Abstract: Harmonic pollution and low power factor in power
systems caused by power converters have been of great concern. To
overcome these problems several converter topologies using
advanced semiconductor devices and control schemes have been
proposed. This investigation is to identify a low cost, small size,
efficient and reliable ac to dc converter to meet the input performance
index of UPS. The performance of single phase and three phase ac to
dc converter along with various control techniques are studied and
compared. The half bridge converter topology with linear current
control is identified as most suitable. It is simple, energy efficient
because of single switch power loss and transformer-less operation of
UPS. The results are validated practically using a prototype built
using IGBT and analog controller. The performance for both single
and three-phase system is verified. Digital implementation of closed
loop control achieves higher reliability. Its cost largely depends on
chosen bit precision. The minimal bit precision for optimum
converter performance is identified as 16-bit with fixed-point
operation. From the investigation and practical implementation it is
concluded that half bridge ac – dc converter along with digital linear
controller meets the performance index of UPS for single and three
phase systems.
Abstract: Fault-proneness of a software module is the
probability that the module contains faults. A correlation exists
between the fault-proneness of the software and the measurable
attributes of the code (i.e. the static metrics) and of the testing (i.e.
the dynamic metrics). Early detection of fault-prone software
components enables verification experts to concentrate their time and
resources on the problem areas of the software system under
development. This paper introduces Genetic Algorithm based
software fault prediction models with Object-Oriented metrics. The
contribution of this paper is that it has used Metric values of JEdit
open source software for generation of the rules for the classification
of software modules in the categories of Faulty and non faulty
modules and thereafter empirically validation is performed. The
results shows that Genetic algorithm approach can be used for
finding the fault proneness in object oriented software components.
Abstract: So much energy is used in high rise buildings to fulfill
the basic needs of users such as lighting and thermal comfort.
Malaysia has hot and humid climate, buildings especially high rise
buildings receive unnecessary solar radiation that cause more solar
heat gain. Energy use specially electricity consumption in high rise
buildings has increased. There have been growing concerns about
energy consumption and its effect on environment. Building, energy
and the environment are important issues that the designers should
consider to them. Self protected form is one of possible ways against
the impact of solar radiation in high rise buildings. The Energy
performance of building envelopes was investigated in term of the
Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV ).In this paper, the amount
of OTTV reduction was calculated through OTTV Equations to
clear the effectiveness of self shading strategy on minimizing energy
consumption for cooling interior spaces in high rise buildings which
has considerable envelope areas against solar radiation. Also increasing
the optimum window area was investigated using self-shading
strategy in designing high rise buildings. As result, the significant
reduction in OTTV was shown based on WWR.In addition slight
increase was demonstrated in WWR that can influence on visible
comfort interior spaces.
Abstract: A better understanding of cloud forest characteristic in a tropical montane cloud forest at Khao Nan, Nakhon Si Thammarat on climatic, vegetation, soil and hydrology were studied during 18-21 April 2007. The results showed that as air temperature at Sanyen cloud forest increased, the percent relative humidity decreased. The amount of solar radiation at Sanyen cloud forest had a positive association with the amount of solar radiation at Parah forest. The amount of solar radiation at Sanyen cloud forest was very low with a range of 0-19 W/m2. On the other hand, the amount of solar radiation at Parah forest was high with a range of 0-1000 W/m2. There was no difference between leaf width, leaf length, leaf thickness and leaf area with increasing in elevations. As the elevations increased, bush height and tree height decreased. There was no association between bush width and bush ratio with elevation. As the elevations increased, the percent epiphyte cover and the percent soil moisture increased but water temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen decreased. The percent soil moistures and organic contents were higher at elevations above 900 m than elevations below.
Abstract: Today-s healthcare industries had become more
patient-centric than profession-centric, from which the issues of quality of healthcare and the patient safety are the major concerns in the modern healthcare facilities. An unplanned extubation (UE) may
be detrimental to the patient-s life, and thus is one of the major indexes
of patient safety and healthcare quality. A high UE rate not only
defeated the healthcare quality as well as the patient safety policy but
also the nurses- morality, and job satisfaction. The UE problem in a psychiatric hospital is unique and may be a tough challenge for the
healthcare professionals for the patients were mostly lacking communication capabilities. We reported with this essay a particular
project that was organized to reduce the UE rate from the current 2.3%
to a lower and satisfactory level in the long-term care units of a psychiatric hospital. The project was conducted between March 1st,
2011 and August 31st, 2011. Based on the error information gathered
from varied units of the hospital, the team analyzed the root causes
with possible solutions proposed to the meetings. Four solutions were
then concluded with consensus and launched to the units in question.
The UE rate was now reduced to a level of 0.17%. Experience from
this project, the procedure and the tools adopted would be good reference to other hospitals.
Abstract: An effort has been taken to simulate the combustion
and performance characteristics of biodiesel fuel in direct injection
(D.I) low heat rejection (LHR) diesel engine. Comprehensive
analyses on combustion characteristics such as cylinder pressure,
peak cylinder pressure, heat release and performance characteristics
such as specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency are
carried out. Compression ignition (C.I) engine cycle simulation was
developed and modified in to LHR engine for both diesel and
biodiesel fuel. On the basis of first law of thermodynamics the
properties at each degree crank angle was calculated. Preparation and
reaction rate model was used to calculate the instantaneous heat
release rate. A gas-wall heat transfer calculations are based on the
ANNAND-s combined heat transfer model with instantaneous wall
temperature to analyze the effect of coating on heat transfer. The
simulated results are validated by conducting the experiments on the
test engine under identical operating condition on a turbocharged D.I
diesel engine. In this analysis 20% of biodiesel (derived from
Jatropha oil) blended with diesel and used in both conventional and
LHR engine. The simulated combustion and performance
characteristics results are found satisfactory with the experimental
value.
Abstract: One of the most important parameters to develop and
manage urban areas is appropriate selection of land surface to
develop green spaces in these areas. In this study, in order to identify
the most appropriate sites and areas cultivated for ornamental species
in Jiroft, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images
due to extract the most important effective climatic and adaphic
parameters for growth ornamental species were used. After geometric
and atmospheric corrections applied, to enhance accuracy of multi
spectral (XS) bands, the fusion of Landsat XS bands by IRS-1D
panchromatic band (PAN) was performed. After field sampling to
evaluate the correlation between different factors in surface soil
sampling location and different bands digital number (DN) of ETM+
sensor on the same points, correlation tables formed using the best
computational model and the map of physical and chemical
parameters of soil was produced. Then the accuracy of them was
investigated by using kappa coefficient. Finally, according to
produced maps, the best areas for cultivation of recommended
species were introduced.
Abstract: This study investigated morphology of the Spanner Barb (Puntius lateristriga Valenciennes, 1842) and water quality at Thepchana waterfall. This study was conducted at Thepchana Waterfall, Khao Nan National Park from March to May 2007. There were 40 Spanner Barb collected with 20 males and 20 females. Males had an average of 5.57 cm in standard length, 6.62 cm in total length and 5.18 g in total body weight. Females had an average of 7.25 cm in standard length, 8.24 cm in total length and 10.96 g in total body weight. The length (L) – weight (W) relationships for combining sexes, males and females were LogW = -2.137 + 3.355logL, log W = -0.068 + 3.297logL, and log W = -2.068 + 3.297logL, respectively. The Spanner Barb were smaller size fish with a compressed form; terminal mouth; villiform teeth; ctenoid scale; concave tail; general body color yellowish olive, with slight reddish tint to fins; vertical band beginning below dorsal and horizontal stripe from base of tail almost to vertical band. They also had a vertical band midway between the eye and first vertical band. There was a black spot above anal fin. The bladder looked like J-shape. Inside of the bladder was found small insects and insect lava. The body length and the bowels length was 1:1 ratio. The water temperature ranged from 25.00 – 27.00 °C which was appropriate for their habitat characteristics. Acid - alkalinity ranged from 6.65 – 6.90 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.55 – 4.70 mg/l. Water hardness ranged from 31.00 – 48.00 mg/l. The amount of ammonia was about 0.25 mg/l.
Abstract: Until recently, researchers have developed various
tools and methodologies for effective clinical decision-making.
Among those decisions, chest pain diseases have been one of
important diagnostic issues especially in an emergency department. To
improve the ability of physicians in diagnosis, many researchers have
developed diagnosis intelligence by using machine learning and data
mining. However, most of the conventional methodologies have been
generally based on a single classifier for disease classification and
prediction, which shows moderate performance. This study utilizes an
ensemble strategy to combine multiple different classifiers to help
physicians diagnose chest pain diseases more accurately than ever.
Specifically the ensemble strategy is applied by using the integration
of decision trees, neural networks, and support vector machines. The
ensemble models are applied to real-world emergency data. This study
shows that the performance of the ensemble models is superior to each
of single classifiers.
Abstract: In this paper as showed a non-invasive 3D eye tracker
for optometry clinical applications. Measurements of biomechanical
variables in clinical practice have many font of errors associated with
traditional procedments such cover test (CT), near point of
accommodation (NPC), eye ductions (ED), eye vergences (EG) and,
eye versions (ES). Ocular motility should always be tested but all
evaluations have a subjective interpretations by practitioners, the
results is based in clinical experiences, repeatability and accuracy
don-t exist. Optometric-lab is a tool with 3 (tree) analogical video
cameras triggered and synchronized in one acquisition board AD.
The variables globe rotation angle and velocity can be quantified.
Data record frequency was performed with 27Hz, camera calibration
was performed in a know volume and image radial distortion
adjustments.
Abstract: This paper investigates the problem of tracking spa¬tiotemporal changes of a satellite image through the use of Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD). The purpose of this study is to help a given user effectively discover interesting knowledge and then build prediction and decision models. Unfortunately, the KDD process for spatiotemporal data is always marked by several types of imperfections. In our paper, we take these imperfections into consideration in order to provide more accurate decisions. To achieve this objective, different KDD methods are used to discover knowledge in satellite image databases. Each method presents a different point of view of spatiotemporal evolution of a query model (which represents an extracted object from a satellite image). In order to combine these methods, we use the evidence fusion theory which considerably improves the spatiotemporal knowledge discovery process and increases our belief in the spatiotemporal model change. Experimental results of satellite images representing the region of Auckland in New Zealand depict the improvement in the overall change detection as compared to using classical methods.
Abstract: Electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system for
the fuel rate reduction and steering feel improvement is comprised of
ECU including the logic which controls the steering system and BL
DC motor and produces the best suited cornering force, BLDC motor,
high pressure pump integrated module and basic oil-hydraulic circuit
of the commercial HPS system.
Electro-hydraulic system can be studied in two ways such as
experimental and computer simulation. To get accurate results in
experimental study of EHPS system, the real boundary management is
necessary which is difficult task. And the accuracy of the experimental
results depends on the preparation of the experimental setup and
accuracy of the data collection. The computer simulation gives
accurate and reliable results if the simulation is carried out considering
proper boundary conditions. So, in this paper, each component of
EHPS was modeled, and the model-based analysis and control logic
was designed by using AMESim
Abstract: In this study, ZnO nano rods and ZnO ultrafine particles were synthesized by Gel-casting method. The synthesized ZnO powder has a hexagonal zincite structure. The ZnO aggregates with rod-like morphology are typically 1.4 μm in length and 120 nm in diameter, which consist of many small nanocrystals with diameters of 10 nm. Longer wires connected by many hexahedral ZnO nanocrystals were obtained after calcinations at the temperature over 600° C.The crystalline structures and morphologies of the powder have been characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Scaning electron microscopy (SEM).The result shows that the different preparation conditions such as concentration H2O, calcinations time and calcinations temperature have a lot of influences upon the properties of nano ZnO powders, an increase in the temperature of the calcinations results in an increase of the grain size and also the increase of the calcinations time in high temperature makes the size of the grains bigger. The existences of extra watter prevent nano grains from improving like rod morphology. We have obtained the smallest grain size of ZnO powder by controlling the process conditions. Finally In a suitable condition, a novel nanostructure, namely bi-rod-like ZnO nano rods was found which is different from known ZnO nanostructures.
Abstract: Alkali Activated Slag Concrete (AASC) mixes are manufactured by activating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) using sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions. The aim of the present experimental research was to investigate the effect of increasing the dosages of sodium oxide (Na2O, in the range of 4 to 8%) and the activator modulus (Ms) (i.e. the SiO2/Na2O ratio, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5) of the alkaline solutions, on the workability and strength characteristics of self-cured (air-cured) alkali activated Indian slag concrete mixes. Further the split tensile and flexure strengths for optimal mixes were studied for each dosage of Na2O.It is observed that increase in Na2O concentration increases the compressive, split-tensile and flexural strengths, both at the early and later-ages, while increase in Ms, decreases the workability of the mixes. An optimal Ms of 1.25 is found at various Na2O dosages. No significant differences in the strength performances were observed between AASCs manufactured with alkali solutions prepared using either of potable and de-ionized water.
Abstract: Green Roofs offers numerous advantages, including lowering ambient temperature, which is of increasing interest due to global warming concerns. However, there are technical problems pertaining to waterproofing to be resolved. Currently, the only recognized green roof waterproofing test is the German standard FLL. This paper examines the potential of replicating the test in tropical climate and reducing the test duration by using pre-grown plants. A three year old sample and a new setup were used for this experimental study. The new setup was prepared with close reference to the FLL standards and was compared against the three year old sample. Results showed that the waterproofing membrane was damaged by plant roots in both setups. Joints integrity was also challenged.
Abstract: Parametric models have been quite popular for
studying human growth, particularly in relation to biological
parameters such as peak size velocity and age at peak size velocity.
Longitudinal data are generally considered to be vital for fittinga
parametric model to individual-specific data, and for studying the
distribution of these biological parameters in a human population.
However, cross-sectional data are easier to obtain than longitudinal
data. In this paper, we present a method of combining longitudinal
and cross-sectional data for the purpose of estimating the distribution
of the biological parameters. We demonstrate, through simulations in
the special case ofthePreece Baines model, how estimates based on
longitudinal data can be improved upon by harnessing the
information contained in cross-sectional data.We study the extent of
improvement for different mixes of the two types of data, and finally
illustrate the use of the method through data collected by the Indian
Statistical Institute.
Abstract: The development of wearable sensing technologies is a great challenge which is being addressed by the Proetex FP6 project (www.proetex.org). Its main aim is the development of wearable sensors to improve the safety and efficiency of emergency personnel. This will be achieved by continuous, real-time monitoring of vital signs, posture, activity, and external hazards surrounding emergency workers. We report here the development of carbon dioxide (CO2) sensing boot by incorporating commercially available CO2 sensor with a wireless platform into the boot assembly. Carefully selected commercially available sensors have been tested. Some of the key characteristics of the selected sensors are high selectivity and sensitivity, robustness and the power demand. This paper discusses some of the results of CO2 sensor tests and sensor integration with wireless data transmission
Abstract: Optimum communication and performance in
Wireless Sensor Networks, constitute multi-facet challenges due to
the specific networking characteristics as well as the scarce resource
availability. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly apparent that
isolated layer based approaches often do not meet the demands posed
by WSNs applications due to omission of critical inter-layer
interactions and dependencies. As a counterpart, cross-layer is
receiving high interest aiming to exploit these interactions and
increase network performance. However, in order to clearly identify
existing dependencies, comprehensive performance studies are
required evaluating the effect of different critical network parameters
on system level performance and behavior.This paper-s main
objective is to address the need for multi-parametric performance
evaluations considering critical network parameters using a well
known network simulator, offering useful and practical conclusions
and guidelines. The results reveal strong dependencies among
considered parameters which can be utilized by and drive future
research efforts, towards designing and implementing highly efficient
protocols and architectures.
Abstract: Occurrences of spurious crests on the troughs of large,
relatively steep second-order Stokes waves are anomalous and not an
inherent characteristic of real waves. Here, the effects of such
occurrences on the statistics described by the standard second-order
stochastic model are examined theoretically and by way of
simulations. Theoretical results and simulations indicate that when
spurious occurrences are sufficiently large, the standard model leads
to physically unrealistic surface features and inaccuracies in the
statistics of various surface features, in particular, the troughs and
thus zero-crossing heights of large waves. Whereas inaccuracies can
be fairly noticeable for long-crested waves in both deep and
shallower depths, they tend to become relatively insignificant in
directional waves.
Abstract: In the context of large volume Big Divisor (nearly)
SLagy D3/D7 μ-Split SUSY [1], after an explicit identification
of first generation of SM leptons and quarks with fermionic superpartners
of four Wilson line moduli, we discuss the identification of
gravitino as a potential dark matter candidate by explicitly calculating
the decay life times of gravitino (LSP) to be greater than age of
universe and lifetimes of decays of the co-NLSPs (the first generation
squark/slepton and a neutralino) to the LSP (the gravitino) to be
very small to respect BBN constraints. Interested in non-thermal
production mechanism of gravitino, we evaluate the relic abundance
of gravitino LSP in terms of that of the co-NLSP-s by evaluating
their (co-)annihilation cross sections and hence show that the former
satisfies the requirement for a potential Dark Matter candidate. We
also show that it is possible to obtain a 125 GeV light Higgs in our
setup.