Abstract: Various mechanisms providing mutual exclusion and
thread synchronization can be used to support parallel processing
within a single computer. Instead of using locks, semaphores, barriers
or other traditional approaches in this paper we focus on alternative
ways for making better use of modern multithreaded architectures
and preparing hash tables for concurrent accesses. Hash structures
will be used to demonstrate and compare two entirely different
approaches (rule based cooperation and hardware synchronization
support) to an efficient parallel implementation using traditional
locks. Comparison includes implementation details, performance
ranking and scalability issues. We aim at understanding the effects
the parallelization schemes have on the execution environment with
special focus on the memory system and memory access
characteristics.
Abstract: Psoriasis is a widespread skin disease affecting up to 2% population with plaque psoriasis accounting to about 80%. It can be identified as a red lesion and for the higher severity the lesion is usually covered with rough scale. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scoring is the gold standard method for measuring psoriasis severity. Scaliness is one of PASI parameter that needs to be quantified in PASI scoring. Surface roughness of lesion can be used as a scaliness feature, since existing scale on lesion surface makes the lesion rougher. The dermatologist usually assesses the severity through their tactile sense, therefore direct contact between doctor and patient is required. The problem is the doctor may not assess the lesion objectively. In this paper, a digital image analysis technique is developed to objectively determine the scaliness of the psoriasis lesion and provide the PASI scaliness score. Psoriasis lesion is modelled by a rough surface. The rough surface is created by superimposing a smooth average (curve) surface with a triangular waveform. For roughness determination, a polynomial surface fitting is used to estimate average surface followed by a subtraction between rough and average surface to give elevation surface (surface deviations). Roughness index is calculated by using average roughness equation to the height map matrix. The roughness algorithm has been tested to 444 lesion models. From roughness validation result, only 6 models can not be accepted (percentage error is greater than 10%). These errors occur due the scanned image quality. Roughness algorithm is validated for roughness measurement on abrasive papers at flat surface. The Pearson-s correlation coefficient of grade value (G) of abrasive paper and Ra is -0.9488, its shows there is a strong relation between G and Ra. The algorithm needs to be improved by surface filtering, especially to overcome a problem with noisy data.
Abstract: To compute dynamic characteristics of nonlinear viscoelastic springs with elastic structures having huge degree-of-freedom, Yamaguchi proposed a new fast numerical method using finite element method [1]-[2]. In this method, restoring forces of the springs are expressed using power series of their elongation. In the expression, nonlinear hysteresis damping is introduced. In this expression, nonlinear complex spring constants are introduced. Finite element for the nonlinear spring having complex coefficients is expressed and is connected to the elastic structures modeled by linear solid finite element. Further, to save computational time, the discrete equations in physical coordinate are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary coupled equations using normal coordinate corresponding to linear natural modes. In this report, the proposed method is applied to simulation for impact responses of a viscoelastic shock absorber with an elastic structure (an S-shaped structure) by colliding with a concentrated mass. The concentrated mass has initial velocities and collides with the shock absorber. Accelerations of the elastic structure and the concentrated mass are measured using Levitation Mass Method proposed by Fujii [3]. The calculated accelerations from the proposed FEM, corresponds to the experimental ones. Moreover, using this method, we also investigate dynamic errors of the S-shaped force transducer due to elastic mode in the S-shaped structure.
Abstract: The proper selection of the AC-side passive filter
interconnecting the voltage source converter to the power supply is
essential to obtain satisfactory performances of an active power filter
system. The use of the LCL-type filter has the advantage of
eliminating the high frequency switching harmonics in the current
injected into the power supply. This paper is mainly focused on
analyzing the influence of the interface filter parameters on the active
filtering performances. Some design aspects are pointed out. Thus,
the design of the AC interface filter starts from transfer functions by
imposing the filter performance which refers to the significant current
attenuation of the switching harmonics without affecting the
harmonics to be compensated. A Matlab/Simulink model of the entire
active filtering system including a concrete nonlinear load has been
developed to examine the system performances. It is shown that a
gamma LC filter could accomplish the attenuation requirement of the
current provided by converter. Moreover, the existence of an optimal
value of the grid-side inductance which minimizes the total harmonic
distortion factor of the power supply current is pointed out.
Nevertheless, a small converter-side inductance and a damping
resistance in series with the filter capacitance are absolutely needed
in order to keep the ripple and oscillations of the current at the
converter side within acceptable limits. The effect of change in the
LCL-filter parameters is evaluated. It is concluded that good active
filtering performances can be achieved with small values of the
capacitance and converter-side inductance.
Abstract: This paper attempts to identify the significance of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and
competitiveness to the profit efficiency of commercial banks in
Malaysia. The profit efficiency of commercial banks in Malaysia, the
dependent variable, was estimated using the Stochastic Frontier
Approach (SFA) on a sample of unbalanced panel data, covering 23
commercial banks, between 1995 to 2007. Based on the empirical
results, ICT was not found to exert a significant impact on profit
efficiency, whereas competitiveness, non ICT stock expenditure and
ownership were significant contributors. On the other hand, the size
of banks was found to have significantly reduced profit efficiency,
opening up for various interpretations of the interrelated role of ICT
and competition.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to show efficiency and capability LZWµ in data compression. The LZWµ technique is enhancement from existing LZW technique. The modification the existing LZW is needed to produce LZWµ technique. LZW read one by one character at one time. Differ with LZWµ technique, where the LZWµ read three characters at one time. This paper focuses on data compression and tested efficiency and capability LZWµ by different data format such as doc type, pdf type and text type. Several experiments have been done by different types of data format. The results shows LZWµ technique is better compared to existing LZW technique in term of file size.
Abstract: Whilst there is growing evidence that activity across the lifespan is beneficial for improved health, there are also many changes involved with the aging process and subsequently the potential for reduced indices of health. Data gathered on a subsample of 535 football code athletes, aged 31-72 yrs ( = 47.4, s = ±7.1), competing at the Sydney World Masters Games (2009) demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.001), reduced classification of obesity using Body Mass Index (BMI) when compared to the general Australian population. This evidence of improved classification in one index of health (BMI < 30) for master athletes (when compared to the general population) implies there are either improved levels of this index of health due to adherence to sport or possibly the reduced BMI is advantageous and contributes to this cohort adhering (or being attracted) to masters sport. Demonstration of this proportionately under-investigated World Masters Games population having improved health over the general population is of particular interest.
Abstract: Observations and long-term trends indicate that climate
change impacts would be significant and affects Taiwan directly and
severely. Taiwan engages not only in mitigation, but also in adaptation.
However, there are cognitive gaps on adaptation between government
and populace. Besides, a vision of zero-carbon and renewable energy
100% will be adopted in future. Therefore, the objectives of this
article are to 1) hold a National Forum for knowing differences
between the strategies of zero-carbon and renewable energy 100% and
cognitions of general populace, and 2) plan a clear roadmap for the
vision, strategy, and measures. In this forum, we set 5 group topics, 5
presumed themes, and issues mentioned review for concluding the
critical issues. Finally, there are 4 strategies and 14 critical issues
which correlate with the vision and strategy of government and the
cognition of the general populace.
Abstract: Microorganisms isolated from water and soil of
Kazakhstan to identify potential high-effective producers of the
arachidonic acid, exhibiting a wide range of physiological activity
and having practical applications were screened. Based on the results
of two independent tests (the test on the sensitivity of the growth
processes of microorganisms to acetylsalicylic acid - an irreversible
inhibitor of PGH-synthase involved in the metabolism of arachidonic
acid and its derivatives, the test for inhibition of peroxidase activity
of membrane-bounding fraction of PGH - synthase by acetylsalicylic
acid) were selected microbial cultures which are potential highproducer
of arachidonic acid. They are characterized by a stable
strong growth in the laboratory conditions. Identification of
microorganism cultures based on morphological, physiological,
biochemical and molecular genetic characteristics was performed.
Abstract: The majority of today's IR systems base the IR task on two main processes: indexing and searching. There exists a special group of dynamic IR systems where both processes (indexing and searching) happen simultaneously; such a system discards obsolete information, simultaneously dealing with the insertion of new in¬formation, while still answering user queries. In these dynamic, time critical text document databases, it is often important to modify index structures quickly, as documents arrive. This paper presents a method for dynamization which may be used for this task. Experimental results show that the dynamization process is possible and that it guarantees the response time for the query operation and index actualization.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the calibration problem of a
multi-view shooting system designed for the production of 3D
content for auto-stereoscopic visualization. The considered multiview
camera is characterized by coplanar and decentered image
sensors regarding to the corresponding optical axis. Based on the
Faugéras and Toscani-s calibration approach, a calibration method is
herein proposed for the case of multi-view camera with parallel and
decentered image sensors. At first, the geometrical model of the
shooting system is recalled and some industrial prototypes with some
shooting simulations are presented. Next, the development of the
proposed calibration method is detailed. Finally, some simulation
results are presented before ending with some conclusions about this
work.
Abstract: Green incentives are included in the “American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" (ARRA). It is, however,
unclear how these government incentives can be carried out most
effectively according to market-based principles and if they can serve
as a catalyst for an accelerated green transformation and an ultimate
solution to the current U.S. and global economic and financial crisis.
The article will compare the existing U.S. green economic policies
with those in Germany, identify problems, and suggest improvements
to allow the green stimulus incentives to achieve the best results in
the process of an accelerated green transformation. The author argues
that the current U.S. green stimulus incentives can only be most
successful if they are carried out as part of a visionary,
comprehensive, long-term, and consistent strategy of the green
economic transformation.
Abstract: A new class of percolation model in complex networks,
in which nodes are characterized by hidden variables reflecting the
properties of nodes and the occupied probability of each link is
determined by the hidden variables of the end nodes, is studied
in this paper. By the mean field theory, the analytical expressions
for the phase of percolation transition is deduced. It is determined
by the distribution of the hidden variables for the nodes and the
occupied probability between pairs of them. Moreover, the analytical
expressions obtained are checked by means of numerical simulations
on a particular model. Besides, the general model can be applied
to describe and control practical diffusion models, such as disease
diffusion model, scientists cooperation networks, and so on.
Abstract: This interdisciplinary study is an investigation to evaluate user-interfaces in business administration. The study is going to be implemented on two computerized business administration systems with two distinctive user-interfaces, so that differences between the two systems can be determined. Both systems, a commercial and a prototype developed for the purpose of this study, deal with ordering of supplies, tendering procedures, issuing purchase orders, controlling the movement of the stocks against their actual balances on the shelves and editing them on their tabulations. In the second suggested system, modern computer graphics and multimedia issues were taken into consideration to cover the drawbacks of the first system. To highlight differences between the two investigated systems regarding some chosen standard quality criteria, the study employs various statistical techniques and methods to evaluate the users- interaction with both systems. The study variables are divided into two divisions: independent representing the interfaces of the two systems, and dependent embracing efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, error rate etc.
Abstract: In this work Membrane Distillation is applied to
concentrate orange Juice. Clarified orange juice (11o Brix) obtained
from fresh fruits and a sugar solution was subjected to membrane
distillation. The experiments were performed on a flat sheet module
using orange juice and sucrose solution as feeds. The concentration
of a sucrose solution, used as a model fruit juice and also orange
juice, was carried out in a direct contact membrane distillation using
hydrophobic PTFE membrane of pore size 0.2 μm and porosity 70%.
Surface modification of PTFE membrane has been carried out by
treating membrane with alcohol and water solution to make it
hydrophilic and then hydrophobicity was regained by drying. The
influences of the feed temperature, feed concentration, flow rate,
operating time on the permeate flux were studied for treated and non
treated membrane. In this work treated and non treated membrane
were compared in terms of water flux, Within the tested range, MD
with surface modified membrane the water flux has been
significantly improved by treating the membrane surface.
Abstract: The dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic
saccharification of lignocellulosic substrate, cogon grass (Imperata
cylindrical, L.) was optimized prior ethanol fermentation using
simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) method. The
optimum pretreatment conditions, temperature, sulfuric acid
concentration, and reaction time were evaluated by determining the
maximum sugar yield at constant enzyme loading. Cogon grass, at
10% w/v substrate loading, has optimum pretreatment conditions of
126°C, 0.6% v/v H2SO4, and 20min reaction time. These
pretreatment conditions were used to optimize enzymatic
saccharification using different enzyme combinations. The maximum
saccharification yield of 36.68mg/mL (71.29% reducing sugar) was
obtained using 25FPU/g-cellulose cellulase complex combined with
1.1% w/w of cellobiase, ß-glucosidase, and 0.225% w/w of
hemicellulase complex, after 96 hours of saccharification. Using the
optimum pretreatment and saccharification conditions, SSF of treated
substrates was done at 37°C for 120 hours using industrial yeast
strain HBY3, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ethanol yield for cogon
grass at 4% w/w loading was 9.11g/L with 5.74mg/mL total residual
sugar.
Abstract: This paper studies, maps and explains the interactions between downloaders and uploaders pertaining to the Internet film piracy. This study also covers several motivational factors that influence users to upload or download movies, and thus to engage in film piracy over the Internet. The essay also proposes a model that describes user behavior including their relationships and influences. Moreover, proposed theoretical interactions and motivational factors are applied to the real world scenario, using examples of a data storage webpage server Ulozto.net and webpage Piratebay.org gathering information about downloadable BitTorrents. Moreover, the theory is further supported by description of behavior of real Internet uploaders.
Abstract: Modernizing legacy applications is the key issue facing IT managers today because there's enormous pressure on organizations to change the way they run their business to meet the new requirements. The importance of software maintenance and reengineering is forever increasing. Understanding the architecture of existing legacy applications is the most critical issue for maintenance and reengineering. The artifacts recovery can be facilitated with different recovery approaches, methods and tools. The existing methods provide static and dynamic set of techniques for extracting architectural information, but are not suitable for all users in different domains. This paper presents a simple and lightweight pattern extraction technique to extract different artifacts from legacy systems using regular expression pattern specifications with multiple language support. We used our custom-built tool DRT to recover artifacts from existing system at different levels of abstractions. In order to evaluate our approach a case study is conducted.
Abstract: The heterotrophic seedling growth can be defined as a
product of two components: (1) the weight of mobilized seed reserve,
and (2) conversion efficiency of utilized seed reserve to seedling
tissue. The first component can be further divided into (1) initial seed
weight, and (2) the fraction of seed reserve, which is mobilized. The
objective of this study was the identification of the sensitive seedling
growth component(s) in response to drought and salinity stresses.
Two experiments were separately conducted using various salinity
levels (osmotic pressure) of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 MPa
created using NaCl as first experiment and by polyethylene glycol
(drought stress) of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.2 and 1.4 MPa in second
experiment. Seeds of five crops species (Hordeum vulgare, Brassica
napus, Zea mays, Medicago sativa and Medicago scutellata) were
used in each experiment. In both experiments, seedling growth,
fraction of seed reserve utilization and weight of mobilized seed
reserve decreased with increasing drought and salt intensity.
However, drought and salinity stresses had no effect on the
conversion efficiency. It was concluded that the sensitive component
of seedling growth is the weight of mobilized seed reserve.
Abstract: A nonlinear optimal controller with a fuzzy gain
scheduler has been designed and applied to a Line-Of-Sight (LOS)
stabilization system. Use of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR)
theory is an optimal and simple manner of solving many control
engineering problems. However, this method cannot be utilized
directly for multigimbal LOS systems since they are nonlinear in
nature. To adapt LQ controllers to nonlinear systems at least a
linearization of the model plant is required. When the linearized
model is only valid within the vicinity of an operating point a gain
scheduler is required. Therefore, a Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Inference
System gain scheduler has been implemented, which keeps the
asymptotic stability performance provided by the optimal feedback
gain approach. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed
controller is capable of overcoming disturbances and maintaining a
satisfactory tracking performance.