Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest
toward the use of bovine genotyped embryos for commercial embryo
transfer programs. Biopsy of a few cells in morulla stage is essential
for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Low amount of DNA
have limited performing the several molecular analyses within PGD
analyses. Whole genome amplification (WGA) promises to eliminate
this problem. We evaluated the possibility and performance of an
improved primer extension preamplification (I-PEP) method with a
range of starting bovine genomic DNA from 1-8 cells into the WGA
reaction. We optimized a short and simple I-PEP (ssI-PEP) procedure
(~3h). This optimized WGA method was assessed by 6 loci specific
polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), included restriction fragments
length polymorphism (RFLP). Optimized WGA procedure possesses
enough sensitivity for molecular genetic analyses through the few
input cells. This is a new era for generating characterized bovine
embryos in preimplantation stage.
Abstract: This paper presents a new feature based dense stereo
matching algorithm to obtain the dense disparity map via dynamic
programming. After extraction of some proper features, we use some
matching constraints such as epipolar line, disparity limit, ordering
and limit of directional derivative of disparity as well. Also, a coarseto-
fine multiresolution strategy is used to decrease the search space
and therefore increase the accuracy and processing speed. The
proposed method links the detected feature points into the chains and
compares some of the feature points from different chains, to
increase the matching speed. We also employ color stereo matching
to increase the accuracy of the algorithm. Then after feature
matching, we use the dynamic programming to obtain the dense
disparity map. It differs from the classical DP methods in the stereo
vision, since it employs sparse disparity map obtained from the
feature based matching stage. The DP is also performed further on a
scan line, between any matched two feature points on that scan line.
Thus our algorithm is truly an optimization method. Our algorithm
offers a good trade off in terms of accuracy and computational
efficiency. Regarding the results of our experiments, the proposed
algorithm increases the accuracy from 20 to 70%, and reduces the
running time of the algorithm almost 70%.
Abstract: In the other to Study of drought stress and Selenium
spraying effect on superoxide dismotase (SOD) activity of rapeseed
(Brassica napus L.) cultivars in Shahr-e-Rey region, an experiment
carried out in Split factorial design in the basis of randomized
complete blocks with 4 replications in 2006. Irrigation in two levels:
Normal irrigation and irrigation with drought stress when the soil
electrical conductivity reached to 60 as main factor and rapeseed
cultivars in 3 levels Zarfam, Okapi, Opera and selenium spraying at
the beginning of flowering stage in 3 levels: 0, 16 and 21 g/ha as sub
factor.
The results showed that the simple and interaction effect of
irrigation, selenium and cultivars on SOD activity had significant
difference. In this case Zarfam cultivar with 2010 u.mg-1 protein and
Opera with 1454 u.mg-1 protein produced maximum and minimum
amounts of SOD activitiy. Interaction effect of irrigation and variety
showed that, normal irrigation in Opera with 1115 u.mg-1 protein
and drought stress in Zarfam with 2784 u.mg-1 protein conducted to
and minimum and maximum amounts of SOD activity.
Interaction effect of irrigation, cultivar and selenium on SOD
indicated that drought stress condition and 21 gr/ha selenium
spraying in Zarfam variety with 3146 u.mg-1 protein gained to
highest activities of SOD.
Abstract: L-system is a tool commonly used for modeling and simulating the growth of fractal plants. The aim of this paper is to join some problems of the computational geometry with the fractal geometry by using the L-system technique to generate fractal plant in 3D. L-system constructs the fractal structure by applying rewriting rules sequentially and this technique depends on recursion process with large number of iterations to get different shapes of 3D fractal plants. Instead, it was reiterated a specific number of iterations up to three iterations. The vertices generated from the last stage of the Lsystem rewriting process are used as input to the triangulation algorithm to construct the triangulation shape of these vertices. The resulting shapes can be used as covers for the architectural objects and in different computer graphics fields. The paper presents a gallery of triangulation forms which application in architecture creates an alternative for domes and other traditional types of roofs.
Abstract: The mixed oxide nuclear fuel (MOX) of U and Pu contains several percent of fission products and minor actinides, such as neptunium, americium and curium. It is important to determine accurately the decay heat from Curium isotopes as they contribute significantly in the MOX fuel. This heat generation can cause samples to melt very quickly if excessive quantities of curium are present. In the present paper, we introduce a new approach that can predict the decay heat from curium isotopes. This work is a part of the project funded by King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (KASCT), Long-Term Comprehensive National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovations, and take place in King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia. The approach is based on the numerical solution of coupled linear differential equations that describe decays and buildups of many nuclides to calculate the decay heat produced after shutdown. Results show the consistency and reliability of the approach applied.
Abstract: In this paper dynamics of a vapour bubble generated
due to a local energy input inside a vertical rigid cylinder and in the
absence of buoyancy forces is investigated. Different ratios of the
diameter of the rigid cylinder to the maximum radius of the bubble
are considered. The Boundary Integral Equation Method is employed
for numerical simulation of the problem. Results show that during
the collapse phase of the bubble inside a vertical rigid cylinder, two
liquid micro jets are developed on the top and bottom sides of the
vapour bubble and are directed inward. Results also show that
existence of a deposit rib inside the vertical rigid cylinder slightly
increases the life time of the bubble. It is found that by increasing the
ratio of the cylinder diameter to the maximum radius of the bubble,
the rate of the growth and collapse phases of the bubble increases
and the life time of the bubble decreases.
Abstract: For over a decade, the Pulse Coupled Neural Network
(PCNN) based algorithms have been successfully used in image
interpretation applications including image segmentation. There are
several versions of the PCNN based image segmentation methods,
and the segmentation accuracy of all of them is very sensitive to the
values of the network parameters. Most methods treat PCNN
parameters like linking coefficient and primary firing threshold as
global parameters, and determine them by trial-and-error. The
automatic determination of appropriate values for linking coefficient,
and primary firing threshold is a challenging problem and deserves
further research. This paper presents a method for obtaining global as
well as local values for the linking coefficient and the primary firing
threshold for neurons directly from the image statistics. Extensive
simulation results show that the proposed approach achieves
excellent segmentation accuracy comparable to the best accuracy
obtainable by trial-and-error for a variety of images.
Abstract: The need to implement intelligent highways is much
more emphasized with the growth of vehicle production line as well as vehicle intelligence. The control of intelligent vehicles in order to
reduce human error and boost ease congestion is not accomplished solely by the aid of human resources. The present article is an attempt
to introduce an intelligent control system based on a single central computer. In this project, central computer, without utilizing Global
Positioning System (GPS), is capable of tracking all vehicles, crisis management and control, traffic guidance and recording traffic
crimes along the highway. By the help of RFID technology, vehicles
are connected to computerized systems, intelligent light poles and
other available hardware along the way. By the aid of Wimax
communicative technology, all components of the system are
virtually connected together through local and global networks
devised in them and the energy of the network is provided by the
solar cells installed on the intelligent light poles.
Abstract: A study on the performance of TCP Vegas versus
different TCP variants in homogeneous and heterogeneous wired
networks are performed via simulation experiment using network
simulator (ns-2). This performance evaluation prepared a comparison
medium for the performance evaluation of enhanced-TCP Vegas in
wired network and for wireless network. In homogeneous network,
the performance of TCP Tahoe, TCP Reno, TCP NewReno, TCP
Vegas and TCP SACK are analyzed. In heterogeneous network, the
performances of TCP Vegas against TCP variants are analyzed. TCP
Vegas outperforms other TCP variants in homogeneous wired
network. However, TCP Vegas achieves unfair throughput in
heterogeneous wired network.
Abstract: In this paper we have developed a FDTD simulation
code which can treat wave propagation of a monopole antenna in a
metallic case which covers with PML, and performed a series of three
dimensional FDTD simulations of electromagnetic wave propagation
in this space .We also provide a measurement set up in antenna lab
and fortunately the simulations and measurements show good
agreement. According to simulation and measurement results, we
confirmed that the computer program which had been written in
FORTRAN, works correctly.
Abstract: Human ability is a major source of constraint to manufacturing industries in Nigeria. This paper therefore, discusses the importance of human influences on manufacturing and consequently to industrialization and National development. In this paper, the development of manufacturing was anchored on two main factors; Infrastructural Capacity Development (ICD) and Human Capacity Development (HCD). However, a wider view was given to the HCD and the various contemporary human capacity issues militating against manufacturing in Nigeria. It went further to discuss various ways of acquiring and upgrading workers’ skills and finally, suggestions were made on how to tackle the onerous human capacity issues in manufacturing.
Abstract: Children with hemiplgic cerebral palsy often walk
with diminished reciprocal arm swing so the purpose of this study
was to describe kinematic characteristics in children with hemiplegic
cerebral palsy (CP) during the gait suphases, and find if there is a
correlation between upper(shoulder and elbow) and lower(hip, knee,
and ankle) limb joints either in involved or uninvolved.48 children
with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (18boys, 30girls) with an average age
of (5.1±0.87) years were selected randomly to evaluate joint angles
during gait by 3D motion analysis system with 6 pro reflex cameras
in a sagittal plane for both sides of the body. The results showed
increased shoulder and elbow flexion, increased hip angular
displacement, decreased knee and ankle arcs during gait cycle, also
there is correlation between shoulder and elbow to hip, knee, and
ankle joints during various subphases of gait.
Abstract: the cursive nature of the Arabic writing makes it
difficult to accurately segment characters or even deal with the whole
word efficiently. Therefore, in this paper, a printed Arabic sub-word
recognition system is proposed. The suggested algorithm utilizes
geometrical moments as descriptors for the separated sub-words.
Three types of moments are investigated and applied to the printed
sub-word images after dividing each image into multiple parts using
windowing. Since moments are global descriptors, the windowing
mechanism allows the moments to be applied to local regions of the
sub-word. The local-global mixture of the proposed scheme increases
the discrimination power of the moments while keeping the
simplicity and ease of use of moments.
Abstract: Properly sized capacitor banks are connected across induction motors for several reasons including power factor correction, reducing distortions, increasing capacity, etc. Total harmonic distortion (THD) and power factor (PF) are used in such cases to quantify the improvements obtained through connection of the external capacitor banks. On the other hand, one of the methods for assessing the motor internal condition is by the use of Park-s pattern analysis. In spite of taking adequate precautionary measures, the capacitor banks may sometimes malfunction. Such a minor fault in the capacitor bank is often not apparently discernible. This may however, give rise to substantial degradation of power factor correction performance and may also damage the supply profile. The case is more severe with the fact that the Park-s pattern gets distorted due to such external capacitor faults, and can give anomalous results about motor internal fault analyses. The aim of this paper is to present simulation and hardware laboratory test results to have an understanding of the anomalies in harmonic distortion and Park-s pattern analyses in induction motors due to capacitor bank defects.
Abstract: This paper present some preliminary work on the
preparation and physicochemical caracterization of nanocomposite
MFI-alumina structures based on alumina hollow fibres. The fibers
are manufactured by a wet spinning process. α-alumina particles were
dispersed in a solution of polysulfone in NMP. The resulting slurry is
pressed through the annular gap of a spinneret into a precipitation
bath. The resulting green fibres are sintered. The mechanical strength
of the alumina hollow fibres is determined by a three-point-bending
test while the pore size is characterized by bubble-point testing. The
bending strength is in the range of 110 MPa while the average pore
size is 450 nm for an internal diameter of 1 mm and external diameter
of 1.7 mm. To characterize the MFI membranes various techniques
were used for physicochemical characterization of MFI–ceramic
hollow fibres membranes: The nitrogen adsorption, X-ray
diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy combined with X
emission microanalysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and
Energy Dispersive Microanalysis by the X-ray were used to observe
the morphology of the hollow fibre membranes (thickness,
infiltration into the carrier, defects, homogeneity). No surface film,
has been obtained, as observed by SEM and EDX analysis and
confirmed by high temperature variation of N2 and CO2 gas
permeances before cation exchange. Local analysis and characterise
(SEM and EDX) and overall (by ICP elemental analysis) were
conducted on two samples exchanged to determine the quantity and
distribution of the cation of cesium on the cross section fibre of the
zeolite between the cavities.
Abstract: Texture classification is a trendy and a catchy
technology in the field of texture analysis. Textures, the repeated
patterns, have different frequency components along different
orientations. Our work is based on Texture Classification and its
applications. It finds its applications in various fields like Medical
Image Classification, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing,
Agricultural Field, and Textile Industry. Weed control has a major
effect on agriculture. A large amount of herbicide has been used for
controlling weeds in agriculture fields, lawns, golf courses, sport
fields, etc. Random spraying of herbicides does not meet the exact
requirement of the field. Certain areas in field have more weed
patches than estimated. So, we need a visual system that can
discriminate weeds from the field image which will reduce or even
eliminate the amount of herbicide used. This would allow farmers to
not use any herbicides or only apply them where they are needed. A
machine vision precision automated weed control system could
reduce the usage of chemicals in crop fields. In this paper, an
intelligent system for automatic weeding strategy Multi Resolution
Combined Statistical & spatial Frequency is used to discriminate the
weeds from the crops and to classify them as narrow, little and broad
weeds.
Abstract: Achieving success is a highly critical issue for the
companies to survive in a competitive business environment. The
construction industry is also an area where there is strong
competition due to a large number of construction contractors. There
have been many factors such as qualified employees, quality
workmanship and financial management that can lead to company
success in the construction industry. The aim of this study was to
investigate the critical factors leading to construction company
success. Within this context, a survey was carried out among 40
Turkish construction companies which are located in the Northwest
region of Turkey. In this survey, top-level managers and owners of
the companies were interviewed. The interviews took place over a
five month period between January and May 2007. Finally, the
ranking of the critical success factors has been determined by using
the Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART). Based on
the results, business management, financial conditions and
owner/manager characteristics were determined as the most
important factors to company success.
Abstract: Renewable natural fibres such as oil palm, flax, and
pineapple leaf can be utilized to obtain new high performance
polymer materials. The reuse of waste natural fibres as reinforcement
for polymer is a sustainable option to the environment. However, due
to its high hydroxyl content of cellulose, natural fibres are
susceptible to absorb water that affects the composite mechanical
properties adversely. Research found that Nano materials such as
Nano Silica Carbide (n-SiC) and Nano Clay can be added into the
polymer composite to overcome this problem by enhancing its
mechanical properties in wet condition. The addition of Nano
material improves the tensile and wear properties, flexural stressstrain
behaviour, fracture toughness, and fracture strength of polymer
natural composites in wet and dry conditions.
Abstract: Space Vector Modulation (SVM) is an optimum Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique for an inverter used in a variable frequency drive applications. It is computationally rigorous and hence limits the inverter switching frequency. Increase in switching frequency can be achieved using Neural Network (NN) based SVM, implemented on application specific chips. This paper proposes a neural network based SVM technique for a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). The network proposed is independent of switching frequency. Different architectures are investigated keeping the total number of neurons constant. The performance of the inverter is compared for various switching frequencies for different architectures of NN based SVM. From the results obtained, the network with minimum resource and appropriate word length is identified. The bit precision required for this application is identified. The network with 8-bit precision is implemented in the IC XCV 400 and the results are presented. The performance of NN based general purpose SVM with higher bit precision is discussed.
Abstract: The main objective of this paper is a comparative
investigate in enhancement of damping power system oscillation via
coordinated design of the power system stabilizer (PSS) and static
synchronous series compensator (SSSC) and static synchronous
compensator (STATCOM). The design problem of FACTS-based
stabilizers is formulated as a GA based optimization problem. In this
paper eigenvalue analysis method is used on small signal stability of
single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system installed with SSSC and
STATCOM. The generator is equipped with a PSS. The proposed
stabilizers are tested on a weakly connected power system with
different disturbances and loading conditions. This aim is to enhance
both rotor angle and power system stability. The eigenvalue analysis
and non-linear simulation results are presented to show the effects of
these FACTS-based stabilizers and reveal that SSSC exhibits the best
effectiveness on damping power system oscillation.