Abstract: A trend in agent community or enterprises is that they are shifting from closed to open architectures composed of a large number of autonomous agents. One of its implications could be that interface agent framework is getting more important in multi-agent system (MAS); so that systems constructed for different application domains could share a common understanding in human computer interface (HCI) methods, as well as human-agent and agent-agent interfaces. However, interface agent framework usually receives less attention than other aspects of MAS. In this paper, we will propose an interface web agent framework which is based on our former project called WAF and a Distributed HCI template. A group of new functionalities and implications will be discussed, such as web agent presentation, off-line agent reference, reconfigurable activation map of agents, etc. Their enabling techniques and current standards (e.g. existing ontological framework) are also suggested and shown by examples from our own implementation in WAF.
Abstract: The heuristic decision rules used for project
scheduling will vary depending upon the project-s size, complexity,
duration, personnel, and owner requirements. The concept of project
complexity has received little detailed attention. The need to
differentiate between easy and hard problem instances and the
interest in isolating the fundamental factors that determine the
computing effort required by these procedures inspired a number of
researchers to develop various complexity measures.
In this study, the most common measures of project complexity are
presented. A new measure of project complexity is developed. The
main privilege of the proposed measure is that, it considers size,
shape and logic characteristics, time characteristics, resource
demands and availability characteristics as well as number of critical
activities and critical paths. The degree of sensitivity of the proposed
measure for complexity of project networks has been tested and
evaluated against the other measures of complexity of the considered
fifty project networks under consideration in the current study. The
developed measure showed more sensitivity to the changes in the
network data and gives accurate quantified results when comparing
the complexities of networks.
Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to present the research
findings on the solution of centralized Web-Services for students by
adopting a framework and a prototype for Service Oriented
Architecture (SOA) Web-Services. The current situation of students-
Web-based application services has been identified and proposed an
effective SOA to increase the operational efficiency of Web-Services
for them it was necessary to identify the challenges in delivering a
SOA technology to increase operational efficiency of Web-Services.
Moreover, the SOA is an emerging concept, used for delivering
efficient student SOA Web-Services. Therefore, service reusability
from SOA Web-Services is provided and logically divided services
into smaller services to increase reusability and modularity. In this
case each service is a modular unit by itself and interoperability
services.
Abstract: Directional over current relays (DOCR) are commonly used in power system protection as a primary protection in distribution and sub-transmission electrical systems and as a secondary protection in transmission systems. Coordination of protective relays is necessary to obtain selective tripping. In this paper, an approach for efficiency reduction of DOCRs nonlinear optimum coordination (OC) is proposed. This was achieved by modifying the objective function and relaxing several constraints depending on the four constraints classification, non-valid, redundant, pre-obtained and valid constraints. According to this classification, the far end fault effect on the objective function and constraints, and in consequently on relay operating time, was studied. The study was carried out, firstly by taking into account the near-end and far-end faults in DOCRs coordination problem formulation; and then faults very close to the primary relays (nearend faults). The optimal coordination (OC) was achieved by simultaneously optimizing all variables (TDS and Ip) in nonlinear environment by using of Genetic algorithm nonlinear programming techniques. The results application of the above two approaches on 6-bus and 26-bus system verify that the far-end faults consideration on OC problem formulation don-t lose the optimality.
Abstract: Most high-performance ac drives utilize a current
controller. The controller switches a voltage source inverter (VSI)
such that the motor current follows a set of reference current
waveforms. Fixed-band hysteresis (FBH) current control has been
widely used for the PWM inverter. We want to apply the same
controller for the PWM AC chopper. The aims of the controller is to
optimize the harmonic content at both input and output sides, while
maintaining acceptable losses in the ac chopper and to control in
wide range the fundamental output voltage. Fixed band controller has
been simulated and analyzed for a single-phase AC chopper and are
easily extended to three-phase systems. Simulation confirmed the
advantages and the excellent performance of the modulation method
applied for the AC chopper.
Abstract: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds are waste streams which are considered a major problem to the food industry. They contain potentially useful protein (10-15% of the whole date-s weight). Global production, industrialisation and utilisation of dates are increasing steadily. The worldwide production of date palm fruit has increased from 1.8 million tons in 1961 to 6.9 million tons in 2005, thus from the global production of dates are almost 800.000 tonnes of date palm seeds are not currently used [1]. The current study was carried out to convert the date palm seeds into useful protein powder. Compositional analysis showed that the seeds were rich in protein and fat 5.64 and 8.14% respectively. We used several laboratory scale methods to extract proteins from seed to produce a high protein powder. These methods included simple acid or alkali extraction, with or without ultrafiltration and phenol trichloroacetic acid with acetone precipitation (Ph/TCA method). The highest protein content powder (68%) was obtained by Ph/TCA method with yield of material (44%) whereas; the use of just alkali extraction gave the lowest protein content of 8%, and a yield of 32%.
Abstract: Groundlessness of application probability-statistic methods are especially shown at an early stage of the aviation GTE technical condition diagnosing, when the volume of the information has property of the fuzzy, limitations, uncertainty and efficiency of application of new technology Soft computing at these diagnosing stages by using the fuzzy logic and neural networks methods. It is made training with high accuracy of multiple linear and nonlinear models (the regression equations) received on the statistical fuzzy data basis. At the information sufficiency it is offered to use recurrent algorithm of aviation GTE technical condition identification on measurements of input and output parameters of the multiple linear and nonlinear generalized models at presence of noise measured (the new recursive least squares method (LSM)). As application of the given technique the estimation of the new operating aviation engine D30KU-154 technical condition at height H=10600 m was made.
Abstract: In present days the area of data migration is very topical. Current tools for data migration in the area of relational database have several disadvantages that are presented in this paper. We propose a methodology for data migration of the database tables and their data between various types of relational database systems (RDBMS). The proposed methodology contains an expert system. The expert system contains a knowledge base that is composed of IFTHEN rules and based on the input data suggests appropriate data types of columns of database tables. The proposed tool, which contains an expert system, also includes the possibility of optimizing the data types in the target RDBMS database tables based on processed data of the source RDBMS database tables. The proposed expert system is shown on data migration of selected database of the source RDBMS to the target RDBMS.
Abstract: Academic digital libraries emerged as a result of advances in computing and information systems technologies, and had been introduced in universities and to public. As results, moving in parallel with current technology in learning and researching environment indeed offers myriad of advantages especially to students and academicians, as well as researchers. This is due to dramatic changes in learning environment through the use of digital library system which giving spectacular impact on these societies- way of performing their study/research. This paper presents a survey of current criteria for evaluating academic digital libraries- performance. The goal is to discuss criteria being applied so far for academic digital libraries evaluation in the context of user-centered design. Although this paper does not comprehensively take into account all previous researches in evaluating academic digital libraries but at least it can be a guide in understanding the evaluation criteria being widely applied.
Abstract: Distance protection of transmission lines including advanced flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices has been a very challenging task. FACTS devices of interest in this paper are static synchronous series compensators (SSSC) and unified power flow controller (UPFC). In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed to detect and classify the fault and identify the fault position in a transmission line with respect to a FACTS device placed in the midpoint of the transmission line. Discrete wavelet transformation and wavelet entropy calculations are used to analyze during fault current and voltage signals of the compensated transmission line. The proposed algorithm is very simple and accurate in fault detection and classification. A variety of fault cases and simulation results are introduced to show the effectiveness of such algorithm.
Abstract: Extraction of edge-end-pixels is an important step for the edge linking process to achieve edge-based image segmentation. This paper presents an algorithm to extract edge-end pixels together with their directional sensitivities as an augmentation to the currently available mathematical models. The algorithm is implemented in the Java environment because of its inherent compatibility with web interfaces since its main use is envisaged to be for remote image analysis on a virtual instrumentation platform.
Abstract: Multi User Virtual Worlds are becoming a valuable educational tool. Learning experiences within these worlds focus on discovery and active experiences that both engage students and motivate them to explore new concepts. As educators, we need to explore these environments to determine how they can most effectively be used in our instructional practices. This paper explores the current application of virtual worlds to identify meaningful educational strategies that are being used to engage students and enhance teaching and learning.
Abstract: In the present work, a study has been made on the combination of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) with ultrasonic vibrations to improve the machining efficiency. In experiments the graphite used as tool electrode and material of workpiece was AISIH13 tool steel. The parameters such as discharge peak current and pulse duration were changed to explore their effect on the material removal rate (MRR), relative tool wear ratio (TWR) and surface roughness. From the experimental result it can be seen that ultrasonic vibration of the workpiece can significantly reduces the inactive pulses and improves the stability of process. It was found that ultrasonic assisted EDM (US-EDM) is effective in attaining a high material removal rate (MRR) in finishing regime.
Abstract: Forming a legal culture among citizens is a
complicated and lengthy process, influencing all spheres of social
life. It includes promoting justice, learning rights and duties, the
introduction of juridical norms and knowledge, and also a process of
developing a system of legal acts and constitutional norms. Currently,
the evaluative and emotional influence of attempts to establish a legal
culture among the citizens of Kazakhstan is limited by real legal
practice. As a result, the values essential to a sound civil society are
absent from the consciousness of the Kazakh people who are thus, in
turn, not able to develop respect for these values. One of the
disadvantages of the modern Kazakh educational system is a
tendency to underrate the actual forces shaping the worldview of
Kazakh youths. The mass-media, which are going through a
personnel crisis, cannot provide society with the legal and political
information necessary to form the sort of legal culture required for a
true civil society.
Abstract: The study of the variability of the postural strategies
in low back pain patients, as a criterion in evaluation of the
adaptability of this system to the environmental demands is the
purpose of this study. A cross-sectional case-control study was
performed on 21 recurrent non-specific low back pain patients and 21
healthy volunteers. The electromyography activity of Deltoid,
External Oblique (EO), Transverse Abdominis/Internal Oblique
(TrA/IO) and Erector Spine (ES) muscles of each person was
recorded in 75 rapid arm flexion with maximum acceleration.
Standard deviation of trunk muscles onset relative to deltoid muscle
onset were statistically analyzed by MANOVA . The results show
that chronic low back pain patients exhibit less variability in their
anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in comparison with the
control group. There is a decrease in variability of postural control
system of recurrent non-specific low back pain patients that can
result in the persistence of pain and chronicity by decreasing the
adaptability to environmental demands.
Abstract: Numerous concrete structures projects are currently running in Libya as part of a US$50 billion government funding. The
quality of concrete used in 20 different construction projects were assessed based mainly on the concrete compressive strength achieved. The projects are scattered all over the country and are at
various levels of completeness. For most of these projects, the
concrete compressive strength was obtained from test results of a
150mm standard cube mold. Statistical analysis of collected concrete
compressive strengths reveals that the data in general followed a
normal distribution pattern. The study covers comparison and assessment of concrete quality aspects such as: quality control, strength range, data standard deviation, data scatter, and ratio of minimum strength to design strength. Site quality control for these projects ranged from very good to poor according to ACI214 criteria [1]. The ranges (Rg) of the strength (max. strength – min. strength) divided by average strength are from (34% to 160%). Data scatter is
measured as the range (Rg) divided by standard deviation () and is
found to be (1.82 to 11.04), indicating that the range is ±3σ.
International construction companies working in Libya follow
different assessment criteria for concrete compressive strength in lieu
of national unified procedure. The study reveals that assessments of
concrete quality conducted by these construction companies usually
meet their adopted (internal) standards, but sometimes fail to meet
internationally known standard requirements. The assessment of
concrete presented in this paper is based on ACI, British standards
and proposed Libyan concrete strength assessment criteria.
Abstract: Multi-loop (De-centralized) Proportional-Integral-
Derivative (PID) controllers have been used extensively in process
industries due to their simple structure for control of multivariable
processes. The objective of this work is to design multiple-model
adaptive multi-loop PID strategy (Multiple Model Adaptive-PID)
and neural network based multi-loop PID strategy (Neural Net
Adaptive-PID) for the control of multivariable system. The first
method combines the output of multiple linear PID controllers,
each describing process dynamics at a specific level of operation.
The global output is an interpolation of the individual multi-loop
PID controller outputs weighted based on the current value of the
measured process variable. In the second method, neural network
is used to calculate the PID controller parameters based on the
scheduling variable that corresponds to major shift in the process
dynamics. The proposed control schemes are simple in structure with
less computational complexity. The effectiveness of the proposed
control schemes have been demonstrated on the CSTR process,
which exhibits dynamic non-linearity.
Abstract: THEOS is the first earth observation spacecraft of Thailand which was launched on the 1st October 2008 and is currently operated by GISTDA. The transfer phase has been performed by Astrium Flight Dynamics team leading to a hand over to GISTDA teams starting mid-October 2008. The THEOS spacecraft-s orbit is LEO and has the same repetitivity (14+5/26) as the SPOT spacecraft, i.e. the same altitude of 822 km but it has a different mean local solar time (LST). Ground track maintenance manoeuvres are performed to maintain the ground track within a predefined control band around the reference ground track and the band is ±40 km for THEOS spacecraft. This paper presents the first ground track maintenance manoeuvre of THEOS spacecraft and the detailed results. In addition, it also includes one and a half year of operation as seen by GISTDA operators. It finally describes the foreseenable activities for the next orbit control manoeuvre (OCM) preparation.
Abstract: The major urban centers are all facing rapid growth is
most often associated with spreading urbanization, social status of the
car has also changed: it has become a commodity of mass
consumption. There are currently about 5 million and 260 cars in
Algeria (2008), this number increases every year 200,000 new cars.
These phenomena induce a demand for greater mobility and a
significant need for transport infrastructure. Faced with these
problems and development of the growing use of the automobile,
central governments and local authorities in charge of urban transport
issues are aware of the need to develop their urban transport systems
but often lack opportunities.
Urban Transport Plans (PDU) were born in reaction to the "culture
of automobile." Their existence in the world the '80s, however, they
had little success before laws on air and rational use of energy in 90
years does not alter substantially their content and make mandatory
their implementation in cities of over 100,000 inhabitants (Abroad)
[1].
The objective of this work is to use the tool and specifically
Geomatics techniques as decision support in the organization and
management of travel while taking into consideration the influence,
which will then translate by National Urban Transport Plan.
Abstract: Most of the concurrent transactional protocols consider
serializability as a correctness criterion of the transactions execution.
Usually, the proof of the serializability relies on mathematical proofs
for a fixed finite number of transactions. In this paper, we introduce
a protocol to deal with an infinite number of transactions which are
iterated infinitely often. We specify serializability of the transactions
and the protocol using a specification language based on temporal
logics. It is worthwhile using temporal logics such as LTL (Lineartime
Temporal Logic) to specify transactions, to gain full automatic
verification by using model checkers.