Abstract: Gastric ulceration is a discontinuity in gastric mucosa, usually occurs due to imbalance between the gastric mucosal protective factors, that is called gastric mucosal barrier, and the aggressive factors, to which the mucosa is exposed. This study was carried out on sixty male Sprague-Dowely rats (12- 16 weeks old) allocated into two groups. The first control group and the second Gastric lesion group which induced by oral administration of a single daily dose of aspirin at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive-days (6% aspirin solution will be prepared and each rat will be given 5 ml of that solution/kg body weight). Blood is collected 1, 2 and 3 weeks after induction of gastric ulceration. Significant increase in serum copper, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E2 all over the period of experiment. Significant decrease in erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (t-SOD) activities, serum (calcium, phosphorus, glucose and insulin) levels. Non-significant changes in serum sodium and potassium levels are obtained.
Abstract: Since the advent of the information era, the Internet has
brought various positive effects in everyday life. Nevertheless,
recently, problems and side-effects have been noted. Internet
witch-trials and spread of pornography are only a few of these
problems.In this study, problems and causes of malicious replies on
internet boards were analyzed, using the key ideas of game theory. The
study provides a mathematical model for the internet reply game to
devise three possible plans that could efficiently counteract malicious
replies. Furthermore, seven specific measures that comply with one of
the three plans were proposed and evaluated according to the
importance and utility of each measure using the orthogonal array
survey and SPSS conjoint analysis.The conclusion was that the most
effective measure would be forbidding unsigned user access to
malicious replies. Also notable was that some analytically proposed
measures, when implemented, could backfire and encourage malicious
replies.
Abstract: With a surge of stream processing applications novel
techniques are required for generation and analysis of association
rules in streams. The traditional rule mining solutions cannot handle
streams because they generally require multiple passes over the data
and do not guarantee the results in a predictable, small time. Though
researchers have been proposing algorithms for generation of rules
from streams, there has not been much focus on their analysis.
We propose Association rule profiling, a user centric process for
analyzing association rules and attaching suitable profiles to them
depending on their changing frequency behavior over a previous
snapshot of time in a data stream.
Association rule profiles provide insights into the changing nature
of associations and can be used to characterize the associations. We
discuss importance of characteristics such as predictability of
linkages present in the data and propose metric to quantify it. We
also show how association rule profiles can aid in generation of user
specific, more understandable and actionable rules.
The framework is implemented as SUPAR: System for Usercentric
Profiling of Association Rules in streaming data. The
proposed system offers following capabilities:
i) Continuous monitoring of frequency of streaming item-sets
and detection of significant changes therein for association rule
profiling.
ii) Computation of metrics for quantifying predictability of
associations present in the data.
iii) User-centric control of the characterization process: user
can control the framework through a) constraint specification and b)
non-interesting rule elimination.
Abstract: Discretization of spatial derivatives is an important
issue in meshfree methods especially when the derivative terms
contain non-linear coefficients. In this paper, various methods used
for discretization of second-order spatial derivatives are investigated
in the context of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics. Three popular
forms (i.e. "double summation", "second-order kernel derivation",
and "difference scheme") are studied using one-dimensional unsteady
heat conduction equation. To assess these schemes, transient response
to a step function initial condition is considered. Due to parabolic
nature of the heat equation, one can expect smooth and monotone
solutions. It is shown, however in this paper, that regardless of
the type of kernel function used and the size of smoothing radius,
the double summation discretization form leads to non-physical
oscillations which persist in the solution. Also, results show that when
a second-order kernel derivative is used, a high-order kernel function
shall be employed in such a way that the distance of inflection
point from origin in the kernel function be less than the nearest
particle distance. Otherwise, solutions may exhibit oscillations near
discontinuities unlike the "difference scheme" which unconditionally
produces monotone results.
Abstract: In this paper, the periodic surveillance scheme has
been proposed for any convex region using mobile wireless sensor
nodes. A sensor network typically consists of fixed number of
sensor nodes which report the measurements of sensed data such as
temperature, pressure, humidity, etc., of its immediate proximity
(the area within its sensing range). For the purpose of sensing an
area of interest, there are adequate number of fixed sensor
nodes required to cover the entire region of interest. It implies
that the number of fixed sensor nodes required to cover a given
area will depend on the sensing range of the sensor as well as
deployment strategies employed. It is assumed that the sensors to
be mobile within the region of surveillance, can be mounted on
moving bodies like robots or vehicle. Therefore, in our
scheme, the surveillance time period determines the number of
sensor nodes required to be deployed in the region of interest.
The proposed scheme comprises of three algorithms namely:
Hexagonalization, Clustering, and Scheduling, The first algorithm
partitions the coverage area into fixed sized hexagons that
approximate the sensing range (cell) of individual sensor node.
The clustering algorithm groups the cells into clusters, each of
which will be covered by a single sensor node. The later
determines a schedule for each sensor to serve its respective cluster.
Each sensor node traverses all the cells belonging to the cluster
assigned to it by oscillating between the first and the last cell for
the duration of its life time. Simulation results show that our
scheme provides full coverage within a given period of time using
few sensors with minimum movement, less power consumption,
and relatively less infrastructure cost.
Abstract: the aim of that work is to study the proton transfer
phenomenon which takes place in the elastic scattering of 12C on 11B
at energies near the coulomb barrier. This reaction was studied at four
different energies 16, 18, 22, 24 MeV. The experimental data of the
angular distribution at these energies were compared to the
calculation prediction using the optical potential codes such as
ECIS88 and SPIVAL. For the raising in the cross section at backward
angles due to the transfer process we could use Distorted Wave Born
Approximation (DWUCK5). Our analysis showed that SPIVAL code
with l-dependent imaginary potential could be used effectively.
Abstract: It is important to remove manganese from water
because of its effects on human and the environment. Human
activities are one of the biggest contributors for excessive manganese
concentration in the environment. The proposed method to remove
manganese in aqueous solution by using adsorption as in carbon
nanotubes (CNT) at different parameters: The parameters are CNT
dosage, pH, agitation speed and contact time. Different pHs are pH
6.0, pH 6.5, pH 7.0, pH 7.5 and pH 8.0, CNT dosages are 5mg,
6.25mg, 7.5mg, 8.75mg or 10mg, contact time are 10 min, 32.5 min,
55 min, 87.5 min and 120 min while the agitation speeds are 100rpm,
150rpm, 200rpm, 250rpm and 300rpm. The parameters chosen for
experiments are based on experimental design done by using Central
Composite Design, Design Expert 6.0 with 4 parameters, 5 levels and
2 replications. Based on the results, condition set at pH 7.0, agitation
speed of 300 rpm, 7.5mg and contact time 55 minutes gives the
highest removal with 75.5%. From ANOVA analysis in Design
Expert 6.0, the residual concentration will be very much affected by
pH and CNT dosage. Initial manganese concentration is 1.2mg/L
while the lowest residual concentration achieved is 0.294mg/L,
which almost satisfy DOE Malaysia Standard B requirement.
Therefore, further experiments must be done to remove manganese
from model water to the required standard (0.2 mg/L) with the initial
concentration set to 0.294 mg/L.
Abstract: The Application of e-health solutions has brought superb advancements in the health care industry. E-health solutions have already been embraced in the industrialized countries. In an effort to catch up with the growth, the developing countries have strived to revolutionize the healthcare industry by use of Information technology in different ways. Based on a technology assessment carried out in Kenya – one of the developing countries – and using multiple case studies in Nyanza Province, this work focuses on an investigation on how five rural hospitals are adapting to the technology shift. The issues examined include the ICT infrastructure and e-health technologies in place, the knowledge of participants in terms of benefits gained through the use of ICT and the challenges posing barriers to the use of ICT technologies in these hospitals. The results reveal that the ICT infrastructure in place is inadequate for e-health implementations as a result to various challenges that exist. Consequently, suggestions on how to tackle the various challenges have been addressed in this paper.
Abstract: This paper presents the effectiveness of artificial
intelligent technique to apply for pattern recognition and
classification of Partial Discharge (PD). Characteristics of PD signal
for pattern recognition and classification are computed from the
relation of the voltage phase angle, the discharge magnitude and the
repeated existing of partial discharges by using statistical and fractal
methods. The simplified fuzzy ARTMAP (SFAM) is used for pattern
recognition and classification as artificial intelligent technique. PDs
quantities, 13 parameters from statistical method and fractal method
results, are inputted to Simplified Fuzzy ARTMAP to train system
for pattern recognition and classification. The results confirm the
effectiveness of purpose technique.
Abstract: In this paper we propose and examine an Adaptive
Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) in Smoothing Transition
Autoregressive (STAR) modeling. Because STAR models follow
fuzzy logic approach, in the non-linear part fuzzy rules can be
incorporated or other training or computational methods can be
applied as the error backpropagation algorithm instead to nonlinear
squares. Furthermore, additional fuzzy membership functions can be
examined, beside the logistic and exponential, like the triangle,
Gaussian and Generalized Bell functions among others. We examine
two macroeconomic variables of US economy, the inflation rate and
the 6-monthly treasury bills interest rates.
Abstract: This paper presents three-phase evolution search methodology to automatically design fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) that can work in a wide range of operating conditions. These include varying load, parameter variations, and unknown external disturbances. The three-phase scheme consists of an exploration phase, an exploitation phase and a robustness phase. The first two phases search for FLC with high accuracy performances while the last phase aims at obtaining FLC providing the best compromise between the accuracy and robustness performances. Simulations were performed for direct-drive two-axis robot arm. The evolved FLC with the proposed design technique found to provide a very satisfactory performance under the wide range of operation conditions and to overcome problem associated with coupling and nonlinearities characteristics inherent to robot arms.
Abstract: A mathematical model for the transmission of SARS is developed. In addition to dividing the population into susceptible (high and low risk), exposed, infected, quarantined, diagnosed and recovered classes, we have included a class called untraced. The model simulates the Gompertz curves which are the best representation of the cumulative numbers of probable SARS cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. The values of the parameters in the model which produces the best fit of the observed data for each city are obtained by using a differential evolution algorithm. It is seen that the values for the parameters needed to simulate the observed daily behaviors of the two epidemics are different.
Abstract: BRI-STARS (BRIdge Stream Tube model for Alluvial
River Simulation) program was used to investigate the scour depth around bridge piers in some of the major river systems in Iran. Model
calibration was performed by collecting different field data. Field data are cataloged on three categories, first group of bridges that
their rivers bed are formed by fine material, second group of bridges
that their rivers bed are formed by sand material, and finally bridges that their rivers bed are formed by gravel or cobble materials.
Verification was performed with some field data in Fars Province. Results show that for wide piers, computed scour depth is more than
measured one. In gravel bed streams, computed scour depth is greater
than measured scour depth, the reason is due to formation of armor layer on bed of channel. Once this layer is eroded, the computed
scour depth is close to the measured one.
Abstract: The three-species food web model proposed and investigated by Gakkhar and Naji is known to have chaotic behaviour for a choice of parameters. An attempt has been made to synchronize the chaos in the model using bidirectional coupling. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the analytical results. Numerical results show that for higher value of coupling strength, chaotic synchronization is achieved. Chaos can be controlled to achieve stable synchronization in natural systems.
Abstract: The article describes problems of city centers with regard to possibilities of their delimitation in a GIS environment. First the definitions and delimitations of a city centre which are in use are mentioned, furthermore a chosen case study (the historical centre of Olomouc city in the Czech Republic) is employed to describe the methods of delimitation in use. In addition to describing the current state, the article also deals with possibilities of delimitation of a city centre in GIS environment by means of several chosen approaches. The authors describe, compare and discuss the chosen methods and assess the achieved results and also applicability of the designed methods for other cities.
Abstract: Laser Doppler flowmetry is a modern method of noninvasive
microcirculation investigation. The aim of our study was to
use this method in the examination of patients with secondary
lymphedema of the lower extremities and obliterating atherosclerosis
of lower extremities. In the analysis of the amplitude-frequency
spectrum of secondary lymphedema patients we have identified
remarkable changes. To describe the changes we used a special
amplitude rate. In both of patients groups this rate was significally
(p
Abstract: Two optimized strategies were successfully established
to develop biomolecule-based magnetic nanoassemblies.
Streptavidin-coated and amine-coated magnetic nanoparticles were
chosen as model scaffolds onto which double-stranded DNA and
human immunoglobulin G were specifically conjugated in succession,
using biotin-streptavidin interaction or covalent cross-linkers. The
success of this study opens the prospect of developing selective and
sensitive nanoparticle-based structures for diagnostics or drug
delivery.
Abstract: The paper aims at investigating influence of medium
capacity on linear adsorbed solute dispersion into chemically
heterogeneous fixed beds. A discrete chemical heterogeneity
distribution is considered in the one-dimensional advectivedispersive
equation. The partial differential equation is solved using
finite volumes method based on the Adam-Bashforth algorithm.
Increased dispersion is estimated by comparing breakthrough curves
second order moments and keeping identical hydrodynamic
properties. As a result, dispersion increase due to chemical
heterogeneity depends on the column size and surprisingly on the
solid capacity. The more intense capacity is, the more important
solute dispersion is. Medium length which is known to favour this
effect vanishing according to the linear adsorption in fixed bed seems
to create nonmonotonous variation of dispersion because of the
heterogeneity. This nonmonotonous behaviour is also favoured by
high capacities.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a novel method for human
face segmentation using the elliptical structure of the human head. It
makes use of the information present in the edge map of the image.
In this approach we use the fact that the eigenvalues of covariance
matrix represent the elliptical structure. The large and small
eigenvalues of covariance matrix are associated with major and
minor axial lengths of an ellipse. The other elliptical parameters are
used to identify the centre and orientation of the face. Since an
Elliptical Hough Transform requires 5D Hough Space, the Circular
Hough Transform (CHT) is used to evaluate the elliptical parameters.
Sparse matrix technique is used to perform CHT, as it squeeze zero
elements, and have only a small number of non-zero elements,
thereby having an advantage of less storage space and computational
time. Neighborhood suppression scheme is used to identify the valid
Hough peaks. The accurate position of the circumference pixels for
occluded and distorted ellipses is identified using Bresenham-s
Raster Scan Algorithm which uses the geometrical symmetry
properties. This method does not require the evaluation of tangents
for curvature contours, which are very sensitive to noise. The method
has been evaluated on several images with different face orientations.
Abstract: This project aims to investigate the potential of
torrefaction to improve the properties of Malaysian palm kernel shell
(PKS) as a solid fuel. A study towards torrefaction of PKS was
performed under various temperature and residence time of 240, 260,
and 280oC and 30, 60, and 90 minutes respectively. The torrefied
PKS was characterized in terms of the mass yield, energy yield,
elemental composition analysis, calorific value analysis, moisture and
volatile matter contents, and ash and fixed carbon contents. The mass
and energy yield changes in the torrefied PKS were observed to
prove that the temperature has more effect compare to residence time
in the torrefaction process. The C content of PKS increases while H
and O contents decrease after torrefaction, which resulted in higher
heating value between 5 to 16%. Meanwhile, torrefaction caused the
ash and fixed carbon content of PKS to increase, and the moisture
and volatile matter to decrease.