Abstract: The development of renewable energies - particularly energy from wind, water, solar power and biomass - is a central aim of the European Commission's energy policy. There are several reasons for this choice: renewable energies are sustainable, nonpolluting, widely available and clean. Increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy balance enhances sustainability. It also helps to improve the security of energy supply by reducing the Community's growing dependence on imported energy sources.In this paper it was studied the possibility to realize three photovoltaic systems in the Italian Natural Park “Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi". The first photovoltaic system is a grid-connected system for Services and Documentation Center of Castelletta with a nominal power of about 6 kWp. The second photovoltaic system is a grid-connected integrated system on the ticket office-s roof with a nominal power of about 4 kWp. The third project is set up by five grid-connected systems integrated on the roofs of the bungalows in Natural Park-s tourist camping with a nominal power of about 10 kWp. The electricity which is generated by all these plants is purchased according to the Italian program called “Conto Energia". Economical analysis and the amount of the avoided CO2 emissions are elaborated for these photovoltaic systems.
Abstract: Laser Profiler (LP) data from aerial laser surveys have
been increasingly used as topographical inputs to numerical
simulations of flooding and inundation in river basins. LP data has
great potential for reproducing topography, but its effective usage has
not yet been fully established. In this study, flooding and inundation
are simulated numerically using LP data for the Jobaru River basin of
Japan’s Saga Plain. The analysis shows that the topography is
reproduced satisfactorily in the computational domain with urban and
agricultural areas requiring different grid sizes. A 2-D numerical
simulation shows that flood flow behavior changes as grid size is
varied.
Abstract: Understanding proteins functions is a major goal in
the post-genomic era. Proteins usually work in context of other
proteins and rarely function alone. Therefore, it is highly relevant to
study the interaction partners of a protein in order to understand its
function. Machine learning techniques have been widely applied to
predict protein-protein interactions. Kernel functions play an
important role for a successful machine learning technique. Choosing
the appropriate kernel function can lead to a better accuracy in a
binary classifier such as the support vector machines. In this paper,
we describe a Bayesian kernel for the support vector machine to
predict protein-protein interactions. The use of Bayesian kernel can
improve the classifier performance by incorporating the probability
characteristic of the available experimental protein-protein
interactions data that were compiled from different sources. In
addition, the probabilistic output from the Bayesian kernel can assist
biologists to conduct more research on the highly predicted
interactions. The results show that the accuracy of the classifier has
been improved using the Bayesian kernel compared to the standard
SVM kernels. These results imply that protein-protein interaction can
be predicted using Bayesian kernel with better accuracy compared to
the standard SVM kernels.
Abstract: Regulatory relationships of 686 intronic miRNA and 784 intergenic miRNAs with mRNAs of 51 intronic miRNA coding genes were established. Interaction features of studied miRNAs with 5'UTR, CDS and 3'UTR of mRNA of each gene were revealed. Functional regions of mRNA were shown to be significantly heterogenous according to the number of binding sites of miRNA and to the location density of these sites.
Abstract: Graphene-metal contact resistance limits the performance of graphene-based electrical devices. In this work, we have fabricated both graphene field-effect transistors (GFET) and transfer length measurement (TLM) test devices with titanium contacts. The purpose of this work is to compare the contact resistances that can be numerically extracted from the GFETs and measured from the TLM structures. We also provide a brief review of the work done in the field to solve the contact resistance problem.
Abstract: Using a texture database, a statistical estimation of
spring-back was conducted in this study on the basis of statistical
analysis. Both spring-back in bending deformation and experimental
data related to the crystal orientation show significant dispersion.
Therefore, a probabilistic statistical approach was established for the
proper quantification of these values. Correlation was examined
among the parameters F(x) of spring-back, F(x) of the buildup fraction
to three orientations after 92° bending, and F(x) at an as-received part
on the basis of the three-parameter Weibull distribution. Consequent
spring-back estimation using a texture database yielded excellent
estimates compared with experimental values.
Abstract: The European countries that during the past two
decades based their exchange rate regimes on currency board
arrangement (CBA) are usually analysed from the perspective of
corner solution choice’s stabilisation effects. There is an open
discussion on the positive and negative background of a strict
exchange rate regime choice, although it should be seen as part of the
transition process towards the monetary union membership. The
focus of the paper is on the Baltic countries that after two decades of
a rigid exchange rate arrangement and strongly influenced by global
crisis are finishing their path towards the euro zone. Besides the
stabilising capacity, the CBA is highly vulnerable regime, with
limited developing potential. The rigidity of the exchange rate (and
monetary) system, despite the ensured credibility, do not leave
enough (or any) space for the adjustment and/or active crisis
management. Still, the Baltics are in a process of recovery, with fiscal
consolidation measures combined with (painful and politically
unpopular) measures of internal devaluation. Today, two of them
(Estonia and Latvia) are members of euro zone, fulfilling their
ultimate transition targets, but de facto exchanging one fixed regime
with another.
The paper analyses the challenges for the CBA in unstable
environment since the fixed regimes rely on imported stability and
are sensitive to external shocks. With limited monetary instruments,
these countries were oriented to the fiscal policies and used a
combination of internal devaluation and tax policy measures. Despite
their rather quick recovery, our second goal is to analyse the long
term influence that the measures had on the national economy.
Abstract: For high-speed control of robots, a good knowledge of system modelling is necessary to obtain the desired bandwidth. In this paper, we present a cartesian robot with a pan/tilt unit in end-effector (5 dof). This robot is implemented with powerful direct drive AC induction machines. The dynamic model, parameter identification and model validation of the robot are studied (including actuators). This work considers the cartesian robot coupled and non linear (contrary to normal considerations for this type of robots). The mechanical and control architecture proposed in this paper is efficient for industrial and research application in which high speed, well known model and very high accuracy are required.
Abstract: This paper reviews various approaches that have been
used for the modeling and simulation of large-scale engineering
systems and determines their appropriateness in the development of a
RICS modeling and simulation tool. Bond graphs, linear graphs,
block diagrams, differential and difference equations, modeling
languages, cellular automata and agents are reviewed. This tool
should be based on linear graph representation and supports symbolic
programming, functional programming, the development of noncausal
models and the incorporation of decentralized approaches.
Abstract: System identification is the process of creating
models of dynamic process from input- output signals. The aim of
system identification can be identified as “ to find a model with
adjustable parameters and then to adjust them so that the predicted
output matches the measured output". This paper presents a method
of modeling and simulating with system identification to achieve the
maximum fitness for transformation function. First by using
optimized KLM equivalent circuit for PVDF piezoelectric transducer
and assuming different inputs including: sinuside, step and sum of
sinusides, get the outputs, then by using system identification
toolbox in MATLAB, we estimate the transformation function from
inputs and outputs resulted in last program. Then compare the fitness
of transformation function resulted from using ARX,OE(Output-
Error) and BJ(Box-Jenkins) models in system identification toolbox
and primary transformation function form KLM equivalent circuit.
Abstract: A new approach for timestamp ordering problem in
serializable schedules is presented. Since the number of users using
databases is increasing rapidly, the accuracy and needing high
throughput are main topics in database area. Strict 2PL does not
allow all possible serializable schedules and so does not result high
throughput. The main advantages of the approach are the ability to
enforce the execution of transaction to be recoverable and the high
achievable performance of concurrent execution in central databases.
Comparing to Strict 2PL, the general structure of the algorithm is
simple, free deadlock, and allows executing all possible serializable
schedules which results high throughput. Various examples which
include different orders of database operations are discussed.
Abstract: The modern Kazakh society is characterized by strengthen cross-cultural communication, the emergence of new powerful subcultures, accelerated change in social systems and values. The socio-political reforms in all fields have changed the quality of social relationships and spiritual life.Cross-cultural approach involves the analysis of different types of behavior and communication, including the manifestation of the conflict, and the formation of marginal destructive stereotypes.
Abstract: An experimental and numerical study has been conducted to clarify heat transfer characteristics and effectiveness of a cross-flow heat exchanger employing staggered wing-shaped tubes at different angels of attack. The water-side Rew and the air-side Rea were at 5 x 102 and at from 1.8 x 103 to 9.7 x 103, respectively. The tubes arrangements were employed with various angles of attack θ1,2,3 from 0° to 330° at the considered Rea range. Correlation of Nu, St, as well as the heat transfer per unit pumping power (ε) in terms of Rea, design parameters for the studied bundle were presented. The temperature fields around the staggered wing-shaped tubes bundle were predicted by using commercial CFD FLUENT 6.3.26 software package. Results indicated that the heat transfer was increased by increasing the angle of attack from 0° to 45°, while the opposite was true for angles of attack from 135° to 180°. The best thermal performance and hence η of studied bundle was occurred at the lowest Rea and/or zero angle of attack. Comparisons between the experimental and numerical results of the present study and those, previously, obtained for similar available studies showed good agreements.
Abstract: The hospital and the health-care center of a
community, as a place for people-s life-care and health-care settings,
must provide more and better services for patients or residents. After
Establishing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system -which is a
necessity- in the hospital, providing pervasive services is a further
step. Our objective in this paper is to use pervasive computing in a
case study of healthcare, based on EMR database that coordinates
application services over network to form a service environment for
medical and health-care. Our method also categorizes the hospital
spaces into 3 spaces: Public spaces, Private spaces and Isolated
spaces. Although, there are many projects about using pervasive
computing in healthcare, but all of them concentrate on the disease
recognition, designing smart cloths, or provide services only for
patient. The proposed method is implemented in a hospital. The
obtained results show that it is suitable for our purpose.
Abstract: This paper describes studies carried out to investigate
the viability of using wireless cameras as a tool in monitoring
changes in air quality. A camera is used to monitor the change in
colour of a chemically responsive polymer within view of the camera
as it is exposed to varying chemical species concentration levels. The
camera captures this image and the colour change is analyzed by
averaging the RGB values present. This novel chemical sensing
approach is compared with an established chemical sensing method
using the same chemically responsive polymer coated onto LEDs. In
this way, the concentration levels of acetic acid in the air can be
tracked using both approaches. These approaches to chemical plume
tracking have many applications for air quality monitoring.
Abstract: Years of extensive research in the field of speech
processing for compression and recognition in the last five decades,
resulted in a severe competition among the various methods and
paradigms introduced. In this paper we include the different representations
of speech in the time-frequency and time-scale domains
for the purpose of compression and recognition. The examination of
these representations in a variety of related work is accomplished.
In particular, we emphasize methods related to Fourier analysis
paradigms and wavelet based ones along with the advantages and
disadvantages of both approaches.
Abstract: In this paper, a method for deriving a group priority vector in the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) is proposed. By introducing importance weights of multiple decision makers (DMs) based on their experiences, the Fuzzy Preferences Programming Method (FPP) is extended to a fuzzy group prioritization problem in the FANP. Additionally, fuzzy pair-wise comparison judgments are presented rather than exact numerical assessments in order to model the uncertainty and imprecision in the DMs- judgments and then transform the fuzzy group prioritization problem into a fuzzy non-linear programming optimization problem which maximize the group satisfaction. Unlike the known fuzzy prioritization techniques, the new method proposed in this paper can easily derive crisp weights from incomplete and inconsistency fuzzy set of comparison judgments and does not require additional aggregation producers. Detailed numerical examples are used to illustrate the implement of our approach and compare with the latest fuzzy prioritization method.
Abstract: The changes in quality properties and nutritional
components in two fermented mugworts (Artemisia capillaries
Thumberg, Artemisiaeasiaticae Nakai) were characterized followed
by the rapid pattern analysis of volatile flavor compounds by Electric
Nose based on SAW(Surface Acoustic Wave) sensor in GC system.
There were remarkable decreases in the pH and small changes in the
total soluble solids after fermentation. The L (lightness) and b
(yellowness) values in Hunter's color system were shown to be
decreased, whilst the a (redness) value was increased by fermentation.
The HPLC analysis demonstrated that total amino acids were
increased in quantity and the essential amino acids were contained
higher in A. asiaticaeNakai than in A. capillaries Thumberg. While
the total polyphenol contents were not affected by fermentation, the
total sugar contents were dramatically decreased. Scopoletinwere
highly abundant in A. capillarisThumberg, however, it was not
detected in A. asiaticaeNakai. Volatile flavor compounds by Electric
Nose showed that the intensity of several peaks were increased much
and seven additional flavor peaks were newly produced after
fermentation. The flavor differences of two mugworts were clearly
distinguished from the image patterns of VaporPrintTM which indicate
that the fermentation enables the two mugworts to have subtle flavor
differences.
Abstract: A research effort to find the reality of the business of Japan-s software globalization of enterprise-level business software systems has found that while the number of Japan-made enterpriselevel software systems is comparable with those of the other G7 countries, the business is limited to the East and Southeast Asian markets. This indicates that this business has a problem in the European and USA markets. Based on the knowledge that the research has established, the research concludes that the communication problems arise from the lack of individualists' communication styles and foreign language skills in Japan's software globalization is compensated by similarities in certain Japanese cultural factors and Japan's cultural power in the East and Southeast Asian markets and that this business does not have this compensation factor in the European and American markets due to dissimilarities and no cultural power.
Abstract: There is increasing pressure on, and decline of
mopane woodlands due to increasing use and competition for
mopane resources in Zimbabwe in Namibia. Community management strategies, based largely on local knowledge are
evidently unable to cope. Research has generated potentially useful
information for mopane woodland management, but this information
has not been utilized. The work reported in this paper sought to add value to research work conducted on mopane woodlands by
developing effective community-based mopane woodland
management regimes that were based on both local and scientific
knowledge in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The conditions under which research findings were likely to be adopted for mopane woodland management by communities were investigated. The study was conducted at two sites each in Matobo and Omusati Districts in Zimbabwe and Namibia respectively. The mopane woodland
resources in the two study areas were assessed using scientific
ecological methods. A range of participatory methods was used to collect information on use of mopane woodland resources by communities, institutional arrangements governing access to and use
of these resources and to evaluate scientific knowledge for
applicability in local management regimes. Coppicing, thinning and
pollarding were the research generated management methods evaluated. Realities such as availability of woodland resources and
social roles and responsibilities influenced preferences for woodland
management interventions