Abstract: In this paper an analysis of blackouts in electric power
transmission systems is implemented using a model and studied in
simple networks with a regular topology. The proposed model
describes load demand and network improvements evolving on a
slow timescale as well as the fast dynamics of cascading overloads
and outages.
Abstract: Financial forecasting is an example of signal processing problems. A number of ways to train/learn the network are available. We have used Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm for error back-propagation for weight adjustment. Pre-processing of data has reduced much of the variation at large scale to small scale, reducing the variation of training data.
Abstract: The main goal of the article is to present new model of
application architecture of banking IT solution providing the Internet
Banking services that is particularly outsourced. At first, we propose
business rationale and a SWOT analysis to explain the reasons for the
model in the article. The most important factor for our model is
nowadays- big boom around smart phones and tablet devices. As
next, we focus on IT architecture viewpoint where we design
application, integration and security model. Finally, we propose a
generic governance model that serves as a basis for the specialized
governance model. The specialized instance of governance model is
designed to ensure that the development and the maintenance of
different parts of the IT solution are well governed in time.
Abstract: This work will provide a new perspective of exploring innovation thematic. It will reveal that radical and incremental innovations are complementary during the innovation life cycle and accomplished through distinct ways of developing new products. Each new product development process will be constructed according to the nature of each innovation and the state of the product development. This paper proposes the inclusion of the organizational function areas that influence new product's development on the new product development process.
Abstract: A separation-kernel-based operating system (OS) has been designed for use in secure embedded systems by applying formal methods to the design of the separation-kernel part. The separation kernel is a small OS kernel that provides an abstract distributed environment on a single CPU. The design of the separation kernel was verified using two formal methods, the B method and the Spin model checker. A newly designed semi-formal method, the extended state transition method, was also applied. An OS comprising the separation-kernel part and additional OS services on top of the separation kernel was prototyped on the Intel IA-32 architecture. Developing and testing of a prototype embedded application, a point-of-sale application, on the prototype OS demonstrated that the proposed architecture and the use of formal methods to design its kernel part are effective for achieving a secure embedded system having a high-assurance separation kernel.
Abstract: The objective of the research was to study of foot
anthropometry of children aged 7-12 years in the South of Thailand Thirty-three dimensions were measured on 305 male and 295 female
subjects with 3 age ranges (7-12 years old). The instrumentation consists of four types of anthropometer, digital vernier caliper, digital
height gauge and measuring tape. The mean values and standard
deviations of average age, height, and weight of the male subjects were 9.52(±1.70) years, 137.80(±11.55) cm, and 37.57(±11.65) kg.
Female average age, height, and weight subjects were 9.53(±1.70) years, 137.88(±11.55) cm, and 34.90(±11.57) kg respectively. The
comparison of the 33 comparison measured anthropometric. Between
male and female subjects were sexual differences in size on women in almost all areas of significance (p
Abstract: We introduce an algorithm based on the
morphological shared-weight neural network. Being nonlinear and
translation-invariant, the MSNN can be used to create better
generalization during face recognition. Feature extraction is
performed on grayscale images using hit-miss transforms that are
independent of gray-level shifts. The output is then learned by
interacting with the classification process. The feature extraction and
classification networks are trained together, allowing the MSNN to
simultaneously learn feature extraction and classification for a face.
For evaluation, we test for robustness under variations in gray levels
and noise while varying the network-s configuration to optimize
recognition efficiency and processing time. Results show that the
MSNN performs better for grayscale image pattern classification
than ordinary neural networks.
Abstract: Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is probably the most
widely used estimation algorithm for nonlinear systems. However,
not only it has difficulties arising from linearization but also many
times it becomes numerically unstable because of computer round off
errors that occur in the process of its implementation. To overcome
linearization limitations, the unscented transformation (UT) was
developed as a method to propagate mean and covariance
information through nonlinear transformations. Kalman filter that
uses UT for calculation of the first two statistical moments is called
Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). Square-root form of UKF (SRUKF)
developed by Rudolph van der Merwe and Eric Wan to
achieve numerical stability and guarantee positive semi-definiteness
of the Kalman filter covariances. This paper develops another
implementation of SR-UKF for sequential update measurement
equation, and also derives a new UD covariance factorization filter
for the implementation of UKF. This filter is equivalent to UKF but
is computationally more efficient.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of neuromuscular
training (NT) on limits of stability (LOS) in female individuals.
Twenty female basketball amateurs were assigned into NT
experimental group or control group by volunteer. All the players were
underwent regular basketball practice, 90 minutes, 3 times per week
for 6 weeks, but the NT experimental group underwent extra NT with
plyometric and core training, 50 minutes, 3 times per week for 6 weeks
during this period. Limits of stability (LOS) were evaluated by the
Biodex Balance System. One factor ANCOVA was used to examine
the differences between groups after training. The significant level for
statistic was set at p
Abstract: The nanosized polymeric micelles release the drug
due to acoustic cavitation, which is enhanced in dual frequency
ultrasonic fields. In this study, adult female Balb/C mice were
transplanted with spontaneous breast adenocarcinoma tumors and
were injected with a dose of 1.3 mg/kg doxorubicin in one of three
forms: free doxorubicin, micellar doxorubicin without sonication and
micellar doxorubicin with sonication. To increase cavitation yield,
the tumor region was sonicated with low level dual frequency of 3
MHz and 28 kHz. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after injection,
and their tumor, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys and plasma were
separated and homogenized. The drug content in their tumor, heart,
spleen, liver, kidneys and plasma was determined using tissue
fluorimetry. The results show that in the group that received micellar
doxorubicin with sonication, the drug concentration in the tumor
tissue was nine and three times higher than in the free doxorubicin
group and the micellar doxorubicin without sonication group,
respectively. In the micellar doxorubicin with sonication group, the
drug concentration in other tissues was lower than other groups
(p
Abstract: The manufacture of large-scale precision aerospace
components using CNC requires a highly effective maintenance
strategy to ensure that the required accuracy can be achieved over
many hours of production. This paper reviews a strategy for a
maintenance management system based on Failure Mode Avoidance,
which uses advanced techniques and technologies to underpin a
predictive maintenance strategy. It is shown how condition
monitoring (CM) is important to predict potential failures in high
precision machining facilities and achieve intelligent and integrated
maintenance management. There are two distinct ways in which CM
can be applied. One is to monitor key process parameters and
observe trends which may indicate a gradual deterioration of
accuracy in the product. The other is the use of CM techniques to
monitor high status machine parameters enables trends to be
observed which can be corrected before machine failure and
downtime occurs.
It is concluded that the key to developing a flexible and intelligent
maintenance framework in any precision manufacturing operation is
the ability to evaluate reliably and routinely machine tool condition
using condition monitoring techniques within a framework of Failure
Mode Avoidance.
Abstract: The scale, complexity and worldwide geographical
spread of the LHC computing and data analysis problems are
unprecedented in scientific research. The complexity of processing
and accessing this data is increased substantially by the size and
global span of the major experiments, combined with the limited
wide area network bandwidth available. We present the latest
generation of the MONARC (MOdels of Networked Analysis at
Regional Centers) simulation framework, as a design and modeling
tool for large scale distributed systems applied to HEP experiments.
We present simulation experiments designed to evaluate the
capabilities of the current real-world distributed infrastructure to
support existing physics analysis processes and the means by which
the experiments bands together to meet the technical challenges
posed by the storage, access and computing requirements of LHC
data analysis within the CMS experiment.
Abstract: Some quality control tools use non metric subjective information coming from experts, who qualify the intensity of relations existing inside processes, but without quantifying them. In this paper we have developed a quality control analytic tool, measuring the impact or strength of the relationship between process operations and product characteristics. The tool includes two models: a qualitative model, allowing relationships description and analysis; and a formal quantitative model, by means of which relationship quantification is achieved. In the first one, concepts from the Graphs Theory were applied to identify those process elements which can be sources of variation, that is, those quality characteristics or operations that have some sort of prelacy over the others and that should become control items. Also the most dependent elements can be identified, that is those elements receiving the effects of elements identified as variation sources. If controls are focused in those dependent elements, efficiency of control is compromised by the fact that we are controlling effects, not causes. The second model applied adapts the multivariate statistical technique of Covariance Structural Analysis. This approach allowed us to quantify the relationships. The computer package LISREL was used to obtain statistics and to validate the model.
Abstract: In the past decade, artificial neural networks (ANNs)
have been regarded as an instrument for problem-solving and
decision-making; indeed, they have already done with a substantial
efficiency and effectiveness improvement in industries and businesses.
In this paper, the Back-Propagation neural Networks (BPNs) will be
modulated to demonstrate the performance of the collaborative
forecasting (CF) function of a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and
Replenishment (CPFR®) system. CPFR functions the balance between
the sufficient product supply and the necessary customer demand in a
Supply and Demand Chain (SDC). Several classical standard BPN will
be grouped, collaborated and exploited for the easy implementation of
the proposed modular ANN framework based on the topology of a
SDC. Each individual BPN is applied as a modular tool to perform the
task of forecasting SKUs (Stock-Keeping Units) levels that are
managed and supervised at a POS (point of sale), a wholesaler, and a
manufacturer in an SDC. The proposed modular BPN-based CF
system will be exemplified and experimentally verified using lots of
datasets of the simulated SDC. The experimental results showed that a
complex CF problem can be divided into a group of simpler
sub-problems based on the single independent trading partners
distributed over SDC, and its SKU forecasting accuracy was satisfied
when the system forecasted values compared to the original simulated
SDC data. The primary task of implementing an autonomous CF
involves the study of supervised ANN learning methodology which
aims at making “knowledgeable" decision for the best SKU sales plan
and stocks management.
Abstract: Nagaland, the 16th state of India in order of
statehood, is situated between 25° 6' and 27° 4' latitude north and
between 93º 20' E and 95º 15' E longitude of equator in the North
Eastern part of the India. Endowed with varied topography, soil and
agro climatic conditions it is known for its potentiality to grow all
most all kinds of horticultural crops. Pineapple being grown since
long organically by default is one of the most promising crops of the
state with emphasis being laid for commercialization by the
government of Nagaland. In light of commercialization, globalization
and scope of setting small-scale industries, a research study was
undertaken to examine the socio-economic and personal
characteristics, entrepreneurial characteristics and attitude of the
pineapple growers towards improved package of practices of
pineapple cultivation. The study was conducted in Medziphema
block of Dimapur district of the Nagaland state of India following ex
post facto research design. Ninety pineapple growers were selected
from four different villages of Medziphema block based on
proportionate random selection procedure. Findings of the study
revealed that majority of the respondents had medium level of
entrepreneurial characteristics in terms of knowledge level, risk
orientation, self confidence, management orientation, farm decision
making ability and leadership ability and most of them had
favourable attitude towards improved package of practices of
pineapple cultivation. The variables age, education, farm size, risk
orientation, management orientation and sources of information
utilized were found important to influence the attitude of the
respondents. The study revealed that favourable attitude and
entrepreneurial characteristics of the pineapple cultivators might be
harnessed for increased production of pineapple in the state thereby
bringing socio economic upliftment of the marginal and small-scale
farmers.
Abstract: The association between emotional inhibition strategies linked to depression has been showed inconsistent among studies. Mild emotional inhibition maybe benefit for social interaction, especially for female among East Asian cultures. The present study aimed to examine whether the inhibition–depression relationship is dependent on level of emotion inhibition and gender context, given differing value of suppressing emotional displays. We hypothesized that the negative associations between inhibition and adolescent depression would not directly, in which affected by interaction between emotion inhibition and gender. To test this hypothesis, we asked 309 junior high school students which age range from 12 to14 years old to report on their use of emotion inhibition and depression syndrome. A multiple regressions analysis revealed that significant interaction that gender as a moderator to the relationships between emotion inhibition and adolescent depression. The group with the highest level of depression was girls with high levels of emotion inhibition, whose depression score was higher than that of boys with high levels of emotion inhibition. The result highlights that the importance of context in understanding the inhibition-depression relationship.
Abstract: In general, small-scale vegetables farmers experience
problems in improving the safety and quality of vegetables supplied
to high-class consumers in modern retailers. They also lack of
information to access market. The farmers group and/or cooperative
(FGC) should be able to assist its members by providing training in
handling and packing vegetables and enhancing marketing
capabilities to sell commodities to the modern retailers. This study
proposes an agri-food supply chain (ASC) model that involves the
corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to cultivate the
capabilities of farmers to access market. Multi period ASC model is
formulated as Weighted Goal Programming (WGP) to analyze the
impacts of CSR programs to empower the FGCs in managing the
small-scale vegetables farmers. The results show that the proposed
model can be used to determine the priority of programs in order to
maximize the four goals to be achieved in the CSR programs.
Abstract: Spare parts inventory management is one of the major
areas of inventory research. Analysis of recent literature showed that
an approach integrating spare parts classification, demand
forecasting, and stock control policies is essential; however, adapting
this integrated approach is limited. This work presents an integrated
framework for spare part inventory management and an Excel based
application developed for the implementation of the proposed
framework. A multi-criteria analysis has been used for spare
classification. Forecasting of spare parts- intermittent demand has
been incorporated into the application using three different
forecasting models; namely, normal distribution, exponential
smoothing, and Croston method. The application is also capable of
running with different inventory control policies. To illustrate the
performance of the proposed framework and the developed
application; the framework is applied to different items at a service
organization. The results achieved are presented and possible areas
for future work are highlighted.
Abstract: Five crystal modifications of water insoluble
artesunate were generated by recrystallizing it from various solvents
with improved physicochemical properties. These generated crystal
forms were characterized to select the most potent and soluble form.
SEM of all the forms showed changes in external shape leading them
to be different morphologically. DSC thermograms of Form III and
Form V showed broad endotherm peaks at 83.04oC and 76.96oC prior
to melting fusion of drug respectively. Calculated weight loss in TGA
revealed that Form III and Form V are methanol and acetone solvates
respectively. However, few additional peaks were appeared in XRPD
pattern in these two solvate forms. All forms exhibit exothermic
behavior in buffer and two solvates display maximum ease of
molecular release from the lattice. Methanol and acetone solvates
were found to be most soluble forms and exhibited higher
antimalarial efficacy showing higher survival rate (83.3%) after 30
days.
Abstract: Food safety is an important concern for holiday
makers in foreign and unfamiliar tourist destinations. In fact, risk
from food in these tourist destinations has an influence on tourist
perception. This risk can potentially affect physical health and lead to
an inability to pursue planned activities. The objective of this paper
was to compare foreign tourists- demographics including gender, age
and education level, with the level of perceived risk towards food
safety. A total of 222 foreign tourists during their stay at Khao San
Road in Bangkok were used as the sample. Independent- samples ttest,
analysis of variance, and Least Significant Difference or LSD
post hoc test were utilized. The findings revealed that there were few
demographic differences in level of perceived risk among the foreign
tourists. The post hoc test indicated a significant difference among
the old and the young tourists, and between the higher and lower
level of education. Ranks of tourists- perceived risk towards food
safety unveiled some interesting results. Tourists- perceived risk of
food safety in established restaurants can be ranked as i) cleanliness
of dining utensils, ii) sanitation of food preparation area, and iii)
cleanliness of food seasoning and ingredients. Whereas, the tourists-
perceived risk of food safety in street food and drink can be ranked
as i) cleanliness of stalls and pushcarts, ii) cleanliness of food sold,
and iii) personal hygiene of street food hawkers or vendors.