Showing papers by "Applied Science Private University published in 2008"

A Self-Organizing Approach to Background Subtraction for Visual Surveillance Applications

Abstract: Detection of moving objects in video streams is the first relevant step of information extraction in many computer vision applications. Aside from the intrinsic usefulness of being able to segment video streams into moving and background components, detecting moving objects provides a focus of attention for recognition, classification, and activity analysis, making these later steps more efficient. We propose an approach based on self organization through artificial neural networks, widely applied in human image processing systems and more generally in cognitive science. The proposed approach can handle scenes containing moving backgrounds, gradual illumination variations and camouflage, has no bootstrapping limitations, can include into the background model shadows cast by moving objects, and achieves robust detection for different types of videos taken with stationary cameras. We compare our method with other modeling techniques and report experimental results, both in terms of detection accuracy and in terms of processing speed, for color video sequences that represent typical situations critical for video surveillance systems.

The effect on immunity of long-term intensive training in elite swimmers.

Abstract: The impact of long-term training on systemic and mucosal immunity was assessed prospectively in a cohort of elite swimmers over a 7-month training season in preparation for national championships The results indicated significant suppression (P < 005) of serum IgA, IgG and IgM and salivary IgA concentration in athletes associated with long-term training at an intensive level There was also a trend towards lower IgG2 subclass levels in serum in athletes compared with controls (P = 007) There were no significant changes in numbers or percentages of B or T cell subsets, but there was a significant fall in natural killer (NK) cell numbers and percentages in athletes over the training season (P < 005) After individual training sessions there was a significant decrease in salivary IgA levels for athletes compared with controls (P = 0002) In athletes there was a downward trend in salivary IgA levels over the 7-month training period in both the pre-exercise (P = 006) and post-exercise samples (P = 004) There were no significant trends in salivary IgG levels over the study period in either athletes or controls The only significant change in salivary IgM levels was an increase in detection rate in the pre-competition phase in athletes (P = 003) The study suggests that training of elite athletes at an intensive level over both short- and long-time frames suppresses both systemic and mucosal immunity Protracted immune suppression linked with prolonged training may determine susceptibility to infection, particularly at times of major competitions

Evaluating multi-axes sun-tracking system at different modes of operation in Jordan

Abstract: A concise overview on recent research work on sun-tracking system is presented Also, an experimental investigation on the effect of using multi-axes sun-tracking systems on the electrical generation of a flat photovoltaic system (FPVS) was carried out to evaluate its performance under Jordanian climate Multi-axes (N–S, E–W, vertical) electromechanical sun-tracking system was designed and constructed The measured variables were compared with that at fixed axis It was found that there was an overall increase of about 30–45% in the output power for the North–South axes (N–S)-tracking system compared to the fixed PV system Also, it was found that the N–S axes sun tracking is the optimum

Electroencephalographic Order Pattern Analysis for the Separation of Consciousness and Unconsciousness : An Analysis of Approximate Entropy, Permutation Entropy, Recurrence Rate, and Phase Coupling of Order Recurrence Plots

Abstract: Background Nonlinear electroencephalographic parameters, e.g., approximate entropy, have been suggested as measures of the hypnotic component of anesthesia. Compared with linear methods, they may detect additional information and quantify the irregularity of a dynamical system. High dimensionality of a signal and disturbances may affect these parameters and change their ability to distinguish consciousness from unconsciousness. Methods of order pattern analysis, in this investigation represented by permutation entropy, recurrence rate, and phase coupling of order recurrence plots, are suitable for any type of time series, whether deterministic or noisy. They may provide a better estimation of the hypnotic component of anesthesia than other nonlinear parameters. Methods The current analysis is based on electroencephalographic data from two similar clinical studies in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol. The study period was from induction until patients followed command after surgery, including a reduction of the hypnotic agent after tracheal intubation until patients followed command. Prediction probability was calculated to assess the parameter's ability to separate consciousness from unconsciousness at the transition between both states. Results Parameters of order pattern analysis provide a prediction probability of maximal 0.85 (training study) and 0.78 (evaluation study) with frequencies from 0 to 30 Hz, and maximal 0.87 (training study) and 0.83 (evaluation study) including frequencies up to 70 Hz, both higher than 0.77 (approximate entropy). Conclusions Parameters of the nonlinear method order pattern analysis separate consciousness from unconsciousness and are grossly independent of high-frequency components of the electroencephalogram.

Benzylidene derivatives of andrographolide inhibit growth of breast and colon cancer cells in vitro by inducing G1 arrest and apoptosis

Abstract: Background and purpose: Andrographolide, the major phytoconstituent of Andrographis paniculata, was previously shown by us to have activity against breast cancer. This led to synthesis of new andrographolide analogues to find compounds with better activity than the parent compound. Selected benzylidene derivatives were investigated for their mechanisms of action by studying their effects on the cell cycle progression and cell death. Experimental approach: Microculture tetrazolium, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assays were utilized in assessing the in vitro growth inhibition and cytotoxicity of compounds. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the cell cycle distribution of control and treated cells. CDK1 and CDK4 levels were determined by western blotting. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Key results: Compounds, in nanomolar to micromolar concentrations, exhibited growth inhibition and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 (breast) and HCT-116 (colon) cancer cells. In the NCI screen, 3,19-(2-bromobenzylidene) andrographolide (SRJ09) and 3,19-(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzylidene) andrographolide (SRJ23) showed greater cytotoxic potency and selectivity than andrographolide. SRJ09 and SRJ23 induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells, respectively. SRJ09 downregulated CDK4 but not CDK1 level in MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis induced by SRJ09 and SRJ23 in HCT-116 cells was confirmed by annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry analysis. Conclusion and implications: The new benzylidene derivatives of andrographolide are potential anticancer agents. SRJ09 emerged as the lead compound in this study, exhibiting anticancer activity by downregulating CDK4 to promote a G1 phase cell cycle arrest, coupled with induction of apoptosis. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 641–654; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.368; published online 22 September 2008

Merits of Employing Foam Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Pulsed Power Electronics Cooling Applications

Abstract: In the present work, the potential of using foam structures impregnated with phase change materials (PCMs) as heat sinks for cooling of electronic devices has been numerically studied. Different design parameters have been investigated such as foam properties (porosity, pore size, and thermal conductivity), heat sink shape, orientation, and use of internal fins inside the foam-PCM composite. Due to huge difference in thermal properties between the PCM and the solid matrix, two energy equation model has been adopted to solve the energy conservation equations. This model can handle local thermal nonequilibrium condition between the PCM and the solid matrix. The numerical model is based on volume averaging technique, and the finite volume method is used to discretize the heat diffusion equation. The findings show that, for steady heat generation, the shape and orientation of the composite heat sink have significant impact on the system performance. Conversely, in the case of power spike input, use of a PCM with low melting point and high latent heat is more efficient. DOI: 10.1115/1.2912185

Low voltage fault ride through criteria for grid connection of wind turbine generators

Abstract: This paper deals with the performance of grid-connected wind-turbine generators in case of system faults, i.e. short-circuits, the so-called low-voltage-fault-ride-through-conditions (LVFRT-conditions). Furthermore the requirements of frequency, voltage and reactive power control are explained. The conditions are defined in the grid-codes of the utilities even in Europe in a different way, leading to contra dictionary operating conditions in the interconnected UCTE-system. The increasing importance of electricity generation by wind turbines in the future requires similar and standardized operating criteria for all countries.

Towards Customer Knowledge Relationship Management: Integrating Knowledge Management and Customer Relationship Management Process

Abstract: Due to the strong competition that exists among organisations and the rapid change in the business environment, knowledge has turned out to become a key source for organisations to enhance the competitive advantage. Integrating Knowledge Management (KM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) process is a new research area, therefore, scientific research and literature around it remain limited. In addition, the impact of KM process on customer acquisition, retention, and expansion to improve customer satisfaction remains under study and report. The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual framework of KM integrated with CRM called Customer Knowledge Relationship Management (CKRM) Process depending on analysis of various models presented in KM and CRM. The main highlighting is laid upon the concepts of the concept of customer knowledge (knowledge about customer, knowledge for customer, knowledge from customer). Therefore, this paper contributes to the development of KM process (Knowledge Process about Customer, Knowledge Process for Customer, and Knowledge Process from Customer). The paper investigated how the companies in Jordan developed KM process to improvement the CRM process. Based on data collected from the company, results from analysis indicated that the KM process had a positive effect on CRM process.

Musca domestica inspired machine vision sensor with hyperacuity.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor inspired by the compound eye of the common housefly, Musca domestica, has been developed. The sensor coupled with analog preprocessing hardware has the potential to extract edge information quickly and in parallel. The design is motivated by the parallel nature of the fly's vision system and its demonstrated hyperacuity or precision of visual localization beyond the conventional resolution limit. The fly's anatomy supporting the design is reviewed, followed by the design of a one-dimensional, cartridge-based sensor. The sensor's ability to locate a line stimulus in a two-dimensional space is demonstrated. Discussion is provided to extend this work in scale, cartridge dimension, information and array processing.

Facile construction of sulfanyl-terminated poly(ethylene glycol)-brushed layer on a gold surface for protein immobilization by the combined use of sulfanyl-ended telechelic and semitelechelic poly(ethylene glycol)s.

Abstract: A sulfanyl-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-brushed layer was constructed on a gold sensor platform by consecutive treatment with a sulfanyl-ended semitelechelic PEG (2 kDa, hereafter "MeO-PEG-SH (2k)") and a sulfanyl-ended telechelic PEG (5 kDa, hereafter "SH-PEG-SH (5k)"). Our strategy of constructing the sulfanyl-terminated PEG-brushed gold surface is based on mixed-PEG-brush formation from the longer SH-PEG-SH (5k) and the shorter MeO-PEG-SH (2k), where the preimmobilized shorter MeO-PEG-SH (2k) prevents loop formation in the longer SH-PEG-SH (5k) on the surface and the free sulfanyl group at one end of the longer SH-PEG-SH is exposed to the mixed-PEG tethered-chain surface. From the experimental results obtained from surface plasmon resonance analysis, it became apparent that the immobilization density and the orientation of the longer SH-PEG-SH (5k) on the gold surface could be controlled by the amount of preimmobilized shorter MeO-PEG-SH (2k). Under the optimized conditions of MeO-PEG-SH (2k) premodification, the constructed MeO-PEG-SH (2k)/SH-PEG-SH (5k) mixed layer conjugated efficiently with the maleimide-installed proteins and the antibody Fab' fragments, accompanied by an appreciable nonfouling characteristic against bovine serum albumin as strong as that of the MeO-PEG-SH (5k)/MeO-PEG-SH (2k) mixed surface, which was reported in our previous work; it also showed a superior nonfouling characteristic compared to the commercially available carboxymethylated dextran surface (Uchida, K.; et al. Biointerphase 2007, 2 (4), 126-130). Furthermore, from the experimental results of the X-ray photoelectron spectrometry analysis, the presence of both Au-bound and Au-unbound sulfur species was confirmed on the SH-PEG-SH (5k)/MeO-PEG-SH (2k)-modified gold surface. These results clearly indicate that the preimmobilized shorter MeO-PEG-SH (2k) not only increased the nonfouling characteristic of the PEG tethered-chain surface but also prevented loop formation in the longer SH-PEG-SH (5k) on the gold surface. Since the protein-installed SH-PEG-SH (5k)/MeO-PEG-SH (2k)-modified surface showed a strongly nonfouling characteristic and recognized the target molecules selectively, this new mixed-brush-formation technique using longer sulfanyl-ended telechelic PEGs and shorter semitelechelic PEGs is a simple yet effective method of constructing a strongly nonfouling terminal-functionalized gold surface for protein immobilization.

Inf–sup stable finite-element pairs based on dual meshes and bases for nearly incompressible elasticity

Abstract: We consider finite-element methods based on simplices to solve the problem of nearly incompressible elasticity. Two different approaches based, respectively, on dual meshes and dual bases are presented, where in both approaches pressure is discontinuous and can be statically condensed out from the system. These novel approaches lead to displacement-based low-order finite-element methods for nearly incompressible elasticity based on rigorous mathematical framework. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach.

Electrical and light-emitting properties of homoepitaxial diamond p–i–n junction

Abstract: We have investigated the electrical and light-emitting characteristics of (001)-oriented homoepitaxial diamond p-i-n junction diodes with the boron-doped p-type, non-doped intrinsic, and phosphorus-doped n-type layers 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 ultraviolet 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. It was elucidated that the excitonic emission intensity increases superlinearly for the current dependence and is stable even at the high temperature of 200 °C.

Prediction Model for Construction Cost and Duration in Jordan

Abstract: Risk is mitigated in the course of reliable prediction. A probabilistic model is proposed to predict the risk effects on time and cost of construction projects. Project managers and consultants can use the model in estimating project cost and duration based on historic data. Statistical regression models and sample tests are developed using real data of 140 projects. The research objective is to develop a model to predict project cost and duration based on historic data of similar projects. The model result can be used by project managers in the planning phase to validate the schedule critical path time and project budget. Research methodology is steered per the following progression: i) Conduct nonparametric test for project cost and time performance. ii) Develop generic multiple-regression models to predict project cost and duration using historic performance data. iii) The percent prediction error is statistically analyzed; and found to be substantial; thus, iv) Custom multiple regression models are developed for each project type to obtain statistically reliable results. In conclusion, the 95% point estimation of error margin= ±0.035%. Therefore, at a probability of 95%, the proposed model predicts the project cost and duration with a precision of ±0.035% of the mean cost and time.

Mobile agent intrusion detection system for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: A non-overlapping zone approach

Abstract: A Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) is a group of wireless nods that can be dynamically organized as a multi-hop packet radio network without using any existing infrastructure or centralized administration. However, MANET is venerable to attacks due to its mobile and ad hoc natures. The security issue is becoming a main concern in the applications of MANET. We consider the problem of decreasing the number of false positives generated by cooperative Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) in Mobile Ad hoc Networks. In order to overcome the shortcomings of existing intrusion detection techniques, a hierarchical distributed model of multi-level detection intrusion is proposed. The model utilizes the intelligent, lightweight mobile agent as alternative to the client server distribution model and nonoverlapping zone framework. So it can effectively detect complicated attacks. The data collection, data analysis, alert message and alarm message can be achieved by using mobile agents, which may reduce the data transmission to save the bandwidth resource in the MANET. The model can adjust itself dynamically to adapt to the change of the external environmental. Also the model is robust and scalable.

An adaptive character wordlength algorithm for data compression

Abstract: This paper presents a new and efficient data compression algorithm, namely, the adaptive character wordlength (ACW) algorithm, which can be used as complementary algorithm to statistical compression techniques. In such techniques, the characters in the source file are converted to a binary code, where the most common characters in the file have the shortest binary codes, and the least common have the longest; the binary codes are generated based on the estimated probability of the character within the file. Then, the binary coded file is compressed using 8 bits character wordlength. In this new algorithm, an optimum character wordlength, b, is calculated, where b>8, so that the compression ratio is increased by a factor of b/8. In order to validate this algorithm, it is used as a complement algorithm to Huffman code to compress a source file having 10 characters with different probabilities, and these characters are randomly distributed within the source file. The results obtained and the factors that affect the optimum value of b are discussed, and, finally, conclusions are presented.

Factors Affecting Baseline Productivity in Masonry Construction: A Comparative Study in the US, UK and Jordan

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study of masonry construction productivity among three countries, namely United States, United Kingdom, and Jordan. It aims at quantifying factors that cause significant changes in baseline productivity. This is done by theoretically reviewing, quantifying, and comparing the baselines among the three selected countries. Analysis showed the quantified differences in the baseline value from one country to another are due mainly to skills and work methods used especially the labor component that is frequently assigned to material handling.

A new cryptographic algorithm for the real time applications

Abstract: Recently, many companies have been deploying Real Time Applications (RTA) over the internet like VoIP, Video Conferencing and other Multimedia services. The need to protect user's data and infrastructures becomes more crucial than ever. Encryption is used to provide the security needed for real time applications. Since RTA contain high volume of data, classical encryption techniques are not appropriate, because most of RTA are served via Internet, the encryption and decryption techniques has to take minimal time to achieve acceptable end-to-end delay. In this paper, a new cryptographic algorithm is developed to improve the time for encryption and decryption of data of end-to-end delay and provide higher level of security.