Abstract: In order to apply partially filled steel grid composite deck as the horizontal supporting structure of various kinds of infrastructures, the variation of its flexural strength according to design parameters such as cross and longitudinal bars constituting the steel grid and the type of shear connection is evaluated and compared experimentally. The result shows that the design sensitivity of the deck to the spacing of the cross bars is insignificant in the case of structure with low risk of punching failure or without load distribution problem. By means of shear connection composed by transverse rebar and longitudinal bar without additional shear stud bolts, the complete interaction between steel grid and concrete slab is able to be achieved and the composite deck can develop its bending resistance capacity.
Abstract: Persian (Farsi) script is totally cursive and each character is written in several different forms depending on its former and later characters in the word. These complexities make automatic handwriting recognition of Persian a very hard problem and there are few contributions trying to work it out. This paper presents a novel practical approach to online recognition of Persian handwriting which is based on representation of inputs and patterns with very simple visual features and comparison of these simple terms. This recognition approach is tested over a set of Persian words and the results have been quite acceptable when the possible words where unknown and they were almost all correct in cases that the words where chosen from a prespecified list.
Abstract: This study employs auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds approach to cointegration for long run and errorcorrection modeling (ECM) for short run analysis to examine the relationship between revenue gap and economic growth for Pakistan using annual time series data over the period 1980 to 2008. The short and long run results indicate that revenue gap is statistical significant and negatively effect economic growth. The significant and negative coefficient of error correction term in ECM indicates that after a shock, the long rum equilibrium will again converge towards equilibrium about 10.406 percent within a year.
Abstract: Wind is among the potential energy resources which
can be harnessed to generate wind energy for conversion into
electrical power. Due to the variability of wind speed with time and
height, it becomes difficult to predict the generated wind energy more
optimally. In this paper, an attempt is made to establish a
probabilistic model fitting the wind speed data recorded at
Makambako site in Tanzania. Wind speeds and direction were
respectively measured using anemometer (type AN1) and wind Vane
(type WD1) both supplied by Delta-T-Devices at a measurement
height of 2 m. Wind speeds were then extrapolated for the height of
10 m using power law equation with an exponent of 0.47. Data were
analysed using MINITAB statistical software to show the variability
of wind speeds with time and height, and to determine the underlying
probability model of the extrapolated wind speed data. The results
show that wind speeds at Makambako site vary cyclically over time;
and they conform to the Weibull probability distribution. From these
results, Weibull probability density function can be used to predict
the wind energy.
Abstract: In the Fe-3%Si sheets, grade Hi-B, with AlN and MnS
as inhibitors, the Goss grains which abnormally grow do not have a
size greater than the average size of the primary matrix. In this
heterogeneous microstructure, the size factor is not a required
condition for the secondary recrystallization. The onset of the small
Goss grain abnormal growth appears to be related to a particular
behavior of their grain boundaries, to the local texture and to the
distribution of the inhibitors. The presence and the evolution of
oriented clusters ensure to the small Goss grains a favorable
neighborhood to grow. The modified Monte-Carlo approach, which
is applied, considers the local environment of each grain. The grain
growth is dependent of its real spatial position; the matrix
heterogeneity is then taken into account. The grain growth conditions
are considered in the global matrix and in different matrixes
corresponding to A component clusters. The grain growth behaviour
is considered with introduction of energy only, energy and mobility,
energy and mobility and precipitates.
Abstract: Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) is one of the various
methods that can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of the
energy sector. This paper focuses on the absorption of CO2 from
flue gas using packed columns, whose efficiency is highly dependent
on the structure of the liquid films within the column. To study the
characteristics of liquid films a CFD solver, OpenFOAM is utilised
to solve two-phase, isothermal film flow using the volume-of-fluid
(VOF) method. The model was validated using existing experimental
data and the Nusselt theory. It was found that smaller plate inclination
angles, with respect to the horizontal plane, resulted in larger wetted
areas on smooth plates. However, only a slight improvement in
the wetted area was observed. Simulations were also performed
using a ridged plate and it was observed that these surface textures
significantly increase the wetted area of the plate. This was mainly
attributed to the channelling effect of the ridges, which helped to
oppose the surface tension forces trying to minimise the surface area.
Rivulet formations on the ridged plate were also flattened out and
spread across a larger proportion of the plate width.
Abstract: Extraction of Fe(III) from aqueous solution using Trin-
butyl Phosphate (TBP) as carrier needs a highly acidic medium
(>6N) as it favours formation of chelating complex FeCl3.TBP.
Similarly, stripping of Iron(III) from loaded organic solvents requires
neutral pH or alkaline medium to dissociate the same complex. It is
observed that TBP co-extracts acids along with metal, which causes
reversal of driving force of extraction and iron(III) is re-extracted
back from the strip phase into the feed phase during Liquid Emulsion
Membrane (LEM) pertraction. Therefore, rate of extraction of
different mineral acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4) using TBP with and
without presence of metal Fe(III) was examined. It is revealed that in
presence of metal acid extraction is enhanced. Determination of mass
transfer coefficient of both acid and metal extraction was performed
by using Bulk Liquid Membrane (BLM). The average mass transfer
coefficient was obtained by fitting the derived model equation with
experimentally obtained data. The mass transfer coefficient of the
mineral acid extraction is in the order of kHNO3 = 3.3x10-6m/s > kHCl =
6.05x10-7m/s > kH2SO4 = 1.85x10-7m/s. The distribution equilibria of
the above mentioned acids between aqueous feed solution and a
solution of tri-n-butyl-phosphate (TBP) in organic solvents have been
investigated. The stoichiometry of acid extraction reveals the
formation of TBP.2HCl, HNO3.2TBP, and TBP.H2SO4 complexes.
Moreover, extraction of Iron(III) by TBP in HCl aqueous solution
forms complex FeCl3.TBP.2HCl while in HNO3 medium forms
complex 3FeCl3.TBP.2HNO3
Abstract: A collaboration among the Hospital S. Giovanni Battista
of Turin, the Politecnico of Turin, and the MUST company is
described. The content of the collaboration has been and is the use of
ICT-s, e-learning, and blended learning for the internal professional
education, training, and keeping up to date of the personnel of the
hospital. A platform for the delivery of the teaching materials has
been built, including an evaluation and self-evaluation tool. The first
on line courses have been developed and delivered and many more
are in preparation. The first results of the monitoring of the efficacy
of the online education have been positive.
Abstract: The antioxidant capability of beverage blends made from cocoa, zobo and ginger with standard antioxidant assay procedures was investigated. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) scavenging capacity ranged from 21.2-25.8% in comparison with GSH of 37.1%. The ferric reducing ability was highest in the zobo drink and lowest in ginger. The superoxide scavenging capacity was also highest in the zobo drink followed by the drink with alkalized cocoa. The metal chelating power decreased as the level of zobo in the blends decreases. The chelating power of zobo and ginger were significantly lower than the natural and alkalized cocoa. The 100% zobo drink inhibited linoleic acid till the fifth day while natural and alkalized cocoa as well as the blend with 50% alkalized cocoa inhibited linoleic acid greatly till the sixth day. The finding describes the potential health benefit of the phytochemical antioxidants of cocoa:zobo:ginger beverage blends.
Abstract: This paper introduces the foundations of Bayesian probability theory and Bayesian decision method. The main goal of Bayesian decision theory is to minimize the expected loss of a decision or minimize the expected risk. The purposes of this study are to review the decision process on the issue of flood occurrences and to suggest possible process for decision improvement. This study examines the problem structure of flood occurrences and theoretically explicates the decision-analytic approach based on Bayesian decision theory and application to flood occurrences in Environmental Engineering. In this study, we will discuss about the flood occurrences upon an annual maximum water level in cm, 43-year record available from 1965 to 2007 at the gauging station of Sagaing on the Ayeyarwady River with the drainage area - 120193 sq km by using Bayesian decision method. As a result, we will discuss the loss and risk of vast areas of agricultural land whether which will be inundated or not in the coming year based on the two standard maximum water levels during 43 years. And also we forecast about that lands will be safe from flood water during the next 10 years.
Abstract: In this paper a combination approach of two heuristic-based algorithms: genetic algorithm and tabu search is proposed. It has been developed to obtain the least cost based on the split-pipe design of looped water distribution network. The proposed combination algorithm has been applied to solve the three well-known water distribution networks taken from the literature. The development of the combination of these two heuristic-based algorithms for optimization is aimed at enhancing their strengths and compensating their weaknesses. Tabu search is rather systematic and deterministic that uses adaptive memory in search process, while genetic algorithm is probabilistic and stochastic optimization technique in which the solution space is explored by generating candidate solutions. Split-pipe design may not be realistic in practice but in optimization purpose, optimal solutions are always achieved with split-pipe design. The solutions obtained in this study have proved that the least cost solutions obtained from the split-pipe design are always better than those obtained from the single pipe design. The results obtained from the combination approach show its ability and effectiveness to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The solutions obtained are very satisfactory and high quality in which the solutions of two networks are found to be the lowest-cost solutions yet presented in the literature. The concept of combination approach proposed in this study is expected to contribute some useful benefits in diverse problems.
Abstract: This paper presents a new growing neural network for
cluster analysis and market segmentation, which optimizes the size
and structure of clusters by iteratively checking them for multivariate
normality. We combine the recently published SGNN approach [8]
with the basic principle underlying the Gaussian-means algorithm
[13] and the Mardia test for multivariate normality [18, 19]. The new
approach distinguishes from existing ones by its holistic design and
its great autonomy regarding the clustering process as a whole. Its
performance is demonstrated by means of synthetic 2D data and by
real lifestyle survey data usable for market segmentation.
Abstract: Zinc oxide thin films with various microstructures
were grown on substrates by using HCOOH-sols. The reaction
mechanism of the sol system was investigated by performing an XPS
analysis of as-synthesized films, due to the products of hydrolysis
and condensation in the sol system contributing to the chemical state
of the as-synthesized films. The chemical structures of the assynthesized
films related to the microstructures of the final annealed
films were also studied. The results of the Zn 2p3/2, C 1s and O1s
XPS patterns indicate that the hydrolysis reaction in the sol system is
strongly influenced by the HCOOH agent. The results of XRD and
FE-SEM demonstrated the microstructures of the annealed films are
related to the content of hydrolyzed zinc hydrate (Zn-OH) species
present, and that content of the Zn-OH species in the sol system
increases the HCOOH adding, and these Zn-OH species existing in
the sol phase are responsible for large ZnO crystallites in the final
annealed films.
Abstract: Industrial robots become useless without end-effectors
that for many instances are in the form of friction grippers.
Commonly friction grippers apply frictional forces to different
objects on the basis of programmers- experiences. This puts a
limitation on the effectiveness of gripping force that may result in
damaging the object. This paper describes various stages of design
and development of a low cost sensor-based robotic gripper that
would facilitate the task of applying right gripping forces to different
objects. The gripper is also equipped with range sensors in order to
avoid collisions of the gripper with objects. It is a fully functional
automated pick and place gripper which can be used in many
industrial applications. Yet it can also be altered or further developed
in order to suit a larger number of industrial activities. The current
design of gripper could lead to designing completely automated robot
grippers able to improve the efficiency and productivity of industrial
robots.
Abstract: The amount and heterogeneity of data in biomedical research, notably in interdisciplinary research, requires new methods for the collection, presentation and analysis of information. Important data from laboratory experiments as well as patient trials are available but come out of distributed resources. The Charite Medical School in Berlin has established together with the German Research Foundation (DFG) a new information service center for kidney diseases and transplantation (Open European Nephrology Science Centre - OpEN.SC). The system is based on a service-oriented architecture (SOA) with main and auxiliary modules arranged in four layers. To improve the reuse and efficient arrangement of the services the functionalities are described as business processes using the standardised Business Process Execution Language (BPEL).
Abstract: The influence of copper promoters and reaction
conditions on the formation of alcohols byproducts of a common
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis used iron-based catalysts were investigated.
A good compromise of 28%Cu/FeKLaSiO2 can lead to the
optimization of an improved Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The product
distribution shifts towards hydrocarbons with increasing the reaction
temperature, while pressure promotes the formation of alcohols. It was
found that the production of either alcohols or hydrocarbons followed
A-S-F distributions, and their α parameters were essentially different
which indicated a competition in the growing chain between the two
species. TPD after acetaldehyde adsorption gave strong evidence of
the insertion of a C1 oxygen-containing species into an alkyl chain.
Abstract: To investigate some relations between higher mathe¬matics scores in Chinese graduate student entrance examination and calculus (resp. linear algebra, probability statistics) scores in subject's completion examination of Chinese university, we select 20 students as a sample, take higher mathematics score as a decision attribute and take calculus score, linear algebra score, probability statistics score as condition attributes. In this paper, we are based on rough-set theory (Rough-set theory is a logic-mathematical method proposed by Z. Pawlak. In recent years, this theory has been widely implemented in the many fields of natural science and societal science.) to investigate importance of condition attributes with respective to decision attribute and strength of condition attributes supporting decision attribute. Results of this investigation will be helpful for university students to raise higher mathematics scores in Chinese graduate student entrance examination.
Abstract: The ability to predict an accurate temperature
distribution requires the knowledge of the losses, the thermal
characteristics of the materials, and the cooling conditions, all of
which are very difficult to quantify. In this paper, the impact of the
effects of iron and copper losses are investigated separately and
their effects on the heating in various points of the stator of an
induction motor, is highlighted by using two simple tests. In addition,
the effect of a defect, such as an open circuit in a phase of the stator,
on the heating is also obtained by a no-load test.
The squirrel cage induction motor is rated at 2.2 kW; 380 V; 5.2
A; Δ connected; 50 Hz; 1420 rpm and the class of insulation F, has
been thermally tested under several load conditions. Several
thermocouples were placed in strategic points of the stator.
Abstract: A higher order spline interpolated contour obtained
with up-sampling of homogenously distributed coordinates for
segmentation of kidney region in different classes of ultrasound
kidney images has been developed and presented in this paper. The
performance of the proposed method is measured and compared with
modified snake model contour, Markov random field contour and
expert outlined contour. The validation of the method is made in
correspondence with expert outlined contour using maximum coordinate
distance, Hausdorff distance and mean radial distance
metrics. The results obtained reveal that proposed scheme provides
optimum contour that agrees well with expert outlined contour.
Moreover this technique helps to preserve the pixels-of-interest
which in specific defines the functional characteristic of kidney. This
explores various possibilities in implementing computer-aided
diagnosis system exclusively for US kidney images.
Abstract: This paper describes a low-power second-order filter
for a continuous-time chopper stabilized capacitive sensor interface,
integrated with a fully differential post-CMOS surface-micromachined
MEMS pressure sensor. The circuit uses a single-ended
folded-cascode operational amplifier and two GM-C filters connected
in cascade. The circuit is realized in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and
offers differential to single-ended conversion. The novelty of the
scheme is the cascade of two GM-C filters to achieve a second-order
filter while minimizing power dissipation. The simulated filter cutoff
frequency is 1.14 kHz at common-mode voltage 1.65 V,
operating from a 3.3 V supply while dissipating 172μW of power.
The filter achieves an operating range of 1V for an output load of
1MOhm and 10pF.