Abstract: The research purpose was to evaluate the effect of
Active Imagination Technique (AIT) for bruxism treatment. This
project was approved by the Ethics Committee on Human Research
(CAAE: 05619512.9.0000.0109). Twenty-one volunteers using
interocclusal splint completed the study. Initially they filled in a
questionnaire about their condition, composed of objective questions
on signs and symptoms. Following they were underwent asingle
session of AIT. After 15 days, the volunteers met again the same
initial questionnaire. The results were compared and showed that the
vast majority had pain symptoms, difficulty opening the mouth, pain
when chewing, reduced, some of the participants abandoned the
interocclusal splint during the evaluate period. It is concluded that the
technique can be used in bruxism treatment. Results seem to be
promising and demonstrates the need of highlighting Active
Imagination Technique since it points a possibility of bruxism cure
and that is unprecedented.
Abstract: Removing noise from the any processed images is very important. Noise should be removed in such a way that important information of image should be preserved. A decisionbased nonlinear algorithm for elimination of band lines, drop lines, mark, band lost and impulses in images is presented in this paper. The algorithm performs two simultaneous operations, namely, detection of corrupted pixels and evaluation of new pixels for replacing the corrupted pixels. Removal of these artifacts is achieved without damaging edges and details. However, the restricted window size renders median operation less effective whenever noise is excessive in that case the proposed algorithm automatically switches to mean filtering. The performance of the algorithm is analyzed in terms of Mean Square Error [MSE], Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio [PSNR], Signal-to-Noise Ratio Improved [SNRI], Percentage Of Noise Attenuated [PONA], and Percentage Of Spoiled Pixels [POSP]. This is compared with standard algorithms already in use and improved performance of the proposed algorithm is presented. The advantage of the proposed algorithm is that a single algorithm can replace several independent algorithms which are required for removal of different artifacts.
Abstract: The present study describes the biosynthesis of a milkclotting
protease by solid state fermentation (SSF) of a locally
isolated mould, Rhizopus stolonifer. The production medium was
prepared using wheat bran at 50% (w/v). The production conditions
are optimized by varying 7 parameters: carbon and nitrogen sources,
medium moisture, temperature, pH, fermentation time and
inoculum-s size. The maximum enzyme synthesis was measured after
96 h of incubation time at temperature of 28°C. The optimum pH
determined was 6 and the inoculum size was 3.106spores/ml. The
optimum initial moisture content is comprised between 50 to 70%.
The formation of milk clotting protease is enhanced when galactose
and peptone are used at 10% (w/v) and 1% (w/v) concentrations
respectively. The maximum production of milk clotting protease is
120 US/ml.
Abstract: This paper addresses a novel technique for placement of distributed generation (DG) in electric power systems. A GA based approach for sizing and placement of DG keeping in view of system power loss minimization in different loading conditions is explained. Minimal system power loss is obtained under voltage and line loading constraints. Proposed strategy is applied to power distribution systems and its effectiveness is verified through simulation results on 16, 37-bus and 75-bus test systems.
Abstract: Optimal supplementary damping controller design for Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) is presented in this paper. For the proposed controller design, a multi-objective fitness function consisting of both damping factors and real part of system electromachanical eigenvalue is used and Real- Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) is employed for the optimal supplementary controller parameters. The performance of the designed supplementary TCSC-based damping controller is tested on a weakly connected power system with different disturbances and loading conditions with parameter variations. Simulation results are presented and compared with a conventional power system stabilizer and also with the TCSC-based supplementary controller when the controller parameters are not optimized to show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach over a wide range of loading conditions and disturbances.
Abstract: Water borne polyurethane (PU) based on newly prepared hyperbranched poly (amine-ester) (HBPAE) was applied and evaluated as organic coating material. HBPAE was prepared through one-pot synthesis between trimethylol propane as a core and AB2 branched monomer which was obtained via Michal addition of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and diethanol amine (DEA). PU was prepared from HBPAE using different ratios of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to form cured coating film. The prepared HBPAE was characterized using; GPC, FT-IR and 1H-NMR. The mechanical properties (impact, hardness, adhesion, and flexibility), thermal properties (DSC and TGA) and chemical resistance of the applied film were estimated. The results indicated 50% of TDI is the selected ratio. This formulation represents a promising candidate to be used as coating material.
Abstract: This paper presents a new algorithm which yields a nonlinear state estimator called iterated unscented Kalman filter. This state estimator makes use of both statistical and analytical linearization techniques in different parts of the filtering process. It outperforms the other three nonlinear state estimators: unscented Kalman filter (UKF), extended Kalman filter (EKF) and iterated extended Kalman filter (IEKF) when there is severe nonlinearity in system equation and less nonlinearity in measurement equation. The algorithm performance has been verified by illustrating some simulation results.
Abstract: High-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying
uses a combustion process to heat the gas flow and coating material.
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to
predict gas dynamic behavior in a HVOF thermal spray gun in which
premixed oxygen and propane are burnt in a combustion chamber
linked to a parallel-sided nozzle. The CFD analysis is applied to
investigate axisymmetric, steady-state, turbulent, compressible,
chemically reacting, subsonic and supersonic flow inside and outside
the gun. The gas velocity, temperature, pressure and Mach number
distributions are presented for various locations inside and outside
the gun. The calculated results show that the most sensitive
parameters affecting the process are fuel-to-oxygen gas ratio and
total gas flow rate. Gas dynamic behavior along the centerline of the
gun depends on both total gas flow rate and fuel-to-oxygen gas ratio.
The numerical simulations show that the axial gas velocity and Mach
number distribution depend on both flow rate and ratio; the highest
velocity is achieved at the higher flow rate and most fuel-rich ratio.
In addition, the results reported in this paper illustrate that the
numerical simulation can be one of the most powerful and beneficial
tools for the HVOF system design, optimization and performance
analysis.
Abstract: This paper aims to scale up Dye-sensitized Solar Cell
(DSSC) production using a commonly available industrial material –
stainless steel - and industrial plasma equipment. A working DSSC
electrode formed by (1) coating titania nanotube (TiO2 NT) film on
304 stainless steel substrate using a plasma spray technique; then, (2)
filling the nano-pores of the TiO2 NT film using a TiF4 sol-gel method.
A DSSC device consists of an anode absorbed photosensitive dye
(N3), a transparent conductive cathode with platinum (Pt)
nano-catalytic particles adhered to its surface, and an electrolytic
solution sealed between the anode and the transparent conductive
cathode. The photo-current conversion efficiency of the DSSC sample
was tested under an AM 1.5 Solar Simulator. The sample has a short
current (Isc) of 0.83 mA cm-2, open voltage (Voc) of 0.81V, filling
factor (FF) of 0.52, and conversion efficiency (η) of 2.18% on a 0.16
cm2 DSSC work-piece.
Abstract: An artificial neural network (ANN) approach was used to model the energy consumption of wheat production. This study was conducted over 35,300 hectares of irrigated and dry land wheat fields in Canterbury in the 2007-2008 harvest year.1 In this study several direct and indirect factors have been used to create an artificial neural networks model to predict energy use in wheat production. The final model can predict energy consumption by using farm condition (size of wheat area and number paddocks), farmers- social properties (education), and energy inputs (N and P use, fungicide consumption, seed consumption, and irrigation frequency), it can also predict energy use in Canterbury wheat farms with error margin of ±7% (± 1600 MJ/ha).
Abstract: Automatic reusability appraisal is helpful in
evaluating the quality of developed or developing reusable software
components and in identification of reusable components from
existing legacy systems; that can save cost of developing the
software from scratch. But the issue of how to identify reusable
components from existing systems has remained relatively
unexplored. In this research work, structural attributes of software
components are explored using software metrics and quality of the
software is inferred by different Neural Network based approaches,
taking the metric values as input. The calculated reusability value
enables to identify a good quality code automatically. It is found that
the reusability value determined is close to the manual analysis used
to be performed by the programmers or repository managers. So, the
developed system can be used to enhance the productivity and
quality of software development.
Abstract: .Hardware realization of a Neural Network (NN), to a large extent depends on the efficient implementation of a single neuron. FPGA-based reconfigurable computing architectures are suitable for hardware implementation of neural networks. FPGA realization of ANNs with a large number of neurons is still a challenging task. This paper discusses the issues involved in implementation of a multi-input neuron with linear/nonlinear excitation functions using FPGA. Implementation method with resource/speed tradeoff is proposed to handle signed decimal numbers. The VHDL coding developed is tested using Xilinx XC V50hq240 Chip. To improve the speed of operation a lookup table method is used. The problems involved in using a lookup table (LUT) for a nonlinear function is discussed. The percentage saving in resource and the improvement in speed with an LUT for a neuron is reported. An attempt is also made to derive a generalized formula for a multi-input neuron that facilitates to estimate approximately the total resource requirement and speed achievable for a given multilayer neural network. This facilitates the designer to choose the FPGA capacity for a given application. Using the proposed method of implementation a neural network based application, namely, a Space vector modulator for a vector-controlled drive is presented
Abstract: The ε4 allele of the ε2, ε3 and ε4 protein isoform polymorphism in the gene encoding apolipoprotein E (Apo E) has previously been associated with increased cardiac artery disease (CAD); therefore to investigate the significance of this polymorphism in pathogenesis of CAD in Iranian patients with stenosis and control subjects. To investigate the association between
Apo E polymorphism and coronary artery disease we performed a comparative case control study of the frequency of Apo E
polymorphism in One hundred CAD patients with stenosis who underwent coronary angiography (>50% stenosis) and 100 control subjects (
Abstract: Flash floods are considered natural disasters that can
cause casualties and demolishing of infra structures. The problem is
that flash floods, particularly in arid and semi arid zones, take place
in very short time. So, it is important to forecast flash floods earlier to
its events with a lead time up to 48 hours to give early warning alert
to avoid or minimize disasters. The flash flood took place over Wadi
Watier - Sinai Peninsula, in October 24th, 2008, has been simulated,
investigated and analyzed using the state of the art regional weather
model. The Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, which is a
reliable short term forecasting tool for precipitation events, has been
utilized over the study area. The model results have been calibrated
with the real data, for the same date and time, of the rainfall
measurements recorded at Sorah gauging station. The WRF model
forecasted total rainfall of 11.6 mm while the real measured one was
10.8 mm. The calibration shows significant consistency between
WRF model and real measurements results.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a dynamic TDMA slot
reservation (DTSR) protocol for cognitive radio ad hoc networks.
Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee plays a critically important role
in such networks. We consider the problem of providing QoS
guarantee to users as well as to maintain the most efficient use of
scarce bandwidth resources. According to one hop neighboring
information and the bandwidth requirement, our proposed protocol
dynamically changes the frame length and the transmission schedule.
A dynamic frame length expansion and shrinking scheme that
controls the excessive increase of unassigned slots has been
proposed. This method efficiently utilizes the channel bandwidth by
assigning unused slots to new neighboring nodes and increasing the
frame length when the number of slots in the frame is insufficient to
support the neighboring nodes. It also shrinks the frame length when
half of the slots in the frame of a node are empty. An efficient slot
reservation protocol not only guarantees successful data
transmissions without collisions but also enhance channel spatial
reuse to maximize the system throughput. Our proposed scheme,
which provides both QoS guarantee and efficient resource utilization,
be employed to optimize the channel spatial reuse and maximize the
system throughput. Extensive simulation results show that the
proposed mechanism achieves desirable performance in multichannel
multi-rate cognitive radio ad hoc networks.
Abstract: Recently, lots of researchers are attracted to retrieving
multimedia database by using some impression words and their values.
Ikezoe-s research is one of the representatives and uses eight pairs of
opposite impression words. We had modified its retrieval interface and
proposed '2D-RIB' in the previous work. The aim of the present paper
is to improve his/her satisfaction level to the retrieval result in the
2D-RIB. Our method is to extend the 2D-RIB. One of our extensions is
to define and introduce the following two measures: 'melody
goodness' and 'general acceptance'. Another extension is three types
of customization menus. The result of evaluation using a pilot system
is as follows. Both of these two measures 'melody goodness'
and -general acceptance- can contribute to the improvement.
Moreover, it is effective if we introduce the customization menu
which enables a retrieval person to reduce the strictness level of
retrieval condition in an impression pair based on his/her need.
Abstract: Coherent and incoherent scattering cross section measurements have been carried out using a HPGe detector on elements in the range of Z = 13 - 50 using 241Am gamma rays. The cross sections have been derived by comparing the net count rate obtained from the Compton peak of aluminium with the corresponding peak of the target. The measured cross sections for the coherent and incoherent processes are compared with theoretical values and earlier reported values. Our results are in agreement with the theoretical values.
Abstract: Indian subcontinent has a plethora of traditional
medicine systems that provide promising solutions to lifestyle
disorders in an 'all natural way'. Spices and oilseeds hold
prominence in Indian cuisine hence the focus of the current study
was to evaluate the bioactive molecules from Linum usitatissinum
(LU), Lepidium sativum (LS), Nigella sativa (NS) and Guizotia
abyssinica (GA) seeds. The seeds were characterized for functional
lipids like omega-3 fatty acid, antioxidant capacity, phenolic
compounds, dietary fiber and anti-nutritional factors. Analysis of the
seeds revealed LU and LS to be a rich source of α-linolenic acid
(41.85 ± 0.33%, 26.71 ± 0.63%), an omega 3 fatty acid (using
GCMS). While studying antioxidant potential NS seeds demonstrated
highest antioxidant ability (61.68 ± 0.21 TEAC/ 100 gm DW) due to
the presence of phenolics and terpenes as assayed by the Mass
spectral analysis. When screened for anti-nutritional factor
cyanogenic glycoside, LS seeds showed content as high as 1674 ± 54
mg HCN / kg. GA is a probable good source of a stable vegetable oil
(SFA: PUFA 1:2.3). The seeds showed diversified bioactive profile
and hence further studies to use different bio molecules in tandem for
the development of a possible 'nutraceutical cocktail' have been
initiated..
Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition
which affects 2-3% of population around the world. Psoriasis Area
and Severity Index (PASI) is a gold standard to assess psoriasis
severity as well as the treatment efficacy. Although a gold standard,
PASI is rarely used because it is tedious and complex. In practice,
PASI score is determined subjectively by dermatologists, therefore
inter and intra variations of assessment are possible to happen even
among expert dermatologists. This research develops an algorithm to
assess psoriasis lesion for PASI scoring objectively. Focus of this
research is thickness assessment as one of PASI four parameters
beside area, erythema and scaliness. Psoriasis lesion thickness is
measured by averaging the total elevation from lesion base to lesion
surface. Thickness values of 122 3D images taken from 39 patients
are grouped into 4 PASI thickness score using K-means clustering.
Validation on lesion base construction is performed using twelve
body curvature models and show good result with coefficient of
determinant (R2) is equal to 1.
Abstract: In this paper the supersonic ejectors are
experimentally and analytically studied. Ejector is a device that
uses the energy of a fluid to move another fluid. This device works
like a vacuum pump without usage of piston, rotor or any other
moving component. An ejector contains an active nozzle, a passive
nozzle, a mixing chamber and a diffuser. Since the fluid viscosity
is large, and the flow is turbulent and three dimensional in the
mixing chamber, the numerical methods consume long time and
high cost to analyze the flow in ejectors. Therefore this paper
presents a simple analytical method that is based on the precise
governing equations in fluid mechanics. According to achieved
analytical relations, a computer code has been prepared to analyze
the flow in different components of the ejector. An experiment has
been performed in supersonic regime 1.5