Abstract: Water miscible cutting fluids are conventionally used to lubricate and cool the machining zone. But issues related to health hazards, maintenance and disposal costs have limited their usage, leading to application of Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL). To increase the effectiveness of MQL, nanocutting fluids are proposed. In the present work, water miscible nanographite cutting fluids of varying concentration are applied at cutting zone by two systems A and B. System A utilizes high pressure air and supplies cutting fluid at a flow rate of 1ml/min. System B uses low pressure air and supplies cutting fluid at a flow rate of 5ml/min. Their performance in machining is evaluated by measuring cutting temperatures, tool wear, cutting forces and surface roughness and compared with dry machining and flood machining. Application of nanocutting fluid using both systems showed better performance than dry machining. Cutting temperatures and cutting forces obtained by both techniques are more than flood machining. But tool wear and surface roughness showed improvement compared to flood machining. Economic analysis has been carried out in all the cases to decide the applicability of the techniques.
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: 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: Cerebellar ataxia is a steadily progressive
neurodegenerative disease associated with loss of motor control,
leaving patients unable to walk, talk, or perform activities of daily
living. Direct motor instruction in cerebella ataxia patients has limited
effectiveness, presumably because an inappropriate closed-loop
cerebellar response to the inevitable observed error confounds motor
learning mechanisms. Could the use of EEG based BCI provide
advanced biofeedback to improve motor imagery and provide a
“backdoor” to improving motor performance in ataxia patients? In
order to determine the feasibility of using EEG-based BCI control in
this population, we compare the ability to modulate mu-band power
(8-12 Hz) by performing a cued motor imagery task in an ataxia
patient and healthy control.
Abstract: Roles of the vegetation to mitigate the erosion of the
stream bed or to facilitate the deposition of the fine sediments by the
species of the aquatic plants were presented. Field investigation on the
estimation of the change of the bed level and the estimation of the flow
characteristics were performed. The results showed that Phragmites
japonica has the mitigation function of 0.3m-0.4m of the erosion in the
range of higher than 1.0m/s of flow velocity at the vegetated region.
Phragmites communis has the mitigation function of 0.2m-0.3m of the
erosion in the range of higher than 0.7m/s of flow velocity at the
vegetated region. Salix gracilistyla has greater role than Phragmites
japonica and Phragmites communis to sustain the stable channel. It
has the mitigation function of 0.4m-0.5m of the erosion in the range of
higher than 1.4m/s of flow velocity. Miscanthus sacchariflorus has a
weak role compared with that of Phragmites japonica and Salix
gracilistyla, but it has still function for sustaining the stable bed. From
these results, the vegetation has effective roles to mitigate the erosion
or to facilitate the deposition of the stream bed.
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: In statistics parameter theory, usually the
parameter estimations have two kinds, one is the least-square
estimation (LSE), and the other is the best linear unbiased
estimation (BLUE). Due to the determining theorem of
minimum variance unbiased estimator (MVUE), the parameter
estimation of BLUE in linear model is most ideal. But since
the calculations are complicated or the covariance is not
given, people are hardly to get the solution. Therefore, people
prefer to use LSE rather than BLUE. And this substitution
will take some losses. To quantize the losses, many scholars
have presented many kinds of different relative efficiencies in
different views. For the linear weighted regression model, this
paper discusses the relative efficiencies of LSE of β to BLUE
of β. It also defines two new relative efficiencies and gives
their lower bounds.
Abstract: Froth flotation remains to date as one of the most used
metallurgical processes for concentrating metal-bearing minerals in
ores. Oxide ores are relatively less amenable to froth flotation and
require a judicious choice of reagents for the recovery of metals to be
optimised. Laboratory batch flotation tests were conducted to
determine the effect of two types of gasoil-rinkalore mixtures on the
flotation response of a copper cobalt oxide ore sample. The head
assay conducted on the initial ore sample showed that it contained
about 2.90% of Cu, 0.12% of Co.
Upon the flotation test work, the results obtained indicated that the
concentrate obtained with use of the mixture gazoil-rinkalore RX
yielded 8.24% Cu and 0.22% Co concentrate grades with recoveries
of 76.0% Cu and 78.0% Co respectively. But, the concentrate
obtained by use of the mixture gazoil-rinkalore RX3 yielded
relatively bad results with 5.92% Cu and 0.18% Cu concentrate
grades with recoveries of 70.3% Cu and 65.3% Co respectively.
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: In order to use bitumen in hot mix asphalt, it must
have specific characteristics. There are some methods to reach these
properties. Using polymer modifiers are one of the methods to
modify the bitumen properties. In this paper the effect of Styrene-
Butadiene-Rubber that is one of the bitumen polymer modifiers on
rheology properties of bitumen is studied. In this regard, the
rheological properties of base bitumen and the modified bitumen with
3, 4, and 5 percent of Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber (SBR) were
analysed. The results show that bitumen modified with 5 percent of
SBR has the best performance than the other samples.
Abstract: The concept of national security in Iran is a
permanently effective factor in acceptance or rejection of many
international obligations. These obligations had been defined
according to the type of legislation of Iran in many aspects.
Therefore, there are several treaties at international level which
requires Iran’s security to come in contact with obligations in these
treaties in a way that an obstacle to join to them and their passage in
parliament. This issue is a typical category which every country pays
attention to be accepted in treaties or to include their national
security in that treaties and also they can see the related treaties from
this perspective, but this issue that 'what is the concept of Iran’s
national security', and 'To what extent it is changed in recent years,
especially after Islamic Revolution' are important issues that can be
criticized. Thus, this study is trying to assess singed treaties from the
perspective of Iran’s national security according of the true meaning
of treaty and to investigate how the international treaties may be in
conflict with Iran’s national security.
Abstract: In educational technology, the idea of innovation is
usually tethered to contemporary technological inventions and
emerging technologies. Yet, using long-known technologies in ways
that are pedagogically or experimentially new can reposition them as
emerging educational technologies. In this study we explore how a
subtle pivot in pedagogical thinking led to an innovative education
technology. We describe the design and implementation of an online
writing tool that scaffolds students in the evaluation of their own
informational texts. We think about how pathways to innovation can
emerge from pivots, namely a leveraging of longstanding practices in
novel ways has the potential to cultivate new opportunities for
learning. We first unpack Infowriter in terms of its design, then we
describe some results of a study in which we implemented an
intervention which included our designed application.
Abstract: Intermetallic materials are among advanced
technology materials that have outstanding mechanical and physical
properties for high temperature applications. Especially creep
resistance, low density and high hardness properties stand out in such
intermetallics. The microstructure, mechanical properties of %88Ni-
%10Cr and %2Mn powders were investigated using specimens
produced by tube furnace sintering at 900-1300°C temperature. A
composite consisting of ternary additions, a metallic phase, Fe, Cr
and Mn have been prepared under Ar shroud and then tube furnace
sintered. XRD, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), were
investigated to characterize the properties of the specimens.
Experimental results carried out for composition %88Ni-%10Cr and
%2Mn at 1300°C suggest that the best properties as 138,80HV and
6,269/cm3 density were obtained at 1300°C.
Abstract: Through use of novel modern/rapid processing
techniques such as screen printing and Near-Infrared (NIR) radiative
curing, process time for the sintering of sintered nickel plaques,
applicable to alkaline nickel battery chemistries, has been drastically
reduced from in excess of 200 minutes with conventional convection
methods to below 2 minutes using NIR curing methods. Steps have
also been taken to remove the need for forming gas as a reducing
agent by implementing carbon as an in-situ reducing agent, within the
ink formulation.
Abstract: While emerging technologies continue to emerge,
research into their use in learning contexts often focuses on a subset
of educational practices and ways of using technologies. In this study
we begin to explore the extent to which educational designs are
influenced by larger societal and education-related factors not usually
explicitly considered when designing or identifying technology-supported
education experiences for research study. We examine
patterns within and between factors via a content analysis across ten
years and 19 different journals of published peer-reviewed research
on technology-supported writing. Our findings have implications for
how researchers, designers, and educators approach technology-supported
educational design within and beyond the field of writing
and literacy.
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: Microstructural and electrical properties of
Cu-chromium alloy (Cu-Cr) dispersed with vapor-grown carbon fiber
(VGCF) prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) process have been
investigated. Cu-0.7 mass% Cr pre-alloyed powder (Cu-Cr) made by
water atomization process was used as raw materials, which contained
solid solute Cr elements in Cu matrix. The alloy powder coated with
un-bundled VGCF by using oil coating process was consolidated at
1223 K in vacuum by spark plasma sintering, and then extruded at
1073 K. The extruded Cu-Cr alloy (monolithic alloy) had 209.3 MPa
YS and 80.4 IACS% conductivity. The extruded Cu-Cr with 0.1
mass% VGCF composites revealed a small decrease of YS compared
to the monolithic Cu-Cr alloy. On the other hand, the composite had a
higher electrical conductivity than that of the monolithic alloy. For
example, Cu-Cr with 0.1 mass% VGCF composite sintered for 5 h
showed 182.7 MPa YS and 89.7 IACS% conductivity. In the case of
Cu-Cr with VGCFs composites, the Cr concentration was observed
around VGCF by SEM-EDS analysis, where Cr23C6 compounds were
detected by TEM observation. The amount of Cr solid solution in the
matrix of the Cu-Cr composites alloy was about 50% compared to the
monolithic Cu-Cr sintered alloy, and resulted in the remarkable
increment of the electrical conductivity.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate formability of
Al based closed cell metallic foams at high temperature. The foam
specimens with rectangular section were produced from
AlMg1Si0.6TiH20.8 alloy preform material. Bending and free
bending tests based on gravity effect were applied to foam specimens
at high temperatures. During the tests, the time-angular deformation
relationships with various temperatures were determined.
Deformation types formed in cell walls were investigated by means
of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy.
Bending deformation about 90° was achieved without any defect at
high temperatures. The importance of a critical temperature and
deformation rate was emphasized in maintaining the deformation.
Significant slip lines on surface of cell walls at tensile zones of
bending specimen were observed. At high strain rates, the microcrack
formation in boundaries of elongated grains was determined.
Abstract: A Japanese manga character, Doraemon, was made by
Fujiko F. Fujio in 1969, was made into animation in 1973. The main
character, Doraemon, is a robot cat, and is a well-known Japanese
animated character. However, Doraemon is not only regarded as an
animation character but it is also used in educational and technological
programs in Japan.
This paper focuses on the background of Doraemon, educational
and technological perspectives on Doraemon, and comparison of the
original Japanese animation and the US remade version, and the
animator Fujiko’s dreams and hopes for Doraemon will be examined.
Since Doraemon has been exported as animation and manga to
overseas, perspectives toward Doraemon have changed. For example,
changes of stories and characters can been seen in the present
Doraemon animation. Not only the overseas TV productions which
broadcast Doraemon but also the Japanese production has to consider
violence, sexuality, etc. when editing episodes. Because of
representation of cultural differences, Japanese animation is thought to
contain more violence, discrimination, and sexuality in animation.
With responses from overseas, the Japanese production was cautious
about the US remade version. They cared about the US Broadcast
Standard, and tried to consider US customs and culture in the US
remade version. Seeing the difference, acculturation is necessary for
exports of animation overseas. Moreover, observing different aspects
of Doraemon domestically, Doraemon provides dreams and hopes to
children.
Abstract: This paper investigates simple implicit force control
algorithms realizable with industrial robots. A lot of approaches
already published are difficult to implement in commercial robot
controllers, because the access to the robot joint torques is necessary
or the complete dynamic model of the manipulator is used. In
the past we already deal with explicit force control of a position
controlled robot. Well known schemes of implicit force control are
stiffness control, damping control and impedance control. Using such
algorithms the contact force cannot be set directly. It is further
the result of controller impedance, environment impedance and
the commanded robot motion/position. The relationships of these
properties are worked out in this paper in detail for the chosen
implicit approaches. They have been adapted to be implementable
on a position controlled robot. The behaviors of stiffness control
and damping control are verified by practical experiments. For this
purpose a suitable test bed was configured. Using the full mechanical
impedance within the controller structure will not be practical in the
case when the robot is in physical contact with the environment. This
fact will be verified by simulation.