Abstract: There are various kinds of medical equipment which
requires relatively accurate positional adjustments for successful
treatment. However, patients tend to move without notice during a
certain span of operations. Therefore, it is common practice that
accompanying operators adjust the focus of the equipment. In this
paper, tracking controllers for medical equipment are suggested to
replace the operators. The tracking controllers use AHRS sensor
information to recognize the movements of patients. Sensor fusion is
applied to reducing the error magnitudes through linear Kalman filters.
The image processing of optical markers is included to adjust the
accumulation errors of gyroscope sensor data especially for yaw
angles.
The tracking controller reduces the positional errors between the
current focus of a device and the target position on the body of a
patient. Since the sensing frequencies of AHRS sensors are very high
compared to the physical movements, the control performance is
satisfactory. The typical applications are, for example, ESWT or
rTMS, which have the error ranges of a few centimeters.
Abstract: Smoke discharging is a main reason of air pollution
problem from industrial plants. The obstacle of a building has an
affect with the air pollutant discharge. In this research, a mathematical
model of the smoke dispersion from two sources and one source with
a structural obstacle is considered. The governing equation of the
model is an isothermal mass transfer model in a viscous fluid. The
finite element method is used to approximate the solutions of the
model. The triangular linear elements have been used for discretising
the domain, and time integration has been carried out by semi-implicit
finite difference method. The simulations of smoke dispersion in
cases of one chimney and two chimneys are presented. The maximum
calculated smoke concentration of both cases are compared. It is then
used to make the decision for smoke discharging and air pollutant
control problems on industrial area.
Abstract: We present here the results for a comparative study of
some techniques, available in the literature, related to the relevance
feedback mechanism in the case of a short-term learning. Only one
method among those considered here is belonging to the data mining
field which is the K-nearest neighbors algorithm (KNN) while the
rest of the methods is related purely to the information retrieval field
and they fall under the purview of the following three major axes:
Shifting query, Feature Weighting and the optimization of the
parameters of similarity metric. As a contribution, and in addition to
the comparative purpose, we propose a new version of the KNN
algorithm referred to as an incremental KNN which is distinct from
the original version in the sense that besides the influence of the
seeds, the rate of the actual target image is influenced also by the
images already rated. The results presented here have been obtained
after experiments conducted on the Wang database for one iteration
and utilizing color moments on the RGB space. This compact
descriptor, Color Moments, is adequate for the efficiency purposes
needed in the case of interactive systems. The results obtained allow
us to claim that the proposed algorithm proves good results; it even
outperforms a wide range of techniques available in the literature.
Abstract: Fuzzy logic approach is used in this study to predict
the tractive performance in terms of traction force, and motion
resistance for an intelligent air cushion track vehicle while it operates
in the swamp peat. The system is effective to control the intelligent
air –cushion system with measuring the vehicle traction force (TF),
motion resistance (MR), cushion clearance height (CH) and cushion
pressure (CP). Sinkage measuring sensor, magnetic switch, pressure
sensor, micro controller, control valves and battery are incorporated
with the Fuzzy logic system (FLS) to investigate experimentally the
TF, MR, CH, and CP. In this study, a comparison for tractive
performance of an intelligent air cushion track vehicle has been
performed with the results obtained from the predicted values of FLS
and experimental actual values. The mean relative error of actual and
predicted values from the FLS model on traction force, and total
motion resistance are found as 5.58 %, and 6.78 % respectively. For
all parameters, the relative error of predicted values are found to be
less than the acceptable limits. The goodness of fit of the prediction
values from the FLS model on TF, and MR are found as 0.90, and
0.98 respectively.
Abstract: Implemented 5-bit 125-MS/s successive
approximation register (SAR) analog to digital converter (ADC) on
FPGA is presented in this paper.The design and modeling of a high
performance SAR analog to digital converter are based on monotonic
capacitor switching procedure algorithm .Spartan 3 FPGA is chosen
for implementing SAR analog to digital converter algorithm. SAR
VHDL program writes in Xilinx and modelsim uses for showing
results.
Abstract: In this paper, a solution is presented for a robotic
manipulation problem in industrial settings. The problem is sensing
objects on a conveyor belt, identifying the target, planning and
tracking an interception trajectory between end effector and the
target. Such a problem could be formulated as combining object
recognition, tracking and interception. For this purpose, we integrated
a vision system to the manipulation system and employed tracking
algorithms. The control approach is implemented on a real industrial
manipulation setting, which consists of a conveyor belt, objects
moving on it, a robotic manipulator, and a visual sensor above the
conveyor. The trjectory for robotic interception at a rendezvous point
on the conveyor belt is analytically calculated. Test results show that
tracking the raget along this trajectory results in interception and
grabbing of the target object.
Abstract: This paper presents how the real-time chatter
prevention can be realized by feedback of acoustic cutting signal, and
the efficacy of the proposed adaptive spindle speed tuning algorithm is
verified by intensive experimental simulations. A pair of
microphones, perpendicular to each other, is used to acquire the
acoustic cutting signal resulting from milling chatter. A real-time
feedback control loop is constructed for spindle speed compensation
so that the milling process can be ensured to be within the stability
zone of stability lobe diagram. Acoustic Chatter Signal Index (ACSI)
and Spindle Speed Compensation Strategy (SSCS) are proposed to
quantify the acoustic signal and actively tune the spindle speed
respectively. By converting the acoustic feedback signal into ACSI,
an appropriate Spindle Speed Compensation Rate (SSCR) can be
determined by SSCS based on real-time chatter level or ACSI.
Accordingly, the compensation command, referred to as Added-On
Voltage (AOV), is applied to increase/decrease the spindle motor
speed. By inspection on the precision and quality of the workpiece
surface after milling, the efficacy of the real-time chatter prevention
strategy via acoustic signal feedback is further assured.
Abstract: In this contribution an innovative platform is being
presented that integrates intelligent agents in legacy e-learning environments. It introduces the design and development of a scalable
and interoperable integration platform supporting various assessment agents for e-learning environments. The agents are implemented in
order to provide intelligent assessment services to computational intelligent techniques such as Bayesian Networks and Genetic
Algorithms. The utilization of new and emerging technologies like web services allows integrating the provided services to any web
based legacy e-learning environment.
Abstract: We investigate the ZnO role in the inherent protection
of old manuscripts to protect them against environmental damaging
effect of ultraviolet radiation, pollutant gasses, mold and bacteria. In
this study a cellulosic nanocomposite of ZnO were used as protective
coating on the surface of paper fibers. This layered nanocomposite
can act as a consolidate materials too. Furthermore, to determine how
well paper works screen objects from the damaging effects, two
accelerated aging mechanisms due to light and heat are discussed.
Results show good stability of papers with nanocomposite coating.
Also, a good light stability was shown in the colored paper that
treated with this nanocomposite. Furthermore, to demonstrate the
degree of antifungal and antibacterial properties of coated papers,
papers was treated with four common molds and bacteria and the
good preventive effects of coated paper against molds and bacteria
are described.
Abstract: The application of the synchronous dynamic random
access memory (SDRAM) has gone beyond the scope of personal
computers for quite a long time. It comes into hand whenever a big
amount of low price and still high speed memory is needed. Most of
the newly developed stand alone embedded devices in the field of
image, video and sound processing take more and more use of it. The
big amount of low price memory has its trade off – the speed. In
order to take use of the full potential of the memory, an efficient
controller is needed. Efficient stands for maximum random accesses
to the memory both for reading and writing and less area after
implementation. This paper proposes a target device independent
DDR SDRAM pipelined controller and provides performance
comparison with available solutions.
Abstract: Using state space technique and GF(2) theory, a
simulation model for external exclusive NOR type LFSR structures is
developed. Through this tool a systematic procedure is devised for
computing pseudo-random binary sequences from such structures.
Abstract: This article illustrates that how non similar culture become a cause of constant anxiety among international students in China. For that, a survey was carried out among international students of Wuhan University, China. The association among non similar culture, non familiarity of Chinese culture, self finance students and food problem is looked at through a regression line, and in the light of empirical results, a model is anticipated which elucidates these results. Some suggestions were directed at the end which will help to mitigate the anxiety among prospective students in Chinese universities.
Abstract: Selecting the word translation from a set of target
language words, one that conveys the correct sense of source word
and makes more fluent target language output, is one of core
problems in machine translation. In this paper we compare the 3
methods of estimating word translation probabilities for selecting the
translation word in Thai – English Machine Translation. The 3
methods are (1) Method based on frequency of word translation, (2)
Method based on collocation of word translation, and (3) Method
based on Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. For evaluation
we used Thai – English parallel sentences generated by NECTEC.
The method based on EM algorithm is the best method in comparison
to the other methods and gives the satisfying results.
Abstract: Recently, a great number of theoretical frameworks
have been proposed to develop the linkages between knowledge
management (KM) and organizational strategies. However, while
there has been much theorizing and case study in the area, validated
research models integrating KM and information technology
strategies for empirical testing of these theories have been scarce. In
this research, we try to develop a research model for explaining the
relationship between KM strategy and IT strategy and their effects on
performance. Finally, meaningful propositions and conclusions are
derived, and suggestions for future research are proposed and
discussed.
Abstract: Clustering techniques have received attention in many areas including engineering, medicine, biology and data mining. The purpose of clustering is to group together data points, which are close to one another. The K-means algorithm is one of the most widely used techniques for clustering. However, K-means has two shortcomings: dependency on the initial state and convergence to local optima and global solutions of large problems cannot found with reasonable amount of computation effort. In order to overcome local optima problem lots of studies done in clustering. This paper is presented an efficient hybrid evolutionary optimization algorithm based on combining Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), called PSO-ACO, for optimally clustering N object into K clusters. The new PSO-ACO algorithm is tested on several data sets, and its performance is compared with those of ACO, PSO and K-means clustering. The simulation results show that the proposed evolutionary optimization algorithm is robust and suitable for handing data clustering.
Abstract: This paper presents the stabilization potential of Class
F pond ash (PA) from a coal fired thermal power station on tropical
peat soil. Peat or highly organic soils are well known for their high
compressibility, natural moisture content, low shear strength and
long-term settlement. This study investigates the effect of different
amount (i.e., 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of PA on peat soil, collected from
Sarawak, Malaysia, mainly compaction and unconfined compressive
strength (UCS) properties. The amounts of PA added to the peat soil
sample as percentage of the dry peat soil mass. With the increase in
PA content, the maximum dry density (MDD) of peat soil increases,
while the optimum moisture content (OMC) decreases. The UCS
value of the peat soils increases significantly with the increase of PA
content and also with curing periods. This improvement on
compressive strength of tropical peat soils indicates that PA has the
potential to be used as a stabilizer for tropical peat soil. Also, the use
of PA in soil stabilization helps in reducing the pond volume and
achieving environment friendly as well as a sustainable development
of natural resources.
Abstract: Aggression is a multi- factorial concept and multilevel
in nature. The Young Adolescent is being influenced by family,
school and community. This paper is aimed to determine the
following: aggression level among young adolescents, difference of
level of aggression on school and year levels and to determine the
correlates of aggression. There were 142 high school students from
two different national highs schools (Region 3 and National Capital
Region).Convenience sampling was use in this study. The following
measures were used namely: Aggression Scale, Parental Support
Fighting Scale, Positive Behavior Scale and Exposure to Violence
and Trauma questionnaire. There was no significant difference in
aggression level among different year level and schools. The
findings of the study suggested that high level of community violence
and having low parental support for non-aggressive behavior
contribute to the prediction of aggression.
Abstract: New advancement of technology and never satisfying demands of the civilization are putting huge pressure on the natural fuel resources and these resources are at a constant threat to its sustainability. To get the best out of the automobile, the optimum balance between performance and fuel economy is important. In the present state of art, either of the above two aspects are taken into mind while designing and development process which puts the other in the loss as increase in fuel economy leads to decrement in performance and vice-versa. In-depth observation of the vehicle dynamics apparently shows that large amount of energy is lost during braking and likewise large amount of fuel is consumed to reclaim the initial state, this leads to lower fuel efficiency to gain the same performance. Current use of Kinetic Energy Recovery System is only limited to sports vehicles only because of the higher cost of this system. They are also temporary in nature as power can be squeezed only during a small time duration and use of superior parts leads to high cost, which results on concentration on performance only and neglecting the fuel economy. In this paper Kinetic Energy Recovery System for storing the power and then using the same while accelerating has been discussed. The major storing element in this system is a Flat Spiral Spring that will store energy by compression and torsion.
The use of spring ensure the permanent storage of energy until used by the driver unlike present mechanical regeneration system in which the energy stored decreases with time and is eventually lost. A combination of internal gears and spur gears will be used in order to make the energy release uniform which will lead to safe usage. The system can be used to improve the fuel efficiency by assisting in overcoming the vehicle’s inertia after braking or to provide instant acceleration whenever required by the driver. The performance characteristics of the system including response time, mechanical efficiency and overall increase in efficiency are demonstrated. This technology makes the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) more flexible and economical allowing specific application while at the same time increasing the time frame and ease of usage.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a recreational workout program for adults with disabilities over two semesters. This investigation was an action study conducted in a naturalistic setting. Participants included equal numbers of adults with severe cognitive impairments (n = 35) and adults without disabilities (n = 35). Adults with disabilities severe cognitive impairments were trained 6 self-initiated workout activities over two semesters by adults without disabilities. The numbers of task-analyzed steps of each activity performed correctly by each participant at the first and last weeks of each semester were used for data analysis. Results of the paired t-tests indicate that across two semesters, significant differences between the first and last weeks were found on 4 out of the 6 task-analyzed workout activities at a statistical level of significance p < .05. The recreational workout program developed in this study was effective.
Abstract: People nowadays love to travel around the world.
Regardless of their location and time, they especially Muslims still need to perform their five times prayer. Normally for travelers, they
need to bring maps, compass and for Muslim, they even have to bring Qibla pointer when they travel. It is slightly difficult to
determine the Qibla direction and to know the time for each prayer. In this paper we present a new electronic device called Universal Qibla and Prayer Time Finder to locate the Qibla direction and to determine each prayer time based on the current user-s location. This device use PIC microcontroller equipped with digital compass and
Global Positioning System (GPS) where it will display the exact Qibla direction and prayer time automatically at any place in the world. This device is reliable, user friendly and accurate in
determining the Qibla direction and prayer time.