Abstract: This paper discusses the cued speech recognition
methods in videoconference. Cued speech is a specific gesture
language that is used for communication between deaf people. We
define the criteria for sentence intelligibility according to answers of
testing subjects (deaf people). In our tests we use 30 sample videos
coded by H.264 codec with various bit-rates and various speed of
cued speech. Additionally, we define the criteria for consonant sign
recognizability in single-handed finger alphabet (dactyl) analogically
to acoustics. We use another 12 sample videos coded by H.264 codec
with various bit-rates in four different video formats. To interpret the
results we apply the standard scale for subjective video quality
evaluation and the percentual evaluation of intelligibility as in
acoustics. From the results we construct the minimum coded bit-rate
recommendations for every spatial resolution.
Abstract: The use of buffer thresholds, blocking and adequate
service strategies are well-known techniques for computer networks
traffic congestion control. This motivates the study of series queues
with blocking, feedback (service under Head of Line (HoL) priority
discipline) and finite capacity buffers with thresholds. In this paper,
the external traffic is modelled using the Poisson process and the
service times have been modelled using the exponential distribution.
We consider a three-station network with two finite buffers, for
which a set of thresholds (tm1 and tm2) is defined. This computer
network behaves as follows. A task, which finishes its service at
station B, gets sent back to station A for re-processing with
probability o. When the number of tasks in the second buffer exceeds
a threshold tm2 and the number of task in the first buffer is less than
tm1, the fed back task is served under HoL priority discipline. In
opposite case, for fed backed tasks, “no two priority services in
succession" procedure (preventing a possible overflow in the first
buffer) is applied. Using an open Markovian queuing schema with
blocking, priority feedback service and thresholds, a closed form
cost-effective analytical solution is obtained. The model of servers
linked in series is very accurate. It is derived directly from a twodimensional
state graph and a set of steady-state equations, followed
by calculations of main measures of effectiveness. Consequently,
efficient expressions of the low computational cost are determined.
Based on numerical experiments and collected results we conclude
that the proposed model with blocking, feedback and thresholds can
provide accurate performance estimates of linked in series networks.
Abstract: The requirement to improve software productivity has
promoted the research on software metric technology. There are
metrics for identifying the quality of reusable components but the
function that makes use of these metrics to find reusability of
software components is still not clear. These metrics if identified in
the design phase or even in the coding phase can help us to reduce the
rework by improving quality of reuse of the component and hence
improve the productivity due to probabilistic increase in the reuse
level. CK metric suit is most widely used metrics for the objectoriented
(OO) software; we critically analyzed the CK metrics, tried
to remove the inconsistencies and devised the framework of metrics
to obtain the structural analysis of OO-based software components.
Neural network can learn new relationships with new input data and
can be used to refine fuzzy rules to create fuzzy adaptive system.
Hence, Neuro-fuzzy inference engine can be used to evaluate the
reusability of OO-based component using its structural attributes as
inputs. In this paper, an algorithm has been proposed in which the
inputs can be given to Neuro-fuzzy system in form of tuned WMC,
DIT, NOC, CBO , LCOM values of the OO software component and
output can be obtained in terms of reusability. The developed
reusability model has produced high precision results as expected by
the human experts.
Abstract: In this study, a new procedure for inspecting damages on LNG storage tanks was proposed with the use of structural diagnostic techniques: i.e., nondestructive inspection techniques such as macrography, the hammer sounding test, the Schmidt hammer test, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, and destructive inspection techniques such as the compressive strength test, the chloride penetration test, and the carbonation test. From the analysis of all the test results, it was concluded that the LNG storage tank cover was in good condition. Such results were also compared with the Korean concrete standard specifications and design values. In addition, the remaining life of the LNG storage tank was estimated by using existing models. Based on the results, an LNG storage tank cover performance evaluation procedure was suggested.
Abstract: Fuzzy sets theory affirmed that the linguistic value for
every contraries relation is complementary. It was stressed in the
intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFS) that the conditions for contraries
relations, which are the fuzzy values, cannot be greater than one.
However, complementary in two contradict phenomena are not
always true. This paper proposes a new idea condition for conflicting
bifuzzy sets by relaxing the condition of intuitionistic fuzzy sets.
Here, we will critically forward examples using triangular fuzzy
number in formulating a new condition for conflicting bifuzzy sets
(CBFS). Evaluation of positive and negative in conflicting
phenomena were calculated concurrently by relaxing the condition in
IFS. The hypothetical illustration showed the applicability of the new
condition in CBFS for solving non-complement contraries
intuitionistic evaluation. This approach can be applied to any
decision making where conflicting is very much exist.
Abstract: In this paper we study some numerical methods to solve a model one-dimensional convection–diffusion equation. The semi-discretisation of the space variable results into a system of ordinary differential equations and the solution of the latter involves the evaluation of a matrix exponent. Since the calculation of this term is computationally expensive, we study some methods based on Krylov subspace and on Restrictive Taylor series approximation respectively. We also consider the Chebyshev Pseudospectral collocation method to do the spatial discretisation and we present the numerical solution obtained by these methods.
Abstract: Eigenvector methods are gaining increasing acceptance in the area of spectrum estimation. This paper presents a successful attempt at testing and evaluating the performance of two of the most popular types of subspace techniques in determining the parameters of multiexponential signals with real decay constants buried in noise. In particular, MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) and minimum-norm techniques are examined. It is shown that these methods perform almost equally well on multiexponential signals with MUSIC displaying better defined peaks.
Abstract: The impact assessment in its various forms has
recently become a very important part of policy-making and
legislation in many different countries. Regulatory impact assessment
(RIA) is yet another set of analytical methods deployed in the
legislation of the European Union, of many developed countries as
well as in many developing ones such as Mexico, Malaysia and
Philippines. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical
background for economic models in regulatory impact assessment
and an overview of their application especially on the financial
market in the Czech Republic. We found out an inadequate
application of these models, what makes room for further research in
this field.
Abstract: A multiple-option analytical model for the evaluation of the energy performance and distribution of aerodynamic forces acting on a vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine depending on both rotor architecture and operating conditions is presented. For this purpose, a numerical algorithm, capable of generating the desired rotor conformation depending on design geometric parameters, is coupled to a Single/Double-Disk Multiple-Streamtube Blade Element – Momentum code. Both single and double-disk configurations are analyzed and model predictions are compared to literature experimental data in order to test the capability of the code for predicting rotor performance. Effective airfoil characteristics based on local blade Reynolds number are obtained through interpolation of literature low-Reynolds airfoil databases. Some corrections are introduced inside the original model with the aim of simulating also the effects of blade dynamic stall, rotor streamtube expansion and blade finite aspect ratio, for which a new empirical relationship to better fit the experimental data is proposed. In order to predict also open field rotor operation, a freestream wind shear profile is implemented, reproducing the effect of atmospheric boundary layer.
Abstract: Today, Higher Education in a global scope is subordinated to the greater institutional controls through the policies of the Quality of Education. These include processes of over evaluation of all the academic activities: students- and professors- performance, educational logistics, managerial standards for the administration of institutions of higher education, as well as the establishment of the imaginaries of excellence and prestige as the foundations on which universities of the XXI century will focus their present and future goals and interests. But at the same time higher education systems worldwide are facing the most profound crisis of sense and meaning and attending enormous mutations in their identity. Based in a qualitative research approach, this paper shows the social configurations that the scholars at the Universities in Mexico build around the discourse of the Quality of Education, and how these policies put in risk the social recognition of these individuals.
Abstract: In this paper an analytical crack propagation scenario
is proposed which assumes that a crack propagates in the tooth root in
both the crack depth direction and the tooth width direction, and
which is more reasonable and realistic for non-uniform load
distribution cases than the other presented scenarios. An analytical
approach is used for quantifying the loss of time-varying gear mesh
stiffness with the presence of crack propagation in the gear tooth root.
The proposed crack propagation scenario can be applied for crack
propagation modelling and monitoring simulation, but further
research is required for comparison and evaluation of all the
presented crack propagation scenarios from the condition monitoring
point of view.
Abstract: The response of growth and yield of rainfed-chickpea
to population density should be evaluated based on long-term
experiments to include the climate variability. This is achievable just
by simulation. In this simulation study, this evaluation was done by
running the CYRUS model for long-term daily weather data of five
locations in Iran. The tested population densities were 7 to 59 (with
interval of 2) stands per square meter. Various functions, including
quadratic, segmented, beta, broken linear, and dent-like functions,
were tested. Considering root mean square of deviations and linear
regression statistics [intercept (a), slope (b), and correlation
coefficient (r)] for predicted versus observed variables, the quadratic
and broken linear functions appeared to be appropriate for describing
the changes in biomass and grain yield, and in harvest index,
respectively. Results indicated that in all locations, grain yield tends
to show increasing trend with crowding the population, but
subsequently decreases. This was also true for biomass in five
locations. The harvest index appeared to have plateau state across
low population densities, but decreasing trend with more increasing
density. The turning point (optimum population density) for grain
yield was 30.68 stands per square meter in Isfahan, 30.54 in Shiraz,
31.47 in Kermanshah, 34.85 in Tabriz, and 32.00 in Mashhad. The
optimum population density for biomass ranged from 24.6 (in
Tabriz) to 35.3 stands per square meter (Mashhad). For harvest index
it varied between 35.87 and 40.12 stands per square meter.
Abstract: One of the determinants of a firm-s prosperity is the
customers- perceived service quality and satisfaction. While service
quality is wide in scope, and consists of various dimensions, there
may be differences in the relative importance of these dimensions in
affecting customers- overall satisfaction of service quality.
Identifying the relative rank of different dimensions of service quality
is very important in that it can help managers to find out which
service dimensions have a greater effect on customers- overall
satisfaction. Such an insight will consequently lead to more effective
resource allocation which will finally end in higher levels of
customer satisfaction. This issue – despite its criticality- has not
received enough attention so far. Therefore, using a sample of 240
bank customers in Iran, an artificial neural network is developed to
address this gap in the literature. As customers- evaluation of service
quality is a subjective process, artificial neural networks –as a brain
metaphor- may appear to have a potentiality to model such a
complicated process. Proposing a neural network which is able to
predict the customers- overall satisfaction of service quality with a
promising level of accuracy is the first contribution of this study. In
addition, prioritizing the service quality dimensions in affecting
customers- overall satisfaction –by using sensitivity analysis of
neural network- is the second important finding of this paper.
Abstract: A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of installing small wind turbines on offshore oil and gas extraction platforms is presented. Some aerodynamic considerations are developed in order to determine the best rotor architecture to exploit the wind potential on such installations, assuming that wind conditions over the platforms are similar to those registered on the roofs of urban buildings. Economical considerations about both advantages and disadvantages of the exploitation of wind energy on offshore extraction platforms with respect to conventional offshore wind plants, is also presented. Finally, wind charts of European offshore winds are presented together with a map of the major offshore installations.
Abstract: The objective of this article is to discuss the potential
of economic analysis as a tool for identification and evaluation of
corruption in legislative acts. We propose that corruption be
perceived as a risk variable within the legislative process. Therefore
we find it appropriate to employ risk analysis methods, used in
various fields of economics, for the evaluation of corruption in
legislation. Furthermore we propose the incorporation of these
methods into the so called corruption impact assessment (CIA), the
general framework for detection of corruption in legislative acts. The
applications of the risk analysis methods are demonstrated on
examples of implementation of proposed CIA in the Czech Republic.
Abstract: The objective of the research was focused on the
design, development and evaluation of a sustainable web based
network system to be used as an interoperable environment for
University process workflow and document management. In this
manner the most of the process workflows in Universities can be
entirely realized electronically and promote integrated University.
Definition of the most used University process workflows enabled
creating electronic workflows and their execution on standard
workflow execution engines. Definition or reengineering of
workflows provided increased work efficiency and helped in having
standardized process through different faculties. The concept and the
process definition as well as the solution applied as Case study are
evaluated and findings are reported.
Abstract: The purpose of the experiments described in this article was the comparison of integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) and activated sludge (AS) system. The IFAS applied system consists of the cigarette filter rods (wasted filter in tobacco factories) as a biofilm carrier. The comparison with activated sludge was performed by two parallel treatment lines. Organic substance, ammonia and TP removal was investigated over four month period. Synthetic wastewater was prepared with ordinary tap water and glucose as the main sources of carbon and energy, plus balanced macro and micro nutrients. COD removal percentages of 94.55%, and 81.62% were achieved for IFAS and activated sludge system, respectively. Also, ammonia concentration significantly decreased by increasing the HRT in both systems. The average ammonia removal of 97.40 % and 96.34% were achieved for IFAS and activated sludge system, respectively. The removal efficiency of total phosphorus (TP-P) was 60.64%, higher than AS process by 56.63% respectively.
Abstract: International markets driven forces are changing
continuously, therefore companies need to gain a competitive edge in
such markets. Improving the company's products, processes and
practices is no longer auxiliary. Lean production is a production
management philosophy that consolidates work tasks with minimum
waste resulting in improved productivity. Lean production practices
can be mapped into many production areas. One of these is
Manufacturing Equipment and Technology (MET). Many lean
production practices can be implemented in MET, namely, specific
equipment configurations, total preventive maintenance, visual
control, new equipment/ technologies, production process
reengineering and shared vision of perfection.The purpose of this
paper is to investigate the implementation level of these six practices
in Jordanian industries. To achieve that a questionnaire survey has
been designed according to five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire
is validated through pilot study and through experts review. A sample
of 350 Jordanian companies were surveyed, the response rate was
83%. The respondents were asked to rate the extent of
implementation for each of practices. A relationship conceptual
model is developed, hypotheses are proposed, and consequently the
essential statistical analyses are then performed. An assessment tool
that enables management to monitor the progress and the
effectiveness of lean practices implementation is designed and
presented. Consequently, the results show that the average
implementation level of lean practices in MET is 77%, Jordanian
companies are implementing successfully the considered lean
production practices, and the presented model has Cronbach-s alpha
value of 0.87 which is good evidence on model consistency and
results validation.
Abstract: Meeting users- requirements is one of predictors of project success. There should be a match between the expectations of the users and the perception of key project personnel with respect to usability and functionality. The aim of this study is to make a comparison of key project personnel-s and potential users- (customer representatives) evaluations of the relative importance of usability and functionality factors in a software design project. Analytical Network Process (ANP) was used to analyze the relative importance of the factors. The results show that navigation and interaction are the most significant factors,andsatisfaction and efficiency are the least important factors for both groups. Further, it can be concluded that having similar orders and scores of usability and functionality factors for both groups shows that key project personnel have captured the expectations and requirements of potential users accurately.
Abstract: This study, focusing on the importance of encouraging
outdoor activities for children, aims to propose and implement a Web-GIS based outdoor education program for junior high schools,
which will then be evaluated by users. Specifically, for the purpose of improved outdoor activities in the junior high school education, the
outdoor education program, with chiefly using the Web-GIS that provides a good information provision and sharing tool, is proposed
and implemented before being evaluated by users. The conclusion of
this study can be summarized in the following two points.
(1) A five -step outdoor education program based on Web-GIS was
proposed for a “second school" at junior high schools that was then implemented before being evaluated by teachers as users.
(2) Based on the results of evaluation by teachers, it was clear that the general operation of Web-GIS based outdoor education program with them only is difficult due to their lack of knowledge regarding Web-GIS and that support staff who can effectively utilize Web-GIS are essential.