Abstract: In order to evaluation the effects of soil organic
matter and biofertilizer on chickpea quality and biological
nitrogen fixation, field experiments were carried out in 2007
and 2008 growing seasons. In this research the effects of
different strategies for soil fertilization were investigated on
grain yield and yield component, minerals, organic compounds
and cooking time of chickpea. Experimental units were
arranged in split-split plots based on randomized complete
blocks with three replications. Main plots consisted of (G1):
establishing a mixed vegetation of Vicia panunica and
Hordeum vulgare and (G2): control, as green manure levels.
Also, five strategies for obtaining the base fertilizer
requirement including (N1): 20 t.ha-1 farmyard manure; (N2):
10 t.ha-1 compost; (N3): 75 kg.ha-1 triple super phosphate;
(N4): 10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost and (N5):
10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost + 50 kg.ha-1
triple super phosphate were considered in sub plots.
Furthermoree four levels of biofertilizers consisted of (B1):
Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida; (B2): Trichoderma
harzianum; (B3): Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida +
Trichoderma harzianum; and (B4): control (without
biofertilizers) were arranged in sub-sub plots. Results showed
that integrating biofertilizers (B3) and green manure (G1)
produced the highest grain yield. The highest amounts of yield
were obtained in G1×N5 interaction. Comparison of all 2-way
and 3-way interactions showed that G1N5B3 was determined
as the superior treatment. Significant increasing of N, P2O5,
K2O, Fe and Mg content in leaves and grains emphasized on
superiority of mentioned treatment because each one of these
nutrients has an approved role in chlorophyll synthesis and
photosynthesis abilities of the crops. The combined application
of compost, farmyard manure and chemical phosphorus (N5)
in addition to having the highest yield, had the best grain
quality due to high protein, starch and total sugar contents, low
crude fiber and reduced cooking time.
Abstract: Based on Rayleigh beam theory, the sub-impacts of a
free-free beam struck horizontally by a round-nosed rigid mass is
simulated by the finite difference method and the impact-separation
conditions. In order to obtain the sub-impact force, a uniaxial
compression elastic-plastic contact model is employed to analyze the
local deformation field on contact zone. It is found that the horizontal
impact is a complicated process including the elastic plastic
sub-impacts in sequence. There are two sub-zones of sub-impact. In
addition, it found that the elastic energy of the free-free beam is more
suitable for the Poisson collision hypothesis to explain compression
and recovery processes.
Abstract: Selection of the best possible set of suppliers has a
significant impact on the overall profitability and success of any
business. For this reason, it is usually necessary to optimize all
business processes and to make use of cost-effective alternatives for
additional savings. This paper proposes a new efficient context-aware
supplier selection model that takes into account possible changes of
the environment while significantly reducing selection costs. The
proposed model is based on data clustering techniques while
inspiring certain principles of online algorithms for an optimally
selection of suppliers. Unlike common selection models which re-run
the selection algorithm from the scratch-line for any decision-making
sub-period on the whole environment, our model considers the
changes only and superimposes it to the previously defined best set
of suppliers to obtain a new best set of suppliers. Therefore, any recomputation
of unchanged elements of the environment is avoided
and selection costs are consequently reduced significantly. A
numerical evaluation confirms applicability of this model and proves
that it is a more optimal solution compared with common static
selection models in this field.
Abstract: Predicting short term wind speed is essential in order
to prevent systems in-action from the effects of strong winds. It also
helps in using wind energy as an alternative source of energy, mainly
for Electrical power generation. Wind speed prediction has
applications in Military and civilian fields for air traffic control,
rocket launch, ship navigation etc. The wind speed in near future
depends on the values of other meteorological variables, such as
atmospheric pressure, moisture content, humidity, rainfall etc. The
values of these parameters are obtained from a nearest weather
station and are used to train various forms of neural networks. The
trained model of neural networks is validated using a similar set of
data. The model is then used to predict the wind speed, using the
same meteorological information. This paper reports an Artificial
Neural Network model for short term wind speed prediction, which
uses back propagation algorithm.
Abstract: Evaluation and survey of curriculum quality as one of the most important components of universities system is necessary for different levels in higher education. The main purpose of this study was to survey of the curriculum quality of Actuarial science field. Case: University of SHahid Beheshti and Higher education institute of Eco insurance (according to viewpoint of students, alumni, employers and faculty members). Descriptive statistics (mean, tables, percentage, and frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (CHI SQUARE) were used to analyze the data. Six criteria considered for the Quality of curriculum: objectives, content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, Time, assessment of learning. Content, teaching and learning methods, space and facilities, assessment of learning criteria were relatively desirable level, objectives and time criterions were desirable level. The quality of curriculum of Actuarial Science field was relatively desirable level.
Abstract: Spatial trends are one of the valuable patterns in geo
databases. They play an important role in data analysis and
knowledge discovery from spatial data. A spatial trend is a regular
change of one or more non spatial attributes when spatially moving
away from a start object. Spatial trend detection is a graph search
problem therefore heuristic methods can be good solution. Artificial
immune system (AIS) is a special method for searching and
optimizing. AIS is a novel evolutionary paradigm inspired by the
biological immune system. The models based on immune system
principles, such as the clonal selection theory, the immune network
model or the negative selection algorithm, have been finding
increasing applications in fields of science and engineering.
In this paper, we develop a novel immunological algorithm based
on clonal selection algorithm (CSA) for spatial trend detection. We
are created neighborhood graph and neighborhood path, then select
spatial trends that their affinity is high for antibody. In an
evolutionary process with artificial immune algorithm, affinity of
low trends is increased with mutation until stop condition is satisfied.
Abstract: This paper presents a means for reducing the torque
variation during the revolution of a vertical-axis water turbine
(VAWaterT) by increasing the blade number. For this purpose, twodimensional
CFD analyses have been performed on a straight-bladed
Darrieus-type rotor. After describing the computational model and
the relative validation procedure, a complete campaign of
simulations, based on full RANS unsteady calculations, is proposed
for a three, four and five-bladed rotor architectures, characterized by
a NACA 0025 airfoil. For each proposed rotor configuration, flow
field characteristics are investigated at several values of tip speed
ratio, allowing a quantification of the influence of blade number on
flow geometric features and dynamic quantities, such as rotor torque
and power. Finally, torque and power curves are compared for the
three analyzed architectures, achieving a quantification of the effect
of blade number on overall rotor performance.
Abstract: The precision of heat flux simulation influences the
temperature field and test aberration for TB test and also reflects the
test level for spacecraft development. This paper describes TB tests for
a small satellite using solar simulator, electric heaters, calrod heaters
to evaluate the difference of the three methods. Under the same
boundary condition, calrod heaters cases were about 6oC higher than
solar simulator cases and electric heaters cases for
non-external-heat-flux cases (extreme low temperature cases). While
calrod heaters cases and electric heaters cases were 5~7oC and 2~3oC
lower than solar simulator cases respectively for high temperature
cases. The results show that the solar simulator is better than calrod
heaters for its better collimation, non-homogeneity and stability.
Abstract: The common bean is the most important grain legume for direct human consumption in the world and BCMV is one of the world's most serious bean diseases that can reduce yield and quality of harvested product. To determine the best tolerance index to BCMV and recognize tolerant genotypes, 2 experiments were conducted in field conditions. Twenty five common bean genotypes were sown in 2 separate RCB design with 3 replications under contamination and non-contamination conditions. On the basis of the results of indices correlations GMP, MP and HARM were determined as the most suitable tolerance indices. The results of principle components analysis indicated 2 first components totally explained 98.52% of variations among data. The first and second components were named potential yield and stress susceptible respectively. Based on the results of BCMV tolerance indices assessment and biplot analysis WA8563-4, WA8563-2 and Cardinal were the genotypes that exhibited potential seed yield under contamination and noncontamination conditions.
Abstract: The topic of surface flattening plays a vital role in the field of computer aided design and manufacture. Surface flattening enables the production of 2D patterns and it can be used in design and manufacturing for developing a 3D surface to a 2D platform, especially in fashion design. This study describes surface flattening based on minimum energy methods according to the property of different fabrics. Firstly, through the geometric feature of a 3D surface, the less transformed area can be flattened on a 2D platform by geodesic. Then, strain energy that has accumulated in mesh can be stably released by an approximate implicit method and revised error function. In some cases, cutting mesh to further release the energy is a common way to fix the situation and enhance the accuracy of the surface flattening, and this makes the obtained 2D pattern naturally generate significant cracks. When this methodology is applied to a 3D mannequin constructed with feature lines, it enhances the level of computer-aided fashion design. Besides, when different fabrics are applied to fashion design, it is necessary to revise the shape of a 2D pattern according to the properties of the fabric. With this model, the outline of 2D patterns can be revised by distributing the strain energy with different results according to different fabric properties. Finally, this research uses some common design cases to illustrate and verify the feasibility of this methodology.
Abstract: As nanotechnology advances, the use of nanotechnology for medical purposes in the field of nanomedicine seems more promising; the rise of nanorobots for medical diagnostics and treatments could be arriving in the near future. This study proposes a swarm intelligence based control mechanism for swarm nanorobots that operate as artificial platelets to search for wounds. The canonical particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed in this study. A simulation in the circulatory system is constructed and used for demonstrating the movement of nanorobots with essential characteristics to examine the performance of proposed control mechanism. The effects of three nanorobot capabilities including their perception range, maximum velocity and respond time are investigated. The results show that canonical particle swarm optimization can be used to control the early version nanorobots with simple behaviors and actions.
Abstract: A complete spectral representation for the
electromagnetic field of planar multilayered waveguides
inhomogeneously filled with omega media is presented. The problem
of guided electromagnetic propagation is reduced to an eigenvalue
equation related to a 2 ´ 2 matrix differential operator. Using the
concept of adjoint waveguide, general bi-orthogonality relations for
the hybrid modes (either from the discrete or from the continuous
spectrum) are derived. For the special case of homogeneous layers
the linear operator formalism is reduced to a simple 2 ´ 2 coupling
matrix eigenvalue problem. Finally, as an example of application, the
surface and the radiation modes of a grounded omega slab waveguide
are analyzed.
Abstract: Deep and radical social reforms of the last century-s
nineties in many Eastern European countries caused changes in
Information Technology-s (IT) field. Inefficient information
technologies were rapidly replaced with forefront IT solutions, e.g.,
in Eastern European countries there is a high level penetration of
qualitative high-speed Internet. The authors have taken part in the
introduction of those changes in Latvia-s leading IT research
institute. Grounding on their experience authors in this paper offer an
IT services based model for analysis the mentioned changes- and
development processes in the higher education and research fields,
i.e., for research e-infrastructure-s development. Compare to the
international practice such services were developed in Eastern Europe
in an untraditional way, which provided swift and positive
technological changes.
Abstract: This research sought to discover the forms of
promotion and dissemination of traditional local wisdom that are
used to create occupations among the elderly at Noanmueng
Community, Muang Sub-District, Baan Doong District, Udornthani
Province. The criteria used to select the research sample group were:
having a role involved in the promotion and dissemination of
traditional local wisdom to create occupations among the elderly;
being an experienced person who the residents of Noanmueng
Community find trustworthy; and having lived in Noanmueng
Community for a long time so as to be able to see the development
and change that occurs. A total of 16 persons were thus selected. Data
was gathered through a qualitative study, using semi-structured indepth
interviews. The collected data was then summarized and
discussed according to the research objectives. Finally, the data was
presented in narrative format. Results found that the identifying
traditional local wisdom of the community (which grew from the
residents’ experience and beneficial usage in daily life, passed down
from generation to generation) was the weaving of cloth and
basketry. As for the manner of promotion and dissemination of
traditional local wisdom, these skills were passed down through
teaching by example to family members, relatives and others in the
community. This was largely the initiative of the elders or elderly
members of the community. In order for the promotion and
dissemination of traditional local wisdom to create occupations
among the elderly, the traditional local wisdom should be supported
in every way through participation of the community members. For
example, establish a museum of traditional local wisdom for the
collection of traditional local wisdom in various fields, both from the
past and present innovations. This would be a source of pride for the
community, simultaneously helping traditional local wisdom to
become widely known and to create income for the community’s
elderly. Additional ways include organizing exhibitions of products
made by traditional local wisdom, finding both domestic and
international markets, as well as building both domestic and
international networks aiming to find opportunities to market
products made by traditional local wisdom.
Abstract: In this work, we improve a previously developed
segmentation scheme aimed at extracting edge information from
speckled images using a maximum likelihood edge detector. The
scheme was based on finding a threshold for the probability density
function of a new kernel defined as the arithmetic mean-to-geometric
mean ratio field over a circular neighborhood set and, in a general
context, is founded on a likelihood random field model (LRFM). The
segmentation algorithm was applied to discriminated speckle areas
obtained using simple elliptic discriminant functions based on
measures of the signal-to-noise ratio with fractional order moments.
A rigorous stochastic analysis was used to derive an exact expression
for the cumulative density function of the probability density
function of the random field. Based on this, an accurate probability
of error was derived and the performance of the scheme was
analysed. The improved segmentation scheme performed well for
both simulated and real images and showed superior results to those
previously obtained using the original LRFM scheme and standard
edge detection methods. In particular, the false alarm probability was
markedly lower than that of the original LRFM method with
oversegmentation artifacts virtually eliminated. The importance of
this work lies in the development of a stochastic-based segmentation,
allowing an accurate quantification of the probability of false
detection. Non visual quantification and misclassification in medical
ultrasound speckled images is relatively new and is of interest to
clinicians.
Abstract: In this article, a method has been offered to classify
normal and defective tiles using wavelet transform and artificial
neural networks. The proposed algorithm calculates max and min
medians as well as the standard deviation and average of detail
images obtained from wavelet filters, then comes by feature vectors
and attempts to classify the given tile using a Perceptron neural
network with a single hidden layer. In this study along with the
proposal of using median of optimum points as the basic feature and
its comparison with the rest of the statistical features in the wavelet
field, the relational advantages of Haar wavelet is investigated. This
method has been experimented on a number of various tile designs
and in average, it has been valid for over 90% of the cases. Amongst
the other advantages, high speed and low calculating load are
prominent.
Abstract: Innovation, technology and knowledge are the trilogy
of impact to support the challenges arising from uncertainty.
Evidence showed an opportunity to ask how to manage in this
environment under constant innovation. In an attempt to get a
response from the field of Management Sciences, based in the
Contingency Theory, a research was conducted, with
phenomenological and descriptive approaches, using the Case Study
Method and the usual procedures for this task involving a focus
group composed of managers and employees working in the
pharmaceutical field. The problem situation was raised; the state of
the art was interpreted and dissected the facts. In this tasks were
involved four establishments. The result indicates that these focused
ventures have been managed by its founder empirically and is
experimenting agility described in this work. The expectation of this
study is to improve concepts for stakeholders on creativity in
business.
Abstract: The flow of a third grade fluid in an orthogonal rheometer is studied. We employ the admissible velocity field proposed in [5]. We solve the problem and obtain the velocity field as well as the components for the Cauchy tensor. We compare the results with those from [9]. Some diagrams concerning the velocity and Cauchy stress components profiles are presented for different values of material constants and compared with the corresponding values for a linear viscous fluid.
Abstract: In this article, we propose an Intelligent Medical
Diagnostic System (IMDS) accessible through common
web-based interface, to on-line perform initial screening for
osteoporosis. The fundamental approaches which construct the
proposed system are mainly based on the fuzzy-neural theory,
which can exhibit superiority over other conventional technologies
in many fields. In diagnosis process, users simply answer
a series of directed questions to the system, and then they
will immediately receive a list of results which represents the
risk degrees of osteoporosis. According to clinical testing results,
it is shown that the proposed system can provide the general
public or even health care providers with a convenient, reliable,
inexpensive approach to osteoporosis risk assessment.
Abstract: The mosaicing technique has been employed in more and more application fields, from entertainment to scientific ones. In the latter case, often the final evaluation is still left to human beings, that assess visually the quality of the mosaic. Many times, a lack of objective measurements in microscopic mosaicing may prevent the mosaic from being used as a starting image for further analysis. In this work we analyze three different metrics and indexes, in the domain of signal analysis, image analysis and visual quality, to measure the quality of different aspects of the mosaicing procedure, such as registration errors and visual quality. As the case study we consider the mosaicing algorithm we developed. The experiments have been carried out by considering mosaics with very different features: histological samples, that are made of detailed and contrasted images, and live stem cells, that show a very low contrast and low detail levels.