Sharif Digital Repository

Service providers use objective models to map system quality of service (QoS) conditions to an estimated mean opinion score (MOS) in order to assess users' quality of experience (QoE). In contrast with earlier studies, we propose a hybrid model for call services that models the MOS in terms of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) using a machine learning approach. Unlike most existing studies, which focus on maximizing the sum-MOS of all users, we aim to maximize the average number of satisfied users in order to allocate optimal power to each user while ensuring the minimum data rate for each of them. Simulation results show that the proposed hybrid model outperforms the... 

In this paper, we propose a learning-based Quality of Experience (QoE) model for voice services based on real-world data that models the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) in terms of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). Unlike earlier studies that used an objective approach to model QoE, one key feature of our study is the use of a hybrid approach to accurately evaluate QoE by learning human behaviors. We will also apply our model to a power allocation problem and formulate an optimization problem to maximize the sum of the QoE of users while guaranteeing the minimum data rate for each user. We show that the proposed hybrid model outperforms the conventional objective model in terms of... 

In wireless communications, focusing on end-user satisfaction and maximizing network operators' revenue are emerging business challenges. In this paper, we investigate the price-based power allocation problem where, first, base stations (BSs) set prices by maximizing users' utility modeled by their mean opinion score (MOS). Then, each user's optimal power is set by maximizing operator revenue while ensuring the minimum data rate for each user. We propose a hybrid MOS-based pricing method to model users' utility instead of the conventional achievable rate approach. Our hybrid approach applies a machine learning algorithm to model the MOS of the call service in terms of the received signal... 

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the effect of silica nanoparticle halos on the stability of the zirconia aqueous suspension. The results of turbidity measurements showed that addition of nanoparticles to the suspension increases the stability of the zirconia suspension for all pH values. The achieved stability refers to the formation of nanoparticle halos around the microparticles that can be observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The best stabilization is achievable when zirconia microparticles are at the isoelectric point. The minimum stabilization occurs when microparticles have relatively high zeta potential and the force between micro and... 

While the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) is the most well-known way to quantify Quality of Experience (QoE), it only provides average insight. In this paper, we will demonstrate that instead of only relying on the MOS value, predicting users' perceived quality through probabilistic metrics provides service providers with more accurate insight to improve their network decisions, relying on more accurate measures of how many of them are satisfied or not with the provided service. Furthermore, a hybrid non-intrusive ensemble learner based on the selection of multiple base learners is designed to estimate the QoE of the VoIP signal. The performance of our proposed model is compared to that of... 

In this study, the effect of uniform and nonuniform compression on the quality factor of filtration of nonwoven fibrous media has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. Given that the effect of nonuniform compression on filtration has not been reported, it is a new way for enhancement the performance of filters. The “quality factor”, which includes filtration efficiency and pressure drop, has been used to compare different types of filter media compression. Theoretical calculations have been performed using the classical single fiber efficiency theory. The results showed that with compression, the filtration efficiency increases only for a range of particle sizes. Experiments... 

Self-oscillating converters operating in the critical conduction mode are popular in low power applications because of their simplicity and low cost. However, these converters are not suited for Power Factor Correction (PFC) because the peak switch current is controlled to regulate the output voltage and does not follow the shape of the line voltage waveform. A new control circuit implementation is proposed for a self-oscillating boost converter to achieve power factor correction. A full featured design example is provided which can be simplified for use in various cost sensitive applications such as electronic lighting, etc. This wide input voltage range self-oscillating PFC prototype... 

Optical separation, which is a contactless and accurate technique, has been mostly used to manipulate single particles. This work mainly aims to present an effective technique for optical propulsion and separation of a group of microscopic particles that are suspended in liquids. An experimental study is conducted to assess the effect of radiation pressure of a high-power laser on a dilute dispersion of microparticles in water using microscopic image analysis. Results of separation experiments indicate that the manipulation mechanism is capable of sorting the microscopic particles in two size classes. Compared to common optical separators, this configuration has a benefit of separating many... 

Particle manipulation using laser beam is almost a new and contactless technique in particulate sciences. The method is based on the radiation pressure of light photons on the particles suspended in a semi-transparent fluid. Applications of the technique mainly cover microscopic separation and detection of biological objects. In this work, a theoretical study is conducted to investigate the hydrodynamic and thermal effects on a particulate flow in a mini-channel. Laser thermal effects are studied as a result of light absorption either in fluid or dispersed phase. An analytical model is developed to be the real simulator of a test bed developed by the authors. The main objective of performed... 

Optical propulsion via laser source is a relatively new and non-contact tool for manipulation of microscopic objects. The method is based on the radiation pressure of light photons on the micron sized particles. Applications of the technique mainly cover microscopic separation, purification and cellular studies. Due to high power intensity of laser beams, absorption of light may result in heating and damage of objects to be manipulated. In addition, the difference between heated and cold zones can lead to a naturally driven flow around the objects. So precisely controlled conditions should be set up to avoid thermal effects. In this work, a theoretical study is conducted to investigate the... 

Identification and minimization of error sources are important issues in experimental investigations. Mainly in micro-scale problems, precise settings should be applied to high-tech test beds to reduce disturbance and induced motion. An experimental study is conducted to assess the role of induced forces and velocity fields in a particulate system used for particle identification and separation. Two main effects caused by disturbances are sampling errors and induced motion in the channel, either on fluid or dispersed phases. Different disturbance scenarios are implemented on the test bed and then the system response is reported. In order to assess induced motion as a result of applied... 

For the 4th IUPAP International Conference of Women in Physics, we report on activities in science and engineering in Iran, and conditions for women in physics, in the three years since the 3rd IUPAP International Conference of Women in Physics was held in 2008. Iran has made prominent advancements and astonishing progress in laser technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, genetics, computer software and hardware, and robotics. Iranian scientists have been very productive in several experimental fields, such as pharmaceutical, organic, and polymer chemistry. Conditions for women in physics have improved greatly in recent years. A project to improve the environment for learning physics, and... 

The lead is a heavy metal with hazardous impacts on environment and human life. Lead-free perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention in recent years, due to eco-friendly characteristics. Meanwhile, Pb-containing cells showed the highest efficiencies among the various types of cells. Hence, designing novel Pb-free solar cells with comparable or better performance than the Pb-containing ones is highly required. In this work, a lead-free methyl-ammonium-germanium-iodide (MAGeI3)-based perovskite solar cell with ITO/TiO2/MAGeI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag multilayer nanostructure has been proposed and its main characteristics including open-circuit voltage (VOC) and power conversion efficiency (η)... 

Core/shell structure of ZnO nanowires coated with a monolayer of TiO 2 is investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The electronic states of the semiconductor is calculated and compared before and after coating of the TiO2 monolayer on a ZnO [101 0] surface. The effect of TiO2 coating induce surface states changes and shifts the conduction and valence band edges to higher energies. Our results, in qualitative agreement with the experimental work of Matt Law et al. (J. Phys. Chem. B, 110, 22652), show an increase in open circuit voltage and a decrease in short circuit current in ZnO/TiO2 core shell dye sensitized solar cells. Regarding the semiconductor density of states (DOS), TiO2... 

Due to the important role of commitment and trust in the relationship marketing, the factors which can directly result in a committed relationship along with the factors which can influence the commitment through influencing trust, according to the model of commitment and trust by (Morgan & Hunt, 1994) have been introduced and their level of importance has been investigated here. The article uses fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) in the proposed model to find the most important paths leading to relationship commitment. The FCM analyzes the responses of a group of 30 people including general practitioners in dentistry, managers of dental departments in some of the public clinics and hospitals who... 

Conventionally, a film of TiO2 particles of 300 nm size is employed in Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) as the back reflector film to enhance the light harvesting. Perfect reflectance of silver in visible and near infrared motivates to investigate its potential as the material for the light back reflector film in DSCs. In this study, light back reflector films consisting of 300 nm-sized silver particles, as well as vacuum evaporated silver flat film, were fabricated and compared to 300 nm-sized rutile-type TiO2 particulate reflector film to study their optical aspects. Conventional TiO2 rutile-type particulate film demonstrates slightly lower performance... 

Monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells are conventionally fabricated using carbon composite layer as the counter electrode. In the current research, the brittle carbon composite layer is replaced with a metal foil, aiming to decrease the device series resistance and using less catalyst material in counter electrode. This metallic structure has also an advantage of mechanical strength and decreases the fabrication complexity. The counter electrode is prepared by electrodepositing Cr film followed by electrodepositing Pt nanoparticles on a metal foil. As the porous spacer layer, different composite layers of SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 are investigated and the best results are obtained for TiO2...