Abstract: Motion Tracking and Stereo Vision are complicated,
albeit well-understood problems in computer vision. Existing
softwares that combine the two approaches to perform stereo motion
tracking typically employ complicated and computationally expensive
procedures. The purpose of this study is to create a simple and
effective solution capable of combining the two approaches. The
study aims to explore a strategy to combine the two techniques
of two-dimensional motion tracking using Kalman Filter; and depth
detection of object using Stereo Vision. In conventional approaches
objects in the scene of interest are observed using a single camera.
However for Stereo Motion Tracking; the scene of interest is
observed using video feeds from two calibrated cameras. Using two
simultaneous measurements from the two cameras a calculation for
the depth of the object from the plane containing the cameras is made.
The approach attempts to capture the entire three-dimensional spatial
information of each object at the scene and represent it through a
software estimator object. In discrete intervals, the estimator tracks
object motion in the plane parallel to plane containing cameras and
updates the perpendicular distance value of the object from the plane
containing the cameras as depth. The ability to efficiently track
the motion of objects in three-dimensional space using a simplified
approach could prove to be an indispensable tool in a variety of
surveillance scenarios. The approach may find application from high
security surveillance scenes such as premises of bank vaults, prisons
or other detention facilities; to low cost applications in supermarkets
and car parking lots.
Abstract: Reverse Logistics (RL) Network is considered as
complex and dynamic network that involves many stakeholders such
as: suppliers, manufactures, warehouse, retails and costumers, this
complexity is inherent in such process due to lack of perfect
knowledge or conflicting information. Ontologies on the other hand
can be considered as an approach to overcome the problem of sharing
knowledge and communication among the various reverse logistics
partners. In this paper we propose a semantic representation based on
hybrid architecture for building the Ontologies in ascendant way, this
method facilitates the semantic reconciliation between the
heterogeneous information systems that support reverse logistics
processes and product data.
Abstract: An existing RC building in Madinah is seismically
evaluated with and without infill wall. Four model systems have been
considered i.e. model I (no infill), model IIA (strut infill-update from
field test), model IIB (strut infill- ASCE/SEI 41) and model IIC (strut
infill-Soft storey- ASCE/SEI 41). Three dimensional pushover
analyses have been carried out using SAP2000 software
incorporating inelastic material behavior for concrete, steel and infill
walls. Infill wall has been modeled as equivalent strut according to
suggested equation matching field test measurements and to the
ASCE/SEI 41 equation. The effect of building modeling on the
performance point as well as capacity and demand spectra due to EQ
design spectrum function in Madinah area has been investigated. The
response modification factor (R) for the 5 story RC building is
evaluated from capacity and demand spectra (ATC-40) for the
studied models. The results are summarized and discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, the transient device performance analysis
of n-type Gate Inside JunctionLess Transistor (GI-JLT) has been
evaluated. 3-D Bohm Quantum Potential (BQP) transport device
simulation has been used to evaluate the delay and power dissipation
performance. GI-JLT has a number of desirable device parameters
such as reduced propagation delay, dynamic power dissipation,
power and delay product, intrinsic gate delay and energy delay
product as compared to Gate-all-around transistors GAA-JLT. In
addition to this, various other device performance parameters namely,
on/off current ratio, short channel effects (SCE), transconductance
Generation Factor (TGF) and unity gain cut-off frequency (fT ) and
subthreshold slope (SS) of the GI-JLT and GAA-JLT have been
analyzed and compared. GI-JLT shows better device performance
characteristics than GAA-JLT for low power and high frequency
applications, because of its larger gate electrostatic control on the
device operation.
Abstract: Fugitive particulate matter (PM) is a major source of
airborne pollution in the Middle East countries. The meteorological
conditions and topography of the area makes it highly susceptible to
wind-blown particles which raise many air quality concerns. Air
quality tools such as field monitoring, emission factors and dispersion
modeling have been used in previous research studies to analyze the
release and impacts of fugitive PM in the region. However, these
tools have been originally developed based on experiments made for
European and North American regions. In this work, an experimental
campaign was conducted on April-May 2014 in a construction site in
Doha city, Qatar. The ultimate goal is to evaluate the applicability of
the existing emission factors for construction sites in dry and arid
areas like the Middle East.
Abstract: The main aim of a communication system is to
achieve maximum performance. In Cognitive Radio any user or
transceiver has ability to sense best suitable channel, while channel is
not in use. It means an unlicensed user can share the spectrum of a
licensed user without any interference. Though, the spectrum sensing
consumes a large amount of energy and it can reduce by applying
various artificial intelligent methods for determining proper spectrum
holes. It also increases the efficiency of Cognitive Radio Network
(CRN). In this survey paper we discuss the use of different learning
models and implementation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to
increase the learning and decision making capacity of CRN without
affecting bandwidth, cost and signal rate.
Abstract: Future flood can be predicted using the probable
maximum flood (PMF). PMF is calculated using the historical
discharge or rainfall data considering the other climatic parameters
remaining stationary. However climate is changing globally and the
key climatic variables are temperature, evaporation, rainfall and sea
level rise are likely to change. To develop scenarios to a basin or
catchment scale these important climatic variables should be
considered. Nowadays scenario based on climatic variables is more
suitable than PMF. Six scenarios were developed for a large Fitzroy
basin and presented in this paper.
Abstract: Environmental impacts of six 3D printers using
various materials were compared to determine if material choice
drove sustainability, or if other factors such as machine type, machine
size, or machine utilization dominate. Cradle-to-grave life-cycle
assessments were performed, comparing a commercial-scale FDM
machine printing in ABS plastic, a desktop FDM machine printing in
ABS, a desktop FDM machine printing in PET and PLA plastics, a
polyjet machine printing in its proprietary polymer, an SLA machine
printing in its polymer, and an inkjet machine hacked to print in salt
and dextrose. All scenarios were scored using ReCiPe Endpoint H
methodology to combine multiple impact categories, comparing
environmental impacts per part made for several scenarios per
machine. Results showed that most printers’ ecological impacts were
dominated by electricity use, not materials, and the changes in
electricity use due to different plastics was not significant compared
to variation from one machine to another. Variation in machine idle
time determined impacts per part most strongly. However, material
impacts were quite important for the inkjet printer hacked to print in
salt: In its optimal scenario, it had up to 1/38th the impacts coreper
part as the worst-performing machine in the same scenario. If salt
parts were infused with epoxy to make them more physically robust,
then much of this advantage disappeared, and material impacts
actually dominated or equaled electricity use. Future studies should
also measure DMLS and SLS processes / materials.
Abstract: Alkylated silicon nanocrystals (C11-SiNCs) were
prepared successfully by galvanostatic etching of p-Si(100) wafers
followed by a thermal hydrosilation reaction of 1-undecene in
refluxing toluene in order to extract C11-SiNCs from porous silicon.
Erbium trichloride was added to alkylated SiNCs using a simple
mixing chemical route. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
investigation on mixing SiNCs with erbium ions (III) by this
chemical method. The chemical characterization of C11-SiNCs and
their mixtures with Er3+(Er/C11-SiNCs) were carried out using X-ray
photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The optical properties of C11-
SiNCs and their mixtures with Er3+ were investigated using Raman
spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The erbium mixed
alkylated SiNCs shows an orange PL emission peak at around 595
nm that originates from radiative recombination of Si. Er/C11-SiNCs
mixture also exhibits a weak PL emission peak at 1536 nm that
originates from the intra-4f transition in erbium ions (Er3+). The PL
peak of Si in Er/C11-SiNCs mixture is increased in the intensity up to
three times as compared to pure C11-SiNCs. The collected data
suggest that this chemical mixing route leads instead to a transfer of
energy from erbium ions to alkylated SiNCs.
Abstract: In this paper, extract of papaya leaves are used as a
natural dye and combined by variations of solvent concentration
applied on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell). Indonesian geographic
located on the equator line occasions the magnitude of the potential
to develop organic solar cells made from extracts of chlorophyll as a
substitute for inorganic materials or synthetic dye on DSSC material.
Dye serves as absorbing photons which are then converted into
electrical energy. A conductive coated glass layer called TCO
(Transparent Conductive Oxide) is used as a substrate of electrode.
TiO2 nanoparticles as binding dye molecules, redox couple iodide/
tri-iodide as the electrolyte and carbon as the counter electrode in the
DSSC are used. TiO2 nanoparticles, organic dyes, electrolytes, and
counter electrode are arranged and combined with the layered
structure of the photo-catalyst absorption layer. Dye absorption
measurements using a spectrophotometer at 400-800 nm light
spectrum produces a total amount of chlorophyll 80.076 mg/l. The
test cell at 7 watt LED light with 5000 lux luminescence was
obtained Voc and Isc of 235.5 mV and 14 μA, respectively.
Abstract: This paper describes a novel application of Fiber
Braggs Grating (FBG) sensors in the assessment of human postural
stability and balance on an unstable platform. In this work, FBG
sensor Stability Analyzing Device (FBGSAD) is developed for
measurement of plantar strain to assess the postural stability of
subjects on unstable platforms during different stances in eyes open
and eyes closed conditions on a rocker board. The studies are
validated by comparing the Centre of Gravity (CG) variations
measured on the lumbar vertebra of subjects using a commercial
accelerometer. The results obtained from the developed FBGSAD
depict qualitative similarities with the data recorded by commercial
accelerometer. The advantage of the FBGSAD is that it measures
simultaneously plantar strain distribution and postural stability of the
subject along with its inherent benefits like non-requirement of
energizing voltage to the sensor, electromagnetic immunity and
simple design which suits its applicability in biomechanical
applications. The developed FBGSAD can serve as a tool/yardstick to
mitigate space motion sickness, identify individuals who are
susceptible to falls and to qualify subjects for balance and stability,
which are important factors in the selection of certain unique
professionals such as aircraft pilots, astronauts, cosmonauts etc.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to reduce patient
waiting times, improve system throughput and improve resources
utilization in radiology department. A discrete event simulation
model was developed using Arena simulation software to investigate
different alternatives to improve the overall system delivery based on
adding resource scenarios due to the linkage between patient waiting
times and resource availability. The study revealed that there is no
addition investment need to procure additional scanner but hospital
management deploy managerial tactics to enhance machine
utilization and reduce the long waiting time in the department.
Abstract: The continuous decline of petroleum and natural gas
reserves and non linear rise of oil price has brought about a
realisation of the need for a change in our perpetual dependence on
the fossil fuel. A day to day increased consumption of crude and
petroleum products has made a considerable impact on our foreign
exchange reserves. Hence, an alternate resource for the conversion of
energy (both liquid and gas) is essential for the substitution of
conventional fuels. Biomass is the alternate solution for the present
scenario. Biomass can be converted into both liquid as well as
gaseous fuels and other feedstocks for the industries.
Abstract: Femtocells are regarded as a milestone for next
generation cellular networks. As femtocells are deployed in an
unplanned manner, there is a chance of assigning same resource to
neighboring femtocells. This scenario may induce co-channel
interference and may seriously affect the service quality of
neighboring femtocells. In addition, the dominant transmit power of a
femtocell will induce co-tier interference to neighboring femtocells.
Thus to jointly handle co-tier and co-channel interference, we
propose an interference-free power and resource block allocation
(IFPRBA) algorithm for closely located, closed access femtocells.
Based on neighboring list, inter-femto-base station distance and
uplink noise power, the IFPRBA algorithm assigns non-interfering
power and resource to femtocells. The IFPRBA algorithm also
guarantees the quality of service to femtouser based on the
knowledge of resource requirement, connection type, and the
tolerable delay budget. Simulation result shows that the interference
power experienced in IFPRBA algorithm is below the tolerable
interference power and hence the overall service success ratio, PRB
efficiency and network throughput are maximum when compared to
conventional resource allocation framework for femtocell (RAFF)
algorithm.
Abstract: This paper investigates the viability of using carbon
fiber reinforced epoxy composites modified with carbon nanotubes to
strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Six RC columns
was designed and constructed according to ASCE standards. The
columns were wrapped using carbon fiber sheets impregnated with
either neat epoxy or CNTs modified epoxy. These columns were then
tested under concentric axial loading. Test results show that;
compared to the unwrapped specimens; wrapping concrete columns
with carbon fiber sheet embedded in CNTs modified epoxy resulted
in an increase in its axial load resistance, maximum displacement,
and toughness values by 24%, 109% and 232%, respectively. These
results reveal that adding CNTs into epoxy resin enhanced the
confinement effect, specifically, increased the axial load resistance,
maximum displacement, and toughness values by 11%, 6%, and
19%, respectively compared with columns strengthening with carbon
fiber sheet embedded in neat epoxy.
Abstract: Software Architecture is the basic structure of
software that states the development and advancement of a software
system. Software architecture is also considered as a significant tool
for the construction of high quality software systems. A clean design
leads to the control, value and beauty of software resulting in its
longer life while a bad design is the cause of architectural erosion
where a software evolution completely fails. This paper discusses the
occurrence of software architecture erosion and presents a set of
methods for the detection, declaration and prevention of architecture
erosion. The causes and symptoms of architecture erosion are
observed with the examples of prescriptive and descriptive
architectures and the practices used to stop this erosion are also
discussed by considering different types of software erosion and their
affects. Consequently finding and devising the most suitable
approach for fighting software architecture erosion and in some way
reducing its affect is evaluated and tested on different scenarios.
Abstract: The paper describes a Chinese shadow play animation
system based on Kinect. Users, without any professional training, can
personally manipulate the shadow characters to finish a shadow play
performance by their body actions and get a shadow play video
through giving the record command to our system if they want. In our
system, Kinect is responsible for capturing human movement and
voice commands data. Gesture recognition module is used to control
the change of the shadow play scenes. After packaging the data from
Kinect and the recognition result from gesture recognition module,
VRPN transmits them to the server-side. At last, the server-side uses
the information to control the motion of shadow characters and video
recording. This system not only achieves human-computer interaction,
but also realizes the interaction between people. It brings an
entertaining experience to users and easy to operate for all ages. Even
more important is that the application background of Chinese shadow
play embodies the protection of the art of shadow play animation.
Abstract: Electricity spot prices are highly volatile under
optimal generation capacity scenarios due to factors such as nonstorability
of electricity, peak demand at certain periods, generator
outages, fuel uncertainty for renewable energy generators, huge
investments and time needed for generation capacity expansion etc.
As a result market participants are exposed to price and volume risk,
which has led to the development of risk management practices. This
paper provides an overview of risk management practices by market
participants in electricity markets using financial derivatives.
Abstract: The Smart Help for persons with disability (PWD) is a
part of the project SMARTDISABLE which aims to develop relevant
solution for PWD that target to provide an adequate workplace
environment for them. It would support PWD needs smartly through
smart help to allow them access to relevant information and
communicate with other effectively and flexibly, and smart editor
that assist them in their daily work. It will assist PWD in knowledge
processing and creation as well as being able to be productive at the
work place. The technical work of the project involves design of a
technological scenario for the Ambient Intelligence (AmI) - based
assistive technologies at the workplace consisting of an integrated
universal smart solution that suits many different impairment
conditions and will be designed to empower the Physically disabled
persons (PDP) with the capability to access and effectively utilize the
ICTs in order to execute knowledge rich working tasks with
minimum efforts and with sufficient comfort level. The proposed
technology solution for PWD will support voice recognition along
with normal keyboard and mouse to control the smart help and smart
editor with dynamic auto display interface that satisfies the
requirements for different PWD group. In addition, a smart help will
provide intelligent intervention based on the behavior of PWD to
guide them and warn them about possible misbehavior. PWD can
communicate with others using Voice over IP controlled by voice
recognition. Moreover, Auto Emergency Help Response would be
supported to assist PWD in case of emergency. This proposed
technology solution intended to make PWD very effective at the
work environment and flexible using voice to conduct their tasks at
the work environment. The proposed solution aims to provide
favorable outcomes that assist PWD at the work place, with the
opportunity to participate in PWD assistive technology innovation
market which is still small and rapidly growing as well as upgrading
their quality of life to become similar to the normal people at the
workplace. Finally, the proposed smart help solution is applicable in
all workplace setting, including offices, manufacturing, hospital, etc.
Abstract: Children are more susceptible to medication errors
than adults. Medication administration process is the last stage in the
medication treatment process and most of the errors detected in this
stage. Little research has been undertaken about medication errors in
children in the Middle East countries. This study was aimed to
evaluate how the paediatric nurses adhere to the medication
administration policy and also to identify any medication preparation
and administration errors or any risk factors. An observational,
prospective study of medication administration process from when
the nurses preparing patient medication until administration stage
(May to August 2014) was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Twelve
paediatric nurses serving 90 paediatric patients were observed. 456
drug administered doses were evaluated. Adherence rate was variable
in 7 steps out of 16 steps. Patient allergy information, dose
calculation, drug expiry date were the steps in medication
administration with lowest adherence rates. 63 medication
preparation and administration errors were identified with error rate
13.8% of medication administrations. No potentially life-threating
errors were witnessed. Few logistic and administrative factors were
reported. The results showed that the medication administration
policy and procedure need an urgent revision to be more sensible for
nurses in practice. Nurses’ knowledge and skills regarding to the
medication administration process should be improved.