Abstract: This paper deals with behavior and capacity of
punching shear force for flat slabs produced from steel fiber
reinforced self compacting concrete (SFRSCC) by application
nonlinear finite element method. Nonlinear finite element analysis on
nine slab specimens was achieved by using ANSYS software. A
general description of the finite element method, theoretical modeling
of concrete and reinforcement are presented. The nonlinear finite
element analysis program ANSYS is utilized owing to its capabilities
to predict either the response of reinforced concrete slabs in the post
elastic range or the ultimate strength of a flat slabs produced from
steel fiber reinforced self compacting concrete (SFRSCC). In order to
verify the analytical model used in this research using test results of
the experimental data, the finite element analysis were performed
then a parametric study of the effect ratio of flexural reinforcement,
ratio of the upper reinforcement, and volume fraction of steel fibers
were investigated. A comparison between the experimental results
and those predicted by the existing models are presented. Results and
conclusions may be useful for designers, have been raised, and
represented.
Abstract: This study defines a methodology to compute unitary costs for freight transportation modes. The main objective was to gather relevant costs data to support the formulation and evaluation of railway, road, pipelines and port projects. This article will concentrate on the following steps: Compilation and analysis of relevant modal cost studies, Methodological adjustments to make cost figures comparable between studies, Definition of typology and scope of transportation modes, Analysis and validation of cost values for relevant freight transportation modes in Chile. In order to define the comparison methodology for the costs between the different transportation modes, it was necessary to consider that the relevant cost depends on who performs the comparison. Thus, for the transportation user (e.g. exporter) the pertinent costs are the mode tariffs, whereas from the operators perspective (e.g. rail manager), the pertinent costs are the operating costs of each mode.
Abstract: In this paper we present a novel method, which
reduces the computational complexity of abrupt cut detection. We
have proposed fast algorithm, where the similarity of frames within
defined step is evaluated instead of comparing successive frames.
Based on the results of simulation on large video collection, the
proposed fast algorithm is able to achieve 80% reduction of needed
frames comparisons compared to actually used methods without the
shot cut detection accuracy degradation.
Abstract: The paper compares different channel models used for
modeling Broadband Power-Line Communication (BPLC) system.
The models compared are Zimmermann and Dostert, Philipps,
Anatory et al and Anatory et al generalized Transmission Line (TL)
model. The validity of each model was compared in time domain
with ATP-EMTP software which uses transmission line approach. It
is found that for a power-line network with minimum number of
branches all the models give similar signal/pulse time responses
compared with ATP-EMTP software; however, Zimmermann and
Dostert model indicates the same amplitude but different time delay.
It is observed that when the numbers of branches are increased only
generalized TL theory approach results are comparable with ATPEMTP
results. Also the Multi-Carrier Spread Spectrum (MC-SS)
system was applied to check the implication of such behavior on the
modulation schemes. It is observed that using Philipps on the
underground cable can predict the performance up to 25dB better
than other channel models which can misread the actual performance
of the system. Also modified Zimmermann and Dostert under
multipath can predict a better performance of about 5dB better than
the actual predicted by Generalized TL theory. It is therefore
suggested for a realistic BPLC system design and analyses the model
based on generalized TL theory be used.
Abstract: The paper reflects current state of popularization of
static elasticity modulus of concrete. This parameter is undoubtedly
very important for designing of concrete structures, and very often
neglected and rarely determined before designing concrete
technology itself. The paper describes assessment and comparison of
four mix designs with almost constant dosage of individual
components. The only difference is area of origin of small size
fraction of aggregate 0/4. Development of compressive strength and
static elasticity modulus at the age of 7, 28 and 180 days were
observed. As the experiment showed, designing of individual
components and their quality are the basic factor influencing
elasticity modulus of current concrete.
Abstract: Fertilization plays an important role in crop growth and soil improvement. This study was conducted to determine the best fertilization system for wheat production. Experiments were arranged in a complete block design with three replications in two years. Main plots consisted of six methods of fertilization including (N1): farmyard manure; (N2): compost; (N3): chemical fertilizers; (N4): farmyard manure + compost; (N5): farmyard manure + compost + chemical fertilizers and (N6): control were arranged in sub plots. The addition of compost or farm yard manure significantly increased the soil microbial biomass carbon in comparison to the chemical fertilizer. The dehydrogenase, phosphatase and urease activities in the N3 treatment were significantly lower than in the farm yard manure and compost treatments.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper isunavailability of the two main types of conveSwedish traction power supply (TPS) system, i.e.static converter. The number of outages and the ouused to analyze and compare the unavailability oconverters. The mean cumulative function (MCF)analyze the number of outages and the unavailabthe forced outage rate (FOR) concept has been uoutage rates. The study shows that the outagesfailure occur at a constant rate by calendar timconverter stations, while very few stations havedecreasing rate. It has also been found that the stata higher number of outages and a higher outage ratcompared to the rotary converter types. The resultsthat combining the number of outages and the fgives a better view of the converters performasupport for the maintenance decision. In fact, usingdoes not reflect reality. Comparing these two indein identifying the areas where extra resources are maintenance planning and where improvementsoutage in the TPS system.KeywordsFrequency Converter, Forced OuCumulative Function, Traction Power Supply, ESystems.
Abstract: In this paper, to optimize the “Characteristic Straight Line Method" which is used in the soil displacement analysis, a “best estimate" of the geodetic leveling observations has been achieved by taking in account the concept of 'Height systems'. This concept has been discussed in detail and consequently the concept of “height". In landslides dynamic analysis, the soil is considered as a mosaic of rigid blocks. The soil displacement has been monitored and analyzed by using the “Characteristic Straight Line Method". Its characteristic components have been defined constructed from a “best estimate" of the topometric observations. In the measurement of elevation differences, we have used the most modern leveling equipment available. Observational procedures have also been designed to provide the most effective method to acquire data. In addition systematic errors which cannot be sufficiently controlled by instrumentation or observational techniques are minimized by applying appropriate corrections to the observed data: the level collimation correction minimizes the error caused by nonhorizontality of the leveling instrument's line of sight for unequal sight lengths, the refraction correction is modeled to minimize the refraction error caused by temperature (density) variation of air strata, the rod temperature correction accounts for variation in the length of the leveling rod' s Invar/LO-VAR® strip which results from temperature changes, the rod scale correction ensures a uniform scale which conforms to the international length standard and the introduction of the concept of the 'Height systems' where all types of height (orthometric, dynamic, normal, gravity correction, and equipotential surface) have been investigated. The “Characteristic Straight Line Method" is slightly more convenient than the “Characteristic Circle Method". It permits to evaluate a displacement of very small magnitude even when the displacement is of an infinitesimal quantity. The inclination of the landslide is given by the inverse of the distance reference point O to the “Characteristic Straight Line". Its direction is given by the bearing of the normal directed from point O to the Characteristic Straight Line (Fig..6). A “best estimate" of the topometric observations was used to measure the elevation of points carefully selected, before and after the deformation. Gross errors have been eliminated by statistical analyses and by comparing the heights within local neighborhoods. The results of a test using an area where very interesting land surface deformation occurs are reported. Monitoring with different options and qualitative comparison of results based on a sufficient number of check points are presented.
Abstract: In research on natural ventilation, and passive cooling
with forced convection, is essential to know how heat flows in a solid
object and the pattern of temperature distribution on their surfaces,
and eventually how air flows through and convects heat from the
surfaces of steel under roof. This paper presents some results from
running the computational fluid dynamic program (CFD) by
comparison between natural ventilation and forced convection within
roof attic that is received directly from solar radiation. The CFD
program for modeling air flow inside roof attic has been modified to
allow as two cases. First case, the analysis under natural ventilation,
is closed area in roof attic and second case, the analysis under forced
convection, is opened area in roof attic. These extend of all cases to
available predictions of variations such as temperature, pressure, and
mass flow rate distributions in each case within roof attic. The
comparison shows that this CFD program is an effective model for
predicting air flow of temperature and heat transfer coefficient
distribution within roof attic. The result shows that forced convection
can help to reduce heat transfer through roof attic and an around area
of steel core has temperature inner zone lower than natural
ventilation type. The different temperature on the steel core of roof
attic of two cases was 10-15 oK.
Abstract: The social force model which belongs to the
microscopic pedestrian studies has been considered as the supremacy
by many researchers and due to the main feature of reproducing the
self-organized phenomena resulted from pedestrian dynamic. The
Preferred Force which is a measurement of pedestrian-s motivation to
adapt his actual velocity to his desired velocity is an essential term on
which the model was set up. This Force has gone through stages of
development: first of all, Helbing and Molnar (1995) have modeled
the original force for the normal situation. Second, Helbing and his
co-workers (2000) have incorporated the panic situation into this
force by incorporating the panic parameter to account for the panic
situations. Third, Lakoba and Kaup (2005) have provided the
pedestrians some kind of intelligence by incorporating aspects of the
decision-making capability. In this paper, the authors analyze the
most important incorporations into the model regarding the preferred
force. They make comparisons between the different factors of these
incorporations. Furthermore, to enhance the decision-making ability
of the pedestrians, they introduce additional features such as the
familiarity factor to the preferred force to let it appear more
representative of what actually happens in reality.
Abstract: Modeling of Panel Zone (PZ) seismic behavior,
because of its role in overall ductility and lateral stiffness of steel
moment frames, has been considered a challenge for years. There are
some studies regarding the effects of different doubler plates
thicknesses and geometric properties of PZ on its seismic behavior.
However, there is not much investigation on the effects of number of
provided continuity plates in case of presence of one triangular
haunch, two triangular haunches and rectangular haunch (T shape
haunches) for exterior columns. In this research first detailed finite
element models of 12tested connection of SAC joint venture were
created and analyzed then obtained cyclic behavior backbone curves
of these models besides other FE models for similar tests were used
for neural network training. Then seismic behavior of these data is
categorized according to continuity plate-s arrangements and
differences in type of haunches. PZ with one-sided haunches have
little plastic rotation. As the number of continuity plates increases
due to presence of two triangular haunches (four continuity plate),
there will be no plastic rotation, in other words PZ behaves in its
elastic range. In the case of rectangular haunch, PZ show more plastic
rotation in comparison with one-sided triangular haunch and
especially double-sided triangular haunches. Moreover, the models
that will be presented in case of triangular one-sided and double-
sided haunches and rectangular haunches as a result of this study
seem to have a proper estimation of PZ seismic behavior.
Abstract: This paper presents performance comparison of three estimation techniques used for peak load forecasting in power systems. The three optimum estimation techniques are, genetic algorithms (GA), least error squares (LS) and, least absolute value filtering (LAVF). The problem is formulated as an estimation problem. Different forecasting models are considered. Actual recorded data is used to perform the study. The performance of the above three optimal estimation techniques is examined. Advantages of each algorithms are reported and discussed.
Abstract: The structural stability of the model of a nonelectroneutral current sheath is investigated. The stationary model of a current sheath represents the system of four connected nonlinear differential first-order equations and thus they should manifest structural instability property, i.e. sensitivity to the infinitesimal changes of parameters and starting conditions. Domains of existence of the solutions of current sheath type are found. Those solutions of the current sheath type are realized only in some regions of sevendimensional space of parameters of the problem. The phase volume of those regions is small in comparison with the whole phase volume of the definition range of those parameters. It is shown that the offered model of a nonelectroneutral current sheath is applicable for theoretical interpretation of the bifurcational current sheaths observed in the magnetosphere.
Abstract: An experiment was implemented in a filed in the south of Morocco to evaluate the effects of domestic treated wastewater use for irrigation of amaranth crop under semi-arid conditions. Three varieties (A0020, A0057 & A211) were tested and irrigated using domestic treated wastewater EC1 (0,92 dS/m) as control, EC3 (3dS/m) and EC6 (6dS/m) obtained by adding sea water. In term of growth, an increase of the EC level of applied irrigation water reduced significantly the plant-s height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight measured at vegetative, flowering and maturity stage for all varieties. Even with the application of the EC6, yields were relatively higher in comparison with the once obtained in normal cultivation conditions. A significant accumulation of nitrate, chloride and sodium in soil layers during the crop cycle was noted. The use of treated waste water for its irrigation is proved to be possible. The variety A211 had showed to be less sensitive to salinity stress and it could be more promising its introduction to study area.
Abstract: In this work, we present a comparison between two
techniques of image compression. In the first case, the image is
divided in blocks which are collected according to zig-zag scan. In
the second one, we apply the Fast Cosine Transform to the image,
and then the transformed image is divided in blocks which are
collected according to zig-zag scan too. Later, in both cases, the
Karhunen-Loève transform is applied to mentioned blocks. On the
other hand, we present three new metrics based on eigenvalues for a
better comparative evaluation of the techniques. Simulations show
that the combined version is the best, with minor Mean Absolute
Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE), higher Peak Signal to
Noise Ratio (PSNR) and better image quality. Finally, new technique
was far superior to JPEG and JPEG2000.
Abstract: Effectiveness and efficiency of food distribution is necessary to maintain food security in a region. Food supply varies among regions depending on their production capacity; therefore, it is necessary to regulate food distribution. Sea transportation could play a great role in the food distribution system. To play this role and to support transportation needs in the Eastern Indonesia, sea transportation shall be supported by fleet which is adequate and reliable, both in terms of load and worthiness. This research uses Linear Programming (LP) method to analyze food distribution pattern in order to determine the optimal distribution system. In this research, transshipment points have been selected for regions in one province. Comparison between result of modeling and existing shipping route reveals that from 369 existing routes, 54 routes are used for transporting rice, corn, green bean, peanut, soybean, sweet potato, and cassava.
Abstract: Family structure that is culturally constructed in every
society is the basic unit of social structure. Purpose of the study was
to compare family structure, including marriage, residence, family
size, type, role sharing, authority, and communication patterns
between Muslim and Santal communities in rural Bangladesh. For
this we assumed that family structure with the elements was
significantly different between the two communities in rural
Bangladesh. In so doing, 288 active couples (145 for Muslim and 143
for Santal) selected by cluster random sampling were intensively
interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire method. The results
of Pearson Chi-Squire Test reveal that there were significant
differences in the family structure followed by the two communities
in the study area. Further cross-cultural study should be done on why
family structure varies between the communities in Bangladesh.
Abstract: In modern era, the biggest challenge facing the
software industry is the upcoming of new technologies. So, the
software engineers are gearing up themselves to meet and manage
change in large software system. Also they find it difficult to deal
with software cognitive complexities. In the last few years many
metrics were proposed to measure the cognitive complexity of
software. This paper aims at a comprehensive survey of the metric of
software cognitive complexity. Some classic and efficient software
cognitive complexity metrics, such as Class Complexity (CC),
Weighted Class Complexity (WCC), Extended Weighted Class
Complexity (EWCC), Class Complexity due to Inheritance (CCI) and
Average Complexity of a program due to Inheritance (ACI), are
discussed and analyzed. The comparison and the relationship of these
metrics of software complexity are also presented.
Abstract: The objective of this work is to study the influence of the properties of the substrate on the retrofit (thin repair) of damaged concrete elements, with the SCC. Fluidity, principal characteristic of the SCC, would enable it to cover and adhere to the concrete to be repaired. Two aspects of repair are considered, the bond (Adhesion) and the tensile strength and the cracking. The investigation is experimental; It was conducted over test specimens made up of ordinary concrete prepared and hardened in advance (the material to be repaired) over which a self compacting concrete layer is cast. Three alternatives of SC concrete and one ordinary concrete (comparison) were tested. It appears that the self-compacting concrete constitutes a good material for repairing. It follows perfectly the surfaces- forms to be repaired and allows a perfect bond. Fracture tests made on specimens of self-compacting concrete show a brittle behaviour. However when a small percentage of fibres is added, the resistance to cracking is very much improve.
Abstract: Some methodologies were compared in providing
erosion maps of surface, rill and gully and erosion features, in
research which took place in the Varamin sub-basin, north-east
Tehran, Iran. A photomorphic unit map was produced from
processed satellite images, and four other maps were prepared by the
integration of different data layers, including slope, plant cover,
geology, land use, rocks erodibility and land units. Comparison of
ground truth maps of erosion types and working unit maps indicated
that the integration of land use, land units and rocks erodibility layers
with satellite image photomorphic units maps provide the best
methods in producing erosion types maps.