Abstract: This paper describes about dynamic reconfiguration to
miniaturize arithmetic circuits in general-purpose processor. Dynamic
reconfiguration is a technique to realize required functions by
changing hardware construction during operation. The proposed
arithmetic circuit performs floating-point arithmetic which is
frequently used in science and technology. The data format is
floating-point based on IEEE754. The proposed circuit is designed
using VHDL, and verified the correct operation by simulations and
experiments.
Abstract: Cross layer optimization based on utility functions has
been recently studied extensively, meanwhile, numerous types of
utility functions have been examined in the corresponding literature.
However, a major drawback is that most utility functions take a fixed
mathematical form or are based on simple combining, which can
not fully exploit available information. In this paper, we formulate a
framework of cross layer optimization based on Adaptively Weighted
Utility Functions (AWUF) for fairness balancing in OFDMA networks.
Under this framework, a two-step allocation algorithm is
provided as a sub-optimal solution, whose control parameters can be
updated in real-time to accommodate instantaneous QoS constrains.
The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves
high throughput while balancing the fairness among multiple users.
Abstract: In this study, a vibration analysis was carried out of
symmetric angle-ply laminated composite plates with and without
square hole when subjected to compressive loads, numerically. A
buckling analysis is also performed to determine the buckling load of
laminated plates. For each fibre orientation, the compression load is
taken equal to 50% of the corresponding buckling load. In the
analysis, finite element method (FEM) was applied to perform
parametric studies, the effects of degree of orthotropy and stacking
sequence upon the fundamental frequencies and buckling loads are
discussed. The results show that the presence of a constant
compressive load tends to reduce uniformly the natural frequencies
for materials which have a low degree of orthotropy. However, this
reduction becomes non-uniform for materials with a higher degree of
orthotropy.
Abstract: This paper discusses the approach of real-time
controlling of the energy management system using the data
acquisition tool of LabVIEW. The main idea of this inspiration was
to interface the Station (PC) with the system and publish the data on
internet using LabVIEW. In this venture, controlling and switching of
3 phase AC loads are effectively and efficiently done. The phases are
also sensed through devices. In case of any failure the attached
generator starts functioning automatically. The computer sends
command to the system and system respond to the request. The
modern feature is to access and control the system world-wide using
world wide web (internet). This controlling can be done at any time
from anywhere to effectively use the energy especially in developing
countries where energy management is a big problem. In this system
totally integrated devices are used to operate via remote location.
Abstract: In this paper we present a Feed-Foward Neural
Networks Autoregressive (FFNN-AR) model with genetic algorithms
training optimization in order to predict the gross domestic product
growth of six countries. Specifically we propose a kind of weighted
regression, which can be used for econometric purposes, where the
initial inputs are multiplied by the neural networks final optimum
weights from input-hidden layer of the training process. The
forecasts are compared with those of the ordinary autoregressive
model and we conclude that the proposed regression-s forecasting
results outperform significant those of autoregressive model.
Moreover this technique can be used in Autoregressive-Moving
Average models, with and without exogenous inputs, as also the
training process with genetics algorithms optimization can be
replaced by the error back-propagation algorithm.
Abstract: This paper describes a newly designed decentralized
nonlinear control strategy to control a robot manipulator. Based on the
concept of the nonlinear state feedback theory and decentralized
concept is developed to improve the drawbacks in previous works
concerned with complicate intelligent control and low cost effective
sensor. The control methodology is derived in the sense of Lyapunov
theorem so that the stability of the control system is guaranteed. The
decentralized algorithm does not require other joint angle and velocity
information. Individual Joint controller is implemented using a digital
processor with nearly actuator to make it possible to achieve good
dynamics and modular. Computer simulation result has been
conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme
under the occurrence of possible uncertainties and different reference
trajectories. The merit of the proposed control system is indicated in
comparison with a classical control system.
Abstract: Embedding Sustainability in technological curricula has become a crucial factor for educating engineers with competences in sustainability. The Technical University of Catalonia UPC, in 2008, designed the Sustainable Technology Excellence Program STEP 2015 in order to assure a successful Sustainability Embedding. This Program takes advantage of the opportunity that the redesign of all Bachelor and Master Degrees in Spain by 2010 under the European Higher Education Area framework offered. The STEP program goals are: to design compulsory courses in each degree; to develop the conceptual base and identify reference models in sustainability for all specialties at UPC; to create an internal interdisciplinary network of faculty from all the schools; to initiate new transdisciplinary research activities in technology-sustainability-education; to spread the know/how attained; to achieve international scientific excellence in technology-sustainability-education and to graduate the first engineers/architects of the new EHEA bachelors with sustainability as a generic competence. Specifically, in this paper authors explain their experience in leading the STEP program, and two examples are presented: Industrial Robotics subject and the curriculum for the School of Architecture.
Abstract: There are several approaches in trying to solve the
Quantitative 1Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) problem.
These approaches are based either on statistical methods or on
predictive data mining. Among the statistical methods, one should
consider regression analysis, pattern recognition (such as cluster
analysis, factor analysis and principal components analysis) or partial
least squares. Predictive data mining techniques use either neural
networks, or genetic programming, or neuro-fuzzy knowledge. These
approaches have a low explanatory capability or non at all. This
paper attempts to establish a new approach in solving QSAR
problems using descriptive data mining. This way, the relationship
between the chemical properties and the activity of a substance
would be comprehensibly modeled.
Abstract: In this research, a systematic investigation was carried out to determine the optimum conditions of HDS reactor. Moreover, a suitable model was developed for a rigorous RTO (real time optimization) loop of HDS (Hydro desulfurization) process. A systematic experimental series was designed based on CCD (Central Composite design) and carried out in the related pilot plant to tune the develop model. The designed variables in the experiments were Temperature, LHSV and pressure. However, the hydrogen over fresh feed ratio was remained constant. The ranges of these variables were respectively equal to 320-380ºC, 1- 21/hr and 50-55 bar. a power law kinetic model was also developed for our further research in the future .The rate order and activation energy , power of reactant concentration and frequency factor of this model was respectively equal to 1.4, 92.66 kJ/mol and k0=2.7*109 .
Abstract: Benchmarking cleaner production performance is an
effective way of pollution control and emission reduction in coal-fired
power industry. A benchmarking method using two-stage
super-efficiency data envelopment analysis for coal-fired power plants
is proposed – firstly, to improve the cleaner production performance of
DEA-inefficient or weakly DEA-efficient plants, then to select the
benchmark from performance-improved power plants. An empirical
study is carried out with the survey data of 24 coal-fired power plants.
The result shows that in the first stage the performance of 16 plants is
DEA-efficient and that of 8 plants is relatively inefficient. The target
values for improving DEA-inefficient plants are acquired by
projection analysis. The efficient performance of 24 power plants and
the benchmarking plant is achieved in the second stage. The two-stage
benchmarking method is practical to select the optimal benchmark in
the cleaner production of coal-fired power industry and will
continuously improve plants- cleaner production performance.
Abstract: The objective of this work was to investigate flow
properties of powdered infant formula samples. Samples were
purchased at a local pharmacy and differed in composition. Lactose
free infant formula, gluten free infant formula and infant formulas
containing dietary fibers and probiotics were tested and compared
with a regular infant formula sample which did not contain any of
these supplements. Particle size and bulk density were determined
and their influence on flow properties was discussed. There were no
significant differences in bulk densities of the samples, therefore the
connection between flow properties and bulk density could not be
determined. Lactose free infant formula showed flow properties
different to standard supplement-free sample. Gluten free infant
formula with addition of probiotic microorganisms and dietary fiber
had the narrowest particle size distribution range and exhibited the
best flow properties. All the other samples exhibited the same
tendency of decreasing compaction coefficient with increasing flow
speed, which means they all become freer flowing with higher flow
speeds.
Abstract: Many real-world data sets consist of a very high dimensional feature space. Most clustering techniques use the distance or similarity between objects as a measure to build clusters. But in high dimensional spaces, distances between points become relatively uniform. In such cases, density based approaches may give better results. Subspace Clustering algorithms automatically identify lower dimensional subspaces of the higher dimensional feature space in which clusters exist. In this paper, we propose a new clustering algorithm, ISC – Intelligent Subspace Clustering, which tries to overcome three major limitations of the existing state-of-art techniques. ISC determines the input parameter such as є – distance at various levels of Subspace Clustering which helps in finding meaningful clusters. The uniform parameters approach is not suitable for different kind of databases. ISC implements dynamic and adaptive determination of Meaningful clustering parameters based on hierarchical filtering approach. Third and most important feature of ISC is the ability of incremental learning and dynamic inclusion and exclusions of subspaces which lead to better cluster formation.
Abstract: We present a prototype interactive (hyper) map of strategic, tactical, and logistic options for Supply Chain Management. The map comprises an anthology of options, broadly classified within the strategic spectrum of efficiency versus responsiveness, and according to logistic and cross-functional drivers. They are exemplified by cases in diverse industries. We seek to get all these information and ideas organized to help supply chain managers identify effective choices for specific business environments. The key and innovative linkage we introduce is the configuration of competitive forces. Instead of going through seemingly endless and isolated cases and wondering how one can borrow from them, we aim to provide a guide by force comparisons. The premise is that best practices in a different industry facing similar forces may be a most productive resource in supply chain design and planning. A prototype template is demonstrated.
Abstract: Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) has
been used as a common research tool for different neurological
disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. Recently, technology let
researchers to introduce a new versions of the visual test, the paced
visual serial addition test (PVSAT). In this paper, the computerized
version of these two tests is introduced. Beside the number of true
responses are interpreted, the reaction time of subjects are calculated
by the software. We hypothesize that paying attention to the reaction
time may be valuable. For this purpose, sixty eight female normal
subjects and fifty eight male normal subjects are enrolled in the
study. We investigate the similarity between the PASAT3 and
PVSAT3 in number of true responses and the new criterion (the
average reaction time of each subject). The similarity between two
tests were rejected (p-value = 0.000) which means that these two test
differ. The effect of sex in the tests were not approved since the pvalues
of different between PASAT3 and PVSAT3 in both sex is the
same (p-value = 0.000) which means that male and female subjects
performed the tests at no different level of performance. The new
criterion shows a negative correlation with the age which offers aged
normal subjects may have the same number of true responses as the
young subjects but they have latent responses. This will give prove
for the importance of reaction time.
Abstract: Prickly pear (Opuntia spp) fruit has received renewed
interest since it contains a betalain pigment that has an attractive
purple colour for the production of juice. Prickly pear juice was
prepared by homogenizing the fruit and treating the pulp with 48 g of
pectinase from Aspergillus niger. Titratable acidity was determined
by diluting 10 ml prickly pear juice with 90 ml deionized water and
titrating to pH 8.2 with 0.1 N NaOH. Brix was measured using a
refractometer and ascorbic acid content assayed
spectrophotometrically. Colour variation was determined
colorimetrically (Hunter L.a.b.). Hunter L.a.b. analysis showed that
the red purple colour of prickly pear juice had been affected by juice
treatments. This was indicated by low light values of colour
difference meter (CDML*), hue, CDMa* and CDMb* values. It was
observed that non-treated prickly pear juice had a high (colour
difference meter of light) CDML* of 3.9 compared to juice
treatments (range 3.29 to 2.14). The CDML* significantly (p
Abstract: The paper deals with the possibilities of modelling
vapour propagation of explosive substances in the FLUENT
software. With regard to very low tensions of explosive substance
vapours the experiment has been verified as exemplified by
mononitrotoluene. Either constant or time variable meteorological
conditions have been used for calculation. Further, it has been
verified that the eluent source may be time-dependent and may reflect
a real situation or the liberation rate may be constant. The execution
of the experiment as well as evaluation were clear and it could also
be used for modelling vapour and aerosol propagation of selected
explosive substances in the atmospheric boundary layer.
Abstract: There is strong evidence that water channel proteins
'aquaporins (AQPs)' are central components in plant-water relations
as well as a number of other physiological parameters. We had
previously reported the isolation of 24 plasma membrane intrinsic
protein (PIP) type AQPs. However, the gene numbers in rice and the
polyploid nature of bread wheat indicated a high probability of
further genes in the latter. The present work focused on identification
of further AQP isoforms in bread wheat. With the use of altered
primer design, we identified five genes homologous, designated
PIP1;5b, PIP2;9b, TaPIP2;2, TaPIP2;2a, TaPIP2;2b. Sequence
alignments indicate PIP1;5b, PIP2;9b are likely to be homeologues of
two previously reported genes while the other three are new genes
and could be homeologs of each other. The results indicate further
AQP diversity in wheat and the sequence data will enable physical
mapping of these genes to identify their genomes as well as genetic to
determine their association with any quantitative trait loci (QTLs)
associated with plant-water relation such as salinity or drought
tolerance.
Abstract: In this paper, the melting of a semi-infinite body as a
result of a moving laser beam has been studied. Because the Fourier
heat transfer equation at short times and large dimensions does not
have sufficient accuracy; a non-Fourier form of heat transfer
equation has been used. Due to the fact that the beam is moving in x
direction, the temperature distribution and the melting pool shape are
not asymmetric. As a result, the problem is a transient threedimensional
problem. Therefore, thermophysical properties such as
heat conductivity coefficient, density and heat capacity are functions
of temperature and material states. The enthalpy technique, used for
the solution of phase change problems, has been used in an explicit
finite volume form for the hyperbolic heat transfer equation. This
technique has been used to calculate the transient temperature
distribution in the semi-infinite body and the growth rate of the melt
pool. In order to validate the numerical results, comparisons were
made with experimental data. Finally, the results of this paper were
compared with similar problem that has used the Fourier theory. The
comparison shows the influence of infinite speed of heat propagation
in Fourier theory on the temperature distribution and the melt pool
size.
Abstract: Managers as the key employees have a very important role in maintaining the workforce performance which is critical to the
construction companies- success in the future. If motivated employees start with motivated managers probably it would seem
plausible if the de-motivated ones start with de-motivated managers. This study aims to analyze the importance of motivated managers to
their successes and construction companies- successes. In this study,
a quantitative method was used and the study area was in Medan, North Sumatera. Questionnaire survey was distributed directly to
construction companies in Medan which are listed in the
Construction Services Development Board. A total of 60 managers responded and the completed questionnaires were analyzed using the
descriptive analysis. The results indicated that the respondents acknowledge the importance of motivation among themselves to the
projects and construction companies- success, implying that it is vital o maintain the motivation and good performance of the workforce.
Abstract: In this study, the hydrogen transport phenomenon was
numerically evaluated by using hydrogen-enhanced localized
plasticity (HELP) mechanisms. Two dominant governing equations,
namely, the hydrogen transport model and the elasto-plastic model,
were introduced. In addition, the implicitly formulated equations of
the governing equations were implemented into ABAQUS UMAT
user-defined subroutines. The simulation results were compared to
published results to validate the proposed method.