Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results of the
investigation of various properties related to the durability and longterm
performance of mortars made of Fly Ash blended cement, FA
and Ordinary Portland cement, OPC. The properties that were
investigated in an experimental program include; equilibration of
specimen in different relative humidity, determination of total
porosity, compressive strength, chloride permeability index, and
electrical resistivity. Fly Ash blended cement mortar specimens
exhibited 10% to 15% lower porosity when measured at equilibrium
conditions in different relative humidities as compared to the
specimens made of OPC mortar, which resulted in 6% to 8% higher
compressive strength of FA blended cement mortar specimens. The
effects of ambient relative humidity during sample equilibration on
porosity and strength development were also studied. For specimens
equilibrated in higher relative humidity conditions, such as 75%, the
total porosity of different mortar specimens was between 35% to 50%
less than the porosity of samples equilibrated in 12% relative
humidity, consequently leading to higher compressive strengths of
these specimens.A valid statistical correlation between values of
compressive strength, porosity and the degree of saturation was
obtained. Measured values of chloride permeability index of fly ash
blended cement mortar were obtained as one fourth to one sixth of
those measured for OPC mortar specimens, which indicates high
resistance against chloride ion penetration in FA blended cement
specimens, hence resulting in a highly durable mortar.
Abstract: Buoyancy driven heat transfer of nanofluids in a
cylindrical enclosure used as a control unit in the subsea hydrocarbon
injection wells is investigated in this study. The governing equations
obtained with the Boussinesq approximation are solved using Comsol
Multiphysics finite element analysis and simulation software. The
base fluid is water and CuO is used as nanoparticles. Solution is
obtained for nanoparticle solid volume fraction of 8% and for
Rayleigh number in the range of 105-107. The results show that
nanoparticle usage in the cylindrical electronic control unit has a
significant effect on the flow and heat transfer.
Abstract: User satisfaction is one of the most used success
indicators in the research of information system (IS). Literature
shows user expectations have great influence on user satisfaction.
Both expectation and satisfaction of users are important for Hospital
Information Systems (HIS). Education, IS experience, age, attitude
towards change, business title, sex and working unit of the hospital,
are examined as the potential determinant of the medical users’
expectations. Data about medical user expectations are collected by
the “Expectation Questionnaire” developed for this study.
Expectation data are used for calculating the Expectation Meeting
Ratio (EMR) with the evaluation framework also developed for this
study. The internal consistencies of the answers to the questionnaire
are measured by Cronbach´s Alpha coefficient. The multivariate
analysis of medical user’s EMRs of HIS is performed by forward
stepwise binary logistic regression analysis. Education and business
title is appeared to be the determinants of expectations from HIS.
Abstract: Let S be an ordered semigroup. In this paper we first introduce the concepts of (∈,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy ideals, (∈,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy bi-ideals and (∈,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy generalized bi-ideals of an ordered semigroup S, and investigate their related properties. Furthermore, we also define the upper and lower parts of fuzzy subsets of an ordered semigroup S, and investigate the properties of (∈,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy ideals of S. Finally, characterizations of regular ordered semigroups and intra-regular ordered semigroups by means of the lower part of (∈ ,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy left ideals, (∈,∈ ∨q)-fuzzy right ideals and (∈,∈ ∨q)- fuzzy (generalized) bi-ideals are given.
Abstract: In this study, we sought to investigate the mercury
removal efficiency of manganese oxides from natural gas. The
fundamental studies on mercury removal with manganese oxides
sorbents were carried out in a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor at 30
°C with a mixture of methane (20%) and nitrogen gas laden with 4.8
ppb of elemental mercury. Manganese oxides with varying surface
area and crystalline phase were prepared by conventional precipitation
method in this study. The effects of surface area, crystallinity and
other metal oxides on mercury removal efficiency were investigated.
Effect of Ag impregnation on mercury removal efficiency was also
investigated. Ag supported on metal oxide such titania and zirconia as
reference materials were also used in this study for comparison. The
characteristics of mercury removal reaction with manganese oxide
was investigated using a temperature programmed desorption (TPD)
technique.
Manganese oxides showed very high Hg removal activity (about
73-93% Hg removal) for first time use. Surface area of the manganese
oxide samples decreased after heat-treatment and resulted in complete
loss of Hg removal ability for repeated use after Hg desorption in the
case of amorphous MnO2, and 75% loss of the initial Hg removal
activity for the crystalline MnO2. Mercury desorption efficiency of
crystalline MnO2 was very low (37%) for first time use and high (98%)
after second time use. Residual potassium content in MnO2 may have
some effect on the thermal stability of the adsorbed Hg species.
Desorption of Hg from manganese oxides occurs at much higher
temperatures (with a peak at 400 °C) than Ag/TiO2 or Ag/ZrO2.
Mercury may be captured on manganese oxides in the form of mercury
manganese oxide.
Abstract: Visual attention allows user to select the most relevant
information to ongoing behaviour. This paper presents a study on; i)
the performance of people measurements, ii) accurateness of people
measurement of the peaks that correspond to chemical quantities
from the Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) graphs and iii)
affects of people measurements to the algorithm-based diagnosis.
Participant-s eye-movement was recorded using eye-tracker tool
(Eyelink II). This experiment involves three participants for
examining 20 MRS graphs to estimate the peaks of chemical
quantities which indicate the abnormalities associated with
Cerebellar Tumours (CT). The status of each MRS is verified by
using decision algorithm. Analysis involves determination of
humans-s eye movement pattern in measuring the peak of
spectrograms, scan path and determining the relationship of
distributions of fixation durations with the accuracy of measurement.
In particular, the eye-tracking data revealed which aspects of the
spectrogram received more visual attention and in what order they
were viewed. This preliminary investigation provides a proof of
concept for use of the eye tracking technology as the basis for
expanded CT diagnosis.
Abstract: A mathematical model based on a mass and energy
balance for the combustion in a cement rotary kiln was developed.
The model was used to investigate the impact of replacing about
45 % of the primary coal energy by different alternative fuels.
Refuse derived fuel, waste wood, solid hazardous waste and liquid
hazardous waste were used in the modeling. The results showed that
in order to keep the kiln temperature unchanged, and thereby
maintain the required clinker quality, the production capacity had to
be reduced by 1-15 %, depending on the fuel type. The reason for the
reduction is increased exhaust gas flow rates caused by the fuel
characteristics. The model, which has been successfully validated in a
full-scale experiment, was also used to show that the negative impact
on the production capacity can be avoided if a relatively small part of
the combustion air is replaced by pure oxygen.
Abstract: Tea is a widely consumed beverage that contains many components. Caffeine belongs to this group of components called alkaloids contain nitrogen. In this study caffeine contents of three types of Turkish teas are determined by using extraction method. After condensation process, residue of caffeine and oil are obtained with evaporation. The oil which is in the residue is removed by hot water. Extraction process performed by using chloroform and the crude caffeine is obtained. From the results of experiments, caffeine contents are found in black tea, green tea and earl grey tea as 3.57±0.43%, 3.11±0.02%, 4.29±0.27%, respectively. Caffeine contents which are found in 1, 5 and 10 cups of tea are calculated. Furthermore, the daily intake of caffeine from black teas that affects human health is investigated.
Abstract: The concept of e-government has begun to spread among countries. It is based on the use of information communication technology (ICT) to fully utilize government resources, as well as to provide government services to citizens, investors and foreigners. Critical factors are the factors that are determined by the senior management of each organization; the success or failure of the organization depends on the effective implementation of critical factors. These factors vary from one organization to another according to their activity, size and functions. It is very important that organizations identify them in order to avoid the risk of implementing initiatives that may fail to work, while simultaneously exploiting opportunities that may succeed in working. The main focus of this paper is to investigate the majority of critical success factors (CSFs) associated with the implementation of e-government projects. This study concentrates on both technical and nontechnical factors. This paper concludes by listing the majority of CSFs relating to successful e-government implementation in Bahrain.
Abstract: In this paper we investigate the watermarking authentication when applied to medical imagery field. We first give an overview of watermarking technology by paying attention to fragile watermarking since it is the usual scheme for authentication.We then analyze the requirements for image authentication and integrity in medical imagery, and we show finally that invertible schemes are the best suited for this particular field. A well known authentication method is studied. This technique is then adapted here for interleaving patient information and message authentication code with medical images in a reversible manner, that is using lossless compression. The resulting scheme enables on a side the exact recovery of the original image that can be unambiguously authenticated, and on the other side, the patient information to be saved or transmitted in a confidential way. To ensure greater security the patient information is encrypted before being embedded into images.
Abstract: Thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid glycerol and
maleic anhydride (MA) were compounded with natural
montmorillonite (MMT) through a twin screw extruder to investigate
the effects of different loading of MMT on structure, thermal and
absorption behavior of the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction analysis
(XRD) showed that sample with MMT loading 4phr exhibited
exfoliated structure while sample that contained MMT 8 phr
exhibited intercalated structure. FESEM images showed big lump
when MMT loading was at 8 phr. The thermal properties were
characterized by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The
results showed that MMT increased melting temperature and
crystallization temperature of matrix but reduction in glass transition
temperature was observed Meanwhile the addition of MMT has
improved the water barrier property. The nanosize MMT particle is
also able to block a tortuous pathway for water to enter the starch
chain, thus reducing the water uptake and improved the physical
barrier of nanocomposite.
Abstract: Defense and Aerospace environment is continuously
striving to keep up with increasingly sophisticated Information
Technology (IT) in order to remain effective in today-s dynamic and
unpredictable threat environment. This makes IT one of the largest
and fastest growing expenses of Defense. Hundreds of millions of
dollars spent a year on IT projects. But, too many of those millions
are wasted on costly mistakes. Systems that do not work properly,
new components that are not compatible with old ones, trendy new
applications that do not really satisfy defense needs or lost through
poorly managed contracts.
This paper investigates and compiles the effective strategies that
aim to end exasperation with low returns and high cost of
Information Technology acquisition for defense; it tries to show how
to maximize value while reducing time and expenditure.
Abstract: Medicinal plants are most suitable crops for ecological production systems because of their role in human health and the aim of sustainable agriculture to improve ecosystem efficiency and its products quality. Calculations include energy output (contents of energy in seed) and energy inputs (consumption of fertilizers, pesticides, labor, machines, fuel and electricity). The ratio of output of the production to inputs is called the energy outputs / inputs ratio or energy efficiency. One way to quantify essential parts of agricultural development is the energy flow method. The output / input energy ratio is proposed as the most comprehensive single factor in pursuing the objective of sustainability. Sylibum marianum L. is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran and has effective role on health of growing population in Iran. The objective of this investigation was to find out energy efficiency in conventional and low input production system of Milk thistle. This investigation was carried out in the spring of 2005 – 2007 in the Research Station of Rangelands in Hamand - Damavand region of IRAN. This experiment was done in split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Treatments were 2 production systems (Conventional and Low input system) in the main plots, 3 planting time (25 of March, 4 and 14 of April) in the sub plots and 2 seed types (Improved and Native of Khoozestan) in the sub-sub plots. Results showed that in conventional production system energy efficiency, because of higher inputs and less seed yield, was less than low input production system. Seed yield was 1199.5 and 1888 kg/ha in conventional and low input systems, respectively. Total energy inputs and out puts for conventional system was 10068544.5 and 7060515.9 kcal. These amounts for low input system were 9533885.6 and 11113191.8 kcal. Results showed that energy efficiency for seed production in conventional and low input system was 0.7 and 1.16, respectively. So, milk thistle seed production in low input system has 39.6 percent higher energy efficiency than conventional production system. Also, higher energy efficiency were found in sooner planting time (25 of March) and native seed of Khoozestan.
Abstract: Scolothrips longicornis Priesner is one of the
important predators of tetranychid mites with a wide distribution
throughout Iran. Life table and population growth parameters of S.
longicornis feeding on two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus
turkestani Ugarov & Nikolski were investigated under laboratory
condition (26±1ºC, 65±5% R.H. and 16L: 8D). To carry of these
experiments, S. longicornis collections reared on cowpea infested
with T. turkestani were prepared. The eggs with less than 24 hours
old were selected and reared. The emerged larvae feeding directly on
cowpea leaf discs which were infested with T. turkestani. Thirty
females of S. longicornis with 24 hours age were selected and
released on infested leaf discs. They replaced daily to a new leaf disc
and the laying eggs have counted. The experiment continued till the
last thrips had died. The result showed that the mean age mortality of
the adult female thrips were between 21-25 days which is nearly
equal life expectancy (ex) at the time of adult eclosion. Parameters
related to reproductive table including gross reproductive rate, net
reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase and finite rate of
increase were 48.91, 37.63, 0.26 and 2.3, respectively. Mean age per
female/day, mean fertile egg per female/day, gross hatch rate, mean
net age fertility, mean net age fecundity, net fertility rate and net
fecundity rate were 2.23, 1.76, 0.87, 13.87, 14.26, 69.1 and 78.5,
respectively. Sex ratio of offspring also recorded daily. The highest
sex ratio for females was 0.88 in first day of oviposition. The sex
ratio decreased gradually and reached under 0.46 after the day 26 and
the oviposition rate declined. Then it seems that maintenance of
rearing culture of predatory thrips for mass rearing later than 26 days
after egg-laying commence is not profitable.
Abstract: Severe symptoms, such as dissociation, depersonalization, self-mutilation, suicidal ideations and gestures, are the main reasons for a person to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and admitted to an inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. However, these symptoms are also indicators of a severe traumatic history as indicated by the extensive research on the topic. Unfortunately patients with such clinical presentation often are treated repeatedly only for their symptomatic behavior, while the main cause for their suffering, the trauma itself, is usually left unaddressed therapeutically. All of the highly structured, replicable, and manualized treatments lack the recognition of the uniqueness of the person and fail to respect his/her rights to experience and react in an idiosyncratic manner. Thus the communicative and adaptive meaning of such symptomatic behavior is missed. Only its pathological side is recognized and subjected to correction and stigmatization, and the message that the person is damaged goods that needs fixing is conveyed once again. However, this time the message would be even more convincing for the victim, because it is sent by mental health providers, who have the credibility to make such a judgment. The result is a revolving door of very expensive hospitalizations for only a temporary and patchy fix. In this way the patients, once victims of abuse and hardship are left invalidated and thus their re-victimization is perpetuated in their search for understanding and help. Keywordsborderline personality disorder (BPD), complex PTSD, integrative treatment of trauma, re-victimization of trauma victims.
Abstract: Rough set theory is a very effective tool to deal with granularity and vagueness in information systems. Covering-based rough set theory is an extension of classical rough set theory. In this paper, firstly we present the characteristics of the reducible element and the minimal description covering-based rough sets through downsets. Then we establish lattices and topological spaces in coveringbased rough sets through down-sets and up-sets. In this way, one can investigate covering-based rough sets from algebraic and topological points of view.
Abstract: Contrary to negative emotion regulation, coping with
positive moods have received less attention in adolescent adjustment.
However, some research has found that everyone is different on
dealing with their positive emotions, which affects their adaptation
and well-being. The purpose of the present study was to investigate
the relationship between positive emotions dampening and
internalizing behavior problems of adolescent in Taiwan. A survey
was conducted and 208 students (12 to14 years old) completed the
strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), the Affect Intensity
Measure, and the positive emotions dampening scale. Analysis
methods such as descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlations and
multiple regression were adapted. The results were as follows:
Emotionality and internalizing problem behavior have significant
gender differences. Compared to boys, girls have a higher score on
negative emotionality and are at a higher risk for internalizing
symptoms. However, there are no gender differences on positive
emotion dampening. Additionally, in the circumstance that negative
emotionality acted as the control variable, positive emotion
dampening strategy was (positive) related to internalizing behavior
problems. Given the results of this study, it is suggested that coaching
deconstructive positive emotion strategies is to assist adolescents
with internalizing behavior problems is encouraged.
Abstract: A number of previous studies were rarely considered
the effects of transient non-uniform balloon expansion on evaluation
of the properties and behaviors of stents during stent expansion, nor
did they determine parameters to maximize the performances driven
by mechanical characteristics. Therefore, in order to fully understand
the mechanical characteristics and behaviors of stent, it is necessary to
consider a realistic modeling of transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion. The aim of the study is to propose design parameters
capable of improving the ability of vascular stent through a
comparative study of seven commercial stents using finite element
analyses of a realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent expansion
process. In this study, seven representative commercialized stents were
evaluated by finite element (FE) analysis in terms of the criteria based
on the itemized list of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
European Standards (prEN). The results indicate that using stents
composed of opened unit cells connected by bend-shaped link
structures and controlling the geometrical and morphological features
of the unit cell strut or the link structure at the distal ends of stent may
improve mechanical characteristics of stent. This study provides a
better method at the realistic transient non-uniform balloon-stent
expansion by investigating the characteristics, behaviors, and
parameters capable of improving the ability of vascular stent.
Abstract: The tubes in an Ammonia primary reformer furnace
operate close to the limits of materials technology in terms of the
stress induced as a result of very high temperatures, combined with
large differential pressures across the tube wall. Operation at tube
wall temperatures significantly above design can result in a rapid
increase in the number of tube failures, since tube life is very
sensitive to the absolute operating temperature of the tube. Clearly it
is important to measure tube wall temperatures accurately in order to
prevent premature tube failure by overheating.. In the present study,
the catalyst tubes in an Ammonia primary reformer has been modeled
taking into consideration heat, mass and momentum transfer as well
as reformer characteristics.. The investigations concern the effects of
tube characteristics and superficial tube wall temperatures on of the
percentage of heat flux, unconverted methane and production of
Hydrogen for various values of steam to carbon ratios. The results
show the impact of catalyst tubes length and diameters on the
performance of operating parameters in ammonia primary reformers.
Abstract: In this research, a systematic investigation was carried out to determine the optimum conditions of HDS reactor. Moreover, a suitable model was developed for a rigorous RTO (real time optimization) loop of HDS (Hydro desulfurization) process. A systematic experimental series was designed based on CCD (Central Composite design) and carried out in the related pilot plant to tune the develop model. The designed variables in the experiments were Temperature, LHSV and pressure. However, the hydrogen over fresh feed ratio was remained constant. The ranges of these variables were respectively equal to 320-380ºC, 1- 21/hr and 50-55 bar. a power law kinetic model was also developed for our further research in the future .The rate order and activation energy , power of reactant concentration and frequency factor of this model was respectively equal to 1.4, 92.66 kJ/mol and k0=2.7*109 .