Abstract: A high performance computer includes a fast
processor and millions bytes of memory. During the data processing,
huge amount of information are shuffled between the memory and
processor. Because of its small size and its effectiveness speed, cache
has become a common feature of high performance computers.
Enhancing cache performance proved to be essential in the speed up
of cache-based computers. Most enhancement approaches can be
classified as either software based or hardware controlled. The
performance of the cache is quantified in terms of hit ratio or miss
ratio. In this paper, we are optimizing the cache performance based
on enhancing the cache hit ratio. The optimum cache performance is
obtained by focusing on the cache hardware modification in the way
to make a quick rejection to the missed line's tags from the hit-or
miss comparison stage, and thus a low hit time for the wanted line in
the cache is achieved. In the proposed technique which we called
Even- Odd Tabulation (EOT), the cache lines come from the main
memory into cache are classified in two types; even line's tags and
odd line's tags depending on their Least Significant Bit (LSB). This
division is exploited by EOT technique to reject the miss match line's
tags in very low time compared to the time spent by the main
comparator in the cache, giving an optimum hitting time for the
wanted cache line. The high performance of EOT technique against
the familiar mapping technique FAM is shown in the simulated
results.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to study postpartum breastfeeding mothers to determine the impact their psychosocial and spiritual dimensions play in promoting full-term (6 month duration) breastfeeding of their infants. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to identify and recruit the study's participants. A total of 23 postpartum mothers, who were breastfeeding within 6 weeks after giving birth, participated in this study. In-depth interviews combined with observations, participant focus groups, and ethnographic records were used for data collection. The Data were then analyzed using content analysis and typology. The results of this study illustrated that postpartum mothers experienced fear and worry that they would lack support from their spouse, family and peers, and that their infant would not get enough milk It was found that the main barrier mothers faced in breastfeeding to full-term was the difficulty of continuing to breastfeed when returning to work. 81.82% of the primiparous mothers and 91.67% of the non-primiparous mothers were able to breastfeed for the desired full-term of 6 months. Factors found to be related to breastfeeding for six months included 1) belief and faith in breastfeeding, 2) support from spouse and family members, 3) counseling from public health nurses and friends. The sample also provided evidence that religious principles such as tolerance, effort, love, and compassion to their infant, and positive thinking, were used in solving their physical, mental and spiritual problems.
Abstract: This paper presents an interval-based multi-attribute
decision making (MADM) approach in support of the decision
process with imprecise information. The proposed decision
methodology is based on the model of linear additive utility function
but extends the problem formulation with the measure of composite
utility variance. A sample study concerning with the evaluation of
electric generation expansion strategies is provided showing how the
imprecise data may affect the choice toward the best solution and
how a set of alternatives, acceptable to the decision maker (DM),
may be identified with certain confidence.
Abstract: The dynamic behaviour of a four-bar linkage driven by a velocity controlled DC motor is discussed in the paper. In particular the author presents the results obtained by means of a specifically developed software, which implements the mathematical models of all components of the system (linkage, transmission, electric motor, control devices). The use of this software enables a more efficient design approach, since it allows the designer to check, in a simple and immediate way, the dynamic behaviour of the mechanism, arising from different values of the system parameters.
Abstract: The job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) is well known as one of the most difficult combinatorial optimization problems. This paper presents a hybrid genetic algorithm for the JSSP with the objective of minimizing makespan. The efficiency of the genetic algorithm is enhanced by integrating it with a local search method. The chromosome representation of the problem is based on operations. Schedules are constructed using a procedure that generates full active schedules. In each generation, a local search heuristic based on Nowicki and Smutnicki-s neighborhood is applied to improve the solutions. The approach is tested on a set of standard instances taken from the literature and compared with other approaches. The computation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Abstract: In designing of condensers, the prediction of pressure
drop is as important as the prediction of heat transfer coefficient.
Modeling of two phase flow, particularly liquid – vapor flow under
diabatic conditions inside a horizontal tube using CFD analysis is
difficult with the available two phase models in FLUENT due to
continuously changing flow patterns. In the present analysis, CFD
analysis of two phase flow of refrigerants inside a horizontal tube of
inner diameter, 0.0085 m and 1.2 m length is carried out using
homogeneous model under adiabatic conditions. The refrigerants
considered are R22, R134a and R407C. The analysis is performed at
different saturation temperatures and at different flow rates to
evaluate the local frictional pressure drop. Using Homogeneous
model, average properties are obtained for each of the refrigerants
that is considered as single phase pseudo fluid. The so obtained
pressure drop data is compared with the separated flow models
available in literature.
Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results of a
single cylinder Enfield engine using an electronically controlled fuel
injection system which was developed to carry out exhaustive tests
using neat CNG, and mixtures of hydrogen in compressed natural gas
(HCNG) as 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by energy. Experiments were
performed at 2000 and 2400 rpm with wide open throttle and varying
the equivalence ratio. Hydrogen which has fast burning rate, when
added to compressed natural gas, enhances its flame propagation rate.
The emissions of HC, CO, decreased with increasing percentage of
hydrogen but NOx was found to increase. The results indicated a
marked improvement in the brake thermal efficiency with the
increase in percentage of hydrogen added. The improved thermal
efficiency was clearly observed to be more in lean region as
compared to rich region. This study is expected to reduce vehicular
emissions along with increase in thermal efficiency and thus help in
reduction of further environmental degradation.
Abstract: Graph based image segmentation techniques are
considered to be one of the most efficient segmentation techniques
which are mainly used as time & space efficient methods for real
time applications. How ever, there is need to focus on improving the
quality of segmented images obtained from the earlier graph based
methods. This paper proposes an improvement to the graph based
image segmentation methods already described in the literature. We
contribute to the existing method by proposing the use of a weighted
Euclidean distance to calculate the edge weight which is the key
element in building the graph. We also propose a slight modification
of the segmentation method already described in the literature, which
results in selection of more prominent edges in the graph. The
experimental results show the improvement in the segmentation
quality as compared to the methods that already exist, with a slight
compromise in efficiency.
Abstract: In this article we are going to discuss the improvement
of the multi classes- classification problem using multi layer
Perceptron. The considered approach consists in breaking down the
n-class problem into two-classes- subproblems. The training of each
two-class subproblem is made independently; as for the phase of test,
we are going to confront a vector that we want to classify to all two
classes- models, the elected class will be the strongest one that won-t
lose any competition with the other classes. Rates of recognition
gotten with the multi class-s approach by two-class-s decomposition
are clearly better that those gotten by the simple multi class-s
approach.
Abstract: Microcirculation is essential for the proper supply of
oxygen and nutritive substances to the biological tissue and the
removal of waste products of metabolism. The determination of
blood flow in the capillaries is therefore of great interest to clinicians.
A comparison has been carried out using the developed non-invasive,
non-contact and whole field laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI)
based technique and as well as a commercially available laser
Doppler blood flowmeter (LDF) to evaluate blood flow at the finger
tip and elbow and is presented here. The LSCI technique gives more
quantitative information on the velocity of blood when compared to
the perfusion values obtained using the LDF. Measurement of blood
flow in capillaries can be of great interest to clinicians in the
diagnosis of vascular diseases of the upper extremities.
Abstract: Logistics outsourcing is a growing trend and measuring its performance, a challenge. It must be consistent with the objectives set for logistics outsourcing, but we have found no objective-based performance measurement system. We have conducted a comprehensive review of the specialist literature to cover this gap, which has led us to identify and define these objectives. The outcome is that we have obtained a list of the most relevant objectives and their descriptions. This will enable us to analyse in a future study whether the indicators used for measuring logistics outsourcing performance are consistent with the objectives pursued with the outsourcing. If this is not the case, a proposal will be made for a set of financial and operational indicators to measure performance in logistics outsourcing that take the goals being pursued into account.
Abstract: Wavelet transform or wavelet analysis is a recently
developed mathematical tool in applied mathematics. In numerical
analysis, wavelets also serve as a Galerkin basis to solve partial
differential equations. Haar transform or Haar wavelet transform has
been used as a simplest and earliest example for orthonormal wavelet
transform. Since its popularity in wavelet analysis, there are several
definitions and various generalizations or algorithms for calculating
Haar transform. Fast Haar transform, FHT, is one of the algorithms
which can reduce the tedious calculation works in Haar transform. In
this paper, we present a modified fast and exact algorithm for FHT,
namely Modified Fast Haar Transform, MFHT. The algorithm or
procedure proposed allows certain calculation in the process
decomposition be ignored without affecting the results.
Abstract: Software effort estimation is the process of predicting
the most realistic use of effort required to develop or maintain
software based on incomplete, uncertain and/or noisy input. Effort
estimates may be used as input to project plans, iteration plans,
budgets. There are various models like Halstead, Walston-Felix,
Bailey-Basili, Doty and GA Based models which have already used
to estimate the software effort for projects. In this study Statistical
Models, Fuzzy-GA and Neuro-Fuzzy (NF) Inference Systems are
experimented to estimate the software effort for projects. The
performances of the developed models were tested on NASA
software project datasets and results are compared with the Halstead,
Walston-Felix, Bailey-Basili, Doty and Genetic Algorithm Based
models mentioned in the literature. The result shows that the NF
Model has the lowest MMRE and RMSE values. The NF Model
shows the best results as compared with the Fuzzy-GA based hybrid
Inference System and other existing Models that are being used for
the Effort Prediction with lowest MMRE and RMSE values.
Abstract: Indoor air distribution has great impact on people-s thermal sensation. Therefore, how to remove the indoor excess heat becomes an important issue to create a thermally comfortable indoor environment. To expel the extra indoor heat effectively, this paper used a dynamic CFD approach to study the effect of an air-supply guide vane swinging periodically on the indoor air distribution within a model room. The numerical results revealed that the indoor heat transfer performance caused by the swing guide vane had close relation with the number of vortices developing under the inlet cold jet. At larger swing amplitude, two smaller vortices continued to shed outward under the cold jet and remove the indoor heat load more effectively. As a result, it can be found that the average Nusselt number on the floor increased with the increase of the swing amplitude of the guide vane.
Abstract: In Algeria, liberalization reforms undertaken since the 1990s have resulted in negative effects on the development and management of irrigation schemes, as well as on the conditions of farmers. Reforms have been undertaken to improve the performance of irrigation schemes, such as the national plan of agricultural development (PNDA) in 2000 and the water pricing policy of 2005. However, after implementation of these policies, questions have arisen with regard to irrigation performance and its suitability for agricultural development. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide insight into the profitability of irrigation during the transition period under current irrigation agricultural policies in Algeria. By using the method of farm crop budget analysis in the East Mitidja irrigation scheme, the returns from using surface water resources based on farm typology were found to vary among crops and farmers- groups within the scheme. Irrigation under the current situation is profitable for all farmers, including both those who benefit from subsidies and those who do not. However, the returns to water were found to be very sensitive to crop price fluctuations, particularly for non-subsidized groups and less so for those whose farming is based on orchards. Moreover, the socio-economic environment of the farmers contributed to less significant impacts of the PNDA policy. In fact, the limiting factor is not only the water, but also the lack of land ownership title. Market access constraints led to less agricultural investment and therefore to low intensification and low water productivity. It is financially feasible to recover the annual O&M costs in the irrigation scheme. By comparing the irrigation water price, returns to water, and O&M costs of water delivery, it is clear that irrigation can be profitable in the future. However, water productivity must be improved by enhancing farmers- income through farming investment, improving assets access, and the allocation of activities and crops which bring high returns to water; this could allow the farmers to pay more for water and allow cost recovery for water systems.
Abstract: In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) for CO2 capturing in typical absorption/stripper process are considered. The use of ionic liquids is considered to be cost-effective because it requires less energy for solvent recovery compared to other conventional processes. A mathematical model is developed for the process based on Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) which is validated with experimental data for various solutions involving CO2. The model is utilized to study the sorbent and energy demand for three types of ILs at specific CO2 capturing rates. The energy demand is manifested by the vapor-liquid equilibrium temperature necessary to remove the captured CO2 from the used solvent in the regeneration step. It is found that higher recovery temperature is required for solvents with higher solubility coefficient. For all ILs, the temperature requirement is less than that required by the typical monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent. The effect of the CO2 loading in the sorbent stream on the process performance is also examined.
Abstract: We investigate the planar quasi-septic non-analytic systems which have a center-focus equilibrium at the origin and whose angular speed is constant. The system could be changed into an analytic system by two transformations, with the help of computer algebra system MATHEMATICA, the conditions of uniform isochronous center are obtained.
Abstract: In this paper, we start by first characterizing the most
important and distinguishing features of wavelet-based watermarking
schemes. We studied the overwhelming amount of algorithms
proposed in the literature. Application scenario, copyright protection
is considered and building on the experience that was gained,
implemented two distinguishing watermarking schemes. Detailed
comparison and obtained results are presented and discussed. We
concluded that Joo-s [1] technique is more robust for standard noise
attacks than Dote-s [2] technique.
Abstract: carbonylation of methanol in homogenous phase is
one of the major routesfor production of acetic acid. Amongst group
VIII metal catalysts used in this process iridium has displayed the
best capabilities. To investigate effect of operating parameters like:
temperature, pressure, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, iridium,
ruthenium, and water concentrations on the reaction rate,
experimental design for this system based upon central composite
design (CCD) was utilized. Statistical rate equation developed by this
method contained individual, interactions and curvature effects of
parameters on the reaction rate. The model with p-value less than
0.0001 and R2 values greater than 0.9; confirmeda satisfactory fitness
of the experimental and theoretical studies. In other words, the
developed model and experimental data obtained passed all
diagnostic tests establishing this model as a statistically significant.
Abstract: In this work we adopt a combination of Laplace
transform and the decomposition method to find numerical solutions
of a system of multi-pantograph equations. The procedure leads to a
rapid convergence of the series to the exact solution after computing a
few terms. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in some
examples by obtaining the exact solution and in others by computing
the absolute error which decreases as the number of terms of the series
increases.