Abstract: The belief K-modes method (BKM) approach is a new
clustering technique handling uncertainty in the attribute values of
objects in both the cluster construction task and the classification one.
Like the standard version of this method, the BKM results depend on
the chosen initial modes. So, one selection method of initial modes
is developed, in this paper, aiming at improving the performances of
the BKM approach. Experiments with several sets of real data show
that by considered the developed selection initial modes method, the
clustering algorithm produces more accurate results.
Abstract: This study investigated the seasonal prevalence of
Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae in three topographical areas
(i.e. mangrove, rice paddy and mountainous areas). Samples were
collected from 300 households in both wet and dry seasons in nine
districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Ae. aegypti and Ae.
albopictus were found in 21 out of 29 types of water containers in
mangrove, rice paddy and mountainous areas. Ae. aegypti and Ae.
albopictus laid eggs in different container types depending on season
and topographical areas. Ae. aegypti larvae were found most in metal
box in mangrove and mountainous areas in wet season. Ae.
albopictus larvae were also found most in metal box in mangrove and
mountainous areas in both wet and dry seasons. All Ae. albopictus
larval indices were higher than Ae. aegypti larval indices in all three
topographical areas and both seasons. HI and BI did not differ in
three topographical areas but differed between Aedes sp. HI for both
Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in all three topographical areas in both
seasons were greater than 10 %, except Aedes aegypti in rice paddy
area in wet season. This indicated high risks of DHF transmission in
these areas.
Abstract: For more than 120 years, gold mining formed the
backbone the South Africa-s economy. The consequence of mine
closure was observed in large-scale land degradation and widespread
pollution of surface water and groundwater. This paper investigates
the feasibility of using natural zeolite in removing heavy metals
contaminating the Wonderfonteinspruit Catchment Area (WCA), a
water stream with high levels of heavy metals and radionuclide
pollution. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption
behavior of natural zeolite with respect to Fe2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+.
The data was analysed using the Langmuir and Freudlich isotherms.
Langmuir was found to correlate the adsorption of Fe2+, Mn2+, Ni2+,
and Zn2+ better, with the adsorption capacity of 11.9 mg/g, 1.2 mg/g,
1.3 mg/g, and 14.7 mg/g, respectively. Two kinetic models namely,
pseudo-first order and pseudo second order were also tested to fit the
data. Pseudo-second order equation was found to be the best fit for
the adsorption of heavy metals by natural zeolite. Zeolite
functionalization with humic acid increased its uptake ability.
Abstract: The objective of this research is to study of microbial lipid production by locally photosynthetic microalgae and oleaginous yeast via integrated cultivation technique using CO2 emissions from yeast fermentation. A maximum specific growth rate of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 of 0.284 (1/d) was obtained under an integrated cultivation and a maximum lipid yield of 1.339g/L was found after cultivation for 5 days, while 0.969g/L of lipid yield was obtained after day 6 of cultivation time by using CO2 from air. A high value of volumetric lipid production rate (QP, 0.223 g/L/d), specific product yield (YP/X, 0.194), volumetric cell mass production rate (QX, 1.153 g/L/d) were found by using ambient air CO2 coupled with CO2 emissions from yeast fermentation. Overall lipid yield of 8.33 g/L was obtained (1.339 g/L of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and 7.06g/L of T. maleeae Y30) while low lipid yield of 0.969g/L was found using non-integrated cultivation technique. To our knowledge this is the unique report about the lipid production from locally microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and yeast T. maleeae Y30 in an integrated technique to improve the biomass and lipid yield by using CO2 emissions from yeast fermentation.
Abstract: As the gradual increase of the enterprise scale, the
firms may possess many manufacturing plants located in different
places geographically. This change will result in the multi-site
production planning problems under the environment of multiple
plants or production resources. Our research proposes the structural
framework to analyze the multi-site planning problems. The analytical
framework is composed of six elements: multi-site conceptual model,
product structure (bill of manufacturing), production strategy,
manufacturing capability and characteristics, production planning
constraints, and key performance indicators. As well as the discussion
of these six ingredients, we also review related literatures in this paper
to match our analytical framework. Finally we take a real-world
practical example of a TFT-LCD manufacturer in Taiwan to explain
our proposed analytical framework for the multi-site production
planning problems.
Abstract: Quantum computation using qubits made of two component Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) is analyzed. We construct a general framework for quantum algorithms to be executed using the collective states of the BECs. The use of BECs allows for an increase of energy scales via bosonic enhancement, resulting in two qubit gate operations that can be performed at a time reduced by a factor of N, where N is the number of bosons per qubit. We illustrate the scheme by an application to Deutsch-s and Grover-s algorithms, and discuss possible experimental implementations. Decoherence effects are analyzed under both general conditions and for the experimental implementation proposed.
Abstract: Modeling of the dynamic behavior and motion are
renewed interest in the improved tractive performance of an
intelligent air-cushion tracked vehicle (IACTV). This paper presents
a new dynamical model for the forces on the developed small scale
intelligent air-cushion tracked vehicle moving over swamp peat. The
air cushion system partially supports the 25 % of vehicle total weight
in order to make the vehicle ground contact pressure 7 kN/m2. As the
air-cushion support system can adjust automatically on the terrain, so
the vehicle can move over the terrain without any risks. The springdamper
system is used with the vehicle body to control the aircushion
support system on any undulating terrain by making the
system sinusoidal form. Experiments have been carried out to
investigate the relationships among tractive efficiency, slippage,
traction coefficient, load distribution ratio, tractive effort, motion
resistance and power consumption in given terrain conditions.
Experiment and simulation results show that air-cushion system
improves the vehicle performance by keeping traction coefficient of
71% and tractive efficiency of 62% and the developed model can
meet the demand of transport efficiency with the optimal power
consumption.
Abstract: This paper presents application artificial intelligent (AI) techniques, namely artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro fuzzy interface system (ANFIS), to estimate the real power transfer between generators and loads. Since these AI techniques adopt supervised learning, it first uses modified nodal equation method (MNE) to determine real power contribution from each generator to loads. Then the results of MNE method and load flow information are utilized to estimate the power transfer using AI techniques. The 25-bus equivalent system of south Malaysia is utilized as a test system to illustrate the effectiveness of both AI methods compared to that of the MNE method. The mean squared error of the estimate of ANN and ANFIS power transfer allocation methods are 1.19E-05 and 2.97E-05, respectively. Furthermore, when compared to MNE method, ANN and ANFIS methods computes generator contribution to loads within 20.99 and 39.37msec respectively whereas the MNE method took 360msec for the calculation of same real power transfer allocation.
Abstract: Planning the transition period for the adoption of
alternative fuel-technology powertrains is a challenging task that
requires sophisticated analysis tools. In this study, a system dynamic
approach was applied to analyze the bi-directional interaction
between the development of the refueling station network and vehicle
sales. Besides, the developed model was used to estimate the
transition cost to reach a predefined target (share of alternative fuel
vehicles) in different scenarios. Several scenarios have been analyzed
to investigate the effectiveness and cost of incentives on the initial
price of vehicles, and on the evolution of fuel and refueling stations.
Obtained results show that a combined set of incentives will be more
effective than just a single specific type of incentives.
Abstract: For numerical prediction of the NOX in the exhaust of
a compression ignition engine a model was developed by considering
the parameter equivalence ratio. This model was validated by
comparing the predicted results of NOX with experimental ones. The
ultimate aim of the work was to access the applicability, robustness
and performance of the improved NOX model against other NOX
models.
Abstract: In this research it is aimed that the effect of some demographic factors on Turkish Adolescents' subjective well being is investigated. 432 adolescents who are 247 girls and 185 boys are participated in this study. They are ages 15-17, and also are high school students. The Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale are used for measuring adolescents' subjective well being. The ANOVA method is used in order to examine the effect of ages. For gender differences, independent t-test method is used, and finally the Pearson Correlation method is used so as to examine the effect of socio economic statues of adolescents' parents. According to results, there is no gender difference on adolescents' subjective well being. On the other hand, SES and age are effect significantly lover level on adolescents' subjective well being.
Abstract: In India, the quarrel between the budding human
populace and the planet-s unchanging supply of freshwater and
falling water tables has strained attention the reuse of gray water as
an alternative water resource in rural development. This paper
present the finest design of laboratory scale gray water treatment
plant, which is a combination of natural and physical operations such
as primary settling with cascaded water flow, aeration, agitation and
filtration, hence called as hybrid treatment process. The economical
performance of the plant for treatment of bathrooms, basins and
laundries gray water showed in terms of deduction competency of
water pollutants such as COD (83%), TDS (70%), TSS (83%), total
hardness (50%), oil and grease (97%), anions (46%) and cations
(49%). Hence, this technology could be a good alternative to treat
gray water in residential rural area.
Abstract: Recently, many existing partially blind signature scheme based on a single hard problem such as factoring, discrete logarithm, residuosity or elliptic curve discrete logarithm problems. However sooner or later these systems will become broken and vulnerable, if the factoring or discrete logarithms problems are cracked. This paper proposes a secured partially blind signature scheme based on factoring (FAC) problem and elliptic curve discrete logarithms (ECDL) problem. As the proposed scheme is focused on factoring and ECDLP hard problems, it has a solid structure and will totally leave the intruder bemused because it is very unlikely to solve the two hard problems simultaneously. In order to assess the security level of the proposed scheme a performance analysis has been conducted. Results have proved that the proposed scheme effectively deals with the partial blindness, randomization, unlinkability and unforgeability properties. Apart from this we have also investigated the computation cost of the proposed scheme. The new proposed scheme is robust and it is difficult for the malevolent attacks to break our scheme.
Abstract: It is a one-sided hypothesis testing process for assessing bioequivalence. Bootstrap and modified large-sample(MLS) methods are considered to study individual bioequivalence(IBE), type I error and power of hypothesis tests are simulated and compared with FDA(2001). The results show that modified large-sample method is equivalent to the method of FDA(2001) .
Abstract: Recently, it has been suggested that thought control strategies aimed at controlling unwanted thoughts may be used to cope with paranoid thoughts in both clinical and nonclinical samples. The current study aims to examine the type of thought control strategies that were associated with the frequency of paranoid thoughts in nonclinical samples. A total of 159 Japanese undergraduate students completed the two scales–the Paranoia Checklist and the Thought Control Questionnaire. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated that worry-based control strategies were associated with paranoid thoughts, whereas distraction- and social-based control strategies were inversely associated with paranoid thoughts. Our findings suggest that in a nonclinical population, worry-based strategies may be especially maladaptive, whereas distraction- and social-based strategies may be adaptive to paranoid thoughts.
Abstract: Goat milk has an hypoallergenic effects, and allergic
diseases related to abnormal of intestinal flora. Probiotic microorganisms
do exert an activity on the immune system in the skin of
the individual.The purpose of this study are to determine the number
of leukocyte and lymphocyte proliferation in rat supplemented with
fermented goat milk (acidophilus milk and kefir) and sensitized with
dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Female Wistar rats 6-8 weeks olds
were divided into 3 treatment groups. The first group supplemented
goat milk kefir, second group acidophilus goat milk, and third group
as control. During 28-day experiment, on day 15 rat sensitized with
allergen DNCB on the dorsal of the body, and on day 24 was
challenged with DNCB on the ear. Sampling of blood and tissue of
intestinal Peyer'patch (PP) were performed on day 14 (before DNCB
sensitized) and on day 28 (after DNCB sensitized). The results
showed the number of neutrophils in rats supplemented with
acidophilus milk was higher (P
Abstract: The Internet is the global data communications
infrastructure based on the interconnection of both public and private
networks using protocols that implement Internetworking on a global
scale. Hence the control of protocol and infrastructure development,
resource allocation and network operation are crucial and interlinked
aspects. Internet Governance is the hotly debated and contentious
subject that refers to the global control and operation of key Internet
infrastructure such as domain name servers and resources such as
domain names. It is impossible to separate technical and political
positions as they are interlinked. Furthermore the existence of a
global market, transparency and competition impact upon Internet
Governance and related topics such as network neutrality and
security. Current trends and developments regarding Internet
governance with a focus on the policy-making process, security and
control have been observed to evaluate current and future
implications on the Internet. The multi stakeholder approach to
Internet Governance discussed in this paper presents a number of
opportunities, issues and developments that will affect the future
direction of the Internet. Internet operation, maintenance and
advisory organisations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers (ICANN) or the Internet Governance Forum
(IGF) are currently in the process of formulating policies for future
Internet Governance. Given the controversial nature of the issues at
stake and the current lack of agreement it is predicted that
institutional as well as market governance will remain present for the
network access and content.
Abstract: The POD-assisted projective integration method based on the equation-free framework is presented in this paper. The method is essentially based on the slow manifold governing of given system. We have applied two variants which are the “on-line" and “off-line" methods for solving the one-dimensional viscous Bergers- equation. For the on-line method, we have computed the slow manifold by extracting the POD modes and used them on-the-fly along the projective integration process without assuming knowledge of the underlying slow manifold. In contrast, the underlying slow manifold must be computed prior to the projective integration process for the off-line method. The projective step is performed by the forward Euler method. Numerical experiments show that for the case of nonperiodic system, the on-line method is more efficient than the off-line method. Besides, the online approach is more realistic when apply the POD-assisted projective integration method to solve any systems. The critical value of the projective time step which directly limits the efficiency of both methods is also shown.
Abstract: In this paper electrical characteristics of various kinds
of multiple-gate silicon nanowire transistors (SNWT) with the
channel length equal to 7 nm are compared. A fully ballistic quantum
mechanical transport approach based on NEGF was employed to
analyses electrical characteristics of rectangular and cylindrical
silicon nanowire transistors as well as a Double gate MOS FET. A
double gate, triple gate, and gate all around nano wires were studied
to investigate the impact of increasing the number of gates on the
control of the short channel effect which is important in nanoscale
devices. Also in the case of triple gate rectangular SNWT inserting
extra gates on the bottom of device can improve the application of
device. The results indicate that by using gate all around structures
short channel effects such as DIBL, subthreshold swing and delay
reduces.