Abstract: Plasmodium vivax malaria differs from P. falciparum malaria in that a person suffering from P. vivax infection can suffer relapses of the disease. This is due the parasite being able to remain dormant in the liver of the patients where it is able to re-infect the patient after a passage of time. During this stage, the patient is classified as being in the dormant class. The model to describe the transmission of P. vivax malaria consists of a human population divided into four classes, the susceptible, the infected, the dormant and the recovered. The effect of a time delay on the transmission of this disease is studied. The time delay is the period in which the P. vivax parasite develops inside the mosquito (vector) before the vector becomes infectious (i.e., pass on the infection). We analyze our model by using standard dynamic modeling method. Two stable equilibrium states, a disease free state E0 and an endemic state E1, are found to be possible. It is found that the E0 state is stable when a newly defined basic reproduction number G is less than one. If G is greater than one the endemic state E1 is stable. The conditions for the endemic equilibrium state E1 to be a stable spiral node are established. For realistic values of the parameters in the model, it is found that solutions in phase space are trajectories spiraling into the endemic state. It is shown that the limit cycle and chaotic behaviors can only be achieved with unrealistic parameter values.
Abstract: We propose a fast and robust hierarchical face detection system which finds and localizes face images with a cascade of classifiers. Three modules contribute to the efficiency of our detector. First, heterogeneous feature descriptors are exploited to enrich feature types and feature numbers for face representation. Second, a PSO-Adaboost algorithm is proposed to efficiently select discriminative features from a large pool of available features and reinforce them into the final ensemble classifier. Compared with the standard exhaustive Adaboost for feature selection, the new PSOAdaboost algorithm reduces the training time up to 20 times. Finally, a three-stage hierarchical classifier framework is developed for rapid background removal. In particular, candidate face regions are detected more quickly by using a large size window in the first stage. Nonlinear SVM classifiers are used instead of decision stump functions in the last stage to remove those remaining complex nonface patterns that can not be rejected in the previous two stages. Experimental results show our detector achieves superior performance on the CMU+MIT frontal face dataset.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the current
state of corporate social responsibility statements on corporate
websites of Malaysian and Singaporean corporations and analyze
how the CSR statements contribute in building a unique corporate
identity of corporations. Content analysis is employed to examine the
websites of Malaysian and Singaporean consumer corporations. It is
believed that generally most companies tend to publish and
communicate their CSR statements visibly to general stakeholders.
However, there is a significantly different outcome of the articulation
of CSR on practices on websites between Malaysian and Singaporean
consumer corporations. A number of Singaporean organizations were
found less concerned with CSR practices as compared to Malaysian
organizations. The findings indicate a need for corporations in
Malaysia and Singapore to orchestrate their core competence of CSR
activities in order to develop a unique corporate identity in a global
business environment.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new approach to query-by-humming, focusing on MP3 songs database. Since MP3 songs are much more difficult in melody representation than symbolic performance data, we adopt to extract feature descriptors from the vocal sounds part of the songs. Our approach is based on signal filtering, sub-band spectral processing, MDCT coefficients analysis and peak energy detection by ignorance of the background music as much as possible. Finally, we apply dual dynamic programming algorithm for feature similarity matching. Experiments will show us its online performance in precision and efficiency.
Abstract: This paper presents a new data oriented model of image. Then a representation of it, ADBT, is introduced. The ability of ADBT is clustering, segmentation, measuring similarity of images etc, with desired precision and corresponding speed.
Abstract: A bond graph model of a hydroelectric plant is
proposed. In order to analyze the system some structural properties
of a bond graph are used. The structural controllability of
the hydroelctric plant is described. Also, the steady state of the
state variables applying the bond graph in a derivative causality
assignment is obtained. Finally, simulation results of the system
are shown.
Abstract: Public health surveillance system focuses on outbreak detection and data sources used. Variation or aberration in the frequency distribution of health data, compared to historical data is often used to detect outbreaks. It is important that new techniques be developed to improve the detection rate, thereby reducing wastage of resources in public health. Thus, the objective is to developed technique by applying frequent mining and outlier mining techniques in outbreak detection. 14 datasets from the UCI were tested on the proposed technique. The performance of the effectiveness for each technique was measured by t-test. The overall performance shows that DTK can be used to detect outlier within frequent dataset. In conclusion the outbreak detection technique using anomaly-based on frequent-outlier technique can be used to identify the outlier within frequent dataset.
Abstract: This paper presents the source extraction system which can extract only target signals with constraints on source localization in on-line systems. The proposed system is a kind of methods for enhancing a target signal and suppressing other interference signals. But, the performance of proposed system is superior to any other methods and the extraction of target source is comparatively complete. The method has a beamforming concept and uses an improved time-frequency (TF) mask-based BSS algorithm to separate a target signal from multiple noise sources. The target sources are assumed to be in front and test data was recorded in a reverberant room. The experimental results of the proposed method was evaluated by the PESQ score of real-recording sentences and showed a noticeable speech enhancement.
Abstract: Refractive index control of benzocyclobutene (BCB 4024-40) is achieved by facilitating different conditions during the thermal curing of BCB film. Refractive index (RI) change of 1.49% is obtained with curing of BCB film using an oven, while the RI change is 0.1% when the BCB is cured using a hotplate. The two different curing methods exhibit a temperature dependent refractive index change of the BCB photosensitive polymer. By carefully controlling the curing conditions, multiple layers of BCB with different RI can be fabricated, which can then be applied in the fabrication of optical waveguides.
Abstract: The present study has been carried out with a view to calculate the coastal vulnerability index (CVI) to know the high and low sensitive areas and area of inundation due to future SLR. Both conventional and remotely sensed data were used and analyzed through the modelling technique. Out of the total study area, 8.26% is very high risk, 14.21% high, 9.36% medium, 22.46% low and 7.35% in the very low vulnerable category, due to costal components. Results of the inundation analysis indicate that 225.2 km² and 397 km² of the land area will be submerged by flooding at 1m and 10m inundation levels. The most severely affected sectors are expected to be the residential, industrial and recreational areas. As this coast is planned for future coastal developmental activities, measures such as industrializations, building regulation, urban growth planning and agriculture, development of an integrated coastal zone management, strict enforcement of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Act, monitoring of impacts and further research in this regard are recommended for the study area.
Abstract: Deformable active contours are widely used in
computer vision and image processing applications for image
segmentation, especially in biomedical image analysis. The active
contour or “snake" deforms towards a target object by controlling the
internal, image and constraint forces. However, if the contour
initialized with a lesser number of control points, there is a high
probability of surpassing the sharp corners of the object during
deformation of the contour. In this paper, a new technique is
proposed to construct the initial contour by incorporating prior
knowledge of significant corners of the object detected using the
Harris operator. This new reconstructed contour begins to deform, by
attracting the snake towards the targeted object, without missing the
corners. Experimental results with several synthetic images show the
ability of the new technique to deal with sharp corners with a high
accuracy than traditional methods.
Abstract: In this work a surgical simulator is produced which
enables a training otologist to conduct a virtual, real-time prosthetic
insertion. The simulator provides the Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon
with real-time visual and haptic responses during virtual cochlear
implantation into a 3D model of the human Scala Tympani (ST). The
parametric model is derived from measured data as published in the
literature and accounts for human morphological variance, such as
differences in cochlear shape, enabling patient-specific pre- operative
assessment. Haptic modeling techniques use real physical data and
insertion force measurements, to develop a force model which
mimics the physical behavior of an implant as it collides with the ST
walls during an insertion. Output force profiles are acquired from the
insertion studies conducted in the work, to validate the haptic model.
The simulator provides the user with real-time, quantitative insertion
force information and associated electrode position as user inserts the
virtual implant into the ST model. The information provided by this
study may also be of use to implant manufacturers for design
enhancements as well as for training specialists in optimal force
administration, using the simulator. The paper reports on the methods
for anatomical modeling and haptic algorithm development, with
focus on simulator design, development, optimization and validation.
The techniques may be transferrable to other medical applications
that involve prosthetic device insertions where user vision is
obstructed.
Abstract: Undoubtedly, chassis is one of the most important
parts of a vehicle. Chassis that today are produced for vehicles are
made up of four parts. These parts are jointed together by screwing.
Transverse parts are called cross member.
This study reviews the stress generated by cyclic laboratory loads
in front cross member of Peugeot 405. In this paper the finite element
method is used to simulate the welding process and to determine the
physical response of the spot-welded joints. Analysis is done by the
Abaqus software.
The Stresses generated in cross member structure are generally
classified into two groups: The stresses remained in form of residual
stresses after welding process and the mechanical stress generated by
cyclic load. Accordingly the total stress must be obtained by
determining residual stress and mechanical stress separately and then
sum them according to the superposition principle.
In order to improve accuracy, material properties including
physical, thermal and mechanical properties were supposed to be
temperature-dependent. Simulation shows that maximum Von Misses
stresses are located at special points. The model results are then
compared to the experimental results which are reported by
producing factory and good agreement is observed.
Abstract: The fundamental defect inherent to the thermoforming
technology is wall-thickness variation of the products due to
inadequate thermal processing during production of polymer. A
nonlinear viscoelastic rheological model is implemented for
developing the process model. This model describes deformation
process of a sheet in thermoforming process. Because of relaxation
pause after plug-assist stage and also implementation of two stage
thermoforming process have minor wall-thickness variation and
consequently better mechanical properties of polymeric articles. For
model validation, a comparative analysis of the theoretical and
experimental data is presented.
Abstract: The oil and gas industry has moved towards Load and
Resistance Factor Design through API RP2A - LRFD and the
recently published international standard, ISO-19902, for design of
fixed steel offshore structures. The ISO 19902 is intended to provide
a harmonized design practice that offers a balanced structural fitness
for the purpose, economy and safety. As part of an ongoing work, the
reliability analysis of tubular joints of the jacket structure has been
carried out to calibrate the load and resistance factors for the design
of offshore platforms in Malaysia, as proposed in the ISO.
Probabilistic models have been established for the load effects (wave,
wind and current) and the tubular joints strengths. In this study the
First Order Reliability Method (FORM), coded in MATLAB
Software has been employed to evaluate the reliability index of the
typical joints, designed using API RP2A - WSD and ISO 19902.
Abstract: Color constancy algorithms are generally based on the
simplified assumption about the spectral distribution or the reflection
attributes of the scene surface. However, in reality, these assumptions
are too restrictive. The methodology is proposed to extend existing
algorithm to applying color constancy locally to image patches rather
than globally to the entire images.
In this paper, a method based on low-level image features using
superpixels is proposed. Superpixel segmentation partition an image
into regions that are approximately uniform in size and shape. Instead
of using entire pixel set for estimating the illuminant, only superpixels
with the most valuable information are used. Based on large scale
experiments on real-world scenes, it can be derived that the estimation
is more accurate using superpixels than when using the entire image.
Abstract: Short term electricity demand forecasts are required
by power utilities for efficient operation of the power grid. In a
competitive market environment, suppliers and large consumers also
require short term forecasts in order to estimate their energy
requirements in advance. Electricity demand is influenced (among
other things) by the day of the week, the time of year and special
periods and/or days such as Ramadhan, all of which must be
identified prior to modelling. This identification, known as day-type
identification, must be included in the modelling stage either by
segmenting the data and modelling each day-type separately or by
including the day-type as an input. Day-type identification is the
main focus of this paper. A Kohonen map is employed to identify the
separate day-types in Algerian data.
Abstract: In projects like waterpower, transportation and
mining, etc., proving up the rock-mass structure and hidden tectonic
to estimate the geological body-s activity is very important.
Integrating the seismic results, drilling and trenching data,
CSAMT method was carried out at a planning dame site in southwest
China to evaluate the stability of a deformation. 2D and imitated 3D
inversion resistivity results of CSAMT method were analyzed. The
results indicated that CSAMT was an effective method for defining
an outline of deformation body to several hundred meters deep; the
Lung Pan Deformation was stable in natural conditions; but uncertain
after the future reservoir was impounded.
This research presents a good case study of the fine surveying and
research on complex geological structure and hidden tectonic in
engineering project.
Abstract: As the trend of manufacturing is being dominated depending on services, products and processes are more and more related with sophisticated services. Thus, this research starts with the discussion about integration of the product, process, and service in the innovation process. In particular, this paper sets out some foundations for a theory of service innovation in the field of manufacturing, and proposes the dynamic model of service innovation related to product and process. Two dynamic models of service innovation are suggested to investigate major tendencies and dynamic variations during the innovation cycle: co-innovation and sequential innovation. To structure dynamic models of product, process, and service innovation, the innovation stages in which two models are mainly achieved are identified. The research would encourage manufacturers to formulate strategy and planning for service development with product and process.
Abstract: Bone remodeling occurs by the balanced action of
bone resorbing osteoclasts (OC) and bone-building osteoblasts.
Increased bone resorption by excessive OC activity contributes
to malignant and non-malignant diseases including osteoporosis.
To study OC differentiation and function, OC formed in
in vitro cultures are currently counted manually, a tedious
procedure which is prone to inter-observer differences. Aiming
for an automated OC-quantification system, classification of
OC and precursor cells was done on fluorescence microscope
images based on the distinct appearance of fluorescent nuclei.
Following ellipse fitting to nuclei, a combination of eight
features enabled clustering of OC and precursor cell nuclei.
After evaluating different machine-learning techniques, LOGREG
achieved 74% correctly classified OC and precursor cell
nuclei, outperforming human experts (best expert: 55%). In
combination with the automated detection of total cell areas,
this system allows to measure various cell parameters and most
importantly to quantify proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis.