Abstract: The urbanization phenomenon in Yogyakarta Special
Province, Indonesia, encouraged people move to the city for getting
jobs in the informal sectors. They live in some temporary houses in
the three main riverbanks: Gadjahwong, Code, and Winongo.
Triggered by its independent status they use it as the space for
accommodating domestic, social and economy activities because of
the non standardized room size of their houses, where are recognized
as the environmental hazards. This recognition makes the ambivalent
perception when was related to the twelfth point of the philosophy of
community development concept: the empowering individuals and
communities. Its spatial implication have actually described the
territory and the place making phenomena. By analyzing some data
collected the author-s fundamental research funded by The General
Directorate of Higher Education of Indonesia, this paper will discuss
how do the spatial implications of the occupants- behavior and the
numerous perceptions of those phenomena.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to determine the
knowledge and skills possessed by instructional design (ID)
practitioners in Malaysia. As ID is a relatively new field in the
country and there seems to be an absence of any studies on its
community of practice, the main objective of this research is to
discover the tasks and activities performed by ID practitioners in
educational and corporate organizations as suggested by the
International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and
Instruction. This includes finding out the ID models applied in the
course of their work. This research also attempts to identify the
barriers and issues as to why some ID tasks and activities are rarely
or never conducted. The methodology employed in this descriptive
study was a survey questionnaire sent to 30 instructional designers
nationwide. The results showed that majority of the tasks and
activities are carried out frequently enough but omissions do occur
due to reasons such as it being out of job scope, the decision was
already made at a higher level, and the lack of knowledge and skills.
Further investigations of a qualitative manner should be conducted
to achieve a more in-depth understanding of ID practices in
Malaysia
Abstract: In this paper the concept of strongly (λM)p - Ces'aro
summability of a sequence of fuzzy numbers and strongly λM- statistically convergent sequences of fuzzy numbers is introduced.
Abstract: This paper presents a low cost design of heart beat monitoring device using reflectance mode PhotoPlethysmography (PPG). PPG is known for its simple construction, ease of use and cost effectiveness and can provide information about the changes in cardiac activity as well as aid in earlier non-invasive diagnostics. The proposed device is divided into three phases. First is the detection of pulses through the fingertip. The signal is then passed to the signal processing unit for the purpose of amplification, filtering and digitizing. Finally the heart rate is calculated and displayed on the computer using parallel port interface. The paper is concluded with prototyping of the device followed by verification procedure of the heartbeat signal obtained in laboratory setting.
Abstract: The optimal control problem for the viscoelastic melt
spinning process has not been reported yet in the literature. In this
study, an optimal control problem for a mathematical model of a
viscoelastic melt spinning process is considered. Maxwell-Oldroyd
model is used to describe the rheology of the polymeric material, the
fiber is made of. The extrusion velocity of the polymer at the spinneret
as well as the velocity and the temperature of the quench air and the
fiber length serve as control variables. A constrained optimization
problem is derived and the first–order optimality system is set up
to obtain the adjoint equations. Numerical solutions are carried out
using a steepest descent algorithm. A computer program in MATLAB
is developed for simulations.
Abstract: D-erythro-cyclohexylserine (D
chiral unnatural β-hydroxy amino acid expected for the synthesis of drug for AIDS treatment. To develop a continuous bioconversion
system with whole cell biocatalyst of D-threonine aldolase (D genes for the D-erythro-CHS production, D-threonine aldolase gene
was amplified from Ensifer arboris 100383 by direct PCR amplication using two degenerated oligonucleotide primers designed based on
genomic sequence of Shinorhizobium meliloti
Sequence analysis of the cloned DNA fragment revealed one
open-reading frame of 1059 bp and 386 amino acids. This putative
D-TA gene was cloned into NdeI and EcoRI (pEnsi
His-tag sequence or BamHI (pEnsi-DTA[2])
sequence of the pET21(a) vector. The expression level of the cloned gene was extremely overexpressed by E. coli BL21(DE3) transformed with pEnsi-DTA[1] compared to E. coli BL21(DE3) transformed with
pEnsi-DTA[2]. When the cells expressing the wild
used for D-TA enzyme activity, 12 mM glycine was successfully
detected in HPLC analysis. Moreover, the whole cells harbouring the
recombinant D-TA was able to synthesize D-erythro
of 0.6 mg/ml in a batch reaction.
Abstract: Access control is a critical security service in Wire- less
Sensor Networks (WSNs). To prevent malicious nodes from joining
the sensor network, access control is required. On one hand, WSN
must be able to authorize and grant users the right to access to the
network. On the other hand, WSN must organize data collected by
sensors in such a way that an unauthorized entity (the adversary)
cannot make arbitrary queries. This restricts the network access only
to eligible users and sensor nodes, while queries from outsiders will
not be answered or forwarded by nodes. In this paper we presentee
different access control schemes so as to ?nd out their objectives,
provision, communication complexity, limits, etc. Using the node
density parameter, we also provide a comparison of these proposed
access control algorithms based on the network topology which can
be flat or hierarchical.
Abstract: European Union candidate status provides a
strong motivation for decision-making in the candidate
countries in shaping the regional development policy where
there is an envisioned transfer of power from center to the
periphery. The process of Europeanization anticipates the
candidate countries configure their regional institutional
templates in the context of the requirements of the European
Union policies and introduces new instruments of incentive
framework of enlargement to be employed in regional
development schemes. It is observed that the contribution of
the local actors to the decision making in the design of the
allocation architectures enhances the efficiency of the funds
and increases the positive effects of the projects funded under
the regional development objectives. This study aims at
exploring the performances of the three regional development
grant schemes in Turkey, established and allocated under the
pre-accession process with a special emphasis given to the
roles of the national and local actors in decision-making for
regional development. Efficiency analyses have been
conducted using the DEA methodology which has proved to
be a superior method in comparative efficiency and
benchmarking measurements. The findings of this study as
parallel to similar international studies, provides that the
participation of the local actors to the decision-making in
funding contributes both to the quality and the efficiency of
the projects funded under the EU schemes.
Abstract: To identify an endothelial cell-specific promoter suitable for vascular-specific targeting, we tested five promoters in vitro--Tie2SE, Tie2LE, ICAM2, Flt-1 and vWF--for promoter activity and specificity in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and non-vascular resident cells as well as tissues. These promoters, except for vWF, exhibited good endothelial activity and specificity in vitro. In a syngenic heart transplantation model, the ICAM2 promoter was variably functional in coronary endothelial cells of donor hearts. Thus, the ICAM2, Flt-1, Tie2SE and Tie2LE promoters hold promise for endothelial-specific targeting, but in vitro expression may not predict in vivo expression.
Abstract: Due to the recovering global economy, enterprises are
increasingly focusing on logistics. Investing in logistic measures for
a production generates a large potential for achieving a good starting
point within a competitive field. Unlike during the global economic
crisis, enterprises are now challenged with investing available capital
to maximize profits. In order to be able to create an informed and
quantifiably comprehensible basis for a decision, enterprises need an
adequate model for logistically and monetarily evaluating measures
in production. The Collaborate Research Centre 489 (SFB 489) at the
Institute for Production Systems (IFA) developed a Logistic
Information System which provides support in making decisions and
is designed specifically for the forging industry. The aim of a project
that has been applied for is to now transfer this process in order to
develop a universal approach to logistically and monetarily evaluate
measures in production.
Abstract: This paper describes a new supervised fusion (hybrid)
electrocardiogram (ECG) classification solution consisting of a new
QRS complex geometrical feature extraction as well as a new version
of the learning vector quantization (LVQ) classification algorithm
aimed for overcoming the stability-plasticity dilemma. Toward this
objective, after detection and delineation of the major events of ECG
signal via an appropriate algorithm, each QRS region and also its
corresponding discrete wavelet transform (DWT) are supposed as
virtual images and each of them is divided into eight polar sectors.
Then, the curve length of each excerpted segment is calculated
and is used as the element of the feature space. To increase the
robustness of the proposed classification algorithm versus noise,
artifacts and arrhythmic outliers, a fusion structure consisting of
five different classifiers namely as Support Vector Machine (SVM),
Modified Learning Vector Quantization (MLVQ) and three Multi
Layer Perceptron-Back Propagation (MLP–BP) neural networks with
different topologies were designed and implemented. The new proposed
algorithm was applied to all 48 MIT–BIH Arrhythmia Database
records (within–record analysis) and the discrimination power of the
classifier in isolation of different beat types of each record was
assessed and as the result, the average accuracy value Acc=98.51%
was obtained. Also, the proposed method was applied to 6 number
of arrhythmias (Normal, LBBB, RBBB, PVC, APB, PB) belonging
to 20 different records of the aforementioned database (between–
record analysis) and the average value of Acc=95.6% was achieved.
To evaluate performance quality of the new proposed hybrid learning
machine, the obtained results were compared with similar peer–
reviewed studies in this area.
Abstract: Industrial radiography is a famous technique for the identification and evaluation of discontinuities, or defects, such as cracks, porosity and foreign inclusions found in welded joints. Although this technique has been well developed, improving both the inspection process and operating time, it does suffer from several drawbacks. The poor quality of radiographic images is due to the physical nature of radiography as well as small size of the defects and their poor orientation relatively to the size and thickness of the evaluated parts. Digital image processing techniques allow the interpretation of the image to be automated, avoiding the presence of human operators making the inspection system more reliable, reproducible and faster. This paper describes our attempt to develop and implement digital image processing algorithms for the purpose of automatic defect detection in radiographic images. Because of the complex nature of the considered images, and in order that the detected defect region represents the most accurately possible the real defect, the choice of global and local preprocessing and segmentation methods must be appropriated.
Abstract: Information is power. Geographical information is an
emerging science that is advancing the development of knowledge to
further help in the understanding of the relationship of “place" with
other disciplines such as crime. The researchers used crime data for
the years 2004 to 2007 from the Baguio City Police Office to
determine the incidence and actual locations of crime hotspots.
Combined qualitative and quantitative research methodology was
employed through extensive fieldwork and observation, geographic
visualization with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global
Positioning Systems (GPS), and data mining. The paper discusses
emerging geographic visualization and data mining tools and
methodologies that can be used to generate baseline data for
environmental initiatives such as urban renewal and rejuvenation.
The study was able to demonstrate that crime hotspots can be
computed and were seen to be occurring to some select places in the
Central Business District (CBD) of Baguio City. It was observed that
some characteristics of the hotspot places- physical design and milieu
may play an important role in creating opportunities for crime. A list
of these environmental attributes was generated. This derived
information may be used to guide the design or redesign of the urban
environment of the City to be able to reduce crime and at the same
time improve it physically.
Abstract: Water contains oxygen which may make a human
breathe under water like a fish. Centrifugal separator can separate
dissolved gases from water. Carrier solution can increase the
separation of dissolved oxygen from water. But, to develop an
breathing device for a human under water, the enhancement of
separation of dissolved gases including oxygen and portable devices
which have dc battery based device and proper size are needed.
In this study, we set up experimental device for analyzing
separation characteristics of dissolved gases including oxygen from
water using a battery based portable vacuum pump. We characterized
vacuum state, flow rate of separation of dissolved gases and oxygen
concentration which were influenced by the manufactured vacuum
pump.
Abstract: The paper presents an overview of environmental
issues that may be expected with nuclear desalination. The analysis
of coupling nuclear power with desalination plants indicates that
adverse marine impacts can be mitigated with alternative intake
designs or cooling systems. The atmospheric impact of desalination
may be greatly reduced through the coupling with nuclear power,
while maximizing the socio-economic benefit for both processes. The
potential for tritium contamination of the desalinated water was
reviewed. Experience with the systems and practices related to the
radiological quality of the product water, shows no examples of
cross-contamination. Furthermore, the indicators for the public
acceptance of nuclear desalination, as one of the most important
sustainability aspects of any such large project, show a positive trend.
From the data collected, a conclusion is made that nuclear
desalination should be supported by decision-makers.
Abstract: Fixed-point simulation results are used for the
performance measure of inverting matrices by Cholesky
decomposition. The fixed-point Cholesky decomposition algorithm
is implemented using a fixed-point reconfigurable processing
element. The reconfigurable processing element provides all
mathematical operations required by Cholesky decomposition. The
fixed-point word length analysis is based on simulations using
different condition numbers and different matrix sizes. Simulation
results show that 16 bits word length gives sufficient performance
for small matrices with low condition number. Larger matrices and
higher condition numbers require more dynamic range for a fixedpoint
implementation.
Abstract: Since straightness error of linear motor stage is hardly
dependent upon machining accuracy and assembling accuracy, there is
limit on maximum realizable accuracy. To cope with this limitation,
this paper proposed a servo system to compensate straightness error of
a linear motor stage. The servo system is mounted on the slider of the
linear motor stage and moves in the direction of the straightness error
so as to compensate the error. From position dependency and
repeatability of the straightness error of the slider, a feedforward
compensation control is applied to the platform servo control. In the
consideration of required fine positioning accuracy, a platform driven
by an electro-magnetic actuator is suggested and a sliding mode
control was applied. The effectiveness of the sliding mode control was
verified along with some experimental results.
Abstract: In this note, some properties of potentially powerpositive sign patterns are established, and all the potentially powerpositive sign patterns of order ≤ 3 are classified completely.
Abstract: The stability of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian extending films under local or global heating or cooling conditions are considered. The thickness-averaged mass, momentum and energy equations with convective and radiative heat transfer are derived, both for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids (Maxwell, PTT and Giesekus models considered). The stability of the system is explored using either eigenvalue analysis or transient simulations. The results showed that the influence of heating and cooling on stability strongly depends on the magnitude of the Peclet number. Examples of stabilization or destabilization of heating or cooling are shown for Pe
Abstract: Segmentation techniques based on Active Contour
Models have been strongly benefited from the use of prior information
during their evolution. Shape prior information is captured from
a training set and is introduced in the optimization procedure to
restrict the evolution into allowable shapes. In this way, the evolution
converges onto regions even with weak boundaries. Although
significant effort has been devoted on different ways of capturing
and analyzing prior information, very little thought has been devoted
on the way of combining image information with prior information.
This paper focuses on a more natural way of incorporating the
prior information in the level set framework. For proof of concept
the method is applied on hippocampus segmentation in T1-MR
images. Hippocampus segmentation is a very challenging task, due
to the multivariate surrounding region and the missing boundary
with the neighboring amygdala, whose intensities are identical. The
proposed method, mimics the human segmentation way and thus
shows enhancements in the segmentation accuracy.