Abstract: This paper reports the development and application of a 2D1 depth-averaged model. The main goal of this contribution is to apply the depth averaged equations to a wind park model in which the treatment of the geometry, introduced on the mathematical model by the mass and momentum source terms. The depth-averaged model will be used in future to find the optimal position of wind turbines in the wind park. κ − ε and 2D LES turbulence models were consider in this article. 2D CFD2 simulations for one hill was done to check the depth-averaged model in practise.
Abstract: To explore how the brain may recognise objects in its
general,accurate and energy-efficient manner, this paper proposes the
use of a neuromorphic hardware system formed from a Dynamic
Video Sensor (DVS) silicon retina in concert with the SpiNNaker
real-time Spiking Neural Network (SNN) simulator. As a first step
in the exploration on this platform a recognition system for dynamic
hand postures is developed, enabling the study of the methods used
in the visual pathways of the brain. Inspired by the behaviours of
the primary visual cortex, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
are modelled using both linear perceptrons and spiking Leaky
Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons.
In this study’s largest configuration using these approaches, a
network of 74,210 neurons and 15,216,512 synapses is created and
operated in real-time using 290 SpiNNaker processor cores in parallel
and with 93.0% accuracy. A smaller network using only 1/10th of the
resources is also created, again operating in real-time, and it is able
to recognise the postures with an accuracy of around 86.4% - only
6.6% lower than the much larger system. The recognition rate of the
smaller network developed on this neuromorphic system is sufficient
for a successful hand posture recognition system, and demonstrates
a much improved cost to performance trade-off in its approach.
Abstract: Hybrid electric vehicles can reduce pollution and
improve fuel economy. Power-split hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
provide two power paths between the internal combustion engine
(ICE) and energy storage system (ESS) through the gears of an
electrically variable transmission (EVT). EVT allows ICE to operate
independently from vehicle speed all the time. Therefore, the ICE can
operate in the efficient region of its characteristic brake specific fuel
consumption (BSFC) map. The two-mode powertrain can operate in
input-split or compound-split EVT modes and in four different fixed
gear configurations. Power-split architecture is advantageous because
it combines conventional series and parallel power paths. This
research focuses on input-split and compound-split modes in the
two-mode power-split powertrain. Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) for an
internal combustion engine (ICE) and PI control for electric machines
(EMs) are derived for the urban driving cycle simulation. These
control algorithms reduce vehicle fuel consumption and improve ICE
efficiency while maintaining the state of charge (SOC) of the energy
storage system in an efficient range.
Abstract: Presently a significant portion of the Earth's
population does not have access to healthy food. Either because they
cannot afford it or because they do not know which one are they. The
aim of the VII th Framework Chance project (Nr. 266331) supported
by the European Union has been to develop relatively cheap food
with favourable nutritional value and it should have acceptable
quality for consumers. As one task of the project we manufactured
bread products as a basic food. We examined the enrichment of bread
products with four kinds of bran, with a special milling product of
grain industry (aleurone-rich flour) and with a soy-based sprouted
additive. The applied concentration of the six mentioned additives
has been optimized and the physical properties of the bread products
were monitored. The weight/density of the enriched breads increased
a bit, however the volume and height decreased slightly compared to
the corresponding data of the control bread. The optimized
composition of the final product is favourably affected by these
additives having highly preferred composition from nutritional point
of view.
Abstract: This study will examine how the therapeutic factors
(therapeutic catharsis-seeking and game-efficacy of the game player)
and self-construal factors (independent and interdependent
self-construal of the game player) as well as social capital factors
(bonding and bridging social capital of the game player) affect
aggression in the game. Results show that both therapeutic
catharsis-seeking and game self-efficacy are particularly important to
the players since they cause the game players’ aggressive tendencies to
be greatly diminished. Independent self-construal reduces the level of
the players’ aggression. Interestingly enough, the bonding social
capital enhances the level of the players’ aggression, while individuals
with bridging social capital did not show any significant effects. The
results and implications will be discussed herein.
Abstract: A dip-coating process has been used to form an
asymmetric silica membrane with improved membrane performance
and reproducibility. First, we deposited repeatedly silica on top of a
commercial alumina membrane support to improve its structural
make up. The membrane is further processed under clean room
conditions to avoid dust impurity and subsequent drying in an oven
for high thermal, chemical and physical stability. The resulting
asymmetric membrane exhibits a gradual change in the membrane
layer thickness. Compared to the support, the dual-layer process
improves the gas flow rates. For the scientific applications for natural
gas purification, CO2, CH4 and H2 gas flow rates were. In addition,
the membrane selectively separated hydrogen.
Abstract: Distributed applications deployed on LEO satellites
and ground stations require substantial communication between
different members in a constellation to overcome the earth
coverage barriers imposed by GEOs. Applications running on LEO
constellations suffer the earth line-of-sight blockage effect. They
need adequate lab testing before launching to space. We propose
a scalable cloud-based network simulation framework to simulate
problems created by the earth line-of-sight blockage. The framework
utilized cloud IaaS virtual machines to simulate LEO satellites
and ground stations distributed software. A factorial ANOVA
statistical analysis is conducted to measure simulator overhead on
overall communication performance. The results showed a very low
simulator communication overhead. Consequently, the simulation
framework is proposed as a candidate for testing LEO constellations
with distributed software in the lab before space launch.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a computer-aided solution
with Genetic Algorithms in order to reduce the drafting of reports:
FMEA analysis and Control Plan required in the manufacture of the
product launch and improved knowledge development teams for
future projects. The solution allows to the design team to introduce
data entry required to FMEA. The actual analysis is performed using
Genetic Algorithms to find optimum between RPN risk factor and
cost of production. A feature of Genetic Algorithms is that they are
used as a means of finding solutions for multi criteria optimization
problems. In our case, along with three specific FMEA risk factors is
considered and reduce production cost. Analysis tool will generate
final reports for all FMEA processes. The data obtained in FMEA
reports are automatically integrated with other entered parameters in
Control Plan. Implementation of the solution is in the form of an
application running in an intranet on two servers: one containing
analysis and plan generation engine and the other containing the
database where the initial parameters and results are stored. The
results can then be used as starting solutions in the synthesis of other
projects. The solution was applied to welding processes, laser cutting
and bending to manufacture chassis for buses. Advantages of the
solution are efficient elaboration of documents in the current project
by automatically generating reports FMEA and Control Plan using
multiple criteria optimization of production and build a solid
knowledge base for future projects. The solution which we propose is
a cheap alternative to other solutions on the market using Open
Source tools in implementation.
Abstract: Exploration and exploitation capabilities are both
important within Operations as means for improvement when
managed separately, and for establishing dynamic improvement
capabilities when combined in balance. However, it is unclear what
exploration and exploitation capabilities imply in improvement and
development work within an Operations context. So, in order to
better understand how to develop exploration and exploitation
capabilities within Operations, the main characteristics of these
constructs needs to be identified and further understood. Thus, the
objective of this research is to increase the understanding about
exploitation and exploration characteristics, to concretize what they
translates to within the context of improvement and development
work in an Operations unit, and to identify practical challenges. A
literature review and a case study are presented. In the literature
review, different interpretations of exploration and exploitation are
portrayed, key characteristics have been identified, and a deepened
understanding of exploration and exploitation characteristics is
described. The case in the study is an Operations unit, and the aim is
to explore to what extent and in what ways exploration and
exploitation activities are part of the improvement structures and
processes. The contribution includes an identification of key
characteristics of exploitation and exploration, as well as an
interpretation of the constructs. Further, some practical challenges are
identified. For instance, exploration activities tend to be given low
priority, both in daily work as in the manufacturing strategy. Also,
the overall understanding about the concepts of exploitation and
exploration (or any similar aspect of dynamic improvement
capabilities) is very low.
Abstract: This study was aimed to investigate the machining
stability of a spindle tool with different preloaded amount. To this end,
the vibration tests were conducted on the spindle unit with different
preload to assess the dynamic characteristics and machining stability
of the milling machine. Current results demonstrate that the tool tip
frequency response characteristics and the machining stabilities in X
and Y direction are affected to change due to the different preload of
spindle bearings. As found from the results, a high preloaded spindle
tool shows higher limited cutting depth at mid position, while a spindle
with low preload shows a higher limited depth. This indicates that the
machining stability of a milling machine is affected to vary by the
spindle unit when it was assembled with different bearing preload.
Abstract: The research was conducted in order to determine the
organizational socialization levels of nurses working in hospitals in
the form of a descriptive study.
The research population was composed of nurses employed in
public and private sector hospitals in the province of Konya with 0-3
years of professional experience in the hospitals (N=1200); and the
sample was composed of 495 nurses that accepted to take part in the
study voluntarily. Statistical evaluation of data was conducted in
SPSS.16 software.
The results of the study revealed that the total score taken by
nurses at the organizational socialization scale was 262.95; and this
was close to the maximum score. Particularly the departmental
socialization sub-dimension proved to be higher in comparison to the
other two dimensions (organization socialization and task
socialization). Statistically meaningful differences were found in the
levels of organization socialization in relation to the status of
organizational orientation training, level of education and age group.
Abstract: It is the worldwide problem that the recycled PVB is
not recycled and it is wildly stored in landfills. However, PVB has
similar chemical properties such as PVC. Moreover, both of these
polymers are plasticized. Therefore, the study of thermal properties
of plasticized PVC and the recycled PVB obtained by recycling of
windshields is carried out. This work has done in order to find nondegradable
processing conditions applicable for both polymers.
Tested PVC contained 38% of plasticizer diisononyl phthalate
(DINP) and PVB was plasticized with 28% of triethylene glycol,
bis(2-ethylhexanoate) (3GO). The thermal and thermo-oxidative
decomposition of both vinyl polymers are compared by calorimetric
analysis and by tensile strength analysis.
Abstract: Steady three-dimensional and two free surface waves
generated by moving bodies are presented, the flow problem to be
simulated is rich in complexity and poses many modeling challenges
because of the existence of breaking waves around the ship hull, and
because of the interaction of the two-phase flow with the turbulent
boundary layer. The results of several simulations are reported. The
first study was performed for NACA0012 of hydrofoil with different
meshes, this section is analyzed at h/c= 1, 0345 for 2D. In the second
simulation a mathematically defined Wigley hull form is used to
investigate the application of a commercial CFD code in prediction of
the total resistance and its components from tangential and normal
forces on the hull wetted surface. The computed resistance and wave
profiles are used to estimate the coefficient of the total resistance for
Wigley hull advancing in calm water under steady conditions. The
commercial CFD software FLUENT version 12 is used for the
computations in the present study. The calculated grid is established
using the code computer GAMBIT 2.3.26. The shear stress k-ωSST
model is used for turbulence modeling and the volume of fluid
technique is employed to simulate the free-surface motion. The
second order upwind scheme is used for discretizing the convection
terms in the momentum transport equations, the Modified HRIC
scheme for VOF discretization. The results obtained compare well
with the experimental data.
Abstract: Image segmentation and color identification is an
important process used in various emerging fields like intelligent
robotics. A method is proposed for the manipulator to grasp and place
the color object into correct location. The existing methods such as
PSO, has problems like accelerating the convergence speed and
converging to a local minimum leading to sub optimal performance.
To improve the performance, we are using watershed algorithm and
for color identification, we are using EPSO. EPSO method is used to
reduce the probability of being stuck in the local minimum. The
proposed method offers the particles a more powerful global
exploration capability. EPSO methods can determine the particles
stuck in the local minimum and can also enhance learning speed as
the particle movement will be faster.
Abstract: An investigation of adaptable winglets for enhancing
morphing aircraft performance is described in this paper. The
concepts investigated consist of various winglet configurations
fundamentally centered on a baseline swept wing. The impetus for
the work was to identify and optimize winglets to enhance the
aerodynamic efficiency of a morphing aircraft. All computations
were performed with Athena Vortex Lattice modelling with varying
degrees of twist and cant angle considered. The results from this
work indicate that if adaptable winglets were employed on aircraft’s
improvements in aircraft performance could be achieved.
Abstract: This paper addresses a cutting edge method of
business demand forecasting, based on an empirical probability
function when the historical behavior of the data is random.
Additionally, it presents error determination based on the numerical
method technique ‘propagation of errors.’ The methodology was
conducted characterization and process diagnostics demand planning
as part of the production management, then new ways to predict its
value through techniques of probability and to calculate their mistake
investigated, it was tools used numerical methods. All this based on
the behavior of the data. This analysis was determined considering
the specific business circumstances of a company in the sector of
communications, located in the city of Bogota, Colombia. In
conclusion, using this application it was possible to obtain the
adequate stock of the products required by the company to provide its
services, helping the company reduce its service time, increase the
client satisfaction rate, reduce stock which has not been in rotation
for a long time, code its inventory, and plan reorder points for the
replenishment of stock.
Abstract: The present study was aimed to examine the structure
of children’s adaptation during school transition and to identify a
commonality and dissimilarity at the elementary and junior high
school. 1,983 students in the 6th grade and 2,051 students in the 7th
grade were extracted by stratified two-stage random sampling and
completed the ASSESS that evaluated the school adaptation from the
view point of ‘general satisfaction’, ‘teachers’ support’, ‘friends’
support’, ‘anti-bullying relationship’, ‘prosocial skills’, and ‘academic
adaptation’. The 7th graders tend to be worse adaptation than the 6th
graders. A structural equation modeling showed the goodness of fit for
each grades. Both models were very similar but the 7th graders’ model
showed a lower coefficient at the pass from ‘teachers’ support’ to
‘friends’ support’. The role of ‘teachers’ support’ was decreased to
keep a good relation in junior high school. We also discussed how we
provide a continuous assistance for prevention of the 7th graders’ gap.
Abstract: In order to address construction project requirements
and specifications, scholars and practitioners need to establish
taxonomy according to a scheme that best fits their need. While
existing characterization methods are continuously being improved,
new ones are devised to cover project properties which have not been
previously addressed. One such method, the Project Definition Rating
Index (PDRI), has received limited consideration strictly as a
classification scheme. Developed by the Construction Industry
Institute (CII) in 1996, the PDRI has been refined over the last two
decades as a method for evaluating a project's scope definition
completeness during front-end planning (FEP). The main
contribution of this study is a review of practical project classification
methods, and a discussion of how PDRI can be used to classify
projects based on their readiness in the FEP phase. The proposed
model has been applied to 59 construction projects in Ontario, and
the results are discussed.
Abstract: Methicillin/multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) are infectious bacteria that are resistant to common
antibiotics. A previous in silico study in our group has identified a
hypothetical protein SAV1226 as one of the potential drug targets. In
this study, we reported the bioinformatics characterization, as well as
cloning, expression, purification and kinetic assays of hypothetical
protein SAV1226 from methicillin/vancomycin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus Mu50 strain. MALDI-TOF/MS analysis
revealed a low degree of structural similarity with known proteins.
Kinetic assays demonstrated that hypothetical protein SAV1226 is
neither a domain of an ATP dependent dihydroxyacetone kinase nor
of a phosphotransferase system (PTS) dihydroxyacetone kinase,
suggesting that the function of hypothetical protein SAV1226 might
be misannotated on public databases such as UniProt and
InterProScan 5.
Abstract: Bringing forth a survey on recent higher order spline
techniques for solving boundary value problems in ordinary
differential equations. Here we have discussed the summary of the
articles since 2000 till date based on higher order splines like Septic,
Octic, Nonic, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth Degree
splines. Comparisons of methods with own critical comments as
remarks have been included.