Abstract: Aptamers are useful tools in microorganism
researches, diagnoses, and treatment. Aptamers are specific target
molecules formed by oligonucleic acid molecules, and are not
decomposed by alcohol. Aptamers used to detect Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (MTB) have been proved to have specific affinity to the
outer membrane proteins of MTB. This article presents a biosensor
chip set with aptamers for early detection of MTB with high specificity
and sensitivity, even in very low concentration. Meanwhile, we have
already made a modified hydrophobic facial mask module with
internal rendering hydrophobic for effectively collecting M.
tuberculosis.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to use artificial neural networks computing technology for estimating the net heating value (NHV) of crude oil by its Properties. The approach is based on training the neural network simulator uses back-propagation as the learning algorithm for a predefined range of analytically generated well test response. The network with 8 neurons in one hidden layer was selected and prediction of this network has been good agreement with experimental data.
Abstract: Load forecasting has always been the essential part of
an efficient power system operation and planning. A novel approach
based on support vector machines is proposed in this paper for annual
power load forecasting. Different kernel functions are selected to
construct a combinatorial algorithm. The performance of the new
model is evaluated with a real-world dataset, and compared with two
neural networks and some traditional forecasting techniques. The
results show that the proposed method exhibits superior performance.
Abstract: A systems approach model for prostate cancer in prostate duct, as a sub-system of the organism is developed. It is accomplished in two steps. First this research work starts with a nonlinear system of coupled Fokker-Plank equations which models continuous process of the system like motion of cells. Then extended to PDEs that include discontinuous processes like cell mutations, proliferation and deaths. The discontinuous processes is modeled by using intensity poisson processes. The model incorporates the features of the prostate duct. The system of PDEs spatial coordinate is along the proximal distal axis. Its parameters depend on features of the prostate duct. The movement of cells is biased towards distal region and mutations of prostate cancer cells is localized in the proximal region. Numerical solutions of the full system of equations are provided, and are exhibit traveling wave fronts phenomena. This motivates the use of the standard transformation to derive a canonically related system of ODEs for traveling wave solutions. The results obtained show persistence of prostate cancer by showing that the non-negative cone for the traveling wave system is time invariant. The traveling waves have a unique global attractor is proved also. Biologically, the global attractor verifies that evolution of prostate cancer stem cells exhibit the avascular tumor growth. These numerical solutions show that altering prostate stem cell movement or mutation of prostate cancer cells lead to avascular tumor. Conclusion with comments on clinical implications of the model is discussed.
Abstract: The balanced Hamiltonian cycle problemis a quiet new topic of graph theorem. Given a graph G = (V, E), whose edge set can be partitioned into k dimensions, for positive integer k and a Hamiltonian cycle C on G. The set of all i-dimensional edge of C, which is a subset by E(C), is denoted as Ei(C).
Abstract: This paper demonstrates the application of craziness based particle swarm optimization (CRPSO) technique for designing the 8th order low pass Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter. CRPSO, the much improved version of PSO, is a population based global heuristic search algorithm which finds near optimal solution in terms of a set of filter coefficients. Effectiveness of this algorithm is justified with a comparative study of some well established algorithms, namely, real coded genetic algorithm (RGA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Simulation results affirm that the proposed algorithm CRPSO, outperforms over its counterparts not only in terms of quality output i.e. sharpness at cut-off, pass band ripple, stop band ripple, and stop band attenuation but also in convergence speed with assured stability.
Abstract: We present a new intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation
operator called the intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted
averaging-weighted average (IFOWAWA) operator. The main
advantage of the IFOWAWA operator is that it unifies the OWA
operator with the WA in the same formulation considering the degree
of importance that each concept has in the aggregation. Moreover, it is
able to deal with an uncertain environment that can be assessed with
intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. We study some of its main properties and
we see that it has a lot of particular cases such as the intuitionistic
fuzzy weighted average (IFWA) and the intuitionistic fuzzy OWA
(IFOWA) operator. Finally, we study the applicability of the new
approach on a financial decision making problem concerning the
selection of financial strategies.
Abstract: The Internet is the global data communications
infrastructure based on the interconnection of both public and private
networks using protocols that implement Internetworking on a global
scale. Hence the control of protocol and infrastructure development,
resource allocation and network operation are crucial and interlinked
aspects. Internet Governance is the hotly debated and contentious
subject that refers to the global control and operation of key Internet
infrastructure such as domain name servers and resources such as
domain names. It is impossible to separate technical and political
positions as they are interlinked. Furthermore the existence of a
global market, transparency and competition impact upon Internet
Governance and related topics such as network neutrality and
security. Current trends and developments regarding Internet
governance with a focus on the policy-making process, security and
control have been observed to evaluate current and future
implications on the Internet. The multi stakeholder approach to
Internet Governance discussed in this paper presents a number of
opportunities, issues and developments that will affect the future
direction of the Internet. Internet operation, maintenance and
advisory organisations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers (ICANN) or the Internet Governance Forum
(IGF) are currently in the process of formulating policies for future
Internet Governance. Given the controversial nature of the issues at
stake and the current lack of agreement it is predicted that
institutional as well as market governance will remain present for the
network access and content.
Abstract: Freeways are originally designed to provide high
mobility to road users. However, the increase in population and
vehicle numbers has led to increasing congestions around the world.
Daily recurrent congestion substantially reduces the freeway capacity
when it is most needed. Building new highways and expanding the
existing ones is an expensive solution and impractical in many
situations. Intelligent and vision-based techniques can, however, be
efficient tools in monitoring highways and increasing the capacity of
the existing infrastructures. The crucial step for highway monitoring
is vehicle detection. In this paper, we propose one of such
techniques. The approach is based on artificial neural networks
(ANN) for vehicles detection and counting. The detection process
uses the freeway video images and starts by automatically extracting
the image background from the successive video frames. Once the
background is identified, subsequent frames are used to detect
moving objects through image subtraction. The result is segmented
using Sobel operator for edge detection. The ANN is, then, used in
the detection and counting phase. Applying this technique to the
busiest freeway in Riyadh (King Fahd Road) achieved higher than
98% detection accuracy despite the light intensity changes, the
occlusion situations, and shadows.
Abstract: Many difficulties are faced in the process of learning
computer programming. This paper will propose a system framework
intended to reduce cognitive load in learning programming. In first
section focus is given on the process of learning and the
shortcomings of the current approaches to learning programming.
Finally the proposed prototype is suggested along with the
justification of the prototype. In the proposed prototype the concept
map is used as visualization metaphor. Concept maps are similar to
the mental schema in long term memory and hence it can reduce
cognitive load well. In addition other method such as part code
method is also proposed in this framework to can reduce cognitive
load.
Abstract: Fructooligosaccharides derived from microbial enzyme especially from fungal sources has been received particular attention due to its beneficial effects as prebiotics and mass production. However, fungal fermentation is always cumbersome due to its broth rheology problem that will eventually affect the production of FOS. This study investigated the efficiency of immobilized cell system using rotating fibrous bed bioreactor (RFBB) in producing fructooligosaccharides (FOS). A comparative picture with respect to conventional stirred tank bioreactor (CSTB) and RFBB has been presented. To demonstrate the effect of agitation intensity and aeration rate, a laboratory-scale bioreactor 2.5 L was operated in three phases (high, medium, low) for 48 hours. Agitation speed has a great influence on P. simplicissimum fermentation for FOS production, where the volumetric FOS productivity using RFBB is increased with almost 4 fold compared to the FOS productivity in CSTB that only 0.319 g/L/h. Rate of FOS production increased up to 1.2 fold when immobilized cells system was employed at aeration rate similar to the freely suspended cells at 2.0 vvm.
Abstract: In this study, active tendons with Proportional Integral
Derivation type controllers were applied to a SDOF and a MDOF
building model. Physical models of buildings were constituted with
virtual springs, dampers and rigid masses. After that, equations of
motion of all degrees of freedoms were obtained. Matlab Simulink
was utilized to obtain the block diagrams for these equations of
motion. Parameters for controller actions were found by using a trial
method. After earthquake acceleration data were applied to the
systems, building characteristics such as displacements, velocities,
accelerations and transfer functions were analyzed for all degrees of
freedoms. Comparisons on displacement vs. time, velocity vs. time,
acceleration vs. time and transfer function (Db) vs. frequency (Hz)
were made for uncontrolled and controlled buildings. The results
show that the method seems feasible.
Abstract: The number of framework conceived for e-learning
constantly increase, unfortunately the creators of learning materials
and educational institutions engaged in e-formation adopt a
“proprietor" approach, where the developed products (courses,
activities, exercises, etc.) can be exploited only in the framework
where they were conceived, their uses in the other learning
environments requires a greedy adaptation in terms of time and
effort. Each one proposes courses whose organization, contents,
modes of interaction and presentations are unique for all learners,
unfortunately the latter are heterogeneous and are not interested by
the same information, but only by services or documents adapted to
their needs. Currently the new tendency for the framework
conceived for e-learning, is the interoperability of learning materials,
several standards exist (DCMI (Dublin Core Metadata Initiative)[2],
LOM (Learning Objects Meta data)[1], SCORM (Shareable Content
Object Reference Model)[6][7][8], ARIADNE (Alliance of Remote
Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks for Europe)[9],
CANCORE (Canadian Core Learning Resource Metadata
Application Profiles)[3]), they converge all to the idea of learning
objects. They are also interested in the adaptation of the learning
materials according to the learners- profile. This article proposes an
approach for the composition of courses adapted to the various
profiles (knowledge, preferences, objectives) of learners, based on
two ontologies (domain to teach and educational) and the learning
objects.
Abstract: Pakistani doctors (MBBS) are emigrating towards developed countries for professional adjustments. This study aims to highlight causes and consequences of doctors- brain drain from Pakistan. Primary data was collected from Mayo Hospital, Lahore by interviewing doctors (n=100) through systematic random sampling technique. It found that various socio-economic and political conditions are working as push and pull factors for brain drain of doctors in Pakistan. Majority of doctors (83%) declared poor remunerations and professional infrastructure of health department as push factor of doctors- brain drain. 81% claimed that continuous instability in political situation and threats of terrorism are responsible for emigration of doctors. 84% respondents considered fewer opportunities of further studies responsible for their emigration. Brain drain of doctors is affecting health sector-s policies / programs, standard doctor-patient ratios and quality of health services badly.
Abstract: It-s known that incorporating prior knowledge into support
vector regression (SVR) can help to improve the approximation
performance. Most of researches are concerned with the incorporation
of knowledge in the form of numerical relationships. Little work,
however, has been done to incorporate the prior knowledge on the
structural relationships among the variables (referred as to Structural
Prior Knowledge, SPK). This paper explores the incorporation of SPK
in SVR by constructing appropriate admissible support vector kernel
(SV kernel) based on the properties of reproducing kernel (R.K).
Three-levels specifications of SPK are studied with the corresponding
sub-levels of prior knowledge that can be considered for the method.
These include Hierarchical SPK (HSPK), Interactional SPK (ISPK)
consisting of independence, global and local interaction, Functional
SPK (FSPK) composed of exterior-FSPK and interior-FSPK. A
convenient tool for describing the SPK, namely Description Matrix
of SPK is introduced. Subsequently, a new SVR, namely Motivated
Support Vector Regression (MSVR) whose structure is motivated
in part by SPK, is proposed. Synthetic examples show that it is
possible to incorporate a wide variety of SPK and helpful to improve
the approximation performance in complex cases. The benefits of
MSVR are finally shown on a real-life military application, Air-toground
battle simulation, which shows great potential for MSVR to
the complex military applications.
Abstract: The effects of down slope steepness on soil splash distribution under a water drop impact have been investigated in this study. The equipment used are the burette to simulate a water drop, a splash cup filled with sandy soil which forms the source area and a splash board to collect the ejected particles. The results found in this study have shown that the apparent mass increased with increasing downslope angle following a linear regression equation with high coefficient of determination. In the same way, the radial soil splash distribution over the distance has been analyzed statistically, and an exponential function was the best fit of the relationship for the different slope angles. The curves and the regressions equations validate the well known FSDF and extend the theory of Van Dijk.
Abstract: Nanostructured Iron Oxide with different
morphologies of rod-like and granular have been suc-cessfully
prepared via a solid-state reaction in the presence of NaCl, NaBr, NaI
and NaN3, respectively. The added salts not only prevent a drastic
increase in the size of the products but also provide suitable
conditions for the oriented growth of primary nanoparticles. The
formation mechanisms of these materials by solid-state reaction at
ambient temperature are proposed. The photocatalytic experiments
for congo red (CR) have demonstrated that the mixture of α-Fe2O3
and Fe3O4 nanostructures were more efficient than α-Fe2O3
nanostructures.
Abstract: As nanotechnology advances, the use of nanotechnology for medical purposes in the field of nanomedicine seems more promising; the rise of nanorobots for medical diagnostics and treatments could be arriving in the near future. This study proposes a swarm intelligence based control mechanism for swarm nanorobots that operate as artificial platelets to search for wounds. The canonical particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed in this study. A simulation in the circulatory system is constructed and used for demonstrating the movement of nanorobots with essential characteristics to examine the performance of proposed control mechanism. The effects of three nanorobot capabilities including their perception range, maximum velocity and respond time are investigated. The results show that canonical particle swarm optimization can be used to control the early version nanorobots with simple behaviors and actions.
Abstract: PPX(Pretty Printer for XML) is a query language that offers a concise description method of formatting the XML data into HTML. In this paper, we propose a simple specification of formatting method that is a combination description of automatic layout operators and variables in the layout expression of the GENERATE clause of PPX. This method can automatically format irregular XML data included in a part of XML with layout decision rule that is referred to DTD. In the experiment, a quick comparison shows that PPX requires far less description compared to XSLT or XQuery programs doing same tasks.
Abstract: Business process model describes process flow of a
business and can be seen as the requirement for developing a
software application. This paper discusses a BPM2CD guideline
which complements the Model Driven Architecture concept by
suggesting how to create a platform-independent software model in
the form of a UML class diagram from a business process model. An
important step is the identification of UML classes from the business
process model. A technique for object-oriented analysis called
domain analysis is borrowed and key concepts in the business
process model will be discovered and proposed as candidate classes
for the class diagram. The paper enhances this step by using ontology
search to help identify important classes for the business domain. As
ontology is a source of knowledge for a particular domain which
itself can link to ontologies of related domains, the search can give a
refined set of candidate classes for the resulting class diagram.