Abstract: This study carried out comparative seismic
performance of reinforced concrete frames infilled by masonry walls
with different heights. Partial and fully infilled reinforced concrete
frames were modeled for the research objectives and the analysis
model for a bare reinforced concrete frame was also established for
comparison. Non–linear static analyses for the studied frames were
performed to investigate their structural behavior under extreme
seismic loads and to find out their collapse mechanism. It was
observed from analysis results that the strengths of the partial infilled
reinforced concrete frames are increased and their ductilities are
reduced, as infilled masonry walls are higher. Especially, reinforced
concrete frames with higher partial infilled masonry walls would
experience shear failures. Non–linear dynamic analyses using 10
earthquake records show that the bare and fully infilled reinforced
concrete frame present stable collapse mechanism while the reinforced
concrete frames with partially infilled masonry walls collapse in more
brittle manner due to short-column effects.
Abstract: Modelling of the earth's surface and evaluation of
urban environment, with 3D models, is an important research topic.
New stereo capabilities of high resolution optical satellites images,
such as the tri-stereo mode of Pleiades, combined with new image
matching algorithms, are now available and can be applied in urban
area analysis. In addition, photogrammetry software packages gained
new, more efficient matching algorithms, such as SGM, as well as
improved filters to deal with shadow areas, can achieve more dense
and more precise results.
This paper describes a comparison between 3D data extracted
from tri-stereo and dual stereo satellite images, combined with pixel
based matching and Wallis filter. The aim was to improve the
accuracy of 3D models especially in urban areas, in order to assess if
satellite images are appropriate for a rapid evaluation of urban
environments.
The results showed that 3D models achieved by Pleiades tri-stereo
outperformed, both in terms of accuracy and detail, the result
obtained from a Geo-eye pair. The assessment was made with
reference digital surface models derived from high resolution aerial
photography. This could mean that tri-stereo images can be
successfully used for the proposed urban change analyses.
Abstract: The use OF adhesive anchors for wooden constructions is an efficient technology to connect and design timber members in new timber structures and to rehabilitate the damaged structural members of historical buildings. Due to the lack of standard regulation in this specific area of structural design, designers’ choices are still supported by test analysis that enables knowledge, and the prediction, of the structural behaviour of glued in rod joints. The paper outlines an experimental research activity aimed at identifying the tensile resistance capacity of several new adhesive joint prototypes made of epoxy resin, steel bar and timber, Oak and Douglas Fir species. The development of new adhesive connectors has been carried out by using epoxy to glue stainless steel bars into pre-drilled holes, characterised by smooth and rough internal surfaces, in timber samples. The realization of a threaded contact surface using a specific drill bit has led to an improved bond between wood and epoxy. The applied changes have also reduced the cost of the joints’ production. The paper presents the results of this parametric analysis and a Finite Element analysis that enables identification and study of the internal stress distribution in the proposed adhesive anchors.
Abstract: The dielectric properties and ionic conductivity of
novel "ceramic state" polymer electrolytes for high capacity lithium
battery are characterized by Radio frequency and Microwave
methods in two broad frequency ranges from 50 Hz to 20 KHz and 4
GHz to 40 GHz. This innovative solid polymer electrolyte which is
highly ionic conductive (10-3 S/cm at room temperature) from -40oC
to +150oC can be used in any battery application. Such polymer
exhibits properties more like a ceramic rather than polymer. The
various applied measurement methods produced accurate dielectric
results for comprehensive analysis of electrochemical properties and
ion transportation mechanism of this newly invented polymer
electrolyte. Two techniques and instruments employing air gap
measurement by Capacitance Bridge and in-waveguide measurement
by vector network analyzer are applied to measure the complex
dielectric spectra. The complex dielectric spectra are used to
determine the complex alternating current electrical conductivity and
thus the ionic conductivity.
Abstract: The study of the electrical signals produced by neural
activities of human brain is called Electroencephalography. In this
paper, we propose an automatic and efficient EEG signal
classification approach. The proposed approach is used to classify the
EEG signal into two classes: epileptic seizure or not. In the proposed
approach, we start with extracting the features by applying Discrete
Wavelet Transform (DWT) in order to decompose the EEG signals
into sub-bands. These features, extracted from details and
approximation coefficients of DWT sub-bands, are used as input to
Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The classification is based on
reducing the feature dimension using PCA and deriving the supportvectors
using Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental are
performed on real and standard dataset. A very high level of
classification accuracy is obtained in the result of classification.
Abstract: The belief of a heavenly God is enshrined to all
Abrahamic religions which form the three major religions of the
world today. Muslims believe in Allah who is above the seven
heavens. The youth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) study Islamic
courses as part of their high school curriculum and are required to
take at least one Islamic course at the university level to gain credit
hours towards their general education (GENED). This paper provides
an insight of what the youth studying in the UAE think of where
Allah is. Our analysis shows that a big number of Muslim youth were
not sure, especially those from the Middle Eastern and Arab countries
bringing to conclusion that this subject needs to be revisited again in
the course work.
Abstract: The well been of human beings on construction site is
very important, many man power had been lost through accidents
which kills or make workers physically unfit to carry out construction
activities, these in turn have multiple effects on the whole economy.
Thus it is necessary to put all safety items and regulations in place
before construction activities can commence. This study was carried
out in Ondo state of Nigeria to known and analyse the state of health
and safety of construction workers in the state. The study was done
using first hand observation method, 50 construction project sites
were visited in 10 major towns of Ondo state, questionnaires were
distributed and the results were analysed. The result show that
construction workers are being exposed to a lot of construction site
hazards due to lack of inadequate safety programmes and nonprovision
of appropriate safety materials for workers on site. From the
data gotten for each site visited and the statistical analysis, it can be
concluded that occurrence of accident on construction sites depends
significantly on the available safety facilities on the sites. The result of
the regression statistics show that the level of significant of the
dependence of occurrence of accident on the availability of safety
items on site is 0.0362 which is less than 0.05 maximum significant
level required. Therefore a vital way of sustaining our building
strategy is by given a detail attention to provision of adequate health
and safety items on construction sites which will reduce the
occurrence of accident, loss of man power and death of skilled
workers among others.
Abstract: Sandwich structure composites produced by epoxy
core and aluminium skin were developed as potential building
materials. Interface bonding between core and skin was controlled by
varying kenaf content. Five different weight percentage of kenaf
loading ranging from 10 wt% to 50 wt% were employed in the core
manufacturing in order to study the mechanical properties of the
sandwich composite. Properties of skin aluminium with epoxy were
found to be affected by drying time of the adhesive. Mechanical
behavior of manufactured sandwich composites in relation with
properties of constituent materials was studied. It was found that 30
wt% of kenaf loading contributed to increase the flexural strength and
flexural modulus up to 102 MPa and 32 GPa, respectively. Analysis
were done on the flatwise and edgewise compression test. For
flatwise test, it was found that 30 wt% of fiber loading could
withstand maximum force until 250 kN, with compressive strength
results at 96.94 MPa. However, at edgewise compression test, the
sandwich composite with same fiber loading only can withstand 31
kN of the maximum load with 62 MPa of compressive strength
results.
Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional
composition of the African River Prawn (Macrobrachium
vollenhovenii) in relation to Chokor (traditional) and Altona
(improved traditional) drying techniques used in the preservation and
processing of prawns by carrying out proximate composition
analysis. The value obtained for the proximate analysis of Chokor
and Altona smoke dried prawns were; Moisture (14.90% and
15.15%), Dry matter (85.10% and 84.85%), Protein (55.80% and
58.87%), Crude fat (1.95% and 1.98%), Crude fibre (21.40% and
13.11%), Carbohydrate (0.54% and 0.54%) and Ash (19.76% and
15.86%) respectively. The proximate mineral composition of Chokor
and Altona smoke dried prawns were; Calcium (5.66% and 4.20%)
and Phosphorus (9. 22% and 6.34%) respectively. Result shows there
was no loss of nutritional value with respect to Chokor and Altona
drying techniques used in the processing of prawns.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop an anterior lumbar
interbody fusion (ALIF) PEEK cage suitable for Korean people. In this
study, CT images were obtained from Korean male (173cm, 71kg) and
3D Korean lumbar models were reconstructed based on the CT images
to investigate anatomical characteristics. Major design parameters of
anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) PEEK Cage were selected
using the morphological measurement information of the Korean
Lumbar models. Through finite element analysis and mechanical tests,
the developed ALIFPEEK Cage prototype was compared with the
Fidji Cage (Zimmer. Inc, USA) and it was found that the ALIF
prototype showed similar and/or superior mechanical performance
compared to the FidJi Cage. Also, clinical validation for the ALIF
PEEK Cage prototype was carried out to check predictable troubles in
surgical operations. Finally, it is considered that the convenience and
stability of the prototype was clinically verified.
Abstract: The industrial process adds to engineering wood
products features absent in solid wood, with homogeneous structure
and reduced defects, improved physical and mechanical properties,
bio-deterioration, resistance and better dimensional stability,
improving quality and increasing the reliability of structures wood.
These features combined with using fast-growing trees, make them
environmentally ecological products, ensuring a strong consumer
market. The wood I-joists are manufactured by the industrial profiles
bonding flange and web, an important aspect of the production of
wooden I-beams is the adhesive joint that bonds the web to the
flange. Adhesives can effectively transfer and distribute stresses,
thereby increasing the strength and stiffness of the composite. The
objective of this study is to evaluate different resins in a shear strain
specimens with the aim of analyzing the most efficient resin and
possibility of using national products, reducing the manufacturing
cost. First was conducted a literature review, where established the
geometry and materials generally used, then established and analyzed
8 national resins and produced six specimens for each.
Abstract: In this paper, the improvement by deconvolution of
the depth resolution in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS)
analysis is considered. Indeed, we have developed a new Tikhonov-
Miller deconvolution algorithm where a priori model of the solution
is included. This is a denoisy and pre-deconvoluted signal obtained
from: firstly, by the application of wavelet shrinkage algorithm,
secondly by the introduction of the obtained denoisy signal in an
iterative deconvolution algorithm. In particular, we have focused the
light on the effect of the iterations number on the evolution of the
deconvoluted signals. The SIMS profiles are multilayers of Boron in
Silicon matrix.
Abstract: The western Tombolo of the Giens peninsula in
southern France, known as Almanarre beach, is subject to coastal
erosion. We are trying to use computer simulation in order to propose
solutions to stop this erosion. Our aim was first to determine the main
factors for this erosion and successfully apply a coupled hydrosedimentological
numerical model based on observations and
measurements that have been performed on the site for decades.
We have gathered all available information and data about waves,
winds, currents, tides, bathymetry, coastal line, and sediments
concerning the site. These have been divided into two sets: one
devoted to calibrating a numerical model using Mike 21 software, the
other to serve as a reference in order to numerically compare the
present situation to what it could be if we implemented different
types of underwater constructions.
This paper presents the first part of the study: selecting and
melting different sources into a coherent data basis, identifying the
main erosion factors, and calibrating the coupled software model
against the selected reference period.
Our results bring calibration of the numerical model with good
fitting coefficients. They also show that the winter South-Western
storm events conjugated to depressive weather conditions constitute a
major factor of erosion, mainly due to wave impact in the northern
part of the Almanarre beach. Together, current and wind impact is
shown negligible.
Abstract: The tombolo of Giens is located in the town of Hyères
(France). We recall the history of coastal erosion, and prominent
factors affecting the evolution of the western tombolo. We then
discuss the possibility of stabilizing the western tombolo. Our
argumentation relies on a coupled model integrating swells, currents,
water levels and sediment transport. We present the conclusions of
the simulations of various scenarios, including pre-existing
propositions from coastal engineering offices. We conclude that
beach replenishment seems to be necessary but not sufficient for the
stabilization of the beach. Breakwaters reveal effective particularly in
the most exposed northern area. Some solutions fulfill conditions so
as to be elected as satisfactory. We give a comparative analysis of the
efficiency of 14 alternatives for the protection of the tombolo.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to forecast the influences
of information and communication technology (ICT) on the structural
changes of Japanese economies. In this study, input-output (IO) and
statistical approaches are used as analysis instruments. More
specifically, this study employs Leontief IO coefficients and
constrained multivariate regression (CMR) model in order to achieve
the purpose. The periods of initial and forecast in this study are 2005
and 2015, respectively. In this study, ICT is represented by ICT capital
stocks. This study conducts two levels of analysis, namely macro and
micro. The results of macro level analysis show that the dynamics of
Japanese economies on the forecast period, relative to the initial period,
are not so high. We focus on (1) commerce, (2) business services and
office supplies, and (3) personal services sectors when conducting the
analysis of the micro level. Further, we analyze its specific IO
coefficients when doing this analysis. The results of the analysis
explain that ICT gives a strong influence on the changes of these
coefficients from initial to forecast periods.
Abstract: The present paper summarizes the analysis of the
request for consultation of information and data on industrial
emissions made publicly available on the web site of the Ministry of
Environment, Land and Sea on integrated pollution prevention and
control from large industrial installations, the so called “AIA Portal”.
As a matter of fact, a huge amount of information on national
industrial plants is already available on internet, although it is usually
proposed as textual documentation or images.
Thus, it is not possible to access all the relevant information
through interoperability systems and also to retrieval relevant
information for decision making purposes as well as rising of
awareness on environmental issue.
Moreover, since in Italy the number of institutional and private
subjects involved in the management of the public information on
industrial emissions is substantial, the access to the information is
provided on internet web sites according to different criteria; thus, at
present it is not structurally homogeneous and comparable.
To overcome the mentioned difficulties in the case of the
Coordinating Committee for the implementation of the Agreement
for the industrial area in Taranto and Statte, operating before the
IPPC permit granting procedures of the relevant installation located
in the area, a big effort was devoted to elaborate and to validate data
and information on characterization of soil, ground water aquifer and
coastal sea at disposal of different subjects to derive a global
perspective for decision making purposes. Thus, the present paper
also focuses on main outcomes matured during such experience.
Abstract: An analysis is carried out to investigate the effect of
magnetic field and heat source on the steady boundary layer flow and
heat transfer of a Casson nanofluid over a vertical cylinder stretching
exponentially along its radial direction. Using a similarity
transformation, the governing mathematical equations, with the
boundary conditions are reduced to a system of coupled, non –linear
ordinary differential equations. The resulting system is solved
numerically by the fourth order Runge – Kutta scheme with shooting
technique. The influence of various physical parameters such as
Reynolds number, Prandtl number, magnetic field, Brownian motion
parameter, thermophoresis parameter, Lewis number and the natural
convection parameter are presented graphically and discussed for non
– dimensional velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume
fraction. Numerical data for the skin – friction coefficient, local
Nusselt number and the local Sherwood number have been tabulated
for various parametric conditions. It is found that the local Nusselt
number is a decreasing function of Brownian motion parameter Nb
and the thermophoresis parameter Nt.
Abstract: In this paper we describe one critical research
program within a complex, ongoing multi-year project (2010 to 2014
inclusive) with the overall goal to improve the learning outcomes for
first year undergraduate commerce/business students within an
Information Systems (IS) subject with very large enrolment. The
single research program described in this paper is the analysis of
student attitudes and decision making in relation to the availability of
formative assessment feedback via Web-based real time conferencing
and document exchange software (Adobe Connect). The formative
assessment feedback between teaching staff and students is in respect
of an authentic problem-based, team-completed assignment. The
analysis of student attitudes and decision making is investigated via
both qualitative (firstly) and quantitative (secondly) application of the
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with a two statistically-significant
and separate trial samples of the enrolled students. The initial
qualitative TPB investigation revealed that perceived self-efficacy,
improved time-management, and lecturer-student relationship
building were the major factors in shaping an overall favorable
student attitude to online feedback, whilst some students expressed
valid concerns with perceived control limitations identified within the
online feedback protocols. The subsequent quantitative TPB
investigation then confirmed that attitude towards usage, subjective
norms surrounding usage, and perceived behavioral control of usage
were all significant in shaping student intention to use the online
feedback protocol, with these three variables explaining 63 percent of
the variance in the behavioral intention to use the online feedback
protocol. The identification in this research of perceived behavioral
control as a significant determinant in student usage of a specific
technology component within a virtual learning environment (VLE)
suggests that VLEs could now be viewed not as a single, atomic
entity, but as a spectrum of technology offerings ranging from the
mature and simple (e.g., email, Web downloads) to the cutting-edge
and challenging (e.g., Web conferencing and real-time document
exchange). That is, that all VLEs should not be considered the same.
The results of this research suggest that tertiary students have the
technological sophistication to assess a VLE in this more selective
manner.
Abstract: Collaborative technologies or software known as
groupware are key enabling tools for communication, collaboration
and co-ordination among individuals, work groups and businesses.
Available reviews of the groupware literature are very few,
and mostly neither systematic nor recent.
This paper is an effort to fill this gap, and to provide researchers,
with a more up-to-date and wide systematic literature review. For this
purpose, 1087 scholarly articles, published from 1990 to 2013, on the
topic of groupware, were collected by the literature search. The study
here adopted the systematic approach of lexical analysis for the
analysis of those articles.
Abstract: This study attempts to elicit the perceptions and
attitudes of EFL learners of the Preparatory Year Program at KSU
towards dialogue journal writing as an EFL learning strategy. The
descriptive research design used incorporated both qualitative and
quantitative instruments to accomplish the objectives of the study. A
learners’ attitude questionnaire and follow-up interviewswith learners
from a randomly selected representative sample of the participants
were employed. The participants were 55 female Saudi university
students in the Preparatory Year Program at King Saud University.
The analysis of the results indicated that the PYP learners had highly
positive attitudes towards dialogue journal writing in their EFL
classes and positive perceptions of the benefits of the use of dialogue
journal writing as an EFL learning strategy. The results also revealed
that dialogue journals are considered an effective EFL learning
strategy since they fulfill various needs for both learners and
instructors. Interestingly, the analysis of the results also revealed that
Saudi university level students tend to write about personal topics in
their dialogue journals more than academic ones.