Abstract: In this work, Experimental tie-line results and
solubility (binodal) curves were obtained for the ternary systems
(water + acetic acid + methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)), (water +
lactic acid+ methyl isobutyl ketone) at T = 294.15K and atmospheric
pressure. The consistency of the values of the experimental tie-lines
was determined through the Othmer-Tobias and Hands correlations.
For the extraction effectiveness of solvents, the distribution and
selectivity curves were plotted. In addition, these experimental tieline
data were also correlated with NRTL model. The interaction
parameters for the NRTL model were retrieved from the obtained
experimental results by means of a combination of the homotopy
method and the genetic algorithms.
Abstract: In this paper we present high performance
dynamically allocated multi-queue (DAMQ) buffer schemes for fault
tolerance systems on chip applications that require an interconnection
network. Two virtual channels shared the same buffer space. Fault
tolerant mechanisms for interconnection networks are becoming a
critical design issue for large massively parallel computers. It is also
important to high performance SoCs as the system complexity keeps
increasing rapidly. On the message switching layer, we make
improvement to boost system performance when there are faults
involved in the components communication. The proposed scheme is
when a node or a physical channel is deemed as faulty, the previous
hop node will terminate the buffer occupancy of messages destined
to the failed link. The buffer usage decisions are made at switching
layer without interactions with higher abstract layer, thus buffer
space will be released to messages destined to other healthy nodes
quickly. Therefore, the buffer space will be efficiently used in case
fault occurs at some nodes.
Abstract: At present, intelligent planning in the Graphplan framework is a focus of artificial intelligence. While the Creating or Destroying Objects Planning (CDOP) is one unsolved problem of this field, one of the difficulties, too. In this paper, we study this planning problem and bring forward the idea of transforming objects to propositions, based on which we offer an algorithm, Creating or Destroying Objects in the Graphplan framework (CDOGP). Compared to Graphplan, the new algorithm can solve not only the entire problems that Graphplan do, but also a part of CDOP. It is for the first time that we introduce the idea of object-proposition, and we emphasize the discussion on the representations of creating or destroying objects operator and an algorithm in the Graphplan framework. In addition, we analyze the complexity of this algorithm.
Abstract: Collective action can be an effective means for local development as well as important strategy to enhance livelihoods especially among rural people. This article explores the level of collective action among members of Fishermen-s Wives Group (KUNITA) in Malaysia. KUNITA was established by the Malaysian Fishery Development Authority (LKIM) with an objective to increase the socio-economic status of fishermen-s families. The members who are mostly the wives and daughters of fishermen are strongly encouraged by LKIM to venture into entrepreneurship activities. The objective of this research was to see the level of collective action among members in KUNITA groups in the state of Selangor. The finding shows that high level of collective action among KUNITA members is strongly based on volunteerism. However, the level of cooperation among members in the group is relatively low. The findings present significant challenges for the group in maintaining the sustainability of KUNITA organization.
Abstract: Owing the fact that optimization of business process
is a crucial requirement to navigate, survive and even thrive in
today-s volatile business environment, this paper presents a
framework for selecting a best-fit optimization package for solving
complex business problems. Complexity level of the problem and/or
using incorrect optimization software can lead to biased solutions of
the optimization problem. Accordingly, the proposed framework
identifies a number of relevant factors (e.g. decision variables,
objective functions, and modeling approach) to be considered during
the evaluation and selection process. Application domain, problem
specifications, and available accredited optimization approaches are
also to be regarded. A recommendation of one or two optimization
software is the output of the framework which is believed to provide
the best results of the underlying problem. In addition to a set of
guidelines and recommendations on how managers can conduct an
effective optimization exercise is discussed.
Abstract: In this article, we expose our research work in
Human-machine Interaction. The research consists in manipulating
the workspace by eyes. We present some of our results, in particular
the detection of eyes and the mouse actions recognition. Indeed, the
handicaped user becomes able to interact with the machine in a more
intuitive way in diverse applications and contexts. To test our
application we have chooses to work in real time on videos captured
by a camera placed in front of the user.
Abstract: Designing a simulated system and training it to optimize its tasks in simulated environment helps the designers to avoid problems that may appear when designing the system directly in real world. These problems are: time consuming, high cost, high errors percentage and low efficiency and accuracy of the system. The proposed system will investigate and improve the efficiency and accuracy of a simulated robot to choose correct behavior to perform its task. In this paper, machine learning, which uses genetic algorithm, is adopted. This type of machine learning is called genetic-based machine learning in which a distributed classifier system is used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the robot. Consequently, it helps the robot to achieve optimal action.
Abstract: We present linear codes over finite commutative rings
which are not necessarily Frobenius. We treat the notion of syndrome
decoding by using Pontrjagin duality. We also give a version of Delsarte-s
theorem over rings relating trace codes and subring subcodes.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the relationship between the sulphur (S), glucose (G), nitrogen (N) and plant residues (st), sulphur immobilization and microbial transformation were monitored in five soil samples from 0-30 cm of Bastam farmers fields of Shahrood area following 11 treatments with different levels of Sulphur (S), glucose (G), N and plant residues (wheat straw) in a randomized block design with three replications and incubated over 20, 45 and 60 days, the immobilization of SO4 -2-S presented as a percentage of that added, was inversely related to its addition rate. Additions of glucose and plant residues increased with the C-to-S ratio of the added amendments, irrespective of their origins (glucose and plant residues). In the presence of C sources (glucose or plant residues). N significantly increased the immobilization of SO4 -2-S, whilst the effect of N was insignificant in the absence of a C amendment. In first few days the amounts of added SO4 -2-S immobilized were linearly correlated with the amounts of added S recovered in the soil microbial biomass. With further incubation the proportions of immobilized SO4 -2-S remaining as biomass-S decreased. Decrease in biomass-S was thought to be due to the conversion of biomass-S into soil organic-S. Glucose addition increased the immobilization (microbial utilization and incorporation into the soil organic matter) of native soil SO4 -2-S. However, N addition enhance the mineralization of soil organic-S, increasing the concentration of SO4 - 2-S in soil.
Abstract: In molecular biology, microarray technology is widely and successfully utilized to efficiently measure gene activity. If working with less studied organisms, methods to design custom-made microarray probes are available. One design criterion is to select probes with minimal melting temperature variances thus ensuring similar hybridization properties. If the microarray application focuses on the investigation of metabolic pathways, it is not necessary to cover the whole genome. It is more efficient to cover each metabolic pathway with a limited number of genes. Firstly, an approach is presented which minimizes the overall melting temperature variance of selected probes for all genes of interest. Secondly, the approach is extended to include the additional constraints of covering all pathways with a limited number of genes while minimizing the overall variance. The new optimization problem is solved by a bottom-up programming approach which reduces the complexity to make it computationally feasible. The new method is exemplary applied for the selection of microarray probes in order to cover all fungal secondary metabolite gene clusters for Aspergillus terreus.
Abstract: Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene
(DBT) in a high pressure batch reactor was done at 320 °C on
CoMoS/Al2O3-B2O3 (4, 10, and 16 wt. % of Boria) using nhexadecane
as solvent, dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) in tetradecane as
sulfur agent, and stirring at 1000 rpm. The effects of boria were
investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Temperature
programmed desorption (TPD) of ammonia, and Brunauer-Emmet-
Teller (BET) experiments. The results showed that the catalyst
prepared with low boria content (4 wt. %) had HDS activity (in
pseudo first order kinetic constant basis) value ~1.45 times higher to
that of CoMoS/Al2O3 catalyst.
Abstract: This paper constructs a four factors theoretical model of Chinese small and medium enterprises based on the “cartoon characters- reputation - enterprise marketing and management capabilities – protection of the cartoon image - institutional environment" by literature research, case studies and investigation. The empirical study show that the greatest impact on current merchandising rights income is the institutional environment friendliness, followed by marketing and management capabilities, input of character image protection and Cartoon characters- reputation through the real-time grey relational analysis, and the greatest impact on post-merchandising rights profit is Cartoon characters reputation, followed by the institutional environment friendliness, then marketing and management ability and input of character image protection through the time-delay grey relational analysis.
Abstract: The geometric errors in the manufacturing process can
be reduced by optimal positioning of the fixture elements in the
fixture to make the workpiece stiff. We propose a new fixture layout
optimization method N-3-2-1 for large metal sheets in this paper that
combines the genetic algorithm and finite element analysis. The
objective function in this method is to minimize the sum of the nodal
deflection normal to the surface of the workpiece. Two different
kinds of case studies are presented, and optimal position of the
fixturing element is obtained for different cases.
Abstract: Remarkable changes, like the progress in the ability to understand others' minds, can be identified in several socio-cognitive dimensions between age four and seven. Recently, the parenting attitudes have been considerate as one of the potential extrinsic modifiers of these important developmental aspects. The aim of present study is to explore the relationship among authoritarian parenting attitudes and individual differences in Theory of Mind performance. The study included ninety-two Costarrican preschoolers. Six False-belief tasks, an Advanced Theory of Mind test and the Parenting Attitudes Inventory were used. The results demonstrate that participants with high and low Authoritarian Parenting Received differ in their performance on First and Second Order False-belief tasks, but not in Advanced Theory of Mind tasks. Theoretical considerations about possible explanations regarding these results are discussed and methodological limitations are considered to shed light over future directions.
Abstract: This paper aims at a new challenge of customer
satisfaction on mobile customer relationship management. In this
paper presents a conceptualization of mCRM on its unique
characteristics of customer satisfaction. Also, this paper develops an
empirical framework in conception of customer satisfaction in
mCRM. A single-case study is applied as the methodology. In order to
gain an overall view of the empirical case, this paper accesses to
invisible and important information of company in this investigation.
Interview is the key data source form the main informants of the
company through which the issues are identified and the proposed
framework is built. It supports the development of customer
satisfaction in mCRM; links this theoretical framework into practice;
and provides the direction for future research. Therefore, this paper is
very useful for the industries as it helps them to understand how
customer satisfaction changes the mCRM structure and increase the
business competitive advantage. Finally, this paper provides a
contribution in practice by linking a theoretical framework in
conception of customer satisfaction in mCRM for companies to a
practical real case.
Abstract: Vernacular building is considered as sustainable in
energy consumption and environment and its thermal performance is
more and more concerned by researchers. This paper investigates the
thermal property of the vernacular building in Lhasa by theoretical
analysis on the aspects of building form, envelope and materials etc.
The values of thermal resistance and thermal capacity of the envelope
are calculated and compared with the current China building code and
modern building case. And it is concluded that Lhasa vernacular
building meets the current China building code of thermal standards
and have better performance in some aspects, which is achieved by
various passive means with close response to local climate conditions.
Abstract: The objective of present work is to stimulate the
machining of material by electrical discharge machining (EDM) to
give effect of input parameters like discharge current (Ip), pulse on
time (Ton), pulse off time (Toff) which can bring about changes in the
output parameter, i.e. material removal rate. Experimental data was
gathered from die sinking EDM process using copper electrode and
Medium Carbon Steel (AISI 1040) as work-piece. The rules of
membership function (MF) and the degree of closeness to the
optimum value of the MMR are within the upper and lower range of
the process parameters. It was found that proposed fuzzy model is in
close agreement with the experimental results. By Intelligent, model
based design and control of EDM process parameters in this study
will help to enable dramatically decreased product and process
development cycle times.
Abstract: The PH curve can be constructed by given parameters, but the shape of the curve is not so easy to image from the value of the parameters. On the contract, Bézier curve can be constructed by the control polygon, and from the control polygon, we can image the figure of the curve. In this paper, we want to use the hodograph of Bézier curve to construct PH curve by selecting part of the control vectors, and produce other control vectors, so the property of PH curve exists.
Abstract: The research on two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) mobile robots or commonly known as balancing robots have gained momentum over the last decade in a number of robotic laboratories around the world. This paper describes the hardware design of such a robot. The objective of the design is to develop a TWIP mobile robot as well as MATLAB interfacing configuration to be used as flexible platform comprises of embedded unstable linear plant intended for research and teaching purposes. Issues such as selection of actuators and sensors, signal processing units, MATLAB Real Time Workshop coding, modeling and control scheme will be addressed and discussed. The system is then tested using a wellknown state feedback controller to verify its functionality.
Abstract: The paper discusses a 3D numerical solution of the inverse boundary problem for a continuous casting process of alloy. The main goal of the analysis presented within the paper was to estimate heat fluxes along the external surface of the ingot. The verified information on these fluxes was crucial for a good design of a mould, effective cooling system and generally the whole caster. In the study an enthalpy-porosity technique implemented in Fluent package was used for modeling the solidification process. In this method, the phase change interface was determined on the basis of the liquid fraction approach. In inverse procedure the sensitivity analysis was applied for retrieving boundary conditions. A comparison of the measured and retrieved values showed a high accuracy of the computations. Additionally, the influence of the accuracy of measurements on the estimated heat fluxes was also investigated.