Abstract: Effect of 2wt% Cu addition on tensile properties and
fracture behavior of Al-6Si-0.5Mg-2Ni alloy at various strain rates
were studied. The solution treated Al-6Si-0.5Mg-2Ni (-2Cu) alloys,
were aged isochronally for 1 hour at temperatures up to 300oC. The
uniaxial tension test was carried out at strain rate ranging from 10-4s-1
to 10-2s-1 in order to investigate the strain rate dependence of tensile
properties. Tensile strengths were found to increase with ageing
temperature and the maximum being attained ageing for 1 hr at
225oC (peak aged condition). Addition of 2wt% Cu resulted in an
increase in tensile properties at all strain rates. Evaluation of tensile
properties at three different strain rates (10-4, 10-3 and 10-2 s-1)
showed that strain rates affected the tensile properties significantly.
At higher strain rates the strength was better but ductility was poor.
Microstructures of broken specimens showed that both the void
coalescence and the interface debonding affect the fracture behavior
of the alloys
Abstract: High temperature is one of the most detrimental
effects that cause important changes in concrete’s mechanical,
physical, and thermo-physical properties. As a result of these
changes, especially high strength concrete (HSC), may exhibit
damages such as cracks and spallings. To overcome this problem,
incorporating polymer fibers such as polypropylene (PP) in concrete
is a very well-known method. In this study, using RRH, as a
sustainable material, instead of PP fiber in HSC to prevent spallings
and improve physical and thermo-physical properties were
investigated. Therefore, seven HSC mixtures with 0.25 water to
binder ratio were prepared incorporating silica fume and blast furnace
slag. PP and RRH were used at 0.2-0.5% and 0.5-3% by weight of
cement, respectively. All specimens were subjected to high
temperatures (20 (control), 300, 600 and 900˚C) with a heating rate
of 2.5˚C/min and after cooling, residual physical and thermo-physical
properties were determined.
Abstract: The copyrights system is a combination of different elements. The number, content and the correlation of these elements are different for different legal orders. The models of copyrights systems display this system in terms of the interaction of economic and author's moral rights. Monistic and dualistic models are the most popular ones. The article deals with different points of view on the monism and dualism in copyright system. A specific model of the copyright in Switzerland in the XXth century is analyzed. The evolution of a French dualistic model of copyright is shown. The author believes that one should talk not about one, but rather about a number of dualism forms of copyright system.
Abstract: Background. Food-related allergies and intolerances are frequently occurring in dogs. Diagnosis and monitoring according ‘Golden Standard’ of elimination efficiency is, however, time consuming, expensive, and requires expert clinical setting. In order to facilitate rapid and robust, quantitative testing of intolerance, and determining the individual offending foods, a serological test is implicated for Alimentary Induced Diseases and manifestations. Method. As we developed Medisynx IgG Human Screening Test ELISA before and the dog’ immune system is most similar to humans, we were able to develop Medisynx IgG Dog Screening Test ELISA as well. In this randomized, double-blind, split-sample, retro perspective study 47 dogs suffering from Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) and several secondary induced reactions were included to participate in serological Medisynx IgG Dog Screening Test ELISA (within < 0,02 % SD). Results were expressed as titers relative to the standard OD readings to diagnose alimentary induced diseases and monitoring efficacy of an individual eliminating diet in dogs. Split sample analysis was performed by independently sending 2 times 3 ml serum under two unique codes. Results. The veterinarian monitored these dogs to check dog’ results at least at 3, 7, 21, 49, 70 days and after period of 6 and 12 months on an individual negative diet and a positive challenge (retrospectively) at 6 months. Data of each dog were recorded in a screening form and reported that a complete recovery of all clinical manifestations was observed at or less than 70 days (between 50 and 70 days) in the majority of dogs (44 out of 47 dogs =93.6%). Conclusion. Challenge results showed a significant result of 100% in specificity as well as 100% positive predicted value. On the other hand, sensitivity was 95,7% and negative predictive value was 95,7%. In conclusion, an individual diet based on IgG ELISA in dogs provides a significant improvement of atopic dermatitis and pruritus including all other non-specific defined allergic skin reactions as erythema, itching, biting and gnawing at toes, as well as to several secondary manifestations like chronic diarrhoea, chronic constipation, otitis media, obesity, laziness or inactive behaviour, pain and muscular stiffness causing a movement disorders, excessive lacrimation, hyper behaviour, nervous behaviour and not possible to stay alone at home, anxiety, biting and aggressive behaviour and disobedience behaviour. Furthermore, we conclude that a relatively more severe systemic candidiasis, as shown by relatively higher titer (class 3 and 4 IgG reactions to Candida albicans), influence the duration of recovery from clinical manifestations in affected dogs. These findings are consistent with our preliminary human clinical studies.
Abstract: A polypropylene hollow fiber membrane module is used for separating dissolved gases which contain dissolved oxygen from water. These dissolved gases can be used for underwater breathing. To be used for a human, the minimum amount of oxygen is essential. To increase separation of dissolved gases, much water and high surface area of hollow fibers are requested. For efficient separation system, performance of single membrane module with high surface area needs to be investigated.
In this study, we set up experimental devices for analyzing separation characteristics of dissolved gases including oxygen from water using a polypropylene hollow fiber membrane module. Separation of dissolved gases from water is investigated with variations of water flow rates. Composition of dissolved gases is also measured using GC. These results expect to be used in developing the portable separation system.
Abstract: Non-synchronous breakage or line failure in power
systems with light or no loads can lead to core saturation in
transformers or potential transformers. This can cause component and
capacitance matching resulting in the formation of resonant circuits,
which trigger ferroresonance. This study employed a wavelet
transform for the detection of ferroresonance. Simulation results
demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Abstract: Outrigger-braced wall systems are commonly used to provide high rise buildings with the required lateral stiffness for wind and earthquake resistance. The existence of outriggers adds to the stiffness and strength of walls as reported by several studies. The effects of different parameters on the elasto-plastic dynamic behavior of outrigger-braced wall systems to earthquakes are investigated in this study. Parameters investigated include outrigger stiffness, concrete strength, and reinforcement arrangement as the main design parameters in wall design. In addition to being significantly affect the wall behavior, such parameters may lead to the change of failure mode and the delay of crack propagation and consequently failure as the wall is excited by earthquakes. Bi-linear stress-strain relation for concrete with limited tensile strength and truss members with bi-linear stress-strain relation for reinforcement were used in the finite element analysis of the problem. The famous earthquake record, El-Centro, 1940 is used in the study. Emphasize was given to the lateral drift, normal stresses and crack pattern as behavior controlling determinants. Results indicated significant effect of the studied parameters such that stiffer outrigger, higher grade concrete and concentrating the reinforcement at wall edges enhance the behavior of the system. Concrete stresses and cracking behavior are too much enhanced while less drift improvements are observed.
Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of simultaneous placement of DGs and smart meters (SMs), on voltage profile improvement in active distribution networks (ADNs). A substantial center of attention has recently been on responsive loads initiated in power system problem studies such as distributed generations (DGs). Existence of responsive loads in active distribution networks (ADNs) would have undeniable effect on sizing and siting of DGs. For this reason, an optimal framework is proposed for sizing and siting of DGs and SMs in ADNs. SMs are taken into consideration for the sake of successful implementing of demand response programs (DRPs) such as direct load control (DLC) with end-side consumers. Looking for voltage profile improvement, the optimization procedure is solved by genetic algorithm (GA) and tested on IEEE 33-bus distribution test system. Different scenarios with variations in the number of DG units, individual or simultaneous placing of DGs and SMs, and adaptive power factor (APF) mode for DGs to support reactive power have been established. The obtained results confirm the significant effect of DRPs and APF mode in determining the optimal size and site of DGs to be connected in ADN resulting to the improvement of voltage profile as well.
Abstract: In the last few years, harmonics have been occurred
with the increasing use of nonlinear loads, and these harmonics have
been an ever increasing problem for the line systems. This situation
importantly affects the quality of power and gives large losses to the
network. An efficient way to solve these problems is providing
harmonic compensation through parallel active power filters. Many
methods can be used in the control systems of the parallel active
power filters which provide the compensation. These methods
efficiently affect the performance of the active power filters. For this
reason, the chosen control method is significant. In this study, Fourier
analysis (FA) control method and synchronous reference frame (SRF)
control method are discussed. These control methods are designed for
both eliminate harmonics and perform reactive power compensation
in MATLAB/Simulink pack program and are tested. The results have
been compared for each two methods.
Abstract: A Jet-stream airsail concept takes advantage of aerology
in order to fly without propulsion. Weather phenomena, especially jet
streams, are relatively permanent high winds blowing from west to
east, located at average altitudes and latitudes in both hemispheres.
To continuously extract energy from the jet-stream, the system is
composed of a propelled plane and a wind turbine interconnected by
a cable. This work presents the aerodynamic characteristics and the
behavior of the cable that links the two subsystems and transmits
energy from the turbine to the aircraft. Two ways of solving this
problem are explored: numerically and analytically. After obtaining
the optimal shape of the cross-section of the cable, its behavior
is analyzed as a 2D problem solved numerically and analytically.
Finally, a 3D extension could be considered by adding lateral forces.
The results of this work can be further used in the design process of
the overall system: aircraft-turbine.
Abstract: In this paper a nonlinear feedback control called augmented automatic choosing control (AACC) for a class of
nonlinear systems with constrained input is presented. When designed
the control, a constant term which arises from linearization of a
given nonlinear system is treated as a coefficient of a stable zero
dynamics. Parameters of the control are suboptimally selected by
maximizing the stable region in the sense of Lyapunov with the aid
of a genetic algorithm. This approach is applied to a field excitation
control problem of power system to demonstrate the splendidness
of the AACC. Simulation results show that the new controller can
improve performance remarkably well.
Abstract: This research presents the design, fabrication and application of a flavor sensor for an integrated electronic tongue and electronic nose that can allow rapid characterization of multi-component mixtures in a solution. The odor gas and liquid are separated using hydrophobic porous membrane in micro fluidic channel. The sensor uses an array composed of microbeads in micromachined cavities localized on silicon wafer. Sensing occurs via colorimetric and fluorescence changes to receptors and indicator molecules that are attached to termination sites on the polymeric microbeads. As a result, the sensor array system enables simultaneous and near-real-time analyses using small samples and reagent volumes with the capacity to incorporate significant redundancies. One of the key parts of the system is a passive pump driven only by capillary force. The hydrophilic surface of the fluidic structure draws the sample into the sensor array without any moving mechanical parts. Since there is no moving mechanical component in the structure, the size of the fluidic structure can be compact and the fabrication becomes simple when compared to the device including active microfluidic components. These factors should make the proposed system inexpensive to mass-produce, portable and compatible with biomedical applications.
Abstract: The focus of this paper is to compare common approaches for Systems of Innovation (SI) and identify proactive alternatives for driving the innovation. Proactive approaches will also consider short and medium term perspectives with developments in the field of Computer Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Concerning Computer Technology and Large Connected Information Systems, it is reasonable to predict that during current or the next century intelligence and innovation will be separated from the constraints of human driven management. After this happens, humans will be no longer driving the innovation and there is possibility that SI for new intelligent systems will set its own targets and exclude humans. Over long time scale these developments could result in scenario, which will lead to the development of larger, cross galactic (universal) proactive SI and Intelligence.
Abstract: The application of today's semiconductor transistors in high power UHF DVB-T linear amplifiers has evolved significantly by utilizing LDMOS technology. This fact provides engineers with the option to design a single transistor signal amplifier which enables output power and linearity that was unobtainable previously using bipolar junction transistors or later type first generation MOSFETS. The quiescent current stability in terms of thermal variations of the LDMOS guarantees a robust operation in any topology of DVB-T signal amplifiers. Otherwise, progressively uncontrolled heat dissipation enhancement on the LDMOS case can degrade the amplifier’s crucial parameters in regards to the gain, linearity and RF stability, resulting in dysfunctional operation or a total destruction of the unit. This paper presents one more sophisticated approach from the traditional biasing circuits used so far in LDMOS DVB-T amplifiers. It utilizes a microprocessor control technology, providing stability in topologies where IDQ must be perfectly accurate.
Abstract: To measure or asses any government’s efficiency we need to measure the performance of this government in regards to the quality of the service it provides. Using a technological platform in service provision became a trend and a public demand. It is also a public need to make sure these services are aligned to values and to the whole government’s strategy, vision and goals as well. Providing services using technology tools and channels can enhance the internal business process and also help establish many essential values to government services like transparency and excellence, since in order to establish e-services many standards and policies must be put in place to enable the handing over of decision making to a mature system oriented mechanism. There was no doubt that the Sultanate of Oman wanted to enhance its services and move it towards automation and establishes a smart government as well as links its services to life events. Measuring government efficiency is very essential in achieving social security and economic growth, since it can provide a clear dashboard of all projects and improvements. Based on this data we can improve the strategies and align the country goals to them.
Abstract: This study analyzes the crisis management and image repair strategies during the crisis of Mahidol Wittayanusorn School (MWIT) library burning. The library of this school was burned by a 16-year-old-male student on June 6th, 2010. This student blamed the school that the lesson was difficult, and other students were selfish. Although no one was in the building during the fire, it had caused damage to the building, books and electronic supplies around 130 million bahts (4.4 million USD). This event aroused many discourses arguing about the education system and morality. The strategies which were used during crisis were denial, shift the blame, bolstering, minimization, and uncertainty reduction. The results of using these strategies appeared after the crisis. That was the numbers of new students, who registered for the examination to get into this school in the later years, have remained the same.
Abstract: This paper presents the effect of electric field
distribution which is an electric field intensity analysis. Consideration
of the dielectric heating of grains and insects, the rice and rice
weevils are utilized for dielectric heating analysis. Furthermore, this
analysis compares the effect of electric field distribution in rice and
rice weevil. In this simulation, two copper plates are used to generate
the electric field for dielectric heating system and put the rice
materials between the copper plates. The simulation is classified in
two cases, which are case I one rice weevil is placed in the rice and
case II two rice weevils are placed at different position in the rice.
Moreover, the probes are located in various different positions on
plate. The power feeding on this plate is optimized by using CST EM
studio program of 1000 watt electrical power at 39 MHz resonance
frequency. The results of two cases are indicated that the most
electric field distribution and intensity are occurred on the rice and
rice weevils at the near point of the probes. Moreover, the heat is
directed to the rice weevils more than the rice. When the temperature
of rice and rice weevils are calculated and compared, the rice weevils
has the temperature more than rice is about 41.62 Celsius degrees.
These results can be applied for the dielectric heating applications to
eliminate insect.
Abstract: In this paper we deal with using Lego Mindstorms in
simulation of robotic systems with respect to cost reduction. Lego
Mindstorms kit contains broad variety of hardware components
which are required to simulate, program and test the robotics systems
in practice. Algorithm programming went in development
environment supplied together with Lego kit as in programming
language C# as well. Algorithm following the line, which we dealt
with in this paper, uses theoretical findings from area of controlling
circuits. PID controller has been chosen as controlling circuit whose
individual components were experimentally adjusted for optimal
motion of robot tracking the line. Data which are determined to
process by algorithm are collected by sensors which scan the
interface between black and white surfaces followed by robot. Based
on discovered facts Lego Mindstorms can be considered for low-cost
and capable kit to simulate real robotics systems.
Abstract: This paper presents breast cancer detection by
observing the specific absorption rate (SAR) intensity for
identification tumor location, the tumor is identified in coordinates
(x,y,z) system. We examined the frequency between 4-8 GHz to look
for the most appropriate frequency. Results are simulated in
frequency 4-8 GHz, the model overview include normal breast with
50 mm radian, 5 mm diameter of tumor, and ultra wideband (UWB)
bowtie antenna. The models are created and simulated in CST
Microwave Studio. For this simulation, we changed antenna to 5
location around the breast, the tumor can be detected when an
antenna is close to the tumor location, which the coordinate of
maximum SAR is approximated the tumor location. For reliable, we
experiment by random tumor location to 3 position in the same size
of tumor and simulation the result again by varying the antenna
position in 5 position again, and it also detectable the tumor position
from the antenna that nearby tumor position by maximum value of
SAR, which it can be detected the tumor with precision in all
frequency between 4-8 GHz.
Abstract: This paper proposes a GLMM with spatial and
temporal effects for malaria data in Thailand. A Bayesian method is
used for parameter estimation via Gibbs sampling MCMC. A
conditional autoregressive (CAR) model is assumed to present the
spatial effects. The temporal correlation is presented through the
covariance matrix of the random effects. The malaria quarterly data
have been extracted from the Bureau of Epidemiology, Ministry of
Public Health of Thailand. The factors considered are rainfall and
temperature. The result shows that rainfall and temperature are
positively related to the malaria morbidity rate. The posterior means
of the estimated morbidity rates are used to construct the malaria
maps. The top 5 highest morbidity rates (per 100,000 population) are
in Trat (Q3, 111.70), Chiang Mai (Q3, 104.70), Narathiwat (Q4,
97.69), Chiang Mai (Q2, 88.51), and Chanthaburi (Q3, 86.82).
According to the DIC criterion, the proposed model has a better
performance than the GLMM with spatial effects but without
temporal terms.