Abstract: An inverse geometry problem is solved to predict an
unknown irregular boundary profile. The aim is to minimize the
objective function, which is the difference between real and
computed temperatures, using three different versions of Conjugate
Gradient Method. The gradient of the objective function, considered
necessary in this method, obtained as a result of solving the adjoint
equation. The abilities of three versions of Conjugate Gradient
Method in predicting the boundary profile are compared using a
numerical algorithm based on the method. The predicted shapes show
that due to its convergence rate and accuracy of predicted values, the
Powell-Beale version of the method is more effective than the
Fletcher-Reeves and Polak –Ribiere versions.
Abstract: In this paper, the two-dimensional reversed stagnationpoint
flow is solved by means of an anlytic approach. There are
similarity solutions in case the similarity equation and the boundary
condition are modified. Finite analytic method are applied to obtain
the similarity velocity function.
Abstract: The main aim of this study is to describe and introduce a method of numerical analysis in obtaining approximate solutions for the SIR-SI differential equations (susceptible-infectiverecovered for human populations; susceptible-infective for vector populations) that represent a model for dengue disease transmission. Firstly, we describe the ordinary differential equations for the SIR-SI disease transmission models. Then, we introduce the numerical analysis of solutions of this continuous time, discrete space SIR-SI model by simplifying the continuous time scale to a densely populated, discrete time scale. This is followed by the application of this numerical analysis of solutions of the SIR-SI differential equations to the estimation of relative risk using continuous time, discrete space dengue data of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Finally, we present the results of the analysis, comparing and displaying the results in graphs, table and maps. Results of the numerical analysis of solutions that we implemented offers a useful and potentially superior model for estimating relative risks based on continuous time, discrete space data for vector borne infectious diseases specifically for dengue disease.
Abstract: To motivate users to adopt and use information
systems effectively, the nature of motivation should be carefully
investigated. People are usually motivated within ongoing processes
which include a chain of states such as perception, stimulation,
motivation, actions and reactions and finally, satisfaction. This study
assumes that the relevant motivation processes should be executed in
a proper and continuous manner to be able to persistently motivate
and re-motivate people in organizational settings and towards
information systems. On this basis, the study attempts to propose
possible relationships between this process-nature view of
motivation in terms of the common chain of states and the nearly
unique properties of information systems as is perceived by users in
the sense of a knowledgeable and authoritative entity. In the
conclusion section, some guidelines for practitioners are suggested to
ease their tasks for motivating people to adopt and use information
systems.
Abstract: Our adaptive multimodal system aims at correctly
presenting a mathematical expression to visually impaired users.
Given an interaction context (i.e. combination of user, environment
and system resources) as well as the complexity of the expression
itself and the user-s preferences, the suitability scores of different
presentation format are calculated. Unlike the current state-of-the art
solutions, our approach takes into account the user-s situation and not
imposes a solution that is not suitable to his context and capacity. In
this wok, we present our methodology for calculating the
mathematical expression complexity and the results of our
experiment. Finally, this paper discusses the concepts and principles
applied on our system as well as their validation through cases
studies. This work is our original contribution to an ongoing research
to make informatics more accessible to handicapped users.
Abstract: The work presents a development of EN338 strength classes for Strombosia pustulata, Pterygotama crocarpa, Nauclea diderrichii and Entandrophragma cyclindricum Nigerian timber species. The specimens for experimental measurements were obtained from the timber-shed at the famous Panteka market in Kaduna in the northern part of Nigeria. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the selected timber species in accordance with EN 13183-1 and ASTM D193. The mechanical properties were determined using three point bending test. The generated properties were used to obtain the characteristic values of the material properties in accordance with EN384. The selected timber species were then classified according to EN 338. Strombosia pustulata, Pterygotama crocarpa, Nauclea diderrichii and Entandrophragma cyclindricum were assigned to strength classes D40, C14, D40 and D24 respectively. Other properties such as tensile and compressive strengths parallel and perpendicular to grains, shear strength as well as shear modulus were obtained in accordance with EN 338.
Abstract: Sufficient linear matrix inequalities (LMI) conditions for regularization of discrete-time singular systems are given. Then a new class of regularizing stabilizing controllers is discussed. The proposed controllers are the sum of predictive and memoryless state feedbacks. The predictive controller aims to regularizing the singular system while the memoryless state feedback is designed to stabilize the resulting regularized system. A systematic procedure is given to calculate the controller gains through linear matrix inequalities.
Abstract: In most study fields, a phenomenon may not be
studied directly but it will be examined indirectly by phenomenon
model. Making an accurate model of system, there is attained new
information from modeled phenomenon without any charge, danger,
etc... there have been developed more solutions for describing and
analyzing the recent complicated systems but few of them have
analyzed the performance in the range of system description. Petri
nets are of limited solutions which may make such union. Petri nets
are being applied in problems related to modeling and designing the
systems. Theory of Petri nets allow a system to model
mathematically by a Petri net and analyzing the Petri net can then
determine main information of modeled system-s structure and
dynamic. This information can be used for assessing the performance
of systems and suggesting corrections in the system. In this paper,
beside the introduction of Petri nets, a real case study will be studied
in order to show the application of generalized stochastic Petri nets in
modeling a resource sharing production system and evaluating the
efficiency of its machines and robots. The modeling tool used here is
SHARP software which calculates specific indicators helping to
make decision.
Abstract: The study of morphometric and histologic evolutions
of the Bursa of Fabricus during 27 weeks of post-hashing age,
realized on 88 subjects of broiler chicken they permitted to collect
information about the morpho-histological aspect according to their
post-hashing age; showed the size and the weight of the Bursa of
Fabricius which reach their maximum between the 10th and the 11th
week of age and the physiologic involution phenomena. These
variations are in close relationship to the sexual maturity. These
results can be used in the diagnosis of viral disease such as the
Gumboro disease, Marek disease.
Abstract: Hydrocyclones flow field study is conducted by performing a parametric study. Effect of cone angle on deoiling hydrocyclones flow behaviour is studied in this research. Flow field of hydrocyclone is obtained by three-dimensional simulations with OpenFOAM code. Because of anisotropic behaviour of flow inside hydrocyclones LES is a suitable method to predict the flow field since it resolves large scales and model isotropic small scales. Large eddy simulation is used to predict the flow behavior of three different cone angles. Differences in tangential velocity and pressure distribution are reported in some figures.
Abstract: The control of oxygen flow rate during growth of
titanium dioxide by mass flow controller in DC plasma sputtering
growth system is studied. The impedance of TiO2 films for inductance
effect is influenced by annealing time and oxygen flow rate. As
annealing time is increased, the inductance of TiO2 film is the more.
The growth condition of optimum and maximum inductance for TiO2
film to serve as sensing device are oxygen flow rate of 15 sccm and
large annealing time. The large inductance of TiO2 film will be
adopted to fabricate the biosensor to obtain the high sensitivity of
sensing in biology.
Abstract: This paper describes reactive neural control used to
generate phototaxis and obstacle avoidance behavior of walking
machines. It utilizes discrete-time neurodynamics and consists of
two main neural modules: neural preprocessing and modular neural
control. The neural preprocessing network acts as a sensory fusion
unit. It filters sensory noise and shapes sensory data to drive the
corresponding reactive behavior. On the other hand, modular neural
control based on a central pattern generator is applied for locomotion
of walking machines. It coordinates leg movements and can generate
omnidirectional walking. As a result, through a sensorimotor loop this
reactive neural controller enables the machines to explore a dynamic
environment by avoiding obstacles, turn toward a light source, and
then stop near to it.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is the analysis and preservation of lime kilns, focusing on the structure, construction, and functionality of vertical shaft lime kilns of the Cap Corse in Corsica. Plans and sections of two lime kilns are presented in detail, providing an overall picture of this specific industrial heritage. The potential damage areas are identified performing structural analysis of a lime kiln using the finite element method. A restoration and strengthening technique that satisfies the directions of the Charter of Venice is presented using post-tensioning tendons. Recommendations are given to preserve and promote these important historical structures integrating them into the custom footpath.
Abstract: The H.264/AVC video coding standard contains a number of advanced features. Ones of the new features introduced in this standard is the multiple intramode prediction. Its function exploits directional spatial correlation with adjacent block for intra prediction. With this new features, intra coding of H.264/AVC offers a considerably higher improvement in coding efficiency compared to other compression standard, but computational complexity is increased significantly when brut force rate distortion optimization (RDO) algorithm is used. In this paper, we propose a new fast intra prediction mode decision method for the complexity reduction of H.264 video coding. for luma intra prediction, the proposed method consists of two step: in the first step, we make the RDO for four mode of intra 4x4 block, based the distribution of RDO cost of those modes and the idea that the fort correlation with adjacent mode, we select the best mode of intra 4x4 block. In the second step, we based the fact that the dominating direction of a smaller block is similar to that of bigger block, the candidate modes of 8x8 blocks and 16x16 macroblocks are determined. So, in case of chroma intra prediction, the variance of the chroma pixel values is much smaller than that of luma ones, since our proposed uses only the mode DC. Experimental results show that the new fast intra mode decision algorithm increases the speed of intra coding significantly with negligible loss of PSNR.
Abstract: In this paper, an automated system is presented for
identification and separation of plastic resins based on near infrared
(NIR) reflectance spectroscopy. For identification and separation
among resins, a "Two-Filter" identification method is proposed that
is capable to distinguish among polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Through surveying effects
of parameters such as surface contamination, sample thickness, label
and cap existence, it was obvious that the "Two-Filter" method has a
high efficiency in identification of resins. It is shown that accurate
identification and separation of five major resins can be obtained
through calculating the relative reflectance at two wavelengths in the
NIR region.
Abstract: The article aims to investigate the presence of a correlation between eco-innovation and economic performance within industrial districts. The case analyzed in this article is based on a study concerning a sample of 54 Italian industrial clusters entitled "Eco-Districts" that has compiled a list of the most eco-efficient districts at the national level. After selecting two districts, this study assesses the economic performance of the last three years through the analysis of trends in four indicators. The results show that only in some cases there is a connection between eco innovation and economic performance.
Abstract: since in natural accidents, facilities that relate to this vita element are underground so, it is difficult to find quickly some right, exact and definite information about water utilities. There fore, this article has done operationally in Boukan city in Western Azarbaijan of Iran and it tries to represent operation and capabilities of Geographical Information system (GIS) in urban water management at the time of natural accidents. Structure of this article is that firstly it has established a comprehensive data base related to water utilities by collecting, entering, saving and data management, then by modeling water utilities we have practically considered its operational aspects related to water utility problems in urban regions.
Abstract: The main objective of this research is to synthesize silk fibroin fiber for indoor air particulate removal. Silk cocoons were de-gummed using 0.5 wt % Na2CO3 alkaline solutions at 90 Ó╣ìC for 60 mins, washed with distilled water, and dried at 80 Ó╣ìC for 3 hrs in a vacuum oven. Two sets of experiment were conducted to investigate the impacts of initial particulate matter (PM) concentration and that of air flow rate on the removal efficiency. Rice bran collected from a local rice mill in Ubonratchathani province was used as indoor air contaminant in this work. The morphology and physical properties of silk fibroin (SF) fiber were measured. The SEM revealed the deposition of PM on the used fiber. The PM removal efficiencies of 72.29 ± 3.03 % and 39.33 ± 1.99 % were obtained of PM10 and PM2.5, respectively, when using the initial PM concentration at 0.040 mg/m3 and 0.020 mg/m3 of PM10 and PM2.5, respectively, with the air flow rate of 5 L/min.
Abstract: In this paper the behavior of the decision feedback
equalizers (DFEs) adapted by the decision-directed or the constant
modulus blind algorithms is presented. An analysis of the error
surface of the corresponding criterion cost functions is first
developed. With the intention of avoiding the ill-convergence of the
algorithm, the paper proposes to modify the shape of the cost
function error surface by using a soft decision instead of the hard
one. This was shown to reduce the influence of false decisions and to
smooth the undesirable minima. Modified algorithms using the soft
decision during a pseudo-training phase with an automatic switch to
the properly tracking phase are then derived. Computer simulations
show that these modified algorithms present better ability to avoid
local minima than conventional ones.
Abstract: The acid rain causes change in pH level of soil it is
directly influence on root and leaf growth. Yield of the crop was
reduced if acidity of soil is more. Acid rain seeps into the earth and
poisons plants and trees by dissolving toxic substances in the soil,
such as aluminum, which get absorbed by the roots. In present
investigation, effect of acid rain on crop Vigna radiata was studied.
The effect of acid rain on change in soil fertility was detected in
which pH of control sample was 6.5 and pH of 1% H2SO4 and 1%
HNO3 were 3.5. Nitrogen nitrate in soil was high in 1% HNO3 treated
soil & Control sample. Ammonium nitrogen in soil was low in 1%
HNO3 & H2SO4 treated soil. Ammonium nitrogen was medium in
control and other samples. The effect of acid rain on seed
germination on 3rd day of germination control sample growth was
6.1cm with plumule 0.001% HNO3 & 0.001% H2SO4 was 5.5cm
with plumule and 8cm with plumule. On 10th day fungal growth was
observed in 1% and 0.1% H2SO4 concentrations when all plants were
dead. The effect of acid rain on crop productivity was investigated on
3rd day roots were developed in plants. On 12th day Vigna radiata
showed more growth in 0.1% HNO3 and 0.1% H2SO4 treated plants
as compare to control plants. On 20th day development of
discoloration of plant pigments were observed on acid treated plants
leaves. On 34th day Vigna radiata showed flower in 0.1% HNO3,
0.01% HNO3 and 0.01% H2SO4treated plants and no flowers were
observed on control plants. On 42th day 0.1% HNO3, 0.01% HNO
and 0.01% H2SO4 treated Vigna radiata variety and control plants
were showed seeds on plants. In Vigna radiate variety 0.1%, 0.01%
HNO3, 0.01% H2SO4treated plants were dead on 46th day and fungal
growth was observed. The toxicological study was carried out on
Vigna radiata plants exposed to 1% HNO3 cells were damaged more
than 1% H2SO4. Leaf sections exposed to 0.001% HNO3 & H2SO4
showed less damaged of cells and pigmentation observed in entire
slide when compare with control plant.