Abstract: In this paper we propose a new criterion for solving
the problem of channel shortening in multi-carrier systems. In a
discrete multitone receiver, a time-domain equalizer (TEQ) reduces
intersymbol interference (ISI) by shortening the effective duration of
the channel impulse response. Minimum mean square error (MMSE)
method for TEQ does not give satisfactory results. In [1] a new
criterion for partially equalizing severe ISI channels to reduce the
cyclic prefix overhead of the discrete multitone transceiver (DMT),
assuming a fixed transmission bandwidth, is introduced. Due to
specific constrained (unit morm constraint on the target impulse
response (TIR)) in their method, the freedom to choose optimum
vector (TIR) is reduced. Better results can be obtained by avoiding
the unit norm constraint on the target impulse response (TIR). In
this paper we change the cost function proposed in [1] to the cost
function of determining the maximum of a determinant subject to
linear matrix inequality (LMI) and quadratic constraint and solve the
resulting optimization problem. Usefulness of the proposed method
is shown with the help of simulations.
Abstract: Carboneous catalytical methane decomposition is an
attractive process because it produces two valuable products:
hydrogen and carbon. Furthermore, this reaction does not emit any
green house or hazardous gases. In the present study, experiments
were conducted in a thermo gravimetric analyzer using Fluka 05120
as carboneous catalyst to analyze its effectiveness in methane
decomposition. Various temperatures and methane partial pressures
were chosen and carbon mass gain was observed as a function of
time. Results are presented in terms of carbon formation rate,
hydrogen production and catalytical activity. It is observed that there
is linearity in carbon deposition amount by time at lower reaction
temperature (780 °C). On the other hand, it is observed that carbon
and hydrogen formation rates are increased with increasing
temperature. Finally, we observed that the carbon formation rate is
highest at 950 °C within the range of temperatures studied.
Abstract: This paper is a continuation of our interest in the influence of temperature on specific retention volumes and the resulting infinite dilution activity coefficients. This has a direct effect in the design of absorption and stripping columns for the abatement of volatile organic compounds. The interaction of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) at varying temperatures was studied by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Infinite dilution activity coefficients and specific retention volumes obtained in this study were found to be in agreement with those obtained from static headspace and group contribution methods by the authors as well as literature values for similar systems. Temperature variation also allows for transport calculations for different seasons. The results of this work confirm that PDMS is well suited for the scrubbing of VOCs from waste gas streams. Plots of specific retention volumes against temperature gave linear van-t Hoff plots.
Abstract: Mobile devices, which are progressively surrounded
in our everyday life, have created a new paradigm where they
interconnect, interact and collaborate with each other. This network
can be used for flexible and secure coordinated sharing. On the other
hand Grid computing provides dependable, consistent, pervasive, and
inexpensive access to high-end computational capabilities. In this
paper, efforts are made to map the concepts of Grid on Ad-Hoc
networks because both exhibit similar kind of characteristics like
Scalability, Dynamism and Heterogeneity. In this context we
propose “Mobile Ad-Hoc Services Grid – MASGRID".
Abstract: A color image edge detection algorithm is proposed in
this paper using Pseudo-complement and matrix rotation operations.
First, pseudo-complement method is applied on the image for each
channel. Then, matrix operations are applied on the output image of
the first stage. Dominant pixels are obtained by image differencing
between the pseudo-complement image and the matrix operated
image. Median filtering is carried out to smoothen the image thereby
removing the isolated pixels. Finally, the dominant or core pixels
occurring in at least two channels are selected. On plotting the
selected edge pixels, the final edge map of the given color image is
obtained. The algorithm is also tested in HSV and YCbCr color
spaces. Experimental results on both synthetic and real world images
show that the accuracy of the proposed method is comparable to
other color edge detectors. All the proposed procedures can be
applied to any image domain and runs in polynomial time.
Abstract: Extracting and elaborating software requirements and
transforming them into viable software architecture are still an
intricate task. This paper defines a solution architecture which is
based on the blurred amalgamation of problem space and solution
space. The dependencies between domain constraints, requirements
and architecture and their importance are described that are to be
considered collectively while evolving from problem space to
solution space. This paper proposes a revised version of Twin Peaks
Model named Win Peaks Model that reconciles software
requirements and architecture in more consistent and adaptable
manner. Further the conflict between stakeholders- win-requirements
is resolved by proposed Voting methodology that is simple
adaptation of win-win requirements negotiation model and QARCC.
Abstract: Vehicle which are turning or maneuvering at high speeds
are susceptible to sliding and subsequently deviate from desired path. In
this paper the dynamics governing the Yaw/Roll behavior of a vehicle
has been simulated. Two different simulations have been used one for
the real vehicle, for which a fuzzy controller is designed to increase its
directional stability property. The other simulation is for a hypothetical
vehicle with much higher tire cornering stiffness which is capable of
developing the required lateral forces at the tire-ground patch contact to
attain the desired lateral acceleration for the vehicle to follow the
desired path without slippage. This simulation model is our reference
model.
The logic for keeping the vehicle on the desired track in the cornering
or maneuvering state is to have some braking forces on the inner or
outer tires based on the direction of vehicle deviation from the desired
path. The inputs to our vehicle simulation model is steer angle δ and
vehicle velocity V , and the outputs can be any kinematical parameters
like yaw rate, yaw acceleration, side slip angle, rate of side slip angle
and so on. The proposed fuzzy controller is a feed forward controller.
This controller has two inputs which are steer angle δ and vehicle
velocity V, and the output of the controller is the correcting moment M,
which guides the vehicle back to the desired track. To develop the
membership functions for the controller inputs and output and the fuzzy
rules, the vehicle simulation has been run for 1000 times and the
correcting moment have been determined by trial and error. Results of
the vehicle simulation with fuzzy controller are very promising
and show the vehicle performance is enhanced greatly over the
vehicle without the controller. In fact the vehicle performance
with the controller is very near the performance of the reference
ideal model.
Abstract: Dengue virus is transmitted from person to person
through the biting of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. DEN-1,
DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4 are four serotypes of this virus. Infection
with one of these four serotypes apparently produces permanent
immunity to it, but only temporary cross immunity to the others. The
length of time during incubation of dengue virus in human and
mosquito are considered in this study. The dengue patients are
classified into infected and infectious classes. The infectious human
can transmit dengue virus to susceptible mosquitoes but infected
human can not. The transmission model of this disease is formulated.
The human population is divided into susceptible, infected, infectious
and recovered classes. The mosquito population is separated into
susceptible, infected and infectious classes. Only infectious
mosquitoes can transmit dengue virus to the susceptible human. We
analyze this model by using dynamical analysis method. The
threshold condition is discussed to reduce the outbreak of this
disease.
Abstract: Certain tRNA synthetases have developed highly accurate molecular machinery to discriminate their cognate amino acids. Those aaRSs achieve their goal via editing reaction in the Connective Polypeptide 1 (CP1). Recently mutagenesis studies have revealed the critical importance of residues in the CP1 domain for editing activity and X-ray structures have shown binding mode of noncognate amino acids in the editing domain. To pursue molecular mechanism for amino acid discrimination, molecular modeling studies were performed. Our results suggest that aaRS bind the noncognate amino acid more tightly than the cognate one. Finally, by comparing binding conformations of the amino acids in three systems, the amino acid binding mode was elucidated and a discrimination mechanism proposed. The results strongly reveal that the conserved threonines are responsible for amino acid discrimination. This is achieved through side chain interactions between T252 and T247/T248 as well as between those threonines and the incoming amino acids.
Abstract: Losses reduction initiatives in distribution systems
have been activated due to the increasing cost of supplying
electricity, the shortage in fuel with ever-increasing cost to produce
more power, and the global warming concerns. These initiatives have
been introduced to the utilities in shape of incentives and penalties.
Recently, the electricity distribution companies in Oman have been
incentivized to reduce the distribution technical and non-technical
losses with an equal annual reduction rate for 6 years. In this paper,
different techniques for losses reduction in Mazoon Electricity
Company (MZEC) are addressed. In this company, high numbers of
substation and feeders were found to be non-compliant with the
Distribution System Security Standard (DSSS). Therefore, 33
projects have been suggested to bring non-complying 29 substations
and 28 feeders to meet the planed criteria and to comply with the
DSSS. The largest part of MZEC-s network (South Batinah region)
was modeled by ETAP software package. The model has been
extended to implement the proposed projects and to examine their
effects on losses reduction. Simulation results have shown that the
implementation of these projects leads to a significant improvement
in voltage profile, and reduction in the active and the reactive power
losses. Finally, the economical analysis has revealed that the
implementation of the proposed projects in MZEC leads to an annual
saving of about US$ 5 million.
Abstract: Many researchers are working on information hiding
techniques using different ideas and areas to hide their secrete data.
This paper introduces a robust technique of hiding secret data in
image based on LSB insertion and RSA encryption technique. The
key of the proposed technique is to encrypt the secret data. Then the
encrypted data will be converted into a bit stream and divided it into
number of segments. However, the cover image will also be divided
into the same number of segments. Each segment of data will be
compared with each segment of image to find the best match
segment, in order to create a new random sequence of segments to be
inserted then in a cover image. Experimental results show that the
proposed technique has a high security level and produced better
stego-image quality.
Abstract: This paper presents the feasibility study of CO2 sequestration from the sources to the sinks in the prospective of Italian Industries. CO2 produced at these sources captured, compressed to supercritical pressures, transported via pipelines and stored in underground geologic formations such as depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs, un-minable coal seams and deep saline aquifers. In this work, we present the optimized pipeline infrastructure for the CO2 with appropriate constraints to find lower cost system by the use of nonlinear optimization software LINGO 11.0. This study was conducted on CO2 transportation complex network of Italian Industries, to find minimum cost network for transporting the CO2 from sources to the sinks.
Abstract: The link between coordinate transformations in the plane and their effects on the graph of a function can be difficult for students studying college level mathematics to comprehend. To solidify this conceptual link in the mind of a student Microsoft Excel can serve as a convenient graphing tool and pedagogical aid. The authors of this paper describe how various transformations and their related functional symmetry properties can be graphically displayed with an Excel spreadsheet.
Abstract: This paper mainly studies the analyses of parameters
in the intersection collision avoidance (ICA) system based on the radar
sensors. The parameters include the positioning errors, the repeat
period of the radar sensor, the conditions of potential collisions of two
cross-path vehicles, etc. The analyses of the parameters can provide
the requirements, limitations, or specifications of this ICA system. In
these analyses, the positioning errors will be increased as the measured
vehicle approach the intersection. In addition, it is not necessary to
implement the radar sensor in higher position since the positioning
sensitivities become serious as the height of the radar sensor increases.
A concept of the safety buffer distances for front and rear of the
measured vehicle is also proposed. The conditions for potential
collisions of two cross-path vehicles are also presented to facilitate the
computation algorithm.
Abstract: Internal controls of accounting are an essential
business function for a growth-oriented organization, and include the
elements of risk assessment, information communications and even
employees' roles and responsibilities. Internal controls of accounting
systems are designed to protect a company from fraud, abuse and
inaccurate data recording and help organizations keep track of
essential financial activities. Internal controls of accounting provide a
streamlined solution for organizing all accounting procedures and
ensuring that the accounting cycle is completed consistently and
successfully. Implementing a formal Accounting Procedures Manual
for the organization allows the financial department to facilitate
several processes and maintain rigorous standards. Internal controls
also allow organizations to keep detailed records, manage and
organize important financial transactions and set a high standard for
the organization's financial management structure and protocols. A
well-implemented system also reduces the risk of accounting errors
and abuse. A well-implemented controls system allows a company's
financial managers to regulate and streamline all functions of the
accounting department. Internal controls of accounting can be set up
for every area to track deposits, monitor check handling, keep track
of creditor accounts, and even assess budgets and financial statements
on an ongoing basis. Setting up an effective accounting system to
monitor accounting reports, analyze records and protect sensitive
financial information also can help a company set clear goals and
make accurate projections. Creating efficient accounting processes
allows an organization to set specific policies and protocols on
accounting procedures, and reach its financial objectives on a regular
basis. Internal accounting controls can help keep track of such areas
as cash-receipt recording, payroll management, appropriate recording
of grants and gifts, cash disbursements by authorized personnel, and
the recording of assets. These systems also can take into account any
government regulations and requirements for financial reporting.
Abstract: The effect of wood vinegar, entomopathogenic
nematodes ((Steinernema thailandensis n. sp.) and fermented organic
substances from four plants such as: Derris elliptica Roxb, Stemona
tuberosa Lour, Tinospora crispa Mier and Azadirachta indica J. were
tested on the five varieties of sweetpotato with potential for
bioethanol production ie. Taiwan, China, PROC No.65-16, Phichit
166-5, and Phichit 129-6. The experimental plots were located at
Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment,
Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. The aim of this study
was to compare the efficiency of the five treatments for growth, yield
and insect infestation on the five varieties of sweetpotato. Treatment
with entomopathogenic nematodes gave the highest average weight
of sweetpotato tubers (1.3 kg/tuber), followed by wood vinegar,
fermented organic substances and mixed treatment with yields of
0.88, 0.46 and 0.43 kg/tuber, respectively. Also the
entomopathogenic nematode treatment gave significantly higher
average width and length of sweet potato (9.82 cm and 9.45 cm,
respectively). Additionally, the entomopathogenic nematode
provided the best control of insect infestation on sweetpotato leaves
and tubers. Comparison among the varieties of sweetpotato, PROC
NO.65-16 showed the highest weight and length. However, Phichit
129-6 gave significantly higher weight of 0.94 kg/tuber. Lastly, the
lowest sweet potato weevil infestation on leaves and tubers occurred
on Taiwan and Phichit 129-6.
Abstract: In this paper, low end Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
are applied to accelerate integer neural networks. The use of DSPs
to accelerate neural networks has been a topic of study for some
time, and has demonstrated significant performance improvements.
Recently, work has been done on integer only neural networks, which
greatly reduces hardware requirements, and thus allows for cheaper
hardware implementation. DSPs with Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs)
that support floating or fixed point arithmetic are generally more
expensive than their integer only counterparts due to increased circuit
complexity. However if the need for floating or fixed point math
operation can be removed, then simpler, lower cost DSPs can be
used. To achieve this, an integer only neural network is created in
this paper, which is then accelerated by using DSP instructions to
improve performance.
Abstract: There are increasingly plagiarism offences for
students in higher education in the digital educational world. On the
other hand, various and competitive online assessment and
plagiarism detection tools are available in the market. Taking the
University of Glamorgan as a case study, this paper describes and
introduces an institutional journey on electronic plagiarism detection
to inform the initial experience of an innovative tool and method
which could be further explored in the future research. The
comparative study and system workflow for e-plagiarism detection
tool are discussed. Benefits for both academics and students are also
presented. Electronic plagiarism detection tools brought great
benefits to both academics and students in Glamorgan. On the other
hand, the debates raised in such initial experience are discussed.
Abstract: The goal of this research is discovering the
determinants of the success or failure of external cooperation in small
and medium enterprises (SMEs). For this, a survey was given to 190
SMEs that experienced external cooperation within the last 3 years. A
logistic regression model was used to derive organizational or strategic
characteristics that significantly influence whether external
collaboration of domestic SMEs is successful or not. Results suggest
that research and development (R&D) features in general
characteristics (both idea creation and discovering market
opportunities) that focused on and emphasized indirected-market
stakeholders (such as complementary companies and affiliates) and
strategies in innovative strategic characteristics raise the probability of
successful external cooperation. This can be used meaningfully to
build a policy or strategy for inducing successful external cooperation
or to understand the innovation of SMEs.
Abstract: An economic operation scheduling problem of a
hydro-thermal power generation system has been properly solved by
the proposed multipath adaptive tabu search algorithm (MATS). Four
reservoirs with their own hydro plants and another one thermal plant
are integrated to be a studied system used to formulate the objective
function under complicated constraints, eg water managements,
power balance and thermal generator limits. MATS with four subsearch
units (ATSs) and two stages of discarding mechanism (DM),
has been setting and trying to solve the problem through 25 trials
under function evaluation criterion. It is shown that MATS can
provide superior results with respect to single ATS and other
previous methods, genetic algorithms (GA) and differential evolution
(DE).