Abstract: A sliding door system is used in commercial vehicles
and passenger cars to allow a larger unobstructed access to the
interior for loading and unloading. The movement of a sliding door
on vehicle body is ensured by mechanisms and tracks having special
cross-section which is manufactured by roll forming and stretch
bending process. There are three tracks and three mechanisms which
are called upper, central and lower on a sliding door system. There
are static requirements as strength on different directions, rigidity for
mechanisms, door drop off, door sag; dynamic requirements as high
energy slam opening-closing and durability requirement to validate
these products. In addition, there is a kinematic requirement to find
out force values from door handle during manual operating. In this
study, finite element analysis and physical test results which are
realized for sliding door systems will be shared comparatively.
Abstract: Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UV-PCO)
technology has been recommended as a green approach to health
indoor environment when it is integrated into mechanical ventilation
systems for inorganic and organic compounds removal as well as
energy saving due to less outdoor air intakes. Although much research
has been devoted to UV-PCO, limited information is available on the
UV-PCO behavior tested by the mixtures in literature. This project
investigated UV-PCO performance and by-product generation using a
single and a mixture of acetone and MEK at 100 ppb each in a
single-pass duct system in an effort to obtain knowledge associated
with competitive photochemical reactions involved in. The
experiments were performed at 20 % RH, 22 °C, and a gas flow rate of
128 m3/h (75 cfm). Results show that acetone and MEK mutually
reduced each other’s PCO removal efficiency, particularly negative
removal efficiency for acetone. These findings were different from
previous observation of facilitatory effects on the adsorption of
acetone and MEK on photocatalyst surfaces.
Abstract: In Automotive Industry, sliding door systems that are
also used as body closures are safety members. Extreme product tests
are realized to prevent failures in design process, but these tests
realized experimentally result in high costs. Finite element analysis is
an effective tool used for design process. These analyses are used
before production of prototype for validation of design according to
customer requirement. In result of this, substantial amount of time
and cost is saved. Finite element model is created for geometries that are designed in
3D CAD programs. Different element types as bar, shell and solid,
can be used for creating mesh model. Cheaper model can be created
by selection of element type, but combination of element type that
was used in model, number and geometry of element and degrees of
freedom affects the analysis result. Sliding door system is a good
example which used these methods for this study. Structural analysis
was realized for sliding door mechanism by using FE models. As
well, physical tests that have same boundary conditions with FE
models were realized. Comparison study for these element types,
were done regarding test and analyses results then optimum
combination was achieved.
Abstract: Erosion and abrasion are wear mechanisms reducing
the lifetime of machine elements like valves, pump and pipe systems.
Both wear mechanisms are acting at the same time, causing a
“Synergy” effect, which leads to a rapid damage of the surface.
Different parameters are effective on erosive abrasive wear rate. In
this study effect of particle impact angle on wear rate and wear
mechanism of ductile and brittle materials was investigated. A new
slurry pot was designed for experimental investigation. As abrasive
particle, silica sand was used. Particle size was ranking between 200-
500 μm. All tests were carried out in a sand-water mixture of 20%
concentration for four hours. Impact velocities of the particles were
4.76 m/s. As ductile material steel St 37 with Vickers Hardness
Number (VHN) of 245 and quenched St 37 with 510 VHN was used
as brittle material. After wear tests, morphology of the eroded
surfaces were investigated for better understanding of the wear
mechanisms acting at different impact angles by using Scanning
Electron Microscope. The results indicated that wear rate of ductile
material was higher than brittle material. Maximum wear rate was
observed by ductile material at a particle impact angle of 300 and
decreased further by an increase in attack angle. Maximum wear rate
by brittle materials was by impact angle of 450 and decreased further
up to 900. Ploughing was the dominant wear mechanism by ductile
material. Microcracks on the surface were detected by ductile
materials, which are nucleation centers for crater formation. Number
of craters decreased and depth of craters increased by ductile
materials by attack angle higher than 300. Deformation wear
mechanism was observed by brittle materials. Number and depth of
pits decreased by brittle materials by impact angles higher than 450.
At the end it is concluded that wear rate could not be directly related
to impact angle of particles due to the different reaction of ductile and
brittle materials.
Abstract: The current tools for real time management of sewer
systems are based on two software tools: the software of weather
forecast and the software of hydraulic simulation. The use of the first
ones is an important cause of imprecision and uncertainty, the use of
the second requires temporal important steps of decision because of
their need in times of calculation. This way of proceeding fact that
the obtained results are generally different from those waited. The major idea of this project is to change the basic paradigm by
approaching the problem by the "automatic" face rather than by that
"hydrology". The objective is to make possible the realization of a
large number of simulations at very short times (a few seconds)
allowing to take place weather forecasts by using directly the real
time meditative pluviometric data. The aim is to reach a system
where the decision-making is realized from reliable data and where
the correction of the error is permanent. A first model of control laws was realized and tested with different
return-period rainfalls. The gains obtained in rejecting volume vary
from 19 to 100 %. The development of a new algorithm was then
used to optimize calculation time and thus to overcome the
subsequent combinatorial problem in our first approach. Finally, this
new algorithm was tested with 16- year-rainfall series. The obtained
gains are 40 % of total volume rejected to the natural environment
and of 65 % in the number of discharges.
Abstract: When high strength reinforced concrete is exposed to
high temperature due to a fire, deteriorations occur such as loss in
strength and elastic modulus, cracking and spalling of the concrete.
Therefore, it is important to understand risk of structural safety in
building structures by studying structural behaviors and rehabilitation
of fire damaged high strength concrete structures. This paper aims at
investigating rehabilitation effect on fire damaged high strength
concrete beams using experimental and analytical methods. In the
experiments, flexural specimens with high strength concrete are
exposed to high temperatures according to ISO 834 standard time
temperature curve. From four-point loading test, results show that
maximum loads of the rehabilitated beams are similar to or higher than
those of the non-fire damaged RC beam. In addition, structural
analyses are performed using ABAQUS 6.10-3 with same conditions
as experiments to provide accurate predictions on structural and
mechanical behaviors of rehabilitated RC beams. The parameters are
the fire cover thickness and strengths of repairing mortar. Analytical
results show good rehabilitation effects, when the results predicted
from the rehabilitated models are compared to structural behaviors of
the non-damaged RC beams. In this study, fire damaged high strength concrete beams are
rehabilitated using polymeric cement mortar. The predictions from the
finite element (FE) models show good agreements with the
experimental results and the modeling approaches can be used to
investigate applicability of various rehabilitation methods for further
study.
Abstract: Present study was aimed to develop a discharge
measuring device for irrigation and laboratory channels. Experiments
were conducted on sharp edged constricted flow meters having four
types of width constrictions namely 2:1, 1.5:1, 1:1 and 90o in the
direction of flow. These devices were made of MS sheets and
installed separately in a rectangular flume. All these four devices
were tested under free and submerged flow conditions. Eight
different discharges varying from 2 lit/sec to 30 lit/sec were passed
through each device. In total around 500 observations of upstream
and downstream depths were taken in the present work. For each
discharge, free submerged and critical submergence under different
flow conditions were noted and plotted. Once the upstream and
downstream depths of flow over any of the device are known, the
discharge can be easily calculated with the help of the curves
developed for free and submerged flow conditions. The device
having contraction 2:1 is the most efficient one as it allows maximum
critical submergence.
Abstract: This study was to explore and utilize the fresh rind of
mangosteen Index Colour 5 as an upcoming raw material for the
production of natural dyes. Rind from the fresh mangosteen Index
Colour 5 was utilized to extract the dyes. The established extracts
were experimented on silk fabrics via three types of mordanting and
dyeing procedures; pre-mordanting, simultaneous mordanting and
post-mordanting. As a result, the applications of the freeze-drying
methodology and mechanizable equipment have helped to produce
excellent range of natural colours. Silk fabric treated simultaneously
with mordanting and dyeing with extract dye Index Colour 5
produced a brilliant shade of the red colour and the colour from this
index is also discovered sensitive to light and washing during the
fastness tests. The preliminary evaluation and instrumentation
analysis allowed us to examine whether the application of different
mordanting and dyeing procedures with the same extract samples and
concentrations affected the colours and shades of the fabric samples.
Abstract: Groundwater is vital to the livelihoods and health of the majority of the people, since it provides almost the entire water resource for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. Groundwater quality comprises the physical, chemical and bacteriological qualities. The present investigation was carried out to determine the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the ground water sources in the residential areas of Karakulam Grama Panchayath in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state in India. Karakulam is located in the eastern suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram city. The major drinking water source of the residents in the study area is wells. The present study aims to assess the portability and irrigational suitability of groundwater in the study area. The water samples were collected from randomly selected dug wells and bore wells in the study area during post monsoon and pre monsoon seasons of the year 2014 after a preliminary field survey. The physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters of the water samples were analyzed following standard procedures. The concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Mn) in the acid digested water samples were determined by using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the pH of well water samples ranged from acidic to alkaline level. In majority of well water samples (>54 %) the iron and magnesium content were found high in both the seasons studied, and the values were above the permissible limits of WHO drinking water quality standards. Bacteriological analyses showed that 63% of the wells were contaminated with total coliforms in both the seasons studied. Irrigational suitability of groundwater was assessed by determining the chemical indices like Sodium Percentage (%Na), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), and the results indicate that the well water in the study area are good for irrigation purposes. Therefore, the study reveals the degradation of drinking water quality groundwater sources in Karakulam Grama Panchayath in Thiruvananthapuram District, Keralain terms of its chemical and bacteriological characteristics, and is not potable without proper treatment. In the study, more than 1/3rdof the well water samples tested were positive for total coliforms, and the bacterial contamination may pose threat to public health. The study recommends the need for periodic well water quality monitoring in the study area and to conduct awareness programs among the residents.
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of inflectional and derivational morphemic analysis awareness on ESL secondary school students’ vocabulary learning strategy. The quasi-experimental study was conducted with 106 low proficiency secondary school students in two experimental groups (inflectional and derivational) and one control group. The students’ vocabulary acquisition was assessed through two measures: Morphemic Analysis Test and Vocabulary- Morphemic Test in the pretest and posttest before and after an intervention programme. Results of ANCOVA revealed that both the experimental groups achieved a significant score in Morphemic Analysis Test and Vocabulary-Morphemic Test. However, the inflectional group obtained a fairly higher score than the derivational group. Thus, the results indicated that ESL low proficiency secondary school students performed better on inflectional morphemic awareness as compared to derivatives. The results also showed that the awareness of inflectional morphology contributed more on the vocabulary acquisition. Importantly, learning inflectional morphology can help ESL low proficiency secondary school students to develop both morphemic awareness and vocabulary gain. Theoretically, these findings show that not all morphemes are equally useful to students for their language development. Practically, these findings indicate that morphological instruction should at least be included in remediation and instructional efforts with struggling learners across all grade levels, allowing them to focus on meaning within the word before they attempt the text in large for better comprehension. Also, by methodologically, by conducting individualized intervention and assessment this study provided fresh empirical evidence to support the existing literature on morphemic analysis awareness and vocabulary learning strategy. Thus, a major pedagogical implication of the study is that morphemic analysis awareness strategy is a definite boon for ESL secondary school students in learning English vocabulary.
Abstract: This paper seeks to assess the implications of bank
consolidation on the performance of small and medium scale
enterprises in the Nigerian economy. Multiple linear regression
technique and correlation matrix test were employed to measure the
extent to which small and medium scale enterprises asset size,
survival and access to credit were influenced. The result showed that
bank deposit (BD) and bank credit (L or BC) impacted on asset size
and survival of small and medium scale enterprises. None of the
variables had significant impact on SMEs access to credit. There is a
shift of focus by commercial banks away from small and medium
scale enterprises (small customers), which is evidenced by the
significant negative influence of bank credit to both the survival and
asset size of small and medium enterprises. While micro finance
banks work hard at providing funds to small and medium scale
entrepreneurs, their capacity to meet the needs of these entrepreneurs
is constrained. CBN should make policies that will boost micro
finance bank’s capital and also monitor closely the management of
the banks to ensure prudent financing of small and medium scale
investments.
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the
effectiveness of Metaphor therapy on depression among female
students. The sample included 60 female students with depression
symptoms selected by simple sampling and randomly divided into
two equal groups (experimental and control groups). Beck
Depression Inventory was used to measure the variables. This was an
experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design with control
group. Eight metaphor therapy sessions were held for the
experimental group. A post-test was administered to both groups.
Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance
(MANCOVA). Results showed that the Metaphor therapy decreased
depression in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Abstract: The present paper attempts to investigate the
prediction of air entrainment rate and aeration efficiency of a free
overfall jets issuing from a triangular sharp crested weir by using
regression based modelling. The empirical equations, Support vector
machine (polynomial and radial basis function) models and the linear
regression techniques were applied on the triangular sharp crested
weirs relating the air entrainment rate and the aeration efficiency to
the input parameters namely drop height, discharge, and vertex angle.
It was observed that there exists a good agreement between the
measured values and the values obtained using empirical equations,
Support vector machine (Polynomial and rbf) models and the linear
regression techniques. The test results demonstrated that the SVM
based (Poly & rbf) model also provided acceptable prediction of the
measured values with reasonable accuracy along with empirical
equations and linear regression techniques in modelling the air
entrainment rate and the aeration efficiency of a free overfall jets
issuing from triangular sharp crested weir. Further sensitivity analysis
has also been performed to study the impact of input parameter on the
output in terms of air entrainment rate and aeration efficiency.
Abstract: This paper investigates the effectiveness of two
natural zeolites in reducing expansion of concrete due to alkali-silica
reaction. These natural zeolites have different reactive silica content.
Three aggregates; two natural sands and one crushed stone aggregate
were used while preparing mortar bars in accordance with accelerated
mortar bar test method, ASTM C1260. Performances of natural
zeolites are compared by examining the expansions due to alkali
silica reaction. Natural zeolites added to the mixtures at 10% and
20% replacement levels by weight of cement. Natural zeolite with
high reactive silica content had better performance on reducing
expansions due to ASR. In this research, using high reactive zeolite at
20% replacement levels was effective in mitigating expansions.
Abstract: Cole-Cole parameters of 40 post-menopausal women
are compared with their DEXA bone mineral density measurements.
Impedance characteristics of four extremities are compared; left and
right extremities are statistically same, but lower extremities are
statistically different than upper ones due to their different fat
content. The correlation of Cole-Cole impedance parameters to bone
mineral density (BMD) is observed to be higher for dominant arm.
With the post-menopausal population, ANOVA tests of the dominant
arm characteristic frequency, as a predictor for DEXA classified
osteopenic and osteoporic population around lumbar spine, is
statistically very significant. When used for total lumbar spine
osteoporosis diagnosis, the area under the Receiver Operating Curve
of the characteristic frequency is 0.830, suggesting that the Cole-Cole
plot characteristic frequency could be a useful diagnostic parameter
when integrated into standard screening methods for osteoporosis.
Moreover, the characteristic frequency can be directly measured by
monitoring frequency driven angular behavior of the dominant arm
without performing any complex calculation.
Abstract: Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is a composite material with exceptional properties that are capable to replace conventional steel reinforcement in reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures. However, the main obstacle for their wide use in pre-stressed concrete application is the anchorage system. Due to the weakness of FRP in the transverse direction, the pre-stressing capacity of FRP bars are limited. This paper investigates the modification of the conventional wedge anchorage system to be used for stressing of FRP bars in pre-stressed applications. Epoxy adhesive material with glass FRP (GFRP) bars and conventional steel wedge were used in this paper. The GFRP bars are encased with epoxy at the anchor zone and the wedge system was used in pull-out test. The results showed a loading capacity of 47.6 kN which is 69% of the bar ultimate capacity. Additionally, nylon wedge was made with the same dimensions of the steel wedge and tested for GFRP bars without epoxy layer. The nylon wedge showed a loading capacity of 19.7 kN which is only 28.5% of the ultimate bar capacity.
Abstract: In an attempt to investigate the performance of single
basin solar still for climate conditions of Ludhiana a single basin
solar still was designed, fabricated and tested. The energy balance
equations for various parts of the still are solved by Gauss-Seidel
iteration method. Computer model was made and experimentally
validated. The validated computer model was used to estimate the
annual distillation yield and performance ratio of the still for
Ludhiana. The Theoretical and experimental distillation yield were
4318.79 ml and 3850 ml respectively for the typical day. The
predicted distillation yield was 12.5% higher than the experimental
yield. The annual distillation yield per square metre aperture area and
annual performance ratio for single basin solar still is 1095 litres and
0.43 respectively. The payback period for micro-stepped solar still is
2.5 years.
Abstract: The properties of hollow sandcrete blocks produced in
Minna, Nigeria are presented. Sandcrete block is made of cement,
water and sand binded together in certain mix proportions. For the
purpose of this work, fifty (50) commercial sandcrete block industries
were visited in Minna, Nigeria to obtain block samples and
aggregates used for the manufacture, and to take inventory of the mix
composition and the production process. Sieve analysis tests were
conduction on the soil sample from various block industries to
ascertain their quality to be used for block making. The mix ratios
were also investigated. Five (5) nine inches (9’’ or 225mm) blocks
were obtained from each block industry and tested for dimensional
compliance and compressive strength. The results of the soil test
shows that the grading fall within the limit for natural aggregate and
can easily are used to obtain workable mix. Physical examinations of
the block sizes show slight deviation from the standard requirement
in NIS 87:2000. Compressive strength of hollow sandcrete blocks in
range of 0.12 N/mm2 to 0.54 N/mm2 was obtained which is below the
recommendable value of 3.45 N/mm2 for load bearing hollow
sandcrete blocks. This indicates that these blocks are below the
standard for load-bearing sandcrete blocks and cannot be used as load
bearing walling units. The mix composition also indicated low
cement content resulting in low compressive strength. Most of the
commercial block industries visited does not take curing very serious.
Water were only sprinkled ones or twice before the blocks were
stacked and made readily available for sale. It is recommended that a
mix ratio of 1:4 to 1:6 should be used for the production of sandcrete
blocks and proper curing practice should be adhered. Blocks should
also be cured for 14 days before making them available for
consumers.
Abstract: It is the patient compliance and stability in
combination with controlled drug delivery and biocompatibility that
forms the core feature in present research and development of
sustained biodegradable patch formulation intended for wound
healing. The aim was to impart sustained degradation, sterile
formulation, significant folding endurance, elasticity,
biodegradability, bio-acceptability and strength. The optimized
formulation comprised of polymers including Hydroxypropyl methyl
cellulose, Ethylcellulose, and Gelatin, and Citric Acid PEG Citric
acid (CPEGC) triblock dendrimers and active Curcumin. Polymeric
mixture dissolved in geometric order in suitable medium through
continuous stirring under ambient conditions. With continued stirring
Curcumin was added with aid of DCM and Methanol in optimized
ratio to get homogenous dispersion. The dispersion was sonicated
with optimum frequency and for given time and later casted to form a
patch form. All steps were carried out under strict aseptic conditions.
The formulations obtained in the acceptable working range were
decided based on thickness, uniformity of drug content, smooth
texture and flexibility and brittleness. The patch kept on stability
using butter paper in sterile pack displayed folding endurance in
range of 20 to 23 times without any evidence of crack in an
optimized formulation at room temperature (RT) (24 ± 2°C). The
patch displayed acceptable parameters after stability study conducted
in refrigerated conditions (8±0.2°C) and at RT (24 ± 2°C) up to 90
days. Further, no significant changes were observed in critical
parameters such as elasticity, biodegradability, drug release and drug
content during stability study conducted at RT 24±2°C for 45 and 90
days. The drug content was in range 95 to 102%, moisture content
didn’t exceeded 19.2% and patch passed the content uniformity test.
Percentage cumulative drug release was found to be 80% in 12h and
matched the biodegradation rate as drug release with correlation
factor R2>0.9. The biodegradable patch based formulation developed
shows promising results in terms of stability and release profiles.
Abstract: The present study aims to investigate the performance
of Moringa oleifera seed extract as natural coagulant in clarification
of secondary wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) located in East
of Algiers, Algeria. Coagulation flocculation performance of
Moringa oleifera was evaluated through supernatant residual
turbidity after jar test trials. Various influence parameters namely
Moringa oleifera dosage and pH have been considered. Tests on
Reghaia wastewater, having 129 NTU of initial turbidity, showed a
removal of 69.45% of residual turbidity with only 1.5 mg/l of
Moringa oleifera. This sufficient removal capability encourages the
use of this bioflocculant for treatment of turbid waters. Indeed,
Moringa oleifera which is a natural resource available locally (South
of Algeria) coupled to the non-toxicity, biocompatibility and
biodegradability, may be a very interesting alternative to the
conventional coagulants used so far.