Abstract: The existing image coding standards generally degrades at low bit-rates because of the underlying block based Discrete Cosine Transform scheme. Over the past decade, the success of wavelets in solving many different problems has contributed to its unprecedented popularity. Due to implementation constraints scalar wavelets do not posses all the properties such as orthogonality, short support, linear phase symmetry, and a high order of approximation through vanishing moments simultaneously, which are very much essential for signal processing. New class of wavelets called 'Multiwavelets' which posses more than one scaling function overcomes this problem. This paper presents a new image coding scheme based on non linear approximation of multiwavelet coefficients along with multistage vector quantization. The performance of the proposed scheme is compared with the results obtained from scalar wavelets.
Abstract: The traditional public relations manager is usually responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the organization among key publics. While the principal focus of this effort is on support publics, it is quite clearly recognized that an organization's image has important effects on its own employees, its donors and volunteers, and its clients. The aim of paper is to define application`s aspects of public relations media and tools by nonprofit organizations in Albanian reality. Actually does used public relations media and tools, like written material, audiovisual material, organizational identity media, news, interviews and speeches, events, web sites by nonprofit organizations to attract donors? If, public relations media and tools are used, does exists a relation between public relation media and fundraising?
Abstract: Reliable secure multicast communication in mobile
adhoc networks is challenging due to its inherent characteristics of
infrastructure-less architecture with lack of central authority, high
packet loss rates and limited resources such as bandwidth, time and
power. Many emerging commercial and military applications require
secure multicast communication in adhoc environments. Hence key
management is the fundamental challenge in achieving reliable
secure communication using multicast key distribution for mobile
adhoc networks. Thus in designing a reliable multicast key
distribution scheme, reliability and congestion control over
throughput are essential components. This paper proposes and
evaluates the performance of an enhanced optimized multicast cluster
tree algorithm with destination sequenced distance vector routing
protocol to provide reliable multicast key distribution. Simulation
results in NS2 accurately predict the performance of proposed
scheme in terms of key delivery ratio and packet loss rate under
varying network conditions. This proposed scheme achieves
reliability, while exhibiting low packet loss rate with high key
delivery ratio compared with the existing scheme.
Abstract: This paper presents the application of a signal intensity
independent similarity criterion for rigid and non-rigid body
registration of binary objects. The criterion is defined as the
weighted ratio image of two images. The ratio is computed on a
voxel per voxel basis and weighting is performed by setting the raios
between signal and background voxels to a standard high value. The
mean squared value of the weighted ratio is computed over the union
of the signal areas of the two images and it is minimized using the
Chebyshev polynomial approximation.
Abstract: Design for cost (DFC) is a method that reduces life
cycle cost (LCC) from the angle of designers. Multiple domain
features mapping (MDFM) methodology was given in DFC. Using
MDFM, we can use design features to estimate the LCC. From the
angle of DFC, the design features of family cars were obtained, such
as all dimensions, engine power and emission volume. At the
conceptual design stage, cars- LCC were estimated using back
propagation (BP) artificial neural networks (ANN) method and
case-based reasoning (CBR). Hamming space was used to measure the
similarity among cases in CBR method. Levenberg-Marquardt (LM)
algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA) were used in ANN. The
differences of LCC estimation model between CBR and artificial
neural networks (ANN) were provided. ANN and CBR separately
each method has its shortcomings. By combining ANN and CBR
improved results accuracy was obtained. Firstly, using ANN selected
some design features that affect LCC. Then using LCC estimation
results of ANN could raise the accuracy of LCC estimation in CBR
method. Thirdly, using ANN estimate LCC errors and correct errors in
CBR-s estimation results if the accuracy is not enough accurate.
Finally, economically family cars and sport utility vehicle (SUV) was
given as LCC estimation cases using this hybrid approach combining
ANN and CBR.
Abstract: In this paper we present the design of a new encryption scheme. The scheme we propose is a very exible encryption and authentication primitive. We build this scheme on two relatively new design principles: t-functions and fast pseudo hadamard transforms. We recapitulate the theory behind these principles and analyze their security properties and efficiency. In more detail we propose a streamcipher which outputs a message authentication tag along with theencrypted data stream with only little overhead. Moreover we proposesecurity-speed tradeoffs. Our scheme is faster than other comparablet-function based designs while offering the same security level.
Abstract: This study deals with the experimental investigation
and theoretical modeling of Semi crystalline polymeric materials with
a rubbery amorphous phase (HDPE) subjected to a uniaxial cyclic
tests with various maximum strain levels, even at large deformation.
Each cycle is loaded in tension up to certain maximum strain and
then unloaded down to zero stress with N number of cycles. This
work is focuses on the measure of the volume strain due to the
phenomena of damage during this kind of tests. On the basis of
thermodynamics of relaxation processes, a constitutive model for
large strain deformation has been developed, taking into account the
damage effect, to predict the complex elasto-viscoelastic-viscoplastic
behavior of material. A direct comparison between the model
predictions and the experimental data show that the model accurately
captures the material response. The model is also capable of
predicting the influence damage causing volume variation.
Abstract: Today-s Wi Fi generation utilize the latest technology in their daily lives. Instructors at National University, the second largest non profit private institution of higher learning in California, are incorporating these new tools to modify their Online class formats to better accommodate these new skills in their distance education delivery modes. The University provides accelerated learning in a one-course per month format both Onsite and Online. Since there has been such a significant increase in Online classes over the past three years, and it is expected to grow even more over the over the next five years, Instructors cannot afford to maintain the status quo and not take advantage of these new options. It is at the discretion of the instructors which accessory they use and how comfortable and familiar they are with the technology. This paper explores the effects and summarizes students- comments of some of these new technological options which have been recently provided in order to make students- online learning experience more exciting and meaningful.
Abstract: Recent studies demonstrated that high-fat diet increases oxidative stress in plasma and in a variety of tissues. Many researchers have been looking for natural products, which can reverse the effect of high fat diet. Recently, buckwheat is becoming common ingredient in functional food because of it properties. In study on buckwheat, it is known that, this plant plays roles as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive. Nevertheless still little is known about buckwheat groats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of buckwheat groats to the fat diet (30% lard), on some antioxidant and oxidant stress parameters in plasma and selected tissues in Wistar rats. The experiment was carried out with three months old male Wistar rats ca. 250g of body weight fed for 5 weeks with either a high-fat (30% of lard) diet or control diet, with or without addition of buckwheat groats. In plasma biochemistry and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes were measured selected tissues: glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and the levels of total and reduced glutathione (GSH), free thiol groups (pSH), antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP) and oxidant stress indices - proteins carbonyl groups (CO) and malonyldialdehyde concentration (MDA). Activity of catalase (CAT) in plasma of rats was significantly increased in buckwheat groats groups and activity of GPx3 in plasma of rats was decreased in buckwheat groups as compared to control group. The reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma of rats was significantly increased and protein CO was significantly decreased in buckwheat groups as compared to controls. The lowered concentration of GSH was found in serum of rats fed buckwheat groats addition but it accompanied in 7-fold increase in reduced-to-oxidized glutatione ratio, significant increase in HDL and decrease in nonHDL concentration. Conclusions: Buckwheat groats indicate a beneficial effect in inhibiting protein and lipid peroxidation in rats and improved lipid profile. These results suggest that buckwheat groats exert a significant antioxidant potential and may be used as normal food constituent to ameliorate the oxidant-induced damage in organism.
Abstract: The increasing demand for higher data rates in wireless communication systems has led to the more effective and efficient use of all allocated frequency bands. In order to use the whole bandwidth at maximum efficiency, one needs to have RF power amplifiers with a higher linear level and memory-less performance. This is considered to be a major challenge to circuit designers. In this thesis the linearity and memory are studied and examined via the behavior of the intermodulation distortion (IMD). A major source of the in-band distortion can be shown to be influenced by the out-of-band impedances presented at either the input or the output of the device, especially those impedances terminated the low frequency (IF) components. Thus, in order to regulate the in-band distortion, the out of-band distortion must be controllable. These investigations are performed on a 12W LDMOS device characterised at 2.1 GHz within a purpose built, high-power measurement system.
Abstract: Neonatal lupus erythematous (NLE) is a rare disease marked by clinical characteristic and specific maternal autoantibody. Many cutaneous, cardiac, liver, and hematological manifestations could happen with affect of one organ or multiple. In this case, both babies were premature, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and born through caesarean section from a systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) mother. In the first case, we found a baby girl with dyspnea and grunting. Chest X ray showed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) great I and echocardiography showed small atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). She also developed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated C-reactive protein, hypoalbuminemia, increasing coagulation factors, hyperbilirubinemia, and positive blood culture of Klebsiella pneumonia. Anti-Ro/SSA and Anti-nRNP/sm were positive. Intravenous fluid, antibiotic, transfusion of blood, thrombocyte concentrate, and fresh frozen plasma were given. The second baby, male presented with necrotic tissue on the left ear and skin rashes, erythematous macula, athropic scarring, hyperpigmentation on all of his body with various size and facial haemorrhage. He also suffered from thrombocytopenia, mild elevated transaminase enzyme, hyperbilirubinemia, anti-Ro/SSA was positive. Intravenous fluid, methyprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), blood, and thrombocyte concentrate transfution were given. Two cases of neonatal lupus erythematous had been presented. Diagnosis based on clinical presentation and maternal auto antibody on neonate. Organ involvement in NLE can occur as single or multiple manifestations.
Abstract: A new topology of unified power quality conditioner
(UPQC) is proposed for different power quality (PQ) improvement in
a three-phase four-wire (3P-4W) distribution system. For neutral
current mitigation, a star-hexagon transformer is connected in shunt
near the load along with three-leg voltage source inverters (VSIs)
based UPQC. For the mitigation of source neutral current, the uses of
passive elements are advantageous over the active compensation due
to ruggedness and less complexity of control. In addition to this, by
connecting a star-hexagon transformer for neutral current mitigation
the over all rating of the UPQC is reduced. The performance of the
proposed topology of 3P-4W UPQC is evaluated for power-factor
correction, load balancing, neutral current mitigation and mitigation
of voltage and currents harmonics. A simple control algorithm based
on Unit Vector Template (UVT) technique is used as a control
strategy of UPQC for mitigation of different PQ problems. In this
control scheme, the current/voltage control is applied over the
fundamental supply currents/voltages instead of fast changing APFs
currents/voltages, thereby reducing the computational delay.
Moreover, no extra control is required for neutral source current
compensation; hence the numbers of current sensors are reduced. The
performance of the proposed topology of UPQC is analyzed through
simulations results using MATLAB software with its Simulink and
Power System Block set toolboxes.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose the low-MAC FEC controller for practical implementation of JPEG2000 image transmission using IEEE 802.15.4. The proposed low-MAC FEC controller has very small HW size and spends little computation to estimate channel state. Because of this advantage, it is acceptable to apply IEEE 802.15.4 which has to operate more than 1 year with battery. For the image transmission, we integrate the low-MAC FEC controller and RCPC coder in sensor node of LR-WPAN. The modified sensor node has increase of 3% hardware size than conventional zigbee sensor node.
Abstract: A feasibility study for the design and construction of a
pilot plant for the extraction of castor oil in South Africa was
conducted. The study emphasized the four critical aspects of project
feasibility analysis, namely technical, financial, market and
managerial aspects. The technical aspect involved research on
existing oil extraction technologies, namely: mechanical pressing and
solvent extraction, as well as assessment of the proposed production
site for both short and long term viability of the project. The site is
on the outskirts of Nkomazi village in the Mpumalanga province,
where connections for water and electricity are currently underway,
potential raw material supply proves to be reliable since the province
is known for its commercial farming. The managerial aspect was
evaluated based on the fact that the current producer of castor oil will
be fully involved in the project while receiving training and technical
assistance from Sasol Technology, the TSC and SEDA. Market and
financial aspects were evaluated and the project was considered
financially viable with a Net Present Value (NPV) of R2 731 687 and
an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18% at an annual interest rate of
10.5%. The payback time is 6years for analysis over the first 10
years with a net income of R1 971 000 in the first year. The project
was thus found to be feasible with high chance of success while
contributing to socio-economic development. It was recommended
for lab tests to be conducted to establish process kinetics that would
be used in the initial design of the plant.
Abstract: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes is an
important joining process widely used in metal fabrication
industries. This paper addresses modeling and optimization of this
technique using a set of experimental data and regression analysis.
The set of experimental data has been used to assess the influence
of GMAW process parameters in weld bead geometry. The
process variables considered here include voltage (V); wire feed
rate (F); torch Angle (A); welding speed (S) and nozzle-to-plate
distance (D). The process output characteristics include weld bead
height, width and penetration. The Taguchi method and regression
modeling are used in order to establish the relationships between
input and output parameters. The adequacy of the model is
evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. In the
next stage, the proposed model is embedded into a Simulated
Annealing (SA) algorithm to optimize the GMAW process
parameters. The objective is to determine a suitable set of process
parameters that can produce desired bead geometry, considering
the ranges of the process parameters. Computational results prove
the effectiveness of the proposed model and optimization
procedure.
Abstract: The task of strategic information technology
management is to focus on adapting technology to ensure
competitiveness. A key factor for success in this sector is awareness
and readiness to deploy new technologies and exploit the services
they offer. Recently, the need for more flexible and dynamic user
interfaces (UIs) has been recognized, especially in mobile
applications. An ongoing research project (MOP), initiated by TUT
in Finland, is looking at how mobile device UIs can be adapted for
different needs and contexts. It focuses on examining the possibilities
to develop adapter software for solving the challenges related to the
UI and its flexibility in mobile devices. This approach has great
potential for enhancing information transfer in mobile devices, and
consequently for improving information management. The
technology presented here could be one of the key emerging
technologies in the information technology sector in relation to
mobile devices and telecommunications.
Abstract: Durian husk (DH), a fruit waste, was studied for its ability to remove Basic blue 3 (BB3) from aqueous solutions. Batch kinetic studies were carried out to study the sorption characteristics under various experimental conditions. The optimum pH for the dye removal occurred in the pH range of 3-10. Sorption was found to be concentration and agitation dependent. The kinetics of dye sorption fitted a pseudo-second order rate expression. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models appeared to provide reasonable fittings for the sorption data of BB3 on durian husk. Maximum sorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model is 49.50 mg g-1.
Abstract: The paper evaluates the ongoing reform of VAT in the Czech Republic in terms of impacts on individual households. The main objective is to analyse the impact of given changes on individual households. The adopted method is based on the data related to household consumption by individual household quintiles; obtained data are subjected to micro-simulation examining. Results are discussed in terms of vertical tax justice. Results of the analysis reveal that VAT behaves regressively and a sole consolidation of rates at a higher level only increases the regression of this tax in the Czech Republic.
Abstract: Variable channel conditions in underwater networks,
and variable distances between sensors due to water current, leads to
variable bit error rate (BER). This variability in BER has great
effects on energy efficiency of error correction techniques used. In
this paper an efficient energy adaptive hybrid error correction
technique (AHECT) is proposed. AHECT adaptively changes error
technique from pure retransmission (ARQ) in a low BER case to a
hybrid technique with variable encoding rates (ARQ & FEC) in a
high BER cases. An adaptation algorithm depends on a precalculated
packet acceptance rate (PAR) look-up table, current BER,
packet size and error correction technique used is proposed. Based
on this adaptation algorithm a periodically 3-bit feedback is added to
the acknowledgment packet to state which error correction technique
is suitable for the current channel conditions and distance.
Comparative studies were done between this technique and other
techniques, and the results show that AHECT is more energy
efficient and has high probability of success than all those
techniques.
Abstract: There are three possible effects of Special Theory of
Relativity (STR) on a thermodynamic system. Planck and Einstein
looked upon this process as isobaric; on the other hand Ott saw it as
an adiabatic process. However plenty of logical reasons show that the
process is isotherm. Our phenomenological consideration
demonstrates that the temperature is invariant with Lorenz
transformation. In that case process is isotherm, so volume and
pressure are Lorentz covariant. If the process is isotherm the Boyles
law is Lorentz invariant. Also equilibrium constant and Gibbs energy,
activation energy, enthalpy entropy and extent of the reaction became
Lorentz invariant.