Abstract: The current study focuses on the seismic design of
offshore pipelines against active faults. After an extensive literature
review of the provisions of the seismic norms worldwide and of the
available analytical methods, the study simulates numerically
(through finite-element modeling and strain-based criteria) the
distress of offshore pipelines subjected to PGDs induced by active
normal and reverse seismic faults at the seabed. Factors, such as the
geometrical properties of the fault, the mechanical properties of the
ruptured soil formations, and the pipeline characteristics, are
examined. After some interesting conclusions regarding the seismic
vulnerability of offshore pipelines, potential cost-effective mitigation
measures are proposed taking into account constructability issues.
Abstract: In this article, we used the residual correction method
to deal with transient thermoelastic problems with a hollow spherical
region when the continuum medium possesses spherically isotropic
thermoelastic properties. Based on linear thermoelastic theory, the
equations of hyperbolic heat conduction and thermoelastic motion
were combined to establish the thermoelastic dynamic model with
consideration of the deformation acceleration effect and non-Fourier
effect under the condition of transient thermal shock. The approximate
solutions of temperature and displacement distributions are obtained
using the residual correction method based on the maximum principle
in combination with the finite difference method, making it easier and
faster to obtain upper and lower approximations of exact solutions.
The proposed method is found to be an effective numerical method
with satisfactory accuracy. Moreover, the result shows that the effect
of transient thermal shock induced by deformation acceleration is
enhanced by non-Fourier heat conduction with increased peak stress.
The influence on the stress increases with the thermal relaxation time.
Abstract: Lyophilization, also called freeze-drying, is an
important dehydration technique mainly used for pharmaceuticals.
Food industry also uses lyophilization when it is important to retain
most of the nutritional quality, taste, shape and size of dried products
and to extend their shelf life. Vacuum-Induced during freezing cycle
(VI) has been used in order to control ice nucleation and,
consequently, to reduce the time of primary drying cycle of
pharmaceuticals preserving quality properties of the final product.
This procedure has not been applied in freeze drying of foods. The
present work aims to investigate the effect of VI on the lyophilization
drying time, final moisture content, density and reconstitutional
properties of mango (Mangifera indica L.) slices (MS) and mango
pulp-maltodextrin dispersions (MPM) (30% concentration of total
solids). Control samples were run at each freezing rate without using
induced vacuum. The lyophilization endpoint was the same for all
treatments (constant difference between capacitance and Pirani
vacuum gauges). From the experimental results it can be concluded
that at the high freezing rate (0.4°C/min) reduced the overall process
time up to 30% comparing process time required for the control and
VI of the lower freeze rate (0.1°C/min) without affecting the quality
characteristics of the dried product, which yields a reduction in costs
and energy consumption for MS and MPM freeze drying. Controls
and samples treated with VI at freezing rate of 0.4°C/min in MS
showed similar results in moisture and density parameters.
Furthermore, results from MPM dispersion showed favorable values
when VI was applied because dried product with low moisture
content and low density was obtained at shorter process time
compared with the control. There were not found significant
differences between reconstitutional properties (rehydration for MS
and solubility for MPM) of freeze dried mango resulting from
controls, and VI treatments.
Abstract: Evaluation of the excavation-induced ground
movements is an important design aspect of support systems in urban
areas. Geological and geotechnical conditions of an excavation area
have significant effects on excavation-induced ground movements and
the related damage. This paper is aimed at studying the performance of
excavation walls supported by nails in jointed rock medium. The
performance of nailed walls is investigated based on evaluating the
excavation-induced ground movements. For this purpose, a set of
calibrated 2D finite element models are developed by taking into
account the nail-rock-structure interactions, the anisotropic properties
of jointed rock, and the staged construction process. The results of this
paper highlight effects of different parameters such as joint
inclinations, anisotropy of rocks and nail inclinations on deformation
parameters of excavation wall supported by nails.
Abstract: Ocean current is always available around the
surrounding of SHELL Sabah Water Platform and data are collected
every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, for a period of 365 days. Due to
low current speed, conventional hydrokinetic power generation is not
feasible, thus leading to the study of low current enabled vortex
induced vibration power generation application. In this case, the
design of a vortex induced vibration application is studied to obtain
an optimum design for the VIV oscillator. Power output is then
determined to study the feasibility of the VIV application in low
current condition.
Abstract: The ventilated façade has great advantages when
compared to traditional façades as it reduces the air conditioning
thermal loads due to the stack effect induced by solar radiation in the
air chamber. Optimizing energy consumption by using a ventilated
façade can be used not only in newly built buildings but also it can be
implemented in existing buildings, opening the field of
implementation to energy building retrofitting works. In this sense, the following three prototypes of façade where
designed, built and further analyzed in this research: non-ventilated
façade (NVF); slightly ventilated façade (SLVF) and strongly
ventilated façade (STVF). The construction characteristics of the
three facades are based on the Spanish regulation of building
construction “Technical Building Code”. The façades have been
monitored by type-k thermocouples in a representative day of the
summer season in Madrid (Spain). Moreover, an analysis of variance
(ANOVA) with repeated measures, studying the thermal lag in the
ventilated and no-ventilated façades has been designed. Results show that STVF façade presents higher levels of thermal
inertia as the thermal lag reduces up to 17% (daily mean) compared
to the non-ventilated façade. In addition, the statistical analysis
proves that an increase of the ventilation holes size in STVF façades
can improve the thermal lag significantly (p >0.05) when compared
to the SLVF façade.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify human walking vertical force by using FFT power spectrum density from the experimental acceleration data of the human body. An experiment on human walking is carried out on a stationary floor especially paying attention to higher components of dynamic vertical walking force. Based on measured acceleration data of the human lumbar part, not only in-phase component with frequency of 2fw, 3fw, but also in-opposite-phase component with frequency of 0.5 fw, 1.5 fw, 2.5 fw where fw is the walking rate is observed. The vertical vibration of pedestrian bridge induced by higher components of human walking vertical force is also discussed in this paper. A full scale measurement for the existing pedestrian bridge with center span length of 33 m is carried out focusing on the resonance phenomenon due to higher components of human walking vertical force. Dynamic response characteristics excited by these vertical higher components of human walking are revealed from the dynamic design viewpoint of pedestrian bridge.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a Finite Element
based vibration analysis of a solar powered Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV). The purpose of this paper was to quantify the free
vibration, forced vibration response due to differing point inputs in
order to predict the relative response magnitudes and frequencies at
various wing locations of vibration induced power generators
(magnet in coil) excited by gust and/or control surface pulse-decays
used to help power the flight of the electric UAV. A Fluid Structure
Interaction (FSI) study was performed in order to ascertain pertinent
design stresses and deflections as well as aerodynamic parameters of
the UAV airfoil. The 10 ft span airfoil is modeled using Mylar as the
primary material. Results show that the free mode in bending is 4.8
Hz while the first forced bending mode is on range of 16.2 to 16.7 Hz
depending on the location of excitation. The free torsional bending
mode is 28.3 Hz, and the first forced torsional mode is range of 26.4
to 27.8 Hz, depending on the location of excitation. The FSI results
predict the coefficients of aerodynamic drag and lift of 0.0052 and
0.077, respectively, which matches hand-calculations used to validate
the Finite Element based results. FSI based maximum von Mises
stresses and deflections were found to be 0.282 MPa and 3.4 mm,
respectively. Dynamic pressures on the airfoil range from 1.04 to
1.23 kPa corresponding to velocity magnitudes in range of 22 to 66
m/s.
Abstract: Salinity is one of the major factors limiting crop
production in an arid environment. Despite its global importance
soybean production suffer the problems of salinity stress causing
damages at plant development. So it is implacable to either search for
salinity enhancement of soybean plants. Therefore, in the current
study we try to clarify the mechanism that might be involved in the
ameliorating effects of osmo-protectants such as proline and glycine
betaine as well as, compost application on soybean plants grown
under salinity stress. The experiment was conducted under
greenhouse conditions at the Graduate School of Biosphere Science
Laboratory of Hiroshima University, Japan in 2011. The experiment
was designed as a spilt-split plot based on randomized complete
block design with four replications. The treatments could be
summarized as follows; (i) salinity concentrations (0 and 15 mM), (ii)
compost treatments (0 and 24 t ha-1) and (iii) the exogenous, proline
and glycine betaine concentrations (0 mM and 25 mM) for each.
Results indicated that salinity stress induced reduction in growth and
physiological aspects (dry weight per plant, chlorophyll content, N
and K+ content) of soybean plant compared with those of the
unstressed plants. On the other hand, salinity stress led to increases in
the electrolyte leakage ratio, Na and proline contents. Special
attention was paid to, the tolerance against salt stress was observed,
the improvement of salt tolerance resulted from proline, glycine
betaine and compost were accompanied with improved K+, and
proline accumulation. While, significantly decreased electrolyte
leakage ratio and Na+ content. These results clearly demonstrate that
harmful effect of salinity could reduce on growth aspects of soybean.
Consequently, exogenous osmoprotectants combine with compost
will effectively solve seasonal salinity stress problem and are a good
strategy to increase salinity resistance of soybean in the drylands.
Abstract: Adequate analgesia following caesarean section
decreases morbidity, hastens ambulation, improves patient outcome
and facilitates care of the newborn. Intrathecal magnesium, an
NMDA antagonist, has been shown to prolong analgesia without
significant side effects in healthy parturients. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the onset and duration of sensory and motor block,
hemodynamic effect, postoperative analgesia, and adverse effects of
magnesium or fentanyl given intrathecally with hyperbaric 0.5%
bupivacaine in patients with mild preeclampsia undergoing caesarean
section. Sixty women with mild preeclampsia undergoing elective
caesarean section were included in a prospective, double blind,
controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive spinal
anesthesia with 2 mL 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 12.5 μg
fentanyl (group F) or 0.1 ml of 50% magnesium sulphate (50 mg)
(group M) with 0.15ml preservative free distilled water. Onset,
duration and recovery of sensory and motor block, time to maximum
sensory block, duration of spinal anaesthesia and postoperative
analgesic requirements were studied. Statistical comparison was
carried out using the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and
Independent Student’s t-test where appropriate. The onset of both
sensory and motor block was slower in the magnesium group. The
duration of spinal anaesthesia (246 vs. 284) and motor block (186.3
vs. 210) were significantly longer in the magnesium group. Total
analgesic top up requirement was less in group M. Hemodynamic
parameters were similar in both the groups. Intrathecal magnesium
caused minimal side effects. Since Fentanyl and other opioid
congeners are not available throughout the country easily,
magnesium with its easy availability and less side effect profile can
be a cost effective alternative to fentanyl in managing pregnancy
induced hypertension (PIH) patients given along with Bupivacaine
intrathecally in caesarean section.
Abstract: Electrohydraulic servo system have been used in
industry in a wide number of applications. Its dynamics are highly
nonlinear and also have large extent of model uncertainties and
external disturbances. In this paper, a robust back-stepping control
(RBSC) scheme is proposed to overcome the problem of disturbances
and system uncertainties effectively and to improve the tracking
performance of EHS systems. In order to implement the proposed
control scheme, the system uncertainties in EHS systems are
considered as total leakage coefficient and effective oil volume. In
addition, in order to obtain the virtual controls for stabilizing system,
the update rule for the system uncertainty term is induced by
the Lyapunov control function (LCF). To verify the performance and
robustness of the proposed control system, computer simulation of
the proposed control system using Matlab/Simulink Software
is executed. From the computer simulation, it was found that the
RBSC system produces the desired tracking performance and has
robustness to the disturbances and system uncertainties of EHS
systems.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the mixing behaviors of
deionized (DI) water and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions in
C-shaped serpentine micromixers over a wide range of flow
conditions. The flow of CMC solutions exhibits shear-thinning
behaviors. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the
effects of the mean flow speed, fluid properties and geometry
parameters on flow and mixing in the micromixers with the serpentine
channel of the same overall channel length. From the results, we can
find the following trends. When convection dominates fluid mixing,
the curvature-induced vortices enhance fluid mixing effectively. The
mixing efficiency of a micromixer consisting of semicircular C-shaped
repeating units with a smaller centerline radius is better than that of a
micromixer consisting of major segment repeating units with a larger
centerline radius. The viscosity of DI water is less than the overall
average apparent viscosity of CMC solutions, and so the effect of
curvature-induced vortices on fluid mixing in DI water is larger than
that in CMC solutions for the cases with the same mean flow speed.
Abstract: Effects of nicotine on pre-partum body weight and
preimplantation embryonic development has been reported
previously. Present study was conducted to determine the effects of
annatto (Bixa orellana)-derived delta-tocotrienol (TCT) (with
presence of 10% gamma-TCT isomer) on the nicotine-induced
reduction in body weight and 8-cell embryonic growth in mice.
Twenty-four 6-8 weeks old (23-25g) female balb/c mice were
randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4; n=6). Those groups were
subjected to the following treatments for 7 consecutive days: G1
(control) were gavaged with 0.1 ml tocopherol stripped corn oil. G2
was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 3 mg/kg/day of nicotine. G3
received concurrent treatment of nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) and 60
mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture (contains 90% delta & 10% gamma
isomers) and G4 was given 60 mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture alone.
Body weights were recorded daily during the treatment. On Day 8,
females were superovulated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare’s Serum
Gonadotropin (PMSG) for 48 hours followed with 5 IU human
Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) before mated with males at the ratio
of 1:1. Females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for embryo
collection 48 hours post-coitum. Collected embryos were cultured in
vitro. Results showed that throughout Day 1 to Day 7, the body
weight of nicotine treated group (G2) was significantly lower
(p
Abstract: Structure-borne noise is an important aspect of
offshore platform sound field. It can be generated either directly by
vibrating machineries induced mechanical force, indirectly by the
excitation of structure or excitation by incident airborne noise.
Therefore, limiting of the transmission of vibration energy
throughout the offshore platform is the key to control the structureborne
noise. This is usually done by introducing damping treatment
to the steel structures. Two types of damping treatment using onboard
are presented. By conducting a Statistical Energy Analysis
(SEA) simulation on a jack-up rig, the noise level in the source room,
the neighboring rooms, and remote living quarter cabins are
compared before and after the damping treatments been applied. The
results demonstrated that, in the source neighboring room and living
quarter area, there is a significant noise reduction with the damping
treatment applied, whereas in the source room where air-borne sound
predominates that of structure-borne sound, the impact is not
obvious. The conclusion on effective damping treatment in the
offshore platform is made which enable acoustic professionals to
implement noise control during the design stage for offshore crews’
hearing protection and habitant comfortability.
Abstract: Several embryonic cellular mechanism including cell
cycle, growth and apoptosis are regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3-
kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. The goal of present study is to
determine the effects of annatto (Bixa orellana)-derived δ-tocotrienol
(δ-TCT) on the regulations of PI3K/Akt genes in murine morula.
Twenty four 6-8 week old (23-25g) female balb/c mice were
randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4; n=6). Those groups were
subjected to the following treatments for 7 consecutive days: G1
(control) received tocopherol stripped corn oil, G2 was given 60
mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture (contains 90% delta & 10% gamma
isomers), G3 was given 60 mg/kg/day of pure δ-TCT (>98% purity)
and G4 received 60 mg/kg/day α-TOC. On Day 8, females were
superovulated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare’s Serum Gonadotropin
(PMSG) for 48 hours followed with 5 IU human Chorionic
Gonadotropin (hCG) before mated with males at the ratio of 1:1.
Females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for embryo collection
48 hours post-coitum. About fifty morulas from each group were
used in the gene expression analyses using Affymetrix QuantiGene
Plex 2.0 Assay. Present data showed a significant increase (p
Abstract: A Rice Sheller is used for obtaining polished white
rice from paddy. There are about 3000 Rice Shellers in Punjab and
50000 in India. During the process of shelling lot of dust is emitted
from different unit operations like paddy silo, paddy shaker, bucket
elevators, huskers, paddy separator etc. These dust emissions have
adverse effect on the health of the workers and the wear and tear of
the shelling machinery is fast. All the dust emissions spewing out of
these unit operations of a rice Sheller were contained by providing
suitable hoods and enclosures while ensuring their workability. These
were sucked by providing an induced draft fan followed by a high
efficiency cyclone separator that has got an overall dust collection
efficiency of more than 90%. This cyclone separator replaced two
cyclone separators and a filter bag house, which the Rice Sheller was
already having. The dust concentration in the stack after the
installation of cyclone separator is well within the stipulated
standards. Besides controlling pollution, there is improvement in the
quality of products like bran and the life of shelling machinery has
enhanced. The payback period of this technology is less than four
shelling months.
Abstract: Numerical studies have been carried out using a
validated two-dimensional standard k-omega turbulence model for
the design optimization of a thrust vector control system using shock
induced self-impinging supersonic secondary double jet. Parametric
analytical studies have been carried out at different secondary
injection locations to identifying the highest unsymmetrical
distribution of the main gas flow due to shock waves, which produces
a desirable side force more lucratively for vectoring. The results from
the parametric studies of the case on hand reveal that the shock
induced self-impinging supersonic secondary double jet is more
efficient in certain locations at the divergent region of a CD nozzle
than a case with supersonic single jet with same mass flow rate. We
observed that the best axial location of the self-impinging supersonic
secondary double jet nozzle with a given jet interaction angle, built-in
to a CD nozzle having area ratio 1.797, is 0.991 times the primary
nozzle throat diameter from the throat location. We also observed
that the flexible steering is possible after invoking ON/OFF facility to
the secondary nozzles for meeting the onboard mission requirements.
Through our case studies we concluded that the supersonic self-impinging
secondary double jet at predesigned jet interaction angle
and location can provide more flexible steering options facilitating
with 8.81% higher thrust vectoring efficiency than the conventional
supersonic single secondary jet without compromising the payload
capability of any supersonic aerospace vehicle.
Abstract: In this paper, the cable model of dendrites have been
considered. The dendrites are cylindrical cables of various segments
having variable length and reducing radius from start point at synapse
and end points. For a particular event signal being received by a
neuron in response only some dendrite are active at a particular
instance. Initial current signals with different current flows in
dendrite are assumed. Due to overlapping and coupling of active
dendrite, they induce currents in the dendrite segments of each other
at a particular instance. But how these currents are induced in the
various segments of active dendrites due to coupling between these
dendrites, It is not presented in the literature. Here the paper presents
a model for induced currents in active dendrite segments due to
mutual coupling at the starting instance of an activity in dendrite. The
model is as discussed further.
Abstract: Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
is the most common symptom when ordinary individuals and athletes
are exposed to unaccustomed physical activity, especially eccentric
contraction which impairs athletic performance, ordinary people
work ability and physical functioning. Multitudes of methods have
been investigated to reduce DOMS. One of the valuable methods to
control DOMS is repeated bout effect (RBE) as a prophylactic
method. Purpose: To compare the repeated bout effect of
submaximal eccentric with maximal isometric contraction on induced
DOMS. Methods: Sixty normal male volunteers were assigned
randomly into three equal groups: Group A (first study group): 20
subjects received submaximal eccentric contraction on non-dominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group B (second study
group): 20 subjects received maximal isometric contraction on nondominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group C (control
group): 20 subjects did not receive any prophylactic exercises.
Maximal isometric peak torque of elbow flexors and patient related
elbow evaluation (PREE) scale were measured for each subject 3
times before, immediately after, and 48 hours after induction of
DOMS. Results: Post-hoc test for maximal isometric peak torque and
PREE scale immediately and 48 hours after induction of DOMS
revealed that group (A) and group (B) resulted in significant decrease
in maximal isometric strength loss and elbow pain and disability
rather than control group (C), but submaximal eccentric group (A)
was more effective than maximal isometric group (B) as it showed
more rapid recovery of functional strength and less degrees of elbow
pain and disability. Conclusion: Both submaximal eccentric
contraction and maximal isometric contraction were effective in
prevention of DOMS but submaximal eccentric contraction produced
a greater protective effect against muscle damage induced by
maximal eccentric exercise performed 2 days later.
Abstract: In this study, breeding biology and induced breeding
of freshwater mud eel, Monopterus cuchia was observed during the
experimental period from February to June, 2013. Breeding biology
of freshwater mud eel, Monopterus cuchia was considered in terms of
gonadosomatic index, length-weight relationship of gonad, ova
diameter and fecundity. The ova diameter was recorded from 0.3 mm
to 4.30 mm and the individual fecundity was recorded from 155 to
1495 while relative fecundity was found from 2.64 to 12.45. The
fecundity related to body weight and length of fish was also
discussed. A peak of GSI was observed 2.14±0.2 in male and 5.1
±1.09 in female. Induced breeding of freshwater mud eel,
Monopterus cuchia was also practiced with different doses of
different inducing agents like pituitary gland (PG), human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG), Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and
Ovuline-a synthetic hormone in different environmental conditions.
However, it was observed that the artificial breeding of freshwater
mud eel, Monopterus cuchia was not yet succeeded through inducing
agents in captive conditions, rather the inducing agent showed
negative impacts on fecundity and ovarian tissues. It was seen that
mature eggs in the oviduct were reduced, absorbed and some eggs
were found in spoiled condition.