Self-Configuring and Evolving Fuzzy Image Thresholding

Every segmentation algorithm has parameters that need to be adjusted in order to achieve good results. Evolving fuzzy systems for adjustment of segmentation parameters have been proposed recently (Evolving fuzzy image segmentation -- EFIS [1]. However, similar to any other algorithm, EFIS too suffers from a few limitations when used in practice. As a major drawback, EFIS depends on detection of the object of interest for feature calculation, a task that is highly application-dependent. In this paper, a new version of EFIS is proposed to overcome these limitations. The new EFIS, called self-configuring EFIS (SC-EFIS), uses available training data to auto-configure the parameters that are fixed in EFIS. As well, the proposed SC-EFIS relies on a feature selection process that does not require the detection of a region of interest (ROI).Comment: To appear in proceedings of The 14th International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (IEEE ICMLA 2015), Miami, Florida, USA, 201

People centric governance model: Conceptualizing the pillars of significance

This article explores corporate governance issue from the perspective of peoples’ governance. Using qualitative research approach, specifically, a grounded theory method, the paper explores the role of the pillar of significance in corporate governance practices. Interview was used as primary data, although document was also analysed. Analysis of the data revealed people centric governance is essential. Findings suggest that there are several pillar of significance in the corporations that provide strength to the corporate governance practices. Emerging theory suggests that the core of corporate governance lies on the people rather that the structure. The finding is useful as it impacted governance problem in such a way that the findings provides information that would enhance governance effectiveness in corporations. This study unlocked the perception that corporate governance flaws relate with corporate governance structure. This article offers originality and new insights in understudy of governance concept that commonly relate with economic perspective

Genetic variation among Northern and Southern Egyptian buffaloes using polymerase chain reaction-random amplified polymorphic DNA (PCR-RAPD)

The domestic water buffalo is a species of great economic potential, especially in developing countries like Egypt. Egyptian buffalo have been classified according to minor phenotypic differences and their geographical locations. Few studies have taken place to investigate the genetic variations in Egyptian buffalo using  microsatellites analysis. In the present study, 11 random primers were analyzed for the genetic diversity  determination between Northern and Southern Egyptian buffaloes using polymerase chain reaction-random  amplified polymorphic DNA (PCR-RAPD) analysis. 169 bands were amplified for the analyzed 11 random  primers, from which 160 bands (94.67%) for North populations and 168 bands for South population (99.41%).  Out of the 160 amplified bands in North populations, 152 bands were polymorphic with a percentage of 89.94% and only one specific band (0.59%). In South population, all 168 amplified bands were polymorphic, nine bands (5.33%) were specific for this population. The identity index and the genetic distance between North and South populations were measured. The results showed that the two tested populations have the same origin and  belong to one breed without significant genetic difference between their animals.Key words: Buffalo, genetic diversity, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Antimicrobial activities of marine fungi from Malaysia

Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

An Efficient Parallel Quarter-sweep Point Iterative Algorithm for Solving Poisson Equation on SMP Parallel Computer

A new point iterative algorithm which uses the quarter-sweep approach was shown to be much faster than the full-and half- sweep point iterative algorithms for solving two dimensional Poison equation (Othman el at. 1998». However, the last two algorithms were found to be suitable for parallel implementation (Evans 1984) and Ali el at. (1997». In this paper, the parallel implementation of the new algorithm with the chessboard (CB) strategy on Symmetry Multi Processors (SMP) parallel computer was presented. The experimental results of a test problem were compared with the later two parallel algorithms

The Importance of Islamic Art in Mosque Interior

AbstractMosques, as symbol of Islamic architecture must play an important role in reflecting the superiority of Allah the Almighty. There are many ways in making it successful and one of them is through the high quality of aesthetic value. Aesthetic value in Islamic art and architecture is normally portrayed by the highest degree of motifs and ornamentation. Contemporary mosque designers normally focused on the majestic looks of the exterior part of the mosques and leave the manipulation of the interior space to the users. There are scholars who said that mosques should act as community development centre, some decided on the uniqueness of traditional Malaysian architecture and some believed that mosques must have domes and minarets as symbols of Islamic architecture. This paper realized on the aesthetics and beauty of mosque interior that fulfils the psychological needs of human beings: that is to be inside a beautiful ambience. Ornamentation should be taken as part of mosque components and not as mere decorations done after-thought or filling in the gap. The main objective of the paper is why is it important to focus the ornamentation towards mosque interior so that ornamenting the mosque will not be done uncontrollably and unnecessarily

Optimization of copper for the improvement of in vitro plant tissue growth of Solanum nigrum

Here was investigated the incorporation of copper in MS medium on growth, and metabolic activities of Solanum nigrum callus. Copper up to 75 µM increased the growth, and thereafter a decline was observed. No considerable alteration in MDA, H2O2, bound phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbate, and copper content was observed with the existence of 25 µM copper, then levels of these parameters were raised with rising copper concentrations. Similarly, 25 µM copper didn't induce a considerable change in lipoxygenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenol oxidase activities, however, high levels stimulated these enzymes. Copper at 25 µM didn’t considerably reduce amino acids and soluble proteins, whereas higher concentrations reduced these parameters. Copper treatments reduced the soluble carbohydrates accumulation; only 75 µM enhanced this accumulation. Copper at 25 µM significantly increased the potassium accumulation, whereas higher concentrations reduced this accumulation. From these results, it might be contemplated the optimum effect concerning copper. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.284864

Fuzzy logic control for mobile service systems with limited resources

It is common to control systems or plants through changing the values of their inputs in continuous or small discrete steps to achieve gradual change of the performance of the plant under control. However, when changing the inputs can only be achieved in large discrete values, problems arise on achieving stability of the plant under control as such large discrete changes in inputs cause large overshoots and oscillation at the outputs. More difficulties arise when multiple plants are competing simultaneously for limited resources of such large discrete values. This paper describes an approach for controlling such plants. The case study presented is to control a proposed system of mobile service units (MSUs) to be used in a mega-event, the Hajj, where different locations/zones will be competing simultaneously for a limited number of MSUs in order to provide adequate services for their continuously changing number of visitors. These MSUs are of high discrete values such that their provision or removal generates a significant change in the performance of the system. Fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs), representing each zone, are developed for issuing requests for MSUs based on their local situations. These requests are evaluated by the control centre using other sets of FLCs to consider global situations. An algorithm is used to respond to these evaluated requests according to their relative importance and issues orders to MSUs to move to the right zone at the right time to provide the appropriate amount of service for the existing number of visitors or what can be called 'just-in-time MSUs' (JIT-MSUs). Simulation results show that such a system can be controlled using the approach suggested by this paper and the response of the system varies with the values of its discrete inputs. Some conclusions and recommendations are drawn for the appropriate discrete input values and their control settings. The procedure for evaluating the different simulation runs for the different control settings is also presented