Previous Volumes

2007

Editorial Board

Prof. Colin Fyfe (UK),

Prof. Roy Perryman (UK), 

Prof. Stephen Dodds (UK)

Prof. Marc A. Rosen (Canada),

Prof. Kun Gao (China), 

Prof.  Francesco Muzi (Italy),

Prof. T.Panagopoulos (Portugal),

Prof. Van Den Toorn (Netherlands),

Prof. J.Krope (Slovenia),

Prof. T.Pelikan (USA),

Prof. G.Tsypskin (Russia),  

Prof. I.Sandberg (USA),

Prof. B.McCartin (USA),

Prof. M.Sheriff (USA),

Prof. N.Markatos (Greece),

Prof. Ming Li (China),

Prof. M.Itskov (Germany)

Topics

All aspects of cybernetics, applied systems theory in real life, development, sustainability, ecosystems, applications of civil engineering, ecology, geoscience etc...are covered. It appears quarterly. Special Issues are specially encouraged.

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Previous Volumes

2007

Issue 1, Volume 2, 2008

Development of a Learning Content Management Systems
by Lejla Abazi-Bexheti

Abstract: Change appears to be the only constant in the field of ICT and what was treated as advanced feature few years ago is today old-fashioned. If dealing with such rapid change in the field is increasingly difficult and complex, it is even more complicated when one tries to simplify the concepts and processes and define the learning system’s model and the features that would contribute to a more effective teaching and learning. As part of the research project team, which aims to develop software for Learning Content Management System at SEE University, we primarily had to select the features that would cover our needs and also comply with the actual trends in this area of software development, and then design and develop the system. In this paper we present the in house development of an LCMS for South East European University, its architecture, conception and strengths.
Keywords:
e-learning, e-learning systems, LCMS, system modules.
Full Paper, pp. 1-5

 

Embedded processor control of a lime machine
by George K. Adam, Georgia Garani, Nicholas Samaras, Vilem Srovnal, Jiri Koziorek, and Vladimir Kasik

Abstract: The development of real-time control systems requires effective hardware and software systems and design tools. This paper presents the design and implementation of a microprocessor-based embedded control system for a lime slurry delivery machine, intended for lime production plants. The main goal in this approach was to ensure high performance, as provided by a special-purpose design, with minimum electronic hardware cost. VHDL models simulations were executed to verify the controller’s design. Validation of the designed system was accomplished through real-time implementation tests. The simulation results were satisfactory close to those derived by further experimental investigation. The proposed control system was experimentally verified and evaluated upon a specific prototype of a lime slurry storage and delivery machine. The control system is based upon the Intel 80C188EB microprocessor.
Keywords:
Embedded control, microprocessor control, modeling, simulation.
Full Paper, pp. 6-12

 

Two dimensional dynamic modeling of a coaxial plasma opening switch with effect of Hall current and RLC equation
by M.T. Mehrabani, A. Abbassi, M. M. Attaran

Abstract: The plasma dynamic and the magnetic-field penetration in a coaxial plasma opening switch (POS) have been studied based on the two dimensional single-fluid magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) equation coupled with generalized Ohms law. MHD equations were discretized using Roe averaging method which is in essence a non-diffusive scheme. RLC equation is solved using Runge Kutta method to determine the current of the generator during the conduction phase. For this purpose, the voltage of the generator edge of the plasma has been obtained by integrating the electric field on the edge by Simpson method. The code was validated in two cases: firstly, assuming the boundary of magnetic field changes sinusoidal and secondly, obtaining magnetic field using calculated current from RLC equation. The contours of magnetic field, plasma density and plasma temperature are plotted in various time with initial plasma density n0=8× 1015 cm-3.
Keywords:
plasma opening switch, magneto hydrodynamic, simulation, RLC circuit.
Full Paper, pp. 13-20

 

Neural Network Solution to Low Order Odd Current Harmonics in Short Chorded Induction Motors
by Y.Birbir, H.S. Nogay, and Y. Ozel

Abstract: In this paper, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique has been used for the estimation of low order odd current harmonics mainly from input and output measurements of five different chorded induction motors. A sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (SPWM) inverter feeding five different chorded threephase induction motors were tested for low-order odd harmonic current component from half load to overload. The results show that the artificial neural network model produces reliable estimates of low order odd current harmonics.
Keywords:
Artificial Neural Network; Total Harmonic Distortion; Harmonic Estimation, Induction Motors
Full Paper, pp. 21-28

 

Fuzzy Inference-Based Person-Following Robot
by Samir Shaker, Jean J. Saade and Daniel Asmar

Abstract: Person-following is an important ability that needs to be possessed by a service robot when required to accomplish some human-related tasks. Such ability has requirements, which cannot be met satisfactorily using classical mathematical methods. Most notably, the robot has to remain at a certain safe distance from the person that is being followed and at the same time move in a smooth manner that does not appear threatening to the person. In this paper, therefore, a fuzzy inference system is developed and used as a controller to provide decisions achieving smooth and safe person-following behavior. The Fuzzy system is made to work in conjunction with a leg detection algorithm and a laser range finder to detect a person's legs giving the inference system distance and velocity information necessary for the control process. The experimental results showed that even though the detection of legs was subject to noise and false negatives, the robot achieved the smoothness and safety objectives while following its target.
Keywords:
Fuzzy control, Fuzzy inference, Leg detection, Person-following robot, Smoothness, Safety.
Full Paper, pp. 29-34

 

Automatic Detection, Extraction and Recognition of Moving Objects
by Adnan Khashman

Abstract: The security of restricted areas such as borders or buffer zones is of utmost importance; in particular with the worldwide increase of military conflicts, illegal immigrants, and terrorism over the past decade. Monitoring such areas rely currently on technology and man power, however automatic monitoring has been advancing in order to avoid potential human errors that can be caused by different reasons. This paper introduces an automatic moving object detection, extraction and recognition system (aMODERs), which uses image processing to detect and extract moving objects within a restricted area, and a neural network to recognize the extracted object. The proposed system monitors movement by humans, animals or vehicles across a secured zone. Experimental results indicate that (aMODERs) provides a simple, efficient and fast solution to the problem of detecting, extracting and recognizing moving objects within one system.
Keywords:
Moving object detection, extraction and recognition, neural network classification, security systems.
Full Paper, pp. 35-43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue 3, Volume 2, 2008

Test error versus training error in artificial neural networks for systems affected by noise
by Fernando Morgado Dias and Ana Antunes

Abstract: This paper reports an empirical study of the behavior of the test and training errors in different systems. Frequently the test error of Artificial Neural Networks is presented with a monotonic decreasing behavior as a function of the iteration number, while the training error also continuously decreases. The present paper shows examples where such behavior does not hold, with data collected from systems where it is corrupted by either noise or actuation delay. This shows that selecting the best model is not a simple question and points to automatic procedures for the selection of models as the best solution to optimize their capacity, either with the Regularization or Early Stopping techniques.
Keywords:
Early Stopping, Feedforward Neural Networks, Regularization, Test Error, Training Error, Weight decay.
Full Paper, pp. 83-90

 

Satellite Sub-Pixel Rainfall Variability
by Eric W. Harmsen, Santa Elizabeth Gomez Mesa, Ediver Cabassa, Nazario D. Ramirez-Beltran, Sandra Cruz Pol, Robert J. Kuligowski, Ramon Vasquez

Abstract: Rain gauge networks are used to calibrate and validate quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) methods based on remote sensing, which may be used as data sources for hydrologic models. The typical approach is to adjust (calibrate) or compare (validate) the rainfall in the QPE pixel with the rain gauge located within the pixel. The QPE result represents a mean rainfall over the pixel area, whereas the rainfall from the gauge represents a point, although it is normally assumed to represent some area. In most cases the QPE pixel area is millions of square meter in size. We hypothesize that some rain gauge networks in environments similar to this study (i.e., tropical coastal), which provide only one rain gauge per remote sensing pixel, may lead to error when used to calibrate/validate QPE methods, and that consequently these errors may be propagated throughout hydrologic models. The objective of this paper is to describe a ground-truth rain gauge network located in western Puerto Rico which will be available to test our hypothesis. In this paper we discuss observations from the rain gauge network, but do not present any QPE validation results. In addition to being valuable for validating satellite and radar QPE data, the rain gauge network is being used to test and calibrate atmospheric simulation models and to gain a better understanding of the sea breeze effect and its influence on rainfall. In this study, a large number of storms (> 60) were evaluated between August 2006 and August 2008. The area covered by the rain gauge network was limited to a single GOES-12 pixel (4 km x 4 km). Five-minute and total storm rainfall amounts were spatially variable at the sub-pixel scale. The average storm rainfall from 20% of the 120 possible rain gauge-pairs was found to be significantly different at the 5% of significance level, indicating significant rainfall variation at the sub-pixel scale. The average coefficient of determination (r2), describing the goodness of fit of a linear model relating rain gauge pairs, was 0.365, further suggesting a significant degree of variability at the satellite sub-pixel scale. Although there were several different storm types identified (localized, upper westerly trough, tropical easterly wave, tropical westerly trough, cold front and localized with cold front), there did not appear to be any relationship between storm type and the correlation patterns among the gauges.
Keywords:
satellite pixel, rainfall variability, QPE, rain gauge, radar, validation, hydrologic modeling
Full Paper, pp. 91-100

 

Rotor Shape Influence on Tubular Induction Actuator Force
by A. Zaoui, M. Abdellah, H. Mohellebi

Abstract: In this paper we present the inductive force analysis of a tubular induction actuator (TIA) according to its geometrical and physical parameters. The produced force derives from the energy conversion factor witch is a function of the dimensional parameters of this kind of systems. This analysis is done for three kinds of rotors, the massive one, the coated one with a conducting layer and the segmented one. Analysing forces methods are presented. Emphasis has been made on the finite element method using FLUX2D software.
Keywords:
Electromagnetic Force, Flux2D Package, Rotor Design, Tubular Induction Machine
Full Paper, pp. 101-104

 

Dynamic Pollutant Sources Identification Based on Multipoint Spectral Analysis
by Carmen Debeleac and Silviu Nastac

Abstract: Main objective of this research consisted by identification, evaluation and characterization of a direct linkage between the vibration levels at the intensive pollutant industrial sources and at the proximity areas of these sites or potential sensitive destinations. Based on the virtual instrumentation applications set and using the multipoint spectral analysis method, the authors succeeds to put into the evidence the qualitative effects of a certain vibratory polluntant source on destination points, from the influence area of the respective source. The actual benefit of this global approach in evaluation method helps identification and analysis of this phenomenon of transmisibility. The instrumental tests were performed at the ASTRA Factory, Arad, Romania, on the forges sector, and on proximity zones. This analysis acquires high significance when at the side of the site there are the civil constructions, with preponderant human activities, or habitable areas.
Keywords:
vibration, system identification, instrumental tests, multipoint spectral analysis.
Full Paper, pp. 105-113

 

Simulations of an Autonomous In-scale Fast-ferry Model
Francisco Jesús Velasco, Elías Revestido, Eloy López, Emiliano Moyano and M. Haro Casado

Abstract: In this paper several simulations are presented of an autonomous in-scale fast-ferry model TF-120 using data from a remote Web-Wi-Fi platform for marine vehicles. The physical model is developed to be autonomous and is controlled remotely from a PC using Wi-Fi communications. An identification and validation of a heading model is obtained with turning circle maneuverings on the coastline of the Bay of Santander. Simulations of standard maneuvering tests show the behavior of the identified model and the kinematics. The parametric model identified is used to design different classical control structures for heading autopilot. A 2-dimensional track-keeping system is developed based on line of sight guidance scheme using the identified model of the autonomous in-scale fast-ferry. The results of simulation are presented showing the good performance of the guidance and control design.
Keywords:
Line of sight, parametric identification, heading identification, heading control, simulation.
Full Paper, pp. 114-121

 

Experience with SSFR Test for Synchronous Generator Model Identification Using Hook-Jeeves Optimization Method
M.R. Aghamohammadi , M. Pourgholi

Abstract: Accurate generator modeling allows for more precise calculation of power system control and stability limits. In this paper, a procedure using a set of measured data from Standstill Frequency Response (SSFR) test on MontazerGhaem gas power plant’s synchronous generator is used to obtain dynamic parameters of the machine. A novel approach is used to find d-axis which is different from standard SSFR scheme which can save the time in performing SSFR tests. Hook-Jeeves optimization method is used for parameter estimation purpose. The test procedure and identification results are reported.
Keywords:
SSFR, Synchronous generator, Parameter identification, Hook-Jeeves optimization method.
Full Paper, pp. 122-127

 

Design and Implementation of PLC-Based Monitoring Control System for Three-Phase Induction Motors Fed by PWM Inverter
Yasar Birbir, H. Selcuk Nogay

Abstract: This paper presents a design and implementation of a monitoring and control system for the three-phase induction motor based on programmable logic controller (PLC) technology. Also, the implementation of the hardware and software for speed control and protection with the results obtained from tests on induction motor performance is provided. The PLC correlates the operational parameters to the speed requested by the user and monitors the system during normal operation and under trip conditions. Tests of the induction motor system driven by inverter and controlled by PLC prove a higher accuracy in speed regulation as compared to a conventional V/f control system. The efficiency of PLC control is increased at high speeds up to 95% of the synchronous speed. Thus, PLC proves themselves as a very versatile and effective tool in industrial control of electric drives.
Keywords:
Computer-controlled systems, computerized monitoring, electric drives, induction motors, programmable logic controllers (PLC)
Full Paper, pp. 128-135

Issue 2, Volume 2, 2008

Airport system analysis: a probabilistic risk assessment model
by L. Guerra, T. Murino, and E. Romano

Abstract: Risk reduction is one of the key objectives pursued by transport safety policies. Particularly, the formulation and implementation of transport safety policies needs the systematic assessment of the risks, the specification of residual risk targets and the monitoring of progresses towards those ones. Risk and safety have always been considered critical in civil aviation. An increase in airport capacity usually involves changes to runways layout, route structures and traffic distribution, which in turn effect the risk level around the airport. For these reasons third party risk becomes an important issue in airports development. Currently, were moving to a wide adoption of Safety Management Systems (SMS) which carries with it a need to undertake risk assessments, either qualitative or quantitative. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse safety aspects in civil airports. To avoid subjective interpretations and to increase model accuracy, risk information are collected and evaluated in a rational and mathematical manner. The method may be used to draw risk contour maps so to provide a guide to local and national authorities, to population who live around the airport, and to airports operators.
Keywords:
Airports, Civil Aviation, Risk Assessment, Risk Management.
Full Paper, pp. 44-57

 

Incorporating intelligence and development of knowledge acquisition system in an automated manufacturing environment
by Berger Ulrich, Lebedynska Yuliya, Minhas Sarfraz Ul Haque

Abstract: This paper focuses on the systematic methodology for incorporating intelligence and development methodology for knowledge acquisition system in an automated manufacturing environment. The intelligence is incorporated in the shape of technology data catalogue that contains the knowledge about production system as a whole. The knowledge acquisition system is implemented in the form of a multiuser scalable interface into remote human machine interface devices (e.g. Personal Digital Assistants) with a purpose of extracting concrete and precise information and knowledge about manufacturing systems and processes in highly automated manufacturing environment. The extraction of precise knowledge as well as organized access to the knowledge will facilitates the operators, technicians and engineers for making faster, safer and simpler on-process modifications and parameters optimization.
Keywords:
Automation, Extraction mechanisms, Knowledge acquisition system, Knowledge representation, Knowledge quality, Maturity degree.
Full Paper, pp. 58-65

 

Structural Optimization of Vibration Isolation Devices for High Performances
by Silviu Nastac and Adrian Leopa

Abstract: This paper is a summary of the large study regarding the isolation performances improvement of the vibration isolation devices. The main area of this study was framed by the passive isolation, using different structural configurations, based on the compressing and torsion rubber elements. First, it is present the few theoretical aspects regarding the dynamic analysis of the passive elastic anti-vibrational devices and their isolation degree evaluation. It have to be mentioned that in this paper there are presented only the final structural configurations of passive isolation devices, obtained by a selection procedure based on the numerical simulation and instrumental tests of dynamic behaviour for each type. Taking into account the structure of the basic compressing and torsion elastic elements, their working principle, and their functional restraints, there was tested a lot of possible configurations, both from the structural, and from the functional points of view. Through the comparative analysis of the acquired results, it was fixed two final and operational structural configuration. All the theoretical suppositions, completed by the computer simulation on the numerical models, was entirety validated through the experimental tests on realistic models. Concluding the ensemble of numerical and instrumental tests, it could be mentioned that the major advantages of these special structural and functional configuration, with a view to the increasing of the isolation degree and to the passive antivibrational elastic devices performances incrementation, point at the high isolation performance, relative to a simple and robust structure. Using of these innovative anti-vibrational devices leads to high values of the isolation degree for a large area of technical and industrial applications, and also for vibration sensitive embedded equipments. As it could be see on the paper, the basic structural configuration could be easy modified, on call, as a function of a practical application service requirements, by changing a spatial distribution of the elastics components.
Keywords:
isolation efficacy, passive elastic devices, rubber elements.
Full Paper, pp. 66-74

 

Study of contact resistance for high copper alloys under indentation and insertion forces
by R. El Abdi and N. Benjemaa

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present an experimental and a numerical study of simple geometries representing the electrical contact in automotive connectors (a sphere-plane and cylinder–plane electrical contact) when a current passes through them. High copper alloys were used to improve mechanical and electrical connector behaviour. Changes in the electrical contact resistance versus force in the range of 1-100N for different sizes and geometries were studied. The designed samples were subjected to indentation (static contact) and insertion (sliding contact). The temperature evolution for different copper alloys was studied for different forces and currents. The temperature reached near the contact area, between two solids constituting the contact, is a significant parameter to indicate the damage level. However, it is very difficult to know the inner temperatures. A finite element simulation code including the roughness contact surface profile was carried out in order to obtain the internal temperatures. Experimental power law of contact resistance versus forces was obtained where the law parameters are well related to electrical resistivity, Young modulus, yield stress. On the other hand, a numerical size optimization was carried out to obtain the resistance gain or the volume gain with mechanical, geometrical and physical constraints.
Keywords:
Electrical contact resistance, temperature, finite element method, optimization, contact zone.
Full Paper, pp. 75-82

 

 

Issue 4, Volume 2, 2008

Design of an Intelligent Waterway Ambient Infrastructure based on Multiagent Systems and Wireless Sensor Networks
by Maria del Carmen Delgado, Pablo Cortes, Luis Onieva, Alejandro Escudero

Abstract: Lately Maritime research areas have moved their interests from traditional ship studies and traffic systems to new areas that confer a more general character to them as, for example, environmental monitoring. BOYAS project is proposed including these new perspectives as well as more classical ones. Trying to get this integral character for the waterway ambient and its activities management, the confluence between two recent research areas is studied. The convergence of Multiagent Systems and Wireless Sensor Networks constitutes a good framework and scenario in which this new research activities may be studied and develop.
Keywords:
Wireless Sensor Networks, Multiagent Systems, Buoys, Inland waterway
Full Paper, pp. 137-146

 

Early Fungal Contamination Tracking
by L. Angheluta, J. Striber, R. Radvan, I. Gomoiu, V. Dragomir, M. Simileanu

Abstract: This paper presents a complex portable photonic setup that exploits LIF advantages for biological contamination control of a surface and a case study that validates the investigation procedure. Based on LIF method the necessary information for microbiological species discrimination is collected from distance in real-time, without mechanical contact and preserving surface reliefs. On the basis of the gained know-how, a compact fluorescence scanning apparatus has been designed and realized in the laboratory in order to perform advanced field measurements and investigations.
Keywords:
Fluorescence, laser, microbiology, scanning device, spectroscopy
Full Paper, pp. 147-156

 

Fuzzy Adaptive Dynamic Friction Compensator for Robot
by J. Ohri, L. Dewan, M. K. Soni

Abstract: Intelligent tracking control design for robotic manipulators is proposed in this paper for dynamic friction compensation .A unified and a systematic procedure, which is based on adaptive fuzzy system, is employed for friction compensation and to drive the controller. Friction is highly nonlinear and dynamic effect and difficult to model. Friction of each joint of a manipulator impedes control accuracy. Therefore, friction has to be effectively compensated for in order to realize precise tracking control of robot manipulators. Adaptive Fuzzy compensator, which has the capability to approximate any nonlinear function over the compact input space, has been used in this paper to compensate the friction, based on Lyapunov function.
Keywords:
Robot, adaptive, fuzzy, control, and friction
Full Paper, pp. 157-161

 

 

Analysis of Magnetic Flux Density for Airgap Eccentricity and Bearing Faults
by Ilker Ozelgin

Abstract: This paper involves current signal frequency analysis for airgap eccentricity and bearing damage in induction motors. Magnetic flux density in the airgap is calculated to get effect of faults on current signal. Equation of characteristic frequencies for eccentricity is revised. In addition, a sudden eccentricity is simulated in short intervals to get effect of bearing damages. Therefore, new frequencies are detected for bearing faults that is related with eccentricity. This knowledge impresses most of the experimental condition monitoring systems and diagnosis systems.
Keywords:
Airgap Eccentricity, Bearing Damage, Fault Detection, Induction Motor
Full Paper, pp. 162-169

 

 

Automatic Creation of a Crashing-Based Schedule Plan as Countermeasures against Process Delay
by Daisuke Kinoshita, Rihito Yaegashi, Kazuhiro Uenosono, Hiroaki Hashiura, Hiroki Uchikawa, Seiichi Komiya

Abstract: Development of large-scale software is usually conducted through a project to unite a work force. In addition, no matter what kind of life cycle model is adopted, a development plan is required for a software development project in order for the united work force to perform effectively. Therefore for the successful project, it is necessary to set management objectives to manage plan, and confirm if they are achieved. This method is considered to be effective, but actually planning a software development schedule and following-up the achievement of the management objectives at each step are not easy. Because since all the work for software development is performed in human brain, other people can not measure how much each worker exanimate each work. Therefore it is necessary to secure the time for measuring the depth of a work’s examination by project manager’s talk with the worker in charge, through automating as many parts as possible by means of mechanizing. It is difficult to make a software development plan itself, because predicting the necessary work amount and risks that the project involves is difficult in software development. Therefore, the authors are developing an automatic schedule planning system for software development so that the project manager can manage the entire project and the work load of the manager is reduced. This paper proposes a method to create automatically such a successful schedule plan that a project, which was behind schedule, will be completed on schedule by means of ‘crashing’. And the paper proves that the method is effective in software project management through an example of system.
Keywords:
Crashing, software development Plan, Countermeasures, Process Delay
Full Paper, pp. 170-177

 

Path planning of Autonomous Mobile Robot
by O. Hachour

Abstract: In this present work, we present an algorithm for path planning to a target for mobile robot in unknown environment. The proposed algorithm allows a mobile robot to navigate through static obstacles, and finding the path in order to reach the target without collision. This algorithm provides the robot the possibility to move from the initial position to the final position (target). The proposed path finding strategy is designed in a grid-map form of an unknown environment with static unknown obstacles. The robot moves within the unknown environment by sensing and avoiding the obstacles coming across its way towards the target. When the mission is executed, it is necessary to plan an optimal or feasible path for itself avoiding obstructions in its way and minimizing a cost such as time, energy, and distance. The proposed path planning must make the robot able to achieve these tasks: to avoid obstacles, and to make ones way toward its target. The algorithms are implemented in Borland C++, afterwards tested with visual basic and DELPHI programming language; whereby the environment is studied in a two dimensional coordinate system. The simulation part is an approach to the real expected result; this part is done using C++ to recognize all objects within the environment and since it is suitable for graphic problems. Taking the segmented environment issued from C++ development, the algorithm permit the robot to move from the initial position to the desired position following an estimated trajectory using visual basic and Delphi language.
Keywords:
Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), navigation, Path planning
Full Paper, pp. 178-190

 

A Generalized Data Meta-Model for Production Companies Ontology Definition
by Cesar Bravo, Jose Aguilar, Addison Rios-Bolivar, Joseph Aguilar-Martin, Francklin Rivas-Echeverria

Abstract: This work presents a data Meta-model which defines, in a generic way, the representation of production companies’ business objects. The model aims to define an ontology framework for facilitating the interoperability between industrial applications and systems. This proposal is based on PRODML and PROSA, which are well know specifications; the first one at oil production applications integration, and the other one at manufacturing automation architecture. The proposal seeks to establish a common compositional model to describe the production units at various levels of the company, using the Holon theory and the structure proposed by PRODML.
Keywords:
Data Models, Interoperability, Oil Production, Ontology Framework
Full Paper, pp. 191-202

 

Non-Parametric Methods for Soil Moisture Retrieval from Satellite Remote Sensing Data
by Tarendra Lakhankar, Hosni Ghedira, Marouane Temimi, Manajit Sengupta, Reza Khanbilvardi, Reginald Blake

Abstract: Satellite remote sensing observations have the potential for efficient and reliable mapping of spatial soil moisture distributions. However, soil moisture retrievals from microwave remote sensing techniques are typically complex due to inherent difficulty in characterizing the interactions among land surface parameters that contribute to the retrieval process. Therefore, adequate physical mathematical descriptions of microwave radiation interaction with parameters such as land cover, vegetation density, and soil characteristics are not readily available. On the other hand it may possible to use non-parametric methods like neural networks, fuzzy logic and multiple regressions to retrieve soil moisture distributions. In this study we use these methods to retrieve soil moisture from microwave remote sensing data. The fuzzy logic and neural network performed better when compared to multiple regression models. The inclusion of soil characteristics and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from infrared and visible measurement, have significant impact on soil moisture retrievals with root mean square error (RMSE) being reduced by around 30% in the retrievals. Soil moisture derived from these methods was compared with ESTAR soil moisture (RMSE ~4.0%) and field soil moisture measurements (RMSE ~6.5%). Additionally, the study showed that soil moisture retrievals from highly vegetated areas are less accurate than that from bare soil areas.
Keywords:
Soil Moisture, Active Microwave, Multiple Regression, Neural Network, Fuzzy Logic, Vegetation
Full Paper, pp. 203-216

 

Construction of Active Steering System of the Scaled Railway Vehicle
by Min-Soo Kim, Joon-Hyuk Park, Won-Hee You

Abstract: Active steering system of railway vehicles is designed to alleviate wheel/rail contact forces and to decrease wheel/rail wear. This paper describes the construction of active steering control system for the curving performance analysis of scaled railway vehicle. The active steering control system consists of the remote control station module, the steering controller module, the battery module, the driving bogie module, the steering bogie module, and various sensors module. Generally scaled railway vehicles were developed to reproduce the fundamental dynamic behavior of the full size railway vehicle in laboratory conditions. The proposed active steering control system is tested in the 1/5 scale research vehicle and R=20 curved track, and we could verify the effectiveness and performance of the proposed system.
Keywords:
Active Steering, Control System, Railway Vehicle, Scaled Model
Full Paper, pp. 217-226

 

Techniques for Tuning Track-keeping Controllers of an Autonomous In-scale Fastferry Model
by Francisco Jesus Velasco, Elias Revestido, Eloy Lopez, Emiliano Moyano, M. Haro Casado

Abstract: In the present paper, optimization techniques are used to tune heading controllers for the purpose of track-keeping. Several simulations point out the improvement obtained with this short of techniques with respect to other. The heading control is based on a model obtained from data provided by a platform for marine vehicles. This platform has an in-scale fast-ferry model TF-120, which was developed to be autonomous and is controlled remotely from a PC using Wi-Fi communications. A sensitivity approach has been used for design of an input signal based on a previous parameter estimates. Different classical control structures for heading autopilot and track-keeping are studied and results obtained from optimization techniques are compared to genetic algorithm techniques.
Keywords:
Optimization, tuning, heading control, trackkeeping
Full Paper, pp. 227-236

 

Viewpoint of ISO GMITS and Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Information Security
by Naoki Satoh, Hiromitsu Kumamoto, Yasunobu Kino

Abstract: Viewing the previous studies on the quantification of information security risks, one of the most popular tools is ISO GMITS, which quantifies the risk of information asset on the whole based on the scores of information asset, threat, and vulnerability. However, in our previous study, we maintained that “probabilistic risk assessment” (hereafter abbreviated as PRA), which has been traditionally employed in assessing the risk of physical systems such as a nuclear reactor and a chemical plant, is superior to GMITS in the ability of generating the scenario of hazard occurrence, and so on. In this paper, by taking Firewall (F/W) and Entrance control as an example, we will clarify the advantages of PRA over GMITS in generating more detailed scenario, in the ability of risk quantification, and so on.
Keywords:
Initiating event, Probabilistic risk assessment, Event tree, Fault tree, Safety measures, Information security
Full Paper, pp. 237-244

 

A Proposal of Risk Identification Based on the Improved Kepner-Tregoe Program and its Evaluation
by Takeo Nagashima, Keiichi Nakamura, Kiyomi Shirakawa, Seiichi Komiya

Abstract: Recently project risk management attracts all the attention in order to raise success probability of a project. It is widely known that implementation process of risk management consists of "Risk Management Planning", "Risk Identification", "Qualitative Risk Analysis”, "Quantitative Risk Analysis", “Risk Response Planning”, and “Risk Monitoring and Control". However there are few bibliographies about any concrete implementation methods of risk management in detail. The authors take up the risk management of a project and above all risk identification, and show a concrete implementation method based on the improved Kepner-Tregoe Program. In this paper, they propose a concrete implementation method of risk identification based on the improved Kepner-Tregoe Program, and show that the method is effective. They perform laboratory experiments on risk identification using the proposed method. Moreover, they compare the proposed method with the widely known methods based on the brainstorming and the original Kepner-Tregoe Program. As a result, they confirm that the method based on the improved Kepner-Tregoe Program is more effective than the method based on brainstorming and the original Kepner-Tregoe Program in terms of generality and efficiency.
Keywords:
Risk Management, Risk Identification, Project, Kepner-Tregoe Program
Full Paper, pp. 245-257