Abstract: The fatigue life of tubular joints commonly found in
offshore industry is not only dependent on the value of hot-spot stress
(HSS), but is also significantly influenced by the through-thethickness
stress distribution characterized by the degree of bending
(DoB). The determination of DoB values in a tubular joint is essential
for improving the accuracy of fatigue life estimation using the stresslife
(S–N) method and particularly for predicting the fatigue crack
growth based on the fracture mechanics (FM) approach. In the
present paper, data extracted from finite element (FE) analyses of
tubular KT-joints, verified against experimental data and parametric
equations, was used to investigate the effects of geometrical
parameters on DoB values at the crown 0°, saddle, and crown 180°
positions along the weld toe of central brace in tubular KT-joints
subjected to axial loading. Parametric study was followed by a set of
nonlinear regression analyses to derive DoB parametric formulas for
the fatigue analysis of KT-joints under axial loads. The tubular KTjoint
is a quite common joint type found in steel offshore structures.
However, despite the crucial role of the DoB in evaluating the fatigue
performance of tubular joints, this paper is the first attempt to study
and formulate the DoB values in KT-joints.
Abstract: In this paper, a summary of analytical and
experimental studies into the behavior of a new hysteretic damper,
designed for seismic protection of structures is presented. The Multidirectional
Torsional Hysteretic Damper (MRSD) is a patented
invention in which a symmetrical arrangement of identical cylindrical
steel cores is so configured as to yield in torsion while the structure
experiences planar movements due to earthquake shakings. The new
device has certain desirable properties. Notably, it is characterized by
a variable and controllable-via-design post-elastic stiffness. The
mentioned property is a result of MRSD’s kinematic configuration
which produces this geometric hardening, rather than being a
secondary large-displacement effect. Additionally, the new system is
capable of reaching high force and displacement capacities, shows
high levels of damping, and very stable cyclic response. The device
has gone through many stages of design refinement, multiple
prototype verification tests and development of design guide-lines
and computer codes to facilitate its implementation in practice.
Practicality of the new device, as offspring of an academic sphere, is
assured through extensive collaboration with industry in its final
design stages, prototyping and verification test programs.
Abstract: Damage status of RC buildings is greatly influenced
by the characteristics of the imposed ground motion. Peak Ground
Acceleration and frequency contents are considered the main two
factors that affect ground motion characteristics; hence, affecting the
seismic response of RC structures and consequently their damage
state. A detailed investigation on the combined effects of these two
factors on damage assessment of RC buildings is carried out. Twenty
one earthquake records are analyzed and arranged into three groups,
according to their frequency contents. These records are used in an
investigation to define the expected damage state that would be
attained by RC buildings, if subjected to varying ground motion
characteristics. The damage assessment is conducted through
examining drift ratios and damage indices of the overall structure and
the significant structural components of RC building. Base and story
shear of RC building model, are also investigated, for cases when the
model is subjected to the chosen twenty one earthquake records.
Nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed on a 2-dimensional model
of a 12-story RC building.
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to figure out
employees’ attitudes toward the new performance appraisal program
and to examine whether three different types of appraisal processes
differentially affected job satisfaction and employee engagement. The
second purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship
between performance appraisal reform, job satisfaction, and employee
engagement. A large polyester and textile corporation had 2046
non-operational employees in February 2014. The valid participants
were 1474 (72.04%) in this study. Data analysis included descriptive
statistics, one-way ANOVA, one-way MANOVA, Pearson correlation,
Content Validity Index, the exploratory factor analysis, and reliability
analysis. The general results showed that employees who received the
new performance appraisal program evaluated the program more
positively and showed more job satisfaction than those who did not. In
particular, the implementation effects of this new performance
appraisal program were most highly rated by employees who used the
KPI to rate their job performance. Moreover, employees’ attitudes
toward the new performance appraisal program were positively related
to their job satisfaction and employee engagement. Lastly, most
employees regarded themselves as engaged workers. To sum up, the
HR department of this company has made an effective contribution to
performance appraisal reforms.
Abstract: Auditory hallucinations among the most invalidating
and distressing experiences reported by patients diagnosed with
schizophrenia, leading to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness
towards their illness. In more severe cases, these auditory
hallucinations can take the form of commanding voices, which are
often related to high suicidality rates in these patients. Several
authors propose that the meanings attributed to the hallucinatory
experience, rather than characteristics like form and content, can be
determinant in patients’ reactions to hallucinatory activity,
particularly in the case of voice-hearing experiences. In this study, 48
patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia presenting auditory
hallucinations were studied. Multiple regression analyses were
computed to study the influence of several developmental aspects,
such as family and social dynamics, bullying, depression, and sociocognitive
variables on the auditory hallucinations, on patients’
attributions and relationships with their voices, and on the resulting
invalidation of hallucinatory experience. Overall, results showed how
relationships with voices can mirror several aspects of interpersonal
relationship with others, and how self-schemas, depression and actual
social relationships help shaping the voice-hearing experience. Early
experiences of victimization and submission help predict the
attributions of omnipotence of the voices, and increased hostility
from parents seems to increase the malevolence of the voices,
suggesting that socio-cognitive factors can significantly contribute to
the etiology and maintenance of auditory hallucinations. The
understanding of the characteristics of auditory hallucinations and the
relationships patients established with their voices can allow the
development of more promising therapeutic interventions that can be
more effective in decreasing invalidation caused by this devastating
mental illness.
Abstract: The addition of lime as Ca(OH)2 to sewage sludge to
destroy pathogens (Escherichia coli), was evaluated also in relation
to heavy metal bioavailability.
The obtained results show that the use of calcium hydroxide at the
dose of 3% effectively destroyed pathogens ensuring the stability at
high pH values over long period and the duration of the sewage
sludge stabilization. In general, lime addition decreased the total
extractability of heavy metals indicating a reduced bioavailability of
these elements. This is particularly important for a safe utilization in
agricultural soils to reduce the possible transfer of heavy metals to
the food chain.
Abstract: Rapid growth of Information Technologies (IT) has
had huge influence on enterprises, and it has contributed to its
promotion and increasingly extensive use in enterprises. Information
Technologies have to a large extent determined the processes taking
place in an enterprise; what is more, IT development has brought the
need to adopt a brand new approach to human resources management
in an enterprise. The use of IT in human resource management
(HRM) is of high importance due to the growing role of information
and information technologies. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the
use of information technologies in human resources management in
enterprises. These practices will be presented in the following areas:
recruitment and selection, development and training, employee
assessment, motivation, talent management, personnel service.
Results of conducted survey show diversity of solutions applied in
particular areas of human resource management. In the future, further
development in this area should be expected, as well as integration of
individual HRM areas, growing mobile-enabled HR processes and
their transfer into the cloud. Presented IT solutions applied in HRM
are highly innovative, which is of great significance due to their
possible implementation in other enterprises.
Abstract: Software fault prediction models are created by using
the source code, processed metrics from the same or previous version
of code and related fault data. Some company do not store and keep
track of all artifacts which are required for software fault prediction.
To construct fault prediction model for such company, the training
data from the other projects can be one potential solution. Earlier we
predicted the fault the less cost it requires to correct. The training
data consists of metrics data and related fault data at function/module
level. This paper investigates fault predictions at early stage using the
cross-project data focusing on the design metrics. In this study,
empirical analysis is carried out to validate design metrics for cross
project fault prediction. The machine learning techniques used for
evaluation is Naïve Bayes. The design phase metrics of other projects
can be used as initial guideline for the projects where no previous
fault data is available. We analyze seven datasets from NASA
Metrics Data Program which offer design as well as code metrics.
Overall, the results of cross project is comparable to the within
company data learning.
Abstract: The Speexx results revealed four main factors
affecting the success of 190 Thai sophomores as follows: 1) Future
English training should be pursued in applied Speexx development.
2) Thai students didn’t see the benefit of having an Online Language
Training Program. 3) There is a great need to educate the next
generation of learners on the benefits of Speexx within the
community. 4) A great majority of Thai Sophomores didn't know
what Speexx was.
A guideline for self-reliance planning consisted of four aspects: 1)
Development planning: by arranging groups to further improve
English abilities with the Speexx Language Training program and
encourage using Speexx into every day practice. Local communities
need to develop awareness of the usefulness of Speexx and share the
value of using the program among family and friends. 2) Humanities
and Social Science staff should develop skills using this Online
Language Training Program to expand on the benefits of Speexx
within their departments. 3) Further research should be pursued on
the Thai Students progression with Speexx and how it helps them
improve their language skills with Business English. 4) University’s
and Language centers should focus on using Speexx to encourage
learning for any language, not just English.
Abstract: There are many perceived advantages of microwave
ablation have driven researchers to develop innovative antennas to
effectively treat deep-seated, non-resectable hepatic tumors. In this
paper a coaxial antenna with a miniaturized sleeve choke has been
discussed for microwave interstitial ablation therapy, in order to
reduce backward heating effects irrespective of the insertion depth
into the tissue. Two dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) is
used to simulate and measure the results of miniaturized sleeve choke
antenna. This paper emphasizes the importance of factors that can
affect simulation accuracy, which include mesh resolution, surface
heating and reflection coefficient. Quarter wavelength choke
effectiveness has been discussed by comparing it with the unchoked
antenna with same dimensions.
Abstract: The article proposed intends to analyze the possibility
(and conditions) of a media regulation law in a democratic rule of law
in the twenty-first century. To do so, will be presented initially the
idea of the public sphere (by Jürgen Habermas), showing how it is
presented as an interface between the citizen and the state (or the
private and public) and how important is it in a deliberative
democracy. Based on this paradigm, the traditional perception of the
role of public information (such as system functional element) and on
the possibility of media regulation will be exposed, due to the public
nature of their activity. A critical argument will then be displayed
from two different perspectives: a) the formal function of the current
media information, considering that the digital age has fragmented
the information access; b) the concept of a constructive democracy,
which reduces the need for representation, changing the strategic
importance of the public sphere. The question to be addressed (based
on the comparative law) is if the regulation is justified in a
polycentric democracy, especially when it operates under the digital
age (with immediate and virtual communication). The proposal is to
be presented in the sense that even in a twenty-first century the media
in a democratic rule of law still has an extremely important role and
may be subject to regulation, but this should be on terms very
different (and narrower) from those usually defended.
Abstract: White concrete facade elements are widely used in
construction industry. It is challenging to achieve the desired
workability in casting of white concrete elements. Particle Matrix
model was used for proportioning the self-compacting white concrete
(SCWC) to control segregation and bleeding and to improve
workability. The paper presents how to reach the target slump flow
while controlling bleeding and segregation in SCWC. The amount of
aggregates, binders and mixing water, as well as type and dosage of
superplasticizer (SP) to be used are the major factors influencing the
properties of SCWC. Slump flow and compressive strength tests were
carried out to examine the performance of SCWC, and the results
indicate that the particle matrix model could produce successfully
SCWC controlling segregation and bleeding.
Abstract: Heat transfer due to forced convection of copper water
based nanofluid has been predicted by Artificial Neural network
(ANN). The present nanofluid is formed by mixing copper
nanoparticles in water and the volume fractions are considered here
are 0% to 15% and the Reynolds number are kept constant at 100.
The back propagation algorithm is used to train the network. The
present ANN is trained by the input and output data which has been
obtained from the numerical simulation, performed in finite volume
based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) commercial software
Ansys Fluent. The numerical simulation based results are compared
with the back propagation based ANN results. It is found that the
forced convection heat transfer of water based nanofluid can be
predicted correctly by ANN. It is also observed that the back
propagation ANN can predict the heat transfer characteristics of
nanofluid very quickly compared to standard CFD method.
Abstract: Thousands of organisations store important and
confidential information related to them, their customers, and their
business partners in databases all across the world. The stored data
ranges from less sensitive (e.g. first name, last name, date of birth) to
more sensitive data (e.g. password, pin code, and credit card
information). Losing data, disclosing confidential information or
even changing the value of data are the severe damages that
Structured Query Language injection (SQLi) attack can cause on a
given database. It is a code injection technique where malicious SQL
statements are inserted into a given SQL database by simply using a
web browser. In this paper, we propose an effective pattern
recognition neural network model for detection and classification of
SQLi attacks. The proposed model is built from three main elements
of: a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) generator in order to generate
thousands of malicious and benign URLs, a URL classifier in order
to: 1) classify each generated URL to either a benign URL or a
malicious URL and 2) classify the malicious URLs into different
SQLi attack categories, and a NN model in order to: 1) detect either a
given URL is a malicious URL or a benign URL and 2) identify the
type of SQLi attack for each malicious URL. The model is first
trained and then evaluated by employing thousands of benign and
malicious URLs. The results of the experiments are presented in
order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Abstract: Sol-enhanced Zn-Ni-Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings
were electroplated on mild steel by our newly developed solenhanced
electroplating method. In this method, transparent Al2O3 sol
was added into the acidic Zn-Ni bath to produced Zn-Ni-Al2O3nanocomposite
coatings. The chemical composition, microstructure and
mechanical properties of the composite and alloy coatings deposited
at two different agitation speed were investigated. The structure of all
coatings was single γ-Ni5Zn21 phase. The composite coatings possess
refined crystals with higher microhardness compared to Zn-Ni alloy
coatings. The wear resistance of Zn-Ni coatings was improved
significantly by incorporation of alumina nano particles into the
coatings. Higher agitation speed provided more uniform coatings
with smaller grain sized and slightly higher microhardness.
Considering composite coatings, high agitation speeds may facilitate
co-deposition of alumina in the coatings.
Abstract: Background: Worldwide, at least 2.8 million people
die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, and 35.8
million (2.3%) of global DALYs are caused by overweight or
obesity. Obesity is acknowledged as one of the burning public
health problems reducing life expectancy and quality of life. The
body composition analysis of the university population is essential
in assessing the nutritional status, as well as the risk of developing
diseases associated with abnormal body fat content so as to make
nutritional recommendations. Objectives: The main aim was to
determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in University
students using Anthropometric analysis and BIA methods. Material
and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 283 university students
participated. The body composition analysis was undertaken by
using mainly: i) Anthropometric Measurement: Height, Weight,
BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and skin fold
thickness, ii) Bio-electrical impedance was used for analysis of
body fat mass, fat percent and visceral fat which was measured by
Tanita SC-330P Professional Body Composition Analyzer. The
data so collected were compiled in MS Excel and analyzed for
males and females using SPSS 16. Results and Discussion: The
mean age of the male (n= 153) studied subjects was 25.37 ±2.39
years and females (n=130) was 22.53 ±2.31. The data of BIA
revealed very high mean fat per cent of the female subjects i.e.
30.3±6.5 per cent whereas mean fat per cent of the male subjects
was 15.60±6.02 per cent indicating a normal body fat range. The
findings showed high visceral fat of both males (12.92±3.02) and
females (16.86±4.98). BMI, BF% and WHR were higher among
females, and BMI was higher among males. The most evident
correlation was verified between BF% and WHR for female
students (r=0.902; p
Abstract: This article presents two methods for the
compensation of harmonics generated by a nonlinear load. The first is
the classic method P-Q. The second is the controller by modern
method of artificial intelligence specifically fuzzy logic. Both
methods are applied to a shunt Active Power Filter (sAPF) based on a
three-phase voltage converter at five levels NPC topology. In
calculating the harmonic currents of reference, we use the algorithm
P-Q and pulse generation, we use the intersective PWM. For
flexibility and dynamics, we use fuzzy logic. The results give us clear
that the rate of Harmonic Distortion issued by fuzzy logic is better
than P-Q.
Abstract: A new steganographic method via the use of numeric
data on public websites with a self-authentication capability is
proposed. The proposed technique transforms a secret message into
partial shares by Shamir’s (k, n)-threshold secret sharing scheme with
n = k + 1. The generated k+1 partial shares then are embedded into the
numeric items to be disguised as part of the website’s numeric content,
yielding the stego numeric content. Afterward, a receiver links to the
website and extracts every k shares among the k+1 ones from the stego
numeric content to compute k+1 copies of the secret, and the
phenomenon of value consistency of the computed k+1 copies is taken
as an evidence to determine whether the extracted message is authentic
or not, attaining the goal of self-authentication of the extracted secret
message. Experimental results and discussions are provided to show
the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Abstract: This paper introduces symbiotic organism search (SOS)
for solving capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). SOS is a new
approach in metaheuristics fields and never been used to solve discrete
problems. A sophisticated decoding method to deal with a discrete
problem setting in CVRP is applied using the basic symbiotic
organism search (SOS) framework. The performance of the algorithm
was evaluated on a set of benchmark instances and compared results
with best known solution. The computational results show that the
proposed algorithm can produce good solution as a preliminary
testing. These results indicated that the proposed SOS can be applied
as an alternative to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem.
Abstract: Experimental studies to investigate the depth of the
scour conducted at a side-weir intersection located at the 1800 curved
flume which located Hydraulic Laboratory of Yıldız Technical
University, Istanbul, Turkey. Side weirs were located at the middle of
the straight part of the main channel. Three different lengths (25, 40
and 50 cm) and three different weir crest height (7, 10 and 12 cm) of
the side weir placed on the side weir station. There is no scour when
the material is only kaolin. Therefore, the cohesive bed was prepared
by properly mixing clay material (kaolin) with 31% sand in all
experiments. Following 24h consolidation time, in order to observe
the effect of flow intensity on the scour depth, experiments were
carried out for five different upstream Froude numbers in the range of
0.33-0.81.
As a result of this study the relation between scour depth and
upstream flow intensity as a function of time have been established.
The longitudinal velocities decreased along the side weir; towards the
downstream due to overflow over the side-weirs. At the beginning,
the scour depth increases rapidly with time and then asymptotically
approached constant values in all experiments for all side weir
dimensions as in non-cohesive sediment. Thus, the scour depth
reached equilibrium conditions. Time to equilibrium depends on the
approach flow intensity and the dimensions of side weirs. For
different heights of the weir crest, dimensionless scour depths
increased with increasing upstream Froude number. Equilibrium
scour depths which formed 7 cm side-weir crest height were obtained
higher than that of the 12 cm side-weir crest height. This means when
side-weir crest height increased equilibrium scour depths decreased.
Although the upstream side of the scour hole is almost vertical, the
downstream side of the hole is inclined.