Abstract: The design of high pressure water jet based polishing
equipment and its fabrication conducted in this study is reported
herein, together with some preliminary test results for assessing its
applicability for HMA surface polishing. This study also provides
preliminary findings concerning the test variables, such as the
rotational speed, the water jet pressure, the abrasive agent used, and
the impact angel that were experimentally investigated in this study. The preliminary findings based on four trial tests (two on large
slab specimens and two on small size gyratory compacted
specimens), however, indicate that both friction and texture values
tend to increase with the polishing durations for two combinations of
pressure and rotation speed of the rotary deck. It seems that the more
polishing action the specimen is subjected to; the aggregate edges are
created such that the surface texture values are increased with the
accompanied increase in friction values. It may be of interest (but
which is outside the scope of this study) to investigate if the similar
trend exist for HMA prepared with aggregate source that is sand and
gravel.
Abstract: This paper will seek to clarify important key terms
such as home schooling and home education as well as the legalities
attached to such terms. It will reflect on the recent proposed changes
to terminology in NSW, Australia. The various pedagogical
approaches to home education will be explored including their
prominence in the Australian context. There is a strong focus on
literature from Australia. The historical background of home
education in Australia will be explained as well as the difference
between distance education and home education. The future of home
education in Australia will be discussed.
Abstract: The economic use and ease of construction of profiled
deck composite slab is marred with the complex and un-economic
strength verification required for the serviceability and general safety
considerations. Beside these, albeit factors such as shear span length,
deck geometries and mechanical frictions greatly influence the
longitudinal shear strength, that determines the ultimate strength of
profiled deck composite slab, and number of methods available for its
determination; partial shear and slope-intercept are the two methods
according to Euro-code 4 provision. However, the complexity
associated with shear behavior of profiled deck composite slab, the
use of these methods in determining the load carrying capacities of
such slab yields different and conflicting values. This couple with the
time and cost constraint associated with the strength verification is a
source of concern that draws more attentions nowadays, the issue is
critical. Treating some of these known shear strength influencing
factors as random variables, the load carrying capacity violation of
profiled deck composite slab from the use of the two-methods
defined according to Euro-code 4 are determined using reliability
approach, and comparatively studied. The study reveals safety values
from the use of m-k method shows good standing compared with that
from the partial shear method.
Abstract: Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) is a measure for
evaluating street conditions for cyclists. Currently, various methods
are proposed for BLOS. These analytical methods however have
some drawbacks: they usually assume cyclists as users that can share
street facilities with motorized vehicles, it is not easy to link them to
design process and they are not easy to follow. In addition, they only
support a narrow range of cycling facilities and may not be applicable
for all situations. Along this, the current paper introduces various
effective design factors for bicycle-friendly streets. This study
considers cyclists as users of streets who have special needs and
facilities. Therefore, the key factors that influence BLOS based on
different cycling facilities that are proposed by developed guidelines
and literature are identified. The combination of these factors
presents a complete set of effective design factors for bicycle-friendly
streets. In addition, the weight of each factor in existing BLOS
models is estimated and these effective factors are ranked based on
these weights. These factors and their weights can be used in further
studies to propose special bicycle-friendly street design model.
Abstract: Processing of Al-19.4Si alloy by high intensive
electron beam has been carried out and multiple increases in fatigue
life of the material have been revealed. Investigations of structure and
surface modified layer destruction of Al-19.4Si alloy subjected to
multicycle fatigue tests to fracture have been carried out by methods
of scanning electron microscopy. The factors responsible for the
increase of fatigue life of Al-19.4Si alloy have been revealed and
analyzed.
Abstract: EEG correlates of mathematical and trait anxiety level
were studied in 52 healthy Russian-speakers during execution of
error-recognition tasks with lexical, arithmetic and algebraic
conditions. Event-related spectral perturbations were used as a
measure of brain activity. The ERSP plots revealed alpha/beta
desynchronizations within a 500-3000 ms interval after task onset
and slow-wave synchronization within an interval of 150-350 ms.
Amplitudes of these intervals reflected the accuracy of error
recognition, and were differently associated with the three conditions.
The correlates of anxiety were found in theta (4-8 Hz) and beta2 (16-
20 Hz) frequency bands. In theta band the effects of mathematical
anxiety were stronger expressed in lexical, than in arithmetic and
algebraic condition. The mathematical anxiety effects in theta band
were associated with differences between anterior and posterior
cortical areas, whereas the effects of trait anxiety were associated
with inter-hemispherical differences. In beta1 and beta2 bands effects
of trait and mathematical anxiety were directed oppositely. The trait
anxiety was associated with increase of amplitude of
desynchronization, whereas the mathematical anxiety was associated
with decrease of this amplitude. The effect of mathematical anxiety
in beta2 band was insignificant for lexical condition but was the
strongest in algebraic condition. EEG correlates of anxiety in theta
band could be interpreted as indexes of task emotionality, whereas
the reaction in beta2 band is related to tension of intellectual
resources.
Abstract: Aurèsregion is one of the arid and semi-arid areas that
have suffered climate crises and overexploitation of natural resources
they have led to significant land degradation. The use of remote sensing data allowed us to analyze the land and
its spatiotemporal changes in the Aurès between 1987 and 2013, for
this work, we adopted a method of analysis based on the exploitation
of the images satellite Landsat TM 1987 and Landsat OLI 2013, from
the supervised classification likelihood coupled with field surveys of
the mission of May and September of 2013. Using ENVI EX software by the superposition of the ground cover
maps from 1987 and 2013, one can extract a spatial map change of
different land cover units. The results show that between 1987 and
2013 vegetation has suffered negative changes are the significant
degradation of forests and steppe rangelands, and sandy soils and
bare land recorded a considerable increase. The spatial change map land cover units between 1987 and 2013
allows us to understand the extensive or regressive orientation of
vegetation and soil, this map shows that dense forests give his place
to clear forests and steppe vegetation develops from a degraded forest
vegetation and bare, sandy soils earn big steppe surfaces that explain
its remarkable extension.
The analysis of remote sensing data highlights the profound
changes in our environment over time and quantitative monitoring of
the risk of desertification.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a four-step ortho-rectification
procedure for real-time geo-referencing of video data from a low-cost
UAV equipped with a multi-sensor system. The basic procedures for
the real-time ortho-rectification are: (1) decompilation of the video
stream into individual frames; (2) establishing the interior camera
orientation parameters; (3) determining the relative orientation
parameters for each video frame with respect to each other; (4)
finding the absolute orientation parameters, using a self-calibration
bundle and adjustment with the aid of a mathematical model. Each
ortho-rectified video frame is then mosaicked together to produce a
mosaic image of the test area, which is then merged with a well
referenced existing digital map for the purpose of geo-referencing
and aerial surveillance. A test field located in Abuja, Nigeria was
used to evaluate our method. Video and telemetry data were collected
for about fifteen minutes, and they were processed using the four-step
ortho-rectification procedure. The results demonstrated that the
geometric measurement of the control field from ortho-images is
more accurate when compared with those from original perspective
images when used to pin point the exact location of targets on the
video imagery acquired by the UAV. The 2-D planimetric accuracy
when compared with the 6 control points measured by a GPS receiver
is between 3 to 5 metres.
Abstract: In this paper air quality conditions in Makkah and
Leeds are compared. These two cities have totally different climatic
conditions. Makkah climate is characterised as hot and dry (arid)
whereas that of Leeds is characterised as cold and wet (temperate).
This study uses air quality data from 2012 collected in Makkah,
Saudi Arabia and Leeds, UK. The concentrations of all pollutants,
except NO are higher in Makkah. Most notable, the concentrations of
PM10 are much higher in Makkah than in Leeds. This is probably due
to the arid nature of climatic conditions in Makkah and not solely due
to anthropogenic emission sources, otherwise like PM10 some of the
other pollutants, such as CO, NO, and SO2 would have shown much
greater difference between Leeds and Makkah. Correlation analysis is
performed between different pollutants at the same site and the same
pollutants at different sites. In Leeds the correlation between PM10
and other pollutants is significantly stronger than in Makkah. Weaker
correlation in Makkah is probably due to the fact that in Makkah
most of the gaseous pollutants are emitted by combustion processes,
whereas most of the PM10 is generated by other sources, such as
windblown dust, re-suspension, and construction activities. This is in
contrast to Leeds where all pollutants including PM10 are
predominantly emitted by combustions, such as road traffic.
Furthermore, in Leeds frequent rains wash out most of the
atmospheric particulate matter and suppress re-suspension of dust.
Temporal trends of various pollutants are compared and discussed.
This study emphasises the role of climatic conditions in managing air
quality, and hence the need for region-specific controlling strategies
according to the local climatic and meteorological conditions.
Abstract: Present work deals with the possible use of fertigation
in agriculture and its impact on the availability of mineral nitrogen
(Nmin) in topsoil and subsoil horizons. The aim of the present study is
to demonstrate the effect of the organic matter presence in fertigation
on microbial transformation and availability of mineral nitrogen
forms. The main investigation reason is the potential use of pretreated
waste water, as a source of organic carbon (Corg) and residual
nutrients (Nmin) for fertigation. Laboratory experiment has been
conducted to demonstrate the effect of the arable land fertilization
method on the Nmin availability in different depths of the soil with
the usage of model experimental containers filled with soil from
topsoil and podsoil horizons that were taken from the precise area.
Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) has been chosen as a
model plant. The water source protection zone Brezova nad Svitavou
has been a research area where significant underground reservoirs of
drinking water of the highest quality are located. From the second
half of the last century local sources of drinking water show
nitrogenous compounds increase that get here almost only from
arable lands. Therefore, an attention of the following text focuses on
the fate of mineral nitrogen in the complex plant-soil. Research
results show that the fertigation application with Corg in a
combination with mineral fertilizer can reduce the amount of Nmin
leached from topsoil horizon of agricultural soils. In addition, some
plants biomass production reduces may occur.
Abstract: In recent decades, particulate matter (PM10) have
received much attention due to its potential adverse health impact and
the subsequent need to better control or regulate these pollutants.
The aim of this paper is focused on study risk assessment of PM10
in four different districts (Shebikah, Masfalah, Aziziyah, Awali) in
Makkah, Saudi Arabia during the period from 1 Ramadan 1434 AH -
27 Safar 1435 AH. Samples were collected by using Low Volume
Sampler (LVS Low Volume Sampler) device and filtration method
for estimating the total concentration of PM10.
The study indicated that the mean PM10 concentrations were 254.6
(186.1 - 343.2) μg/m3 in Shebikah, 184.9 (145.6 - 271.4) μg/m3 in
Masfalah, 162.4 (92.4-253.8) μg/m3 in Aziziyah, and 56.0 (44.5 -
119.8) μg/m3 in Awali. These values did not exceed the permissible
limits in PME (340 μg/m3 as daily average). Furthermore, health
assessment is carried out using AirQ2.2.3 model to estimate the
number of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. The
cumulative number of cases per 100,000 were 1534 (18-3050 case),
which lower than that recorded in the United States, Malaysia. The
concentration response coefficient was 0.49 (95% CI 0.05 - 0.70) per
10 μg/m3 increase of PM10.
Abstract: Contemporary theories of sustainability, concerning
the natural and built environment, have recently introduced an
environmental attitude towards the architectural design that, in turn,
affects the practice of conservation and reuse of the existing building
stock. This paper presents an environmentally friendly approach
towards the conservation of vernacular architecture and it is based on
the results of a research program which involved the investigation of
sustainable design elements of traditional buildings in Cyprus. The
research in question showed that Cypriot vernacular architecture gave
more emphasis on cooling rather than heating strategies. Another
notable finding of the investigation was the great importance given to
courtyards as they enhance considerably, and in various ways, the
microclimatic conditions of the immediate environment with
favorable results throughout the year. Moreover, it was shown that
the reduction in temperature fluctuation observed in the closed and
semi-open spaces, compared to the respective temperature fluctuation
of the external environment -due to the thermal inertia of the building
envelope- helps towards the achievement of more comfortable living
conditions within traditional dwellings. This paper concludes with a
proposal of a sustainable approach towards the conservation of the
existing environment and the introduction of new environmental
criteria for the conservation of traditional buildings, beyond the
aesthetic, morphological and structural ones that are generally
applied.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to assess the
seasonal variation of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
(PAH) concentrations associated with PM10 in an urban site of Győr,
Hungary. A total of 112 PM10 aerosol samples were collected in the
years of 2012 and 2013 and analyzed for PAHs by gas
chromatography method. The total PAH concentrations (sum of the
concentrations of 19 individual PAH compounds) ranged from 0.19
to 70.16 ng/m3 with the mean value of 12.29 ng/m3. Higher
concentrations of both total PAHs and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were
detected in samples collected in the heating seasons. Using BaPequivalent
potency index on the carcinogenic PAH concentration
data, the local population appears to be exposed to significantly
higher cancer risk in the heating seasons. However, the comparison
of the BaP and total PAH concentrations observed for Győr with
other cities it was found that the PAH levels in Győr generally
corresponded to the EU average.
Abstract: Since 1920, the industry has almost completely
changed the rivets production techniques for the manufacture of
permanent welding join production of structures and manufacture of
other products. The welding arc is the process more widely used in
industries. This is accomplished by the heat of an electric arc which
melts the base metal while the molten metal droplets are transferred
through the arc to the welding pool, protected from the atmosphere
by a gas curtain. The GMAW (Gas metal arc welding) process is
influenced by variables such as: current, polarity, welding speed,
electrode: extension, position, moving direction; type of joint,
welder's ability, among others. It is remarkable that the knowledge
and control of these variables are essential for obtaining satisfactory
quality welds, knowing that are interconnected so that changes in one
of them requiring changes in one or more of the other to produce the
desired results. The optimum values are affected by the type of base
metal, the electrode composition, the welding position and the quality
requirements. Thus, this paper proposes a new methodology, adding
the variable vibration through a mechanism developed for GMAW
welding, in order to improve the mechanical and metallurgical
properties which does not affect the ability of the welder and enables
repeatability of the welds made. For confirmation metallographic
analysis and mechanical tests were made.
Abstract: Effect of sprue/metal head height on mould filling,
microstructure and mechanical properties of TWDI casting is studied.
Results show that metal/sprue height of 50 mm is not sufficient to
push the melt through the gating channel, but as it is increased from
100-350 mm, proper mould filling is achieved. However at higher
heights between 200 mm and 350 mm, defects associated with
incomplete solidification, carbide precipitation and turbulent flow are
evident. This research shows that superior UTS, hardness, nodularity
and nodule count are obtained at 100 mm sprue height.
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of the lead angle
and chip thickness variation on surface roughness during the
machining of compacted graphite iron using ceramic cutting tools
under dry cutting conditions. Analytical models were developed for
predicting the surface roughness values of the specimens after the
face milling process. Experimental data was collected and imported
to the artificial neural network model. A multilayer perceptron model
was used with the back propagation algorithm employing the input
parameters of lead angle, cutting speed and feed rate in connection
with chip thickness. Furthermore, analysis of variance was employed
to determine the effects of the cutting parameters on surface
roughness. Artificial neural network and regression analysis were
used to predict surface roughness. The values thus predicted were
compared with the collected experimental data, and the
corresponding percentage error was computed. Analysis results
revealed that the lead angle is the dominant factor affecting surface
roughness. Experimental results indicated an improvement in the
surface roughness value with decreasing lead angle value from 88° to
45°.
Abstract: In this study, the feasibility of incorporating ceramic
waste from bricks (perforated brick and double hollow brick) and
extruded polystyrene (XPS) waste, is analysed.
Results show that it is possible to incorporate up to 25% of
ceramic waste and 4% of XPS waste over the weight of gypsum in a
gypsum matrix. Furthermore, with the addition of ceramic waste an
8% of surface hardness increase and a 25% of capillary water
absorption reduction can be obtained. On the other hand, with the
addition of XPS, a 26% reduction of density and a 37% improvement
of thermal conductivity can be obtained.
The obtained results are favorable to use these materials in order to
produce prefabricated gypsum and also as material for interior
cladding walls.
Abstract: Native American communities are struggling with unemployment and depressed economies. A major cause is a lack of business knowledge, education, and cultural desire. And yet, in the history of the American West, Native Americans were considered the best traders and negotiators for everything from furs to weapons to buffalo. To improve these economies, there has been an effort to reintroduce that heritage to todays and tomorrows generation of tribal members, such Crow, Cheyenne, and Blackfeet. Professors at the College of Business Montana State University-Billings (MSUB) teach tribal students in Montana to create business plans. These plans have won national small business plan competitions. The teaching and advising method used at MSUB is uniquely successful as theses business students are now five time national champions. This article reviews the environment and the method of learning to achieve a winning small business plan with Native American students. It discusses the five plans that became national champions. And it discusses the problems and solutions discovered in the process of achieving results. Students who participated in this endeavor have graduated and become CPAs, MBAs, and gainfully employed in their chosen professions. They have also worked to improve the economies of their native lands and homes. By educating members of these communities with business strategy and plan development, they are better able to impact their own economies.
Abstract: Currently, continuous two-phase decanter process
used for olive oil production is the more internationally widespread.
The wastewaters generated from this industry (OMW) are a real
environmental problem because of its high organic load. Among
proposed treatments for these wastewaters, advanced oxidation
technologies (Fenton, ozone, photoFenton, etc.) are the most
favourable. The direct application of these processes is somewhat
expensive. Therefore, the application of a previous stage based on a
flocculation-sedimentation operation is of high importance. In this
research five commercial flocculants (three cationic, and two anionic)
have been used to achieve the separation of phases (liquid clarifiedsludge).
For each flocculant, different concentrations (0-1000 mg/L)
have been studied. In these experiments, sludge volume formed and
the final water quality were determined. The final removal
percentages of total phenols (11.3-25.1%), COD (5.6-20.4%), total
carbon (2.3-26.5%), total organic carbon (1.50-23.8%), total nitrogen
(1.45-24.8%), and turbidity (27.9-61.4%) were determined. The
variation on electric conductivity reduction percentage (1-8%) was
also determined. Finally, the best flocculants with highest removal
percentages have been determined (QG2001 and Flocudex CS49).
Abstract: This paper aims to study the effect of cold work
condition on the microstructure of Cu-1.5wt%Ti, and Cu-3.5wt%Ti
and hence mechanical properties. The samples under investigation
were machined, and solution heat treated. X-ray diffraction technique
is used to identify the different phases present after cold deformation
by compression and also different heat treatment and also measuring
the relative quantities of phases present. The metallographic
examination is used to study the microstructure of the samples. The
hardness measurements were used to indicate the change in
mechanical properties. The results are compared with the mechanical
properties obtained by previous workers. Experiments on cold
compression followed by aging of Cu-Ti alloys have indicated that
the most efficient hardening of the material results from continuous
precipitation of very fine particles within the matrix. These particles
were reported to be β`-type, Cu4Ti phase. The β`-β transformation
and particles coarsening within the matrix as well as long grain
boundaries were responsible for the overaging of Cu-1.5wt%Ti and
Cu-3.5wt%Ti alloys. It is well known that plate-like particles are β –
type, Cu3Ti phase. Discontinuous precipitation was found to start at
the grain boundaries and expand into grain interior. At the higher
aging temperature, a classic Widmanstätten morphology forms giving
rise to a coarse microstructure comprised of α and the equilibrium
phase β. Those results were confirmed by X-ray analysis, which
found that a few percent of Cu3Ti, β precipitates are formed during
aging at high temperature for long time for both Cu- Ti alloys (i.e.
Cu-1.5wt%Ti and Cu-3.5wt%Ti).