Abstract: Modeling of complex dynamic systems, which are
very complicated to establish mathematical models, requires new and
modern methodologies that will exploit the existing expert
knowledge, human experience and historical data. Fuzzy cognitive
maps are very suitable, simple, and powerful tools for simulation and
analysis of these kinds of dynamic systems. However, human experts
are subjective and can handle only relatively simple fuzzy cognitive
maps; therefore, there is a need of developing new approaches for an
automated generation of fuzzy cognitive maps using historical data.
In this study, a new learning algorithm, which is called Big Bang-Big
Crunch, is proposed for the first time in literature for an automated
generation of fuzzy cognitive maps from data. Two real-world
examples; namely a process control system and radiation therapy
process, and one synthetic model are used to emphasize the
effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed methodology.
Abstract: The morphological short-term evolution of Ponta do Tubarão Island (PTI) was investigated through high accurate surveys based on post-processed kinematic (PPK) relative positioning on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). PTI is part of a barrier island system on a high energy northeast Brazilian coastal environment and also an area of high environmental sensitivity. Surveys were carried out quarterly over a two years period from May 2010 to May 2012. This paper assesses statically the performance of digital elevation models (DEM) derived from different interpolation methods to represent morphologic features and to quantify volumetric changes and TIN models shown the best results to that purposes. The MDE allowed quantifying surfaces and volumes in detail as well as identifying the most vulnerable segments of the PTI to erosion and/or accumulation of sediments and relate the alterations to climate conditions. The coastal setting and geometry of PTI protects a significant mangrove ecosystem and some oil and gas facilities installed in the vicinities from damaging effects of strong oceanwaves and currents. Thus, the maintenance of PTI is extremely required but the prediction of its longevity is uncertain because results indicate an irregularity of sedimentary balance and a substantial decline in sediment supply to this coastal area.
Abstract: In this work, the effects of scale on thermal behavior of the slab in a walking-beam type reheating furnace is studied by considering scale formation and growth in a furnace environment. Also, mathematical heat transfer model to predict the thermal radiation in a complex shaped reheating furnace with slab and skid buttons is developed with combined nongray WSGGM and blocked-off solution procedure. The model can attack the heat flux distribution within the furnace and the temperature distribution in the slab throughout the reheating furnace process by considering the heat exchange between the slab and its surroundings, including the radiant heat transfer among the slabs, the skids, the hot combustion gases and the furnace wall as well as the gas convective heat transfer in the furnace. With the introduction of the mathematical formulations validation of the present numerical model is conducted by calculating two example problems of blocked-off and nongray gas radiative heat transfer. After discussing the formation and growth of the scale on the slab surface, slab heating characteristics with scale is investigated in terms of temperature rise with time.
Abstract: Statistical analysis of electrophysiological recordings
obtained under, e.g. tactile, stimulation frequently suggests participation
in the network dynamics of experimentally unobserved “hidden"
neurons. Such interneurons making synapses to experimentally
recorded neurons may strongly alter their dynamical responses to
the stimuli. We propose a mathematical method that formalizes this
possibility and provides an algorithm for inferring on the presence
and dynamics of hidden neurons based on fitting of the experimental
data to spike trains generated by the network model. The model
makes use of Integrate and Fire neurons “chemically" coupled
through exponentially decaying synaptic currents. We test the method
on simulated data and also provide an example of its application to
the experimental recording from the Dorsal Column Nuclei neurons
of the rat under tactile stimulation of a hind limb.
Abstract: By systematically applying different engineering
methods, difficult financial problems become approachable. Using a
combination of theory and techniques such as wavelet transform,
time series data mining, Markov chain based discrete stochastic
optimization, and evolutionary algorithms, this work formulated a
strategy to characterize and forecast non-linear time series. It
attempted to extract typical features from the volatility data sets of
S&P100 and S&P500 indices that include abrupt drops, jumps and
other non-linearity. As a result, accuracy of forecasting has reached
an average of over 75% surpassing any other publicly available
results on the forecast of any financial index.
Abstract: In today-s economy plant engineering faces many
challenges. For instance the intensifying competition in this business
is leading to cost competition and needs for a shorter time-to-market.
To remain competitive companies need to make their businesses
more profitable by implementing improvement programs such as
standardization projects. But they have difficulties to tap their full
economic potential for various reasons. One of them is non-holistic
planning and implementation of standardization projects. This paper
describes a new conceptual framework - the layer-model. The model
combines and expands existing proven approaches in order to
improve design, implementation and management of standardization
projects. Based on a holistic approach it helps to systematically
analyze the effects of standardization projects on different business
layers and enables companies to better seize the opportunities offered
by standardization.
Abstract: This paper provides new ways to explore the old
problem of failure of information systems development in an
organisation. Based on the theory of cognitive dissonance,
information systems (IS) failure is defined as a gap between what the
users expect from an information system and how well these
expectations are met by the perceived performance of the delivered
system. Bridging the expectation-perception gap requires that IS
professionals make a radical change from being the proprietor of
information systems and products to being service providers. In order
to deliver systems and services that IS users perceive as valuable, IS
people must become expert in determining and assessing users-
expectations and perceptions. It is also suggested that the IS
community, in general, has given relatively little attention to the
front-end process of requirements specification for IS development.
There is a simplistic belief that requirements are obtainable from
users, they are then translatable into a formal specification. The
process of information needs analysis is problematic and worthy of
investigation.
Abstract: In contrast to existing methods which do not take into account multiconnectivity in a broad sense of this term, we develop mathematical models and highly effective combination (BIEM and FDM) numerical methods of calculation of stationary and quasistationary temperature field of a profile part of a blade with convective cooling (from the point of view of realization on PC). The theoretical substantiation of these methods is proved by appropriate theorems. For it, converging quadrature processes have been developed and the estimations of errors in the terms of A.Ziqmound continuity modules have been received. For visualization of profiles are used: the method of the least squares with automatic conjecture, device spline, smooth replenishment and neural nets. Boundary conditions of heat exchange are determined from the solution of the corresponding integral equations and empirical relationships. The reliability of designed methods is proved by calculation and experimental investigations heat and hydraulic characteristics of the gas turbine first stage nozzle blade.
Abstract: The paper presents a numerical investigation on the
rapid gas decompression in pure nitrogen which is made by using the
one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) mathematical
models of transient compressible non-isothermal fluid flow in pipes.
A 1D transient mathematical model of compressible thermal multicomponent
fluid mixture flow in pipes is presented. The set of the
mass, momentum and enthalpy conservation equations for gas phase
is solved in the model. Thermo-physical properties of multicomponent
gas mixture are calculated by solving the Equation of
State (EOS) model. The Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK-EOS) model is
chosen. This model is successfully validated on the experimental data
[1] and shows a good agreement with measurements. A 3D transient
mathematical model of compressible thermal single-component gas
flow in pipes, which is built by using the CFD Fluent code (ANSYS),
is presented in the paper. The set of unsteady Reynolds-averaged
conservation equations for gas phase is solved. Thermo-physical
properties of single-component gas are calculated by solving the Real
Gas Equation of State (EOS) model. The simplest case of gas
decompression in pure nitrogen is simulated using both 1D and 3D
models. The ability of both models to simulate the process of rapid
decompression with a high order of agreement with each other is
tested. Both, 1D and 3D numerical results show a good agreement
between each other. The numerical investigation shows that 3D CFD
model is very helpful in order to validate 1D simulation results if the
experimental data is absent or limited.
Abstract: In a 10-week (May – August, 2008) Phase I trial, 840, 1+ rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, received a commercial oral immunomodulator, Fin Immune™, at four different dosages (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg g-1) to evaluate immune response and growth. The overall objective of was to determine an optimal dosage of this product for rainbow trout that provides enhanced immunity with maximal growth and health. Biweekly blood samples were taken from 10 randomly selected fish in each tank (30 samples per treatment) to evaluate the duration of enhanced immunity conferred by Fin-Immune™. The immunological assessment included serum white blood cell (lymphocyte, neutrophil) densities and blood hematocrit (packed cell volume %). Of these three variables, only lymphocyte density increased significantly among trout fed Fin- Immune™ at 20 and 30 mg g-1 which peaked at week 6. At week 7, all trout were switched to regular feed (lacking Fin-Immune™) and by week 10, lymphocyte levels decreased among all levels but were still greater than at week 0. There was growth impairment at the highest dose of Fin-Immune™ tested (30 mg g-1) which can be associated with a physiological compensatory mechanism due to a dose-specific threshold level. Thus, our main objective of this Phase I study was achieved, the 20 mg g-1 dose of Fin-Immune™ should be the most efficacious (of those we tested) to use for a Phase II disease challenge trial.
Abstract: This paper focuses on systematic analysis and
controller design of the two-inertia STABILIZATION system,
considering the angular motion on a base body. This approach is
essential to the stabilization system to aim at a target under three or six
degrees of freedom base motion. Four controllers, such as
conventional PDF(Pseudo-Derivative Feedback) controller with
motor speed feedback, PDF controller with load speed feedback,
modified PDF controller with motor-load speed feedback and
feedforward controller added to modified PDF controller, are
suggested to improve reference tracking and disturbance rejection
performance. Characteristics and performance of each controller are
analyzed and validated by simulation in the case of the modified PDF
controller with and without a feedforward controller.
Abstract: Supply network management adopts a systematic
and integrative approach to managing the operations and
relationships of various parties in a supply network. The objective
of the manufactures in their supply network is to reduce inventory
costs and increase customer satisfaction levels. One way of doing
that is to synchronize delivery performance. A supply network can
be described by nodes representing the companies and the links
(relationships) between these nodes. Uncertainty in delivery time
depends on type of network relationship between suppliers. The
problem is to understand how the individual uncertainties influence
the total uncertainty of the network and identify those parts of the
network, which has the highest potential for improving the total
delivery time uncertainty.
Abstract: This article discusses the problem of estimating the
orientation of inclined ground on which a human subject stands based
on information provided by the vestibular system consisting of the
otolith and semicircular canals. It is assumed that body segments are
not necessarily aligned and thus forming an open kinematic chain.
The semicircular canals analogues to a technical gyrometer provide a
measure of the angular velocity whereas the otolith analogues to a
technical accelerometer provide a measure of the translational
acceleration. Two solutions are proposed and discussed. The first is
based on a stand-alone Kalman filter that optimally fuses the two
measurements based on their dynamic characteristics and their noise
properties. In this case, no body dynamic model is needed. In the
second solution, a central extended disturbance observer that
incorporates a body dynamic model (internal model) is employed.
The merits of both solutions are discussed and demonstrated by
experimental and simulation results.
Abstract: Acute toxicity of nano SiO2, ZnO, MCM-41 (Meso
pore silica), Cu, Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tube (MWCNT), Single
Wall Carbon Nano Tube (SWCNT) , Fe (Coated) to bacteria Vibrio
fischeri using a homemade luminometer , was evaluated. The values
of the nominal effective concentrations (EC), causing 20% and 50%
inhibition of biouminescence, using two mathematical models at two
times of 5 and 30 minutes were calculated. Luminometer was
designed with Photomultiplier (PMT) detector. Luminol
chemiluminescence reaction was carried out for the calibration graph.
In the linear calibration range, the correlation coefficients and
coefficient of Variation (CV) were 0.988 and 3.21% respectively
which demonstrate the accuracy and reproducibility of the instrument
that are suitable. The important part of this research depends on how
to optimize the best condition for maximum bioluminescence. The
culture of Vibrio fischeri with optimal conditions in liquid media,
were stirring at 120 rpm at a temperature of 150C to 180C and were
incubated for 24 to 72 hours while solid medium was held at 180C
and for 48 hours. Suspension of nanoparticles ZnO, after 30 min
contact time to bacteria Vibrio fischeri, showed the highest toxicity
while SiO2 nanoparticles showed the lowest toxicity. After 5 min
exposure time, the toxicity of ZnO was the strongest and MCM-41
was the weakest toxicant component.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the most
important parameters determining the quality of the motion structure
of the basic classical dance jump – grand jeté.Research sample
consisted of 8 students of the Dance Conservatory in Brno. Using the
system Simi motion we performed a 3D kinematic analysis of the
jump. On the basis of the comparison of structure quality and
measured data of the grand jeté, we defined the optimal values of the
relevant parameters determining the quality of the performance. The
take-off speed should achieve about 2.4 m·s-1, the optimum take-off
angle is 28 - 30º. The take-off leg should swing backward at the
beginning of the flight phase with the minimum speed of 3.3 m·s-1.If
motor abilities of dancers achieve the level necessary for optimal
performance of a classical dance jump, there is room for certain
variability of the structure of the dance jump.
Abstract: Working memory (WM) can be defined as the system
which actively holds information in the mind to do tasks in spite of
the distraction. Contrary, short-term memory (STM) is a system that
represents the capacity for the active storing of information without
distraction. There has been accumulating evidence that these types of
memory are related to higher cognition (HC). The aim of this study
was to verify the relationship between HC and memory (visual STM
and WM, auditory STM and WM). 59 primary school children were
tested by intelligence test, mathematical tasks (HC) and memory
subtests. We have shown that visual but not auditory memory is a
significant predictor of higher cognition. The relevance of these
results are discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, an intelligent algorithm for optimal
document archiving is presented. It is kown that electronic archives
are very important for information system management. Minimizing
the size of the stored data in electronic archive is a main issue to
reduce the physical storage area. Here, the effect of different types of
Arabic fonts on electronic archives size is discussed. Simulation
results show that PDF is the best file format for storage of the Arabic
documents in electronic archive. Furthermore, fast information
detection in a given PDF file is introduced. Such approach uses fast
neural networks (FNNs) implemented in the frequency domain. The
operation of these networks relies on performing cross correlation in
the frequency domain rather than spatial one. It is proved
mathematically and practically that the number of computation steps
required for the presented FNNs is less than that needed by
conventional neural networks (CNNs). Simulation results using
MATLAB confirm the theoretical computations.
Abstract: There was studied dynamic of the number of
nematodes fauna of various ecosystems of Gombori Mountain Ridge
that belongs to peak of fauna dynamic. The nature of dynamic is in
general similar in all six biotypes and the difference is evident only in
total number of nematodes.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate a new
approach based on the idea of pictograms for food portion size. This
approach adopts the model of the United States Pharmacopeia- Drug
Information (USP-DI). The representation of each food portion size
composed of three parts: frame, the connotation of dietary portion
sizes and layout. To investigate users- comprehension based on this
approach, two experiments were conducted, included 122 Taiwanese
people, 60 male and 62 female with ages between 16 and 64 (divided
into age groups of 16-30, 31-45 and 46-64). In Experiment 1, the mean
correcting rate of the understanding level of food items is 48.54%
(S.D.= 95.08) and the mean response time 2.89sec (S.D.=2.14). The
difference on the correct rates for different age groups is significant
(P*=0.00
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.