The collaborative and competitive nature of multi-agent systems (MAS) is visible through the simple social mode of communication that emerges between human-agent interactions or agent-to-agent interactions. A simple mode of communication involves the fundamental actions carried out by individual agents in achieving their desired goal. The sum of these achievements contribute to the overall group goal. Comparatively, the collective intelligence (CI) of a MAS simply means that these agents should work together to produce better solutions than those made possible when using the traditional approach. In designing MAS with CI properties, formalisation of a higher level deliberation process is essential. A high level deliberation process refers to the judgement comprehension of tasks, reasoning and problem solving and planning. In this paper, we propose our Collective Intelligence Model, CIM, which has the potential to control and coordinate a high-level deliberation process of a MAS. CIM is inspired by the emerging processes of controlled discussion, argumentation and negotiation between two or more intelligent human agents. These processes screen and validate the deliberation process through a crossfertilisation approach. The emergent property of the cross-fertilised ideas results in an intelligent solution that solves optimisation-related tasks.
This paper offers a technique to construct a prediction interval for the future value of the last variable in the vector r of m variables when the number of observed values of r is small. Denoting r(t) as the time-t value of r, we model the time-(t+1) value of the m-th variable to be dependent on the present and l-1 previous values r(t), r(t-1), …, r(t-l+1) via a conditional distribution which is derived from an (ml+1)-dimensional power-normal distribution. The 100(α / 2)% and 100(1−α / 2)% points of the conditional distribution may then be used to form a prediction interval for the future value of the m-th variable. A method is introduced to estimate the above (ml+1)-dimensional power-normal distribution such that the coverage probability of the resulting prediction interval is nearer to the target value 1- α .
Remanufacturing of used-products is becoming an important activity in many production companies. This paper reviews key remanufacturing process, highlights eight unique characteristics of remanufacturing process environment and proposes a generic conceptual remanufacturing process model that considers the presence and interactions of these eight features. The generic conceptual model could be modified to suit remanufacturing process of any given used products to be remanufactured. Future research can modify the generic remanufacturing model to suit used automotive parts remanufacturing with unique characteristics and apply simulation technique to model and analyse the corresponding remanufacturing process.
Hepatitis C infection is a major public health problem that can be dealt with urgent and timely attention. Recently, WHO Global Hepatitis Report showed that 71 million people, equivalent to approximately 1% of the world population, are infected with hepatitis C. The disease incidence, mortality rate and risk factors vary across geographical regions. The virus is transmitted primarily through drug injection and exposure to infected blood products in healthcare and community settings. The common causes of death related to virus infections are decompensated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C infection is mainly prevented by identifying and controlling any possible risk factors for virus transmission because treatment is costly and limited in availability. In this review, articles discussing the natural history, epidemiology and risk factors for hepatitis C infection are reviewed.
Natural language interfaces to ontologies allow users to query the system using natural language queries.
These systems take natural language query as input and transform it to formal query language equivalent
to retrieve the desired information from ontologies. The existing natural language interfaces to ontologies
offer support for handling negation queries; however, they offer limited support for dealing with them.
This paper proposes a negation query handling engine which can handle relatively complex natural
language queries than the existing systems. The proposed engine effectively understands the intent of
the user query on the basis of a sophisticated algorithm, which is governed by a set of techniques and
transformation rules. The proposed engine was evaluated using the Mooney data set and AquaLog dataset,
and it manifested encouraging results.
Assembly line balancing is well-known in mass production system but this problem is non-deterministicpolynomial-time(NP)-hard, even for a simple straight line. Although several heuristic methods havebeen introduced and used by researchers, knowing and using an effective method in solving these typesof problems in less computational time have a considerable place in the area of line balancing problem.In this research, a new heuristic approach, known as critical node method (CNM), was introduced andtested by solving several test problems available in the literature so as to solve straight assembly lines.Finally, the obtained results are compared with 9 other heuristic rules in some performance measures.Thus, it is concluded that the proposed CNM is better than the rest in all the measures.
Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is among the most efficient classification and prediction
modelling techniques used to develop accurate relationship between input and output parameters in
different processes. This paper reports the design and evaluation of the classification performances of
two discrete Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System models, ANFIS Matlab’s built-in model (ANFIS_
LSGD) and a newly ANFIS model with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (ANFIS_LSLM). Major steps
were performed, which included classification using grid partitioning method, the ANFIS trained with
least square estimates and backpropagation gradient descent method, as well as the ANFIS trained with
Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm using finite difference technique for computation of a Jacobian matrix.
The proposed ANFIS_LSLM model predicts the degree of patient’s heart disease with better, reliable
and more accurate results. This is due to its new feature of index membership function that determines
the unique membership functions in an ANFIS structure, which indexes them into a row-wise vector. In
addition, an attempt was also done to specify the effectiveness of the model’s performance measuring
accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. A comparison of the two models in terms of training and testing
with the Statlog-Cleveland Heart Disease dataset have also been done.
The present paper deals with the novel approach for clustering using the image feature of stabilization diagram for automated operational modal analysis in parametric model which is stochastic subspace identification (SSI)-COV. The evolution of automated operational modal analysis (OMA) is not an easy task, since traditional methods of modal analysis require a large amount of intervention by an expert user. The stabilization diagram and clustering tools are introduced to autonomously distinguish physical poles from noise (spurious) poles which can neglect any user interaction. However, the existing clustering algorithms require at least one user-defined parameter, the maximum within-cluster distance between representations of the same physical mode from different system orders and the supplementary adaptive approaches have to be employed to optimize the selection of cluster validation criteria which will lead to high demanding computational effort. The developed image clustering process is based on the input image of the stabilization diagram that has been generated and displayed separately into a certain interval frequency. and standardized image features in MATLAB was applied to extract the image features of each generated image of stabilisation diagrams. Then, the generated image feature extraction of stabilization diagrams was used to plot image clustering diagram and fixed defined threshold was set for the physical modes classification. The application of image clustering has proven to provide a reliable output results which can effectively identify physical modes in stabilization diagrams using image feature extraction even for closely spaced modes without the need of any calibration or user-defined parameter at start up and any supplementary adaptive approach for cluster validation criteria.
Hidden Markov model (HMM) can be categorised as an ergodic model or a left-to-right model. The categorization is subject to its state transition. An ergodic Hidden Markov model has full state transitions but a left-to-right hidden Markov model has partial state transitions. A Bakis Hidden Markov model (BHMM) is a special type of the left-to-right Hidden Markov model. State sequence for a BHMM is invisible but this research is able to track the most likelihood state sequence using Viterbi algorithm. However, while tracking the optimal state sequence for BHMM, the conventional algorithm does not provide a measure of uncertainty which is present in the solution. This issue can be overcome by the proposed novel algorithm, namely, BHMM entropy-based forward algorithm (BHMM-EFA) for computing state entropy of a BHMM. This algorithm is based on a decreasing-ladder trellis structure which provides a clear picture on how the entropy associated with the optimal state sequence is determined. Therefore, the novel algorithm requires calculations for tracking the optimal state sequence of a first-order BHMM where T is the length of the observational sequence and N is the number of hidden states.
The importance of numerical analysis in investigation of piled embankment over soft soil has been developed since 1990. Several investigators have extended the numerical analysis to model ground improvement using soil-column to support embankment or structures. This paper presents a numerical analysis of the Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) column-treated peat and compared with field static-loading test results. Back analysis was performed to determine the material parameters and soil stiffness surrounding soil & soil-column. Two geometrical models were used in this analysis: (a) block (Model A), and (b) column group (Model B). This situation was analyzed using commercially available finite element package PLAXIS 2D ver. 8.2. It is found that both models are reliable to simulate the field static-loading test for column-treated peat. Model B shows a higher stability to failure if compared to Model A.
Since 1958, most of the world’s countries including Turkey depend on the Empirical
Pavement Design Method established by AASHO (which is now known as AASHTO).
The limitation of the data used for preparing AASHTO 1993 and Non-Mechanical Based
procedure are the main reasons for the needs of new design procedure. The new AASHTO
design procedure MEPDG has been established in 2002 and adopted by most of the states
in the USA which is based on Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) principles. The aim of this
paper is to prepare a plan for the implementation of MEPDG in TURKEY starting with
Third Region. The plan consists of two stages. Stage one is concerned with data collection
and preparing of input files. This stage is subdivided into three tasks namley, Climate File,
Material File and Traffic File. Stage two is associated with the use of the files prepared
in Stage one to conduct studies using MEPDG software. These studies are recommended
by AASHTO to evaluate the applicability of the procedure and the recommended
enhancements. The studies of this stage are: (a) Sensitivity Analysis of MEPDG to Design
Inputs; (b) Comparison of specific Third Region Designs with MEPDG designs; and (c)
Calibration of Performance Models for Third Region in Turkey. The outcomes of this
paper can be used as guidance for further studies on the implementation of MEPDG
in other Regions in Turkey. Also the results of these researches can be assembled to
implement the procedure for whole Turkey.
Implementation of Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) in embedded system is significant because of the
speed and simplicity. However, no security service in TFTP marks its major limitations. In this work, a
pre-shared Diffie Hellman Key Exchange (DHKE) technique was proposed for mutual authentication to
achieve the same secret key in TFTP communication protocol. We also integrated the system with feasible
compression and encryption process to significantly improve the TFTP communication performance.
The DHKE proof of concept is discussed briefly to show the feasibility of the pre-shared technique
on the protocol. Also, the experiment was performed on constrained embedded devices to analyse the
performance of compression/encryption scheme in TFTP. From the results obtained, the combined
encryption and compression process is able to reduce the time by about 30% compared to the original
file transmission time. Thus, the proposed work presents both advantages to reduce file size and provide
security for the data. This is a preliminary work to provide a secure T
This is a review of studies on various types of paper-based epoxy composites currently being designed and developed for technological use. The concept of designing composite materials is very significant for small to large industry and it is important where initiation of repairing work is now being considered for engineering applications. This composite material is of interest due to its advantages compared with others, including low environmental effects and low cost for a wide range of works. This review aims to provide an overview of morphological, physical and mechanical properties of various paper sheetsbased epoxy composites and details of achievements made. From this approach, this paper also presents the preliminary study of SEM results of paper sheets-based epoxy composites designed for repairing work applications. It has been found that a well-arranged laminated paper sheet layers could help the bond strength with epoxy matrix. Thus, this paper sheet-based epoxy composite can be considered as an easiest way, cheap and biodegradable that can be used for various small repairing works in structural and automotive applications.
A programmable CMOS delay line circuit with microsecond delay range and adjustable duty cycle is proposed. Through circuit simulation, approximately 2μs delay range can be achieved using 10-bit counter operating at a clock frequency of 500MHz. Utilising synchronous counters instead of synchronous latches has significantly reduced the large occupied active silicon area as well as the huge power consumption. The generated coarse time delay has shown excellent linearity and immunity to PVT variations. The proposed CMOS delay line is designed using a standard 0.13μm Silterra CMOS technology. The active layout area is (101 x 142) μm2, and the total power consumption is only 0.1 μW.
This paper presents a mathematical approach to solve railway rescheduling problems. The approach assumes that the trains are able to resume their journey after a given time frame of disruption whereby The train that experiences disruption and trains affected by the incident are rescheduled. The approach employed mathematical model to prioritise certain types of train according the railway operator’s requirement. A pre-emptive goal programming model was adapted to find an optimal solution that satisfies the operational constraints and the company’s stated goals. Initially, the model minimises the total service delay of all trains while adhering to the minimum headway requirement and track capacity. Subsequently, it maximises the train service reliability by only considering the trains with delay time window of five minutes or less. The model uses MATLAB R2014a software which automatically generates the optimal solution of the problem based on the input matrix of constraints. An experiment with three incident scenarios on a double-track railway of local network was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. The new provisional timetable was produced in short computing time and the model was able to prioritise desired train schedule.
Internal obstruction of the upper airways can be due to infection, anaphylactic reaction, congenital anomaly, foreign body inhalation or mass. This case report is of a lady who presented with upper airway obstruction due to subglottic ectopic thyroid tissue. She had a history of noisy breathing and progressive neck swelling since childhood. Biochemical results showed hypothyroid features while flexible scope showed tracheal stenosis. Computed Tomography (CT) detected a goitre and a posterior laryngeal mass at subglottic region causing laryngeal stenosis. The MRI helped to better delineate the soft tissue details of this mass. while elective direct laryngoscope showed a firm mass arising from the trachea. Debulking of the mass was done and histopathological diagnosis was nodular thyroid hyperplasia. Treatment with L-thyroxine was instituted with good clinical improvement. An ectopic thyroid gland can develop if its normal migration is halted along this tract during embryogenesis. Subglottic location of ectopic thyroid is extremely rare. However, ectopic thyroid tissue in the larynx should be considered as a possible diagnosis causing upper airway obstruction, especially in a patient that is clinically hypothyroid and having a concurrent goitre.
Elliptic curve cryptosystems (ECC) provides better security for each bit key utilized compared to the RSA cryptosystem. For this reason, it is projected to have more practical usage than the RSA. In ECC, scalar multiplication (or point multiplication) is the dominant operation, namely, computing nP from a point P on an elliptic curve, where n is an integer defined as the point resulting from adding P + P + ... + P, n times. However, for practical uses, it is very important to improve the efficiency of the scalar multiplication. Solinas (1997) proposes that the τ-adic Non-Adjacent Form (τ-NAF) is one of the most efficient algorithms used to compute scalar multiplications on Anomalous Binary curves. In this paper, we give a new property (i.e., Theorem 1.2) of τ-NAF(n) representation for every length, l. This is useful for evaluating the maximum and minimum norms occurring among all length-l elements of Z(τ). We also propose a new cryptographic method by using randomization of a multiplier n to nr an element of Z(τ). It is based on τ-NAF. We focused on estimating the length of RTNAF(nr) expansion by using a new method.
Filters are the basic part in wired, and wireless telecommunications and radar system circuits
and they play an important role in determining the cost and performance of a system. The
increasing demand for high performance in the fields of RF, WLAN, WiMAX and other
wireless communications led to the great revolution in the advancement of the development of
a compact microstrip resonator filter design. All these have made a vital contribution to both
the required performance specifications for filters and other commercial requirements in terms
of low cost, large storage capacity and high-speed performance. This review paper presents
several design examples for multi-band, multi - mode microstrip filter resonators to satisfy RF,
WLAN, WiMAX, UWB and other wireless communication frequency bands. To analyse the
resonant frequencies odd - mode and even -modes can be used for the symmetrical structure.
In general, the multi-mode resonators can be designed by using different methods like crosscoupling
resonators Structure, and the allocation of the fundamental resonant frequencies of
the resonator as stated by the Chebyshev’s insertion loss function.
The term halal refers to what ispermitted by Islamic law. It is a basic need for Muslims and encompasses all materials used in everyday life including cosmetics.Muslims want to be assured that the ingredients,handling, processing, distribution, transportation and types of cosmetic used are halal compliant. The halal aspects of cosmetic and personal care products cover ingredients, all the processes involved in production right up to delivery to consumers, safety and product efficacy evaluations. In order to verify halal compliance of cosmetic products, a method of detecting halal and non-halal ingredients is very important and critically needed. Halal cosmetic standards, halal certification and the halal logo can be used as benchmarks for halal compliance. In view of the importance of cosmetic and personal care products from the halal perspective, this review will cover the halal principles, halal cosmetic and personal care products, ingredients, standard and certification as well as safety. The development of the process of detecting non-halal ingredients and authenticating halal ingredients for potential cosmetic applications in recent years are included in this paper.
Tractor rollover occurs when a tractor tips sideways or backwards and overturns, potentially crushing the operator. Rollovers are typically considered to occur more frequently during a sharp turn at a high speed on sloping terrains, although data show that rollovers do occur on flat land after hitting obstacles or through inappropriate use and hitching of implements. It is important to highlight that tractor overturns are the major cause of death in farm operations. The overturns are as a result of interactions between the tractor operator, the tractor and the environment. A review of the relevant literature reveals that more than 800 people are killed each year in tractor accidents, and for every person killed, at least 40 others are injured. This paper focuses on tractor overturns because they account for more than half of all the tractor-related deaths. In addition, farm tractor operational safety principles are also highlighted.