Abstract: Counting people from a video stream in a noisy environment is a challenging task. This project aims at developing a counting system for transport vehicles, integrated in a video surveillance product. This article presents a method for the detection and tracking of multiple faces in a video by using a model of first and second order local moments. An iterative process is used to estimate the position and shape of multiple faces in images, and to track them. the trajectories are then processed to count people entering and leaving the vehicle.
Abstract: Aggression is a behavior that cannot be approved by
the society. Vandalism which is aggression towards objects is an
action that tends to damage public or personal property. The
behaviors that are described as vandalism can often be observed in
the schools as well. According to Zwier and Vaughan (1)
previous research about the reasons of and precautionary measures
for vandalism in schools can be grouped in three tendency categories:
conservative, liberal and radical. In this context, the main aim of this
study is to discover which ideological tendency of the reasons of
school vandalism is adopted by the teachers and what are their
physical, environmental, school system and societal solutions for
vandalism. A total of 200 teachers participated in this study, and the
mean age was 34.20 years (SD = 6.54). The sample was made up of
109 females and 91 males. For the analysis of the data, SPSS 15.00,
frequency, percentage, and t-test were used. The research showed
that the teachers have tendencies in the order of conservative, liberal
and radical for the reasons of vandalism. The research also showed
that the teachers do not have any tendency for eliminating vandalism
physically and general solutions on the level of society; on the other
hand they mostly adopt a conservative tendency in terms of
precautions against vandalism in the school system. Second most,
they adopt the liberal tendency in terms of precautions against
vandalism in the school system. . It is observed that the findings of
this study are comparable to the existing literature on the subject.
Future studies should be conducted with multiple variants and
bigger sampling.
Abstract: There are various kinds of medical equipment which
requires relatively accurate positional adjustments for successful
treatment. However, patients tend to move without notice during a
certain span of operations. Therefore, it is common practice that
accompanying operators adjust the focus of the equipment. In this
paper, tracking controllers for medical equipment are suggested to
replace the operators. The tracking controllers use AHRS sensor
information to recognize the movements of patients. Sensor fusion is
applied to reducing the error magnitudes through linear Kalman filters.
The image processing of optical markers is included to adjust the
accumulation errors of gyroscope sensor data especially for yaw
angles.
The tracking controller reduces the positional errors between the
current focus of a device and the target position on the body of a
patient. Since the sensing frequencies of AHRS sensors are very high
compared to the physical movements, the control performance is
satisfactory. The typical applications are, for example, ESWT or
rTMS, which have the error ranges of a few centimeters.
Abstract: Smoke discharging is a main reason of air pollution
problem from industrial plants. The obstacle of a building has an
affect with the air pollutant discharge. In this research, a mathematical
model of the smoke dispersion from two sources and one source with
a structural obstacle is considered. The governing equation of the
model is an isothermal mass transfer model in a viscous fluid. The
finite element method is used to approximate the solutions of the
model. The triangular linear elements have been used for discretising
the domain, and time integration has been carried out by semi-implicit
finite difference method. The simulations of smoke dispersion in
cases of one chimney and two chimneys are presented. The maximum
calculated smoke concentration of both cases are compared. It is then
used to make the decision for smoke discharging and air pollutant
control problems on industrial area.
Abstract: We present here the results for a comparative study of
some techniques, available in the literature, related to the relevance
feedback mechanism in the case of a short-term learning. Only one
method among those considered here is belonging to the data mining
field which is the K-nearest neighbors algorithm (KNN) while the
rest of the methods is related purely to the information retrieval field
and they fall under the purview of the following three major axes:
Shifting query, Feature Weighting and the optimization of the
parameters of similarity metric. As a contribution, and in addition to
the comparative purpose, we propose a new version of the KNN
algorithm referred to as an incremental KNN which is distinct from
the original version in the sense that besides the influence of the
seeds, the rate of the actual target image is influenced also by the
images already rated. The results presented here have been obtained
after experiments conducted on the Wang database for one iteration
and utilizing color moments on the RGB space. This compact
descriptor, Color Moments, is adequate for the efficiency purposes
needed in the case of interactive systems. The results obtained allow
us to claim that the proposed algorithm proves good results; it even
outperforms a wide range of techniques available in the literature.
Abstract: Fuzzy logic approach is used in this study to predict
the tractive performance in terms of traction force, and motion
resistance for an intelligent air cushion track vehicle while it operates
in the swamp peat. The system is effective to control the intelligent
air –cushion system with measuring the vehicle traction force (TF),
motion resistance (MR), cushion clearance height (CH) and cushion
pressure (CP). Sinkage measuring sensor, magnetic switch, pressure
sensor, micro controller, control valves and battery are incorporated
with the Fuzzy logic system (FLS) to investigate experimentally the
TF, MR, CH, and CP. In this study, a comparison for tractive
performance of an intelligent air cushion track vehicle has been
performed with the results obtained from the predicted values of FLS
and experimental actual values. The mean relative error of actual and
predicted values from the FLS model on traction force, and total
motion resistance are found as 5.58 %, and 6.78 % respectively. For
all parameters, the relative error of predicted values are found to be
less than the acceptable limits. The goodness of fit of the prediction
values from the FLS model on TF, and MR are found as 0.90, and
0.98 respectively.
Abstract: Later marine propeller is the main component of ship
propulsion system. For a non-series propeller, it is difficult to
indicate the open water marine propeller performance without an
experimental study to measure the marine propeller parameters.
In the present study, the open water performance of a non-series
marine propeller has been carried out experimentally. The
geometrical aspects of a commercial non-series marine propeller
have been measured for a propeller blade area ratio of 0.3985. The
measured propeller performance parameters were the thrust and
torque coefficients for different propeller rotational speed and
different water channel flow velocity, then the open water
performance for the propeller has been plotted.
In addition, a direct comparison between the obtained
experimental results and a theoretical study of a B-series marine
propeller of the same blade area ratio has been carried out. A
correction factor has been introduced to apply the operating
conditions of the experimental results to that of the theoretical study
for the studied marine propeller.
Abstract: Run-offs are considered as important hydrological factors in feasibility studies of river engineering and irrigation-related projects under arid and semi-arid condition. Flood control is one of the crucial factor, the management of which while mitigates its destructive consequences, abstracts considerable volume of renewable water resources. The methodology applied here was based on Mizumura, which applied a mathematical model for simple tank to simulate the rainfall-run-off process in a particular water basin using the data from the observational hydrograph. The model was applied in the Dez River water basin adjacent to Greater Dezful region, Iran in order to simulate and estimate the floods. Results indicated that the calculated hydrographs using the simple tank method, SCS-CN model and the observation hydrographs had a close proximity. It was also found that on average the flood time and discharge peaks in the simple tank were closer to the observational data than the CN method. On the other hand, the calculated flood volume in the CN model was significantly closer to the observational data than the simple tank model.
Abstract: We investigate the ZnO role in the inherent protection
of old manuscripts to protect them against environmental damaging
effect of ultraviolet radiation, pollutant gasses, mold and bacteria. In
this study a cellulosic nanocomposite of ZnO were used as protective
coating on the surface of paper fibers. This layered nanocomposite
can act as a consolidate materials too. Furthermore, to determine how
well paper works screen objects from the damaging effects, two
accelerated aging mechanisms due to light and heat are discussed.
Results show good stability of papers with nanocomposite coating.
Also, a good light stability was shown in the colored paper that
treated with this nanocomposite. Furthermore, to demonstrate the
degree of antifungal and antibacterial properties of coated papers,
papers was treated with four common molds and bacteria and the
good preventive effects of coated paper against molds and bacteria
are described.
Abstract: The application of the synchronous dynamic random
access memory (SDRAM) has gone beyond the scope of personal
computers for quite a long time. It comes into hand whenever a big
amount of low price and still high speed memory is needed. Most of
the newly developed stand alone embedded devices in the field of
image, video and sound processing take more and more use of it. The
big amount of low price memory has its trade off – the speed. In
order to take use of the full potential of the memory, an efficient
controller is needed. Efficient stands for maximum random accesses
to the memory both for reading and writing and less area after
implementation. This paper proposes a target device independent
DDR SDRAM pipelined controller and provides performance
comparison with available solutions.
Abstract: In the last couple of years Bluetooth has gained a large share in the market of home and personal appliances. It is now a well established technology a short range supplement to the wireless world of 802.11. The two main trends of research that have sprung from these developments are directed towards the coexistence and performance issues of Bluetooth and 802.11 as well as the co-existence in the very short range of multiple Bluetooth devices. Our work aims at thoroughly investigating different aspects of co-channel interference and effects of transmission power, distance and 802.11 interference on Bluetooth connections.
Abstract: Using state space technique and GF(2) theory, a
simulation model for external exclusive NOR type LFSR structures is
developed. Through this tool a systematic procedure is devised for
computing pseudo-random binary sequences from such structures.
Abstract: This article illustrates that how non similar culture become a cause of constant anxiety among international students in China. For that, a survey was carried out among international students of Wuhan University, China. The association among non similar culture, non familiarity of Chinese culture, self finance students and food problem is looked at through a regression line, and in the light of empirical results, a model is anticipated which elucidates these results. Some suggestions were directed at the end which will help to mitigate the anxiety among prospective students in Chinese universities.
Abstract: Clustering techniques have received attention in many areas including engineering, medicine, biology and data mining. The purpose of clustering is to group together data points, which are close to one another. The K-means algorithm is one of the most widely used techniques for clustering. However, K-means has two shortcomings: dependency on the initial state and convergence to local optima and global solutions of large problems cannot found with reasonable amount of computation effort. In order to overcome local optima problem lots of studies done in clustering. This paper is presented an efficient hybrid evolutionary optimization algorithm based on combining Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), called PSO-ACO, for optimally clustering N object into K clusters. The new PSO-ACO algorithm is tested on several data sets, and its performance is compared with those of ACO, PSO and K-means clustering. The simulation results show that the proposed evolutionary optimization algorithm is robust and suitable for handing data clustering.
Abstract: New advancement of technology and never satisfying demands of the civilization are putting huge pressure on the natural fuel resources and these resources are at a constant threat to its sustainability. To get the best out of the automobile, the optimum balance between performance and fuel economy is important. In the present state of art, either of the above two aspects are taken into mind while designing and development process which puts the other in the loss as increase in fuel economy leads to decrement in performance and vice-versa. In-depth observation of the vehicle dynamics apparently shows that large amount of energy is lost during braking and likewise large amount of fuel is consumed to reclaim the initial state, this leads to lower fuel efficiency to gain the same performance. Current use of Kinetic Energy Recovery System is only limited to sports vehicles only because of the higher cost of this system. They are also temporary in nature as power can be squeezed only during a small time duration and use of superior parts leads to high cost, which results on concentration on performance only and neglecting the fuel economy. In this paper Kinetic Energy Recovery System for storing the power and then using the same while accelerating has been discussed. The major storing element in this system is a Flat Spiral Spring that will store energy by compression and torsion.
The use of spring ensure the permanent storage of energy until used by the driver unlike present mechanical regeneration system in which the energy stored decreases with time and is eventually lost. A combination of internal gears and spur gears will be used in order to make the energy release uniform which will lead to safe usage. The system can be used to improve the fuel efficiency by assisting in overcoming the vehicle’s inertia after braking or to provide instant acceleration whenever required by the driver. The performance characteristics of the system including response time, mechanical efficiency and overall increase in efficiency are demonstrated. This technology makes the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) more flexible and economical allowing specific application while at the same time increasing the time frame and ease of usage.
Abstract: Curing of paints by exposure to UV radiations is
emerging as one of the best film forming technique as an alternative
to traditional solvent borne oxidative and thermal curing coatings.
The composition and chemistry of UV curable coatings and role of
multifunctional and monofunctional monomers, oligomers, and
photoinitiators have been discussed. The limitations imposed by
thermodynamic equilibrium and tendency for acrylic double bond
polymerizations during synthesis of multifunctional acrylates have
been presented. Aim of present investigation was thus to explore the
reaction variables associated with synthesis of multifunctional
acrylates. Zirconium oxychloride was evaluated as catalyst against
regular acid functional catalyst. The catalyzed synthesis of glyceryl
acrylate and neopentyl glycol acrylate was conducted by variation of
following reaction parameters: two different reactant molar ratios-
1:4 and 1:6; catalyst usage in % by moles on polyol- 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5
and two different reaction temperatures- 45 and 75 0C. The reaction
was monitored by determination of acid value and hydroxy value at
regular intervals, besides TLC, HPLC, and FTIR analysis of
intermediates and products. On the basis of determination of reaction
progress over 1-60 hrs, the esterification reaction was observed to
follow 2nd order kinetics with rate constant varying from 1*10-4 to
7*10-4. The thermal and catalytic components of second order rate
constant and energy of activation were also determined. Uses of
these kinetic and thermodynamic parameters in design of reactor for
manufacture of multifunctional acrylate ester have been presented.
The synthesized multifunctional acrylates were used to formulate and
apply UV curable clear coat followed by determination of curing
characteristics and mechanical properties of cured film. The overall
curing rates less than 05 min. were easily attained indicating
economical viability of radiation curable system due to faster
production schedules
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a recreational workout program for adults with disabilities over two semesters. This investigation was an action study conducted in a naturalistic setting. Participants included equal numbers of adults with severe cognitive impairments (n = 35) and adults without disabilities (n = 35). Adults with disabilities severe cognitive impairments were trained 6 self-initiated workout activities over two semesters by adults without disabilities. The numbers of task-analyzed steps of each activity performed correctly by each participant at the first and last weeks of each semester were used for data analysis. Results of the paired t-tests indicate that across two semesters, significant differences between the first and last weeks were found on 4 out of the 6 task-analyzed workout activities at a statistical level of significance p < .05. The recreational workout program developed in this study was effective.
Abstract: People nowadays love to travel around the world.
Regardless of their location and time, they especially Muslims still need to perform their five times prayer. Normally for travelers, they
need to bring maps, compass and for Muslim, they even have to bring Qibla pointer when they travel. It is slightly difficult to
determine the Qibla direction and to know the time for each prayer. In this paper we present a new electronic device called Universal Qibla and Prayer Time Finder to locate the Qibla direction and to determine each prayer time based on the current user-s location. This device use PIC microcontroller equipped with digital compass and
Global Positioning System (GPS) where it will display the exact Qibla direction and prayer time automatically at any place in the world. This device is reliable, user friendly and accurate in
determining the Qibla direction and prayer time.
Abstract: With the advent of emerging personal computing paradigms such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, Web contents are becoming accessible from a wide range of mobile devices. Since these devices do not have the same rendering capabilities, Web contents need to be adapted for transparent access from a variety of client agents. Such content adaptation results in better rendering and faster delivery to the client device. Nevertheless, Web content adaptation sets new challenges for semantic markup. This paper presents an advanced components platform, called MorfeoSMC, enabling the development of mobility applications and services according to a channel model based on Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles. It then goes on to describe the potential for integration with the Semantic Web through a novel framework of external semantic annotation of mobile Web contents. The role of semantic annotation in this framework is to describe the contents of individual documents themselves, assuring the preservation of the semantics during the process of adapting content rendering, as well as to exploit these semantic annotations in a novel user profile-aware content adaptation process. Semantic Web content adaptation is a way of adding value to and facilitates repurposing of Web contents (enhanced browsing, Web Services location and access, etc).
Abstract: In this work we report on preliminary analysis of a novel optoelectronic gas sensor based on an optical fiber integrated with a tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) thin film. The sensitive materials are selectively deposited on the core region of a fiber tip by UV light induced deposition technique. A simple and cheap process which can be easily extended to different porphyrin derivatives. When the TPPS film on the fiber tip is exposed to acid and/or base vapors, dramatic changes occur in the aggregation structure of the dye molecules in the film, from J- to H-type, resulting in a profound modification of their corresponding reflectance spectra. From the achieved experimental results it is evident that the presence of intense and narrow band peaks in the reflected spectra could be monitored to detect hazardous vapors.