Abstract: This paper describes a novel application of Fiber
Braggs Grating (FBG) sensors in the assessment of human postural
stability and balance on an unstable platform. In this work, FBG
sensor Stability Analyzing Device (FBGSAD) is developed for
measurement of plantar strain to assess the postural stability of
subjects on unstable platforms during different stances in eyes open
and eyes closed conditions on a rocker board. The studies are
validated by comparing the Centre of Gravity (CG) variations
measured on the lumbar vertebra of subjects using a commercial
accelerometer. The results obtained from the developed FBGSAD
depict qualitative similarities with the data recorded by commercial
accelerometer. The advantage of the FBGSAD is that it measures
simultaneously plantar strain distribution and postural stability of the
subject along with its inherent benefits like non-requirement of
energizing voltage to the sensor, electromagnetic immunity and
simple design which suits its applicability in biomechanical
applications. The developed FBGSAD can serve as a tool/yardstick to
mitigate space motion sickness, identify individuals who are
susceptible to falls and to qualify subjects for balance and stability,
which are important factors in the selection of certain unique
professionals such as aircraft pilots, astronauts, cosmonauts etc.
Abstract: In this article, we have elaborated a study over the
nature of financial intermediation in Islamic banks by comparison to
those of conventional ones. We have found a striking difference
between two kinds of intermediation. We tried, from another side, to
study the relationship between the capital level and deficiency risk
relying on econometric model, and we have obtained a positive and
significant relation between the capital and the deficiency risk for the
conventional banks. This means that when the capital of these banks
increases, the deficiency risk increases as well. In return, since the
Islamic banks are constrained to respect the Sharia Committee as well
as customers’ demands that may, in certain contracts, choose to
invest their capitals in projects they are interested in. These
constraints have as effects to reduce the deficiency risk even when
the capital increases.
Abstract: The most important component affecting the
efficiency of photovoltaic power systems are solar panels. In other
words, efficiency of these systems are significantly affected due to
the being low efficiency of solar panel. Thus, solar panels should be
operated under maximum power point conditions through a power
converter. In this study, design of boost converter has been carried
out with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm which is
incremental conductance (Inc-Cond). By using this algorithm,
importance of power converter in MPPT hardware design, impacts of
MPPT operation have been shown. It is worth noting that initial
operation point is the main criteria for determining the MPPT
performance. In addition, it is shown that if value of load resistance is
lower than critical value, failure operation is realized. For these
analyzes, direct duty control is used for simplifying the control.
Abstract: Nowadays, the successful implementation of ICTs is
vital for almost any kind of organization. Good governance and ICT
management are essential for delivering value, managing
technological risks, managing resources and performance
measurement. In addition, outsourcing is a strategic IT service
solution which complements IT services provided internally in
organizations. This paper proposes the measurement tools of a new
holistic maturity model based on standards ISO/IEC 20000 and
ISO/IEC 38500, and the frameworks and best practices of ITIL and
COBIT, with a specific focus on IT outsourcing. These measurement
tools allow independent validation and practical application in the
field of higher education, using a questionnaire, metrics tables, and
continuous improvement plan tables as part of the measurement
process. Guidelines and standards are proposed in the model for
facilitating adaptation to universities and achieving excellence in the
outsourcing of IT services.
Abstract: Since large part of electricity is generated by using
fossil based resources, energy is an important agenda for countries. In
this context, renewable energy sources are alternative to conventional
sources due to the depletion of fossil resources, increasing awareness
of climate change and global warming concerns. Solar, wind and
hydropower energy are the main renewable energy sources. Among
of them, since installed capacity of wind power has increased
approximately eight times between 2008 - November of 2014, wind
energy is a promising source for Turkey. Furthermore, signing of
Kyoto Protocol can be accepted as a milestone for Turkey's energy
policy. Turkish Government has announced Vision 2023 (energy
targets by 2023) in 2010-2014 Strategic Plan prepared by Ministry of
Energy and Natural Resources (MENR). Energy targets in this plan
can be summarized as follows: Share of renewable energy sources in
electricity generation is 30% of total electricity generation by 2023.
Installed capacity of wind energy will be 20 GW by 2023. Other
renewable energy sources such as solar, hydropower and geothermal
are encouraged with new incentive mechanisms. Dependence on
foreign energy is reduced for sustainability and energy security. On
the other hand, since Turkey is surrounded by three coastal areas,
wind energy potential is convenient for wind power application. As
of November of 2014, total installed capacity of wind power plants is
3.51 GW and a lot of wind power plants are under construction with
capacity 1.16 GW. Turkish government also encourages the locally
manufactured equipments. In this context, one of the projects funded
by private sector, universities and TUBİTAK names as MILRES is
an important project aimed to promote the use wind energy in
electricity generation. Within this project, wind turbine with 500 kW
power has been produced and will be installed at the beginning of the
2015. After that, by using the experience obtained from the first
phase of the project, a wind turbine with 2.5 MW power will be
manufactured in an industrial scale.
Abstract: Due to water shortage, application of saline water for
irrigation is an urgent in agriculture. In this study the effect of
calcium and potassium application as additive in saline root media for
reduce salinity adverse effects was investigated on tomato growth in
a hydroponic system with unequal distribution of salts in the root
media, which was divided in to two equal parts containing full
Johnson nutrient solution and 40 mMNaCl solution, alone or in
combination with KCl (6 mM), CaCl2 (4 mM), K+Ca (3+2 mM) or
half-strength Johnson nutrient solution. The root splits were
exchanged every 7 days. Results showed that addition of calcium,
calcium-potassium and nutrition elements equivalent to half the
concentration of Johnson formula to the saline-half of culture media
minimized the reduction in plant growth caused by NaCl, although
addition of potassium to culture media wasn’t effective. The greatest
concentration of sodium was observed at the shoot of treatments
which had smallest growth. According to the results of this study, in
case of dynamic and non-uniform distribution of salts in the root
media, by addition of additive to the saline solution, it would be
possible to use of saline water with no significant growth reduction.
Abstract: Starting in 2020, an EU-wide CO2-limitation of
95 g/km is scheduled for the average of an OEMs passenger car fleet.
Taking that into consideration additional improvement measures of
the Diesel cycle are necessary in order to reduce fuel consumption
and emissions while boosting, or at the least, keeping performance
values at the same time.
The present article deals with the possibilities of an optimized
air/water charge air cooler, also called iCAC (indirect Charge Air
Cooler) for a Diesel passenger car amongst extreme-boundary
conditions. In this context, the precise objective was to show the
impact of improved intercooling with reference to the engine working
process (fuel consumption and NOx-emissions). Several extremeboundaries
- e.g. varying ambient temperatures or mountainous
routes - that will become very important in the near future regarding
RDE (Real Driving emissions) were subject of the investigation.
With the introduction of RDE in 2017 (EU6c measure), the
controversial NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) will belong to
the past and the OEMs will have to avoid harmful emissions in any
conceivable real life situation.
This is certainly going to lead to optimization-measurements at the
powertrain, which again is going to make the implementation of
iCACs, presently solely used for the premium class, more and more
attractive for compact class cars. The investigations showed a benefit
in FC between 1 and 3% for the iCAC in real world conditions.
Abstract: Water spray cooling is a technique typically used in
heat treatment and other metallurgical processes where controlled
temperature regimes are required. Water spray cooling is used in
static (without movement) or dynamic (with movement of the steel
plate) regimes. The static regime is notable for the fixed position of
the hot steel plate and fixed spray nozzle. This regime is typical for
quenching systems focused on heat treatment of the steel plate. The
second application of spray cooling is the dynamic regime. The
dynamic regime is notable for its static section cooling system and
moving steel plate. This regime is used in rolling and finishing mills.
The fixed position of cooling sections with nozzles and the
movement of the steel plate produce nonhomogeneous water
distribution on the steel plate. The length of cooling sections and
placement of water nozzles in combination with the nonhomogeneity
of water distribution lead to discontinued or interrupted cooling
conditions. The impact of static and dynamic regimes on cooling
intensity and the heat transfer coefficient during the cooling process
of steel plates is an important issue.
Heat treatment of steel is accompanied by oxide scale growth. The
oxide scale layers can significantly modify the cooling properties and
intensity during the cooling. The combination of static and dynamic
(section) regimes with the variable thickness of the oxide scale layer
on the steel surface impact the final cooling intensity. The study of
the influence of the oxide scale layers with different cooling regimes
was carried out using experimental measurements and numerical
analysis. The experimental measurements compared both types of
cooling regimes and the cooling of scale-free surfaces and oxidized
surfaces. A numerical analysis was prepared to simulate the cooling
process with different conditions of the section and samples with
different oxide scale layers.
Abstract: Given the importance of ports as links in the global
supply chains and because they are key elements to induce
competitiveness in their hinterlands, the number of studies devoted to
port governance, management and operations has increased in the last
decades. Some of these studies address the port governance model as
an element to improve coordination among the actors of the portlogistics
chain and to generate a better port performance. In this
context, the present study analyzes the governance of Port of Santos
through individual interviews with port managers, based on a
conceptual model that considers the key dimensions associated with
port governance. The results reinforce the usefulness of the applied
model and highlight some existing improvement opportunities in the
port studied.
Abstract: Strong anion exchange resins with QN+OH-, have the
potential to be developed and employed as heterogeneous catalyst for
transesterification, as they are chemically stable to leaching of the
functional group. Nine different SIERs (SIER1-9) with QN+OH-were
prepared by suspension polymerization of vinylbenzyl chloridedivinylbenzene
(VBC-DVB) copolymers in the presence of n-heptane
(pore-forming agent). The amine group was successfully grafted into
the polymeric resin beads through functionalization with
trimethylamine. These SIERs are then used as a catalyst for the
transesterification of triacetin with methanol. A set of differential
equations that represents the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-
Watson (LHHW) and Eley-Rideal (ER) models for the
transesterification reaction were developed. These kinetic models of
LHHW and ER were fitted to the experimental data. Overall, the
synthesized ion exchange resin-catalyzed reaction were welldescribed
by the Eley-Rideal model compared to LHHW models,
with sum of square error (SSE) of 0.742 and 0.996, respectively.
Abstract: Currently, thorium fuel has been especially noticed
because of its proliferation resistance than long half-life alpha emitter
minor actinides, breeding capability in fast and thermal neutron flux
and mono-isotopic naturally abundant. In recent years, efficiency of
minor actinide burning up in PWRs has been investigated. Hence, a
minor actinide-contained thorium based fuel matrix can confront both
proliferation resistance and nuclear waste depletion aims. In the
present work, minor actinide depletion rate in a CANDU-type nuclear
core modeled using MCNP code has been investigated. The obtained
effects of minor actinide load as mixture of thorium fuel matrix on
the core neutronics has been studied with comparing presence and
non-presence of minor actinide component in the fuel matrix.
Depletion rate of minor actinides in the MA-contained fuel has been
calculated using different power loads. According to the obtained
computational data, minor actinide loading in the modeled core
results in more negative reactivity coefficients. The MA-contained
fuel achieves less radial peaking factor in the modeled core. The
obtained computational results showed 140 kg of 464 kg initial load
of minor actinide has been depleted in during a 6-year burn up in 10
MW power.
Abstract: Particles exhausted from cars have adverse impacts on
human health. The study developed a three-dimensional particle
dispersion numerical model including particle coagulation to simulate
the particle concentration distribution under idling conditions in a
residential underground garage. The simulation results demonstrate
that particle disperses much faster in the vertical direction than that in
horizontal direction. The enhancement of particle dispersion in the
vertical direction due to the increase of cars with engine running is
much stronger than that in the car exhaust direction. Particle dispersion
from each pair of adjacent cars has little influence on each other in the
study. Average particle concentration after 120 seconds exhaust is
1.8-4.5 times higher than the initial total particles at ambient
environment. Particle pollution in the residential underground garage
is severe.
Abstract: Operations research science (OR) deals with good
success in developing and applying scientific methods for problem
solving and decision-making. However, by using OR techniques, we
can enhance the use of computer decision support systems to achieve
optimal management for institutions. OR applies comprehensive
analysis including all factors that effect on it and builds mathematical
modeling to solve business or organizational problems. In addition, it
improves decision-making and uses available resources efficiently.
The adoption of OR by universities would definitely contributes to
the development and enhancement of the performance of OR
techniques. This paper provides an understanding of the structures,
approaches and models of OR in problem solving and decisionmaking.
Abstract: Factors affecting construction unit cost vary
depending on a country’s political, economic, social and
technological inclinations. Factors affecting construction costs have
been studied from various perspectives. Analysis of cost factors
requires an appreciation of a country’s practices. Identified cost
factors provide an indication of a country’s construction economic
strata. The purpose of this paper is to identify the essential factors
that affect unit cost estimation and their breakdown using artificial
neural networks. Twenty five (25) identified cost factors in road
construction were subjected to a questionnaire survey and employing
SPSS factor analysis the factors were reduced to eight. The 8 factors
were analysed using neural network (NN) to determine the
proportionate breakdown of the cost factors in a given construction
unit rate. NN predicted that political environment accounted 44% of
the unit rate followed by contractor capacity at 22% and financial
delays, project feasibility and overhead & profit each at 11%. Project
location, material availability and corruption perception index had
minimal impact on the unit cost from the training data provided.
Quantified cost factors can be incorporated in unit cost estimation
models (UCEM) to produce more accurate estimates. This can create
improvements in the cost estimation of infrastructure projects and
establish a benchmark standard to assist the process of alignment of
work practises and training of new staff, permitting the on-going
development of best practises in cost estimation to become more
effective.
Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced polymersarewidely used to strengthen steel structural elements. These structural elements are normally subjected to static, dynamic and fatigue loadings during their life-time. CFRP laminate is commonly used to strengthen these structures under the subjected loads. A number of studies have focused on the characteristics of CFRP sheets bonded to steel members under static, dynamic and fatigue loadings. However, there is a gap in understanding the bonding behavior between CFRP laminates and steel members under impact loading. This paper shows the effect of high load rates on this bond. CFRP laminate CFK 150/2000 was used to strengthen steel joints using Araldite 420 epoxy. The results show that applying a high load rate significantly affects the bond strength but has little influence on the effective bond length.
Abstract: The thermal conductivity of a fluid can be
significantly enhanced by dispersing nano-sized particles in it, and
the resultant fluid is termed as "nanofluid". A theoretical model for
estimating the thermal conductivity of a nanofluid has been proposed
here. It is based on the mechanism that evenly dispersed
nanoparticles within a nanofluid undergo Brownian motion in course
of which the nanoparticles repeatedly collide with the heat source.
During each collision a rapid heat transfer occurs owing to the solidsolid
contact. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the collision
of nanoparticles with the heat source has shown that there is a pulselike
pick up of heat by the nanoparticles within 20-100 ps, the extent
of which depends not only on thermal conductivity of the
nanoparticles, but also on the elastic and other physical properties of
the nanoparticle. After the collision the nanoparticles undergo
Brownian motion in the base fluid and release the excess heat to the
surrounding base fluid within 2-10 ms. The Brownian motion and
associated temperature variation of the nanoparticles have been
modeled by stochastic analysis. Repeated occurrence of these events
by the suspended nanoparticles significantly contributes to the
characteristic thermal conductivity of the nanofluids, which has been
estimated by the present model for a ethylene glycol based nanofluid
containing Cu-nanoparticles of size ranging from 8 to 20 nm, with
Gaussian size distribution. The prediction of the present model has
shown a reasonable agreement with the experimental data available
in literature.
Abstract: Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can be trained using
back propagation (BP). It is the most widely used algorithm for
supervised learning with multi-layered feed-forward networks.
Efficient learning by the BP algorithm is required for many practical
applications. The BP algorithm calculates the weight changes of
artificial neural networks, and a common approach is to use a twoterm
algorithm consisting of a learning rate (LR) and a momentum
factor (MF). The major drawbacks of the two-term BP learning
algorithm are the problems of local minima and slow convergence
speeds, which limit the scope for real-time applications. Recently the
addition of an extra term, called a proportional factor (PF), to the
two-term BP algorithm was proposed. The third increases the speed
of the BP algorithm. However, the PF term also reduces the
convergence of the BP algorithm, and criteria for evaluating
convergence are required to facilitate the application of the three
terms BP algorithm. Although these two seem to be closely related,
as described later, we summarize various improvements to overcome
the drawbacks. Here we compare the different methods of
convergence of the new three-term BP algorithm.
Abstract: There exists some time lag between the consumption of
inputs and the production of outputs. This time lag effect should be
considered in calculating efficiency of decision making units (DMU).
Recently, a couple of DEA models were developed for considering
time lag effect in efficiency evaluation of research activities. However,
these models can’t discriminate efficient DMUs because of the nature
of basic DEA model in which efficiency scores are limited to ‘1’. This
problem can be resolved a super-efficiency model. However, a super
efficiency model sometimes causes infeasibility problem. This paper
suggests an output oriented super-efficiency model for efficiency
evaluation under the consideration of time lag effect. A case example
using a long term research project is given to compare the suggested
model with the MpO model.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to reduce patient
waiting times, improve system throughput and improve resources
utilization in radiology department. A discrete event simulation
model was developed using Arena simulation software to investigate
different alternatives to improve the overall system delivery based on
adding resource scenarios due to the linkage between patient waiting
times and resource availability. The study revealed that there is no
addition investment need to procure additional scanner but hospital
management deploy managerial tactics to enhance machine
utilization and reduce the long waiting time in the department.
Abstract: In this study which has been conducted in Akçasu
Forest Range District of Devrek Forest Directorate; 3 methods (weed
control with labourer power, cover removal with Hitachi F20
Excavator, and weed control with agricultural equipment mounted on
a Ferguson 240S agriculture tractor) were utilized in weed control
efforts in regeneration of degraded oriental beech forests have been
compared. In this respect, 3 methods have been compared by
determining certain work hours and standard durations of unit areas
(1 hectare). For this purpose, evaluating the tasks made with human
and machine force from the aspects of duration, productivity and
costs, it has been aimed to determine the most productive method in
accordance with the actual ecological conditions of research field.
Within the scope of the study, the time studies have been conducted
for 3 methods used in weed control efforts. While carrying out those
studies, the performed implementations have been evaluated by
dividing them into business stages. Also, the actual data have been
used while calculating the cost accounts. In those calculations, the
latest formulas and equations which are also used in developed
countries have been utilized. The variance of analysis (ANOVA) was
used in order to determine whether there is any statistically
significant difference among obtained results, and the Duncan test
was used for grouping if there is significant difference. According to
the measurements and findings carried out within the scope of this
study, it has been found during living cover removal efforts in
regeneration efforts in demolished oriental beech forests that the
removal of weed layer in 1 hectare of field has taken 920 hours with
labourer force, 15.1 hours with excavator and 60 hours with an
equipment mounted on a tractor. On the other hand, it has been
determined that the cost of removal of living cover in unit area (1
hectare) was 3220.00 TL for labourer power, 1250 TL for excavator
and 1825 TL for equipment mounted on a tractor.
According to the obtained results, it has been found that the
utilization of excavator in weed control effort in regeneration of
degraded oriental beech regions under actual ecological conditions of
research field has been found to be more productive from both of
aspects of duration and costs. These determinations carried out
should be repeated in weed control efforts in degraded forest fields
with different ecological conditions, it is compulsory for finding the
most efficient weed control method. These findings will light the way
of technical staff of forestry directorate in determination of the most
effective and economic weed control method. Thus, the more actual
data will be used while preparing the weed control budgets, and there
will be significant contributions to national economy. Also the results of this and similar studies are very important for developing the policies for our forestry in short and long term.