Abstract: In this paper, the influence of upstream structures on the flow patternaround and inside the wind-catcher is experimentally investigated by smoke flow visualization techniques. Wind-catchers are an important part of natural ventilation in residential buildings or public places such as shopping centers, libraries, etc. Wind-catchers might be also used in places of high urban densities; hence their potential to provide natural ventilation is dependent on the presence of upstream structures. In this study, the two-sided wind-catcher model was based on a real wind-catcher observed in the city of Yazd, Iran. The present study focuses on the flow patterns around and inside the isolated two-sided wind-catcher, and on a two-sided wind-catcher in the presence of an upstream structure. The results show that the presence of an upstream structure influences the airflow pattern force and direction. Placing a high upstream structure reverses the airflow direction inside the wind-catcher.
Abstract: Domestic goats (Capra hircus) are extremely diverse
species and principal animal genetic resource of the developing
world. These facilitate a persistent supply of meat, milk, fibre, and
skin and are considered as important revenue generators in small
pastoral environments. This study aimed to fingerprint β-LG gene at
PCR-RFLP level in native Saudi goat breeds (Ardi, Habsi and Harri)
in an attempt to have a preliminary image of β-LG genotypic patterns
in Saudi breeds as compared to other foreign breeds such as Indian
and Egyptian. Also, the Phylogenetic analysis was done to investigate
evolutionary trends and similarities among the caprine β-LG gene
with that of the other domestic specie, viz. cow, buffalo and sheep.
Blood samples were collected from 300 animals (100 for each breed)
and genomic DNA was extracted. A fragment of the β-LG gene
(427bp) was amplified using specific primers. Subsequent digestion
with Sac II restriction endonuclease revealed two alleles (A and B)
and three different banding patterns or genotypes i.e. AA, AB and
BB. The statistical analysis showed a general trend that β-LG AA
genotype had higher milk yield than β-LG AB and β-LG BB
genotypes. Nucleotide sequencing of the selected β-LG fragments
was done and submitted to GenBank NCBI (Accession No.
KJ544248, KJ588275, KJ588276, KJ783455, KJ783456 and
KJ874959). Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of nucleotide
sequences of native Saudi goats indicated evolutional similarity with
the GenBank reference sequences of goat, Bubalus bubalis and Bos
taurus. However, the origin of sheep which is the most closely
related from the evolutionary point of view, was located some
distance away.
Abstract: The hydrogenated amorphous carbon films (α-C:H)
were deposited on p-type Si (100) substrates at different thicknesses by
radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
technique (rf-PECVD). Raman spectra display asymmetric
diamond-like carbon (DLC) peaks, representative of the α-C:H films.
The decrease of intensity ID/IG ratios revealed the sp3 content arise at
different thicknesses of the α-C:H films. In terms of mechanical
properties, the high hardness and elastic modulus values showed the
elastic and plastic deformation behaviors related to sp3 content in
amorphous carbon films. Electrochemical properties showed that the
α-C:H films exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in air-saturated
3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for pH 2 at room temperature. Thickness
increasing affected the small sp2 clusters in matrix, restricting the
velocity transfer and exchange of electrons. The deposited α-C:H films
exhibited excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Abstract: The Quad Tree Decomposition based performance
analysis of compressed image data communication for lossy and
lossless through wireless sensor network is presented. Images have
considerably higher storage requirement than text. While transmitting
a multimedia content there is chance of the packets being dropped
due to noise and interference. At the receiver end the packets that
carry valuable information might be damaged or lost due to noise,
interference and congestion. In order to avoid the valuable
information from being dropped various retransmission schemes have
been proposed. In this proposed scheme QTD is used. QTD is an
image segmentation method that divides the image into homogeneous
areas. In this proposed scheme involves analysis of parameters such
as compression ratio, peak signal to noise ratio, mean square error,
bits per pixel in compressed image and analysis of difficulties during
data packet communication in Wireless Sensor Networks. By
considering the above, this paper is to use the QTD to improve the
compression ratio as well as visual quality and the algorithm in
MATLAB 7.1 and NS2 Simulator software tool.
Abstract: To elucidate the material characteristics of single
crystals of pure aluminum and copper, the respective relations between
crystallographic orientations and microstructures were examined,
along with bending and mechanical properties. The texture
distribution was also analysed. Bending tests were performed in a
SEM apparatus while its behaviors were observed. Some analytical
results related to crystal direction maps, inverse pole figures, and
textures were obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
analyses.
Abstract: This paper reveals the interaction between hydrogen
and surface stress in austenitic stainless steel by X-ray diffraction
stress measurement and thermal desorption analysis before and after
being charged with hydrogen. The surface residual stress was varied
by surface finishing using several disc polishing agents. The obtained
results show that the residual stress near surface had a significant
effect on hydrogen absorption behavior, that is, tensile residual stress
promoted the hydrogen absorption and compressive one did opposite.
Also, hydrogen induced equi-biaxial stress and this stress has a linear
correlation with hydrogen content.
Abstract: We propose a new alternative method for imposing
fluid-solid boundary conditions in simulations of Multiparticle
Collision Dynamics. Our method is based on the introduction of
an explicit potential force acting between the fluid particles and a
surface representing a solid boundary. We show that our method can
be used in simulations of plane Poiseuille flows. Important quantities
characterizing the flow and the fluid-solid interaction like the slip
coefficient at the solid boundary and the effective viscosity of the
fluid, are measured in terms of the set of independent parameters
defining the numerical implementation. We find that our method can
be used to simulate the correct hydrodynamic flow within a wide
range of values of these parameters.
Abstract: In recent decades with the development of technology
and lack of food sources, sewage sludge in production of human
foods is inevitable. Various sources of municipal and industrial
sewage sludge that is produced can provide the requirement of plant
nutrients. Soils in arid, semi-arid climate of central Iran that most
affected by water drainage, iron and zinc deficiencies, using of
sewage sludge is helpful. Therefore, the aim of this study is
investigation of sewage sludge and manure application on Ni, Pb and
Cd uptake by Savory. An experiment in a randomized complete block
design with three replications was performed. Sewage sludge
treatments consisted of four levels, control, 15, 30, 80 tons per
hectares; the manure was used in four levels of control, 20, 40 and 80
tons per hectare. Results showed that the wet and dry weights was not
affected by sewage sludge using, while, manure has significant effect
on them. The effect of sewage sludge on the cadmium and lead
concentrations were significant. Interactions of sewage sludge and
manure on dry weight values were not significant. Compare mean
analysis showed that increasing the amount of sewage sludge had no
significant effect on cadmium concentration and it reduced when
sewage sludge usage increased. This is probably due to increased
plant growth and reduced concentrations of these elements in the
plant.
Abstract: In this paper a novel design of aerostatic thrust bearing
is proposed and is analyzed numerically. The capillary restrictor and
bearing disk are made of elastomer like silicone and PU. The
viscoelasticity of elastomer helps the capillary expand for more air
flux and at the same time, allows conicity of the bearing surface to
form when the air pressure is enhanced. Therefore the bearing has the
better ability of passive compensation. In the present example, as
compared with the typical model, the new designs can nearly double
the load capability and offer four times static stiffness.
Abstract: This paper represents performance of particle swarm
optimisation (PSO) algorithm based integral (I) controller and
proportional-integral controller (PI) for interconnected hydro-thermal
automatic generation control (AGC) with generation rate constraint
(GRC) and Thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) in series with
tie line. The control strategy of TCPS provides active control of
system frequency. Conventional objective function integral square
error (ISE) and another objective function considering square of
derivative of change in frequencies of both areas and change in tie
line power are considered. The aim of designing the objective
function is to suppress oscillation in frequency deviations and change
in tie line power oscillation. The controller parameters are searched
by PSO algorithm by minimising the objective functions. The
dynamic performance of the controllers I and PI, for both the
objective functions, are compared with conventionally optimized I
controller.
Abstract: In a highly competitive environment, it becomes more
important to shorten the whole business process while delivering or
even enhancing the business value to the customers and suppliers.
Although the workflow management systems receive much attention
for its capacity to practically support the business process enactment,
the effective workflow modeling method remain still challenging and
the high degree of process complexity makes it more difficult to gain
the short lead time. This paper presents a workflow structuring method
in a holistic way that can reduce the process complexity using
activity-needs and formal concept analysis, which eventually enhances
the key performance such as quality, delivery, and cost in business
process.
Abstract: This paper reports the numerical and experimental
performances of Double Glass Wall are investigated. Two
configurations were considered namely, the Double Clear Glass Wall
(DCGW) and the Double Translucent Glass Wall (DTGW). The
coupled governing equations as well as boundary conditions are
solved using the finite element method (FEM) via COMSOLTM
Multiphysics. Temperature profiles and flow field of the DCGW and
DTGW are reported and discussed. Different constant heat fluxes
were considered as 400 and 800 W.m-2 the corresponding initial
condition temperatures were 30.5 and 38.5ºC respectively. The
results show that the simulation results are in agreement with the
experimental data. Conclusively, the model considered in this study
could reasonable be used simulate the thermal and ventilation
performance of the DCGW and DTGW configurations.
Abstract: In this research article a comprehensive investigation
has been carried out to determine the effect of thermal cycle on
temperature dependent process parameters developed during gas
tungsten arc (GTA) welding of high carbon (AISI 1090) steel butt
joints. An experiment based thermal analysis has been performed to
obtain the thermal history. We have focused on different
thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, heat transfer
coefficient and cooling rate. Angular torch model has been utilized to
find out the surface heat flux and its variation along the fusion zone as
well as along the longitudinal direction from fusion boundary. After
welding and formation of weld pool, heat transfer coefficient varies
rapidly in the vicinity of molten weld bead and heat affected zone. To
evaluate the heat transfer coefficient near the fusion line and near the
rear end of the plate (low temperature region), established correlation
has been implemented and has been compared with empirical
correlation which is noted as coupled convective and radiation heat
transfer coefficient. Change in thermal conductivity has been
visualized by analytical model of moving point heat source. Rate of
cooling has been estimated by using 2-dimensional mathematical
expression of cooling rate and it has shown good agreement with
experimental temperature cycle. Thermophysical properties have been
varied randomly within 0 -10s time span.
Abstract: Nowadays, the Web has become one of the most
pervasive platforms for information change and retrieval. It collects
the suitable and perfectly fitting information from websites that one
requires. Data mining is the form of extracting data’s available in the
internet. Web mining is one of the elements of data mining
Technique, which relates to various research communities such as
information recovery, folder managing system and simulated
intellects. In this Paper we have discussed the concepts of Web
mining. We contain generally focused on one of the categories of
Web mining, specifically the Web Content Mining and its various
farm duties. The mining tools are imperative to scanning the many
images, text, and HTML documents and then, the result is used by
the various search engines. We conclude by presenting a comparative
table of these tools based on some pertinent criteria.
Abstract: This paper presents a hybrid fuzzy logic control
strategy for a unicycle trajectory following robot on irregular terrains.
In literature, researchers have presented the design of path tracking
controllers of mobile robots on non-frictional surface. In this work,
the robot is simulated to drive on irregular terrains with contrasting
frictional profiles of peat and rough gravel. A hybrid fuzzy logic
controller is utilised to stabilise and drive the robot precisely with the
predefined trajectory and overcome the frictional impact. The
controller gains and scaling factors were optimised using spiral
dynamics optimisation algorithm to minimise the mean square error
of the linear and angular velocities of the unicycle robot. The robot
was simulated on various frictional surfaces and terrains and the
controller was able to stabilise the robot with a superior performance
that is shown via simulation results.
Abstract: Two tragic tsunamis that devastated the west coast of
Sumatra Island, Indonesia in 2004 and North East Japan in 2011 had
damaged bridges to various extents. Tsunamis have resulted in the
catastrophic deterioration of infrastructures i.e. coastal structures,
utilities and transportation facilities. A bridge structure performs vital
roles to enable people to perform activities related to their daily needs
and for development. A damaged bridge needs to be repaired
expeditiously. In order to understand the effects of tsunami forces on
bridges, experimental tests are carried out to measure the
characteristics of hydrodynamic force at various wave heights.
Coastal bridge models designed at a 1:40 scale are used in a 24.0 m
long hydraulic flume with a cross section of 1.5 m by 2.0 m. The
horizontal forces and uplift forces in all cases show that forces
increase nonlinearly with increasing wave amplitude.
Abstract: The exposure to outdoor air pollution causes lung
cancer and increases the risk of bladder cancer. Because air pollution
in urban areas is mainly caused by transportation, it is necessary to
evaluate pollutant exhaust emissions from vehicles during their realworld
use. Nevertheless their evaluation and reduction is a key
problem, especially in the cities, that account for more than 50% of
world population.
A particular attention was given to the slope variability along the
streets during each journey performed by the instrumented vehicle.
In this paper we dealt with the problem of describing a
quantitatively approach for the reconstruction of GPS coordinates and
altitude, in the context of correlation study between driving cycles /
emission / geographical location, during an experimental campaign
realized with some instrumented cars.
Finally the slope analysis can be correlated to the emission and
consumption values in a specific road position, and it could be
evaluated its influence on their behaviour.
Abstract: Asphaltic concrete for pavement construction in India
are produced by using crushed stone, gravels etc. as aggregate. In
north-Eastern region of India, there is a scarcity of stone aggregate.
Therefore the road engineers are always in search of an optional
material as aggregate which can replace the regularly used material.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the utilization of
substandard or marginal aggregates in flexible pavement
construction. The investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects
of using lower quality aggregates such as over burnt brick aggregate
on the preparation of asphalt concrete for flexible pavements. The
scope of this work included a review of available literature and
existing data, a laboratory evaluation organized to determine the
effects of marginal aggregates and potential techniques to upgrade
these substandard materials, and a laboratory evaluation of these
upgraded marginal aggregate asphalt mixtures. Over burnt brick
aggregates are water susceptible and can leads to moisture damage.
Moisture damage is the progressive loss of functionality of the
material owing to loss of the adhesion bond between the asphalt
binder and the aggregate surface. Hence zycosoil as an anti striping
additive were evaluated in this study. This study summarizes the
results of the laboratory evaluation carried out to investigate the
properties of asphalt concrete prepared with zycosoil modified over
burnt brick aggregate. Marshall specimen were prepared with stone
aggregate, zycosoil modified stone aggregate, over burnt brick
aggregate and zycosoil modified over burnt brick aggregate. Results
show that addition of zycosoil with stone aggregate increased
stability by 6% and addition of zycosoil with over burnt brick
aggregate increased stability by 30%.
Abstract: The operation of nuclear power plants involves
continuous monitoring of the environment in their area. This
monitoring is performed using a complex data acquisition system,
which collects status information about the system itself and values
of many important physical variables e.g. temperature, humidity,
dose rate etc. This paper describes a proposal and optimization of
communication that takes place in teledosimetric system between the
central control server responsible for the data processing and storing
and the decentralized measuring stations, which are measuring the
physical variables. Analyzes of ongoing communication were
performed and consequently the optimization of the system
architecture and communication was done.
Abstract: The influence of three different types of halloysite
nanotubes (HNTs) with different dimensions, namely as camel lake
(CLA), Jarrahdale (JA) and Matauri Bay (MB), on their reinforcing
ability of ethylene propylene dine monomer (EPDM) were
investigated by varying the HNTs loading (from 0-15 phr).
Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with addition
of all three HNTs, but CLA based nanocomposites exhibited a
significant enhancement compared to the other HNTs. For instance,
tensile properties of EPDM nanocomposites increased by 120%,
256% and 340% for MB, JA and CLA, respectively, with addition of
15 phr of HNTs. This could be due to the higher aspect ratio and
higher surface area of CLA compared to others. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) of nanocomposites at 15 phr of HNT loadings
showed low amounts of pulled-out nanotubes which confirmed the
presence of more embedded nanotubes inside the EPDM matrix, as
well as aggregates within the fracture surface of EPDM/HNT
nanocomposites