Abstract: Baseball is unique among other sports in Taiwan.
Baseball has become a “symbol of the Taiwanese spirit and Taiwan-s
national sport". Taiwan-s first professional sports league, the Chinese
Professional Baseball League (CPBL), was established in 1989.
Starters pitch many more innings over the course of a season and for
a century teams have made all their best pitchers starters. In this
study, we attempt to determine the on-field performance these
pitchers and which won the most CPBL games in 2009. We utilize
the discriminate analysis approach to solve the problem, examining
winning pitchers and their statistics, to reliably find the best starting
pitcher. The data employed in this paper include innings pitched (IP),
earned runs allowed (ERA) and walks plus hits per inning pitched
(WPHIP) provided by the official website of the CPBL. The results
show that Aaron Rakers was the best starting pitcher of the CPBL.
The top 10 CPBL starting pitchers won 14 games to 8 games in the
2009 season. Though Fisher Discriminant Analysis, predicted to top
10 CPBL starting pitchers probably won 20 games to 9 games, more
1 game to 7 games in actually counts in 2009 season.
Abstract: The photonic component industry is a highly
innovative industry with a large value chain. In order to ensure the
growth of the industry much effort must be devoted to road mapping
activities. In such activities demand and price evolution forecasting
tools can prove quite useful in order to help in the roadmap
refinement and update process. This paper attempts to provide useful
guidelines in roadmapping of optical components and considers two
models based on diffusion theory and the extended learning curve for
demand and price evolution forecasting.
Abstract: The objective of this research was to investigate the efficiency of the light emitting diode (LED) tube in various color lights used to lure the adult coconut hispine beetle. The research was conducted by setting the forward bias on LED tubes, and the next step was to test luminous efficacy and quantity of electricity used to power each LED tube in different color lights. Finally, the researcher examined the efficiency of each color-light LED tube to lure the adult coconut hispine beetle.
The results showed that the ultraviolet LED tubes had the most capacity to allure the adult coconut hispine beetles with the percentage of 82.92, followed by the blue LED tubes with the percentage of 59.76. Whereas the yellow, pink, red and warm white LED tubes had no influence to the adult coconut hispine beetles.
Abstract: In this contribution a newly developed elearning environment is presented, which incorporates Intelligent Agents and Computational Intelligence Techniques. The new e-learning environment is constituted by three parts, the E-learning platform Front-End, the Student Questioner Reasoning and the Student Model Agent. These parts are distributed geographically in dispersed computer servers, with main focus on the design and development of these subsystems through the use of new and emerging technologies. These parts are interconnected in an interoperable way, using web services for the integration of the subsystems, in order to enhance the user modelling procedure and achieve the goals of the learning process.
Abstract: During the year 1999, Serbia (ex Yugoslavia) and their northern province, Vojvodina, has been bombarded. Because of that general public believe is that this region was contaminated by depleted uranium and that there is a potential contaminant of agricultural products due to soil radioactivity. This paper presents the repeated analysis of agricultural soil samples in Vojvodina. The same investigation was carried out during the year 2001, and it was concluded that, based on the gamma-spectrometric analysis of 50 soil samples taken from the region of Vojvodina, there haven-t been registered any increase of radioactivity that could endanger the food production. We continue with the monitoring of this region. The comparison between those two sets of results is presented.
Abstract: This study proposes a materials procurement contracts
model to which the zero-cost collar option is applied for heading price
fluctuation risks in construction.The material contract model based on
the collar option that consists of the call option striking zone of the
construction company(the buyer) following the materials price
increase andthe put option striking zone of the material vendor(the
supplier) following a materials price decrease. This study first
determined the call option strike price Xc of the construction company
by a simple approach: it uses the predicted profit at the project starting
point and then determines the strike price of put option Xp that has an
identical option value, which completes the zero-cost material
contract.The analysis results indicate that the cost saving of the
construction company increased as Xc decreased. This was because the
critical level of the steel materials price increasewas set at a low level.
However, as Xc decreased, Xpof a put option that had an identical
option value gradually increased. Cost saving increased as Xc
decreased. However, as Xp gradually increased, the risk of loss from a
construction company increased as the steel materials price decreased.
Meanwhile, cost saving did not occur for the construction company,
because of volatility. This result originated in the zero-cost features of
the two-way contract of the collar option. In the case of the regular
one-way option, the transaction cost had to be subtracted from the cost
saving. The transaction cost originated from an option value that
fluctuated with the volatility. That is, the cost saving of the one-way
option was affected by the volatility. Meanwhile, even though the
collar option with zero transaction cost cut the connection between
volatility and cost saving, there was a risk of exercising the put option.
Abstract: Almost all universities include some form of assignment in their courses. The assignments are either carried out in either in groups or individually. To effectively manage these submitted assignments, a well-designed assignment submission system is needed, hence the need for an online assignment submission system to facilitate the distribution, and collection of assignments on due dates. The objective of such system is to facilitate interaction of lecturers and students for assessment and grading purposes. The aim of this study was to create a web based online assignment submission system for University of Mauritius. The system was created to eliminate the traditional process of giving an assignment and collecting the answers for the assignment. Lecturers can also create automated assessment to assess the students online. Moreover, the online submission system consists of an automatic mailing system which acts as a reminder for students about the deadlines of the posted assignments. System was tested to measure its acceptance rate among both student and lecturers.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a hardware and software
design method for automotive Electronic Control Units (ECU)
considering the functional safety. The proposed ECU is considered for
the application to Electro-Mechanical Actuator systems and the
validity of the design method is shown by the application to the
Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB) control system which is used as a
brake actuator in Brake-By-Wire (BBW) systems. The importance of a
functional safety-based design approach to EMB ECU design has been
emphasized because of its safety-critical functions, which are executed
with the aid of many electric actuators, sensors, and application
software. Based on hazard analysis and risk assessment according to
ISO26262, the EMB system should be ASIL-D-compliant, the highest
ASIL level. To this end, an external signature watchdog and an
Infineon 32-bit microcontroller TriCore are used to reduce risks
considering common-cause hardware failure. Moreover, a software
design method is introduced for implementing functional
safety-oriented monitoring functions based on an asymmetric dual
core architecture considering redundancy and diversity. The validity
of the proposed ECU design approach is verified by using the EMB
Hardware-In-the-Loop (HILS) system, which consists of the EMB
assembly, actuator ECU, a host PC, and a few debugging devices.
Furthermore, it is shown that the existing sensor fault tolerant control
system can be used more effectively for mitigating the effects of
hardware and software faults by applying the proposed ECU design
method.
Abstract: In this paper, a new approach for target recognition based on the Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm of Huang etal. [11] and the energy tracking operator of Teager [13]-[14] is introduced. The conjunction of these two methods is called Teager-Huang analysis. This approach is well suited for nonstationary signals analysis. The impulse response (IR) of target is first band pass filtered into subsignals (components) called Intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with well defined Instantaneous frequency (IF) and Instantaneous amplitude (IA). Each IMF is a zero-mean AM-FM component. In second step, the energy of each IMF is tracked using the Teager energy operator (TEO). IF and IA, useful to describe the time-varying characteristics of the signal, are estimated using the Energy separation algorithm (ESA) algorithm of Maragos et al .[16]-[17]. In third step, a set of features such as skewness and kurtosis are extracted from the IF, IA and IMF energy functions. The Teager-Huang analysis is tested on set of synthetic IRs of Sonar targets with different physical characteristics (density, velocity, shape,? ). PCA is first applied to features to discriminate between manufactured and natural targets. The manufactured patterns are classified into spheres and cylinders. One hundred percent of correct recognition is achieved with twenty three echoes where sixteen IRs, used for training, are free noise and seven IRs, used for testing phase, are corrupted with white Gaussian noise.
Abstract: A composite made of plasma functionalized multiwall
carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) coated with SnO2 was synthesized by
sonochemical precipitation method. Thick layer of this
nanocomposite material was used as ethanol sensor at low
temperatures. The composite sensitivity for ethanol has increased by
a factor of 2 at room temperature and by a factor of 13 at 250°C in
comparison to that of pure SnO2. SEM image of nanocomposite
material showed MWNTs were embedded in SnO2 matrix and also a
higher surface area was observed in the presence of functionalized
MWNTs. Greatly improved sensitivity of the composite material to
ethanol can be attributed to new gas accessing passes through
MWNTs and higher specific surface area.
Abstract: The current education system in India is adept in
equipping and assessing the scholastic development of children.
However, there is an immediate need to strengthen co-scholastic
areas like life-skills, values and attitudes to equip students to face real
life challenges. Audio-visual technology and their respective media
can make a significant contribution to a value based learning
curriculum. Thus, co-scholastic skills need to be effectively nurtured
by a medium that is entertaining and impactful. Films in general have
a tremendous impact in our society. Films with a positive message
make a formidable learning experience that can influence and inspire
generations of learners. Leveraging on this powerful medium,
EduMedia India Pvt. Ltd. has introduced School Cinema a well
researched film-based learning module supported by a fun and
exciting workbook, designed to introduce and reaffirm life-skills and
values to children, thereby having a positive influence on their
attitudes.
Abstract: This study examines the issue of recommendation
sources from the perspectives of gender and consumers- perceived
risk, and validates a model for the antecedents of consumer online
purchases. The method of obtaining quantitative data was that of the
instrument of a survey questionnaire. Data were collected via
questionnaires from 396 undergraduate students aged 18-24, and a
multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify causal
relationships. Empirical findings established the link between
recommendation sources (word-of-mouth, advertising, and
recommendation systems) and the likelihood of making online
purchases and demonstrated the role of gender and perceived risk as
moderators in this context. The results showed that the effects of
word-of-mouth on online purchase intentions were stronger than those
of advertising and recommendation systems. In addition, female
consumers have less experience with online purchases, so they may be
more likely than males to refer to recommendations during the
decision-making process. The findings of the study will help
marketers to address the recommendation factor which influences
consumers- intention to purchase and to improve firm performances to
meet consumer needs.
Abstract: In the past many uneconomic solutions for limitation
and interruption of short-circuit currents in low power applications
have been introduced, especially polymer switch based on the
positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PCTR) concept.
However there are many limitations in the active material, which
consists of conductive fillers. This paper presents a significantly
improved and simplified approach that replaces the existing current
limiters with faster switching elements. Its elegance lies in the
remarkable simplicity and low-cost processes of producing the device
using polyaniline (PANI) doped with methane-sulfonic acid (MSA).
Samples characterized as lying in the metallic and critical regimes of
metal insulator transition have been studied by means of electrical
performance in the voltage range from 1V to 5 V under different
environmental conditions. Moisture presence is shown to increase the
resistivity and also improved its current limiting performance.
Additionally, the device has also been studied for electrical resistivity
in the temperature range 77 K-300 K. The temperature dependence of
the electrical conductivity gives evidence for a transport mechanism
based on variable range hopping in three dimensions.
Abstract: This paper applies fuzzy AHP to evaluate the service
quality of online auction. Service quality is a composition of various
criteria. Among them many intangible attributes are difficult to
measure. This characteristic introduces the obstacles for respondents
on reply in the survey. So as to overcome this problem, we invite
fuzzy set theory into the measurement of performance and use AHP in
obtaining criteria. We found the most concerned dimension of service
quality is Transaction Safety Mechanism and the least is Charge Item.
Other criteria such as information security, accuracy and information
are too vital.
Abstract: The CMLP building was developed to be a model for
sustainability with strategies to reduce water, energy and pollution,
and to provide a healthy environment for the building occupants. The
aim of this paper is to investigate the environmental effects of energy
used by this building. A LCA (life cycle analysis) was led to measure
the real environmental effects produced by the use of energy. The
impact categories most affected by the energy use were found to be
the human health effects, as well as ecotoxicity. Natural gas
extraction, uranium milling for nuclear energy production, and the
blasting for mining and infrastructure construction are the processes
contributing the most to emissions in the human health effect. Data
comparing LCA results of CMLP building with a conventional
building results showed that energy used by the CMLP building has
less damage for the environment and human health than a
conventional building.
Abstract: Modular multiplication is the basic operation
in most public key cryptosystems, such as RSA, DSA, ECC,
and DH key exchange. Unfortunately, very large operands
(in order of 1024 or 2048 bits) must be used to provide
sufficient security strength. The use of such big numbers
dramatically slows down the whole cipher system, especially
when running on embedded processors.
So far, customized hardware accelerators - developed on
FPGAs or ASICs - were the best choice for accelerating
modular multiplication in embedded environments. On the
other hand, many algorithms have been developed to speed
up such operations. Examples are the Montgomery modular
multiplication and the interleaved modular multiplication
algorithms. Combining both customized hardware with
an efficient algorithm is expected to provide a much faster
cipher system.
This paper introduces an enhanced architecture for computing
the modular multiplication of two large numbers X
and Y modulo a given modulus M. The proposed design is
compared with three previous architectures depending on
carry save adders and look up tables. Look up tables should
be loaded with a set of pre-computed values. Our proposed
architecture uses the same carry save addition, but replaces
both look up tables and pre-computations with an enhanced
version of sign detection techniques. The proposed architecture
supports higher frequencies than other architectures.
It also has a better overall absolute time for a single operation.
Abstract: The city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, provides a number of examples of how a growing city can integrate urban planning and water planning to achieve sustainable urban development, environmental protection, liveability and integrated water management outcomes, and move towards becoming a “Water Sensitive City". Three examples are provided - the development at Botanic Ridge, where a 318 hectare residential development is being planned and where integrated water management options are being implemented using a “triple bottom line" sustainability investment approach; the Toolern development, which will capture and reuse stormwater and recycled water to greatly reduce the suburb-s demand for potable water, and the development at Kalkallo where a 1,200 hectare industrial precinct development is planned which will merge design of the development's water supply, sewerage services and stormwater system. The Paper argues that an integrated urban planning and water planning approach is fundamental to creating liveable, vibrant communities which meet social and financial needs while being in harmony with the local environment. Further work is required on developing investment frameworks and risk analysis frameworks to ensure that all possible solutions can be assessed equally.
Abstract: This paper discusses a curriculum approach that will
give emphasis on practical portions of teaching network security
subjects in information and communication technology courses. As
we are well aware, the need to use a practice and application oriented
approach in education is paramount. Research on active learning and
cooperative groups have shown that students grasps more and have
more tendency towards obtaining and realizing soft skills like
leadership, communication and team work as opposed to the more
traditional theory and exam based teaching and learning. While this
teaching and learning paradigm is relatively new in Malaysia, it has
been practiced widely in the West. This paper examines a certain
approach whereby students learning wireless security are divided into
and work in small and manageable groups where there will be 2
teams which consist of black hat and white hat teams. The former
will try to find and expose vulnerabilities in a wireless network while
the latter will try their best to prevent such attacks on their wireless
networks using hardware, software, design and enforcement of
security policy and etc. This paper will try to show that the approach
taken plus the use of relevant and up to date software and hardware
and with suitable environment setting will hopefully expose students
to a more fruitful outcome in terms of understanding of concepts,
theories and their motivation to learn.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is mainly to predict collision
frequency on the horizontal tangents combined with vertical curves
using artificial neural network methods. The proposed ANN models
are compared with existing regression models. First, the variables
that affect collision frequency were investigated. It was found that
only the annual average daily traffic, section length, access density,
the rate of vertical curvature, smaller curve radius before and after
the tangent were statistically significant according to related
combinations. Second, three statistical models (negative binomial,
zero inflated Poisson and zero inflated negative binomial) were
developed using the significant variables for three alignment
combinations. Third, ANN models are developed by applying the
same variables for each combination. The results clearly show that
the ANN models have the lowest mean square error value than those
of the statistical models. Similarly, the AIC values of the ANN
models are smaller to those of the regression models for all the
combinations. Consequently, the ANN models have better statistical
performances than statistical models for estimating collision
frequency. The ANN models presented in this paper are
recommended for evaluating the safety impacts 3D alignment
elements on horizontal tangents.
Abstract: The behavior of Radial Basis Function (RBF) Networks greatly depends on how the center points of the basis functions are selected. In this work we investigate the use of instance reduction techniques, originally developed to reduce the storage requirements of instance based learners, for this purpose. Five Instance-Based Reduction Techniques were used to determine the set of center points, and RBF networks were trained using these sets of centers. The performance of the RBF networks is studied in terms of classification accuracy and training time. The results obtained were compared with two Radial Basis Function Networks: RBF networks that use all instances of the training set as center points (RBF-ALL) and Probabilistic Neural Networks (PNN). The former achieves high classification accuracies and the latter requires smaller training time. Results showed that RBF networks trained using sets of centers located by noise-filtering techniques (ALLKNN and ENN) rather than pure reduction techniques produce the best results in terms of classification accuracy. The results show that these networks require smaller training time than that of RBF-ALL and higher classification accuracy than that of PNN. Thus, using ALLKNN and ENN to select center points gives better combination of classification accuracy and training time. Our experiments also show that using the reduced sets to train the networks is beneficial especially in the presence of noise in the original training sets.