Abstract: In this paper we consider the equation of motion for
the F (R, T) gravity on their property of conformal invariance. It
is shown that in the general case, such a theory is not conformal
invariant. Studied special cases for the functions v and u in which
can appear properties of the theory. Also we consider cosmological
aspects F (R, T) theory of gravity, having considered particular case
F (R, T) = μR+νT^2. Showed that in this case there is a nonlinear
dependence of the parameter equation of state from time to time,
which affects its evolution.
Abstract: Now in some countries of the world the cellular
market is on the point of saturation, in others - positive dynamics of
development kept on. The reasons for it are also different, but there
are united by their general susceptibility to innovation changes, if
they are really innovative. If to take as an example the cellular market
of Kazakhstan it is defined by the low percent of smart phones at
consumers, the low population density, undercapacity of the 3G
channel, and absence of universal access to the LTE technology that
limits dynamical growth of this branch. These moments are
aggravated by failures of starting commercial projects by private
companies which prevent to be implemented and widely adopted to a
new product among consumers. The object of the research is possible
integration of wireless and program technologies at which
introduction the idea can regenerate in an innovation. The analysis of
existing projects in the market and the possible union of the
technologies through a prism of theoretical bases of innovative
activity shows that efficiency of the company by development and
introduction of innovations is possible only thanks to strict
observance of all terms and conditions of the innovative process
which main term is profit. Despite that fact that on a global scale the
innovativeness issue of companies is very popular, there are no
researches about possibility of innovative breaks in the field of
wireless access to the Internet in the cellular market of Kazakhstan.
Abstract: In the present work, fly ash geopolymer based
composites including polyester (PES) waste were studied. Specimens
of three compositions were prepared: (a) fly ash geopolymer with 5%
PES waste; (b) fly ash geopolymer mortar with 5% PES waste; (c) fly
ash geopolymer mortar with 6.25% PES waste. Compressive and
bending strength measurements, water absorption test and
determination of thermal conductivity coefficient were performed.
The results showed that the addition of sand in a mixture of
geopolymer with 5% PES content led to higher compressive strength,
while it increased water absorption and reduced thermal conductivity
coefficient. The increase of PES addition in geopolymer mortars
resulted in a more dense structure, indicated by the increase of
strength and thermal conductivity and the decrease of water
absorption.
Abstract: Advances in the use of health care technology have
resulted in increased adverse events (AEs) related to the use of
medical devices. The study focused on the existing reporting systems.
This study was conducted in a tertiary care public sector hospital.
Devices included Syringe infusion pumps, Cardiac monitors, Pulse
oximeters, Ventilators and Defibrillators. A total of 211 respondents
were recruited. Interviews were held with 30 key informants. Medical
records were scrutinized. Relevant statistical tests were used.
Resident doctors reported maximum frequency of AEs, followed
by nurses; and least by consultants. A significant association was
found between the cadre of health care personnel and awareness that
the patients and bystanders have a risk of sustaining AE. Awareness
regarding reporting of AEs was low, and it was generally done
verbally. Other critical findings are discussed in the light of the
barriers to reporting, reasons for non-compliance, recording system,
and so on.
Abstract: We address the integer frequency offset (IFO)
estimation under the influence of the timing offset (TO) in orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Incorporating the
IFO and TO into the symbol set used to represent the received
OFDM symbol, we investigate the influence of the TO on the IFO,
and then, propose a combining method between two consecutive
OFDM correlations, reducing the influence. The proposed scheme
has almost the same complexity as that of the conventional
schemes, whereas it does not need the TO knowledge contrary to
the conventional schemes. From numerical results it is confirmed
that the proposed scheme is insensitive to the TO, consequently,
yielding an improvement of the IFO estimation performance over
the conventional schemes when the TO exists.
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the alignment of
understanding and assessment practices among secondary school
teachers. The study was carried out using quantitative descriptive
study. The sample consisted of 164 teachers who taught Form 1 and 2
from 11 secondary schools in the district of North Kinta, Perak,
Malaysia. Data were obtained from 164 respondents who answered
Expectation Alignment Understanding and Practices of School
Assessment (PEKDAPS) questionnaire. The data were analysed
using SPSS 17.0+. The Cronbach’s alpha value obtained through
PEKDAPS questionnaire pilot study was 0.86. The results showed
that teachers' performance in PEKDAPS based on the mean value
was less than 3, which means that perfect alignment does not occur
between the understanding and practices of school assessment. Two
major PEKDAPS sub-constructs of articulation across grade and age
and usability of the system were higher than the moderate alignment
of the understanding and practices of school assessment (Min=2.0).
The content focused of PEKDAPs sub-constructs which showed
lower than the moderate alignment of the understanding and practices
of school assessment (Min=2.0). Another two PEKDAPS subconstructs
of transparency and fairness and the pedagogical
implications showed moderate alignment (2.0). The implications of
the study is that teachers need to fully understand the importance of
alignment among components of assessment, learning and teaching
and learning objectives as strategies to achieve quality assessment
process.
Abstract: This study introduces two types of self-oscillating
circuits that are frequently found in power electronics applications.
Special effort is made to relate the circuits to the analogous mechanical
systems of some important scientific inventions: Galileo’s pendulum
clock and Coulomb’s friction model. A little touch of related history
and philosophy of science will hopefully encourage curiosity, advance
the understanding of self-oscillating systems and satisfy the aspiration
of some students for scientific literacy. Finally, the two self-oscillating
circuits are applied to design a simple class-D audio amplifier.
Abstract: The dissimilar joint between aluminum/titanium
alloys (Al 6082 and Ti G2) were successfully achieved by CO2 laser
welding with a single pass and without filler material using the
overlap joint design. Laser welding parameters ranges combinations
were experimentally determined using Taguchi approach with the
objective of producing welded joint with acceptable welding profile
and high quality of mechanical properties. In this study a joining of
dissimilar Al 6082 / Ti G2 was resulted in three distinct regions
fusion area in the weldment. These regions are studied in terms of its
microstructural characteristics and microhardness which are directly
affecting the welding quality.
The weld metal was mainly composed of martensite alpha prime.
In two different metals in the two different sides of joint HAZ, grain
growth was detected. The microhardness of the joint distribution also
has shown microhardness increasing in the HAZ of two base metals
and a varying microhardness in fusion zone.
Abstract: The article deals with modelling of the fire
pragmatism in the area of military management and its experimental
verification. Potential approaches are based on the synergy of
mathematical and theoretical ideas, operational and tactical
requirements and the military decision-making process. This issue
has taken on importance in recent times, particularly with the
increasing trend of digitized battlefield, the development of C4ISR
systems and intention to streamline the command and control process
at the lowest levels of command. From fundamental and
philosophical point of view, these new approaches seek to
significantly upgrade and enhance the decision-making process of the
tactical commanders.
Abstract: In this paper, an explicit homotopic function is
constructed to compute the Hochschild homology of a finite
dimensional free k-module V. Because the polynomial algebra is of
course fundamental in the computation of the Hochschild homology
HH and the cyclic homology CH of commutative algebras, we
concentrate our work to compute HH of the polynomial algebra, by
providing certain homotopic function.
Abstract: Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is a functional
capability that has been developed to allow the United Kingdom Fire
and Rescue Service to deal with ‘major incidents’ primarily involving
structural collapse. The nature of the work undertaken by USAR
means that staying out of a damaged or collapsed building structure is
not usually an option for search and rescue personnel. As a result
there is always a risk that they themselves could become victims. For
this paper, a systematic and investigative review using desk research
was undertaken to explore the role which structural engineering can
play in assisting search and rescue personnel to conduct structural
assessments when in the field. The focus is on how search and rescue
personnel can assess damaged and collapsed building structures, not
just in terms of structural damage that may been countered, but also
in relation to structural stability. Natural disasters, accidental
emergencies, acts of terrorism and other extreme events can vary
significantly in nature and ferocity, and can cause a wide variety of
damage to building structures. It is not possible or, even realistic, to
provide search and rescue personnel with definitive guidelines and
procedures to assess damaged and collapsed building structures as
there are too many variables to consider. However, understanding
what implications damage may have upon the structural stability of a
building structure will enable search and rescue personnel to better judge
and quantify risk from a life-safety standpoint. It is intended that this
will allow search and rescue personnel to make informed decisions
and ensure every effort is made to mitigate risk, so that they
themselves do not become victims.
Abstract: Over the years, it has been extensively established that
the practice of assuming a structure being fixed at base, leads to gross
errors in evaluation of its overall response due to dynamic loadings
and overestimations in design. The extent of these errors depends on
a number of variables; soil type being one of the major factor. This
paper studies the effect of Soil Structure Interaction (SSI) on multistorey
buildings with varying under-laying soil types after proper
validation of the effect of SSI. Analysis for soft, stiff and very stiff
base soils has been carried out, using a powerful Finite Element
Method (FEM) software package ANSYS v14.5. Results lead to
some very important conclusions regarding time period, deflection
and acceleration responses.
Abstract: Semiconductor crystals smaller than about 10 nm,
known as quantum dots, have properties that differ from large
samples, including a band gap that becomes larger for smaller
particles. These properties create several applications for quantum
dots. In this paper new shapes of quantum dot arrays are used to
enhance the photo physical properties of gold nano-particles. This
paper presents a study of the effect of nano-particles shape, array, and
size on their absorption characteristics.
Abstract: We are facing serious problems related to long-term
depopulation and an aging society with a falling birth rate in Japan. In
this situation, we are suffering from a shortfall in human resources as
well as a shortage of workforce in rural regions. In addition, we are
struggling with a protracted economic slump and excess concentration
of population in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. It is an urgent national
issue to consider how to live in this country and what kind of structure
of society and administration policy is needed. It is necessary to clarify
people’s desire for their way of living and social assistance to be
provided. The aim of this study is to clarify the characteristics of
regional issues and the degree of their seriousness in local
municipalities of Japan. We conducted a questionnaire survey about
regional agenda in all local municipalities in Japan. We obtained
responses concerning the degree of seriousness of regional issues and
degree of importance of policies. Based on the data gathered from the
survey, it is apparent that many local municipalities are facing an
aging population and declining population. We constructed a model to
analyze factors for declining population. Using the model, it was
clarified that a population’s age structure, job opportunities and
income level affect the decline of population. In addition, we showed
the way of the evaluation of state of local municipality.
Abstract: Background: The objectives of this study were to
assess patient’s knowledge of appropriate sublingual glyceryl
trinitrate (GTN) use as well as to investigate how patients commonly
store and carry their sublingual GTN tablets. Methodology: This was
a cross-sectional survey, using a validated researcher-administered
questionnaire. The study involved cardiac patients receiving
sublingual GTN attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of
Taiping Hospital, a non-academic public care hospital. The minimum
calculated sample size was 92, but 100 patients were conveniently
sampled. Respondents were interviewed on 3 areas, including
demographic data, knowledge and use of sublingual GTN. Eight
items were used to calculate each subject’s knowledge score and six
items were used to calculate use score. Results: Of the 96 patients
who consented to participate, majority (96.9%) were well aware of
the indication of sublingual GTN. With regards to the mechanism of
action of sublingual GTN, 73 (76%) patients did not know how the
medication works. Majority of the patients (66.7%) knew about the
proper storage of the tablet. In relation to the maximum number of
sublingual GTN tablets that can be taken during each angina episode,
36.5% did not know that up to 3 tablets of sublingual GTN can be
taken during each episode of angina. Fifty four (56.2%) patients were
not aware that they need to replace sublingual GTN every 8 weeks
after receiving the tablets. Majority (69.8%) of the patients
demonstrated lack of knowledge with regards to the use of sublingual
GTN as prevention of chest pain. Conclusion: Overall, patients’
knowledge regarding the self-administration of sublingual GTN is
still inadequate. The findings support the need for more frequent
reinforcement of patient education, especially in the areas of
preventive use, storage and drug stability.
Abstract: The building sector is responsible, in many
industrialized countries, for about 40% of the total energy
requirements, so it seems necessary to devote some efforts in this
area in order to achieve a significant reduction of energy
consumption and of greenhouse gases emissions.
The paper presents a study aiming at providing a design
methodology able to identify the best configuration of the system
building/plant, from a technical, economic and environmentally point
of view.
Normally, the classical approach involves a building's energy
loads analysis under steady state conditions, and subsequent selection
of measures aimed at improving the energy performance, based on
previous experience made by architects and engineers in the design
team. Instead, the proposed approach uses a sequence of two wellknown
scientifically validated calculation methods (TRNSYS and
RETScreen), that allow quite a detailed feasibility analysis.
To assess the validity of the calculation model, an existing,
historical building in Central Italy, that will be the object of
restoration and preservative redevelopment, was selected as a casestudy.
The building is made of a basement and three floors, with a
total floor area of about 3,000 square meters.
The first step has been the determination of the heating and
cooling energy loads of the building in a dynamic regime by means,
which allows simulating the real energy needs of the building in
function of its use. Traditional methodologies, based as they are on
steady-state conditions, cannot faithfully reproduce the effects of
varying climatic conditions and of inertial properties of the structure.
With this model is possible to obtain quite accurate and reliable
results that allow identifying effective combinations building-HVAC
system.
The second step has consisted of using output data obtained as
input to the calculation model, which enables to compare different
system configurations from the energy, environmental and financial
point of view, with an analysis of investment, and operation and
maintenance costs, so allowing determining the economic benefit of
possible interventions.
The classical methodology often leads to the choice of
conventional plant systems, while our calculation model provides a
financial-economic assessment for innovative energy systems and
low environmental impact.
Computational analysis can help in the design phase, particularly
in the case of complex structures with centralized plant systems, by
comparing the data returned by the calculation model for different
design options.
Abstract: Cemented carbide balls are usually implemented in
industry under the environment of high speed, high temperature,
corrosiveness and strong collisions. However, its application is limited
due to high fabrication cost, processing efficiency and quality. A novel
eccentric lapping method with two rotatable lapping plates was
proposed in this paper. A mathematical model was constructed to
analyze the influence of each design parameter on this lapping method.
To validate this new lapping method, an orthogonal experiment was
conducted with cemented carbide balls (YG6). The simulation model
was verified and the optimal lapping parameters were derived. The
results show that the surface roundness of the balls reaches to 0.65um
from 2um in 1 hour using this lapping method. So, using this novel
lapping method, it can effectively improve the machining precision
and efficiency of cemented carbide balls.
Abstract: Knowledge is considered as an important asset which
can help organizations to create competitive advantage. The necessity
of taking care of these assets is more important in these days – in
days of turbulent changes in business environment. Knowledge could
facilitate adaption to constant changes. The aim of this paper is to
describe how the knowledge sharing can be supported in the
manufacturing companies. The methods of case studies and grounded
theory were used to present information gained by carrying out semistructured
interviews. Results show that knowledge sharing is
supported in very similar ways in respondent companies.
Abstract: Attributes and methods are the basic contents of an
object-oriented class. The connectivity among these class members
and the relationship between the class and other classes play an
important role in determining the quality of an object-oriented
system. Class cohesion evaluates the degree of relatedness of class
attributes and methods, whereas class coupling refers to the degree to
which a class is related to other classes. Researchers have proposed
several class cohesion and class coupling measures. However, the
correlation between class coupling and class cohesion measures has
not been thoroughly studied. In this paper, using classes of three
open-source Java systems, we empirically investigate the correlation
between several measures of connectivity-based class cohesion and
coupling. Four connectivity-based cohesion measures and eight
coupling measures are considered in the empirical study. The
empirical study results show that class connectivity-based cohesion
and coupling internal quality attributes are inversely correlated. The
strength of the correlation depends highly on the cohesion and
coupling measurement approaches.
Abstract: New physical insights into the nonlinear Lorenz
equations related to flow resistance is discussed in this work. The
chaotic dynamics related to Lorenz equations has been studied in
many papers, which is due to the sensitivity of Lorenz equations to
initial conditions and parameter uncertainties. However, the physical
implication arising from Lorenz equations about convectional motion
attracts little attention in the relevant literature. Therefore, as a first
step to understand the related fluid mechanics of convectional motion,
this paper derives the Lorenz equations again with different forced
conditions in the model. Simulation work of the modified Lorenz
equations without the viscosity or buoyancy force is discussed. The
time-domain simulation results may imply that the states of the
Lorenz equations are related to certain flow speed and flow resistance.
The flow speed of the underlying fluid system increases as the flow
resistance reduces. This observation would be helpful to analyze the
coupling effects of different fluid parameters in a convectional model
in future work.