Abstract: The paper deals with possibilities of increase train
capacity by using a new type of railway wagon. In the first part is
created a mathematical model to calculate the capacity of the train.
The model is based on the main limiting parameters of the train -
maximum number of axles per train, maximum gross weight of train,
maximum length of train and number of TEUs per one wagon. In the
second part is the model applied to four different model trains with
different composition of the train set and three different average
weights of TEU and a train consisting of a new type of wagons. The
result is to identify where the carrying capacity of the original trains
is higher, respectively less than a capacity of train consisting of a new
type of wagons.
Abstract: One of the main purposes of designing bucklingrestrained
braces is the fact that the entire lateral load is wasted by
the braces, the entire gravitational load is moved to the foundation
through the beams, and the columns can be moved to the foundation.
In other words, braces are designed for bearing lateral load. In the
implementation of the structure, it should be noted that the
implementation of various parts of the structure must be conducted in
such a way that the buckling-restrained braces would not bear the
gravitational load. Moreover, this type of brace has been investigated
under impact loading, and the design goals of designing method
(direct motion) are controlled under impact loading. The results of
dynamic analysis are shown as the relocation charts of the floors and
switch between the floors. Finally, the results are compared with each
other.
Abstract: The overall goal of this paper is to examine the
suitability and potential of the policies addressing the sustainability
and affordability of housing for returnees, and to determine the impact
of this policy on housing delivery for Afghan refugees. Housing is a
central component of the settlement experience of refugees. A positive
housing situation can facilitate many aspects of integration.
Unaffordable, and unsafe housing, however, can cause disruptions in
the entire settlement process. This paper aims to identify a suite of
built forms for housing that is both affordable and environmentally
sustainable for Afghan refugees. The result was the development of a
framework that enables the assessment of the overall performance of
various types of housing development in all zones of the country.
There is very little evidence that the present approach of housing
provision to the vagaries of market forces has provided affordable
housing, especially for Afghan refugees. There is a need to incorporate
social housing into the policy to assist people who cannot afford to
have their own houses.
Abstract: Low density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites
with 3, 5 and 7 wt. % cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanopowder fabricated
with extrusion mixing and followed up by hot press to reach compact
samples. The transmission/reflection measurements were carried out
with a network analyzer in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz. By
increasing the percent of CoFe2O4 nanopowder, reflection loss (S11)
increases, while transferring loss (S21) decreases. Reflectivity (R)
calculations made using S11 and S21. Increase in percent of CoFe2O4
nanopowder up to 7 wt. % in composite leaded to higher reflectivity
amount, and revealed that increasing the percent of CoFe2O4
nanopowder up to 7 wt. % leads to further microwave absorption in
8-12 GHz range.
Abstract: With the advancement of knowledge about the utility
and impact of sustainability, its feasibility has been explored into
different walks of life. Scientists, however; have established their
knowledge in four areas viz environmental, economic, social and
cultural, popularly termed as four pillars of sustainability. Aspects of
environmental and economic sustainability have been rigorously
researched and practiced and huge volume of strong evidence of
effectiveness has been founded for these two sub-areas. For the social
and cultural aspects of sustainability, dependable evidence of
effectiveness is still to be instituted as the researchers and
practitioners are developing and experimenting methods across the
globe. Therefore, the present research aimed to identify globally used
practices of social and cultural sustainability and through evidence
synthesis assess their outcomes to determine the effectiveness of
those practices. A PICO format steered the methodology which
included all populations, popular sustainability practices including
walkability/cycle tracks, social/recreational spaces, privacy, health &
human services and barrier free built environment, comparators
included ‘Before’ and ‘After’, ‘With’ and ‘Without’, ‘More’ and
‘Less’ and outcomes included Social well-being, cultural coexistence,
quality of life, ethics and morality, social capital, sense of
place, education, health, recreation and leisure, and holistic
development. Search of literature included major electronic
databases, search websites, organizational resources, directory of
open access journals and subscribed journals. Grey literature,
however, was not included. Inclusion criteria filtered studies on the
basis of research designs such as total randomization, quasirandomization,
cluster randomization, observational or single studies
and certain types of analysis. Studies with combined outcomes were
considered but studies focusing only on environmental and/or
economic outcomes were rejected. Data extraction, critical appraisal
and evidence synthesis was carried out using customized tabulation,
reference manager and CASP tool. Partial meta-analysis was carried
out and calculation of pooled effects and forest plotting were done.
As many as 13 studies finally included for final synthesis explained
the impact of targeted practices on health, behavioural and social
dimensions. Objectivity in the measurement of health outcomes
facilitated quantitative synthesis of studies which highlighted the
impact of sustainability methods on physical activity, Body Mass
Index, perinatal outcomes and child health. Studies synthesized
qualitatively (and also quantitatively) showed outcomes such as
routines, family relations, citizenship, trust in relationships, social
inclusion, neighbourhood social capital, wellbeing, habitability and
family’s social processes. The synthesized evidence indicates slight
effectiveness and efficacy of social and cultural sustainability on the
targeted outcomes. Further synthesis revealed that such results of this
study are due weak research designs and disintegrated implementations. If architects and other practitioners deliver their
interventions in collaboration with research bodies and policy
makers, a stronger evidence-base in this area could be generated.
Abstract: The acceptance of sustainable products by the final
consumer is still one of the challenges of the industry, which
constantly seeks alternative approaches to successfully be accepted in
the global market. A large set of methods and approaches have been
discussed and analysed throughout the literature. Considering the current need for sustainable development and the
current pace of consumption, the need for a combined solution
towards the development of new products became clear, forcing
researchers in product development to propose alternatives to the
previous standard product development models. This paper presents, through a systemic analysis of the literature
on product development, eco-design and consumer involvement, a set
of alternatives regarding consumer involvement towards the
development of sustainable products and how these approaches could
help improve the sustainable industry’s establishment in the general
market. Still being developed in the course of the author’s PhD, the initial
findings of the research show that the understanding of the benefits of
sustainable behaviour lead to a more conscious acquisition and
eventually to the implementation of sustainable change in the
consumer. Thus this paper is the initial approach towards the
development of new sustainable products using the fashion industry
as an example of practical implementation and acceptance by the
consumers. By comparing the existing literature and critically analysing it, this
paper concluded that the consumer involvement is strategic to
improve the general understanding of sustainability and its features.
The use of consumers and communities has been studied since the
early 90s in order to exemplify uses and to guarantee a fast
comprehension. The analysis done also includes the importance of
this approach for the increase of innovation and ground breaking
developments, thus requiring further research and practical
implementation in order to better understand the implications and
limitations of this methodology.
Abstract: Digital images are widely used in computer
applications. To store or transmit the uncompressed images
requires considerable storage capacity and transmission bandwidth.
Image compression is a means to perform transmission or storage of
visual data in the most economical way. This paper explains about
how images can be encoded to be transmitted in a multiplexing
time-frequency domain channel. Multiplexing involves packing
signals together whose representations are compact in the working
domain. In order to optimize transmission resources each 4 × 4
pixel block of the image is transformed by a suitable polynomial
approximation, into a minimal number of coefficients. Less than
4 × 4 coefficients in one block spares a significant amount of
transmitted information, but some information is lost. Different
approximations for image transformation have been evaluated as
polynomial representation (Vandermonde matrix), least squares +
gradient descent, 1-D Chebyshev polynomials, 2-D Chebyshev
polynomials or singular value decomposition (SVD). Results have
been compared in terms of nominal compression rate (NCR),
compression ratio (CR) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR)
in order to minimize the error function defined as the difference
between the original pixel gray levels and the approximated
polynomial output. Polynomial coefficients have been later encoded
and handled for generating chirps in a target rate of about two
chirps per 4 × 4 pixel block and then submitted to a transmission
multiplexing operation in the time-frequency domain.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the
relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work
behavior and to evaluate the mediating role of leader-member
exchange relationships (LMX) on the assumed relationship. This
study has focused on the suggestion that LMX might emerge through
transformational leadership behaviors and thus could mediate the
relationship between transformational leadership and innovative
behavior. A cross-sectional survey research has been conducted on
the relationship these leadership approaches and their impact on
organizational HRM-outcomes have been conducted on two
organizations operating in the technical sector in Istanbul-Turkey.
The results of the research have supported the hypotheses.
Transformational leadership was positively related to the innovative
behaviors and LMX emerged to mediate that relationship.
Abstract: Journal bearings used in IC engines are prone to premature
failures and are likely to fail earlier than the rated life due to
highly impulsive and unstable operating conditions and frequent
starts/stops. Vibration signature extraction and wear debris analysis
techniques are prevalent in industry for condition monitoring of
rotary machinery. However, both techniques involve a great deal of
technical expertise, time, and cost. Limited literature is available on
the application of these techniques for fault detection in reciprocating
machinery, due to the complex nature of impact forces that
confounds the extraction of fault signals for vibration-based analysis
and wear prediction. In present study, a simulation model was developed to investigate
the bearing wear behaviour, resulting because of different operating
conditions, to complement the vibration analysis. In current
simulation, the dynamics of the engine was established first, based on
which the hydrodynamic journal bearing forces were evaluated by
numerical solution of the Reynold’s equation. In addition, the
essential outputs of interest in this study, critical to determine wear
rates are the tangential velocity and oil film thickness between the
journals and bearing sleeve, which if not maintained appropriately,
have a detrimental effect on the bearing performance. Archard’s wear prediction model was used in the simulation to
calculate the wear rate of bearings with specific location information
as all determinative parameters were obtained with reference to crank
rotation. Oil film thickness obtained from the model was used as a
criterion to determine if the lubrication is sufficient to prevent contact
between the journal and bearing thus causing accelerated wear. A
limiting value of 1 μm was used as the minimum oil film thickness
needed to prevent contact. The increased wear rate with growing
severity of operating conditions is analogous and comparable to the
rise in amplitude of the squared envelope of the referenced vibration
signals. Thus on one hand, the developed model demonstrated its
capability to explain wear behaviour and on the other hand it also
helps to establish a co-relation between wear based and vibration
based analysis. Therefore, the model provides a cost effective and
quick approach to predict the impending wear in IC engine bearings
under various operating conditions.
Abstract: In wireless sensor network, sensor node transmits the
sensed data to the sink node in multi-hop communication
periodically. This high traffic induces congestion at the node which is
present one-hop distance to the sink node. The packet transmission
and reception rate of these nodes should be very high, when
compared to other sensor nodes in the network. Therefore, the energy
consumption of that node is very high and this effect is known as the
“funneling effect”. The tree based-data aggregation technique
(TBDA) is used to reduce the energy consumption of the node. The
throughput of the overall performance shows a considerable decrease
in the number of packet transmissions to the sink node. The proposed
scheme, TBDA, avoids the funneling effect and extends the lifetime
of the wireless sensor network. The average case time complexity for
inserting the node in the tree is O(n log n) and for the worst case time
complexity is O(n2).
Abstract: Bottom ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration
(MSWI) can be viewed as a typical granular material because these
industrial by-products result from the incineration of various
domestic wastes. MSWI bottom ash is mainly used in road
engineering in substitution of the traditional natural aggregates. As
the characterization of their mechanical behavior is essential in order
to use them, specific studies have been led over the past few years. In
the first part of this paper, the mechanical behavior of MSWI bottom
ash is studied with triaxial tests. After, analysis of the experiment
results, the simulation of triaxial tests is carried out by using the
software package CESAR-LCPC. As the first approach in modeling
of this new class material, the Mohr-Coulomb model was chosen to
describe the evolution of material under the influence of external
mechanical actions.
Abstract: In India, most of the pavement is laid by bituminous
road and the consumption of binder is high for pavement construction
and also modified binders are used to satisfy any specific pavement
requirement. Since the binders are visco-elastic material which is
having the mechanical properties of binder transition from viscoelastic
solid to visco-elastic fluid. In this paper, two different
protocols were used to measure the viscosity property of binder using
a Brookfield Viscometer and there is a need to find the appropriate
mixing and compaction temperatures of various types of binders
which can result in complete aggregate coating and adequate field
density of HMA mixtures. The aim of this work is to find the
transition temperature from Non-Newtonian behavior to Newtonian
behavior of the binder by adopting a steady shear protocol and the
shear rate ramp protocol. The transition from non-Newtonian to
Newtonian can occur through an increase of temperature and shear of
the material. The test has been conducted for unmodified binder VG
30. The transition temperature was found in the unmodified binder
VG is 120oC. Therefore, the application of both modified binder and
unmodified binder in the pavement construction needs to be studied
properly by considering temperature and traffic loading factors of the
respective project site.
Abstract: Computer education is referred to as the knowledge
and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a
range of skills covering levels from basic use to advance. Computer
continues to make an ever-increasing impact on all aspect of human
endeavours such as education. With numerous benefits of computer
education, what are the insights of students on computer education?
This study investigated the perception of senior secondary school
students on computer education in Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Abuja, Nigeria. A sample of 7500 senior secondary schools students
was involved in the study, one hundred (100) private and fifty (50)
public schools within FCT. They were selected by using simple
random sampling technique. A questionnaire [PSSSCEQ] was
developed and validated through expert judgement and reliability coefficient
of 0.84 was obtained. It was used to gather relevant data on
computer education. Findings confirmed that the students in the FCT
had positive perception on computer education. Some factors were
identified that affect students’ perception on computer education. The
null hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA statistical
analyses at 0.05 level of significance. Based on these findings, some
recommendations were made which include competent teachers
should be employed into all secondary schools. This will help
students to acquire relevant knowledge in computer education,
technological supports should be provided to all secondary schools;
this will help the users (students) to solve specific problems in
computer education and financial supports should be provided to
procure computer facilities that will enhance the teaching and the
learning of computer education.
Abstract: The social logic of 'Sequina' slum area in Alexandria details the integral measure of space syntax at the room-level of twenty-building samples. The essence of spatial structure integrates the central 'visitor' domain with the 'living' frontage of the 'children' zone against the segregated privacy of the opposite 'parent' depth. Meanwhile, the multifunctioning of shallow rooms optimizes the integral 'visitor' structure through graph and visibility dimensions in contrast to the 'inhabitant' structure of graph-tails out of sight. Common theme of the layout integrity increases in compensation to the decrease of room visibility. Despite the 'pheno-type' of collective integration, the individual layouts observe 'geno-type' structure of spatial diversity per room adjoins. In this regard, the layout integrity alternates the cross-correlation of the 'kitchen & living' rooms with the 'inhabitant & visitor' domains of 'motherhood' dynamic structure. Moreover, the added 'grandparent' restructures the integral measure to become the deepest space, but opens to the 'living' of 'household' integrity. Some isomorphic layouts change the integral structure just through the 'balcony' extension of access, visual or ignored 'ringiness' of space syntax. However, the most integrated or segregated layouts invert the 'geno-type' into a shallow 'inhabitant' centrality versus the remote 'visitor' structure. Overview of the multivariate social logic of spatial integrity could never clarify without the micro-data analysis.
Abstract: Lightweight and efficient structures have the aim to
enhance the efficiency of the components in various industries.
Toward this end, composites are one of the most widely used
materials because of durability, high strength and modulus, and low
weight. One type of the advanced composites is grid-stiffened
composite (GSC) structures, which have been extensively considered
in aerospace, automotive, and aircraft industries. They are one of the
top candidates for replacing some of the traditional components,
which are used here. Although there are a good number of published
surveys on the design aspects and fabrication of GSC structures, little
systematic work has been reported on their material modification to
improve their properties, to our knowledge. Matrix modification
using nanoparticles is an effective method to enhance the flexural
properties of the fibrous composites. In the present study, a silanecoupling
agent (3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane/3-GPTS) was
introduced onto the silica (SiO2) nanoparticle surface and its effects
on the three-point flexural response of isogrid E-glass/epoxy
composites were assessed. Based on the Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectrometer (FTIR) spectra, it was inferred that the 3-GPTS
coupling agent was successfully grafted onto the surface of SiO2
nanoparticles after modification. Flexural test revealed an
improvement of 16%, 14%, and 36% in stiffness, maximum load and
energy absorption of the isogrid specimen filled with 3 wt.% 3-
GPTS/SiO2 compared to the neat one. It would be worth mentioning
that in these structures, considerable energy absorption was observed
after the primary failure related to the load peak. In addition, 3-
GPTMS functionalization had a positive effect on the flexural
behavior of the multiscale isogrid composites. In conclusion, this
study suggests that the addition of modified silica nanoparticles is a
promising method to improve the flexural properties of the gridstiffened
fibrous composite structures.
Abstract: Information technology has been gaining more and
more space whether in industry, commerce or even for personal use,
but the misuse of it brings harm to the environment and human health
as a result. Contribute to the sustainability of the planet is to
compensate the environment, all or part of what withdraws it. The
green computing also came to propose practical for use in IT in an
environmentally correct way in aid of strategic management and
communication. This work focuses on showing how a mobile
application can help businesses reduce costs and reduced
environmental impacts caused by its processes, through a case study
of a public company in Brazil.
Abstract: The major environmental risk of soil pollution is the
contamination of groundwater by infiltration of organic and inorganic
pollutants which can cause a serious menace. To prevent this risk and
to protect the groundwater, we proceeded in this study to test the
reliability of a biosolid as barrier to prevent the migration of very
dangerous pollutants as ‘Cadmium’ through the different soil layers. In this study, we tried to highlight the effect of several parameters
such as: turbidity (different cycle of Hydration/Dehydration),
rainfall, effect of initial Cd(II) concentration and the type of soil.
These parameters allow us to find the most effective manner to
integrate this barrier in the soil. From the results obtained, we found a
significant effect of the barrier. Indeed, the recorded passing
quantities are lowest for the highest rainfall; we noted also that the
barrier has a better affinity towards higher concentrations; the most
retained amounts of cadmium has been in the top layer of the two
types of soil tested, while the lowest amounts of cadmium are
recorded in the bottom layers of soils.
Abstract: In the present work, forming limit diagrams and strain
distribution profile diagrams for extra deep drawing steel at room and
elevated temperatures have been determined experimentally by
conducting stretch forming experiments by using designed and
fabricated warm stretchforming tooling setup. With the help of
forming Limit Diagrams (FLDs) and strain, distribution profile
diagrams the formability of Extra Deep Drawing steel has been
analyzed and co-related with mechanical properties like strain
hardening COEFFICIENT (n) and normal anisotropy (r−). Mechanical
properties of EDD steel from room temperature to 4500C were
determined and discussed the impact of temperature on the properties
like work hardening exponent (n) anisotropy (r-) and strength
coefficient of the material. In addition, the fractured surfaces after
stretching have undergone the some metallurgical investigations and
attempt has been made to co-relate with the formability of EDD steel
sheets. They are co-related and good agreement with FLDs at various
temperatures.
Abstract: Green and renewable energy is getting extraordinary
consideration today, because of ecological concerns made by blazing
of fossil powers. Photovoltaic and wind power generation are the
basic decisions for delivering power in this respects. Producing
power by the sun based photovoltaic systems is known to the world,
yet control makers may get confounded to pick between on-grid and
off-grid systems. In this exploration work, an endeavor is made to
compare the off-grid (stand-alone) and on-grid (grid-connected)
frameworks. The work presents relative examination, between two
distinctive PV frameworks situated at V.V.P. Engineering College,
Rajkot. The first framework is 100 kW remain solitary and the
second is 60 kW network joined. The real-time parameters compared
are; output voltage, load current, power in-flow, power output,
performance ratio, yield factor, and capacity factor. The voltage
changes and the power variances in both frameworks are given
exceptional consideration and the examination is made between the
two frameworks to judge the focal points and confinements of both
the frameworks.
Abstract: Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
technology is the most promising technology for the proper
utilization of huge raw bandwidth provided by an optical fiber. One
of the key problems in implementing the all-optical WDM network is
the packet contention. This problem can be solved by several
different techniques. In time domain approach the packet contention
can be reduced by incorporating Fiber Delay Lines (FDLs) as optical
buffer in the switch architecture. Different types of buffering
architectures are reported in literatures. In the present paper a
comparative performance analysis of three most popular FDL
architectures are presented in order to obtain the best contention
resolution performance. The analysis is further extended to consider
the effect of different fiber non-linearities on the network
performance.