Showing papers by "Applied Science Private University published in 2006"

Normalization as a Preprocessing Engine for Data Mining and the Approach of Preference Matrix

Abstract: This study is emphasized on different types of normalization. Each of which was tested against the ID3 methodology using the HSV data set. Number of leaf nodes, accuracy, and tree growing time are three factors that were taken into account. Comparisons between different learning methods were accomplished as they were applied to each normalization method. A simple matrix was designed to check for the best normalization method based on the factors and their priorities. Recommendations were concluded.

E-Government Readiness Assessment Model

Abstract: This study presents a general framework model for E-Government Readiness Assessment. There are six necessary key factors to implement any E-government initiative worldwide. These factors represent the basic components to be assessed before launching the "e-initiative" to guarantee the right implementation in the right direction. The organization building blocks need to be assessed are: Organizational Readiness, Governance and leadership Readiness, Customer Readiness, Competency Readiness, Technology Readiness and Legal Readiness[1]. In the Organizational readiness, bureaucratic nature of E-Governments, business process, long process delay and need for re-engineering will be discussed. In the Governance and Leadership Readiness, the importance of leadership and governance for the e-initiative, the importance of procedures, service level agreement, the way public officials perform, commitment and accountability for public jobs, all will be shown. In the Customer readiness, the main public concerns regarding accessibility, trust and security will be highlighted. In the Competency readiness, the lack of qualified personnel in the public sector and the different alternatives to overcome this issue will be discussed. In the Technology readiness, too many issues worth to be considered, such as hardware, software, communication, current technology, legacy systems, sharing applications and data and setting secure infrastructure to exchange services. The last factor is the Legal readiness where the adoption of the Jordanian Temporary law No 85 in the year 2001 "Electronic Transaction Law" ETL paved the road towards the big shift for e-initiative and privacy. Some of these will be discussed in detail. The need for this detail arises from the fact that all government activities are governed by law. For this reason, it is important to start from this key factor

A non-perturbative study of 4d U(1) non-commutative gauge theory — the fate of one-loop instability

Abstract: Recent perturbative studies show that in 4d non-commutative spaces, the trivial (classically stable) vacuum of gauge theories becomes unstable at the quantum level, unless one introduces sufficiently many fermionic degrees of freedom. This is due to a negative IR-singular term in the one-loop effective potential, which appears as a result of the UV/IR mixing. We study such a system non-perturbatively in the case of pure U(1) gauge theory in four dimensions, where two directions are non-commutative. Monte Carlo simulations are performed after mapping the regularized theory onto a U(N) lattice gauge theory in d = 2. At intermediate coupling strength, we find a phase in which open Wilson lines acquire non-zero vacuum expectation values, which implies the spontaneous breakdown of translational invariance. In this phase, various physical quantities obey clear scaling behaviors in the continuum limit with a fixed non-commutativity parameter θ, which provides evidence for a possible continuum theory. The extent of the dynamically generated space in the non-commutative directions becomes finite in the above limit, and its dependence on θ is evaluated explicitly. We also study the dispersion relation. In the weak coupling symmetric phase, it involves a negative IR-singular term, which is responsible for the observed phase transition. In the broken phase, it reveals the existence of the Nambu-Goldstone mode associated with the spontaneous symmetry breaking.

Deuterium isotope effects in relation to the chemical mechanism of monoamine oxidase.

Abstract: Tyramine was found to be oxidized at a rate 2.3 times faster (at subsaturation levels) by monoamine oxidase (MAO) than alpha -d/sub 2/-tyramine. This established that the ratedetermining step consists in the abstraction of an alpha hydrogen. The magnitude of the rate ratio suggests, at first glance, that a fair degree of bond weakening occurs in the transition state for oxidation. Ascribing the in vivo isotope effects to a slower rate of degradation of alpha - d/sub 2/-tyramine by intracellular MAO was justified. The observation that alpha -d/sub 2/-kynuramine is also oxidized more slowly by a factor of 2.1 relative to kynuramine establishes that the ratedetermining step in the oxidation reaction is independent of the nature of the substrate, kynuramine representing a substantial structural departure from tyramine. The sharp fall in the magnitude of the isotope effect at high tyramine concentrations (corresponding to maximum velocity) is of considerable significance. The k/sub H//k/sub D/ ratio of 1.2, which was observed under these conditions, suggested that the higher ratio at low tyramine concentration might reflect differences in the respective affinities of the labeled and normal substrates for the enzyme. Evidence supporting this interpretation was obtained by measuring the ratio of the respectivemore » Michaelis constants of the tyramine- alpha -d/sub 2/-tyramine pair. (P.C.H.)« less

Homocysteine induced cardiovascular events: a consequence of long term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse

Abstract: Objectives: The long term effects (.20 years) of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use on plasma concentrations of homocysteine (HCY), folate, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, urea, creatinine, haematocrit (HCT), vitamin B12, and urinary testosterone/ epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, were examined in a cohort of self-prescribing bodybuilders. Methods: Subjects (n = 40) were divided into four distinct groups: (1) AAS users still using AAS (SU; n = 10); (2) AAS users abstinent from AAS administration for 3 months (SA; n = 10); (3) non-drug using bodybuilding controls (BC; n = 10); and (4) sedentary male controls (SC; n = 10). Results: HCY levels were significantly higher in SU compared with BC and SC (p,0.01), and with SA (p,0.05). Fat free mass was significantly higher in both groups of AAS users (p,0.01). Daily energy intake (kJ) and daily protein intake (g/day) were significantly higher in SU and SA (p,0.05) compared with BC and SC, but were unlikely to be responsible for the observed HCY increases. HCT concentrations were significantly higher in the SU group (p,0.01). A significant linear inverse relationship was observed in the SU group between SHBG and HCY (r = 20.828, p,0.01), indicating a possible influence of the sex hormones in determining HCY levels. Conclusions: With mounting evidence linking AAS to adverse effects on some clotting factors, the significantly higher levels of HCY and HCT observed in the SU group suggest long term AAS users have increased risk of future thromboembolic events.

A non-perturbative study of 4d U(1) non-commutative gauge theory -- the fate of one-loop instability

Abstract: Recent perturbative studies show that in 4d non-commutative spaces, the trivial (classically stable) vacuum of gauge theories becomes unstable at the quantum level, unless one introduces sufficiently many fermionic degrees of freedom. This is due to a negative IR-singular term in the one-loop effective potential, which appears as a result of the UV/IR mixing. We study such a system non-perturbatively in the case of pure U(1) gauge theory in four dimensions, where two directions are non-commutative. Monte Carlo simulations are performed after mapping the regularized theory onto a U(N) lattice gauge theory in d=2. At intermediate coupling strength, we find a phase in which open Wilson lines acquire non-zero vacuum expectation values, which implies the spontaneous breakdown of translational invariance. In this phase, various physical quantities obey clear scaling behaviors in the continuum limit with a fixed non-commutativity parameter $\theta$, which provides evidence for a possible continuum theory. The extent of the dynamically generated space in the non-commutative directions becomes finite in the above limit, and its dependence on $\theta$ is evaluated explicitly. We also study the dispersion relation. In the weak coupling symmetric phase, it involves a negative IR-singular term, which is responsible for the observed phase transition. In the broken phase, it reveals the existence of the Nambu-Goldstone mode associated with the spontaneous symmetry breaking.

High-efficiency excitonic emission with deep-ultraviolet light from (001)-oriented diamond p-i-n junction

Abstract: We have realized high-efficiency excitonic emission with deep-UV light at room temperature for a (001)-oriented diamond light-emitting diode with an intrinsic diamond layer as an active region. The boron-doped p-type, non-doped intrinsic, and phosphorus-doped n-type ( p–i–n) junction diode structure was formed by applying an optimized homoepitaxial growth technique based on microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. High-performance p–i–n junction characteristics were confirmed from current–voltage and capacitance–voltage properties. A strong UV light emission at around 240 nm due to free exciton recombination was observed at a forward current of over 6 mA, while the broad visible light emission from deep levels was significantly suppressed compared to that of reported electroluminescence in diamond p–n junctions.

Evolution Strategies for Robust Optimization

Abstract: In this paper, we propose two evolutionary strategies for the optimization of problems with actuator noise as encountered in robust optimization, where the design or objective parameters are subject to noise: the ROSAES and the ROCSAES. Both algorithms use a control rule for increasing the population size when the residual error to the optimizer state has been reached. Theoretical analysis has previously shown that the residual error depends among other factors on the population size and on the variance of the noise. Furthermore, ROSAES exploits the similarity of the mutation term in evolutionary strategies and the additive noise term in the case of actuator noise. The population variance is controlled to guarantee that the realized noise level is adjusted correctly. Simulations are carried out on test functions and the results are analyzed with respect to the performance and the dependence of ROSAES and ROCSAES on newly introduced exogenous strategy parameters.

Design of inclined covers with capillary barrier effect

Abstract: A design procedure is proposed to minimize water infiltration into landfills by optimizing the water diversion length of inclined covers with capillary barrier effect (CCBE). This design procedure is based on a conceptual, mathematical and numerical approach and aims at selecting materials and optimizing layer thickness. Selection among candidate materials is made based on their hydraulic conductivity functions and on a threshold infiltration rate imposed on the designer. The capillary break layer (CBL; bottom layer) is characterized by a weak capillarity, while the moisture retention layer (MRL; upper layer) is characterized by a compromise between strong capillarity and high hydraulic conductivity. The thickness of the CBL corresponds to the height where suction reaches its maximum value for a given infiltration rate. This height can be calculated using the Kisch [Geotechnique9 (1959)] model. The optimal thickness of the MRL is determined by applying an adaptation of the Ross [Water Resources Research26 (1990)] model. The results obtained using the proposed design procedure were compared to those obtained from numerical simulations performed using a finite element unsaturated seepage software. The procedure was applied for two cover systems; one where deinking by-products (DBP) were used as MRL and sand as CBL and another where sand was used as MRL and gravel as CBL. Using this procedure, it has been shown that an infiltration control system composed of thin layers of sand over gravel is highly efficient in terms of diversion length and that its efficiency can be enhanced by placing a hydraulic barrier – such as a layer of DBP – above the MRL.

Moisture Distribution and Diffusion in Cooked Spaghetti Studied by NMR Imaging and Diffusion Model

Abstract: Moisture diffusion in spaghetti during boiling and holding after boiling was analyzed with a cylinder diffusion model based on moisture content mapped by magnetic resonance imaging. The images showed water penetrating concentrically in the cross section of a cooked spaghetti strand. The moisture profiles calculated from the images refracted near the central part in undercooked spaghetti due to the presence of ungelatinized starch. The moisture profiles of the samples with different holding times intersected around one-third of the radius from the surface. The slope of the moisture profile decreased along with the holding time while the moisture content at the intersection remained unchanged. The diffusion coefficients were determined statistically for the fully gelatinized region with a cylinder model. The theoretical moisture profiles calculated using such coefficients fitted very well to experimental data. The diffusion coefficients of dried spaghetti were smaller than those of fresh spaghetti ...

Laser-induced substructures in above-threshold-ionization spectra from intense few-cycle laser pulses

Abstract: We have calculated above-threshold-ionization (ATI) spectra for argon in a strong, few-cycle 400 nm laser pulse with an ab initio solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation and by using a model based on the strong field approximation. We find additional peaks in the resulting ATI spectra which are not present for longer pulses. This substructure is due to the rapidly changing ponderomotive potential in the short laser pulse. It is sensitive to the pulse duration and the pulse envelope and is a general feature of ionization spectra originating from a short, intense laser pulse.

Simple Method for Predicting Laboratory and Field Permeability of Hot-Mix Asphalt

Abstract: The infiltration of water in asphalt pavements promotes moisture damage, primarily by damaging the binder cohesive bond and the adhesive bond between aggregates and binder. The first step in addressing the problems caused by the presence of water within pavement systems is quantifying the permeability of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixes. A simple equation for predicting the permeability of HMA has been developed. This equation includes parameters that quantify percentage air voids, aggregate gradation, and asphalt binder content. Pavement engineers can use this formula to design asphalt mixes that exhibit acceptable levels of permeability. A comprehensive database of materials and laboratory and field permeability measurements was used to calibrate the equation. Consequently, the ability of the equation to predict the permeability of field cores that were not used in the calibration process was verified. Included is an example illustrating the usefulness of the equation in estimating the permeability distribution in asphalt pavements by using mix properties.

Alkene/diamond liquid/solid interface characterization using internal photoemission spectroscopy.

Abstract: The photochemical attachment of 10-amino-dec-1-ene molecules protected with a trifluoroacetic acid group (TFAAD) on hydrogen-terminated single-crystalline chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond is characterized by total photoyield spectroscopy (TPYS), conductivity, Hall-effect, spectrally resolved photoconductivity (SPC), optical transmission experiments, and, for the first time, by in situ internal photoemission (IPE) spectroscopy applied in the spectral regime from 4 to 6 eV on the alkene/diamond (liquid/solid) heterostructures. These experiments are performed on undoped, (100) oriented, single-crystalline CVD diamond films, which contain no grain boundaries and have negligible bulk and surface defect densities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to investigate the chemical bonding of alkene molecules to diamond. The spectroscopic set of data shows that the photochemical reaction window of H-terminated diamond is shifted below the optical gap of diamond because of the negative electron affin...

Applying the IEC-61499 Model to the Shoe Manufacturing Sector

Abstract: This paper presents a new execution model and a concrete application of the IEC 61499 standard in the larger context of a currently running European project, which seeks to preserve shoe-manufacturing activities in Europe through the development of advanced production systems. The present work summarizes an analysis of current practices and research activities in the domain of the design of distributed control systems, and proposes an original design framework made of existing and ad-hoc developed tools, and based on the IEC 61499 standard. As this standard does not prescribe any execution model, we suggest an innovative solution for the implementation level of such distributed control systems. At the end, we present the design choices and some experience gained using the IEC 61499 standard for the design of the automation system of a real plant.

Stereoselective synthesis of cis- and trans-oligo(phenylenevinylene)s via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

Abstract: cis-Oligo(phenylenevinylene)s (OPVs) are synthesized by Suzuki−Miyaura coupling of arylboronic acids with (Z)-bromoalkenes in over 96% geometrical purity. On the other hand, trans-oligo(phenylenevinylene)s can be synthesized by Hiyama coupling of aryl iodide with (E)-alkenylsilanes in almost perfect purities. Effect of π-conjugation chain length on photoisomerization behavior of OPVs is described.

Monolithic Pixel Detector in a 0.15 μm SOI Technology

Abstract: We describe a new pixel detector development project using a 0.15 μm fully-depleted CMOS SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology. Additional processing steps for creating substrate implants and contacts to form sensor and electrode connections were developed for this SOI process. A diode test element group and several test chips have been fabricated and evaluated. The pixel detectors are successfully operated and first images are taken and sensibility to β-rays is confirmed. Back gate effects on the top circuits are observed and discussed.

Evolving Extended Naive Bayes Classifiers

Abstract: Naive Bayes classifiers are a very simple, but often effective tool for classification problems, although they are based on independence assumptions that do not hold in most cases. Extended na??ve Bayes classifiers also rely on independence assumptions, but break them down to artificial subclasses, in this way becoming more powerful than ordinary na??ve Bayes classifiers. Since the involved computations for Bayes classifiers are basically generalised mean value calculations, they easily render themselves to incremental and online learning. However, for the extended na??ve Bayes classifiers it is necessary, to choose and construct the subclasses, a problem whose answer is not obvious, especially in the case of online learning. In this paper we propose an evolving extended na??ve Bayes classifier that can learn and evolve in an online manner.

Modified method of characteristics in transient radiation transfer

Abstract: This paper presents the modified method of characteristics for simulating multidimensional transient radiative transfer in emitting, absorbing and scattering media. The method is based on the method of characteristics that follows photons along their pathlines. It makes use of a fixed set of points, and unlike the conventional method of characteristics, it follows the photons backward in space. Test problems involving diffuse irradiation in 1-D and 3-D participating media and collimated irradiation in 1-D participating media were considered. The results show good agreement with analytical and numerical solutions reported in literature. The scheme is fast and was able to capture the sharp discontinuities associated with the propagation of a radiation front in transient radiation transport.

Weakly reflective submanifolds and austere submanifolds

Abstract: We introduce the notion of a weakly reflective submanifold, which is an austere submanifold with a certain global condition, and study its fundamental properties. Using these, we determine weakly reflective orbits and austere orbits of s-representations.

The effect of factors such as handedness, sex and age on body temperature measured by an infrared ‘tympanic’ thermometer

Abstract: Background: The effectiveness of IRET has been called into question. However, there are a number of factors that might affect ear temperature measurement. Some of these are the focus of this study.Method: 366 asymptomatic subjects (0.75 to 53 years old) volunteered to take part in this ethically approved study. The data were analysed in respect to handedness, sex and age.Results: Two-way ANOVAs showed significant interactions between age group and sex (first ear measured, p = 0.017; second p = 0.298), and between handedness and sex (first ear measured, p = 0.011; second p = 0.040) in relation to their ear temperature. Ear temperatures of males tended to be lower than females, however this only found significance in the ‘Early Puberty’ age group (p < 0.001).Discussion: Significant differences in ear temperature were seen for handedness, sex and age.Conclusion: We have shown that handedness, sex and age might be contributory factors to ear temperature differences in the population.

Motivational Climate of Construction Apprentice

Abstract: A survey of construction apprentices was conducted in a midwestern city using the expectancy model as a framework. The findings indicated a need for an improved motivational climate for apprentices. Their overall motivational score was low. The study suggests that contractors are not providing a variety of rewards to apprentices. It also indicates that little is done to help the apprentice in learning and staying in the trade. As a result, it provides researchers with a starting point in studying how to maintain a balanced motivational climate for an apprentice.