Abstract: Reinforced earth structures are generally subjected to cyclic loading generated from earthquakes. This paper presents a summary of the results and analyses of a testing program carried out in a large-scale multi-function geosynthetic testing apparatus that accommodates soil samples up to 1.0 m3. This apparatus performs different shear and pullout tests under both static and cyclic loading. The testing program was carried out to investigate the controlling factors affecting soil/geogrid interaction under cyclic loading. The extensibility of the geogrids, the applied normal stresses, the characteristics of the cyclic loading (frequency, and amplitude), and initial static load within the geogrid sheet were considered in the testing program. Based on the findings of the testing program, the effect of these parameters on the pullout resistance of geogrids, as well as the displacement mobility under cyclic loading were evaluated. Conclusions and recommendations for the design of reinforced earth walls under cyclic loading are presented.
Abstract: This article describes the implementation of an
experimental model for teaching ICT tools and digital environments
in teachers training college. In most educational systems in the
Western world, new programs were developed in order to bridge the
digital gap between teachers and students. In spite of their
achievements, these programs are limited due to several factors: The
teachers in the schools implement new methods incorporating
technological tools into the curriculum, but meanwhile the
technology changes and advances. The interface of tools changes
frequently, some tools disappear and new ones are invented. These
conditions require an experimental model of training the pre-service
teachers. The appropriate method for instruction within the domain of
ICT tools should be based on exposing the learners to innovations,
helping them to gain experience, teaching them how to deal with
challenges and difficulties on their own, and training them. This
study suggests some principles for this approach and describes step
by step the implementation of this model.
Abstract: Recent progress in the next generation of automobile
technology is geared towards incorporating information technology
into cars. Collectively called smart cars are bringing intelligence to
cars that provides comfort, convenience and safety. A branch of smart
cars is connected-car system. The key concept in connected-cars is the
sharing of driving information among cars through decentralized
manner enabling collective intelligence. This paper proposes a
foundation of the information model that is necessary to define the
driving information for smart-cars. Road conditions are modeled
through a unique data structure that unambiguously represent the time
variant traffics in the streets. Additionally, the modeled data structure
is exemplified in a navigational scenario and usage using UML.
Optimal driving route searching is also discussed using the proposed
data structure in a dynamically changing road conditions.
Abstract: The layered structure LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3-xAlxO2 (x = 0 ~
0.04) series cathode materials were synthesized by a carbonate
co-precipitation method, followed by a high temperature calcination
process. The influence of Al substitution on the microstructure and
electrochemical performances of the prepared materials was
investigated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), and galvanostatic charge/discharge test. The
results show that the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3-xAlxO2 has a well-ordered
hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structure. Although the discharge capacity of
Al-doped samples decreases as x increases,
LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3-0.02Al0.02O2 exhibits superior capacity retention at
high voltage (4.6 V). Therefore, LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3-0.02Al0.02O2 is a
promising material for “green” vehicles.
Abstract: The irradiation of polymeric materials has received
much attention because it can produce diverse changes in chemical
structure and physical properties. Thus, studying the chemical and
structural changes of polymers is important in practice to achieve
optimal conditions for the modification of polymers. The effect of
gamma irradiation on the crystalline structure of poly(vinylidene
fluoride) (PVDF) has been investigated using differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD). Gamma
irradiation was carried out in atmosphere air with doses between 100
kGy at 3,000 kGy with a Co-60 source. In the melting thermogram of
the samples irradiated can be seen a bimodal melting endotherm is
detected with two melting temperature. The lower melting
temperature is attributed to melting of crystals originally present and
the higher melting peak due to melting of crystals reorganized upon
heat treatment. These results are consistent with those obtained by
XRD technique showing increasing crystallinity with increasing
irradiation dose, although the melting latent heat is decreasing.
Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of breaks in bonds,
breaks in the earthing system and breaks in earth wire on the rise of
the earth potential (EPR) in a substation and at the transmission tower
bases using various models of an L6 tower. Different approaches
were adopted to examine the integrity of the earthing system and the
terminal towers. These effects were investigated to see the associated
difference in the EPR magnitudes with respect to a healthy system at
various locations. Comparisons of the computed EPR magnitudes
were then made between the healthy and unhealthy system to detect
any difference. The studies were conducted at power frequency for a
uniform soil with different soil resistivities. It was found that full
breaks in the double bond of the terminal towers increase the EPR
significantly at the fault location, while they reduce EPR at the
terminal tower bases. A fault on the isolated section of the grid can
result in EPR values up to 8 times of those on a healthy system at
higher soil resistivities, provided that the extended earthing system
stays connected to the grid.
Abstract: The adjoint method has been used as a successful tool to
obtain sensitivity gradients in aerodynamic design and optimisation
for many years. This work presents an alternative approach to the
continuous adjoint formulation that enables one to compute gradients
of a given measure of merit with respect to control parameters other
than those pertaining to geometry. The procedure is then applied to
the steady 2–D compressible Euler and incompressible Navier–Stokes
flow equations. Finally, the results are compared with sensitivities
obtained by finite differences and theoretical values for validation.
Abstract: Large scale Indian manufacturers started
implementing Six Sigma to their supply core to fulfill the endless
need of high quality products. As well, they initiated encouraging
their suppliers to apply the well-ascertain SS management practice
and kept no resource for supplier enterprises, generally small midsized
enterprises to think for the admittance of Six Sigma as a quality
promotion drive. There are many issues to study for requisite changes
before the introduction of Six Sigma in auto SMEs. This paper
converges on impeding factors while implementing SS drive and also
pinpoints the gains achieved through successful implementation. The
result of this study suggest some operational guidelines for effective
implementation of Six Sigma from evidences acquired through
research questionnaire and interviews with industrial professionals,
apportioned to assort auto sector mid-sized enterprises (MSEs) in
India.
Abstract: Interaction between mixing and crystallization is often
ignored despite the fact that it affects almost every aspect of the
operation including nucleation, growth, and maintenance of the
crystal slurry. This is especially pronounced in multiple impeller
systems where flow complexity is increased. By choosing proper
mixing parameters, what closely depends on the knowledge of the
hydrodynamics in a mixing vessel, the process of batch cooling
crystallization may considerably be improved. The values that render
useful information when making this choice are mixing time and
power consumption. The predominant motivation for this work was
to investigate the extent to which radial dual impeller configuration
influences mixing time, power consumption and consequently the
values of metastable zone width and nucleation rate. In this research,
crystallization of borax was conducted in a 15 dm3 baffled batch
cooling crystallizer with an aspect ratio (H/T) of 1.3. Mixing was
performed using two straight blade turbines (4-SBT) mounted on the
same shaft that generated radial fluid flow. Experiments were
conducted at different values of N/NJS ratio (impeller speed/
minimum impeller speed for complete suspension), D/T ratio
(impeller diameter/crystallizer diameter), c/D ratio (lower impeller
off-bottom clearance/impeller diameter), and s/D ratio (spacing
between impellers/impeller diameter). Mother liquor was saturated at
30°C and was cooled at the rate of 6°C/h. Its concentration was
monitored in line by Na-ion selective electrode. From the values of
supersaturation that was monitored continuously over process time, it
was possible to determine the metastable zone width and
subsequently the nucleation rate using the Mersmann’s nucleation
criterion. For all applied dual impeller configurations, the mixing
time was determined by potentiometric method using a pulse
technique, while the power consumption was determined using a
torque meter produced by Himmelstein & Co. Results obtained in
this investigation show that dual impeller configuration significantly
influences the values of mixing time, power consumption as well as
the metastable zone width and nucleation rate. A special attention
should be addressed to the impeller spacing considering the flow
interaction that could be more or less pronounced depending on the
spacing value.
Abstract: Nowadays, food safety is a great public concern;
therefore, robust and effective techniques are required for detecting
the safety situation of goods. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) is an
attractive material for researchers to inspect food quality and safety
estimation such as meat quality assessment, automated poultry
carcass inspection, quality evaluation of fish, bruise detection of
apples, quality analysis and grading of citrus fruits, bruise detection
of strawberry, visualization of sugar distribution of melons,
measuring ripening of tomatoes, defect detection of pickling
cucumber, and classification of wheat kernels. HSI can be used to
concurrently collect large amounts of spatial and spectral data on the
objects being observed. This technique yields with exceptional
detection skills, which otherwise cannot be achieved with either
imaging or spectroscopy alone. This paper presents a nonlinear
technique based on kernel Fukunaga-Koontz transform (KFKT) for
detection of fat content in ground meat using HSI. The KFKT which
is the nonlinear version of FKT is one of the most effective
techniques for solving problems involving two-pattern nature. The
conventional FKT method has been improved with kernel machines
for increasing the nonlinear discrimination ability and capturing
higher order of statistics of data. The proposed approach in this paper
aims to segment the fat content of the ground meat by regarding the
fat as target class which is tried to be separated from the remaining
classes (as clutter). We have applied the KFKT on visible and nearinfrared
(VNIR) hyperspectral images of ground meat to determine
fat percentage. The experimental studies indicate that the proposed
technique produces high detection performance for fat ratio in ground
meat.
Abstract: Debts reconstruction under some of moratorium
projects is one of important method that highly benefits to both the
Banks and farmers. The method can reduce probabilities for nonprofits
loan. This paper discuss about debts reconstruction and career
development training for farmers in Thailand between 2011 and
2013. The research designed is mix-method between quantitative
survey and qualitative survey. Sample size for quantitative method is
1003 cases. Data gathering procedure is between October and
December 2013. Main results affirmed that debts reconstruction is
needed. And there are numerous benefits from farmers’ career
development training. Many of farmers who attend field school
activities able to bring knowledge learned to apply for the farms’
work. They can reduce production costs. Framers’ quality of life and
their household well-being also improve. This program should apply
in any countries where farmers have highly debts and highly risks for
not return the debts.
Abstract: Asphalt pavement itself is a mixture made up of mainly aggregates, binders, and fillers that acts as a composition used for pavement construction. An experimental program was setup to determine the fatigue performance test of Asphalt with three different grades of conventional binders. Asphalt specimen has achieved the maximum optimum bulk density and air voids with a consistent bulk density of 2.3 t/m3, with an air void of 5% ± 0.5, before loading into the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tested (AMPT) for fatigue test. The number of cycles is defined as the point where phase angle drops, which is caused by the formation of cracks due to the increasing micro cracks when asphalt is undergoing repeated cycles of loading. Thus, the data collected are analyzed using the drop of phase angle as failure criteria. Based in the data analyzed, it is evident that the fatigue life of asphalt lies on the grade of binder. The result obtained shows that all specimens do experience a drop in phase angle due to macro cracks in the asphalt specimen.
Abstract: Green chemistry for plant extraction of active principles is the main interest of many researchers concerned with climate change. While classical organic solvents are detrimental to our environment, greener alternatives to ionic liquids are very promising for sustainable organic chemistry. This study focused on the determination of functional groups observed in the main constituents from the ionic liquid extracts of Coleus aromaticus Benth leaves using FT-IR Spectroscopy. Moreover, this research aimed to determine the best ionic liquid that can separate functionalized plant constituents from the leaves Coleus aromaticus Benth using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Coleus aromaticus Benth leaf extract in different ionic liquids, elucidated pharmacologically important functional groups present in major constituents of the plant, namely, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. In connection to distinctive appearance of functional groups in the spectrum and highest % transmittance, potassium chloride-glycerol is the best ionic liquid for green extraction.
Abstract: High double excitation of two-electron atoms has been
investigated using hyperpherical coordinates within a modified
adiabatic expansion technique. This modification creates a novel
fictitious force leading to a spontaneous exchange symmetry breaking
at high double excitation. The Pauli principle must therefore be
regarded as approximation valid only at low excitation energy.
Threshold electron scattering from high Rydberg states shows an
unexpected time reversal symmetry breaking. At threshold for double
escape we discover a broad (few eV) Cooper pair.
Abstract: This paper applies recursive cointegration analysis to
examine the dynamic changes in Feldstein-Horioka saving-investment
(S-I) coefficients across China and the ASEAN-5 countries over time.
To the extent that the S-I coefficients measure international capital
mobility, the main empirical results are as follows. The recursive trace
statistics show that the investment- savings nexus varies in these six
countries. There is no cointegration between investment and savings in
three countries (China, Malaysia, and Singapore), which means that
the mobility of the capital markets in the three is high and that
domestic investment in them will be financed by the global pool of
capital. As to the other three countries (Indonesia, Thailand, and
Philippines), there is cointegration between investment and savings for
part of the sample period in the three, including before 2002 for
Thailand, before 2001 for Indonesia, and before 2002 for Philippines.
This shows these three countries achieved highly mobile and open
capital markets later.
Abstract: Centrifugal-casting machine is used in manufacturing
special machine components like multi-layer journal bearing used in
all internal combustion engine, steam, gas turbine and air craft turboengine
where isotropic properties and high precisions are desired.
Moreover, this machine can be used in manufacturing thin wall hightech
machine components like cylinder liners and piston rings of IC
engine and other machine parts like sleeves, and bushes. Heavy-duty
machine component like railway wheel can also be prepared by
centrifugal casting. A lot of technological developments are required
in casting process for production of good casted machine body and
machine parts. Usually defects like blowholes, surface roughness,
chilled surface etc. are found in sand casted machine parts. But these
can be removed by centrifugal casting machine using rotating
metallic die. Moreover, die rotation, its temperature control, and good
pouring practice can contribute to the quality of casting because of
the fact that the soundness of a casting in large part depends upon
how the metal enters into the mold or dies and solidifies. Poor
pouring practice leads to variety of casting defects such as
temperature loss, low quality casting, excessive turbulence, over
pouring etc. Besides these, handling of molten metal is very
unsecured and dangerous for the workers. In order to get rid of all
these problems, the need of an automatic pouring device arises. In
this research work, a robot assisted pouring device and a centrifugal
casting machine are designed, developed constructed and tested
experimentally which are found to work satisfactorily. The robot
assisted pouring device is further modified and developed for using it
in actual metal casting process. Lot of settings and tests are required
to control the system and ultimately it can be used in automation of
centrifugal casting machine to produce high-tech machine parts with
desired precision.
Abstract: In this paper, it is aimed to improve autonomous flight
performance of a load-carrying (payload: 3 kg and total: 6kg)
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) through active wing and horizontal
tail active morphing and also integrated autopilot system parameters
(i.e. P, I, D gains) and UAV parameters (i.e. extension ratios of wing
and horizontal tail during flight) design. For this purpose, a loadcarrying
UAV (i.e. ZANKA-II) is manufactured in Erciyes
University, College of Aviation, Model Aircraft Laboratory is
benefited. Optimum values of UAV parameters and autopilot
parameters are obtained using a stochastic optimization method.
Using this approach autonomous flight performance of UAV is
substantially improved and also in some adverse weather conditions
an opportunity for safe flight is satisfied. Active morphing and
integrated design approach gives confidence, high performance and
easy-utility request of UAV users.
Abstract: This paper investigates the application of metallic
coatings on high fiber volume fraction carbon/epoxy polymer matrix
composites. For the grip of the metallic layer, a method of modifying
the surface of the composite by introducing a mixture of copper and
steel powder (filler powders) which can reduce the impact of thermal
spray particles. The powder was introduced to the surface at the time
of the forming. Arc spray was used to project the zinc coating layer.
The substrate was grit blasted to avoid poor adherence. The porosity, microstructure, and morphology of layers are
characterized by optical microscopy, SEM and image analysis. The
samples were studied also in terms of hardness and erosion resistance.
This investigation did not reveal any visible evidence damage to the
substrates. The hardness of zinc layer was about 25.94 MPa and the
porosity was around (∼6.70%). The erosion test showed that the zinc
coating improves the resistance to erosion. Based on the results
obtained, we can conclude that thermal spraying allows the production
of protective coating on PMC. Zinc coating has been identified as a
compatible material with the substrate. The filler powders layer
protects the substrate from the impact of hot particles and allows
avoiding the rupture of brittle carbon fibers.
Abstract: Smart metering and demand response are gaining
ground in industrial and residential applications. Smart Appliances
have been given concern towards achieving Smart home. The success
of Smart grid development relies on the successful implementation of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in power sector.
Smart Appliances have been the technology under development and
many new contributions to its realization have been reported in the
last few years. The role of ICT here is to capture data in real time,
thereby allowing bi-directional flow of information/data between
producing and utilization point; that lead a way for the attainment of
Smart appliances where home appliances can communicate between
themselves and provide a self-control (switch on and off) using the
signal (information) obtained from the grid. This paper depicts the
background on ICT for smart appliances paying a particular attention
to the current technology and identifying the future ICT trends for
load monitoring through which smart appliances can be achieved to
facilitate an efficient smart home system which promote demand
response program. This paper grouped and reviewed the recent
contributions, in order to establish the current state of the art and
trends of the technology, so that the reader can be provided with a
comprehensive and insightful review of where ICT for smart
appliances stands and is heading to. The paper also presents a brief
overview of communication types, and then narrowed the discussion
to the load monitoring (Non-intrusive Appliances Load Monitoring
‘NALM’). Finally, some future trends and challenges in the further
development of the ICT framework are discussed to motivate future
contributions that address open problems and explore new
possibilities.
Abstract: The very well-known stacked sets of numbers referred
to as Pascal’s triangle present the coefficients of the binomial
expansion of the form (x+y)n. This paper presents an approach (the
Staircase Horizontal Vertical, SHV-method) to the generalization of
planar Pascal’s triangle for polynomial expansion of the form
(x+y+z+w+r+⋯)n. The presented generalization of Pascal’s triangle
is different from other generalizations of Pascal’s triangles given in
the literature. The coefficients of the generalized Pascal’s triangles,
presented in this work, are generated by inspection, using embedded
Pascal’s triangles. The coefficients of I-variables expansion are
generated by horizontally laying out the Pascal’s elements of (I-1)
variables expansion, in a staircase manner, and multiplying them with
the relevant columns of vertically laid out classical Pascal’s elements,
hence avoiding factorial calculations for generating the coefficients
of the polynomial expansion. Furthermore, the classical Pascal’s
triangle has some pattern built into it regarding its odd and even
numbers. Such pattern is known as the Sierpinski’s triangle. In this
study, a presentation of Sierpinski-like patterns of the generalized
Pascal’s triangles is given. Applications related to those coefficients
of the binomial expansion (Pascal’s triangle), or polynomial
expansion (generalized Pascal’s triangles) can be in areas of
combinatorics, and probabilities.