Abstract: The typical coupled-tanks process that is TITO
plant has the difficulty in controller design because changing
of system dynamics and interacting of process. This paper
presents design methodology of auto-adjustable PI controller
using MRAC technique. The proposed method can adjust the
controller parameters in response to changes in plant and
disturbance real time by referring to the reference model that
specifies properties of the desired control system.
Abstract: The possible therapeutic effect of cannabidiol, the major non-psychotropic Cannabis constituent, was investigated against acute hepatotoxicity induced by a single oral dose of acetaminophen (500mg/kg) in mice. Cannabidiol (two intraperitoneal injections, 5mg/kg, each) was given 1 hour and 12 hours following acetaminophen administration. Acetaminophen administration caused significant elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase, and hepatic malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and a significant decrease in hepatic reduced glutathione. Cannabidiol significantly attenuated the deterioration in the measured biochemical parameters resulted from acetaminophen administration. Also, histopathological examination showed that cannabidiol markedly attenuated ameliorated acetaminophen-induced liver tissue damage. These results emphasize that cannabidiol represents a potential therapeutic option to protect against acetaminophen hepartotoxicity which is a common clinical problem.
Abstract: The distillation process in the general sense is a
relatively simple technique from the standpoints of its principles.
When dedicating distillation to water treatment and specifically
producing fresh water from sea, ocean and/ briny waters it is
interesting to notice that distillation has no limitations or domains of
applicability regarding the nature or the type of the feedstock water.
This is not the case however for other techniques that are
technologically quite complex, necessitate bigger capital investments
and are limited in their usability. In a previous paper we have
explored some of the effects of temperature on yield. In this paper,
we continue building onto that knowledge base and focus on the
effects of several additional engineering and design variables on
productivity.
Abstract: A generic and extendible Multi-Agent Data Mining
(MADM) framework, MADMF (the Multi-Agent Data Mining
Framework) is described. The central feature of the framework is that
it avoids the use of agreed meta-language formats by supporting a
framework of wrappers.
The advantage offered is that the framework is easily extendible,
so that further data agents and mining agents can simply be added to
the framework. A demonstration MADMF framework is currently
available. The paper includes details of the MADMF architecture and
the wrapper principle incorporated into it. A full description and
evaluation of the framework-s operation is provided by considering
two MADM scenarios.
Abstract: Determining how many virtual machines a Linux host
could run can be a challenge. One of tough missions is to find the
balance among performance, density and usability. Now KVM
hypervisor has become the most popular open source full
virtualization solution. It supports several ways of running guests with
more memory than host really has. Due to large differences between
minimum and maximum guest memory requirements, this paper
presents initial results on same-page merging, ballooning and live
migration techniques that aims at optimum memory usage on
KVM-based cloud platform. Given the design of initial experiments,
the results data is worth reference for system administrators. The
results from these experiments concluded that each method offers
different reliability tradeoff.
Abstract: In this paper, the problem of asymptotical stability of neutral systems with nonlinear perturbations is investigated. Based on a class of novel augment Lyapunov functionals which contain freeweighting matrices, some new delay-dependent asymptotical stability criteria are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) by using new inequality analysis technique. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the derived condition are much less conservative than those given in the literature.
Abstract: Phaseolus coccineus L. is the third most important
cultivated Phaseolus species in the world. It is widely grown in
Latvia due to its earliness, good taste and uniform and qualitative
yield. Experiments were carried out in the laboratories of Department
of Food Technology and Agronomical Analysis Scientific Laboratory
at Latvia Universityof Agriculture. Beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.)
crude protein, crude ash content as well as colour measurements were
analyzed. Results show, that brown coloured beans have less crude
protein content than others, and ash content have significant
differences.
Abstract: There are a many of needs for the development of
SiC-based hydrogen sensor for harsh environment applications. We
fabricated and investigated Pd/Ta2O5/SiC-based hydrogen sensors
with MOS capacitor structure for high temperature process monitoring
and leak detection applications in such automotive, chemical and
petroleum industries as well as direct monitoring of combustion
processes. In this work, we used silicon carbide (SiC) as a substrate to
replace silicon which operating temperatures are limited to below
200°C. Tantalum oxide was investigated as dielectric layer which has
high permeability for hydrogen gas and high dielectric permittivity,
compared with silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. Then, electrical
response properties, such as I-V curve and dependence of capacitance
on hydrogen concentrations were analyzed in the temperature ranges
of room temperature to 500°C for performance evaluation of the
sensor.
Abstract: Classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals
extracted during mental tasks is a technique that is actively pursued
for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) designs. In this paper, we
compared the classification performances of univariateautoregressive
(AR) and multivariate autoregressive (MAR) models
for representing EEG signals that were extracted during different
mental tasks. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network (NN)
trained by the backpropagation (BP) algorithm was used to classify
these features into the different categories representing the mental
tasks. Classification performances were also compared across
different mental task combinations and 2 sets of hidden units (HU): 2
to 10 HU in steps of 2 and 20 to 100 HU in steps of 20. Five different
mental tasks from 4 subjects were used in the experimental study and
combinations of 2 different mental tasks were studied for each
subject. Three different feature extraction methods with 6th order
were used to extract features from these EEG signals: AR
coefficients computed with Burg-s algorithm (ARBG), AR
coefficients computed with stepwise least square algorithm (ARLS)
and MAR coefficients computed with stepwise least square
algorithm. The best results were obtained with 20 to 100 HU using
ARBG. It is concluded that i) it is important to choose the suitable
mental tasks for different individuals for a successful BCI design, ii)
higher HU are more suitable and iii) ARBG is the most suitable
feature extraction method.
Abstract: The urban transformation processes in its framework
and its general significance became a fundamental and vital subject
of consideration for both the developed and the developing societies.
It has become important to regulate the architectural systems adopted
by the city, to sustain the present development on one hand, and on
the other hand, to facilitate its future growth.
Thus, the study dealt with the phenomenon of urban
transformation of the Mediterranean cities, and the city of Alexandria
in particular, because of its significant historical and cultural legacy,
its historical architecture and its contemporary urbanization.
This article investigates the entirety of cities in the Mediterranean
region through the analysis of the relationship between inflation and
growth of these cities and the extent of the complexity of the city
barriers. We hope to analyze not only the internal transformations,
but the external relationships (both imperial and post-colonial) that
have shaped Alexandria city growth from the nineteenth century until
today.
Abstract: Stairway Ushtobin Village is one of the five villages with original and sustainable architecture in Northwest of Iran along the border of Armenia, which has been able to maintain its environment and sustainable ecosystem. Studying circulation, function and scale (grand, medium and minor) of space, ratio of full and empty spaces, number and height of stairs, ratio of compound volume to luxury spaces, openings, type of local masonry (stone, mud, wood) and form of covering elements have been carried out in four houses of this village comparatively as some samples in this article, and furthermore, this article analyzes that the architectural shapes and organic texture of the village meet the needs of cold and dry climate. Finally, some efficient plans are offered suiting the present needs of the village to have a sustainable architecture.
Abstract: In this paper, a direct torque control - space vector
modulation (DTC-SVM) scheme is presented for a six-phase speed
and voltage sensorless induction motor (IM) drive. The decoupled
torque and stator flux control is achieved based on IM stator flux field orientation. The rotor speed is detected by on-line estimating of
the rotor angular slip speed and stator vector flux speed. In addition, a simple method is introduced to estimate the stator resistance.
Moreover in this control scheme the voltage sensors are eliminated
and actual motor phase voltages are approximated by using PWM
inverter switching times and the dc link voltage. Finally, some simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the
effectiveness and capability of the proposed control scheme.
Abstract: This paper describes an application of a dual satellite
geolocation (DSG) system on identifying and locating the unknown
source of uplink sweeping interference. The geolocation system
integrates the method of joint time difference of arrival (TDOA) and
frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) with ephemeris correction
technique which successfully demonstrated high accuracy in
interference source location. The factors affecting the location error
were also discussed.
Abstract: A new hybrid method to realise high-precision
distortion determination for optical ultra-precision 3D measurement
systems based on stereo cameras using active light projection is
introduced. It consists of two phases: the basic distortion
determination and the refinement. The refinement phase of the
procedure uses a plane surface and projected fringe patterns as
calibration tools to determine simultaneously the distortion of both
cameras within an iterative procedure. The new technique may be
performed in the state of the device “ready for measurement" which
avoids errors by a later adjustment. A considerable reduction of
distortion errors is achieved and leads to considerable improvements
of the accuracy of 3D measurements, especially in the precise
measurement of smooth surfaces.
Abstract: The use of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models
to support construction project planning has been increasing in the
previous year. 3D CAD models reveal more planning ideas by
visually showing the construction site environment in different stages
of the construction process. Using 3D CAD models together with
scheduling software to prepare construction plan can identify errors
in process sequence and spatial arrangement, which is vital to the
success of a construction project. A number of 4D (3D plus time)
CAD tools has been developed and utilized in different construction
projects due to the awareness of their importance. Virtual prototyping
extends the idea of 4D CAD by integrating more features for
simulating real construction process. Virtual prototyping originates
from the manufacturing industry where production of products such
as cars and airplanes are virtually simulated in computer before they
are built in the factory. Virtual prototyping integrates 3D CAD,
simulation engine, analysis tools (like structural analysis and
collision detection), and knowledgebase to streamline the whole
product design and production process. In this paper, we present the
application of a virtual prototyping software which has been used in
a few construction projects in Hong Kong to support construction
project planning. Specifically, the paper presents an implementation
of virtual prototyping in a residential building project in Hong Kong.
The applicability, difficulties and benefits of construction virtual
prototyping are examined based on this project.
Abstract: Since the presentation of the backpropagation algorithm, a vast variety of improvements of the technique for training a feed forward neural networks have been proposed. This article focuses on two classes of acceleration techniques, one is known as Local Adaptive Techniques that are based on weightspecific only, such as the temporal behavior of the partial derivative of the current weight. The other, known as Dynamic Adaptation Methods, which dynamically adapts the momentum factors, α, and learning rate, η, with respect to the iteration number or gradient. Some of most popular learning algorithms are described. These techniques have been implemented and tested on several problems and measured in terms of gradient and error function evaluation, and percentage of success. Numerical evidence shows that these techniques improve the convergence of the Backpropagation algorithm.
Abstract: Internet Access Technologies (IAT) provide a means
through which Internet can be accessed. The choice of a suitable
Internet technology is increasingly becoming an important issue to
ISP clients. Currently, the choice of IAT is based on discretion and
intuition of the concerned managers and the reliance on ISPs. In this
paper we propose a model and designs algorithms that are used in the
Internet access technology specification. In the proposed model, three
ranking approaches are introduced; concurrent ranking, stepwise
ranking and weighted ranking. The model ranks the IAT based on
distance measures computed in ascending order while the global
ranking system assigns weights to each IAT according to the position
held in each ranking technique, determines the total weight of a
particular IAT and ranks them in descending order. The final output
is an objective ranking of IAT in descending order.
Abstract: This communication is intended to provide some issues for thought on the importance of implementation of Blended Learning in traditional universities, particularly in the Spanish university system. In this respect, we believe that virtual environments are likely to meet some of the needs raised by the Bologna agreement, trying to maintain the quality of teaching and at the same time taking advantage of the functionalities that virtual learning platforms offer. We are aware that an approach of learning from an open and constructivist nature in universities is a complex process that faces significant technological, administrative and human barriers. Therefore, in order to put plans in our universities, it is necessary to analyze the state of the art of some indicators relating to the use of ICT, with special attention to virtual teaching and learning, so that we can identify the main obstacles and design adaptive strategies for their full integration in the education system. Finally, we present major initiatives launched in the European and state framework for the effective implementation of new virtual environments in the area of higher education.
Abstract: The trend in the world of Information Technology
(IT) is getting increasingly large and difficult projects rather than
smaller and easier. However, the data on large-scale IT project
success rates provide cause for concern. This paper seeks to answer
why large-scale IT projects are different from and more difficult than
other typical engineering projects. Drawing on the industrial
experience, a compilation of the conditions that influence failure is
presented. With a view to improve success rates solutions are
suggested.
Abstract: IFP Group Technology “Sulfrex process" was used in
Iran-s South Pars Gas Complex Refineries for removing sulfur
compounds such as mercaptans, carbonyl sulfide and hydrogen
sulfide, which uses sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine dispersed in
alkaline solution as catalyst. In this technology, catalyst and alkaline
solution were used circularly. However the stability of catalyst due to
effect of some parameters would reduce with the running of the unit
and therefore sweetening efficiency would be decreased. Hence, the
aim of this research is study the factors effecting on the stability of
catalyst.