Abstract: In this study, the use of silicon NAM (Non-Audible
Murmur) microphone in automatic speech recognition is presented.
NAM microphones are special acoustic sensors, which are attached
behind the talker-s ear and can capture not only normal (audible)
speech, but also very quietly uttered speech (non-audible murmur).
As a result, NAM microphones can be applied in automatic speech
recognition systems when privacy is desired in human-machine communication.
Moreover, NAM microphones show robustness against
noise and they might be used in special systems (speech recognition,
speech conversion etc.) for sound-impaired people. Using a small
amount of training data and adaptation approaches, 93.9% word
accuracy was achieved for a 20k Japanese vocabulary dictation
task. Non-audible murmur recognition in noisy environments is also
investigated. In this study, further analysis of the NAM speech has
been made using distance measures between hidden Markov model
(HMM) pairs. It has been shown the reduced spectral space of NAM
speech using a metric distance, however the location of the different
phonemes of NAM are similar to the location of the phonemes
of normal speech, and the NAM sounds are well discriminated.
Promising results in using nonlinear features are also introduced,
especially under noisy conditions.
Abstract: In cognitive radio (CR) systems, the primary user (PU) signal would randomly depart or arrive during the sensing period of a CR user, which is referred to as the high traffic environment. In this paper, we propose a novel spectrum sensing scheme based
on the cyclostationarity of PU signals in high traffic environments. Specifically, we obtain a test statistic by applying an estimate of spectral autocoherence function of the PU signal to the generalized- likelihood ratio. From numerical results, it is confirmed that the proposed scheme provides a better spectrum sensing performance compared with the conventional spectrum sensing scheme based on the energy of the PU signals in high traffic environments.
Abstract: Evolutionary robotics is concerned with the design of
intelligent systems with life-like properties by means of simulated
evolution. Approaches in evolutionary robotics can be categorized
according to the control structures that represent the behavior and the
parameters of the controller that undergo adaptation. The basic idea
is to automatically synthesize behaviors that enable the robot to
perform useful tasks in complex environments. The evolutionary
algorithm searches through the space of parameterized controllers
that map sensory perceptions to control actions, thus realizing a
specific robotic behavior. Further, the evolutionary algorithm
maintains and improves a population of candidate behaviors by
means of selection, recombination and mutation. A fitness function
evaluates the performance of the resulting behavior according to the
robot-s task or mission. In this paper, the focus is in the use of
genetic algorithms to solve a multi-objective optimization problem
representing robot behaviors; in particular, the A-Compander Law is
employed in selecting the weight of each objective during the
optimization process. Results using an adaptive fitness function show
that this approach can efficiently react to complex tasks under
variable environments.
Abstract: State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) approach is
a modification of the well studied LQR method. It has the capability of being applied to control nonlinear systems. In this paper the technique
has been applied to control the single inverted pendulum (SIP) which represents a rich class of nonlinear underactuated systems. SIP
modeling is based on Euler-Lagrange equations. A procedure is developed
for judicious selection of weighting parameters and constraint handling. The controller designed by SDRE technique here gives better results than existing controllers designed by energy based techniques.
Abstract: As one result of the project “Reactive Construction
Project Scheduling using Real Time Construction Logistic Data and
Simulation”, a procedure for using data about uncertain resource
availability assumptions in reactive scheduling processes has been
developed. Prediction data about resource availability is generated in
a formalized way using real-time monitoring data e.g. from auto-ID
systems on the construction site and in the supply chains. The paper
focusses on the formalization of the procedure for monitoring
construction logistic processes, for the detection of disturbance and
for generating of new and uncertain scheduling assumptions for the
reactive resource constrained simulation procedure that is and will be
further described in other papers.
Abstract: Hand gesture is an active area of research in the vision
community, mainly for the purpose of sign language recognition and
Human Computer Interaction. In this paper, we propose a system to
recognize alphabet characters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) in real-time
from stereo color image sequences using Hidden Markov Models
(HMMs). Our system is based on three main stages; automatic segmentation
and preprocessing of the hand regions, feature extraction
and classification. In automatic segmentation and preprocessing stage,
color and 3D depth map are used to detect hands where the hand
trajectory will take place in further step using Mean-shift algorithm
and Kalman filter. In the feature extraction stage, 3D combined features
of location, orientation and velocity with respected to Cartesian
systems are used. And then, k-means clustering is employed for
HMMs codeword. The final stage so-called classification, Baum-
Welch algorithm is used to do a full train for HMMs parameters.
The gesture of alphabets and numbers is recognized using Left-Right
Banded model in conjunction with Viterbi algorithm. Experimental
results demonstrate that, our system can successfully recognize hand
gestures with 98.33% recognition rate.
Abstract: In recent times there has been a growing interest in the
development of quasi-two-dimensional niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5)
as a semiconductor for the potential electronic applications such as
capacitors, filtration, dye-sensitised solar cells and gas sensing
platforms. Therefore once the purpose is established, Nb2O5 can be
prepared in a number of nano- and sub-micron-structural
morphologies that include rods, wires, belts and tubes. In this study
films of Nb2O5 were prepared on gold plated silicon substrate using
spin-coating technique and subsequently by mechanical exfoliation.
The reason this method was employed was to achieve layers of less
than 15nm in thickness. The sintering temperature of the specimen
was 800oC. The morphology and structural characteristics of the
films were analyzed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Raman
Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Abstract: In this paper an open agent-based modular framework
for personalized and adaptive curriculum generation in e-learning
environment is proposed. Agent-based approaches offer several
potential advantages over alternative approaches. Agent-based
systems exhibit high levels of flexibility and robustness in dynamic
or unpredictable environments by virtue of their intrinsic autonomy.
The presented framework enables integration of different types of
expert agents, various kinds of learning objects and user modeling
techniques. It creates possibilities for adaptive e-learning process.
The KM e-learning system is in a process of implementation in
Varna Free University and will be used for supporting the
educational process at the University.
Abstract: Construction projects can be implemented under various contractual and organizational systems. They can be divided into two groups: systems without the managing company where the Client manages the process, and systems with the managing company, where management is entrusted to an external company. In the public sector of the Polish market there are two ways of delivery of construction projects with the participation of the manager: one is to assign operations to another party, the so called Project Supervisor, whilst the other results from the application of FIDIC conditions of contract, which entail appointment of the Engineer. The decision is to be made by the Client and depends on various factors. On the public procurement market in Poland the selection of construction project manager boils down to awarding the contract for such a service. The selection can be done by one of eight public procurement procedures identified by the procurement law. The paper provides the analysis of 96 contracts for services awarded in 2011, which employed construction management. The study aimed to investigate the methods and criteria for selecting managers, applied in practice by the Polish public Clients.
Abstract: A computational study at the level density functional theory (DFT) was carried out to investigate the influences of Si and C-doping on the 14N and 27Al quadrupole coupling constant in the (10, 0) zigzag single ? walled Aluminum-Nitride nanotube (AlNNT). To this aim, a 1.16nm, length of AlNNT consisting of 40 Al atoms and 40 N atoms were selected where the end atoms are capped by hydrogen atom. To follow the purpose, three Si atoms and three C atoms were doped instead of three Al atoms and three N atoms as a central ring in the surface of the Si and C-doped AlNNT. At first both of systems optimized at the level of BLYP method and 6-31G (d) basis set and after that, the NQR parameters were calculated at the level BLYP method and 6-311+G** basis set in two optimized forms. The calculate CQ values for both optimized AlNNT systems, raw and Si and C-doped, reveal different electronic environments in the mentioned systems. It was also demonstrated that the end nuclei have the largest CQ values in both considered AlNNT systems. All the calculations were carried out using Gaussian 98 package of program.
Abstract: Optimal selection of electrical insulations in electrical
machinery insures reliability during operation. From the insulation
studies of view for electrical machines, stator is the most important
part. This fact reveals the requirement for inspection of the electrical
machine insulation along with the electro-thermal stresses. In the
first step of the study, a part of the whole structure of machine in
which covers the general characteristics of the machine is chosen,
then based on the electromagnetic analysis (finite element method),
the machine operation is simulated. In the simulation results, the
temperature distribution of the total structure is presented
simultaneously by using electro-thermal analysis. The results of
electro-thermal analysis can be used for designing an optimal cooling
system. In order to design, review and comparing the cooling
systems, four wiring structures in the slots of Stator are presented.
The structures are compared to each other in terms of electrical,
thermal distribution and remaining life of insulation by using Finite
Element analysis. According to the steps of the study, an optimization
algorithm has been presented for selection of appropriate structure.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the existence and unique¬ness of pseudo-almost periodic solutions to the chaotic delayed neural networks (t)= —Dx(t) ± A f (x (t)) B f (x (t — r)) C f (x(p))dp J (t) . t-o Under some suitable assumptions on A, B, C, D, J and f, the existence and uniqueness of a pseudo-almost periodic solution to equation above is obtained. The results of this paper are new and they complement previously known results.
Abstract: Preliminary studies on Kuwait high voltage
transmission system show significant increase in the short circuit
level at some of the grid substations and some generating stations.
This increase results from the growth in the power transmission
systems in size and complexity. New generating stations are expected
to be added to the system within the next few years. This paper
describes the study analysis performed to evaluate the available and
potential solutions to control SC levels in Kuwait power system. It
also presents a modified planning of the transmission network in
order to fulfill this task.
Abstract: Automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) systems are available for all CT manufacturers and are used for the majority of patients. Understanding how the systems work and their influence on patient dose and image quality is important for CT users, in order to gain the most effective use of the systems. In the present study, a new phantom was used for evaluating dose distribution and image quality under the ATCM operation for the Toshiba Aquilion 64 CT scanner using different ATCM options and a fixed mAs technique. A routine chest, abdomen and pelvis (CAP) protocol was selected for study and Gafchromic film was used to measure entrance surface dose (ESD), peripheral dose and central axis dose in the phantom. The results show the dose reductions achievable with various ATCM options, in relation with the target noise. The doses and image noise distribution were more uniform when the ATCM system was implemented compared with the fixed mAs technique. The lower limit set for the tube current will affect the modulations especially for the lower dose option. This limit prevented the tube current being reduced further and therefore the lower dose ATCM setting resembled a fixed mAs technique. Selection of a lower tube current limit is likely to reduce doses for smaller patients in scans of chest and neck regions.
Abstract: The approaches to make an agent generate intelligent actions in the AI field might be roughly categorized into two ways–the classical planning and situated action system. It is well known that each system have its own strength and weakness. However, each system also has its own application field. In particular, most of situated action systems do not directly deal with the logical problem. This paper first briefly mentions the novel action generator to situatedly extract a set of actions, which is likely to help to achieve the goal at the current situation in the relaxed logical space. After performing the action set, the agent should recognize the situation for deciding the next likely action set. However, since the extracted action is an approximation of the action which helps to achieve the goal, the agent could be caught into the deadlock of the problem. This paper proposes the newly developed hybrid architecture to solve the problem, which combines the novel situated action generator with the conventional planner. The empirical result in some planning domains shows that the quality of the resultant path to the goal is mostly acceptable as well as deriving the fast response time, and suggests the correlation between the structure of problems and the organization of each system which generates the action.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to increase our
knowledge as regards how Small-and-Medium-Sized Enterprises
(SMEs) tackle ERP implementation projects to achieve successful
adoption and use of these systems within the organization. SMEs
have scare resources to handle these kinds of projects which have
proved to be risky and costly. There are several studies focusing on
ERP implementation in larger companies, however, few studies
report on challenges experienced by SMEs. Our research seeks to
bridge this gap. Through a multiple case study of four companies, we
identified challenges and critical elements within the different phases
(pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation) of
the ERP life cycle. To interpret our findings, we utilize a well-know
ERP life cycle model and critical success factors developed for larger
companies which are reported in former research literature. We
discuss if these models are relevant for SMEs and suggest additional
critical elements identified in this study to make a framework more
adapted to the SME context.
Abstract: In today-s highly globalised and competitive world
access to information plays key role in having an upper hand between
business rivals. Hence, proper protection of such crucial resource is
core to any modern business. Implementing a successful information
security system is basically centered around three pillars; technical
solution involving both software and hardware, information security
controls to translate the policies and procedure in the system and the
people to implement. This paper shows that a lot needs to be done for
countries adapting information technology to process, store and
distribute information to secure adequately such core resource.
Abstract: The Learning Management Systems present learning
environment which offers a collection of e-learning tools in a
package that allows a common interface and information sharing
among the tools. South East European University initial experience
in LMS was with the usage of the commercial LMS-ANGEL. After a
three year experience on ANGEL usage because of expenses that
were very high it was decided to develop our own software. As part
of the research project team for the in-house design and development
of the new LMS, we primarily had to select the features that would
cover our needs and also comply with the actual trends in the area of
software development, and then design and develop the system. In
this paper we present the process of LMS in-house development for
South East European University, its architecture, conception and
strengths with a special accent on the process of migration and
integration with other enterprise applications.
Abstract: A design of communication area for infrared
electronic-toll-collection systems to provide an extended
communication interval in the vehicle traveling direction and
regular boundary between contiguous traffic lanes is proposed.
By utilizing two typical low-cost commercial infrared LEDs with
different half-intensity angles Φ1/2 = 22◦ and 10◦, the radiation
pattern of the emitter is designed to properly adjust the spatial
distribution of the signal power. The aforementioned purpose
can be achieved with an LED array in a three-piece structure
with appropriate mounting angles. With this emitter, the influence
of the mounting parameters, including the mounting height and
mounting angles of the on-board unit and road-side unit, on the
system performance in terms of the received signal strength and
communication area are investigated. The results reveal that, for
our emitter proposed in this paper, the ideal ”long-and-narrow”
characteristic of the communication area is very little affected by
these mounting parameters. An optimum mounting configuration is
also suggested.
Abstract: The paper provides the basic overview of simulation optimization. The procedure of its practical using is demonstrated on the real example in simulator Witness. The simulation optimization is presented as a good tool for solving many problems in real praxis especially in production systems. The authors also characterize their own experiences and they mention the strengths and weakness of simulation optimization.