Abstract: Aims of this research were to study Thai Buddhist temple festivals and Balinese Hindu temple festivals, to compare Thai Buddhist temple festival dress with Balinese Hindu temple festival dress, and to create the knowledge which can be useful for Thai attitudes and cultural perceptions, especially for Thai children and youth. The findings of the research disclosed that there are four temple festivals of Thai Buddhists in Thailand, namely Songkran Festival, Buddhist Lent Festival, Sart Thai Festival and End of Buddhist Lent Festival. In island of Bali, Indonesia, there are three Balinese Hindu temple festivals, namely Odalan Festival, Galungan Festival and Nyepi Festival. Thai Songkran Festival is similar to New Year Celebration in Balinese Nyepi Festival. Thai Songkran Festival and Sart Thai Festival have the same purpose as that of Balinese Galungan Festival in practice of dedicating merit to the spirits of deceased relatives. In these temple festivals, Thai Buddhist men will wear round collar outerwear and wide leg trousers or loincloths but will never wear headdresses, while Balinese Hindu men wear turbans or fabric headbands, shirts and Sarong, which are similar to Sarong of Thai Buddhist men in central and northern part of Thailand. Most of Thai Buddhist women wear Sarong like Balinese Hindu women but wear only round collar outerwear, while Balinese Hindu women wear diamond neck camisole as inner wear and shawl collar as outerwear.
Abstract: As chip manufacturing technology is suddenly on the
threshold of major evaluation, which shrinks chip in size and
performance, LFSR (Linear Feedback Shift Register) is implemented
in layout level which develops the low power consumption chip,
using recent CMOS, sub-micrometer layout tools. Thus LFSR
counter can be a new trend setter in cryptography and is also
beneficial as compared to GRAY & BINARY counter and variety of
other applications.
This paper compares 3 architectures in terms of the hardware
implementation, CMOS layout and power consumption, using
Microwind CMOS layout tool. Thus it provides solution to a low
power architecture implementation of LFSR in CMOS VLSI.
Abstract: The research on two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) mobile robots or commonly known as balancing robots have gained momentum over the last decade in a number of robotic laboratories around the world. This paper describes the hardware design of such a robot. The objective of the design is to develop a TWIP mobile robot as well as MATLAB interfacing configuration to be used as flexible platform comprises of embedded unstable linear plant intended for research and teaching purposes. Issues such as selection of actuators and sensors, signal processing units, MATLAB Real Time Workshop coding, modeling and control scheme will be addressed and discussed. The system is then tested using a wellknown state feedback controller to verify its functionality.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study the inspector performance by using computer based training (CBT). Visual inspection task was printed circuit board (PCB) simulated on several types of defects. Subjects were 16 undergraduate randomly selected from King Mongkut-s University of Technology Thonburi and test for 20/20. Then, they were equally divided on performance into two groups (control and treatment groups) and were provided information before running the experiment. Only treatment group was provided feedback information after first experiment. Results revealed that treatment group was showed significantly difference at the level of 0.01. The treatment group showed high percentage on defects detected. Moreover, the attitude of inspectors on using the CBT to inspection was showed on good. These results have been showed that CBT could be used for training to improve inspector performance.
Abstract: In order to enhance the usability of the human computer interface (HCI) on the touchscreen, this study explored the optimal tactile depth and effect of visual cues on the user-s tendency to touch the touchscreen icons. The experimental program was designed on the touchscreen in this study. Results indicated that the ratio of the icon size to the tactile depth was 1:0.106. There were significant effects of experienced users and novices on the tactile feedback depth (p < 0.01). In addition, the results proved that the visual cues provided a feedback that helped to guide the user-s touch icons accurately and increased the capture efficiency for a tactile recognition field. This tactile recognition field was 18.6 mm in length. There was consistency between the experienced users and novices under the visual cue effects. Finally, the study developed an applied design with touch feedback for touchscreen icons.
Abstract: Location-based services (LBS) exploit the known
location of a user to provide services dependent on their geographic
context and personalized needs [1].
The development and arrival of broadband mobile data networks
supported with mobile terminals equipped with new location
technologies like GPS have finally created opportunities for
implementation of LBS applications. But, from the other side,
collecting location information data in general raises privacy
concerns.
This paper presents results from two surveys of LBS acceptance in
Croatia. The first survey was administered on 181 students, and the
second extended survey involved pattern of 180 Croatian citizens.
We developed questionnaire which consists of descriptions of 15
different applications with scale which measures perceptions and
attitudes of users towards these applications.
We report the results to identify potential commercial applications
for LBS in B2C segment. Our findings suggest that some types of
applications like emergency&safety services and navigation have
significantly higher rate of acceptance than other types.
Abstract: In this paper, we first show a relationship between two
stabilizing controllers, which presents an extended feedback system
using two stabilizing controllers. Then, we apply this relationship to
the two-stage compensator design. In this paper, we consider singleinput
single-output plants. On the other hand, we do not assume the
coprime factorizability of the model. Thus, the results of this paper
are based on the factorization approach only, so that they can be
applied to numerous linear systems.
Abstract: The load frequency control problem of power systems has attracted a lot of attention from engineers and researchers over the years. Increasing and quickly changing load demand, coupled with the inclusion of more generators with high variability (solar and wind power generators) on the network are making power systems more difficult to regulate. Frequency changes are unavoidable but regulatory authorities require that these changes remain within a certain bound. Engineers are required to perform the tricky task of adjusting the control system to maintain the frequency within tolerated bounds. It is well known that to minimize frequency variations, a large proportional feedback gain (speed regulation constant) is desirable. However, this improvement in performance using proportional feedback comes about at the expense of a reduced stability margin and also allows some steady-state error. A conventional PI controller is then included as a secondary control loop to drive the steadystate error to zero. In this paper, we propose a robust controller to replace the conventional PI controller which guarantees performance and stability of the power system over the range of variation of the speed regulation constant. Simulation results are shown to validate the superiority of the proposed approach on a simple single-area power system model.
Abstract: This paper proposes a scheduling scheme using feedback
control to reduce the response time of aperiodic tasks with soft
real-time constraints. We design an algorithm based on the proposed
scheduling scheme and Total Bandwidth Server (TBS) that is a
conventional server technique for scheduling aperiodic tasks. We then
describe the feedback controller of the algorithm and give the control
parameter tuning methods. The simulation study demonstrates that the
algorithm can reduce the mean response time up to 26% compared
to TBS in exchange for slight deadline misses.
Abstract: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are an emerging
technology for last-mile broadband access. In WMNs, similar to ad
hoc networks, each user node operates not only as a host but also as a
router. User packets are forwarded to and from an Internet-connected
gateway in multi-hop fashion. The WMNs can be integrated with
other networking technologies i.e. ad hoc networks, to implement a
smooth network extension. The meshed topology provides good
reliability and scalability, as well as low upfront investments. Despite
the recent start-up surge in WMNs, much research remains to be
done in standardizing the functional parameters of WMNs to fully
exploit their full potential. An edifice of the security concerns of
these networks is authentication of a new client joining an integrated
ad hoc network and such a scenario will require execution of a multihop
authentication technique. Our endeavor in this paper is to
introduce a secure authentication technique, with light over-heads
that can be conveniently implemented for the ad-hoc nodes forming
clients of an integrated WMN, thus facilitating their inter-operability.
Abstract: Since the 1940s, many promising telepresence
research results have been obtained. However, telepresence
technology still has not reached industrial usage. As human
intelligence is necessary for successful execution of most manual
assembly tasks, the ability of the human is hindered in some cases,
such as the assembly of heavy parts of small/medium lots or
prototypes. In such a case of manual assembly, the help of industrial
robots is mandatory. The telepresence technology can be considered
as a solution for performing assembly tasks, where the human
intelligence and haptic sense are needed to identify and minimize the
errors during an assembly process and a robot is needed to carry
heavy parts. In this paper, preliminary steps to integrate the
telepresence technology into industrial robot systems are introduced.
The system described here combines both, the human haptic sense
and the industrial robot capability to perform a manual assembly task
remotely using a force feedback joystick. Mapping between the
joystick-s Degrees of Freedom (DOF) and the robot-s ones are
introduced. Simulation and experimental results are shown and future
work is discussed.
Abstract: This paper proposes a three-dimensional motion capture and feedback system of flying disc throwing action learners with use of Kinect device. Rather than conventional 3-D motion capture system, Kinect has advantages of cost merit, easy system development and operation. A novice learner of flying disc is trained to keep arm movement in steady height, to twist the waist, and to stretch the elbow according to the waist angle. The proposing system captures learners- body movement, checks their skeleton positions in pre-motion / motion / post-motion in several ways, and displays feedback messages to refine their actions.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a modified version of the
Constant Modulus Algorithm (CMA) tailored for blind Decision
Feedback Equalizer (DFE) of first order Markovian time varying
channels. The proposed NonStationary CMA (NSCMA) is designed
so that it explicitly takes into account the Markovian structure of
the channel nonstationarity. Hence, unlike the classical CMA, the
NSCMA is not blind with respect to the channel time variations.
This greatly helps the equalizer in the case of realistic channels, and
avoids frequent transmissions of training sequences.
This paper develops a theoretical analysis of the steady state
performance of the CMA and the NSCMA for DFEs within a time
varying context. Therefore, approximate expressions of the mean
square errors are derived. We prove that in the steady state, the
NSCMA exhibits better performance than the classical CMA. These
new results are confirmed by simulation.
Through an experimental study, we demonstrate that the Bit Error
Rate (BER) is reduced by the NSCMA-DFE, and the improvement
of the BER achieved by the NSCMA-DFE is as significant as the
channel time variations are severe.
Abstract: Latvia is the fourth in the world by means of broadband internet speed. The total number of internet users in Latvia exceeds 70% of its population. The number of active mailboxes of the local internet e-mail service Inbox.lv accounts for 68% of the population and 97.6% of the total number of internet users. The Latvian portal Draugiem.lv is a phenomenon of social media, because 58.4 % of the population and 83.5% of internet users use it. A majority of Latvian company profiles are available on social networks, the most popular being Twitter.com. These and other parameters prove the fact consumers and companies are actively using the Internet.
However, after the authors in a number of studies analyzed how enterprises are employing the e-environment, namely, e-environment tools, they arrived to the conclusions that are not as flattering as the aforementioned statistics. There is an obvious contradiction between the statistical data and the actual studies. As a result, the authors have posed a question: Why are entrepreneurs resistant to e-tools? In order to answer this question, the authors have addressed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The authors analyzed each phase and determined several factors affecting the use of e-environment, reaching the main conclusion that entrepreneurs do not have a sufficient level of e-literacy (digital literacy).
The authors employ well-established quantitative and qualitative methods of research: grouping, analysis, statistic method, factor analysis in SPSS 20 environment etc.
The theoretical and methodological background of the research is formed by, scientific researches and publications, that from the mass media and professional literature, statistical information from legal institutions as well as information collected by the author during the survey.
Abstract: The need for multilingual communication in Japan has
increased due to an increase in the number of foreigners in the
country. When people communicate in their nonnative language,
the differences in language prevent mutual understanding among
the communicating individuals. In the medical field, communication
between the hospital staff and patients is a serious problem. Currently,
medical translators accompany patients to medical care facilities, and
the demand for medical translators is increasing. However, medical
translators cannot necessarily provide support, especially in cases in
which round-the-clock support is required or in case of emergencies.
The medical field has high expectations from information technology.
Hence, a system that supports accurate multilingual communication is
required. Despite recent advances in machine translation technology,
it is very difficult to obtain highly accurate translations. We have
developed a support system called M3 for multilingual medical
reception. M3 provides support functions that aid foreign patients in
the following respects: conversation, questionnaires, reception procedures,
and hospital navigation; it also has a Q&A function. Users
can operate M3 using a touch screen and receive text-based support.
In addition, M3 uses accurate translation tools called parallel texts
to facilitate reliable communication through conversations between
the hospital staff and the patients. However, if there is no parallel
text that expresses what users want to communicate, the users cannot
communicate. In this study, we have developed a circulating support
environment for multilingual medical communication using parallel
texts. The proposed environment can circulate necessary parallel texts
through the following procedure: (1) a user provides feedback about
the necessary parallel texts, following which (2) these parallel texts
are created and evaluated.
Abstract: TELMES project aims to develop a securized
multimedia system devoted to medical consultation teleservices. It
will be finalized with a pilot system for a regional telecenters
network that connects local telecenters, having as support
multimedia platforms. This network will enable the implementation
of complex medical teleservices (teleconsulations, telemonitoring,
homecare, urgency medicine, etc.) for a broader range of patients
and medical professionals, mainly for family doctors and those
people living in rural or isolated regions. Thus, a multimedia,
scalable network, based on modern IT&C paradigms, will result. It
will gather two inter-connected regional telecenters, in Iaşi and
Piteşti, Romania, each of them also permitting local connections of
hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, as well as local networks
of family doctors, patients, even educational entities. As
communications infrastructure, we aim to develop a combined fixmobile-
internet (broadband) links. Other possible communication
environments will be GSM/GPRS/3G and radio waves. The
electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition, internet transmission and
local analysis, using embedded technologies, was already
successfully done for patients- telemonitoring.
Abstract: Resistance spot welding process comprises of electric,
thermal and mechanical phenomenon, which makes this process
complex and highly non-linear and thus, it becomes difficult to model
it. In order to obtain good weld nugget during spot welding, hit and
trial welds are usually done which is very costly. Therefore the
numerical simulation research has been conducted to understand the
whole process. In this paper three different cases were analyzed by
varying the tip contact area and it was observed that, with the
variation of tip contact area the nugget formation at the faying
surface is affected. The tip contact area of the welding electrode
becomes large with long welding cycles. Therefore in order to
maintain consistency of nugget formation during the welding process,
the current compensation in control feedback is required. If the
contact area of the welding electrode tip is reduced, a large amount of
current flows through the faying surface, as a result of which
sputtering occurs.
Abstract: The experimental study of position control of a light
weight and small size robotic finger during non-contact motion is
presented in this paper. The finger possesses fingertip pinching and
self adaptive grasping capabilities, and is made of a seven bar linkage
mechanism with a slider in the middle phalanx. The control system is
tested under the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control
algorithm and Recursive Least Square (RLS) based Feedback Error
Learning (FEL) control scheme to overcome the uncertainties present
in the plant. The experiments conducted in Matlab Simulink and xPC
Target environments show that the overall control strategy is efficient
in controlling the finger movement.
Abstract: In this paper the development of a heat exchanger as a
pilot plant for educational purpose is discussed and the use of neural
network for controlling the process is being presented. The aim of the
study is to highlight the need of a specific Pseudo Random Binary
Sequence (PRBS) to excite a process under control. As the neural
network is a data driven technique, the method for data generation
plays an important role. In light of this a careful experimentation
procedure for data generation was crucial task. Heat exchange is a
complex process, which has a capacity and a time lag as process
elements. The proposed system is a typical pipe-in- pipe type heat
exchanger. The complexity of the system demands careful selection,
proper installation and commissioning. The temperature, flow, and
pressure sensors play a vital role in the control performance. The
final control element used is a pneumatically operated control valve.
While carrying out the experimentation on heat exchanger a welldrafted
procedure is followed giving utmost attention towards safety
of the system. The results obtained are encouraging and revealing
the fact that if the process details are known completely as far as
process parameters are concerned and utilities are well stabilized then
feedback systems are suitable, whereas neural network control
paradigm is useful for the processes with nonlinearity and less
knowledge about process. The implementation of NN control
reinforces the concepts of process control and NN control paradigm.
The result also underlined the importance of excitation signal
typically for that process. Data acquisition, processing, and
presentation in a typical format are the most important parameters
while validating the results.
Abstract: In this paper the reference current for Voltage Source
Converter (VSC) of the Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) is
generated using Synchronous Reference Frame method,
incorporating the PI controller with anti-windup scheme. The
proposed method improves the harmonic filtering by compensating
the winding up phenomenon caused by the integral term of the PI
controller.
Using Reference Frame Transformation, the current is transformed
from om a - b - c stationery frame to rotating 0 - d - q frame. Using
the PI controller, the current in the 0 - d - q frame is controlled to
get the desired reference signal. A controller with integral action
combined with an actuator that becomes saturated can give some
undesirable effects. If the control error is so large that the integrator
saturates the actuator, the feedback path becomes ineffective because
the actuator will remain saturated even if the process output changes.
The integrator being an unstable system may then integrate to a very
large value, the phenomenon known as integrator windup.
Implementing the integrator anti-windup circuit turns off the
integrator action when the actuator saturates, hence improving the
performance of the SAPF and dynamically compensating harmonics
in the power network. In this paper the system performance is
examined with Shunt Active Power Filter simulation model.