Abstract: Advent enhancements in the field of computing have
increased massive use of web based electronic documents. Current
Copyright protection laws are inadequate to prove the ownership for
electronic documents and do not provide strong features against
copying and manipulating information from the web. This has
opened many channels for securing information and significant
evolutions have been made in the area of information security.
Digital Watermarking has developed into a very dynamic area of
research and has addressed challenging issues for digital content.
Watermarking can be visible (logos or signatures) and invisible
(encoding and decoding). Many visible watermarking techniques
have been studied for text documents but there are very few for web
based text. XML files are used to trade information on the internet
and contain important information. In this paper, two invisible
watermarking techniques using Synonyms and Acronyms are
proposed for XML files to prove the intellectual ownership and to
achieve the security. Analysis is made for different attacks and
amount of capacity to be embedded in the XML file is also noticed.
A comparative analysis for capacity is also made for both methods.
The system has been implemented using C# language and all tests are
made practically to get the results.
Abstract: One major source of performance decline in speaker
recognition system is channel mismatch between training and testing.
This paper focuses on improving channel robustness of speaker
recognition system in two aspects of channel compensation technique
and channel robust features. The system is text-independent speaker
identification system based on two-stage recognition. In the aspect of
channel compensation technique, this paper applies MAP (Maximum
A Posterior Probability) channel compensation technique, which was
used in speech recognition, to speaker recognition system. In the
aspect of channel robust features, this paper introduces
pitch-dependent features and pitch-dependent speaker model for the
second stage recognition. Based on the first stage recognition to
testing speech using GMM (Gaussian Mixture Model), the system
uses GMM scores to decide if it needs to be recognized again. If it
needs to, the system selects a few speakers from all of the speakers
who participate in the first stage recognition for the second stage
recognition. For each selected speaker, the system obtains 3
pitch-dependent results from his pitch-dependent speaker model, and
then uses ANN (Artificial Neural Network) to unite the 3
pitch-dependent results and 1 GMM score for getting a fused result.
The system makes the second stage recognition based on these fused
results. The experiments show that the correct rate of two-stage
recognition system based on MAP channel compensation technique
and pitch-dependent features is 41.7% better than the baseline system
for closed-set test.
Abstract: Prestressing in structure increases ratio of load-bearing capacity to weight. Suspendomes are single-layer braced domes reinforced with cable and strut. Prestressing of cables alter value and distribution of stress in structure. In this study two configuration, diamatic and lamella domes is selected. Investigated domes have span of 100m with rise-to-span ratios of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3. Single layer domes loaded under service load combinations according to ISO code. After geometric nonlinear analysis, models are designed with tubular and I-shaped sections then reinforced with cable and strut and converted to suspendomes. Displacements and stresses of some groups of nodes and elements in all of single-layer domes and suspendomes for three load combinations, symmetric snow, asymmetric snow and wind are compared. Variation due to suspending system is investigated. Suspendomes are redesigned and minimum possible weight after addition of cable and strut is obtained.
Abstract: Subjective loneliness describes people who feel a
disagreeable or unacceptable lack of meaningful social relationships,
both at the quantitative and qualitative level. The studies to be
presented tested an Italian 18-items self-report loneliness measure,
that included items adapted from scales previously developed,
namely a short version of the UCLA (Russell, Peplau and Cutrona,
1980), and the 11-items Loneliness scale by De Jong-Gierveld &
Kamphuis (JGLS; 1985). The studies aimed at testing the developed
scale and at verifying whether loneliness is better conceptualized as a
unidimensional (so-called 'general loneliness') or a bidimensional
construct, namely comprising the distinct facets of social and
emotional loneliness. The loneliness questionnaire included 2 singleitem
criterion measures of sad mood, and social contact, and asked
participants to supply information on a number of socio-demographic
variables. Factorial analyses of responses obtained in two
preliminary studies, with 59 and 143 Italian participants respectively,
showed good factor loadings and subscale reliability and confirmed
that perceived loneliness has clearly two components, a social and an
emotional one, the latter measured by two subscales, a 7-item
'general' loneliness subscale derived from UCLA, and a 6–item
'emotional' scale included in the JGLS. Results further showed that
type and amount of loneliness are related, negatively, to frequency of
social contacts, and, positively, to sad mood. In a third study data
were obtained from a nation-wide sample of 9.097 Italian subjects,
12 to about 70 year-olds, who filled the test on-line, on the Italian
web site of a large-audience magazine, Focus. The results again
confirmed the reliability of the component subscales, namely social,
emotional, and 'general' loneliness, and showed that they were
highly correlated with each other, especially the latter two.
Loneliness scores were significantly predicted by sex, age, education
level, sad mood and social contact, and, less so, by other variables –
e.g., geographical area and profession. The scale validity was
confirmed by the results of a fourth study, with elderly men and
women (N 105) living at home or in residential care units. The three
subscales were significantly related, among others, to depression, and
to various measures of the extension of, and satisfaction with, social
contacts with relatives and friends. Finally, a fifth study with 315
career-starters showed that social and emotional loneliness correlate
with life satisfaction, and with measures of emotional intelligence.
Altogether the results showed a good validity and reliability in the
tested samples of the entire scale, and of its components.
Abstract: The purpose of planned islanding is to construct a
power island during system disturbances which are commonly
formed for maintenance purpose. However, in most of the cases
island mode operation is not allowed. Therefore distributed
generators (DGs) must sense the unplanned disconnection from the
main grid. Passive technique is the most commonly used method for
this purpose. However, it needs improvement in order to identify the
islanding condition. In this paper an effective method for
identification of islanding condition based on phase space and neural
network techniques has been developed. The captured voltage
waveforms at the coupling points of DGs are processed to extract the
required features. For this purposed a method known as the phase
space techniques is used. Based on extracted features, two neural
network configuration namely radial basis function and probabilistic
neural networks are trained to recognize the waveform class.
According to the test result, the investigated technique can provide
satisfactory identification of the islanding condition in the
distribution system.
Abstract: In the management of industrial waste, conversion from the use of paper invoices to electronic forms is currently under way in developed countries. Difficulties in such computerization include the lack of synchronization between the actual goods and the corresponding data managed by the server. Consequently, a system which utilizes the incorporation of a QR code in connection with the waste material has been developed. The code is read at each stage, from discharge until disposal, and progress at each stage can be easily reported. This system can be linked with Japanese public digital authentication service of waste, taking advantage of its good points, and can be used to submit reports to the regulatory authorities. Its usefulness was confirmed by a verification test, and put into actual practice.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to disentangle and
validate the underlying factorial-structure of Ecotourism Experiential
Value (EEV) measurement scale and subsequently investigate its
psychometric properties. The analysis was based on a sample of 225
eco-tourists, collected at the vicinity of Taman Negara National Park
(TNNP) via interviewer-administered questionnaire. Exploratory
factor analysis (EFA) was performed to determine the factorial
structure of EEV. Subsequently, to confirm and validate the factorial
structure and assess the psychometric properties of EEV,
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was executed. In addition, to
establish the nomological validity of EEV a structural model was
developed to examine the effect of EEV on Total Eco-tourist
Experience Quality (TEEQ). It is unveiled that EEV is a secondorder
six-factorial structure construct and it scale has adequately met
the psychometric criteria, thus could permit interpretation of results
confidently. The findings have important implications for future
research directions and management of ecotourism destination.
Abstract: In highly competitive environments, a growing
number of companies must regularly launch new products speedily
and successfully. A company-s success is based on the systematic,
conscious product designing method which meets the market
requirements and takes risks as well as resources into consideration.
Research has found that developing and launching new products are
inherently risky endeavors. Hence in this research, we aim at
introducing a risk evaluation framework for the new product
innovation process. Our framework is based on the fuzzy analytical
hierarchy process (FAHP) methodology. We have applied all the
stages of the framework on the risk evaluation process of a
pharmaceuticals company.
Abstract: The objective is to fabricate organic light emitting
diode and to study its degradation process in atmosphere condition in
which PFO as an emitting material and PEDOT:PSS as a hole
injecting material were used on ITO substrate. Thus degradation
process of the OLED was studied upon its current-voltage
characteristic. By fabricating this OLED and obtaining blue light and
analysis of current-voltage characteristic during the time after
fabrication, it was observed that the current of the OLED was
exponentially decreased. Current reduction during the initial hours of
fabrication was outstanding and after few days its reduction rate was
dropped significantly, while the diode was dying.
Abstract: In this paper, some brief sufficient conditions for the stability of FO-LTI systems dαx(t) dtα = Ax(t) with the fractional order are investigated when the matrix A and the fractional order α are uncertain or both α and A are uncertain, respectively. In addition, we also relate the stability of a fractional-order system with order 0 < α ≤ 1 to the stability of its equivalent fractional-order system with order 1 ≤ β < 2, the relationship between α and β is presented. Finally, a numeric experiment is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our results.
Abstract: From an economic standpoint the current and future
road traffic situation in urban areas is a cost factor. Traffic jams and
congestion prolong journey times and tie up resources in trucks and
personnel. Many discussions about imposing charges or tolls for
cities in Europe in order to reduce traffic congestion are currently in
progress. Both of these effects lead – directly or indirectly - to
additional costs for the urban distribution systems in retail
companies. One approach towards improving the efficiency of retail
distribution systems, and thus towards avoiding negative
environmental factors in urban areas, is horizontal collaboration for
deliveries to retail outlets – Urban Retail Logistics. This paper
presents a classification system to help reveal where cooperation
between retail companies is possible and makes sense for deliveries
to retail outlets in urban areas.
Abstract: Arguments on a popular microblogging site were analysed by means of a methodological approach to business rhetoric focusing on the logos communication technique. The focus of the analysis was the 100 day countdown to the 2011 Rugby World Cup as advanced by the organisers. Big sporting events provide an attractive medium for sport event marketers in that they have become important strategic communication tools directed at sport consumers. Sport event marketing is understood in the sense of using a microblogging site as a communication tool whose purpose it is to disseminate a company-s marketing messages by involving the target audience in experiential activities. Sport creates a universal language in that it excites and increases the spread of information by word of mouth and other means. The findings highlight the limitations of a microblogging site in terms of marketing messages which can assist in better practices. This study can also serve as a heuristic tool for other researchers analysing sports marketing messages in social network environments.
Abstract: Nowadays, the plant location selection has a critical
impact on the performance of numerous companies. In this paper, a
methodology is presented to solve this problem. The three decision
making methods, namely Delphi, AHP and improved VIKOR, are
hybridized in order to make the best use of information available
based on the decision makers or experts. In this respect, the aim of
using Delphi is to select the most influential criteria by a few decision
makers. The AHP is utilized to give weights of the selected criteria.
Finally, the improved VIKOR method is applied to rank alternatives.
At the end of paper, an application example demonstrates the
applicability of the proposed methodology.
Abstract: This paper presents a numerical analysis of the
seismic behaviour of earth dams. Analysis is conducted for the solid
phase. It may correspond to the response of the dam before water
filling. Analysis is conducted for a simple case which concerns the
elastic response of the dam. Numerical analyses are conducted using
the FLAC3D program. The behaviour of the Shell and core of the
dam and the foundation behaviour is assumed to be elastic. Result
shows the influence of the variation of the shear modulus of the core
and shell on the seismic amplification of the dam. It can be observed
that the variation of the shearing modulus of the core leads to a
moderate increase in the dynamic amplification and the increase in
the shell shearing modulus leads to a significant increase in the
dynamic amplification.
Abstract: In this paper, a delayed prototype model is studied. Regarding the delay as a bifurcation parameter, we prove that a sequence of Hopf bifurcations will occur at the positive equilibrium when the delay increases. Using the normal form method and center manifold theory, some explicit formulae are worked out for determining the stability and the direction of the bifurcated periodic solutions. Finally, Computer simulations are carried out to explain some mathematical conclusions.
Abstract: Economic crime (i.e. corporate fraud) has a
significant impact on business. This study analyzes the fraud cases
reported by the Malaysian Securities Commission. Frauds involving
market manipulation and/or illegal share trading are the most
common types of fraud reported over the 6 years analyzed. The
highest number of frauds reported involved investment and fund
holding companies. Alarmingly the results indicate quite a high
number of frauds cases are committed by management. The higher
number of Chinese perpetrators may be due to fact that they are the
dominant group in Malaysian business. The result also shows that
more than half of companies involved with fraud are privately held
companies in the investment/fund/finance sector. The results of this
study highlight general characteristic of perpetrators (person and
company) that commit fraud which could help the regulators in their
monitoring and enforcement activities. To investors, this would help
in analyzing their business investment or portfolio risk.
Abstract: Transmission control protocol (TCP) Vegas detects
network congestion in the early stage and successfully prevents
periodic packet loss that usually occurs in TCP Reno. It has been
demonstrated that TCP Vegas outperforms TCP Reno in many
aspects. However, TCP Vegas suffers several problems that affect its
congestion avoidance mechanism. One of the most important
weaknesses in TCP Vegas is that alpha and beta depend on a good
expected throughput estimate, which as we have seen, depends on a
good minimum RTT estimate. In order to make the system more
robust alpha and beta must be made responsive to network conditions
(they are currently chosen statically). This paper proposes a modified
Vegas algorithm, which can be adjusted to present good performance
compared to other transmission control protocols (TCPs). In order to
do this, we use PSO algorithm to tune alpha and beta. The simulation
results validate the advantages of the proposed algorithm in term of
performance.
Abstract: This paper tries to shed light on the existence of a bank lending channel (BLC) in South Eastern European countries (SEE). Based on a VAR framework we test the responsiveness of credit supply to monetary policy shocks. By compiling a new data set and using the reserve requirement ratio, among others, as the policy instrument we measure the effectiveness of the BLC and the buffering effect of the banks in the SEE countries. The results indicate that loan supply is significantly affected by shifts in monetary policy, when demand factors are controlled. Furthermore, by analyzing the effect of the Greek banks in the region we conclude that Greek banks do buffer the negative effects of monetary policy transmission. By having a significant market share of the SEE-s banking markets we argue that Greek banks influence positively the economic growth of SEE countries.
Abstract: The analysis to detect arrhythmias and life-threatening
conditions are highly essential in today world and this analysis
can be accomplished by advanced non-linear processing methods
for accurate analysis of the complex signals of heartbeat dynamics.
In this perspective, recent developments in the field of multiscale
information content have lead to the Microcanonical Multiscale
Formalism (MMF). We show that such framework provides several
signal analysis techniques that are especially adapted to the
study of heartbeat dynamics. In this paper, we just show first hand
results of whether the considered heartbeat dynamics signals have
the multiscale properties by computing local preticability exponents
(LPEs) and the Unpredictable Points Manifold (UPM), and thereby
computing the singularity spectrum.
Abstract: This paper presents a new classification algorithm using colour and texture for obstacle detection. Colour information is computationally cheap to learn and process. However in many cases, colour alone does not provide enough information for classification. Texture information can improve classification performance but usually comes at an expensive cost. Our algorithm uses both colour and texture features but texture is only needed when colour is unreliable. During the training stage, texture features are learned specifically to improve the performance of a colour classifier. The algorithm learns a set of simple texture features and only the most effective features are used in the classification stage. Therefore our algorithm has a very good classification rate while is still fast enough to run on a limited computer platform. The proposed algorithm was tested with a challenging outdoor image set. Test result shows the algorithm achieves a much better trade-off between classification performance and efficiency than a typical colour classifier.