Abstract: The concurrent era is characterised by strengthened interactions among financial markets and increased capital mobility globally. In this frames we examine the effects the international financial integration process has on the European bond markets. We perform a comparative study of the interactions of the European and international bond markets and exploit Cointegration analysis results on the elimination of stochastic trends and the decomposition of the underlying long run equilibria and short run causal relations. Our investigation provides evidence on the relation between the European integration process and that of globalisation, viewed through the bond markets- sector. Additionally the structural formulation applied, offers significant implications of the findings. All in all our analysis offers a number of answers on crucial queries towards the European bond markets integration process.
Abstract: Sickness absence represents a major economic and
social issue. Analysis of sick leave data is a recurrent challenge to analysts because of the complexity of the data structure which is
often time dependent, highly skewed and clumped at zero. Ignoring these features to make statistical inference is likely to be inefficient
and misguided. Traditional approaches do not address these problems. In this study, we discuss model methodologies in terms of statistical techniques for addressing the difficulties with sick leave data. We also introduce and demonstrate a new method by performing a longitudinal assessment of long-term absenteeism using
a large registration dataset as a working example available from the Helsinki Health Study for municipal employees from Finland during the period of 1990-1999. We present a comparative study on model
selection and a critical analysis of the temporal trends, the occurrence
and degree of long-term sickness absences among municipal employees. The strengths of this working example include the large
sample size over a long follow-up period providing strong evidence in supporting of the new model. Our main goal is to propose a way to
select an appropriate model and to introduce a new methodology for analysing sickness absence data as well as to demonstrate model
applicability to complicated longitudinal data.
Abstract: Text categorization (the assignment of texts in natural language into predefined categories) is an important and extensively studied problem in Machine Learning. Currently, popular techniques developed to deal with this task include many preprocessing and learning algorithms, many of which in turn require tuning nontrivial internal parameters. Although partial studies are available, many authors fail to report values of the parameters they use in their experiments, or reasons why these values were used instead of others. The goal of this work then is to create a more thorough comparison of preprocessing parameters and their mutual influence, and report interesting observations and results.
Abstract: the research was conducted using the self report of
shoplifters who apprehended in the supermarket while stealing. 943
shoplifters in three years were interviewed right after the stealing act
and before calling the police. The aim of the study is to know the
shoplifting characteristics in Saudi Arabia, including the trait of
shoplifters and the situation of the supermarkets where the stealing
takes place. The analysis based on the written information about each
thief as the documentary research method. Descriptive statistics as
well as some inferential statistics were employed. The result shows
that there are differences between genders, age groups, occupations,
time of the day, days of the week, months, way of stealing, individual
or group of thieves and other supermarket situations in the type of
items stolen, total price and the count of items. The result and the
recommendation will serve as a guide for retailers where, when and
who to look at to prevent shoplifting.
Abstract: Rule Discovery is an important technique for mining knowledge from large databases. Use of objective measures for discovering interesting rules lead to another data mining problem, although of reduced complexity. Data mining researchers have studied subjective measures of interestingness to reduce the volume of discovered rules to ultimately improve the overall efficiency of KDD process. In this paper we study novelty of the discovered rules as a subjective measure of interestingness. We propose a hybrid approach that uses objective and subjective measures to quantify novelty of the discovered rules in terms of their deviations from the known rules. We analyze the types of deviation that can arise between two rules and categorize the discovered rules according to the user specified threshold. We implement the proposed framework and experiment with some public datasets. The experimental results are quite promising.
Abstract: Metal stamping die design is a complex, experiencebased
and time-consuming task. Various artificial intelligence (AI)
techniques are being used by worldwide researchers for stamping die
design to reduce complexity, dependence on human expertise and
time taken in design process as well as to improve design efficiency.
In this paper a comprehensive review of applications of AI
techniques in manufacturability evaluation of sheet metal parts, die
design and process planning of metal stamping die is presented.
Further the salient features of major research work published in the
area of metal stamping are presented in tabular form and scope of
future research work is identified.
Abstract: An advanced Monte Carlo simulation method, called Subset Simulation (SS) for the time-dependent reliability prediction for underground pipelines has been presented in this paper. The SS can provide better resolution for low failure probability level with efficient investigating of rare failure events which are commonly encountered in pipeline engineering applications. In SS method, random samples leading to progressive failure are generated efficiently and used for computing probabilistic performance by statistical variables. SS gains its efficiency as small probability event as a product of a sequence of intermediate events with larger conditional probabilities. The efficiency of SS has been demonstrated by numerical studies and attention in this work is devoted to scrutinise the robustness of the SS application in pipe reliability assessment. It is hoped that the development work can promote the use of SS tools for uncertainty propagation in the decision-making process of underground pipelines network reliability prediction.
Abstract: Color Image quantization (CQ) is an important
problem in computer graphics, image and processing. The aim of
quantization is to reduce colors in an image with minimum distortion.
Clustering is a widely used technique for color quantization; all
colors in an image are grouped to small clusters. In this paper, we
proposed a new hybrid approach for color quantization using firefly
algorithm (FA) and K-means algorithm. Firefly algorithm is a swarmbased
algorithm that can be used for solving optimization problems.
The proposed method can overcome the drawbacks of both
algorithms such as the local optima converge problem in K-means
and the early converge of firefly algorithm. Experiments on three
commonly used images and the comparison results shows that the
proposed algorithm surpasses both the base-line technique k-means
clustering and original firefly algorithm.
Abstract: In the present study, fracture behavior of woven
fabric-reinforced glass/epoxy composite laminates under mode III
crack growth was experimentally investigated and numerically
modeled. Two methods were used for the calculation of the strain
energy release rate: the experimental compliance calibration (CC)
method and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). To
achieve this aim ECT (Edge Crack Torsion) was used to evaluate
fracture toughness in mode III loading (out of plane-shear) at
different crack lengths. Load–displacement and associated energy
release rates were obtained for various case of interest. To
calculate fracture toughness JIII, two criteria were considered
including non-linearity and maximum points in load-displacement
curve and it is observed that JIII increases with the crack length
increase. Both the experimental compliance method and the virtual
crack closure technique proved applicable for the interpretation of the
fracture mechanics data of woven glass/epoxy laminates in mode III.
Abstract: In this article the accumulated results out of the effects
and length of the manufacture and production projects in the
university and research standard have been settled with the usefulness
definition of the process of project management for the accessibility
to the proportional pattern in the “time and action" stages. Studies
show that many problems confronted by the researchers in these
projects are connected to the non-profiting of: 1) autonomous timing
for gathering the educational theme, 2) autonomous timing for
planning and pattern, presenting before the construction, and 3)
autonomous timing for manufacture and sample presentation from the
output. The result of this study indicates the division of every
manufacture and production projects into three smaller autonomous
projects from its kind, budget and autonomous expenditure, shape
and order of the stages for the management of these kinds of projects.
In this case study real result are compared with theoretical results.
Abstract: Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill
Effluent (POME) are two main wastes from oil palm industries which
contain rich lignocellulose. Degradation of EFB and POME by
microorganisms will produce hydrolytic enzyme which will degrade
cellulose and hemicellulose during composting process. However,
normal composting takes about four to six months to reach maturity.
Hence, application of fungi into compost can shorten the period of
composting. This study identifies the effect of xylanase and cellulase
produced by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma virens on
composting process using EFB and POME. The degradation of EFB
and POME indicates the lignocellulolytic capacity of Aspergillus
niger and Trichoderma virens with more than 7% decrease in
hemicellulose and more than 25% decrease in cellulose for both
inoculated compost. Inoculation of Aspergillus niger and
Trichoderma virens also increased the enzyme activities during the
composting period compared to the control compost by 21% for both
xylanase and cellulase. Rapid rise in the activities of cellulase and
xylanase was observed by Aspergillus niger with the highest
activities of 14.41 FPU/mg and 3.89 IU/mg, respectively. Increased
activities of cellulase and xylanase also occurred in inoculation of
Trichoderma virens with the highest activities obtained at 13.21
FPU/mg and 4.43 IU/mg, respectively. Therefore, it is evident that
the inoculation of fungi can increase the enzyme activities hence
effectively degrading the EFB and POME.
Abstract: Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass materials from
poplar, acacia, oak, and fir with different ionic liquids (ILs)
containing 1-alkyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cations and various anions
has been carried out. The dissolved cellulose from biomass was
precipitated by adding anti-solvents into the solution and vigorous
stirring. Commercial cellulases Celluclast 1.5L and Accelerase 1000
have been used for hydrolysis of untreated and pretreated
lignocellulosic biomass. Among the tested ILs, [Emim]COOCH3
showed the best efficiency, resulting in highest amount of liberated
reducing sugars. Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass using
glycerol-ionic liquids combined pretreatment and dilute acid-ionic
liquids combined pretreatment were evaluated and compared with
glycerol pretreatment, ionic liquids pretreatment and dilute acid
pretreatment.
Abstract: A large number of chemical, bio-chemical and pollution-control processes use heterogeneous fixed-bed reactors. The use of finite hollow cylindrical catalyst pellets can enhance conversion levels in such reactors. The absence of the pellet core can significantly lower the diffusional resistance associated with the solid phase. This leads to a better utilization of the catalytic material, which is reflected in the higher values for the effectiveness factor, leading ultimately to an enhanced conversion level in the reactor. It is however important to develop a rigorous heterogeneous model for the reactor incorporating the two-dimensional feature of the solid phase owing to the presence of the finite hollow cylindrical catalyst pellet. Presently, heterogeneous models reported in the literature invariably employ one-dimension solid phase models meant for spherical catalyst pellets. The objective of the paper is to present a rigorous model of the fixed-bed reactors containing finite hollow cylindrical catalyst pellets. The reaction kinetics considered here is the widely used Michaelis–Menten kinetics for the liquid-phase bio-chemical reactions. The reaction parameters used here are for the enzymatic degradation of urea. Results indicate that increasing the height to diameter ratio helps to improve the conversion level. On the other hand, decreasing the thickness is apparently not as effective. This could however be explained in terms of the higher void fraction of the bed that causes a smaller amount of the solid phase to be packed in the fixed-bed bio-chemical reactor.
Abstract: The trial in the city, located 170 kilometers from the
Iranian city of Ahvaz was Omidiyeh. The main factor in this project
includes 4 levels in control (without hormones), use of hormones in
the seed, vegetative and flowering stage respectively. And sub-plots
included 3 varieties of vetch in three levels, with local names, was the
jewel in the study of light and Auxin in the vegetative and
reproductive different times in different varieties of vetch was
investigated. This test has been taken in the plots in a randomized
complete block with four replications. In order to study the effects of
the hormone Auxin in the growth stages (seed, vegetative and
flowering) to control (no hormone Auxin) on three local varieties of
vetch, the essence of light and plant height, number of pods per plant,
seed number The pods, seeds per plant, grain weight, grain yield,
plant dry weight and protein content were measured. Among the
vetch varieties for plant height, number of pods per plant, a seed per
plant, grain weight, grain yield, and plant dry weight and protein
levels of 1 percent of plant and seed number per pod per plant at 5%
level of There was no significant difference. Interactions for grain
yield per plant, grain yield and protein levels of 1 percent and the
number of seeds per pod and seed weight are significant differences
in levels 5 and plant height and plant dry weight of the interaction
were INFLUENCE There was no significant difference in them.
Abstract: The traditional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
(FMEA) uses Risk Priority Number (RPN) to evaluate the risk level
of a component or process. The RPN index is determined by
calculating the product of severity, occurrence and detection indexes.
The most critically debated disadvantage of this approach is that
various sets of these three indexes may produce an identical value of
RPN. This research paper seeks to address the drawbacks in
traditional FMEA and to propose a new approach to overcome these
shortcomings. The Risk Priority Code (RPC) is used to prioritize
failure modes, when two or more failure modes have the same RPN.
A new method is proposed to prioritize failure modes, when there is a
disagreement in ranking scale for severity, occurrence and detection.
An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is used to compare means of
RPN values. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
statistical analysis package is used to analyze the data. The results
presented are based on two case studies. It is found that the proposed
new methodology/approach resolves the limitations of traditional
FMEA approach.
Abstract: The dynamical contouring error is a critical element for the accuracy of machine tools. The contouring error is defined as the difference between the processing actual path and commanded path, which is implemented by following the command curves from feeding driving system in machine tools. The contouring error is resulted from various factors, such as the external loads, friction, inertia moment, feed rate, speed control, servo control, and etc. Thus, the study proposes a 2D compensating system for the contouring accuracy of machine tools. Optical method is adopted by using stable frequency laser diode and the high precision position sensor detector (PSD) to performno-contact measurement. Results show the related accuracy of position sensor detector (PSD) of 2D contouring accuracy compensating system was ±1.5 μm for a calculated range of ±3 mm, and improvement accuracy is over 80% at high-speed feed rate.
Abstract: The chemical degradation of dieldrin in ferric
sulfide and iron powder aqueous suspension was investigated
in laboratory batch type experiments. To identify the reaction
mechanism, reduced copper was used as reductant. More than
90% of dieldrin was degraded using both reaction systems after
29 days. Initial degradation rate of the pesticide using ferric
sulfide was superior to that using iron powder. The reaction
schemes were completely dissimilar even though the ferric ion
plays an important role in both reaction systems. In the case of
metallic iron powder, dieldrin undergoes partial dechlorination.
This reaction proceeded by reductive hydrodechlorination with
the generation of H+, which arise by oxidation of ferric iron.
This reductive reaction was accelerated by reductant but
mono-dechlorination intermediates were accumulated. On the
other hand, oxidative degradation was observed in the reaction
with ferric sulfide, and the stable chemical structure of dieldrin
was decomposed into water-soluble intermediates. These
reaction intermediates have no chemical structure of drin class.
This dehalogenation reaction assumes to occur via the adsorbed
hydroxyl radial generated on the surface of ferric sulfide.
Abstract: Resins are used in nuclear power plants for water
ultrapurification. Two approaches are considered in this work:
column experiments and simulations. A software called OPTIPUR
was developed, tested and used. The approach simulates the onedimensional
reactive transport in porous medium with convectivedispersive
transport between particles and diffusive transport within
the boundary layer around the particles. The transfer limitation in the
boundary layer is characterized by the mass transfer coefficient
(MTC). The influences on MTC were measured experimentally. The
variation of the inlet concentration does not influence the MTC; on
the contrary of the Darcy velocity which influences. This is consistent
with results obtained using the correlation of Dwivedi&Upadhyay.
With the MTC, knowing the number of exchange site and the relative
affinity, OPTIPUR can simulate the column outlet concentration
versus time. Then, the duration of use of resins can be predicted in
conditions of a binary exchange.
Abstract: Historical monuments as architectural heritage are,
economically and culturally, considered one of the key aspects for
modern communities. Cultural heritage represents a country-s
national identity and pride and maintains and enriches that country-s
culture. Therefore, conservation of the monuments remained from
our ancestors requires everybody-s serious and unremitting effort.
Conservation, renewal, restoration, and technical study of cultural
and historical matters are issues which have a special status among
various forms of art and science in the present century and this is due
to two reasons: firstly, progress of humankind in this century has
created a factor called environmental pollution which not only has
caused new destructive processes of cultural/historical monuments
but also has accelerated the previous destructive processes by several
times, and secondly, the rapid advance of various sciences, especially
chemistry, has lead to the contribution of new methods and materials
to this significant issue.
Abstract: The study of the geometric shape of the plunging wave enclosed vortices as a possible indicator for the breaking intensity of ocean waves has been ongoing for almost 50 years with limited success. This paper investigates the validity of using the vortex ratio and vortex angle as methods of predicting breaking intensity. Previously published works on vortex parameters, based on regular wave flume results or solitary wave theory, present contradictory results and conclusions. Through the first complete analysis of field collected irregular wave breaking vortex parameters it is illustrated that the vortex ratio and vortex angle cannot be accurately predicted using standard breaking wave characteristics and hence are not suggested as a possible indicator for breaking intensity.