Abstract: A series of tests on cold-formed steel (CFS) wall plate system subjected to uplift force at the mid span of the wall plate is presented. The aim of the study was to study the behaviour and identify the modes of failure of CFS wall plate system. Two parameters were considered in these studies: 1) different dimension of U-bracket at the supports and 2) different sizes of lipped C-channel. The lipped C-channels used were C07508, C07512 and C10012. The dimensions of the leg of U-bracket were 50x35 mm and 50x60 mm respectively, where 25 mm clearance was provided to the connections for specimens with clearance. Results show that specimens with and without clearance experienced the same mode of failure. Failure began with the yielding of the connectors followed by distortional buckling of the wall plate. However, when C075 sections were used as wall plate, the system behaved differently. There was a large deformation in the wall plate and failure began in the distortional buckling of the wall plate followed by bearing of the connecting plates at the supports (U-bracket). The ultimate strength of the system also decreased dramatically when C075 sections were used.
Abstract: This paper tries to represent a new method for
computing the reliability of a system which is arranged in series or
parallel model. In this method we estimate life distribution function
of whole structure using the asymptotic Extreme Value (EV)
distribution of Type I, or Gumbel theory. We use EV distribution in
minimal mode, for estimate the life distribution function of series
structure and maximal mode for parallel system. All parameters also
are estimated by Moments method. Reliability function and failure
(hazard) rate and p-th percentile point of each function are
determined. Other important indexes such as Mean Time to Failure
(MTTF), Mean Time to repair (MTTR), for non-repairable and
renewal systems in both of series and parallel structure will be
computed.
Abstract: Friction stir welding is a solid state joining process. High strength aluminum alloys are widely used in aircraft and marine industries. Generally, the mechanical properties of fusion welded aluminum joints are poor. As friction stir welding occurs in solid state, no solidification structures are created thereby eliminating the brittle and eutectic phases common in fusion welding of high strength aluminum alloys. In this review the process parameters, microstructural evolution, and effect of friction stir welding on the properties of weld specific to aluminum alloys have been discussed.
Abstract: High precision in motion is required to manipulate the
micro objects in precision industries for micro assembly, cell
manipulation etc. Precision manipulation is achieved based on the
appropriate mechanism design of micro devices such as
microgrippers. Design of a compliant based mechanism is the better
option to achieve a highly precised and controlled motion. This
research article highlights the method of designing a compliant based
three fingered microgripper suitable for holding asymmetric objects.
Topological optimization technique, a systematic method is
implemented in this research work to arrive a topologically optimized
design of the mechanism needed to perform the required micro
motion of the gripper. Optimization technique has a drawback of
generating senseless regions such as node to node connectivity and
staircase effect at the boundaries. Hence, it is required to have post
processing of the design to make it manufacturable. To reduce the
effect of post processing stage and to preserve the edges of the image,
a cubic spline interpolation technique is introduced in the MATLAB
program. Structural performance of the topologically developed
mechanism design is tested using finite element method (FEM)
software. Further the microgripper structure is examined to find its
fatigue life and vibration characteristics.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of an electricity simulation model taking into account electrical network constraints, applied on the Belgian power system. The base of the model is optimizing an extensive Unit Commitment (UC) problem through the use of Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). Electrical constraints are incorporated through the implementation of a DC load flow. The model encloses the Belgian power system in a 220 – 380 kV high voltage network (i.e., 93 power plants and 106 nodes). The model features the use of pumping storage facilities as well as the inclusion of spinning reserves in a single optimization process. Solution times of the model stay below reasonable values.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel statistical approach to
corpus-based speech synthesis. Classically, phonetic information is
defined and considered as acoustic reference to be respected. In this
way, many studies were elaborated for acoustical unit classification.
This type of classification allows separating units according to their
symbolic characteristics. Indeed, target cost and concatenation cost
were classically defined for unit selection.
In Corpus-Based Speech Synthesis System, when using large text
corpora, cost functions were limited to a juxtaposition of symbolic
criteria and the acoustic information of units is not exploited in the
definition of the target cost.
In this manuscript, we token in our consideration the unit phonetic
information corresponding to acoustic information. This would be realized
by defining a probabilistic linguistic Bi-grams model basically
used for unit selection. The selected units would be extracted from
the English TIMIT corpora.
Abstract: In this paper I have developed a system for evaluating
the degree of fear emotion that the intelligent agent-based system
may feel when it encounters to a persecuting event. In this paper I
want to describe behaviors of emotional agents using human
behavior in terms of the way their emotional states evolve over time.
I have implemented a fuzzy inference system using Java
environment. As the inputs of this system, I have considered three
parameters related on human fear emotion. The system outputs can
be used in agent decision making process or choosing a person for
team working systems by combination the intensity of fear to other
emotion intensities.
Abstract: Communication is becoming a significant tool to engage stakeholders since half of the century ago. In the recent years, there has been rapid growth of new technology developments. In tandem with such developments, there has been growing emphasis in communication strategies and management especially in determining the level of influence and management strategies among the said stakeholders on particular field. This paper presents a research conceptual framework focusing on stakeholder theories, communication and management strategies to be implied on the engagement of stakeholders of new technology developments of fertilizer industry in Malaysia. Framework espoused in this paper will provide insights into the various stakeholder theories and engagement strategies from different principal necessary for a successful introduction of new technology development in the above stated industry. The proposed framework has theoretical significance in filling the gap of the body of knowledge in the implementation of communication strategies in Malaysian fertilizer industry.
Abstract: A new design of a planar passive T-micromixer with fin-shaped baffles in the mixing channel is presented. The mixing efficiency and the level of pressure loss in the channel have been investigated by numerical simulations in the range of Reynolds number (Re) 1 to 50. A Mixing index (Mi) has been defined to quantify the mixing efficiency, which results over 85% at both ends of the Re range, what demonstrates the micromixer can enhance mixing using the mechanisms of diffusion (lower Re) and convection (higher Re). Three geometric dimensions: radius of baffle, baffles pitch and height of the channel define the design parameters, and the mixing index and pressure loss are the performance parameters used to optimize the micromixer geometry with a multi-criteria optimization method. The Pareto front of designs with the optimum trade-offs, maximum mixing index with minimum pressure loss, is obtained. Experiments for qualitative and quantitative validation have been implemented.
Abstract: Modern managements of water distribution system
(WDS) need water quality models that are able to accurately predict
the dynamics of water quality variations within the distribution system
environment. Before water quality models can be applied to solve
system problems, they should be calibrated. Although former
researchers use GA solver to calibrate relative parameters, it is
difficult to apply on the large-scale or medium-scale real system for
long computational time. In this paper a new method is designed
which combines both macro and detailed model to optimize the water
quality parameters. This new combinational algorithm uses radial
basis function (RBF) metamodeling as a surrogate to be optimized for
the purpose of decreasing the times of time-consuming water quality
simulation and can realize rapidly the calibration of pipe wall reaction
coefficients of chlorine model of large-scaled WDS. After two cases
study this method is testified to be more efficient and promising, and
deserve to generalize in the future.
Abstract: The struggle between modern and postmodern
understanding is also displayed in terms of the superiorities of
quantitative and qualitative methods to each other which are
evaluated within the scope of these understandings. By way of
assuming that the quantitative researches (modern) are able to
account for structure while the qualitative researches (postmodern)
explain the process, these methods are turned into a means for
worldviews specific to a period. In fact, process is not a functioning
independent of structure. In addition to this issue, the ability of
quantitative methods to provide scientific knowledge is also
controversial so long as they exclude the dialectical method. For this
reason, the critiques charged against modernism in terms of
quantitative methods are, in a sense, legitimate. Nevertheless, the
main issue is in which parameters postmodernist critique tries to
legitimize its critiques and whether these parameters represent a point
of view enabling democratic solutions.
In this respect, the scientific knowledge covered in Turkish media
as a means through which ordinary people have access to scientific
knowledge will be evaluated by means of content analysis within a
new objectivity conception.
Abstract: Adhesion to the human intestinal cell is considered
as one of the main selection criteria of lactic acid bacteria for
probiotic use. The adhesion ability of two Bifidobacteriums strains
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Bifidobacterium
psudocatenulatum G4 was done using HT-29 human epithelium
cell line as in vitro study. Four different level of pH were used 5.6,
5.7, 6.6, and 6.8 with four different times 15, 30, 60, and 120 min.
Adhesion was quantified by counting the adhering bacteria after
Gram staining. The adhesion of B. longum BB536 was higher than
B. psudocatenulatum G4. Both species showed significant
different in the adhesion properties at the factors tested. The
highest adhesion for both Bifidobacterium was observed at 120
min and the low adhesion was in 15 min. The findings of this
study will contribute to the introduction of new effective probiotic
strain for future utilization.
Abstract: The ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) is useful for
clinical diagnosis and biomedical research. EEG signals often
contain strong ElectroOculoGram (EOG) artifacts produced
by eye movements and eye blinks especially in EEG recorded
from frontal channels. These artifacts obscure the underlying
brain activity, making its visual or automated inspection
difficult. The goal of ocular artifact removal is to remove
ocular artifacts from the recorded EEG, leaving the underlying
background signals due to brain activity. In recent times,
Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithms have
demonstrated superior potential in obtaining the least
dependent source components. In this paper, the independent
components are obtained by using the JADE algorithm (best
separating algorithm) and are classified into either artifact
component or neural component. Neural Network is used for
the classification of the obtained independent components.
Neural Network requires input features that exactly represent
the true character of the input signals so that the neural
network could classify the signals based on those key
characters that differentiate between various signals. In this
work, Auto Regressive (AR) coefficients are used as the input
features for classification. Two neural network approaches
are used to learn classification rules from EEG data. First, a
Polynomial Neural Network (PNN) trained by GMDH (Group
Method of Data Handling) algorithm is used and secondly,
feed-forward neural network classifier trained by a standard
back-propagation algorithm is used for classification and the
results show that JADE-FNN performs better than JADEPNN.
Abstract: The paper proposes a new concept in developing
collaborative design system. The concept framework involves
applying simulation of supply chain management to collaborative
design called – 'SCM–Based Design Tool'. The system is developed
particularly to support design activities and to integrate all facilities
together. The system is aimed to increase design productivity and
creativity. Therefore, designers and customers can collaborate by the
system since conceptual design. JAG: Jewelry Art Generator based
on artificial intelligence techniques is integrated into the system.
Moreover, the proposed system can support users as decision tool
and data propagation. The system covers since raw material supply
until product delivery. Data management and sharing information are
visually supported to designers and customers via user interface. The
system is developed on Web–assisted product development
environment. The prototype system is presented for Thai jewelry
industry as a system prototype demonstration, but applicable for
other industry.
Abstract: In this paper, we present user pattern learning
algorithm based MDSS (Medical Decision support system) under
ubiquitous. Most of researches are focus on hardware system, hospital
management and whole concept of ubiquitous environment even
though it is hard to implement. Our objective of this paper is to design
a MDSS framework. It helps to patient for medical treatment and
prevention of the high risk patient (COPD, heart disease, Diabetes).
This framework consist database, CAD (Computer Aided diagnosis
support system) and CAP (computer aided user vital sign prediction
system). It can be applied to develop user pattern learning algorithm
based MDSS for homecare and silver town service. Especially this
CAD has wise decision making competency. It compares current vital
sign with user-s normal condition pattern data. In addition, the CAP
computes user vital sign prediction using past data of the patient. The
novel approach is using neural network method, wireless vital sign
acquisition devices and personal computer DB system. An intelligent
agent based MDSS will help elder people and high risk patients to
prevent sudden death and disease, the physician to get the online
access to patients- data, the plan of medication service priority (e.g.
emergency case).
Abstract: The symmetric solution set Σ sym is the set of all solutions to the linear systems Ax = b, where A is symmetric and lies between some given bounds A and A, and b lies between b and b. We present a contractor for Σ sym, which is an iterative method that starts with some initial enclosure of Σ sym (by means of a cartesian product of intervals) and sequentially makes the enclosure tighter. Our contractor is based on polyhedral approximation and solving a series of linear programs. Even though it does not converge to the optimal bounds in general, it may significantly reduce the overestimation. The efficiency is discussed by a number of numerical experiments.
Abstract: RF performance of SOI CMOS device has attracted
significant amount of interest recently. In order to improve RF
parameters, Strained Si/Relaxed Si0.8Ge0.2 investigated as a
replacement for Si technology .Enhancement of carrier mobility
associated with strain engineering makes Strained Si a promising
candidate for improving RF performance of CMOS technology.
From the simulation, the cut-off frequency is estimated to be 224
GHZ, whereas in SOI at similar bias is about 188 GHZ. Therefore,
Strained Si exhibits 19% improvement in cut-off frequency over
similar Si counterpart. In this paper, Ion/Ioff ratio is studied as one of
the key parameters in logic and digital application. Strained Si/SiGe
demonstrates better Ion/Ioff characteristic than SOI, in similar channel
length of 100 nm.Another important key analog figures of merit such
as Early Voltage (VEA) ,transconductance vs drain current (gm /Ids)
are studied. They introduce the efficiency of the devices to convert
dc power into ac frequency.
Abstract: The modern telecommunication industry demands
higher capacity networks with high data rate. Orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique for high data
rate wireless communications at reasonable complexity in wireless
channels. OFDM has been adopted for many types of wireless
systems like wireless local area networks such as IEEE 802.11a, and
digital audio/video broadcasting (DAB/DVB). The proposed research
focuses on a concatenated coding scheme that improve the
performance of OFDM based wireless communications. It uses a
Redundant Residue Number System (RRNS) code as the outer code
and a convolutional code as the inner code. Here, a direct conversion
of analog signal to residue domain is done to reduce the conversion
complexity using sigma-delta based parallel analog-to-residue
converter. The bit error rate (BER) performances of the proposed
system under different channel conditions are investigated. These
include the effect of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN),
multipath delay spread, peak power clipping and frame start
synchronization error. The simulation results show that the proposed
RRNS-Convolutional concatenated coding (RCCC) scheme provides
significant improvement in the system performance by exploiting the
inherent properties of RRNS.
Abstract: Selection of maize (Zea mays) hybrids with wide adaptability across diverse farming environments is important, prior to recommending them to achieve a high rate of hybrid adoption. Grain yield of 14 maize hybrids, tested in a randomized completeblock design with four replicates across 22 environments in Iran, was analyzed using site regression (SREG) stability model. The biplot technique facilitates a visual evaluation of superior genotypes, which is useful for cultivar recommendation and mega-environment identification. The objectives of this study were (i) identification of suitable hybrids with both high mean performance and high stability (ii) to determine mega-environments for maize production in Iran. Biplot analysis identifies two mega-environments in this study. The first mega-environments included KRM, KSH, MGN, DZF A, KRJ, DRB, DZF B, SHZ B, and KHM, where G10 hybrid was the best performing hybrid. The second mega-environment included ESF B, ESF A, and SHZ A, where G4 hybrid was the best hybrid. According to the ideal-hybrid biplot, G10 hybrid was better than all other hybrids, followed by the G1 and G3 hybrids. These hybrids were identified as best hybrids that have high grain yield and high yield stability. GGE biplot analysis provided a framework for identifying the target testing locations that discriminates genotypes that are high yielding and stable.
Abstract: The operation performance of a valveless micro-pump
is strongly dependent on the shape of connected nozzle/diffuser and
Reynolds number. The aims of present work are to compare the
performance curves of micropump with the original straight
nozzle/diffuser and contoured nozzle/diffuser under different back
pressure conditions. The tested valveless micropumps are assembled
of five pieces of patterned PMMA plates with hot-embracing
technique. The structures of central chamber, the inlet/outlet
reservoirs and the connected nozzle/diffuser are fabricated with laser
cutting machine. The micropump is actuated with circular-type PZT
film embraced on the bottom of central chamber. The deformation of
PZT membrane with various input voltages is measured with a
displacement laser probe. A simple testing facility is also constructed
to evaluate the performance curves for comparison.
In order to observe the evaluation of low Reynolds number
multiple vortex flow patterns within the micropump during suction
and pumping modes, the unsteady, incompressible laminar
three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are
solved. The working fluid is DI water with constant thermo-physical
properties. The oscillating behavior of PZT film is modeled with the
moving boundary wall in way of UDF program. With the dynamic
mesh method, the instants pressure and velocity fields are obtained
and discussed.Results indicated that the volume flow rate is not
monotony increased with the oscillating frequency of PZT film,
regardless of the shapes of nozzle/diffuser. The present micropump
can generate the maximum volume flow rate of 13.53 ml/min when
the operation frequency is 64Hz and the input voltage is 140 volts.
The micropump with contoured nozzle/diffuser can provide 7ml/min
flow rate even when the back pressure is up to 400 mm-H2O. CFD
results revealed that the flow central chamber was occupied with
multiple pairs of counter-rotating vortices during suction and
pumping modes. The net volume flow rate over a complete
oscillating periodic of PZT