Abstract: This paper presents an alternate approach that uses
artificial neural network to simulate the flood level dynamics in a
river basin. The algorithm was developed in a decision support
system environment in order to enable users to process the data. The
decision support system is found to be useful due to its interactive
nature, flexibility in approach and evolving graphical feature and can
be adopted for any similar situation to predict the flood level. The
main data processing includes the gauging station selection, input
generation, lead-time selection/generation, and length of prediction.
This program enables users to process the flood level data, to
train/test the model using various inputs and to visualize results. The
program code consists of a set of files, which can as well be modified
to match other purposes. This program may also serve as a tool for
real-time flood monitoring and process control. The running results
indicate that the decision support system applied to the flood level
seems to have reached encouraging results for the river basin under
examination. The comparison of the model predictions with the
observed data was satisfactory, where the model is able to forecast
the flood level up to 5 hours in advance with reasonable prediction
accuracy. Finally, this program may also serve as a tool for real-time
flood monitoring and process control.
Abstract: The oleaginous yeasts Lipomyces starkey were grown
in the presence of dairy industry wastewaters (DIW). The yeasts were
able to degrade the organic components of DIW and to produce a
significant fraction of their biomass as triglycerides.
When using DIW from the Ricotta cheese production or residual
whey as growth medium, the L. starkey could be cultured without
dilution nor external organic supplement. On the contrary, the yeasts
could only partially degrade the DIW from the Mozzarella cheese
production, due to the accumulation of a metabolic product beyond
the threshold of toxicity. In this case, a dilution of the DIW was
required to obtain a more efficient degradation of the carbon
compounds and an higher yield in oleaginous biomass.
The fatty acid distribution of the microbial oils obtained showed a
prevalence of oleic acid, and is compatible with the production of a II
generation biodiesel offering a good resistance to oxidation as well as
an excellent cold-performance.
Abstract: Customarily, the LMTD correction factor, FT, is used
to screen alternative designs for a heat exchanger. Designs with
unacceptably low FT values are discarded. In this paper, authors have
proposed a more fundamental criterion, based on feasibility of a
multipass exchanger as the only criteria, followed by economic
optimization. This criterion, coupled with asymptotic energy targets,
provide the complete optimization space in a heat exchanger network
(HEN), where cost-optimization of HEN can be performed with only
Heat Recovery Approach temperature (HRAT) and number-of-shells
as variables.
Abstract: As increasing importance of symbiosis and cooperation among mobile communication industries, the mobile ecosystem has been especially highlighted in academia and practice. The structure of mobile ecosystem is quite complex and the ecological role of actors is important to understand that structure. In this respect, this study aims to explore structure of mobile ecosystem in the case of Korea using inter-industry network analysis. Then, the ecological roles in mobile ecosystem are identified using centrality measures as a result of network analysis: degree of centrality, closeness, and betweenness. The result shows that the manufacturing and service industries are separate. Also, the ecological roles of some actors are identified based on the characteristics of ecological terms: keystone, niche, and dominator. Based on the result of this paper, we expect that the policy makers can formulate the future of mobile industry and healthier mobile ecosystem can be constructed.
Abstract: An ethical mandate of the social work profession in the
United States is that BSW and MSW graduates are sufficiently
prepared to both understand diverse cultural values and beliefs and
offer services that are culturally sensitive and relevant to clients. This
skill set is particularly important for social workers in the 21st Century,
given the increasing globalization of the U.S. and world. The purpose
of this paper is to outline a pedagogical model for teaching cultural
competency that resulted in a significant increase in cultural
competency for MSW graduates at Western Kentucky University
(WKU). More specifically, this model is predicated on five specific
culturally sensitive principles and activities that were found to be
highly effective in conveying culturally relevant knowledge and skills
to MSW students at WKU. Future studies can assess the effectiveness
of these principles in other MSW programs across the U.S. and abroad.
Abstract: The disaster from functional gastrointestinal disorders has detrimental impact on the quality of life of the effected population and imposes a tremendous social and economic burden. There are, however, rare diagnostic methods for the functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our research group identified recently that the gastrointestinal tract well in the patients with the functional gastrointestinal disorders becomes more rigid than healthy people when palpating the abdominal regions overlaying the gastrointestinal tract. Objective of current study is, therefore, identify feasibility of a diagnostic system for the functional gastrointestinal disorders based on ultrasound technique, which can quantify the characteristics above. Two-dimensional finite difference (FD) models (one normal and two rigid model) were developed to analyze the reflective characteristic (displacement) on each soft-tissue layer responded after application of ultrasound signals. The FD analysis was then based on elastic ultrasound theory. Validation of the model was performed via comparison of the characteristic of the ultrasonic responses predicted by FD analysis with that determined from the actual specimens for the normal and rigid conditions. Based on the results from FD analysis, ultrasound system for diagnosis of the functional gastrointestinal disorders was developed and clinically tested via application of it to 40 human subjects with/without functional gastrointestinal disorders who were assigned to Normal and Patient Groups. The FD models were favorably validated. The results from FD analysis showed that the maximum displacement amplitude in the rigid models (0.12 and 0.16) at the interface between the fat and muscle layers was explicitly less than that in the normal model (0.29). The results from actual specimens showed that the maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic reflective signal in the rigid models (0.2±0.1Vp-p) at the interface between the fat and muscle layers was explicitly higher than that in the normal model (0.1±0.2 Vp-p). Clinical tests using our customized ultrasound system showed that the maximum amplitudes of the ultrasonic reflective signals near to the gastrointestinal tract well for the patient group (2.6±0.3 Vp-p) were generally higher than those in normal group (0.1±0.2 Vp-p). Here, maximum reflective signals was appeared at 20mm depth approximately from abdominal skin for all human subjects, corresponding to the location of the boundary layer close to gastrointestinal tract well. These findings suggest that our customized ultrasound system using the ultrasonic reflective signal may be helpful to the diagnosis of the functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel approach to assessing textile porosity by the application of the image analysis techniques. The images of different types of sample fabrics, taken through a microscope when the fabric is placed over a constant light source,transfer the problem into the image analysis domain. Indeed, porosity can thus be expressed in terms of a brightness percentage index calculated on the digital microscope image. Furthermore, it is meaningful to compare the brightness percentage index with the air permeability and the tightness indices of each fabric type. We have experimentally shown that there exists an approximately linear relation between brightness percentage and air permeability indices.
Abstract: Routing in mobile ad hoc networks is a challenging task because nodes are free to move randomly. In DSR like all On- Demand routing algorithms, route discovery mechanism is associated with great delay. More Clearly in DSR routing protocol to send route reply packet, when current route breaks, destination seeks a new route. In this paper we try to change route selection mechanism proactively. We also define a link stability parameter in which a stability value is assigned to each link. Given this feature, destination node can estimate stability of routes and can select the best and more stable route. Therefore we can reduce the delay and jitter of sending data packets.
Abstract: In the package design industry, there are a lot of tacit knowledge resided within each designer. The objectives are to capture them and compile it to be used as a teaching resource and to create a video clip of package design process as well as to evaluate its quality and learning effectiveness. Interview were used as a technique for capturing knowledge in brand design concept, differentiation, recognition, rank of recognition factor, consumer survey, knowledge about marketing, research, graphic design, the effect of color, and law and regulation. Video clip about package design were created. The clip consisted of both the speech and clip of actual process. The quality of the video in term of media was ranked as good while the content was ranked as excellent. The students- score on post-test was significantly greater than that of pretest (p>0.001).
Abstract: Intelligent tutoring systems constitute an evolution of computer-aided educational software. We present here the modules of an intelligent tutoring system for Automatic Control, developed in our department. Through the software application developed,students can perform complete automatic control laboratory experiments, either over the departmental local area network or over the Internet. Monitoring of access to the system (local as well as international), along with student performance statistics, has yielded strongly encouraging results (as of fall 2004), despite the advanced technical content of the presented paradigm, thus showing the potential of the system developed for education and for training.
Abstract: Availability of raw materials is important for
Indonesia as a furniture exporting country. Teak log as raw materials
is supplied to the furniture industry by Perum Perhutani (PP). PP
needs to involve carbon trading for nature conservation. PP also has
an obligation in the Corporate Social Responsibility program. PP and
furniture industry also must prosecute the regulations related to
ecological issues and labor rights. This study has the objective to
create the relationship model between supplier and manufacturer to
fulfill teak log demand that involving teak forest carbon
sequestration. A model is formulated as Goal Programming to get the
favorable solution for teak log procurement and support carbon
sequestration that considering economical, ecological, and social
aspects of both supplier and manufacturer. The results show that the
proposed model can be used to determine the teak log quantity
involving carbon trading to achieve the seven goals to be satisfied the
sustainability considerations.
Abstract: Number Link is a Japanese logic puzzle where pairs of same numbers are connected using lines. Number Link can be regarded as a dynamic multiple travelers, multiple entries and exits maze, where the walls and passages are dynamically changing as the travelers move. In this paper, we apply the Tremaux’s algorithm to solve Number Link puzzles of size 8x8, 10x10 and 15x20. The algorithm works well and produces a solution for puzzles of size 8x8 and 10x10. However, solving a puzzle of size 15x20 requires high computer processing power and is time consuming.
Abstract: Measures of complexity and entropy have not converged to a single quantitative description of levels of organization of complex systems. The need for such a measure is increasingly necessary in all disciplines studying complex systems. To address this problem, starting from the most fundamental principle in Physics, here a new measure for quantity of organization and rate of self-organization in complex systems based on the principle of least (stationary) action is applied to a model system - the central processing unit (CPU) of computers. The quantity of organization for several generations of CPUs shows a double exponential rate of change of organization with time. The exact functional dependence has a fine, S-shaped structure, revealing some of the mechanisms of self-organization. The principle of least action helps to explain the mechanism of increase of organization through quantity accumulation and constraint and curvature minimization with an attractor, the least average sum of actions of all elements and for all motions. This approach can help describe, quantify, measure, manage, design and predict future behavior of complex systems to achieve the highest rates of self organization to improve their quality. It can be applied to other complex systems from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, Economics, Cities, network theory and others where complex systems are present.
Abstract: This research studied recycled waste by the Recyclable Material Bank Project of 4 universities in the central region of Thailand for the evaluation of reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with landfilling activity during July 2012 to June 2013. The results showed that the projects collected total amount of recyclable wastes of about 911,984.80 kilograms. Office paper had the largest amount among these recycled wastes (50.68% of total recycled waste). Groups of recycled waste can be prioritized from high to low according to their amount as paper, plastic, glass, mixed recyclables, and metal, respectively. The project reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 2814.969 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The most significant recycled waste that affects the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is office paper which is 70.16% of total reduced greenhouse gasses emission. According to amount of reduced greenhouse gasses emission, groups of recycled waste can be prioritized from high to low significances as paper, plastic, metals, mixed recyclables, and glass, respectively.
Abstract: In this study, we consider a special situation that only a pair of hydrophone on a moving underwater vehicle is available to localize a fixed acoustic source of far distance. The trigonometry can be used in this situation by using two different DOA of different locations. Notice that the distance between the two locations should be measured. Therefore, we assume that the vehicle is sailing straightly and the moving distance for each unit time is measured continuously. However, the accuracy of the localization using the trigonometry is highly dependent to the accuracy of DOAs and measured moving distances. Therefore, we proposed another method based on the extended Kalman filter that gives more robust and accurate localization result.
Abstract: Surface sediment samples were collected from the
Canon River mouth, Taiwan and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total PAHs concentrations varied from 337 to
1,252 ng/g dry weight, with a mean concentration of 827 ng/g dry
weight. The spatial distribution of PAHs reveals that the PAHs
concentration is relatively high in the river mouth region, and
gradually diminishes toward the harbor region. Diagnostic ratios
showed that the possible source of PAHs in the Canon River mouth
could be petroleum combustion. The toxic equivalent concentrations
(TEQcarc) of PAHs varied from 47 to 112 ng TEQ/g dry weight. Higher
total TEQcarc values were found in the river mouth region. As
compared with the US Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), the
observed levels of PAHs at Canon River mouth were lower than the
effects range low (ERL), and would probably not exert adverse
biological effects.
Abstract: In wavelet regression, choosing threshold value is a crucial issue. A too large value cuts too many coefficients resulting in over smoothing. Conversely, a too small threshold value allows many coefficients to be included in reconstruction, giving a wiggly estimate which result in under smoothing. However, the proper choice of threshold can be considered as a careful balance of these principles. This paper gives a very brief introduction to some thresholding selection methods. These methods include: Universal, Sure, Ebays, Two fold cross validation and level dependent cross validation. A simulation study on a variety of sample sizes, test functions, signal-to-noise ratios is conducted to compare their numerical performances using three different noise structures. For Gaussian noise, EBayes outperforms in all cases for all used functions while Two fold cross validation provides the best results in the case of long tail noise. For large values of signal-to-noise ratios, level dependent cross validation works well under correlated noises case. As expected, increasing both sample size and level of signal to noise ratio, increases estimation efficiency.
Abstract: The impact force of a rockfall is mainly determined by
its moving behavior and velocity, which are contingent on the rock
shape, slope gradient, height, and surface roughness of the moving
path. It is essential to precisely calculate the moving path of the
rockfall in order to effectively minimize and prevent damages caused
by the rockfall. By applying the Colorado Rockfall Simulation
Program (CRSP) program as the analysis tool, this research studies the
influence of three shapes of rock (spherical, cylindrical and discoidal)
and surface roughness on the moving path of a single rockfall. As
revealed in the analysis, in addition to the slope gradient, the geometry
of the falling rock and joint roughness coefficient ( JRC ) of the slope
are the main factors affecting the moving behavior of a rockfall. On a
single flat slope, both the rock-s bounce height and moving velocity
increase as the surface gradient increases, with a critical gradient value
of 1:m = 1 . Bouncing behavior and faster moving velocity occur more
easily when the rock geometry is more oval. A flat piece tends to cause
sliding behavior and is easily influenced by the change of surface
undulation. When JRC
Abstract: The problem of robust fuzzy control for a class of
nonlinear fuzzy impulsive singular perturbed systems with
time-varying delay is investigated by employing Lyapunov functions.
The nonlinear delay system is built based on the well-known T–S
fuzzy model. The so-called parallel distributed compensation idea is
employed to design the state feedback controller. Sufficient conditions
for global exponential stability of the closed-loop system are derived
in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be easily
solved by LMI technique. Some simulations illustrate the effectiveness
of the proposed method.
Abstract: As a primitive assumption, if a new information
system is able to remind users their old work habits, it should have a
better opportunity to be accepted, adopted and finally, utilized. In
this paper some theoretical concepts borrowed from psychodynamic
theory e.g. ego defenses are discussed to show how such resemblance
can be made without necessarily affecting the performance of the
new system. The main assertion is a new system should somehow
imitate old work habits, not literally, but through following their
paces in terms of the order of habitual tensional states including
stimulation, defensive actions and satisfactions.