Abstract: Environmental and functional conditions, sometimes,
necessitate the architectural plan of the building to be asymmetric,
and this result in an asymmetric structure. In such cases finding an
optimal pattern for locating the components of lateral load bearing
system, including shear walls, in the building’s plan is desired. In
case of shear wall in addition to the location the shape of the wall
cross-section is also an effective factor. Various types of shear walls
and their proper layout might come effective in better stiffness
distribution and more appropriate seismic response of the building.
Several studies have been conducted in the context of analysis and
design of shear walls; however, few studies have been performed on
making decisions for the location and form of shear walls in multistory
buildings, especially those with irregular plan. In this study, an
attempt has been made to obtain the most reliable seismic behavior of
multi-story reinforced concrete vertically chamfered buildings by
using more appropriate shear walls form and arrangement in 7-, 10-,
12-, and 15-stoy buildings. The considered forms and arrangements
include common rectangular walls and L-, T-, U- and Z-shaped plan,
located as the core or in the outer frames of the building structure.
Comparison of seismic behaviors of the buildings, including
maximum roof displacement and particularly formation of plastic
hinges and their distribution in the buildings’ structures, have been
done based on the results of a series of nonlinear time history
analyses, by using a set of selected earthquake records. Results show
that shear walls with U-shaped cross-section, placed as the building
central core, and also walls with Z-shaped cross-section, placed at the
corners give the building more reliable seismic behavior.
Abstract: Structural failure is caused mainly by damage that
often occurs on structures. Many researchers focus on to obtain very
efficient tools to detect the damage in structures in the early state. In
the past decades, a subject that has received considerable attention in
literature is the damage detection as determined by variations in the
dynamic characteristics or response of structures. The study presents
a new damage identification technique. The technique detects the
damage location for the incomplete structure system using output
data only. The method indicates the damage based on the free
vibration test data by using ‘Two Points Condensation (TPC)
technique’. This method creates a set of matrices by reducing the
structural system to two degrees of freedom systems. The current
stiffness matrices obtain from optimization the equation of motion
using the measured test data. The current stiffness matrices compare
with original (undamaged) stiffness matrices. The large percentage
changes in matrices’ coefficients lead to the location of the damage. TPC technique is applied to the experimental data of a simply
supported steel beam model structure after inducing thickness change
in one element, where two cases consider. The method detects the
damage and determines its location accurately in both cases. In
addition, the results illustrate these changes in stiffness matrix can be
a useful tool for continuous monitoring of structural safety using
ambient vibration data. Furthermore, its efficiency proves that this
technique can be used also for big structures.
Abstract: The level and type of student academic motivation are
the key factors in their development and determine the effectiveness
of their education. Improving motivation is very important with
regard to courses on middle school mathematics. This article examines the general position regarding the practice of
academic motivation. It also examines the particular features of
mathematical problem solving in a school setting.
Abstract: This paper reports on the response of a fiber-optic
sensing probe to small concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
vapor at room temperature. H2O2 has extensive applications in industrial and medical
environments. Conversely, H2O2 can be a health hazard by itself. For
example, H2O2 induces cellular damage in human cells and its
presence can be used to diagnose illnesses such as asthma and human
breast cancer. Hence, development of reliable H2O2 sensor is of vital
importance to detect and measure this species. Ferric ferrocyanide, referred to as Prussian Blue (PB), was
deposited on the tip of a multimode optical fiber through the single
source precursor technique and served as an indicator of H2O2 in a
spectroscopic manner. Sensing tests were performed in H2O2-H2O
vapor mixtures with different concentrations of H2O2. The results of sensing tests show the sensor is able to detect H2O2
concentrations in the range of 50.6 ppm to 229.5 ppm. Furthermore,
the sensor response to H2O2 concentrations is linear in a log-log scale
with the adjacent R-square of 0.93. This sensing behavior allows us
to detect and quantify the concentration of H2O2 in the vapor phase.
Abstract: Academic libraries in Malaysia are still not prepared
for disaster even though several occasions have been reported. The
study sets out to assess the current status of preparedness in disaster
management among Malaysian academic libraries in the State of
Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. To obtain a
base level of knowledge on disaster preparedness of current practices,
a questionnaire was distributed to chief librarians or their assignees in
charge of disaster or emergency preparedness at 40 academic
libraries and 34 responses were received. The study revolved around
the current status of preparedness, on various issues including
existence of disaster preparedness plan among academic libraries in
Malaysia, disaster experiences by the academic libraries, funding,
risk assessment activities and involvement of library staff in disaster
management. Frequency and percentage tables were used in the
analysis of the data collected. Some of the academic libraries under
study have experienced one form of disaster or the other. Most of the
academic libraries do not have a written disaster preparedness plan.
The risk assessments and staff involvement in disaster preparedness
by these libraries were generally adequate.
Abstract: Many existing amusement parks have been operated
with assistance of a variety of information and communications
technologies to design friendly and efficient service systems for
tourists. However, these systems leave various levels of decisions to
tourists to make by themselves. This incurs pressure on tourists and
thereby bringing negative experience in their tour. This paper
proposes a smart amusement park system to offer each tourist the
GPS-based customized plan without tourists making decisions by
themselves. The proposed system consists of the mobile app
subsystem, the central subsystem, and the detecting/counting
subsystem. The mobile app subsystem interacts with the central
subsystem. The central subsystem performs the necessary computing
and database management of the proposed system. The
detecting/counting subsystem aims to detect and compute the number
of visitors to an attraction. Experimental results show that the
proposed system can not only work well, but also provide an
innovative business operating model for owners of amusement parks.
Abstract: This paper illustrates the background of various
concepts, approaches, terminologies used to describe the basic
framework of an Islamic Hotel Room design. This paper reviews the
theoretical views in establishing a suitable and optimum environment
for Muslim as well as non-Muslim guests in hotel rooms while
according to shariah. It involves a few research methodologies that
requires the researcher to study on a few characteristics needed to
create more efficient rooms in terms of social interaction, economic
growth and other tolerable elements. This paper intends on revealing
the elements that are vital and may contribute for hotels in achieving
a more conclusive research on space planning for hotel rooms
focusing on the shariah and Muslim guests. Malaysia is an Islamic
country and has billion of tourists coming over for business and
recreational purposes. Therefore, having a righteous environment that
best suit this target user is important in terms of generating the
economy as well as providing a better understanding to the
community on the benefits of applying these qualities in a
conventional resort design.
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to find out relation of
moral massage between the authority and globalization in proverb.
Proverb is one of the many forms of cultural identity of the
Indonesian/Malay people filled with moral values. The values
contained within those proverbs are beneficial not only to the society,
but also to those who held power amidst on this era of globalization.
The method being used is qualitative research through content
analysis which is done by describing and uncovering the forms and
meanings of proverbs used within Indonesia Minangkabau society.
Sources for this study’s data were extracted from a Minangkabau
native speaker in the sub district of Tanah Abang, Jakarta. Said
sources were retrieved through a series of interviews with the
Minangkabau native speaker, whose speech is still adorned with
idiomatic expressions. The research findings show that there are 30
existed proverbs or idiomatic expressions in the Minangkabau
language often used by its indigenous people. The thirty data contain
moral values which are closely interwoven with the matter of power
and globalization. Analytical results show that the fourteen moral
values contained within proverbs reflect a firm connection between
rule and power in globalization; such as: responsible, brave,
togetherness and consensus, tolerance, politeness, thorough and
meticulous, honest and keeping promise, ingenious and learning,
care, self-correction, be fair, alert, arbitrary, self-awareness.
Structurally, proverbs possess an unchangeably formal construction;
symbolically, proverbs possess meanings that are clearly decided
through ethnographic communicative factors along with situational
and cultural contexts. Values contained within proverbs may be used
as a guide in social management, be it between fellow men, between
men and nature, or even between men and their Creator. Therefore,
the meanings and values contained within the morals of proverbs
could also be utilized as a counsel for those who rule and in charge of
power in order to stem the tides of globalization that had already
spread into sectoral, territorial and educational continuums.
Abstract: Comparative analysis of the properties of melon seed,
coconut fruit and their oil yield were evaluated in this work using
standard analytical technique AOAC. The results of the analysis
carried out revealed that the moisture contents of the samples studied
are 11.15% (melon) and 7.59% (coconut). The crude lipid content are
46.10% (melon) and 55.15% (coconut).The treatment combinations
used (leaching time, leaching temperature and solute: solvent ratio)
showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in yield between the
samples, with melon oil seed flour having a higher percentage range
of oil yield (41.30 – 52.90%) and coconut (36.25 – 49.83%). The
physical characterization of the extracted oil was also carried out.
The values gotten for refractive index are 1.487 (melon seed oil) and
1.361 (coconut oil) and viscosities are 0.008 (melon seed oil) and
0.002 (coconut oil). The chemical analysis of the extracted oils shows
acid value of 1.00mg NaOH/g oil (melon oil), 10.050mg NaOH/g oil
(coconut oil) and saponification value of 187.00mg/KOH (melon oil)
and 183.26mg/KOH (coconut oil). The iodine value of the melon oil
gave 75.00mg I2/g and 81.00mg I2/g for coconut oil. A standard
statistical package Minitab version 16.0 was used in the regression
analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical software
mentioned above was also used to optimize the leaching process.
Both samples gave high oil yield at the same optimal conditions. The
optimal conditions to obtain highest oil yield ≥ 52% (melon seed)
and ≥ 48% (coconut seed) are solute - solvent ratio of 40g/ml,
leaching time of 2hours and leaching temperature of 50oC. The two
samples studied have potential of yielding oil with melon seed giving
the higher yield.
Abstract: Massive rock avalanches formed some of the largest landslide deposits on Earth and they represent one of the major geohazards in high-relief mountains. This paper interprets a very large sedimentary fan (the Sernio fan, Valtellina, Northern Italy), located 20 Km SW from Val Pola Rock avalanche (1987), as the deposit of a partial collapse of a Deep Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation (DSGSD), afterwards eroded and buried by debris flows. The proposed emplacement sequence has been reconstructed based on geomorphological, structural and mechanical evidences. The Sernio fan is actually considered anomalous with reference to the very high ratio between the fan area (≈ 4.5km2) and the basin area (≈ 3km2). The morphology of the fan area is characterised by steep slopes (dip ≈ 20%) and the fan apex is extended for 1.8 km inside the small catchment basin. This sedimentary fan was originated by a landslide that interested a part of a large deep-seated gravitational slope deformation, involving a wide area of about 55 km². The main controlling factor is tectonic and it is related to the proximity to regional fault systems and the consequent occurrence of fault weak rocks (GSI locally lower than 10 with compressive stress lower than 20MPa). Moreover, the fan deposit shows sedimentary evidences of recent debris flow events. The best current explanation of the Sernio fan involves an initial failure of some hundreds of Mm3. The run-out was quite limited because of the morphology of Valtellina’s valley floor, and the deposit filled the main valley forming a landslide dam, as confirmed by the lacustrine deposits detected upstream the fan. Nowadays the debris flow events represent the main hazard in the study area.
Abstract: Natural fibers are used in polymer composites to
improve mechanical properties to replace inorganic reinforcing
agents produced by non-renewable resources. The present study
investigates the tensile and flexural behaviors of palm fibers-high
density polyethylene (HDPE) composite as a function of volume
fraction. The surface of the fibers was treated by mercerization
treatments to improve the wetting behavior of the apolar HDPE. The
treatment characterization was obtained by scanning electron
microscopy, X-Ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Results
evidences that a good adhesion interfacial between fibers-matrix
caused an increase strength and modulus flexural as well as tensile
strength in the modified fibers/HDPE composites when compared to
the pure HDPE and untreated fibers reinforced composites.
Abstract: Presented article outlines a rationale, why it is
necessary to develop competence about infrastructure risk in water
transport. Climate changes are evident and require special attention
and global monitoring. Current risk assessment methods for Inland
waterway transport just consider some dramatic events. We present a
new method for the assessment of risk and vulnerability of inland
waterway transport where river depth represents a crucial part. The
analysis of water level changes in the lower Danube was done for two
significant periods (1965-1979 and 1998-2012).
Abstract: Urban areas, as they have been developed and operate
today, are areas of accumulation of a significant amount of people
and a large number of activities that generate desires and reasons for
traveling. The territorial expansion of the cities as well as the need to
preserve the importance of the central city areas lead to the
continuous increase of transportation needs which in the limited
urban space results in creating serious traffic and operational
problems. The modern perception of urban planning is directed towards more
holistic approaches and integrated policies that make it economically
competitive, socially just and more environmentally friendly. Over
the last 25 years, the goal of sustainable transport development has
been central to the agenda of any plan or policy for the city. The
modern planning of urban space takes into account the economic and
social aspects of the city and the importance of the environment to
sustainable urban development. In this context, the European Union
promotes direct or indirect related interventions according to the
cohesion and environmental policies; many countries even had the
chance to actually test them. This paper explores the methods and processes that have been
developed towards this direction and presents a review and
systematic presentation of this work. The ultimate purpose of this
research is to effectively use this review to create a decision making
methodological framework which can be the basis of a useful
operational tool for sustainable urban planning.
Abstract: Istanbul-Karakoy Port, field of this study, has lost its
former significance in time due to the transformation of urban
functions. Today, activities for regeneration of this region continue in
two forms and scales. First of these activities is the "planned
transformation projects," which also includes “Galataport project”,
and the second one is "spontaneous transformation," which consists
of individual interventions. Galataport project that based on the idea
of arranging the area specifically for tourists was prepared in 2005
and became a topic of tremendous public debate. On the other hand,
the "spontaneous transformation" that is observed in Karakoy District
starts in 2004 with the foundation of “Istanbul Modern Museum”
which allowed the cultural integration of old naval warehouses of the
port to the daily life. Following this adaptive reuse intervention, the
district started to accommodate numerous art galleries, studios, caféworkshops
and design stores. In this context, this paper first examines
regeneration studies in obsolete port regions, analyzes the planned
and ongoing socio-spatial transformations in the specific case of
Karakoy and performs a critical review of the sustainability of the
proposals on how to reinstate the district in the active life of Istanbul.
Abstract: This article deals with special structuralism
approaches to explain a certain kind of social problem. Widespread
presence of poverty is a reminder of deep-rooted unresolved
problems of social relations. The expected role from an individual for
the social system recognizes poverty derived from an interrelated
social structure. By the time, enabled to act on his role in the course
of social interaction, reintegration of the poor in society may take
place. Poverty and housing type are reflections of the underlying
social structure, primarily structure’s elements, systemic
interrelations, and the overall strength or weakness of that structure.
Poverty varies based on social structure in that the stronger structures
are less likely to produce poverty.
Abstract: Social Avoidance is one of the most important
problems that face a good number of disabled students. It results from
the negative attitudes of non-disabled students, teachers and others.
Some of the past research has shown that non-disabled individuals
hold negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities. The present
study aims to alleviate Social Avoidance by applying the Cognitive
Behavioral Intervention. 24 Blind students aged 19–24 (university students) were randomly
chosen we compared an experimental group (consisted of 12
students) who went through the intervention program, with a control
group (12 students also) who did not go through such intervention.
We used the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS) to assess
social anxiety and distress behavior. The author used many
techniques of cognitive behavioral intervention such as modeling,
cognitive restructuring, extension, contingency contracts, selfmonitoring,
assertiveness training, role play, encouragement and
others. Statistically, T-test was employed to test the research
hypothesis. Result showed that there is a significance difference between the
experimental group and the control group after the intervention and
also at the follow up stages of the Social Avoidance and Distress
Scale. Also for the experimental group, there is a significance
difference before the intervention and the follow up stages for the
scale. Results showed that, there is a decrease in social avoidance.
Accordingly, cognitive behavioral intervention program was
successful in decreasing social avoidance for blind students.
Abstract: This research studies the joint production,
maintenance and subcontracting control policy for an unreliable
deteriorating manufacturing system. Production activities are
controlled by a derivation of the Hedging Point Policy, and given that
the system is subject to deterioration, it reduces progressively its
capacity to satisfy product demand. Multiple deterioration effects are
considered, reflected mainly in the quality of the parts produced and
the reliability of the machine. Subcontracting is available as support
to satisfy product demand; also, overhaul maintenance can be
conducted to reduce the effects of deterioration. The main objective
of the research is to determine simultaneously the production,
maintenance and subcontracting rate, which minimize the total,
incurred cost. A stochastic dynamic programming model is
developed and solved through a simulation-based approach
composed of statistical analysis and optimization with the response
surface methodology. The obtained results highlight the strong
interactions between production, deterioration and quality, which
justify the development of an integrated model. A numerical example
and a sensitivity analysis are presented to validate our results.
Abstract: We investigated ecotoxicity and performed experiment
for removing ZnO nanoparticles in water. Short term exposure of
hatching test using fertilized eggs (O. latipes) showed deformity in
5ppm of ZnO nanoparticles solution. And in 10ppm ZnO nanoparticles
solution delayed hatching was observed. Hereine, chemical
precipitation method was suggested for removing ZnO nanoparticles
in water. The precipitated ZnO nanoparticles showed the form of ZnS
after addition of Na2S, and the form of Zn3(PO4)2 for Na2HPO4. The
removal efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles in water was closed to 100%
for two cases. In ecotoxicity evaluation of as-precipitated ZnS and
Zn3(PO4)2, they did not cause any acute toxicity for D. magna. It is
noted that this precipitation treatment of ZnO is effective to reduce the
potential cytotoxicity.
Abstract: The ventilated façade has great advantages when
compared to traditional façades as it reduces the air conditioning
thermal loads due to the stack effect induced by solar radiation in the
air chamber. Optimizing energy consumption by using a ventilated
façade can be used not only in newly built buildings but also it can be
implemented in existing buildings, opening the field of
implementation to energy building retrofitting works. In this sense, the following three prototypes of façade where
designed, built and further analyzed in this research: non-ventilated
façade (NVF); slightly ventilated façade (SLVF) and strongly
ventilated façade (STVF). The construction characteristics of the
three facades are based on the Spanish regulation of building
construction “Technical Building Code”. The façades have been
monitored by type-k thermocouples in a representative day of the
summer season in Madrid (Spain). Moreover, an analysis of variance
(ANOVA) with repeated measures, studying the thermal lag in the
ventilated and no-ventilated façades has been designed. Results show that STVF façade presents higher levels of thermal
inertia as the thermal lag reduces up to 17% (daily mean) compared
to the non-ventilated façade. In addition, the statistical analysis
proves that an increase of the ventilation holes size in STVF façades
can improve the thermal lag significantly (p >0.05) when compared
to the SLVF façade.
Abstract: Evolution strategy (ES) is a well-known instance of evolutionary algorithms, and there have been many studies on ES. In this paper, the author proposes an extended ES for solving fuzzy-valued optimization problems. In the proposed ES, genotype values are not real numbers but fuzzy numbers. Evolutionary processes in the ES are extended so that it can handle genotype instances with fuzzy numbers. In this study, the proposed method is experimentally applied to the evolution of neural networks with fuzzy weights and biases. Results reveal that fuzzy neural networks evolved using the proposed ES with fuzzy genotype values can model hidden target fuzzy functions even though no training data are explicitly provided. Next, the proposed method is evaluated in terms of variations in specifying fuzzy numbers as genotype values. One of the mostly adopted fuzzy numbers is a symmetric triangular one that can be specified by its lower and upper bounds (LU) or its center and width (CW). Experimental results revealed that the LU model contributed better to the fuzzy ES than the CW model, which indicates that the LU model should be adopted in future applications of the proposed method.