Abstract: This study deals with the phenomena of reflection and transmission (refraction) of qSV-waves, for an incident of quasi transverse vertically waves, at a plane interface of two semi-infinite piezoelectric elastic media under the influence of the initial stresses. The relations governing the reflection and transmission coefficients of these reflected waves for various suitable boundary conditions are derived. We have shown analytically that reflection and transmission coefficients of (qP) and (qSV) waves depend upon the angle of incidence, the parameters of electric potential, the material constants of the medium as will as the initial stresses presented in the media. The numerical calculations of the reflection and transmission amplitude ratios for different values of initial stresses have been carried out by computer for different materials as examples and the results are given in the form of graphs. Finally, some of particular cases are considered.
Abstract: Effect of high temperature exposure on properties of cement mortar containing municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash as partial natural aggregate replacement is analyzed in the paper. The measurements of mechanical properties, bulk density, matrix density, total open porosity, sorption and desorption isotherms are done on samples exposed to the temperatures of 20°C to 1000°C. TGA analysis is performed as well. Finally, the studied samples are analyzed by IR spectroscopy in order to evaluate TGA data.
Abstract: A method for solving linear and non-linear Goursat
problem is given by using the two-dimensional differential transform
method. The approximate solution of this problem is calculated in
the form of a series with easily computable terms and also the exact
solutions can be achieved by the known forms of the series solutions.
The method can easily be applied to many linear and non-linear
problems and is capable of reducing the size of computational work.
Several examples are given to demonstrate the reliability and the
performance of the presented method.
Abstract: There are two paradigms proposed to provide QoS for Internet applications: Integrated service (IntServ) and Differentiated service (DiffServ).Intserv is not appropriate for large network like Internet. Because is very complex. Therefore, to reduce the complexity of QoS management, DiffServ was introduced to provide QoS within a domain using aggregation of flow and per- class service. In theses networks QoS between classes is constant and it allows low priority traffic to be effected from high priority traffic, which is not suitable. In this paper, we proposed a fuzzy controller, which reduced the effect of low priority class on higher priority ones. Our simulations shows that, our approach reduces the latency dependency of low priority class on higher priority ones, in an effective manner.
Abstract: For maintenance of a spine stability during the
postoperative period a transpedicular fixing of its elements is often
used. Usually the transpedicular systems are formed of rods which as
a result form a design of the frame type, fastening by screws to
vertebras. Such design should be rigid and perceive loadings
operating from the spine without essential deformations. From the
perfection point of view of known designs their stress
whole, and each of elements, in particular is of interest. In this study
the modeling of the transpedicular screw is performed and
estimation of its deformations taking into account interaction with a
vertebra body having variable structure is made.
Abstract: Data mining is an extraordinarily demanding field referring to extraction of implicit knowledge and relationships, which are not explicitly stored in databases. A wide variety of methods of data mining have been introduced (classification, characterization, generalization...). Each one of these methods includes more than algorithm. A system of data mining implies different user categories,, which mean that the user-s behavior must be a component of the system. The problem at this level is to know which algorithm of which method to employ for an exploratory end, which one for a decisional end, and how can they collaborate and communicate. Agent paradigm presents a new way of conception and realizing of data mining system. The purpose is to combine different algorithms of data mining to prepare elements for decision-makers, benefiting from the possibilities offered by the multi-agent systems. In this paper the agent framework for data mining is introduced, and its overall architecture and functionality are presented. The validation is made on spatial data. Principal results will be presented.
Abstract: The client server systems using mobile
communications networks for data transmission became very
attractive for many economic agents, in the purpose of promoting and
offering electronic services to their clients. E-services are suitable for
business developing and financial benefits increasing. The products
or services can be efficiently delivered to a large number of clients,
using mobile Internet access technologies. The clients can have
access to e-services, anywhere and anytime, with the support of 3G,
GPRS, WLAN, etc., channels bandwidth, data services and protocols.
Based on the mobile communications networks evolution and
development, a convergence of technological and financial interests
of mobile operators, software developers, mobile terminals producers
and e-content providers is established. These will lead to a high level
of integration of IT&C resources and will facilitate the value added
services delivery through the mobile communications networks. In
this paper it is presented a client server system, for e-services access,
with Smartphones and PDA-s mobile software applications, installed
on Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems.
Abstract: According to the density of the chips, designers are
trying to put so any facilities of computational and storage on single
chips. Along with the complexity of computational and storage
circuits, the designing, testing and debugging become more and more
complex and expensive. So, hardware design will be built by using
very high speed hardware description language, which is more
efficient and cost effective. This paper will focus on the
implementation of 32-bit ALU design based on Verilog hardware
description language. Adder and subtracter operate correctly on both
unsigned and positive numbers. In ALU, addition takes most of the
time if it uses the ripple-carry adder. The general strategy for
designing fast adders is to reduce the time required to form carry
signals. Adders that use this principle are called carry look- ahead
adder. The carry look-ahead adder is to be designed with combination
of 4-bit adders. The syntax of Verilog HDL is similar to the C
programming language. This paper proposes a unified approach to
ALU design in which both simulation and formal verification can
co-exist.
Abstract: A high performance thin layer chromatography
system (HPTLC) for the separation of vitamin B2 and B12 has been
developed. The separation was successfully using a solvent system of
methanol, water, ammonia 7.3.1 (V/V) as mobile phase on HPTLC
plates impregnated with boric acid. The effect of other mobile phases
on the separation of vitamins was also examined. The method is
based on different behavior of investigated compounds in
impregnated TLC plates with different amount of boric acid. The Rf
values of vitamin B2 and B12 are considered on non impregnated
and impregnated silica gel HPTLC plate with boric acid. The effect
of boric acid in the mobile phase and on HPTLC plates on the RF
values of the vitamins has also been studied.
Abstract: In an open real-time system environment, the coexistence of different kinds of real-time and non real-time applications makes the system scheduling mechanism face new requirements and challenges. One two-level scheduling scheme of the open real-time systems is introduced, and points out that hard and soft real-time applications are scheduled non-distinctively as the same type real-time applications, the Quality of Service (QoS) cannot be guaranteed. It has two flaws: The first, it can not differentiate scheduling priorities of hard and soft real-time applications, that is to say, it neglects characteristic differences between hard real-time applications and soft ones, so it does not suit a more complex real-time environment. The second, the worst case execution time of soft real-time applications cannot be predicted exactly, so it is not worth while to cost much spending in order to assure all soft real-time applications not to miss their deadlines, and doing that may cause resource wasting. In order to solve this problem, a novel two-level real-time scheduling mechanism (including scheduling profile and scheduling algorithm) which adds the process of dealing with soft real-time applications is proposed. Finally, we verify real-time scheduling mechanism from two aspects of theory and experiment. The results indicate that our scheduling mechanism can achieve the following objectives. (1) It can reflect the difference of priority when scheduling hard and soft real-time applications. (2) It can ensure schedulability of hard real-time applications, that is, their rate of missing deadline is 0. (3) The overall rate of missing deadline of soft real-time applications can be less than 1. (4) The deadline of a non-real-time application is not set, whereas the scheduling algorithm that server 0 S uses can avoid the “starvation" of jobs and increase QOS. By doing that, our scheduling mechanism is more compatible with different types of applications and it will be applied more widely.
Abstract: Model Predictive Control has been previously applied
to supply chain problems with promising results; however hitherto
proposed systems possessed no information on future demand. A
forecasting methodology will surely promote the efficiency of
control actions by providing insight on the future. A complete supply
chain management framework that is based on Model Predictive
Control (MPC) and Time Series Forecasting will be presented in this
paper. The proposed framework will be tested on industrial data in
order to assess the efficiency of the method and the impact of
forecast accuracy on overall control performance of the supply chain.
To this end, forecasting methodologies with different characteristics
will be implemented on test data to generate forecasts that will serve
as input to the Model Predictive Control module.
Abstract: The appearance management behavior of tanning by gay men is examined through the lens of Impression Formation. The study proposes that body image, self-esteem, and internalized homophobia are connected and affect the motives for engaging in sun, salon, and cosmetic tanning. Motives examined were: to look masculine, to look attractive to (potential) partners, to look attractive in general, to socialize, to meet a peer standard, and for personal satisfaction. Using regression analysis to examine data of 103 gay men who engage in at least one method of tanning, results reveal that components of body image and internalized homophobia–but not self-esteem–are linked to various motives and methods of tanning. These findings support and extend the literature of Impression Formation Theory and provide practitioners in the health and healthrelated fields new avenues to pursue when dealing with diseases related to tanning.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation
between leisure participation and perceived wellness, with the students
of a nursing college in southern Taiwan as the subjects. One thousand
six hundred and ninety-six (1,696) surveys were sent, and 1,408
surveys were received for an 83.02% valid response rate. Using
canonical correlation analysis to analyze the data, the results showed
that the linear combination of the two sets of variable produces five
significant canonical variates. Out of the five canonical variates, only
the first has sufficient explanatory power. The canonical correlation
coefficient of first canonical variate is 0.660. This indicated that
leisure participation and perceived wellness are significantly
correlated.
Abstract: In designing river intakes and diversion structures, it is paramount that the sediments entering the intake are minimized or, if possible, completely separated. Due to high water velocity, sediments can significantly damage hydraulic structures especially when mechanical equipment like pumps and turbines are used. This subsequently results in wasting water, electricity and further costs. Therefore, it is prudent to investigate and analyze the performance of lateral intakes affected by sediment control structures. Laboratory experiments, despite their vast potential and benefits, can face certain limitations and challenges. Some of these include: limitations in equipment and facilities, space constraints, equipment errors including lack of adequate precision or mal-operation, and finally, human error. Research has shown that in order to achieve the ultimate goal of intake structure design – which is to design longlasting and proficient structures – the best combination of sediment control structures (such as sill and submerged vanes) along with parameters that increase their performance (such as diversion angle and location) should be determined. Cost, difficulty of execution and environmental impacts should also be included in evaluating the optimal design. This solution can then be applied to similar problems in the future. Subsequently, the model used to arrive at the optimal design requires high level of accuracy and precision in order to avoid improper design and execution of projects. Process of creating and executing the design should be as comprehensive and applicable as possible. Therefore, it is important that influential parameters and vital criteria is fully understood and applied at all stages of choosing the optimal design. In this article, influential parameters on optimal performance of the intake, advantages and disadvantages, and efficiency of a given design are studied. Then, a multi-criterion decision matrix is utilized to choose the optimal model that can be used to determine the proper parameters in constructing the intake.
Abstract: This paper proposes a method to vibration analysis in
order to on-line monitoring and predictive maintenance during the
milling process. Adapting envelope method to diagnostics and the
analysis for milling tool materials is an important contribution to the
qualitative and quantitative characterization of milling capacity and a
step by modeling the three-dimensional cutting process. An
experimental protocol was designed and developed for the
acquisition, processing and analyzing three-dimensional signal. The
vibration envelope analysis is proposed to detect the cutting capacity
of the tool with the optimization application of cutting parameters.
The research is focused on Hilbert transform optimization to evaluate
the dynamic behavior of the machine/ tool/workpiece.
Abstract: Noise contamination in a magnetic resonance (MR)
image could occur during acquisition, storage, and transmission in
which effective filtering is required to avoid repeating the MR
procedure. In this paper, an iterative asymmetrical triangle fuzzy
filter with moving average center (ATMAVi filter) is used to reduce
different levels of salt and pepper noise in a brain MR image. Besides
visual inspection on filtered images, the mean squared error (MSE) is
used as an objective measurement. When compared with the median
filter, simulation results indicate that the ATMAVi filter is effective
especially for filtering a higher level noise (such as noise density =
0.45) using a smaller window size (such as 3x3) when operated
iteratively or using a larger window size (such as 5x5) when operated
non-iteratively.
Abstract: Object: Review recent publications of patient safety
culture to investigate the relationship between leadership behavior,
safety culture, and safety performance in the healthcare industry.
Method: This study is a cross-sectional study, 350 questionnaires were
mailed to hospital workers with 195 valid responses obtained, and a
55.7% valid response rate. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was
carried out to test the factor structure and determine if the composite
reliability was significant with a factor loading of >0.5, resulting in an
acceptable model fit. Results: Through the analysis of One-way
ANOVA, the results showed that physicians significantly have more
negative patient safety culture perceptions and safety performance
perceptions than non- physicians. Conclusions: The path analysis
results show that leadership behavior affects safety culture and safety
performance in the health care industry. Safety performance was
affected and improved with contingency leadership and a positive
patient safety organization culture. The study suggests improving
safety performance by providing a well-managed system that
includes: consideration of leadership, hospital worker training
courses, and a solid safety reporting system.
Abstract: Today the social marketing was constituted as a tool
of significant value in what he refers to the promotion of changes of
behaviors, attitudes end practices. With the objective of analyzing the
benefits that the social marketing can bring for the organizations that
use it the research was of the exploratory and descriptive. In the
present study the comparative method was used, through a qualitative
approach, to analyze the activities developed by three institutions:
the Recovery Center Rosa de Saron, the House of Recovery for
addicts and Teen Challenge Institute Children's Cancer of the
Wasteland (ICIA), kindred of pointing out the benefits of the social
marketing in organizations that don-t seek the profit.
Abstract: Photonic Crystal (PhC) based devices are being
increasingly used in multifunctional, compact devices in integrated
optical communication systems. They provide excellent
controllability of light, yet maintaining the small size required for
miniaturization. In this paper, the band gap properties of PhCs and
their typical applications in optical waveguiding are considered.
Novel PhC based applications such as nonlinear switching and
tapers are considered and simulation results are shown using the
accurate time-domain numerical method based on Finite Difference
Time Domain (FDTD) scheme. The suitability of these devices for
novel applications is discussed and evaluated.
Abstract: Water pollution assessment problems arise frequently
in environmental science. In this research, a finite difference method
for solving the one-dimensional steady convection-diffusion equation
with variable coefficients is proposed; it is then used to optimize
water treatment costs.