Abstract: It has been always observed that the effectiveness of
MIS as a support tool for management decisions degenerate after
time of implementation, despite the substantial investments being
made. This is true for organizations at the initial stages of MIS
implementations, manual or computerized. A survey of a sample of
middle to top managers in business and government institutions was
made. A large ratio indicates that the MIS has lost its impact on the
day-to-day operations, and even the response lag time expands
sometimes indefinitely. The data indicates an infant mortality
phenomenon of the bathtub model. Reasons may be monotonous
nature of MIS delivery, irrelevance, irreverence, timeliness, and lack
of adequate detail. All those reasons collaborate to create a degree of
degeneracy. We investigate and model as a bathtub model the
phenomenon of MIS degeneracy that inflicts the MIS systems and
renders it ineffective. A degeneracy index is developed to identify
the status of the MIS system and possible remedies to prevent the
onset of total collapse of the system to the point of being useless.
Abstract: In this paper we develop and analyze the model for
the spread of Leptospirosis by age group in Thailand, between 1997
and 2010 by using mathematical modeling and computer simulation.
Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus
Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease of global importance and an
emerging health problem in Thailand. In Thailand, leptospirosis is a
reportable disease, the top three age groups are 23.31% in 35-44
years olds group, 22.76% in 25-34 year olds group, 17.60% in 45-54
year olds group from reported leptospirosis between 1997 and 2010,
with a peak in 35-44 year olds group. Our paper, the Leptosipirosis
transmission by age group in Thailand is studied on the mathematical
model. Some analytical and simulation results are presented.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to design a model of human vital sign prediction for decreasing prediction error by using two states mapping based time series neural network BP (back-propagation) model. Normally, lot of industries has been applying the neural network model by training them in a supervised manner with the error back-propagation algorithm for time series prediction systems. However, it still has a residual error between real value and prediction output. Therefore, we designed two states of neural network model for compensation of residual error which is possible to use in the prevention of sudden death and metabolic syndrome disease such as hypertension disease and obesity. We found that most of simulations cases were satisfied by the two states mapping based time series prediction model compared to normal BP. In particular, small sample size of times series were more accurate than the standard MLP model. We expect that this algorithm can be available to sudden death prevention and monitoring AGENT system in a ubiquitous homecare environment.
Abstract: The result of process of territory-s development is the territory-s state of development (TSoD), which is pointed towards the provision and improvement of people-s life conditions. The authors offer to measure the TSoD according to their own developed model. Using the available statistical data regarding the values of model-s elements, the authors empirically show which element mainly determines the TSoD. The findings of the research showed that the key elements of the TSoD are the “Material welfare of people" and “People-s health". Performing a deeper statistical analysis of correlation between these elements, it turned out that it is not so necessary for a country to be bent on trying to increase the material growth of a territory, because a relatively high index of life expectancy at birth could be ensured also by much more modest material resources. On the other hand, the economical feedback of longer lifespan within countries with lower material performance is also relatively low.
Abstract: A liquid curved jet has many applications in different
industrial and engineering processes, such as the prilling process
for generating small spherical pellets (fertilizer or magnesium). The
liquids used are usually molten and contain small quantities of
polymers and therefore can be modelled as non-Newtonian liquids. In
this paper, we model the viscoelastic liquid jet by using the Oldroyd-
B model. An asymptotic analysis has been used to simplify the
governing equations. Furthermore, the trajectory and a linear temporal
stability in the presence of gravity and rotation have been determined.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a multiple objective optimization model with respect to portfolio selection problem for investors looking forward to diversify their equity investments in a number of equity markets. Based on Markowitz-s M-V model we developed a Fuzzy Mixed Integer Multi-Objective Nonlinear Programming Problem (FMIMONLP) to maximize the investors- future gains on equity markets, reach the optimal proportion of the budget to be invested in different equities. A numerical example with a comprehensive analysis on artificial data from several equity markets is presented in order to illustrate the proposed model and its solution method. The model performed well compared with the deterministic version of the model.
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: In this paper, we give an overview of an online elearning
tool which has been developed for kids aged from nine to
eleven years old in Mauritius for the self-study of Mathematics in
order to prepare them for the CPE examination. The software does
not intend to render obsolete the existing pedagogical approaches.
Nowadays, the teaching-learning process is mainly focused towards
the class-room model. Moreover, most of the e-learning platforms
that exist are simply static ways of delivering resources using the
internet. There is nearly no interaction between the learner and the
tool. Our application will enable students to practice exercises online
and also work out sample examination papers. Another interesting
feature is that the kid will not have to wait for someone to correct the
work as the correction will be done online and on the spot. Additional
feedback is also provided for some exercises.
Abstract: In this study, direct numerical simulation for the bubble condensation in the subcooled boiling flow was performed. The main goal was to develop the CFD modeling for the bubble condensation and to evaluate the accuracy of the VOF model with the developed CFD modeling. CFD modeling for the bubble condensation was developed by modeling the source terms in the governing equations of VOF model using UDF. In the modeling, the amount of condensation was determined using the interfacial heat transfer coefficient obtained from the bubble velocity, liquid temperature and bubble diameter every time step. To evaluate the VOF model using the CFD modeling for the bubble condensation, CFD simulation results were compared with SNU experimental results such as bubble volume and shape, interfacial area, bubble diameter and bubble velocity. Simulation results predicted well the behavior of the actual condensing bubble. Therefore, it can be concluded that the VOF model using the CFD modeling for the bubble condensation will be a useful computational fluid dynamics tool for analyzing the behavior of the condensing bubble in a wide range of the subcooled boiling flow.
Abstract: Realistic 3D face model is more precise in representing
pose, illumination, and expression of face than 2D face model so that it
can be utilized usefully in various applications such as face recognition,
games, avatars, animations, and etc.
In this paper, we propose a 3D face modeling method based on 3D
dense morphable shape model. The proposed 3D modeling method
first constructs a 3D dense morphable shape model from 3D face scan
data obtained using a 3D scanner. Next, the proposed method extracts
and matches facial landmarks from 2D image sequence containing a
face to be modeled, and then reconstructs 3D vertices coordinates of
the landmarks using a factorization-based SfM technique. Then, the
proposed method obtains a 3D dense shape model of the face to be
modeled by fitting the constructed 3D dense morphable shape model
into the reconstructed 3D vertices. Also, the proposed method makes a
cylindrical texture map using 2D face image sequence. Finally, the
proposed method generates a 3D face model by rendering the 3D dense
face shape model using the cylindrical texture map. Through building
processes of 3D face model by the proposed method, it is shown that
the proposed method is relatively easy, fast and precise.
Abstract: Intuitionistic fuzzy sets as proposed by Atanassov,
have gained much attention from past and latter researchers for
applications in various fields. Similarity measures between
intuitionistic fuzzy sets were developed afterwards. However, it does
not cater the conflicting behavior of each element evaluated. We
therefore made some modification to the similarity measure of IFS
by considering conflicting concept to the model. In this paper, we
concentrate on Zhang and Fu-s similarity measures for IFSs and
some examples are given to validate these similarity measures. A
simple modification to Zhang and Fu-s similarity measures of IFSs
was proposed to find the best result according to the use of degree of
indeterminacy. Finally, we mark up with the application to real
decision making problems.
Abstract: Analytical investigation of the sedimentation
processes in the river engineering and hydraulic structures is of vital
importance as this can affect water supply for the cultivating lands in
the command area. The reason being that gradual sediment formation
behind the reservoir can reduce the nominal capacity of these dams.
The aim of the present paper is to analytically investigate
sedimentation process along the river course and behind the storage
reservoirs in general and the Eastern Intake of the Dez Diversion weir
in particular using the SHARC software. Results of the model
indicated the water level at 115.97m whereas the real time
measurement from the river cross section was 115.98 m which
suggests a significantly close relation between them. The average
transported sediment load in the river was measured at 0.25mm ,
from which it can be concluded that nearly 100% of the suspended
loads in river are moving which suggests no sediment settling but
indicates that almost all sediment loads enters into the intake. It was
further showed the average sediment diameter entering the intake to
be 0.293 mm which in turn suggests that about 85% of suspended
sediments in the river entre the intake. Comparison of the results
from the SHARC model with those obtained form the SSIIM
software suggests quite similar outputs but distinguishing the
SHARC model as more appropriate for the analysis of simpler
problems than other model.
Abstract: Generation system reliability assessment is an
important task which can be performed using deterministic or
probabilistic techniques. The probabilistic approaches have
significant advantages over the deterministic methods. However,
more complicated modeling is required by the probabilistic
approaches. Power generation model is a basic requirement for this
assessment. One form of the generation models is the well known
capacity outage probability table (COPT). Different analytical
techniques have been used to construct the COPT. These approaches
require considerable mathematical modeling of the generating units.
The unit-s models are combined to build the COPT which will add
more burdens on the process of creating the COPT. Decimal to
Binary Conversion (DBC) technique is widely and commonly applied
in electronic systems and computing This paper proposes a novel
utilization of the DBC to create the COPT without engaging in
analytical modeling or time consuming simulations. The simple
binary representation , “0 " and “1 " is used to model the states o f
generating units. The proposed technique is proven to be an effective
approach to build the generation model.
Abstract: This work presents a numerical model developed to
simulate the dynamics and vibrations of a multistage tractor gearbox.
The effect of time varying mesh stiffness, time varying frictional
torque on the gear teeth, lateral and torsional flexibility of the shafts
and flexibility of the bearings were included in the model. The model
was developed by using the Lagrangian method, and it was applied to
study the effect of three design variables on the vibration and stress
levels on the gears. The first design variable, module, had little effect
on the vibration levels but a higher module resulted to higher bending
stress levels. The second design variable, pressure angle, had little
effect on the vibration levels, but had a strong effect on the stress
levels on the pinion of a high reduction ratio gear pair. A pressure
angle of 25o resulted to lower stress levels for a pinion with 14 teeth
than a pressure angle of 20o. The third design variable, contact ratio,
had a very strong effect on both the vibration levels and bending
stress levels. Increasing the contact ratio to 2.0 reduced both the
vibration levels and bending stress levels significantly. For the gear
train design used in this study, a module of 2.5 and contact ratio of
2.0 for the various meshes was found to yield the best combination
of low vibration levels and low bending stresses. The model can
therefore be used as a tool for obtaining the optimum gear design
parameters for a given multistage spur gear train.
Abstract: A Finite Volume method based on Characteristic Fluxes for compressible fluids is developed. An explicit cell-centered resolution is adopted, where second and third order accuracy is provided by using two different MUSCL schemes with Minmod, Sweby or Superbee limiters for the hyperbolic part. Few different times integrator is used and be describe in this paper. Resolution is performed on a generic unstructured Cartesian grid, where solid boundaries are handled by a Cut-Cell method. Interfaces are explicitely advected in a non-diffusive way, ensuring local mass conservation. An improved cell cutting has been developed to handle boundaries of arbitrary geometrical complexity. Instead of using a polygon clipping algorithm, we use the Voxel traversal algorithm coupled with a local floodfill scanline to intersect 2D or 3D boundary surface meshes with the fixed Cartesian grid. Small cells stability problem near the boundaries is solved using a fully conservative merging method. Inflow and outflow conditions are also implemented in the model. The solver is validated on 2D academic test cases, such as the flow past a cylinder. The latter test cases are performed both in the frame of the body and in a fixed frame where the body is moving across the mesh. Adaptive Cartesian grid is provided by Paramesh without complex geometries for the moment.
Abstract: In textile industry, besides the conventional textile
products, technical textile goods, that have been brought external
functional properties into, are being developed for technical textile
industry. Especially these products produced with weaving
technology are widely preferred in areas such as sports, geology,
medical, automotive, construction and marine sectors. These textile
products are exposed to various stresses and large deformations under
typical conditions of use. At this point, sufficient and reliable data
could not be obtained with uniaxial tensile tests for determination of
the mechanical properties of such products due to mainly biaxial
stress state. Therefore, the most preferred method is a biaxial tensile
test method and analysis. These tests and analysis is applied to fabrics
with different functional features in order to establish the textile
material with several characteristics and mechanical properties of the
product. Planar biaxial tensile test, cylindrical inflation and bulge
tests are generally required to apply for textile products that are used
in automotive, sailing and sports areas and construction industry to
minimize accidents as long as their service life. Airbags, seat belts
and car tires in the automotive sector are also subject to the same
biaxial stress states, and can be characterized by same types of
experiments. In this study, in accordance with the research literature
related to the various biaxial test methods are compared. Results with
discussions are elaborated mainly focusing on the design of a biaxial
test apparatus to obtain applicable experimental data for developing a
finite element model. Sample experimental results on a prototype
system are expressed.
Abstract: This study investigated climatic factors associated
with influenza cases in Southern Thailand. The main aim for use
regression analysis to investigate possible causual relationship of
climatic factors and variability between the border of the Andaman
Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Southern Thailand had the highest
Influenza incidences among four regions (i.e. north, northeast, central
and southern Thailand). In this study, there were 14 climatic factors:
mean relative humidity, maximum relative humidity, minimum
relative humidity, rainfall, rainy days, daily maximum rainfall,
pressure, maximum wind speed, mean wind speed, sunshine duration,
mean temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature,
and temperature difference (i.e. maximum – minimum temperature).
Multiple stepwise regression technique was used to fit the statistical
model. The results indicated that the mean wind speed and the
minimum relative humidity were positively associated with the
number of influenza cases on the Andaman Sea side. The maximum
wind speed was positively associated with the number of influenza
cases on the Gulf of Thailand side.
Abstract: Equilibrium and rate based models have been applied
in the simulation of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) synthesis
through reactive distillation. Temperature and composition profiles
were compared for both the models and found that both the profiles
trends, though qualitatively similar are significantly different
quantitatively. In the rate based method (RBM), multicomponent
mass transfer coefficients have been incorporated to describe
interphase mass transfer. MTBE mole fraction in the bottom stream is
found to be 0.9914 in the Equilibrium Model (EQM) and only 0.9904
for RBM when the same column configuration was preserved. The
individual tray efficiencies were incorporated in the EQM and
simulations were carried out. Dynamic simulation have been also
carried out for the two column configurations and compared.
Abstract: Today-s business has inevitably been set in the global supply chain management environment. International transportation has never played such an important role in the global supply chain network, because movement of shipments from one country to another tends to be more frequent than ever before. This paper studies international transportation problems experienced by an international transportation company. Because of the limited fleet capacity, the transportation company has to hire additional trucks from two countries in advance. However, customer-s shipment information is uncertain, and decisions have to be made before accurate information can be obtained. This paper proposes a stochastic mixed 0-1 programming model to solve the international transportation problems under uncertain demand. A series of experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic model.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a method for edge
segmentation of satellite images based on 2-D Phase Congruency
(PC) model. The proposed approach is composed by two steps: The
contextual non linear smoothing algorithm (CNLS) is used to smooth
the input images. Then, the 2D stretched Gabor filter (S-G filter)
based on proposed angular variation is developed in order to avoid
the multiple responses in the previous work. An assessment of our
proposed method performance is provided in terms of accuracy of
satellite image edge segmentation. The proposed method is compared
with others known approaches.