Abstract: Technology changes have been acknowledged as a
critical factor in determining competitiveness of organization. Under
such environment, the right anticipation of technology change has
been of huge importance in strategic planning. To monitor technology
change, technology forecasting (TF) is frequently utilized. In
academic perspective, TF has received great attention for a long time.
However, few researches have been conducted to provide overview of
the TF literature. Even though some studies deals with review of TF
research, they generally focused on type and characteristics of various
TF, so hardly provides information about patterns of TF research and
which TF method is used in certain technology industry. Accordingly,
this study profile developments in and patterns of scholarly research in
TF over time. Also, this study investigates which technology
industries have used certain TF method and identifies their
relationships. This study will help in understanding TF research trend
and their application area.
Abstract: There has been a growing interest in the field of
bio-mimetic robots that resemble the shape of an insect or an aquatic
animal, among many others. One bio-mimetic robot serves the
purpose of exploring pipelines, spotting any troubled areas or
malfunctions and reporting its data. Moreover, the robot is able to
prepare for and react to any abnormal routes in the pipeline. In order
to move effectively inside a pipeline, the robot-s movement will
resemble that of a lizard. When situated in massive pipelines with
complex routes, the robot places fixed sensors in several important
spots in order to complete its monitoring. This monitoring task is to
prevent a major system failure by preemptively recognizing any minor
or partial malfunctions. Areas uncovered by fixed sensors are usually
impossible to provide real-time observation and examination, and thus
are dependant on periodical offline monitoring. This paper provides
the Monitoring System that is able to monitor the entire area of
pipelines–with and without fixed sensors–by using the bio-mimetic
robot.
Abstract: This paper proposes an efficient lattice-reduction-aided
detection (LRD) scheme to improve the detection performance of
MIMO-OFDM system. In this proposed scheme, V candidate symbols
are considered at the first layer, and V probable streams are
detected with LRD scheme according to the first detected V candidate
symbols. Then, the most probable stream is selected through a ML
test. Since the proposed scheme can more accurately detect initial
symbol and can reduce transmission of error to rest symbols, the
proposed scheme shows more improved performance than conventional
LRD with very low complexity.
Abstract: Interactive public displays give access as an
innovative media to promote enhanced communication between
people and information. However, digital public displays are subject
to a few constraints, such as content presentation. Content
presentation needs to be developed to be more interesting to attract
people’s attention and motivate people to interact with the display. In
this paper, we proposed idea to implement contents with interaction
elements for vision-based digital public display. Vision-based
techniques are applied as a sensor to detect passers-by and theme
contents are suggested to attract their attention for encouraging them
to interact with the announcement content. Virtual object, gesture
detection and projection installation are applied for attracting
attention from passers-by. Preliminary study showed positive
feedback of interactive content designing towards the public display.
This new trend would be a valuable innovation as delivery of
announcement content and information communication through this
media is proven to be more engaging.
Abstract: The increasingly sophisticated technologies have now been able to provide assistance for surgeons to improve surgical
performance through various training programs. Equally important to learning skills is the assessment method as it determines the learning and technical proficiency of a trainee. A consistent and
rigorous assessment system will ensure that trainees acquire the specific level of competency prior to certification. This paper
reviews the methods currently in use for assessment of surgical
skill and some modern techniques using computer-based
measurements and virtual reality systems for more quantitative
measurements
Abstract: This paper presents the development techniques
for a complete autonomous design model of an advanced train
control system and gives a new approach for the
implementation of multi-agents based system. This research
work proposes to develop a novel control system to enhance
the efficiency of the vehicles under constraints of various
conditions, and contributes in stability and controllability
issues, considering relevant safety and operational
requirements with command control communication and
various sensors to avoid accidents. The approach of speed
scheduling, management and control in local and distributed
environment is given to fulfill the dire needs of modern trend
and enhance the vehicles control systems in automation. These
techniques suggest the state of the art microelectronic
technology with accuracy and stability as forefront goals.
Abstract: A Vehicle-s door wireing harness arrangement structure is provided. In vehicle-s door wiring harness(W/H) system is more toward to arrange a passenger compartment than a hinge and a weatherstrip. This article gives some insight into the dimensioning process, with special focus on large deflection analysis of wiring harness(W/H) in vehicle-s door structures for durability problem. An Finite elements analysis for door wiring harness(W/H) are used for residual stresses and dimensional stability with bending flexible. Durability test data for slim test specimens were compared with the numerical predicted fatigue life for verification. The final lifing of the component combines the effects of these microstructural features with the complex stress state arising from the combined service loading and residual stresses.
Abstract: This research proposes a methodology for patent-citation-based technology input-output analysis by applying the patent information to input-output analysis developed for the dependencies among different industries. For this analysis, a technology relationship matrix and its components, as well as input and technology inducement coefficients, are constructed using patent information. Then, a technology inducement coefficient is calculated by normalizing the degree of citation from certain IPCs to the different IPCs (International patent classification) or to the same IPCs. Finally, we construct a Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) based on the technology inducement coefficient to suggest a useful application for this methodology.
Abstract: Previous studies mass evacuation route network does
not fully reflect the step-by-step behavior and evacuees make routing
decisions. Therefore, they do not work as expected when applied to the
evacuation route planning is valid. This article describes where
evacuees may have to make a direction to select all areas were
identified as guiding points to improve evacuation routes network.
This improved route network can be used as a basis for the layout can
be used to guide the signs indicate that provides the required
evacuation direction. This article also describes that combines
simulation and artificial bee colony algorithm to provide the proposed
routing solutions, to plan an integrated routing mode. The improved
network and the model used is the cinema as a case study to assess the
floor. The effectiveness of guidance solution in the total evacuation
time is significant by verification.
Abstract: There are various approaches to implement quality
improvements. Organizations aim for a management standard which
is capable of providing customers with quality assurance on their
product/service via continuous process improvement. Carefully
planned steps are necessary to ensure the right quality improvement
methodology (QIM) and business operations are consistent, reliable
and truly meet the customers' needs. This paper traces the evolution
of QIM in Malaysia-s Information Technology (IT) industry in the
past, current and future; and highlights some of the thought of
researchers who contributed to the science and practice of quality,
and identifies leading methodologies in use today. Some of the
misconceptions and mistakes leading to quality system failures will
also be examined and discussed. This paper aims to provide a general
overview of different types of QIMs available for IT businesses in
maximizing business advantages, enhancing product quality,
improving process routines and increasing performance earnings.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood viscosity on the radial pulse wave. For this, we obtained the radial pulse wave of 15 males with abnormal high hematocrit level and 47 males with normal hematocrit level at the age of thirties and forties. Various variables of the radial pulse wave between two groups were analyzed and compared by Student's T test. There are significant differences in several variables about height, time and area of the pulse wave. The first peak of the radial pulse wave was higher in abnormal high hematocrit group, but the third peak was higher and longer in normal hematocrit group. Our results suggest that the radial pulse wave can be used for diagnosis of high blood viscosity and more clinical application.
Abstract: In this work, the physical based device model of
AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) has been
established and the corresponding device operation behavior has
been investigated also by using Sentaurus TCAD from Synopsys.
Advanced AlGaN/GaN hetero-structures with GaN cap layer and AlN
spacer have been considered and the GaN cap layer and AlN spacer
are found taking important roles on the gate leakage blocking and
off-state breakdown voltage enhancement.
Abstract: Decomposition processes take place in landfill
generate leachates that can be categorized mainly of acetogenic and
methanogenic in nature. BOD:COD ratio computed in this study for a
landfill site over a 3 years duration revealed as a good indicator to
identify acetogenic leachate from methanogenic leachate. Correlation
relationships to predict pollutant level taking into consideration of
climatic condition are derived.
Abstract: This paper provides an in-depth study of Wireless
Sensor Network (WSN) application to monitor and control the
swiftlet habitat. A set of system design is designed and developed
that includes the hardware design of the nodes, Graphical User
Interface (GUI) software, sensor network, and interconnectivity for
remote data access and management. System architecture is proposed
to address the requirements for habitat monitoring. Such applicationdriven
design provides and identify important areas of further work
in data sampling, communications and networking. For this
monitoring system, a sensor node (MTS400), IRIS and Micaz radio
transceivers, and a USB interfaced gateway base station of Crossbow
(Xbow) Technology WSN are employed. The GUI of this monitoring
system is written using a Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation
Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) along with Xbow Technology
drivers provided by National Instrument. As a result, this monitoring
system is capable of collecting data and presents it in both tables and
waveform charts for further analysis. This system is also able to send
notification message by email provided Internet connectivity is
available whenever changes on habitat at remote sites (swiftlet farms)
occur. Other functions that have been implemented in this system
are the database system for record and management purposes; remote
access through the internet using LogMeIn software. Finally, this
research draws a conclusion that a WSN for monitoring swiftlet
habitat can be effectively used to monitor and manage swiftlet
farming industry in Sarawak.
Abstract: In this paper, we present local image descriptor using
VQ-SIFT for more effective and efficient image retrieval. Instead of
SIFT's weighted orientation histograms, we apply vector quantization
(VQ) histogram as an alternate representation for SIFT features.
Experimental results show that SIFT features using VQ-based local
descriptors can achieve better image retrieval accuracy than the
conventional algorithm while the computational cost is significantly
reduced.
Abstract: This paper describes a low-voltage and low-power
channel selection analog front end with continuous-time low pass
filters and highly linear programmable gain amplifier (PGA). The
filters were realized as balanced Gm-C biquadratic filters to achieve a
low current consumption. High linearity and a constant wide
bandwidth are achieved by using a new transconductance (Gm) cell.
The PGA has a voltage gain varying from 0 to 65dB, while
maintaining a constant bandwidth. A filter tuning circuit that requires
an accurate time base but no external components is presented.
With a 1-Vrms differential input and output, the filter achieves
-85dB THD and a 78dB signal-to-noise ratio. Both the filter and PGA
were implemented in a 0.18um 1P6M n-well CMOS process. They
consume 3.2mW from a 1.8V power supply and occupy an area of
0.19mm2.
Abstract: Baseball is unique among other sports in Taiwan.
Baseball has become a “symbol of the Taiwanese spirit and Taiwan-s
national sport". Taiwan-s first professional sports league, the Chinese
Professional Baseball League (CPBL), was established in 1989.
Starters pitch many more innings over the course of a season and for
a century teams have made all their best pitchers starters. In this
study, we attempt to determine the on-field performance these
pitchers and which won the most CPBL games in 2009. We utilize
the discriminate analysis approach to solve the problem, examining
winning pitchers and their statistics, to reliably find the best starting
pitcher. The data employed in this paper include innings pitched (IP),
earned runs allowed (ERA) and walks plus hits per inning pitched
(WPHIP) provided by the official website of the CPBL. The results
show that Aaron Rakers was the best starting pitcher of the CPBL.
The top 10 CPBL starting pitchers won 14 games to 8 games in the
2009 season. Though Fisher Discriminant Analysis, predicted to top
10 CPBL starting pitchers probably won 20 games to 9 games, more
1 game to 7 games in actually counts in 2009 season.
Abstract: This study proposes a materials procurement contracts
model to which the zero-cost collar option is applied for heading price
fluctuation risks in construction.The material contract model based on
the collar option that consists of the call option striking zone of the
construction company(the buyer) following the materials price
increase andthe put option striking zone of the material vendor(the
supplier) following a materials price decrease. This study first
determined the call option strike price Xc of the construction company
by a simple approach: it uses the predicted profit at the project starting
point and then determines the strike price of put option Xp that has an
identical option value, which completes the zero-cost material
contract.The analysis results indicate that the cost saving of the
construction company increased as Xc decreased. This was because the
critical level of the steel materials price increasewas set at a low level.
However, as Xc decreased, Xpof a put option that had an identical
option value gradually increased. Cost saving increased as Xc
decreased. However, as Xp gradually increased, the risk of loss from a
construction company increased as the steel materials price decreased.
Meanwhile, cost saving did not occur for the construction company,
because of volatility. This result originated in the zero-cost features of
the two-way contract of the collar option. In the case of the regular
one-way option, the transaction cost had to be subtracted from the cost
saving. The transaction cost originated from an option value that
fluctuated with the volatility. That is, the cost saving of the one-way
option was affected by the volatility. Meanwhile, even though the
collar option with zero transaction cost cut the connection between
volatility and cost saving, there was a risk of exercising the put option.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a hardware and software
design method for automotive Electronic Control Units (ECU)
considering the functional safety. The proposed ECU is considered for
the application to Electro-Mechanical Actuator systems and the
validity of the design method is shown by the application to the
Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB) control system which is used as a
brake actuator in Brake-By-Wire (BBW) systems. The importance of a
functional safety-based design approach to EMB ECU design has been
emphasized because of its safety-critical functions, which are executed
with the aid of many electric actuators, sensors, and application
software. Based on hazard analysis and risk assessment according to
ISO26262, the EMB system should be ASIL-D-compliant, the highest
ASIL level. To this end, an external signature watchdog and an
Infineon 32-bit microcontroller TriCore are used to reduce risks
considering common-cause hardware failure. Moreover, a software
design method is introduced for implementing functional
safety-oriented monitoring functions based on an asymmetric dual
core architecture considering redundancy and diversity. The validity
of the proposed ECU design approach is verified by using the EMB
Hardware-In-the-Loop (HILS) system, which consists of the EMB
assembly, actuator ECU, a host PC, and a few debugging devices.
Furthermore, it is shown that the existing sensor fault tolerant control
system can be used more effectively for mitigating the effects of
hardware and software faults by applying the proposed ECU design
method.
Abstract: It is important problems to increase the detection rates
and reduce false positive rates in Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
Although preventative techniques such as access control and
authentication attempt to prevent intruders, these can fail, and as a
second line of defence, intrusion detection has been introduced. Rare
events are events that occur very infrequently, detection of rare
events is a common problem in many domains. In this paper we
propose an intrusion detection method that combines Rough set and
Fuzzy Clustering. Rough set has to decrease the amount of data and
get rid of redundancy. Fuzzy c-means clustering allow objects to
belong to several clusters simultaneously, with different degrees of
membership. Our approach allows us to recognize not only known
attacks but also to detect suspicious activity that may be the result of
a new, unknown attack. The experimental results on Knowledge
Discovery and Data Mining-(KDDCup 1999) Dataset show that the
method is efficient and practical for intrusion detection systems.