Abstract: Oleic acid (C18:1) play an important role in
proliferation of fat cells. In this study, the effect of oleate on cells
viability in 3T3-L1 cells (fat cells) was investigated. The 3T3-L1
cells were treated with various concentrations of oleate in the
presence of 23 mM glucose. Oleate was added to adipogenic media
(day 0) to investigate the influence of oleate on proliferation of
postconfluent preadipocytes after 24 h induction. 0.1 mM oleate
promoted cell division by increasing 33.9% number of cells from
basal control in postconfluent preadipocytes. However, there were no
significantly different in cells viability with control cells when oleate
concentrations were increased up to 0.5 mM. When added to
differentiated adipocytes (day 12) for 48 h, the number of cells
decreased as oleate concentrations increased. 92.7% of cells lost
demonstrated apoptosis and necrosis after 48 h with 0.5 mM oleate.
The fluorochrome staining was examined under fluorescence
microscopy using acridine orange and ethidium bromide double
staining. Furthermore, the presence of high lactate (60.6% increased
from basal control) released into plasma has shown the direct
cytotoxicity of 0.5 mM oleate on adipocytes.
Abstract: Numerous divergence measures (spectral distance, cepstral
distance, difference of the cepstral coefficients, Kullback-Leibler
divergence, distance given by the General Likelihood Ratio, distance
defined by the Recursive Bayesian Changepoint Detector and the
Mahalanobis measure) are compared in this study. The measures are
used for detection of abrupt spectral changes in synthetic AR signals
via the sliding window algorithm. Two experiments are performed;
the first is focused on detection of single boundary while the second
concentrates on detection of a couple of boundaries. Accuracy of
detection is judged for each method; the measures are compared
according to results of both experiments.
Abstract: This paper propose the robust character segmentation method for license plate with topological transform such as twist,rotation. The first step of the proposed method is to find a candidate region for character and license plate. The character or license plate
must be appeared as closed loop in the edge image. In the case of
detecting candidate for character region, the evaluation of detected
region is using topological relationship between each character. When
this method decides license plate candidate region, character features
in the region with binarization are used. After binarization for the detected candidate region, each character region is decided again. In
this step, each character region is fitted more than previous step. In the
next step, the method checks other character regions with different
scale near the detected character regions, because most license plates
have license numbers with some meaningful characters around them.
The method uses perspective projection for geometrical normalization.
If there is topological distortion in the character region, the method
projects the region on a template which is defined as standard license
plate using perspective projection. In this step, the method is able to
separate each number region and small meaningful characters. The
evaluation results are tested with a number of test images.
Abstract: This study proposes a hybrid minimal repair policy
which combines periodic maintenance policy with age-based maintenance policy for a serial production system. Parameters of such policy are defined as and which indicate as hybrid minimal
repair time and planned preventive maintenance time
respectively . Under this hybrid policy, the system is
repaired minimally if it fails during , . A perfect repair is
conducted on the first failure after at any machines. At the same time, we take opportunity to advance the preventive maintenance of
other machines simultaneously. If the system is still operating
properly up to , then the preventive maintenance is carried out as its
predetermined schedule. For a given , we obtain the optimal value which minimizes the expected cost per time unit. Numerical
example is presented to illustrate the properties of the optimal solution.
Abstract: This paper attempts to model and design a simple
fuzzy logic controller with Variable Reference. The Variable
Reference (VR) is featured as an adaptability element which is
obtained from two known variables – desired system-input and actual
system-output. A simple fuzzy rule-based technique is simulated to
show how the actual system-input is gradually tuned in to a value
that closely matches the desired input. The designed controller is
implemented and verified on a simple heater which is controlled by
PIC Microcontroller harnessed by a code developed in embedded C.
The output response of the PIC-controlled heater is analyzed and
compared to the performances by conventional fuzzy logic
controllers. The novelty of this work lies in the fact that it gives
better performance by using less number of rules compared to
conventional fuzzy logic controllers.
Abstract: Recently, the issue of machine condition monitoring
and fault diagnosis as a part of maintenance system became global
due to the potential advantages to be gained from reduced
maintenance costs, improved productivity and increased machine
availability. The aim of this work is to investigate the effectiveness
of a new fault diagnosis method based on power spectral density
(PSD) of vibration signals in combination with decision trees and
fuzzy inference system (FIS). To this end, a series of studies was
conducted on an external gear hydraulic pump. After a test under
normal condition, a number of different machine defect conditions
were introduced for three working levels of pump speed (1000, 1500,
and 2000 rpm), corresponding to (i) Journal-bearing with inner face
wear (BIFW), (ii) Gear with tooth face wear (GTFW), and (iii)
Journal-bearing with inner face wear plus Gear with tooth face wear
(B&GW). The features of PSD values of vibration signal were
extracted using descriptive statistical parameters. J48 algorithm is
used as a feature selection procedure to select pertinent features from
data set. The output of J48 algorithm was employed to produce the
crisp if-then rule and membership function sets. The structure of FIS
classifier was then defined based on the crisp sets. In order to
evaluate the proposed PSD-J48-FIS model, the data sets obtained
from vibration signals of the pump were used. Results showed that
the total classification accuracy for 1000, 1500, and 2000 rpm
conditions were 96.42%, 100%, and 96.42% respectively. The results
indicate that the combined PSD-J48-FIS model has the potential for
fault diagnosis of hydraulic pumps.
Abstract: Analytically the effect of polarization dependent loss on a high speed fiber optic communication link has been investigated. PDL and the signal's incoming state of polarization (SOP) have a significant co-relation between them and their various combinations produces different effects on the system behavior which has been inspected. Pauli's spin operator and PDL parameters are combined together to observe the attenuation effect induced by PDL in a link containing multiple PDL elements. It is found that in the presence of PDL the Q-factor and BER at the receiver undergoes fluctuation causing the system to be unstable and results show that it is mainly due to optical-signal-to-parallel-noise ratio (OSNItpar) that these parameters fluctuate. Generally the Q-factor, BER deteriorates as the value of average PDL in the link increases except for depolarized light for which the system parameters improves when PDL increases.
Abstract: This study aimed at developing a forecasting model on the number of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) incidence in Northern Thailand using time series analysis. We developed Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models on the data collected between 2003-2006 and then validated the models using the data collected between January-September 2007. The results showed that the regressive forecast curves were consistent with the pattern of actual values. The most suitable model was the SARIMA(2,0,1)(0,2,0)12 model with a Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) of 12.2931 and a Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) of 8.91713. The SARIMA(2,0,1)(0,2,0)12 model fitting was adequate for the data with the Portmanteau statistic Q20 = 8.98644 ( x20,95= 27.5871, P>0.05). This indicated that there was no significant autocorrelation between residuals at different lag times in the SARIMA(2,0,1)(0,2,0)12 model.
Abstract: The present work deals with analyses of the effects
of bearing curvature and non-Newtonian characteristics on the load capacity of an exponential rectangular squeeze film bearing using
Bingham fluids as lubricants. Bingham fluids are characterized by an
yield value and hence the formation of a “rigid" core in the region
between the plates is justified. The flow is confined to the region
between the core and the plates. The shape of the core has been
identified through numerical means. Further, numerical solutions for
the pressure distribution and load carrying capacity of the bearing
for various values of Bingham number and curvature parameter have
been obtained. The effects of bearing curvature and non-Newtonian
characteristics of the lubricant on the bearing performances have been
discussed.
Abstract: Bone growth factors, such as Bone Morphogenic
Protein-2 (BMP-2) have been approved by the FDA to replace grafting for some surgical interventions, but the high dose requirement limits its use in patients. Noggin, an extracellular protein, blocks the effect of BMP-2 by binding to BMP. Preventing
the BMP-2/noggin interaction will help increase the free
concentration of BMP-2 and therefore should enhance its efficacy to
induce bone formation. The work presented here involves
computational design of novel small molecule inhibitory agents of BMP-2/noggin interaction, based on our current understanding of
BMP-2, and its known putative ligands (receptors and antagonists). A
successful acquisition of such an inhibitory agent of BMP-2/noggin interaction would allow clinicians to reduce the dose required of
BMP-2 protein in clinical applications to promote osteogenesis. The
available crystal structures of the BMPs, its receptors, and the binding partner noggin were analyzed to identify the critical residues
involved in their interaction. In presenting this study, LUDI de novo design method was utilized to perform virtual screening of a large
number of compounds from a commercially available library against the binding sites of noggin to identify the lead chemical compounds
that could potentially block BMP-noggin interaction with a high specificity.
Abstract: A power cable is widely used for power supply in
power distributing networks and power transmission lines. Due to
limitations in the production, delivery and setting up power cables,
they are produced and delivered in several separate lengths. Cable
itself, consists of two cable terminations and arbitrary number of
cable joints, depending on the cable route length. Electrical stress
control is needed to prevent a dielectric breakdown at the end of the
insulation shield in both the air and cable insulation. Reliability of
cable joint depends on its materials, design, installation and operating
environment. The paper describes design and performance results for
new modeled cable joints. Design concepts, based on numerical
calculations, must be correct. An Equivalent Electrodes
Method/Boundary Elements Method-hybrid approach that allows
electromagnetic field calculations in multilayer dielectric media,
including inhomogeneous regions, is presented.
Abstract: Islam has a general principle of increase in
population. But the Muslims are equally obliged to take care of
health, education and the provisions etc. for their offspring and wives
in the best possible way. The Muslims would have to regulate and
manage the number of children, if any situation affects their duties
regarding their wives or children. Islam accomplishes permissibility
of temporary blockade in human fertility if someone faces any
problem regarding health of mother or children. During the life of the
Holy Prophet (SAW), Azl (coitus interruptus) was the only way for
temporary spacing between the children. In technologically
developed environment, the same can be resort through some
advanced methodology or instrument of temporary blockade. Solid
grounds are available in Islam that the fertility rate should be
managed if any of the aspect of human quality is being affected.
Abstract: Electronic seal is an electronic device to check the
authenticity and integrity of freight containers at the point of arrival.
While RFID-based eSeals are gaining more acceptances and there are
also some standardization processes for these devices, a recent
research revealed that the current RFID-based eSeals are vulnerable to
various attacks. In this paper, we provide a feasible solution to
enhance the security of active RFID-based eSeals. Our approach is to
use an authentication and key agreement protocol between eSeal and
reader device, enabling data encryption and integrity check. Our
protocol is based on the use of block cipher AES, which is reasonable
since a block cipher can also be used for many other security purposes
including data encryption and pseudo-random number generation. Our
protocol is very simple, and it is applicable to low-end active RFID
eSeals.
Abstract: This paper presents a system for tracking the movement of laparoscopic instruments which is based on an orthogonal system of webcams and video image processing. The movements are captured with two webcams placed orthogonally inside of the physical trainer. On the image, the instruments were detected by using color markers placed on the distal tip of each instrument. The 3D position of the tip of the instrument within the work space was obtained by linear triangulation method. Preliminary results showed linearity and repeatability in the motion tracking with a resolution of 0.616 mm in each axis; the accuracy of the system showed a 3D instrument positioning error of 1.009 ± 0.101 mm. This tool is a portable and low-cost alternative to traditional tracking devices and a trustable method for the objective evaluation of the surgeon’s surgical skills.
Abstract: One of the vital developmental tasks that an
individual faces during adolescence is choosing a career. Arriving at
a career decision is difficult and anxious for many adolescents in the
tertiary level. The main purpose of this study is to determine the
factors relating to career indecision among freshmen college students
as basis for the formulation of a comprehensive career counseling
program for the psychological well-being of freshmen university
students. The subjects were purposively selected. The Slovin-s
formula was used in determining the sample size, using a 0.05
margin of error in getting the total number of samples per college and
per major. The researcher made use of descriptive correlational study
in determining significant factors relating to career indecision.
Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that career thoughts, career
decisions and vocational identity as factors related to career
indecision.
Abstract: In this paper, we provide complete end-to-end delay analyses including the relay nodes for instant messages. Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) is used to provide congestion control for large messages in the Instant Messaging (IM) service. Large messages are broken into several chunks. These chunks may traverse through a maximum number of two relay nodes before reaching destination according to the IETF specification of the MSRP relay extensions. We discuss the current solutions of sending large instant messages and introduce a proposal to reduce message flows in the IM service. We consider virtual traffic parameter i.e., the relay nodes are stateless non-blocking for scalability purpose. This type of relay node is also assumed to have input rate at constant bit rate. We provide a new scheduling policy that schedules chunks according to their previous node?s delivery time stamp tags. Validation and analysis is shown for such scheduling policy. The performance analysis with the model introduced in this paper is simple and straight forward, which lead to reduced message flows in the IM service.
Abstract: This article describes the aspects of the formation of
the national idea and national identity through the prism of gender
control and its contradistinction to the obsolete, Soviet component.
The role of females in ethnic and national projects is considered from
the point of view of Dr. Nira Yuval-Davis: as biological reproducers
of the ethnic communities- members; as reproducers of the boarders
of ethnic/national groups; as central participants in the ideological
reproduction of community and transducers of its culture; as symbols
in ideology, reproduction and transformation of ethnic/national
categories; and as participants of national, economical, political and
military combats. The society of the transitional type uses the
symbolic resources of the formation of gender component in the
national project. The gender patterns act like cultural codes,
executing the important ideological function in formation of the
national female- image, i.e. the discussion on hijab - it-s not just the
discussion on control over the female body, it-s the discussion on the
metaphor of social order.
Abstract: A total of 33,680 nuclear power plants (NPPs) workers were monitored and recorded from 1990 to 2007. According to the record, the average individual radiation dose has been decreasing continually from it 3.20 mSv/man in 1990 to 1.12 mSv/man at the end of 2007. After the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 60 recommendation was generalized in South Korea, no nuclear power plant workers received above 20 mSv radiation, and the numbers of relatively highly exposed workers have been decreasing continuously. The age distribution of radiation workers in nuclear power plants was composed of mainly 20-30- year-olds (83%) for 1990 ~ 1994 and 30-40-year-olds (75%) for 2003 ~ 2007. The difference in individual average dose by age was not significant. Most (77%) of NPP radiation exposures from 1990 to 2007 occurred mostly during the refueling period. With regard to exposure type, the majority of exposures were external exposures, representing 95% of the total exposures, while internal exposures represented only 5%. External effective dose was affected mainly by gamma radiation exposure, with an insignificant amount of neutron exposure. As for internal effective dose, tritium (3H) in the pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) was the biggest cause of exposure.
Abstract: In-vitro mouse co-culture of E14 embryonic stem cells
(ESCs) and OP9 stromal cells can recapitulate the earliest stages of
haematopoietic development, not accessible in human embryos,
supporting both haemogenic precursors and their primitive
haematopoietic progeny. 1α, 25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (VD3) has
been demonstrated to be a powerful differentiation inducer for a wide
variety of neoplastic cells, and could enhance early differentiation of
ESCs into blood cells in E14/OP9 co-culture. This study aims to
ascertain whether VD3 is key in promoting differentiation and
suppressing proliferation, by separately investigating the effects of
VD3 on the proliferation phase of the E14 cell line and on stromal
OP9 cells.The results showed that VD3 inhibited the proliferation of
the cells in a dose-dependent manner, quantitatively by decreased cell
number, and qualitatively by alkaline-phosphatase staining that
revealed significant differences between VD3-treated and untreated
cells, characterised by decreased enzyme expression (colourless
cells). Propidium-iodide cell-cycle analyses showed no significant
percentage change in VD3-treated E14 and OP9 cells within their G
and S-phases, compared to the untreated controls, despite the
increased percentage of G-phase compared to the S-phase in a dosedependent
manner. These results with E14 and OP9 cells indicate that
adequate VD3 concentration enhances cellular differentiation and
inhibits proliferation. The results also suggest that if E14 and OP9
cells were co-cultured andVD3-treated, there would be furtherenhanced
differentiation of ESCs into blood cells.
Abstract: Bioinformatics and computational biology involve
the use of techniques including applied mathematics,
informatics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence,
chemistry, and biochemistry to solve biological problems
usually on the molecular level. Research in computational
biology often overlaps with systems biology. Major research
efforts in the field include sequence alignment, gene finding,
genome assembly, protein structure alignment, protein structure
prediction, prediction of gene expression and proteinprotein
interactions, and the modeling of evolution. Various
global rearrangements of permutations, such as reversals and
transpositions,have recently become of interest because of their
applications in computational molecular biology. A reversal is
an operation that reverses the order of a substring of a permutation.
A transposition is an operation that swaps two adjacent
substrings of a permutation. The problem of determining the
smallest number of reversals required to transform a given
permutation into the identity permutation is called sorting by
reversals. Similar problems can be defined for transpositions
and other global rearrangements. In this work we perform a
study about some genome rearrangement primitives. We show
how a genome is modelled by a permutation, introduce some
of the existing primitives and the lower and upper bounds
on them. We then provide a comparison of the introduced
primitives.