Abstract: There are little subjects in macroeconomics that are so
widely discussed, but at the same time controversial and without a
clear solution such as the choice of exchange rate regime. National
authorities need to take into consideration numerous fundamentals,
trying to fulfil goals of economic growth, low and stable inflation
and international stability. This paper focuses on the countries of ex-
Yugoslavia and their exchange rate history as independent states. We
follow the development of the regimes in 6 countries during the
transition through the financial crisis of the second part of the 2000s
to the prospects of their final goal: full membership in the European
Union. Main question is to what extent has the exchange regime
contributed to their economic success, considering other objective
factors.
Abstract: This paper investigates experimentally and
analytically the torsion behavior of steel fibered high strength self
compacting concrete beams reinforced by GFRP bars. Steel fibered
high strength self compacting concrete (SFHSSCC) and GFRP bars
became in the recent decades a very important materials in the
structural engineering field. The use of GFRP bars to replace steel
bars has emerged as one of the many techniques put forward to
enhance the corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete structures.
High strength concrete and GFRP bars attract designers and
architects as it allows improving the durability as well as the esthetics
of a construction. One of the trends in SFHSSCC structures is to
provide their ductile behavior and additional goal is to limit
development and propagation of macro-cracks in the body of
SFHSSCC elements. SFHSSCC and GFRP bars are tough, improve
the workability, enhance the corrosion resistance of reinforced
concrete structures, and demonstrate high residual strengths after
appearance of the first crack. Experimental studies were carried out
to select effective fiber contents. Three types of volume fraction from
hooked shape steel fibers are used in this study, the hooked steel
fibers were evaluated in volume fractions ranging between 0.0%,
0.75% and 1.5%. The beams shape is chosen to create the required
forces (i.e. torsion and bending moments simultaneously) on the test
zone. A total of seven beams were tested, classified into three groups.
All beams, have 200cm length, cross section of 10×20cm,
longitudinal bottom reinforcement of 3
Abstract: This paper discusses a method for improving accuracy
of fuzzy-rule-based classifiers using particle swarm optimization
(PSO). Two different fuzzy classifiers are considered and optimized.
The first classifier is based on Mamdani fuzzy inference system
(M_PSO fuzzy classifier). The second classifier is based on Takagi-
Sugeno fuzzy inference system (TS_PSO fuzzy classifier). The
parameters of the proposed fuzzy classifiers including premise
(antecedent) parameters, consequent parameters and structure of
fuzzy rules are optimized using PSO. Experimental results show that
higher classification accuracy can be obtained with a lower number
of fuzzy rules by using the proposed PSO fuzzy classifiers. The
performances of M_PSO and TS_PSO fuzzy classifiers are compared
to other fuzzy based classifiers
Abstract: This paper presents the findings of two experiments that were performed on the Redundancy in Wireless Connection Model (RiWC) using the 802.11b standard. The experiments were simulated using OPNET 11.5 Modeler software. The first was aimed at finding the maximum number of simultaneous Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) users the model would support under the G.711 and G.729 codec standards when the packetization interval was 10 milliseconds (ms). The second experiment examined the model?s VoIP user capacity using the G.729 codec standard along with background traffic using the same packetization interval as in the first experiment. To determine the capacity of the model under various experiments, we checked three metrics: jitter, delay and data loss. When background traffic was added, we checked the response time in addition to the previous three metrics. The findings of the first experiment indicated that the maximum number of simultaneous VoIP users the model was able to support was 5, which is consistent with recent research findings. When using the G.729 codec, the model was able to support up to 16 VoIP users; similar experiments in current literature have indicated a maximum of 7 users. The finding of the second experiment demonstrated that the maximum number of VoIP users the model was able to support was 12, with the existence of background traffic.
Abstract: In this paper, a new robust audio fingerprinting
algorithm in MP3 compressed domain is proposed with high
robustness to time scale modification (TSM). Instead of simply
employing short-term information of the MP3 stream, the new
algorithm extracts the long-term features in MP3 compressed domain
by using the modulation frequency analysis. Our experiment has
demonstrated that the proposed method can achieve a hit rate of
above 95% in audio retrieval and resist the attack of 20% TSM. It has
lower bit error rate (BER) performance compared to the other
algorithms. The proposed algorithm can also be used in other
compressed domains, such as AAC.
Abstract: Gesture recognition is a challenging task for extracting
meaningful gesture from continuous hand motion. In this paper, we propose an automatic system that recognizes isolated gesture,
in addition meaningful gesture from continuous hand motion for Arabic numbers from 0 to 9 in real-time based on Hidden Markov Models (HMM). In order to handle isolated gesture, HMM using
Ergodic, Left-Right (LR) and Left-Right Banded (LRB) topologies is applied over the discrete vector feature that is extracted from stereo
color image sequences. These topologies are considered to different
number of states ranging from 3 to 10. A new system is developed to recognize the meaningful gesture based on zero-codeword detection
with static velocity motion for continuous gesture. Therefore, the
LRB topology in conjunction with Baum-Welch (BW) algorithm for
training and forward algorithm with Viterbi path for testing presents the best performance. Experimental results show that the proposed system can successfully recognize isolated and meaningful gesture and achieve average rate recognition 98.6% and 94.29% respectively.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel adaptive
spatiotemporal filter that utilizes image sequences in order to remove
noise. The consecutive frames include: current, previous and next
noisy frames. The filter proposed in this paper is based upon the
weighted averaging pixels intensity and noise variance in image
sequences. It utilizes the Appropriate Number of Consecutive Frames
(ANCF) based on the noisy pixels intensity among the frames. The
number of consecutive frames is adaptively calculated for each
region in image and its value may change from one region to another
region depending on the pixels intensity within the region. The
weights are determined by a well-defined mathematical criterion,
which is adaptive to the feature of spatiotemporal pixels of the
consecutive frames. It is experimentally shown that the proposed
filter can preserve image structures and edges under motion while
suppressing noise, and thus can be effectively used in image
sequences filtering. In addition, the AWA filter using ANCF is
particularly well suited for filtering sequences that contain segments
with abruptly changing scene content due to, for example, rapid
zooming and changes in the view of the camera.
Abstract: We examine the maximum theorem by Berge from the
point of view of Bishop style constructive mathematics. We will show
an approximate version of the maximum theorem and the maximum
theorem for functions with sequentially locally at most one maximum.
Abstract: From year to year, the incidence of different diseases is increasing in humans, and the cause is inadequate intake of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. One of the possibilities to take care of your health preventively is including in the diet products with increased dietary fibre, vitamin, and mineral content.Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP) made from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L) roots is a valuable product. By adding it to pastry goods, we can obtain a fibre-rich food that could be healthier and an excellent alternative to the classical pastry products of this kind.Experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Food Technology of Latvia University of Agriculture (LLU). Results of experiments showed that addition of Jerusalem artichoke powder has significant impact on all the studied pastry products nutritional value (p
Abstract: Cooperative learning has been defined as learners working together as a team to solve a problem to complete a task or to accomplish a common goal, which emphasizes the importance of interactions among members to promote the whole learning performance. With the popularity of society networks, cooperative learning is no longer limited to traditional classroom teaching activities. Since society networks facilitate to organize online learners, to establish common shared visions, and to advance learning interaction, the online community and online learning community have triggered the establishment of web-based societies. Numerous research literatures have indicated that the collaborative learning community is a critical issue to enhance learning performance. Hence, this paper proposes a learning community recommendation approach to facilitate that a learner joins the appropriate learning communities, which is based on k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classification. To demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach, the proposed approach is implemented for 117 students to recommend learning communities. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can effectively recommend appropriate learning communities for learners.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a blind algorithm for peakto- average power ratio (PAPR) reduction in OFDM systems, based on selected mapping (SLM) algorithm as a distortionless method. The main drawback of the conventional SLM technique is the need for transmission of several side information bits, for each data block, which results in loss in data rate transmission. In the proposed method some special number of carriers in the OFDM frame is reserved to be rotated with one of the possible phases according to the number of phase sequence blocks in SLM algorithm. Reserving some limited number of carriers wont effect the reduction in PAPR of OFDM signal. Simulation results show using ML criteria at the receiver will lead to the same system-performance as the conventional SLM algorithm, while there is no need to send any side information to the receiver.
Abstract: Inthis paper, design and fabrication of vertical
micromirror for optical switching applications of single mode optical
fibers are proposed. The structure of micromirror will be created
from negative photoresist (SU-8) on X-ray lithography using X-ray
from synchrotron light source. The properties of X-ray from
synchrotron light source are high-energy electrons which can
construct materials that have a high aspect ratio. In addition, the
technique of gold coating of reflective material has been used for
change direction of light between two pairs of optical fibers. At a
wavelength of 1310 nm with minimum average loss of 5.305 dB is
obtained.
Abstract: Polyurethane foam (PUF) is formed by a chemical
reaction of polyol and isocyanate. The aim is to understand the
impact of Silicone on synthesizing polyurethane in differentiate
volume of molding. The method used was one step process, which is
simultaneously caried out a blending polyol (petroleum polyol and
soybean polyol), a TDI (2,4):MDI (4,4-) (80:20), a distilled water,
and a silicone. The properties of the material were measured via a
number of parameters, which are polymer density, compressive
strength, and cellular structures. It is found that density of
polyurethane using silicone with volume of molding either 250 ml or
500 ml is lower than without using silicone.
Abstract: A number of mass spectrometry applications are already available as web-based and windows-based systems to calculate isotope pattern and to display the mass spectrum based on the specific molecular formula besides providing necessary information. These applications were evaluated and compared with our new alternative application called Theoretical Isotope Generator (TIG) in terms of its functionality and features provided to prove this new application is working better and performing well. TIG provides extra features than others, complete with several functionality such as drawing, normalizing and zooming the generated graph that convey with the molecular information in a number of formats by providing the details of the calculation and molecules. Thus, any chemist, students, lecturers and researchers from anywhere could use TIG to gain related information on molecules and their relative intensity.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a multiple objective optimization model with respect to portfolio selection problem for investors looking forward to diversify their equity investments in a number of equity markets. Based on Markowitz-s M-V model we developed a Fuzzy Mixed Integer Multi-Objective Nonlinear Programming Problem (FMIMONLP) to maximize the investors- future gains on equity markets, reach the optimal proportion of the budget to be invested in different equities. A numerical example with a comprehensive analysis on artificial data from several equity markets is presented in order to illustrate the proposed model and its solution method. The model performed well compared with the deterministic version of the model.
Abstract: We propose a novel prioritized limited
processor-sharing (PS) rule and a simulation algorithm for the performance evaluation of this rule. The performance measures of practical interest are evaluated using this algorithm. Suppose that there
are two classes and that an arriving (class-1 or class-2) request encounters n1 class-1 and n2 class-2 requests (including the arriving
one) in a single-server system. According to the proposed rule, class-1
requests individually and simultaneously receive m / (m * n1+ n2) of the service-facility capacity, whereas class-2 requests receive 1 / (m *n1 + n2) of it, if m * n1 + n2 ≤ C. Otherwise (m * n1 + n2 > C), the arriving request will be queued in the corresponding class waiting
room or rejected. Here, m (1) denotes the priority ratio, and C ( ∞), the service-facility capacity. In this rule, when a request arrives at [or
departs from] the system, the extension [shortening] of the remaining
sojourn time of each request receiving service can be calculated using
the number of requests of each class and the priority ratio. Employing
a simulation program to execute these events and calculations enables
us to analyze the performance of the proposed prioritized limited PS
rule, which is realistic in a time-sharing system (TSS) with a
sufficiently small time slot. Moreover, this simulation algorithm is
expanded for the evaluation of the prioritized limited PS system with
N 3 priority classes.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel spatiotemporal fuzzy
based algorithm for noise filtering of image sequences. Our proposed algorithm uses adaptive weights based on a triangular membership
functions. In this algorithm median filter is used to suppress noise.
Experimental results show when the images are corrupted by highdensity
Salt and Pepper noise, our fuzzy based algorithm for noise filtering of image sequences, are much more effective in suppressing
noise and preserving edges than the previously reported algorithms such as [1-7]. Indeed, assigned weights to noisy pixels are very
adaptive so that they well make use of correlation of pixels. On the other hand, the motion estimation methods are erroneous and in highdensity noise they may degrade the filter performance. Therefore, our
proposed fuzzy algorithm doesn-t need any estimation of motion trajectory. The proposed algorithm admissibly removes noise without having any knowledge of Salt and Pepper noise density.
Abstract: To compute dynamic characteristics of nonlinear viscoelastic springs with elastic structures having huge degree-of-freedom, Yamaguchi proposed a new fast numerical method using finite element method [1]-[2]. In this method, restoring forces of the springs are expressed using power series of their elongation. In the expression, nonlinear hysteresis damping is introduced. In this expression, nonlinear complex spring constants are introduced. Finite element for the nonlinear spring having complex coefficients is expressed and is connected to the elastic structures modeled by linear solid finite element. Further, to save computational time, the discrete equations in physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary coupled equations using normal coordinate corresponding to linear natural modes. In this report, the proposed method is applied to simulation for impact responses of a viscoelastic shock absorber with an elastic structure (an S-shaped structure) by colliding with a concentrated mass. The concentrated mass has initial velocities and collides with the shock absorber. Accelerations of the elastic structure and the concentrated mass are measured using Levitation Mass Method proposed by Fujii [3]. The calculated accelerations from the proposed FEM, corresponds to the experimental ones. Moreover, using this method, we also investigate dynamic errors of the S-shaped force transducer due to elastic mode in the S-shaped structure.
Abstract: Many studies have been conducted for derivation of
attenuation relationships worldwide, however few relationships have
been developed to use for the seismic region of Iranian plateau and
only few of these studies have been conducted for derivation of
attenuation relationships for parameters such as uniform duration.
Uniform duration is the total time during which the acceleration is
larger than a given threshold value (default is 5% of PGA). In this
study, the database was same as that used previously by Ghodrati
Amiri et al. (2007) with same correction methods for earthquake
records in Iran. However in this study, records from earthquakes with
MS< 4.0 were excluded from this database, each record has
individually filtered afterward, and therefore the dataset has been
expanded. These new set of attenuation relationships for Iran are
derived based on tectonic conditions with soil classification into rock
and soil. Earthquake parameters were chosen to be
hypocentral distance and magnitude in order to make it easier to use
the relationships for seismic hazard analysis. Tehran is the capital
city of Iran wit ha large number of important structures. In this study,
a probabilistic approach has been utilized for seismic hazard
assessment of this city. The resulting uniform duration against return
period diagrams are suggested to be used in any projects in the area.
Abstract: In this work, stationary hot-wire measurements are
carried out to investigate the characteristics of a round free jet in its
potential core region (0 ≤ x/d ≤ 10). Measurements are carried out on
an incompressible round jet for a range of Reynolds numbers from
4000 to 8000, calculated based on the jet exit mean velocity and the
nozzle diameter. The effect of flow velocity on the development
characteristics of the jet in the core region is analyzed. Timeaveraged
statistics, spectra of velocity and its higher order moments
are presented and explained.