Abstract: Based on a long-term vegetation index dataset of NDVI and meteorological data from 68 meteorological stations in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and their relations with major climate factors were analyzed. The results show the following: 1) The linear trends of temperature in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau indicate that the temperature in the plateau generally increased, but it rose faster in the last 20 years. 2) The most significant NDVI increase occurred in the eastern and southern plateau. However, the western and northern plateau demonstrate a decreasing trend. 3) There is a significant positive linear correlation between NDVI and temperature and a negative correlation between NDVI and mean wind speed. However, no significant statistical relationship was found between NDVI and relative humidity, precipitation or sunshine duration.4) The changes in NDVI for the plateau are driven by temperature-precipitation, but for the desert and forest areas, the relation changes to precipitation-temperature-wind velocity and wind velocity-temperature-precipitation.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with an improved algorithm
based on the piecewise-smooth Mumford and Shah (MS) functional
for an efficient and reliable segmentation. In order to speed up
convergence, an additional force, at each time step, is introduced
further to drive the evolution of the curves instead of only driven by
the extensions of the complementary functions u + and u - . In our
scheme, furthermore, the piecewise-constant MS functional is
integrated to generate the extra force based on a temporary image that
is dynamically created by computing the union of u + and u - during
segmenting. Therefore, some drawbacks of the original algorithm,
such as smaller objects generated by noise and local minimal problem
also are eliminated or improved. The resulting algorithm has been
implemented in Matlab and Visual Cµ, and demonstrated efficiently
by several cases.
Abstract: In the current age, retrieval of relevant information
from massive amount of data is a challenging job. Over the years,
precise and relevant retrieval of information has attained high
significance. There is a growing need in the market to build systems,
which can retrieve multimedia information that precisely meets the
user's current needs. In this paper, we have introduced a framework
for refining query results before showing it to the user, using ambient
intelligence, user profile, group profile, user location, time, day, user
device type and extracted features. A prototypic tool was also
developed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Abstract: The daily increase of organic waste materials resulting
from different activities in the country is one of the main factors for
the pollution of environment. Today, with regard to the low level of
the output of using traditional methods, the high cost of disposal
waste materials and environmental pollutions, the use of modern
methods such as anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas has
been prevailing. The collected biogas from the process of anaerobic
digestion, as a renewable energy source similar to natural gas but
with a less methane and heating value is usable. Today, with the help
of technologies of filtration and proper preparation, access to biogas
with features fully similar to natural gas has become possible. At
present biogas is one of the main sources of supplying electrical and
thermal energy and also an appropriate option to be used in four
stroke engine, diesel engine, sterling engine, gas turbine, gas micro
turbine and fuel cell to produce electricity. The use of biogas for
different reasons which returns to socio-economic and environmental
advantages has been noticed in CHP for the production of energy in
the world. The production of biogas from the technology of anaerobic
digestion and its application in CHP power plants in Iran can not only
supply part of the energy demands in the country, but it can
materialize moving in line with the sustainable development. In this
article, the necessity of the development of CHP plants with biogas
fuels in the country will be dealt based on studies performed from the
economic, environmental and social aspects. Also to prove the
importance of the establishment of these kinds of power plants from
the economic point of view, necessary calculations has been done as
a case study for a CHP power plant with a biogas fuel.
Abstract: This method decrease usage power (expenditure) in networks on chips (NOC). This method data coding for data transferring in order to reduces expenditure. This method uses data compression reduces the size. Expenditure calculation in NOC occurs inside of NOC based on grown models and transitive activities in entry ports. The goal of simulating is to weigh expenditure for encoding, decoding and compressing in Baseline networks and reduction of switches in this type of networks. KeywordsNetworks on chip, Compression, Encoding, Baseline networks, Banyan networks.
Abstract: Knowledge sharing enables the information or
knowledge to be transmitted from one source to another. This paper
demonstrates the needs of having the online book catalogue which
can be used to facilitate disseminating information on textbook used
in the university. This project is aimed to give access to the students
and lecturers to the list of books in the bookstore and at the same
time to allow book reviewing without having to visit the bookstore
physically. Research is carried out according to the boundaries which
accounts to current process of new book purchasing, current system
used by the bookstore and current process the lecturers go through
for reviewing textbooks. The questionnaire is used to gather the
requirements and it is distributed to 100 students and 40 lecturers.
This project has enabled the improvement of a manual process to be
carried out automatically, through a web based platform. It is shown
based on the user acceptance survey carried out that target groups
found that this web service is feasible to be implemented in
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), and they have shown
positive signs of interest in utilizing it in the future.
Abstract: Today-s Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) face increasing design challenges as the number of transistors in microprocessors increases per Moore-s Law. These challenges have recently become even more demanding as microprocessors operate at sub voltage range at significantly high current. This paper presents a new multiphase topology with cell configuration for improved performance in low voltage and high current applications. A lab scale hardware prototype of the new topology was design and constructed. Laboratory tests were performed on the proposed converter and compared with a commercially available VRM. Results from the proposed topology exhibit improved performance compared to the commercially available counterpart.
Abstract: The majority of existing predictors for time series are
model-dependent and therefore require some prior knowledge for the
identification of complex systems, usually involving system
identification, extensive training, or online adaptation in the case of
time-varying systems. Additionally, since a time series is usually
generated by complex processes such as the stock market or other
chaotic systems, identification, modeling or the online updating of
parameters can be problematic. In this paper a model-free predictor
(MFP) for a time series produced by an unknown nonlinear system or
process is derived using tracking theory. An identical derivation of the
MFP using the property of the Newton form of the interpolating
polynomial is also presented. The MFP is able to accurately predict
future values of a time series, is stable, has few tuning parameters and
is desirable for engineering applications due to its simplicity, fast
prediction speed and extremely low computational load. The
performance of the proposed MFP is demonstrated using the
prediction of the Dow Jones Industrial Average stock index.
Abstract: 20 years of dentistry was a period of transition from
communist to market economy but Romanian doctors have
insufficient management knowledge. Recently, the need for modern
management has increased due to technologies and superior materials
appearance, as patient-s demands.
Research goal is to increase efficiency by evaluating dental
medical office cost categories in real pricing procedures.
Empirical research is based on guided study that includes
information about the association between categories of cost
perception and therapeutic procedures commonly used in dental
offices.
Due to the obtained results to identify all the labours that make up
a settled procedure costs were determined for each procedure.
Financial evaluation software was created with the main functions:
introducing and maintaining patient records, treatment and
appointments made, procedures cost and monitoring office
productivity.
We believe that the study results can significantly improve the
financial management of dental offices, increasing the effectiveness
and quality of services.
Abstract: The high temperature degree and uniform
Temperature Distribution (TD) on surface of cookware which contact
with food are effective factors for improving cookware application.
Additionally, the ability of pan material in retaining the heat and nonreactivity
with foods are other significant properties. It is difficult for
single material to meet a wide variety of demands such as superior
thermal and chemical properties. Multi-Layer Plate (MLP) makes
more regular TD. In this study the main objectives are to find the best
structure (single or multi-layer) and materials to provide maximum
temperature degree and uniform TD up side surface of pan. And also
heat retaining of used metals with goal of improving the thermal
quality of pan to economize the energy. To achieve this aim were
employed Finite Element Method (FEM) for analyzing transient
thermal behavior of applied materials. The analysis has been
extended for different metals, we achieved the best temperature
profile and heat retaining in Copper/ Stainless Steel MLP.
Abstract: Rooted in the study of social functioning of space in architecture, Space Syntax (SS) and the more recent Network Pattern (NP) researches demonstrate the 'spatial structures' of city, i.e. the hierarchical patterns of streets, junctions and alley ends. Applying SS and NP models, planners can conceptualize the real city-s patterns. Although, both models yield the optimal path of the city their underpinning displays of the city-s spatial configuration differ. The Axial Map analyzes the topological non-distance-based connectivity structure, whereas, the Central-Node Map and the Shortcut-Path Map, in contrast, analyze the metrical distance-based structures. This research contrasts and combines them to understand various forms of city-s structures. It concludes that, while they reveal different spatial structures, Space Syntax and Network Pattern urban models support each the other. Combining together they simulate the global access and the locally compact structures namely the central nodes and the shortcuts for the city.
Abstract: Early detection of dementia by testing the spatial
memory can be applied using a virtual environment. This paper
presents guidelines on how to design a virtual environment
specifically for elderly in early detection of dementia. The specific
design needs to be considered because the effectiveness of the
technology relies on the ability of the end user to use it. The primary
goal of these guidelines is to promote accessibility. Based on these
guidelines, a virtual simulation was developed and evaluated. The
results on usability of acceptance and satisfaction that are tested on
young (control group) and elderly participants indicate that these
guidelines are reliable and useful for use with elderly people.
Abstract: The introduction of haptic elements in a graphic user interfaces are becoming more widespread. Since haptics are being introduced rapidly into computational tools, investigating how these models affect Human-Computer Interaction would help define how to integrate and model new modes of interaction. The interest of this paper is to discuss and investigate the issues surrounding Haptic and Graphic User Interface designs (GUI) as separate systems, as well as understand how these work in tandem. The development of these systems is explored from a psychological perspective, based on how usability is addressed through learning and affordances, defined by J.J. Gibson. Haptic design can be a powerful tool, aiding in intuitive learning. The problems discussed within the text is how can haptic interfaces be integrated within a GUI without the sense of frivolity. Juxtaposing haptics and Graphic user interfaces has issues of motivation; GUI tends to have a performatory process, while Haptic Interfaces use affordances to learn tool use. In a deeper view, it is noted that two modes of perception, foveal and ambient, dictate perception. These two modes were once thought to work in tandem, however it has been discovered that these processes work independently from each other. Foveal modes interpret orientation is space which provide for posture, locomotion, and motor skills with variations of the sensory information, which instructs perceptions of object-task performance. It is contended, here, that object-task performance is a key element in the use of Haptic Interfaces because exploratory learning uses affordances in order to use an object, without meditating an experience cognitively. It is a direct experience that, through iteration, can lead to skill-sets. It is also indicated that object-task performance will not work as efficiently without the use of exploratory or kinesthetic learning practices. Therefore, object-task performance is not as congruently explored in GUI than it is practiced in Haptic interfaces.
Abstract: This paper describes a new approach of classification
using genetic programming. The proposed technique consists of
genetically coevolving a population of non-linear transformations on
the input data to be classified, and map them to a new space with a
reduced dimension, in order to get a maximum inter-classes
discrimination. The classification of new samples is then performed
on the transformed data, and so become much easier. Contrary to the
existing GP-classification techniques, the proposed one use a
dynamic repartition of the transformed data in separated intervals, the
efficacy of a given intervals repartition is handled by the fitness
criterion, with a maximum classes discrimination. Experiments were
first performed using the Fisher-s Iris dataset, and then, the KDD-99
Cup dataset was used to study the intrusion detection and
classification problem. Obtained results demonstrate that the
proposed genetic approach outperform the existing GP-classification
methods [1],[2] and [3], and give a very accepted results compared to
other existing techniques proposed in [4],[5],[6],[7] and [8].
Abstract: This paper focuses on the use of project work as a
pretext for applying the conventions of writing, or the correctness of
mechanics, usage, and sentence formation, in a content-based class in
a Rajabhat University. Its aim was to explore to what extent the
student teachers’ academic achievement of the basic writing features
against the 70% attainment target after the use of project is. The
organization of work around an agreed theme in which the students
reproduce language provided by texts and instructors is expected to
enhance students’ correct writing conventions. The sample of the
study comprised of 38 fourth-year English major students. The data
was collected by means of achievement test and student writing
works. The scores in the summative achievement test were analyzed
by mean score, standard deviation, and percentage. It was found that
the student teachers do more achieve of practicing mechanics and
usage, and less in sentence formation. The students benefited from
the exposure to texts during conducting the project; however, their
automaticity of how and when to form phrases and clauses into
simple/complex sentences had room for improvement.
Abstract: Due to the legacy of apartheid segregation South Africa remains a divided society where most voters live in politically homogenous social environments. This paper argues that political discussion within one’s social context plays a primary role in shaping political attitudes and vote choice. Using data from the Comparative National Elections Project 2004 and 2009 South African post-election surveys, the paper explores the extent of social context partisan homogeneity in South Africa and finds that voters are not overly embedded in homogenous social contexts. It then demonstrates the consequences of partisan homogeneity on voting behavior. Homogenous social contexts tend to encourage stronger partisan loyalties and fewer defections in vote choice while voters in more heterogeneous contexts show less consistency in their attitudes and behaviour. Finally, the analysis shows how momentous sociopolitical events at the time of a particular election can change the social context, with important consequences for electoral outcomes.
Abstract: In recent years, several severe large-scale influenza
outbreaks happened in many countries, such as SARS in 2005 or
H1N1 in 2009. Those influenza Epidemics have greatly impacts not
only on people-s life and health, but medical systems in different
countries. Although severe diseases are more experienced, they are not
fully controlled. Governments have different policies to control the
spreads of diseases. However, those policies have both positive and
negative social or economical influence on people and society.
Therefore, it is necessary and essential to develop an appropriate
model for evaluations of policies. Consequently, a proper measure can
be implemented to confront the diseases. The main goal of this study is
to develop a SIR-based model for the further evaluations of the
candidate policies during the influenza outbreaks.
Abstract: The Želazny Most tailing pond is one of the largest
facilities worldwide for waste disposal from the copper mines located
in South-West Poland. A potential failure of the dam would allow
more than 10 million cubic meters of contaminated slurry to flow to
the valley, causing immense environmental problems to the
surrounding area. Thus, the determination of the strength properties
of the dam's soils and their variability is of utmost importance.
An extensive site investigation consisting of more than 480 cone
penetration tests (CPTs) with or without pore water pressure
measurements were conducted within a period of 13 years to study
the mechanical properties of the tailings body. The present work
investigates the point variability of the soil strength parameters
(effective friction angle
Abstract: This paper introduces the application of seismic wave method in earthquake prediction and early estimation. The advantages of the seismic wave method over the traditional earthquake prediction method are demonstrated. An example is presented in this study to show the accuracy and efficiency of using the seismic wave method in predicting a medium-sized earthquake swarm occurred in Wencheng, Zhejiang, China. By applying this method, correct predictions were made on the day after this earthquake swarm started and the day the maximum earthquake occurred, which provided scientific bases for governmental decision-making.
Abstract: Transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) is a basic part of power system planning that determines where, when and how many new transmission lines should be added to the network. Up till now, various methods have been presented to solve the static transmission network expansion planning (STNEP) problem. But in all of these methods, lines adequacy rate has not been considered at the end of planning horizon, i.e., expanded network misses adequacy after some times and needs to be expanded again. In this paper, expansion planning has been implemented by merging lines loading parameter in the STNEP and inserting investment cost into the fitness function constraints using genetic algorithm. Expanded network will possess a maximum adequacy to provide load demand and also the transmission lines overloaded later. Finally, adequacy index could be defined and used to compare some designs that have different investment costs and adequacy rates. In this paper, the proposed idea has been tested on the Garvers network. The results show that the network will possess maximum efficiency economically.