Abstract: In this paper, we propose a method to extract the road
signs. Firstly, the grabbed image is converted into the HSV color space
to detect the road signs. Secondly, the morphological operations are
used to reduce noise. Finally, extract the road sign using the geometric
property. The feature extraction of road sign is done by using the color
information. The proposed method has been tested for the real
situations. From the experimental results, it is seen that the proposed
method can extract the road sign features effectively.
Abstract: This work concerns the topological optimization
problem for determining the optimal petroleum refinery
configuration. We are interested in further investigating and
hopefully advancing the existing optimization approaches and
strategies employing logic propositions to conceptual process
synthesis problems. In particular, we seek to contribute to this
increasingly exciting area of chemical process modeling by
addressing the following potentially important issues: (a) how the
formulation of design specifications in a mixed-logical-and-integer
optimization model can be employed in a synthesis problem to enrich
the problem representation by incorporating past design experience,
engineering knowledge, and heuristics; and (b) how structural
specifications on the interconnectivity relationships by space (states)
and by function (tasks) in a superstructure should be properly
formulated within a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP)
model. The proposed modeling technique is illustrated on a case
study involving the alternative processing routes of naphtha, in which
significant improvement in the solution quality is obtained.
Abstract: The design requirements for successful human
accommodation in urban spaces are well known; and the range of
facilities available for meeting urban water quality and quantity
requirements is also well established. Their competing requirements
must be reconciled in order for urban spaces to be successful for
both. This paper outlines the separate human and water imperatives
and their interactions in urban spaces. Stormwater management
facilities- relative potential contributions to urban spaces are
contrasted, and design choices for achieving those potentials are
described. This study uses human success of urban space as the
evaluative criterion of stormwater amenity: human values call on
stormwater facilities to contribute to successful human spaces.
Placing water-s contribution under the overall idea of successful
urban space is an evolution from previous subjective evaluations.
The information is based on photographs and notes from
approximately 1,000 stormwater facilities and urban sites collected
during the last 35 years in North America and overseas, and the
author-s experience on multi-disciplinary design teams. This
conceptual study combines the disciplinary roles of engineering,
landscape architecture, and sociology in effecting successful urban
design.
Abstract: Unlike its conventional counterpart, Islamic principles
forbid Islamic banks to take any interest-related income and thus
makes deposits from depositors as an important source of fund for its
operational and financing. Consequently, the risk of deposit
withdrawal by depositors is an important aspect that should be wellmanaged
in Islamic banking. This paper aims to investigate factors
that influence depositors- withdrawal behavior in Islamic banks,
particularly in Malaysia, using the framework of theory of reasoned
action. A total of 368 respondents from Klang valley are involved in
the analysis. The paper finds that all the constructs variable i.e.
normative beliefs, subjective norms, behavioral beliefs, and attitude
towards behavior are perceived to be distinct by the respondents. In
addition, the structural equation model is able to verify the structural
relationships between subjective norms, attitude towards behavior
and behavioral intention. Subjective norms gives more influence to
depositors- decision on deposit withdrawal compared to attitude
towards behavior.
Abstract: In This Article We establish moment inequality of
dependent random variables,furthermore some theorems of strong law
of large numbers and complete convergence for sequences of dependent
random variables. In particular, independent and identically
distributed Marcinkiewicz Law of large numbers are generalized to
the case of m0-dependent sequences.
Abstract: Chess is one of the indoor games, which improves the
level of human confidence, concentration, planning skills and
knowledge. The main objective of this paper is to help the chess
players to improve their chess openings using data mining
techniques. Budding Chess Players usually do practices by analyzing
various existing openings. When they analyze and correlate
thousands of openings it becomes tedious and complex for them. The
work done in this paper is to analyze the best lines of Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit(BDG) which opens with White D4... using data
mining analysis. It is carried out on the collection of winning games
by applying association rules. The first step of this analysis is
assigning variables to each different sequence moves. In the second
step, the sequence association rules were generated to calculate
support and confidence factor which help us to find the best
subsequence chess moves that may lead to winning position.
Abstract: The Japanese integrative approach to social systems
can be observed in supply chain management as well as in the
relationship between public and private sectors. Both the Lean
Production System and the Developmental State Model are
characterized by efforts towards the achievement of mutual goals,
resulting in initiatives for capacity building which emphasize the
system level. In Brazil, although organizations undertake efforts to
build capabilities at the individual and organizational levels, the
system level is being neglected. Fieldwork data confirmed the findings
of other studies in terms of the lack of integration in supply chain
management in the Brazilian automobile industry. Moreover, due to
the absence of an active role of the Brazilian state in its relationship
with the private sector, automakers are not fully exploiting the
opportunities in the domestic and regional markets. For promoting a
higher level of economic growth as well as to increase the degree of
spill-over of technologies and techniques, a more integrative approach
is needed.
Abstract: A virtual collaborative classroom was created at East Carolina University, using videoconference technology via regular internet to bring students from 18 different countries, 2 at a time, to the ECU classroom in real time to learn about each other-s culture. Students from two countries are partnered one on one, they meet for 4-5 weeks, and submit a joint paper. Then the same process is repeated for two other countries. Lectures and student discussions are managed with pre-determined topics and questions. Classes are conducted in English and reading assignments are placed on the website. Administratively all partners are independent, students pay fees and get credits at their home institution. Familiarity with technology, knowledge in cultural understanding and attitude change were assessed, only attitude changes are reported in this paper. After taking this course, all students stated their comfort level in working with, and their desire to interact with, culturally different others grew stronger and their xenophobia and isolationist attitudes decreased.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to consider the
introduction of online courses to replace the current classroom-based
staff training. The current training is practical, and must be
completed before access to the financial computer system is
authorized. The long term objective is to measure the efficacy,
effectiveness and efficiency of the training, and to establish whether
a transfer of knowledge back to the workplace has occurred. This
paper begins with an overview explaining the importance of staff
training in an evolving, competitive business environment and
defines the problem facing this particular organization. A summary
of the literature review is followed by a brief discussion of the
research methodology and objective. The implementation of the
alpha version of the online course is then described. This paper may
be of interest to those seeking insights into, or new theory regarding,
practical interventions of online learning in the real world.
Abstract: Data from 1731 Gentile di Puglia lambs, sired by 65 rams over a 5-year period were analyzed by a mixed model to estimate the variance components for heritability. The considered growth traits were: birth weight (BW), weight at 30 days of age (W30) and average daily gain from birth to 30 days of age (DG). Year of birth, sex of lamb, type of birth (single or twin), dam age at lambing and farm were significant sources of variation for all the considered growth traits. The average lamb weights were 3.85±0.16 kg at birth, 9.57±0.91 kg at 30 days of age and the average daily gain was 191±14 g. Estimates of heritability were 0.33±0.05, 0.41±0.06 and 0.16±0.05 respectively for the same traits. These values suggest there is a good opportunity to improve Gentile di Puglia lambs by selecting animals for growth traits.
Abstract: This study adopted previous fault patterns, results of
detection analysis, historical records and data, and experts-
experiences to establish fuzzy principles and estimate the failure
probability index of components of a power transformer. Considering
that actual parameters and limiting conditions of parameters may
differ, this study used the standard data of IEC, IEEE, and CIGRE as
condition parameters. According to the characteristics of each
condition parameter, relative degradation was introduced to reflect the
degree of influence of the factors on the transformer condition. The
method of fuzzy mathematics was adopted to determine the
subordinate function of the transformer condition. The calculation
used the Matlab Fuzzy Tool Box to select the condition parameters of
coil winding, iron core, bushing, OLTC, insulating oil and other
auxiliary components and factors (e.g., load records, performance
history, and maintenance records) of the transformer to establish the
fuzzy principles. Examples were presented to support the rationality
and effectiveness of the evaluation method of power transformer
performance conditions, as based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation.
Abstract: We developed a non-contact method for the in-situ
monitoring of the thermal forming of glass and Si foils to optimize
the manufacture of mirrors for high-resolution space x-ray
telescopes. Their construction requires precise and light-weight
segmented optics with angular resolution better than 5 arcsec. We
used 75x25 mm Desag D263 glass foils 0.75 mm thick and 0.6 mm
thick Si foils. The glass foils were shaped by free slumping on a
frame at viscosities in the range of 109.3-1012 dPa·s, the Si foils by
forced slumping above 1000°C. Using a Nikon D80 digital camera,
we took snapshots of a foil-s shape every 5 min during its isothermal
heat treatment. The obtained results we can use for computer
simulations. By comparing the measured and simulated data, we can
more precisely define material properties of the foils and optimize
the forming technology.
Abstract: A new strain of Type A influenza virus can cause the
transmission of H1N1 virus. This virus can spread between the
people by coughing and sneezing. Because the people are always
movement, so this virus can be easily spread. In this study, we
construct the dynamical network model of H1N1 virus by separating
the human into five groups; susceptible, exposed, infectious,
quarantine and recovered groups. The movement of people between
houses (local level) is considered. The behaviors of solutions to our
dynamical model are shown for the different parameters.
Abstract: We have investigated the effect of piezoelectric (PZ)
polarization property in binary as well as in ternary wurtzite nitrides.
It is found that with the presence of PZ polarization property, the
phonon group velocity is modified. The change in phonon group
velocity due to PZ polarization effect directly depends on
piezoelectric tensor value. Using different piezoelectric tensor values
recommended by different workers in the literature, percent change in
group velocities of phonons has been estimated. The Debye
temperatures and frequencies of binary nitrides GaN, AlN and InN
are also calculated using the modified group velocities. For ternary
nitrides AlxGa(1-x)N, InxGa(1-x)N and InxAl(1-x)N, the phonon group
velocities have been calculated as a functions of composition. A
small positive bowing is observed in phonon group velocities of
ternary alloys. Percent variations in phonon group velocities are also
calculated for a straightforward comparison among ternary nitrides.
The results are expected to show a change in phonon relaxation rates
and thermal conductivity of III-nitrides when piezoelectric
polarization property is taken into consideration.
Abstract: The effect of the rotational speed and axial torque on
the diagnostics of tapered rolling element bearing defects was
investigated. The accelerometer was mounted on the bearing housing
and connected to Sound and Vibration Analyzer (SVAN 958) and
was used to measure the accelerations from the bearing housing. The
data obtained from the bearing was processed to detect damage of the
bearing using statistical tools and the results were subsequently
analyzed to see if bearing damage had been captured. From this study
it can be seen that damage is more evident when the bearing is
loaded. Also, at the incipient stage of damage the crest factor and
kurtosis values are high but as time progresses the crest factors and
kurtosis values decrease whereas the peak and RMS values are low at
the incipient stage but increase with damage.
Abstract: How to effectively allocate system resource to process
the Client request by Gateway servers is a challenging problem. In
this paper, we propose an improved scheme for autonomous
performance of Gateway servers under highly dynamic traffic loads.
We devise a methodology to calculate Queue Length and Waiting
Time utilizing Gateway Server information to reduce response time
variance in presence of bursty traffic. The most widespread
contemplation is performance, because Gateway Servers must offer
cost-effective and high-availability services in the elongated period,
thus they have to be scaled to meet the expected load. Performance
measurements can be the base for performance modeling and
prediction. With the help of performance models, the performance
metrics (like buffer estimation, waiting time) can be determined at
the development process. This paper describes the possible queue
models those can be applied in the estimation of queue length to
estimate the final value of the memory size. Both simulation and
experimental studies using synthesized workloads and analysis of
real-world Gateway Servers demonstrate the effectiveness of the
proposed system.
Abstract: In Supply Chain Management (SCM), strengthening partnerships with suppliers is a significant factor for enhancing competitiveness. Hence, firms increasingly emphasize supplier evaluation processes. Supplier evaluation systems are basically developed in terms of criteria such as quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility. Because there are many variables to be analyzed, this process becomes hard to execute and needs expertise. On this account, this study aims to develop an expert system on supplier evaluation process by designing Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that is supported with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The methods are applied on the data of 24 suppliers, which have longterm relationships with a medium sized company from German Iron and Steel Industry. The data of suppliers consists of variables such as material quality (MQ), discount of amount (DOA), discount of cash (DOC), payment term (PT), delivery time (DT) and annual revenue (AR). Meanwhile, the efficiency that is generated by using DEA is added to the supplier evaluation system in order to use them as system outputs.
Abstract: Direct conversion of methane to methanol by partial oxidation in a thermal reactor has a poor yield of about 2% which is less than the expected economical yield of about 10%. Conventional thermal catalytic reactors have been proposed to be superseded by plasma reactors as a promising approach, due to strength of the electrical energy which can break C-H bonds of methane. Among the plasma techniques, non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma chemical process is one of the most future promising technologies in synthesizing methanol. The purpose of this paper is presenting a brief review of CH4 oxidation with O2 in DBD plasma reactors based on the recent investigations. For this reason, the effect of various parameters of reactor configuration, feed ratio, applied voltage, residence time (gas flow rate), type of applied catalyst, pressure and reactor wall temperature on methane conversion and methanol selectivity are discussed.
Abstract: A number of routing algorithms based on learning
automata technique have been proposed for communication
networks. How ever, there has been little work on the effects of
variation of graph scarcity on the performance of these algorithms. In
this paper, a comprehensive study is launched to investigate the
performance of LASPA, the first learning automata based solution to
the dynamic shortest path routing, across different graph structures
with varying scarcities. The sensitivity of three main performance
parameters of the algorithm, being average number of processed
nodes, scanned edges and average time per update, to variation in
graph scarcity is reported. Simulation results indicate that the LASPA
algorithm can adapt well to the scarcity variation in graph structure
and gives much better outputs than the existing dynamic and fixed
algorithms in terms of performance criteria.
Abstract: The problem of exponential stability and periodicity for a class of cellular neural networks (DCNNs) with time-varying delays is investigated. By dividing the network state variables into subgroups according to the characters of the neural networks, some sufficient conditions for exponential stability and periodicity are derived via the methods of variation parameters and inequality techniques. These conditions are represented by some blocks of the interconnection matrices. Compared with some previous methods, the method used in this paper does not resort to any Lyapunov function, and the results derived in this paper improve and generalize some earlier criteria established in the literature cited therein. Two examples are discussed to illustrate the main results.