Abstract: A novel methodology has been used to design an
evaporator coil of a refrigerant. The methodology used is through a
complete Computer Aided Design /Computer Aided Engineering
approach, by means of a Computational Fluid Dynamic/Finite
Element Analysis model which is executed many times for the
thermal-fluid exploration of several designs' configuration by an
commercial optimizer. Hence the design is carried out automatically
by parallel computations, with an optimization package taking the
decisions rather than the design engineer. The engineer instead takes
decision regarding the physical settings and initializing of the
computational models to employ, the number and the extension of the
geometrical parameters of the coil fins and the optimization tools to
be employed. The final design of the coil geometry found to be better
than the initial design.
Abstract: There are many virtual payment systems available to
conduct micropayments. It is essential that the protocols satisfy the
highest standards of correctness. This paper examines the Netpay
Protocol [3], provide its formalization as automata model, and prove
two important correctness properties, namely absence of deadlock
and validity of an ecoin during the execution of the protocol. This
paper assumes a cooperative customer and will prove that the
protocol is executing according to its description.
Abstract: The liquid cargo contained in a partly-filled road tank
vehicle is prone to dynamic slosh movement when subjected to
external disturbances. The slosh behavior has been identified as a
significant factor impairing the safety of liquid cargo transportation.
The laboratory experiments have been conducted for analyzing fluid
slosh in partly filled tanks. The experiment results measured under
forced harmonic excitations reveal the three-dimensional nature of
the fluid motion and coupling between the lateral and longitudinal
fluid slosh at resonance. Several spectral components are observed
for the transient slosh forces, which can be associated with the
excitation, resonance, and beat frequencies. The peak slosh forces
and moments in the vicinity of resonance are significantly larger than
those of the equivalent rigid mass. Due to the nature of coupling
between sloshing fluid and vehicle body, the issue of the dynamic
fluid-structure interaction is essential in the analysis of tank-vehicle
dynamics. A dynamic pitch plane model of a Tridem truck
incorporated the fluid slosh dynamics is developed to analyze the
fluid-vehicle interaction under the straight-line braking maneuvers.
The results show that the vehicle responses are highly associated
with the characteristics of fluid slosh force and moment.
Abstract: The hybrid membranes containing inorganic materials in polymer matrix are identified as a remarkable family of proton conducting hybrid electrolytes. In this work, the proton conducting inorganic/organic hybrid membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tetraethoxyorthosilane (TEOS) and heteropolyacid (HPA). The synthesized hybrid membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The effects of heteropolyacid incorporation on membrane properties, including morphology and thermal stability were extensively investigated.
Abstract: Power Spectral Density (PSD) computed by taking the Fourier transform of auto-correlation functions (Wiener-Khintchine Theorem) gives better result, in case of noisy data, as compared to the Periodogram approach. However, the computational complexity of Wiener-Khintchine approach is more than that of the Periodogram approach. For the computation of short time Fourier transform (STFT), this problem becomes even more prominent where computation of PSD is required after every shift in the window under analysis. In this paper, recursive version of the Wiener-Khintchine theorem has been derived by using the sliding DFT approach meant for computation of STFT. The computational complexity of the proposed recursive Wiener-Khintchine algorithm, for a window size of N, is O(N).
Abstract: A three-year field experiment (2010-2012) was
conducted to determine the abundance of epiphytic and endophytic
filamentous fungi colonizing the grain of winter wheat cv. Bogatka.
Wheat spikes were protected with tebuconazole or chitosan at the
watery ripe stage. Untreated plants served as control. Tebuconazole
exerted an inhibitory effect primarily on F. culmorum and F.
graminearum, and its effectiveness was determined by the pressure
from pathogens that infected wheat spikes during the growing season.
Chitosan did not suppress the growth of Fusarium species and
Alternaria alternata.
Abstract: Double heterogeneity of randomly located pebbles in
the core and Coated Fuel Particles (CFPs) in the pebbles are specific
features in pebble bed reactors and usually, because of difficulty to
model with MCNP code capabilities, are neglected. In this study,
characteristics of HTR-10, Tsinghua University research reactor, are
used and not only double heterogeneous but also truncated CFPs and
Pebbles are considered.Firstly, 8335 CFPs are distributed randomly
in a pebble and then the core of reactor is filled with those pebbles
and graphite pebbles as moderator such that 57:43 ratio of fuel and
moderator pebbles is established.Finally, four different core
configurations are modeled. They are Simple Cubic (SC) structure
with truncated pebbles,SC structure without truncated pebble, and
Simple Hexagonal(SH) structure without truncated pebbles and SH
structure with truncated pebbles. Results like effective multiplication
factor (Keff), critical height,etc. are compared with available data.
Abstract: Steel surface defect detection is essentially one of
pattern recognition problems. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are
known as one of the most proper classifiers in this application. In this
paper, we introduce a more accurate classification method by using
SVMs as our final classifier of the inspection system. In this scheme,
multiclass classification task is performed based on the "one-againstone"
method and different kernels are utilized for each pair of the
classes in multiclass classification of the different defects.
In the proposed system, a decision tree is employed in the first
stage for two-class classification of the steel surfaces to "defect" and
"non-defect", in order to decrease the time complexity. Based on
the experimental results, generated from over one thousand images,
the proposed multiclass classification scheme is more accurate than
the conventional methods and the overall system yields a sufficient
performance which can meet the requirements in steel manufacturing.
Abstract: In this note, the robust static output feedback
stabilisation of an induction machine is addressed. The machine is
described by a non homogenous bilinear model with structural
uncertainties, and the feedback gain is computed via an iterative LMI
(ILMI) algorithm.
Abstract: techniques are examined to overcome the
performance degradation caused by the channel dispersion using
slow frequency hopping (SFH) with dynamic frequency hopping
(DFH) pattern adaptation. In DFH systems, the frequency slots are
selected by continuous quality monitoring of all frequencies available
in a system and modification of hopping patterns for each individual
link based on replacing slots which its signal to interference ratio
(SIR) measurement is below a required threshold. Simulation results
will show the improvements in BER obtained by DFH in comparison
with matched frequency hopping (MFH), random frequency hopping
(RFH) and multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA)
in multipath slowly fading dispersive channels using a generalized
bandpass two-path transfer function model, and will show the
improvement obtained according to the threshold selection.
Abstract: Studies on the distribution of traffic demands have
been proceeding by providing traffic information for reducing
greenhouse gases and reinforcing the road's competitiveness in the
transport section, however, since it is preferentially required the
extensive studies on the driver's behavior changing routes and its
influence factors, this study has been developed a discriminant model
for changing routes considering driving conditions including traffic
conditions of roads and driver's preferences for information media. It
is divided into three groups depending on driving conditions in group
classification with the CART analysis, which is statistically
meaningful. And the extent that driving conditions and preferred
media affect a route change is examined through a discriminant
analysis, and it is developed a discriminant model equation to predict a
route change. As a result of building the discriminant model equation,
it is shown that driving conditions affect a route change much more,
the entire discriminant hit ratio is derived as 64.2%, and this
discriminant equation shows high discriminant ability more than a
certain degree.
Abstract: Within this work High Temperature Single Impact
Studies were performed to evaluate deformation mechanisms at
different energy and momentum levels. To show the influence of
different microstructures and hardness levels and their response to
single impacts four different materials were tested at various
temperatures up to 700°C. One carbide reinforced NiCrBSi based
Metal Matrix Composite and three different steels were tested. The
aim of this work is to determine critical energies for fracture
appearance and the materials response at different energy and
momenta levels. Critical impact loadings were examined at elevated
temperatures to limit operating conditions in impact dominated
regimes at elevated temperatures. The investigations on the
mechanisms were performed using different means of microscopy at
the surface and in metallographic cross sections. Results indicate
temperature dependence of the occurrence of cracks in hardphase
rich materials, such as Metal Matrix Composites High Speed Steels
and the influence of different impact momenta at constant energies
on the deformation of different steels.
Abstract: Serial hierarchical support vector machine (SHSVM)
is proposed to discriminate three brain tissues which are white matter
(WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). SHSVM
has novel classification approach by repeating the hierarchical
classification on data set iteratively. It used Radial Basis Function
(rbf) Kernel with different tuning to obtain accurate results. Also as
the second approach, segmentation performed with DAGSVM
method. In this article eight univariate features from the raw DTI data
are extracted and all the possible 2D feature sets are examined within
the segmentation process. SHSVM succeed to obtain DSI values
higher than 0.95 accuracy for all the three tissues, which are higher
than DAGSVM results.
Abstract: Public sector corruption has long-term and damaging
effects that are deep and broad. Addressing corruption relies on
understanding the drivers that precipitate acts of corruption and
developing educational programs that target areas of vulnerability.
This paper provides an innovative approach to explore the nature of
corruption by drawing on the perceptions and ideas of a group of
public servants who have been part of a corruption investigation. The
paper examines these reflections through the ideas of Pierre Bourdieu
and Alfred Schutz to point to some of the steps that can lead to
corrupt activity. The paper demonstrates that phenomenological
inquiry is useful in the exploration of corruption and, as a theoretical
framework, it highlights that corruption emerges through a
combination of conflict, doubt and uncertainty. The paper calls for
anti-corruption education programs to be attentive to way in which
these conditions can influence the steps into corruption.
Abstract: Magnetic and semiconductor nanomaterials exhibit
novel magnetic and optical properties owing to their unique size and
shape-dependent effects. With shrinking the size down to nanoscale
region, various anomalous properties that normally not present in bulk
start to dominate. Ability in harnessing of these anomalous properties
for the design of various advance electronic devices is strictly
dependent on synthetic strategies. Hence, current research has focused
on developing a rational synthetic control to produce high quality
nanocrystals by using organometallic approach to tune both size and
shape of the nanomaterials. In order to elucidate the growth
mechanism, transmission electron microscopy was employed as a
powerful tool in performing real time-resolved morphologies and
structural characterization of magnetic (Fe3O4) and semiconductor
(ZnO) nanocrystals. The current synthetic approach is found able to
produce nanostructures with well-defined shapes. We have found that
oleic acid is an effective capping ligand in preparing oxide-based
nanostructures without any agglomerations, even at high temperature.
The oleate-based precursors and capping ligands are fatty acid
compounds, which are respectively originated from natural palm oil
with low toxicity. In comparison with other synthetic approaches in
producing nanostructures, current synthetic method offers an effective
route to produce oxide-based nanomaterials with well-defined shapes
and good monodispersity. The nanocystals are well-separated with
each other without any stacking effect. In addition, the as-synthesized
nanopellets are stable in terms of chemically and physically if
compared to those nanomaterials that are previous reported. Further
development and extension of current synthetic strategy are being
pursued to combine both of these materials into nanocomposite form
that will be used as “smart magnetic nanophotocatalyst" for industry
waste water treatment.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel control method based on radial basis function networks (RBFNs) for chaotic dynamical systems. The proposed method first identifies the nonlinear part of the chaotic system off-line and then constructs a model-following controller using only the estimated system parameters. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Abstract: Coriander is an annual and herbaceous plant, belong to
the apiaceae family. This plant is cultivated world widely. It is well
known for having medicinal properties. The aim of this experiment
was to study seed quality of species grown in Kermanshah
conditions. The experiment was carried out in research farm, Campus
of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah,
Iran. Coriander (local type) was grown in late spring May (5th and
20th) and Jun (4th and 19th), and plant density (10, 30, 50 and 70
plants m-2) in 2009. The experimental plots were laid out in a
factorial according to a randomized complete block design with three
replications. The fruits were harvest between 83.5 – 106.5 days after
sowing. The essential oil and oil content was extracted by Clevenger
and Soxhlet apparatuses, respectively. Results showed that delay at
planting date increased the oil content. Also, with the increase at
plant density was decreased oil content and essential oil.
Abstract: With high speed vessels getting ever more sophisti-cated, travelling at higher and higher speeds and operating in With high speed vessels getting ever more sophisticated,
travelling at higher and higher speeds and operating in areas of
high maritime traffic density, training becomes of the highest priority
to ensure that safety levels are maintained, and risks are adequately
mitigated. Training onboard the actual craft on the actual route still
remains the most effective way for crews to gain experience. However,
operational experience and incidents during the last 10 years
demonstrate the need for supplementary training whether in the area
of simulation or man to man, man/ machine interaction. Training and
familiarisation of the crew is the most important aspect in preventing
incidents. The use of simulator, computer and web based training
systems in conjunction with onboard training focusing on critical
situations will improve the man machine interaction and thereby
reduce the risk of accidents. Today, both ship simulator and bridge
teamwork courses are now becoming the norm in order to improve
further emergency response and crisis management skills. One of the
main causes of accidents is the human factor. An efficient way to
reduce human errors is to provide high-quality training to the personnel
and to select the navigators carefully.areas of high maritime traffic density, training becomes of the highest priority to ensure that safety levels are maintained, and risks are adequately mitigated. Training onboard the actual craft on the actual route still remains the most effective way for crews to gain experience. How-ever, operational experience and incidents during the last 10 years demonstrate the need for supplementary training whether in the area of simulation or man to man, man/ machine interaction. Training and familiarisation of the crew is the most important aspect in preventing incidents. The use of simulator, computer and web based training systems in conjunction with onboard training focusing on critical situations will improve the man machine interaction and thereby reduce the risk of accidents. Today, both ship simulator and bridge teamwork courses are now becoming the norm in order to improve further emergency response and crisis management skills. One of the main causes of accidents is the human factor. An efficient way to reduce human errors is to provide high-quality training to the person-nel and to select the navigators carefully. KeywordsCBT - WBT systems, Human factors.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with studying the forgetting factor of the recursive least square (RLS). A new dynamic forgetting factor (DFF) for RLS algorithm is presented. The proposed DFF-RLS is compared to other methods. Better performance at convergence and tracking of noisy chirp sinusoid is achieved. The control of the forgetting factor at DFF-RLS is based on the gradient of inverse correlation matrix. Compared with the gradient of mean square error algorithm, the proposed approach provides faster tracking and smaller mean square error. In low signal-to-noise ratios, the performance of the proposed method is superior to other approaches.
Abstract: Emerging adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 25, as a distinct developmental stage extending from adolescence to young adulthood. The proportions composing the five-factor model are neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. In the literature, there is any study which includes the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits. Therefore, the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits have to be investigated. This study examines the association between the Big Five personality traits, and loneliness among Turkish emerging adults. A total of 220 emerging adults completed the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the The UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS). Correlation analysis showed that three Big Five personality dimensions which are Neuroticism (positively), and Extraversion and Aggreableness (negatively) are moderately correlated with emerging adults loneliness. Regression analysis shows that Extraversion, Aggreableness and Neuroticism are the most important predictors of emerging adults loneliness. Results can be discussed in the context of emerging adulthood theory.