Abstract: In many applications there is a broad variety of
information relevant to a focal “object" of interest, and the fusion of such heterogeneous data types is desirable for classification and
categorization. While these various data types can sometimes be treated as orthogonal (such as the hull number, superstructure color,
and speed of an oil tanker), there are instances where the inference and the correlation between quantities can provide improved fusion
capabilities (such as the height, weight, and gender of a person). A
service-oriented architecture has been designed and prototyped to
support the fusion of information for such “object-centric" situations.
It is modular, scalable, and flexible, and designed to support new data sources, fusion algorithms, and computational resources without affecting existing services. The architecture is designed to simplify
the incorporation of legacy systems, support exact and probabilistic entity disambiguation, recognize and utilize multiple types of
uncertainties, and minimize network bandwidth requirements.
Abstract: In order to answer the general question: “What does a simple agent with a limited life-time require for constructing a useful representation of the environment?" we propose a robot platform including the simplest probabilistic sensory and motor layers. Then we use the platform as a test-bed for evaluation of the navigational capabilities of the robot with different “brains". We claim that a protocognitive behavior is not a consequence of highly sophisticated sensory–motor organs but instead emerges through an increment of the internal complexity and reutilization of the minimal sensory information. We show that the most fundamental robot element, the short-time memory, is essential in obstacle avoidance. However, in the simplest conditions of no obstacles the straightforward memoryless robot is usually superior. We also demonstrate how a low level action planning, involving essentially nonlinear dynamics, provides a considerable gain to the robot performance dynamically changing the robot strategy. Still, however, for very short life time the brainless robot is superior. Accordingly we suggest that small organisms (or agents) with short life-time does not require complex brains and even can benefit from simple brain-like (reflex) structures. To some extend this may mean that controlling blocks of modern robots are too complicated comparative to their life-time and mechanical abilities.
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks is an emerging technology
that serves as environment monitors in many applications. Yet
these miniatures suffer from constrained resources in terms of
computation capabilities and energy resources. Limited energy
resource in these nodes demands an efficient consumption of that
resource either by developing the modules itself or by providing
an efficient communication protocols. This paper presents a
comprehensive summarization and a comparative study of the
available MAC protocols proposed for Wireless Sensor Networks
showing their capabilities and efficiency in terms of energy
consumption and delay guarantee.
Abstract: Early detection of breast cancer is considered as a
major public health issue. Breast cancer screening is not generalized
to the entire population due to a lack of resources, staff and
appropriate tools. Systematic screening can result in a volume of data
which can not be managed by present computer architecture, either in
terms of storage capabilities or in terms of exploitation tools. We
propose in this paper to design and develop a data warehouse system
in radiology-senology (DWRS). The aim of such a system is on one
hand, to support this important volume of information providing from
multiple sources of data and images and for the other hand, to help
assist breast cancer screening in diagnosis, education and research.
Abstract: The shortest path routing problem is a multiobjective nonlinear optimization problem with constraints. This problem has been addressed by considering Quality of service parameters, delay and cost objectives separately or as a weighted sum of both objectives. Multiobjective evolutionary algorithms can find multiple pareto-optimal solutions in one single run and this ability makes them attractive for solving problems with multiple and conflicting objectives. This paper uses an elitist multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA), for solving the dynamic shortest path routing problem in computer networks. A priority-based encoding scheme is proposed for population initialization. Elitism ensures that the best solution does not deteriorate in the next generations. Results for a sample test network have been presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach to generate well-distributed pareto-optimal solutions of dynamic routing problem in one single run. The results obtained by NSGA are compared with single objective weighting factor method for which Genetic Algorithm (GA) was applied.
Abstract: Content-Based Image Retrieval has been a major area
of research in recent years. Efficient image retrieval with high
precision would require an approach which combines usage of both
the color and texture features of the image. In this paper we propose
a method for enhancing the capabilities of texture based feature
extraction and further demonstrate the use of these enhanced texture
features in Texture-Based Color Image Retrieval.
Abstract: The flow field over a flat roof model building has been numerically investigated in order to determine threedimensional CFD guidelines for the calculation of the turbulent flow over a structure immersed in an atmospheric boundary layer. To this purpose, a complete validation campaign has been performed through a systematic comparison of numerical simulations with wind tunnel experimental data. Wind tunnel measurements and numerical predictions have been compared for five different vertical positions, respectively from the upstream leading edge to the downstream bottom edge of the analyzed model. Flow field characteristics in the neighborhood of the building model have been numerically investigated, allowing a quantification of the capabilities of the CFD code to predict the flow separation and the extension of the recirculation regions. The proposed calculations have allowed the development of a preliminary procedure to be used as guidance in selecting the appropriate grid configuration and corresponding turbulence model for the prediction of the flow field over a three-dimensional roof architecture dominated by flow separation.
Abstract: Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one of the most
famous biopolymers that has various applications in production of
biodegradable carriers. The most important strategy for enhancing
efficiency in production process and reducing the price of PHB, is the
accurate expression of kinetic model of products formation and
parameters that are effective on it, such as Dry Cell Weight (DCW)
and substrate consumption. Considering the high capabilities of
artificial neural networks in modeling and simulation of non-linear
systems such as biological and chemical industries that mainly are
multivariable systems, kinetic modeling of microbial production of
PHB that is a complex and non-linear biological process, the three
layers perceptron neural network model was used in this study.
Artificial neural network educates itself and finds the hidden laws
behind the data with mapping based on experimental data, of dry cell
weight, substrate concentration as input and PHB concentration as
output. For training the network, a series of experimental data for
PHB production from Hydrogenophaga Pseudoflava by glucose
carbon source was used. After training the network, two other
experimental data sets that have not intervened in the network
education, including dry cell concentration and substrate
concentration were applied as inputs to the network, and PHB
concentration was predicted by the network. Comparison of predicted
data by network and experimental data, indicated a high precision
predicted for both fructose and whey carbon sources. Also in present
study for better understanding of the ability of neural network in
modeling of biological processes, microbial production kinetic of
PHB by Leudeking-Piret experimental equation was modeled. The
Observed result indicated an accurate prediction of PHB
concentration by artificial neural network higher than Leudeking-
Piret model.
Abstract: The supply chains (SCs) have to appeal to new management paradigms to improve their ability to respond rapidly and cost effectively to unpredictable changes in markets and increasing levels of environmental turbulence, both in terms of volume and variety. In this highly demanded context, the Agile paradigm provides the capabilities to SC quickly adapt to changes in the market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an Agile Index to assess the agility of the automotive companies and corresponding SCs. The proposed integrated assessment model incorporates Agile practices weighted according to their importance to the automotive SC competitiveness and obtained from the Delphi technique.
Abstract: In order to develop any strategy, it is essential to first
identify opportunities, threats, weak and strong points. Assessment of
technology level provides the possibility of concentrating on weak
and strong points. The results of technology assessment have a direct
effect on decision making process in the field of technology transfer
or expansion of internal research capabilities so it has a critical role
in technology management. This paper presents a conceptual model
to analyze the technology capability of a company as a whole and in
four main aspects of technology. This model was tested on 10
automotive parts manufacturers in IRAN. Using this model,
capability level of manufacturers was investigated in four fields of
managing aspects, hard aspects, human aspects, and information and
knowledge aspects. Results show that these firms concentrate on hard
aspect of technology while others aspects are poor and need to be
supported more. So this industry should develop other aspects of
technology as well as hard aspect to have effective and efficient use
of its technology. These paper findings are useful for the technology
planning and management in automotive part manufactures in IRAN
and other Industries which are technology followers and transport
their needed technologies.
Abstract: Database management systems that integrate user preferences promise better solution for personalization, greater flexibility and higher quality of query responses. This paper presents a tentative work that studies and investigates approaches to express user preferences in queries. We sketch an extend capabilities of SQLf language that uses the fuzzy set theory in order to define the user preferences. For that, two essential points are considered: the first concerns the expression of user preferences in SQLf by so-called fuzzy commensurable predicates set. The second concerns the bipolar way in which these user preferences are expressed on mandatory and/or optional preferences.
Abstract: Simulation is a very powerful method used for highperformance
and high-quality design in distributed system, and now
maybe the only one, considering the heterogeneity, complexity and
cost of distributed systems. In Grid environments, foe example, it is
hard and even impossible to perform scheduler performance
evaluation in a repeatable and controllable manner as resources and
users are distributed across multiple organizations with their own
policies. In addition, Grid test-beds are limited and creating an
adequately-sized test-bed is expensive and time consuming.
Scalability, reliability and fault-tolerance become important
requirements for distributed systems in order to support distributed
computation. A distributed system with such characteristics is called
dependable. Large environments, like Cloud, offer unique
advantages, such as low cost, dependability and satisfy QoS for all
users. Resource management in large environments address
performant scheduling algorithm guided by QoS constrains. This
paper presents the performance evaluation of scheduling heuristics
guided by different optimization criteria. The algorithms for
distributed scheduling are analyzed in order to satisfy users
constrains considering in the same time independent capabilities of
resources. This analysis acts like a profiling step for algorithm
calibration. The performance evaluation is based on simulation. The
simulator is MONARC, a powerful tool for large scale distributed
systems simulation. The novelty of this paper consists in synthetic
analysis results that offer guidelines for scheduler service
configuration and sustain the empirical-based decision. The results
could be used in decisions regarding optimizations to existing Grid
DAG Scheduling and for selecting the proper algorithm for DAG
scheduling in various actual situations.
Abstract: The paper considers a novel modular and intrinsically safe redundant robotic system with biologically inspired actuators (pneumatic artificial muscles and rubber bellows actuators). Similarly to the biological systems, the stiffness of the internal parallel modules, representing 2 DOF joints in the serial robotic chains, is controlled by co-activation of opposing redundant actuator groups in the null-space of the module Jacobian, without influencing the actual robot position. The decoupled position/stiffness control allows the realization of variable joint stiffness according to different force-displacement relationships. The variable joint stiffness, as well as limited pneumatic muscle/bellows force ability, ensures internal system safety that is crucial for development of human-friendly robots intended for human-robot collaboration. The initial experiments with the system prototype demonstrate the capabilities of independently, simultaneously controlling both joint (Cartesian) motion and joint stiffness. The paper also presents the possible industrial applications of snake-like robots built using the new modules.
Abstract: Technological innovation capability (TIC) is
defined as a comprehensive set of characteristics of a firm that
facilities and supports its technological innovation strategies.
An audit to evaluate the TICs of a firm may trigger
improvement in its future practices. Such an audit can be used
by the firm for self assessment or third-party independent
assessment to identify problems of its capability status. This
paper attempts to develop such an auditing framework that
can help to determine the subtle links between innovation
capabilities and business performance; and to enable the
auditor to determine whether good practice is in place. The
seven TICs in this study include learning, R&D, resources
allocation, manufacturing, marketing, organization and
strategic planning capabilities. Empirical data was acquired
through a survey study of 200 manufacturing firms in the
Hong Kong/Pearl River Delta (HK/PRD) region. Structural
equation modelling was employed to examine the
relationships among TICs and various performance indicators:
sales performance, innovation performance, product
performance, and sales growth. The results revealed that
different TICs have different impacts on different
performance measures. Organization capability was found to
have the most influential impact. Hong Kong manufacturers
are now facing the challenge of high-mix-low-volume
customer orders. In order to cope with this change, good
capability in organizing different activities among various
departments is critical to the success of a company.
Abstract: The common practice of operating S-rotor is in an
open environment; however there are times when the rotor is
installed in a bounded environment and there might be changes in the
performance of the rotor. This paper presents the changes in the
performance of S-rotor when operated in bounded flows. The
investigation was conducted experimentally to compare the
performance of the rotors in bounded environment against open
environment. Three different rotors models were designed, fabricated
and subjected to experimental measurements. All of the three models
were having 600 mm height and 300 mm Diameter. They were tested
in three different flow environments; namely: partially bounded
environment, fully bounded environment and open environment.
Rotors were found to have better starting up capabilities when
operated in bounded environment. Apart from that, all rotors manage
to achieve higher Power and Torque Coefficients at a higher Tip
Speed Ratio as compared to the open environment.
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: Like any sentient organism, a smart environment
relies first and foremost on sensory data captured from the real
world. The sensory data come from sensor nodes of different
modalities deployed on different locations forming a Wireless Sensor
Network (WSN). Embedding smart sensors in humans has been a
research challenge due to the limitations imposed by these sensors
from computational capabilities to limited power. In this paper, we
first propose a practical WSN application that will enable blind
people to see what their neighboring partners can see. The challenge
is that the actual mapping between the input images to brain pattern
is too complex and not well understood. We also study the
connectivity problem in 3D/2D wireless sensor networks and propose
distributed efficient algorithms to accomplish the required
connectivity of the system. We provide a new connectivity algorithm
CDCA to connect disconnected parts of a network using cooperative
diversity. Through simulations, we analyze the connectivity gains
and energy savings provided by this novel form of cooperative
diversity in WSNs.
Abstract: Developments in communication technologies
especially in wireless have enabled the progress of low-cost and lowpower
wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The features of such WSN
are holding minimal energy, weak computational capabilities,
wireless communication and an open-medium nature where sensors
are deployed. WSN is underpinned by application driven such as
military applications, the health sector, etc. Due to the intrinsic nature
of the network and application scenario, WSNs are vulnerable to
many attacks externally and internally. In this paper we have focused
on the types of internal attacks of WSNs based on OSI model and
discussed some security requirements, characterizers and challenges
of WSNs, by which to contribute to the WSN-s security research.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to develop a neural
network-based residual generator to detect the fault in the actuators
for a specific communication satellite in its attitude control system
(ACS). First, a dynamic multilayer perceptron network with dynamic
neurons is used, those neurons correspond a second order linear
Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter and a nonlinear activation
function with adjustable parameters. Second, the parameters from the
network are adjusted to minimize a performance index specified by
the output estimated error, with the given input-output data collected
from the specific ACS. Then, the proposed dynamic neural network
is trained and applied for detecting the faults injected to the wheel,
which is the main actuator in the normal mode for the communication
satellite. Then the performance and capabilities of the proposed
network were tested and compared with a conventional model-based
observer residual, showing the differences between these two
methods, and indicating the benefit of the proposed algorithm to
know the real status of the momentum wheel. Finally, the application
of the methods in a satellite ground station is discussed.
Abstract: With the advent of emerging personal computing paradigms such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, Web contents are becoming accessible from a wide range of mobile devices. Since these devices do not have the same rendering capabilities, Web contents need to be adapted for transparent access from a variety of client agents. Such content adaptation results in better rendering and faster delivery to the client device. Nevertheless, Web content adaptation sets new challenges for semantic markup. This paper presents an advanced components platform, called MorfeoSMC, enabling the development of mobility applications and services according to a channel model based on Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles. It then goes on to describe the potential for integration with the Semantic Web through a novel framework of external semantic annotation of mobile Web contents. The role of semantic annotation in this framework is to describe the contents of individual documents themselves, assuring the preservation of the semantics during the process of adapting content rendering, as well as to exploit these semantic annotations in a novel user profile-aware content adaptation process. Semantic Web content adaptation is a way of adding value to and facilitates repurposing of Web contents (enhanced browsing, Web Services location and access, etc).