Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of logic simplification for a special class of logic functions, namely complementary Boolean functions (CBF), targeting low power implementation using static CMOS logic style. The functions are uniquely characterized by the presence of terms, where for a canonical binary 2-tuple, D(mj) ∪ D(mk) = { } and therefore, we have | D(mj) ∪ D(mk) | = 0 [19]. Similarly, D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) = { } and hence | D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) | = 0. Here, 'mk' and 'Mk' represent a minterm and maxterm respectively. We compare the circuits minimized with our proposed method with those corresponding to factored Reed-Muller (f-RM) form, factored Pseudo Kronecker Reed-Muller (f-PKRM) form, and factored Generalized Reed-Muller (f-GRM) form. We have opted for algebraic factorization of the Reed-Muller (RM) form and its different variants, using the factorization rules of [1], as it is simple and requires much less CPU execution time compared to Boolean factorization operations. This technique has enabled us to greatly reduce the literal count as well as the gate count needed for such RM realizations, which are generally prone to consuming more cells and subsequently more power consumption. However, this leads to a drawback in terms of the design-for-test attribute associated with the various RM forms. Though we still preserve the definition of those forms viz. realizing such functionality with only select types of logic gates (AND gate and XOR gate), the structural integrity of the logic levels is not preserved. This would consequently alter the testability properties of such circuits i.e. it may increase/decrease/maintain the same number of test input vectors needed for their exhaustive testability, subsequently affecting their generalized test vector computation. We do not consider the issue of design-for-testability here, but, instead focus on the power consumption of the final logic implementation, after realization with a conventional CMOS process technology (0.35 micron TSMC process). The quality of the resulting circuits evaluated on the basis of an established cost metric viz., power consumption, demonstrate average savings by 26.79% for the samples considered in this work, besides reduction in number of gates and input literals by 39.66% and 12.98% respectively, in comparison with other factored RM forms.
Abstract: The size, complexity and number of databases used
for protein information have caused bioinformatics to lag behind in
adapting to the need to handle this distributed information.
Integrating all the information from different databases into one
database is a challenging problem. Our main research is to develop a
tool which can be used to access and manipulate protein information
from difference databases. In our approach, we have integrated
difference databases such as Swiss-prot, PDB, Interpro, and EMBL
and transformed these databases in flat file format into relational
form using XML and Bioperl. As a result, we showed this tool can
search different sizes of protein information stored in relational
database and the result can be retrieved faster compared to flat file
database. A web based user interface is provided to allow user to
access or search for protein information in the local database.
Abstract: Structural behavior of ring stiffened thick walled
cylinders made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) is
investigated in this paper. Functionally graded materials are inhomogeneous composites which are usually made from a mixture
of metal and ceramic. The gradient compositional variation of the
constituents from one surface to the other provides an elegant solution to the problem of high transverse shear stresses that are
induced when two dissimilar materials with large differences in material properties are bonded. FGM formation of the cylinder is
modeled by power-law exponent and the variation of characteristics is supposed to be in radial direction.
A finite element formulation is derived for the analysis. According to the property variation of the constituent materials in the radial
direction of the wall, it is not convenient to use conventional elements to model and analyze the structure of the stiffened FGM
cylinders. In this paper a new cylindrical super-element is used to model the finite element formulation and analyze the static and
modal behavior of stiffened FGM thick walled cylinders. By using
this super-element the number of elements, which are needed for
modeling, will reduce significantly and the process time is less in comparison with conventional finite element formulations. Results for static and modal analysis are evaluated and verified by
comparison to finite element formulation with conventional
elements. Comparison indicates a good conformity between results.
Abstract: Freeways are originally designed to provide high
mobility to road users. However, the increase in population and
vehicle numbers has led to increasing congestions around the world.
Daily recurrent congestion substantially reduces the freeway capacity
when it is most needed. Building new highways and expanding the
existing ones is an expensive solution and impractical in many
situations. Intelligent and vision-based techniques can, however, be
efficient tools in monitoring highways and increasing the capacity of
the existing infrastructures. The crucial step for highway monitoring
is vehicle detection. In this paper, we propose one of such
techniques. The approach is based on artificial neural networks
(ANN) for vehicles detection and counting. The detection process
uses the freeway video images and starts by automatically extracting
the image background from the successive video frames. Once the
background is identified, subsequent frames are used to detect
moving objects through image subtraction. The result is segmented
using Sobel operator for edge detection. The ANN is, then, used in
the detection and counting phase. Applying this technique to the
busiest freeway in Riyadh (King Fahd Road) achieved higher than
98% detection accuracy despite the light intensity changes, the
occlusion situations, and shadows.
Abstract: The number of framework conceived for e-learning
constantly increase, unfortunately the creators of learning materials
and educational institutions engaged in e-formation adopt a
“proprietor" approach, where the developed products (courses,
activities, exercises, etc.) can be exploited only in the framework
where they were conceived, their uses in the other learning
environments requires a greedy adaptation in terms of time and
effort. Each one proposes courses whose organization, contents,
modes of interaction and presentations are unique for all learners,
unfortunately the latter are heterogeneous and are not interested by
the same information, but only by services or documents adapted to
their needs. Currently the new tendency for the framework
conceived for e-learning, is the interoperability of learning materials,
several standards exist (DCMI (Dublin Core Metadata Initiative)[2],
LOM (Learning Objects Meta data)[1], SCORM (Shareable Content
Object Reference Model)[6][7][8], ARIADNE (Alliance of Remote
Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks for Europe)[9],
CANCORE (Canadian Core Learning Resource Metadata
Application Profiles)[3]), they converge all to the idea of learning
objects. They are also interested in the adaptation of the learning
materials according to the learners- profile. This article proposes an
approach for the composition of courses adapted to the various
profiles (knowledge, preferences, objectives) of learners, based on
two ontologies (domain to teach and educational) and the learning
objects.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a new method
which can be used for progressive transmission of electrocardiogram
(ECG). The idea consists in transforming any ECG signal to an
image, containing one beat in each row. In the first step, the beats are
synchronized in order to reduce the high frequencies due to inter-beat
transitions. The obtained image is then transformed using a discrete
version of Radon Transform (DRT). Hence, transmitting the ECG,
leads to transmit the most significant energy of the transformed
image in Radon domain. For decoding purpose, the receptor needs to
use the inverse Radon Transform as well as the two synchronization
frames.
The presented protocol can be adapted for lossy to lossless
compression systems. In lossy mode we show that the compression
ratio can be multiplied by an average factor of 2 for an acceptable
quality of reconstructed signal. These results have been obtained on
real signals from MIT database.
Abstract: One of the most important aspects expected from ERP systems is to integrate various operations existing in administrative, financial, commercial, human resources, and production departments of the consumer organization. Also, it is often needed to integrate the new ERP system with the organization legacy systems when implementing the ERP package in the organization. Without relying on an appropriate software architecture to realize the required integration, ERP implementation processes become error prone and time consuming; in some cases, the ERP implementation may even encounters serious risks. In this paper, we propose a new architecture that is based on the agent oriented vision and supplies the integration expected from ERP systems using several independent but cooperator agents. Besides integration which is the main issue of this paper, the presented architecture will address some aspects of intelligence and learning capabilities existing in ERP systems
Abstract: Understanding the consumption and production of
various metabolites of fibroblast conditioned media is needed for its
proper and optimized use in expansion of pluripotent stem cells. For
this purpose, we have used the HPLC method to analyse the
consumption of glucose and the production of lactate over time by
mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The experimental data have also been
compared with mathematical model fits. 0.025 moles of lactate was
produced after 72 hrs while the glucose concentration decreased from
0.017 moles to 0.011 moles. The mathematical model was able to
predict the trends of glucose consumption and lactate production.
Abstract: Recently, the advanced technologies that offer high
precision product, relative easy, economical process and also rapid
production are needed to realize the high demand of ultra precision
micro part. In our research, micromanufacturing based on soft
lithography and nanopowder injection molding was investigated. The
silicone metal pattern with ultra thick and high aspect ratio succeeds to
fabricate Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micro mold. The process
followed by nanopowder injection molding (PIM) by a simple vacuum
hot press. The 17-4ph nanopowder with diameter of 100 nm, succeed
to be injected and it forms green sample microbearing with thickness,
microchannel and aspect ratio is 700μm, 60μm and 12, respectively.
Sintering process was done in 1200 C for 2 hours and heating rate
0.83oC/min. Since low powder load (45% PL) was applied to achieve
green sample fabrication, ~15% shrinkage happen in the 86% relative
density. Several improvements should be done to produce high
accuracy and full density sintered part.
Abstract: Financial literacy is one of the key factors needed in making informed financial decisions. As businesses continue to be more profit driven, more financial and economic intrigues arise that continue to put individuals at the risk of spending more and more without considering the short term and long term effects. We conducted a study to assess financial literacy and financial decision making among Emiratis. Our results show that financial literacy is lacking among Emiratis. Also, almost half of respondents owe loans to other peoples and 1/5 of them have bank loans. We expect that the outcome of this research will be useful for designing educational programs and policies to promote financial planning and security among Emiratis. We also posit that deeper and more informed understanding of this problem is a precursor for developing effective financial education programs with the aim of improving financial decision- making among Emiratis.
Abstract: The prediction of Software quality during development life cycle of software project helps the development organization to make efficient use of available resource to produce the product of highest quality. “Whether a module is faulty or not" approach can be used to predict quality of a software module. There are numbers of software quality prediction models described in the literature based upon genetic algorithms, artificial neural network and other data mining algorithms. One of the promising aspects for quality prediction is based on clustering techniques. Most quality prediction models that are based on clustering techniques make use of K-means, Mixture-of-Guassians, Self-Organizing Map, Neural Gas and fuzzy K-means algorithm for prediction. In all these techniques a predefined structure is required that is number of neurons or clusters should be known before we start clustering process. But in case of Growing Neural Gas there is no need of predetermining the quantity of neurons and the topology of the structure to be used and it starts with a minimal neurons structure that is incremented during training until it reaches a maximum number user defined limits for clusters. Hence, in this work we have used Growing Neural Gas as underlying cluster algorithm that produces the initial set of labeled cluster from training data set and thereafter this set of clusters is used to predict the quality of test data set of software modules. The best testing results shows 80% accuracy in evaluating the quality of software modules. Hence, the proposed technique can be used by programmers in evaluating the quality of modules during software development.
Abstract: In order to provide and maintain effective pedagogy for the burgeoning virtual reality community, it is vital to have trained faculty in the institutions of higher education who will teach these courses and be able to make full use of their academic knowledge and expertise. As the number of online courses continues to grow, there is a need for these institutions to establish mentoring programs that will support the novice online instructor. The environment in which this takes place and the factors that ensure its success are critical to the adoption of the new instructional delivery format taught by both seasoned educators and adjunct instructors. Effective one-on-one mentoring promotes a professional, compassionate and collegial faculty who will provide a consistent and rigorous academic program for students online.
Abstract: In order to provide existing SOAP (Simple Object
Access Protocol)-based Web services with users who are familiar with
REST (REpresentational State Transfer)-style Web services, this
paper proposes Web service providing method using Web service
transformation. This enables SOAP-based service providers to define
rules for mapping from RESTful Web services to SOAP-based ones.
Using these mapping rules, HTTP request messages for RESTful
services are converted automatically into SOAP-based service
invocations. Web service providers need not develop duplicate
RESTful services and they can avoid programming mediation
modules per service. Furthermore, they need not equip mediation
middleware like ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) only for the purpose of
transformation of two different Web service styles.
Abstract: The energy consumption of home femto base stations
(BSs) can be reduced, by turning off the Wi-Fi radio interface when
there is no mobile station (MS) under the coverage of the BSs or
MSs do not transmit or receive data packet for long time, especially
in late night. In the energy-efficient home femto BSs, if MSs have
any data packet to transmit and the Wi-Fi radio interface in off
state, MSs wake up the Wi-Fi radio interface of home femto BSs
by using additional low power radio interface. In this paper, the
performance of the energy-efficient home femto BSs from the aspect
of energy consumption and cumulative average delay, and show the
effect of various parameters on energy consumption and cumulative
average delay. From the results, the tradeoff relationship between
energy consumption and cumulative average delay is shown and thus,
appropriate operation should be needed to balance the tradeoff.
Abstract: Gated community has gained its dominant in residential areas development that it has become the standard development pattern of the newly built residential areas in contemporary China. The form of gated community has its own advantages and rationality that meet the needs of quite a lot of residents, but it-s also believed by researchers that the form has great damage to the urban morphology and development, and has a negative impact on residents- living style. However, there is still a considerable controversy of the origins and outcomes. Though recognized as a global phenomenon, gated community developed in China is greatly to do with the specific local forces, respect to the unique historical, political and socio-cultural momentums. A historical review of the traditional settlements in China and the trends that how Gated community has gained its contemporary form, is indispensable for comprehending the local forces, and provide a new perspective to solve the controversy.
Abstract: Nowadays, organizing a repository of documents and
resources for learning on a special field as Information Technology
(IT), together with search techniques based on domain knowledge or
document-s content is an urgent need in practice of teaching, learning
and researching. There have been several works related to methods of
organization and search by content. However, the results are still
limited and insufficient to meet user-s demand for semantic
document retrieval. This paper presents a solution for the
organization of a repository that supports semantic representation and
processing in search. The proposed solution is a model which
integrates components such as an ontology describing domain
knowledge, a database of document repository, semantic
representation for documents and a file system; with problems,
semantic processing techniques and advanced search techniques
based on measuring semantic similarity. The solution is applied to
build a IT learning materials management system of a university with
semantic search function serving students, teachers, and manager as
well. The application has been implemented, tested at the University
of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and has
achieved good results.
Abstract: Knowledge management is a process taking any steps
that needed to get the most out of available knowledge resources.
KM involved several steps; capturing the knowledge discovering
new knowledge, sharing the knowledge and applied the knowledge in
the decision making process. In applying the knowledge, it is not
necessary for the individual that use the knowledge to comprehend it
as long as the available knowledge is used in guiding the decision
making and actions. When an expert is called and he provides stepby-
step procedure on how to solve the problems to the caller, the
expert is transferring the knowledge or giving direction to the caller.
And the caller is 'applying' the knowledge by following the
instructions given by the expert. An appropriate mechanism is
needed to ensure effective knowledge transfer which in this case is
by telephone or email. The problem with email and telephone is that
the knowledge is not fully circulated and disseminated to all users. In
this paper, with related experience of local university Help Desk, it is
proposed the usage of Information Technology (IT)to effectively
support the knowledge transfer in the organization. The issues
covered include the existing knowledge, the related works, the
methodology used in defining the knowledge management
requirements as well the overview of the prototype.
Abstract: Managing knowledge of research is one way to ensure
just in time information and knowledge to support research strategist
and activities. Unfortunately researcher found the vital research
knowledge in IHL (Institutions of Higher Learning) are scattered,
unstructured and unorganized. Aiming on lay aside conceptual
foundations for understanding and developing OMS (Organizational
Memory System) to facilitate research in IHL, this research revealed
ten factors contributed to the needs of research in the IHL and seven
internal challenges of IHL in promoting research to their academic
members. This study then suggested a comprehensive support of
managing research knowledge using Organizational Memory System
(OMS). Eight OMS characteristics to support research were
identified. Finally the initial work in designing OMS was projected
using knowledge taxonomy. All analysis is derived from pertinent
research paper related to research in IHL and OMS. Further study can
be conducted to validate and verify results presented.
Abstract: One of the essential requirements in order to have a
realistic surgical simulator is real-time interaction by means of a
haptic interface is. In fact, reproducing haptic sensations increases
the realism of the simulation. However, the interaction need to be
performed in real-time, since a delay between the user action and the
system reaction reduces the user immersion. In this paper, we present
a prototype of the coronary stent implant simulator developed in the
HERMES Project; this system allows real-time interactions with a
artery by means of a specific haptic device; thus the user can
interactively navigate in a reconstructed artery and force feedback is
produced when contact occurs between the artery walls and the
medical instruments
Abstract: The study explored varied types of human smiles and
extracted most of the key factors affecting the smiles. These key
factors then were converted into a set of control points which could
serve to satisfy the needs for creation of facial expression for 3D
animators and be further applied to the face simulation for robots in the
future. First, hundreds of human smile pictures were collected and
analyzed to identify the key factors for face expression. Then, the
factors were converted into a set of control points and sizing
parameters calculated proportionally. Finally, two different faces
were constructed for validating the parameters via the process of
simulating smiles of the same type as the original one.