Abstract: In this research, thorium dioxide mesoporous
nanocrystalline powder was synthesized through the sol-gel method
using hydrated thorium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide as starting
materials and Triton X100 as surfactant. ThO2 gel was characterized
by thermogravimetric (TGA), and prepared ThO2 powder was
subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction
(XRD), and Brunauer-Emett-Teller (BET) analyses studies. Detailed
analyses show that prepared powder consisted of phase with the
space group Fm3m of thoria and its crystalline size was 12.6 nm. The
thoria possesses 16.7 m2/g surface area and the pore volume and size
calculated to be 0.0423 cc/g and 1.947 nm, respectively.
Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems, mainly
small scale, are rapidly being deployed in Jordan. The impact of these
systems on the grid has not been studied or analyzed. These systems
can cause many technical problems such as reverse power flows and
voltage rises in distribution feeders, and real and reactive power
transients that affect the operation of the transmission system. To
fully understand and address these problems, extensive research,
simulation, and case studies are required. To this end, this paper
studies the cloud shadow effect on the power generation of a ground
mounted PV system installed at the test field of the Renewable
Energy Center at the Applied Science University.
Abstract: The paper presents an advanced control system for
tennis ball throwing machines to improve their accuracy according to
the ball impact points. A further advantage of the system is the much
easier calibration process involving the intelligent solution of the
automatic adjustment of the stroking parameters according to the ball
elasticity, the self-calibration, the use of the safety margin at very flat
strokes and the possibility to placing the machine to any position of
the half court. The system applies mathematical methods to
determine the exact ball trajectories and special approximating
processes to access all points on the aimed half court.
Abstract: The localization information is crucial for the
operation of WSN. There are principally two types of localization
algorithms. The Range-based localization algorithm has strict
requirements on hardware, thus is expensive to be implemented in
practice. The Range-free localization algorithm reduces the hardware
cost. However, it can only achieve high accuracy in ideal scenarios.
In this paper, we locate unknown nodes by incorporating the
advantages of these two types of methods. The proposed algorithm
makes the unknown nodes select the nearest anchor using the
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and choose two other
anchors which are the most accurate to achieve the estimated
location. Our algorithm improves the localization accuracy compared
with previous algorithms, which has been demonstrated by the
simulating results.
Abstract: In this article, a method is presented to effectively
estimate the deformed shape of a thick plate due to line heating. The
method uses a fifth order spline interpolation, with up to C3
continuity at specific points to compute the shape of the deformed
geometry. First and second order derivatives over a surface are the
resulting parameters of a given heating line on a plate. These
parameters are determined through experiments and/or finite element
simulations. Very accurate kriging models are fitted to real or virtual
surfaces to build-up a database of maps. Maps of first and second
order derivatives are then applied on numerical plate models to
evaluate their evolving shapes through a sequence of heating lines.
Adding an optimization process to this approach would allow
determining the trajectories of heating lines needed to shape complex
geometries, such as Francis turbine blades.
Abstract: The LSTF experiment simulating the SGTR accident at
the Mihama Unit-2 reactor is analyzed using the RELAP5/MOD3.3
code. In the accident, and thus in the experiment, the ECC water was
injected not only into the cold legs but into the upper plenum. Overall
transients during the experiment such as pressures and fluid
temperatures are simulated well by the code. The cold-leg fluid
temperatures are shown to decrease if the upper plenum injection
system is connected to the cold leg. It is found that the cold-leg fluid
temperatures also decrease if the upper-plenum injection is not used
and the cold-leg injection alone is actuated.
Abstract: In order to achieve high data rate and increase the
spectral efficiency, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system has
been proposed. However, multiple antennas are limited by size and
cost. Therefore, recently developed cooperative diversity scheme,
which profits the transmit diversity only with the existing hardware by
constituting a virtual antenna array, can be a solution. However, most
of the introduced cooperative techniques have a common fault of
decreased transmission rate because the destination should receive the
decodable compositions of symbols from the source and the relay. In
this paper, we propose a cooperative cyclic delay diversity (CDD)
scheme that use hierarchical modulation. This scheme is free from the
rate loss and allows seamless cooperative communication.
Abstract: The right to basic sanitation, was elevated to the
category of fundamental right by the Constitution of 1988 to protect
the ecologically balanced environment, ensuring social rights to
health and adequate housing and put the dignity of the human person
as the foundation of the Brazilian Democratic State. Before their
essentiality to humans, this article seeks to understand why universal
access to basic sanitation is a goal so difficult to achieve in Brazil.
Therefore, this research uses the deductive and analytical method.
Given the nature of the research literature, research techniques were
centered in specialized books on the subject, journals, theses and
dissertations, laws, relevant law case and raising social indicators
relating to the theme. The relevance of the topic stems, among other
things, the fact that sanitation services are essential for a dignified
life, i.e., everyone is entitled to the maintenance of the necessary
existence conditions are satisfied. However, the effectiveness of this
right is undermined in society, since Brazil has huge deficit in
sanitation services, denying thus a worthy life to most of the
population. Thus, it can be seen that the provision of water and
sewage services in Brazil is still characterized by a large imbalance,
since the municipalities with lower population index have greater
disability in the sanitation service. The truth is that the precariousness
of water and sewage services in Brazil is still very concentrated in the
North and Northeast regions, limiting the effective implementation of
the Law 11.445/2007 in the country. Therefore, there is urgent need
for a positive service by the State in the provision of sanitation
services in order to prevent and control disease, improve quality of
life and productivity of individuals, besides preventing contamination
of water resources. More than just social and economic necessity,
there is a government duty to implement such services. In this sense,
given the current scenario, to achieve universal access to basic
sanitation imposes many hurdles. These are mainly in the field of
properly formulated and implemented public policies, i.e., it requires
an excellent institutional organization, management services,
strategic planning, social control, in order to provide answers to
complex challenges.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the
effects of calving season on the production and economic efficiency
of dairy farms in Egypt. Our study was performed at dairy
production farms in the Alexandria, Behera, and Kafr El-Sheikh
provinces of Egypt from summer 2010 to winter 2013. The
randomly selected dairy farms had herds consisting of Baladi,
Holstein-Friesian, or cross-bred (Baladi × Holstein-Friesian) cows.
The data were collected from production records and responses to a
structured questionnaire. The average total return differed
significantly (P < 0.05) between the different cattle breeds and
calving seasons. The average total return was highest for the
Holstein- Friesian cows that calved in the winter (29106.42
EGP/cow/year), and it was lowest for Baladi cows that calved in the
summer (12489.79 EGP/cow/year). Differences in total returns
between the cows that calved in the winter or summer or between
the foreign and native breeds, as well as variations in calf prices,
might have contributed to the differences in milk yield. The average
net profit per cow differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the cattle
breeds and calving seasons. The average net profit values for the
Baladi cows that calved in the winter or summer were 2413 and
2994.96 EGP/cow/year, respectively, and those for the Holstein-
Friesian cows were 10744.17 and 7860.56 EGP/cow/year,
respectively, whereas those for the cross-bred cows were 10174.86
and 7571.33 EGP/cow/year, respectively. The variations in net profit
might have resulted from variation in the availability or price of feed
materials, milk prices, or sales volumes. Our results show that the
breed and calving season of dairy cows significantly affected the
economic efficiency of dairy farms in Egypt. The cows that calved
in the winter produced more milk than those that calved in the
summer, which may have been the result of seasonal influences,
such as temperature, humidity, management practices, and the type
of feed or green fodder available.
Abstract: The Multiple Intelligences theory characterizes human
intelligence as a multifaceted entity that exists in all human beings
with varying degrees. The most important contribution of this theory
to the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) is its role in
identifying individual differences and designing more learnercentered
programs. The present study aims at investigating the
relationship between different elements of multiple intelligence and
grammar scores. To this end, 63 female Iranian EFL learner selected
from among intermediate students participated in the study. The
instruments employed were a Nelson English language test, Michigan
Grammar Test, and Teele Inventory for Multiple Intelligences
(TIMI). The results of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation revealed
a significant positive correlation between grammatical accuracy and
linguistic as well as interpersonal intelligence. The results of
Stepwise Multiple Regression indicated that linguistic intelligence
contributed to the prediction of grammatical accuracy.
Abstract: Below-knee amputees commonly experience
asymmetrical gait patterns. It is generally believed that ischemia is
related to the formation of pressure sores due to uneven distribution
of forces. Micro-vascular responses can reveal local malnutrition.
Changes in local skin blood supply under various external loading
conditions have been studied for a number of years. Radionuclide
clearance, photo-plethysmography, trans-cutaneous oxygen tension
along with other studies showed that the blood supply would be
influenced by the epidermal forces, and the rate and the amount of
blood supply would decrease with increased epidermal loads being
shear forces or normal forces. Several cases of socket designs were
investigated using Finite Element Model (FEM) and Design of
Experiment (DOE) to increase flexibility and minimize the pressure
at the limb/socket interface using ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) or Duraform. The
pressure reliefs at designated areas where reducing thickness is
involved are seen to be critical in determination of amputees’ comfort
and are very important to clinical applications. Implementing a hole
between the Patellar Tendon (PT) and Distal Tibia (DT) would
decrease stiffness and increase prosthesis range of motion where
flexibility is needed. In addition, displacement and prosthetic energy
storage increased without compromising mechanical efficiency and
prosthetic design integrity.
Abstract: The present work is aimed at examining carbon steel
oil pipelines corrosion using three natural extracts (Eruca Sativa,
Rosell and Mango peels) that are used as inhibitors of different
concentrations ranging from 0.05-0.1wt. %. Two sulphur compounds
are used as corrosion mediums. Weight loss method was used for
measuring the corrosion rate of the carbon steel specimens immersed
in technical white oil at 100ºC at various time intervals in absence
and presence of the two sulphur compounds. The corroded specimens
are examined using the chemical wear test, scratch test and hardness
test. The scratch test is carried out using scratch loads from 0.5 Kg to
2.0 Kg. The scratch width is obtained at various scratch load and test
conditions. The Brinell hardness test is carried out and investigated
for both corroded and inhibited specimens. The results showed that
three natural extracts can be used as environmentally friendly
corrosion inhibitors.
Abstract: The aim of study was to analyze the functioning the
new model of criminal corporate responsibility in Poland. The need
to introduce into the Polish legal system liability of corporate
(collective entities) has resulted, among others, from the Polish
Republic's international commitments, in particular related to
membership in the European Union. The study showed that responsibility of collective entities under
the Act has a criminal nature. The main question concerns the ability
of the collective entity to be brought to guilt under criminal law
sense. Polish criminal law knows only the responsibility of individual
persons. So far, guilt as a personal feature of action, based on the
ability of the offender to feel in his psyche, could be considered only
in relation to the individual person, while the said Act destroyed this
conviction. Guilt of collective entity must be proven under at least
one of the three possible forms: the guilt in the selection or
supervision and so called organizational guilt. In addition, research in
article has resolved the issue how the principle of proportionality in
relation to criminal measures in response of collective entities should
be considered. It should be remembered that the legal subjectivity of
collective entities, including their rights and freedoms, is an
emanation of the rights and freedoms of individual persons which
create collective entities and through these entities implement their
rights and freedoms. The whole study was proved that the adopted Act largely reflects
the international legal regulations but also contains the unknown and
original legislative solutions.
Abstract: As smartphones are equipped with various sensors,
there have been many studies focused on using these sensors to create
valuable applications. Human activity recognition is one such
application motivated by various welfare applications, such as the
support for the elderly, measurement of calorie consumption, lifestyle
and exercise patterns analyses, and so on. One of the challenges one
faces when using smartphone sensors for activity recognition is that
the number of sensors should be minimized to save battery power. In
this paper, we show that a fairly accurate classifier can be built that
can distinguish ten different activities by using only a single sensor
data, i.e., the smartphone accelerometer data. The approach that we
adopt to deal with this twelve-class problem uses various methods.
The features used for classifying these activities include not only the
magnitude of acceleration vector at each time point, but also the
maximum, the minimum, and the standard deviation of vector
magnitude within a time window. The experiments compared the
performance of four kinds of basic multi-class classifiers and the
performance of four kinds of ensemble learning methods based on
three kinds of basic multi-class classifiers. The results show that
while the method with the highest accuracy is ECOC based on
Random forest.
Abstract: This paper treats different aspects of entropy measure
in classical information theory and statistical quantum mechanics, it
presents the possibility of extending the definition of Von Neumann
entropy to image and array processing. In the first part, we generalize
the quantum entropy using singular values of arbitrary rectangular
matrices to measure the randomness and the quality of denoising
operation, this new definition of entropy can be implemented to
compare the performance analysis of filtering methods. In the second
part, we apply the concept of pure state in quantum formalism
to generalize the maximum entropy method for narrowband and
farfield source localization problem. Several computer simulation
results are illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
techniques.
Abstract: In this paper, monitoring and control of tap changer
mechanism of a transformer implementation in an Intelligent
Electronic Device (IED) is discussed. It has been a custom for
decades to provide a separate panel for on load tap changer control
for monitoring the tap position. However, this facility cannot either
record or transfer the information to remote control centers. As there
is a technology shift towards the smart grid protection and control
standards, the need for implementing remote control and monitoring
has necessitated the implementation of this feature in numerical
relays. This paper deals with the programming, settings and logic
implementation which is applicable to both IEC 61850 compatible
and non-compatible IEDs thereby eliminating the need for separate
tap changer control equipment. The monitoring mechanism has been
implemented in a 28MVA, 110 /6.9kV transformer with 16 tap
position with GE make T60 IED at Ultratech cement limited
Gulbarga, Karnataka and is in successful service.
Abstract: Useful lifetime evaluation of chevron rubber spring
was very important in design procedure to assure the safety and
reliability. It is, therefore, necessary to establish a suitable criterion
for the replacement period of chevron rubber spring. In this study, we
performed characteristic analysis and useful lifetime prediction of
chevron rubber spring. Rubber material coefficient was obtained by
curve fittings of uniaxial tension equibiaxial tension and pure shear
test. Computer simulation was executed to predict and evaluate the
load capacity and stiffness for chevron rubber spring. In order to
useful lifetime prediction of rubber material, we carried out the
compression set with heat aging test in an oven at the temperature
ranging from 50°C to 100°C during a period 180 days. By using the
Arrhenius plot, several useful lifetime prediction equations for rubber
material was proposed.
Abstract: By enhancing the applicatıon of grounds for
establishment and due to the lack of appropriate sites, engineers
attempt to seek out a new method to reduce the weakness of soils. İn
aspect of economic situation, various ways have been used to
decrease the weak grounds. Because of the rapid development of
infrastructural facilities, spreading the construction operation is an
obligation. Furthermore, in various sites with the really bad soil
situation, engineers have considered obvious problems. One of the
most essential ways for developing the weak soils is stone column.
Obviously, the method was introduced in France in 1830 to improve
a native soil initially. Stone columns have an expanding range of
usage in different rough foundation sites all over the world to
increase the bearing capacity, to reduce the whole and differential
settlements, to enhance the rate of consolidation, to stabilize slopes
stability of embankments and to increase the liquefaction resistance
as well. A recent procedure called installing vertical nails along the
round stone columns in order to make better the performance of
considered columns is offered. Moreover, thanks to the enhancing the
nail diameter, number and embedment nail depth, the positive points
of vertical circumferential nails increases. Based on the result of this
study, load caring capacity will be develop with enhancing the length
and the power of reinforcements in vertical encasement stone column
(CESC). In this study, the main purpose is comparing two methods of
stone columns (installed a nail surrounding the stone columns and
using geogrid on clay) for enhancing the bearing capacity, decreasing
the whole and various settlements.
Abstract: This paper presents a fully Lagrangian coupled
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) solver for simulations of
fluid-structure interactions, which is based on the Moving Particle
Semi-implicit (MPS) method to solve the governing equations
corresponding to incompressible flows as well as elastic structures.
The developed solver is verified by reproducing the high velocity
impact loads of deformable thin wedges with three different materials
such as mild steel, aluminium and tin during water entry. The present
simulation results for aluminium are compared with analytical solution
derived from the hydrodynamic Wagner model and linear Wan’s
theory. And also, the impact pressure and strain on the water entry
wedge with three different materials, such as mild steel, aluminium
and tin, are simulated and the effects of hydro-elasticity are discussed.
Abstract: This work is on decision tree-based classification for
the disbursement of scholarship. Tree-based data mining
classification technique is used in other to determine the generic rule
to be used to disburse the scholarship. The system based on the
defined rules from the tree is able to determine the class (status) to
which an applicant shall belong whether Granted or Not Granted. The
applicants that fall to the class of granted denote a successful
acquirement of scholarship while those in not granted class are
unsuccessful in the scheme. An algorithm that can be used to classify
the applicants based on the rules from tree-based classification was
also developed. The tree-based classification is adopted because of its
efficiency, effectiveness, and easy to comprehend features. The
system was tested with the data of National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA) Abuja, a Parastatal of Federal
Ministry of Communication Technology that is mandated to develop
and regulate information technology in Nigeria. The system was
found working according to the specification. It is therefore
recommended for all scholarship disbursement organizations.