed-sum-array method
are used for the resetting. Several results of experiments performed in
an actual room environment show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Abstract: In this paper, in order to investigate the effects of
photovoltaic system introduction to detached houses in Japan, two
kinds of works were done. Firstly, the hourly generation amount of a
4.2kW photovoltaic system were simulated in 46 cities to investigate
the potential of the system in different regions in Japan using a
simulation model of photovoltaic system. Secondly, based on the
simulated electricity generation amount, the energy saving, the
environmental and the economic effect of the photovoltaic system
were examined from hourly to annual timescales, based upon
calculations of typical electricity, heating, cooling and hot water
supply load profiles for Japanese dwellings. The above analysis was
carried out using a standard year-s hourly weather data for the
different city provided by the Expanded AMeDAS Weather Data
issued by AIJ (Architectural Institute of Japan).
Abstract: The malfunction of thermal protection system (TPS) caused by aerodynamic heating is a latent trouble to aircraft structure safety. Accurately predicting the structure temperature field is quite important for the TPS design of hypersonic vehicle. Since Thornton’s work in 1988, the coupled method of aerodynamic heating and heat transfer has developed rapidly. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of structural deformation on aerodynamic heating and structural temperature field. In the flight, especially the long-endurance flight, the structural deformation, caused by the aerodynamic heating and temperature rise, has a direct impact on the aerodynamic heating and structural temperature field. Thus, the coupled interaction cannot be neglected. In this paper, based on the method of static aero-thermo-elasticity, considering the influence of aero-thermo-elasticity deformation, the aerodynamic heating and heat transfer coupled results of hypersonic vehicle wing model were calculated. The results show that, for the low-curvature region, such as fuselage or center-section wing, structure deformation has little effect on temperature field. However, for the stagnation region with high curvature, the coupled effect is not negligible. Thus, it is quite important for the structure temperature prediction to take into account the effect of elastic deformation. This work has laid a solid foundation for improving the prediction accuracy of the temperature distribution of aircraft structures and the evaluation capacity of structural performance.
Abstract: In this research three methods of Maximum Likelihood, Mahalanobis Distance and Minimum Distance were analyzed in the Western part of Isfahan province in the Iran country. For this purpose, the IRS satellite images and various land preparation uses in region including rangelands, irrigation farming, dry farming, gardens and urban areas were separated and identified. In these methods, matrix error and Kappa index were calculated and accuracy of each method, based on percentages: 53.13, 56.64 and 48.44, were obtained respectively. Considering the low accuracy of these methods to separate land uses due to spread of the land uses, it-s suggested the visual interpretation of the map, to preparing the land use map in this region. The map prepared by visual interpretation is in high accuracy if it will be accompany with the visit of the region.
Abstract: In the other to Study of drought stress and Selenium
spraying effect on superoxide dismotase (SOD) activity of rapeseed
(Brassica napus L.) cultivars in Shahr-e-Rey region, an experiment
carried out in Split factorial design in the basis of randomized
complete blocks with 4 replications in 2006. Irrigation in two levels:
Normal irrigation and irrigation with drought stress when the soil
electrical conductivity reached to 60 as main factor and rapeseed
cultivars in 3 levels Zarfam, Okapi, Opera and selenium spraying at
the beginning of flowering stage in 3 levels: 0, 16 and 21 g/ha as sub
factor.
The results showed that the simple and interaction effect of
irrigation, selenium and cultivars on SOD activity had significant
difference. In this case Zarfam cultivar with 2010 u.mg-1 protein and
Opera with 1454 u.mg-1 protein produced maximum and minimum
amounts of SOD activitiy. Interaction effect of irrigation and variety
showed that, normal irrigation in Opera with 1115 u.mg-1 protein
and drought stress in Zarfam with 2784 u.mg-1 protein conducted to
and minimum and maximum amounts of SOD activity.
Interaction effect of irrigation, cultivar and selenium on SOD
indicated that drought stress condition and 21 gr/ha selenium
spraying in Zarfam variety with 3146 u.mg-1 protein gained to
highest activities of SOD.
Abstract: Y chromosome microdeletions are the most common
genetic cause of male infertility and screening for these
microdeletions in azoospermic or severely oligospermic men is now
standard practice. Analysis of the Y chromosome in men with
azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia has resulted in the
identification of three regions in the euchromatic part of the long arm
of the human Y chromosome (Yq11) that are frequently deleted in
men with otherwise unexplained spermatogenic failure. PCR analysis
of microdeletions in the AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions of the
human Y chromosome is an important screening tool. The aim of this
study was to analyse the type of microdeletions in men with fertility
disorders in Slovakia. We evaluated 227 patients with azoospermia
and with normal karyotype. All patient samples were analyzed
cytogenetically. For PCR amplification of sequence-tagged sites
(STS) of the AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions of the Y chromosome
was used Devyser AZF set. Fluorescently labeled primers for all
markers in one multiplex PCR reaction were used and for automated
visualization and identification of the STS markers we used genetic
analyzer ABi 3500xl (Life Technologies). We reported 13 cases of
deletions in the AZF region 5,73%. Particular types of deletions were
recorded in each region AZFa,b,c .The presence of microdeletions in
the AZFc region was the most frequent. The study confirmed that
percentage of microdeletions in the AZF region is low in Slovak
azoospermic patients, but important from a prognostic view.
Abstract: This article is devoted to the problems of the
disproportional development of regions in the Republic Kazakhstan.
The threats proceeding from problem regions, make strong impact on
the country-s sustainable development, therefore they are necessary
to be considered at the level of national security.
Abstract: One of the main research directions in CAD/CAM
machining area is the reducing of machining time.
The feedrate scheduling is one of the advanced techniques that
allows keeping constant the uncut chip area and as sequel to keep
constant the main cutting force. They are two main ways for feedrate
optimization. The first consists in the cutting force monitoring, which
presumes to use complex equipment for the force measurement and
after this, to set the feedrate regarding the cutting force variation. The
second way is to optimize the feedrate by keeping constant the
material removal rate regarding the cutting conditions.
In this paper there is proposed a new approach using an extended
database that replaces the system model.
The feedrate scheduling is determined based on the identification
of the reconfigurable machine tool, and the feed value determination
regarding the uncut chip section area, the contact length between tool
and blank and also regarding the geometrical roughness.
The first stage consists in the blank and tool monitoring for the
determination of actual profiles. The next stage is the determination
of programmed tool path that allows obtaining the piece target
profile.
The graphic representation environment models the tool and blank
regions and, after this, the tool model is positioned regarding the
blank model according to the programmed tool path. For each of
these positions the geometrical roughness value, the uncut chip area
and the contact length between tool and blank are calculated. Each of
these parameters are compared with the admissible values and
according to the result the feed value is established.
We can consider that this approach has the following advantages:
in case of complex cutting processes the prediction of cutting force is
possible; there is considered the real cutting profile which has
deviations from the theoretical profile; the blank-tool contact length
limitation is possible; it is possible to correct the programmed tool
path so that the target profile can be obtained.
Applying this method, there are obtained data sets which allow the
feedrate scheduling so that the uncut chip area is constant and, as a
result, the cutting force is constant, which allows to use more
efficiently the machine tool and to obtain the reduction of machining
time.
Abstract: This work presents a neural network model for the
clustering analysis of data based on Self Organizing Maps (SOM).
The model evolves during the training stage towards a hierarchical
structure according to the input requirements. The hierarchical structure
symbolizes a specialization tool that provides refinements of the
classification process. The structure behaves like a single map with
different resolutions depending on the region to analyze. The benefits
and performance of the algorithm are discussed in application to the
Iris dataset, a classical example for pattern recognition.
Abstract: Skin color is an important visual cue for computer
vision systems involving human users. In this paper we combine skin
color and optical flow for detection and tracking of skin regions. We
apply these techniques to gesture recognition with encouraging
results. We propose a novel skin similarity measure. For grouping
detected skin regions we propose a novel skin region grouping
mechanism. The proposed techniques work with any number of skin
regions making them suitable for a multiuser scenario.
Abstract: The production of devices in nanoscale with specific
molecular rectifying function is one of the most significant goals in
state-of-art technology. In this work we show by ab initio quantum
mechanics calculations coupled with non-equilibrium Green
function, the design of an organic two-terminal device. These
molecular structures have molecular source and drain with several
bridge length (from five up to 11 double bonds). Our results are
consistent with significant features as a molecular rectifier and can be
raised up as: (a) it can be used as bi-directional symmetrical rectifier;
(b) two devices integrated in one (FET with one operational region,
and Thyristor thiristor); (c) Inherent stability due small intrinsic
capacitance under forward/reverse bias. We utilize a scheme for the
transport mechanism based on previous properties of ¤Ç bonds type
that can be successfully utilized to construct organic nanodevices.
Abstract: One approach to assess neural networks underlying the cognitive processes is to study Electroencephalography (EEG). It is relevant to detect various mental states and characterize the physiological changes that help to discriminate two situations. That is why an EEG (amplitude, synchrony) classification procedure is described, validated. The two situations are "eyes closed" and "eyes opened" in order to study the "alpha blocking response" phenomenon in the occipital area. The good classification rate between the two situations is 92.1 % (SD = 3.5%) The spatial distribution of a part of amplitude features that helps to discriminate the two situations are located in the occipital regions that permit to validate the localization method. Moreover amplitude features in frontal areas, "short distant" synchrony in frontal areas and "long distant" synchrony between frontal and occipital area also help to discriminate between the two situations. This procedure will be used for mental fatigue detection.
Abstract: the cursive nature of the Arabic writing makes it
difficult to accurately segment characters or even deal with the whole
word efficiently. Therefore, in this paper, a printed Arabic sub-word
recognition system is proposed. The suggested algorithm utilizes
geometrical moments as descriptors for the separated sub-words.
Three types of moments are investigated and applied to the printed
sub-word images after dividing each image into multiple parts using
windowing. Since moments are global descriptors, the windowing
mechanism allows the moments to be applied to local regions of the
sub-word. The local-global mixture of the proposed scheme increases
the discrimination power of the moments while keeping the
simplicity and ease of use of moments.
Abstract: We introduce a new interactive 3D simulator 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). Using state-of-the-art computer animation technology we have modeled and rigged a physiologically accurate 3D model of the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrow regions and we have 'optimized' it for use with an interactive and web deliverable platform. In addition, we have realized 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 simulator of eye motion and ocular expression is, to our knowledge, the most advanced/realistic available so far for applications in character animation and medical pedagogy.
Abstract: Achieving success is a highly critical issue for the
companies to survive in a competitive business environment. The
construction industry is also an area where there is strong
competition due to a large number of construction contractors. There
have been many factors such as qualified employees, quality
workmanship and financial management that can lead to company
success in the construction industry. The aim of this study was to
investigate the critical factors leading to construction company
success. Within this context, a survey was carried out among 40
Turkish construction companies which are located in the Northwest
region of Turkey. In this survey, top-level managers and owners of
the companies were interviewed. The interviews took place over a
five month period between January and May 2007. Finally, the
ranking of the critical success factors has been determined by using
the Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART). Based on
the results, business management, financial conditions and
owner/manager characteristics were determined as the most
important factors to company success.
Abstract: Technical laboratories are typically considered as
highly hazardous places in the polytechnic institution when
addressing the problems of high incidences and fatality rates. In
conjunction with several topics covered in the technical curricular,
safety and health precaution should be highlighted in order to
connect to few key ideas of being safe. Therefore the assessment of
safety awareness in terms of safety and health about hazardous and
risks at laboratories is needed and has to be incorporated with
technical education and other training programmes. The purpose of
this study was to determine the efficacy of technical laboratory safety
in one of the polytechnics in northern region. The study examined
three related issues that were; the availability of safety material and
equipment, safety practice adopted by technical teachers and
administrator-s safety attitudes in enforcing safety to the students. A
model of efficacy technical laboratory was developed to test the
linear relationship between existing safety material and equipment,
teachers- safety practice and administrators- attitude in enforcing
safety and to identify which of technical laboratory safety issues was
the most pertinent factor to realize safety in technical laboratory.
This was done by analyzing survey-based data sets particularly those
obtained from samples of 210 students in the polytechnic. The
Pearson Correlation was used to measure the association between the
variables and to test the research hypotheses. The result of the study
has found that there was a significant correlation between existing
safety material and equipment, safety practice adopted by teacher
and administrator-s attitude. There was also a significant relationship
between technical laboratory safety and safety practice adopted by
teacher and between technical laboratory safety and administrator
attitude. Hence, safety practice adopted by teacher and administrator
attitude is vital in realizing technical laboratory safety.
Abstract: Using bottom-up image processing algorithms to predict human eye fixations and extract the relevant embedded information in images has been widely applied in the design of active machine vision systems. Scene text is an important feature to be extracted, especially in vision-based mobile robot navigation as many potential landmarks such as nameplates and information signs contain text. This paper proposes an edge-based text region extraction algorithm, which is robust with respect to font sizes, styles, color/intensity, orientations, and effects of illumination, reflections, shadows, perspective distortion, and the complexity of image backgrounds. Performance of the proposed algorithm is compared against a number of widely used text localization algorithms and the results show that this method can quickly and effectively localize and extract text regions from real scenes and can be used in mobile robot navigation under an indoor environment to detect text based landmarks.
Abstract: The National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society is
responsible for providing blood to hospitals all over the country.
When any hospital needs blood, it will have to send the vehicle to
pick up at the NBC. There are a lot of vehicles to pick up blood at the
NBC every day. Each vehicle is usually empty for inbound trip and a
little loaded for outbound. The NBC realized such waste or loss and
there have been the third party offered to distribute blood and charge
for fee. This paper proposes to apply the vehicle routing problem
(VRP) for estimating the fair price. The idea is tested with the real
data during seven-day period of 6 – 12 July 2010 to estimate the fair
price for transporting blood in Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
Abstract: Wireless capsule Endoscopy (WCE) has rapidly
shown its wide applications in medical domain last ten years
thanks to its noninvasiveness for patients and support for thorough
inspection through a patient-s entire digestive system including
small intestine. However, one of the main barriers to efficient
clinical inspection procedure is that it requires large amount of
effort for clinicians to inspect huge data collected during the
examination, i.e., over 55,000 frames in video. In this paper, we
propose a method to compute meaningful motion changes of
WCE by analyzing the obtained video frames based on regional
optical flow estimations. The computed motion vectors are used to
remove duplicate video frames caused by WCE-s imaging nature,
such as repetitive forward-backward motions from peristaltic
movements. The motion vectors are derived by calculating
directional component vectors in four local regions. Our
experiments are performed on small intestine area, which is of
main interest to clinical experts when using WCEs, and our
experimental results show significant frame reductions comparing
with a simple frame-to-frame similarity-based image reduction
method.