Collaborative learning in the clouds

Cloud computing has emerged as one of the most highly discussed topics both in the academic community and in the computing industry. While most of the work that has been conducted to explore this field focuses either on establishing the basis for cloud computing or almost exclusively on the issues surrounding security and data privacy, this paper takes the first exploratory step into exploring the actual internal working of cloud computing and demonstrates its viability for organizations, more specifically educational establishments . The paper starts by introducing the most important key clouds computing concepts, including virtualization technologies, Web services and Service Oriented Architectures (SOA), and distributed computing. Light will be then shed on the impact and potential benefits of cloud computing on teaching and learning in educational institutions. The paper closes by describing building a private cloud inside educational institution and highlights its offerings for students, staff and lecturers.     

Design and optimization of LNA topologies with image rejection filters

An important problem in designing RFIC in CMOS technology is the parasitic elements of passive and active devices that complicate design calculations. This article presents three LNA topologies including cascode, folded cascade, and differential cascode and then introduces image rejection filters for low‐side and high‐side injection. Then, a new method for design and optimization of the circuits based on a Pareto‐based multiobjective genetic algorithm is proposed. A set of optimum device values and dimensions that best match design specifications are obtained. The optimization method is layout aware, parasitic aware, and simulation based. Circuit simulations are carried out based on TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology by using Hspice. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2010.     

An on-line microcomputer-based respiratory monitor for manual materials handling

The main objective of the present study is to develop a low cost microcomputer-based respiratory system that is capable of computing the oxygen consumption and minute ventilation of individuals engaged in manual materials handling on an on-line basis. The design, specifications, and merits of the system are given. The software package developed was written in assembly language for the IBM AT personal computer.     

A computer-based goal-oriented productivity index

This paper presents a Weighted Multi-Factor Productivity Index. This index monitors the performance of an organization and identifies productivity problems. Key resource factors are defined and a weighting technique, with both subjective and objective attributes, is presented. This productivity index is dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of an organization and is a goal oriented measuring tool.     

Application of a hybrid finite element method to determine stress intensity factors in unidirectional composites

In this paper a hybrid finite element method is applied in evaluation of the stress intensity factors K _I and K _II of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites. In order to satisfy the stress singularity at the crack tip a singular super-element based on a modified complementary energy principle is developed. The stress and displacement fields in the super-element are expressed in terms of polynomials of two complex variables ₁ and ₂ in the transformed -plane. The stiffness matrix of the super-element was determined by using a line integral along the boundary of the super-element. The displacement vector was expressed in terms of the element nodal displacement vector {q} and a properly selected shape function defined along the element boundary.Numerical results for K _I and K _II of glass-epoxy and graphite-epoxy unidirectional composites with cracks along the diameter of a circular cut out as well as elliptical cut outs were evaluated

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Résumé On applique, dans la présente étude, une méthode d'éléments finis hybrides à l'évaluation des facteurs d'intensité de contrainte K_I et K_II pour des composites renforcés de fibres unidirectionnelles. Pour tenir compte de la singularité de la contrainte à l'extrémité de la fissure, on développe un super élément singulier en se basant sur un principe modifié d'énergie complémentaire. Les champs de contraintes et de déplacements dans le super-élément sont exprimés sous forme polynormale de deux variables complexes ₁, et ₂ dans le plan de la transformée. La matrice de rigidité du super élément est, quant à elle, définie en utilisant une intégrale linéaire le long du contour de l'élément. Le vecteur de déplacement est exprimé par un vecteur (9) de déplacement nodal de l'élément, et par une fonction de forme appropriée, définie le long du contour de l'élément.On évalue les résultats numériques pour K_I et K_II, correspondant à des composites à fibres unidirection-nelles de types verre-epoxy et graphite-epoxy, oú des fissures se situeraient sur le diamètre de découpes circulaires et elliptiques

     

Is Deep-Learning and Natural Language Processing Transcending the Financial Forecasting? Investigation Through Lens of News Analytic Process

Computational Economics - This study tries to unravel the stock market prediction puzzle using the textual analytic with the help of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and Deep-learning...     

Estimation of Desired Motion Intention and compliance control for upper limb assist exoskeleton

International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems - In this paper, we have addressed two issues for upper limb assist exoskeleton. 1) Estimation of Desired Motion Intention (DMI); 2) Robust...