Abstract: Delivering streaming video over wireless is an
important component of many interactive multimedia applications
running on personal wireless handset devices. Such personal devices
have to be inexpensive, compact, and lightweight. But wireless
channels have a high channel bit error rate and limited bandwidth.
Delay variation of packets due to network congestion and the high bit
error rate greatly degrades the quality of video at the handheld
device. Therefore, mobile access to multimedia contents requires
video transcoding functionality at the edge of the mobile network for
interworking with heterogeneous networks and services. Therefore,
to guarantee quality of service (QoS) delivered to the mobile user, a
robust and efficient transcoding scheme should be deployed in
mobile multimedia transporting network. Hence, this paper
examines the challenges and limitations that the video transcoding
schemes in mobile multimedia transporting network face. Then
handheld resources, network conditions and content based mobile
and wireless video transcoding is proposed to provide high QoS
applications. Exceptional performance is demonstrated in the
experiment results. These experiments were designed to verify and
prove the robustness of the proposed approach. Extensive
experiments have been conducted, and the results of various video
clips with different bit rate and frame rate have been provided.
Abstract: Urban water management in Australia faces increasing pressure to deal with the challenges of droughts, growing population and the climate change uncertainty. Addressing these challenges is an opportunity to incorporate the parallel goals of sustainable water management and climate change adaptation through holistic, non-technical means. This paper presents case studies from Perth and Sydney which show how despite robust adaptation plans and experience, recent efforts to 'drought proof' cities have focused on supply-side measures (i.e. desalination), rather than rethinking how water is used and managing demand. The trend towards desalination as a climate adaptation measure raises questions about the sustainability of urban water futures in Australia.
Abstract: This paper discusses the cued speech recognition
methods in videoconference. Cued speech is a specific gesture
language that is used for communication between deaf people. We
define the criteria for sentence intelligibility according to answers of
testing subjects (deaf people). In our tests we use 30 sample videos
coded by H.264 codec with various bit-rates and various speed of
cued speech. Additionally, we define the criteria for consonant sign
recognizability in single-handed finger alphabet (dactyl) analogically
to acoustics. We use another 12 sample videos coded by H.264 codec
with various bit-rates in four different video formats. To interpret the
results we apply the standard scale for subjective video quality
evaluation and the percentual evaluation of intelligibility as in
acoustics. From the results we construct the minimum coded bit-rate
recommendations for every spatial resolution.
Abstract: Malaria is by far the world-s most persistent tropical parasitic disease and is endemic to tropical areas where the climatic and weather conditions allow continuous breeding of the mosquitoes that spread malaria. A mathematical model for the transmission of malaria with prophylaxis prevention is analyzed. The stability analysis of the equilibria is presented with the aim of finding threshold conditions under which malaria clears or persists in the human population. Our results suggest that eradication of mosquitoes and prophylaxis prevention can significantly reduce the malaria burden on the human population.
Abstract: These days MANET is attracting much attention as
they are expected to gratefully influence communication between
wireless nodes. Along with this great strength, there is much more
chance of leave and being attacked by a malicious node. Due to this
reason much attention is given to the security and the private issue in
MANET. A lot of research in MANET has been doing. In this paper
we present the overview of MANET, the security issues of MANET,
IP configuration in MANET, the solution to puzzle out the security
issues and the simulation of the proposal idea. We add the method to
figure out the malicious nodes so that we can prevent the attack from
them. Nodes exchange the information about nodes to prevent DAD
attack. We can get 30% better performance than the previous
MANETConf.
Abstract: Firstly, research and development on RFID focuses on
manufacturing and retail sectors, because it can improve supply chain
efficiency. But, now a variety of field is considered the next research
area for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although RFID is
infancy, RFID technology has great potential in power industry to
significantly reduce cost, and improve quality of power supply. To
complement the limitation of RFID, we adopt the WSN (Wireless
Sensor Network) technology. However, relevant experience is limited,
the challenge will be to derive requirement from business practice and
to determine whether it is possible or not. To explore this issue, we
conduct a case study on implementing power facility management
system using RFID/WSN in Korea Electric Power Corporation
(KEPCO). In this paper we describe requirement from power industry.
And we introduce design and implementation of the test bed.
Abstract: In this study, a new procedure for inspecting damages on LNG storage tanks was proposed with the use of structural diagnostic techniques: i.e., nondestructive inspection techniques such as macrography, the hammer sounding test, the Schmidt hammer test, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, and destructive inspection techniques such as the compressive strength test, the chloride penetration test, and the carbonation test. From the analysis of all the test results, it was concluded that the LNG storage tank cover was in good condition. Such results were also compared with the Korean concrete standard specifications and design values. In addition, the remaining life of the LNG storage tank was estimated by using existing models. Based on the results, an LNG storage tank cover performance evaluation procedure was suggested.
Abstract: Multimedia security is an incredibly significant area
of concern. A number of papers on robust digital watermarking have
been presented, but there are no standards that have been defined so
far. Thus multimedia security is still a posing problem. The aim of
this paper is to design a robust image-watermarking scheme, which
can withstand a different set of attacks. The proposed scheme
provides a robust solution integrating image moment normalization,
content dependent watermark and discrete wavelet transformation.
Moment normalization is useful to recover the watermark even in
case of geometrical attacks. Content dependent watermarks are a
powerful means of authentication as the data is watermarked with its
own features. Discrete wavelet transforms have been used as they
describe image features in a better manner. The proposed scheme
finds its place in validating identification cards and financial
instruments.
Abstract: In this paper, design, fabrication and coupled
multifield analysis of hollow out-of-plane silicon microneedle array
with piezoelectrically actuated microfluidic device for transdermal
drug delivery (TDD) applications is presented. The fabrication
process of silicon microneedle array is first done by series of
combined isotropic and anisotropic etching processes using
inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching technology. Then coupled
multifield analysis of MEMS based piezoelectrically actuated device
with integrated 2×2 silicon microneedle array is presented. To predict
the stress distribution and model fluid flow in coupled field analysis,
finite element (FE) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis
using ANSYS rather than analytical systems has been performed.
Static analysis and transient CFD analysis were performed to predict
the fluid flow through the microneedle array. The inlet pressure from
10 kPa to 150 kPa was considered for static CFD analysis. In the
lumen region fluid flow rate 3.2946 μL/min is obtained at 150 V for
2×2 microneedle array. In the present study the authors have
performed simulation of structural, piezoelectric and CFD analysis
on three dimensional model of the piezoelectrically actuated
mcirofluidic device integrated with 2×2 microneedle array.
Abstract: Wide applicability of concurrent programming
practices in developing various software applications leads to
different concurrency errors amongst which data race is the most
important. Java provides greatest support for concurrent
programming by introducing various concurrency packages. Aspect
oriented programming (AOP) is modern programming paradigm
facilitating the runtime interception of events of interest and can be
effectively used to handle the concurrency problems. AspectJ being
an aspect oriented extension to java facilitates the application of
concepts of AOP for data race detection. Volatile variables are
usually considered thread safe, but they can become the possible
candidates of data races if non-atomic operations are performed
concurrently upon them. Various data race detection algorithms have
been proposed in the past but this issue of volatility and atomicity is
still unaddressed. The aim of this research is to propose some
suggestions for incorporating certain conditions for data race
detection in java programs at the volatile fields by taking into account
support for atomicity in java concurrency packages and making use
of pointcuts. Two simple test programs will demonstrate the results
of research. The results are verified on two different Java
Development Kits (JDKs) for the purpose of comparison.
Abstract: According to development of communications and
web-based technologies in recent years, e-Learning has became very
important for everyone and is seen as one of most dynamic teaching
methods.
Grid computing is a pattern for increasing of computing power
and storage capacity of a system and is based on hardware and
software resources in a network with common purpose. In this article
we study grid architecture and describe its different layers. In this
way, we will analyze grid layered architecture. Then we will
introduce a new suitable architecture for e-Learning which is based
on grid network, and for this reason we call it Grid Learning
Architecture. Various sections and layers of suggested architecture
will be analyzed; especially grid middleware layer that has key role.
This layer is heart of grid learning architecture and, in fact,
regardless of this layer, e-Learning based on grid architecture will
not be feasible.
Abstract: Grazing and pastoral overloading through human factors result in significant land desertification. Failure to take into account the phenomenon of desertification as a serious problem can lead to an environmental disaster because of the damages caused by land encroachment. Therefore, soil on residential and urban areas is affected because of the deterioration of vegetation. Overgrazing or grazing in open and irregular lands is practiced in these areas almost throughout the year, especially during the growth cycle of edible plants, thereby leading to their disappearance. In addition, the large number of livestock in these areas exceeds the capacity of these pastures because of pastoral land overloading, which results in deterioration and desertification in the region. In addition, rare plants, the extinction of some edible plants in the region, and the emergence of plants unsuitable for grazing, must be taken into consideration, as along with the emergence of dust and sand storms during the dry seasons (summer to autumn) due to the degradation of vegetation. These results show that strategic plans and regulations that protect the environment from desertification must be developed. Therefore, increased pastoral load is a key human factor in the deterioration of vegetation cover, leading to land desertification in this region.
Abstract: In the present study, a numerical analysis is carried
out to investigate unsteady MHD (magneto-hydrodynamic) flow and
heat transfer of a non-Newtonian second grade viscoelastic fluid
over an oscillatory stretching sheet. The flow is induced due to an
infinite elastic sheet which is stretched oscillatory (back and forth) in
its own plane. Effect of viscous dissipation and joule heating are
taken into account. The non-linear differential equations governing
the problem are transformed into system of non-dimensional
differential equations using similarity transformations. A newly
developed meshfree numerical technique Element free Galerkin
method (EFGM) is employed to solve the coupled non linear
differential equations. The results illustrating the effect of various
parameters like viscoelastic parameter, Hartman number, relative
frequency amplitude of the oscillatory sheet to the stretching rate and
Eckert number on velocity and temperature field are reported in
terms of graphs and tables. The present model finds its application in
polymer extrusion, drawing of plastic films and wires, glass, fiber
and paper production etc.
Abstract: The possibility of producing drinking water from
brackish ground water using Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD)
process was studied. It is a rising technology for seawater or brine
desalination process. The process simply consists of a flat sheet
hydrophobic micro porous PTFE membrane and diaphragm vacuum
pump without a condenser for the water recovery or trap. In this
work, VMD performance was investigated for aqueous NaCl solution
and natural ground water. The influence of operational parameters
such as feed flow rate (30 to 55 l/h), feed temperature (313 to 333 K),
feed salt concentration (5000 to 7000 mg/l) and permeate pressure
(1.5 to 6 kPa) on the membrane distillation (MD) permeation flux
have been investigated. The maximum flux reached to 28.34 kg/m2 h
at feed temperature, 333 K; vacuum pressure, 1.5 kPa; feed flow rate,
55 l/h and feed salt concentration, 7000 mg/l. The negligible effects
in the reduction of permeate flux found over 150 h experimental run
for salt water. But for the natural ground water application over 75 h,
scale deposits observed on the membrane surface and 29% reduction
in the permeate flux over 75 h. This reduction can be eliminated by
acidification of feed water. Hence, promote the research attention in
apply of VMD for the ground water purification over today-s
conventional RO operation.
Abstract: In this paper we study some numerical methods to solve a model one-dimensional convection–diffusion equation. The semi-discretisation of the space variable results into a system of ordinary differential equations and the solution of the latter involves the evaluation of a matrix exponent. Since the calculation of this term is computationally expensive, we study some methods based on Krylov subspace and on Restrictive Taylor series approximation respectively. We also consider the Chebyshev Pseudospectral collocation method to do the spatial discretisation and we present the numerical solution obtained by these methods.
Abstract: Optimal cultural site selection is one of the ways that
can lead to the promotion of citizenship culture in addition to
ensuring the health and leisure of city residents. This study examines
the social and cultural needs of the community and optimal cultural
site allocation and after identifying the problems and shortcomings,
provides a suitable model for finding the best location for these
centers where there is the greatest impact on the promotion of
citizenship culture. On the other hand, non-scientific methods cause
irreversible impacts to the urban environment and citizens. But
modern efficient methods can reduce these impacts. One of these
methods is using geographical information systems (GIS). In this
study, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to
locate the optimal cultural site. In AHP, three principles
(decomposition), (comparative analysis), and (combining
preferences) are used. The objectives of this research include
providing optimal contexts for passing time and performing cultural
activities by Shiraz residents and also proposing construction of some
cultural sites in different areas of the city. The results of this study
show the correct positioning of cultural sites based on social needs of
citizens. Thus, considering the population parameters and radii
access, GIS and AHP model for locating cultural centers can meet
social needs of citizens.
Abstract: Indices summarizing community structure are used to
evaluate fundamental community ecology, species interaction,
biogeographical factors, and environmental stress. Some of these
indices are insensitive to gross community changes induced by
contaminants of pollution. Diversity indices and similarity indices are
reviewed considering their ecological application, both theoretical
and practical. For some useful indices, empirical equations are given
to calculate the expected maximum value of the indices to which the
observed values can be related at any combination of sample sizes at
the experimental sites. This paper examines the effects of sample size
and diversity on the expected values of diversity indices and
similarity indices, using various formulae. It has been shown that all
indices are strongly affected by sample size and diversity. In some
indices, this influence is greater than the others and an attempt has
been made to deal with these influences.
Abstract: Eigenvector methods are gaining increasing acceptance in the area of spectrum estimation. This paper presents a successful attempt at testing and evaluating the performance of two of the most popular types of subspace techniques in determining the parameters of multiexponential signals with real decay constants buried in noise. In particular, MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) and minimum-norm techniques are examined. It is shown that these methods perform almost equally well on multiexponential signals with MUSIC displaying better defined peaks.
Abstract: Web services provide significant new benefits for SOAbased
applications, but they also expose significant new security
risks. There are huge number of WS security standards and
processes. At present, there is still a lack of a comprehensive
approach which offers a methodical development in the construction
of secure WS-based SOA. Thus, the main objective of this paper is
to address this needs, presenting a comprehensive method for Web
Services Security guaranty in SOA. The proposed method defines
three stages, Initial Security Analysis, Architectural Security
Guaranty and WS Security Standards Identification. These facilitate,
respectively, the definition and analysis of WS-specific security
requirements, the development of a WS-based security architecture
and the identification of the related WS security standards that the
security architecture must articulate in order to implement the
security services.
Abstract: The talks about technological convergence had been
around for almost twenty years. Today Internet made it possible. And
this is not only technical evolution. The way it changed our lives
reflected in variety of applications, services and technologies used in
day-to-day life. Such benefits imposed even more requirements on
heterogeneous and unreliable IP networks.
Current paper outlines QoS management system developed in the
NetQoS [1] project. It describes an overall architecture of
management system for heterogeneous networks and proposes
automated multi-layer QoS management. Paper focuses on the
structure of the most crucial modules of the system that enable
autonomous and multi-layer provisioning and dynamic adaptation.