iM-SIMPLE: iMproved stable increased-throughput multi-hop link efficient routing protocol for Wireless Body Area Networks

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are envisaged to play crucial role in psychological, medical and non-medical applications. This paper presents iM-SIMPLE; a reliable, and power efficient routing protocol with high throughput for WBAN. We deploy sensor nodes on human body to measure the physiological parameters such as blood pressure, temperature, glucose, lactic acid, EMG, acceleration, pressure, and position. Data from sensors is forwarded to intermediate node, from where it is transmitted to sink. An end user can access the required information available at sink via internet. To minimize energy consumption of the network, we utilize multi-hop mode of communication. A cost function is introduced to select the forwarder; node with high residual energy and least distance to sink has minimum cost function value and is selected. Residual energy parameter balances the energy consumption among the sensor nodes, and least distance improves packet delivery to sink because of reduced less path loss. We formulate the minimum energy consumption and high throughput problems as an Integer Linear Program. In order to support mobility, we also consider two body postures. Simulation results confirm the performance advantage of iM-SIMPLE compared to contemporary schemes in terms of maximizing stability period and throughput of the network.     

Efficient compression and network adaptive video coding for distributed video surveillance

The availability of cheap network based video cameras and the prevalence of wireless networks has lead to a major thrust towards deployment of large scale Distributed Video Surveillance (DVS) systems. This has opened up an important area of research to deal with the issues involved in DVS system for efficient collection and transmission of large scale video streams from the cameras at the guarded sites, to the end users in possibly constrained network conditions. In this paper, we propose a framework based on content-based video classification and scalable compression scheme to provide a robust bandwidth efficient video transmission for DVS. The scheme builds on a Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based Color-Set Partitioning for Hierarchical Trees (CSPIHT) coding to obtain a scalable bitstream. Wavelet domain segmentation and compression assists in development of a DVS architecture. The architecture includes a novel module for dynamic allocation of Network bandwidth based on the current available resources and constraints. Different frame constituents are optimally coded based on their relative significance, perceptual quality, and available estimate of network bandwidth. Experimental result over different video sequences and simulations for Network conditions demonstrate the efficient performance of the approach.     

The reduction of fire and explosion risks in a cuboidal tank making use of a system of vertical grounding rods

Contents The paper presents calculation results of the electric field in a cuboidal tank provided with a system of vertical grounding rods.The calculations made in the paper indicate that even at a relatively small space-charge density (q=100 C/m³), the values of the field intensity and electric potential are very large and may cause a spark discharge. The presented mathematical model and the results of field calculations can be applied to the reduction of fire and explosion risks in parallelepiped tanks storing inflammable liquids.

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Die Verminderung des Feuer- und Explosionsrisikos in kubischen Behältern mit einem System von vertikalen geerdeten Stäben

Übersicht Der Beitrag behandelt elektrische Felder in kubischen Behältern mit einem System von vertikalen geerdeten Stäben.Die Berechnungen zeigen, daß selbst bei relativ kelinen Werten der Raumladungsdichte (q=100 C/m³) die elektrische Feldstärke und das elektrische Potential sehr groß sind und einen Durchschlag verursachen können. Das dargestellte mathematische Modell und die Rechenergebnisse lassen sich als eine Methode verwenden für die Reduzierung des Feuer- und Explosionsrisikos in Behältern von der Form eines Parallelepipeds zur Speicherung leicht brennbarer Flüssigkeiten.

     

Applying portfolio theory-based modified ABC to electricity generation mix

Portfolio theory has found its model in numerous engineering applications for optimizing the electrical generation mix of an electricity area. However, to have better performance of this theory, this paper presents a new heuristic method as known modified artificial bee colony (MABC) to portfolio optimization problem. Moreover, we consider both dis-patchable and non-dis-patchable constrains variables and energy sources. Note that the proposed MABC method uses a Chaotic Local Search (CLS) to enhance the self searching ability of the original ABC algorithm. Resulting, in this paper a portfolio theory-based MABC model that explicitly distinguishes between electricity generation (energy), installed capacity (power) and actual instantaneous power delivery is proposed. Therefore, in this model, the uncertainties of wind power and ramp-up/down constrains of traditional power plants are correctly considered in the investment cost. The numerical results show the great potential of proposed model with lowest risk on generation cost. Also, they are show that MABC approach is successful in portfolio optimization.     

Buckling analysis of stiffened plates subjected to non-uniform biaxial compressive loads using conventional and super finite elements

This paper presents the buckling analysis of stiffened plates, using both conventional and super finite element methods. Mindlin plate and Timoshenko beam theories are utilized so as to formulate the plate and stiffeners, respectively. The arbitrary oriented stiffeners can be positioned anywhere within the plate element and are not limited to be placed on nodal lines. Therefore, any configuration of plate and stiffeners can be modeled. Furthermore, extensive boundary conditions as well as general in-plane loading conditions can be considered using the proposed method. As the applied in-plane loads are not uniform, the buckling load is evaluated in two steps. First, the elasticity problem is solved to determine the stress distribution in prebuckling stage. Applying the principle of minimum potential energy, based on derived stress distribution, yields to the buckling equation of stiffened plates. Numerical examples are proposed to study the accuracy and efficiency of the developed super elements. Effects of various combinations of biaxial loads along with different boundary conditions on buckling characteristics of stiffened panels are also investigated.     

Reactive power pricing structure for hydroelectric power station in condenser mode operation

Reactive power support is critical for system security and pricing of reactive power is a vital issue in restructured environment. Peaking units at hydroelectric power plant in condenser mode operation can provide major reactive power support. Therefore costing structure for hydroelectric power plant incorporating various cost components in condenser mode operation is presented in this paper. Major cost components include capital cost component, changeover cost component and a cost component related to number of service hours in condenser mode operation. A methodology is proposed based on these components. A case study of Koyna Hydro Electric Power Plant (KHEPP) is elaborated.     

A Note on Generalized Linear Phase Conditions for Causal FIR Systems

An alternative proof is presented for the necessary conditions for generalized linear phase in causal FIR systems, which appears to be somewhat crisper and more straightforward than the existing proofs available in the literature.     

Simulation based neuro-fuzzy hybrid intelligent PI control approach in four-area load frequency control of interconnected power system

This paper presents a novel control approach of hybrid neuro-fuzzy (HNF) for load frequency control (LFC) of four-area power system. The advantage of this controller is that it can handle the non-linearities, and at the same time it is faster than other existing controllers. The effectiveness of proposed controller in increasing the damping of local and inter area modes of oscillation is demonstrated in four area interconnected power system. Area-1 and area-2 consist of thermal reheat power plant whereas area-3 and area-4 consist of hydro power plant. Performance evaluation is carried out by using fuzzy, ANN, ANFIS and conventional PI and PID control approaches. The performances of the controllers are simulated using MATLAB/Simulink package. The result shows that intelligent HNF controller is having improved dynamic response and at the same time faster than ANN, fuzzy and conventional PI and PID controllers.