Abstract: The intelligent fuzzy input estimator is used to estimate
the input force of the rigid bar structural system in this study. The
fuzzy Kalman filter without the input term and the fuzzy weighting
recursive least square estimator are two main portions of this method.
The practicability and accuracy of the proposed method were verified
with numerical simulations from which the input forces of a rigid bar
structural system were estimated from the output responses. In order to
examine the accuracy of the proposed method, a rigid bar structural
system is subjected to periodic sinusoidal dynamic loading. The
excellent performance of this estimator is demonstrated by comparing
it with the use of difference weighting function and improper the
initial process noise covariance. The estimated results have a good
agreement with the true values in all cases tested.
Abstract: Proteomics is one of the largest areas of research for
bioinformatics and medical science. An ambitious goal of proteomics
is to elucidate the structure, interactions and functions of all proteins
within cells and organisms. Predicting Protein-Protein Interaction
(PPI) is one of the crucial and decisive problems in current research.
Genomic data offer a great opportunity and at the same time a lot of
challenges for the identification of these interactions. Many methods
have already been proposed in this regard. In case of in-silico
identification, most of the methods require both positive and negative
examples of protein interaction and the perfection of these examples
are very much crucial for the final prediction accuracy. Positive
examples are relatively easy to obtain from well known databases. But
the generation of negative examples is not a trivial task. Current PPI
identification methods generate negative examples based on some
assumptions, which are likely to affect their prediction accuracy.
Hence, if more reliable negative examples are used, the PPI prediction
methods may achieve even more accuracy. Focusing on this issue, a
graph based negative example generation method is proposed, which
is simple and more accurate than the existing approaches. An
interaction graph of the protein sequences is created. The basic
assumption is that the longer the shortest path between two
protein-sequences in the interaction graph, the less is the possibility of
their interaction. A well established PPI detection algorithm is
employed with our negative examples and in most cases it increases
the accuracy more than 10% in comparison with the negative pair
selection method in that paper.
Abstract: In this paper, Optimum adaptive loading algorithms
are applied to multicarrier system with Space-Time Block Coding
(STBC) scheme associated with space-time processing based on
singular-value decomposition (SVD) of the channel matrix over
Rayleigh fading channels. SVD method has been employed in
MIMO-OFDM system in order to overcome subchannel interference.
Chaw-s and Compello-s algorithms have been implemented to obtain
a bit and power allocation for each subcarrier assuming instantaneous
channel knowledge. The adaptive loaded SVD-STBC scheme is
capable of providing both full-rate and full-diversity for any number
of transmit antennas. The effectiveness of these techniques has
demonstrated through the simulation of an Adaptive loaded SVDSTBC
system, and the comparison shown that the proposed
algorithms ensure better performance in the case of MIMO.
Abstract: A reduced order modeling approach for natural
gas transient flow in pipelines is presented. The Euler
equations are considered as the governing equations and
solved numerically using the implicit Steger-Warming flux
vector splitting method. Next, the linearized form of the
equations is derived and the corresponding eigensystem is
obtained. Then, a few dominant flow eigenmodes are used to
construct an efficient reduced-order model. A well-known test
case is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and the
computational efficiency of the proposed method. The results
obtained are in good agreement with those of the direct
numerical method and field data. Moreover, it is shown that
the present reduced-order model is more efficient than the
conventional numerical techniques for transient flow analysis
of natural gas in pipelines.
Abstract: As a part of an evaluation system for R&D programs,
the Korean Government has applied the preliminary feasibility study
to new government R&D program plans. Basically, the fundamental purpose of the preliminary feasibility study is to decide that the
government will either do or do not invest in a new R&D Program. Additionally, the preliminary feasibility study can contribute to the
improvement of R&D program plans. For example, 2 cases of new
R&D program plans applied to the study are explained in this paper and there are expectations that these R&D programs would yield better
performance than without the study. It is thought that the important point of the preliminary feasibility study is not only the effective
decision making process of R&D program but also the opportunity to improve R&D program plan actually.
Abstract: This paper introduces a new method called ARPDC (Advanced Robust Parallel Distributed Compensation) for automatic control of nonlinear systems. This method improves a quality of robust control by interpolating of robust and optimal controller. The weight of each controller is determined by an original criteria function for model validity and disturbance appreciation. ARPDC method is based on nonlinear Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems and Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) control scheme. The relaxed stability conditions of ARPDC control of nominal system have been derived. The advantages of presented method are demonstrated on the inverse pendulum benchmark problem. From comparison between three different controllers (robust, optimal and ARPDC) follows, that ARPDC control is almost optimal with the robustness close to the robust controller. The results indicate that ARPDC algorithm can be a good alternative not only for a robust control, but in some cases also to an adaptive control of nonlinear systems.
Abstract: Among various HLM techniques, the Multivariate Hierarchical Linear Model (MHLM) is desirable to use, particularly when multivariate criterion variables are collected and the covariance structure has information valuable for data analysis. In order to reflect prior information or to obtain stable results when the sample size and the number of groups are not sufficiently large, the Bayes method has often been employed in hierarchical data analysis. In these cases, although the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is a rather powerful tool for parameter estimation, Procedures regarding MCMC have not been formulated for MHLM. For this reason, this research presents concrete procedures for parameter estimation through the use of the Gibbs samplers. Lastly, several future topics for the use of MCMC approach for HLM is discussed.
Abstract: Technology transfer of renewable energy technologies is very often unsuccessful in the developing world. Aside from challenges that have social, economic, financial, institutional and environmental dimensions, technology transfer has generally been misunderstood, and largely seen as mere delivery of high tech equipment from developed to developing countries or within the developing world from R&D institutions to society. Technology transfer entails much more, including, but not limited to: entire systems and their component parts, know-how, goods and services, equipment, and organisational and managerial procedures. Means to facilitate the successful transfer of energy technologies, including the sharing of lessons are subsequently extremely important for developing countries as they grapple with increasing energy needs to sustain adequate economic growth and development. Improving the success of technology transfer is an ongoing process as more projects are implemented, new problems are encountered and new lessons are learnt. Renewable energy is also critical to improve the quality of lives of the majority of people in developing countries. In rural areas energy is primarily traditional biomass. The consumption activities typically occur in an inefficient manner, thus working against the notion of sustainable development. This paper explores the implementation of technology transfer in the developing world (sub-Saharan Africa). The focus is necessarily on RETs since most rural energy initiatives are RETs-based. Additionally, it aims to highlight some lessons drawn from the cited RE projects and identifies notable differences where energy technology transfer was judged to be successful. This is done through a literature review based on a selection of documented case studies which are judged against the definition provided for technology transfer. This paper also puts forth research recommendations that might contribute to improved technology transfer in the developing world. Key findings of this paper include: Technology transfer cannot be complete without satisfying pre-conditions such as: affordability, maintenance (and associated plans), knowledge and skills transfer, appropriate know how, ownership and commitment, ability to adapt technology, sound business principles such as financial viability and sustainability, project management, relevance and many others. It is also shown that lessons are learnt in both successful and unsuccessful projects.
Abstract: Global environmental changes lead to increased frequency and scale of natural disaster, Taiwan is under the influence of global warming and extreme weather. Therefore, the vulnerability was increased and variability and complexity of disasters is relatively enhanced. The purpose of this study is to consider the source and magnitude of hazard characteristics on the tourism industry. Using modern risk management concepts, integration of related domestic and international basic research, this goes beyond the Taiwan typhoon disaster risk assessment model and evaluation of loss. This loss evaluation index system considers the impact of extreme weather, in particular heavy rain on the tourism industry in Taiwan. Consider the extreme climate of the compound impact of disaster for the tourism industry; we try to make multi-hazard risk assessment model, strategies and suggestions. Related risk analysis results are expected to provide government department, the tourism industry asset owners, insurance companies and banking include tourist disaster risk necessary information to help its tourism industry for effective natural disaster risk management.
Abstract: In this paper, the torsion capacity of ultimate point on rectangular beams with spiral reinforcements in the torsion direction and its anti-direction are investigated. Therefore, models of above-mentioned beams have been numerically analyzed under various loads using ANSYS software. It was observed that, spirallyreinforced prismatic beam and beam with spiral links, show lower torsion capacity than beam with normal links also in anti-direction. The result is that the concrete regulations are violated in this case.
Abstract: The evolution of current modeling specifications gives rise to the problem of generating automated test cases from a variety of application tools. Past endeavours on behavioural testing of UML statecharts have not systematically leveraged the potential of existing graph theory for testing of objects. Therefore there exists a need for a simple, tool-independent, and effective method for automatic test generation. An architecture, codenamed ACUTE-J (Automated stateChart Unit Testing Engine for Java), for automating the unit test generation process is presented. A sequential approach for converting UML statechart diagrams to JUnit test classes is described, with the application of existing graph theory. Research byproducts such as a universal XML Schema and API for statechart-driven testing are also proposed. The result from a Java implementation of ACUTE-J is discussed in brief. The Chinese Postman algorithm is utilised as an illustration for a run-through of the ACUTE-J architecture.
Abstract: The most common type of controller being used in
the industry is PI(D) controller which has been used since 1945 and
is still being widely used due to its efficiency and simplicity. In
most cases, the PI(D) controller was tuned without taking into
consideration of the effect of actuator saturation. In real processes,
the most common actuator which is valve will act as constraint and
restrict the controller output. Since the controller is not designed to
encounter saturation, the process may windup and consequently
resulted in large oscillation or may become unstable. Usually, an
antiwindup compensator is added to the feedback control loop to
reduce the deterioration effect of integral windup. This research
aims to specifically control processes with constraints. The
proposed method was applied to two different types of food
processes, which are blending and spray drying. Simulations were
done using MATLAB and the performances of the proposed
method were compared with other conventional methods. The
proposed technique was able to control the processes and avoid
saturation such that no anti windup compensator is needed.
Abstract: In the micro and nano-technology industry, the
«clean-rooms» dedicated to manufacturing chip, are equipped with
the most sophisticated equipment-tools. There use a large number of
resources in according to strict specifications for an optimum
working and result. The distribution of «utilities» to the production is
assured by teams who use a supervision tool.
The studies show the interest to control the various parameters of
production or/and distribution, in real time, through a reliable and
effective supervision tool. This document looks at a large part of the
functions that the supervisor must assure, with complementary
functionalities to help the diagnosis and simulation that prove very
useful in our case where the supervised installations are complexed
and in constant evolution.
Abstract: This paper numerically investigates the effects of input
speed on the overall dynamic characteristics of a multi-body system
with differently located revolute clearance joints without friction. A
typical planar slider-crank mechanism is used as a demonstration case
in which the effects of the input speed on the dynamic performance
of the mechanism with a revolute clearance joint between the crank
and connecting rod, and between the connecting rod and slider are
separately investigated with comprehensive observations numerically
presented. It is observed that, changing the driving speed of a multibody
system makes the behavior of the system to change from
either periodic to chaotic, or chaotic to periodic depending on which
joint has clearance. The location of the clearance revolute joint and
the operating speed of a multi-body system play a crucial role in
predicting accurately the dynamic responses of the system. Therefore
the dynamic behavior of one clearance revolute joint cannot be used
as a general case for a mechanical system.
Abstract: The Requirements Abstraction Model (RAM) helps in managing abstraction in requirements by organizing them at four levels (product, feature, function and component). The RAM is adaptable and can be tailored to meet the needs of the various organizations. Because software requirements are an important source of information for developing high-level tests, organizations willing to adopt the RAM model need to know the suitability of the RAM requirements for developing high-level tests. To investigate this suitability, test cases from twenty randomly selected requirements were developed, analyzed and graded. Requirements were selected from the requirements document of a Course Management System, a web based software system that supports teachers and students in performing course related tasks. This paper describes the results of the requirements document analysis. The results show that requirements at lower levels in the RAM are suitable for developing executable tests whereas it is hard to develop from requirements at higher levels.
Abstract: In this study, a semi-cylinder obstacle placed in a
channel is handled to determine the effect of flow and heat transfer
around the obstacle. Both faces of the semi-cylinder are used in the
numerical analysis. First, the front face of the semi-cylinder is stated
perpendicular to flow, than the rear face is placed. The study is
carried out numerically, by using commercial software ANSYS 11.0.
The well-known κ-ε model is applied as the turbulence model.
Reynolds number is in the range of 104 to 105 and air is assumed as
the flowing fluid. The results showed that, heat transfer increased
approximately 15 % in the front faze case, while it enhanced up to 28
% in the rear face case.
Abstract: This paper presents a new method which applies an
artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) for capacitor placement in
distribution systems with an objective of improving the voltage profile
and reduction of power loss. The ABC algorithm is a new population
based meta heuristic approach inspired by intelligent foraging behavior
of honeybee swarm. The advantage of ABC algorithm is that
it does not require external parameters such as cross over rate and
mutation rate as in case of genetic algorithm and differential evolution
and it is hard to determine these parameters in prior. The other
advantage is that the global search ability in the algorithm is implemented
by introducing neighborhood source production mechanism
which is a similar to mutation process. To demonstrate the validity
of the proposed algorithm, computer simulations are carried out on
69-bus system and compared the results with the other approach
available in the literature. The proposed method has outperformed the
other methods in terms of the quality of solution and computational
efficiency.
Abstract: The only relevant basis for the design of an educational application are objectives of learning for the content area. This study analyses the process in which the real – not only the formal – objectives could work as the starting point for the construction of an educational game. The application context is the education of perioperative nursing. The process is based on the panel discussions of nursing teachers. In the panels, the teachers elaborated the objectives. The transcribed discussions were analysed in terms of the conceptions of learning and teaching of perioperative nursing. The outcome of the study is first the elaborated objectives, which will be used in the implementation of an educational game for the needs of pre-, intra and post-operative nursing skills learning. Second, the study shows that different views of learning are necessary to be understood in order to design an appropriate educational application.
Abstract: The acoustic and articulatory properties of fricative speech sounds are being studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and acoustic recordings from a single subject. Area functions were derived from a complete set of axial and coronal MR slices using two different methods: the Mermelstein technique and the Blum transform. Area functions derived from the two techniques were shown to differ significantly in some cases. Such differences will lead to different acoustic predictions and it is important to know which is the more accurate. The vocal tract acoustic transfer function (VTTF) was derived from these area functions for each fricative and compared with measured speech signals for the same fricative and same subject. The VTTFs for /f/ in two vowel contexts and the corresponding acoustic spectra are derived here; the Blum transform appears to show a better match between prediction and measurement than the Mermelstein technique.
Abstract: Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) emerged in the pursuit to improve our standard of living, and hence can manifest complex human behaviors such as communication, decision making, negotiation and self-organization. The Social Network Services (SNSs) have attracted millions of users, many of whom have integrated these sites into their daily practices. The domains of MAS and SNS have lots of similarities such as architecture, features and functions. Exploring social network users- behavior through multiagent model is therefore our research focus, in order to generate more accurate and meaningful information to SNS users. An application of MAS is the e-Auction and e-Rental services of the Universiti Cyber AgenT(UniCAT), a Social Network for students in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar, Malaysia, built around the Belief- Desire-Intention (BDI) model. However, in spite of the various advantages of the BDI model, it has also been discovered to have some shortcomings. This paper therefore proposes a multi-agent framework utilizing a modified BDI model- Belief-Desire-Intention in Dynamic and Uncertain Situations (BDIDUS), using UniCAT system as a case study.