Abstract: This study was carried out to reveal the bacterial composition of aerosol in the studied abattoirs. Bacteria isolated were characterized according to microbiological standards. Factors such as temperature and distance were considered as variable in this study. The isolation was carried out at different temperatures such as 27oC, 31oC and 29oC and at various distances of 100meters and 200meters away from the slaughter sites. Result obtained showed that strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus alimentarius and Micrococcus sp. were identified. The total viable counts showed that more microorganisms were present in the morning while the least viable count of 388cfu was recorded in the evening period of this study. This study also showed that more microbial loads were recorded the further the distance is to the slaughter site. Conclusively, the array of bacteria isolated suggests that abattoir sites may be a potential source of pathogenic organisms to commuters if located within residential environment.
Abstract: Flash floods are considered natural disasters that can
cause casualties and demolishing of infra structures. The problem is
that flash floods, particularly in arid and semi arid zones, take place
in very short time. So, it is important to forecast flash floods earlier to
its events with a lead time up to 48 hours to give early warning alert
to avoid or minimize disasters. The flash flood took place over Wadi
Watier - Sinai Peninsula, in October 24th, 2008, has been simulated,
investigated and analyzed using the state of the art regional weather
model. The Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, which is a
reliable short term forecasting tool for precipitation events, has been
utilized over the study area. The model results have been calibrated
with the real data, for the same date and time, of the rainfall
measurements recorded at Sorah gauging station. The WRF model
forecasted total rainfall of 11.6 mm while the real measured one was
10.8 mm. The calibration shows significant consistency between
WRF model and real measurements results.
Abstract: A novel idea presented in this paper is to combine
multihop routing with single-frequency networks (SFNs) for a
broadcasting scenario. An SFN is a set of multiple nodes that transmit
the same data simultaneously, resulting in transmitter macrodiversity.
Two of the most important performance factors of multihop
networks, node reachability and routing robustness, are analyzed.
Simulation results show that our proposed SFN-D routing algorithm
improves the node reachability by 37 percentage points as compared
to non-SFN multihop routing. It shows a diversity gain of 3.7 dB,
meaning that 3.7 dB lower transmission powers are required for the
same reachability. Even better results are possible for larger
networks. If an important node becomes inactive, this algorithm can
find new routes that a non-SFN scheme would not be able to find.
Thus, two of the major problems in multihopping are addressed;
achieving robust routing as well as improving node reachability or
reducing transmission power.
Abstract: The public sector holds large amounts of data of
various areas such as social affairs, economy, or tourism. Various
initiatives such as Open Government Data or the EU Directive on
public sector information aim to make these data available for public
and private service providers. Requirements for the provision of
public sector data are defined by legal and organizational
frameworks. Surprisingly, the defined requirements hardly cover
security aspects such as integrity or authenticity.
In this paper we discuss the importance of these missing
requirements and present a concept to assure the integrity and
authenticity of provided data based on electronic signatures. We
show that our concept is perfectly suitable for the provisioning of
unaltered data. We also show that our concept can also be extended
to data that needs to be anonymized before provisioning by
incorporating redactable signatures. Our proposed concept enhances
trust and reliability of provided public sector data.
Abstract: Recently, lots of researchers are attracted to retrieving
multimedia database by using some impression words and their values.
Ikezoe-s research is one of the representatives and uses eight pairs of
opposite impression words. We had modified its retrieval interface and
proposed '2D-RIB' in the previous work. The aim of the present paper
is to improve his/her satisfaction level to the retrieval result in the
2D-RIB. Our method is to extend the 2D-RIB. One of our extensions is
to define and introduce the following two measures: 'melody
goodness' and 'general acceptance'. Another extension is three types
of customization menus. The result of evaluation using a pilot system
is as follows. Both of these two measures 'melody goodness'
and -general acceptance- can contribute to the improvement.
Moreover, it is effective if we introduce the customization menu
which enables a retrieval person to reduce the strictness level of
retrieval condition in an impression pair based on his/her need.
Abstract: Coherent and incoherent scattering cross section measurements have been carried out using a HPGe detector on elements in the range of Z = 13 - 50 using 241Am gamma rays. The cross sections have been derived by comparing the net count rate obtained from the Compton peak of aluminium with the corresponding peak of the target. The measured cross sections for the coherent and incoherent processes are compared with theoretical values and earlier reported values. Our results are in agreement with the theoretical values.
Abstract: Indian subcontinent has a plethora of traditional
medicine systems that provide promising solutions to lifestyle
disorders in an 'all natural way'. Spices and oilseeds hold
prominence in Indian cuisine hence the focus of the current study
was to evaluate the bioactive molecules from Linum usitatissinum
(LU), Lepidium sativum (LS), Nigella sativa (NS) and Guizotia
abyssinica (GA) seeds. The seeds were characterized for functional
lipids like omega-3 fatty acid, antioxidant capacity, phenolic
compounds, dietary fiber and anti-nutritional factors. Analysis of the
seeds revealed LU and LS to be a rich source of α-linolenic acid
(41.85 ± 0.33%, 26.71 ± 0.63%), an omega 3 fatty acid (using
GCMS). While studying antioxidant potential NS seeds demonstrated
highest antioxidant ability (61.68 ± 0.21 TEAC/ 100 gm DW) due to
the presence of phenolics and terpenes as assayed by the Mass
spectral analysis. When screened for anti-nutritional factor
cyanogenic glycoside, LS seeds showed content as high as 1674 ± 54
mg HCN / kg. GA is a probable good source of a stable vegetable oil
(SFA: PUFA 1:2.3). The seeds showed diversified bioactive profile
and hence further studies to use different bio molecules in tandem for
the development of a possible 'nutraceutical cocktail' have been
initiated..
Abstract: Several studies have been carried out, using various techniques, including neural networks, to discriminate vigilance states in humans from electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, but we are still far from results satisfactorily useable results. The work presented in this paper aims at improving this status with regards to 2 aspects. Firstly, we introduce an original procedure made of the association of two neural networks, a self organizing map (SOM) and a learning vector quantization (LVQ), that allows to automatically detect artefacted states and to separate the different levels of vigilance which is a major breakthrough in the field of vigilance. Lastly and more importantly, our study has been oriented toward real-worked situation and the resulting model can be easily implemented as a wearable device. It benefits from restricted computational and memory requirements and data access is very limited in time. Furthermore, some ongoing works demonstrate that this work should shortly results in the design and conception of a non invasive electronic wearable device.
Abstract: In this paper the supersonic ejectors are
experimentally and analytically studied. Ejector is a device that
uses the energy of a fluid to move another fluid. This device works
like a vacuum pump without usage of piston, rotor or any other
moving component. An ejector contains an active nozzle, a passive
nozzle, a mixing chamber and a diffuser. Since the fluid viscosity
is large, and the flow is turbulent and three dimensional in the
mixing chamber, the numerical methods consume long time and
high cost to analyze the flow in ejectors. Therefore this paper
presents a simple analytical method that is based on the precise
governing equations in fluid mechanics. According to achieved
analytical relations, a computer code has been prepared to analyze
the flow in different components of the ejector. An experiment has
been performed in supersonic regime 1.5
Abstract: The focus in this work is to assess which method
allows a better forecasting of malaria cases in Bujumbura ( Burundi)
when taking into account association between climatic factors and
the disease. For the period 1996-2007, real monthly data on both
malaria epidemiology and climate in Bujumbura are described and
analyzed. We propose a hierarchical approach to achieve our
objective. We first fit a Generalized Additive Model to malaria cases
to obtain an accurate predictor, which is then used to predict future
observations. Various well-known forecasting methods are compared
leading to different results. Based on in-sample mean average
percentage error (MAPE), the multiplicative exponential smoothing
state space model with multiplicative error and seasonality performed
better.
Abstract: One of the essential sectors of Myanmar economy is
agriculture which is sensitive to climate variation. The most
important climatic element which impacts on agriculture sector is
rainfall. Thus rainfall prediction becomes an important issue in
agriculture country. Multi variables polynomial regression (MPR)
provides an effective way to describe complex nonlinear input output
relationships so that an outcome variable can be predicted from the
other or others. In this paper, the modeling of monthly rainfall
prediction over Myanmar is described in detail by applying the
polynomial regression equation. The proposed model results are
compared to the results produced by multiple linear regression model
(MLR). Experiments indicate that the prediction model based on
MPR has higher accuracy than using MLR.
Abstract: In the paper an effective context based lossless coding
technique is presented. Three principal and few auxiliary contexts are
defined. The predictor adaptation technique is an improved CoBALP
algorithm, denoted CoBALP+. Cumulated predictor error combining
8 bias estimators is calculated. It is shown experimentally that
indeed, the new technique is time-effective while it outperforms the
well known methods having reasonable time complexity, and is
inferior only to extremely computationally complex ones.
Abstract: A new approach is adopted in this paper based
on Turk and Pentland-s eigenface method. It was found that the
probability density function of the distance between the projection
vector of the input face image and the average projection vector of
the subject in the face database, follows Rayleigh distribution. In
order to decrease the false acceptance rate and increase the
recognition rate, the input face image has been recognized using two
thresholds including the acceptance threshold and the rejection
threshold. We also find out that the value of two thresholds will be
close to each other as number of trials increases. During the training,
in order to reduce the number of trials, the projection vectors for each
subject has been averaged. The recognition experiments using the
proposed algorithm show that the recognition rate achieves to
92.875% whilst the average number of judgment is only 2.56 times.
Abstract: To study the effect of suitable methods for
propagation of True Potato Seed (TPS) progenies, transplant and
selection of the best progenies, a factorial experiment base on a
randomized complete block design was carried out in the research
field of Sahneh region, Kermanshah, Iran during 2009-2010. Five
selective progenies from CIP (International Potato Center) including
CIP.994013, CIP.994002, CIP.994014, CIP.888006, and
CIP.994001 and two transplant preparation methods (Paper pot
preparation for mechanical cultivation and preparation in transplant
trays for manual cultivation) were studied in three replications.
Results showed that different progenies had no significant effect on
plant height (cm) and tuber yield (t ha-1), whereas had a significant
effect on number of tubers per unit area (m2). There was significant
difference between transplant preparation methods for plant height
and tuber yield. The interaction effect of progenies and transplant
preparation method was not significant for these traits. CIP.888006
progeny and paper pot preparation method produced the highest
tuber yields. Also CIP.994002 and CIP.994014 progenies considered
as the best progenies under paper pot preparation method due to high
yields.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of a wavelet
based algorithm, for distinguishing between magnetizing inrush
currents and power system fault currents, which is quite adequate,
reliable, fast and computationally efficient tool. The proposed
technique consists of a preprocessing unit based on discrete wavelet
transform (DWT) in combination with an artificial neural network
(ANN) for detecting and classifying fault currents. The DWT acts as
an extractor of distinctive features in the input signals at the relay
location. This information is then fed into an ANN for classifying
fault and magnetizing inrush conditions. A 220/55/55 V, 50Hz
laboratory transformer connected to a 380 V power system were
simulated using ATP-EMTP. The DWT was implemented by using
Matlab and Coiflet mother wavelet was used to analyze primary
currents and generate training data. The simulated results presented
clearly show that the proposed technique can accurately discriminate
between magnetizing inrush and fault currents in transformer
protection.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a Connect6 solver which
adopts a hybrid approach based on a tree-search algorithm and image
processing techniques. The solver must deal with the complicated
computation and provide high performance in order to make real-time
decisions. The proposed approach enables the solver to be
implemented on a single Spartan-6 XC6SLX45 FPGA produced by
XILINX without using any external devices. The compact
implementation is achieved through image processing techniques to
optimize a tree-search algorithm of the Connect6 game. The tree
search is widely used in computer games and the optimal search brings
the best move in every turn of a computer game. Thus, many
tree-search algorithms such as Minimax algorithm and artificial
intelligence approaches have been widely proposed in this field.
However, there is one fundamental problem in this area; the
computation time increases rapidly in response to the growth of the
game tree. It means the larger the game tree is, the bigger the circuit
size is because of their highly parallel computation characteristics.
Here, this paper aims to reduce the size of a Connect6 game tree using
image processing techniques and its position symmetric property. The
proposed solver is composed of four computational modules: a
two-dimensional checkmate strategy checker, a template matching
module, a skilful-line predictor, and a next-move selector. These
modules work well together in selecting next moves from some
candidates and the total amount of their circuits is small. The details of
the hardware design for an FPGA implementation are described and
the performance of this design is also shown in this paper.
Abstract: Traditional Javanese classic dance is a valuable
inheritance in Java Indonesia. Nowadays, this treasure of culture is
no longer belonging to Javanese people only. Many art departments
from universities around the world already put this as a subject in
their curriculum. Nonetheless, dance is a practical skill. It needs to be
practices so often while accompanied by an instructor to get the right
technique. An interactive Computer Aided Instruction (iCAI) that can
interactively assist the student to practice is developed. By using this
software students can conduct a self practice in studio and get some
feedbacks from the software. This CAI is not intended to replace the
instructor, but to assist them in increasing the student fly-time in
practice.
Abstract: Medical image segmentation based on image smoothing followed by edge detection assumes a great degree of importance in the field of Image Processing. In this regard, this paper proposes a novel algorithm for medical image segmentation based on vigorous smoothening by identifying the type of noise and edge diction ideology which seems to be a boom in medical image diagnosis. The main objective of this algorithm is to consider a particular medical image as input and make the preprocessing to remove the noise content by employing suitable filter after identifying the type of noise and finally carrying out edge detection for image segmentation. The algorithm consists of three parts. First, identifying the type of noise present in the medical image as additive, multiplicative or impulsive by analysis of local histograms and denoising it by employing Median, Gaussian or Frost filter. Second, edge detection of the filtered medical image is carried out using Canny edge detection technique. And third part is about the segmentation of edge detected medical image by the method of Normalized Cut Eigen Vectors. The method is validated through experiments on real images. The proposed algorithm has been simulated on MATLAB platform. The results obtained by the simulation shows that the proposed algorithm is very effective which can deal with low quality or marginal vague images which has high spatial redundancy, low contrast and biggish noise, and has a potential of certain practical use of medical image diagnosis.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the linkage between migration,
economic globalization and terrorism concerns. On a broad level, I
analyze Canadian economic and political considerations, searching
for causal relationships between political and economic actors on the
one hand, and Canadian immigration law on the other. Specifically,
the paper argues that there are contradictory impulses affecting state
sovereignty. These impulses are are currently being played out in the
field of Canadian immigration law through several proposed changes
to Canada-s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). These
changes reflect an ideological conception of sovereignty that is
intrinsically connected with decision-making capacity centered on an
individual. This conception of sovereign decision-making views
Parliamentary debate and bureaucratic inefficiencies as both equally
responsible for delaying essential decisions relating to the protection
of state sovereignty, economic benefits and immigration control This
paper discusses these concepts in relation to Canadian immigration
policy under Canadian governments over the past twenty five years.
Abstract: Postgraduate education is generally aimed at providing in-depth knowledge and understanding that include general philosophy in the world sciences, management, technologies, applications and other elements closely related to specific areas. In most universities, besides core and non-core subjects, a thesis is one of the requirements for the postgraduate student to accomplish before graduating. This paper reports on the empirical investigation into attributes that are associated with the obstacles to thesis accomplishment among postgraduate students. Using the quantitative approach the experiences of postgraduate students were tapped. Findings clearly revealed that information seeking, writing skills and other factors which refer to supervisor and time management, in particular, are recognized as contributory factors which positively or negatively influence postgraduates’ thesis accomplishment. Among these, writing skills dimensions were found to be the most difficult process in thesis accomplishment compared to information seeking and other factors. This pessimistic indication has provided some implications not only for the students but supervisors and institutions as a whole.