Abstract: This paper examines the problem of strategic
management in highly turbulent dynamic business environmental
conditions. As shown the high complexity of the problem can be
managed with the use of System Dynamics Models and Computer
Simulation in obtaining insights, and thorough understanding of the
interdependencies between the organizational structure and the
business environmental elements, so that effective product –market
strategies can be designed. Simulation reveals the underlying forces
that hold together the structure of an organizational system in relation
to its environment. Such knowledge will contribute to the avoidance
of fundamental planning errors and enable appropriate proactive well
focused action.
Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, where the improper management of the blood glucose level in the diabetic patients will lead to the risk of heart attack, kidney disease and renal failure. This paper attempts to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the advancing blood glucose levels of the diabetic patients, by combining principal component analysis and wavelet neural network. The proposed system makes separate blood glucose prediction in the morning, afternoon, evening and night intervals, using dataset from one patient covering a period of 77 days. Comparisons of the diagnostic accuracy with other neural network models, which use the same dataset are made. The comparison results showed overall improved accuracy, which indicates the effectiveness of this proposed system.
Abstract: The automatic classification of non stationary signals is an important practical goal in several domains. An essential classification task is to allocate the incoming signal to a group associated with the kind of physical phenomena producing it. In this paper, we present a modular system composed by three blocs: 1) Representation, 2) Dimensionality reduction and 3) Classification. The originality of our work consists in the use of a new wavelet called "Ben wavelet" in the representation stage. For the dimensionality reduction, we propose a new algorithm based on the random projection and the principal component analysis.
Abstract: The object of this work is the probabilistic performance evaluation of safety instrumented systems (SIS), i.e. the average probability of dangerous failure on demand (PFDavg) and the average frequency of failure (PFH), taking into account the uncertainties related to the different parameters that come into play: failure rate (λ), common cause failure proportion (β), diagnostic coverage (DC)... This leads to an accurate and safe assessment of the safety integrity level (SIL) inherent to the safety function performed by such systems. This aim is in keeping with the requirement of the IEC 61508 standard with respect to handling uncertainty. To do this, we propose an approach that combines (1) Monte Carlo simulation and (2) fuzzy sets. Indeed, the first method is appropriate where representative statistical data are available (using pdf of the relating parameters), while the latter applies in the case characterized by vague and subjective information (using membership function). The proposed approach is fully supported with a suitable computer code.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the data-driven generation
of fuzzy IF...THEN rules. The resulted fuzzy rule base can be
applied to build a classifier, a model used for prediction, or
it can be applied to form a decision support system. Among
the wide range of possible approaches, the decision tree and
the association rule based algorithms are overviewed, and two
new approaches are presented based on the a priori fuzzy
clustering based partitioning of the continuous input variables.
An application study is also presented, where the developed
methods are tested on the well known Wisconsin Breast Cancer
classification problem.
Abstract: This paper has examined the energy consumption characteristics in six different buildings including apartments, offices, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels and educational facilities. Then 5-hectare (50000m2) development site for respective building-s type has been assumed as case study to evaluate the introduction effect of Combined Heat and Power (CHP). All kinds of CHP systems with different distributed generation technologies including Gas Turbine (GT), Gas Engine (GE), Diesel Engine (DE), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), have been simulated by using HEATMAP, CHP system analysis software. And their primary energy utilization efficiency, energy saving ratio and CO2 reduction ratio have evaluated and compared respectively. The results can be summarized as follows: Various buildings have their special heat to power ratio characteristics. Matching the heat to power ratio demanded from an individual building with that supplied from a CHP system is very important. It is necessary to select a reasonable distributed generation technologies according to the load characteristics of various buildings. Distributed generation technologies with high energy generating efficiency and low heat to power ratio, like SOFC and PEFC is more reasonable selection for Building Combined Heat and Power (BCHP). CHP system is an attractive option for hotels, hospitals and apartments in Japan. The users can achieve high energy saving and environmental benefit by introducing a CHP systems. In others buildings, especially like commercial buildings and offices, the introduction of CHP system is unreasonable.
Abstract: Facial expression analysis plays a significant role for
human computer interaction. Automatic analysis of human facial
expression is still a challenging problem with many applications. In
this paper, we propose neuro-fuzzy based automatic facial expression
recognition system to recognize the human facial expressions like
happy, fear, sad, angry, disgust and surprise. Initially facial image is
segmented into three regions from which the uniform Local Binary
Pattern (LBP) texture features distributions are extracted and
represented as a histogram descriptor. The facial expressions are
recognized using Multiple Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System
(MANFIS). The proposed system designed and tested with JAFFE
face database. The proposed model reports 94.29% of classification
accuracy.
Abstract: The balance between nitrogen loading and runoff in the
forested headwater streams of the Kanna River was estimated to
elucidate the current status of nitrogen saturation in a forested
watershed. NO3-N concentration in the study area was far higher than
the average value in Japan. Estimated nitrogen runoff accounted for
55–57% of nitrogen loading; suggesting that the forest-s nitrogen
retention capacity is most likely in decline. Since the 1970s, Japan-s
forestry industry has been declining due to the decrease in lumber
demand and increase in cheap imported materials. Thus, this decline
will contribute significantly to further reducing nitrogen saturation in
forest ecosystems.
Abstract: In this paper a sliding-mode torque and flux control is
designed for encoderless synchronous reluctance motor drive. The
sliding-mode plus PI controllers are designed in the stator-flux field
oriented reference frame which is able to track the mentioned
reference signals with a minimum pulsations in the state condition. In
addition, with these controllers a fast dynamic response is also
achieved for the drive system. The proposed control scheme is robust
subject to parameters variation except to stator resistance. To solve
this problem a simple estimator is used for on-line detecting of this
parameter. Moreover, the rotor position and speed are estimated by
on-line obtaining of the stator-flux-space vector. The effectiveness
and capability of the proposed control approach is verified by both
the simulation and experimental results.
Abstract: During the last decade Panicum virgatum, known as
Switchgrass, has been broadly studied because of its remarkable
attributes as a substitute pasture and as a functional biofuel source.
The objective of this investigation was to establish soil suitability for
Switchgrass in the State of Mississippi. A linear weighted additive
model was developed to forecast soil suitability. Multicriteria
analysis and Sensitivity analysis were utilized to adjust and optimize
the model. The model was fit using seven years of field data
associated with soils characteristics collected from Natural Resources
Conservation System - United States Department of Agriculture
(NRCS-USDA). The best model was selected by correlating
calculated biomass yield with each model's soils-based output for
Switchgrass suitability. Coefficient of determination (r2) was the
decisive factor used to establish the 'best' soil suitability model.
Coefficients associated with the 'best' model were implemented
within a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create a map of
relative soil suitability for Switchgrass in Mississippi. A Geodatabase
associated with soil parameters was built and is available for future
Geographic Information System use.
Abstract: This research proposes the change of damping coefficient regarding minimum displacement. From the mass with external forced and damper problem, when is the constant external forced transmitted to the understructure in the difference angle between 30 and 60 degrees. This force generates the vibration as general known; however, the objective of this problem is to have minimum displacement. As the angle is changed and the goal is the same; therefore, the damper of the system must be varied while keeping constant spring stiffness. The problem is solved by using nonlinear programming and the suitable changing of the damping coefficient is provided.
Abstract: This paper presents an assessment study conducted
among the distance learners in India. Open and distance learning
systems have traveled a long way since its inception and its journey
has witnessed the evolution and adoption of different generations of
technology. This study focuses on the distant learners in India.
Sampling for this study has been derived from the mass enrollment
from Tamil Nadu area, a southern state of India. Learners were
chosen from dual mode universities, private universities, Tamil Nadu
Open University and IGNOU. The main focus of the study is to
examine the coverage and appropriation of students support services
and learning aids. It explores two aspects: the facilities available and
the awareness and use of such services. It includes, self-learning
materials, face-to-face counseling, multimedia learning materials,
website, e-learning, radio and television services etc. While exploring
the student-s perspective on these learning aspects, it is important to
understand the perspectives of the teachers. Two different interests
are visible among the teachers. Majority of the teachers support faceto-
face counseling. However, the young teachers are in favour of
online learning and multimedia supports in teaching. Through the
awareness is somewhat high, the actual participation in online is very
low. This is due to the inadequate infrastructure as well as the
traditional attitudes of the teachers. Still the face-to-face sessions
remain popular than online.
Abstract: With the prevalence of computer and development of information technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have long used for a variety of applications in electrical engineering. GIS are designed to support the analysis, management, manipulation and mapping of spatial data. This paper presents several usages of GIS in power utilities such as automated route selection for the construction of new power lines which uses a dynamic programming model for route optimization, load forecasting and optimizing planning of substation-s location and capacity with comprehensive algorithm which involves an accurate small-area electric load forecasting procedure and simulates the different cost functions of substations.
Abstract: The contribution deals with current or potential approaches to the modeling and optimization of tactical activities. This issue takes on importance in recent times, particularly with the increasing trend of digitized battlefield, the development of C4ISR systems and intention to streamline the command and control process at the lowest levels of command. From fundamental and philosophically point of view, this new approaches seek to significantly upgrade and enhance the decision-making process of the tactical commanders.
Abstract: Environmental decision making, particularly about
hazardous waste management, is inherently exposed to a high
potential conflict, principally because of the trade-off between sociopolitical,
environmental, health and economic factors. The need to
plan complex contexts has led to an increasing request for decision
analytic techniques as support for the decision process. In this work,
alternative systems of asbestos-containing waste management
(ACW) in Puglia (Southern Italy) were explored by a multi-criteria
decision analysis. In particular, through Analytic Hierarchy Process
five alternatives management have been compared and ranked
according to their performance and efficiency, taking into account
environmental, health and socio-economic aspects. A separated
valuation has been performed for different temporal scale. For short
period results showed a narrow deviation between the disposal
alternatives “mono-material landfill in public quarry" and “dedicate
cells in existing landfill", with the best performance of the first one.
While for long period “treatment plant to eliminate hazard from
asbestos-containing waste" was prevalent, although high energy
demand required to achieve the change of crystalline structure. A
comparison with results from a participative approach in valuation
process might be considered as future development of method
application to ACW management.
Abstract: The previous researches focused on the influence of
anthropogenic greenhouse gases exerting global warming, but not
consider whether desert sand may warm the planet, this could be
improved by accounting for sand's physical and geometric properties.
Here we show, sand particles (because of their geometry) at the desert
surface form an extended surface of up to 1 + π/4 times the planar area
of the desert that can contact sunlight, and at shallow depths of the
desert form another extended surface of at least 1 + π times the planar
area that can contact air. Based on this feature, an enhanced heat
exchange system between sunlight, desert sand, and air in the spaces
between sand particles could be built up automatically, which can
increase capture of solar energy, leading to rapid heating of the sand
particles, and then the heating of sand particles will dramatically heat
the air between sand particles. The thermodynamics of deserts may
thus have contributed to global warming, especially significant to
future global warming if the current desertification continues to
expand.
Abstract: Intelligent schools are those which use IT devices and
technologies as media software, hardware and networks to improve
learning process. On the other hand Strategic management is a field
that deals with the major intended and emergent initiatives taken by
general managers on behalf of owners, involving utilization of resources, to enhance the performance of firms in their external environments. Here, we present a model Strategic Management System that has been applied on some schools and have made strict
improvement.
Abstract: With the proliferation of Weblogs (blogs) use in
educational contexts, gaining a better understanding of why
students are willing to utilize blog systems has become an
important topic for practitioners and academics. While perceived
enjoyment has been found to have a significant influence on
behavioral intentions to use blogs or hedonic systems, few studies
have investigated the antecedents of perceived enjoyment in the
acceptance of blogging. The main purpose of the present study is to
explore the individual difference antecedents of perceived
enjoyment and examine how they influence behavioral intention to
blog through the mediation of perceived enjoyment. Based on the
previous literature, the Big Five personality traits (i.e.,
extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and
openness to experience), as well as computer self-efficacy and
personal innovation in information technology (PIIT), are
hypothesized as potential antecedents of perceived enjoyment in
the acceptance of blogging. Data collected from 358 respondents in
Taiwan are tested against the research model using the structural
equation modeling approach. The results indicate that extraversion,
agreeableness, conscientiousness, and PIIT have a significant
influence on perceived enjoyment, which in turn significantly
influences the behavioral intention to blog. These findings lead to
several important implications for future research.
Abstract: Geosynthetics have proved to be suitable for
reinforced soil retaining walls. Based on the increasing uses of
geosynthetic reinforced soil systems in the regions, which bear
frequent earthquakes, the study of dynamic behavior of structures
seems necessary. Determining the reinforcement forces is; therefore,
one of the most important and main points of discussions in
designing retaining walls, by which we prevent from conservative
planning. Thus, this paper intended to investigate the effects of such
parameters as wall height, acceleration type, vertical spacing of
reinforcement, type of reinforcement and soil type on forces and
deformation through numerical modeling of the geosynthetic
reinforced soil retaining walls (GRSRW) under dynamic loading with
finite difference method by using FLAC. The findings indicate rather
positive results with each parameter.
Abstract: The sonochemical decolorization and degradation of azo dye Methyl violet using Fenton-s reagent in the presence of a high-frequency acoustic field has been investigated. Dyeing and textile effluents are the major sources of azo dyes, and are most troublesome among industrial wastewaters, causing imbalance in the eco-system. The effect of various operating conditions (initial concentration of dye, liquid-phase temperature, ultrasonic power and frequency and process time) on sonochemical degradation was investigated. Conversion was found to increase with increase in initial concentration, temperature, power level and frequency. Both horntype and tank-type sonicators were used, at various power levels (250W, 400W and 500W) for frequencies ranging from 20 kHz - 1000 kHz. A 'Process Intensification' parameter PI, was defined to quantify the enhancement of the degradation reaction by ultrasound when compared to control (i.e., without ultrasound). The present work clearly demonstrates that a high-frequency ultrasonic bath can be used to achieve higher process throughput and energy efficiency at a larger scale of operation.