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Literature on the commercial applications of dielectric industrial drying is plentiful; however, literature on the computations required for estimating dielectric drying power requirements is sparse. Dielectric drying involves several complicated heat and mass transfer phenomena, including absorption of electromagnetic energy, transport of the generated heat, generation of internal vapor, and changes, and changes due to shrinkage. Furthermore, this process involves an assortment of computational expertise, particularly dielectric property characterization. This paper addresses the computational iterations required to estimate the power requirements for unit operation dielectric drying .The objective of the investigation is to explain the theory of the power interaction between dielectric and the drying material. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design calculations for heat energy using microwave power and finally the computation process is applied to corrugated board manufacturing case study to calculate the drying requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At macroscopic level, traffic can be described as a continuum flow. Lighthill Witham and Richards (LWR) have developed a traffic flow model based on the fluid dynamics continuity equation, which is known as the first order LWR traffic flow model. The resulting first order partial differential equation (PDE) can be analytically solved for some special cases, given initial and boundary conditions, and numerically using for example the finite element method (FEM). This paper makes use of the Galerkin FEM to solve the LWR model with constant speed. The road is divided into a number of road segments (elements) using the Galerkin FEM. Each element consists of two nodes. Each node has one degree of freedom (d.o.f.), namely the traffic density. The FEM provides a solution for the degrees of freedom, i.e. traffic densities of each node. The resulting simultaneous equations are solved at different time steps using the Euler backward time-integration algorithm. In Belgium and also in the Netherlands, there is a special technique that can be used in order to prevent traffic jams and increasing safety in situations with high volume of cars on the roads, i.e. block driving. It is a technique where cars drive in groups by order of the police when the roads are crowded. In this paper block driving is used as a practical example of the LWR model with constant speed. Thereby, it is simulated using the Galerkin FEM and the results are compared with the analytical solution. The FEM gives good results providing that: the road segments and time steps are small enough. A road with length 5000 m, constant speed of 25 m/s, segment length of 100 m and time steps of 1 s gives good results for the studied case. At points of traffic density rate discontinuities, depending on the road segment size and time step size, the Galerkin FEM is accurate and requires reasonable computational effort. From the research work carried out in this paper, it is found that the Galerkin FEM is suitable for modelling traffic flow at macroscopic level. The element size and time step size are important parameters in determining the convergence of the solution in case of discontinuities in traffic density rate. Although this paper considers the case of constant speed, the technique can be extended in the future to include the case of non-constant speed, i.e. speed as a function of traffic density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The machining of complex shaped designs was difficult earlier, but with the advent of the new machining processes incorporating in it chemical, electrical & mechanical processes, manufacturing has redefined itself. This paper intends to deal with one of the revolutionary process called Electro Chemical Machining (ECM) which is unconventional process. New materials which have high strength to weight ratio, heat resistance and hardness and also complex shapes and need for accuracy demand newer type of machining process. These processes are called unconventional machining processes. ECM removes material without heat. Almost all types of metals can be machined by this process. In today's high precision and time sensitive scenario, ECM has wide scope of applications. The said paper is a experimental study of effect of voltage variation on MRR for Stainless steel EN Series 58A (AISI 302B) A comparative study of calculation for MRR on theoretical as well practical basis are given in tabular format with graphical representation. The said experimentation is carried out at Micromachining Cell I I T Bombay in the month of Dec 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new elastic-wave-based NDT system was proposed and then applied to reveal the defects inside the concrete specimens by imaging method. In this NDT system, it integrates the point-source/point-receiver scheme with the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) to achieve the effect like scanning with a phase array system; hence it is equipped with large functioning depth because of the high-energy feature that transient elastic wave method possessed over traditional ultrasonic method. This system is mainly composed of an impact source generator, a vertical displacement transducer, a signal capturing unit and operation software. To evaluate the feasibility of this system on NDT of concrete structures, some concrete slabs with artificial voids inside were built for experiment. 2D plane stress FEM numerical simulations were performed for further comparison. Experimental result shows good agreement with the numerical result not only on the B-scan diagram but also on the processed scanning image. The elastic-wave-based scanning system proposed in this paper exhibits high potential in inspecting the defects of in-situ concrete structures by imaging for civil engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a concept and presents the experimental results for robotic end-effector operation for handling product items that are flexible or variable in physical properties such as size, shape or firmness and also describes a scheme by which a manipulator can use dynamic tactile sensing to detect when it is about to lose hold of a grasped object and take preventive measures before gross sliding occurs. This paper also elaborates the mechanical, sensing and control issues of such a system and presents results on a novel modular gripping system developed for this purpose. By detecting localized slips on the gripping surface which precede gross slip, the controller can modify the grasp force to prevent the object from slipping. Accurate knowledge of slip is essential when grasping fragile objects or manipulations with sliding. A tactile sensor enables a robot, cybernetic device or other appropriate automatic mechanism to sense an object, to measure the force of contact, and to determine the force required to seize an object. The tactile sensor used in this experiment predicts the partial slip of a tactile surface by sensing micro vibrations in tangential forces which are caused by the expansion of the slip regions within the contact area. Finally a summary of contributions is listed and the advantages of using this intelligent gripping system is elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to design a position controller of a DC motor by selection of a PID parameters using genetic algorithm. The model of a DC motor is considered as a third order system. And this paper compares two kinds of tuning methods of parameter for PID controller. One is the controller design by the genetic algorithm, second is the controller design by the Ziegler and Nichols method. It was found that the proposed PID parameters adjustment by the genetic algorithm is better than the Ziegler & Nichols' method. The proposed method could be applied to the higher order system also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sets out to develop a new multiple-rotor system which can be used for attitude control of spacecraft. Unlike typical attitude control devices the new multirotor system has no disadvantages of reaction wheels, on the contrary, it possesses the advantages of a control moment gyroscope. The paper describes a new method of attitude reorientation of spacecraft with the help of the multirotor system. New multirotor system contains a lot of rotor-equipped rays, so it was called a "Rotor-type Spider" or a "Rotor-type Hedgehog". These systems allow using spinups and captures of conjugate rotors to perform compound attitude motion of spacecraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a method to analyse the thermal processes occurring in the cast composite solidification. The domain of cast is formed by parallel fibres bundle randomly immersed in a host metal matrix. The heat is transferred from the metal matrix and absorbed by fibres. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the volumetric fraction of fibres for which the solidification of metal matrix occurs. Our method is to compute Voronoi diagrams with Voronoi regions representing the geometry location of the fibres in the metal matrix and to use these regions as control volume within a variant of Control Volume Method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, under the assumption that the claimsize is Negatively dependent subexponentially distributed and the constant interest force is considered, a simple asymptotics of ruin probability for renewal risk model within finite horizon is obtained. The results obtained extended the corresponding results of related papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a four order unconditionally stable implicit scheme for hyperbolic equations. Based on the scheme and the concept of decomposition a class of parallel alternating group explicit (AGE) iterative method is derived, and convergence analysis is given. In order to verify the AGE iterative method, we give an example at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an application of the Complex Variable Boundary Element Method (CVBEM) to solve a boundary value problem over two-dimensional multiply connected regions, in fact for the problem of a potential fluid flow around objects. The CVBEM is a powerful numerical tool for solving generally two-dimensional boundary value problems in which appear complex functions, and it represents a numerical application of Cauchy Integral Theorem. For solving the boundary integral the problem is reduced at there can be used different kinds of boundary elements. In this paper there are used linear boundary elements, so the geometries involved are approximated by polygonal lines and for the approximation of the unknowns there are used linear basis functions. The CVBEM's advantage over other techniques, pointed out by the present paper, is the fact that when this method is applied the approximation exactly solves the equation, so using this method good approximations can be found. A computer code based on this method is developed and numerical results are obtained for some particular cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WIMAX relay station mesh network has been approved by IEEE 802.16j as a standard to provide a highly data rate transmission , the RS was implemented to extend the coverage zone of the BS, for instance the MSs previously were out of the coverage of the BS they become in the coverage of the RS, therefore these MSs can have Admission control from the BS through the RS. This paper describe a problem in the mesh network Relay station, for instance the problem of how to serve the mobile stations (MSs) which are out of the Relay station coverage. This paper also proposed a solution for mobile stations out of the coverage of the WIMAX Relay stations mesh Network. Therefore Ad-hoc network defined as a solution by using its admission control schema and apply it on the mobiles inside and outside the Relay station coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-layer neural networks have been used in this paper for modeling nonlinear behaviour of concrete gravity dams under earthquake excitation. Koyna dam which has been studied extensively by other authors in the past has been studied as test example in this paper too, where the nonlinear response of its crest has been modelled by the proposed algorithm. The main steps of the algorithm are as follows: First the concrete gravity dam has been numerically analyzed for its nonlinear behaviour under earthquake excitation to generate numerical data to be used in the training of the neural networks. To this end the dam has been subjected to a white noise excitation so that the generated data could be rich enough for the training of a general neuro-modeller of the dam response. The neuro-modeller has then been trained on the generated data to learn the hysteretic behaviour of the dam implicitly. Then the neural network has been tested on a number of earthquakes including near field as well as very strong earthquakes for verification. The results obtained in this study prove that the method has been successful regarding the generalization capabilities of the trained neuro-modeller where other earthquakes than those used in its training have been used in its testing. In the tests, the neuro-modeller could predict the response with high precision. One significant benefit of using this algorithm is in cases where it is desired to use collected data from tests on experimental models or through monitoring of the response of a dam to prepare a suitable model for predicting its response under any earthquake. Another benefit is the time of analysis which can be reduced by this method. Once the neuro-modeller is trained, it can predict the response of the dam to any earthquake without the need to be updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IEEE802.16 is the standard defining the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) for Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). WiMAX has recently being considered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as an attractive alternative to leasing lines from current ISPs or the deployment of new fiber networks. This is mainly the case since WiMAX is more flexible and much cheaper than other possible solutions. Our focus in this paper is on mobile WiMAX i.e. IEEE802.16e designed to provide broadband wireless access for mobile users. In this paper we have designed various scenarios using the Qualnet simulation package to evaluate the performance of WiMAX in delivering traffic under different operational conditions for a point to multi point configuration. The results showed how different factors such as load and mobility might affect the performance of WiMAX in a single cell environment. End to end delay, delay jitter and throughput were considered as the performance measures in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User's perceptive video quality differs greatly with video contents hence, it is of practical importance to classify videos. Videos are most commonly classified according to their spatial and temporal features. In this paper, we classify videos into groups based on objective video quality evaluation. Video quality measured in terms of the Mean Opinion Score (MOS), obtained by the application and network level parameters is classified into groups using cluster analysis with good prediction accuracy. The QoS (Quality of Service) parameters that affect video quality considered in this paper are send bitrate, frame rate in application and packet error rate in the network level. We then find the degree of influence of each of the QoS parameter and analyze the relationship between QoS parameters and content types by using principal component analysis for streaming MPEG4 video over wireless networks. We compare our classified contents to the spatio-temporal dynamics of the content and establish the relationship between video contents and video quality by equations obtained by multiple linear regression. Finally, we apply the results to rate control methods. The proposed scheme makes it possible to apply priority control to content delivery, based on content types with similar attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents and investigates a dynamic buffer management scheme for QoS control of multimedia services in a 3.5G wireless system i.e. the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). HSDPA was introduced to enhance UMTS for high-speed packet switched services. With HSDPA, packet scheduling and HARQ mechanisms in the base station require data buffering at the air interface thus introducing a potential bottleneck to end-to-end communication. Hence, for multimedia services with multiplexed parallel diverse flows such as video and data in the same end-user session, buffer management schemes in the base station are essential to support end-to-end QoS provision. We propose a dynamic buffer management scheme for HSDPA multimedia sessions with aggregated real-time and non real-time flows in the paper. The end-to-end performance impact of the scheme is evaluated with an example multimedia session comprising a real-time streaming flow concurrent with TCP-based non real-time flow via extensive HSDPA simulations. Results demonstrate that the scheme can guarantee the end-to-end QoS of the real-time streaming flow, whilst simultaneously protecting non real-time flow from starvation resulting in improved end-to-end throughput performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a need of paradigm shift in maintenance system so as to improve performance of overall system in this global competition. It discovers flaws in present day maintenance strategies that were considered to be the rationale behind the need for this new paradigm; changing scheme from a problem solving maintenance to a problem understanding maintenance. To reply to that research gap, this study unveils want in quality system and systems thinking that must have got to be integrated into conception of the existing maintenance strategies. Having had demand for integration of these methodologies, this paper offers a novel framework that enable maintenance operatives to plan maintenance actions through the identification of true root cause of failures and the quest of optimal solutions by viewing problem as a system in its entirety. Unlike current maintenance strategies, the proposed framework will count not only 'hard' factors but also their relationships with nascent 'soft' factors as contributing elements in the cause of failure. It can then be developed from beneficial effect of integration between the Six Sigma and the System Dynamics benefiting from favorable merged characteristics of the two; quality system and systems thinking respectively, along with feedback mechanism. Details construction of the framework is explained thoroughly in every section of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an alternative energy-based algorithm to provide speech/silence classification. The algorithm is capable to track non-stationary signals and dynamically calculate instantaneous value for threshold using adaptive scaling parameter. It is based on the observation of a noise power estimation used for computation of the threshold can be obtained using minimum and maximum values of a short-term energy estimate. The paper presents this novel voice activity detection algorithm, its performance, its limitations, and some other techniques which deal with energy estimation as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the simultaneous scheduling of landside container handling operations in a container terminal. Issues addressed include scheduling the sequence of loading (unloading) of containers to (from) the vessels from (to) the quayside, assigning trucks to transport containers between quayside and yard side, and scheduling operations of yard cranes in different yard zones. A mathematical model describing the characteristics of the problem is developed. The objective is to minimize the total completion time for handling all the containers under consideration in the terminal. As optimizing the landside container handling operations in a terminal is known to be NP-hard, a new genetic algorithm with the selection process based on the principle of simulated annealing is developed in this paper to solve the problem. Comparison of the respective results obtained by using the proposed genetic algorithm, the canonical genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm clearly shows that the total completion times obtained by the proposed algorithm are 12%-18% shorter than that obtained by GA and SA, and the computing times of GA-SA are only 50% of that of GA. The proposed genetic algorithm is indeed superior to the other two algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a study about human error optimization is presented. A discussion about the maintenance or operation management is done. The models of human error were made using a well known technique named Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction (THERP), wisely used in the nuclear area. These models were included in the Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) to evaluate the impact of human error on the frequency of a damage plant states. This paper shows how the optimization of maintenance management is only possible with a global approach and it is not feasible focusing on each task in a particular way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Fourier transform approach to obtain frequency response function (FRF) is presented in this paper. The aim in this paper is to eliminate the need for the classical impact experimental approach used in extracting structure's FRF. The numerical and experimental FRFs have been used to obtain stable regions in machining of thin walled structures, which gives a good comparison. Examples are presented and compared with experimental results with a satisfactory agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the immense growth of services offered by Internet, the requirement of broadband connectivity has increased significantly in past few years. Organizations and individuals are relying heavily on the internet for their daily communication needs. Consequently, networks have become more prone to different types of network attacks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) offer a method to protect networks against many such attacks. Numerous IDS have been proposed in literature, which employ different techniques to identify attack patterns as well as abrupt changes in network traffic flows. Anomaly detection is a type of Intrusion Detection corresponding to a suite of techniques that can be used to identify novel or "zero-day" attacks against computers and network infrastructure. Different Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection Systems (ADS) work on different principles e.g., a few take into account the packet headers only, where as others operate on payload as well as packet headers. In this paper we evaluate six different ADS; three of them work on packet header only, while remaining three works on both header and payload. We aim to provide a conclusive comparison of these ADS (header only or both header and payload) in terms of accuracy, complexity and detection delay to highlight factors that must be considered while designing IDS in future. The comparison is performed using two real-world labeled datasets to enable cross-reference for future research in this field. In the end of this paper we will conclude that anomaly detectors which work on both header and payload perform better than those ADS which consider only header for intrusion detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development, finite element(FE) analysis of magnetic field distribution, performance, control and testing of a new axial flux permanent magnet linear oscillating motor (PMLOM) along with a suitable speed and thrust control technique is described in this paper. The PMLOM can perform precision oscillation task without exceeding the given limit on allowable average power dissipation. The use of new powerful permanent magnet materials such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron alloys can greatly improve the performance of electrical machines. Also its performance parameters, such as the force, current etc. are experimentally assessed. The objective of this paper is to determine the forces for aluminium mover embedded with rare earth permanent magnet experimentally and analytically through FEMM software and develop a microcontroller based IGBT Inverter for its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the optimal location and parameters of Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFCs) in electrical power systems. The UPFC is one of the most promising FACTS devices in terms of its ability to control power system quantities. Shunt FACTS devices are used for controlling transmission voltage, power flow, reducing reactive losses, and damping of power system oscillations for high power transfer levels. In this paper the optimal location of a shunt FACT device is investigated for an actual line model of a transmission line having series compensation at the center. As one of the most promising FACTS devices in terms of its ability to control power system quantities, UPFC Effect of change in degree of series compensation on the optimal placement of the shunt FACTS device to get the highest possible benefit is studied. The results obtained shown that optimal placement of the shunt FACTS device varies with the change in the level of series compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new outer bounds to the individual rates and the conditions under which these bounds become tight for the symmetric Gaussian cognitive radio (CR) channel in the low interference gain regime. The CR transmitter is assumed to use dirty paper coding while deriving the outer bounds. The capacity of the CR channel in the low interference scenario is known when the CR employs "polite" approach by devoting some portion of its power to transmit primary user's (PU's) message. However, this approach does not guarantee any quality of service for the CR users. Hence, we focus on the scenario when the CR goes for the "rude" approach, does not relay PU's message and tries to maximize its own rates only. It is shown that when both CR and the PU operate in low interference gain regime, then treating interference as additive noise at the PU receiver and doing dirty paper coding at the CR is nearly optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two simulation models for two variants of a large chipper drive used in a paper mill. If a slip ring induction motor is used, the impact of a rotor circuit rheostat with respect to starting behavior and heavy duty load impulses can be examined. Furthermore a speed controlled squirrel cage induction machine will be investigated. The modeling language for both drives is Modelica. The simulation results for both drives are compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we give a general overview of fuzzy research according to the results found in the ISI Web of Knowledge. We present the most cited articles in fuzzy research, the top authors, the top journals, the evolution by years and the top countries. We also provide a longer list of journals in order to be informative to the scientific community, especially for the young researchers. Note that the results given in this paper are only a general orientation because the rankings can be developed in different ways depending on the variables that we want to take into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assimilation of formal logic into the domain of Software Engineering offers the possibility of enormous benefits in terms of software reliability and verifiability. To date, however, the integration of such techniques has proved difficult since they involve a significantly increased burden on the programmer in meeting the demands of the formal mechanisms being employed. The current paper investigates the advantages which may be gained by the software development process with the introduction of Artificial Neural Network technology into a formal software development system. Essentially, the adaptive artificial neural network model is employed to refine an existing formal software model in order to produce increasingly better approximations to a given solution. Each approximation is itself a valid formal system whose precise behaviour may be formally determined. The paper introduces a framework by which a programmer may define a system possessing the abstract structure of a traditional neural network but whose internal structures are taken from the formal mathematical domain of Constructive Type Theory. The system will then refine itself to produce successive approximations to a desired goal based on data presented to it. An example is presented addressing a problem domain which has previously proved difficult to model. Although the example presented is necessarily limited, it does provide an insight into the potential advantages of merging formal logic with artificial neural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software systems need to evolve, and systems built using model driven approaches are no exception. The role of the models are increasing and becoming more and more important in the software development and evolution. So, the Model-Driven Software Evolution (MoDSE) is prominent. Several stakeholders are involved in the process of evolution. These user groups (stakeholders) have different concerns relevant to the models to be evolved in MoDSE. Multiple views provide a means to visualize complex information and are also a way to fulfill the concerns of different user groups. In this paper the concept of multiple views for the MoDSE is introduced and shows how these multiple views addresses the stakeholders concerns. The different viewpoints are identified to construct the multiple views. This paper also shows an analytical support how the proposed views are closer to the Lehman's laws of software evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of Natural Language processing to requirements gathering to facilitate automation has only limited explorations so far. This paper describes a Natural Language based tool which aims at supporting the analysis stage of software development in an object oriented framework. This paper is built on the foundation of existing mappings between natural language elements and Object oriented concepts. The tool named R-TOOL analyses software elicited requirements texts written in English to generate actors, use cases, classes, attributes, methods and relationship between the classes leading to the generation of class diagrams. This paper discusses initial experimental results which are encouraging and outlines further research plan to help to improve the system which will have the potential to play an important role in the software development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the topic of scheduling with learning effects has kept growing attention, and a survey is further provided to classify the learning models in scheduling into two types, namely position-based learning and sum-of-processing-times-based learning. However, the actual processing time of a given job fast drops to zero as the number of jobs increases in the first model and when the normal job processing times are large in the second model. Motivated by this observation, this paper extends both models to a more general learning model where the actual job processing time is a function of the sum of the logarithm of the processing times of the jobs already processed and general position-based learning. Under the proposed learning model, this paper shows that some single-machine scheduling problems can be solved in polynomial time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat radiation equation contains 4th exponential order of temperature which makes mathematics analysis very complicated and troublesome. Therefore, most heat transfer experts and scholars believe, based on their own experiences, that the heat radiation effect can be ignored due to small temperature difference between insulated surfaces and surrounding to simplify analysis. Due to this reason, insulation examples shown in most heat transfer, air conditioning and refrigeration text books, and some commercial packages for the design of insulations, commonly ignore the effect of heat radiation. However, this paper demonstrates that the heat radiation effect can not be ignored in the situations of thin insulation with low ambient convective heat coefficient and a large surface emissivity. In those situations, ignoring the heat radiation will result in an inaccurate insulation design. The paper also shows that a smaller insulated surface emissivity can largely promote the insulation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The product realization is the process by which a new product idea is conceived, investigated, taken through the design process, manufactured, marketed and serviced. This typically consists of five phases: "Plan and Define Program", "Product Design and Development", "Process Design and Development", "Product and Process Validation", and "Production Launch, Feedback Assessment and Corrective Action". These phases may be done concurrently or have correlated activities. Managing this improperly lead to poor process performance. This paper, within the context of ISO/TS16949:2002 (the automotive quality management system international standard), proposed a reviewed process-based management concept focusing on metrics and controls for their effective management. The purpose of this paper is to set the scope and conduct literature review for further in-depth study under the topic of "Automotive Process-Based Management Analysis through Relation between Organizations Structure and Product Realization Effectiveness: The Case of Automotive Suppliers in Thailand". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

- In this paper, the out coming temperature out of Claus reaction (which is used for recycling sulfur from H2S in refineries of Gas) is estimated via adaptive linear neuron networks. In order to get to the desired results, we need to be aware of the amount of H2S flow as well as the flow of the air. Acid gas used in the gas refinery involving in the prior reaction, has impurities such as: CO2, H2O, DMEA and stays null. Flow meters existing in the acid gas line movement, measure H2S and impurities (gas flow in complete). But for estimating the temperature of reaction and controlling it, we need the real amount of gas flow. In this paper, we have been trying to show that via using adaptive filter, we can separate impurity of acid gas from H2S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the prerequisites and pros and cons of applying a participatory approach to work systems design. The point of departure is the idea that conventional approaches are unable to equally accommodate the goals of economic efficiency and work humanisation Therefore the impact of the human factor is illustrated in the run up. The paper introduces a new concept for a 'Workshop-Based Design of Work Systems' that is founded on a participatory approach. This approach aims at combining advantages of expert- and worker-based approaches and promoting synergy between workers of different hierarchical levels. The implementation of the concept at a car manufacturer is illustrated in a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new technique using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and artificial neural network for fault classifications on single circuit transmission lines. Simulations and the training process for the artificial neural network are performed using ATP/EMTP and MATLAB. The mother wavelet daubechies4 (db4) is employed to decompose, high frequency component from these signals. Positive sequence current signals are used in fault detection decision algorithm. The variations of first scale high frequency component that detect fault are used as an input for the training pattern. Back-propagation (BP) neural network is also compared with the RBF neural network in this paper. The result is shown that an average accuracy values obtained from RBF gives satisfactory results with less training time, and will be very useful in the development of a power system protection scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a process for shaping hard metals and forming deep complex shaped holes by arc erosion in all kinds of electro-conductive materials. The objective of this paper is to study the influence of operating parameters of tungsten carbide on the machining characteristics such as surface quality, material removal rate and electrode wear. It is followed by optimizing the machining condition for confirmation test purposes. Then, the conformation test needed to evaluate the error margin between predicted result by software and confirmation result by experiment in terms of the machining characteristics. The effectiveness of EDM process with tungsten carbide, WC-Co is evaluated in terms of the material removal rate, the relative wear ratio and the surface finish quality of the workpiece produced. It is observed that copper tungsten is most suitable for use as the tool electrode in EDM of WC-Co. Better machining performance is obtained generally with the electrode as the cathode and the workpiece as an anode. In this paper, a study was carried out on the influence of the parameters such peak currrent, power supply voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time. The surface quality that was investigated in this experiment was surface roughness using perthometer machine. Material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear (EW) in this experiment was calculated by using mathematical method. The result of the experiment then was collected and analyzed using STATISTICA software. This was done by using the design of experiments (DOE) technique and ANOVA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations regardless of their size are facing increasing competition from global markets. Quality engineering (QE) tools and techniques are a cornerstone of continuous improvement. They have both specialist and universal applications. If they are not used in a systematic manner, quality improvements are likely to be random and spontaneous rather than comprehensive. The need for an improved understanding of the critical factors for effective and successful QE implementation is becoming more important. However it is the variety and by their nature complexity, that often can create difficulties in their selection, application and effective use. This paper is exploratory paper which explores automotive industries expert's opinion in Malaysia and Indonesia to investigate the difficulties associated with the use of QE tools and techniques, critical factors for effective QE practices and specific issues related to QE implementation. For the purpose, the Delphic Hierarchy Process (DHP) approach was employed as the methodology to evaluate the critical success factors for effective and successful implementation of QE tools and techniques in Malaysian's and Indonesian's automotive industries. As a result from exploratory study, a conceptual model using DHP approach is established. The DHP approach is a combination of the Delphi method and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The DHP can benefit from both a strong and widely used Delphi method and a powerful mathematical model, the AHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a Knowledge Based Genetic Algorithm (KBGA) for the scheduling of Flexible manufacturing system. The proposed algorithm integrates the knowledge base for generating the initial population, selecting the individuals for reproduction and reproducing new individuals. From the literature, it has been seen that simple genetic-algorithm-based heuristics for this problem lead to and large number of generations. This paper extends the simple genetic algorithm and proposes a new methodology to handle a complex variety of variables in a typical FMS problem. To achieve this aim, three new genetic operators--knowledge based: initialization, selection, crossover, and mutation are introduced. The methodology developed here helps to improve the performance of classical GA by obtaining the results in fewer generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a vehicle steering knuckle undergoing time-varying loadings during its service life. Fatigue behavior is, therefore, a key consideration in its design and performance evaluation. This paper is aimed to assess fatigue life and compare fatigue performance of steering knuckles made from three materials of different manufacturing processes. These include forged steel, cast aluminum, and cast iron knuckles. In light of the high volume of forged steel vehicle components, the forging process was considered as base for investigation. Static as well as baseline cyclic deformation and fatigue properties were obtained and compared. The paper envisages that in addition, referring a number of load-controlled fatigue component tests conducted for the forged steel and cast aluminum knuckles. Finite element models of the steering knuckles were also analyzed to obtain stress distributions in each component. Based on the results of component testing and finite element analysis, fatigue behaviors of the three materials and manufacturing processes are then compared. The paper concludes with that forged steel knuckle exhibits superior fatigue behavior, compared to the cast iron and cast aluminum knuckles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on an empirical layout improvement project. In the implementation process of the project, the authors followed an enhanced procedure to increase the involvement of the area experts in the layout design process, which assured the successful realisation of an appropriate layout solution satisfied to both the project team and the top management of a case company. In this paper, the project, the enhanced procedure and the designed new layout for a shop floor in the case company by applying the procedure are introduced, and the summarised evaluation on the new layout and the enhanced procedure is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image entropy thresholding approach has drawn the attentions in image segmentation. The endeavor of this paper is focused on multilevel thresholding using the minimum cross entropy criterion. In the literature, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) had been applied to conducting the threshold selection. The adopted algorithm used in this paper is the honey bee mating optimization (HBMO). In experiments, the two different methods are implemented for comparison with the results of segmentation. Compared to the results of PSO, the threshold selection of HBMO is more close to the optimal ones examined by the exhaustive search method. Furthermore, the segmentation result of HBMO is superior to PSO method, but it still slower than ones of PSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the optimal design of fuzzy image filtering is adopted for inspecting the perfection of pre-amplifier circuits, an important part of a hard disk drive. A high resolution X-ray camera is applied for capturing the image. Then the proposed automatic visual inspection which mainly consists of the image processing algorithms is applied to find the interesting features. The technique used in this paper enhances the ability to reduce noise by investigating the design of optimal fuzzy filtering. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is adopted to find the optimal fuzzy filter. As our results indicate, our technique is superior to conventional methods such as the mean filter, the median filter, and the Adaptive Wiener filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the recognition of shapes for object retrieval in image databases using skeleton-based and contour-based representation by discrete curve evaluation and two consecutive primitive edges. Humans tend to use high-level concepts in everyday life. Object segmentation and recognition is the primary step of computer vision to achieve image retrieval of high-level image analysis. Contour-based and skeleton-based representations are important for object recognition in different areas. In comparing the contour-based approaches with the skeleton-based approaches for object representation, the contour-based is more sensitive to noise than a skeleton-based approach based on a good skeleton pruning method, but a rough shape classification can be performed since the obtained skeletons do not represent any shape details. In this paper, we proposed a novel method to integrate the contour-based approaches with skeleton-based approaches for object representation. The contour-based and skeleton-based representations are based on the proposal of two consecutive primitive edges method and discrete curve evolution method respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed algorithm is superior to Torsello and Hancock's method in terms of retrieval accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an adaptive sampling method for image-based walkthrough. Our goal is to select minimal sets from the initially dense sampled data set, while guaranteeing a visual correct view from any position in any direction in walkthrough space. With regard to image based representation, we adopt image based rendering by warping method. Especially we utilize three reference images for warping, that means the goal of the paper is to find the optimized sample set with respect to the three reference images. In this paper, we regard to the problem as approximating the mesh model, which is constructed from initial dense data and addresses an optimization scheme through global search with an approximated error measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have researched a support system of the reminiscence and life review activity. This support system consists of an interactive tabletop display and interface system. Many interaction systems are proposed until now. An invisible code is one of the useful technologies for a computer interaction. The invisible codes provide us with an operating environment using a pen-like device. However, this technology is applied to the only paper media. The authors think we want to realize an interaction using the invisible code on an electrical media. In this paper, we propose a method to display invisible codes using LCD panels and to detect a polarized symbol image with a conventional CCD camera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an objective measurement to evaluate the quality of gray scale compressed images, Image Quality Scale (IQS), has been proposed. It is defined by 5 measurements, which are Mean Square Error, Edge Measurement, Correlation Measurement, Human Visual System Measurement and Spectrum Measurement. The evaluation result is rated into 5- level grading scale, 1 to 5, which is comparable to Mean Opinion Score (MOS). The objective of this paper is to provide defining method, definition, and reliability of IQS. From the experiments, we demonstrate that the reliability (correlation coefficient) of IQS is higher than PSNR, MSE, Edge Measurement, Correlation Measurement, HVS Measurement and Spectrum Measurement. Therefore, the IQS is reliable and can be used to evaluate the quality of compressed images, JPEG and JPEG2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several conferences have been regularly organized worldwide each year. The organizing process consists of many major steps including call for papers, paper submission, article reviews, author notification and participant registration. The networking computer system could facilitate managing the activities that involve plenty of remote stakeholders. This paper therefore presents an approach to implementing a conference management system using web service technology fused with the concept of business process modeling to support the workflows of conference management tasks. In this work, the REST protocol is selected for invoking the defined conference managing services, whereas Windows Workflow Foundation is exploited for binding all activities into the process flow. The approach enhances the stateless process to the stateful process. Moreover, the process flow is easily reorganized or customized for the subsequent conferences. The component activities, implemented as a service, within the process flow can be reused as well. The fact that services exchange data through XML standard, the implemented system is platform and language independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A filter is a device that passes electric signals at certain frequency or frequency ranges while preventing the passage of others. This paper focuses on active low-pass Butterworth filters design. In communication, data acquisition system usually requires anti-aliasing low-pass filter as well as low-pass noise filter in their preceding signal condition stages. In this paper design of fourth-order low-pass filters is the main topic of consideration. This paper will examine how to implement Butterworth filter and design methods. And this paper describes mathematics calculations and implementation of Butterworth filter with MATLAB and Circuit Maker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the theme of this paper is to have a platform independent 8-bit soft core. Paper speaks about implementation of the Picoblaze Processor, a 8-bit soft processor core from Xilinx Inc. on FPGA platforms of other vendors. PicoBlaze is based on a RISC architecture of 8 bits. The design was originally named KCPSM which stands for "Constant (K) Coded Programmable State Machine" (formerly "Ken Chapman's PSM"). It is a well optimized processor designed by Xilinx, which occupies 2% resources of Xilinx Spartan III FPGA. Original design uses the Xilinx primitives, which are replaced by standard generic logics like gates, flipflops, multiplexers etc.. Authors have used KCPSM3 (PicoBlaze3) version of the processor. As a test case the generic design is implemented on Altera FPGA platform. Altera Development and Education (DE2) board is used to verify the platform independent PicoBlaze design, which provides an ideal vehicle for learning about digital logic, computer organization, and FPGAs, Featuring an Altera Cyclone® II FPGA, DE2 board offers state-of-the-art technology suitable for wide range of design projects, as well as sophisticated digital system development. Altera offers NIOS II soft processor with SOPC builder software suite. This paper presents the comparison of PicoBlaze and Nios II processor on Altera platform for small applications. Authors have shown implementation of data transfer through UART using PicoBlaze and Nios II on Altera DE2. Xilinx synthesis tool version 9.1 and Altera quartus II version 7.1 are used. KCPSM3 assembler is used for compilation of PicoBlaze assembly language programs. A small utility program is developed for porting the ROM code generated by the assembler to Altera compatible code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]