Abstract: In this paper a new approach is proposed for the
adaptation of the simulated annealing search in the field of the
Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO). This new approach is called
Multi-Case Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing (MC-MOSA). It
uses some basics of a well-known recent Multi-Objective Simulated
Annealing proposed by Ulungu et al., which is referred in the
literature as U-MOSA. However, some drawbacks of this algorithm
have been found, and are substituted by other ones, especially in
the acceptance decision criterion. The MC-MOSA has shown better
performance than the U-MOSA in the numerical experiments. This
performance is further improved by some other subvariants of the
MC-MOSA, such as Fast-annealing MC-MOSA, Re-annealing MCMOSA
and the Two-Stage annealing MC-MOSA.
Abstract: Socioeconomic stability and development of a
country, can be describe by housing affordability. It is aimed to
ensure the housing provided as one of the key factors that is
affordable by every income earner group whether low-income,
middle income and high income group. This research carried out is to
find out affordability of home ownership level for first medium cost
landed-house by the middle-income group in Selangor, Malaysia. It is
also hope that it could be seen as able to contribute to the knowledge
and understanding on housing affordability level for the middleincome
group and variables that influenced the medium income
group-s ability to own first medium-cost houses.
Abstract: In this research the separation efficiency of deoiling hydrocyclone is evaluated using three-dimensional simulation of multiphase flow based on Eulerian-Eulerian finite volume method. The mixture approach of Reynolds Stress Model is also employed to capture the features of turbulent multiphase swirling flow. The obtained separation efficiency of Colman's design is compared with available experimental data and showed that the separation curve of deoiling hydrocyclones can be predicted using numerical simulation.
Abstract: The zero truncated model is usually used in modeling
count data without zero. It is the opposite of zero inflated model.
Zero truncated Poisson and zero truncated negative binomial models
are discussed and used by some researchers in analyzing the
abundance of rare species and hospital stay. Zero truncated models
are used as the base in developing hurdle models. In this study, we
developed a new model, the zero truncated strict arcsine model,
which can be used as an alternative model in modeling count data
without zero and with extra variation. Two simulated and one real
life data sets are used and fitted into this developed model. The
results show that the model provides a good fit to the data. Maximum
likelihood estimation method is used in estimating the parameters.
Abstract: According to FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States), vinegar is definedas a sour liquid containing at least 4 grams acetic acid in 100 cubic centimeter (4% solution of acetic acid) of solution that is produced from sugary materials by alcoholic fermentation. In the base of microbial starters, vinegars could be contained of more than 50 types of volatile and aromatic substances that responsible for their sweet taste and smelling. Recently the vinegar industry has a great proportion in agriculture, food and microbial biotechnology. The acetic acid bacteria are from the family Acetobacteraceae. Regarding to the latest version of Bergy-s Mannual of Systematic Bacteriology that has categorized bacteria in the base of their 16s RNA differences, the most important acetic acid genera are included Acetobacter (genus I), Gluconacetobacter (genus VIII) and Gluconobacter (genus IX). The genus Acetobacter that is primarily used in vinegar manufacturing plants is a gram negative, obligate aerobe coccus or rod shaped bacterium with the size 0.6 - 0.8 X 1.0 - 4.0 μm, nonmotile or motile with peritrichous flagella and catalase positive – oxidase negative biochemically. Some strains are overoxidizer that could convert acetic acid to carbon dioxide and water.In this research one Acetobacter native strain with high acetic acid productivity was isolated from Iranian white – red cherry. We used two specific culture media include Carr medium [yeast extract, 3%; ethanol, 2% (v/v); bromocresol green, 0.002%; agar, 2% and distilled water, 1000 ml], Frateur medium [yeast extract, 10 g/l; CaCO3, 20 g/l; ethanol, 20 g/l; agar, 20 g/l and distilled water, 1000 ml] and an industrial culture medium. In addition to high acetic acid production and high growth rate, this strain had a good tolerance against ethanol concentration that was examined using modified Carr media with 5%, 7% and 9% ethanol concentrations. While the industrial strains of acetic acid bacteria grow in the thermal range of 28 – 30 °C, this strain was adapted for growth in 34 – 36 °C after 96 hours incubation period. These dramatic characteristics suggest a potential biotechnological strain in production of cherry vinegar with a sweet smell and different nutritional properties in comparison to recent vinegar types. The lack of growth after 24, 48 and 72 hours incubation at 34 – 36 °C and the growth after 96 hours indicates a good and fast thermal flexibility of this strain as a significant characteristic of biotechnological and industrial strains.
Abstract: Recently, a lot of attention has been devoted to
advanced techniques of system modeling. PNN(polynomial neural
network) is a GMDH-type algorithm (Group Method of Data
Handling) which is one of the useful method for modeling nonlinear
systems but PNN performance depends strongly on the number of
input variables and the order of polynomial which are determined by
trial and error. In this paper, we introduce GPNN (genetic
polynomial neural network) to improve the performance of PNN.
GPNN determines the number of input variables and the order of all
neurons with GA (genetic algorithm). We use GA to search between
all possible values for the number of input variables and the order of
polynomial. GPNN performance is obtained by two nonlinear
systems. the quadratic equation and the time series Dow Jones stock
index are two case studies for obtaining the GPNN performance.
Abstract: The Mongol expansion in the West and the political
and commercial interests arising from antagonisms between the
Golden Horde and the Persian Ilkhanate determined the
transformation of the Black Sea into an international trade turntable
beginning with the last third of the XIIIth century. As the Volga
Khanate attracted the maritime power of Genoa in the
transcontinental project of deviating the Silk Road to its own benefit,
the latter took full advantage of the new historical conjuncture, to the
detriment of its rival, Venice. As a consequence, Genoa settled
important urban centers on the Pontic shores, having mainly a
commercial role. In the Romanian outer-Carpathian area, Vicina,
Cetatea Albâ, and Chilia are notable, representing distinct, important
types of cities within the broader context of the Romanian medieval
urban genesis typology.
Abstract: The results of the two-phase gas-solid jet in pneumatic
powder injection process analysis were presented in the paper. The
researches were conducted on model set-up with high speed camera
jet movement recording. Then the recorded material was analyzed to
estimate main particles movement parameters. The values obtained
from this direct measurement were compared to those calculated with
the use of the well-known formulas for the two-phase flows
(pneumatic conveying). Moreover, they were compared to
experimental results previously achieved by authors. The analysis led
to conclusions which to some extent changed the assumptions used
even by authors, regarding the two-phase jet in pneumatic powder
injection process. Additionally, the visual analysis of the recorded
clips supplied data to make a more complete evaluation of the jet
behavior in the lance outlet than before.
Abstract: The mitigation of crop loss due to damaging freezes requires accurate air temperature prediction models. An improved model for temperature prediction in Georgia was developed by including information on seasonality and modifying parameters of an existing artificial neural network model. Alternative models were compared by instantiating and training multiple networks for each model. The inclusion of up to 24 hours of prior weather information and inputs reflecting the day of year were among improvements that reduced average four-hour prediction error by 0.18°C compared to the prior model. Results strongly suggest model developers should instantiate and train multiple networks with different initial weights to establish appropriate model parameters.
Abstract: Given that entrepreneurship is a very significant factor of regional development, it is necessary to approach systematically the development with measures of regional politics. According to international classification The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS II), there are three regions in Croatia. The indicators of entrepreneurial activities on the national level of Croatia are analyzed in the paper, taking into consideration the results of referent research. The level of regional development is shown based on the analysis of entrepreneurs- operations. The results of the analysis show a very unfavorable situation in entrepreneurial activities on the national level of Croatia. The origin of this situation is to be found in the surroundings with an expressed inequality of regional development, which is caused by the non-existence of a strategically directed regional policy. In this paper recommendations which could contribute to the reduction of regional inequality in Croatia, have been made.
Abstract: In the present study, a procedure was developed to
determine the optimum reaction rate constants in generalized
Arrhenius form and optimized through the Nelder-Mead method. For
this purpose, a comprehensive mathematical model of a fixed bed
reactor for dehydrogenation of heavy paraffins over Pt–Sn/Al2O3
catalyst was developed. Utilizing appropriate kinetic rate expressions
for the main dehydrogenation reaction as well as side reactions and
catalyst deactivation, a detailed model for the radial flow reactor was
obtained. The reactor model composed of a set of partial differential
equations (PDE), ordinary differential equations (ODE) as well as
algebraic equations all of which were solved numerically to
determine variations in components- concentrations in term of mole
percents as a function of time and reactor radius. It was demonstrated
that most significant variations observed at the entrance of the bed
and the initial olefin production obtained was rather high. The
aforementioned method utilized a direct-search optimization
algorithm along with the numerical solution of the governing
differential equations. The usefulness and validity of the method was
demonstrated by comparing the predicted values of the kinetic
constants using the proposed method with a series of experimental
values reported in the literature for different systems.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for the effective implementation of Six Sigma in non-formal service Sectors.
Based on the survey of literature, the critical success factors (CSFs) for Six Sigma have been identified and are assessed for their importance in Non-formal service sector using Delphi Technique. These selected CSFs were put forth to the panel of expert to cluster them and prepare cognitive map to establish their relationship.
All the critical success factors examined and obtained from the review of literature have been assessed for their importance with respect to their contribution to Six Sigma effectiveness in non formal service sector.
The study is limited to the non-formal service sectors involved in the organization of religious festival only. However, the similar exercise can be conducted for broader sample of other non-formal service sectors like temple/ashram management, religious tours management etc.
The research suggests an approach to identify CSFs of Six Sigma for Non-formal service sector. All the CSFs of the formal service sector will not be applicable to Non-formal services, hence opinion of experts was sought to add or delete the CSFs. In the first round of Delphi, the panel of experts has suggested, two new CSFs-“competitive benchmarking (F19) and resident’s involvement (F28)”, which were added for assessment in the next round of Delphi. One of the CSFs-“fulltime six sigma personnel (F15)” has been omitted in proposed clusters of CSFs for non-formal organization, as it is practically impossible to deploy full time trained Six Sigma recruits.
Abstract: In this research, we propose a weighted class based
queuing (WCBQ) mechanism to provide class differentiation and to
reduce the load for the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) presence
server (PS). The tasks of admission controller for the PS are
demonstrated. Analysis and simulation models are developed to
quantify the performance of WCBQ scheme. An optimized dropping
time frame has been developed based on which some of the preexisting
messages are dropped from the PS-buffer. Cost functions are
developed and simulation comparison has been performed with FCFS
(First Come First Served) scheme. The results show that the PS
benefits significantly from the proposed queuing and dropping
algorithm (WCBQ) during heavy traffic.
Abstract: Groundwater is an essential and vital component of our life support system. The groundwater resources are being utilized for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. There is growing concern on deterioration of groundwater quality due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Groundwater, being a fragile must be carefully managed to maintain its purity within standard limits. So, quality assessment and management are to be carried out hand-in-hand to have a pollution free environment and for a sustainable use. In order to assess the quality for consumption by human beings and for use in agriculture, the groundwater from the shallow aquifers (dug well) in the Palakkad and Chittur taluks of Bharathapuzha river basin - a paddy dominated agricultural basin (order=8th; L= 209 Km; Area = 6186 Km2), Kerala, India, has been selected. The water samples (n= 120) collected for various seasons, viz., monsoon-MON (August, 2005), postmonsoon-POM (December, 2005) and premonsoon-PRM (April, 2006), were analyzed for important physico-chemical attributes. Spatial and temporal variation of attributes do exist in the study area, and based on major cations and anions, different hydrochemical facies have been identified. Using Gibbs'diagram, rock dominance has been identified as the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry. Further, the suitability of water for irrigation was determined by analyzing salinity hazard indicated by sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium percent (%Na). Finally, stress zones in the study area were delineated using Arc GIS spatial analysis and various management options were recommended to restore the ecosystem.
Abstract: This paper presents design features of a rescue robot, named CEO Mission II. Its body is designed to be the track wheel type with double front flippers for climbing over the collapse and the rough terrain. With 125 cm. long, 5-joint mechanical arm installed on the robot body, it is deployed not only for surveillance from the top view but also easier and faster access to the victims to get their vital signs. Two cameras and sensors for searching vital signs are set up at the tip of the multi-joint mechanical arm. The third camera is at the back of the robot for driving control. Hardware and software of the system, which controls and monitors the rescue robot, are explained. The control system is used for controlling the robot locomotion, the 5-joint mechanical arm, and for turning on/off devices. The monitoring system gathers all information from 7 distance sensors, IR temperature sensors, 3 CCD cameras, voice sensor, robot wheels encoders, yawn/pitch/roll angle sensors, laser range finder and 8 spare A/D inputs. All sensors and controlling data are communicated with a remote control station via IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi. The audio and video data are compressed and sent via another IEEE 802.11g Wi-Fi transmitter for getting real-time response. At remote control station site, the robot locomotion and the mechanical arm are controlled by joystick. Moreover, the user-friendly GUI control program is developed based on the clicking and dragging method to easily control the movement of the arm. Robot traveling map is plotted from computing the information of wheel encoders and the yawn/pitch data. 2D Obstacle map is plotted from data of the laser range finder. The concept and design of this robot can be adapted to suit many other applications. As the Best Technique awardee from Thailand Rescue Robot Championship 2006, all testing results are satisfied.
Abstract: Individually Network reconfiguration or Capacitor control
perform well in minimizing power loss and improving voltage
profile of the distribution system. But for heavy reactive power loads
network reconfiguration and for heavy active power loads capacitor
placement can not effectively reduce power loss and enhance
voltage profiles in the system. In this paper, an hybrid approach
that combine network reconfiguration and capacitor placement using
Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) is proposed to minimize power
loss reduction and improve voltage profile. The proposed approach
is tested on standard IEEE 33 and 16 bus systems. Computational
results show that the proposed hybrid approach can minimize losses
more efficiently than Network reconfiguration or Capacitor control.
The results of proposed method are also compared with results
obtained by Simulated Annealing (SA). The proposed method has
outperformed in terms of the quality of solution compared to SA.
Abstract: The major goal in defining and examining game
scenarios is to find good strategies as solutions to the game. A
plausible solution is a recommendation to the players on how to play
the game, which is represented as strategies guided by the various
choices available to the players. These choices invariably compel the
players (decision makers) to execute an action following some
conscious tactics. In this paper, we proposed a refinement-based
heuristic as a machine learning technique for human-like decision
making in playing Ayo game. The result showed that our machine
learning technique is more adaptable and more responsive in making
decision than human intelligence. The technique has the advantage
that a search is astutely conducted in a shallow horizon game tree.
Our simulation was tested against Awale shareware and an appealing
result was obtained.
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a control
system model using a graphical software tool. This control system is
part of an operator training simulator developed for the National
Training Center for Operators of Ixtapantongo (CNCAOI, acronym
according to its name in Spanish language) of the Mexico-s Federal
Commission of Electricity, CFE). The Department of Simulation of
the Electrical Research Institute (IIE) developed this simulator using
as reference the Unit I of the Combined Cycle Power Plant El Sauz,
located at the centre of Mexico. The first step in the project was the
developing of the Gas Turbine System and its control system
simulator. The Turbo Gas simulator was finished and delivered to
CNCAOI in March 2007 for commercial operation. This simulator is
a high-fidelity real time dynamic simulator built and tested for
accurate operation over the entire load range. The simulator was used
primarily for operator training although it has been used for
procedure development and evaluation of plant transients.
Abstract: This paper offers suggestions for educators at all levels about how to better prepare our students for the future, by building on the past. The discussion begins with a summary of changes in the World Wide Web, especially as the term Web 3.0 is being heard. The bulk of the discussion is retrospective and concerned with an overview of traditional teaching and research approaches as they evolved during the 20th century beginning with those grounded in the Cartesian reality of IA Richards- (1929) Practical Criticism. The paper concludes with a proposal of five strategies which incorporate timeless elements from the past as well as cutting-edge elements from today, in order to better prepare our students for the future.
Abstract: We presented results of research aimed on findings
influence of social - psychological training (realized with students of
Constantine the Philosopher University- future teachers within their
undergraduate preparation) on the choice of intrapersonal and
interpersonal features. After social- psychological training using
Interpersonal Check List (ICL) we found out shift of behavior to
more adaptive forms in categories, which are characterized by
extroversive friendly behavior, willingness to cooperation,
conformity regard to social situation, responsible and regardful
behavior.
Using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) we found out the cut
down of state anxiety and of trait anxiety. The report was processed
within grants KEGA 3/5269/07 and VEGA 1/3675/06.