Abstract: Obtaining labeled data in supervised learning is often
difficult and expensive, and thus the trained learning algorithm tends
to be overfitting due to small number of training data. As a result,
some researchers have focused on using unlabeled data which may
not necessary to follow the same generative distribution as the labeled
data to construct a high-level feature for improving performance on
supervised learning tasks. In this paper, we investigate the impact of
the relationship between unlabeled and labeled data for classification
performance. Specifically, we will apply difference unlabeled data
which have different degrees of relation to the labeled data for
handwritten digit classification task based on MNIST dataset. Our
experimental results show that the higher the degree of relation
between unlabeled and labeled data, the better the classification
performance. Although the unlabeled data that is completely from
different generative distribution to the labeled data provides the lowest
classification performance, we still achieve high classification performance.
This leads to expanding the applicability of the supervised
learning algorithms using unsupervised learning.
Abstract: Addition of milli or micro sized particles to the heat
transfer fluid is one of the many techniques employed for improving
heat transfer rate. Though this looks simple, this method has
practical problems such as high pressure loss, clogging and erosion
of the material of construction. These problems can be overcome by
using nanofluids, which is a dispersion of nanosized particles in a
base fluid. Nanoparticles increase the thermal conductivity of the
base fluid manifold which in turn increases the heat transfer rate.
Nanoparticles also increase the viscosity of the basefluid resulting in
higher pressure drop for the nanofluid compared to the base fluid. So
it is imperative that the Reynolds number (Re) and the volume
fraction have to be optimum for better thermal hydraulic
effectiveness. In this work, the heat transfer enhancement using
aluminium oxide nanofluid using low and high volume fraction
nanofluids in turbulent pipe flow with constant wall temperature has
been studied by computational fluid dynamic modeling of the
nanofluid flow adopting the single phase approach. Nanofluid, up till
a volume fraction of 1% is found to be an effective heat transfer
enhancement technique. The Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor
predictions for the low volume fractions (i.e. 0.02%, 0.1 and 0.5%)
agree very well with the experimental values of Sundar and Sharma
(2010). While, predictions for the high volume fraction nanofluids
(i.e. 1%, 4% and 6%) are found to have reasonable agreement with
both experimental and numerical results available in the literature.
So the computationally inexpensive single phase approach can be
used for heat transfer and pressure drop prediction of new nanofluids.
Abstract: In today's world where everything is rapidly changing
and information technology is high in development, many features of culture, society, politic and economy has changed. The advent of
information technology and electronic data transmission lead to easy communication and fields like e-learning and e-commerce, are
accessible for everyone easily. One of these technologies is virtual
training. The "quality" of such kind of education systems is critical. 131 questionnaires were prepared and distributed among university
student in Toba University. So the research has followed factors that affect the quality of learning from the perspective of staff, students, professors and this type of university. It is concluded that the important factors in virtual training are the quality of professors, the
quality of staff, and the quality of the university. These mentioned factors were the most prior factors in this education system and
necessary for improving virtual training.
Abstract: A key requirement for e-learning materials is
reusability and interoperability, that is the possibility to use at least
part of the contents in different courses, and to deliver them trough
different platforms. These features make possible to limit the cost of
new packages, but require the development of material according to
proper specifications. SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference
Model) is a set of guidelines suitable for this purpose. A specific
adaptation project has been started to make possible to reuse existing
materials. The paper describes the main characteristics of SCORM
specification, and the procedure used to modify the existing material.
Abstract: This paper presents a real-time defect detection
algorithm for high-speed steel bar in coil. Because the target speed is
very high, proposed algorithm should process quickly the large
volumes of image for real-time processing. Therefore, defect detection
algorithm should satisfy two conflicting requirements of reducing the
processing time and improving the efficiency of defect detection. To
enhance performance of detection, edge preserving method is
suggested for noise reduction of target image. Finally, experiment
results show that the proposed algorithm guarantees the condition of
the real-time processing and accuracy of detection.
Abstract: Graph based image segmentation techniques are
considered to be one of the most efficient segmentation techniques
which are mainly used as time & space efficient methods for real
time applications. How ever, there is need to focus on improving the
quality of segmented images obtained from the earlier graph based
methods. This paper proposes an improvement to the graph based
image segmentation methods already described in the literature. We
contribute to the existing method by proposing the use of a weighted
Euclidean distance to calculate the edge weight which is the key
element in building the graph. We also propose a slight modification
of the segmentation method already described in the literature, which
results in selection of more prominent edges in the graph. The
experimental results show the improvement in the segmentation
quality as compared to the methods that already exist, with a slight
compromise in efficiency.
Abstract: In Algeria, liberalization reforms undertaken since the 1990s have resulted in negative effects on the development and management of irrigation schemes, as well as on the conditions of farmers. Reforms have been undertaken to improve the performance of irrigation schemes, such as the national plan of agricultural development (PNDA) in 2000 and the water pricing policy of 2005. However, after implementation of these policies, questions have arisen with regard to irrigation performance and its suitability for agricultural development. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide insight into the profitability of irrigation during the transition period under current irrigation agricultural policies in Algeria. By using the method of farm crop budget analysis in the East Mitidja irrigation scheme, the returns from using surface water resources based on farm typology were found to vary among crops and farmers- groups within the scheme. Irrigation under the current situation is profitable for all farmers, including both those who benefit from subsidies and those who do not. However, the returns to water were found to be very sensitive to crop price fluctuations, particularly for non-subsidized groups and less so for those whose farming is based on orchards. Moreover, the socio-economic environment of the farmers contributed to less significant impacts of the PNDA policy. In fact, the limiting factor is not only the water, but also the lack of land ownership title. Market access constraints led to less agricultural investment and therefore to low intensification and low water productivity. It is financially feasible to recover the annual O&M costs in the irrigation scheme. By comparing the irrigation water price, returns to water, and O&M costs of water delivery, it is clear that irrigation can be profitable in the future. However, water productivity must be improved by enhancing farmers- income through farming investment, improving assets access, and the allocation of activities and crops which bring high returns to water; this could allow the farmers to pay more for water and allow cost recovery for water systems.
Abstract: The review performed on the condition of energy
consumption & rate in Iran, shows that unfortunately the subject of
optimization and conservation of energy in active industries of
country lacks a practical & effective method and in most factories,
the energy consumption and rate is more than in similar industries of
industrial countries. The increasing demand of electrical energy and
the overheads which it imposes on the organization, forces
companies to search for suitable approaches to optimize energy
consumption and demand management. Application of value
engineering techniques is among these approaches. Value
engineering is considered a powerful tool for improving profitability.
These tools are used for reduction of expenses, increasing profits,
quality improvement, increasing market share, performing works in
shorter durations, more efficient utilization of sources & etc.
In this article, we shall review the subject of value engineering and
its capabilities for creating effective transformations in industrial
organizations, in order to reduce energy costs & the results have
been investigated and described during a case study in Mazandaran
wood and paper industries, the biggest consumer of energy in north
of Iran, for the purpose of presenting the effects of performed tasks
in optimization of energy consumption by utilizing value engineering
techniques in one case study.
Abstract: This research explores the links between physical
development and transportation infrastructure around Kumasi,
Ghana. It utilizes census data as well as fieldwork and interviews
carried out during July and December 2005. The results suggest that
there is a weak association between transportation investments and
physical development, and that recent housing has generally occurred
in poorly accessible locations. Road investments have generally
followed physical expansion rather than the reverse. Hence policies
designed to manage the fast growth now occurring around Ghanaian
cities should not focus exclusively on improving transportation
infrastructure but also strengthening the underlying the traditional
land management structures and the official land administrative
institutions that operate within those structures.
Abstract: Deaths from cardiovascular diseases have decreased substantially over the past two decades, largely as a result of advances in acute care and cardiac surgery. These developments have produced a growing population of patients who have survived a myocardial infarction. These patients need to be continuously monitored so that the initiation of treatment can be given within the crucial golden hour. The available conventional methods of monitoring mostly perform offline analysis and restrict the mobility of these patients within a hospital or room. Hence the aim of this paper is to design a Portable Cardiac Telemedicine System to aid the patients to regain their independence and return to an active work schedule, there by improving the psychological well being. The portable telemedicine system consists of a Wearable ECG Transmitter (WET) and a slightly modified mobile phone, which has an inbuilt ECG analyzer. The WET is placed on the body of the patient that continuously acquires the ECG signals from the high-risk cardiac patients who can move around anywhere. This WET transmits the ECG to the patient-s Bluetooth enabled mobile phone using blue tooth technology. The ECG analyzer inbuilt in the mobile phone continuously analyzes the heartbeats derived from the received ECG signals. In case of any panic condition, the mobile phone alerts the patients care taker by an SMS and initiates the transmission of a sample ECG signal to the doctor, via the mobile network.
Abstract: RF performance of SOI CMOS device has attracted
significant amount of interest recently. In order to improve RF
parameters, Strained Si/Relaxed Si0.8Ge0.2 investigated as a
replacement for Si technology .Enhancement of carrier mobility
associated with strain engineering makes Strained Si a promising
candidate for improving RF performance of CMOS technology.
From the simulation, the cut-off frequency is estimated to be 224
GHZ, whereas in SOI at similar bias is about 188 GHZ. Therefore,
Strained Si exhibits 19% improvement in cut-off frequency over
similar Si counterpart. In this paper, Ion/Ioff ratio is studied as one of
the key parameters in logic and digital application. Strained Si/SiGe
demonstrates better Ion/Ioff characteristic than SOI, in similar channel
length of 100 nm.Another important key analog figures of merit such
as Early Voltage (VEA) ,transconductance vs drain current (gm /Ids)
are studied. They introduce the efficiency of the devices to convert
dc power into ac frequency.
Abstract: The new framework the Higher Education is
immersed in involves a complete change in the way lecturers must
teach and students must learn. Whereas the lecturer was the main
character in traditional education, the essential goal now is to
increase the students' participation in the process. Thus, one of the
main tasks of lecturers in this new context is to design activities of
different nature in order to encourage such participation. Seminars
are one of the activities included in this environment. They are active
sessions that enable going in depth into specific topics as support of
other activities. They are characterized by some features such as
favoring interaction between students and lecturers or improving
their communication skills. Hence, planning and organizing strategic
seminars is indeed a great challenge for lecturers with the aim of
acquiring knowledge and abilities. This paper proposes a method
using Artificial Intelligence techniques to obtain student profiles
from their marks and preferences. The goal of building such profiles
is twofold. First, it facilitates the task of splitting the students into
different groups, each group with similar preferences and learning
difficulties. Second, it makes it easy to select adequate topics to be a
candidate for the seminars. The results obtained can be either a
guarantee of what the lecturers could observe during the development
of the course or a clue to reconsider new methodological strategies in
certain topics.
Abstract: this paper presents a novel neural network controller
with composite adaptation low to improve the trajectory tracking
problems of biped robots comparing with classical controller. The
biped model has 5_link and 6 degrees of freedom and actuated by
Plated Pneumatic Artificial Muscle, which have a very high power to
weight ratio and it has large stoke compared to similar actuators. The
proposed controller employ a stable neural network in to approximate
unknown nonlinear functions in the robot dynamics, thereby
overcoming some limitation of conventional controllers such as PD
or adaptive controllers and guarantee good performance. This NN
controller significantly improve the accuracy requirements by
retraining the basic PD/PID loop, but adding an inner adaptive loop
that allows the controller to learn unknown parameters such as
friction coefficient, therefore improving tracking accuracy.
Simulation results plus graphical simulation in virtual reality show
that NN controller tracking performance is considerably better than
PD controller tracking performance.
Abstract: A ten-year grazing study was conducted at the
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Brandon Research Centre in
Manitoba to study the effect of alfalfa inclusion and fertilizer (N, P,
K, and S) addition on economics and efficiency of non-renewable
energy use in meadow brome grass-based pasture systems for beef
production. Fertilizing grass-only or alfalfa-grass pastures to full soil
test recommendations improved pasture productivity, but did not
improve profitability compared to unfertilized pastures. Fertilizing
grass-only pastures resulted in the highest net loss of any pasture
management strategy in this study. Adding alfalfa at the time of
seeding, with no added fertilizer, was economically the best pasture
improvement strategy in this study. Because of moisture limitations,
adding commercial fertilizer to full soil test recommendations is
probably not economically justifiable in most years, especially with
the rising cost of fertilizer. Improving grass-only pastures by adding
fertilizer and/or alfalfa required additional non-renewable energy
inputs; however, the additional energy required for unfertilized
alfalfa-grass pastures was minimal compared to the fertilized
pastures. Of the four pasture management strategies, adding alfalfa
to grass pastures without adding fertilizer had the highest efficiency
of energy use. Based on energy use and economic performance, the
unfertilized alfalfa-grass pasture was the most efficient and
sustainable pasture system.
Abstract: It well recognized that one feature that makes a
successful company is its ability to successfully align its business goals with its information communication technologies platform.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems contribute to achieve better performance by integrating various business functions and
providing support for information flows. However, the technological
systems complexity is known to prevent the business users to exploit in an efficient way the Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP).
This paper aims to investigate the role of training in improving the
usage of ERP systems. To this end, we have designed an instrument
survey to employees of a Norwegian multinational global provider of
technology solutions. Based on the analysis of collected data, we have delineated a training model that could be high relevance for
both researchers and practitioners as a step towards a better
understanding of ERP system implementation.
Abstract: Software reliability prediction gives a great opportunity to measure the software failure rate at any point throughout system test. A software reliability prediction model provides with the technique for improving reliability. Software reliability is very important factor for estimating overall system reliability, which depends on the individual component reliabilities. It differs from hardware reliability in that it reflects the design perfection. Main reason of software reliability problems is high complexity of software. Various approaches can be used to improve the reliability of software. We focus on software reliability model in this article, assuming that there is a time redundancy, the value of which (the number of repeated transmission of basic blocks) can be an optimization parameter. We consider given mathematical model in the assumption that in the system may occur not only irreversible failures, but also a failure that can be taken as self-repairing failures that significantly affect the reliability and accuracy of information transfer. Main task of the given paper is to find a time distribution function (DF) of instructions sequence transmission, which consists of random number of basic blocks. We consider the system software unreliable; the time between adjacent failures has exponential distribution.
Abstract: Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) is especially
used for the manufacturing of 3-D complex geometry and hard
material parts that are extremely difficult-to-machine by conventional
machining processes. In this paper authors review the research work
carried out in the development of die-sinking EDM within the past
decades for the improvement of machining characteristics such as
Material Removal Rate, Surface Roughness and Tool Wear Ratio. In
this review various techniques reported by EDM researchers for
improving the machining characteristics have been categorized as
process parameters optimization, multi spark technique, powder
mixed EDM, servo control system and pulse discriminating. At the
end, flexible machine controller is suggested for Die Sinking EDM to
enhance the machining characteristics and to achieve high-level
automation. Thus, die sinking EDM can be integrated with Computer
Integrated Manufacturing environment as a need of agile
manufacturing systems.
Abstract: The malfunction of thermal protection system (TPS) caused by aerodynamic heating is a latent trouble to aircraft structure safety. Accurately predicting the structure temperature field is quite important for the TPS design of hypersonic vehicle. Since Thornton’s work in 1988, the coupled method of aerodynamic heating and heat transfer has developed rapidly. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of structural deformation on aerodynamic heating and structural temperature field. In the flight, especially the long-endurance flight, the structural deformation, caused by the aerodynamic heating and temperature rise, has a direct impact on the aerodynamic heating and structural temperature field. Thus, the coupled interaction cannot be neglected. In this paper, based on the method of static aero-thermo-elasticity, considering the influence of aero-thermo-elasticity deformation, the aerodynamic heating and heat transfer coupled results of hypersonic vehicle wing model were calculated. The results show that, for the low-curvature region, such as fuselage or center-section wing, structure deformation has little effect on temperature field. However, for the stagnation region with high curvature, the coupled effect is not negligible. Thus, it is quite important for the structure temperature prediction to take into account the effect of elastic deformation. This work has laid a solid foundation for improving the prediction accuracy of the temperature distribution of aircraft structures and the evaluation capacity of structural performance.
Abstract: Eutrophication of surface water is one of the most
widespread environmental problems at present. Large number of
pilgrims and tourists visit sacred artificial tank known as “Brahma
Sarover” located at Kurukshetra, India to take holy dip and perform
religious ceremonies. The sources of pollutants include impurities in
feed water, mass bathing, religious offerings and windblown
particulate matter. Studies so far have focused mainly on assessing
water quality for bathing purpose by using physico-chemical and
bacteriological parameters. No effort has been made to assess nutrient
concentration and trophic status of the tank to take more appropriate
measures for improving water quality on long term basis. In the
present study, total nitrogen, total phosphorous and chlorophyll a
measurements have been done to assess the nutrient level and trophic
status of the tank. The results show presence of high concentration of
nutrients and Chlorophyll a indicating mesotrophic and eutrophic
state of the tank. Phosphorous has been observed as limiting nutrient
in the tank water.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new technique for improving
the efficiency of software testing, which is based on a conventional
attempt to reduce test cases that have to be tested for any given
software. The approach utilizes the advantage of Regression Testing
where fewer test cases would lessen time consumption of the testing
as a whole. The technique also offers a means to perform test case
generation automatically. Compared to one of the techniques in the
literature where the tester has no option but to perform the test case
generation manually, the proposed technique provides a better
option. As for the test cases reduction, the technique uses simple
algebraic conditions to assign fixed values to variables (Maximum,
minimum and constant variables). By doing this, the variables values
would be limited within a definite range, resulting in fewer numbers
of possible test cases to process. The technique can also be used in
program loops and arrays.