Abstract: Noise level has critical effects on the diagnostic
performance of signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG), because
the true starting and end points of QRS complex would be masked by
the residual noise and sensitive to the noise level. Several studies and
commercial machines have used a fixed number of heart beats
(typically between 200 to 600 beats) or set a predefined noise level
(typically between 0.3 to 1.0 μV) in each X, Y and Z lead to perform
SAECG analysis. However different criteria or methods used to
perform SAECG would cause the discrepancies of the noise levels
among study subjects. According to the recommendations of 1991
ESC, AHA and ACC Task Force Consensus Document for the use of
SAECG, the determinations of onset and offset are related closely to
the mean and standard deviation of noise sample. Hence this study
would try to perform SAECG using consistent root-mean-square
(RMS) noise levels among study subjects and analyze the noise level
effects on SAECG. This study would also evaluate the differences
between normal subjects and chronic renal failure (CRF) patients in
the time-domain SAECG parameters.
The study subjects were composed of 50 normal Taiwanese and 20
CRF patients. During the signal-averaged processing, different RMS
noise levels were adjusted to evaluate their effects on three time
domain parameters (1) filtered total QRS duration (fQRSD), (2) RMS
voltage of the last QRS 40 ms (RMS40), and (3) duration of the low
amplitude signals below 40 μV (LAS40). The study results
demonstrated that the reduction of RMS noise level can increase
fQRSD and LAS40 and decrease the RMS40, and can further increase
the differences of fQRSD and RMS40 between normal subjects and
CRF patients. The SAECG may also become abnormal due to the
reduction of RMS noise level. In conclusion, it is essential to establish
diagnostic criteria of SAECG using consistent RMS noise levels for
the reduction of the noise level effects.
Abstract: Creating3D environments, including characters and
cities, is a significantly time consuming process due to a large amount
of workinvolved in designing and modelling.There have been a
number of attempts to automatically generate 3D objects employing
shape grammars. However it is still too early to apply the mechanism
to real problems such as real-time computer games.The purpose of this
research is to introduce a time efficient and cost effective method to
automatically generatevarious 3D objects for real-time 3D games.
This Shape grammar-based real-time City Generation (RCG) model is
a conceptual model for generating 3Denvironments in real-time and
can be applied to 3D gamesoranimations. The RCG system can
generate even a large cityby applying fundamental principles of shape
grammars to building elementsin various levels of detailin real-time.
Abstract: Canola is a specific edible type of rapeseed, developed
in the 1970s, which contains about 40 percent oil. This research was
carried out to determine the yield and some quality characteristics of
some winter canola cultivars during the 2010-2011 vegetation period
in Central Anatolia of Turkey. In this research; Oase, Dante,
Californium, Excalibur, Elvis, ES Hydromel, Licord, Orkan, Vectra,
Nelson, Champlain and NK Petrol winter canola varieties were used
as material. The field experiment was set up in a “Randomized
Complete Block Design” with three replications on 21 September
2010. In this research; seed yield, oil content, protein content, oil
yield and protein yield were examined.
As a result of this research; seed yield, oil content, oil yield and
protein yield (except protein content) were significant differences
between the cultivars. The highest seed yield (6348 kg ha-1) was
obtained from the NK Petrol, while the lowest seed yield (3949 kg
ha-1) was determined from the Champlain cultivar was obtained. The
highest oil content (46.73%) was observed from Oase and the lowest
value was obtained from Vectra (41.87%) cultivar. The highest oil
yield (2950 kg ha-1) was determined from NK Petrol while the least
value (1681 kg ha-1) was determined from Champlain cultivar. The
highest protein yield (1539.3 kg ha-1) was obtained from NK Petrol
and the lowest protein yield (976.5 kg ha-1) was obtained from
Champlain cultivar.
The main purpose of the cultivation of oil crops, to increase the
yield of oil per unit area. According the result of this research, NK
Petrol cultivar which ranks first with regard to both seed yield and oil
yield between cultivars as the most suitable winter canola cultivar of
local conditions.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the
influence of physical activity and dietary fat intake on Body Mass
Index (BMI) of lecturers within a higher learning institutionalized
setting. The study adopted a Cross-sectional Correlational Design
and included 120 lecturers selected proportionately by simple
random sampling techniques from a population of 600 lecturers. Data
was collected using questionnaires, which had sections including
physical activity checklist adopted from the international physical
activity questionnaire (IPAQ), 24-hour food recall, anthropometric
measurements mainly weight and height. Analysis involved the use
of bivariate correlations and linear regression. A significant inverse
association was registered between BMI and duration (in minutes)
spent doing moderate intense physical activity per day (r=-0.322,
p
Abstract: Induction machine models used for steady-state and
transient analysis require machine parameters that are usually
considered design parameters or data. The knowledge of induction
machine parameters is very important for Indirect Field Oriented
Control (IFOC). A mismatched set of parameters will degrade the
response of speed and torque control. This paper presents an
improvement approach on rotor time constant adaptation in IFOC for
Induction Machines (IM). Our approach tends to improve the
estimation accuracy of the fundamental model for flux estimation.
Based on the reduced order of the IM model, the rotor fluxes and
rotor time constant are estimated using only the stator currents and
voltages. This reduced order model offers many advantages for real
time identification parameters of the IM.
Abstract: This paper proposes the requirements and design of
RFID based system for SFC (Shop Floor Control) in order to achieve
the factory real time controllability, Allowing to develop EManufacturing
System. The detailed logical specifications of the core
functions and the design diagrams of RFID based system are
developed. Then RFID deployment in E-Manufacturing systems is
investigated..
Abstract: Optical Bursts Switching (OBS) is a relatively new
optical switching paradigm. Contention and burst loss in OBS
networks are major concerns. To resolve contentions, an interesting
alternative to discarding the entire data burst is to partially drop the
burst. Partial burst dropping is based on burst segmentation concept
that its implementation is constrained by some technical challenges,
besides the complexity added to the algorithms and protocols on both
edge and core nodes. In this paper, the burst segmentation concept is
investigated, and an implementation scheme is proposed and
evaluated. An appropriate dropping policy that effectively manages
the size of the segmented data bursts is presented. The dropping
policy is further supported by a new control packet format that
provides constant transmission overhead.
Abstract: The Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming increasingly
important for business, education, and entertainment, therefore VR
technology have been applied for training purposes in the areas of
military, safety training and flying simulators. In particular, the
superior and high reliability VR training system is very important in
immersion. Manipulation training in immersive virtual environments
is difficult partly because users must do without the hap contact with
real objects they rely on in the real world to orient themselves and
their manipulated.
In this paper, we create a convincing questionnaire of immersion
and an experiment to assess the influence of immersion on
performance in VR training system. The Immersion Questionnaire
(IQ) included spatial immersion, Psychological immersion, and
Sensory immersion. We show that users with a training system
complete visual attention and detection of signals. Twenty subjects
were allocated to a factorial design consisting of two different VR
systems (Desktop VR and Projector VR). The results indicated that
different VR representation methods significantly affected the
participants- Immersion dimensions.
Abstract: Different agricultural waste peels were assessed for
their suitability to be used as primary substrates for the
bioremediation of free cyanide (CN-) by a cyanide-degrading fungus
Aspergillus awamori isolated from cyanide containing wastewater.
The bioremediated CN- concentration were in the range of 36 to 110
mg CN-/L, with Orange (C. sinensis) > Carrot (D. carota) > Onion
(A. cepa) > Apple (M. pumila), being chosen as suitable substrates
for large scale CN- degradation processes due to: 1) the high
concentration of bioremediated CN-, 2) total reduced sugars released
into solution to sustain the biocatalyst, and 3) minimal residual NH4-
N concentration after fermentation. The bioremediation rate constants
(k) were 0.017h-1 (0h < t < 24h), with improved bioremediation rates
(0.02189h-1) observed after 24h. The averaged nitrilase activity was
~10 U/L.
Abstract: Manganese steel (Hadfield) is one of the important
alloys in industry due to its special properties. High work hardening
ability with appropriate toughness and ductility are the properties that
caused this alloy to be used in wear resistance parts and in high
strength condition. Heat treatment is the main process through which
the desired mechanical properties and microstructures are obtained in
Hadfield steel. In this study various heat treatment cycles, differing in
austenising temperature, time and quenching solution are applied. For
this purpose, the same samples of manganese steel was heat treated in
9 different cycles, and then the mechanical properties and
microstructures were investigated. Based on the results of the study,
the optimum heat treatment cycle was obtained.
Abstract: In the current economy of increasing global
competition, many organizations are attempting to use knowledge as
one of the means to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Besides
large organizations, the success of SMEs can be linked to how well
they manage their knowledge. Despite the profusion of research
about knowledge management within large organizations, fewer
studies tried to analyze KM in SMEs.
This research proposes a new framework showing the determinant
role of organizational dimensions onto KM approaches. The paper
and its propositions are based on a literature review and analysis.
In this research, personalization versus codification,
individualization versus institutionalization and IT-based versus non
IT-based are highlighted as three distinct dimensions of knowledge
management approaches.
The study contributes to research by providing a more nuanced
classification of KM approaches and provides guidance to managers
about the types of KM approaches that should be adopted based on
the size, geographical dispersion and task nature of SMEs.
To the author-s knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind to
examine if there are suitable configurations of KM approaches for
SMEs with different dimensions. It gives valuable information, which
hopefully will help SME sector to accomplish KM.
Abstract: This work presents a low-cost and eco-friendly
building material named Agrostone panel. Africa-s urban population
is growing at an annual rate of 2.8% and 62% of its population will
live in urban areas by 2050. As a consequence, many of the least
urbanized and least developed African countries- will face serious
challenges in providing affordable housing to the urban dwellers.
Since the cost of building materials accounts for the largest
proportion of the overall construction cost, innovating low-cost
building material is vital. Agrostone panel is used in housing projects
in Ethiopia. It uses raw materials of agricultural/industrial wastes
and/or natural minerals as a filler, magnesium-based chemicals as a
binder and fiberglass as reinforcement. Agrostone panel reduces the
cost of wall construction by 50% compared with the conventional
building materials. The pros and cons of Agrostone panel as well as
the use of other waste materials as a raw material to make the panel
more sustainable, low-cost and better properties are discussed.
Abstract: An optical fault monitoring in FTTH-PON using ACS
is demonstrated. This device can achieve real-time fault monitoring
for protection feeder fiber. In addition, the ACS can distinguish
optical fiber fault from the transmission services to other customers
in the FTTH-PON. It is essential to use a wavelength different from
the triple-play services operating wavelengths for failure detection.
ACS is using the operating wavelength 1625 nm for monitoring and
failure detection control. Our solution works on a standard local area
network (LAN) using a specially designed hardware interfaced with a
microcontroller integrated Ethernet.
Abstract: The paper which is dedicated to describing the effect
made by the “significant other", presents the new model of
interrelation between self-reflection, the “significant other"
phenomenon and aggression. Tendencies of direction and type
frustration response developments in detail are discussed. New
results have been received through designing of the original
experiment. It is based on modifications of the “Picture – Frustration
Study" test by S. Rosenzweig.
Abstract: Characteristics of ad hoc networks and even their existence depend on the nodes forming them. Thus, services and applications designed for ad hoc networks should adapt to this dynamic and distributed environment. In particular, multicast algorithms having reliability and scalability requirements should abstain from centralized approaches. We aspire to define a reliable and scalable multicast protocol for ad hoc networks. Our target is to utilize epidemic techniques for this purpose. In this paper, we present a brief survey of epidemic algorithms for reliable multicasting in ad hoc networks, and describe formulations and analytical results for simple epidemics. Then, P2P anti-entropy algorithm for content distribution and our prototype simulation model are described together with our initial results demonstrating the behavior of the algorithm.
Abstract: Growing world population has fundamental impacts
and often catastrophic on natural habitat. The immethodical
consumption of energy, destruction of the forests and extinction of
plant and animal species are the consequence of this experience.
Urban sustainability and sustainable urban development, that is so
spoken these days, should be considered as a strategy, goal and
policy, beyond just considering environmental issues and protection.
The desert-s climate has made a bunch of problems for its residents.
Very hot and dry climate in summers of the Iranian desert areas,
when there was no access to modern energy source and mechanical
cooling systems in the past, made Iranian architects to design a
natural ventilation system in their buildings. The structure, like a
tower going upward the roof, besides its ornamental application and
giving a beautiful view to the building, was used as a spontaneous
ventilation system. In this paper, it has been tried to name the
problems of the area and it-s inconvenience, then some answers has
pointed out in order to solve the problems and as an alternative
solution BADGIR (wind-catcher) has been introduced as a solution
knowing that it has been playing a major role in dealing with the
problems.
Abstract: It is essential to have a uniform and calm flow field
for a settling tank to have high performance. In general, the
recirculation zones always occurred in sedimentation tanks. The
presence of these regions may have different effects. The nonuniformity
of the velocity field, the short-circuiting at the surface and
the motion of the jet at the bed of the tank that occurs because of the
recirculation in the sedimentation layer, are affected by the geometry
of the tank. There are some ways to decrease the size of these dead
zones, which would increase the performance. One of the ways is to
use a suitable baffle configuration. In this study, the presence of
baffle with different position has been investigated by a finite volume
method, with VOF (Volume of Fluid) model. Besides, the k-ε
turbulence model is used in the numerical calculations. The results
indicate that the best position of the baffle is obtained when the
volume of the recirculation region is minimized or is divided to
smaller part and the flow field trend to be uniform in the settling
zone.
Abstract: This paper adopts a notion of expectation-perception
gap of systems users as information systems (IS) failure. Problems
leading to the expectation-perception gap are identified and modelled
as five interrelated discrepancies or gaps throughout the process of
information systems development (ISD). It describes an empirical
study on how systems developers and users perceive the size of each
gap and the extent to which each problematic issue contributes to the
gap. The key to achieving success in ISD is to keep the expectationperception
gap closed by closing all 5 pertaining gaps. The gap model
suggests that most factors in IS failure are related to organizational,
cognitive and social aspects of information systems design.
Organization requirement analysis, being the weakest link of IS
development, is particularly worthy of investigation.
Abstract: In this paper a controller for the pitch angle of an
aircraft regarding to the elevator deflection angle is designed.
The way how the elevator angle affects pitching motion of the
aircraft is pointed out, as well as, how a pitch controller can be
applied for the aircraft to reach certain pitch angle. In this digital
optimal system, the elevator deflection angle and pitching angle
of the plane are considered to be input and output respectively.
A single input single output (SISO) system is presented. A
digital pitch aircraft control is demonstrated. A simulation for
the whole system has been performed. The optimal control
weighting vectors, Q and R have been determined.
Abstract: The objective of the research was focused on the
design, development and evaluation of a sustainable web based
network system to be used as an interoperable environment for
University process workflow and document management. In this
manner the most of the process workflows in Universities can be
entirely realized electronically and promote integrated University.
Definition of the most used University process workflows enabled
creating electronic workflows and their execution on standard
workflow execution engines. Definition or reengineering of
workflows provided increased work efficiency and helped in having
standardized process through different faculties. The concept and the
process definition as well as the solution applied as Case study are
evaluated and findings are reported.