Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 833

Abstract: Satellite imaging consists of capturing images of the Earth through a series of artificial satellites. These images contain an abundance of information that can be used in several applications such as fishing, agriculture, regional planning, biodiversity conservation and many others. Digital image processing can help overcome the limitations of human vision by extracting key information from these images at a much higher rate through the speed of automation. This paper aims to achieve that by exploiting the potential of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm in image segmentation. Various satellite images were segmented using PSO algorithm before a trace of the objects that have been isolated in the image was run to evaluate the accuracy of segmentation. Three objective measurements which are Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), were made on the outputs of the segmentation using PSO algorithm and the traditional segmentation technique which is Otsu’s method for comparison. The proposed method which applies the PSO algorithm proved to be superior in producing images of higher quality and accuracy as compared to the traditional segmentation technique.

Abstract: In this paper, Forward-Backward Time-Stepping (FBTS) inversion method is used for detection, imaging and reconstruction of an unknown object in a region of interest. We consider the reconstruction parameter profiles of two-dimensional objects from measurement of the transient total electromagnetic field data contaminated with noise. A preliminary result of an Elliptic filter integrated in FBTS algorithm to suppress noise effect has been obtained. A circular shape in the region of interest is successfully detected and reconstructed.

Abstract: The inverse scattering in time domain known as Forward-Backward Time-Stepping (FBTS) technique is applied to determine the sizes, shape and location of the embedded objects. Tikhonov’s regularization method has been proposed in order to improve or solve the ill-posed of FBTS inverse scattering problem. The reconstructed results showed that FBTS technique can detect the presence of embedded objects. The reconstructed results of FBTS technique utilizing with the Tikhonov’s regularization method shown better results than the results only applied FBTS technique. Tikhonov’s regularization combined with FBTS technique to improve the quality of image reconstruction.

Abstract: Wireless Body Area Network or known as BAN, is a system consists of various kinds of wearable sensors to measure condition of human body. Wrist, waist and shoulder modules from BAN system can help to monitor, analyze and provide advice to the user in order to perform a moderate exercise. The availability of small, low-cost networked sensors combined with advanced signal processing and information extraction is driving a revolution in physiological monitoring and intervention. BAN system is enabling technologies for accurate measurements in healthcare systems, enhance sports and fitness training, life-style monitoring and individualized security.

Abstract: Exercise intensity is classified into vigorous, moderate and low type of exercise intensity. They are classified based upon the amount of energy used by the body while doing the activity. Vigorous or over exercise may leads to over tiredness and physical problem while low or lack of exercise may leads to unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, moderate exercise or regular physical activity in daily life helps to improve overall health and fitness and reduces the risk for many chronic diseases.

Abstract: Finger clubbing, also known as drumstick finger, is the medical symptom that is indicated by the development of the sponginess or swelling in the nail beds of nails and toes. The higher grade of clubbing on the patients can be easily identified with the presence of drumstick finger. The existing available measurement device to identify the early stage of clubbing required much time which is impractical for a busy clinic practice. This paper explains the determination of the finger clubbing by using the Digital Index (DI) measurement, which was deployed by implementing and developing the Portable Finger Clubbing Meter hardware and the Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) Graphical User Interface (GUI). Finger circumference values of nail-fold (NF) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of twenty participants were measured using the developed hardware. Data analysis was then performed using the GUI for DI computation, and the presence of finger clubbing could be determined.

Abstract: Stroke is the third largest cause of death in Malaysia. Different approaches including hardware development and simulation were conducted to support the conventional rehabilitation courses. New upper limb rehabilitation robot prototype was developed for this research. The prototype consists of horizontal and vertical movement exercise. The prototype was modeled and simulated using ergonomics optimization software known as AnyBody. This paper presents the analysis of human upper limb muscles during rehabilitation exercise using virtual human model. The result shows that eleven muscle areas were affected during the rehabilitation exercise using new prototype.