Abstract: Different variants for buoyancy-affected terms in k-ε turbulence model have been utilized to predict the flow parameters more accurately, and investigate applicability of alternative k-ε turbulence buoyant closures in numerical simulation of a horizontal gravity current. The additional non-isotropic turbulent stress due to buoyancy has been considered in production term, based on Algebraic Stress Model (ASM). In order to account for turbulent scalar fluxes, general gradient diffusion hypothesis has been used along with Boussinesq gradient diffusion hypothesis with a variable turbulent Schmidt number and additional empirical constant c3ε.To simulate buoyant flow domain a 2D vertical numerical model (WISE, Width Integrated Stratified Environments), based on Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, has been deployed and the model has been further developed for different k-ε turbulence closures. Results are compared against measured laboratory values of a saline gravity current to explore the efficient turbulence model.
Abstract: This paper proposes a Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control (FSMC) as a control strategy for Buck-Boost DC-DC converter. The proposed fuzzy controller specifies changes in the control signal based on the knowledge of the surface and the surface change to satisfy the sliding mode stability and attraction conditions. The performances of the proposed fuzzy sliding controller are compared to those obtained by a classical sliding mode controller. The satisfactory simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed control law which reduces the chattering phenomenon. Moreover, the obtained results prove the robustness of the proposed control law against variation of the load resistance and the input voltage of the studied converter.
Abstract: Milk from differently fed cows (supplemented with carotenoids from carrots or palm oil product Carotino CAF 100) was obtained in a conventional dairy farm to assess the carotenoid potential to protect milk fat against oxidation. The extracted anhydrous milk fat (AMF) was tested by peroxide value, and Rancimat tests. Temperature, and light stimulation for reaction acceleration was used. The oxidative stability enhancement by carotenoids was detected in peroxide value test – the strongest effect was observed in palm oil, following by carrot supplemented group, compared to control group, whose feed was unchanged. Rancimat accelerated oxidation test results did not show any superiority of the oxidative stability of the AMF samples from milk of the carotenoidsupplemented cow groups. The average oxidation stability of AMF dark-stored samples was 12.59 ± 0.294 h, and it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of AMF light-affected samples, i.e. 2.60 ± 0.191 h.
Abstract: The cardiovascular system has become the most
important subject of clinical research, particularly measurement of
arterial blood flow. Therefore correct determination of arterial
diameter is crucial. We propose a novel, semi-automatic method for
artery lumen detection. The method is based on Gaussian probability
function. Usability of our proposed method was assessed by
analyzing ultrasound B-mode CFA video sequences acquired from
eleven healthy volunteers. The correlation coefficient between the
manual and semi-automatic measurement of arterial diameter was
0.996. Our proposed method for detecting artery boundary is novel
and accurate enough for the measurement of artery diameter.
Abstract: State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) approach is
a modification of the well studied LQR method. It has the capability of being applied to control nonlinear systems. In this paper the technique
has been applied to control the single inverted pendulum (SIP) which represents a rich class of nonlinear underactuated systems. SIP
modeling is based on Euler-Lagrange equations. A procedure is developed
for judicious selection of weighting parameters and constraint handling. The controller designed by SDRE technique here gives better results than existing controllers designed by energy based techniques.
Abstract: The ubiquitous payment problems within construction
industry of China are notoriously hard to be resolved, thus lead to a
series of impacts to the industry chain. Among of them, the most direct
result is affecting the normal operation of contractors negatively. A
wealth of research has already discussed reasons of the payment
problems by introducing a number of possible improvement strategies.
But the causalities of these problems are still far from harsh reality. In
this paper, the authors propose a model for cash flow system of
construction projects by introducing System Dynamics techniques to
explore causal facets of the payment problem. The effects of payment
arrears on both cash flow and profitability of project are simulated into
four scenarios by using data from real projects. Simulating results
show visible clues to help contractors quantitatively determining the
consequences for the construction project that arise from payment
delay.
Abstract: Self-sensing estimates the air gap within an electro
magnetic path by analyzing the bearing coil current and/or voltage
waveform. The self-sensing concept presented in this paper has been
developed within the research project “Active Magnetic Bearings
with Supreme Reliability" and is used for position sensor fault
detection.
Within this new concept gap calculation is carried out by an alldigital
analysis of the digitized coil current and voltage waveform.
For analysis those time periods within the PWM period are used,
which give the best results. Additionally, the concept allows the
digital compensation of nonlinearities, for example magnetic
saturation, without degrading signal quality. This increases the
accuracy and robustness of the air gap estimation and additionally
reduces phase delays.
Beneath an overview about the developed concept first
measurement results are presented which show the potential of this
all-digital self-sensing concept.
Abstract: Tablet computers and Multifunctional Hardcopy Devices (MHDs) are common devices in daily life. Though, many scientific studies have not been published. The tablet computers are straightforward to use whereas the MHDs are comparatively difficult to use. Thus, to assist different levels of users, we propose combining these two devices to achieve straightforward intelligent user interface (UI) and versatile What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) document management and production. Our approach to this issue is to design an intelligent user dependent UI for a MHD applying a tablet computer. Furthermore, we propose hardware interconnection and versatile intelligent software between these two devices. In this study, we first provide a state-of-the-art survey on MHDs and tablet computers, and their interconnections. Secondly we provide a comparative UI survey on two state-of-the-art MHDs with a proposal of a novel UI for the MHDs using Jakob Nielsen-s Ten Usability Heuristics Evaluation.
Abstract: The adoption of building information modeling (BIM)
is increasing in the construction industry. However, quantity
surveyors are slow in adoption compared to other professions due to
lack of awareness of the BIM’s potential in their profession. It is still
unclear on how BIM application can enhance quantity surveyors’
work performance and project performance. The aim of this research
is to identify the capabilities of BIM in quantity surveying practices
and examine the relationship between BIM capabilities and project
performance. Questionnaire survey and interviews were adopted for
data collection. Literature reviews identified there are eleven BIM
capabilities in quantity surveying practice. Questionnaire results
showed that there are several BIM capabilities significantly
correlated with project performance in time, cost and quality aspects
and the results were validated through interviews. These findings
show that BIM has the capabilities to enhance quantity surveyors’
performances and subsequently improved project performance.
Abstract: As one result of the project “Reactive Construction
Project Scheduling using Real Time Construction Logistic Data and
Simulation”, a procedure for using data about uncertain resource
availability assumptions in reactive scheduling processes has been
developed. Prediction data about resource availability is generated in
a formalized way using real-time monitoring data e.g. from auto-ID
systems on the construction site and in the supply chains. The paper
focusses on the formalization of the procedure for monitoring
construction logistic processes, for the detection of disturbance and
for generating of new and uncertain scheduling assumptions for the
reactive resource constrained simulation procedure that is and will be
further described in other papers.
Abstract: A new decomposition form is introduced in this report
to establish a criterion for the bi-partite separability of Bell diagonal
states. A such criterion takes a quadratic inequality of the coefficients
of a given Bell diagonal states and can be derived via a simple
algorithmic calculation of its invariants. In addition, the criterion can
be extended to a quantum system of higher dimension.
Abstract: Training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
has both physiological and psychological benefits for spinal cord
injured subjects. Commonly used methods for quantification of
spasticity have shown controversial reliability. In this study we
propose a method for quick determination of spasticity in spinal cord
injured subjects on a cycling and measurement system. 23 patients
did training sessions on an instrumented mobile FES cycle three
times a week over two months as part of their clinical rehabilitation
program. Spasticity (MAS) and the legs resistance to the pedaling
motion were assessed before and after the FES training and
measurements were done on the subjects ability to pedal with our
without motor assistance. Measurements with test persons with
incomplete spastic paraplegia have shown that spasticity is decreased
after a 30 min cycling training with functional electrical stimulation
(FES).
Abstract: Component-Based software engineering provides an
opportunity for better quality and increased productivity in software
development by using reusable software components [10]. One of the
most critical aspects of the quality of a software system is its
performance. The systematic application of software performance
engineering techniques throughout the development process can help
to identify design alternatives that preserve desirable qualities such
as extensibility and reusability while meeting performance objectives
[1]. In the present scenario, software engineering methodologies
strongly focus on the functionality of the system, while applying a
“fix- it-later" approach to software performance aspects [3]. As a
result, lengthy fine-tunings, expensive extra hard ware, or even
redesigns are necessary for the system to meet the performance
requirements. In this paper, we propose design based,
implementation independent, performance prediction approach to
reduce the overhead associated in the later phases while developing a
performance guaranteed software product with the help of Unified
Modeling Language (UML).
Abstract: In this paper, stability and Hopf bifurcation analysis of
a novel hyperchaotic system are investigated. Four feedback control
strategies, the linear feedback control method, enhancing feedback
control method, speed feedback control method and delayed feedback
control method, are used to control the hyperchaotic attractor to
unstable equilibrium. Moreover numerical simulations are given to
verify the theoretical results.
Abstract: In this paper; we are interested in dynamic modelling of quadrotor while taking into account the high-order nonholonomic constraints as well as the various physical phenomena, which can influence the dynamics of a flying structure. These permit us to introduce a new state-space representation and new control scheme. We present after the development and the synthesis of a stabilizing control laws design based on sliding mode in order to perform best tracking results. It ensures locally asymptotic stability and desired tracking trajectories. Nonlinear observer is then synthesized in order to estimate the unmeasured states and the effects of the external disturbances such as wind and noise. Finally simulation results are also provided in order to illustrate the performances of the proposed controllers.
Abstract: Hot tear cracking and residual stress are two different consequences of thermal stress both of which can be considered as casting problem. The purpose of the present study is simulation of the effect of casting shape characteristic on hot tearing and residual stress. This study shows that the temperature range for simulation of hot tearing and residual stress are different. In this study, in order to study the development of thermal stress and to predict the hot tearing and residual stress of shaped casting, MAGMASOFT simulation program was used. The strategy of this research was the prediction of hot tear location using pinpointing hot spot and thermal stress concentration zones. The results shows that existing of stress concentration zone increases the hot tearing probability and consequently reduces the amount of remaining residual stress in casting parts.
Abstract: Sexual behavior and semen charactertistics were
evaluated in young male Boer goats in tropical condition during time
period of September to November 2009. The animal was let to have
adaptation for five months after importation from Australian climate.
A total of 20 bucks were observed for sexual behavior and ability of
semen production. Out of this number, 4 faild to libido and 3
produced poor semen. The remaing 13 animals were divided into
three groups according to the ages (11-13, 15-16 and 18-25 months).
Sexual behavior consisting response time to female teaser,
ejaculation time, fixing strenght to female and erection status were
normaly observer in 13 bucks, and there was no significant difference
between age groups. Semen characteristics from 13 bucks were in
normal quality in the volume, sperm mass motility, individual
motility, percentage of live- and abnormal sperm. We concluded that
is possible to collect semen of Boer goats during the period of
September to November under tropical condition. Collection during
other time period should be analyzed.
Abstract: Oleic acid (C18:1) play an important role in
proliferation of fat cells. In this study, the effect of oleate on cells
viability in 3T3-L1 cells (fat cells) was investigated. The 3T3-L1
cells were treated with various concentrations of oleate in the
presence of 23 mM glucose. Oleate was added to adipogenic media
(day 0) to investigate the influence of oleate on proliferation of
postconfluent preadipocytes after 24 h induction. 0.1 mM oleate
promoted cell division by increasing 33.9% number of cells from
basal control in postconfluent preadipocytes. However, there were no
significantly different in cells viability with control cells when oleate
concentrations were increased up to 0.5 mM. When added to
differentiated adipocytes (day 12) for 48 h, the number of cells
decreased as oleate concentrations increased. 92.7% of cells lost
demonstrated apoptosis and necrosis after 48 h with 0.5 mM oleate.
The fluorochrome staining was examined under fluorescence
microscopy using acridine orange and ethidium bromide double
staining. Furthermore, the presence of high lactate (60.6% increased
from basal control) released into plasma has shown the direct
cytotoxicity of 0.5 mM oleate on adipocytes.
Abstract: Successful intelligence (SI) is the integrated set of the
ability needed to attain success in life, within individual-s sociocultural
context. People are successfully intelligent by recognizing
their strengths and weaknesses. They will find ways to strengthen
their weakness and maintain their strength or even improve it. SI
people can shape, select, and adapt to the environments by using
balance of higher-ordered thinking abilities including; critical,
creative, and applicative. Aims: The purposes of this study were to;
1) develop curriculum that promotes SI for nursing students, and 2)
study the effectiveness of the curriculum development. Method:
Research and Development was a method used for this study. The
design was divided into two phases; 1) the curriculum development
which composed of three steps (needs assessment, curriculum
development and curriculum field trail), and 2) the curriculum
implementation. In this phase, a pre-experimental research design
(one group pretest-posttest design) was conducted. The sample
composed of 49 sophomore nursing students of Boromarajonani
College of Nursing, Surin, Thailand who enrolled in Nursing care of
Health problem course I in 2011 academic year. Data were carefully
collected using 4 instruments; 1) Modified essay questions test
(MEQ) 2) Nursing Care Plan evaluation form 3) Group processing
observation form (α = 0.74) and 4) Satisfied evaluation form of
learning (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and content analysis. Results: The results revealed that the sample
had post-test average score of SI higher than pre-test average score
(mean difference was 5.03, S.D. = 2.84). Fifty seven percentages of
the sample passed the MEQ posttest at the criteria of 60 percentages.
Students demonstrated the strategies of how to develop nursing care
plan. Overall, students- satisfaction on teaching performance was at
high level (mean = 4.35, S.D. = 0.46). Conclusion: This curriculum
can promote the attribute of characteristic of SI person and was
highly required to be continued.
Abstract: Optimal selection of electrical insulations in electrical
machinery insures reliability during operation. From the insulation
studies of view for electrical machines, stator is the most important
part. This fact reveals the requirement for inspection of the electrical
machine insulation along with the electro-thermal stresses. In the
first step of the study, a part of the whole structure of machine in
which covers the general characteristics of the machine is chosen,
then based on the electromagnetic analysis (finite element method),
the machine operation is simulated. In the simulation results, the
temperature distribution of the total structure is presented
simultaneously by using electro-thermal analysis. The results of
electro-thermal analysis can be used for designing an optimal cooling
system. In order to design, review and comparing the cooling
systems, four wiring structures in the slots of Stator are presented.
The structures are compared to each other in terms of electrical,
thermal distribution and remaining life of insulation by using Finite
Element analysis. According to the steps of the study, an optimization
algorithm has been presented for selection of appropriate structure.