Abstract: Nowadays, in most radiotherapy departments, the commercial treatment planning systems (TPS) used to calculate dose distributions needs to be verified; therefore, quick, easy-to-use and low cost dose distribution algorithms are desirable to test and verify the performance of the TPS. In this paper, we put forth an analytical method to calculate the phantom scatter contribution and depth dose on the central axis based on the equivalent square concept. Then, this method was generalized to calculate the profiles at any depth and for several field shapes regular or irregular fields under symmetry and asymmetry photon beam conditions. Varian 2100 C/D and Siemens Primus Plus Linacs with 6 and 18 MV photon beam were used for irradiations. Percentage depth doses (PDDs) were measured for a large number of square fields for both energies, and for 45º wedges which were employed to obtain the profiles in any depth. To assess the accuracy of the calculated profiles, several profile measurements were carried out for some treatment fields. The calculated and measured profiles were compared by gamma-index calculation. All γ–index calculations were based on a 3% dose criterion and a 3 mm dose-to-agreement (DTA) acceptance criterion. The γ values were less than 1 at most points. However, the maximum γ observed was about 1.10 in the penumbra region in most fields and in the central area for the asymmetric fields. This analytical approach provides a generally quick and fairly accurate algorithm to calculate dose distribution for some treatment fields in conventional radiotherapy.
Abstract: Carbon dioxide has been well associated with greenhouse effect, and due to its corrosive nature it is an undesirable compound. A variety of physical-chemical processes are available for the removal of carbon dioxide. Previous attempts in this field have established alkanolamine group has the capability to remove carbon dioxide. So, this study combined the polymeric membrane and alkanolamine solutions to fabricate the amine polymeric membrane (APM) to remove carbon dioxide (CO2). This study entails the effect of three types of amines, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). The effect of each alkanolamine group on the morphology and performance of polyether sulfone (PES) polymeric membranes was studied. Flat sheet membranes were fabricated by solvent evaporation method by adding polymer and different alkanolamine solutions in the N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent. The final membranes were characterized by using Field Emission Electron Microscope (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The membrane separation performance was studied. The PES-DEA and PES-MDEA membrane has good ability to remove carbon dioxide.
Abstract: This study was conducted to formulate diclofenac sodium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and to study the effect of formulation compositions on particle size and zeta potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CSN) containing diclofenac sodium (DC) prepared by ionotropic gelation method. It was found that the formulations containing chitosan, DC and tripolyphosphate (TPP) at a weight ratio of 4:1:1, respectively, with various pH provided various systems. At pH 5.0 and 6.0, the obtained systems were turbid because of precipitation of DC and chitosan, respectively. However, the dispersed system of CSN possessing diameter of 108±1 nm and zeta potential of 19±1 mV could be obtained at pH 5.5. These CSN also showed spherical morphology observed via a transmission scanning electron microscope. Change in weight ratio of chitosan:DC:TPP i.e. 1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1 and 4:1:1 showed that these ratios led to precipitation of particles except for the ratio of 4:1:1 providing CSN properly. The effect of Tween 80 as a stabilizer was also determined. It suggested that increment of Tween 80 concentration to 0.02% w/v could stabilize CSN at least 48 hours. However, increment of Tween 80 to 0.03% w/v led to quick precipitation of particles. The study of effect of TPP suggested that increment of TPP concentration increased particle size but decreased zeta potential. The excess TPP caused precipitation of CSN. Therefore, the optimized CSN was the CSN containing chitosan, DC and TPP at the ratio of 4:1:1and 0.02% w/v Tween 80 prepared at pH 5.5. Their particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were 128±1 nm, 15±1 mV and 45.8±2.6%, respectively.
Abstract: Force sensor has been used as requisite for knowing information on the amount and the directions of forces on the skin surface. We have developed a four-degrees-of-freedom capacitive force sensor (approximately 20×20×5 mm3) that has a flexible structure and sixteen parallel plate capacitors. An iterative algorithm was developed for estimating four displacements from the sixteen capacitances using fourth-order polynomial approximation of characteristics between capacitance and displacement. The estimation results from measured capacitances had large error caused by deterioration of the characteristics. In this study, effective capacitors had major information were selected on the basis of the capacitance change range and the characteristic shape. Maximum errors in calibration and non-calibration points were 25%and 6.8%.However the maximum error was larger than desired value, the smallness of averaged value indicated the occurrence of a few large error points. On the other hand, error in non-calibration point was within desired value.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review some of standard fact on Miura curves. We give some easy theorem in number theory to define Miura curves, then we present a new implementation of Arita algorithm for Miura curves.
Abstract: In this paper a comprehensive algorithm is presented to alleviate the undesired simultaneous effects of target maneuvering, observed glint noise distribution, and colored noise spectrum using online colored glint noise parameter estimation. The simulation results illustrate a significant reduction in the root mean square error (RMSE) produced by the proposed algorithm compared to the algorithms that do not compensate all the above effects simultaneously.
Abstract: This paper describes fast and efficient method for page segmentation of document containing nonrectangular block. The segmentation is based on edge following algorithm using small window of 16 by 32 pixels. This segmentation is very fast since only border pixels of paragraph are used without scanning the whole page. Still, the segmentation may contain error if the space between them is smaller than the window used in edge following. Consequently, this paper reduce this error by first identify the missed segmentation point using direction information in edge following then, using X-Y cut at the missed segmentation point to separate the connected columns. The advantage of the proposed method is the fast identification of missed segmentation point. This methodology is faster with fewer overheads than other algorithms that need to access much more pixel of a document.
Abstract: We explore entanglement in composite quantum systems
and how its peculiar properties are exploited in quantum
information and communication protocols by means of Diagrams
of States, a novel method to graphically represent and analyze how
quantum information is elaborated during computations performed
by quantum circuits.
We present quantum diagrams of states for Bell states generation,
measurements and projections, for dense coding and quantum teleportation,
for probabilistic quantum machines designed to perform
approximate quantum cloning and universal NOT and, finally, for
quantum privacy amplification based on entanglement purification.
Diagrams of states prove to be a useful approach to analyze quantum
computations, by offering an intuitive graphic representation of the
processing of quantum information. They also help in conceiving
novel quantum computations, from describing the desired information
processing to deriving the final implementation by quantum gate
arrays.
Abstract: Malaysia has successfully applied economic planning
to guide the development of the country from an economy of
agriculture and mining to a largely industrialised one. Now, with its
sights set on attaining the economic level of a fully developed nation
by 2020, the planning system must be made even more efficient and
focused.
It must ensure that every investment made in the country, contribute
towards creating the desirable objective of a strong, modern,
internationally competitive, technologically advanced, post-industrial
economy. Cities in Malaysia must also be fully aware of the enormous
competition it faces in a region with rapidly expanding and
modernising economies, all contending for the same pool of potential
international investments.
Efficiency of urban governance is also fundamental issue in
development characterized by sustainability, subsidiarity, equity,
transparency and accountability, civic engagement and citizenship, and
security. As described above, city competitiveness is harnessed
through 'city marketing and city management'.
High technology and high skilled industries, together with finance,
transportation, tourism, business, information and professional
services shopping and other commercial activities, are the principal
components of the nation-s economy, which must be developed to a
level well beyond where it is now. In this respect, Kuala Lumpur being
the premier city must play the leading role.
Abstract: The freezing point of milk is in important indicator of
the milk quality. The freezing point of milk is determined primarily
to prove milk adulteration with water and to determine the amount of
water in it. Chemical composition and properties of milk, thermal
treatment and presence of any substance can influence freezing point
of product. There are different substances, which can be added to
milk with main purpose to prolong shelf-life of raw milk. There are
detergent, preservatives, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide,
antibiotics, sodium carbonate, and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore the
aim of the present study was to determine freezing point of milk,
skimmed milk, pasteurized milk and milk with different substances
(formaldehyde, antibiotics, sodium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide,
disinfectant, and detergent) in different concentrations. The thermal
treatment and different undesirable substances presence in milk have
significant influence on freezing point of it.
Abstract: Fine-grained data replication over the Internet allows duplication of frequently accessed data objects, as opposed to entire sites, to certain locations so as to improve the performance of largescale content distribution systems. In a distributed system, agents representing their sites try to maximize their own benefit since they are driven by different goals such as to minimize their communication costs, latency, etc. In this paper, we will use game theoretical techniques and in particular auctions to identify a bidding mechanism that encapsulates the selfishness of the agents, while having a controlling hand over them. In essence, the proposed game theory based mechanism is the study of what happens when independent agents act selfishly and how to control them to maximize the overall performance. A bidding mechanism asks how one can design systems so that agents- selfish behavior results in the desired system-wide goals. Experimental results reveal that this mechanism provides excellent solution quality, while maintaining fast execution time. The comparisons are recorded against some well known techniques such as greedy, branch and bound, game theoretical auctions and genetic algorithms.
Abstract: One of the main objectives of order reduction is to
design a controller of lower order which can effectively control the
original high order system so that the overall system is of lower
order and easy to understand. In this paper, a simple method is
presented for controller design of a higher order discrete system.
First the original higher order discrete system in reduced to a lower
order model. Then a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID)
controller is designed for lower order model. An error minimization
technique is employed for both order reduction and controller
design. For the error minimization purpose, Differential Evolution
(DE) optimization algorithm has been employed. DE method is
based on the minimization of the Integral Squared Error (ISE)
between the desired response and actual response pertaining to a
unit step input. Finally the designed PID controller is connected to
the original higher order discrete system to get the desired
specification. The validity of the proposed method is illustrated
through a numerical example.
Abstract: The steady coupled dissipative layers, called
Marangoni mixed convection boundary layers, in the presence of a
magnetic field and solute concentration that are formed along the
surface of two immiscible fluids with uniform suction or injection
effects is examined. The similarity boundary layer equations are
solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg with shooting
technique. The Marangoni, buoyancy and external pressure gradient
effects that are generated in mixed convection boundary layer flow
are assessed. The velocity, temperature and concentration boundary
layers thickness decrease with the increase of the magnetic field
strength and the injection to suction. For buoyancy-opposed flow, the
Marangoni mixed convection parameter enhances the velocity
boundary layer but decreases the temperature and concentration
boundary layers. However, for the buoyancy-assisted flow, the
Marangoni mixed convection parameter decelerates the velocity but
increases the temperature and concentration boundary layers.
Abstract: Information systems practitioners are frequently
required to master new technology, often without the aid of formal
training. They require the skill to manage their own learning and,
when this skill is developed in their formal training, their adaptability
to new technology may be improved. Self- directed learning is the
ability of the learner to manage his or her own learning experience
with some guidance from a facilitator. Self-directed learning skills
are best improved when practiced. This paper reflects on a critical
social research project to improve the self-directed learning skills of
fourth year Information Systems students. Critical social research
differs from other research paradigms in that the researcher is viewed
as the agent of change to achieve the desired outcome in the problem
situation.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of auction theory literature. We present a general review on literature of various auctions and focus ourselves specifically on an English auction. We are interested in modelling bidder's behavior in an English auction environment. And hence, we present an overview of the New Zealand wool auction followed by a model that would describe a bidder's decision making behavior from the New Zealand wool auction. The mathematical assumptions in an English auction environment are demonstrated from the perspective of the New Zealand wool auction.
Abstract: Antioxidants contribute to endogenous photoprotection
and are important for the maintenance of skin health. The study was carried out to compare the skin hydration and transepidermal
water loss (TEWL) effects of a stable cosmetic preparation
containing flavonoids, following two applications a day over a period
of tenth week. The skin trans-epidermal water loss and skin hydration
effect was measured at the beginning and up to the end of study period of ten weeks. Any effect produced was measured by Corneometer and TEWA meter (Non-invasive probe).
Two formulations were developed for this study design. Formulation one the control formulation in which no apple juice
extract( Flavonoids) was incorporated while second one was the active formulation in which the apple juice extract (3%) containing
flavonoids was incorporated into water in oil emulsion using Abil EM 90 as an emulsifier. Stable formulations (control and Active)
were applied on human cheeks (n = 12) for a study period of 10 weeks. Result of each volunteer of skin hydration and TEWL was
measured by corneometer and TEWA meter. By using ANOVA and Paired sample t test as a statistical evaluation, result of both base and
formulation were compared. Statistical significant results (p≤0.05)
were observed regarding skin hydration and TEWL when two creams, control and Formulation were compared. It showed that
desired formulation (Active) may have interesting application as an
active moisturizing cream on healthy skin.
Abstract: In deregulated operating regime power system security is an issue that needs due thoughtfulness from researchers in the horizon of unbundling of generation and transmission. Electric power systems are exposed to various contingencies. Network contingencies often contribute to overloading of branches, violation of voltages and also leading to problems of security/stability. To maintain the security of the systems, it is desirable to estimate the effect of contingencies and pertinent control measurement can be taken on to improve the system security. This paper presents the application of particle swarm optimization algorithm to find the optimal location of multi type FACTS devices in a power system in order to eliminate or alleviate the line over loads. The optimizations are performed on the parameters, namely the location of the devices, their types, their settings and installation cost of FACTS devices for single and multiple contingencies. TCSC, SVC and UPFC are considered and modeled for steady state analysis. The selection of UPFC and TCSC suitable location uses the criteria on the basis of improved system security. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested for IEEE 6 bus and IEEE 30 bus test systems.
Abstract: With a growing number of digital libraries and other
open education repositories being made available throughout the
world, effective search and retrieval tools are necessary to access the
desired materials that surpass the effectiveness of traditional, allinclusive
search engines. This paper discusses the design and use of
Folksemantic, a platform that integrates OpenCourseWare search,
Open Educational Resource recommendations, and social network
functionality into a single open source project. The paper describes
how the system was originally envisioned, its goals for users, and
data that provides insight into how it is actually being used. Data
sources include website click-through data, query logs, web server
log files and user account data. Based on a descriptive analysis of its
current use, modifications to the platform's design are recommended
to better address goals of the system, along with recommendations
for additional phases of research.
Abstract: With a rapid growth in 3D graphics technology over the last few years, people are desired to see more flexible reacting motions of a biped in animations. In particular, it is impossible to anticipate all reacting motions of a biped while facing a perturbation. In this paper, we propose a three-level tracking method for animating a 3D humanoid character. First, we take the laws of physics into account to attach physical attributes, such as mass, gravity, friction, collision, contact, and torque, to bones and joints of a character. The next step is to employ PD controller to follow a reference motion as closely as possible. Once the character cannot tolerate a strong perturbation to prevent itself from falling down, we are capable of tracking a desirable falling-down action to avoid any falling condition inaccuracy. From the experimental results, we demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method in comparison with conventional data-driven approaches.
Abstract: This paper presents the voltage regulation scheme of
D-STATCOM under three-phase faults. It consists of the voltage
detection and voltage regulation schemes in the 0dq reference. The
proposed control strategy uses the proportional controller in which
the proportional gain, kp, is appropriately adjusted by using genetic
algorithms. To verify its use, a simplified 4-bus test system is situated
by assuming a three-phase fault at bus 4. As a result, the DSTATCOM
can resume the load voltage to the desired level within
1.8 ms. This confirms that the proposed voltage regulation scheme
performs well under three-phase fault events.