Abstract: Non-linear dynamic time history analysis is
considered as the most advanced and comprehensive analytical
method for evaluating the seismic response and performance of
multi-degree-of-freedom building structures under the influence of
earthquake ground motions. However, effective and accurate
application of the method requires the implementation of advanced
hysteretic constitutive models of the various structural components
including masonry infill panels. Sophisticated computational research
tools that incorporate realistic hysteresis models for non-linear
dynamic time-history analysis are not popular among the professional
engineers as they are not only difficult to access but also complex and
time-consuming to use. In addition, commercial computer programs
for structural analysis and design that are acceptable to practicing
engineers do not generally integrate advanced hysteretic models
which can accurately simulate the hysteresis behavior of structural
elements with a realistic representation of strength degradation,
stiffness deterioration, energy dissipation and ‘pinching’ under cyclic
load reversals in the inelastic range of behavior. In this scenario,
push-over or non-linear static analysis methods have gained
significant popularity, as they can be employed to assess the seismic
performance of building structures while avoiding the complexities
and difficulties associated with non-linear dynamic time-history
analysis. “Push-over” or non-linear static analysis offers a practical
and efficient alternative to non-linear dynamic time-history analysis
for rationally evaluating the seismic demands. The present paper is
based on the analytical investigation of the effect of distribution of
masonry infill panels over the elevation of planar masonry infilled
reinforced concrete [R/C] frames on the seismic demands using the
capacity spectrum procedures implementing nonlinear static analysis
[pushover analysis] in conjunction with the response spectrum
concept. An important objective of the present study is to numerically
evaluate the adequacy of the capacity spectrum method using
pushover analysis for performance based design of masonry infilled
R/C frames for near-field earthquake ground motions.
Abstract: Annihilations, phase shifts, scattering lengths and
elastic cross sections of low energy positrons scattering from
magnesium atoms were studied using the least-squares variational
method (LSVM). The possibility of positron binding to the
magnesium atoms is investigated. A trial wave function is suggested
to represent e+-Mg elastic scattering and scattering parameters were
derived to estimate the binding energy and annihilation rates. The
trial function is taken to depend on several adjustable parameters, and
is improved iteratively by increasing the number of terms. The
present results have the same behavior as reported semi-empirical,
theoretical and experimental results. Especially, the estimated
positive scattering length supports the possibility of positronmagnesium
bound state system that was confirmed in previous
experimental and theoretical work.
Abstract: An unrecorded experiment of use of the smartphone
as a tool for practical classes of histology is presented in this paper.
Behavior and learning of students of science courses at the University
were analyzed and compared as well as the mode of teaching of this
discipline and the appreciation of the students, using either digital
photographs taken by phone or drawings for record microscopic
observations, analyze and interpret histological sections of human or
animal tissues.
Abstract: In this article, the radial displacement error correction
capability of a high precision spindle grinding caused by unbalance
force was investigated. The spindle shaft is considered as a flexible
rotor mounted on two sets of angular contact ball bearing. Finite
element methods (FEM) have been adopted for obtaining the
equation of motion of the spindle. In this paper, firstly, natural
frequencies, critical frequencies, and amplitude of the unbalance
response caused by residual unbalance are determined in order to
investigate the spindle behaviors. Furthermore, an optimization
design algorithm is employed to minimize radial displacement of the
spindle which considers dimension of the spindle shaft, the dynamic
characteristics of the bearings, critical frequencies and amplitude of
the unbalance response, and computes optimum spindle diameters
and stiffness and damping of the bearings. Numerical simulation
results show that by optimizing the spindle diameters, and stiffness
and damping in the bearings, radial displacement of the spindle can
be reduced. A spindle about 4 μm radial displacement error can be
compensated with 2 μm accuracy. This certainly can improve the
accuracy of the product of machining.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to compare behavioral and
EEG reactions in Turkic-speaking inhabitants of Siberia (Tuvinians
and Yakuts) and Russians during the recognition of syntax errors in
native and foreign languages. Sixty-three healthy aboriginals of the
Tyva Republic, 29 inhabitants of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, and
55 Russians from Novosibirsk participated in the study. EEG were
recorded during execution of error-recognition task in Russian and
English language (in all participants) and in native languages
(Tuvinian or Yakut Turkic-speaking inhabitants). Reaction time (RT)
and quality of task execution were chosen as behavioral measures.
Amplitude and cortical distribution of P300 and P600 peaks of ERP
were used as a measure of speech-related brain activity. In Tuvinians,
there were no differences in the P300 and P600 amplitudes as well as
in cortical topology for Russian and Tuvinian languages, but there
was a difference for English. In Yakuts, the P300 and P600
amplitudes and topology of ERP for Russian language were the same
as Russians had for native language. In Yakuts, brain reactions during
Yakut and English language comprehension had no difference, while
the Russian language comprehension was differed from both Yakut
and English. We found out that the Tuvinians recognized both Russian and
Tuvinian as native languages, and English as a foreign language. The
Yakuts recognized both English and Yakut as foreign languages, but
Russian as a native language. According to the inquirer, both
Tuvinians and Yakuts use the national language as a spoken
language, whereas they do not use it for writing. It can well be a
reason that Yakuts perceive the Yakut writing language as a foreign
language while writing Russian as their native.
Abstract: In this study, the commercial finite element software
ABAQUS was used to develop a three-dimensional nonlinear finite
element model capable of simulating the pull-out test of reinforcing
bars from underwater concrete. The results of thirty-two pull-out tests
that have different parameters were implemented in the software to
study the effect of the concrete cover, the bar size, the use of stirrups,
and the compressive strength of concrete. The interaction properties used in the model provided accurate
results in comparison with the experimental bond-slip results, thus
the model has successfully simulated the pull-out test. The results of
the finite element model are used to better understand and visualize
the distribution of stresses in each component of the model, and to
study the effect of the various parameters used in this study including
the role of the stirrups in preventing the stress from reaching to the
sides of the specimens.
Abstract: Spectrum handover is a significant topic in the
cognitive radio networks to assure an efficient data transmission in
the cognitive radio user’s communications. This paper proposes a
comparison between three spectrum handover models: VIKOR, SAW
and MEW. Four evaluation metrics are used. These metrics are,
accumulative average of failed handover, accumulative average of
handover performed, accumulative average of transmission
bandwidth and, accumulative average of the transmission delay. As a difference with related work, the performance of the three
spectrum handover models was validated with captured data of
spectrum occupancy in experiments performed at the GSM frequency
band (824 MHz - 849 MHz). These data represent the actual behavior
of the licensed users for this wireless frequency band. The results of the comparison show that VIKOR Algorithm
provides a 15.8% performance improvement compared to SAW
Algorithm and, it is 12.1% better than the MEW Algorithm.
Abstract: This study, tries to suggest a design method based on
displacement using finite difference numerical modeling in
reinforcing soil retaining wall with steel strip. In this case, dynamic
loading characteristics such as duration, frequency, peak ground
acceleration, geometrical characteristics of reinforced soil structure
and type of the site are considered to correct the pseudo static method
and finally introduce the pseudo static coefficient as a function of
seismic performance level and peak ground acceleration. For this
purpose, the influence of dynamic loading characteristics,
reinforcement length, height of reinforced system and type of the site
are investigated on seismic behavior of reinforcing soil retaining wall
with steel strip. Numerical results illustrate that the seismic response
of this type of wall is highly dependent to cumulative absolute
velocity, maximum acceleration, and height and reinforcement length
so that the reinforcement length can be introduced as the main factor
in shape of failure. Considering the loading parameters, geometric parameters of the
wall and type of the site showed that the used method in this study
leads to efficient designs in comparison with other methods, which
are usually based on limit-equilibrium concept. The outputs show the
over-estimation of equilibrium design methods in comparison with
proposed displacement based methods here.
Abstract: The present study focused on the investigation of the
effects of roughness elements on heat transfer during natural
convection in a rectangular cavity using numerical technique.
Roughness elements were introduced on the bottom hot wall with a
normalized amplitude (A*/H) of 0.1. Thermal and hydrodynamic
behaviors were studied using computational method based on Lattice
Boltzmann method (LBM). Numerical studies were performed for a
laminar flow in the range of Rayleigh number (Ra) from 103 to 106
for a rectangular cavity of aspect ratio (L/H) 2.0 with a fluid of
Prandtl number (Pr) 1.0. The presence of the sinusoidal roughness
elements caused a minimum to maximum decrease in the heat
transfer as 7% to 17% respectively compared to smooth enclosure.
The results are presented for mean Nusselt number (Nu), isotherms
and streamlines.
Abstract: The study conducted a simulation of the effect of sea
water to the bonding capacity of GFRP sheet on the concrete beams
using a simulation tank. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) has been
developed and applied in many fields civil engineering structures on
the new structures and also for strengthening of the deteriorated
structures. The FRP has advantages such as its corrosion resistance as
well as high tensile strength to weight ratio. Compared to the other
FRP materials, Glass composed FRP (GFRP) is relatively cheaper.
GFRP sheet is applied externally by bonding it on the concrete surface.
The studies regarding the application of GFRP sheet have been
conducted such as strengthening system, bonding behavior of GFRP
sheet including the application as reinforcement in new structures. For
application to the structures with direct contact to sea environment, a
study regarding the effect of sea water to the bonding capacity of
GFRP sheet is important to be clarified. To achieve the objective of the
study, a series of concrete beams strengthened with GFRP sheet on
extreme tension surface were prepared. The beams then were stored on
the sea water tank for six months. Results indicated the bonding
capacity decreased after six month exposed to the sea water.
Abstract: Friction stir welding and tungsten inert gas welding
techniques were employed to weld armor grade aluminum alloy to
investigate the effect of welding processes on tensile behavior of
weld joints. Tensile tests, Vicker microhardness tests and optical
microscopy were performed on developed weld joints and base metal.
Welding process influenced tensile behavior and microstructure of
weld joints. Friction stir welded joints showed tensile behavior better
than tungsten inert gas weld joints.
Abstract: The reheating furnace is used to reheat the steel slabs
before the hot-rolling process. The supported system includes the
stationary/moving beams, and the skid buttons which block some
thermal radiation transmitted to the bottom of the slabs. Therefore, it is
important to analyze the steel slab temperature distribution during the
heating period. A three-dimensional mathematical transient heat
transfer model for the prediction of temperature distribution within the
slab has been developed. The effects of different skid button height
(H=60mm, 90mm, and 120mm) and different gap distance between
two slabs (S=50mm, 75mm, and 100mm) on the slab skid mark
formation and temperature profiles are investigated. Comparison with
the in-situ experimental data from Steel Company in Taiwan shows
that the present heat transfer model works well for the prediction of
thermal behavior of the slab in the reheating furnace. It is found that
the skid mark severity decreases with an increase in the skid button
height. The effect of gap distance is important only for the slab edge
planes, while it is insignificant for the slab central planes.
Abstract: This paper presents the influence of the vertical
seismic component on the non-linear dynamics analysis of three
different structures. The subject structures were analyzed and
designed according to recent codes. This paper considers three types
of buildings: 5-, 10-, and 15-story buildings. The non-linear
dynamics analysis of the structures with assuming elastic-perfectlyplastic
behavior was performed using RAM PERFORM-3D software;
the horizontal component was taken into consideration with and
without the incorporation of the corresponding vertical component.
Dynamic responses obtained for the horizontal component acting
alone were compared with those obtained from the simultaneous
application of both seismic components. The results show that the
effect of the vertical component of ground motion may increase the
axial load significantly in the interior columns and, consequently, the
stories. The plastic mechanisms would be changed. The P-Delta
effect is expected to increase. The punching base plate shear of the
columns should be considered. Moreover, the vertical component
increases the input energy when the structures exhibit inelastic
behavior and are taller.
Abstract: The purpose of this theoretical literature review is to
study the relevant academic literature on lack of cardiorespiratory
fitness and its effects on children. The total of thirty eight relevant
documents were identified and considered for this review which
nineteen of those were original research articles published in peer
reviewed journals. The other nineteen articles were statistical
documents. This literature review is structured to examine 5 effects
in deficiency of cardiorespiratory fitness in school aged children (A)
Relative Age Effect (RAE), (B) Obesity, (C) Inadequate fitness level
(D) Unhealthy life style, and (E) Academics. The categories provide
a theoretical framework for future studies where results are driven
from the literature review. The study discusses that regular physical fitness assists children
and adolescents to develop healthy physical activity behaviors which
can be sustained throughout adult life. Conclusion suggests that
advocacy for increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary
behaviors at school and home are necessary.
Abstract: This paper describes three lumped parameters models
for the study of the dynamic behavior of a boom crane. The models
here proposed allows to evaluate the fluctuations of the load arising
from the rope and structure elasticity and from the type of the
motion command imposed by the winch. A calculation software
was developed in order to determine the actual acceleration of the
lifted mass and the dynamic overload during the lifting phase. Some
application examples are presented, with the aim of showing the
correlation between the magnitude of the stress and the type of the
employed motion command.
Abstract: In the present study we have investigated axial
buckling characteristics of nanocomposite beams reinforced by
single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Various types of beam
theories including Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, Timoshenko beam
theory and Reddy beam theory were used to analyze the buckling
behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite beams.
Generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method was utilized to
discretize the governing differential equations along with four
commonly used boundary conditions. The material properties of the
nanocomposite beams were obtained using molecular dynamic (MD)
simulation corresponding to both short-(10,10) SWCNT and long-
(10,10) SWCNT composites which were embedded by amorphous
polyethylene matrix. Then the results obtained directly from MD
simulations were matched with those calculated by the mixture rule
to extract appropriate values of carbon nanotube efficiency
parameters accounting for the scale-dependent material properties.
The selected numerical results were presented to indicate the
influences of nanotube volume fractions and end supports on the
critical axial buckling loads of nanocomposite beams relevant to
long- and short-nanotube composites.
Abstract: The hydrodynamic and thermal behaviors of fluid
flow in wavy microchannel are investigated numerically. Effects of
Reynolds number on the hydrodynamics and thermal behaviors are
investigated. Three cases of Reynolds number (580, 1244, and 1910)
are adopted in this study. It is found that the separation zone begin
appears when Reynolds number is greater than 1910 at the endsection
of the wave. Also it is found that dimensionless maximum
velocity at the mid-section of the wave decreases and becomes as a
turbulent behavior as Reynolds numbers increases. The maximum
temperature at the center line at the mid-section of the wave increases
as Reynolds number increases until it reaches the turbulent behavior
when Reynolds number is equal or greater than 1244, while this
behavior will be achieved at very high velocities at the end section of
the wave.
Abstract: The need to merge software artifacts seems inherent
to modern software development. Distribution of development over
several teams and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable
pieces are an effective means to deal with the kind of complexity. In
each case, the separately developed artifacts need to be assembled as
efficiently as possible into a consistent whole in which the parts still
function as described. In addition, earlier changes are introduced into
the life cycle and easier is their management by designers.
Interaction-based specifications such as UML sequence diagrams
have been found effective in this regard. As a result, sequence
diagrams can be used not only for capturing system behaviors but
also for merging changes in order to create a new version. The
objective of this paper is to suggest a new approach to deal with the
problem of software merging at the level of sequence diagrams by
using the concept of dependence analysis that captures, formally, all
mapping, and differences between elements of sequence diagrams
and serves as a key concept to create a new version of sequence
diagram.
Abstract: Heart is the most important part in the body of living
organisms. It affects and is affected by any factor in the body.
Therefore, it is a good detector for all conditions in the body. Heart
signal is a non-stationary signal; thus, it is utmost important to study
the variability of heart signal. The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has
attracted considerable attention in psychology, medicine and has
become important dependent measure in psychophysiology and
behavioral medicine. The standards of measurements, physiological
interpretation and clinical use for HRV that are most often used were
described in many researcher papers, however, remain complex
issues are fraught with pitfalls. This paper presents one of the nonlinear
techniques to analyze HRV. It discusses many points like, what
Poincaré plot is and how Poincaré plot works; also, Poincaré plot's
merits especially in HRV. Besides, it discusses the limitation of
Poincaré cause of standard deviation SD1, SD2 and how to overcome
this limitation by using complex correlation measure (CCM). The
CCM is most sensitive to changes in temporal structure of the
Poincaré plot as compared toSD1 and SD2.
Abstract: Health of a person plays a vital role in the collective
health of his community and hence the well-being of the society as a
whole. But, in today’s fast paced technology driven world, health
issues are increasingly being associated with human behaviors – their
lifestyle. Social networks have tremendous impact on the health
behavior of individuals. Many researchers have used social network
analysis to understand human behavior that implicates their social
and economic environments. It would be interesting to use a similar
analysis to understand human behaviors that have health
implications. This paper focuses on concepts of those behavioural
analyses that have health implications using social networks analysis
and provides possible algorithmic approaches. The results of these
approaches can be used by the governing authorities for rolling out
health plans, benefits and take preventive measures, while the
pharmaceutical companies can target specific markets, helping health
insurance companies to better model their insurance plans.