Abstract: Numerical analysis for the aerodynamic characteristics
of the WIG (wing-in ground effect) craft with highly cambered and
aspect ratio of one is performed to predict the ground effect for the
case of with- and without- lower-extension endplate. The analysis is
included varying angles of attack from 0 to10 deg. and ground
clearances from 5% of chord to 50%. Due to the ground effect, the lift
by rising in pressure on the lower surface is increased and the
influence of wing-tip vortices is decreased. These two significant
effects improve the lift-drag ratio. On the other hand, the endplate
prevents the high-pressure air escaping from the air cushion at the
wing tip and causes to increase the lift and lift-drag ratio further. It is
found from the visualization of computation results that two wing-tip
vortices are generated from each surface of the wing tip and their
strength are weak and diminished rapidly. Irodov-s criteria are also
evaluated to investigate the static height stability. The comparison of
Irodov-s criteria shows that the endplate improves the deviation of the
static height stability with respect to pitch angles and heights. As the
results, the endplate can improve the aerodynamic characteristics and
static height stability of wings in ground effect, simultaneously.
Abstract: A mathematical model for the Dynamics of Economic
Profit is constructed by proposing a characteristic differential oneform
for this dynamics (analogous to the action in Hamiltonian
dynamics). After processing this form with exterior calculus, a pair of
characteristic differential equations is generated and solved for the
rate of change of profit P as a function of revenue R (t) and cost C (t).
By contracting the characteristic differential one-form with a vortex
vector, the Lagrangian is obtained for the Dynamics of Economic
Profit.
Abstract: When reconstructing a scenario, it is necessary to
know the structure of the elements present on the scene to have an
interpretation. In this work we link 3D scenes reconstruction to
evolutionary algorithms through the vision stereo theory. We
consider vision stereo as a method that provides the reconstruction of
a scene using only a couple of images of the scene and performing
some computation. Through several images of a scene, captured from
different positions, vision stereo can give us an idea about the threedimensional
characteristics of the world. Vision stereo usually
requires of two cameras, making an analogy to the mammalian vision
system. In this work we employ only a camera, which is translated
along a path, capturing images every certain distance. As we can not
perform all computations required for an exhaustive reconstruction,
we employ an evolutionary algorithm to partially reconstruct the
scene in real time. The algorithm employed is the fly algorithm,
which employ “flies" to reconstruct the principal characteristics of
the world following certain evolutionary rules.
Abstract: Pharmaceutical industries and effluents of sewage treatment plants are the main sources of residual pharmaceuticals in water resources. These emergent pollutants may adversely impact the biophysical environment. Pharmaceutical industries often generate wastewater that changes in characteristics and quantity depending on the used manufacturing processes. Carbamazepine (CBZ), {5Hdibenzo [b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, (C15H12N2O)}, is a significant non-biodegradable pharmaceutical contaminant in the Jordanian pharmaceutical wastewater, which is not removed by the activated sludge processes in treatment plants. Activated carbon may potentially remove that pollutant from effluents, but the high cost involved suggests that more attention should be given to the potential use of low-cost materials in order to reduce cost and environmental contamination. Powders of Jordanian non-metallic raw materials namely, Azraq Bentonite (AB), Kaolinite (K), and Zeolite (Zeo) were activated (acid and thermal treatment) and evaluated by removing CBZ. The results of batch and column techniques experiments showed around 46% and 67% removal of CBZ respectively.
Abstract: As the gradual increase of the enterprise scale, the
firms may possess many manufacturing plants located in different
places geographically. This change will result in the multi-site
production planning problems under the environment of multiple
plants or production resources. Our research proposes the structural
framework to analyze the multi-site planning problems. The analytical
framework is composed of six elements: multi-site conceptual model,
product structure (bill of manufacturing), production strategy,
manufacturing capability and characteristics, production planning
constraints, and key performance indicators. As well as the discussion
of these six ingredients, we also review related literatures in this paper
to match our analytical framework. Finally we take a real-world
practical example of a TFT-LCD manufacturer in Taiwan to explain
our proposed analytical framework for the multi-site production
planning problems.
Abstract: The damage tolerance behavior of integrally and
conventional stiffened panel is investigated based on the fracture
mechanics and finite element analysis. The load bearing capability
and crack growth characteristic of both types of the stiffened panels
having same configuration subjected to distributed tensile load is
examined in this paper. A fourteen-stringer stiffened panel is
analyzed for a central skin crack propagating towards the adjacent
stringers. Stress intensity factors and fatigue crack propagation rates
of both types of the stiffened panels are then compared. The analysis
results show that integral stiffening causes higher stress intensity
factor than conventional stiffened panel as the crack tip passes
through the stringer and the integrally stiffened panel has less load
bearing capability than the riveted stiffened panel.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of logic simplification for a special class of logic functions, namely complementary Boolean functions (CBF), targeting low power implementation using static CMOS logic style. The functions are uniquely characterized by the presence of terms, where for a canonical binary 2-tuple, D(mj) ∪ D(mk) = { } and therefore, we have | D(mj) ∪ D(mk) | = 0 [19]. Similarly, D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) = { } and hence | D(Mj) ∪ D(Mk) | = 0. Here, 'mk' and 'Mk' represent a minterm and maxterm respectively. We compare the circuits minimized with our proposed method with those corresponding to factored Reed-Muller (f-RM) form, factored Pseudo Kronecker Reed-Muller (f-PKRM) form, and factored Generalized Reed-Muller (f-GRM) form. We have opted for algebraic factorization of the Reed-Muller (RM) form and its different variants, using the factorization rules of [1], as it is simple and requires much less CPU execution time compared to Boolean factorization operations. This technique has enabled us to greatly reduce the literal count as well as the gate count needed for such RM realizations, which are generally prone to consuming more cells and subsequently more power consumption. However, this leads to a drawback in terms of the design-for-test attribute associated with the various RM forms. Though we still preserve the definition of those forms viz. realizing such functionality with only select types of logic gates (AND gate and XOR gate), the structural integrity of the logic levels is not preserved. This would consequently alter the testability properties of such circuits i.e. it may increase/decrease/maintain the same number of test input vectors needed for their exhaustive testability, subsequently affecting their generalized test vector computation. We do not consider the issue of design-for-testability here, but, instead focus on the power consumption of the final logic implementation, after realization with a conventional CMOS process technology (0.35 micron TSMC process). The quality of the resulting circuits evaluated on the basis of an established cost metric viz., power consumption, demonstrate average savings by 26.79% for the samples considered in this work, besides reduction in number of gates and input literals by 39.66% and 12.98% respectively, in comparison with other factored RM forms.
Abstract: This study determines the effect of naked and heparinbased
super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on the human
cancer cell lines of A2780. Doxorubicin was used as the anticancer
drug, entrapped in the SPIO-NPs. This study aimed to decorate
nanoparticles with heparin, a molecular ligand for 'active' targeting
of cancerous cells and the application of modified-nanoparticles in
cancer treatment. The nanoparticles containing the anticancer drug
DOX were prepared by a solvent evaporation and emulsification
cross-linking method. The physicochemical properties of the
nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, and uniform
nanoparticles with an average particle size of 110±15 nm with high
encapsulation efficiencies (EE) were obtained. Additionally, a
sustained release of DOX from the SPIO-NPs was successful.
Cytotoxicity tests showed that the SPIO-DOX-HP had higher cell
toxicity than the individual HP and confocal microscopy analysis
confirmed excellent cellular uptake efficiency. These results indicate
that HP based SPIO-NPs have potential uses as anticancer drug
carriers and also have an enhanced anticancer effect.
Abstract: Structural behavior of ring stiffened thick walled
cylinders made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) is
investigated in this paper. Functionally graded materials are inhomogeneous composites which are usually made from a mixture
of metal and ceramic. The gradient compositional variation of the
constituents from one surface to the other provides an elegant solution to the problem of high transverse shear stresses that are
induced when two dissimilar materials with large differences in material properties are bonded. FGM formation of the cylinder is
modeled by power-law exponent and the variation of characteristics is supposed to be in radial direction.
A finite element formulation is derived for the analysis. According to the property variation of the constituent materials in the radial
direction of the wall, it is not convenient to use conventional elements to model and analyze the structure of the stiffened FGM
cylinders. In this paper a new cylindrical super-element is used to model the finite element formulation and analyze the static and
modal behavior of stiffened FGM thick walled cylinders. By using
this super-element the number of elements, which are needed for
modeling, will reduce significantly and the process time is less in comparison with conventional finite element formulations. Results for static and modal analysis are evaluated and verified by
comparison to finite element formulation with conventional
elements. Comparison indicates a good conformity between results.
Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to study Statistical Process Control (SPC) with Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control chart when observations are serially-correlated. The characteristic of control chart is Average Run Length (ARL) which is the average number of samples taken before an action signal is given. Ideally, an acceptable ARL of in-control process should be enough large, so-called (ARL0). Otherwise it should be small when the process is out-of-control, so-called Average of Delay Time (ARL1) or a mean of true alarm. We find explicit formulas of ARL for EWMA control chart for Seasonal Autoregressive and Moving Average processes (SARMA) with Exponential white noise. The results of ARL obtained from explicit formula and Integral equation are in good agreement. In particular, this formulas for evaluating (ARL0) and (ARL1) be able to get a set of optimal parameters which depend on smoothing parameter (λ) and width of control limit (H) for designing EWMA chart with minimum of (ARL1).
Abstract: In July 2012, an indoor/outdoor monitoring
programme was undertaken in two university sports facilities: a
fronton and a gymnasium. Comfort parameters (temperature, relative
humidity, CO and CO2) and total volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) were continuously monitored. Concentrations of NO2,
carbonyl compounds and individual VOCs were obtained. Low
volume samplers were used to collect particulate matter (PM10). The
minimum ventilation rates stipulated for acceptable indoor air quality
were observed in both sports facilities. It was found that cleaning
activities may have a large influence on the VOC levels. Acrolein
was one of the most abundant carbonyl compounds, showing
concentrations above the recommended limit. Formaldehyde was
detected at levels lower than those commonly reported for other
indoor environments. The PM10 concentrations obtained during the
occupancy periods ranged between 38 and 43μgm-3 in the fronton and
from 154 to 198μgm-3 in the gymnasium.
Abstract: The term hybrid composite refers to the composite
containing more than one type of fiber material as reinforcing fillers.
It has become attractive structural material due to the ability of
providing better combination of properties with respect to single fiber
containing composite. The eco-friendly nature as well as processing
advantage, light weight and low cost have enhanced the attraction
and interest of natural fiber reinforced composite. The objective of
present research is to study the mechanical properties of jute-coir
fiber reinforced hybrid polypropylene (PP) composite according to
filler loading variation. In the present work composites were
manufactured by using hot press machine at four levels of fiber
loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt %). Jute and coir fibers were utilized at a
ratio of (1:1) during composite manufacturing. Tensile, flexural,
impact and hardness tests were conducted for mechanical
characterization. Tensile test of composite showed a decreasing trend
of tensile strength and increasing trend of the Young-s modulus with
increasing fiber content. During flexural, impact and hardness tests,
the flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength and hardness
were found to be increased with increasing fiber loading. Based on
the fiber loading used in this study, 20% fiber reinforced composite
resulted the best set of mechanical properties.
Abstract: The spiral angle of the elementary cellulose fibril in
the wood cell wall, often called microfibril angle, (MFA). Microfibril
angle in hardwood is one of the key determinants of solid timber
performance due to its strong influence on the stiffness, strength,
shrinkage, swelling, thermal-dynamics mechanical properties and
dimensional stability of wood. Variation of MFA (degree) in the S2
layer of the cell walls among Acacia mangium trees was determined
using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The length and
orientation of the microfibrils of the cell walls in the irradiated
volume of the thin samples are measured using SAXS and optical
microscope for 3D surface measurement. The undetermined
parameters in the analysis are the MFA, (M) and the standard
deviation (σФ) of the intensity distribution arising from the wandering
of the fibril orientation about the mean value. Nine separate pairs of
values are determined for nine different values of the angle of the
incidence of the X-ray beam relative to the normal to the radial
direction in the sample. The results show good agreement. The
curve distribution of scattered intensity for the real cell wall structure
is compared with that calculated with that assembly of rectangular
cells with the same ratio of transverse to radial cell wall length. It is
demonstrated that for β = 45°, the peaks in the curve intensity
distribution for the real and the rectangular cells coincide. If this
peak position is Ф45, then the MFA can be determined from the
relation M = tan-1 (tan Ф45 / cos 45°), which is precise for rectangular
cells. It was found that 92.93% of the variation of MFA can be
attributed to the distance from pith to bark. Here we shall present our
results of the MFA in the cell wall with respect to its shape, structure
and the distance from pith to park as an important fast check and yet
accurate towards the quality of wood, its uses and application.
Abstract: This paper presents a means for reducing the torque
variation during the revolution of a vertical-axis water turbine
(VAWaterT) by increasing the blade number. For this purpose, twodimensional
CFD analyses have been performed on a straight-bladed
Darrieus-type rotor. After describing the computational model and
the relative validation procedure, a complete campaign of
simulations, based on full RANS unsteady calculations, is proposed
for a three, four and five-bladed rotor architectures, characterized by
a NACA 0025 airfoil. For each proposed rotor configuration, flow
field characteristics are investigated at several values of tip speed
ratio, allowing a quantification of the influence of blade number on
flow geometric features and dynamic quantities, such as rotor torque
and power. Finally, torque and power curves are compared for the
three analyzed architectures, achieving a quantification of the effect
of blade number on overall rotor performance.
Abstract: In this paper electrical characteristics of various kinds
of multiple-gate silicon nanowire transistors (SNWT) with the
channel length equal to 7 nm are compared. A fully ballistic quantum
mechanical transport approach based on NEGF was employed to
analyses electrical characteristics of rectangular and cylindrical
silicon nanowire transistors as well as a Double gate MOS FET. A
double gate, triple gate, and gate all around nano wires were studied
to investigate the impact of increasing the number of gates on the
control of the short channel effect which is important in nanoscale
devices. Also in the case of triple gate rectangular SNWT inserting
extra gates on the bottom of device can improve the application of
device. The results indicate that by using gate all around structures
short channel effects such as DIBL, subthreshold swing and delay
reduces.
Abstract: Current image-based individual human recognition
methods, such as fingerprints, face, or iris biometric modalities
generally require a cooperative subject, views from certain aspects,
and physical contact or close proximity. These methods cannot
reliably recognize non-cooperating individuals at a distance in the
real world under changing environmental conditions. Gait, which
concerns recognizing individuals by the way they walk, is a relatively
new biometric without these disadvantages. The inherent gait
characteristic of an individual makes it irreplaceable and useful in
visual surveillance.
In this paper, an efficient gait recognition system for human
identification by extracting two features namely width vector of
the binary silhouette and the MPEG-7-based region-based shape
descriptors is proposed. In the proposed method, foreground objects
i.e., human and other moving objects are extracted by estimating
background information by a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and
subsequently, median filtering operation is performed for removing
noises in the background subtracted image. A moving target classification
algorithm is used to separate human being (i.e., pedestrian)
from other foreground objects (viz., vehicles). Shape and boundary
information is used in the moving target classification algorithm.
Subsequently, width vector of the outer contour of binary silhouette
and the MPEG-7 Angular Radial Transform coefficients are taken as
the feature vector. Next, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
is applied to the selected feature vector to reduce its dimensionality.
These extracted feature vectors are used to train an Hidden Markov
Model (HMM) for identification of some individuals. The proposed
system is evaluated using some gait sequences and the experimental
results show the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
Abstract: Characteristics and sonocatalytic activity of zeolite
Y catalysts loaded with TiO2 using impregnation and ion exchange
methods for the degradation of amaranth dye were investigated.
The Ion-exchange method was used to encapsulate the TiO2 into
the internal pores of the zeolite while the incorporation of TiO2
mostly on the external surface of zeolite was carried out using the
impregnation method. Different characterization techniques were
used to elucidate the physicochemical properties of the produced
catalysts. The framework of zeolite Y remained virtually
unchanged after the encapsulation of TiO2 while the crystallinity of
zeolite decreased significantly after the incorporation of 15 wt% of
TiO2. The sonocatalytic activity was enhanced by TiO2
incorporation with maximum degradation efficiencies of 50% and
68% for the encapsulated titanium and titanium loaded onto the
zeolite, respectively after 120min of reaction. Catalysts
characteristics and sonocatalytic behaviors were significantly
affected by the preparation method and the location of TiO2
introduced with zeolite structure. Behaviors in the sonocatalytic
process were successfully correlated with the characteristics of the
catalysts used.
Abstract: In this study, active tendons with Proportional Integral
Derivation type controllers were applied to a SDOF and a MDOF
building model. Physical models of buildings were constituted with
virtual springs, dampers and rigid masses. After that, equations of
motion of all degrees of freedoms were obtained. Matlab Simulink
was utilized to obtain the block diagrams for these equations of
motion. Parameters for controller actions were found by using a trial
method. After earthquake acceleration data were applied to the
systems, building characteristics such as displacements, velocities,
accelerations and transfer functions were analyzed for all degrees of
freedoms. Comparisons on displacement vs. time, velocity vs. time,
acceleration vs. time and transfer function (Db) vs. frequency (Hz)
were made for uncontrolled and controlled buildings. The results
show that the method seems feasible.
Abstract: The interaction of the blade tip with the casing
boundary layer and the leakage flow may lead to a kind of cavitation
namely tip vortex cavitation. In this study, the onset of tip vortex
cavitation was experimentally investigated in an axial flow pump.
For a constant speed and a fixed angle of attack and by changing the
flow rate, the pump head, input power, output power and efficiency
were calculated and the pump characteristic curves were obtained.
The cavitation phenomenon was observed with a camera and a
stroboscope. Finally, the critical flow region, which tip vortex
cavitation might have occurred, was identified. The results show that
just by adjusting the flow rate, out of the specified region, the
possibility of occurring tip vortex cavitation, decreases to a great
extent.
Abstract: A new chelating resin is prepared by coupling Amberlite XAD-4 with 1-amino-2-naphthole through an azo spacer. The resulting sorbent has been characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and studied for preconcentrating of Fe (II) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for metal monitoring. The optimum pH value for sorption of the iron ions was 6.5. The resin was subjected to evaluation through batch binding of mentioned metal ion. Quantitative desorption occurs instantaneously with 0.5 M HNO3. The sorption capacity was found 4.1 mmol.g-1 of resin for Fe (II) in the aqueous solution. The chelating resin can be reused for 10 cycles of sorption-desorption without any significant change in sorption capacity. A recovery of 97% was obtained the metal ions with 0.5 M HNO3 as eluting agent. The method was applied for metal ions determination from industrial waste water sample.