Abstract: Clustering in high dimensional space is a difficult
problem which is recurrent in many fields of science and
engineering, e.g., bioinformatics, image processing, pattern
reorganization and data mining. In high dimensional space some of
the dimensions are likely to be irrelevant, thus hiding the possible
clustering. In very high dimensions it is common for all the objects in
a dataset to be nearly equidistant from each other, completely
masking the clusters. Hence, performance of the clustering algorithm
decreases.
In this paper, we propose an algorithmic framework which
combines the (reduct) concept of rough set theory with the k-means
algorithm to remove the irrelevant dimensions in a high dimensional
space and obtain appropriate clusters. Our experiment on test data
shows that this framework increases efficiency of the clustering
process and accuracy of the results.
Abstract: This paper presented the potential of smart phone to
provide support on mapping the indoor asset. The advantage of using
the smart phone to generate the indoor map is that it has the ability to
capture, store and reproduces still or video images; indeed most of us
do have this powerful gadget. The captured images usually used by
maintenance team to save a record for future reference. Here, these
images are used to generate 3D models of an object precisely and
accurately for efficient and effective solution in data gathering. Thus,
it could be a resource for an informative database in asset
management.
Abstract: Modeling of the dynamic behavior and motion are
renewed interest in the improved tractive performance of an
intelligent air-cushion tracked vehicle (IACTV). This paper presents
a new dynamical model for the forces on the developed small scale
intelligent air-cushion tracked vehicle moving over swamp peat. The
air cushion system partially supports the 25 % of vehicle total weight
in order to make the vehicle ground contact pressure 7 kN/m2. As the
air-cushion support system can adjust automatically on the terrain, so
the vehicle can move over the terrain without any risks. The springdamper
system is used with the vehicle body to control the aircushion
support system on any undulating terrain by making the
system sinusoidal form. Experiments have been carried out to
investigate the relationships among tractive efficiency, slippage,
traction coefficient, load distribution ratio, tractive effort, motion
resistance and power consumption in given terrain conditions.
Experiment and simulation results show that air-cushion system
improves the vehicle performance by keeping traction coefficient of
71% and tractive efficiency of 62% and the developed model can
meet the demand of transport efficiency with the optimal power
consumption.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the market structure as well as the degree of concentration in insurance markets in new EU member states. The analysis was conducted using several most commonly used concentration indicators such as concentration ratio, Herfindahl-Hirschman index and entropy index. These indicators were calculated for the 2000-2010 period on the basis of total gross written premium as the most relevant indicator of market power in insurance markets. The results of the analysis showed that in all observed countries the level of concentration decreased, though with significantly different intensity. Yet, in some countries, the level of concentration remains very high.
Abstract: This research aims to analyze the regenerative burner and the recuperative burner for the different reheating furnaces in the steel industry. The warm air temperatures of the burners are determined to suit with the sizes of the reheating furnaces by considering the air temperature, the fuel cost and the investment cost. The calculations of the payback period and the net present value are studied to compare the burners for the different reheating furnaces. The energy balance is utilized to calculate and compare the energy used in the different sizes of reheating furnaces for each burner. It is found that the warm air temperature is different if the sizes of reheating furnaces are varied. Based on the considerations of the net present value and the payback period, the regenerative burner is suitable for all plants at the same life of the burner. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of all factors has been discussed in this research.
Abstract: In order to evaluation the effects of soil organic
matter and biofertilizer on chickpea quality and biological
nitrogen fixation, field experiments were carried out in 2007
and 2008 growing seasons. In this research the effects of
different strategies for soil fertilization were investigated on
grain yield and yield component, minerals, organic compounds
and cooking time of chickpea. Experimental units were
arranged in split-split plots based on randomized complete
blocks with three replications. Main plots consisted of (G1):
establishing a mixed vegetation of Vicia panunica and
Hordeum vulgare and (G2): control, as green manure levels.
Also, five strategies for obtaining the base fertilizer
requirement including (N1): 20 t.ha-1 farmyard manure; (N2):
10 t.ha-1 compost; (N3): 75 kg.ha-1 triple super phosphate;
(N4): 10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost and (N5):
10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost + 50 kg.ha-1
triple super phosphate were considered in sub plots.
Furthermoree four levels of biofertilizers consisted of (B1):
Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida; (B2): Trichoderma
harzianum; (B3): Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida +
Trichoderma harzianum; and (B4): control (without
biofertilizers) were arranged in sub-sub plots. Results showed
that integrating biofertilizers (B3) and green manure (G1)
produced the highest grain yield. The highest amounts of yield
were obtained in G1×N5 interaction. Comparison of all 2-way
and 3-way interactions showed that G1N5B3 was determined
as the superior treatment. Significant increasing of N, P2O5,
K2O, Fe and Mg content in leaves and grains emphasized on
superiority of mentioned treatment because each one of these
nutrients has an approved role in chlorophyll synthesis and
photosynthesis abilities of the crops. The combined application
of compost, farmyard manure and chemical phosphorus (N5)
in addition to having the highest yield, had the best grain
quality due to high protein, starch and total sugar contents, low
crude fiber and reduced cooking time.
Abstract: The Inter feeder Power Flow Regulator (IFPFR)
proposed in this paper consists of several voltage source inverters
with common dc bus; each inverter is connected in series with one of
different independent distribution feeders in the power system. This
paper is concerned with how to transfer power between the feeders for
load sharing purpose. The power controller of each inverter injects
the power (for sending feeder) or absorbs the power (for receiving
feeder) via injecting suitable voltage; this voltage injection is
simulated by voltage drop across series virtual impedance, the
impedance value is selected to achieve the concept of power exchange
between the feeders without perturbing the load voltage magnitude of
each feeder. In this paper a new control scheme for load sharing using
IFPFR is proposed.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of logic simplification for a special class of logic functions, namely complementary Boolean functions (CBF), targeting low power implementation using static CMOS logic style. The functions are uniquely characterized by the presence of terms, where for a canonical binary 2-tuple, D(mj) ∪ D(mk) = { } and therefore, we have | D(mj) ∪ D(mk) | = 0 [19]. Similarly, D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) = { } and hence | D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) | = 0. Here, 'mk' and 'Mk' represent a minterm and maxterm respectively. We compare the circuits minimized with our proposed method with those corresponding to factored Reed-Muller (f-RM) form, factored Pseudo Kronecker Reed-Muller (f-PKRM) form, and factored Generalized Reed-Muller (f-GRM) form. We have opted for algebraic factorization of the Reed-Muller (RM) form and its different variants, using the factorization rules of [1], as it is simple and requires much less CPU execution time compared to Boolean factorization operations. This technique has enabled us to greatly reduce the literal count as well as the gate count needed for such RM realizations, which are generally prone to consuming more cells and subsequently more power consumption. However, this leads to a drawback in terms of the design-for-test attribute associated with the various RM forms. Though we still preserve the definition of those forms viz. realizing such functionality with only select types of logic gates (AND gate and XOR gate), the structural integrity of the logic levels is not preserved. This would consequently alter the testability properties of such circuits i.e. it may increase/decrease/maintain the same number of test input vectors needed for their exhaustive testability, subsequently affecting their generalized test vector computation. We do not consider the issue of design-for-testability here, but, instead focus on the power consumption of the final logic implementation, after realization with a conventional CMOS process technology (0.35 micron TSMC process). The quality of the resulting circuits evaluated on the basis of an established cost metric viz., power consumption, demonstrate average savings by 26.79% for the samples considered in this work, besides reduction in number of gates and input literals by 39.66% and 12.98% respectively, in comparison with other factored RM forms.
Abstract: Selection of the best possible set of suppliers has a
significant impact on the overall profitability and success of any
business. For this reason, it is usually necessary to optimize all
business processes and to make use of cost-effective alternatives for
additional savings. This paper proposes a new efficient context-aware
supplier selection model that takes into account possible changes of
the environment while significantly reducing selection costs. The
proposed model is based on data clustering techniques while
inspiring certain principles of online algorithms for an optimally
selection of suppliers. Unlike common selection models which re-run
the selection algorithm from the scratch-line for any decision-making
sub-period on the whole environment, our model considers the
changes only and superimposes it to the previously defined best set
of suppliers to obtain a new best set of suppliers. Therefore, any recomputation
of unchanged elements of the environment is avoided
and selection costs are consequently reduced significantly. A
numerical evaluation confirms applicability of this model and proves
that it is a more optimal solution compared with common static
selection models in this field.
Abstract: Predicting short term wind speed is essential in order
to prevent systems in-action from the effects of strong winds. It also
helps in using wind energy as an alternative source of energy, mainly
for Electrical power generation. Wind speed prediction has
applications in Military and civilian fields for air traffic control,
rocket launch, ship navigation etc. The wind speed in near future
depends on the values of other meteorological variables, such as
atmospheric pressure, moisture content, humidity, rainfall etc. The
values of these parameters are obtained from a nearest weather
station and are used to train various forms of neural networks. The
trained model of neural networks is validated using a similar set of
data. The model is then used to predict the wind speed, using the
same meteorological information. This paper reports an Artificial
Neural Network model for short term wind speed prediction, which
uses back propagation algorithm.
Abstract: This paper is prepared to provide a review of how an automotive manufacturer, ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Co. Ltd. sustained the supply chain management after business process reengineering in 2007. One of the authors is currently undergoing industrial attachment and has spent almost 6 months researching in the production and operation management system of the company. This study was carried out as part of the tasks in the attachment program. The result shows that delivery lateness and outsourcing are the main barriers that affected productivity. From the gap analysis, the authors found that new business process operation had improved suppliers delivery performance.
Abstract: Evaluation and survey of curriculum quality as one of the most important components of universities system is necessary for different levels in higher education. The main purpose of this study was to survey of the curriculum quality of Actuarial science field. Case: University of SHahid Beheshti and Higher education institute of Eco insurance (according to viewpoint of students, alumni, employers and faculty members). Descriptive statistics (mean, tables, percentage, and frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (CHI SQUARE) were used to analyze the data. Six criteria considered for the Quality of curriculum: objectives, content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, Time, assessment of learning. Content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, assessment of learning criteria were relatively desirable level, objectives and time criterions were desirable level. The quality of curriculum of Actuarial Science field was relatively desirable level.
Abstract: Pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) with N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) to enhance biogas production was investigated. The pretreatments were performed at 90 and 120ºC for 1, 3, and 5 h using three different concentrations of NMMO of 73%, 79%, and 85%. The pretreated OPEFB was subsequently anaerobically digested to produce biogas. After pretreatment, there were no significant changes of the main composition of OPEFB and the maximum total solid recovery was 92%. The amorphous phase was increased up to 78% at pretreatment condition using 85% NMMO solution for 3 h at 120oC. In general, higher concentration of NMMO and higher temperature resulted in increased amorphous form and higher biogas production. The best results of biogas production reached enhancement of methane yield of 148% compared to the untreated OPEFB and increased in digestion of 94% compared to starch as reference.
Abstract: This study determines the effect of naked and heparinbased
super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on the human
cancer cell lines of A2780. Doxorubicin was used as the anticancer
drug, entrapped in the SPIO-NPs. This study aimed to decorate
nanoparticles with heparin, a molecular ligand for 'active' targeting
of cancerous cells and the application of modified-nanoparticles in
cancer treatment. The nanoparticles containing the anticancer drug
DOX were prepared by a solvent evaporation and emulsification
cross-linking method. The physicochemical properties of the
nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, and uniform
nanoparticles with an average particle size of 110±15 nm with high
encapsulation efficiencies (EE) were obtained. Additionally, a
sustained release of DOX from the SPIO-NPs was successful.
Cytotoxicity tests showed that the SPIO-DOX-HP had higher cell
toxicity than the individual HP and confocal microscopy analysis
confirmed excellent cellular uptake efficiency. These results indicate
that HP based SPIO-NPs have potential uses as anticancer drug
carriers and also have an enhanced anticancer effect.
Abstract: Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are wireless
networks consisting of number of tiny, low cost and low power
sensor nodes to monitor various physical phenomena like
temperature, pressure, vibration, landslide detection, presence of any
object, etc. The major limitation in these networks is the use of nonrechargeable
battery having limited power supply. The main cause of
energy consumption WSN is communication subsystem. This paper
presents an efficient grid formation/clustering strategy known as Grid
based level Clustering and Aggregation of Data (GCAD). The
proposed clustering strategy is simple and scalable that uses low duty
cycle approach to keep non-CH nodes into sleep mode thus reducing
energy consumption. Simulation results demonstrate that our
proposed GCAD protocol performs better in various performance
metrics.
Abstract: In this research it is aimed that the effect of some demographic factors on Turkish Adolescents' subjective well being is investigated. 432 adolescents who are 247 girls and 185 boys are participated in this study. They are ages 15-17, and also are high school students. The Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale are used for measuring adolescents' subjective well being. The ANOVA method is used in order to examine the effect of ages. For gender differences, independent t-test method is used, and finally the Pearson Correlation method is used so as to examine the effect of socio economic statues of adolescents' parents. According to results, there is no gender difference on adolescents' subjective well being. On the other hand, SES and age are effect significantly lover level on adolescents' subjective well being.
Abstract: Structural behavior of ring stiffened thick walled
cylinders made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) is
investigated in this paper. Functionally graded materials are inhomogeneous composites which are usually made from a mixture
of metal and ceramic. The gradient compositional variation of the
constituents from one surface to the other provides an elegant solution to the problem of high transverse shear stresses that are
induced when two dissimilar materials with large differences in material properties are bonded. FGM formation of the cylinder is
modeled by power-law exponent and the variation of characteristics is supposed to be in radial direction.
A finite element formulation is derived for the analysis. According to the property variation of the constituent materials in the radial
direction of the wall, it is not convenient to use conventional elements to model and analyze the structure of the stiffened FGM
cylinders. In this paper a new cylindrical super-element is used to model the finite element formulation and analyze the static and
modal behavior of stiffened FGM thick walled cylinders. By using
this super-element the number of elements, which are needed for
modeling, will reduce significantly and the process time is less in comparison with conventional finite element formulations. Results for static and modal analysis are evaluated and verified by
comparison to finite element formulation with conventional
elements. Comparison indicates a good conformity between results.
Abstract: An optimal power flow (OPF) based on particle swarm
optimization (PSO) was developed with more realistic generator
security constraint using the capability curve instead of only Pmin/Pmax
and Qmin/Qmax. Neural network (NN) was used in designing digital
capability curve and the security check algorithm. The algorithm is
very simple and flexible especially for representing non linear
generation operation limit near steady state stability limit and under
excitation operation area. In effort to avoid local optimal power flow
solution, the particle swarm optimization was implemented with
enough widespread initial population. The objective function used in
the optimization process is electric production cost which is
dominated by fuel cost. The proposed method was implemented at
Java Bali 500 kV power systems contain of 7 generators and 20
buses. The simulation result shows that the combination of generator
power output resulted from the proposed method was more economic
compared with the result using conventional constraint but operated
at more marginal operating point.
Abstract: This paper features the modeling and design of a Fast
Output Sampling (FOS) Feedback control technique for the Active
Vibration Control (AVC) of a smart flexible aluminium cantilever
beam for a Single Input Single Output (SISO) case. Controllers are
designed for the beam by bonding patches of piezoelectric layer as
sensor / actuator to the master structure at different locations along
the length of the beam by retaining the first 2 dominant vibratory
modes. The entire structure is modeled in state space form using the
concept of piezoelectric theory, Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, Finite
Element Method (FEM) and the state space techniques by dividing
the structure into 3, 4, 5 finite elements, thus giving rise to three
types of systems, viz., system 1 (beam divided into 3 finite
elements), system 2 (4 finite elements), system 3 (5 finite elements).
The effect of placing the sensor / actuator at various locations along
the length of the beam for all the 3 types of systems considered is
observed and the conclusions are drawn for the best performance and
for the smallest magnitude of the control input required to control the
vibrations of the beam. Simulations are performed in MATLAB. The
open loop responses, closed loop responses and the tip displacements
with and without the controller are obtained and the performance of
the proposed smart system is evaluated for vibration control.
Abstract: This study is concerned with a new adaptive impedance control strategy to compensate for unknown time-varying environment stiffness and position. The uncertainties are expressed by Function Approximation Technique (FAT), which allows the update laws to be derived easily using Lyapunov stability theory. Computer simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.